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Panasonic introduces Lumix DC-S5 stills/video hybrid camera

05 Sep

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Panasonic has announced the Lumix DC-S5, a compact full-frame mirrorless camera for creators who want good still and video capabilities, without having to haul around the S1 or S1H.

The S5 features a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor, also found in the S1, which has a standard ISO range of 100-51,200. Its 5-axis image stabilizer can reduce shake by up to 6.5 stops when paired with a compatible lens, and the sensor-shift system allows for the creation of 96MP high-res JPEGs or Raws. The autofocus system has been revamped, with less ‘wobble’ when focusing and faster and a new ‘head detection’ function.

A firmware update later this year will add Cinema 4K, Raw video output, vector scope display and more.

The S5 is loaded with video features, with more to come later this year. It can capture 10-bit 4:2:0 4K/60p video with an APS-C crop, or 10-bit 4:2:2 using the full width of the sensor at 30p or 24p. There’s a 30 minute time limit when shooting 10-bit and no limit with 8-bit. The S5 offers V-Log / V-Gamut and HLG, and also has anamorphic and Slow&Quick modes. Headphone and mic sockets are onboard, and the camera supports the company’s XLR adapter. A firmware update later this year will add DCI ‘Cinema’ 4K, Raw video output, vector scope display and more.

GH5, S5, S1H

Design-wise, the S5 is considerably more compact than the other S-series models, and a bit smaller and lighter than the GH5. It has a magnesium alloy chassis and is sealed against dust and moisture. Its fully articulating touchscreen has 1.84M dots, while its electronic viewfinder has 2.36M dots. The camera has dual SD card slots, though only one supports UHS-II speeds. Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available for transferring images to your smartphone. The S5 uses the new DMW-BLK22 battery, which can crank out 440 shots per charge using the LCD and 470 with the EVF, according to CIPA ratings. A battery grip is optional.

The Lumix DC-S5 will be available in mid-September at a price of $ 1999 for the body and $ 2299 when kitted with the 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens. If you’re in the U.S. and preorder by the end of September, Panasonic will send you a Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN lens at no charge.

Read our Panasonic S5 initial review

Press Release

New Hybrid Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, the LUMIX S5

Featuring Exceptional Image Quality in High Sensitivity Photo/Video And Stunning Mobility

Newark, NJ – (September 2, 2020) Panasonic is delighted to announce the new LUMIX S5, a new hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera that achieves both excellent performance in photo/video and stunning mobility for serious photographers and videographers.

At the heart of the camera, the LUMIX S5 contains a 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor that boasts a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity performance. The LUMIX S5 further realizes recording maximum ISO 51,200 crystal-clear high sensitivity video with the adoption of the Dual Native ISO technology.

As a pioneer of photo/video hybrid mirrorless cameras, LUMIX has the largest lineup of cameras that record 4K 10-bit video[*1]. As the latest member of the family, the LUMIX S5 is capable of 4K 60p/50p4:2:0 10-bit, and 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording. It is also capable of 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. For 4K 30p 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording, there is no time limit. Panasonic’s exceptional heat dispersion technology delivers stable, long-time video recording. The LUMIX S5 provides 14+ stops of dynamic range, which is as wide as those of cinema cameras, and V-Log / V-Gamut compatibility with popular colorimetry called “VariCam Look.” A variety of recording formats and modes including 4:3 Anamorphic mode, Slow & Quick Motion, 4K/60p interval shooting and 4K HDR are also provided.

The LUMIX S5 boasts high-speed, high-precision AF (Auto Focus) in both photo shooting and video recording that are made possible with advanced deep-learning technology featuring real-time detection of the subject’s type and features such as human eye, face, head and body.

Combining the Body I.S. (5-axis) in the camera and the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) in the LUMIX S Series lens, the 5-axis Dual I.S.2 prevents blurred images with the use of a 6.5-stop[*2] slower shutter speed. The splash/dust-resistant rugged design provides professional photographers with high reliability.

