New Yi Camera Coming On June 1, Likely a Panoramic VR Camera

Yi technology has now become popular when it comes to powerful budget action cameras and not quite long, the company started to venture into the high-end segment with the launch of the Yi M1 Mirrorless camera. The company also ventured into drones recently with the unveiling of the Yi Erida drone which was unveiled at CES 2017. Yi is now set to launch a new camera which is likely the Yi 360 VR camera.

The upcoming product will be launched on June 1 and from all indications, it is a panoramic camera. A similar product which we believe is the same with this one is listed on Yi technology website for pre-order so, from there we can get an idea that the camera is the Yi 360 VR camera.

The Yi 360 VR camera comes with dual lenses that are adjacent to each other with each having a 220-degree wide angle FOV. The cameras each have a 12MP SonyIMX377 sensor and f/2.0 aperture. The Yi Panoramic camera is Google Street View ready and has WiFi connectivity. There is also a 1400mAH battery and a microphone which means you can Livestream videos with the camera. It also comes with a USB Type-C port, microSD slot as well as Bluetooth 4.2.

Read More: YI 4K+ Action Camera Unveiled at CES 2017: 4K @ 60 fps Video Recording

The product will be officially announced on June 1 while booking will start on June 11. The camera comes in white and black colors and it carries a price tag of 2499 Yuan (~$364). Meanwhile, the Yi technology's website puts it up on pre-order for $399 for those in the U.S.

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Source: New Yi Camera Coming On June 1, Likely a Panoramic VR Camera

One not-so-good review of the Hasselblad X1D mirrorless medium format camera

The Camera Store videos are pretty much the only YouTube reviews I watch lately. A few days ago they published their Hasselblad X1D mirrorless medium format camera hands-on field test and things do not look very good for Hasselblad. After several delays, a new CEO and a possible acquisition by DJI the X1D is not where we would like it to be. I personally had high hopes for this camera, but after I have seen the results from the Fujifilm GFX 50S camera ($6,499.95 for the Fuji vs. $8,995 for the Hasselblad), I am convinced that Fuji does offer the b etter solution here.

Here is the video:

Check out also this Fujifilm GFX 50s vs Hasselblad X1D-50c video (more info available here and here):

Photonstophotos did compare the dynamic range of the Fujifilm GFX 50s with the Hasselblad X1D-50c (read more here):

Source: One not-so-good review of the Hasselblad X1D mirrorless medium format camera

The best cheap cameras in 2017

Want to buy a decent camera, but don't want to break the bank? The good news is that there are some cracking cameras out there if you're on a tight budget, including entry-level DSLRs, sleek-looking mirrorless cameras, advanced high-end compacts, and bridge cameras with huge zoom lenses, not to mention travel zooms and pocket compacts.

And while some of these cheap cameras may not be the latest and greatest models available right now, they still deliver the goods.

We've compiled a selection of the best budget cameras, so whether you want something to simply slot in your pocket for the odd snap that will be better than your smartphone, or a camera you can get a bit more creative with, you'll find it here.

If you need a bit more help figuring out what kind of camera you need, then read this article: What camera should I buy?

And if you want to spend a little more money, then check out our other camera buying guides:

1. Sony Cyber-shot RX100

Sony's first true premium compact is a couple of years old now, but it still packs a punch

Sony's latest camera in its RX100 line, the RX100 V, is one of our favourite compact cameras, but there's no getting away from the fact that it's a pricey option. The good news is that the original RX100 is still available new (as well as all the other iterations we've had), and while it might not offer some of the latest features it's still a great compact at a bargain price. The large 1.0-inch sensor delivers excellent levels of detail, with the broad and fast range of the zoom lens making it a versatile travelling companion. Okay, there's no built-in viewfinder or tilt screen as we've seen on the Mk V, but the monitor delivers excellent clarity, and the RX100's controls offer plenty of options for those who like to get hands-on. Take into account the sleek, premium finish and it all adds up to a great compact camera at a great price.

Read the full review: Sony Cyber-shot RX100

2. Canon EOS Rebel T6 / EOS 1300D

Perhaps the cheapest DSLR available today

The EOS Rebel T6 (known as the EOS 1300D outside the US) is Canon's most affordable DSLR in its line-up and while it doesn't share the same latest tech as newer models, it's still a great a solid choice for first time users. The 18MP sensor is starting to show its age a little, while the AF in live view is a bit on the slow side, but when you consider you're getting a DSLR for the price of an average compact, then it doesn't look too bad at all.

Read the full review: Canon EOS Rebel T6 / EOS 1300D

3. Nikon D5300

Replaced by both the D5500 and D5600, but still a good buy

High-res, non-anti-aliased sensor

The D5300 was around for little more than a year before the D5500 technically replaced it, which has in turn been replaced by the D5600. It shares the same 24.2MP sensor with an identical maximum ISO25,600 sensitivity as the D5500, whilst the D5300's EXPEED 4 image processor and 39-point autofocus system have also been carried over to its replacement. Whilst the D5300 doesn't sport fancy touchscreen control, you do get GPS instead. The D5300's 600-shot battery life has since been beaten by the D5500, but it'll still outlast a Canon EOS Rebel T6i / 750D. All in all, it may not be the latest entry-level DSLR, but the D5300 is still a smart buy.

Read the full review: Nikon D5300

4. Sony Alpha A7R

More megapixels than you could wish for at a cracking price

The Alpha A7R II is one of our favourite mirrorless cameras, packing in a stunning 42MP full-frame sensor. It's a pricey option though, which is why we've picked out the older Alpha A7R – packing in a stunning 36MP full-frame sensor, you'd have to pay over double that to match its resolution on a rival camera. Autofocus can be a bit slow and performance can be a bit sluggish, but if you're prepared to overcome those issues, you'll be rewarded with great images.

Read the full review: Sony Alpha A7R

5. Sony Alpha A5000

Sony's entry-level CSC is simple to use

Despite being well over two years old, the Alpha A5000 is still a great buy for those looking for a simple to use mirrorless camera. Not only that, but it's also incredibly compact – even the 16-50mm lens isn't that large considering the focal length. There's a decent-sized tilt-angle screen, but the resolution is looking a bit behind the times now, while there's no viewfinder. That said, it's easy to use, while the Wi-Fi connectivity only adds to its appeal.

Read the full review: Sony Alpha A5000

6. Panasonic Lumix ZS50 / TZ70

A great all-round compact camera with a huge zoom range

Panasonic's ZS / TZ series of compacts has long dominated the compact travel zoom market, and that's still the case with the ZS50 (known as the TZ70 outside the US). While it may be eclipsed by its larger-sensor sibling, the ZS100 / TZ100, the TZ70 has the advantage of packing a huge 30x zoom into a pocket-sized body. There's even space for a (modest) electronic viewfinder, ideal for when the lighting makes it tricky to compose or review shots on the rear screen. You can use the camera like an advanced point-and-shoot compact, simply leaving it in auto for the camera to take care of settings, or you can shoot high-quality raw files, and make your own decisions about aperture and shutter speed.

Read the full review: Panasonic Lumix ZS50 / TZ70

7. Canon PowerShot SX710 HS

30x optical zoom compact at a great price

The PowerShot SX710 HS is appealing to both absolute beginners and to those with a little more experience of photography. On the back is a small mode dial which enables you to quickly switch between different exposure modes, including full manual and semi-automatic modes for those who want to take control, plus fully automatic and scene modes. The 30x optical zoom covers an excellent range of focal lengths and gives plenty of flexibility for the average holiday shooter. There's no touchscreen however, but you can't really complain at the price. A nicely capable camera for those who just want a point and shoot compact with a long focal length zoom range.

