Now we have ‘son of’ … a model similar in many respects, at a lower price, but with many of the A77′s remarkable features. The review camera was supplied with the kit lens, a Sony f3.5/18-55mm.

The heart of the camera is the Translucent Mirror, marked by the model ID: SLT stands for Single-Lens Translucent.

Unlike a reflex mirror in ‘normal’ DSLRs that flips up and down to alternate between viewing and shooting, a translucent mirror is fixed in the light path to give an interrupted — and continuously live — view of the subject. One of a number of benefits is to reduce blackout time between shots; the SLT camera is also lighter and faster to use than ‘normal’ DSLR cameras.

Identified as an Alpha camera, this model can use any of the Sony A-mount lenses, as well as those from the Konica-Minolta range and compatible with Sony’s SteadyShot internal stabiliser system.

The body is made from polycarbonate material, differing from the A77′s magnesium alloy/plastic construction; the A65 body is 110 grams lighter than the A77.

The LCD screen tilts vertically through 180 degrees and can be rotated leftward 270 degrees from the position in which the LCD monitor is facing forward. An eye sensor switches the view between the turret finder and the LCD screen. The only demerit of the screen is that it’s not so easy to swing downwards when attached to a tripod: the A77 excels in this department.

Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Features

The CMOS sensor captures 24.3 million pixels, more than most amateur photographers would ever need, but allowing enormous capabilities to crop and extract detail from the images.

With a maximum image size of 6000×4000 pixels expect to make prints measuring 51x34cm at 300 dpi — or even larger if you’re using sophisticated upscaling.

Video? Full HD and 1920×1080 pixel resolution. I found that auto focus tracked any changes in camera-subject distance fairly quickly, while exposure variations were handled smoothly. Unfortunately, like the A77, you can’t shoot still images while recording video.

Much of the camera’s operation can be managed from the external controls; the mode dial gives access to Program AE, shutter and aperture priority as well as manual operation.

(insert A65 menu 1 to A65 menu 3)

To get access to such matters as white balance, image size, colour space etc you access the finder menus. And menus they are! Control upon control! An easier way to get to some of these is is to tap the Function button.

For the nervous there’s a handy in-camera guide that can lead you into the mysteries of how to capture the more challenging shots. Unfortunately, just as I was about to list these, the camera (a pre-production model) froze on me, reviving only upon my emptying the battery.

Useful in the LCD display is a digital level gauge, showing fore-and-aft and lateral levels, down to an accuracy of +/- 1 degree.

Burst shooting of stills can be made up to 10fps with continuous focus in play all the time.
In deference to those who would use the camera’s more auto modes, there is a range of ‘Picture Effects’ that give access to 11 different ‘tools and filters’ to edit your images and movies as you shoot; these include partial colour effects, toy or retro camera effects etc.

Added to this is a collection of scene modes, which includes macro, sunset, night portrait etc.
Sony’s remarkable Sweep Panorama (and 3D panos) feature is also in the kit: expect to shoot panoramas out to 12,416×1856 pixels in span, stitched in-camera while you wait.

The flip-up onboard flash has a guide number of 12 (metres/ISO 100), meaning you could successfully capture a subject at f4 at a distance of three metres … or, using an ISO setting of 400: lens aperture of f4 with a subject distance of 12 metres.

Auto focus gets maximum attention: the A65 has a new 15-point AF with three cross sensors. Tracking Focus maintains accurate focus lock on a moving subject — even if it is briefly obscured.

Sony Alpha SLT-A65 ISO Tests

Fairly clean, sharp and accurately coloured all the way up to ISO 3200.

At ISO 6400 a slight increase in noise but sharpness still OK.

At ISO 12,800 noise more noticeable. At ISO 16,000 noise well up.

Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Verdict

Quality: with the A65 I captured stunning, sharp, brilliantly colour-saturated images.

Why you’d buy the A65: 24 megapixel shooting and a 10 fps burst rate appeal.

Why you wouldn’t: you (still) want an optical pentaprism view … just like your daddy’s SLR!

I did have a hassle with the close proximity of the on/off lever and the control dial. Maybe it’s my big butter fingers.

It would be a tragedy if this baby ended up shooting family pics and snapshots. It’s too good!
Whoever buys it, my prediction is that this one will fly off the shelves: super specs, well-engineered and megapixels to burn!

Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Specifications

Image Sensor: 24.3 million effective pixels.
Metering: 1200 zone multi segment, centre-weighted, spot.
Lens Mount: Sony A-mount, Konica-Minolta AF mount.
Exposure Modes: Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
Effective Sensor Size: 23.5×15.6mm HD CMOS.
35 SLR Lens Factor: 1.5x.
Shutter Speed (stills): 30 to 1/8000 second and Bulb. Flash sync: 1/160 sec.
Continuous Shooting: 3-12 fps.
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 6000×4000 to 3008×1688.
Movies: 1920×1080 (AVCHD) — (PAL: 50p/28Mbps/PS, 50i/24Mbps/FX, 50i/ 17Mbps/ FH, 25p/24Mbps/ FX, 25p/17Mbps/FH); 1440×1080 (MPEG4) — (PAL: 25fps/12M), VGA: 640×480 (25fps/ 3M).
Viewfinder: Turret 1.3cm (2.36 million); 7.6cm LCD screen (921,600 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW (Sony ARW), JPEG+RAW, MPEG4, AVCHD.
Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 25,600.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini, ext mic.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 132x97x81 WHDmm.
Weight: 543 g (body only).
Price: get a price on the SLT-A65 at Amazon – Sony A65 With 18-55mm Lens

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Sony Alpha SLT-A65 Review

Panasonic and Sony seem to be waging the war with their Micro Four Thirds models and this is another missile hurled at (IMHO) the oversize DSLRS, with or without flipping mirrors!

