Camera Reviews
Leica SL Mirrorless Camera Review
by Audrey Liang, May 14, 2016
Review
The Leica SL Mirrorless Camera is a premium camera made for professional photography. If you have a passion for taking pictures like a pro, the Leica SL maybe the one you want. If you already own other Leica cameras and lenses, the Leica SL gives you the leverage in power to use all your Leica-compatible lenses.
Equipped with many exceptional technologies, the Leica SL provides a grand user experience. It uses the Maestro series II processor, which has 2 GB of buffer memory to capture consecutive exposures at rates of up to 11 frames per second. The SL also has a 24-Megapixel CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor to ensure the highest image quality. The SL camera is equipped with other new Leica technologies such as the electronic EyeRes viewfinder that enables you to assess all decisive parameters (exposure, depth of focus and white balance) before shooting. Do you want super fast autofocus? The SL takes less than 110 milliseconds to zoom in from infinity to its closest focusing. The SL also has a sophisticated video mode, which can record in 4K in Super 35 format.
The Leica SL has a similar layout to that of the Leica S. About two-thirds of the SL's back plate is the LCD touchscreen. Surrounding the touchscreen are four buttons used to playback images, choose display modes, set magnification levels and access menu system. Some think the buttons cause confusion in use. It is true that you need to memorize those functions at first, but once you get used to them, it is not hard to use. You can connect your Leica SL to other devices such as smartphones and PC by using the built-in Wi-Fi. The free Leica app allows you to send pictures to devices, control the shutter speed and aperture remotely.
Until now, Leica has released a new lens--the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH lens for the SL. Another two lenses, the APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4.0 and the Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH will be available this year. You can also use up to 145 Leica lenses on the Leica SL camera. Conceived as premium and professional the Leica SL Mirrorless Camera is the one to satisfy pros as well as enthusiastic photographers.
Highlights
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A 24-megapixel compact system camera
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A 35mm full-frame (24 x 36mm) CMOS sensor with no low-pass filter
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4K video with a frame rate of 30 frames per second
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High-speed autofocus with the LEICA APO VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4
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A 4.4million pixel electronic viewfinder
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A 2.95” LCD display with a viewing angle of up to 170° and touchscreen control
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Leica Maestro II series image processor
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A continuous shooting rate of up to 11 frames per second
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Built-in IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS connectivity
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A highest ISO setting of 50,000 and support for dual UHS II memory cards
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Image data format: JPEG, DNG
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Color depth: 14 bit (DNG), 8bit (JPEG)
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Two years warranty
Pros
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Extensive Leica lens compatibility, to include 145 Leica lenses
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Super fast autofocus speeds
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High video quality
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A weather-resistant body to avoid dust, moisture, or water
Score
9.7
Cons
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The four buttons around the touch screen may be confusing at first
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The power button is on the left side, which needs two hands to control the camera
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With shutter button half down, the focus picking doesn't work
Olympus E-M5 Review
by Priya Modi - December 1, 2015
Review
Highlights
If you’re taking a picture, why not make every pixel count? Capture your memories with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 camera and take the perfect images of your vacation, the museum, or your kids at home. No matter what it may be, the E-M5 shines in its class with powerful portability, rugged durability, image quality and blazing speed giving you plenty of creative freedom.
The aesthetics of the camera is consistent with previous models, so the E-M5 looks like it belongs to the Olympus “family”. However, it works a bit differently. For example, you must start the camera by using the tilting LCD screen, which is a high-resolution touch screen as well. Thanks to the Olympus MMF-3 and a variety of third-party adapters, the OM-D E-M5 is compatible with hundreds of lenses.
The various built-in modes available allow users to quickly choose the setting needed. Are you a beginner? The life guide mode will serve you best. The M5 electronic viewfinder enables photographers to check exposure levels, white balance and preview art filter effects in real-time. The intelligent E-M5 has an eye sensor, which detects your eye movement inside the viewfinder. The FAST AF, has been made even faster and more accurate on the E-M5. The improved new 3D Tracking AF assures you won’t miss the moment even when subjects move toward or away from you. In addition, the new high-sensitivity image sensor ensures good performance even in dim light.
Thanks to the new 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor’s high-speed read-out performance, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 offers maximum sequential shooting at 9.0 fps, making it easy to capture sports action or fast-moving subjects. The zoom is quiet and moves in and out seamlessly. While looking through the viewfinder, multiple things are done on the fly. For example, you can shoot at different aspect ratios while adjusting the shadow or highlight in the camera. You can also change the gradation, saturation, sharpness, contrast, and other image parameters.
The M5 leaves room for using an external flash, a handy feature for pros. One thing missing is a microphone and headphone jack, so if you’re into videos you may reconsider. The battery life will last throughout a day full of shooting. The Olympus E-M5 features a lot of customization, different mode settings, and the newest Olympus technology. Once you practice a bit and get your fingers in place there’s no looking back.
