Pentax X5 Review

The Pentax X-5 features an impressive 26x optical zoom, full manual control, a tiltable LCD screen and design styling akin to the manufacturer’s range of DSLRs. Furthermore, the X-5 is priced so as not to break the bank and thus is an appealing prospect. As to how is fares in our test, you’ll have to read on to find out.

Owing to the combination of a large focal range, compact body, full manual control and invariably a high specification, bridge cameras continue to be popular with consumers. More often than not they are seen as the first step up in to more advanced photography, and in many cases judged as a reasonable alternative to a DSLR for those not wanting to deal with a selection of removable lenses.

On the face of it the Pentax X-5 seems like just such a camera – ticking all of the boxes with regards to imaging specification, whilst bearing more than a few similarities to models in Pentax’s DSLR line-up, almost a K-5 lite.

Pentax X-5 review – Features

The chief selling point of the Pentax X-5 is the model’s large optical zoom. The Pentax X-5 features a 26x optical zoom that covers a focal range with an impressive wideangle of 22.3mm through to a tele end of 580mm. The zoom benefits from Pentax’s dual shake-reduction system – a combination of sensor-shift and digital shake reduction – which will no doubt ease any worries about sharpness at the tele end of the zoom. There’s also the added bonus of extra close-up functionality, with the Pentax X-5 capable of capturing images at a focal length of just 1cm.

The model’s 26x optical zoom is paired with a 1/2.33in BSI CMOS sensor that features an effective resolution of 16 megapixels. The sensor is supported by Pentax’s ‘Super Resolution’ technology that is aimed specifically at image processing performance. The sensor also supports full HD video capture at a resolution of 1080p and 30 frames per second although, somewhat unfortunately for a bridge camera, the Pentax X-5 does not offer Raw capture.

On the rear of the Pentax X-5 sits a 3in LCD screen with a resolution of 460k-dots. A major selling point with the LCD screen that it’s tiltable and can be pulled away from the body of the camera and rotated around a range of horizontal angles. Unfortunately the hinge of the LCD screen is poorly implemented – while it allows the screen to sit at 90 degrees to the body facing upwards, it only allows a 45 degree angle facing downwards, and overall the Pentax X-5 feels a lot more restrictive than the side-hinge variety found on other models.

Accompanying the vari-angle LCD screen is an electronic viewfinder, something that is always popular with bridge camera owners. The viewfinder features a resolution of 230k-dots and, although it is lacking in eye sensor technology, the Pentax X-5 does offer dioptre adjustment if necessary.

Despite not offering Raw capture, the Pentax X-5 does cater well for the advanced photographer. The model features a program shooting mode as well as full manual control. Other shooting settings available on the mode dial include a full auto setting, a range of scene modes and a handheld night setting that takes a series of images and then blending them together in camera for one well-exposed shot. One final option for those looking for the easier route towards good images is Pentax’s proprietary ‘Green’ shooting mode, which takes care of every camera setting in a single press.

One final point of note regards the Pentax X-5’s specification is the way in which the camera is powered. The model necessitates four AA batteries, rather then the standard Li-ion rechargeable unit that’s now common in digital cameras. This can be something of a mixed blessing – while it does mean that replacement batteries are readily available should the ones you’re using run out in the field, although if the performance isn’t up to scratch then this can involve lots of costly trips to the shops if you’re not using rechargeable AAs.

Nikon D800 Review

This is an in-depth review of the new Nikon D800 camera, one of the most anticipated DSLRs from Nikon that the photography community has been impatiently waiting for more than a year now. The camera was supposed to be released in the summer of 2011, but due to several natural disasters that heavily impacted Nikon’s capability to produce cameras both in Japan and in its Thailand factories, its launch was delayed until February of 2012. There has been a lot of hype about the D800 and while our team has been posting quite a few articles about this camera, there are still many questions pouring in on a daily basis from our readers about its features, capabilities, limitations and performance, especially when compared to the older cameras like Nikon D700, D3, D3s and the new Nikon D4. In this review, I will not only provide detailed information about the Nikon D800, but will also try to answer the many questions that we have gotten so far on the camera, along with comparisons to other DSLRs. Specifically, the comparison includes sensor ISO performance with the following DSLRs: Nikon D700/D3, D3s, Canon 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III and Fuji X-Pro 1 mirrorless camera.

Was it worth the wait? There has been a lot of buzz about the D800 before and after the camera was announced. One of the main reasons is the popularity of the existing Nikon D700 camera and the sheer number of people, especially part-time and full-time pros, who were dying to upgrade their aging cameras. In addition, the production delay further fueled the heat and spiked up the interest from the photography community that was getting rather impatient, wondering what Nikon would bring to the table for the next several years in the full-frame arena.