To enhance the photographic experience, the 96-megapixel High Resolution Mode (JPEG/RAW), Live View Composite function and HLG Photo mode are available.

Thanks to the high energy efficiency and a new 2,200mAh high-capacity battery, it can capture approximately 470 pictures (using the LVF) / 1,500 pictures (in Power Save LVF mode). Power and charging are possible via the USB-C port. Double SD Card slot (UHS-IIx1 and UHS-I x1), 5GHz/2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity are also supported. The LUMIX S Series full-frame mirrorless camera system adopts the L-Mount system to provide users with a diverse and future-proof range of products from Panasonic, Leica Camera and Sigma. Panasonic now offers four innovative models in the LUMIX S Series of full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras – the S1R, the S1, the S1H, and the new S5. The LUMIX S1R is ideal for taking high-resolution images, the LUMIX S1 is an advanced hybrid camera for high-quality photos and videos, and the LUMIX S1H is designed and developed specifically for film production. The LUMIX S5 packs the essence of these conventional S Series cameras in a compact, lightweight body. With this lineup, Panasonic is committed to meeting the demands of all creators by challenging the constant evolution of the photo/video culture in today’s new digital era.

*1 *Of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, as of September 2, 2020.

*2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=200mm when S-E70200 is used. Firmware must be updated to the latest version.

  1. High image quality even in high sensitivity photo/video and Dual I.S. to suppress virtually any type of blurring

The LUMIX S5 contains a 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor (35.6 mm x 23.8mm). The LUMIX S5 boasts a wide dynamic range and reproduces sharp images with exceptional clarity. Noise is minimized even when shot at maximum ISO 51,200 high sensitivity. It is an ideal camera to use especially in low-light situations.

The LUMIX S5 features Dual Native ISO sensitivity, the technology that was first introduced in the Panasonic professional cinema camera VariCam line-up. Normally, noise increases as sensitivity rises with a single native ISO image sensor. However, the image sensor with Dual Native ISO in the S5 minimizes noise generation by choosing an optimal circuit to use according to the sensitivity before gain processing. As a result, it allows a maximum ISO 51,200 high sensitivity recording. Dual Native ISO gives film creators a greater variety of artistic choices as well as the ability to use less light on the set, saving time. The LUMIX S5’s Dual Native ISOs are 640 and 4000[*1].

Taking full advantage of its high-resolution sensor, the LUMIX S5 provides a High Resolution mode that faithfully reproduces precise details to be saved as beautiful, highly realistic images not only RAW but also in JPEG. Eight consecutive images are automatically shot while shifting the sensor using the Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) mechanism and synthesized into a 96-megapixel equivalent (12,000 x 8,000-pixel) image by the Venus Engine, which boasts high-speed signal processing. This high-resolution photo is ideal for landscape photography of stationary subjects or artwork with delicate details using a tripod. However, it can also be used in situations where moving subjects are included in the scene, by switching the sub mode.

The LUMIX S5 integrates the Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) for powerful handshake correction. Panasonic developed an algorithm that precisely calculates shaky movements sensed by the gyro sensor, image sensor and accelerometer sensor. This enables more accurate shake detection and compensation, making it possible to use a 5-stop slower shutter speed[*2]. Combining the Body I.S. (5-axis) in the camera and the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) in the LUMIX S Series lens, the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 the correction power is maximized to allow 6.5-stop slower shutter speed[*3]. It is highly beneficial in telephoto shots and in adverse situations, such as in low-light or with one-handed shooting. The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 works for both photo and video recording, including 4K. The Body I.S. compensates for camera movement even when other L-Mount lenses without O.I.S. are used.

With the new Live View Composite function, the camera releases the shutter at designated intervals of exposure time and synthesizes the parts with high luminosity to produce a single picture. While the total brightness of each consecutive image is accumulated in bulb shooting, only the target subject, the bright parts of an image, are detected and the user can synthesize them carefully while seeing it in live view. This is useful for capturing shots of fireworks or stars in the night sky where the background needs no gain-increase.

