Camera, DSLR and lens reviews |
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20th May 2012: Canon A2300 review
Canon's PowerShot A2300 is a budget point-and-shoot camera that represents a step-up from the cheapest models on the market. It sports 16 Megapixels and a 5x optical zoom with a 28mm wide-angle. Interestingly Canon's strategy for 2012 is to equip most of its PowerShot A series with the same lens and sensor, but gradually add more features on the higher-end models. So here we've pitched the A2300 against the A3400 IS to see whether it's worth spending a bit more or simply sticking with the entry-level model. See my Canon A2300 review for the answer!
19th May 2012: Fujifilm X-Pro1 sample images
Fujifilm's X-Pro1 is a mirror-less CSC aimed at a higher-end market than most models to date. It inherits the retro styling of the earlier X100 with its analogue controls and innovative hybrid rangefinder system, but adds a new interchangeable lens mount and a cunning sensor which claims to avoid moiré and match or exceed the quality of full-frame DSLRs. Maintaining its high-end credentials, Fujifilm's launching the X-Pro1 with three very nice looking fast prime lenses. Could this be the CSC demanding pros and enthusiasts have been waiting for? Ahead of my full review, check out a selection of sample images taken with all three lenses! Fujifilm X-Pro1 sample images!
16th May 2012: Nikon 105mm review - top-end macro lens
The AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm is Nikons flagship macro lens. It sports an f2.8 aperture, vibration reduction and is corrected for full-frame FX-format bodies, including the latest D800. The 105mm focal length allows you to enjoy 1:1 reproduction at a distance of 15cm with good isolation and it doubles-up as a respectable portrait or short telephoto lens. Find out how it compares to the DX 85mm and DX 40mm lenses in our Nikon 105mm macro review, and check back soon for FX-format updates made with a D800!
13th May 2012: Canon SX240 HS / SX260 HS review
Canon's PowerShot SX240 HS and SX260 HS are the company's pair of 2012 pocket super-zooms. They both sport 20x optical zooms equivalent to 25-500mm, 12 Megapixel sensors, 1080p video, and 3in screens. The only aspect where the two models differ are GPS capabilities: the SX260 HS has a built-in GPS, whereas the SX240 HS does not. Otherwise these models are identical and up against Panasonic and Sony's latest pocket super-zooms which also share 20x ranges. Which is best for you? Find out in my Canon PowerShot SX240 HS / SX260 HS review!
10th May 2012: Working Holiday - Morocco and more!
I’ve just uploaded the second part of my video travel blog, filmed on the edge of the Sahara Desert in Morocco! In this video I’ll explain my choice of lenses for the trip along with giving you a taste of the wonderful photographic opportunities in this fantastic destination! As with the first part of my blog, I filmed this with an iPad 3 and captured audio with a Zoom H2n microphone, before syncing them in Premiere Pro; the quality is working out surprisingly well! PS - don’t worry, more camera reviews coming very soon!
8th May 2012: Working Holiday - a personal blog
I love travelling but even when you're self-employed it's hard to take more than a couple of weeks off work, not to mention expensive too. That's a big problem when your family lives on the other side of the world and you fancy checking out some new places. But hang on, what if you run a web business? Can't you do it anywhere? Is it in fact possible to extend a family holiday by taking your work with you, or will you just end up falling behind and runing your trip? I'm going to find out and will reveal all in my Working Holiday blog with regular video updates! I'll also talk about choosing the right camera and computer equipment. In this first part, travelling light in San Francisco!
2nd May 2012: Samsung NX200 review
Samsung’s NX200 is another option in a growing market of small cameras with big sensors and removeable lenses. This mirrorless compact system camera sports 20.3 Megapixels on a large APS-C sensor, 1080p video recording, a detailed 3in OLED screen and 7fps continuous shooting. It builds upon the earlier NX models and Samsung is making a serious bid to compete against Sony, Panasonic, Olympus and Nikon in this market, but can it succeed? Find out in my Samsung NX200 review where I’ll pitch it directly against the Sony NEX-5N!
21st April 2012: Sony SLT-A77 review
Sony's Alpha SLT-A77 sports one of the most impressive feature-sets of any camera around right now, with 24 Megapixels, 1080p video at 50 / 60fps, 12fps shooting, built-in stabilization, a 19-point AF system, fully-articulated 3in VGA screen, built-in GPS and one of the biggest and most detailed electronic viewfinders to date. Thanks to the innovative fixed-mirror design, it also allows continuous autofocusing while filming video, and if you needed any further icing on the cake, Sony will optionally bundle it with a classy 16-50mm f2.8 kit lens. Supply issues have prevented us from reviewing the A77 until now, but it’s such an important and exciting camera that I wanted to ensure it still got the Cameralabs treatment. So better late than never, here’s our Sony A77 review!