As you will see further down in this review, I consider the Nikon D800 to be a breakthrough camera, something we have not seen since Nikon introduced its first full-frame D3. While we have seen some amazing products from Nikon, they were all evolutionary, with minor upgrades, tweaks and changes here and there. The D800, on the other hand, is a revolutionary product that once again raises the bar on image quality, dynamic range, autofocus and even noise performance – all without the high price tag of a pro camera attached to it. Sure it has its share of problems with its rather slow speed (FPS) and average battery life, but these problems are rather insignificant, given what we are getting as a total package. Think of the D800 as a beefed up D3X, just in a smaller body, at 40% of the cost. How is that not revolutionary? And the D800 just happens to set a new world record in full-frame resolution.

But wait, what about all those photographers that anticipated a camera with the same sensor as on the Nikon D4, the ones that do not particularly care for high resolution? Did Nikon leave them all out with the D800, forcing them to jump to the expensive D4? Before I answer this question, let me first give a brief history of the D800, along with my analysis on why Nikon decided to take a different route with its full-frame line this time.

1) A Brief History and Analysis

I remember the day when I first read the rumor about the D800 and its 36 MP sensor. I quickly dismissed it, because it sounded completely unrealistic to me. With Nikon putting so much focus on image quality in its full-frame line with the D700, D3 and later D3s, and keeping the megapixel count low at just 12 MP (while the competition had been only increasing the number of megapixels in their new cameras), I only pictured the D700 replacement to be a very modest update in terms of resolution. Maybe something similar to the D7000, with a 16-18 MP sensor. Plus, a 36 MP full-frame sensor just did not fit in with the existing super expensive D3X that was specifically targeted for high-resolution applications.

As you may already know, the Nikon D700 was announced about a year after the D3 came out in 2007. Nikon did not have the time and resources to create a separate product line like Canon did with its original 5D, so it decided to borrow the sensor along with most features from the D3. Aside from the slower fps speed (that you could increase with a grip), smaller body & battery and 97% viewfinder coverage, the Nikon D700 was almost the same as the Nikon D3 – some even dubbed it “the D3 brother”. Needless to say, the Nikon D700 was an instant success.

100% crop from the center of the frame:

On the grand scale, however, the D700 became a problem for Nikon – it heavily cannibalized the D3 sales. Why spend $5K on the D3, if you could get a smaller and lighter camera with almost the same features for $2,000 less? And if you really wanted, you could push the D700 to be almost like the D3 by adding a grip and D3 batteries. Consumers were quick to react to this opportunity and Nikon soon realized that it made a mistake by letting one product line compete head to head with another. But it was too late – the D700 was already too popular. Nikon released the 24 MP D3x shortly thereafter, which proved to be a marketing failure due to its inflated price (despite being a superb camera for high-resolution work). Nikon’s professional line suffered all the way until the Nikon D3s was released in October of 2009, which finally created more demand for the top-of-the-line professional cameras once again. With the highly successful D700, well-performing D3s and failed D3x lines, it was clear that Nikon had to come up with a better strategy for positioning and pricing its full-frame cameras.

In January of 2012, the Nikon D4 was announced with a 16 MP sensor, which seemed in line with what I was expecting in terms of resolution. A very modest update in megapixels, different ergonomics and plenty of new features including a revamped autofocus system that works at f/8. We all knew the D800 was around the corner, but still, the biggest question remained – would it have D4’s 16 MP sensor or the rumored super high-resolution 36 MP sensor? Within a month from the D4 announcement, Nikon finally announced the Nikon D800 with a 36.3 MP sensor. Why did this happen and what caused Nikon to change its direction in this full-frame line?

As I have already explained in my “benefits of a high-resolution sensor” article before, I believe Nikon made a smart move in positioning its current and future full-frame (FX) lines. Rather than offering three or more product lines with different performance characteristics and features, it makes a whole lot more sense to have just two distinct cameras – one general-purpose, high-resolution camera (D800) and one advanced high-performance camera specifically targeted for sports, news and wildlife photography (D4). This move obviously eliminates the D3x line and sends a message that we might never see another high-end, high-resolution full-frame camera from Nikon. But in fact, I believe this could actually lead to an introduction of a medium format camera from Nikon in the future… But that’s a whole different topic of discussion.