The GF3 leads the bunch in size — or lack of it! No question!

Claimed to be the world’s smallest and lightest system camera, it’s approximately 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter compared with the GF2 at just 325 grams (including 14mm lens, card and battery), built into a polycarbonate/aluminium body. The review lens supplied was the superb f2.5/14mm.

The GF3 is indeed a joy to handle, hold and stow. External controls are minimal. I particularly liked the on/off control, set in the form of a switch … and very positive.

If you need to select Program AE, shutter or aperture priority and manual, scene modes etc simply hit the menu button and choose from the screen display; you can also touch the screen to make your selection.

Panasonic DMC-GF3 Features

Maximum image size is 4000×3000 pixels; this means you could make a 30x25cm print at 300 dpi. Movies at Full HD 1920×1080 resolution can be shot in AVCHD format or 1280×720 in MPEG. While the AF worked effortlessly when shooting video, I did find the auto exposure a little tardy when correcting for brightness extremes. And, of course, you can’t take stills while recording video but you can of course select stills from a video sequence.

If you like the simple life you can rely on Intelligent Auto for both stills and video recording; additional iA features include AF Tracking, Face Recognition, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Resolution, MEGA O.h3built into the lens), Intelligh3O Control and Intelligent Scene Selector.

The built-in flash pops up at a button touch and presents a decent 55mm of lens-to-flash separation, helping to lessen red-eye in portrait shooting.

I liked the AF function: when the screen is touched the system creates a green rectangle around that section and targets focus exactly there; you could aim it at a person’s eyes or, say, a bee on a flower!

There h3otal of 23 AF areas, with the camera dividing these into nine groups; touch one of these groups and the camera auto selects an optimal area within that group.

The popular defocus control function in iA mode is now easily operated with a slider on the touch screen, allowing users to adjust the defocus area for a sharp subject and softly focused background.

In My Colour mode you can enjoy fuss-free experimentation with colour modes like Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia and High Dynamic and (not my favourite!) Miniature Effect.

Panasonic DMC-GF3 ISO Tests

Fairly clean and useable right up untilI SO 1600. By ISO 3200 noise is fairly noticeable. IMHO ISO 6400 is unuseable.

Panasonic DMC-GF3 Verdict

Quality: I enjoyed the quality of the GF3′s shots, sharp and accurately coloured.

Why you’d buy the GF3: it’s real, real small; easy to fall in love with the AF function; you want to use Leica lenses.

Why you wouldn’t: you want to shoot stills while recording video; you want to attach an eye-level viewfinder.

This camera quite took my fancy, not only because of its tiny size, but because it has reduced the operational maze considerably: you can shoot in all the usual modes, enjoy the image options of RAW or JPEG or use it as a well-endowed point-and-shoot camera.

Panasonic DMC-GF3 Specifications

Image Sensor: 12.10 million effective pixels.
Metering: 144 zone multi pattern, centre-weighted, spot.
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds.
Exposure Modes: Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
Sensor: 4/3 type Live MOS 17.3x13mm. 35 SLR Lens Factor: 2x.
Shutter Speed (stills): 4 mins to 1/4000 second and Bulb. Flash sync: 1/160 sec.
Continuous Shooting: up to 3.8 fps. Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 4000×3000 to 1440×1440.
Movies: 1920×1080, 1280×720 (AVCHD); 1280×720, 640×480, 320×240 (MPEG4).
Viewfinder: 7.6cm LCD screen (460,000 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW, MPO (3D), MPEG4, AVCHD.
Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 160 to 6400.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini, AV, ext micxxxx.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 107.7×67.1×32.5 WHDmm.
Weight: 264 g (card and battery).
Price: Get a price on the GF3 in the following configurations:

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3- Body Only
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3with a 14-42mm Zoom Lens
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 with a 14mm F2.5 ASPH Lens

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Panasonic DMC-GF3 Review

The interchangeable lens, magnesium alloy bodied NEX-7 would also seem to gain from the absence of a partially-silvered mirror in the light path. However, as with all NEX cameras and most lenses, the smallish body is outweighed by the lens, so — with f3.5/18-55mm review lens attached — pocketable it wasn’t!

The 24.3 megapixel image capture produces a maximum 6000×4000 pixel image, so big prints? You betcha!

Video capture is right up there too, with Full HD 1920×1080 on tap. When shooting a video such matters as AF, manual focus and auto exposure are very smoothly in play; but you can’t shoot stills at the same time.

Sony NEX-7 Features

The viewing situation is excellent, with a 7.6cm LCD screen at the rear and a high res turret finder for eye level viewing, auto switchable with eye contact.

However, I could curse the designer who placed the tiny dioptric control wheel slap up against the eye-level finder, almost impossible to roll in either direction.