18th April 2012: Nikon D3200 preview - announcement
The Nikon D3200 is the company's latest entry-level DSLR. It replaces the best-selling D3100 and boosts the resolution from 14 to 24 Megapixels using what I believe is the same sensor as the Sony NEX-7 and SLT A65 / A77. The 1080p movie mode now includes a 30fps option along with an external mic input, the continuous shooting accelerated from 3 to 4fps and the screen detail increased from 230k to 920k; there's also an optional Wifi adapter for remote-controlling the camera with Android and later iOS devices. Find out more about the camera in my Nikon D3200 preview and check back soon for my usual in-depth analysis and comparisons!
10th April 2012: Canon EOS 5D3 review
Canon's EOS 5D Mark III is the long-awaited successor to the best-selling 5D Mark II, and builds on the success of this full-frame DSLR with superior build, a more accurate viewfinder, a larger and more detailed screen, a considerably more sophisticated 61-point AF system, faster 6fps continuous shooting and a raft of enhancements to the movie capabilities; there's even seven-frame bracketing. And while the sensor resolution is only slightly higher, it boasts lower noise for stills and video. It's one of the most highly anticipated DSLRs for years but arrives at the same time as Nikon's 36 Megapixel D800. I tested both models side-by-side in my Canon 5D3 review where you'll discover how each performs. This is Clash of the Titans part 1 and in part 2 I'll delve into their RAW capabilities just as soon as the software converters are performing satisfactorily.
3rd April 2012: Panasonic ZS20 / TZ30 review
The Lumix ZS20 / TZ30 is the 2012 version of Panasonic's enormously popular travel-zoom camera. This new model extends the optical zoom from 16x to 20x, delivering an equivalent range of 24-480mm, making it the longest lens in a pocketable body. And it is more pocketable too at over 5mm thinner, while still featuring built-in GPS and a touch-screen. Other upgrades include 1080p video, a raft of special effects, the option to load street-level maps for major regions from a supplied DVD, and a new sensor which Panasonic claims improves noise levels over its predecessor. I've now completed my in-depth tests, so take a look at my Panasonic ZS20 / TZ30 review to see if it's the ideal pocket super-zoom for you!
31st March 2012: Nikon D800 sample images
Now it's the turn of the Nikon D800! I've started testing a final production sample of the D800, the highest resolution DSLR to date, and ahead of my full review, I've completed my sample images gallery. This includes my standard collection of images taken around Queenstown, New Zealand with a variety of lighting conditions and ISO sensitivities. Following my EOS 5D Mark III sample images, I've also included a complete sequence of images taken in low light at 50-25600 ISO, allowing you to download and compare full resolution images for yourself - and crucially see how they measure-up against the 5D Mark III. I hope you find my Nikon D800 sample images useful, and check back soon for more quality comparisons and sample movies!
15th March 2012: Canon G1 X review
Canon's PowerShot G1 X takes the classic style of the popular G-series, but squeezes in a considerably larger sensor roughly between Micro Four Thirds and APS-C in size. Like previous G-series models, there's a fixed lens, this time with a 4x stabilised 28-112mm range. There's also a hotshoe, stacks of manual control, an articulated screen, viewfinder and now 1080p video too. Has Canon created one of the most compelling compacts for enthusiasts, or in the torrent of mirror-less CSCs, is it too little too late? Find out in my Canon PowerShot G1 X review!
1st March 2012: Sony NEX-7 review
The NEX-7 is Sony's flagship Compact System Camera, CSC, and arguably the first of the mirrorless cameras to really target demanding enthusiasts. It boasts a 24 Megapixel APS-C sensor, Full HD 1080p video, an ultra high resolution built-in electronic viewfinder, tilting screen, 10fps continuous shooting, microphone input and both a popup flash and a hotshoe. Throw-in an innovative three dial control system and you've got a camera that justifiably has enthusiasts very excited. But with delays in shipping it's given us time to evaluate whether the NEX-7 really delivers on the hype. In our Sony NEX-7 review, find out how this powerful CSC measures-up against a mid-range DSLR and the considerably cheaper NEX-5N.
