Which New Camera ...April 30 2012

There is a slew of new cameras being released at this time, and it is quite confusing, especially if you are looking to purchase new cameras, or replace one. This is my take on the cameras, with handling of some of the new equipment:

1) Canon G1X:
I was looking forward to this compact zoom camera, as it has a larger sensor, and supposedly better performance in terms of better image quality. I tested this and found the image quality good, as good as the G9. However, despite a wider angle, I did not buy this because
a) the nearest distance is about a meter! I need to switch to macro.
b) the zoom was only 4x, while my G9 was 6x.
So I decided not to upgrade.
                                                     Canon G9 Image:

Canon G1X Image (100% crop)

2) Olympus OMD EM-5
This new camera, mirrorless, had a larger sensor than the Olympus EP-3, which I own, and it gave good images in good light. In low light, not too good. Tested this in the retail shop, as I have seen so many good photographs in websites and forum.
Tested with 12-50mm lens f3.5-6.3. Found that although the camera was responsive, like the EP-3, the image noise was not as good as I expected. Maybe, because, the kit lens that came with the EM-5, gave good autofocus, but was not as sharp as prime lenses. Moreover, the body came with a premium price (since new). I will wait for the new lens, especially prime, before I decide.

3) Canon Mk III
I was always impressed with the MK II picture quality and video, and thought that the MK III would be better. Reviews indicate not too much difference between the MK II and MK III. Maybe this is a good time to buy the MK II at great reduced price. I understand there is some underexposure with the MK III camera.
You also need to have good lenses. I already have a Canon 7D, the features of which are now transferred to the MK III. In view of this, I better keep my Canon 7D

4) Nikon D800
Sold my D700 as I did not have much use for it although it gave sharp images, but I did not like the color. Price  to acquire the D800 is high. So keeping an eye on this for future.

5) Fuji X-Pro1
Interested in this because of the large sensor, and the prime lenses. However, read that autofocus was slow, and therefore waiting to see if firmware upgrade could improve the performance, Have tested the X-100 and impressed with the quality of the pictures, but autofocus was slow.
Possible, will try out the Fuji X-S1: a 20x zoom camera with large sensor.

Will try this out and update.
Regards/

Canon G1X Quick Review

6 April 2012

I tested the Canon G1X today in one of the photography outlet shops.where the stock was available. There was a shortage of stocks.

Compared to the G9 (I know the camera G12 is the latest before the G1X), these are the differences:
i) When you take a picture, the processing in the camera takes some time...so you will miss out on the next shots you wish to take.
ii) You can avoid this when you take pictures using the sports (running man) mode, or the high speed multi action mode.
iii)You can take near pictures in the macro, but not as close as the G9. The G1X needs about 1 meter , whereas the G9 can take pictures of objects as close as a couple of centimeters away.
iv)One advantage of the G1X is that it can take pictures and process in HDR in camera.
v) The zoom range of G1X is only 4 times, whereas the G1 you can zoom 6X.
vi) Pictures taken with G1X are sharp with nice colours. However, I prefer the Olympus EP3 which I have with me for some time, and pictures are sharp with better colours.

More updates when I get more opportunities to check on the camera.
wide-angle:

 wide angle: 100% crop

 longest zoom

 longest zoom: 100% crop

EP3 designed in Tokyo, Made in China but good images

 Re: EP3 on sale now in Kuala Lumpur at RM3199 all in

The EP3 is designed in Tokyo, Made in China.

The 14-42mm lens is Made in China. 

Picture quality is very good. 

IPhone is also made in China, no complaints so far. Actually, any country can make good quality goods, if given the good cost of production.

Back to EP3. The picture was taken with E5 of the poster 5 foot portrait shown in Olympus EP3 end user introduction workshop.


Using 12mm lens: Taken with EP3

Using 14-42mm lens: at 40mm with EP3

EP3~World's Fastest Autfocusing?

EP3~World's Fastest Autfocusing?

by Chan Teng Heng  July 19 2011 updated March 20 2012

Is this an authentic claim?
The EP3 has a couple of  autofocusing options:
-touch screen, focus/click without even lag. This is fast.
-shutter button focus and press.

I have compared this to E5+12-60mm f2.8- SWD lens. Both are equally fast.

But the new generation of mirrorless SLR type cameras (including Panasonic Lumix type) are also sporting fast autofocus.

One great improvement of the EP3 is the fast focusing, even in very dim light, and with flash. There was no problem focusing in extreme darkness, whereas former models were hunting to focus.

You got to try this camera.

