Review Digital Camera World 04-23-2014

Digital Camera World

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Best compact system camera: 5 premium CSCs tested and rated Apr 22nd 2014, 23:01, by jmeyer Want a small camera that's big on performance? We compare five of the best compact system cameras on the market.   Nobody really enjoys being burdened by the weight of a heavy backpack stuffed with a big camera body and even bigger lenses, especially when venturing off the beaten track or travelling. Compact System Cameras, or CSCs, have therefore become increasingly popular. They offer the crucial advantage of interchangeable lenses that were previously the preserve of full-blown SLRs, while often being only a little larger than compact cameras. As such, they boast DSLR-like versatility in a more streamlined package. There's an increasing number of high-end CSCs that are designed to give enthusiast and pro photographers the type of control they are used to, but in a smaller camera. Which one makes the best alternative to a heavy SLR? SEE MORE: What camera should I buy? Pros and cons of each camera type Best compact system camera: 01 Fujifilm X-E2 Price: $899/£759 Not just an update to the X-E1, this new Fuji camera boasts some desirable enhancements compared with the older X-Pro1. The newer generation 16.3Mp X-Trans image sensor, for example, includes phase-detection autofocus as a supplement to regular contrast-detection AF. The X-E2 also has a faster burst rate of 7fps compared with the X-Pro1's 6fps, and a higher-resolution, 2,360k-pixel electronic viewfinder. There's also a pop-up flash, as well as a hot-shoe and Wi-Fi connectivity. SEE MORE: 10 camera techniques to master in 2014 There's no PASM dial as the camera uses 'automatic' positions on the well-implemented shutter speed and aperture selectors instead, along with a neatly positioned Exposure Compensation dial offering up to +/-3EV. There are no scene modes either, which is a clear indication of the 'enthusiast' aspirations of the camera. Given the comparative newness of the X-E2, the lack of a touchscreen LCD is a little frustrating, but the Quick menu system makes for easy adjustments to most shooting settings. Autofocus isn't blindingly fast, but it's pretty respectable. One of the benefits of Fuji's X-Trans sensors is that they don't need an anti-aliasing filter (which reduces the risk moiré patterning, but at the expense of slight softening of images), and this brings the potential for sharper, more detailed images. The X-E2's images look very natural, especially in the standard, Provia colour mode, with rather more vibrancy being delivered in Velvia mode. Retention of fine detail is impressive, at least at low ISO settings. When using higher ISOs, image noise is kept well under control, but fine detail and texture are slightly smoothed out. Score: 4/5 Photoguard – specialist insurance provider When will you think about insuring your camera and equipment? After you've read this? Or after you've dropped your beloved camera potentially smashing or damaging it? Photoguard – here for photographers before things go wrong.  Receive an online insurance quote in seconds. Best compact system camera: 01 Fujifilm X-E2 Best compact system camera: 02 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Best compact system camera: 03 Panasonic Lumix GH3 Best compact system camera: 04 Panasonic Lumix GX7 Best compact system camera: 05 Sony Alpha 7R Best compact system camera: Our verdict READ MORE 49 awesome photography tips and time savers 99 common photography problems (and how to solve them) 77 photography techniques, tips and tricks for taking pictures of anything Canon EOS cameras: 100 things you never knew they could do 100 Nikon DSLR tips you need to know right now Lytro Illum: new light field camera adds bigger sensor, better lens… and bigger price tag Apr 22nd 2014, 13:25, by jmeyer Lytro has unveiled its next-generation light field camera, introducing the Lytro Illum. The Lytro Illum price tag will be $1,599, and the new Lytro camera’s release date is set for July 2014. Among the key spec of this new Lytro camera are the Illum’s 40-megaray light field sensor, 8x optical zoom range, constant f/2.0 aperture and a high-speed shutter capable of freezing motion in a range of different conditions. What’s more, after capturing an image with the Lytro Illum, the camera’s built-in software platform, powered by Lytro’s Light Field Engine 2.0, allows you to make adjustments to focus, tilt, perspective shift and depth of field. Composition should be easier this time around with the Lytro Illum’s new 4in touchscreen, and the new light field camera’s lens offers 8x optical zoom with an equivalent focal length of 30-250mm and a constant aperture of f/2.0. The Lytro Illum price tag will be $1,599, and the new Lytro camera’s release date is set for July 2014. You can find the Lytro Illum spec sheet below, and here is a sample photo showing how the new Lytro camera works. Lytro Illum Specs Technology Lytro Light Field Sensor and Lytro Light Field Engine v2.0 Weight Camera 33.15 oz | 940 grams Battery 3.17 oz | 90 grams Camera Dimensions 3.38 in x 5.7 in x 6.5 in | 86 mm x 145 mm x 166 mm Body Magnesium and Aluminum Grip and lens rings Silicone Lens 8x zoom, 30 – 250 mm eqivalent focal length; constant f/2 aperture Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec Controls Power button; shutter button; Lytro button; zoom control (electronic ring); focus control (electronic ring); front and rear dials; AE-L, AF, Light Field Hyperfocal and custom buttons; touchscreen Display 4 in | 101.6mm, 480 x 800, articulating back-lit LCD with glass touchscreen Exposure Control Program, ISO Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual Depth Assist Features Depth Scale, Depth Histogram, Depth Overlay, Spot Depth Feedback File Output Light Field Picture file Light Field Resolution 40 Megarays: the numbers of light rays captured by the light field sensor. Picture Storage Free storage for living pictures on Lytro.com, subject to the Terms of Use (internet access required). Picture Viewing View and interact with living pictures on the Lytro camera as well as any supported computer, smartphone or tablet. Software Includes a free desktop application for importing, processing and interacting with living pictures from the camera. Software requires Mac OS 10.8.5 or higher or Windows 7 or 64-bit Windows 8. Wireless Enabled Battery Removable Li-Ion battery Storage Media SD memory card slot E-waste RoHS certified Box Dimensions approx. 8.07 in x 8.07 in x 8.07 in | 205 mm x 205 mm x 205 mm Included Lytro Illum Camera; battery, battery charger, mirco USB 3.0 cable, lens cap, lens hood, cleaner cloth, strap points, strap Lytro Illum Software Platform •       Virtual camera controls in post-processing, including aperture focus and perspective adjustments and physically accurate tilt control •       Instantly displays 3D photos on 3D-capable devices •       Integrated sharing to leading social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+ •       Library of drag-and-drop cinematic animations, including pan, zoom, focus and perspective shift •       Interactive depth assist •      Workflow is compatible with existing photo-editing suites like Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom software and Apple’s Aperture software READ MORE Banish bad pictures: 9 quick fixes for common camera complaints 44 essential digital camera tips and tricks 10 ways to drive a photography snob mad 10 common exposure problems every photographer faces (and how to overcome them)

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