Sony DSC-RX1 review

DSC-RX1 is a beast like no other; Sony has broken the ice making a first digital full-frame compact. The small body hides sensor the same size and quality as the professional DSLR cameras paired with excellent Zeiss lens.

Build quality is excellent. Cover LCDs will probably scratch and is not intended to be on him to be protective plastic. Ideal for lying in his hand is missing a little more grip as it has NEX-6

Camera has more than enough variety of wheels and several programmable keys, and we especially liked the ring around the lens that controls the aperture. Button and dial the above-average quality and first tried out first becomes clear that this is not just any Still. The only regret RX1 is sealed against moisture and dust. The menu is identical to the Sony SLT cameras. Viewed and fast, but visually quite uneventful.

3 inch screen is not tilt or touch, but it is very detailed, with good color reproduction. Viewfinder is not installed, but it is possible to recharge an optical or electronic, which is connected to the hot-shoe.

Charging the battery is only possible in the unit. This is absurd considering the cost and purpose of this unit, and we believe that the external charger should be part of the mandatory equipment. Battery life is also below average ... Provides about 150 photos depending on usage.

Sony DSC-RX1 has USB and HDMI connectors and a 3.5 mm microphone input. No GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity. Photos and Video written to SDHC or MemoryStick memory cards (RX1 accepts both formats in the same slot).

Whatever was said, we believe that the full-frame something special. Shallow depth of field, flawless control noise ... Photos are the most expensive in the range of professional DSLR camera and light years above any compact camera of similar size.

The sensor has 24 megapixels (almost identical to the built-in Nikon D600) and is flawless in all parameters. Of color, dynamic range, to control forest we can not find a single complaint and put it among the best on the market.

Zeiss 35 mm lens focal length (ie no optical zoom) and F / 2 aperture is specially made ​​just for this camera. This means that the optical characteristics exactly suited sensor which is obvious by the quality of photos. Sharp even wide open, and debug software defects lens will remove vignetting.

Full HD video offers the option of recording at 50 or 25 frames per second and is very good quality. Built-in microphone also has done its job, but slow auto focus spoils the overall experience.

RX1 is very specific appliance. Sensor and lens are themselves at par professional camera like the Sony A99, Canon 5D MKII or Nikon D600 and D800. Unfortunately, we found a number of annoying details that do not belong to this set of products. If you can live with them, the RX1 will provide stunning images whether you're a professional or a complete amateur who just wants the highest quality picture on the market.

Nikon D600 review

We have always favored a Nikon design - modern and serious, even the D600 is no exception. The materials used are great and we just rubber grip which is covered recalls that this was not the strongest Nikon model (the D800 is still softer and more comfortable to hold).

Ergonomics is very similar to the cheaper D7000 model and basically have no significant objections. Available to the greater amount of external control and stop buttons for various functions. The only detail that some users might disturb the relatively thin grip - unsuitable for those with larger hands. The menu is viewed in Nikon Traditional style, but we still lack the ability to shooting RAW files with a lower resolution (like the Canon).

An optical viewfinder is very large and has a 100% frame coverage. The LCD screen is 3.2 inches with 921,000 pixels and a very detailed and bright, but not rotated. Battery life varies markedly depending on usage. With a lot of ignition LCD display and imaging in live-view mode will withstand about 500 photos. If completely refrain from playback, the battery can provide as much as 1200 photos, and would we concluded that a realistic average of 600-700 photos. Photos and video are recorded on two SD cards with a choice of several methods of simultaneous operation. A number of connectors such as USB, HDMI output, a microphone input and a headphone output for monitoring ... WiFi connectivity and GPS are optional, unfortunately.

