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