Traditionally, DSLR cameras with very high resolution have been categorized as specialized tools for landscape, macro and studio photography. With the introduction of the D800, many photographers thought that Nikon is specifically targeting one group of photographers, while completely ignoring others. In fact, as you will see later on in this review, it is actually not the case. There is a reason why I called the Nikon D800 a “general-purpose, high-resolution” camera – because it can be effectively used for any sort of photography. There is a common misconception among the photography community about the size of pixels and their impact on image quality and noise, especially when comparing one sensor to another. If a sensor packs a lot of pixels, it is often assumed that it will perform much worse in low light at high ISO when compared to a sensor with less and bigger pixels.

In fact, it all depends on how you perform this comparison. When a high-resolution image is down-sampled to a lower resolution, its noise characteristics can actually improve dramatically (see my articles on down-sampling). So when comparing a 36 MP image to a 12 MP image, why would you look at both at 100%? Clearly, the 36 MP image would print much larger in size, so it is only fare to compare sensors at the same print size. See this example of just how much bigger the 36.3 MP image is from the D800 in comparison to the 12.1 MP image from the D700:

By down-sampling 36 MP to 12 MP, you would not only reduce the amount of noise, but you could also make the image appear sharper. As I reveal in the following pages of this review, the down-sampled Nikon D800 images look exceptionally good, even when compared to the high-end Nikon D4. There is a reason why the new sensor is rated as #1 by DXOMark among all sensors produced to date. In addition, a high-resolution image has a lot more room to work with for cropping and can produce exceptionally good-looking images at low ISO levels, perfectly suitable for huge prints. Hence, when looking at the Nikon D800, one has to be fully aware of the many advantages of a high resolution sensor and the benefits of the down-sampling process.

Let’s move on to the camera details!

2) Nikon D800 Specifications

Main Features and Specifications:

1. Sensor: 36.3 MP FX, 4.8µ pixel size
2. Sensor Size: 35.9 x 24mm
3. Resolution: 7360 x 4912
4. DX Mode: 15.3 MP
5. DX Mode Resolution: 4800 x 3200
6. Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-6,400
7. Boost Low ISO Sensitivity: 50
8. Boost High ISO Sensitivity: 12,800-25,600
9. Processor: EXPEED 3
10. Metering System: 3D Color Matrix Meter III with face recognition and a database of 30,000 images
11. Dust Reduction: Yes
12. Weather Sealing/Protection: Yes
13. Body Build: Full Magnesium Alloy
14. White Balance: New White Balance System
15. Shutter: Up to 1/8000 and 30 sec exposure
16. Shutter Durability: 200,000 cycles, self-diagnostic shutter
17. Camera Lag: 0.012 seconds
18. Storage: 1x CF slot and 1x SD slot
19. Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
20. Speed: 4 FPS, 6 FPS in DX mode with optional MB-D12 battery pack
21. Exposure Meter: 91,000 pixel RGB sensor
22. Built-in Flash: Yes, with Commander Mode, full CLS compatibility
23. Autofocus System: Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX with 51 focus points and 15 cross-type sensors
24. AF Detection: Up to f/8 with 9 focus points (5 in the center, 2 on the left and right)
25. LCD Screen: 3.2 inch diagonal with 921,000 dots
26. Movie Modes: Full 1080p HD @ 30 fps max
27. Movie Exposure Control: Full
28. Movie Recording Limit: 30 minutes @ 30p, 20 minutes @ 24p
29. Movie Output: MOV, Compressed and Uncompressed
30. In-Camera HDR Capability: Yes
31. Two Live View Modes: One for photography and one for videography
32. GPS: Not built-in, requires GP-1 GPS unit
33. Battery Type: EN-EL15
34. Battery Life: 900 shots
35. USB Standard: 3.0
36. Weight: 900g
37. Price: $2,999 MSRP

A detailed list of camera specifications is available at NikonUSA.com.

source:photographylife

Nikon D4s Review

Exactly after two years since the Nikon D4 announcement, Nikon made the D4s public at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 6, 2014. Although the camera was not ready for a full announcement, Nikon wanted to have something to show at the CES, so it only hinted about the development of the camera and its intentions to preview it. The camera was officially announced at the end of February and the first units started to ship shortly after in March. The Nikon D4s is a modest upgrade over the D4, with very slight ergonomic changes, expanded ISO range, faster image processor, faster wired / Ethernet speed, improved battery capacity and a bunch of new firmware options. As an incremental update, the Nikon D4s basically solidified the already superb D4 and made it even better.

Although I had plans to review the D4s earlier this year, my hectic summer schedule and work commitments kept me too busy and I was not able to get it published. I wrote some notes from using the camera when I had it for a few months, then went back and added more again after getting my hands on the camera again later. Since my time with the camera was rather limited, I requested our wildlife gurus Thomas Redd and John Lawson to use the camera and provide their feedback on what they liked and did not about the camera. Thus, this review is yet another collective effort from our team, which hopefully makes it more balanced and objective than if I were to solely do it by myself.

