Tag: Mirrorless

The Best Video Cameras For Capturing Action In Low Light
by David Burgess on 0

The Best Video Cameras For Capturing Action In Low Light

It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. That can only mean one thing: it’s time to start thinking about the best video cameras for capturing action in low light.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a video camera for low light use. The first is sensor size. A larger sensor will be able to gather more light, resulting in better low light performance. The second is the lens. A faster lens (one with a lower f-stop number) will also gather more light and result in better low light performance.

Best cameras for low light

With those factors in mind, here are our picks for the best video cameras for low light:

Sony a7S II

The Sony a7S II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a 12.2-megapixel sensor. It’s capable of capturing 4K video, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that features a 20.3-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Canon EOS 1D X Mark II

The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II is a full-frame DSLR that features a 20.2-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Nikon D5

The Nikon D5 is a full-frame DSLR that features a 20.8-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 30 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Sony Alpha a9

The Sony Alpha a9 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a 24.2-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 30 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Tips to choose cameras for action sports photography

In fact, many professional photographers use mid-range or even entry-level cameras to capture amazing action shots. The key is to know how to use your camera and its features to get the most out of it.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the best video camera for action sports photography:

Look for a camera with a fast shutter speed. This will help you capture sharp images of fast-moving subjects.

Choose a camera with good low-light performance. Action sports often take place in low-light conditions, so a camera that can perform well in these conditions is essential.

Consider a camera with 4K video
capabilities. 4K video is becoming more and more popular, and action sports photography is the perfect genre to take advantage of this high-resolution format.

Look for a camera with built-in GPS. This can be helpful for tracking your location and adding GPS data to your photos and videos.

Choose a camera that is rugged and weather-sealed. Action sports can be tough on equipment, so a camera that can withstand the elements is a must.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for a video camera for action sports photography, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect camera for your needs.

In fact, many of the best action sports cameras are actually quite affordable. That being said, there are still a few things to consider when purchasing an action sports camera. Here are a few tips:

Action sports cameras are designed to be durable and withstand a lot of abuse. They should be able to withstand being dropped, being submerged in water, and being exposed to extreme temperatures.

The camera should be able to record high-quality video. This is especially important if you plan on using the footage for professional purposes.

The camera should be easy to use. It should have a user-friendly interface and be relatively easy to operate.

The camera should be affordable. As mentioned before, many of the best action sports cameras are actually quite affordable.

Keep these things in mind when shopping for an action sports camera and you should be able to find a great camera that fits your needs and budget.

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The Best 35mm Cameras For Beginners
by David Burgess on 0

The Best 35mm Cameras For Beginners

35mm cameras are making a comeback in the world of photography. These cameras offer a lot of features that are perfect for beginners, including automatic exposure modes and easy-to-use controls. Here are our picks for the best 35mm cameras for beginners in 2019.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T6

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is one of the most popular entry-level DSLR cameras on the market. It’s perfect for beginners because it offers a lot of features that are easy to use, including an auto mode that takes care of all the settings for you. The T6 also has a large selection of lenses available, so you can upgrade your kit as you learn more about photography.

2. Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 is another great entry-level DSLR camera. It has a similar feature set to the Canon T6, including an auto mode and a wide selection of lenses. The D3500 also has a few features that make it a great choice for beginners, including a guide mode that walks you through the basics of photography.

3. Sony a6000

The Sony a6000 is a great choice for beginners who want to move beyond entry-level DSLR cameras. It’s a mirrorless camera, which means it’s smaller and lighter than a DSLR. The a6000 also has a great autofocus system that’s perfect for beginners, and it comes with a built-in flash.

4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is another great mirrorless camera for beginners. It has a similar feature set to the Sony a6000, including a great autofocus system and a built-in flash. The E-M10 Mark II also has a few features that make it a great choice for beginners, including a guide mode that walks you through the basics of photography.

5. Fujifilm X-T100

The Fujifilm X-T100 is a great choice for beginners who want a mirrorless camera with a retro look. It has a vintage-inspired design, and it comes with a selection of Fujifilm’s X-series lenses. The X-T100 also has a few features that make it a great choice for beginners, including an auto mode and a scene mode that automatically adjusts the settings for different types of photos.

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Canon EOS M10 Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Canon EOS M10 Review

The Bottom Line

Canon has not chosen to make significant investments in the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) market, sticking with focusing on its very popular DSLR camera models. But Canon isn’t completely abandoning the mirrorless market either, as shown by its recent release of the Canon M10. It’s very much a beginner-level mirrorless camera, as shown in this Canon EOS M10 review, and, as such, it has some drawbacks.

