Edited by George Schaub

Compact Camera ReviewsSmartphone News
Sony QX1 Lens-Style Camera Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Dec 11, 2014

In 2013, Sony introduced two extraordinary cameras – the QX10 and the QX100. Both were based on compact cameras (WX100 and RX100 II), but didn't have “camera bodies” and LCD screens. Instead, they consisted of a lens, image sensor, image processor and a storage media system and both needed either a smartphone or tablet computer to serve as the “external camera.” The newest in the QX line is the QX1. The main camera concept is similar to the 2013 models, but the QX1 offers a large APS-C sensor with 20MP resolution and an E mount for interchangeable lenses.

Continue Reading >
Mirrorless Camera Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1KS Mirrorless Camera Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Dec 02, 2014

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1KS is very small, even though it has an APS-C-sized sensor. The camera is smaller than Nikon’s 1 series and even a bit smaller than the Pentax Q series, which has a compact camera sensor.

Continue Reading >
DSLR Reviews
Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Nov 26, 2014

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II follows the legacy 7D, which was debuted way back in 2009. Rather than being a simple update of the 7D, the 7D Mark II is a newly designed system based on an APS-C sized sensor. It offers a slightly higher sensor resolution of 20MP (7D: 18MP), but uses a completely new sensor design.

Continue Reading >
Mirrorless Camera Reviews
Samsung NX30 Mirrorless Camera Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Nov 25, 2014

The Samsung NX30 is a mirrorless, Compact System Camera (CSC) with a classic SLR design. It offers an electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million RGB dots instead of an optical SLR viewfinder. The viewfinder offers an exceptionally brilliant, sharp, and detail-rich image, which easily allows the photographer to shoot in manual focusing mode.

Continue Reading >
Mirrorless Camera Reviews
Leica T Mirrorless Camera Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Sep 05, 2014

The 16 MP Leica T is Leica's first CSC (compact system camera) with an APS-C sized image sensor and a new lens mount system. The camera body is milled out of a massive block of aluminum and has a very stylish design. All function elements are fitted into the body: a small pop up flash and even the setup dials fit perfectly and only the shutter release button with the power on/off switch stand out. The power switch has a third position, used to extend the pop-up flash.

Continue Reading >
Mirrorless Camera Reviews
Fujifilm X-A1 Mirrorless Camera Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Sep 02, 2014

The Fujifilm X-A1 is the “little sister” of the X-M1. Both cameras have nearly the same design and technical features but use different sensor technology. The X-M1 uses Fujifilm’s X-Trans CMOS sensor while the X-A1 is equipped with a 16MP sensor with the Bayer RGB pattern, although it should be mentioned it is APS-C size. The different sensors are the main reason for the lower price of the X-A1, making it one of the least expensive X-type cameras with a detachable lens system.

Continue Reading >
DSLR Reviews
Nikon D4S DSLR Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Aug 12, 2014

The Nikon D4S is a professional SLR system for sports and action photography. It has a full-frame sensor (36x23.9mm) that Nikon calls the “FX” format. In combination with the new EXPEED 4 image processing system, the new sensor offers an extended ISO speed range: the “native” range is between ISO 100 and 25,600, with an additional high mode equivalent of ISO 409,600 (!). The noise results are impressive in the native ISO range, while images with ISO 102,400 and ISO 204,800 show nearly the same noise artifacts as APS-C cameras in the ISO 12,800 to ISO 25,600 range.

Continue Reading >
DSLR Reviews
Pentax K-3 DSLR Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Jul 29, 2014  |  First Published: Jun 01, 2014

Even though the new Pentax K-3 offers a very robust and massive body, it is quite compact; it’s only slightly larger than the ultra-compact Canon EOS Rebel SL1, although it’s almost double the weight. Using 92 O-rings and seals, the camera is splashproof and the covers that protect the card slots, interfaces, and battery look very robust and inspire confidence. The sealing doesn’t allow for use of the Pentax as an underwater camera, but it is certainly well protected for use even in a very hard rain.

Continue Reading >
DSLR Reviews
Nikon Df DSLR Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Jul 22, 2014  |  First Published: Jun 01, 2014

The Nikon Df is a retro-style SLR camera with a 16MP full-frame sensor. While other Nikon SLRs, such as the D4, are clearly aimed at the professional and enthusiast markets, with all the attendant features of modern D-SLRs, the Df is clearly a “classic” camera approach, intended for “purists.” That may be the reason why the Df offers no video capabilities, for example.

Continue Reading >
Mirrorless Camera Reviews
Fujifilm X-E2 Mirrorless Camera Review
Edited by George Schaub  |  Jul 15, 2014  |  First Published: Jun 01, 2014

The Fujifilm X-E2 is a compact system camera with a “retro” design that offers 16MP resolution. Compared to its forerunner, the X-E1, changes include an electronic viewfinder with extremely high resolution. The small OLED display of the X-E2 has 2.36 million RGB dots and shows a brilliant, very crisp reproduction of the viewfinder image, images in review mode, and menus. The combination of the high-resolution monitor, the electronic magnifier (“viewfinder loupe”), and the focus peaking function are very helpful when working in manual focus mode.

Continue Reading >

Pages

X