*1 When recording mode is set to V-Log. The sensitivity varies depending on the recording mode.

*2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm when S-R2060 is used.

*3 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=200mm when S-E70200 is used

  1. Exceptional video recording performance for cinema-quality film creation

As a pioneer of photo/video hybrid mirrorless cameras, LUMIX has the largest lineup[*1] of cameras that record 4K 10-bit video. As the latest member of the family, the LUMIX S5 is capable of 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit, and 4K 30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording up to 30 minutes. It is also capable of 4K 60p4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output. For 4K 30p 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording, there is no time limit. It will comply with RAW video output to ATOMOS NINJA V over HDMI as well as C4K video recording with the future firmware update (which will be detailed in Chapter 6).

Dynamic range measures the luminance range that a digital camera can capture. The LUMIX S5 delivers 14+ stops of Dynamic Range, which are virtually the same as those of the Panasonic cinema cameras, to precisely reproduce everything from dark to bright areas. The ability to capture accurate colors and rich skin tones is a must for any filmmaker. The LUMIX S5 imports the renowned colorimetry of the VariCam lineup of cinema cameras. The LUMIX S5 contains V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver a high dynamic range and broad colors. V-Log renders a very flat image while maintaining all of the color information within the image. This means that there is a greater level of play when the images are put through post-production processes. The CMOS sensor of the LUMIX S5 achieves a wide color gamut known as V-Gamut, which is the S5’s optimum color space and achieves a color space that is wider than BT.2020. V-Log has log curve characteristics that are somewhat reminiscent of negative film and V-Gamut delivers a color space even larger than film. 35 conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras can be downloaded free of charge for use in the LUMIX S5. It is easy to match the color tone with the footage recorded in V-Log of S1H/S1 and V-Log L of GH5/GH5S. Practical tools like a Waveform Monitor and V-Log View Assist are also available.

With Slow & Quick mode, impressive video slow and quick motion video in 4K(1-60fps, 30x quick to 2.5x slow) or in FHD (1-180fps, 60x quick to 7.5x slow) is available. It is possible to use AF[*2] to capture the subject in sharp focus in this mode, too. It can also be accessed directly using the mode dial.

The HDR (High Dynamic Range) video recording in 4K is also available, which reproduces both the bright parts and dark parts of an image, making it appear as if seen in person. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and the user can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in Photo Style. The HLG[*3] Photo mode provides a wider dynamic range to reproduce light and shadow with more natural contrast. The HLG Photos can also be produced as an HSP file[*4] with compressed high-brightness signals in its full resolution (5,888 x 3,312, in 16:9) in addition to JPEG/RAW files. The user can playback these vibrant images on the latest Panasonic HLG-compliant 4KTV via HDMI cable connection or other HLG-compliant devices.

For more continuous burst shooting, 6K PHOTO[*5] makes it possible to capture unmissable moments at 30 fps by extracting the frame with the best timing out of a 6K burst file (in 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio) to save as an approximate 18-megapixel equivalent high-resolution photo.

*1 Of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, as of September 2, 2020

*2 The AF mode switches to MF when the frame rate is set to of 150 fps or more. The angle of view is reduced when the frame rate is set to 180 fps. Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 30 minutes.

*3 “HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)” is an international standard (ITU-R BT.2100) HDR format.

*4 “HSP” is an HDR picture format using HLG format video technology.

*5 6K PHOTO’ is a high speed burst shooting function that cuts a still image out of a 4:3 or 3:2 video footage with approx.18-megapixel (approx. 6000 x 3000 effective pixel count) that the 6K image manages.

  1. High-speed, high-precision AF achieved supported by real-time detection technology

The LUMIX S5 boasts high-speed, high-precision AF in both photo shooting and video recording. Combining the Contrast AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, it focuses on the target in approximately 0.08 sec[*1]. As a camera that excels in low-light shooting, the LUMIX S5 boasts -6EV[*2] luminance detection performance with Low Light AF thanks to the higher sensitivity and optimized tuning of the sensor. Allowing maximum 480 fps communication speed between the sensor and the lens, users can take full advantage of this high-speed, high-precision AF when LUMIX S Series lens is used.