But the M10 fits in pretty well against other cameras that have a similar price point, as well as against other entry-level mirrorless ILCs. It’s one of the least expensive mirrorless cameras on the market, even after you purchase a lens or two. (Keep in mind that you cannot use the same lenses for Canon DSLR cameras as you can for Canon mirrorless models.)

With some of this camera’s drawbacks, I’d almost be tempted to go with an entry-level Canon Rebel DSLR model over this one, as the basic DSLRs are only slightly more expensive than the M10.

Rebel DSLRs have been around for decades, and provide strong performance levels and image quality. The M10’s biggest benefit versus those entry-level Rebels is its thin size of just 1.38 inches without the lens attached. Otherwise, Canon’s Rebels will provide a better experience for most photographers over the M10.

Specifications

  • Resolution: 18 megapixels
  • Optical zoom: NA, uses interchangeable lenses
  • LCD: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 pixels (touch and tilt enabled)
  • Maximum image size: 5184 x 3456 pixels
  • Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
  • Dimensions: 4.25 x 2.62 x 1.38 inches
  • Weight: 10.6 ounces (including battery and memory card)
  • Image sensor: APS-C (22.3×14.9 mm)
  • Movie mode: HD 1080p

Pros

  • Low price for a mirrorless camera
  • Image quality is a bit above average versus other cameras in this price range
  • LCD screen is sharp and offers tilt and touch capabilities
  • Camera is easier to use than most interchangeable lens models
  • Movie recording is easy and full HD movies look great

Cons

  • Viewfinder is not included
  • No hot shoe for adding components
  • Camera’s image quality at high ISO settings is poor
  • Battery life isn’t as good as it should be, especially if you choose to use camera’s Wi-Fi
  • Shutter lag is a problem in some shooting situations

Image Quality

The Canon EOS M10 does a nice job with image quality versus other entry-level mirrorless cameras and versus other models in its price range. The M10’s images aren’t significantly better than its competitors, but they are above average. Personally, I like the image quality of Rebel DSLRs a little better than what’s found with the M10, but there isn’t a huge difference.

The Canon M10 does a nice job with indoor photography, nearly equal to its performance with outdoor photography in sunlight. This isn’t always the case with mirrorless cameras. The M10’s 18 megapixels of resolution and its APS-C sized image sensor allow for the good performance indoors.

However, the good indoor performance doesn’t continue if you’re shooting at a high ISO setting. Once you hit the midpoint of the M10’s ISO range — say around ISO 1600 — you’ll start to notice significant noise in the images, High ISO settings are not really usable with this camera. I’d suggest using the built-in flash unit wherever possible, rather than increasing the ISO past 800.

Performance

The Canon M10’s performance levels are impressive, as Canon gave this camera its DIGIC 6 image processor, which leads to some fast operational aspects. You can shoot between four and five frames per second in burst mode, which is a solid performance for a mirrorless camera. 

But I was a bit disappointed in the M10’s shutter lag, which can approach half a second in some shooting conditions where you’re unable to prefocus by holding down the shutter button halfway. At some point, you will miss some spontaneous photos because of this shutter lag issue. It certainly isn’t the type of shutter lag problem you’d experience with a basic point and shoot camera, but it is more noticeable than what you’d find with a Rebel DSLR.

Battery performance with this model is a bit below average, which is a disappointment. However, this is a common problem with thin mirrorless ILCs, as they must have a thin battery to fit the overall design of the camera. Just understand that if you choose to use the M10’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, the poor battery lifespan problem will be magnified.

Design

The thin camera body found with the Canon M10 gives it an advantage over the Rebel DSLRs. No DSLR can match the EOS M10’s 1.38-inch thickness measurement. 

Although you can use the M10 one-handed, it’s a little difficult to hold this camera with one hand because it has no right-hand grip area. The front of the camera body is smooth, so you have to try to hold it more like a point and shoot camera with a pinching grip, which can be difficult because of the way the lens protrudes from the camera body. It’s just easier to hold the camera with two hands.

Canon gave the EOS M10 tiltable and touch screen capabilities, which is great to find on a camera that’s aimed at inexperienced photographers. The camera also has very few buttons and dials, meaning you’ll be using the screen the majority of time to make changes to the settings, so having touch capabilities makes this model easy to use.

The build quality for the EOS M10 is very solid. There’s no loose parts or flimsy aspects to this Canon model.

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Nikon Coolpix P900 Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Nikon Coolpix P900 Review

The Bottom Line

There’s no hiding the key feature that we’ll showcase in this Nikon Coolpix P900 review — an almost unbelievable 83X optical zoom lens. At the time of this writing, the 83X zoom lens is the largest one available in the fixed lens camera market, making the P900 a candidate for one of the best ultra zoom cameras. 