Read the full review: Canon PowerShot SX710 HS

8. Sony Cyber-shot WX220

Pocket performer with a 10x optical zoom

Read the full review: Sony WX220

If you're wanting a compact camera that can do a better job than your smartphone the WX220 ticks a lot of boxes, especially when you consider the extra flexibility offered by the 10x optical zoom, running from 25-250mm. Images are bright and punchy, with decent detail – ideal for sharing online or printing at typical sizes – while it's nice to see Wi-Fi connectivity included as well. The 2.7-inch screen is a little on the small side, but that does help to keep the dimensions of the camera to a pocket-friendly size. The WX220 may not have lots of bells and whistles, but what it does do, it does well.

9. Panasonic Lumix FZ70 / FZ72

Bridge camera that packs a monster 60x zoom lens

Despite it being one of the cheapest bridge cameras available, you still get a lot of camera for your cash with the Panasonic Lumix FZ70 (known as the FZ72 outside the US). Let's start with the lens. The Lumix FZ70 packs in a staggering 60x optical zoom, running from an impressively ultra-wide 20mm-equivalent to 1200mm, so you won't have any excuses for not filling the frame. You also have the option of full manual control (as well as a host of helpful auto modes), raw format shooting, and decent image quality from a sensor this size. Downsides? While there is an EVF, it's not the best quality, and there's no touchscreen functionality or wireless connectivity.

Read the full review: Panasonic Lumix FZ70 / FZ72

10. Nikon 1 J5

Overlooked mirrorless camera that packs an ultra-fast AF system

Fast AF and continuous shooting

1-inch sensor smaller than rivals

As mirrorless camera systems go the Nikon 1 series sensor is quite a bit smaller than those found in rivals, but if you're looking for a well-rounded camera that's simple to use and has ultra-fast AF, the J5 fits the bill perfectly. Nicely finished with well-designed dials and controls, the J5 is very compact even for a mirrorless camera. The hybrid autofocus system is incredibly quick at locking onto moving subject, and when paired with the J5's clever high-speed shooting modes makes it one of the best budget options for those wanting snappy performance.

Source: The best cheap cameras in 2017

The Leica TL Titanium mirrorless camera is listed as discontinued at B&H

The new Leica TL Titanium camera is now listed as discontinued at B&H:

I am not sure if this is a mistake or Leica decided to cancel the Titanium finish.

The Leica TL Titanium is currently on backorder at Adorama, while Amazon has only one in stock.

The Leica TL was announced in November last year.

Source: The Leica TL Titanium mirrorless camera is listed as discontinued at B&H

The next bunch of cameras to be announced: E-M10III, new RX, new Leica

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Source: The next bunch of cameras to be announced: E-M10III, new RX, new Leica

Which SD Memory Card Do You Need for Your Digital Camera?

Memory cards have been changing in others ways, due partly to shifting standards, particularly in terms of video capture. Before you buy a new memory card you'll need to consider how much video you'll be shooting, and in what format—HD or memory-intensive 4K.

The first step is to figure out what card format your camera or smartphone accepts, which can usually be found in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

There are three SD formats: SDXC, SDHC, and SD. If you shoot video, you'll most likely need an SDXC card, which is the newest type and has a maximum capacity of 2TB—which is huge.

SDHC cards have a capacity ranging between 2GB and 32GB—bigger is better if you're shooting video. SD is the oldest format and has a maximum capacity of just 2GB, so it's primarily used for still photos. 

Some devices, such as smartphones and tablets, use smaller Micro SD cards for storage. These tiny cards usually come with an adapter that allow them to be used in devices that take full-sized SD cards. The same specs apply to these cards as to their larger brethren.

Though you can buy SD cards in the drugstore or even a supermarket, you're likely to get a better value and selection if you shop at a camera shop or an electronics store. If you're not sure which card you need, you might bring your device with you when you shop. 

If you're shopping online, beware of counterfeits. Some consumers have been fooled into what seemed like a great deal on a fast 32GB card only to find out that it was a re-labeled 8GB card that just didn't work. If you're ordering from Amazon, protect yourself by making sure the product is shipping directly from the manufacturer rather than from a potentially sketchy third-party vendor. 

Source: Which SD Memory Card Do You Need for Your Digital Camera?

Olympus E-M10 Mark III camera rumors

A new Olympus E-M10 Mark III mirrorless camera is rumored to be announced in the next few months. The camera was already registered with the government communication agencies in Taiwan and Russia under code name IM006.

In a recent video interview (at the 7:00-minute mark), Thomas Leuthard confirmed that a new E-M10 will be released by the end of the year. FYI: Thomas Leuthard is an "Olympus Visionary".

The Olympus E-M10 Mark II with 14-42mm II R lens is currently $200 off (see all E-M10 Mark II deals).

Source: Olympus E-M10 Mark III camera rumors

Mirrorless Camera Buying Guide

Sony A7R II

Sensor size: Full frame

Resolution: 42mp

Movies: 4K at 30p, 1080p at 60p

Max continuous shooting rate: 5fps

Pros: Very high resolution images and has in-body 5-axis image stabilization.

Cons: Battery life is somewhat poor if compared to a DSLR camera; menu system is clumsy.

Price: Body – 245,000 tk

The A7R II is currently one of the most capable mirrorless full-frame cameras in the market. While the competition from Fuji offer the truest of colours and a tactile feel in hand, the A7R II blows them out of the water when it comes to low light performance with the massive full-frame sensor. The in-body image stabilization further allows you to take much sharper photos at lower shutter speeds in poorly-lit conditions. 42 megapixels allows boatloads of detail in the images with the flexibility to crop in if needed. It's a great stills camera, but the stumbling block here is the price tag, which is higher than full-frame DSLRs like the Canon 5D MK III or the Nikon D810. If you go with either of the aforementioned DSLRs, you lose the ability to shoot 4K video and the insane pixel count, but gain access to the huge ecosystem of less expensive lenses. You win some, you lose some. 

Fujifilm XT-2

Sensor size: APS-C

Resolution: 24.3mp

Movies: 4K at 30p, 1080p at 60p

Max continuous shooting rate: 14fps

Pros: Excellent ergonomics and build focused towards enthusiast photographers;

beautiful color rendition and image quality with one of the highest continuous shooting rates in the market.

Cons: Does not have a touch screen and autofocus performance marginally drops in low light.

Price: Body - 155,000 tk

The XT-2 is mostly aimed towards enthusiast photographers. If you like a lot of buttons and dials on your camera, you will love shooting with this. The price might seem like a hefty investment in your photography, but what you receive in return will not disappoint in any way. The weather-sealed body is rugged, with the whopping 325-point autofocus system and extraordinarily clean and color-accurate images even at higher ISOs setting it apart from the competition.

Fujifilm XT-20

Sensor size: APS-C

Resolution: 24.3mp

Movies: 4K at 30p

Max continuous shooting rate: 8fps

Pros: Identical color rendition and image quality of the more expensive XT-2.

Cons: Not weather sealed; autofocus suffers a bit in low light.

Price: Body with 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens – 110,000 tk

Fujifilm cameras are famous for their incredible colour rendition, making them an excellent companion for travel and street photography. Unlike Sony's lineup of lenses, there is a wider variety of excellent and more competitively priced Fujinon glass to choose from. Not having weather sealing might be a deal-breaker for some, but there is the XT-2 for that. If you love old-school camera ergonomics, you'll love these Fuji cameras more than the competition.

Sony A6300

Sensor size: APS-C

Resolution: 24.2mp

Movies: 4K at 30p, 1080p at 120p

Max continuous shooting rate: 11fps

Pros: Lightning fast autofocusing system;

weather sealed

Cons: No in-body stabilization; does not have a touch screen.

