Olympus EPL-5 is one of the cameras that belong in the micro four thirds system. The camera is aimed at the amateur and professional photographers who want a simple, lightweight but high performance camera. Off course, these photographers want high quality images too.

Reviewing the camera body, Olympus PEN E-PL5 has a body that is small enough and light compared to other mirrorless cameras like the Sony NEX and Samsung NX. As with other Olympus PEN, the camera grip is small, it can be opened and replaced. For me, holding Olympus EPL5 is more similar to holding a large compact digital camera rather than holding DSLR camera. For me, the grip is a little small. I prefer the larger grip like on Sony NEX 6. However, EPL-5 is quite comfortable to hold for a long time.

The quality of the camera body feels sturdy and not worse compared to entry level DSLR camera. On the camera body, there are a number of buttons that can be programmed to become shortcut of other camera functions if desired. Although this camera is aimed at beginners, but i think it has good amount of buttons for easy navigation and tactical control.

On the top of the camera, it has a hot shoe AP2 port to attach other accessories such as a macro flash, stereo mic adapter, penpal (for bluetooth connection), flash, viewfinder VF2. Interestingly, there is a folding LCD screen that can be rotated up to 180 degrees, ideal for photo of yourself (self-portrait).

The menu is pretty neat camera arranged by category: Shooting menu, playback, custom menu (which are divided into various categories such as for autofocus, programming buttons and others), and camera setup. At first glance, the Nikon menu is similar, but more orderly because it is arranged per-page, so users won’t have to scroll down to find specific menu item.

Camera and autofocus performance
Autofocus performance is very fast. Surprisingly, it is faster than most DSLR cameras. Autofocus can be activated by pressing half shutter button or pressing directly on the camera’s LCD screen like you usually do with a camera phone. Startup and shutdown time of the camera is quick, it is under one second. It is almost as fast as entry-level DSLR camera.

Image quality
Most people probably underestimate the micro four thirds system camera because those cameras are using smaller image sensor compared to many DSLR cameras. But from my observation, photo quality from Olympus E-PL5 is very good, especially when using low ISO. ISO 1600 is still okay (except when you zoom in at 100%) and ISO 6400 is still good enough for small or print size for online needs. Colors and sharpness are still good at high ISO. You can push it to ISO 25600 if you need it. For example, when you are shooting in extremely dark places.

Olympus EPL5 has the similar image sensor to Olympus OMD EM5 which costs twice as much. This is great because you save a lot of money but still get some features from higher-end camera.

ISO 200 (base ISO), 1/320 second f/8

Crop of the image above

Lenses

Smaller sensor (four thirds sensor) enabling smaller and lighter lens design. Olympus lenses are much smaller and shorter than its competitors such as Sony NEX, Samsung NX lenses, let alone lenses from DSLR camera.

Kit zoom lens 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is short and small size when you lock it up, and turns into a bit long when we unlocked it. The resulting image quality is sharp and the lens is able to capture fine details. I also had the opportunity to try the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 MSC lens. This large aperture fix lens is relatively small and has metal casing. The resulting image quality is sharp and the out of focus area is smooth when you set it to f/1.8.

Art filters
Art filter is post processing filters that process your image automatically directly after you shoot. Some of these filters include pop art, soft focus, Pale & light color, light tone, grainy film, pin hole, diorama, cross process, gentle sepia, dramatic tone, key line, and watercolor. Olympus’ Art filters feature has been around for a long time, since Olympus DSLR era. Unfortunately, when you choose a specific Art Filter, you don’t get the original picture. So the resulting image is final, processed image. In other cameras, such as Nikon DSLR cameras, digital filters can be applied after the shooting and the camera will create a new file for the processed one.

ISO 6400, 1/25 second f/4.7

Lens system
In addition to smaller camera size. Micro four thirds system has the advantage of smaller and more complete lenses. This is because micro four thirds system is supported by many other company such as Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, Leica, etc. Compared to other mirrorless system, this m43 system has the most complete up to date, ranging from standard quality lenses to high quality, pro lenses.

Recommendation
Olympus E-PL5 is a pleasant camera to use: lightweight, fast and flexible performers. Image quality is very good. Though designed for beginners, but many sophisticated features are also given. For example, 16 MP image sensor, bracketing feature, custom white balance settings with Kelvin temperature, autofocus speed is very good, and battery is good enough for 400-600 photos. Overall, I highly recommend this camera.