Full-frame sensor with 24 megapixels in the top of the current deals on the market and at this point you have nothing to speculate - if quality is your most important photos, please purchase. The quality of photos we have nothing much to philosophize: superior. By all parameters of quantity (lack of) noise at high ISO settings, color reproduction, and to the possibility of rescuing shadow or bright parts in RAW format, the D600 is a narrow circle of several best camera today. We tested the D600 with its kit lens - 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 G VR. Although quite decent quality, we believe that the D600 come to the fore only with the use of prime lenses, such as the 28/1.8G, 50/1.8G or 85/1.8G., And it is this trio recommend as ideal for most applications.

Full HD video is a superior look and D600 has an uncompressed output via HDMI connector. The ability to record time-lapse movies we also really liked.

In the end, we only have to repeat the same words in the introduction: Excellent picture quality has never been better. D600 is able to do almost any job, portraits, weddings, landscapes, editorials, your cat napping in front of the fireplace ... all can. The only applications that may not be the perfect sport (we're talking about professional work) due to the narrow coverage of AF points. For amateurs, D600 is in our opinion the top offers that makes sense to buy, any more expensive (D800, 5D MKII) is not profitable as they do not offer in accordance with the larger shift in quality.

Canon PowerShot S110 review

Cameras from Canon "PowerShot S" series has always been designed for users who demand outstanding image quality in a miniature edition and are willing to pay for it. So it is not the latest Powershot S110 is no exception. The main characteristics are unchanged compared to the predecessor PowerShot S100 - built 12 megapixels and 5 x optical zoom, and news the touch LCD and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The design is attractive, but the build quality has declined compared to the previous PowerShot S100. Plastic acts rougher and cheaper, and we lack a rubberized grip and thumb rest. At least he firmly concluded and all the keys have a comfortable feeling when pressed.

Given the small size (dictated by a relatively small number of external controls) using the simplest thing in the automatic mode. Most important settings accessible via the quick menu, but it should be enough to scroll to be set.

Praise the presence of two control wheels, one behind, and the other forwards around the lens. It is on this front is possible to set up the function of your choice, and our favorite is the possibility of the stepped zoom (24, 28, 35, 50, 85 and 120 mm). The menu is appealing and visually identical to those in other Canon PowerShot models.

The touch screen diagonal of 3.0-inch display has a solid (461,000 dots), but we've seen better, colors are a bit weak and washed out. LCD not tilt. Li-Ion battery provides approximately 200 pictures (CIPA Standard) which is in the range of our expectations of what is possible from such a small battery. Available HDMI and USB connectors, and a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Storing photos and videos is done on a standard SD card. That has a GPS would be a pure ten.

The sensor of 12 megapixels is among the better models of its size (7 x 6 mm). Impresses us by the fact that at higher ISO values ​​no overly smudged detail as is typical for a large number of compact camera, but retains sharpness. The lens has a 5 x optical zoom and optical stabilization. The aperture is excellent at the wide end (F / 2) but decreases the adverse f/5.9 at maximum zoom as a problem in low lighting. If nothing else, at least it's sharp enough. Photos are excellent as expected. Given the small size appliances and sensors really have nothing to complain about. The colors are neutral, noise is under good control, and when shooting in RAW format, it is possible to derive quality reminiscent of DSLR models from a decade ago. 

Video recording is possible in today usual Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) movies at 24 frames per second (fps). During recording, you can of course use the zoom while recording videos are very fair, far better than any top model photo phones.

For several years, the Canon Powershot S series is synonymous with quality images with the least possible dimensions. Although today there are better options (I mean the Sony RX100), they are almost twice as expensive. Therefore, the Canon Powershot S110 is still on our list of the best ultra compact cameras. The photos are beautiful, the video is good and fits in your pocket - you will need more? :)

Sony NEX-6 review

After Sony popularized the category of mirrorless cameras with its NEX line, even the Canon and Nikon have been forced to offer mirrorless models. After three years of NEX cameras, it seems that we waited a model worthy of our initial expectations. NEX-6 is the camera that we could completely replace D-SLR with its image quality and usability.

The design is very attractive and gives the impression of an advanced, high-quality camera as confirmed receiving the first hand. Plastic is strong and good, grip generously rubbed, a button and dial pleasant "click" when using. The previous NEX cameras had a plastic grip. For the best impression we miss basically just tightness against water and dust as we find with Olympus OMD.