Price: Body with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens – 89,900 tk

If you're in the market for a camera that's capable of shooting 4K video on a budget, the A6300 can be a great option for you. It offers excellent image and video quality with a fairly high continuous shooting rate along with a lighting fast autofocus system; and all that packed in a compact, lightweight body at an affordable price. Opt for the A6500 if you want in-body image stabilization.

Sony A7 II

Sensor size: Full frame

Resolution: 24.3mp

Movies: 1080p at 60p

Max continuous shooting rate: 5fps

Pros: Great full frame camera on a budget; has 5-axis in-body stabilization.

Cons: Battery life is poor and does not shoot 4K video.

Price: Body with 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens – 155,000 tk

The A7 II is an affordable route to a full-frame mirrorless setup. Its meant for the ones who don't need the million megapixel A7R II or the capability of seeing in the dark that comes with the A7S II. What justifies the A7 II from a full-frame DSLR is the in-body stabilization allows you to get smoother handheld video and lower shutter speeds when you need to.

Sony A7S II

Sensor size: Full frame

Resolution: 12mp

Movies: 4K at 30p, 1080p at 120p

Max continuous shooting rate: 5fps

Pros: Crowned the "King of low-light" for its outstanding low-light performance; has in-body 5-axis image stabilization.

Cons: There is only one memory card slot and photos taken are low resolution.

Price: Body – 225,000 tk

The A7S II is a camera for filmmakers on a budget, and it can see in the dark, quite literally. You could even call it a "niche" camera. The low megapixel count on the full frame sensor allows for the ability to crank up the ISO to an insane 409,600, which might sound like a gimmick, but 4K video footage is very usable even when shot at an absurd ISO of 102,400! Low light performance on this compact form factor is unrivaled in the market at the moment, performing better than DSLR cameras more than doubled the price. If you want the ability to zoom and crop in on your still pictures, you might want to consider the 42MP A7R II instead.

Sony A6000

Sensor size: APS-C

Resolution: 24.3mp

Movies: 1080p at 60p

Max continuous shooting rate: 11fps

Pros: Great value for money and comes bundled with a handy 16-50mm kit lens as well.

Cons: Does not shoot 4K video and there is no in-body image stabilization.

Price: Body with 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens – 49,900 tk

If you want a quality mirrorless camera on a budget, you can't go wrong with the A6000. Sure, you can get a pretty decent entry-level DSLR at a similar price, but that will surely not be as light-weight and portable or be able to shoot fast at a rate of 11fps. 

Source: Mirrorless Camera Buying Guide

Asian women get their closeup in new push for Japanese cameras

TOKYO -- With smartphones slowly killing off the compact digital camera, Japanese manufacturers have adjusted their Asian marketing strategies to focus on more sophisticated -- and pricier -- mirrorless models for the discerning selfie taker. 

Emerging Asia's female consumers are particularly enamored with mirrorless cameras, helping to make the region one of the few growth markets at a time when sales of basic digital cameras are reeling in Japan and the West.

It is no exaggeration to say that Asia is now the key to survival for the camera makers. In 2016, the value of shipments of mirrorless cameras shrank by 23% in Japan, but climbed 15% in the rest of Asia. The region now accounts for around half of the estimated more than 3 million mirrorless cameras that make up the global market.

Sweet spot

A mirrorless camera is like a single-lens reflex camera stripped of the optical viewfinder and other bulky components. Both can accommodate interchangeable lenses, but a mirrorless camera can be designed much smaller and lighter than an SLR.

Asian emerging markets have much larger populations of young adults than Japan and the West, and the popularity of Instagram and other photo-sharing apps has fueled a demand for more professional-looking shots. Mirrorless cameras are rising in sales because they occupy a sweet spot -- more sophisticated than a compact digital camera but smaller and easier to use than a full-blown SLR camera.

Panasonic released the Lumix GF9 mirrorless camera in Thailand earlier this year as its first model designed exclusively for an Asian market. Based on the results of market surveys, the electronics group added features popular with women. The GF9 has what the company calls "beauty retouch," for example, to adjust skin tone and otherwise make portraits more flattering -- and comes in pink.

Japanese rival Sony has opened special showrooms for mirrorless cameras in Shanghai and six other cities in China, where staff provide seminars and give shoppers the opportunity to try out different lenses.

Canon, which enjoys a large share of the SLR camera market, is holding more hands-on demonstrations and other promotional events for mirrorless cameras in Asia. In addition to new customers, the Tokyo-based company hopes to convince owners of its SLR cameras to buy a mirrorless model as their second camera. Fujifilm Holdings is also offering events where Asian consumers can experience using these cameras.

The digital camera market is not what it used to be: Some 24 million units were shipped globally in 2016, just one-fifth of the volume shipped in the peak year of 2010. Mirrorless cameras are priced higher on average than compact models, plus they can fuel sales of interchangeable lenses. For Japan's camera industry, expanding market share in emerging Asia could mean the difference between success and failure.

(Nikkei)

Source: Asian women get their closeup in new push for Japanese cameras

The Latest Canon Full Frame Mirrorless Rumor

I've gone on and on about Canon's need to enter the full frame mirrorless market. While some of its more recent mirrorless cameras are intriguing, we aren't going to take Canon seriously until it comes out with a camera that can actually go head-to-head with the Sony A7 line.

While there has been nothing serious in the way of leaks and rumors, we'll take what we can get at this point. Canon Rumor's latest unsubstantiated rumor essentially teases us with the kind of Canon mirrorless camera we have been asking for.

Key features and talking points for the rumored camera are as follows:

The goal is to announce a full frame mirrorless camera for Photokina 2018 which takes place in September of that year.

EF mount will be native

New exclusive image sensor for the camera.

New sensor technology required for the EF mount in a mirrorless application

There will be no new "dedicated" lenses, but mirrorless will be "considered in all future EF lens design"

4K video is considered a necessary feature in all full frame cameras going forward

One full frame mirrorless camera body to start

There is testing at Canon of a more hybrid approach between DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras. What that looks like we don't know.

Photokina 2018 is a long ways off and Sony is likely going to be on the third generation of A7 models by then. Will Canon deliver something to test Sony or will Canon continue its conservative approach to the market?

Source: The Latest Canon Full Frame Mirrorless Rumor

Review: Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 mirrorless camera

Thomas Bartlett 1 day ago Digital Camera

For the past couple of years my own personal and work camera has been a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 mirrorless camera. Easy to use, but with a great deal of power; my experience with it is necessarily going to partly inform this review of its successor at the top of the Panasonic digital camera heap: the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5.

(And, yes, while previously the model prefixes were "DMC", they're now "DC".)

Features

What hasn't changed is that this is a mirrorless camera, not a DSLR (for Digital Single Lens Reflex). SLRs, digital or otherwise, have a mirror in front of film or sensor which reflects light upwards into the view finder so that you, the photographer, can see more or less what the camera sees, and thus the picture it will take. When you press the shutter button, the mirror swings up out of the way, the shutter opens (briefly) and the picture is taken.

But the GH5 is mirrorless. You see what the sensor is seeing not optically, but with the picture being relayed electronically from the sensor itself to a tiny display inside the viewfinder. Take a picture and a shutter swings into action but there's no mirror to move.

That can allow a smaller body, and means less camera shake when the shot is taken.

So let's look at Panasonic's latest premium model with that background.

The DC-GH5 has a 20.3 megapixel sensor and uses the Micro Four Thirds mount (shared with Olympus). There are already quite a number of lenses out for this mount since Panasonic and Olympus have been using it for a few years, and while compatible with the older lenses, there are advantages in new lenses.