NIKON D4S @ ISO 1600, 1/250, f/11.0

Without a doubt, the top-of-the-line Nikon DSLR line is the most feature-rich, responsive and most capable cameras, and the D4s is not an exception. While the exterior of the D4s is practically identical to the D4 (more on ergonomic changes on the next page), the inner core is where the camera got the most upgrades. The 16.2 MP sensor got a boost in native sensitivity range, going from ISO 100 to 25,600, which is a stop higher than what the D4 had. The camera’s metering and white balance systems got tweaked with more features. The autofocus system was improved with more features and faster shooting rate of 11 fps with full time autofocus (versus 10 fps on the D4). While these might look like very small incremental changes that are not worth upgrading for, even slight improvements in autofocus performance might pay the price of the camera for a working professional. And that’s where the Nikon D4s delivers. Thanks to the new EXPEED 4 processor that is 30% faster than its predecessor, the camera can handle data much faster, giving a significant boost in overall performance. And this is not coming from Nikon’s specifications or data sheets – our team immediately noticed the camera to be faster and more responsive in autofocus operation, particularly in continuously tracking fast-moving subjects. The faster processor also allowed Nikon to push more data for capturing high definition video and the D4s is now capable of recording HD videos at up to 60 frames per second. Along with the ability to pick different crop modes, full exposure control, uncompressed HDMI output and the ability to record videos to both internal memory and external recorders, the Nikon D4s is also a very capable camera for videography needs. Sadly, despite the industry’s push to ultra high resolution 4K video, the D4s still lags behind when compared to other manufacturers like Sony and Panasonic.

NIKON D4S @ ISO 800, 1/250, f/11.0

However, all these nice changes come at a cost – at $6,500, the D4s is not a cheap camera. It is the second most expensive DSLR in Nikon’s history after the ridiculously expensive D3x (which was priced at $7,999 MSRP when it was announced and still currently sells for $6,999). If we roll the date back to 2007, we can see that the original D3 was priced at $5K. When the D3s came out in 2009, Nikon raised the camera’s price by $200 to $5,199. Three years down the road, the new and shiny D4 comes out with a $6K price tag attached to it – an $800 increase. And finally, the D4s gets another $500 increase on top. Compared to the original D3, that’s a $1500 price difference! If we adjust prices for inflation since 2007 (without taking into account currency conversions), the D4s should have been around $5,700 – $800 lower than what Nikon wants for the camera. Nikon knows that those who own their top-of-the-line cameras will want to continue upgrading when new models come out. Plus, by intentionally crippling lower-end FX camera bodies and holding off on high-end DX line, Nikon has been trying to get as many people as possible to move up to the D4 line. I also suspect that the Nikon D4s pricing was increased in response to Canon’s $6800 price on its 1D X camera, since they are the same class cameras.

NIKON D4S @ ISO 12800, 1/1600, f/6.3

1) Nikon D4s Specifications

Main Features:

1. Sensor: 16.2 MP FX, 7.3µ pixel size
2. Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-25,600
3. Boost Low ISO Sensitivity: 50
4. Boost High ISO Sensitivity: 51,200-409,600
5. Processor: EXPEED 4
6. Dust Reduction: Yes
7. Shutter: Up to 1/8000 and 30 sec exposure, self-diagnostic shutter monitor
8. Shutter Durability: 400,000 cycles
9. Camera Lag: 0.012 seconds
10. Storage: 1x Compact Flash slot and 1x XQD slot
11. Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
12. Speed: 11 FPS
13. Exposure Meter: 91,000 pixel RGB sensor
14. Autofocus System: Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX with 51 focus points and 15 cross-type sensors
15. AF Detection: Up to f/8 with 11 focus points (5 in the center, 3 on the left and right)
16. LCD Screen: 3.2 inch diagonal with 921,000 dots
17. LCD Screen Calibration: Yes
18. Movie Modes: Full 1080p HD @ 60 fps max
19. Movie Exposure Control: Full
20. Movie Output: MOV, Compressed and Uncompressed
21. Wired LAN: Built-in Gigabit RJ-45 LAN port
22. WiFi: Not built-in, requires WT-5a and older wireless transmitters
23. GPS: Not built-in, requires GP-1 GPS unit
24. Battery Type: EN-EL18a
25. Battery Life: 3,020 shots
26. Weight: 1,180g
27. Price: $6,499.95 MSRP

source:photographylife

Nikon D810 Review

After more than two years since the successful launch of the Nikon D800 and D800E cameras, which shook up the photography industry with the high resolution 36.3 MP full-frame sensor, Nikon finally introduced an update to the cameras and combined the two into a single camera body. Although the new Nikon D810 has the same 36.3 MP resolution as its predecessors, it features a new sensor with an expanded native ISO range and comes with significant improvements to camera features, performance and ergonomics. In this review, we will take a closer look at these improvements and compare the performance of the D810 to other Nikon cameras.