And there’s no hiding this feature because it makes the Coolpix P900 a camera that’s larger than even some of the best DSLR cameras on the market. This model weighs almost 2 pounds and measures about 5x5x5 inches with the zoom lens retracted. When the optical zoom is fully extended, the camera measures about 8.5 inches in depth.

So if you need a huge zoom lens, Nikon definitely delivers with the P900. But as with many ultra zoom cameras, sometimes that huge zoom lens can be a detriment. You may have a tough time holding the Coolpix P900 steady when the zoom lens is extended, just because the camera is so heavy and awkward to hand hold with the large zoom lens.

And Nikon only gave this model a 1/2.3-inch image sensor and 16 megapixels of resolution, which will limit your ability to create photos that will result in large and sharp prints. Still, versus other large zoom cameras, the Nikon P900 is a decent performer.

Then there’s the $500-plus price point for the P900. You might be able to find an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless ILC at that price, which will result in far greater image quality. So only those who are sure they need the 83X optical zoom lens will be able to justify the high price tag for this model.

Specifications

  • Resolution: 16.0 megapixels
  • Optical zoom: 83X (24-2000mm equivalent)
  • LCD: 3.0-inch, 921,000 pixels (tiltable)
  • Maximum image size: 4608 x 3456 pixels
  • Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.1 x 5.5 inches
  • Weight: 1 pound, 15.8 ounces (with battery and memory card)
  • Image sensor: 1/2.3-inch
  • Movie mode: HD 1080p

Pros

  • Huge optical zoom lens at 83X
  • Reasonably good performance speeds even when optical zoom lens is fully extended
  • Offers electronic viewfinder
  • Articulated LCD screen
  • Numerous manual control features

Cons

  • Small image sensor limits image quality results
  • Images aren’t quite as sharp as they should be
  • Maximum ISO is limited to 6400
  • Extremely heavy and large camera
  • Price point is high, approaching that of entry-level mirrorless ILCs

Image Quality

When you think about spending more than $500 for a digital camera, you expect to receive very good image quality. Unfortunately, this is one area where the Nikon P900 lags behind its price point peers, which can include low-end DSLRs. 

The 1/2.3-inch image sensor in the Coolpix P900 is as small in physical size as what you’ll find in a digital camera. Models that cost less than $200 or $150 often have 1/2.3-inch image sensors. Because the physical size of image sensors plays such a key role in determining image quality, having such a small sensor in the P900 makes it tough to justify its high price tag. 

The image quality for the Coolpix P900 might be even worse, other than the fact Nikon gave the camera a very strong optical image stabilization system, which is an extremely important feature to find in an ultra zoom camera. It’s difficult to hand hold a heavy camera steady without a good image stabilization system. Even with such a good IS system, you’ll want to purchase a tripod with this model for best image quality.

Performance

Most ultra zoom cameras operate slower than other types of cameras, especially when the zoom lens is fully extended. You can expect to have problems with shutter lag and shot to shot delays, meaning such cameras don’t have great response times. 

The Nikon Coolpix P900 isn’t a fast performer either, but it does offer faster response times that what you’ll find with most ultra zoom cameras. In fact, the P900 has very little shutter lag when the zoom lens is not extended, which is impressive for this type of fixed lens camera.

Start-up is very fast with this model too, as you should be able to record your first photo a little more than 1 second after pressing the power button. And you can move through the entire 83X zoom range of this camera in about 3.5 seconds, which is an impressive level of speed for the zoom motor.

Battery performance is good with the P900, offering 300 to 400 shots per charge. However, if you choose to use the camera’s built-in GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity, you will receive less battery life.

Design

Nikon gave the P900 quite a few desirable design elements. The inclusion of an electronic viewfinder is great to find in an ultra zoom camera, as it can be easier to hand hold the camera steady when it’s pressed against your face, versus trying to hold it and look at the LCD screen.

If you choose to frame photos using the LCD screen instead of the handy viewfinder, Nikon gave the Coolpix P900 a sharp and bright display screen. And the LCD is articulated, meaning it’s easy to use this model when attached to a tripod by tilting the LCD to match the angle you need. You can even swivel the display screen 180 degrees to allow for selfies.

A mode dial on the top of the camera allows you to work quickly to pick the shooting mode you want. The P900 offers a range of shooting modes, including full manual control, fully automatic, and everything in between. 