Previously Panasonic had implemented its optical image stabilisation (OIS) mechanisms in its lenses. With the GH5 it has added this to the camera body. That means it can take better advantage of compatible Olympus lenses (which don't incorporate OIS), and for that matter a number of fourth party lenses, such as low cost mirror telephoto lenses and so on. New Panasonic lenses have been upgraded so that the OIS in the lenses works in conjunction with that in the body to provide even higher levels of stabilisation.

The DC-GH5 feels like a heftier camera than the GH4, but that aside, anyone familiar with the DMC-GH4 will have little trouble adapting. The major change is the drive mode dial has lost exposure bracketing. Instead it has gained ready access to a new 6K photo mode and to a post focusing feature.

I guess this makes sense. There are so many bracketing options now – exposure, aperture, focus and white balance – that having just one of them on the drive mode dial seems an undue privilege. That said, I'd be inclined to assign exposure bracketing to one of the quick access buttons because it's something I use frequently.

The GH4 had a 4K photo mode. Essentially this used the 4K video capabilities to take a series of frames, allowing you to do things like choose the point of focus, or capture frames both sides of the moment when you actually press the shutter button. The problem with this was, well, 4K. The 8.3 megapixels was just over half of the 16 megapixels of which the camera was capable. The 6K mode on this camera allows the same things, but at 18.7 megapixels it's pretty close to the full sensor resolution.

Panasonic has dropped the built in flash with this camera, expecting those needing a flash to add one to the shoe, or to use one of Panasonic's own wireless models.

A similar extremely flexible swing-out, touch sensitive display screen is used as that in the GH4. Basically just about any way you can hold the camera you can have the screen visible, making photography from odd angles. It offers 1.6 megapixels of resolution. The electronic viewfinder uses an OLED display panel with 3.6 megapixels. The camera can be set to either or have it switch automatically between the two.

A great deal of Panasonic's attention has been on video with this camera. A great deal indeed. It can record 4K video with 4:2:2, 10 bit colour resolution at up to 30 frames per second. That nomenclature is complicated, but in essence it means higher colour quality. Furthermore, it can record 4K video with 4:2:0, 8 bits, at up to 60 frames per second. As it stands now it can use bitrates of 150Mbps in the various 4K modes, and a firmware upgrade will be released this year which bumps that up to 400Mbps.

Handheld, with 600mm (equivalent) lens, allows shots of even skittish creatures (that one was near my home, not in New Zealand. Obviously)

If you know what all that stuff means, good. If not, it just means that quality is up and pushing into the realm of extremely expensive professional video equipment.

There are way too many features to even list them all here. Some of the other highlights are contrast auto focus with "Depth from Defocus" modelling for extremely fast operation, a choice of focus points from 225 down to a pinpoint, the full range of automatic and manual exposure modes.

There's Bluetooth and 802.11ac WiFi built in. The camera can be remotely controlled via app, and can have photos uploaded wirelessly.

There are two SDXC card slots with provision for seamless switchover between the two, whether taking photos or video.

Gorgeous colour and background with Leica lens

The battery is good for somewhere between 400 and 1000 images, depending on the settings. For video, the battery is good for between 50 and 160 minutes, again depending on settings. Accessories are available for greater battery capacity or external power.

Panasonic says that the camera is splash, dust and freeze proof. Down to -10 degrees in the latter case, it says. It uses a magnesium alloy diecast frame for ruggedness.

Performance

I had hands-on with this camera twice. Secondly, for the most recent couple of weeks here in my office, but also for a few days a couple of months ago as a guest of Panasonic for the camera's launch in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The unit provided for use in both cases was the DC-GH5LEICA variant which bundled in a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens. This had a 12mm to 60mm (24mm to 120mm in 35mm equivalent terms) focal length with an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4.0. I have to say that this is an extremely fine lens, and if limited to a single lens with this camera this would be very near the top of my short list. It was very low in distortion, and consistently permitted a pin-sharp image. It incorporates optical image stabilisation that works in conjunction with the camera's own.

I also used the camera with a couple of my own lenses (which I purchased for use with the GH4). Specifically a 100 to 300mm zoom (200 to 600mm equivalent) zoom telephoto and a fixed 30mm (60mm equivalent) with macro capabilities.

Dawn over Lake Wakatipu

The SD card was one provided by Panasonic; a 128GB SDXC card with a UHS-I bus, Class 10 and UHS Class 3 speed, and 95MB/s read and 90MB/s write speed. That was sufficient for all the 4K recording and of course any bursts I felt like taking.

In use except for the loss of the readily dialled-in exposure bracketing, the camera was like coming home to something familiar. With, in general, some improvements. For example, there's now this little joystick, hardly noticeable, to the right of the viewfinder. This replicates the use of the arrow key cluster, but is easier to use since your right thumb goes on one thing, pushing it this way and that, without having to dance your thumb over five separate buttons without looking.

One small change I'd hoped for from the GH4 was a move of the "Display" button from the right hand rear of the body – right where the base of my thumb consistently presses it, causing unwanted changes to the display mode – to somewhere, anywhere, else. Sadly, it's still there. Fortunately, the display key doesn't do anything dire if accidentally pressed.

But another control placement problem on the GH4 has been fixed. The video record button was on the back right next to the focus mode selection switch. I don't know how many times I flicked to manual focus with the GH4 and on returning my eye to the viewfinder, found I was accidentally videoing something. This has been relocated to a more prominent position on the top of the camera, and the action of the focus selection lever has been reversed so that it now operates more easily.

The camera was a delight to use. The auto focus was fast and the manual focus on the Leica lens smooth and sure. Focus peaking (showing a blue outline on the item which is in focus) and automatic magnification of the focus area in the viewfinder and rear screen made a sharp focus easily achievable.

When you're in New Zealand, sometimes unutterably photogenic subjects just appear

The New Zealand foray provided by Panasonic allowed some testing of the kind in which I wouldn't normally indulge. On arrival we press creatures were stuck in a number of jet boats and taken for a far from leisurely tour of parts of Lake Wakatipu. It turns out that a jet boat which rotates frequently and rapidly in a counter clockwise direction tends to dump the most water on the person in the back, right-most seat. Which, as it happens, was where I was sitting.

The cleaning cloth for the lens was soon soaked from wiping it off, but neither the camera nor the lens seemed to mind.

On another occasion we had the opportunity to try out the 6K mode with some well-practiced and fearless BMX cyclists. Given my slow reflexes, the ability to capture a second's worth of shots at 30 frames per second meant that I actually captured some useful ones. That said, I had been intending to extract some specific frames but Adobe Lightroom doesn't yet appear to support this 6K mode, although it works fine with regular 4K video shot on the camera. I'd guess that will be solved in the future.

I generally transferred photos from the card to my computer using a fast Lexar SD card reader. Reading from a fast card within the camera, it ran at a little under 30MB/s. Fast to be sure, but only a third of what the SD card could have provided. One especially nice feature: USB connectivity is now via USB Type-C instead of the weird plug used on the GH4. If you're travelling and forget to bring your cable with you, you ought to be able to buy a new one most places.

Conclusion

I fear I've kind of skipped over a particular strength of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 camera: video. I'm not a great videographer. Present at the NZ launch, though, were a couple. Some presentations of material one had shot on the camera were, well, indistinguishable from what you'd expect from a Hollywood crew with a few tens of millions of dollars in the budget.

We've reached a point where for $2999, plus the cost of lenses, stabilisation rigs and so on, an enthusiast can replicate the quality of the best documentarians. If he or she has the talent. The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 provides the quality, and makes things as easy as technology can. But it's up to the user to wield that power to achieve the best results.

