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Posts Tagged ‘Best’

5 of the Best Prosumer DSLRs for Budding Professional Photographers

20 Jan

Photography’s popularity is always growing. And photography’s accessibility is also growing as camera technology simultaneously advances and becomes more affordable. So it’s no big leap of faith to figure that more people are looking to photography as a means of generating income. However, even though camera technology is becoming more affordable, DSLRs still aren’t cheap. Professional-level DSLRs typically start off Continue Reading

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The good, the bad and the analog: CES 2016 ‘best of’

13 Jan

Best of CES 2016

CES 2016 just wrapped up in Las Vegas and during the course of the week-long trade show, in between meetings and demos, we had the chance to roam the floor and check out a lot of cool new products; from big releases like the Nikon D500 and D5 to pleasant surprises like the new Kodak Super 8 camera (pictured above). Take a look through our gallery and see for yourself all the cool new stuff CES 2016 had to offer.

Zeiss Optics + ExoLens for iPhone

Zeiss and Fellowes Brands teamed up to launch three new Zeiss-branded iPhone attachment lenses that work with ExoLens iPhone mounts, including a wide-angle, telephoto and macro lens. The wide angle lens offers an 18mm equiv. FOV, the telephoto a 58mm equiv. FOV and the macro a 40-80mm FOV depending on distance from subject. We had the chance to check out the wide-angle and telephoto options in person, and were quite impressed with the quality of these iPhone accessories.

We also chatted with a Zeiss rep on the show floor and he told us that the whole idea in developing these lens attachments was to create something that would not degrade image quality in any way, when affixed to an iPhone. We also joked that these are the most affordable Zeiss lenses on the market (though pricing has not officially been announced). It seems likely that these units will initially hit the market as a kit, which will include the wide, tele and ExoLens mount; the Macro lens will likely be sold as a stand-alone product.

Sony HDR-AS50 Action Camera

The Sony HDR-AS50 is the company’s latest mid-level action camera. It features an 11MP 1/2.4-inch BSI sensor with an F2.8 lens and can capture 1080/60p video as well as 720/120p slow-motion video. While it isn’t waterproof, a newly-designed underwater housing will be available bundled with the camera (and also sold separately).

Unlike GoPros, Sony Action Cameras are stabilized, and the HDR-AS50 utilizes the company’s newest version of SteadyShot. It also features a new button layout and a rearranged menu, with an easy-to-use grid design. It should be available come February and can be yours for $ 200, making it a mean competitor to the GoPro HERO4 Session.

360Fly VR Camera

The 360Fly camera, which was technically launched prior to CES, caught our attention because of its unique design and ease-of-use. We had the chance to briefly demo one on the show floor and were impressed with the fact that users can view their footage in real-time on a smart device, as well as edit and share with great ease.

Video captured with the 360 Fly can also be viewed using standard cardboard VR glasses. And unlike VR cameras that use multiple lenses and stitch in post, the 360Fly has only one lens (so no awkward seams). It is also smaller than most 360 cameras we’ve seen, about the size of a tennis ball. The 360Fly is available now for $ 400.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS Pro

Olympus’ new 300mm F4 IS Pro offers a 600mm equivalent field of view in a reasonably-sized/weighted package. It is weather-sealed, dust-sealed and freeze-proof. It is also the first Olympus Micro Four Thirds lens to offer built-in image stabilization, for easy hand-hold-ability. When paired with an Olympus OM-D E-M1 (firmware version 4.0) or E-M5 Mark II (firmware version 2.0), Olympus claims it will give up to 6 stops of image stabilization.

We had the chance to check out this beautiful lens prior to the show, and found it to be incredibly sharp. Take a look through our sample gallery and see for yourself.

LaCie Porsche Design Desktop Drive

LaCie’s new Porsche Design Desktop Drives utilize USB-C connectivity for file transfer speeds up to 5 Gb/sec. But what’s even cooler about these drives is the fact they can also be used to power your laptop – simply plug the drive into the wall, and USB-C cable from the drive to your computer. Available in 4TB, 5TB and 8TB, these drives will be available in March starting at $ 209.95.

Kodak Super 8

The new Kodak Super 8 camera was easily on of the most talked about product releases of CES 2016 (Nikon DSLRs aside), at least amongst nerdy camera folks. And for good reason: it not only has us feeling nostalgic, it also gives us hope that Kodak, the film company (not the licensed name) is here to stay.

The unit records movies on Kodak Super 8 film cartridges but uses an internal prism to split the image and display what is being captured on an LCD. It also has a built-in microphone and SD card slot for recording audio, which can be synced up later. When available, the Kodak Super 8 camera will ship with either a Ricoh 6mm or 6-48mm lens, both of which are C-Mount.

One of the coolest things about the launch of this new Super 8 camera is that Kodak also announced they will start including processing costs in the price of each Super 8 film cartridge. So when you’re done shooting, simply send the cartridge off to Kodak and they’ll send the physical film back, along with digital scans of your movie, which can then add your sound to/edit.

Pricing and availability details are not set in stone, but it looks like the unit will be available in fall 2016 and will cost between $ 400 and $ 750. The film should cost between $ 50 to $ 75 per cartridge, including processing.

MindShift Gear UltraLight Dual 36L

MindShift Gear is a funky little company owned by Think Tank Photo that specializes in bags for adventure-seeking photographers. What makes the new UltraLight Dual 36L so cool is the ability to remove the gear compartment completely from the backpack, and use it as a stand-alone bag. The gear compartment has both a belt loop and shoulder strap for easy transportation when not in the backpack. However, when it is tucked within the bag, gear can easily be accessed via a side zipper.

We love the idea of camera bags that can serve double duty, hauling one’s gear, as well as one’s personal items. Also, as the name might suggest, the UltraLight Dual is one of MindShift Gear’s lightest daypacks, weighing 3.3 lb / 1.5 kg. It can also carry up to a 15″ laptop and includes a rain cover. The UltraLight Dual 36L is available now for $ 200.

Nikon SB-5000

The Nikon SB-5000 was announced at the same time as the flagship Nikon D5 and D500 DSLRs. It is the first Nikon flash to offer built-in radio triggers. Smaller than an SB-910, the SB-5000 has a range of 30 meters and can control up to 6 groups of flashes, or a total of 18 units. It features a redesigned cooling system and can fire 120 continuous shots at 5-second intervals.

The Nikon SB-5000 will be available in March for $ 599.95.

DJI Phantom 3 4K

DJI might be the most recognizable name in consumer drones. The company’s latest release, the Phantom 3 4K offers the same exact video quality as the higher-end Phantom 3 Professional, but for $ 200 cheaper. 4K video is captured at 30 fps with a 60Mbps compression rate.

The main difference between the $ 1000 Phantom 3 4K and $ 1200 Phantom 3 Professional is the operating range. The 4K uses Wi-Fi to stay connected and stream footage while the Professional uses DJI’s LightBridge system, which has a greater range, and can stream higher-res video. Still, it’s nice to see DJI offering quite a few drone options at different price points to meet different budgets. For those looking to invest in their first drone, DJI also offers the Phantom 3 Standard for $ 800, which is capable of 2.7K video and also uses Wi-Fi to stay connected.