Plus-minus

+ Relatively small size and light weight
+ Very fast autofocus performance
+ Many BKT option (including HDR bracketing, white balance until the art filter)
+ Very good photo quality up to ISO 1600
+ Very good lens collection
+ Good battery life (up to 600 photos per charge)
+ Custom White Balance: allows setting of the Kelvin temperature
+ Image Stabilizer installed in the camera
- LCD folding mechanism is rather complicated to use
- Relatively small button size and grip
- Touch screen LCD is a bit too sensitive. A slight touch will cause camera to snap picture
- Auto ISO maximum is limited to 1600
- No built-in flash, but small external flash is provided

Important specification Olympus EPL-5

• 16 MP Four Thirds sensor (2X crop sensor than full frame / 35mm)
• 3-inch LCD touch screen, 460 thousand dots.
• Continuous shooting 8 fps
• ISO 200-25600
• Built-in image stabilizer
• Shutter speed range from 1/4000 – 60 seconds
• Price with standard kit lens: check it out (last time I checked it is $599)

ISO 200 f/8, 1/320 second

ISO 1600 f/4.5 1/40 second

ISO 200 f/4 1/320 second

Olympus just announced its new Olympus PEN EP5 camera. This announcement might confuse many mirrorless mover (from DSLR). Which one to choose? Olympus OMD EM5 or the new EP-5? Without wasting time, let’s look at the dimension and specification.

Olympus E-P5 advantages vs EM5

• Manual focus peaking: Good for assisting manual focus when using older or other system lenses via an adaptor.
• Higher resolution LCD 1037k dots (3:2) vs 610k dots.
• Higher resolution optional electronic viewfinder (VF 4). 2.36 vs 1.44 million pixels
• Slightly faster autofocus
• Max shutter speed up to 1/8000 from 1/4000 second
• Photo Story, an automatic image layout
• WiFi

On the other hand, Olympus OMD EM5 hold some important advantages:

• Higher quality built, water repellent, weather sealed
• Built-in electronic viewfinder
• Optional grip for better handling and extra battery storage

OMD EM5 Price today $999 body only, $1299 with 12-50mm lens.
Olympus EP5 Price today $1499 (with VF-4 viewfinder and 17mm f/1.8)

From the technology stand point, Olympus PEN EP5 is better in many aspects. But still, Olympus OMD EM5 will be suitable for professionals, especially who works in extreme environment. It’s weathersealed body and optional grip will significantly improve handling especially when mounting longer lenses.

On the other hand, Olympus EP5 is great for casual shooters, who want compact and minimalist camera design. It is suitable for everyday use, from candids, portrait, and street photography.

Recommended lenses for EP5

• Olympus 17mm f/1.8 (equiv. 35mm on full frame sensor) : Great for street photography, and environmental portrait
• Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 Macro : Everyday zoom and macro.
• Olympus 45mm f/1.8 : Nice for portrait or details.

Photos from camerasize.com

Nikon D800 high resolution (36MP) demands very high quality optic to get the best pictures possible. However, many lenses available right now are designed for lower resolution DSLR camera (6-12 MP). Therefore, picking the best lenses for Nikon D800 are essential.

Because this matter is important for Nikon, they published technical guide and recommended lenses for D800/E’s users here. Choosing high quality lenses are essential to maximizing D800’s potential. To get maximum sharpness out of D800, you’ll also need to stop down the lenses up to 2-3 stops from its maximum aperture.

Some popular recommended lenses for Nikon D800 / E

• Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR (versatile wide angle lens with stabilization)
• Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR (most affordable medium zoom lens)
• Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G (high quality medium zoom lens)
• Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR (newest, light but very sharp telephoto)
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II (Nikon’s elite telephoto lens)
• Nikon 85mm f/1.8G (Affordable and great for portraiture)
• Nikon 24mm f/1.4G (Very sharp wide angle fix for landscape)
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Micro VR (insects, flowers, close-ups)

Third party lens maker is also putting out high quality lenses to match high resolution DSLR cameras.