Source: Review: Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 mirrorless camera

Canon FF Mirrorless Coming on Photokina 2018

By admin, on May 17th, 2017

Latest rumors suggest that Canon Fullframe Mirrorless camera is coming next year on Photokina 2018. We are getting Canon mirrorless camera arrival hints from from past 2 year. But exact time of announcement was not known to anyone till now.

Things told by tipster…

Canon will start announcement with single FF Mirrorless camera, later followed by several versions to satisfy consumer needs.

According to latest rumor Canon working on "New exclusive image sensor for the camera." (Even advance then the current DPAF sensor ?)

Tipster also told that no dedicated lenses are coming for Canon FF Mirrorless camera. The camera will use native EF Mount Lenses.

4K in a must have feature in all upcoming Mirrorless camera.

Several Prototypes is being tested.

Keep in mind that above mentioned information is coming from a new source and take them with grain of salt.

Unfortunately again this time also we aren't getting any rock solid information except the announcement date of the camera.

Follow Canon User Group for Latest Rumors and Updates

STAY WITH ON FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ to get live news and Canon rumors

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Source: Canon FF Mirrorless Coming on Photokina 2018

Must Have Peak Design Accessories for Your Camera

When it comes to using camera gear, our carrying and mounting systems are truly paramount to being efficient in many shooting scenarios. While many brands have attempted to perfect a "one-size fits all" system, only one in my opinion hits the nail on the head for all my needs. In his latest video, fellow YouTuber and Sony shooter, Jason Vong, agrees with me that the Peak Designs system flat out works. Individually the products are great and high quality, but used together they provide a seamless experience found with no other product line on the market.

In this video, Jason brings us along and shows us the utility and versatility of the Peak Designs system through his use. Jason does a great job of going through many of the different variations and uses of the lineup. While this video is aimed at mirrorless shooters, I can personally say with confidence and from experience that DSLR shooters can utilize the exact setups used in the video with no issues. If you've ever found yourself trying to get the most out of your accessories then this video is worth the watch.

From the streets to the mountains, Peak Designs continues to deliver some of the best camera accessories on the market. Be sure check out all the Peak Designs products here.

Source: Must Have Peak Design Accessories for Your Camera

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Aperture Series: Calla Lillies

2017-05-14 - SEND FEEDBACK

Search for: Nikon, Nikon 70-200mm, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8, Nikon lensesRelated: Nikon, Nikon 70-200mm, Nikon lenses

The about $2700 Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR looks to be a very fine lens. I'll be exploring its capabilities over the next few weeks.

Presented in Advanced DSLR in my review of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR:

Zeiss Milvus 135mm f/2 Aperture Series: Cala Lillies (Nikon D810)

Includes images up to full resolution from f/2.8 through f/11.

* I am not a fan of Zeiss omitting the lens design family (Sonnar), or the APO designation from the product name. Dumping such a tradition makes no sense to me, but alas, that train has left the station.

1296 | 2592

f2.8 @ 1/15 sec, ISO 64; 2017-05-14 17:51:31NIKON D810 + Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR @ 150mm

Source: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Aperture Series: Calla Lillies

The most underestimated camera ever? (the waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof Nikon 1 AW1)

"The most underestimated camera ever" by Henrik Fitinghoff is about the waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof Nikon 1 AW1 mirrorless camera ($797):

I´m a frequent reader of NikonRumors, and there hasn't been that much good news as of late. I passed 50 years of age and bought my first Nikon when I was 16. It wasn't a particularly easy choice, and certainly not obvious. But as the years went by I got to work with some hardcore Nikon professionals, and even if I never saw myself as a nothing more than fairly decent with a camera, I guess they inspired me to hold on to my Nikons. I also got to buy some used stuff off of them, which also helped. Since then I've renewed my cameras and lenses, trying to keep up with digital development. I left the pro segment with D3 and shifted to D750 and is very happy with that.

But when the Nikon 1 AW1 came out there was no doubt in my mind that this would be a camera for me. I preordered it with the kit lens and started to use it out of the box. I've been a quite adventures photographer/writer all my life, including skiing, snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATV:s, hiking etc. and missed a really good adventure camera. The D3 was/is sturdy but heavy as a brick. The AW1 is even sturdier and much lighter.

My first try to take pictures under water. The AW1 did the job.

This kind of pictures, where you stand with water up to your chest and getting sprayed occasionally with water or waves is a no brainer with an AW1.

So the AW1 is watertight down to 15 meters (49 feet) and shockproof if you drop it från two meters (6'7" I think). I haven't tried that for real, but I do have used it under water and smashed it around quite a bit and it still works as out of the box. But another feature I really like is that it's guaranteed to work in -10C (14F) which I tried several times, and it's been a lot colder as well.

The sturdiness makes the AW1 more clumsy than all the other Nikon 1:s (yes I have the V3 and the J5 as well). It also lacks the new sensors with more pixels, the Expeed 4A and so on that the newer Nikon 1 models got, but it is still my favorite companion on all my adventures.

Sweden in November is as dull as it sounds, and during the night I fell both rain and snow. But it was fun anyway.

To have a tough camera that can go anywhere, without extra thought, makes it very useful, and it makes you take pictures you probably wouldn't otherwise.

And the reason is simple. The AW1 is way better than my smartphone when it comes to capturing a moment, and it is still as easy to bring. I don't need an extra bag or any packing/unpacking if I don't want to. In other words, I never think twice about bringing the AW1.

We crossed the Pyrenees last summer in terrible weather conditions with 2C, rain and thick fog that seemed to make the raindrops stand still in the air. The AW1 was probably the only camera out there capturing that day. No, it didn't become great pictures, but memorable.

Here we are "on top of the world". Apart from the screen not being bright enough, there is no problem taking pictures in any conditions with an AW1 making it a permanent partner on my adventures.

You can actually see the wind in this picture, but snow, cold, wind or all three combined is not a problem with an AW1.

We did a skiing tour in Norway in really harsh conditions. Very windy at the top, cold and of course snowy. Pick up the AW1 and take the picture you want. Put it in the snow while you organize stuff, keep it hanging on your chest if you like and then take the next picture. You can do this with any camera, and risk having moisture getting into the intro or the house. You can also risk dropping it because your hands are cold. There is a lot of things that can happen when you are out there, we've all been there, but not with this camera.

Things I don't like? The screen is really bad in sunlight. I would love to have more AW-lenses. You can get decent pictures, even for publishing, but it demands good light. The Nikon 1 system may also the only one that might actually benefit from jpeg-format and using the cameras own system for noise reduction and such. I still use raw format, but the pictures from my Nikon 1:s demands a lot of processing in LightRoom to become good.

I've experimented with some night shots, just bringing a small Gorilla tripod, and it works pretty good.

Since my wife learned the AW1 I've been thinking of buying another one as I hardly get to use it anymore. She took this picture of me last summer in O Cebreiro, Spain.

So, while we are waiting for Sony to buy Nikon (?) or any really interesting and good news I would like to sing my praise to this little tough guy. I simply love the AW1, and I think I can sum up that love in one sentence: It's the camera I bring when all the others stay home and therefore the camera I use to take the picture, making it my best camera.

What I don't understand is why not every outdoor photographer has one? And why can't Nikon upgrade it? I would gladly buy an AW2 that would cost like the V3 or more because it's simply unique and very, very useful.

Some shades covering the sun, but otherwise a tough picture to shoot. The little built in flash helped.

I could probably have taken this picture with my phone, but then I wouldn't be able to do a big print out of it.

Once again the built in flash made the picture.

If you have an interesting idea for a guest post, you can contact me here.