Shape and ergonomics Sony NEX-6 is almost identical to the more expensive model NEX-seventh The difference is that there are not three but only two control wheels, but this is quite enough for daily use. Several keys are programmable as advanced users will appreciate and praise recessed button for video recording, no more accidental launch videos as some users NEX-7 model led to insanity. Sony after many queries users finally decided to include an external knob to select the mode that does not even expensive NEX-seventh

The menu is a long-standing flaw NEX camera. Sony probably wanted to facilitate the use of the users, but the end result is a menu that is struggling and professionals, let alone amateurs. It takes a lot of getting used to and scrolling through the options to find the desired setting. Fortunately, it is the most important settings are linked to the "Fn" button next to the trigger that calls short quick menu.

Swivel LCD Diagonal 3.0-inch with 920,000 dots is the same that the reason we see for many years in a variety of Sony SLT and mirrorless cameras, image is sharp and detailed with attractive colors. Electronic viewfinder is among the best and ergonomic in the perfect position, it is possible right eye to look through it, and left observe what is going on out of sight and looking so plan to frame and trigger. Also, the position of looking at the corner of the camera disables your nose to leave greasy fingerprints on the LCD screen.

Sony NEX-6 uses a lithium-ion battery that provides enough power for about 300 shots, which is average for mirrorless appliances. We understand (for the umpteenth times), charge in the camera via USB ... We would rather see a separate charger that the appliance can be used while we fill up a spare battery.

16 megapixel sensor is a high performance. Usable up to ISO 6400 and has excellent color reproduction and dynamic range, just as we have come to expect from Sony. Better result in our opinion is only possible from the (considerably more expensive and larger) Full Frame DSLR.

With the NEX-6 comes an all-new retractable 3x zoom lens E PZ 16-50 mm F/3.5-5.6. When the camera is off lens is only 3 cm long and makes the NEX-6 is relatively flat and easy to carry in a jacket pocket. Converted to a 35 mm format, the lens covers 24-75 mm, which is sufficient for a variety of shots from cramped interior to the portrait photos.

Sony NEX-6 uses Memory Stick and SDHC memory card is connected via USB and HDMI connectors, and has a built-in Wi-Fi, and support for a variety of applications. We lack only the GPS and input for an external microphone when capturing video.

Full HD video recording is possible even at 60p frames per second - this can currently boast only Sony cameras. Auto focus during video is not overly fast, but has a very gentle and soft transitions which gives a natural and calm look recordings. Also, all NEX lenses have completely silent focus motor, which is actually not a single competitor for now can boast.

We believe that there is still room for improvement (desperate menu, speed auto focus lagging Olympus, no sealing against rain ...) but we have to at this time opt for a camera that would be used over the next few years for all occasions from family and amateur use, travel to the basic professional use, the NEX-6 would be the first on the list.

Olympus PEN E-PL5 review

At first glance, build quality leaves a good impression. The body is solid and gives a positive impression that only a few corrupt individual keys with a "mushy" feeling the pressure. Multi Control Dial mode rotates relatively easy and can be inadvertently rotated when removing or restoring appliances in your pocket or handbag, and is sometimes necessary to pay attention to it before shooting. Swivel LCD screen is hung on the all-metal construction that is very solid and looks like it can withstand the year of daily rotation and pulling in all directions.

The main menu is easy to use, and many options logically arranged. The most important items such as the ISO value, white balance, and similar settings are adjusted from the selection invokes the "OK" button. Although PEN E-PL5 produces excellent photos already in automatic mode and is suitable for use complete amateurs, showing its importance in the hands of advanced users.