While we’re in whinge mode I also found it quite a chore to load/remove the memory card … the slot is hard up against the compartment hinge. So, a hinge whinge!

The LCD screen is tiltable through a vertical arc but does not rotate horizontally; in spite of this, with the screen tilted upwards, the camera can be attached to a tripod.

The inbuilt flash will be a help as a fill light but, with a Guide Number of 6 (ISO 100/metres) it will not be of much use for group photos unless you wind up the ISO setting.

There are ten external controls, including power, shutter, replay etc plus two unmarked control dials on top which respectively, handle exposure compensation and aperture/shutter speed. Warning: they’re easy to bump!

Much of the rest of the camera’s operation — PASM, image size, ISO setting etc — can be accessed via the ultra-clear viewfinder menu.

Claimed to be the “world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera”, the NEX-7 can fire off a round of shots at 10 fps. That’s 10 6000×4000 shots every second, with focus fixed at the first frame!

The camera’s Picture Effect mode offers in-camera effects that comprise 11 modes and 15 effects, such as new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature and Rich-Tone Mono. Other attractions include 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Anti Motion Blur Modes etc.

The relatively small number of scene modes (eight) include twilight shooting, sports action, sunset etc.

Now a confession: the camera was so new there was no instruction manual available to help with the review, so if there are omissions please be kind to me!

Sony NEX-7 ISO Tests

Only when ISO 3200 was reached were there signs of image noise; sharpness and colour quality OK.

By ISO 6400 noise was slightly up but the image was still useable.

By ISO 12,800 noise up further but still — depending on the shot — still useable. Definition surprisingly good.

At ISO 25,600 noise was quite noticeable but image sharpness still acceptable. An amazing performance.

Sony NEX-7 Verdict

Quality: the camera displayed exceptionally good image quality and sharpness, along with an enjoyable easy operator interface.

Why you’d buy the NEX-7: access to E-mount lenses, Carl Zeiss and (via an adaptor) Sony A-mount optics.

Why you wouldn’t: you prefer external control of exposure modes; with lens attached the camera is not pocketable; pricey.

A significant camera that could shoot right up there with most DSLRs, but is as easy to use as a snapshot camera.

Sony NEX-7 Specifications

Image Sensor: 24.3 million effective pixels.
Metering: 49 zone multi segment, centre-weighted, spot.
Lens Mount: Sony E-mount.
Exposure Modes: Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
Effective Sensor Size: 23.5×15.6mm HD CMOS.
35 SLR Lens Factor: 1.5x.
Shutter Speed (stills): 30 to 1/4000 second and Bulb.
Continuous Shooting: 3-10 fps.
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 6000×4000 to 3008×1688.
Movies: 1920×1080 (AVCHD); 1440×1080, 640×480 (MPEG4).
Viewfinder: Eye level 1.3cm (2.36 million); 7.6cm LCD screen (921,600 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW (Sony ARW), JPEG+RAW, MPEG4, AVCHD.
Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 16000.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini, ext mic.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 119.9×69.9×42.6 WHDmm.
Weight: 291 g (body only).
Price: Get a price on the Sony Alpha NEX-7 (Body Only) or Sony Alpha NEX-7 with 18-55mm Lens

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Sony NEX-7 Review

The maximum image size is 4608×3456 pixels or, 39x29cm as a print. Movies can be shot at Full HD res of 1920×1080.

Differing to the Nikon P7100, there is a dedicated red button to fire off movie recording, which happens with smooth AF and exposure correction throughout the zoom range. Maximum movie length is 25 seconds; and you cannot shoot stills while recording video.

While you have only the option of Program AE exposure control there are a few ‘sweeties’ to glam up the package.

Nikon Coolpix S8200 Features

Turn on the camera and the default Target finding AF kicks in and focuses on the main subject. If the camera does not find a main subject it then relies on a range of areas (up to nine) that contain a focusable item.

Smile Timer: for happy people snaps. When the S8200 detects a smiling face it automatically releases the shutter; in continuous mode a series of up to five images is captured at a rate of 3fps.

There is a tiny, retractable flash cell that is claimed to illuminate out to 5.5 metres with the ISO setting on auto. This should help with most happy snap photography.

From the mode dial you can choose from any of 15 scene modes (sports, beach etc) as well as special effects (soft, sepia etc), night landscapes, backlighting and even pet photography (face detection swings in) plus continuous shooting.

The camera’s continuous shooting rate is admirable: from six (4608×3456) to 60 (1280×960) or 120 (640×480) shots with a shutter speed of 1/120 sec or faster. There is also a pre-capture mode where the camera records the action in five shots prior the shutter being pressed. Now you can’t ask for more!

There is even an HDR mode which rapidly shoots a series of shots, then saves a single merged image with optimum contrast. While you have to keep the camera steady with this approach it’s perfect for heavily backlit subjects. There three levels of control.

Panoramas? Yes, the S8200 can shoot a series of shots that can encompass a 180 or 360 degree view. The supplied Panorama Maker stitching software will combine these into a single, wide image.

Startup

After power up, it took about two seconds before I could fire the first shot, follow-ons about a second apart.

Distortion

The lens is an above average performer: no sign of any distortion at either end of the zoom.