Note however, because of the small size of the camera, it may not be as comfortable to hold as the E5, but because of the small bodyform of EP3 and the quality of the production, the EP3 fast autofocusing advantage is something you may wish to consider in owning the camera.

Look for updates on this.... 

photographycameraforbeginners.blogspot.com:

photographycameraforbeginners.blogspot.com:

has been ported over from the older websites:

www.photography-camera-achanth.blogspot.com

www.photography-camera.com

The older sites are:

http://www.photography-camera.com/
http://photography-xylec.blogspot.com/

Mirrorless Type Cameras like PEN EP3 Changing the Game in Photography Business

Mirrorless Type Cameras like PEN EP3 Changing the Game in Photography Business

by Chan Teng Heng July 18 2011

The Mirrorless Type Cameras like the PEN EP3 are changing the business of photography, as the new technology allows smaller cameras that are compact in size, but able to produce SLR-quality type of images.

With a pancake like lens (e.g. 12mm f.20), the PEN EP3 can easily be carried around in your pocket (men) or handbag (ladies).

I produce below a table, extracted from DP review camera ratings, showing the ratings and also the sensor size. The table shows that normally large sized SLR tend to have betting overall ratings. The 80-90% ratings tend to be obtained by cameras built in with sensors that are APS-H, full frame or APS-C of the large or mid sized SLR. These cameras tend to be heavy, bulky, but produces excellent quality image and performance.

Until the Panasonic GH2: this mirrorless SLR type camera was small, compact in size, and has larger sensor sizes than compact cameras.

The only compact camera that has rating (75) between 70-79% is the Canon Powershot 90, Panasonic LX5 and Canon G12. I think the PEN EP3, with a larger sensor than these compact and even the GH2 will be higher rated, beyond 80%.

This therefore changes the game, as such tiny sized mirrorless SLR type cameras, are able to produce excellent images, with fast autofocus. It is a matter of time that the cost, weight, quality and speed ratio will have to factor this new mirrowless technology.
(click on image to enlarge)







In 2009, I compiled a listing of the cameras then existing, comparing the image quality and performance as two parameters (http://www.photography-camera.com/ search for camera performance) [click on image to enlarge] The type of cameras now available in 2011 will alter the future positioning for the top performing camera.



Watch this space for the future technologies.... 

EP3 ..using wide converter lens and 12 mm f2.0 lens.

EP3 ..using wide converter lens and 12 mm f2.0 lens.

by Chan Teng Heng July 16 2011

The wide converter lens for the EP3 is inexpensive and widens the width of the picture by less than 20 percent. This is the less expensive option compared to using the new 12mm f2.0 lens, which gives very sharp pictures. The 14-42mm Mk II tiny standard lens fares equally well in terms of picture quality.

12mm f2.0
14-42mm mkII lens:

14-42mm with wide converter lens: however there is distortion

Will bring you more as I explore the EP3.

Email me at achanth@gmail.com with your comments, advise and queries. Tks.

EP3 ~Short and Fast: 17 filters with ONE shot...Filter Bracketing..Something New?1

EP3 ~Short and Fast: 17 filters with ONE shot...Filter Bracketing..Something New?1

by Chan Teng Heng July 16 2011

Something new in EP3...FILTER BRACKETING...we are familiar with bracketing; now you can take 12 filter shots and 6 picture mode with one press of the shutter button.

What is the use? Very useful if you are in a hurry and you are not sure which filter will give you the best image.

The following is straight from the EP3 camera, taken with 14-42mm MkII MSC microZuiko lens.
iEnhance:
Natural:

Pop Art:

Soft Focus:

Pale & Light:

Light Tone:

Grainy Tone: (differentiate from Monotone, lower down)

Pin-Hole:

Diorama:

Cross Process:

Gentle Sepis:

Dramatic Tone:

The following Picture Modes may also be taken with the ONE_SHOT bracketing:
iEnhance:

Vivid:(Differentiate from Pop ART filter)

Muted:

Portrait:

Monotone:(sometimes, Grainy Film Filter gives the better effect)

Natural:

The Filter Bracketing saves a lot of time when you are in a hurry, especially during holiday or business tours. However, there is something you need to consider:

If you use SD card in the EP3, you are better off using class 4(minimum, not too slow), but I used class 6 and class 10 SD cards, and there is no lag time. Very fast.

Try. You will enjoy this tiny innovation implemented in EP3. Even the E5 does not have this function. I hope Olympus will incorporate this in their future firmware upgrade. However, the E5 uses the Trupic V+, whereas the EP3 uses the Trupic VI.