So far our team at Photography Life has been shooting with the Nikon D810 for over a month (since the day it became officially available) and we have tested three samples of the camera to evaluate its performance for different types of photography including portraiture, wedding, landscape, astrophotography and wildlife. Hence, the review is a collective effort and will be presented from different perspectives of our contributors.

Before I delve into the review, let’s first go over the camera’s technical specifications and compare them side by side with the predecessors, the Nikon D800 and the D800E.

1) Nikon D810 Specifications

Main Features and Specifications:

1. Sensor: 36.3 MP FX, 4.8µ pixel size
2. Sensor Size: 35.9 x 24mm
3. Resolution: 7360 x 4912
4. DX Mode: 15.3 MP
5. DX Mode Resolution: 4800 x 3200
6. Native ISO Sensitivity: 64-12,800
7. Boost Low ISO Sensitivity: 32
8. Boost High ISO Sensitivity: 25,600-51,200
9. sRAW File Support: 12-bit uncompressed
10. Processor: EXPEED 4
11. Metering System: 3D Color Matrix Meter III with highlight weighted metering
12. Dust Reduction: Yes
13. Weather Sealing/Protection: Yes
14. Body Build: Full Magnesium Alloy
15. White Balance: New White Balance System with up to 6 presets
16. Shutter: Up to 1/8000 and 30 sec exposure
17. Shutter Durability: 200,000 cycles, self-diagnostic shutter
18. Camera Lag: 0.012 seconds
19. Storage: 1x CF slot and 1x SD slot
20. Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
21. Speed: 5 FPS, 6 FPS in DX / 1.2X mode, 7 FPS in DX Crop Mode with optional MB-D12 battery pack
22. Exposure Meter: 91,000 pixel RGB sensor
23. Built-in Flash: Yes, with Commander Mode, full CLS compatibility
24. Autofocus System: Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX with Group Area AF
25. AF Detection: Up to f/8 with 9 focus points (5 in the center, 2 on the left and right)
26. LCD Screen: 3.2 inch diagonal with 1,229K dots
27. Movie Modes: Full 1080p HD @ 60 fps max
28. Movie Exposure Control: Full

Nikon D3300 Review

When it hit the market last year, the Nikon D3200 shook things up with the introduction of a 24-megapixel sensor at a previously unheard-of price point. Barely missing out on the title belt for entry-level cameras, the D3200 earned a respect among shooters as a solid camera regardless of its price.

Hoping to build on that success, Nikon released a successor: theD3300 (MSRP $649.95). A lighter chassis, 24.2-megapixel sensor with no AA-filter, and the new Expeed 4 processor make the D3300 a new contender for a new year.

This is very much an entry-level camera, but the numbers out of our labs tell the tale of a solid piece of equipment that holds its own in a sea of high-performance shooters. It doesn't hurt that the D3300 has guide modes to walk you through learning all about how to use your new SLR in addition to all the traditional shooting modes, truly making this a camera for just about anybody.

Design & Handling

You could be forgiven for mistaking the D3300 for the D3200 when you first see it, because it's a virtual clone of the older camera. Same controls, same shape, same aesthetics—if you've ever seen the Nikon D3200, you've seen the D3300. Because the older camera set a high-water mark for the entry level when it was released, that's hardly a criticism. However, there are a few hardware tweaks under the hood that do make a substantial difference.

Even an iterative upgrade is still an upgrade.

Pentax K-S1 Review

The Pentax K-S1 is the smallest Digital SLR from Pentax, available in a number of colours, and is one of the most modern looking Pentax DSLRs launched with an updated user interface and updated control system on the back. The camera has 5 LEDs on the front grip, and a light surrounding the shutter release button changes colour depending what mode you are in, turning red in video mode, and green in photo mode. The controls on the back of the camera are also illuminated which could be useful in low-light or at night, and the camera features a large mode dial.

Pentax K-S1 Features:

Canon 7D Mark II Review

When the Canon 7D came out in 2009, it soon became one of the most popular DSLRs ever. It was fast, rugged, with great video features, all for a whole lot cheaper than the more pro-oriented 5D Mark II. Five years later, the 7D Mark II makes its debut with plenty of powerful specs, yet it's not likely to be the same wide-reaching hit as the original.