Nikon Coolpix S8200 ISO Tests

Noise began to appear at ISO 1600, then increased — bot not alarmingly so — at ISO 3200.

Nikon Coolpix S8200 Verdict

Why you’d buy the S8200: you want it in black or red; you’ve fallen in love with its high speed continuous specs.

Why you wouldn’t: Program AE is insufficient exposure control for your needs.

On the face of it, the S8200 seems to be little more than a point-and-shooter, but features such as the longish zoom range, HDR and its continuous shooting ability take it to another level.

It should sell in your market for a hell of a good price!

One downer: the battery has to be charged while in the camera. This means you can’t go shooting while you leave a second battery on charge at home.

Nikon Coolpix S8200 Specifications

Image Sensor: 16.1 million effective pixels.
Lens: Nikkor f3.5-5.9/xxxxx mm (25-350mm as 35 SLR equivalent).
Effective Sensor Size: 11mm CMOS.
Metering: 224 segment matrix centre-weighted.
Exposure Modes: Program AE.
Shutter Speed: 60-1/1500 second.
Continuous Shooting: 10 fps.
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus 89MB internal memory.
Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 4608×3456 to 640×480.
Movies: 1920x1080p 30fps; 1280x720p 30fps, 960×540 30fps, 640×480 30fps.
Viewfinder: 7.5cm LCD screen (921,000 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, MPEG4.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 3200.
Interface: USB 2.0, AV, HDMI mini.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 103.7×59.3×32.7WHDmm.
Weight: 213 g (battery and card).
Price: Get a price on the Nikon COOLPIX S8200 at Amazon. Also get it in Red and Silver.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Nikon Coolpix S8200 Review

Sony’s NEX approach broke from cover soon after Olympus and Sony had got going with their Micro Four Thirds models. It soon achieved some notice and not a little notoriety because of its large lens size, attached to a reasonably small magnesium alloy body. But it’s still a design worth well worth spending some time with. So I did. Spend time with the NEX-5N!

The review camera was fitted with the f3.5/18-55m lens.

Sony NEX-5N Features

An initial moment of pleasure was delivered, thanks to the articulated LCD screen, which moves vertically 80 degrees up or 45 degrees down.

Then I found a handy carrying routine was to heft the camera around by holding the largish lens barrel. All controls are located at the camera’s right end, which gave me some angst when, during a fumble-full night shoot, I crashed into one of the camera’s major faults: its right end is crowded with controls, so much that occasionally, when trying to fire the shutter, I hit the assignable ‘soft keys’ or the control wheel … so firing up the viewfinder menu!

The 16.1 megapixel CMOS carries a maximum image size of 4592×3056 pixels, delivering a print measuring 39x26cm.
Movies are in good shape: 1920×1080 in AVCHD format or 1440×1080 in MPEG4. The AF and auto exposure work faultlessly in movie mode but you cannot shoot stills at the same time.

Sony’s renowned panorama modes are there as well, enabling you to shoot wide, wide pictures out to 12,416×1856 pixels. The only challenge is to print them!

Exposure modes are the full gamut: auto, Program AE, aperture and shutter priority as well as manual. There’s also a bundle of picture effects the please the newbie: HDR painting, soft focus, miniature, soft high key etc.

Startup

As the company claims, this one is a fast one: from power on to first shot was a little under a second, follow-ons about a second apart.

(insert ISO 100 to 25,600)

Sony NEX-5N ISO Tests

I felt that the ISO settings, all the way up to 1600 were entirely useable. Only when ISO 3200 was reached did noise intrude. By ISO 25,600 it all came to a crashing halt.

Sony NEX-5N Review Verdict

Quality: superbly sharp and fully colour saturated.
Why you’d buy the NEX-5N: you want to enter the interchangeable lens world at a reasonable price.
Why you wouldn’t: attaching the lens make the combo a largish proposition.
I was also a little startled to see the PDF manual erroneously claim the CMOS sensor carried 14.2 megapixels, when it actually has a 16.1 million pixel population. Makes a reviewer’s life tough!

I could also argue with the habit of placing the memory card slot under the camera; makes it tricky when you need to un/reload the camera while on a tripod.

Sony NEX-5N Specifications

Image Sensor: 16.1 million effective pixels.
Exposure Modes: Auto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
Effective Sensor Size: 23.4×15.6mm CMOS.
35 SLR Lens Factor: 1.5x.
Shutter Speed: 30 to 1/4000 second, Bulb. Flash sync: 1/160 sec.
Sequential Shooting: 2.3/10 fps.
Memory: Memory Stick PRO Duo/PRO-HG, SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
Image Sizes (pixels): 4592×3056 to 2288×1520. Movies: 1920×1080 to 640×480.
Viewfinder: 7.5cm LCD screen (921,600 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW, 3D MPO, AVCHD, MPEG4.
Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 200 to 25,600.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 110.8×58.7×38.2 WHDmm.
Weight: 287 g (inc battery and card).
Prices: Get a price on the Sony NEX-5N (Body Only) or on the Sony NEX-5N with 18-55mm Lens.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Sony NEX-5N Review

I’m still figuring out why Olympus has launched virtually the same camera in three different guises that this Micro Four Thirds system gear encloses. It beats me!