Some of these are great for Nikon D800 / E

• Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 PRO FX
• Sigma 35mm f/1.4 HSM
• Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VC USD

Some popular lenses but not recommended

• Nikon 28-300mm FX – very versatile but image quality and sharpness is poor for D800
• Nikon 50mm f/1.8G - while cheap it will not yield the best performance
• Nikon 70-300mm with VR or non-VR older telephoto lenses.
• Old Nikon lenses (AF-D) fix  and zooms lenses

Today, I am excited to hear that Panasonic announced Panasonic LF1, a new compact camera series that focus on portability and practicability. LF1 will be an appealing compact camera from amateur to enthusiasts photographers that want to carry capable camera with them everyday.

Here are some of the features that stands out from LF1

• 12 MP 1/1.7″ sensor: The same size, but have 2 extra MP as its big brother LX7. RAW file format is available.
• Built-in Electronic viewfinder: Heavily requested by serious amateur photographer. EVF helps shooting in bright light condition and make the camera steadier to hold and shoot.
• 28-200mm f/2-5.9 zoom focal length: Very useful and practical zoom. Although the long end is just f/5.9, it is still good for outdoor sunny day photos.
• Small size and weight: Truly pocketable, dimension: 03 x 62 x 28 mm (4.06 x 2.44 x 1.1″), 192g with battery

I think Panasonic LF1 ticks most of what I think a good travel compact camera. I wish to have larger image sensor, for ex. 1″ sensor just like Nikon 1 system camera, but putting 1″ sensor will definitely will make the camera bigger and limit the focal length of the lens. Hopefully the new 12 MP 1/1.7″ delivers good image quality.

Panasonic LF1 will compete with highly successful Canon S110 series, which has a small form factor, same size sensor, but shorter optical zoom and no electronic viewfinder.

Panasonic LF1 new advanced "pocketable" compact camera settings a new standard

]]> http://www.radiantlite.com/2013/04/panasonic-lf1-the-best-pocketable-advanced-compact-camera.html/feed 0 http://www.radiantlite.com/2013/04/ricoh-gr-rebirth.html http://www.radiantlite.com/2013/04/ricoh-gr-rebirth.html#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:56:22 +0000 Enche Tjin http://www.radiantlite.com/?p=6208

Many photographer don’t know about Ricoh GR series. For experiences street photographers, Ricoh GR is widely popular even from film era. Ricoh GR has simple design philosophy from 1997. Ricoh GR1 is film compact camera. Now, in digital era. Ricoh already updated GR Digital (GRD) fifth times. The newest and recently announced is Ricoh GR (GRD V). Ricoh usually update its camera twice a year. So Ricoh GR digital has been around for 10 years.

Ricoh GR philosophy is simple and very photographer friendly. These are some of them:

• Pocketable: Small enough to slip in your jeans pocket
• Excellent user interface: Programmable buttons, dials make it easier to change setting
• Relatively fast autofocus: Or you can bypass autofocus by setting it manually using snap focus in (1m, 1.5m, 2m, to infinity)
• Fix but high quality 28mm: It’s Ricoh GR tradition. 28mm is one of street photographer’s favorite focal length because it is wide enough to capture street scenes
• Excellent built-quality: Magnesium alloy body casing

From Ricoh GR digital I till IV, Ricoh opts small 1/1.7″ sensor which is equal to those of Canon Powershot G series or Panasonic LX series. Many complaints that this sensor is too small to create high quality images. Ricoh has answered this question by putting large APS-C sensor into GR. This new sensor does not has low pass filter like the one in Nikon D7100 and Pentax K5 IIs, so we can be sure that the image will be very sharp and as good as DSLR cameras.

Because of the new sensor and processor, Ricoh GR records larger video with better quality from VGA (640×480) in Ricoh GRD IV to Full HD (1920×1080). Blurring background will also become easier, especially when shooting close-up/macro.

Other notable improvement include faster startup time (from 1-2 second to 0.5 second). Street photographers will love it because they can start shooting faster and able to capture the decisive moment. Ricoh GR also equipped with 2 stop built-in ND that will be handy for shooting waterfall or beach.

Although there are plenty of improvements, Ricoh GR V loses out a few importang features such as sensor shift stabilization to help stabilize camera when shooting in slow speed. Beside, that, Ricoh 28mm lens only open up to f/2.8. Ricoh GRD IV lens can open up to f/1.9. GXR + A12 28m module can open up to f/2.5. As a result, Ricoh GR V users will be struggling a bit in low light condition.

Fortunately, larger image sensor means it is possible to get high quality images in high ISO setting such as ISO 800-1600. GRV ISO maxed out at 25600 which is quite impressive. Also, highly requested since digital era, but still missing is built-in optical viewfinder like the one in Ricoh GR1 film version.