17th February 2012: Panasonic GX1 review
The Lumix GX1 is Panasonic's fourth 'pocketable' camera to employ the Micro Four Thirds standard, but rather than replace an existing model, it represents a new category in the Lumix G series, aimed at enthusiasts. Externally the GX1 resembles the original GF1, with its chunky body, flash hotshoe and mode dial, but the body is much tougher, features a touch-screen display, supports UHS-I memory cards and a new electronic viewfinder, films Full HD video, and crucially employs the 16 Megapixel sensor from the Lumix G3. It's a compelling camera for enthusiasts and one I've spent the last two and a half months testing. Find out how it measures-up in my in-depth Panasonic GX1 review!
14th February 2012: Landscape photography tips - our latest eBook!
Discover the techniques behind great landscape photography in this 86 page eBook guide by award-winning photographers Mike Langford and Jackie Ranken. In Creative Landscape Photography, Mike and Jackie use the stunning surroundings of Queenstown, New Zealand, to demonstrate both classic and contemporary approaches to capturing natural landscape images.
This eBook is for anyone who wants to take their landscape photography to the next level! It costs $9.97 USD, has 86 pages and is sold as a downloadable 33MB PDF which can be viewed on almost any computer, laptop or tablet, including the iPad. See my Landscape Photography Tips page!
8th February 2012: Olympus E-M5 preview
Olympus has announced the E-M5, the company's first mirrorless CSC with a built-in EVF and weatherproof construction. It's styled like the hugely popular OM series of 35mm SLRs in the Seventies, but inside is a thoroughly modern camera based on the Micro Four Thirds standard. It features 16 Mpixels, 9fps shooting (with fixed AF), 1080i video, a vertically-tilting 3in OLED touch-screen, built-in stabilisation which works with any lens and what Olympus claims to be the World's fastest AF (again). Check back soon for my full preview, but in the meantime, find out the specs and features in my Olympus E-M5 preview!
3rd February 2012: Leica M9-P - factory tour and first shots!
This is the continuing story of one man's journey to acquire one of the world's most coveted luxury cameras, a Leica M9-P. What makes it special is he's not a wealthy adult, but a University student who's simply made it his mission to work hard and keep saving until his ambitious dream becomes a reality. The man in question is Camera Labs' forum moderator, Bjorn van Sinttruije, who finally collected his camera in person from the Leica HQ in Germany just two days before Christmas. In this latest installment, read all about Bjorn's magical day at the 'red-dot' factory and see a selection of his first street photos taken with the World's only mirrorless ILC with a full-frame sensor: the Leica M9-P!
27th January 2012: Nikon DX 85mm macro lens review
Nikon's DX 85mm f3.5G VR is a mid-range macro lens for owners of DX-format DSLRs. It delivers a step-up from the entry-level DX 40mm, with built-in Vibration Reduction and a longer focal length allowing you to work at a more comfortable distance while still enjoying 1:1 magnification. With an effective focal length of 128mm on a DX body it also doubles-up as a handy telephoto, and additionally features SWM focusing which works on any Nikon body. Find out how it compares to the DX 40mm and 105mm macro lenses in our Nikon DX 85mm macro lens review!
20th January 2012: Wildlife photography tips - our first eBook!
It's an exciting day at Camera Labs as we publish our first photography eBook! 'The Art of Photographing Wildlife' explains how to approach and photograph different types of animals, birds, insects and marine life while always respecting them and the environment. Author Mike Kiss is a respected wildlife photographer based in Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada, and in the book shares his techniques along with recommended equipment and considerations on weather, safety and ethics. The eBook has 70 pages, is delivered as a standard PDF file, and costs $9.97. Find out more in our Wildlife photography page.
17th January 2012: Nikon DX 40mm macro lens review
Nikon's DX 40mm f2.8G is the most affordable macro lens with 1:1 magnification for owners of DX-format DSLRs. It features a bright f2.8 aperture, SWM focusing which works with any Nikon DSLR, and delivers surprisingly good quality for the money. Certainly if you're interested in getting into macro-photography, but can't commit to one of the pricier models, the DX 40mm f2.8G will let you achieve great results at a low price, while also doubling-up as a short-telephoto for portraits. Find out how it compares to other macro options in our Nikon DX 40mm macro lens review!
6th January 2012: Nikon D4 preview
The Nikon D4 is the company's new flagship pro sports DSLR. It replaces the D3s with upgrades in resolution, movie capabilities, AF performance, metering and connectivity. The headline specs are a new 16.2 Megapixel full-frame sensor with an expanded sensitivity of 50 to 204,800 ISO, continuous shooting up to 10fps with AF, a 51-point AF system, a sophisticated new metering sensor, a wealth of movie modes, support for XQD memory cards, uncompressed HDMI output and a headphone jack. It's the pinnacle of Nikon's DSLR technology, but could it be the last of its kind? Discover all the new features, see how it compares to the Canon EOS 1D X and join the discussion in my Nikon D4 preview!