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16.1MP CMOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
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9 frames per second continuous shooting
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ISO 200-25,600
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1080 HD video
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Articulated 3.0 inch touchscreen LCD with 610,000 dots
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Electronic viewfinder with 1,440,000 dots
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Raw and Raw + JPEG shooting
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Flash hot shoe and Olympus Wireless RC Flash system compatible
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Weather-sealed body
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SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
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Exposure compensation preview, WB adjustment preview
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Built-in (Image sensor shift type for movie & still, 5-axis* image stabilization)
Pros
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Fast autofocus
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5-axis image stabilization
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Good battery life
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LCD touch screen
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Room for external flash
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Fast, responsive buttons
Score
9.5
Cons
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No microphone or headphone jack
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No panorama sweep mode
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Lacks 24p native mode
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Poor focus accuracy in low-contrast scenes
Highlights
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Available for IPhone 5/5S/5C/6 and Samsung Galaxy S4/S5
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Plug smartphone into the case, Snap or choose any existing picture, Print a photo instantly
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Record a 5 to 10 second video clip, Scan the printed picture with the app, Reveal the video through augmented reality
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No ink
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Comes 10 sheets of print paper
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Refill packs are $5 and include 10 sheets of paper
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One-year limited warranty
Today, more pictures are being taken every day than had ever existed up until the 20th century. People rarely develop these pictures anymore simply for the sake of convenience of scrolling through their gallery over running to and waiting for a developer.
However, physical copies and old pictures have never lost their charm, so Paris-based co-founders Clément Perrot and David Zhang decided to cut out the middle-man and integrate the magic of instant, physical photography with the convenience and connection of today’s technology and created Prynt.
Prynt is a phone case that fits over and plugs directly into your smartphone. Through the Prynt app, simply take or choose an existing photo from your gallery or online to print. In approximately 30 seconds, you will have a tangible print you can share with anyone.
Along with a physical photo you can scan the photo made by Prynt and it will play a 5-10 second video from when the picture was taken. This breakthrough in modern technology will appeal greatly to all audiences, whether it be teens who want to share funny pictures and videos, aspiring photographers, or people who want to mail sentiments that have a more personal touch.
Prynt is available for the iPhone 5/5S/5C/6, as well as for the Samsung Galaxy S4/S5, but should also work on any phone that has roughly these dimensions.
While some may worry about the cost of using Prynt it has a thermal printer that heats color inside the paper, removing all ink expenses. Refilling the 10 sheets in the case only costs a fraction of what a Polaroid had cost to refill. Refills can be ordered directly through the app, keeping the nostalgia of a Polaroid with a modern touch and without the cost.
Pros
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Quick, easy, and convenient printing
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No middleman
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Independent battery
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No WiFi or Bluetooth connection needed
8.9
Score
Cons
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Only available through Pre-orders
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Printed picture size is rather small
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Only 10 prints at a time
Prynt - Smartphone Instant Printed Photos
Review
by Sarah Gruenewald - July 3, 2015
Highlights
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Wide dynamic range
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Large 3.2" Tilting LCD screen
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High 1,229k resolution screen
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Weather sealed to use in extreme weather
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Great for movies flip-out screen
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51 focus points
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Above average battery life (1230 shots)
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100% viewfinder coverage
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Very low noise at high ISO (2,956 ISO)
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Great overall image quality
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24.8 bits color depth
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Large viewfinder
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High true resolution of 24.3 MP
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Movie continuous focus makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Pros
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Carbon-fiber 30 ounce weight
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Excellent high ISO performance
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Fast autofocus sytem
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Above average battery Life
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Dual card slots
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HDMI uncompressed video output
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Integrated Wi-Fi capabilities
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Tilting rear display
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Good array of accesories
9.5
Score
Cons
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No image stabilization
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No GPS
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Slow shutter speed
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Small top LCD panel
Nikon D750
Review
By Michael Lee - March 23, 2015
For those who find inspiration everywhere, who switch between stills and video without missing a beat, who want the look only a full-frame DSLR can achieve and who love sharing their shots, the D750 is the tool to unleash your artistry. The D750 brings dazzling image quality, cinematic video capabilities and pro-inspired handling in a nimble design with a tilting Vari-angle LCD and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Pros seeking a primary or secondary camera for fast-paced shoots will appreciate the D750's familiar handling and speed. And filmmakers looking for a compact DSLR to bring a production to life or to capture B-Roll will find the D750 a perfect fit. The D750 is a thrilling centerpiece of an exceptional imaging system.
The D750 has a feature set unlike full-frame DSLRs its size, and Nikon's powerful 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors and 3D Color Matrix Metering III with a 91,000-pixel RGB sensor. It's fast and responsive; shoot 6.5 fps at full resolution. And it's endlessly versatile; shoot stills in multiple formats, video with enhanced definition, smooth time-lapse sequences up to 9,999 shots in-camera and more—all with stunning sharpness and rich tonality. Open new compositional possibilities with its 3.2-inch 1,229k dot tilting Vari-angle LCD display, or use a compatible smartphone or tablet as a remote monitor for Live View shooting.