This camera is not suitable for everybody and not designed for that, but for experienced street photographer, Ricoh GR is very suitable, and potential to be extension of their mind and eye. Selling at US$800, Ricoh GR V is not cheap, but it is definitely cheaper than its closest competitor, Nikon Coolpix A ($1099),  Fuji X100s ($1299) and Leica X2 ($1900)

Ricoh GR specs

• 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with no low-pass filter
• 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) F2.8 lens
• ISO 100-25,600
• 3.0″ 1.2m dot LCD
• Up to 4fps continuous shooting
• 1080p movies at 24, 25 or 30fps
• 12-bit Raw in DNG format
• 10MP 35mm equivalent crop mode
• Built-in 2-stop ND filter
• Price $800

Recently, Panasonic has updated its micro four thirds camera line that cater to people who wants basic interchangeable lens camera to capture everyday photography or for vacation. It’s Panasonic GF6.

Like its predecessors, Panasonic GF6 is designed to be as small and slim as possible. Because of this premise, Panasonic have to let go hot shoe flash. However, GF6 is a bit thicker because of additional tilting LCD screen. It is able to tilt 180 degree, ideal for those who loves taking self portraits.

Panasonic GF6 new tilting LCD for self portraits

Beside the new LCD, GF6 also get the new Wi-Fi® connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, users can connect the camera to their smartphone/tablet anywhere at one-touch, which makes sharing images much easier. It is also possible to use a smartphone/tablet as a multi-capable remote shutter with a monitor.

Panasonic GF6 will be available with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens. It’s one of the smallest kit lenses.

Panasonic GF6 spec and price

• 16MP Four Thirds sensor
• Tilting ‘Cell-touch LCD’ touchscreen – 1.04m dots (720 x 480 pixels)
• Near-field communication (NFC) to simplify Wi-Fi connection
• Mode dial and four customizable function buttons (two on-screen)
• 1080p30 video as MP4 or AVCHD (presented as 60i PsF in AVCHD mode)
• Jog lever around shutter button (which operates zoom or exposure compensation)
• Sensitivity expandable up to ISO 25,600
• Faster startup (as quick as 0.5 sec with non-power-zoom lenses)
• Price $599

Comparing Nikon D7100 with Nikon D600 reminds me of Canon 7D vs Canon 5D mk2. Technologywise, Nikon D7100 is more sophisticated than D600. Canon 7D is also superior than the 5d mk2. Eventhough Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 is significantly cheaper.

Looking at the price, D7100 is $800 cheaper. The price difference is caused by D600’s larger sensor: full frame or FX sensor. While the Nikon D7100 has a smaller sensor (DX). The size of the image sensor also affects the size of its viewfinder, so the viewfinder on the Nikon D600 is bigger and clearer. Another advantage is there are more high quality wide angle lenses available for FX sensor, such as Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8, 16-35mm f/4 VR and fix 24mm f/1.4G and 28mm f/1.8G.

Left: Nikon D600, Right: Nikon D7100

Actually, the quality of the Nikon D7100’s image sensor is far from bad. It has same resolution as D600 which is 24MP. You will also benefited from the absence of low pass filter, so that the image is sharper than other DX camera up to date. There is a risk though. When shooting tight pattern, moire can come out, and it would not easy to get rid of it.

Both cameras are pretty fast. Nikon D7100 excels with 6-7 frames per second. 7 fps only can be achieved in 1.3x crop mode. Nikon D600 has only 5.5 fps consecutive shooting speed, but its buffer size is bigger. D600’s buffer can hold 16 RAW photos compared to 6 of D7100. So, the D7100 will be out of breath after 1 second. Then, you have to wait until the camera finish writing the data to the memory card. Of course, if you take JPGs photos, it can last longer.

D7100 has more sophisticated autofocus system than D600. It has 51 autofocus points (15 are cross type). This autofocus system are very reliable and has been used in many Nikon pro-grade camera. On the other hand, Nikon D600 only has 39 focus points and the AF coverage area is quite narrow. Consequently, for journalism or sports photography, the Nikon D7100 is superior.

Recommendation: If you are looking for image quality and superior wide angle lenses, Nikon D600 is the best. If you want camera that is well-balanced for either still or action photography, D7100 is better. The extra benefit of getting D7100 is you can save around $800. You can use the extra cash to get high quality lens and accessories.