Kodak/JK Imaging PixPro SP360

The Kodak PixPro SP360 4K action camera is one of those products that took us by surprise at CES. In general, we were on the lookout for any cool virtual reality or 360 cameras, but Kodak was one of the last names we expected to be attached to such a product. Technically, JK Imaging has licensed the Kodak name for this product, but that is neither here nor there.

The SP360 4K uses a 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and an F2.8 aperture lens; 4K video is captured at 2028 x 2028. It is being touted as the World’s first 4K 360-degree action camera. Though there were some hiccups with the unit during our booth demo, the sample footage from it looks very good. Users can record footage in 10 different modes including a full 360-degree mode, a super-wide 235-degree mode, and a Front mode that gives a more traditional (less distorted) action-cam POV. The SP360 4K is Wi-Fi and NFC enabled for pairing with a device. It is also freeze, dust and shockproof as well as water-resistant, though not waterproof. It ships with dedicated editing software and footage from the SP360 4K is both YouTube and Facebook-compatible.

The camera is being sold in two different kits, as a stand-alone unit for $ 500, and Dual Pro pack that includes both cameras and a mount for $ 900 (pictured above). Check out a sample video here.

Olympus Tough TG-870

Olympus makes some of the best rugged cameras in the business and the TG-870 is the company’s latest Tough Camera release. Slotted right below the flagship TG-4, the TG-970 features an improved GPS with faster synchronization times (compared to its predecessor), and a brighter, higher resolution 920K-dot LCD.

It is waterproof down to 50 feet, shockproof from 7 feet, crushproof up to 220 pounds and freeze proof down to 14 degrees F. Basically, this camera is built to last, making it a solid option for both adventure-seekers, or those needing a kid-friendly family camera.

Other cool features include Live Composite mode, new Nightscape movie and still modes, built-in Wi-Fi and 1080/60p video. Also cool: the LCD flips up 180 degrees and a front-facing shutter release ensures the ability to take epic selfies, no matter how extreme the situation. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 will hit shelves in April for $ 279.99.

Nikon D5

The fact that Nikon ‘pre-announced’ the D5 didn’t make it any less exciting to see it in person and get our hands on it. Taking over the high performance flagship position in Nikon’s lineup from the D4S, the D5 is poised to create its own legacy. The D4S was a beast; the D5 is an even beastier beast.

The D5 is built around a new 20.8MP CMOS sensor and and Nikon’s EXPEED 5 image processor. Key to its high performance is a new 153 point autofocus system which includes 99 cross-type sensors. In addition, the 180,000-pixel RGB metering sensor is double the resolution of the one in the D4S, which should make Nikon’s already good 3D focusing system work even better. Nikon also made a big deal about high ISO performance on this camera: when fully expanded its ISO range reaches into the stratosphere at ISO 3,280,000. You may not want to shoot quite that high to get optimal image quality, but Nikon emphasized that they want users to be able to shoot in dark environments, such as poorly lit sports arenas, without having to use a strobe.

Although the D5 isn’t the type of camera someone is likely to buy as a primary video tool it can capture 4K video footage, though with the caveat that you get a 1.52x crop factor and a 3 minute record limit per shot.

You can read more about the Nikon D5 in our hands-on article from CES.

Nikon D500

Nikon gave its users an unexpected New Year’s gift in the form of the D500 DSLR, the long awaited follow-up to the D300S, which was introduced way back in 2009. Just in case you did a double take, yes… 2009. Though some users inevitably gave up hope along the way the Nikon faithful never did, and they’ve been rewarded with a camera that may have been worth the wait.

Nikon has managed to cram as much of a D5 into a smaller APS-C body as humanly possible. For the most part, they’ve pulled it off with finesse. The D500 gets the same 153-point AF system as its bigger brother, though on the DX sensor it covers almost the entire frame. It uses the same EXPEED 5 image processing engine as the D5 and shoots 10 fps with a 200 shot Raw buffer. Birders are going to love this thing. 

At 20.9MP the D500 doesn’t have quite the resolution as the more common 24MP we see on many cameras nowadays, but we’re guessing that most users of this camera are less worried about total resolution than performance. Like its big brother the D500 can also shoot 4K video, though at a 2.3x crop relative to full frame.

One feature we’re really excited to see is ‘Auto AF Fine-Tune’, which is designed to use the live-view image on the sensor to auto-calibrate the phase detect autofocus system for any lens.

You can read more about the Nikon D500 in our hands-on article from CES.

Samsung Gear VR

Virtual reality goggles were everywhere at CES, but none more than Samsung’s Gear VR headset that uses one of the company’s Galaxy smartphones for its display. I sat through a demo in Samsung’s booth in which you ride a virtual roller coaster while sitting in chairs that simulate the ride’s movement and vibration, and I have to admit it was shockingly realistic. It may be obvious to your eyes that you’re looking at a smartphone, but your brain still leaves your stomach behind when the roller coaster drops down some steep track. 

The good news for photographers and videographers is that the conversation around VR seems to be changing. Whereas marketers used to just talk about the technical capabilities of headsets (and let’s face it, they still will if you give them a chance) we seem to have reached the point where everyone realizes that VR content will be what drives the market. Riding roller coasters at trade shows is fun, but tools that give individual content creators the ability to create unique VR experiences or immersive films should really open up creative possibilities.

Panono Camera

Speaking of creating VR content, one of the tools we saw at CES that will help you make it is the Panono spherical camera. At less than five inches in diameter, and weighing in at just over a pound, the Panono packs 36 fixed-focus cameras that capture a total of 108MP of image capture capability. You control the camera with a simple smartphone app that uploads the data to Panono’s servers to perform the processor-intensive stitching process.

We had the opportunity to play with the Panono at CES and you can see an example of a shot we took in the Nikon booth. It’s worth noting that the camera couldn’t capture the wide dynamic range of lighting in the convention center – it probably would have been a challenge for many small cameras – but the folks at Panono showed us a soon-to-be-released update that adds HDR to the camera, with fairly nice results.

Nikon KeyMission 360

We were expecting to see a lot of action cameras at CES, but this one caught us by surprise. After wowing us on Tuesday with its new D5 and D500 DSLRs, Nikon unexpectedly gave us the the KeyMission 360.

The company says the name reflects the nature of the camera; when you’re out having a serious adventure your ‘key mission’ is to get footage. OK, we’ll be the first to acknowledge that the name doesn’t exactly roll off your tongue, but the camera itself looks pretty exciting. It’s a shockproof, waterproof, spherical 360-degree action camera which includes electronic VR stabilization and generates 4K (UHD) video using two ultra-wide angle field of view cameras.

Unfortunately, the KeyMission was still locked under glass at CES, but to our eye the footage from the camera looked pretty impressive. We’ll reserve final judgement until we have a chance to run our own tests, but there are already arguments around the office about who gets to do the playing testing. The KeyMission 360 is scheduled to be released in spring 2016.

Ambarella Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)

Many consumers may not recognize the name Ambarella, but that doesn’t mean they’re not customers. Ambarella makes many of the processors that power the small, mobile imaging devices now in use, such as action and drone cameras. Chances are if you have one of these devices it probably has Ambarella technology inside.