The LUMIX S5 also incorporates an advanced deep learning technology that detects specific subjects like humans and fast-moving animals. Notably for humans, the head is separately recognized from the eye, face and body by real-time detection technology to provide even more precise focusing. The camera continually tracks an individual even if they move quickly, turn their back to the camera, tilt their head or move far away from the camera. On the other hand, improvements to the DFD technology has enhanced AFC, which also enables users to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects to capture them in crisp focus.

*1 11EV, at wide-end with S-R24105 (CIPA) in LVF120 fps setting.

*2 At ISO100, F1.4, AFS

  1. Reliable basic performance and expandability for creative freedom

The LUMIX S5 boasts outstanding mobility yet excels in basic performance and expandability. To withstand heavy field use, the LUMIX S5 is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast body and is splash/dust-resistant[*1]. With an optimum layout of heat dispersion components, heat is effectively transferred outside which results in stable, continuous video recording for a long time.

The LUMIX S5 has a large LVF (Live View Finder) with a high magnification ratio of approx. 0.74x. High-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display features 2,360K-dot high resolution. Adoption of OLED for the LVF achieves high speed response with minimum time lag of less than 0.005 sec. With an eyepoint of approximately 20 mm, it offers high visibility with comfort for users wearing glasses.

A 3.0-inch free-angle LCD in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution provides touch control. Composition during recording in various popular aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16 can be checked with the Frame Marker function. The REC Frame Indicator identifies whether the camera is recording or not.

The LUMIX S5 has a double SD Memory Card slot. One slot complies with UHS-I and the other with the high-speed, high-capacity UHS-II (Video Class 90). The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or USB according to the user’s convenience.

Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. The settings of a LUMIX S5 camera can also be copied and transmitted wirelessly to other S5 cameras when using multiple S5 cameras. Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac) [*2] also is effective in addition to 2.4-GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n.) This provides secure and stable connection on location for smooth remote control and high-speed data transfer.

*1 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

*2 5GHz Wi-Fi is not available in some countries.

  1. Optional accessories and application software

A variety of accessories can be used for the LUMIX S5 to enhance its usability and convenience. Microphone Adaptor (DMW-XLR1) is a plug-in type adaptor for an XLR microphone to record high-quality stereo sound. It is ideal for lip-sync recording. Dedicated switches allow direct, quick control. MIC, LINE and CONDENSER MICROPHONES are switchable. Battery Grip (DMW-BGS5) allows approximately 940 pictures (using the LVF) / 3000 pictures (in Power Save LVF mode) with an extra battery inside the grip. More accessories such as Remote Shutter (DMW-RS2), DC coupler (DMW-DCC17), Tripod Grip (DMW-SHGR1) are available.

Application software LUMIX Tether enables tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. It lets them view the image on a large PC screen while shooting. For live streaming, LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) with LIVE VIEW mode can be used.

The LUMIX Sync application for iOS/Android devices enables photo transmission to a smartphone or a tablet via easy wireless connection. It also allows remote control of the camera using these devices.

  1. Future Firmware Update

To further enhance its performance, a firmware update is scheduled for the LUMIX S5 by the end of 2020. In addition to C4K video recording, it will support RAW video data output to ATOMOS NINJA V over HDMI at a resolution of 5.9K (5888×3312) 29.97p/25p, 4K(4128×2176) 59.94p/50p and Anamorphic 3.5K (3536×2656)/50p. A variety of video recording assist functions such as the Vector Scope Display, Master Pedestal Adjustment and SS/Gain Operation(SEC/ISO, ANGLE/ISO, SEC/dB) will also be available. L.MonochromeS and L.ClassicNeo are the new options to be added for Photo Style.

The Lumix S5 will be available at valued channel partners in mid-September for $ 1999.99 for the body only and $ 2299.99 with a 20-60 kit lens.