Look around the DPS site and you’ll see my recent views of the E-P3 and Lite E-PL3. Now we have the Mini E-PM1 with very similar specs and varying prices. Oh! and body sizes.

This is the Mini of the range. And, as an entry level model, it is surely a delight. If you feel fashion is allied to function, then you’ll be delighted: the Mini can be acquired in six body colours: black, brown, pink, white, silver and purple. The review model was in silver and, with the silvery f3.5/14-42mm lens attached, simply glowed.

Aimed at the novice, the Mini is small and light: with 14-42mm kit lens, clip-on flash, memory card and battery, it weighs just 401g.

Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 Features

Noticeable is the fixed 16:9 screen, ideal for shooting wide screen stills, not so cool for catching 4:3 shots but terrific for shooting Full HD 1920×1080 movies in AVCHD and 1280×720 in MPEG4. The bad news is that shooting a still mid-movie will cause the movie to stop and restart.

Maximum still capture with the 12.3 Live MOS sensor is 4032×3024 pixels, so you can make a print measuring 34x26cm.

The camera gives shooting modes such as iAuto, Program AE, aperture or shutter priority and manual operation … located in the finder menu.

External controls are minimal with the upper surface carrying the power and shutter buttons, backed up by the movie record button. To my mind these three are far too close, barely a thumb width apart.

The rear has the large LCD screen as well as a four way rocker wheel, and buttons for menu, info (display options) and replay … again, all far too close, small — and near-illegible.

The viewfinder menu is very decorative but a beast to get around. Some actions, like erase, image size, file format etc are accessed via the finder menu.

Others, such as ISO setting, white balance, AF options are accessed via the LCD display.

There are six Art Filters for the fiddler: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone. I have to admit being a fan of these and appreciate how deft use can make magic out of an otherwise mundane shot.

An attraction is its ability to shoot at a continuous rate of 5 fps: ideal for kids, sports and animal shooting.

Startup

Power on and I was ready to shoot; follow-on shots as fast as I could hit the button.

Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 ISO Tests

IMHO you could use ISO settings all the way up to 1600; after 3200 noise increases; by ISO 12,800 it is too intrusive.

Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 Review Verdict

Quality: above average as a snapshot camera.

Why you’d buy the Mini: small, light beginner’s interchangeable lens camera; excellent burst rate.

Why you wouldn’t: you want a tilting LCD;

For the record, an adjustable, accessory flash is supplied but there is no eye-level viewfinder; the flash has a Guided Number of 10 at ISO 200. You have to remove the viewfinder if you want to attach the flash to the accessory shoe.

Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 Specifications

Image Sensor: 12.3 million effective pixels. Live MOS.
Lens: Micro Four Thirds system.
Exposure Modes: iAuto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
Effective Sensor Size: 17.3×13.0mm Live MOS.
35 SLR Lens Factor: 2x.
Shutter Speed: 60 to 1/4000 second, Bulb. Flash sync: 1/60- 1/160 sec.
Sequential Shooting: 4.1/5.5fps. (Max: nine RAW images).
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC/EyeFi cards. Class 6 recommended for movie shooting.
Image Sizes (pixels): 4032×3024 to 640×480. Movies: 1920×1080 to 1280×720.
Viewfinder: 7.6cm LCD screen (460,000 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW, MPO (3D) AVCHD, MPEG4.
Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 200 to 12,800.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini, AV.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 109.5×63.7×34 WHDmm.
Weight: 265 g (inc battery and card).
Prices: Get a price on the Olympus Pen E-PM1 with 14-42mm II Lens or Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 with a 14-42mm Lens and a with 40-150mm Lens + 32GB Card + Battery + Case (and more)

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 REVIEW

Sure, the lens is fixed but it is a Nikkor that equates to 28-200mm as a 35 SLR equivalent: a 7.1x enlargement in fact. Very cleverly, Nikon has also installed an optical viewfinder: tiny but useful.

Agreed, the CCD captures only 10.1 megapixels, meaning you can snare a maximum image size of 3648×2736 pixels or as a 31x23cm print. But note: the CCD measures a largish 15mm across the diagonal. Compare the Nikon V1, with a diagonal of 16mm.

One negative: you have to forgo Full HD video with the P7100: max res is only 1280x720p, although I did find the AF and exposure control worked effortlessly while shooting video. A downer is that you can’t shoot stills while recording video: and it interrupts the video run.

However, Nikon describes the P7100 as “the top model in the COOLPIX series.”

After only five minutes with the new camera, fiddling with the controls and scanning the copious viewfinder menus, I have to agree.

Nikon Coolpix P7100 Features

This one sits in the same territory as Canon’s well-regarded G-series of fixed lens compacts — but IMHO the Nikon does it better.

With camera in hand, the first thing you notice is the articulated screen that can be lowered 81 degrees from the vertical or upward by 105 degrees. But no sideways swing!

I particularly liked the external controls, especially the smallish knob/button at left: this gives direct control of ISO setting, bracketting, image quality/size/file format, custom picture control and white balance. After many years reviewing cameras that call for endless digging into viewfinder menus to access these features, this method has to be the pick of all the approaches.

Look across to the right of the top deck and you find the mode dial that takes you into auto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority plus manual — and another button that gives direct access to exposure compensation, scene modes, effects. There are also three interesting positions on the mode dial that effectively give you three custom user settings.