Source: The most underestimated camera ever? (the waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof Nikon 1 AW1)

Firmware Friday: New features aplenty for Olympus mirrorless; Canon, Nikon and Sigma bug fixes too

Regular as clockwork, Firmware Friday returns once more bringing with it news of updates from Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sigma. Unusually for this week, though, we've already told you of some of this news, specifically the camera and lens updates from Olympus. For the full story on those, you'll want to hop over to our previous article. Therein, you'll find info on updates for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, the OM-D E-M5 Mark II, the PEN-F and select Zuiko Pro and Premium lenses, so we won't recover that ground in this article. Here, we'll instead focus on the new firmware for the Canon EOS M5, Nikon D5500 and Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN lens in Sony E-mount form.

Without any further ado, let's get right down to the updates.

Canon EOS M5

Starting off with the Canon EOS M5, firmware version 1.0.1 makes but two changes, one a bug fix and the other a correction to the on-screen verbiage for non-Japanese language speakers when shooting time-lapse movies. You can download this new firmware for Windows and Mac OS machines now from Canon's US website.

Nikon D5500

Moving along to Nikon, firmware version C:1.02 for the D5500 DSLR makes five changes in total, including one for a potential camera lockup issue when fiddling with custom settings. Courtesy of the official release notes:

The camera would stop responding if the multi selector was pressed right with Add items > CUSTOM SETTING MENU > c Timers/AE lock selected in MY MENU.

The shutter would sometimes not be released in response to live view touch shutter controls if autofocus was used with an SB-800 flash unit attached.

Optimal exposure would sometimes not be achieved in photographs taken during live view with lenses that support both autofocus and electronic aperture control (type E lenses).

If image review was enabled during viewfinder photography, the camera would sometimes display shooting information in place of the most recent picture when the user removed their eye from the viewfinder after shooting.

The camera would sometimes fail to store the option selected for a Autofocus > a3 Built-in AF-assist illuminator in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU after the mode dial was rotated to another setting.

You can download Nikon D5500 firmware version C:1.02 from the company's US website here.

Olympus E-M1 II, E-M5 II, PEN-F, M.Zuiko 12-100mm and M.Zuiko 300mm

As noted at the outset, our coverage of Olympus' firmware updates can be found in a previous news item from earlier in the week.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN for Sony E-mount

And finally for this week, we come to Sigma's new version 02 firmware for the Sony E-mount variant of the 30mm F1.4 DC DN lens. Here, the company says that it has fixed two interoperability issues with the Sony A5100 and A6300 camera bodies, as well as improving image quality with the Sony A6300 when shooting at an aperture of f/1.7. The new Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN version 02 firmware for Sony E-mount can be downloaded here.

All of which brings us to the end of this week's roundup! Be sure to check back next time for more Firmware Friday news!

(Camera parts image courtesy of Kelly Hofer / Flickr; used under a Creative Commons CC-BY-2.0 license. Image has been modified from the original.)

Source: Firmware Friday: New features aplenty for Olympus mirrorless; Canon, Nikon and Sigma bug fixes too

12 Best Mirrorless Cameras You Can Buy

Mirrorless cameras are on the rise. They've advanced so much over the years that they can compete against DSLRs available today. Although, not as popular as the standard DSLR models, some people consider mirrorless cameras as the future of photography. To some extent, that actually makes sense. In traditional cameras, light enters through the lens and gets bounced off a mirror through a special prism, to end up at the viewfinder. Thanks to advances in technology, this mirror set-up is no longer necessary and that's how mirrorless cameras came to existence. Due to the lack of a mirror, these cameras are much more compact when compared to hefty DSLRs. Although there were huge performance difference between these two types of cameras, the gap is much smaller now, and this new breed is ready to give DSLRs a run for its money. So, are you in the market to make the transition to mirrorless cameras? Take a look at these 12 best Mirrorless Cameras you can buy in 2017:

1. Sony Alpha a9 Enthusiast Mirrorless Camera

The Sony Alpha a9 is the most impressive and expensive mirrorless camera from Sony yet, that can put all other cameras to shame because of its speed. Yes, that's right. This 24.2 MP camera can shoot up to 241 RAW full-frame images at a blistering fast 20fps. The Sony a9 features the world's first full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor. Similar to other mirrorless cameras from Sony, this one offers 5-axis image stabilization as well. As far as video is concered, it can shoot 4K footage, which is actually downsampled from a 6K sensor readout. This essentially results in a high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth, as claimed by Sony.

The battery life has also improved a lot, as Sony promises double the battery life compared to previous A7 models. The Alpha a9 will be the best mirrorless shooter for professionals once it hits the shelves, starting May 25th for an asking price of $4499.

Price and Availability: May 25th, $4499

2. Fujifilm X-T2 Professional Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-T2 mirrorless camera was announced back in July and replaced the much-loved X-T1. It features an APS-C sensor, so full-frame enthusiasts, this one's not for you. Although you won't nearly get the surface area of a full-frame sensor, it packs some serious features for professionals regardless. It features the same 24.3 MP CMOS sensor that we first saw and loved in the X-Pro2. The X-T2's electronic viewfinder featuring a 2.36 million-dot OLED display is quite similar to the one on the X-T1, except for the fact that it's much brighter and offers 60 fps baseline frame rate.

The Fujifilm X-T2 can shoot 4K videos up to 30 fps, and also offers a maximum recording time of 10 minutes. The battery that this camera packs will let you take 340 shots. Fujifilm also offers an optional VPB-XT2 battery grip that can accommodate 2 batteries in addition to the one in the camera. The battery grip alone will be good enough to let you take up to 1000 shots if you're willing to sacrifice the compact size. The maximum recording time will also be increased to 30 minutes once the battery grip has been attached. Along with the Sony a6500, this is one of the best APS-C mirrorless cameras you can buy this year. Pricing is quite similar to other high-end APS-C mirrorless cameras at $1599.

Buy from Amazon: ($1599, Body only)

3. Panasonic Lumix GH4 Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera

The GH4 was made available in April 2014 and although it's ageing at the moment, the multiple price cuts that this camera received makes it a great deal, even after 3 years since release. It packs a best-in-class 16.05 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor that can take impressive stills, best suited to intermediate photographers. The camera offers continuous shooting at 12 fps and 7 fps with focus tracking.

The GH4 can also shoot video in either DCI Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 24 fps or Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 30 fps. If you're shooting 4K video, the battery should last you for just about 2 hours. The battery life is rated at 500-530 stills, which is well above average for a compact camera, but still below a prosumer DSLR. So, make sure you purchase additional batteries as well. Although the launch price of GH4 was roughly $1700, after multiple price cuts, it's currently available for under 1200 bucks on Amazon.

Buy from Amazon: ($1197, Body only)

4. Sony Alpha a7R II Enthusiast Mirrorless Camera

This is the best mirrorless camera that you can currently buy for photography and videography. Well, that's until the Sony Alpha a9 hits the shelves. In spite of being almost two years old, the a7R II is still widely recommended by enthusiasts, just for the sheer performance it packs. The Sony a7R II boasts a whopping 42 MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor that lets you take astounding images at the highest details. It also offers 5-axis image stabilization and continuous shooting up to 5 fps, which is fine considering the camera launched a couple years ago.

The a7R II can record 4K Ultra HD footage at 30 fps. The battery on this camera should last you for about 340 shots if you're using the LCD screen or 290 shots if you're using the Electronic Viewfinder. All in all, this is a pretty well-built camera that manages to tick all boxes for the professionals who're looking to buy a top-tier camera this year. If you want the a7R II right away, you will have to shell out approximately $2900 bucks and the price has pretty much been justified.

Buy from Amazon: ($2898, Body only)

5. Samsung NX3000 Beginner Mirrorless Camera

The NX3000 is an entry-level compact mirrorless camera which is both thin and light weight, aimed at beginners. It was released back in June 2014, but it still manages to be in this list for the features it offers at a low budget price point. The NX3000 features a 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor like other NX series cameras offered by Samsung. Make no mistake, this APS-C sensor is still physically larger than all the micro four thirds out there. It comes with a 16-50mm Power Zoom lens which offers Optical Image Stabilization.