Ambarella showed us a number of new technologies at CES 2016, but the one that really caught our attention was the company’s electronic image stabilization (EIS) technology. Historically, processing power limited just how much manipulation could be done to video in realtime; for example, you could have effective image stabilization on a small drone camera, but only at 1080p. With Ambarella’s newest chips, such as the H2, it’s now possible to record in UHD 4K with fully enabled EIS. 

How good is it? To provide an example the company set up two cameras on a vibrating platform, one with EIS enabled and one without, and two TVs showing live feeds from each camera. The results? The image from the camera without EIS enabled was bouncing all over the place, while the camera with EIS enabled looked almost as if it was mounted on a tripod. Ambarella is a component provider to other manufacturers so it will probably take a while before this technology starts appearing in consumer products, though a spokesman said we should be seeing shipping products by CES next year.

Panasonic DMC-ZS100

Readers of the site will know that we’re generally big fans of Panasonic’s high end compact cameras, so the new Panasonic ZS100 (TZ100 outside North America) definitely got our attention. It’s a compact model with a 20MP 1”-type sensor and a 25-250mm equivalent lens. Despite the rather generous 10x zoom range it still collapses down into a package that will fit in many pockets.

But it’s not just the 1” sensor and versatile zoom range we like. The camera features two control dials (one on the top plate and one surrounding the lens), four customizable buttons, and a touch screen, meaning you get plenty of control. Top it off with 4K UHD video and it makes a very nice package.

Of course, there are always tradeoffs with long zooms, and the ZS100 is no exception. Although it starts out at F2.8 at the wide end, it stops down to F5.9 at the long end. If you can work within those parameters, however, the ZS100 could make a great compact travel zoom.

InVisage Quantum Film

The top two devices in this image are an iPhone and a ‘popular Android phone.’ The bottom device is a prototype phone incorporating InVisage’s QuantumFilm sensor technology.

A couple months ago we wrote about an innovative sensor technology from InVisage called Quantum Film. You can read our earlier article for specifics on how the technology works, but the abbreviated version is that instead of using silicon as the light sensitive medium in its sensors, InVisage Quantum Film uses a layer of nano-scale crystals that respond to specific frequencies of light. The primary benefits of the technology are expanded dynamic range (compared to silicon-based sensors) and global shutter, which eliminates the jello effect often seen in CMOS sensor designs.

In a private meeting with InVisage we finally had a chance to see these sensors in action, and we’re excited. To show off dynamic range InVisage set up a mini studio scene with color charts in high contrast bright and dark areas (see photo above). Three phones – an iPhone, an ‘popular Android phone,’ and an unreleased phone with an InVisage sensor – were lined up for comparison. To our eye the InVisage sensor definitely captured more dynamic range, appearing a bit similar to Log video footage. We were also able to see global shutter in action in a side-by-side comparison to an iPhone. In this video, you can see the difference global shutter makes when capturing certain types of motion such as a vibrating guitar string.

The good news is that you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on this technology: InVisigen tells us the first phones with their sensors are expected to ship in Q1.

olloclip Studio

Smartphone photography has gone mainstream, and one company that has been supporting users almost from the beginning is olloclip, known for its cases and add-on lenses. At CES 2016 olloclip introduced its new olloclip Studio, an integrated case and accessory solution for the iPhone 6/6 Plus series of phones. 

The core of the Studio is a highly protective case that includes a rail-mounting system to which accessories can be attached. Accessories include two screw mounts for attaching tripods or grips, two cold-shoe adapters for add-ons such as microphones or LED lights, a very sturdy finger grip to facilitate one-handed operation, and a kickstand. It’s enough to build out an entire filming rig in the palm of your hand. 

Samsung T3 SSD

It’s not exactly photography equipment, but the Samsung T3 portable SSD is an appealing solution for photographers and videographers who need lots of fast, compact storage while working in the field. Available in capacities up to 2TB, the T3 weighs in at under 2 ounces (51 grams, to be exact) and its longest edge is only 3 in / 7.6 cm long – small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. See that connector on the end? That’s a USB type-C connector, giving you an idea of how small it is.

Despite its size, the T3 offers data transfer speeds up to 450MB/sec, likely fast enough for all but the most demanding applications of most photographers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Vote now for Best Product of 2015!

05 Jan

Vote now for Best Product of 2015!

Late last year we asked you to vote on the outstanding products of 2015. We created four polls, covering lenses and cameras, including more than 50 products in total. With thousands of votes cast, and plenty of ‘discussion’ in the comments, we’re ready to announce the winners! Click through this slideshow to see the results, and read a little about the products that you voted for. 

And the fun isn’t over just yet – now is your chance to vote on the winners and runners-up from each of the four categories, to determine the readers’ choice award for best overall product of 2015.

Runner-up – Best High-end Compact: Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II

The Sony RX1R II features the same high resolution 42.4 MP sensor and BIONZ X processor from the a7R II along with a large aperture, fixed focal length ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens, which have been fine-tuned to optimize performance together. The camera’s sensor features 399 phase-detection AF points that cover about 45% of the image area, and a retractable high-resolution electronic viewfinder.

We’ve really enjoyed using the RX1R II, and obviously it’s impressed you too, taking runner-up spot in our poll for best high-end compact.

Winner – Best High-end Compact: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV

The RX1R II just missed out on the top spot to another Sony high-achiever, the Cyber-shot RX100 IV. The DSC-RX100 IV is the fourth generation of a popular and critically-acclaimed series of enthusiast compacts. This iteration brings with it a new 1″ type 20MP stacked CMOS Exmor RS sensor. Its stacked design frees up more space for high speed circuitry allowing for more sophisticated functions, and is a next generation of the familiar backside illuminated (BSI) design.

The RX100 IV is capable of 4K video recording (with clips limited to a 5 minute maximum), slow motion 40x video recording with 960 fps capture and up to 16 fps continuous shooting. Like its predecessor the RX100 IV offers a 24-70mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens and continues the tradition of a pop-up electronic viewfinder, upgrading the OLED panel to a 2.35 million dot resolution.

Runner-up – Best Consumer ILC: Nikon D7200

Taking the runner-up spot in our poll for best consumer ILC was the Nikon D7200. This poll covered a pretty broad range of products but you were obviously impressed by the D7200, which proved itself very capable in our testing. An updated version of the venerable D7100 the D7200’s design and build quality remains the same but it gains a faster processor, much larger buffer for continuous shooting, improved low light autofocus performance, and Wi-Fi with NFC.

The D7200 is built around a 24.2MP CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, which maximizes resolution. It has an ISO range of 100-25600 that expands up to 102400 in black & white only. The autofocus system remains 51-points with 15 cross-type sensors but all of those points can focus down to -3EV. 

Winner – Best Consumer ILC: Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

Your vote for the best consumer ILC of 2015 went to Olympus’s very capable OM-D E-M5 II. Compared to the original E-M5, the control points of the Mark II have been reworked allowing for quick, direct access to exposure settings and the construction made impressively solid. 

One stand-out feature on the Olympus is a 40 megapixel option for stills shooters, which uses the sensor-shift stabilization system to combine multiple exposures into one higher-resolution image. The camera can also capture up to 1080/60p and 5-axis IS makes it a pleasure to use hand-held. We greatly enjoyed using the OM-D E-M5 II in 2015 and we’re glad that clearly you did too.