It’s worth noting that there are four new special effects: zoom exposure, defocus during exposure, cross-processing and creative monochrome.

These are fascinating. Take ‘creative monochrome’: you can vary the degree of graininess or you could even render the image as a solarised one. With ‘cross-processing’ you can simulate the effect of processing a colour negative in chemicals intended for reversal film … or vice versa!

I have to admit that the method of selecting special effects and scene modes left a little to be desired: you begin by rotating the mode dial to either, then you must hit the menu button to make your specific choice. Surely a better way would be to present the choices on screen immediately the mode is selected.

The interesting zoom memory is operable with the use of the Fn1 button, sited on the front surface. Not sure in my own photography how I could use this but possibly a useful feature when you have to match angles; up to three focal lengths can be logged.

There is a panorama mode, along with supplied software (Win and Mac) to stitch the images together: sure, it’s not as elegant as Sony’s approach where the images are stitched within the camera … but at least it’s there.

Other niceties: a neutral density filter that can apply an exposure cut of three f stops. With this you can enjoy slower shutter speeds and shoot those dreamy, motion blurred images of breaking waves and other movement.

The big plus for many people is RAW capture (Nikon calls it NRW and it has to be converted), giving image files free of compression artefacts present in JPEG capture.

Startup

About a second and a half from startup In could shoot the first shot; follow-ons about a second apart.

Distortion

I was surprised to find there was obvious barrel distortion at the wide end of the zoom but negligible pincushion distortion at the tele end.

Nikon Coolpix P7100ISO Tests

The image noise only became noticeable at ISO 3200 but, even then, shots of some subjects could still be useful.

Nikon Coolpix P7100 Verdict

Why you’d buy the P7100: multiple external control points; pocketable.

Why you wouldn’t: you want Full HD; the 7.1x zoom range is not enough for you.

Having waded through a mountain of DSLRs, mirrorless models and piles of boring point-and-shooters this one shines out like a beacon on a foggy night.

A black note: the battery must be charged while in the camera, so you can’t go shooting while charging a second battery. Bummer!

Well done Nikon!

Nikon Coolpix P7100 Specifications

• Image Sensor: 10.1 million effective pixels.
• Lens: Nikkor f2.8-5.6/6-42.6mm (28-200mm as 35 SLR equivalent).
• Effective Sensor Size: 15mm CCD.
• Metering: Matrix centre-weighted and spot.
• Exposure Modes: Auto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
• Shutter Speed: 60-1/4000 second.
• Continuous Shooting: 1.2 fps.
• Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus 94MB internal memory.
• Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 3648×2736 to 640×480.
• Movies: 1280x720p 24fps, 960×540 30fps, 640×480 30fps.
• Viewfinder: 7.5cm LCD screen (921,000 pixels).
• File Formats: NRW (RAW), JPEG, MPEG4.
• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 6400.
• Interface: USB 2.0, AV, HDMI mini.
• Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
• Dimensions: 116.3×76.9×48 WHDmm.
• Weight: 395 g (battery and card).
• Price: AUD599.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Nikon Coolpix P7100 Review

The Nikon AW100 review camera had a blue face plate but it is also available in camouflage, orange and black. Hope you like the camouflage version shown here!

Nikon AW100 Features

There’s lots to like: the waterproof battery/card compartment is at the side, opened with a button push and a turn of a knob, so little chance of an accidental tip out.

A useful helper is an action control button which you activate by tapping the large action button at the side of the camera — then shake the camera: a big help if you’re wearing gloves underwater or on the snow.

Another aid is an underwater scene mode in which the white balance for underwater shooting is automatically adjusted to prevent a cast of unnatural green or blue in underwater images.

Then, it’s taken further: post shooting you can adjust the look of stored images with filtration: one which intrigued me was fog removal … could it clear up cloudy water? Dunno.

Maximum depth is 10 metres; shockproof drop limit is 1.5 metres; lowest temperature is minus 10 degrees C.

Powered up and with the zoom extended to its full 5x there’s no external protrusion from the camera, which remains a thin 22.8mm in depth. I do have a problem with the wide end of the zoom: the 35 SLR equivalent of 28mm becomes 40mm underwater and, as most divers will tell you, it’s best to stay close to your subject when below the surface.

With a 16 megapixel CMOS, its maximum image size is a huge 4608×3456 pixels or enough to make a 39x29cm print.

Movies? All the way up to Full HD in MPEG4. AF and exposure are constantly adjusted as the camera moves and zooms. Unfortunately, it will not catch stills while shooting video.

The camera also has comprehensive GPS support, an electronic compass and a map display. There’s also a log function which can track and record movement even when the camera is off. Logs can then be saved and displayed on screen.

Startup

Nearly two seconds after startup the camera can shoot its first shot; follow-ons nearly as fast as you can hit the button.

Distortion

A good performer with no sign of any distortion at either end of the zoom.

Nikon AW100 ISO Tests

Noise only begins to show up at ISO 1600. By ISO 3200 more noise and some image softness — but still useable.

Nikon AW100 Verdict

Quality: average snapshot images.

Why you’d buy the Nikon AMW100: you’re out and about, wet and wild; the GPS function can be useful in your activities.