Olympus namely never stingy with options including E-PL5 has a number of details that are missing many professional DSLR cameras, such as wireless control up to three groups of flashes, adjust the speed of continuous shooting 1-8 frames per second, pixel mapping, the possibility of complete redistribution control keys, direct selection of focal points and their size, changing the direction of rotation of the dial, even 6 types bracketing (ISO, WB, Flash, Art filters, HDR, AE), and changes in EV ISO steps, anti-vibration shutter with adjustable delay time, separate correction of all three methods of measuring light ... options have no end!

 

Screen of 3.0-inches and 460,000 dots is full tilt to 170 degrees, which means it allows easy self-portraiture. This possibility has only Sony NEX-F3 and 5R. It is possible to connect and swivel electronic viewfinder, but it is sold separately.
Li-Ion battery provides enough power for about 300 pictures, but there are still very annoying imprecise indications charge; Pen E-PL5 signal a full battery almost the entire use and just before the end starts blinking red warning. External power charger is standard, what is not case with the latest Sony NEX models.

Sensor with 16 mega pixels is the same as the OMD E-M5 and Pen Mini models. Quality is at the top of the mirrorless market, usable up to ISO 6400, with excellent color and dynamic range. Particularly it stands built stabilization that works always regardless of lens used.
Although the lenses are removable, most users will most likely permanently use the supplied kit lens: Zuiko 14-42 F/3.5-5.6 II. Really stand out the possibility of concluding which is twice smaller when not in use. Optical is pretty good and if you do not have particularly high demands will serve you for many years.
Size is incredibly small and makes pena smallest mirrorless camera to tržištu.Nažalost, optically visible worse than the kit lens, and it reduces the usability and an aperture of F / 8, which means it needs a lot of light in photography (realistically usable only in daylight ). On the other hand using the built-in Art Filters in the E-PL5 can mask low-quality optics which 15mm lens becomes a very fun toy.

  
 
Video recording is possible to have a completely usual Full HD resolution (1920x1080 pixels) at 30 frames per second. Only Sony NEX appliances offer 60fps in Full HD. Although the latest variant of the 14-42 lens problem considerably mitigated, built-in microphone captures sound still motor auto focus.

It pays to be first to market with a particular product, and the best proof of that all Olympus Pen and OMD models in the last year. While Canon bothering with slow focus, Nikon below-average sensor, and Sony has recently had more than NEX camera lens that you could put on it, Olympus continues forward with great strides. It has been for nearly four years since the first PEN and childhood diseases have been resolved, so that the tested E-PL5 one of the most complete and versatile mirrorless camera on the market. Whatever your knowledge of photography, E-PL5 is able to deliver high quality photographs and will not at all restricted to overcome demanding photographic tasks, thanks to the overwhelming options, ready for anything. With these mirrorless, really do not see the reason why to buy big and heavy DSLR.

Nikon Coolpix P310 review

Nikon Coolpix P310 is a great finishes. Plastic is excellent, while embedded keys provide convenient "click" when pressed. Available in black and white as well as our test sample, which acted extremely attractive.

Camera is a little bit thicker (32 mm) than the average for the class to be good, feels great in the hands, and the rubberized support for thumb contributes a good feeling. Coolpix P310 is characterized by above-average number of external controls, considering the price category, excellently located programmable "Fn" key and even two control wheels. It is immediately clear that this is a device that can provide more than just shooting the automatics.

The menu is clear and logical. Thanks for showing only options available in each mode, eg, in automatic mode, it will not be default settings, metering or focus modes which will facilitate the use of inexperienced users. Changing the parameters of the fast - changing one mode dial options, and their second preferences, advanced users will enjoy it.

No optical viewfinder, but a large 3-inch LCD screen is fully compensated. Viewing angle and color are excellent, and high acuity provided by our 921,000 dots. The same screen can be found in much more expensive cameras, although there and tilt.

The battery provides about 230 photos CIPA measurement which is quite decent. The device is fed into the machine through a USB connector on the computer or electrical outlet via the supplied adapter.

Nikon Coolpix P310 uses standard SDHC cards, and has a USB and mini HDMI connectors (HDMI cable is not part of the sales package). Supports work with (optional) Eye-Fi wireless cards.