Like every Nikon full-frame DSLR, the D750 achieves a level of image quality few other manufacturers can match. Its newly designed 24.3MP FX-format CMOS image sensor is paired with EXPEED 4 image processing for fast frame rates, a low noise, wide ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable up to ISO 51,200), Full HD video with enhanced definition and reduced noise at high ISO sensitivities, minimal moiré, jaggies and false colors and a Nikon first—autofocus performance down to -3EV. Paired with the versatile array of full-frame or DX-format NIKKOR lenses, the D750 is capable of telling any story you can imagine.
With professional video capabilities and an array of inputs and outputs, the D750 is as well-suited for recording daily life and events as it is for filmmaking and videography. Simultaneously record uncompressed and compressed Full HD 1080 footage at 60/50/30/25/24p. Manually control ISO, shutter speed and aperture while recording—even use Power Aperture control for smooth iris transitions and Auto ISO for smooth exposure transitions. Use Highlight Display with zebra stripes to confirm exposure, apply Flat Picture Control for easier color grading in post and record at low and high angles with the 3.2-inch tilting Vari-angle LCD.
Sharing and transferring your favorite D750 photos is fast, and easy. Wirelessly connect to the D750 with a compatible smartphone or tablet, browse the camera's memory card, download your favorite shots and then email them, text them or upload them to your favorite website. You can also use your smart device as a remote monitor and control for the D750—see what the camera sees and fire the shutter. For faster wireless transfers, transmit images over FTP.
The D750 is designed to ignite your creativity. It has extensive auto bracketing—up to nine frames in 1/3, 1/5 or 1 EV steps. The already impressive dynamic range of the D750's image sensor can be enhanced with built-in HDR shooting. Combine multiple exposures into one dramatically rich image in-camera. The Special Effects mode lets you apply creative effects like Selective Color, Color Sketch, Miniature Effect and more in real time to both stills and HD videos.
Highlights
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1" 20.1 MP Exmor R® sensor for extreme low-light shots
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Bright F1.8 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens (24-70mm)
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Built-in SVGA OLED viewfinder w/ZEISS T* coating
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Selfie-ready multi-angle 3" Xtra Fine LCD™ display
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Versatile shooting w/ XAVC S1, AVCHD and MP4 formats
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Built-in ND filter for wider-ranging photographic expression
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HDMI clear output for uncompressed video recordings
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P/A/S/M operating modes with smooth precise control ring
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Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® w/NFC
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Enhance your camera with PlayMemories™ Camera Apps
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Good pictures, easy to use
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Super High resolution,
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Strong built-in flash
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Size, Speed and Quailty
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Battery Life
Pros
9.2
Score
Cons
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Low zooming power
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No GeoTagging
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Focus Ring takes a lot of turning to focus
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MTS video format
Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera RX100 III
Review
By Jeremy Bunet - January 7, 2015
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III Digital Camera is a versatile and advanced point-and-shoot featuring a large 20.1 megapixel 1" Exmor R CMOS sensor to produce high-resolution still imagery and full HD video. This sensor's design utilizes backside-illuminated technology to improve clarity and image quality when working in dimly-lit conditions as well as increase the sensitivity to a native ISO 12800. Benefitting the performance of this sensor is the BIONZ X image processor, which helps to produce images with smooth quality and tonal gradations as well as provide expedited performance throughout all aspects of the camera, including a continuous shooting rate of 10 fps in Speed Priority mode, shutter release lag of 0.008 sec., and XAVC S movie recording at 50 Mbps.
The built-in Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 2.9x zoom lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-70mm, covering wide-angle to portrait-length perspectives to suit working in a wide variety of environments. An f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture benefits working in low lighting and controlling focus throughout the zoom range. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization is also available to help minimize the appearance of camera shake when working in dimly-lit conditions and with greater zoom magnifications. Furthermore, a built-in three-stop ND filter is incorporated into the camera's design to suit shooting in bright conditions with wider apertures and for greater control over how movement is depicted. The lens also features a Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating, which helps to reduce surface reflections, lens flare, and ghosting in order to produce imagery that is rich in contrast and clarity.
Complementing the imaging capabilities of the RX100 III is a sleek body design featuring both an electronic viewfinder and a tilting LCD screen. The 0.39" 1,440k-dot SVGA OLED Tru-Finder has Zeiss T*-coated optics and provides a bright, clear means for eye-level viewing. It features a unique pop-up mechanism that helps to maintain the compact form factor of the camera when carrying or if preferring to work with the rear screen. The 3.0" 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine LCD incorporates WhiteMagic technology for easier visibility in bright conditions and its tilting design permits greater usability from high, low, and front-facing angles. Furthermore, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC allows instant image sharing to, as well as remote camera control and monitoring from, linked mobile devices.
icrophones in MacBook Air are great for when you want to be heard. If you’re making a FaceTime call, for example, the mics reduce background noise from behind the notebook. And when you use Dictation, they create an adaptive audio beam that intelligently adjusts to detect your voice — instead of the noise around you.
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