mirrorlesscamera
Latest
Sony's A7 II camera gets a faster and more accurate autofocus
The Sony A7 II is one of the best mirrorless cameras available right now, although it isn't perfect. After trying it out earlier this year, one of our main issues with the full-frame shooter was its autofocus performance, which was at times slow and unreliable. But Sony has an update coming soon that, along with bringing a new feature, promises to fix some of these woes. In addition to activating the phase detection AF on the A7 II, the company's also turning on support for uncompressed 14-bit RAW image capture -- something that already exists in models such as the A7S II, A7R II and RX1R II. You can grab the refreshed firmware, version 2.0, on November 18th from Sony's support website.
Shooting in the dark with Sony's A7S II full-frame camera
Sony's marketing team may be reaching with its claims that the A7S II can turn night into day. But it isn't far off. The company's new full-frame mirrorless camera, announced last month, boasts an insane 409,600 ISO range -- making it the perfect companion for shooting your darkest moments. Compared to the original model, which also came with those night-friendly features, the A7S II sports the same 12.2-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor as its predecessor. Now, here's where things get interesting: Sony has added in-camera 5-axis image stabilization and internal 4K UHD recording at 24 and 30 fps. In addition to this, it also supports uncompressed 14-bit RAW files, up to 5 fps continuous shooting and photo-sharing via WiFi or NFC. The best part about it is that these high-end specs are all crammed inside a palm-sized body.
Canon's EOS M10 is a mirrorless camera designed for beginners
Now that Canon has (finally) figured out how to make a decent mirrorless camera, the manufacturer is adding another model to its lineup. Meet the EOS M10, a compact shooter designed for the entry-level market. In terms of specs, it is slightly similar to the M2 from 2013, which Canon introduced in Japan but never brought over to the US. While the M10 features the same 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor as said relative, it does come with an improved Digic 6 image processor -- the one also found on the higher-end EOS M3, Canon's best mirrorless to date.
With the EOS M3, Canon finally has a worthy mirrorless camera
Canon's entry into the mirrorless space started with the EOS M in 2012. Unfortunately, the company's first interchangeable lens camera failed to impress, due to its sluggish performance, a tedious user interface and subpar battery life. A year later, the improved (and mostly faster) M2 was introduced, but Canon only ended up selling it in China, the UK and its home country of Japan. Fast-forward to today and the EOS M3 is set to ship in the US next month, despite being announced in February and having been available overseas for almost as long. But now it's here. And, unlike the original EOS M, this one was actually worth the wait. Canon, it seems, has finally figured out the right formula to building a satisfying mirrorless shooter.
Canon's EOS M3 mirrorless camera is coming to the US
Canon is bringing its latest mirrorless camera, the EOS M3, to the US after all. The Japan-based manufacturer announced this compact shooter back in February, but now people in the States will have a chance to get their hands on it. A follow-up to the M2 from 2013, the M3 features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Hybrid AF III focusing system and Digic 6 image processor -- all specs found on the Rebel T6s and T6i DSLRs. Just as well, Canon's new mirrorless comes with the same battery type (LP-E17), focus peaking and dynamic stabilization as its bigger siblings, so you can expect similar performance from a camera that's wrapped in a much smaller package. What's more, you'll get NFC, WiFi and 1080p recording at 24, 25 and 30 fps, while the max ISO range is set at 6,400 and 12,800 for video and pictures, respectively.
Olympus' E-M10 II mirrorless camera is small, but feature-packed
Olympus has had a busy 2015. From the E-M5 Mark II to the Air lens camera, the company's made sure to offer products for every different type of budget and taste. Today, Olympus is keeping this trend going by introducing its OM-D E-M10 II, a compact mirrorless camera designed for the entry-level crowd. It comes with a 16-megapixel Live MOS (Micro Four Thirds) sensor, 8.5 fps continuous shooting mode, 3-inch (tilting) LCD and, most importantly, built-in five-axis image stabilization -- a feature also found on higher-end OM-D models, such as the E-M1 and E-M5 II. The new E-M10 sports WiFi and NFC too, letting you easily share photos to your Android or iOS device. Unfortunately, Olympus is sticking with 1080p video recording (24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps), which could turn out to be a dealbreaker for people who want to make the jump to 4K.
The best mirrorless camera for beginners
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read the full article here. After 60 hours of research and 25 hours of testing, we found the $600 Sony a5100 is the best mirrorless camera for beginners. It stands out from the dozens of competitors we considered by delivering superior photo quality while being easier to use right out of the box thanks to simple menus and controls. Plus, it offers enough flexibility to keep up with a new photographer's developing skills.