Runner-up – Best High-end ILC: Canon EOS 5DS/R

Your choice for runner-up in our Best High-end ILC category was Canon’s enthusiast flagship the EOS 5DS / R. We bundled both the 5DS and 5DSR in together since they’re so similar, and we enjoyed shooting with both in 2015. The Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R are the highest resolution DSLRs currently on the market, boasting 50MP stills. With more than double the resolution of the 5D Mark III, the 5DS has an optical low pass filter, while the 5DS R has a self-canceling filter.

The autofocus system has a total of 61 points (in a ‘high density reticular array’), 41 of which are cross-type. It uses the same 150,000 pixel RGB+IR metering system as the EOS 7D II with a scene detection system. The metering system also has an anti-flicker function for shooting under sodium vapor lights. The ISO range on the camera is 100-6400, expandable to 12800.

Winner – Best High-end ILC: Sony a7R II

Sony was on a winning streak throughout 2015 it seemed, and this is reflected in your votes across all of our end-of-year polls. The clear winner in our poll to find your favorite high-end ILC of last year was the a7R II – also one of our all-time standout cameras. We’re not going to lie – the a7R II was a huge pain to review, but that’s because of the sheer amount of technology that Sony packed into it, all of which required careful testing. 

The Sony a7R II is the world’s first camera to use a full-frame Backside Illuminated (BSI) sensor (which is stabilized) boasting 399 phase detect AF points. Electronic first curtain and fully electronic (silent) shutter modes ensure wonderfully detailed files with no risk of the shutter shock issues that plagued the original a7R, while internal 4K/30p recording is newly available in both full sensor and APS-C (Super35) modes. Impressive stuff indeed, and it obviously impressed you too.

Runner-up – Best Lens: Canon EF 11-24mm F4 L

Easy to dismiss as an expensive ‘stunt’ lens at first sight, Canon’s ambitious 11-24mm F4 L turned out to be an exceptionally capable piece of glass, and quickly became one of our favorite lenses last year on both Canon and Sony A-mount bodies. The 11-24mm offers the widest angle of view of any rectilinear full-frame Digital SLR lens, and has a close-focus distance of just 11 inches. An absolute pleasure to use for shooting landscapes, weddings, concerts and photojournalism, this lens is sharp across the entire frame and well-constructed.

Winner – Best Lens: Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8

The clear winner in our poll to find your favorite lens of 2015 was the very lovely Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8. Zeiss is well-known for making some excellent glass and the Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8 is no exception. Available in Sony E-mount, this lens is weather and dust sealed, image stabilized and coated in Zeiss’ T* anti-reflective coating. It features a digital OLED focus depth display, making it incredibly easy to manually focus.

Linear motors ensure fast and silent AF, while pairing with an a7R II’s AF system guarantees the most accurate focus you’ll ever experience from any 85mm prime, period. If that’s not enough, a floating element design helps to reduce chromatic aberration and ghosting. It took the winning spot by a considerable margin – thanks to everyone that voted!

So there you have it. Four category winners, and four runners-up. But which of these winning products is the overall best product of last year? Vote now in our final readers’ poll and remember that as before, you can rank up to three choices. Voting will run through the end of this month and winners will be announced in the first week of February. 

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Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV

Nikon D7200

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

Canon EOS 5DS / R

Sony a7R II

Canon EF 11-24mm F4 L

Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Beginners Photography Tips – Best of 2015

30 Dec

Every year it happens, maybe this year it happened to you too? Many people get a new camera as a gift over the holidays, and now the fun begins, learning how to use it! You need a beginners guide to help you out.

Beginners Guide to Photography - Best of 2015

Or maybe you got a new flash or other piece of gear, are new to post-processing, or want to try a new technique. Well, you’re in luck because you’re in the right place to find all that. We have a lot of really great articles for newbie photographers like yourself. Here are a few of the best from 2015.

Beginners photography tips – best of 2015

  • 7 Incredible Tips for Beginner Photographers
  • Next Level Techniques for Advanced Beginners
  • A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Shooting Mode
  • Post-Processing Tips for Beginners
  • Mastering the Exposure Triangle for Newbies
  • 5 Tips for Newbie Landscape Photographers
  • 4 Mistakes New Photographers Make and How to Avoid Them
  • Top 10 Things to do When Your New Camera Arrives
  • Seeing in Depth of Field: A Simple Understanding of Aperture
  • How to Take Control of Aperture and Create Stronger Photos
  • 6 Ways to Use Shutter Speed Creatively
  • Demystifying Shutter Speed
  • 6 Tips for Using ISO Effectively With Your Camera
  • Back Button Focus: What is it and why should you try it?

If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, try the search function (look for the magnifying glass upper right corner). We have over 5700 articles in our archives. If what you seek isn’t there, first of all I’d be really surprised, please add a comment below and tell us what topic you’d like our writers to work on next. Perhaps we can add it to our list.

You can also check out our course: Photo Nuts and Bolts which is designed for beginners.

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The post Beginners Photography Tips – Best of 2015 by Darlene Hildebrandt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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12 of the Best Portrait Articles of 2015

29 Dec

Photographing people, in particular doing portraits, can strike fear into the hearts of many newbie photographers. But it doesn’t have to be so scary. Read through some of the best, most read articles on portrait photography from the last 12 months. They’ll give you some tips and hopefully some confidence to go photograph some of your own portraits.

portrait-tips-dps717px-05.jpg

Best Portrait Articles of 2015

  • How to Create Dark Moody Low-Key Portraits with Minimal Gear
  • 24 Photos of Perfectly Posed Portraits
  • How to Mix Ambient Light and Fill-Flash for Outdoor Portraits
  • Good Crop Bad Crop – How to Crop Portraits
  • Now You Can Have Perfectly Posed Portraits
  • 5 Secrets to Create a Perfect Silhouette Portrait Outdoors
  • 24 Portrait Lighting Setups [Cheat Sheet]
  • Understanding Light for Better Portrait Photography
  • One Speedlight Portrait Lighting Tutorial
  • 4 Tips for Creating Portraits with Impact
  • 3 Body Language Hacks to Improve Your Portrait Photography
  • 7 Tips for Black and White Portrait Photography
  • 5 Ways to Use a Beauty Dish Light for Portraits
  • How to See the Light for Portraits: A Quick Tip for Beginners

Don’t forget we also have several portrait ebooks in our store. Check out the entire collection here, just click “Grab the Bundle” to get all of the portrait series ebooks.

portraits

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The post 12 of the Best Portrait Articles of 2015 by Darlene Hildebrandt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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DPReview recommends: Best Cameras for Kids 2015

23 Dec

If they’re young enough, your kids have always known a world in which smartphones are the most popular devices for taking photos. That’s too bad. To ensure that the next wave of young photographers understand the performance and ergonomic advantages of using a real camera, you’ll need to get one into their hands as soon as possible.

But wait! Before you sneak a Nikon D810 into your baby’s basket of toys, you’ll need to consider choking hazards and the fact that some children are a lot more careful than others when it comes to handling expensive electronics. If you want to buy a camera specifically for your child – or a camera that your entire family can share without worrying too much – durability and ease of use are just as important, if not more, as image quality and features.