Write to me at achanth@gmail.com to comment, advise and add on to your experiences.

Thanks.

E5 with 12-60mm SWD f2.8-4.0 Zuiko Lens

E5 with 12-60mm SWD f2.8-4.0 Zuiko Lens

by Chan Teng Heng. uploaded July 15 2011.

Here are some of the photos taken with E5 and 12-60mm SWD f2.8-4.0 Zuiko Lens in US in May/June 2011, to illustrate how sharp and versatile the E5 . We tend to buy a good camera and stint on the lens. All seasoned photographers realise that besides the good camera, a good lens make a difference in the quality of the pictures taken.

Stanford University is one of the top US and world university. It organises free tours of its campus, and we were fortunate that my son had a classmate studying in Stanford, so he took us to the key centers. If you have time, do spend more visiting the buildings which have historical links to the technology founders in Silicon Valley. There are buildings dedicated to Intel, HP and Microsoft. The place is also rich in history. A good place for photography too.

The walk from the Information Center takes you through the lawns and buildings.

Along the way, you will see beautiful flowers from shrubs planted in the campus.

Inside one of the church, a rich place for indoor photography. Quiet, well maintained with color, shadows and highlights from glass paintings.

The E5 manual adjustments for glass pane photography enables one to see the richness of the art in the church.

The front of the church showcase the color and historical illustration of the area.

The perspective of the corridor allows good contrast and lighting adjustments to challenge the E5.

In many universities, and I was a university professor for many years, and now running a private college, messages by the residents are allowed in various forms and types. In Stanford, this round pillar was enriched with flyers and messages from students and stakeholders.

In the university book store, taking pictures internally was not a challenge for E5 and the 12-60mm lens.

As we walked back to our car, the scenary had enough flowers to make the walk interesting.

The Buildings house some of the best faculties in technology and engineering. The designs of the buildings make interesting photography objects.

The E5's richness in color, sharpness of the lens, and ease of picture taking, all adds up to a pleasant experience in Stanford University photo opportunity.

I hoped you enjoyed this short tour with the E5 output. Do email me if you have any comments:

achanth@gmail.com or log into http://www.photography-camera.com/

EP3- The top micro-four third camera of 2011?

EP3- The top micro-four third camera of 2011?

by Chan Teng Heng July 15 2011

Just bought the EP3 camera today! Stocks arrived in Kuala Lumpur Thursday July 14 2011.
Is this the top micro four-thirds camera of 2011? These are the features that show it is nearly there:

i) Small size, light, mirrow less, and yet with DSLR sensor
ii)Autofocusing with v2 of 14-42mm lens was really fast...like 12-60mm Zuiko lens on E5. However, which was faster? Of course the 12-60mm on E5 was a tad faster.
iii)Compared to E5 with 12-60mm which weighs a "tonne", the EP3 was a feather weight.
iv)Yet the production of the images was excellent.
v) Video was a breeze, on top of which, you can re-focus even when shooting, to ensure sharpness.
vi)Design of the camera tended towards simplicity, but the features with art filters, and pre-sets, pack the camera to be as easy to use as compact.
vii)Tried focusing even in pitch dark...no hunting ,unlike cameras which tend to hunt, there was no such problems.

Of course, being a micro four-thirds camera, the sharpness and image could not be compared to the E5 using the 12-60mm f2.8 lens. When I attached the 12-60mm on to the EP3, the image was equally sharp, although speed was not as fast with the micro 14-42mm EP3 lens.

So far, I am happy with this small sized, good image production, EP3.
I recommend that you purchase this and enjoy!

Although I also own the E5, Canon 7D and Nikon D700 full frame, I feel the EP3 size and light weight a great advantage, as I take lots of photographs whenever I go for a holiday and travel (more than 2,000 images easily!).

Here are a few images (the video format from EP3 does not load well on this blog, though!)



A. The packaged offer isminimalist: Olympus viewer2 software, cables and instruction manual



B. Some images: richness of color, sharpness



Images: Normal Tone



Images: Dramatic Tone



Images: Grainy Film

Images: Normal




Image: Taken in Pitch Darkness, and the same with flash (no problem with focusing).




Image: Taken with EP3 and 12-60mm f2.8 normal Zuiko Lens
Overall Summary:

Pricey for a small camera with DSLR, mirrow-less equipment, but it offers feather weight mobility, good and sharp images, and in-camera filters to give dramatic effects. Will report on more experiments with the EP3.