Small sensor captures images of pleasant colors and with enough detail at lower ISOs, but the limitations become clear in low light conditions because noise reduction aggressively "iron" all the details. Image quality is not on par camera such as the Canon PowerShot S110 or Sony DSC-RX100 with comparable external dimensions and manual controls, but it is not the price, the PowerShot S110 is a double, and the RX100 even three times more expensive-To guarantee this Nikon is very appealing cost / benefit ratio.

The lens has a 4.2 x optical zoom, which is at first glance does not seem much, but why is outstandingly wide (24 mm) and light throughput of up to f/1.8 at wide angle - a desirable feature for shooting in low light. That's why we prefer to recommend this camera versus some competitors for the same price offer a far greater range of zoom (up to 15 x), but considerably less light throughput. Coolpix P310 also has an effective optical stabilization.

It is possible to record video in the already usual Full HD (1920x1080) with stereo sound, but the P310 has the option to record slow-motion shorts at 120 frames per second at lower resolutions - very fun to shoot sports or pets.

Auto focus is fast in good light and the wide end of the lens, but a bit slower under lower light. Surprisingly, even then it is correct that is due to good AF assist Lamp. Small folding flashlight is suitable for family use.

Nikon Coolpix P310 deserves our praise. It's a nice, small, with a good lens and photographs, has two control wheels, Full HD video and is not expensive. This is actually one of the few models to which we could not find any obvious flaw that would significantly reduce its usefulness, especially in the context of its price. If you are looking for affordable and quality their camera that provides real manual control this is one of the better choices.

Sony NEX-5R review

The shape and dimensions of the camera are not changed at all since the first NEX-5 model. In practice, this means that you get the least possible mirror less body on the market and protruding grip that provides a comfortable and secure hold in the hand. Final Dimensions depend on the lens used, but in practice the dimensions chubby compact or ultra zoom from Nex get much higher quality.

Novelty is a key program in addition to the second shutter dial on top of the appliance. Users of automatic shooting modes that does not represent anything, but if you like to take control over the settings it is welcome news that significantly increases usability appliances. The materials used are good, but not perfect: the grip is plastic, while the more expensive NEX-6 you get a soft rubber or even better plastic casing.

The screen has a diagonal of 3 inches 920.000 pixels and superb. Rotated by 45 degrees down, and a full 180 degrees forward, which means that you can watch on the screen when shooting portraits duck face for Facebook. :) In this model F3 is the only NEX that allows the screen to rotate 180 degrees.

With the aid is delivered to a small flash of reach 12 m. The same connector can connect an external electronic viewfinder that is sold separately. Hot-shoe is not present, and this limits the flash that can be used in this model, more expensive NEX-6 has a universal hot shoe.

Li-Ion battery provides enough power for about 300 pictures. This is an average of the mirrorless world, but no progress over previous generation NEX - First NEX-5 from 2010 is the same as entering the city.

We recognize the fact that the package does not have the charger for charging the battery through the USB connector in the unit. This is why you can not charge an extra battery while the unit is in use.

Supported Memory Stick and SDHC memory cards. Although SD widespread and easily accessible format, we recommend purchase of Memory Stick, particularly those with HG mark (red colored), because with such a card NEX run faster than with fastest existing SD card.

In addition to USB and HDMI connectors, NEX-5R has a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and supports a variety of Sony applications. It is possible to connect to the Android smartphone or iPhone, send photos directly to Facebook or camera control via smartphones.

Video recording is possible in Full HD resolution at true 60fps footage that gives fluidity. Built-in stereo microphone and again praise silent auto focus who do not mind video recordings.

Altogether, the Sony NEX-5R is completely fulfilled our expectations. Image quality is top notch, and usability built on a slightly higher level compared to the predecessor. Besides the fact that it was now available for ten lenses for E-mount, NEX slowly becoming a more serious player in the market, suitable both amateurs and demanding users.