And, of course, much of that depends on the age and maturity level of your child. We wouldn’t trust any toddler or the vast majority of 10-year-old boys with an advanced point-and-shoot, but for a teenager or pre-teen that’s wise beyond their years and genuinely interested in photography, a compact with a lot of zoom and manual controls to grow into might be a great fit.

So here’s a selection of some of what we think are the best camera options for your kids. Most of these models aren’t specifically for kids, and all of the obvious caveats apply. Batteries aren’t edible, memory cards are choke hazards, cameras can hurt when they’re thrown at people, etc. All prices are approximate street prices, correct at time of publication, and if you think we’ve missed a model that deserves consideration, let us know in the comments!

Younger Kids

If you’re shopping for kids 6 and under, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money, and durability is likely to be important. You want something lightweight that won’t break the first time it gets dropped, and the simpler the operation the better.

Vtech Kidizoom Connect ($ 48)

1.3MP sensor | 4X digital zoom | 1.8″ LCD | 320 x 240 video | 128MB built-in memory | uses AA batteries

Baby’s first piece of kit should be tough and inexpensive, and the VTech KidiZoom fits the bill. This durable 1.3-megapixel camera/toy comes has a fixed lens with 4X digital zoom, 128MB of internal memory (with an option for MicroSD memory card expansion), a 1.8″ LCD and 320 x 240 video. There are even three photo-related games to keep your kids entertained.

Nikon Coolpix S33 ($ 99)

13.2MP CMOS sensor | 30-90mm equiv. lens | Waterproof to 32ft | Shockproof from 5ft | Full HD video

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more 

Cameras do get bumped and dropped (or worse), making Nikon’s inexpensive waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof Coolpix S33 worth a look. It features an easy-to-use interface and dedicated one-touch buttons for simple shooting. Although it’s 13.2 megapixel CMOS sensor is roughly the size of what’s in your smartphone, it can capture decent quality images. Its lens has a focal range of of 30-90mm – adequate for most purposes. A dedicated movie record button allows users to quickly shoot Full HD video clips. The S33 offers sixteen creative styles and effects options (including Underwater Face Detection) and an option to shoot videos with a miniature effect.

Fujifilm instax mini 8 ($ 80)

Makes card-sized instant prints | 60mm equiv. fixed lens | Uses AA batteries | Comes in several colors

Now your kids can relive the days of instant prints with the Fujifilm instax mini 8, one of several models available from the company. It’s definitely not rugged, but the thrill of getting a 2.4 x 1.8 inch print in about 2-3 minutes will excite both kids and adults alike. The mini 8 is a very basic camera, with a small optical viewfinder (and no LCD), dial-in exposure, and a flash that always fires. One important thing to know is that instax cameras are a bit of a money pit, with a ten pack of film priced at around $ 8.50, so your little photographers will need to be pretty selective before pressing that shutter release button.  

Viddy Pinhole Camera kit ($ 57)

DIY pinhole camera | Accepts 35mm or medium-format film | Available in four colors

For the creative kid with a do-it-yourself attitude, the VIDDY is a pinhole camera kit made from tough, durable recycled cardboard in four colors: green, black, blue or red. It accepts both medium format and 35mm film. Bonus: it’s a perfect project between parent and child. Pop out VIDDY’s screen printed parts and assemble in 30 minutes.

Polaroid Cube ($ 99)

6MP sensor | 35mm lens w/124° angle-of-view | Weatherproof | Full HD video | Numerous mounts available

The latest HD action camera from Polaroid combines a 6MP sensor with a lens with an impressive 124° field-of-view and puts it into a weatherproof body measuring just 35mm on each side. The camera has can record Full HD video onto an optional microSD card, and a 90 minute battery allows extended recording for every bike ride and beach adventure. Just like more expensive GoPros, there are numerous mounts available for the Cube, plus an underwater housing. And a magnet in the camera’s base opens up even more potentially interesting vantage points.

For those seeking Wi-Fi capabilities, the Cube+ offers that for $ 149.

Older Kids

Durability may be less important in a camera for this age group, but it really depends on the child. In our selection we’re assuming that you’re buying for a kid who’s learned not to throw precious things around, and most of the models we’ve chosen offer a little room for your child to grow away from the strictly auto-everything snap-shooting if they get more confident.

Olympus Tough TG-4 ($ 349)

16MP BSI CMOS sensor | 25-100mm equiv. lens | Waterproof to 50ft | Full HD video | Wi-Fi + GPS

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

For kids that are on the go – or have the tendency to drop expensive pieces of electronics, the Olympus TG-4 is a good choice. It’s well built, responsive, full-featured and produces excellent quality images for a small-sensor camera. It offers automatic shooting modes but opens up the world of manual exposure for older children ready to get their feet wet (no pun intended) in more serious photography. Other features include numerous ‘art filters’, Full HD video recording, and support for fisheye and telephoto conversion lenses. It has very good battery life as well, so it can make it through the day with ease.

The TG-4 is waterproof to 50ft, shockproof from 7ft, crushproof to 220lbf and freeze proof to +14F, so it can take a beating. Wi-Fi is built-in for easy photo sharing, and the GPS receiver will let young photographers check a map to see where a photo was taken.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 ($ 250)

12MP BSI CMOS sensor | 24-720mm equiv. lens | Electronic viewfinder | Full HD video | Wi-Fi

For the child you trust with more fragile cameras, might we suggest the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. It’s a great camera to take on vacation, thanks to its long 24-720mm (30X) zoom lens and ultra-compact body. It offers speedy focusing and continuous shooting, and photos can be composed on either a 3″ LCD or a small (but still useful) electronic viewfinder. The camera can record Full HD video with ‘hybrid’ image stabilization to reduce severe camera shake. 

The ZS50 offers more advanced manual controls than the TG-4 above, so if you want to teach your budding photographer about aperture and shutter speed or how to manual focus, the ZS50 is a camera which can do it.

Apple iPod Touch ($ 199 and up)

Full-featured smart device | 8MP BSI CMOS sensor | F2.4, 29mm equiv. lens | 4″ Retina display | Full HD video

While it may be too early in their lives to buy your kids an iPhone, you might as well prepare for the inevitable by picking up an iPod Touch (2015). It’s essentially an iPhone without the phone, meaning that you get access to hundreds of thousands of apps, many photo-related, easy photo sharing over Wi-Fi, and all of the other things that have made iPhones a smash hit.

On the photo side, the iPod Touch sports a 8MP BSI CMOS sensor and an F2.4, 29mm equivalent lens, plus a lower resolution front-facing camera for selfies. It has the usual features you’d expect to see on a ‘regular’ camera, plus impressive Auto HDR and panorama features. The iPod Touch can also record Full HD video, with slo-mo and time-lapse options. You couldn’t ask for a better screen on which to compose photos, either, as the 4″ Retina display truly shines. You can even add extra lenses from companies like Olloclip for more flexibility.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview Recommends: Best compact cameras for travel 2015

23 Dec

Whether you’re traveling the world or the next town over, having the right camera at your side makes all the difference. We’ve picked out our best picks for the photographer who wants to keep things simple by carrying a compact camera rather than one with interchangeable lenses. If you fall into that category, we’ve got great news for you – there are more high quality cameras with attached lenses than ever before, brimming with features tailored to your needs. 