There’s a popup flash unit, which is a key design feature for an ultra zoom camera, as it allows the flash unit to gain a good angle to the scene, even when the zoom lens is fully extended. However, Nikon didn’t give the Coolpix P900 a hot shoe to allow for adding an external flash unit.

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Lotus – My Photography Work with Mirrorless Camera
by David Burgess on 0

Lotus – My Photography Work with Mirrorless Camera

Capturing the Beauty of Lotus

Lotus is one of my first project in the world of photography. When working on this project, I don’t even know some most basic terms such as exposure, aperture, or shutter speed. I merely worked with my instinct and try to manually tweak the lighting. I was very surprised to find out that the result is not as bad as I thought. However, I found a lot of weaknesses that should be improved in my photo. Through this lens, I would like to share my experience working on one of my first photography project. Hope you will enjoy it. I am looking forward for your feedback and comments.

The Concept of “Lotus”

The idea behind the photo shoot
The idea was actually very simple. I wanted to finish this project assignment as soon as possible. The lecturer assigned me to work with Pema, my beautiful friend from Bhutan. At that time, I was very busy with exam preparations and my final research. Thus, I wanted to do a project which I could finish in one day. I didn’t think I am good at poetry or painting, so I decided to do photography.

Surprisingly, this project was my first step to the world of photography. Because of this photo shoot, I developed an interest to photography and digital art. I finally found my passion to create something beautiful for the society.

The title, “Lotus”, came from the translation of the model’s name, “Pema”. “Pema” is a common name that we can find in Bhutan. In Bhutanese language (Dzongkha) it means “lotus”. I also borrowed some concept from a Pearl S. Buck novel’s titled “A Good Earth” where there is a very beautiful character with that name. As I had no experience working with a model before, I just told her to dress with something that can make her look mysterious, beautiful, and graceful at the same time.

The Photo Shoot

My first experience as a photographer
As I already had the concept, at first there was only one thing in my mind: to finish this work as fast as possible. I still had a lot of things to do, and I felt that this thing kind of slowed me down. I didn’t expect that later I really enjoy working as a photographer.

As I arrived in the location, I immediately started my work. During the first ten minutes of working, I felt an excitement that I have never experienced before when making a painting, writing a poem, or in any other art related activities. At that moment, I realized that I fell in love with the world of photography.

The next two hours of working was very fun for me. I enjoyed the moment when I framed the model into different scenes, took her photos from different angles and composition, as well as directed her to pose to fit with my concept. We tried different locations and outfits, and I even did some experiment with some simple properties that I found in the location, such as books, playing cards, and mirror.

I worked with my Sony NEX-3 digital camera, which I am very satisfied with its performance. It can take beautiful images, almost as beautiful as DSLR camera and significantly more stunning compared to point and shoot camera. It also can be operated easily and requires very less knowledge in the world of photography. I set everything in “Auto Mode” as I was really blind about the basic concept such as exposure, ISO, aperture, shutter speed and so on. Later when I have complete understanding of those terms, I found that the image quality of “Auto Mode” for this camera wasn’t disappointing at all.

I completed my work in about four hours, with ten minutes break every hour. I spent about three hours to do little work with post processing. The result was satisfying. We got an “A”, and later some of the photos were featured in Bhutanese Girl Fashion Page.

Tips and thougts to do a photography with mirrorless camera

From an amateur point of view
Don’t hesitate to get a mirrorless camera
Because of the price that is significantly higher than point and shoot camera and slightly lower than DSLR, some people prefer not to buy this type of camera. Believe me, getting a mirrorless camera is a good investment. The image quality is comparable to DSLR, and it is much easier to operate. Moreover, it is cheaper and smaller. So, if you want to take good photos but don’t want to learn too much about technical aspects in photography, mirrorless camera is a perfect choice for you.

Use tripod
The image stabilizer in mirrorless camera is not as good as in DSLR, so using tripod during the photo shoot would significantly improve the quality of your photos. Some cameras such as Sony NEX series also hard to hold (as their center of gravity is in front part of the lens) so that you can get blurry and shaky images if you don’t use any tripod.

It is okay to use the “Auto Mode”
Especially if you are a beginner and don’t understand about when you should use flash, or when you should lower the ISO. The Auto Mode works very well in most of digital camera. Maybe later when you started to understand about some photography concepts, you can do experiment with Semi-Auto Mode or even completely Manual Mode.

Be confident
Although you have very less knowledge about photography, be confident that you can create good photos. Be confident with your camera, no matter how bad it is the quality. And, be confident to your model, trust her, and keep believing that both of you can create a good artworks. Believe it or not, this kind of positive thinking will influence the quality of your photos.

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