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 1999 (body only), $ 2299 (w/20-60mm lens)
Body type
Body type SLR-style mirrorless
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 6000 x 4000
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels
Sensor size Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Venus Engine
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 50
Boosted ISO (maximum) 204800
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes 5-axis Dual IS 2
CIPA image stabilization rating 6.5 stop(s)
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, standard
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.31)
  • Raw (Panasonic RW2, 12-bit)
  • HLG (CTA-2072)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 225
Lens mount Leica L
Focal length multiplier 1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,840,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.74×
Viewfinder resolution 2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Syn./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash X sync speed 1/250 sec
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Highlight-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264, H.265
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3328 x 2496 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3328 x 2496 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported in slot 1)
Connectivity
USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging Yes (Power Delivery supported)
HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11ac (dual-band) + Bluetooth
Remote control Yes (wired or via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description DMW-BLK22 lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 440
Weight (inc. batteries) 714 g (1.57 lb / 25.19 oz)
Dimensions 133 x 97 x 82 mm (5.24 x 3.82 x 3.23)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Fujifilm X-T4 is the best stills/video hybrid for under $2000

28 Jun

We’ve updated our Best cameras under $ 2000 buying guide, and the Fujifilm X-T4 is our top pick for those seeking a camera that excels and both stills and video shooting.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Netflix certifies the Panasonic S1H for productions, making it the smallest (and only stills/video) camera on the list

26 Oct

Panasonic’s full-frame S1H full-frame mirrorless camera has been certified as a Netflix primary camera and is now part of the Netflix Post Technology Alliance. This recognition means productions are now able to use the relatively affordable S1H as a main camera, so long as the footage is captured within a range of formats and settings.

As laid out in Netflix’s camera production guide, the S1H needs to be shot in at least 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels or 4096 x 2160 pixels) in V-Log with 4:2:2 10-bit All-I (400Mbps) encoding and pixel-for-pixel readout in either full-frame or Super 35 modes.

The capture settings Netflix is requiring of the S1H, according to the camera production guide linked above.

Other specific requirements within the production guide include Noise Reduction be set to zero and sharpening be set to zero, while less-strict recommendations include turning off diffraction compensation and vignetting compensation. Additional suggestions include using the S1H’s Pixel Refresh setting at least yearly, using the sensor cleaning feature and making sure the firmware is always up to date.

Currently, there are no current Netflix Original productions using the S1H, ‘to the best of [Panasonic’s] knowledge,’ but having the full-frame mirrorless camera available as an approved camera should draw massive appeal for smaller operations where budget is more a factor. Yes, $ 4000 for a single camera body isn’t cheap, but it’s easily the most affordable camera on Netflix’s approved list, which includes the like of ARRI’s Alexa LF, Canon C700, RED Weapon Dragon 8K And Sony F55 camera systems.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS 80D vs Sony a6300: vying for the stills/video hybrid crown

15 Aug

Introduction

The Sony a6300 and Canon EOS 80D are visually very different cameras. One looks like Canon DSLRs always have, the other looks a lot like Sony’s original NEX line of mirrorless cameras.

Yet, despite their clearly distinct roots, dig a little deeper and you find hints of convergent evolution. The on-sensor phase detection of the a6300 helps it offer autofocus that can compete with DSLRs, while the dual-pixel design of the EOS 80D helps it offer better live view operation and focus than any previous Canon DSLR.

What’s true of both is that they’re their maker’s offering for the stills enthusiast who might want to try their hand at video. In many respects they’re still as different as they are similar, but their relative strengths and weaknesses aren’t necessarily quite as you’d expect. All of which can make it hard to know which one to choose…

DSLR vs Mirrorless

Some of the differences between the cameras come down to the fact that one is a DSLR while the other is mirrorless. No matter how much technology closes the gap in performance between the two systems, the DSLR structure allows the provision of a TTL optical viewfinder, while a mirrorless camera is more likely to include an electronic viewfinder.