Fujifilm X100T

$ 1099 | 16MP APS-C sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid electronic / optical viewfinder | 3″ LCD

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

Few cameras in recent history have attracted as much of a cult following as Fujifilm’s X100 series. They’re the photographer’s darling – not just a good-looking camera, but a beautifully effective machine. The X100T is small and light, and won’t burden a weary traveler, and its low-profile lends itself to street shooting. If you don’t mind zooming with your feet, its 35mm F2 equivalent lens and 16MP X-Trans APS-C sensor will serve you well.

In addition to its travel-friendly size, the X100T offers a hybrid viewfinder with optical and digital views. That’s especially handy when the sun is high in the sky and the 1.04M-dot 3″ LCD becomes harder to see. Having been on the market over a year (at time of publication), its 16 megapixels are starting to feel quite low in comparison to some of its peers, but it also means that the price has dropped slightly since its launch. It is worth noting though that its movie mode, which was far from class-leading at launch, is now well behind the competition in terms of quality and 4K support.

With obviously classic design cues, the X100T’s controls and handling are timeless. Though it doesn’t offer the cutting-edge modern features of its newer peers, it won’t go out of style anytime soon. 

Also consider…

Ricoh GR II
Not a revolutionary update to the original by any means, but the Ricoh GR II’s 16MP APS-C sensor and 28mm F2.8 make the camera one of the best bargains on the market for under $ 600.

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

$ 750 | 20MP 1″-type sensor | 4K video | 25-400mm equiv. focal range | XGA OLED viewfinder

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

You can zoom with your feet all day long, but some situations and shooting styles call for real zoom. The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 doesn’t top its class in terms of massive zoom reach, but its 25-400mm equivalent zoom opens up plenty of options, and an F2.8-4.0 aperture is brighter than most of its peers. With a 1″-type 20.1MP CMOS sensor, it borrows some tech from the GH4 including 4K video recording at 30 fps. Its DSLR-style build includes a fully articulated 921k-dot 3″ LCD and a 2.4M-dot OLED viewfinder.

Also consider… 

Nikon Coolpix P900 
On the seventh day, the Nikon Coolpix P900 was created. And there was much zoom. An incredible 24-2000mm equivalent range, in fact. The P900 uses a considerably smaller 16MP sensor than the FZ1000, but its lens is impressive considering what it has to do, the image stabilization is amazing, and the built-in GPS won’t let you forget where you’ve been.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

$ 950 | 20MP 1″-type sensor | F1.8-2.8 24-70mm equiv. lens | Pop-up EVF | 4K video

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

It’s hard not to recommend the Sony RX100 IV to anyone buying a compact. It’s by no means a budget-friendly option, but it’s among the most capable pocket-sized cameras we’ve ever tested. Sony’s excellent 20MP 1″-type sensor is bigger than your garden-variety compact camera sensor with lots of dynamic range, and a 24-70mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens is much brighter than most of its competition. The camera’s tiny pop-up EVF is higher resolution than that of it predecessor and comes in very handy in bright outdoor light.

The RX100 IV really shines when you set the mode dial to movie mode. 4K/UHD recording is available, and at lower resolutions (upscaled to 1080p) high frame rates of 240, 480 and 960 fps can be used. Slow motion video is an awful lot of fun.

If you want to take control over your settings, shoot high quality video and make the most of your vacation Raw files, the RX100 IV is a solid choice. Of course, if you can live without 4K and high frame rates, the RX100 III will save you a couple hundred dollars and get you much of the same excellent image quality. Neither will get you a lot of zoom if that’s what you’re after, but their image quality is at the top of their class.

Also consider…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 
Before there were fancy Sony point-and-shoots with 1″ sensors, Panasonic had the market cornered on premium zoom compacts for travelers. While its 12MP 1/2.3″ sensor looks a bit pedestrian in comparison, there’s something to be said for a 24-720mm equiv. zoom that just about fits in your pocket. And for under $ 300, it’s pretty much a steal for full manual controls, Raw support and Wi-Fi with NFC.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

$ 700 | 13MP Four Thirds sensor | 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens | Electronic viewfinder | 4K video

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

Why stop at a 1″-type sensor? That’s the question Panasonic engineers must have asked themselves, and lo and behold, the Lumix LX100 was born. It uses a cropped 13MP Four Thirds sensor coupled with a very fast 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens and offers great ergonomics and handling for the kind of photographer who wants quick access to exposure settings. It’s not as pocket-friendly as the RX100 IV, but its solid handgrip gives it a steady feel and its responsive user experience is one of the best we’ve encountered in a compact.

In addition to recording 4K video, the LX100 also offers a useful 4K Photo Mode, which lets you extract a high quality 8MB still from your clip. Its time-lapse and stop motion animation modes are also a lot of fun. Its zoom is certainly on the shorter side, and for someone who plans to stay in Auto mode the camera’s controls and customization will verge on overkill. But for the seasoned photographer wanting to give her shoulders a break from the big camera, the LX100 is a joy to carry and shoot with.

Also consider…

Canon PowerShot G5 X 
If you want just a bit more zoom (100mm at the top end) and a more traditional SLR-style body you may want to consider the Canon PowerShot G5 X. It sports a 20MP 1″-type BSI CMOS sensor (likely the same as in the RX100 III) and a 24-100mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens, along with a fully articulating LCD, high resolution EVF, and full set of manual controls. It’s not great for action shooting and it lacks 4K video, but the G5 X is still worth a look.

Olympus Tough TG-4

$ 350 | 16MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor | 25-100mm equiv. F2.0-4.9 lens | Everything-proof

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

Nothing spoils a vacation like spilling a Mai Tai on your fancy new camera. The Olympus TG-4 isn’t just sealed against spills, its fully waterproof to 15m/50ft, as well as shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, crushproof to 100kg/220lbf and freezeproof to -10C/14F. Wherever your travels may take you, the TG-4 is up to the challenge.

Outside of its rugged specs, we like the TG-4’s ability to shoot Raw, making it possible to get very nice image quality with a little time invested in post-processing. Its moderate 25-100mm equiv. zoom, which is fast at its wide end, will get you a little closer to the action, and optional accessories like a macro LED ring light and waterproof fisheye lens open up more possibilities. It also provides the peace of mind of knowing your camera will survive just about anything your vacation throws at it.

Also consider…

Olympus Tough TG-860
The Stylus TG-860 is the TG-4’s more casual sibling, lacking buttoned-up features like Raw capture and Aperture priority mode, but provides identical rugged specifications with a flip-up selfie-friendly LCD. If you don’t anticipate doing extensive editing to your snapshots, the TG-860 is good, clean fun for a significantly cheaper price.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview Recommends: Best compact cameras for travel 2015

18 Dec

Whether you’re traveling the world or the next town over, having the right camera at your side makes all the difference. We’ve picked out our best picks for the photographer who wants to keep things simple by carrying a compact camera rather than one with interchangeable lenses. If you fall into that category, we’ve got great news for you – there are more high quality cameras with attached lenses than ever before, brimming with features tailored to your needs. 