Unfortunately, the NX3000 cannot record 4K footage, which is a downside that might bother you. However it can still shoot impressive Full HD 1080p footage using H.264 format at 30 fps. There's a dedicated one-touch record button on the rear of the camera. The battery on the NX3000 should last 370 shots according to Samsung. It can be currently purchased along with the lens for under 700 bucks on Amazon.

Buy from Amazon: ($699, with 16-50mm OIS Power Zoom Lens and Flash)

6. Panasonic Lumix G7 Budget Mirrorless Camera

If you compare the Lunix G7 camera with the Samsung NX3000, it literally blows the Samsung camera out of the water in terms of what it offers at a lower price. Aimed at beginners on a budget, this mirrorless camera from Panasonic features a 16 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is a step down from APS-C sensor on the NX3000. It also provides continuous shooting at 7fps to capture moments filled with action. The electronic viewfinder on the G7 is something that's missing on the Samsung counterpart.

The Lumix G7 boasts Ultra HD 4K recording at 30 fps, which the NX3000 completely lacks, even at a higher price. So, if you're interested in shooting videos with your camera, the choice is pretty obvious here. The battery life on the Lumix G7 is rated at 350 shots, which although lower, is still quite similar to the NX3000 it competes against. The pricing is what makes the Lumix G7 an obvious choice for beginners and people who're on a budget, as you can pick this one up for under $600.

Buy from Amazon: ($597, with 14-42mm kit lens)

7. Sony Alpha a6500 Professional Mirrorless Camera

Arguably, the best APS-C Mirrorless Camera you can buy right now, aimed at professional photographers and videographers alike. The a6500 is a step up from the a6300 and it's packed with features. Packing a 24 MP CMOS sensor with 425 phase detection points and 5-axis image stabilization, the a6500 shoots nothing short of stellar pictures. One of the primary areas where this camera excels in, is low-light performance.

The Sony Alpha a6500 can also shoot high resolution 4K footage at 30 fps and the process works quite similar to the Sony a9 by downsampling from a 6K sensor readout, which makes it look much sharper than regular 4K videos. You will be able to shoot continuous 4K video up to 20 minutes which is considerably more than the 10 minutes offered by its competitor, the Fujifilm X-T2. As far as stills are concerned, the battery should last you for about 350 shots.

Buy from Amazon: ($1398, Body only)

8. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

The Olympus Mark II is a mid-range mirrorless camera from Olympus targeting photographers at the intermediate level. It's the successor to the much loved OM-D E-M5 which launched in 2012. It packs a 16 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with 5-axis optical image stabilization which is good enough to satisfy even the prosumers. It boasts of continuous shooting up to 10 fps (5 fps with focus tracking), so that you don't miss any action.

For an asking price of almost 1000 bucks, you might expect 4K video recording, but this camera misses out that feature. It can still record 1080p footage at 60 fps which is good enough for many, but if you want that extra resolution, you might want to look elsewhere. The battery life is rated at 310 shots, according to CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards, which is a bit lower than its predecessor. Although this is an impressive camera, for an few hundred dollars more, you have much better options to choose from.

Buy from Amazon: ($999, Body only)

9. Canon EOS M5 Mirrorless Camera

A mirrorless camera from the widely loved DSLR manufacturer Canon is what everyone looked forward to. The M series was thereby born 4 years ago and the EOS M5 was launched to replace the M3 last year. There's no doubt regarding the fact that the M5 is Canon's best mirrorless camera yet. It packs a 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor featuring Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus. The APS-C sensor alone is good enough to edge out some of the competition with Micro Four Thirds sensor providing larger surface area. The camera also boasts continuous shooting up to 9 fps, which is quite impressive for a mid-range camera.

Canon targets the photographers at the beginner and intermediate level with the EOS M5. Living up to that tag, it lacks 4K video recording. However, it can still shoot 1080p footage at 60 fps. The battery life of the EOS M5 is rated at 295 shots which is quite low even for a mirrorless camera. For an asking price of $1099, there are better options to choose from, but if Canon decides to drop the price, this camera can be a pretty good deal. Still, if you're a fan of the Canon brand and you have the cash, we won't stop you from purchasing it.

Buy from Amazon: ($1099, with 15-45mm kit lens)

10. Leica M10 Mirrorless Digital Rangefinder Camera

Coming from the German manufacturer Leica Camera AG, the Leica M10 is known for its great build quality and longetivity. Yes, Leica cameras have been widely known to last a lifetime, so you probably get what you're paying for. The camera follows a retro look similar to most other cameras from this company. Nevertheless, build quality alone doesn't make a great camera. It packs a 24 MP full-frame CMOS sensor, which Leica claims to have been newly developed for the M10. It also offers continuous shooting of up to 5 fps, which is kind of disappointing for a camera at this price point.

The Leica M10 totally lacks video recording, let alone 4K recording which you might totally expect from any camera available in 2017. But instead, Leica claims to completely focus on still photography and yes, it does take some exceptional photos. The battery life is pretty disappointing as well as it's rated by CIPA at 210 shots. Of course, the Leica M10 isn't for everyone, as it's aimed at professional still photographers only. Thanks to its exorbitant price tag of over $6500. However, if you want a camera that's going to last you for a lifetime and enjoy the craftsmanship, that's something only Leica can offer.

Buy from Amazon: ($6595, Body only)

11. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

The E-M1 Mark II sits at the top of Olympus' OM-D range of mirrorless cameras and it rightly deserves the spot. This camera is known for its speed. The dual quad-core processors that powers this camera makes way for blazing fast 60 fps burst shooting in AF-S mode and up to 18 fps in continuous AF mode. E-M1 Mark II is neither a full-frame nor an APS-C mirrorless camera. Instead, it packs a 20 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor featuring in-body image stabilization up to 5.5 stops.

The E-M1 Mark II can record video in either DCI Cinema 4K at 24 fps or Ultra HD 4K at 30 fps, which is enough to please the videographers. The battery life is quite impressive for a mirrorless camera at 440 shots, according to CIPA standard. The E-M1 Mark II packs some amazing features, especially considering the fact that it has a Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Buy from Amazon: ($1999, Body only)

12. Fujifilm X-T10 Mid-Range Mirrorless Camera

Meet the younger sibling to the hugely popular X-T1, the Fujifilm X-T10 which is a slightly stripped down and more affordable mirrorless camera which is suited for beginners or even intermediate photographers. The X-T10 features a 16 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor which is plenty to take some beautiful stills. It has a high resolution 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, similar to the X-T1. However, unlike the X-T1, you'll be missing out on some features like the lack of weather-sealing and flash sync port.

The Fujifilm X-T10 lacks 4K recording capabilities. However, if you still want to record videos on this one, you'll be able to shoot 1080p footage at 60 fps, which should be good enough to satisfy the beginners. Battery life is rated at 350 shots which is decent for a mirrorless camera in this price change. It's currently available on Amazon for under 900 bucks, which includes an 18-55mm kit lens.

Buy from Amazon: ($899, with 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS kit lens)

                     SEE ALSO: 10 Best GoPro Action Camera Alternatives

The Best Mirrorless Cameras You Can Buy in 2017

Nikon and Canon may rule the DSLR market, but when it comes to mirrorless cameras, it's totally the opposite. As you can see from the above list, there are barely any mirrorless cameras from either of these brands, with Sony owning the majority of the market share at the moment. None of the cameras that we discussed above are mediocre by any means. Each of them has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. So, are you looking forward to upgrade from a DSLR and make the transition to a new mirrorless camera? Let us know your thoughts regarding these cameras in the comments section below.