Nikon D600 advantage:

• Full frame sensor (better image quality especially in low light)
• Bigger viewfinder
• Bigger buffer for continuous burst

Nikon D7100 advantage:

• Faster continuous shooting speed
• Pro grade 51 AF point system with wider coverage area
• 1/8000 sec max shutter speed (compared to 1/4000 sec)
• 1/250 flash sync speed (compared to 1/200 sec)
• Better LCD screen (1.2 million dots vs 920 thousand dots)
• Lighter (675 g vs 750g)
• Smaller (approx 0.5-1 cm in every dimension)

Also read Nikon D600 review by me

To compete with mirrorless camera, Canon has a new plan, make DSLR significantly smaller and lighter. The answer will be Canon EOS Rebel SL1 /100D/Kiss X7. This camera isn’t announced yet, but already leaked everywhere in the net.

From specification, it is very similar to Canon T4i / 650D. The only different I spot is continuous shooting speed down to 4 fps. However, it is 150g lighter and smaller at all dimension. Check out this picture to see how small is this new camera:

left: Canon EOS-b, right: Canon T4i/650D

Beside the camera, Canon will launch new kit lens 18-55mm with STM (stepper motors focus) to ensure smooth and silent autofocus in live view or during movie recording. This lens might replace the original 18-55mm IS in the future.

This camera will be designed for people who want quality camera but turn off by the size of typical DSLR camera. Some people might feel it is too small for their hand.

Speaking about small system camera, actually, Canon already has a new mirrorless system which is called Canon EOS M. But the reception is unenthusiastic because it’s autofocus performance is slow and only has two lenses so far.

Canon hopes that this KISS X7 camera will able to hold users to stay with DSLR system rather than to jump to other compact system such as micro four thirds, Sony NEX or Samsung NX. Meanwhile, they are trying to improve the Canon EOS-M system.

Other specs

• 18 million pixel sensor DIGIC5
• 1.04 million dot 3-inch LCD monitor
• 4 seconds of continuous shooting frames / video
• Full HD
• 30-1/4000 seconds shutter speed
• synchronous second 1/200
• ISO range is 100-25600
• AF sensor 9-point, the central cross
• Special scenes can switch the shooting mode six set blur background – effects shots
• hybrid CMOS AF II was a wider area
• Media SD / SDHC / SDXC
• Battery LP-E12
• (body only) 370g, weighs 407g (battery, memory card included)
• Late May 4, (on-sale date) is the expected price of ¥ 79 000 over-the-counter sale of Kiss X7
• EF -S 18-55mm lens kit is available with the IS STM, the double zoom kit.
• $799

Samsung just announced the NX1100, a very lightweight and compact mirrorless camera. It is designed for people who want to enjoy taking pictures with small, lightweight (119 g) camera but also want the benefits of large image sensor to capture more detailed photos.

NX1100 has APS-C sized sensor which is similar to many DSLR  camera such as Nikon D7000, Canon T4i, etc. NX1100 will be bundled with Samsung compact 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens. This lens has no image stabilization and not very wide. However, it is very compact and looks balanced with NX1100. Other pancake (Extremely thin) lenses will be great for NX1100 such as Samsung 20mm f/2.8 and Samsung 30mm f/2.

Important features include 20 MP APS-C image sensor, ISO up to 12800, 8fps continuous shooting, 1080p video recording, 3″ LCD screen, and built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity.

In mirrorless system, Samsung NX is an underdog, but I think the product and lens selection is actually quite good and better than Sony NEX system so far. Samsung NX marketing department really need to work harder to convince prospective buyers.

According to rumor, Sony is preparing update of its NEX flagship Sony NEX 7. After the release of Sony NEX 6, I think the NEX 7 need to be updated. In some aspects, I think Sony NEX 6 is better than the NEX 7. NEX 6 has mode dial, universal hotshoe, hybrid autofocus, Wi-Fi, lower price point and bundled with very compact zoom lens.

It’s NEX 7N’s job to get into the top of NEX system. So far, I heard that this camera will have the same but better 24 MP sensor. higher resolution electronic viewfinder (the best so far). Touchscreen LCD, and Wi-Fi. It will be announced early April and released in May.

This is a welcome news because it means Sony is serious about developing NEX system. But I hope there will be more native lenses for this system.