Samsung's NX500 camera delivers 4K video in a small package
Samsung's NX500, introduced earlier this year, is basically a smaller version of its NX1 flagship mirrorless camera. The main difference between them is their look, although the top model does feature better continuous shooting and shutter speeds. Inside, the NX500 packs the same APS-C, 28-megapixel sensor as its bigger sibling, along with a DRIMe Vs image processor, an ISO range of up to 51,200, NFC, WiFi and a 3-inch, tilting Super AMOLED screen. It can also shoot 4K video at 24 (4,096 x 2,160) and 30 fps (3,840 x 2,160), making it a decent future-proof option for anyone who wants to record higher resolutions than 720 or 1080p.
Nikon's dive into 4K starts with the 1 J5 mirrorless camera
Nikon's bread-and-butter business may be its entry-level and high-end DSLRs, but the point-and-shoot and mirrorless models are equally as important to the company. This is particularly true now more than ever, as these cheaper cameras begin to lose ground to smartphones with great photography features -- like the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6. Still, Nikon isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. Today, it is introducing the J5, a compact, yet powerful camera that's part of its 1 series of mirrorless hardware. The J5 comes with a brand-new 20.8-megapixel, VFI CMOS sensor (DC format), an XP5A image processor, ISO range of 1600 to 12,800 and support for NFC and WiFi.
Olympus' OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a solid mid-range mirrorless camera
Camera manufacturers do a great job of not making your purchases feel obsolete after a year. Case in point: Olympus' OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera, which the company updated last month, more than three years after the original was introduced. I'm not saying the original is obsolete per se, but there's no doubt the new E-M5 Mark II is a godsend for people invested in the Olympus ecosystem. So what's actually new in this model, you ask? A lot, both inside and out, although it does maintain a similar look and feel to its predecessor.
Samsung's NX1 camera looks like a DSLR, but does it perform like one?
While companies like Sony and Fujifilm continue to stuff serious camera guts into smaller and smaller mirrorless bodies, Samsung's aiming to ape both the function and the form of modern "prosumer" DSLR's with its $1,500 NX1. With a rapid-fire 15 fps burst mode and 4K video support, the company's flagship interchangeable lens camera certainly boasts some high-end specs. I spent a month with Samsung's latest to see if it can match or even exceed the DSLRs it appears to emulate.
IRL: A month with Sony's A7 II full-frame mirrorless camera
When Sony announced its second-generation A7 mirrorless camera, much of the excitement prior to release was due to the device's novel five-axis, in-body stabilization system that promised to steady shots with any lens -- new or old. Coupled with a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, the same one found on the original model, the A7 II's newly minted SteadyShot built-in stabilizer automatically made this compact shooter our likely new favorite in the mirrorless camera category, and perhaps a respectable challenger to some DSLRs, too. On paper, at least, it's as solid a package as it gets -- which is, ultimately, the bare minimum you should expect when you spend $1,700.
Olympus' newest mirrorless camera is built for selfies
Even Olympus can't resist the allure of selfies, it seems. The company has just unveiled the PEN E-PL7, a retro-tinged mirrorless camera whose centerpiece is a 3-inch flip-out LCD that makes those trendy self-portraits a little easier. When you swing out the display, it kicks into a "Selfie Mode" which lets you tap the screen to capture a slightly time-delayed (and hopefully, better-prepared) shot. There's a selfie interval option to snap successive photos in different poses, and powered zoom lenses will automatically kick into a wide-angle view to make sure your pretty face is in the frame.
Leica's latest rangefinder camera is both speedier and stealthier
Digital rangefinder cameras may look like retro fashion items, but they're genuinely handy for pros -- they're good for moments when you need quality without carrying a big, conspicuous DSLR. To that end, Leica has just launched the M-P, a new addition to the M series that's more about serious work than style. You're still getting a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor in a relatively small body, but the buffer memory has doubled to a hefty 2GB; the camera should almost always keep up with your rapid-fire photography. There's also a new selection lever that shows you framing for common focal lengths in the viewfinder, and an anti-reflective coating on the scratch-resistant sapphire LCD will help you review your snaps in bright sunlight.
Samsung's new mirrorless camera tries to fuse style with modest specs
For some, Samsung's NX mini mirrorless camera went too far in catering to the style-minded; while it's eye-catching, that small sensor and reduced control won't please demanding shooters. Appropriately, the company is bridging the gap between the mini and the bigger NX300 with its new NX3000. It has a svelte profile closer to that of its tinier sibling -- like it or not, the NX2000's grip is gone -- but it has the larger (DSLR-sized) 20.3-megapixel sensor, mode dial and hot shoe (with bundled flash) of the NX300. This mid-range camera even straddles the line when it comes to lenses, as one variant includes a 16-50mm stabilized power zoom lens that's shorter than the 18-55mm kit optics from heftier NX models.