Why you wouldn’t buy the Nikon AW100: you may find the control buttons hard to locate when underwater.

An impressive go-anywhere camera with some desirable features. But do yourself a favour before you get it wet: buy a waterproof carry strap… the supplied one gets sodden!

Nikon AW100 Specifications

Image Sensor: 16.0 million effective pixels.
Lens: Nikkor f3.9-4.8/5-25mm (28-140mm as 35 SLR equivalent).
Effective Sensor Size: 11mm CMOS.
Metering: Matrix centre-weighted and spot.
Exposure Modes: Auto, Program AE.
Shutter Speed: 4-1/1500 second.
Continuous Shooting: 7.1 fps.
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus 83MB internal memory.
Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 4608×3456 to 640×480.
Movies: 1920x1080p; 1280x720p, 960×540, 640×480.
Viewfinder: 7.5cm LCD screen (460,000 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, WAV, MPEG4.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 3200.
Interface: USB 2.0, AV, HDMI mini.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 110.1×64.9×22.8 WHDmm.
Weight: 178 g (battery and card).
Price: Get a price on the Nikon COOLPIX AW100

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Nikon AW100 Review

So this model – the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 – with a 24x zoom comes in, as with Goldilock and her three bears’ beds, to be just right! Added to this is the factor of the wide end equating to 25mm in SDLR-speak. Usefully wide!

The FZ150 also wins due to its use of a Leica Vario Elmarit lens which, even at full zoom, does not extend from the body by an uncomfortable length.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 Features

The 12.1 million pixel MOS has a maximum image size of 4000×3000 pixels: from this expect to make a 34x25cm print.

Movies? Well taken care of, with AVHCD format at 1920x1080p and MPEG4 at 1280x720p. For the record the auto focus, exposure and stabiliser work well when shooting videos; unfortunately, you cannot shoot full size stills while the camera is recording video …. only 2048×1536 pixel pics. The FZ150 also has a stereo zoom microphone, with a wind cut function, set into the top of the body; like most of these setups it will pick up camera and lens handling noises.

One niggle: for a company which has long installed an excellent multi mode stabiliser into its still cameras this model has only two settings: on and off!

The mode dial has the usual options: iAuto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority plus manual as well some presets to handle portraits, sport, landscapes, macro etc. Here also you can select an array of 17 scene modes (including 3D), preset custom options, movie shooting with manual settings as well as ‘Creative Control Mode’ … giving the ability to alter contrast, saturation, exposure and other parameters. Have to admit I haven’t seen this before … maybe useful for the creative video fan.

The hot shoe on the FZ150 allows attachment of an outboard stereo mic, external flash or even an optional remote shutter release.

Missing, I am sad to report, is a sensor to auto switch between the top viewfinder and rear LCD screen. You may think this is a negligible absence but I find cameras with it very easy to use.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 ISO Speeds

All clean until ISO 1600, with a small amount of noise appearing.

ISO 3200 noisy but useable in some situations.

Startup Time

From power on to first shot capture the camera took about 2.5 seconds; then each shot came in at a bit less than a second a shot.

Distortion

A good performer, the Leica lens shows no signs of any aberrations at the wide nor tele zoom ends.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 Verdict

Quality: an average snapshot camera. No more. No less.

Why you would buy it: useful zoom range; pocketable.

Why you wouldn’t: you want more control, as found in DSLRs.

In overall terms this is a useful entry into maxi zoom territory and a delightfully easy camera to use. I found the camera easy to get around and handle its controls.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 Specifications

Image Sensor: 12.1 million effective pixels.
Metering: Intelligent multi, centre-weighted, spot.
Sensor Size: 11mm MOS.
Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f2.8-5.2/4.5-108mm (25-600mm as 35 SLR equivalent).
Shutter Speed: 30 to 1/2000 second.
Continuous Shooting: 11, 40, 60 images/second.
Memory: SD, SDHC, SDXC cards plus 70MB internal memory.
Image Sizes (pixels): 4000×3000 to 640×480. Movies: 1920×1080 to 1280×720 60p (AVCHD and MPEG4) at 30 fps.
Turret LCD finder: 5mm (201,600 pixels).
LCD Screen: 7.6cm LCD (460,000 pixels).
File Formats: RAW, JPEG, RAW+JPEG, AVCHD, MPEG4, 3D MPO.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 6400.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini, AV.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 124x82x95 WHDmm.
Weight: Approx. 528 g (inc battery).
Price: Get a price on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 at Amazon.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 Review

Until now! And this one is a big mother… the Sony SLT-A77!

Loaded with battery, card and the supplied f2/16-50 SSM lens the camera weighed in at 1.3kg, thanks to the magnesium alloy body. Ports, doors and controls are weather-resistant.

The A77 is the first camera to incorporate the continuous focus ability of Translucent Mirror Technology into an enthusiast level body.

It has a new Exmor CMOS sensor, OLED viewfinder, weather-sealed body and a radical three way tilting 7.6cm LCD screen … a world first? The top-mounted LCD mirrors the exposure information usually found on a rear LCD.

Both the LCD monitor and turret finder are operable with Live View and give you a preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure, etc.

A factor which will please some people who feel they should not be expected to pay for an AF function in each lens they buy, Sony’s in-body SteadyShot allows lens stabilisation on all suitable lenses, enabling steady shooting up to 2.5-4.0 lens stops.