Many people, in part as a consequence of familiarity, prefer an optical viewfinder, but there are advantages to each approach. The a6300’s viewfinder is able to show a corrected preview when working with the super-flat S-Log gamma profiles, as well as being able to overlay focus peaking and exposure warnings into its viewfinder, in a way that can’t be done with an optical viewfinder. This is on top of the ability to visualize the exposure and white balance of the final image.

Finally, an electronic viewfinder need not be constrained by the size of the sensor format, as the optical view of a DSLR’s mirror is. In this instance, the a6300’s finder is around 20% larger than that of the Canon. Its fast refresh means it’s better able to help you follow the action than ever before.

DSLR vs Mirrorless

However, one of the traditional advantages of a mirrorless camera is that they can be smaller and the a6300 certainly has the edge in that respect. Its kit zoom may not be the best-loved or most consistent lens on the market, but it does a great job of keeping the size of the overall package down.

There’s a well worn adage that the best camera is the one you have with you and all but the most dedicated photographers are likely to find the a6300 much more convenient to carry with them. Disregarding macho nonsense about carrying the weight of a DSLR, the a6300’s much smaller form factor may well be the difference between you keeping a camera with you and only bringing it along when you expect to need it.

That said, the 80D’s optical viewfinder means it doesn’t have to have its screen on all the time. This certainly helps towards it having a CIPA battery rating 2.4x greater than the Sony (960 shots per charge, vs 400 on the Sony or 350 through the electronic viewfinder).

Handling

Some of the differences between the two cameras don’t directly stem from the DSLR/mirrorless distinction. There are plenty of mirrorless cameras that offer DSLR-like control points, but the a6300 doesn’t follow that path.

While Sony has increasingly stepped away from its innovative but simplistic NEX interface, the a6300 doesn’t offer the level of at-your-fingertips control that you’d usually get for this much money. There are two command dials but both of them are operated with the same digit, and the one on the rear face of the camera requires you to move your hand out of a shooting grip (which makes it unnecessarily fiddly). The camera does at least give plenty of customization of its buttons and Fn menu, so you can choose which options to get fast and semi-fast access to, but there remain features we want access to that are unassignable, and we’ve sometimes found ourselves running out of assignable buttons. I don’t think even its most strident supporter would consider the a6300’s handling to be amongst its strengths. 

By contrast, the Canon does a great job of blending its well-worn stills control layout with a simple but effective level of touchscreen control, making the 80D a much more engaging and direct-feeling camera to shoot with. Yes, it’s very traditional approach, but it works well for stills and has been adapted pretty well for shooting video, too. And I doubt many people would have guessed that it’d be Canon, rather than Sony, that brought touchscreens to its enthusiast cameras first.

Autofocus

The days of being able to simply say ‘DSLRs are better at focusing’ is long gone, but that isn’t to say that all cameras are now equal – different technologies have different areas of strength.

The EOS 80D’s through-the-viewfinder focus is generally good when shooting approaching subjects but seems to struggle at the camera’s highest frame rate. The hit rate falls further if the camera has to track subjects moving around the frame. Like most DSLRs, it can also exhibit some focus imprecision on close-up, shallow depth-of-field photos.

By comparison, the a6300 offers excellent autofocus in a lot of circumstances. Its subject tracking is generally very good and will follow a single, clearly defined subject around the frame as it moves, though it’s not reliable enough to use in lieu of manually positioning the AF point over a subject. This is a pity because, without a touchscreen or joystick, the manual positioning of an AF point is rather slow and clunky.

Eye AF, which you’ll need to assign to a custom button to gain access to, is superb though. Point the camera at your subject, hold down the Eye AF button and the camera will generally stick to its target well, even as you and your subject move around. It’s particularly good with fast primes where you can be fairly confident of your subject’s eye being perfectly sharp. That said, it’s not without its limitations, jumping off to other subjects from time to time.