3rd January 2012: Olympus E-PM1 review
Happy New Year! Continuing a trend for mirror-less cameras with big sensors, I'm kicking-off 2012 with a review of one of the most affordable models yet! The Olympus E-PM1 is the baby in the current 'PEN' range, but packs the same sensor, 1080i movies, fast autofocus, hotshoe and built-in image stabilisation as the higher-end E-PL3 and E-P3. Nick-named the 'PEN Mini', the E-PM1 is designed to appeal to those who want to step up from a point-and-shoot, and as such it's smaller, lighter, more accessible and crucially cheaper than its more sophisticated siblings. Bargain or budget compromise? Find out if this is the ILC for you in my Olympus E-PM1 review!
21st December 2011: Nikon V1 review
The Nikon V1 is unique in the growing market of mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs). Rather than compete on sensor size and resolution, the Nikon 1 system is designed to be the fastest ILC to date, with decent bursts at 10fps with autofocus, or up to 60fps without. Suffice it to say there's also HD movies with tracking focus, but the V1 can also grab high res images at the same time, so you no longer need to choose between photos and video. This makes the Nikon 1 system not just ideal for action sports, but also perfect for parents with active kids. I tested the V1 alongside the cheaper J1 and a selection of rival ILCs over an extended period of six weeks and really got to understand each of their pros and cons. Find out which ILC should be top of your list in my Nikon V1 review!
12th December 2011: Sony NEX-5N review
Sony's NEX-5N is a mirror-less interchangeable lens camera (ILC) which packs a 16 Megapixel DSLR sensor into a small body. Like the original NEX-5, the new model boasts a 3in tilting screen, HD video and a raft of clever modes, but the 5N now makes the screen touch-sensitive, upgrades the movie quality and burst shooting, while offering greater customisation and the chance to fit an optional electronic viewfinder. It's a highly compelling ILC, but how does it compare to the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic GX1? Find out in my Sony NEX 5N review!
9th Dec 2011: Phase One IQ180 sample images - 80 Megapixel-peeping!
Ever wondered what photos from one of the highest resolution cameras in the world look like? Wonder no more! I recently spent a Sunny afternoon in Queenstown New Zealand with the Phase One IQ180 medium format back, 645DF body and 80mm lens. The IQ180 packs nothing less than 80 Megapixels into a huge CCD sensor which is larger than two full-frame or four APS-C sensors placed side-by-side. This allows it to deliver unbelievably detailed images from a single exposure and in practice it sure doesn't disappoint. In my Phase One IQ180 field report, check out some of the most detailed digital images you've ever seen!
7th December 2011: Canon ELPH 100 HS / IXUS 115 HS review
The Canon ELPH 100 HS / IXUS 115 HS is the most affordable model in the current ELPH / IXUS line-up, but judging from its feature-set you'd be hard-pushed to tell. It employs the same 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and 1080/24p video mode as most other models in the range. It also packs a great general-purpose 4x 28-112mm zoom and 3in screen into a slim and attractive body. So is there any point in spending more? Find out in our Canon ELPH 100 HS / IXUS 115 HS review where we'll compare it against other models in the Canon range.
1st December 2011: Canon ELPH 300 HS / IXUS 220 HS review
The ELPH 300 HS / IXUS 220 HS is the best-selling point-and-shoot camera in Canon's 2011 range. It delivers a canny balance of a decent lens range in a slim package at an affordable price. You get a 12 Megapixels, 1080p movies and a 5x optical zoom with flexible 24-120mm coverage packed into a slim and stylish body. It's a great combination, but for a little more you could get the 8x zoom of the ELPH 310 HS / IXUS 230 HS, or for a little less you could get the ELPH 100 HS / IXUS 115 HS with many of the same core features. It's a tough choice, so to help you choose the right point-and-shoot, we've compared all three in our Canon ELPH 300 HS / IXUS 220 HS review!
28th November 2011: Canon S100 review
Canon's PowerShot S100 is the latest version of its pocket-sized compact for enthusiasts. Like previous models, the S100 boasts full manual control, RAW recording and a bright lens with an f2.0 focal ratio when zoomed-out. New to the S100 is a broader 24-120mm equivalent range, 1080p video and a built-in GPS. It's a powerful new compact for those who want something smaller than an ILC without compromising on control, but one of the biggest questions is how the quality compares to the previous S95 with the switch from a 10Mpixel CCD to a 12Mpixel CMOS sensor. Find out how it compares to the S95 and other top-end compacts in my Canon S100 review!
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