Fujifilm X100T

$ 1099 | 16MP APS-C sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid electronic / optical viewfinder | 3″ LCD

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

Few cameras in recent history have attracted as much of a cult following as Fujifilm’s X100 series. They’re the photographer’s darling – not just a good-looking camera, but a beautifully effective machine. The X100T is small and light, and won’t burden a weary traveler, and its low-profile lends itself to street shooting. If you don’t mind zooming with your feet, its 35mm F2 equivalent lens and 16MP X-Trans APS-C sensor will serve you well.

In addition to its travel-friendly size, the X100T offers a hybrid viewfinder with optical and digital views. That’s especially handy when the sun is high in the sky and the 1.04M-dot 3″ LCD becomes harder to see. Having been on the market over a year (at time of publication), its 16 megapixels are starting to feel quite low in comparison to some of its peers, but it also means that the price has dropped slightly since its launch. It is worth noting though that its movie mode, which was far from class-leading at launch, is now well behind the competition in terms of quality and 4K support.

With obviously classic design cues, the X100T’s controls and handling are timeless. Though it doesn’t offer the cutting-edge modern features of its newer peers, it won’t go out of style anytime soon. 

Also consider…

Ricoh GR II
Not a revolutionary update to the original by any means, but the Ricoh GR II’s 16MP APS-C sensor and 28mm F2.8 make the camera one of the best bargains on the market for under $ 600.

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000

$ 750 | 20MP 1″-type sensor | 4K video | 25-400mm equiv. focal range | XGA OLED viewfinder

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

You can zoom with your feet all day long, but some situations and shooting styles call for real zoom. The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 doesn’t top its class in terms of massive zoom reach, but its 25-400mm equivalent zoom opens up plenty of options, and an F2.8-4.0 aperture is brighter than most of its peers. With a 1″-type 20.1MP CMOS sensor, it borrows some tech from the GH4 including 4K video recording at 30 fps. Its DSLR-style build includes a fully articulated 921k-dot 3″ LCD and a 2.4M-dot OLED viewfinder.

Also consider… 

Nikon Coolpix P900 
On the seventh day, the Nikon Coolpix P900 was created. And there was much zoom. An incredible 24-2000mm equivalent range, in fact. The P900 uses a considerably smaller 16MP sensor than the FZ1000, but its lens is impressive considering what it has to do, the image stabilization is amazing, and the built-in GPS won’t let you forget where you’ve been.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

$ 950 | 20MP 1″-type sensor | F1.8-2.8 24-70mm equiv. lens | Pop-up EVF | 4K video

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

It’s hard not to recommend the Sony RX100 IV to anyone buying a compact. It’s by no means a budget-friendly option, but it’s among the most capable pocket-sized cameras we’ve ever tested. Sony’s excellent 20MP 1″-type sensor is bigger than your garden-variety compact camera sensor with lots of dynamic range, and a 24-70mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens is much brighter than most of its competition. The camera’s tiny pop-up EVF is higher resolution than that of it predecessor and comes in very handy in bright outdoor light.

The RX100 IV really shines when you set the mode dial to movie mode. 4K/UHD recording is available, and at lower resolutions (upscaled to 1080p) high frame rates of 240, 480 and 960 fps can be used. Slow motion video is an awful lot of fun.

If you want to take control over your settings, shoot high quality video and make the most of your vacation Raw files, the RX100 IV is a solid choice. Of course, if you can live without 4K and high frame rates, the RX100 III will save you a couple hundred dollars and get you much of the same excellent image quality. Neither will get you a lot of zoom if that’s what you’re after, but their image quality is at the top of their class.

Also consider…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 
Before there were fancy Sony point-and-shoots with 1″ sensors, Panasonic had the market cornered on premium zoom compacts for travelers. While its 12MP 1/2.3″ sensor looks a bit pedestrian in comparison, there’s something to be said for a 24-720mm equiv. zoom that just about fits in your pocket. And for under $ 300, it’s pretty much a steal for full manual controls, Raw support and Wi-Fi with NFC.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

$ 700 | 13MP Four Thirds sensor | 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens | Electronic viewfinder | 4K video

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

Why stop at a 1″-type sensor? That’s the question Panasonic engineers must have asked themselves, and lo and behold, the Lumix LX100 was born. It uses a cropped 13MP Four Thirds sensor coupled with a very fast 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens and offers great ergonomics and handling for the kind of photographer who wants quick access to exposure settings. It’s not as pocket-friendly as the RX100 IV, but its solid handgrip gives it a steady feel and its responsive user experience is one of the best we’ve encountered in a compact.

In addition to recording 4K video, the LX100 also offers a useful 4K Photo Mode, which lets you extract a high quality 8MB still from your clip. Its time-lapse and stop motion animation modes are also a lot of fun. Its zoom is certainly on the shorter side, and for someone who plans to stay in Auto mode the camera’s controls and customization will verge on overkill. But for the seasoned photographer wanting to give her shoulders a break from the big camera, the LX100 is a joy to carry and shoot with.

Also consider…

Canon PowerShot G5 X 
If you want just a bit more zoom (100mm at the top end) and a more traditional SLR-style body you may want to consider the Canon PowerShot G5 X. It sports a 20MP 1″-type BSI CMOS sensor (likely the same as in the RX100 III) and a 24-100mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens, along with a fully articulating LCD, high resolution EVF, and full set of manual controls. It’s not great for action shooting and it lacks 4K video, but the G5 X is still worth a look.

Olympus Tough TG-4

$ 350 | 16MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor | 25-100mm equiv. F2.0-4.9 lens | Everything-proof

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

Nothing spoils a vacation like spilling a Mai Tai on your fancy new camera. The Olympus TG-4 isn’t just sealed against spills, its fully waterproof to 15m/50ft, as well as shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, crushproof to 100kg/220lbf and freezeproof to -10C/14F. Wherever your travels may take you, the TG-4 is up to the challenge.

Outside of its rugged specs, we like the TG-4’s ability to shoot Raw, making it possible to get very nice image quality with a little time invested in post-processing. Its moderate 25-100mm equiv. zoom, which is fast at its wide end, will get you a little closer to the action, and optional accessories like a macro LED ring light and waterproof fisheye lens open up more possibilities. It also provides the peace of mind of knowing your camera will survive just about anything your vacation throws at it.

Also consider…

Olympus Tough TG-860
The Stylus TG-860 is the TG-4’s more casual sibling, lacking buttoned-up features like Raw capture and Aperture priority mode, but provides identical rugged specifications with a flip-up selfie-friendly LCD. If you don’t anticipate doing extensive editing to your snapshots, the TG-860 is good, clean fun for a significantly cheaper price.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview recommends: Best Cameras for Kids 2015

16 Dec

If they’re young enough, your kids have always known a world in which smartphones are the most popular devices for taking photos. That’s too bad. To ensure that the next wave of young photographers understand the performance and ergonomic advantages of using a real camera, you’ll need to get one into their hands as soon as possible.

But wait! Before you sneak a Nikon D810 into your baby’s basket of toys, you’ll need to consider choking hazards and the fact that some children are a lot more careful than others when it comes to handling expensive electronics. If you want to buy a camera specifically for your child – or a camera that your entire family can share without worrying too much – durability and ease of use are just as important, if not more, as image quality and features.