However, the EOS 80D is based around a Dual Pixel AF sensor, which means it can offer depth-aware phase detection autofocus across much of its sensor if you’re willing to use the rear LCD and shoot in Live View. This is especially good at identifying and following faces (or other objects) within the scene, meaning it can compete pretty effectively with the a6300’s Eye AF mode, even with a fast prime lens.

a6300 – the videographer’s choice

What really sets the two cameras apart is their approach to video. Not just in terms of specifications, but how you shoot. The Sony has the upper-hand on paper, since it can shoot 4K video, but it’s not as simple as all that.

The a6300 is very well equipped when it comes to video. It can shoot UHD 4K at up to 100 Mbps. It includes adjustable zebra patterns for helping you set exposure. It also includes focus peaking and during-capture magnification to help you confirm and adjust focus, and it also offers a huge variety of video-centric gamma responses including Log curves and a mode that gives an ITU 709 preview while shooting log. 

Which is lovely, if you know how to make use of all of those things. And knee, and master pedestal. But, while it can be fun to learn, it’s a little daunting at first. Of course you can ignore these options and shoot autofocus if you want but, while good, AF is not immune from refocusing off to infinity. And, without a touch screen, moving the focus point is impractical.

The Sony can sometimes, especially in warm conditions, overheat before reaching its 29:59 limit. This and the more involved shooting technique needed to get the very best from the its frankly stunning 4K quality means isn’t suited to every type of shooting. Its 1080 is also oddly disappointing. But if you put in the work, it’s sensational.

EOS 80D – the still photographer’s video cam

The EOS 80D is a really interesting camera, when it comes to video, and its limitation to 1080 shouldn’t see you write it off. The Canon can’t compete with the Sony’s video quality or its laundry list of support features. But what it does offer are simple autofocus and ease-of-use.

The 80D’s dual pixel autofocus really comes into its own for video shooting. Touch on the screen and the camera will refocus with absolute confidence. Set a target and the camera will keep your subject in focus. You can dictate the focus speed and be confident that the camera will do what you want, without the constant wobble or occasional catastrophic mis-focus that most of its rivals will deliver.

Of course, being a DSLR, you can’t resort to using the viewfinder when it’s bright outside.

The footage isn’t great, even by the standards of 1080 video, but it’s more than usable and is just so easy to shoot. The lack of exposure monitoring tools is also a pain, but overall, the 80D a great camera for stills shooters who want to shoot video without having to learn how.

Lens choice

While Canon’s APS-C lineup isn’t quite as comprehensive as its offerings for full frame, it’s still pretty comprehensive, especially when you include those full frame lenses that remain useful on the smaller format. The native APS-C range includes a variety of zooms at different price levels, an a 24mm F2.8 STM prime if you’re trying to keep the overall size down.

The same can’t be said for Sony’s E-mount lineup. There are some useful lenses, including stabilized 35 and 50mm primes for APS-C and a 28mm F2 that makes an effective normal, but it’s certainly worth checking that the lenses you need exist, affordably, in the Sony range before you commit to the system.

That said, the short flange-back distance of the E-mount means that all sorts of lenses can be adapted to work on the Sony (some of them with AF), which is especially valuable for video work.

Overall

It might seem tempting to draw the conclusion that you buy the Sony for video and the Canon for stills, but it’s not quite that clear-cut. The ease of shooting video with the Canon, along with the very capable autofocus of the Sony mean that both cameras have something to offer in what  you might otherwise assume to be the other’s areas of strength.

The a6300 has a slight edge in terms of image quality and huge advantage in terms of video quality. However, the EOS 80D is undeniably a more enjoyable camera to shoot with. It would be hard to choose a winner in terms of autofocus (heretically it’s the 80D’s live view AF that keeps it in the hunt), meaning a lot of it comes down to personal priorities.

If you want probably the most capable camera that’s easy to keep with you, then the Sony is the easy choice. But if you want a more traditional or hands-on shooting experience and still want some of that stills/video flexibility, then the Canon might be the better choice.

Yet again, the simple idea that most modern cameras are great is true. But that doesn’t mean they’ll all be equally good for you.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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