: As promised, I'm doing a write up on the Canon G16. This review that started off as a very enthusiastic short review, has morphed into something of a major project. It's therefore taking longer than I had initially hoped but the review is coming along. With a few distractions aside, the review is being pieced together bit by bit and, using the camera longer than normal for a review cycle has yielded some surprises and interesting thoughts alike. Stay patient, stay tuned :).
Oh yes its here. I'm a little bit excited too. This is the enthusiast compact I've been waiting for. Something with a larger than average sensor, built in EVF, fast sharp lens, great external controls, excellent build quality, and a flip up/down LCD panel. Fujifilms new X30 may not seem a radically new camera to some, but to me, all the little improvements add up to a major difference. The new X30 has a second generation 2/3" sized sensor and processor- which gives faster performance and improved image quality. It's also quite handsome and small enough to bring everywhere. Although this segment is quite competitive, I think the X30 carves a niche and might just offer the best all round design/package in its class. A full review is forthcoming. I can't wait to use it out and about. First impression thoughts ...
Fujifilm X-E2 Review Coming: First off, I want to thank Fujifilm for providing this camera for review on a trial basis. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to evaluate this camera. So, thank you Fujifilm- you're nice people. Secondly, after unboxing this camera, the X-E2 in person is not quite what I expected. Looking at the camera on the shelf and the internet only- this is my first time handling one believe it or not, I expected a much larger camera in person. It's definitely much smaller than I expected (as you can see in the image to the left compared to my GR)- it really did shock me when I saw it in its wrapper in the box. "Oh, you are so small aren't you?" I said aloud. "How ... um, .....cute!?" After holding it for a bit I realized the external controls that at first seemed a bit out of sorts to my personal liking (again never handled one), are not. After 10 minutes or so of handling it I realized -yep! I like it. Just goes to show you how valuable holding a camera in person is, and how doing so will give you a much more accurate impression. Thunk! That's the sound of my palm hitting my forehead. Why the heck did I not take a look at this camera before? Duh! I love rangefinder styled cameras, absolutely love them, so what gives? Don't ask me. More...
Pentax (Ricoh) K5IIs DSLR Review
, so any and all changes made to the K5IIs have immediately become apparent to me while using it. Other than the changes noted in this review, a comprehensive review on other features etc. is available in my K5 review. Oddly as this may sound, I do want to note right away that I think it's stellar that Ricoh/Pentax still include a real comprehensive printed manual with this camera. I'm getting rather tired of the the cost cutting going on with other manufacturers to the point that they aren't including one with the camera. That said, the differences between the K5IIs and the K5 is a short list, but an important one, so lets get started.
Pentax makes some kick ass DSLR's, one of them in fact got my DSLR of the Decade award, the highest honor I've ever given any camera, let alone a DSLR- the K5. The K5IIs may be old news (late 2012), especially compared to the much fussed about K3, but it remains a very much capable camera. I've chosen it as a personal purchase to begin a photo project on ravens and crows I'm about to ebark on. Why? Two reasons mainly, it's phenomenal sensor is one of the best in the dynamic range department (14 stops is insane in the digital category at this price), namely the shadow areas, and it's lack of an anti-aliasing filter means more detail on crops. It's improved auto focus will definitely be welcomed as well. It's price right now is like insanely tempting and I couldn't resist it. The bang for the buck factor here is extremely high- bargain hunters you better take notice. I've also got an investment in Pentax lenses and the one's I've chosen are also great performers for the dollar. We'll see if the K5IIs's auto focus improvements live up to their promise with its Safox X af system.
Yeah it's five years old, and this is my third K20D. And yes, Pentax has the new K-3 out there now. There are those that wonder why I still hold onto some older DSLR cameras when there are so many new and shiny DSLRS's available on the market, especially with the Pentax K-3
flagship dangling in front of me. The answer in short, is that I reserve the right to have specific tastes. I've liked many cameras and have loved but a few. I won't talk about the one's I've hated- it's pointless. My needs are as specific as anyone else's and, just as unique. Sometimes we photographers agree on our tastes/needs and sometimes we don't. That's life. With that said, I find great satisfaction in sharing my opinion with others, and, at the same time, I find equal satisfaction in listening to theirs. Humans can be a fickle species, and I'm no different. Needs and desires change all the time, admittedly desires more than needs, but nevertheless we all have that in common to one degree or another.
Sony's Cybershot division hard at work, again. This time making an impressively spec'd fixed lens digicam with an optimized 24-200mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss T* lens in front of a 1" sized sensor. The price? $1,299.00 SRP. While that price is steep from any angle, you need to consider what you are getting for that price. First of all, there's no DSLR lens available with a 24-200mm equivalent focal range and constant f/2.8 aperture anywhere on the planet. Also, this is a Carl Zeiss lens with T* coating optimized in front of one of the best mid sized sensors I've ever tested. Add too a manual aperture ring w/detent switch for purists. That is the star of the show here. Also the camera body itself is also pretty impressive in build with a magnesium and high tech composite frame. There's a top mounted LCD, a slew of external controls, a big tiltable LCD, and very nice big EVF at 1.4 million dots with .7X 35mm equivalent view (basically the same view size you see in expensive full frame digital SLRs). Still a lot of money for you? Don't read on. Sound like a good deal? Have a peek further... (specs first, commentary below them).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Review