The 7D Mark II, which costs $1,800 for just the body or $2,149 with an 18-135mm kit lens, is a high performance camera. Its 20.2 megapixel APS-C size sensor is relatively humble in resolution, but the sheer computing power that drives it is staggering. It has many of the same guts as the uber-souped up $6,800 Canon 1DX. That's some impressive tech to squeeze into a device meant largely for advanced amateurs. This power is mainly used to drive the camera's two main selling points—autofocus performance and burst speed. It's tailor-made for shooting fast moving subjects like sporting events or wildlife. That's the niche Canon is chasing.

Please note that the unit we tested was a pre-production sample. After speaking with Canon, we are confident that the production units will be almost identical, but keep in mind that there could be tweaks in the version that is available for purchase.

Sony Alpha 7 Review

BY JIM FISHER

The Alpha 7 ($1,699.99 direct, body only)$1,698.00 at Amazon is one of a pair of new full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony. Aside from the model badge, it looks the same as its twin, the Alpha 7R£1,258.79 at SlrHut, but the two cameras are quite different internally. The Alpha 7 is built for speed thanks to a 24-megapixel image sensor with on-chip phase detect autofocus sensors and a 5fps burst shooting rate. The camera is impressive and a joy to use, but we give the edge to the 36-megapixel Alpha 7R, which earns our Editors' Choice award for full-frame mirrorless cameras. For an extra $600 you sacrifice just a little bit of speed, but gain a 50 percent increase in image resolution and a images that are critically sharp thanks to a sensor design that omits the low pass filter.

Build

Quite compact when you consider its full-frame image sensor, the Alpha 7 measures just 3.75 by 5 by 1.9 inches (HWD) and weighs about a pound without a lens. The Leica M (Typ 240)$7,250.00 at Amazon, the first full-frame mirrorless camera with Live View, measures 3.1 by 5.5 by 1.7 inches, but is heavier at 1.5 pounds. The Leica gets some of its extra weight from its brass construction and optical viewfinder; the Alpha 7's extra height is due to its built-in OLED EVF. The body itself is sealed against dust and moisture; I had no issues shooting in lighter rain. Lenses don't have an o-ring gasket around the mount, so I'd be a little wary of using the camera in very heavy rain.

The Alpha 7 uses the same E-mount to attach lenses as previous Sony NEX cameras, including the NEX-6$649.99 at Crutchfield.com, which uses an APS-C image sensor. An APS-C sensor is physically smaller than the 35mm full-frame image sensor housed in the Alpha 7's svelte body. It's possible to use older lenses for NEX cameras that only cover an APS-C image circle; the Alpha 7 will automatically crop images to match the APS-C sensor size when these lenses are attached. Lenses designed for the full-frame Alpha 7 and 7R bear an FE designation.

Canon 5D Mark III Review

This is an in-depth review of the new Canon 5D Mark III, a highly anticipated DSLR update to the Canon 5D Mark II that was released back in 2008. Built on the success of the 5D Mark II and featuring the most advanced autofocus system Canon has released to date from its EOS-1D X line, the Canon 5D Mark III is a rather promising upgrade to the 5D line. With an enhanced image sensor with ISO 100 to 25,600 native ISO range, fully weather-sealed camera body, 6 fps burst shooting speed and dual card support, the 5D Mark III seems to target all kinds of photography – from landscapes and fashion to sports and wildlife photography. In this review, I will not only provide detailed information about the camera, but will also compare it to the older Canon 5D Mark II, the Nikon D3s and the new Nikon D800.

I have been shooting with the Canon 5D Mark III for close to three months by now. I received it around the same time when I got a hold of the Nikon D800 and it has been a very interesting journey, shooting with both of these cameras side by side. As you may already know, I have been a Nikonian for a while now and most of the camera and lens reviews I have published to date cover Nikon products. Starting from earlier this year, I decided to expand my reach to Sony, Fujifilm and Canon cameras and lenses. While I personally prefer to stay focused on my brand of choice, some of the tests I perform compare performance across brands, so I decided that it would be best for me to get familiar with other camera systems as well. So far I have been enjoying this process and my overall impression at the moment is that all camera systems out there have their own advantages and disadvantages, just like I stated in my Nikon vs Canon vs Sony article, and no one camera system is superior than another. In short, no camera is perfect. I own a lot of Nikon gear and prefer shooting with it, because I started my journey into the world of digital photography with a Nikon DSLR. Had I started with a Canon or a Sony DSLR, my site would have been either Canon or Sony-centric instead.