Samsung's interchangeable-lens NX mini sports 1-inch sensor, fits in your pocket (hands-on)
Hey "style-conscious" men and women in your 20s and 30s, Samsung's got a new camera just for you. The electronics giant is touting its NX mini as the world's thinnest and lightest interchangeable-lens camera, and while it technically falls at the low end of the company's NX line, this new cam comes along with a 1-inch (smaller) sensor and a scaled-down lens mount, which means new lenses, though you can use larger NX glass with a $150 adapter. Without a lens, the camera weighs 158 grams (5.6 ounces), making it lighter than "some bananas" (the fruit), as Samsung demonstrated with a PowerPoint slide during a presentation earlier today. There's a 20.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, WiFi, NFC, a 1/16,000 max shutter speed, 25,600 top ISO, 6 fps burst mode, 1080/30p video, a battery that can capture up to 650 shots with a full charge and a 3-inch HVGA flip-up touchscreen.
Sony announces Alpha 5000 with 20.1MP sensor, 180-degree display, WiFi for $600 with lens (hands-on)
Sony's NEX branding is officially no more. The Alpha 5000 is the company's first entry-level camera to drop the familiar moniker, falling instead under the higher-end Alpha lineup. Everything else about this CES model fits the mold, however. There's a 180-degree tilting LCD that flips forward for self-portraits, built-in WiFi (with NFC) for instantly sharing pictures and videos on the web, Camera Apps for tweaking shots and uploading directly through a wireless hotspot and Sony's latest 16-50mm power-zoom kit lens for smoother zooming during video capture. On the imaging front, there's a 20.1-megapixel sensor, a 16,000 top ISO and 1080p shooting at 60i, 30p and 24p. There's also a built-in flash -- an appropriate feature for Sony's target demographic of beginner photographers stepping up from a less-capable point-and-shoot. Despite the new name, the Alpha 5000 feels very much like an NEX. There's a more pronounced grip (think NEX-5T, not 3N), and the same tweaked (and improved) multi-page settings interface that we first met with the Alpha 7 and 7R back in October. Like its recent Sony counterparts, the 5000 charges via its micro-USB port, and it sports an HDMI output (this time, with 4K image support), for photographers looking to share their captures on a TV. Of course, with WiFi built in, you can also transfer shots to a smartphone or tablet, back up your media on a connected computer or boot content to a compatible television via DLNA. You can take a closer look at the Alpha 5000 in the gallery below. Expect it in stores this March in black, white and silver for $600, including the 16-50mm power-zoom lens.
Samsung Galaxy NX review: an overpriced Android-powered mirrorless camera
Samsung's flagship interchangeable-lens camera, the NX300, is by far the company's most impressive shooter to date. It offers stellar hybrid-autofocus capabilities, excellent image quality and integrated WiFi, and it retails for a hair over $550. For all intents and purposes, it's a very competitive option, if not one of the best deals on the market today. It's frustrating, then, that Samsung opted to price the Galaxy NX -- an Android-powered camera based on the NX300 -- at an obscene $1,700, lens included. If you're not a deep-pocketed early adopter, it's absolutely a dealbreaker. But I still enjoyed my two-week test with the Galaxy NX, and if you manage to overlook the MSRP, you might just fall in love.
Sony A7 reportedly pictured in blurry screengrab, teases viewfinder
Remember that full-frame mirrorless shooter Sony's expected to release? Sony Alpha Rumors claims to have found an (admittedly low resolution) image of the fabled camera. The blurry shot shows a little more than half of the rumored camera's face, teasing undefined outlines of the device's control wheels, as well as a protruding bump that could hide an traditional viewfinder. The rig looks a bit like a mash up between Sony's A900 and the mirrorless NEX-7, borrowing elements from both designs. The camera is rumored to launch later this month, and is expected to come in 24- and 36-megapixel variants (respectively called the A7 and A7r). Check out the source link below for more rumors and speculation.
Leaked Fujifilm X-A1 hints at a more mainstream mirrorless camera
Fujifilm looks set to extend its range of retro-styled mirrorless cameras, if we're to believe a leaked press release and publicity shots for an unannounced model, the X-A1. The camera, which first appeared on Czech camera retailer Fotoskoda (before it was quickly taken down), looks to become the fourth model in Fujifilm's interchangeable lens X-series, with a 16-megapixel APS-C EXR CMOS sensor. Like the $700 X-M1, Fujifilm's latest shooter is said to include a 3-inch tilting LCD, on-board Wi-Fi, and a "very fast" startup response time to get you snapping in less than 0.5 seconds. The absence of Fujifilm's magical X-TRANS sensor, which has been a big feature on the higher-end models, makes us think this may be a significantly cheaper model, possibly aimed at those looking for their first foray into the world of interchangeable lens compacts. There's no word on when the X-A1 might become available, but expect bold red and blue variants when it does, alongside the more traditional Fuji-ish black.