Sony SLT-A77 Features

My early hours with the camera were a bit of a challenge as it was delivered to me without an instruction manual — printed or PDF!

However I did manage to determine that the A77, in keeping with its pro aspirations, has a bundle of external controls, some of which are customisable.

So, without need to labour in the jungle of the viewfinder menu, you get to fine tune the ISO setting, white balance, exposure compensation, finder enlargement, drive mode (single, continuous), a Function button and others. The red movie record button is placed right next to the turret viewfinder.

The mode dial has 12 options: auto exposure, Program AE, aperture and speed priority, sweep panorama, scene modes, 3D, movie and others.

The 24.3 million effective pixels allow a huge maximum image size of 6000×4000 pixels: expect to make a 51x34cm print.
In movies you have the option of Full HD 1920×1080 in AVCHD format; you can also shoot 1440×1080 in MPEG4. The auto focus and auto exposure worked brilliantly while shooting video, but the bad news is that you cannot shoot still images while shooting a movie. It may also be a wise move to kill sound recording via the mic if you want to avoid the squeaks and bumps from the camera and lens operation.

Burst shooting can be made at up to 12fps, with continuous focusing in play all the way; this speed allows for capture of full size images. This amazing speed is aided and abetted by the translucent mirror: it remains fixed in position to reduce ‘tween shot blackout time. Total of 13 shots at the top setting.

There are some significant ‘helpers’ in the A77 as well as some dinky features that indicate the camera could be used as a family snapper as well.

With JPEG capture (only) there is an HDR function that will capture three shots varying in exposure in a range of one to six f stops.

There is built in GPS that records location and the time of every shot taken and then gives you a view of your images on a map when loaded onto a compatible computer and Internet apps.

Backlit or heavily shadowed subjects can be optimised with the Dynamic Range Optimizer. You can choose from auto, a choice of five operating levels and off.

The dinky: there is a smile shutter, adjustable for sensitivity! Slight! Normal! And Big!

More: a handheld twilight mode shoots six shots very quickly and blends them into a single image for smooth, low-noise evening shots. The data from all six undergoes a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity, with sensitivity selectable up to ISO 16000. This is OK for handheld shooting as, post-shoot, image processing is applied to handle subject blur, camera shake and noise.

Even dinkier: the A77 can auto detect up to eight individual faces, adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to capture optimum images of people. Face Registration can remember friends and family members.

There are 11 Picture Effect modes that will help the newbie; these include Posterization, Pop Color, Retro Photo and so on.

Of course, Sony’s giant killer Sweep Panorama function is on board to capture huge vertical or horizontal panos. This feature alone is worth the trip to a retailer to try it out!

Startup

What else would you expect from a camera that has no flipping mirror: rapid startup and the ability to fire off shots as fast as you can hit the button: but with a 12fps burst ability, why bother doing it manually!

(insert Sony SLT-A77 ISO 50 to Sony SLT-A77 ISO 16,000)

Sony SLT-A77 ISO Tests

A very good, noise-free performance all the way up to ISO 3200, with only a small amount showing at ISO 6400. By ISO 12,800 we’re nearly over the edge. At ISO 16,000 we’re over!

Sony SLT-A77 Verdict

Quality: Close to top level DSLR.

Why you’d buy the Sony SLT-A77: big, big 6000×4000 pixel stills; 12fps ability; terrific movie mode; top drawer exposure modes; you want to explore high end photography without the tech tangles of a high end camera (like the Canon 7D).

Why you wouldn’t: weight may be a penalty if you’re trekking.

There will be some, brought up on optical viewfinders who will find the Sony’s approach to be less than ideal. In truth, an LCD view is far from ideal but, IMHO, the benefits outweigh the penalties.

However, at the price, and if you can afford the top glass available for it, this is a phenomenal camera. Deserves to do well in the market. Good news Sony!

Sony SLT-A77 Specifications

Image Sensor: 24.3 million effective pixels.
Metering: 1200 zone multi segment, centre-weighted, spot.
Lens Mount: Sony A-mount.
Exposure Modes: Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.
Effective Sensor Size: 23.5×15.6mm HD CMOS.
35 SLR Lens Factor: 1.5x.
Shutter Speed (stills): 30 to 1/8000 second and Bulb. Flash sync: 1/250 sec.
Continuous Shooting: 3-12 fps.
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
Image Sizes (pixels): Stills: 6000×4000 to 3008×1688.
Movies: 1920×1080 (AVCHD) — (PAL: 50p/28Mbps/PS, 50i/24Mbps/FX, 50i/ 17Mbps/ FH, 25p/24Mbps/ FX, 25p/17Mbps/FH); 1440×1080 (MPEG4) — (PAL: 25fps/12M), VGA: 640×480 (25fps/ 3M).
Viewfinder: Live (2.36 million pixels); 7.6cm LCD screen (921,600 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW, MPEG4, AVCHD.
Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 25,600.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI mini, ext mic.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 143x104x81 WHDmm.
Weight: 732 g (battery and card).
Price: Get a price on the Sony SLT-A77 With 16-50mm F2.8 lens or Sony SLT-A77 – Body Only.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Sony SLT-A77 Review