Canon 6D Review

Although the Canon 6D has now been out for almost two years, I never had a chance to review it. Since the new Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art series lens was initially available only for the Canon mount, I requested the Canon 6D with the lens from our trusted partner B&H Photo Video. My aim was to review both, as I had been planning to review the 6D for a long time now. Ever since I reviewed the Canon 5D Mark III, our readers have been asking us to test out other Canon DSLRs, including the 6D. So this was a good opportunity to catch up, although quite late. Well, better late than never, I guess! Instead of covering everything in much detail though, I will be mostly summing things up based on my three month experience with the camera and feedback from others – I don’t think there is a need to spend a lot of time on this, especially after the camera has been in the market for so long and reviewed by so many people.
As you may already know, the Canon 6D came out at the same time Nikon released its budget full-frame Nikon D600 DSLR. So in many ways, both cameras were introduced to compete with one another. Because of this, I will be often referring to the D600 / D610 for comparisons, including image quality results. Keep in mind that a lot of what I say about the Canon 6D is obviously from the standpoint of a long time Nikon shooter.

1) Canon 6D Specifications

Main Features and Specifications:

1. Sensor: 20.2 MP full frame CMOS sensor, 6.55µ pixel size
2. Sensor Size: 35.8 x 23.9mm
3. Resolution: 5472 x 3648
4. Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-25,600
5. Boost Low ISO Sensitivity: 50
6. Boost High ISO Sensitivity: 51,200-102,400
7. Sensor Cleaning System: Yes
8. Image Processor: DIGIC 5+
9. Autofocus System: 11-point AF with 1 cross-type sensor
10. Lens mount: Canon EF
11. Weather Sealing/Protection: Yes
12. Body Build: Polycarbonate
13. Shutter: Up to 1/4000 and 30 sec exposure
14. Storage: 1x SD (SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible)
15. Viewfinder Type: Pentaprism with 97% coverage
16. Speed: 4.5 FPS
17. Exposure Meter: 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor
18. Built-in Flash: No
19. LCD Screen: 3.2 inch diagonal with 1,040,000 dots
20. Movie Modes: 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps)
21. Movie Output: AVI, H.264/MPEG-4 in MOV Format
22. Built-in Microphone: Mono
23. In-Camera HDR Capability: Yes
24. GPS: Built-in
25. Battery Type: LP-E6
26. Battery Life: 980 (CIPA)
27. USB Standard: 2.0
28. Weight: 680g (excluding battery)
29. Price: $2,099 MSRP on introduction, $1,899 MSRP current (as of 07/10/2014)

However, the Canon 6D has a few strengths worth pointing out that do matter to me personally, which I wish the Nikon D600 / D610 had. First, the Canon 6D has a built-in GPS. For a portrait photographer, this might be a useless feature, but for a landscape photographer, being able to get GPS information from each location where I shoot is very valuable. Unfortunately, GPS is Nikon’s weakness and I do not like the idea of mounting a GPS unit on the hot shoe, which has to be connected to the side of the camera! I have tried it once and will never do it again, hoping that we will someday see an integrated GPS module… Nikon finally introduced GPS in the Nikon D5300, but they again missed it out on the newly announced Nikon D810, so I am still waiting!

Another feature that can be quite useful when traveling is WiFi. Although it is cool to be able to control the camera remotely via WiFi, my primary interest is in being able to wirelessly transmit images from my camera to my phone to instantly share photos with my friends and family. The Nikon D600 / D610 do not have this feature and also require an external unit.

Lastly, the Canon 6D is pretty solid in terms of build and quality, while the Nikon D600 was a disaster, thanks to its sensor dust issue. After many months of failing to acknowledge the problem, Nikon silently released the Nikon D610 as an update, stating that the camera was introduced “in response to demand from a great number of users for a faster continuous shooting rate and the addition of a quiet continuous shutter-release mode” (see this article), which was a total lie. After many complaints and a number of lawsuits, Nikon was finally pressured to admit the fault and issued a D600 service advisory to take care of the problem. From this point, Canon 6D only had a single issue related to uploading of videos to YouTube, which Canon later fixed with a firmware update. This situation proved that we should look beyond pure specifications when evaluating our needs. What’s better, a camera with some limitations that works well, or a better featured camera that has ongoing dust problems? I pick the former and I am sure you would too, if you were one of those affected D600 users…

source: photographylife

Sonya Alpha 600 Review

Recently I received information from an apparently well informed gentleman about an upcoming A600 DSLR from Sony. I'm not normally in the rumor business here but I wanted to share this with readers mainly because of the source of the rumor. I also think it's directly related to a highly debated topic and therefore newsworthy. Yes this is about an actual DSLR rumor, not a rumor about an SLT model. This person who shared this information has given me inside (and secret) information in the past, but has not contacted me in about 2 years. Unlike information shared previously to me, this time I've been told I can share it. Based on this persons past reputation with sharing highly detailed information... it caught my interest. Here's what I was told, summarized and broken down: Supposedly this model will replace the existing A580 DSLRand be at a slightly higher price point, but lower than the A65.This camera will fill the gap between the upcoming (and rumored) A57 model and the current A65SLT for those who prefer a traditional DSLR. 