Source: 12 Best Mirrorless Cameras You Can Buy

Imaging Resource Podcast: Where does Canon mirrorless fit?

by Jaron Schneider

posted Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 2:35 PM EDT

This week, Karaminder and Jaron are joined by Imaging Resource editor Jeremy Gray to chat about a $1000 point and shoot (and why it is or isn't worth that kind of a price tag), the new Olympus firmware that gives their top-tier cameras direct TTL access to Profoto strobes, desktop storage and the viability of products like the LaCie 6big as well as other options, and the Canon mirrorless M5 (and Canon's place in the mirrorless market). To see for yourself what to expect out of the Canon M5, make sure you check out our review with the field test by Jeremy. 

Show Notes:

What is the Imaging Resource Podcast? IR Podcast is here to further discuss the "what" of equipment, but more importantly discuss the "why." Gear is great, but only as great as the knowledge of its purpose and the willingness to experiment. Make sure to subscribe on iTunes (or click here for our RSS) as we'll release new episodes every week!

Questions? Comments? Send us an email at podcast@imaging-resource.com. 

Source: Imaging Resource Podcast: Where does Canon mirrorless fit?

Sensor Size and Filmmaking: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Project

In order to best execute your vision as a cinematographer, it's important to understand all of the technical factors that contribute to how your camera sees the world. There are many variables to consider before choosing the right camera for your project and in this article we'll discuss the most common types of sensor sizes available to filmmakers and how they may help or inhibit you as a visual storyteller.

A Brief History of How Full Frame Cameras Became Popular with Filmmakers

If you started your filmmaking career after the so-called "DSLR Revolution" there's a possibility that you may have adopted the idea that a "full frame" sensor is the standard sensor size for all digital cameras. While this may be largely true in the photography world, it's not the case in the filmmaking world – at least not yet! Super 35mm has been embraced as the standard film/sensor format for cinema cameras since the mid-1990's. By comparison, Super 35mm has an approximate 1.5x crop factor compared to full frame.

It wasn't until 2008 with the release of the Canon 5D Mark II that the technological language between photography and filmmaking started to mingle. The 5D Mark II had a full frame sensor, which is nearly equivalent in size to 35mm photography film. It also happened to be the first DSLR to have a full 1080p HD video feature, which was included by Canon to provide photojournalists with the ability to film their stories in addition to photographing them. A side effect was that filmmakers realized that this was a relatively cheap option for getting the previously-coveted and expensive "shallow depth of field" look due to the 5D's extremely large, full frame sensor. Prior to the DSLR revolution, it was very common for digital cameras used by indie and student filmmakers to have a ⅓ inch sensor or similar in size. For reference, a ⅓ inch sensor has a 6.9x crop factor compared to a full frame sensor. Shallow depth of field was out of the question for these cameras without the help of an expensive and cumbersome lens adapter. In addition to the hefty price tag, these depth of field adapters introduced problems such as light loss and significant image degradation in low light situations.

Cheap technology creates greater accessibility. Video-capable DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have sparked a filmmaking revolution by giving thousands of budding filmmakers access to a "cinematic" camera. Many successful cinematographers, such as Katelin Arizmendi and Ryan Booth, have gotten their start with the help of accessible large sensor cameras as a result of the DSLR revolution.

Today's Camera Sensor Options for Filmmakers

The popularity of the 5D Mark II with filmmakers has encouraged Canon and other companies like Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic to integrate video capabilities into their photography cameras. The most common sensor sizes among these cameras are as follows in descending sizes: full frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds. Affordable digital cinema cameras eventually made their appearance into the market and a large majority of them have adopted the Super 35mm sized sensor, which happens to be very similar in size to APS-C. For a recap on how sensor size affects perceived field of view, please check out these resources:

New DSLR Owners: What You Must Know About Full Frame vs Crop Frame Sensors Before Choosing a Lens

Introduction to Full Frame vs Crop Frame Sensors Plus Great Sensor Comparison Resources

Aspect Ratios and Sensor Sizes for Video Beginners

Sensor Qualities to Consider for Filmmaking

Depth of FieldAs mentioned earlier, the introduction of the 5D Mark II brought an important cinematic tool to indie filmmakers: the "shallow depth of field" look. As a rule of thumb, the larger the sensor, the more shallow the depth of field can be. For example, the depth of field of an image shot with a lens set to f/2.8 on a full frame camera will be more shallow looking than an image shot with a Super 35mm sensor camera with the same lens that's also set to f/2.8. You can still easily achieve shallow depth of field when shooting with a Micro Four Thirds camera if you use fast lenses, such as Veydras and especially Voigtlanders. Learn more about depth of field and full frame sensors with the help of these resources:

The Bokeh Effect: How Sensor Size Affects Background Blur

How Crop Sensors Affect Depth of FieldIt's worth noting that the larger the sensor, the more difficult it will be to pull and maintain focus on a mobile subject, especially while shooting wide open on your lens. Pulling focus is a skill that can take an entirety of a career to master. It's even expected that professional Hollywood camera assistants with decades of experience to flub focus from time to time throughout a shoot. I say this just to give you an idea of how hard the art form can be.

Field of ViewFull frame sensor cameras provide a wider field of view in comparison to Super 35mm/APS-C sensor camera and even more so than Micro Four Thirds. It would be especially helpful to have a camera with a larger sensor if you'll be shooting in a cramped area and you want to show more of the location. Having the wider field of view of a full frame sensor lets you achieve wider shots than what you would get with the same focal length on a camera with a smaller sensor. This allows you to get closer to your subject with a larger sensor camera and a longer lens without having to worry about the barrel distortion that can be present with wider lenses.

Rolling ShutterA shutter is a device that prevents the sensor or film from being further exposed to light and is activated after a duration of time based on the camera operator's exposure settings. Cinema film cameras have a physical rotary disc with an opening, which allows light to pass through to the film. The sensors on digital photo cameras and digital cinema cameras are electronically controlled. Pixels on the sensor are scanned in rapid succession, then the process is reset and repeats for the next exposure.

Rolling shutter refers to a method of scanning which involves pixels being scanned row by row from left to right until the entire sensor has been scanned and completes the exposure. The exposure terminates in the same manner, with the pixels on the sensor shutting off row by row, from left to right. DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and most digital cinema cameras use a rolling shutter. It's important to note that while DSLRs also have a mechanical shutter, it is recessed when the camera is set to video mode, continuously exposing the sensor.

Digital cameras that use a rolling shutter can suffer from a "jello effect", which is the bending or wobbling of an image when the camera or subject is moving too quickly for the rolling shutter to keep up.

Filmed at 28mm f/4 in APS-C mode:

View post on imgur.com

Filmed at 45mm f/4 in full frame mode:

View post on imgur.com

The larger the sensor, the worse the jello effect can be due to the larger surface area that needs to be scanned. If you plan on filming fast action sequences or making fast camera movements, you may want to consider using a camera with a smaller sensor or use a camera with a global sensor. Global sensors scan all of the pixels of the entire sensor at the same time as opposed to row by row, which would eliminate the potential of the jello effect. The Blackmagic Production Camera, Blackmagic Ursa Mini 4K (but not the 4.6K), and the AJA CION are among the few cameras that use a global shutter.

Beautiful and important work has been filmed with large and small sensor/film format sizes. There are many important features of a camera to consider aside from just sensor size and, when it comes down to it, a camera is just a tool and it's a matter of choosing the right tool for you!

The following two tabs change content below. Mike Sun is a Video VIP Quality Control Technician Lead at BorrowLenses and a freelance cinematographer and photographer.
Source: Sensor Size and Filmmaking: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Project