Tag Archives: compact system camera

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera Review

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Released last September of this year, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera is the second model of Olympus’ OM-Series. It has a lot more features compared to its predecessor, the E-M5. It has a more enhanced auto-focus function and a highly convenient button that does most of the tasks making it very intuitive for the user. This camera is intended for professional and semi-professional photographers as well as photo enthusiasts. More information of this camera can be found in this Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera Review. Read more.

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This model’s addition of on-sensor phase detection elements is a feature that makes it a head turner as it gives the camera two distinct focus modes. The phase-detection system can be used when lenses from the initial Four Thirds system are attached. With the original Micro Four Thirds lenses, the camera will mainly stick with the contrast detection system that has proved so fast and accurate with its previous model (E-M5). That said, the only way the camera uses phase-detection information with a Micro Four Thirds lens is when using tracking AF.

What are this camera’s key features?

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera has a robust look with a prominent and substantial hand grip. More to that, the body of the camera is dust-proof, splash-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14 deg Fahrenheit) along with a sealed lens compatible to it. This camera has also two new impressive buttons next to the lens mount that are designated controls to one-touch white balance and depth-of-field preview but can be reprogrammed to perform different camera tasks.

This camera is fast in execution and is ready to shoot in less than a second after starting the camera ans also quick from one shot to another. What is even more impressive is that Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds systems are brought together thus enabling the camera to perform phase-detection auto-focus with dedicated pixels on the imaging sensor itself.

PROS

  • Amazingly small size for a PRO camera and it is also lightweight
  • Great dynamic range
  • Incomparable Auto White Balance
  • Very Fast Auto Focus and 4/3 auto focus
  • Gives great image quality with great image stabilization
  • High ISO and 1.48x EVF
  • Great lens system
  • Build quality with a sturdy, weather-resistant body
  • Has almost all of the functionality of a semi-pro DSLR in a compact body

CONS

  • Has only one SD slot (not ideal for a semi-PRO camera)
  • Not too impressive video codec

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera is a pretty small camera compared to most DSLRs. It seems this camera is Olympus’ decent effort at having the almost pro-level ‘DSLR’ as well as creating a lightweight, carry-it-all-day camera Micro Four Thirds features.

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera with 16MP and 3-Inch LCD – Body Only

Panasonic DMC-G5K 16 MP Compact System Camera Review

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The Panasonic DMC-G5K 16 MP Compact System Camera is an proficient mirrorless camera that is way ahead better than its first-rate predecessor in a number of noteworthy ways. This baby definitely can keep up with the fast-moving competition in photography. Find out from this Panasonic DMC-G5K 16 MP Compact System Camera Review how this camera can be a practical alternative to a bigger and bulkier DSLR.

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The DMC-G5K makes high quality real-to-life photo and video recording with the Digital Live MOS Sensor as well as the new Venus Engine. Its response is also improved with Light Speed AF, high speed burst shooting at 6 frames per second and stunningly quick start-up of approximately 0.5 sec that will never let you miss out on a fleeting shooting opportunity.

What are the key features of this camera?

Let’s start with the best things first. The Panasonic DMC-G5K 16 MP Compact System Camera is likened to a DSLR camera that combines the 16 megapixel Digistal Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine Featuring its advanced noise reduction systems. Impressively, it removes noise in ,many steps depending on the noise characteristics, bringing out both smoothness and sharpness according to the part of an image. More to that, the limit resolution is enhanced with its precise details reproduction and advanced Intelligent D range Control which makes sure that there is beautiful gradation and wider dynamic range.

It also has a 3-inch free-angle LCD screen with a large, 920,000-dot high resolution with wide-viewing angle that rotates 180 degrees to the side, tilts 270 degrees up and down and offers approximately 100% field of view. It allows simple shooting or playback of images by the Touch screen operation. The new Touch Pad function enables the use of both LVF and LCD simultaneously, thus encouraging more intuitive shooting.

PROS

  • Increased filter options with its upgraded Creative Control Mode
  • Redesigned grip and integrated electronic viewfinder.
  • ISO range of 160-12,800
  • Full HD 1080/50p videos
  • mechanical and silent electronic shutters
  • A new Function Lever
  • An eye proximity sensor
  • Level gauge and an extensive range of Photo Style and Creative Control filters
  • Very affordable for a camera with many features

CONS

  • This camera is unable to take bracketed images fired by the shutter button at a high frame rate
  • No string or thread attached to the lens cap of the camera
  • Lettering on the controller (4-way) is chrome on chrome which makes it a little bit hard to read (not much of a big deal for some)

In summary, the new Panasonic Lumix G5 one of the best DSLR-like cameras and one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market. It has lots of features that are useful for the user and the price is safe on the budget.

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Panasonic  DMC-G5KBODY 16MP SLR Camera  with 3-Inch LCD – Body Only  (Black)