I was told that for now Sony's reaction to gathered marketplace demand is to keep traditional and non traditional DSLRS in the fold, but that only two OVF DSLRS would stay in the lineup. Priority is now given to SLT but that OVF are not yet out of the lineup. At least not yet. Apparently this is a pretty sudden switch in strategy, according to him. The A600 is supposedly designed to be more affordable at the production level but does not skimp on features, and is designed for enthusiasts based on their demand. The design decisions were cost cutting without sacrificing much of what enthusiasts desire in a DSLR- good for Sony and good for the traditional consumer. Loose specifications I received for the possible A600 are as follows: 

• New body design, similar to A65 in size 
• Larger brighter OVF than the A580 (still penta-mirror, cost savings) at .92x magnification "w/data overlay" @ 97% coverage 
• Similar live view system as the A450 (away goes the second sensor and mechanisms that cost extra money), more traditional main sensor live view with faster contrast detect AF than previous Sony DSLRS, this time for all lenses 
• updated 18.4 mp APS-C CMOS sensor (See update this has now changed) -up to 8fps capture with full metering and af capabilities (A580 could do only 5fps with metering/af) 
• same battery as A580, A65, A77 -new "wide coverage" 15 point AF system (new type with 5 cross type sensors) 
• full 1080p HD video will be included (no specifics on this)
• Dual card slots (no specifics on type) -New pop up flash (not sure how this will work, assume bounce and regular?) -
• Silver and Black model (depending on territory) 
• New quieter mirror box mechanism and shutter 
• First curtain electronic shutter mode 
• Moisture/dust preventive measures (but not moisture or dust resistant) 
• 3 custom function buttons 
• Updated Quick Navi Menu interface (assume like A65's which isn't true quick navi like A900/etc.) 
• Dual control wheels, rear is scroll and click type 
• Due this year before fall Now again this is a rumor I received- but the way in which it was worded sounded legitimate enough to share. 

Normally I ignore these kinds of emails when then come in. The specifications are indeed interesting and conceivable to me- yet despite the sources reputation, I always hold on things being fact till I see something in the flesh. Again- I'm reporting this because this person has given me credible inside information in the past (the type unfortunately I had to keep secret), and gives the rumor credence I suppose, based solely on his accurate information (and pictures sent) in the past. I was also told that originally the A600 had already been designed, then scrapped. But because of higher than expected demand for an optical viewing path alongside the demand for EVF, the project that was initially scrapped was brought back to life. To me this sounds a bit too good to be true, but it's reasonable to assume I suppose that Sony could produce both EVF and OVF DSLRS until such time as a viable replacement for both comes to fruition. Also, the numerical name of the DSLR makes complete sense, both as a replacement for the A580 DSLRand for the tradition of past "6" series cameras. The A65is a tweener model, a lot bang for the buck, the A600 seems to be the optical equivalent of that cameras hierarchy- optical or electronic choice for A-Mount users. Could it be? Sony are going to provide a choice afterall in the mid range segment? Rumors on SAR state there will be an A900 replacement with an OVF maybe one in the mid range too isn't so crazy. I'm both skeptical and optimistic about this rumor based on the source and current Sony strategy. I really don't see this happening personally, but I do hope its true though! I would love to be wrong about what Sony are going to do in the future and for them to pull a 180 like this. Would a move like that endear traditional users back to Sony? Tough question but surely it would pique their interest at the very least. Last thought I have on this subject is just an excerpt from an interesting interview that my buddies at Imaging-Resource conducted with Mark Weir from Sony USA : http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/01/15/sony-interview-10-years-hence-will-mirror-based-cameras-be-a-distant-memory The excerpt that peaked my interest is when Dave Etchells asks Mark if Sony would respond to the market if there were a cry out for traditional DSLRS: "DE: So if you see a large, angry mob of customers coming demanding a conventional SLR... Sony would respond." And Mark's answer was: "MW: I think Sony always keeps their customers in the front of their minds." The question remains at just how much outcry (if any) Sony have heard or noticed and if indeed there was enough to keep at least two optical path "traditional" DSLRS in Sony's Alpha lineup. Apparently according to the source, there was. I guess that remains to be seen. If I hear more about a supposed A600, I will report it. I've been told an update about this rumored camera will come in the future, more specifics about the camera that I'll be allowed to share. Interesting, to say the least. Guess we'll see what happens.