And, of course, much of that depends on the age and maturity level of your child. We wouldn’t trust any toddler or the vast majority of 10-year-old boys with an advanced point-and-shoot, but for a teenager or pre-teen that’s wise beyond their years and genuinely interested in photography, a compact with a lot of zoom and manual controls to grow into might be a great fit.

So here’s a selection of some of what we think are the best camera options for your kids. Most of these models aren’t specifically for kids, and all of the obvious caveats apply. Batteries aren’t edible, memory cards are choke hazards, cameras can hurt when they’re thrown at people, etc. All prices are approximate street prices, correct at time of publication, and if you think we’ve missed a model that deserves consideration, let us know in the comments!

Younger Kids

If you’re shopping for kids 6 and under, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money, and durability is likely to be important. You want something lightweight that won’t break the first time it gets dropped, and the simpler the operation the better.

Vtech Kidizoom Connect ($ 48)

1.3MP sensor | 4X digital zoom | 1.8″ LCD | 320 x 240 video | 128MB built-in memory | uses AA batteries

Baby’s first piece of kit should be tough and inexpensive, and the VTech KidiZoom fits the bill. This durable 1.3-megapixel camera/toy comes has a fixed lens with 4X digital zoom, 128MB of internal memory (with an option for MicroSD memory card expansion), a 1.8″ LCD and 320 x 240 video. There are even three photo-related games to keep your kids entertained.

Nikon Coolpix S33 ($ 99)

13.2MP CMOS sensor | 30-90mm equiv. lens | Waterproof to 32ft | Shockproof from 5ft | Full HD video

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more 

Cameras do get bumped and dropped (or worse), making Nikon’s inexpensive waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof Coolpix S33 worth a look. It features an easy-to-use interface and dedicated one-touch buttons for simple shooting. Although it’s 13.2 megapixel CMOS sensor is roughly the size of what’s in your smartphone, it can capture decent quality images. Its lens has a focal range of of 30-90mm – adequate for most purposes. A dedicated movie record button allows users to quickly shoot Full HD video clips. The S33 offers sixteen creative styles and effects options (including Underwater Face Detection) and an option to shoot videos with a miniature effect.

Fujifilm instax mini 8 ($ 80)

Makes card-sized instant prints | 60mm equiv. fixed lens | Uses AA batteries | Comes in several colors

Now your kids can relive the days of instant prints with the Fujifilm instax mini 8, one of several models available from the company. It’s definitely not rugged, but the thrill of getting a 2.4 x 1.8 inch print in about 2-3 minutes will excite both kids and adults alike. The mini 8 is a very basic camera, with a small optical viewfinder (and no LCD), dial-in exposure, and a flash that always fires. One important thing to know is that instax cameras are a bit of a money pit, with a ten pack of film priced at around $ 8.50, so your little photographers will need to be pretty selective before pressing that shutter release button.  

Viddy Pinhole Camera kit ($ 57)

DIY pinhole camera | Accepts 35mm or medium-format film | Available in four colors

For the creative kid with a do-it-yourself attitude, the VIDDY is a pinhole camera kit made from tough, durable recycled cardboard in four colors: green, black, blue or red. It accepts both medium format and 35mm film. Bonus: it’s a perfect project between parent and child. Pop out VIDDY’s screen printed parts and assemble in 30 minutes.

Polaroid Cube ($ 99)

6MP sensor | 35mm lens w/124° angle-of-view | Weatherproof | Full HD video | Numerous mounts available

The latest HD action camera from Polaroid combines a 6MP sensor with a lens with an impressive 124° field-of-view and puts it into a weatherproof body measuring just 35mm on each side. The camera has can record Full HD video onto an optional microSD card, and a 90 minute battery allows extended recording for every bike ride and beach adventure. Just like more expensive GoPros, there are numerous mounts available for the Cube, plus an underwater housing. And a magnet in the camera’s base opens up even more potentially interesting vantage points.

For those seeking Wi-Fi capabilities, the Cube+ offers that for $ 149.

Older Kids

Durability may be less important in a camera for this age group, but it really depends on the child. In our selection we’re assuming that you’re buying for a kid who’s learned not to throw precious things around, and most of the models we’ve chosen offer a little room for your child to grow away from the strictly auto-everything snap-shooting if they get more confident.

Olympus Tough TG-4 ($ 349)

16MP BSI CMOS sensor | 25-100mm equiv. lens | Waterproof to 50ft | Full HD video | Wi-Fi + GPS

Full specifications, sample images, user reviews and more

For kids that are on the go – or have the tendency to drop expensive pieces of electronics, the Olympus TG-4 is a good choice. It’s well built, responsive, full-featured and produces excellent quality images for a small-sensor camera. It offers automatic shooting modes but opens up the world of manual exposure for older children ready to get their feet wet (no pun intended) in more serious photography. Other features include numerous ‘art filters’, Full HD video recording, and support for fisheye and telephoto conversion lenses. It has very good battery life as well, so it can make it through the day with ease.

The TG-4 is waterproof to 50ft, shockproof from 7ft, crushproof to 220lbf and freeze proof to +14F, so it can take a beating. Wi-Fi is built-in for easy photo sharing, and the GPS receiver will let young photographers check a map to see where a photo was taken.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 ($ 250)

12MP BSI CMOS sensor | 24-720mm equiv. lens | Electronic viewfinder | Full HD video | Wi-Fi

For the child you trust with more fragile cameras, might we suggest the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. It’s a great camera to take on vacation, thanks to its long 24-720mm (30X) zoom lens and ultra-compact body. It offers speedy focusing and continuous shooting, and photos can be composed on either a 3″ LCD or a small (but still useful) electronic viewfinder. The camera can record Full HD video with ‘hybrid’ image stabilization to reduce severe camera shake. 

The ZS50 offers more advanced manual controls than the TG-4 above, so if you want to teach your budding photographer about aperture and shutter speed or how to manual focus, the ZS50 is a camera which can do it.

Apple iPod Touch ($ 199 and up)

Full-featured smart device | 8MP BSI CMOS sensor | F2.4, 29mm equiv. lens | 4″ Retina display | Full HD video

While it may be too early in their lives to buy your kids an iPhone, you might as well prepare for the inevitable by picking up an iPod Touch (2015). It’s essentially an iPhone without the phone, meaning that you get access to hundreds of thousands of apps, many photo-related, easy photo sharing over Wi-Fi, and all of the other things that have made iPhones a smash hit.

On the photo side, the iPod Touch sports a 8MP BSI CMOS sensor and an F2.4, 29mm equivalent lens, plus a lower resolution front-facing camera for selfies. It has the usual features you’d expect to see on a ‘regular’ camera, plus impressive Auto HDR and panorama features. The iPod Touch can also record Full HD video, with slo-mo and time-lapse options. You couldn’t ask for a better screen on which to compose photos, either, as the 4″ Retina display truly shines. You can even add extra lenses from companies like Olloclip for more flexibility.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for Photographers 2015

26 Nov

While Black Friday was born in the United Sates, people from all over the world now wait for this day to do some serious shopping too, and photographers are no exception. The Friday after Thanksgiving has become popular everywhere marking the beginning of the winter holiday season. So are Black Friday deals really a “big deal” for photography enthusiasts? Yes, Continue Reading

The post Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for Photographers 2015 appeared first on Photodoto.


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