The Magnificent Seven — The Best Professional Cameras Of 2012

This article lists some of the finest new cameras launched in 2012. Though the selection is obviously colored by our own preferences and predilections, it will be hard to deny that each one is a top performer in its respective category. However, you have all the say in the matter. Feel free to mention your favorite cameras in the comments. Canon EOS 1DX [Best Professional DSLR] The Nikon D4 almost made it here, but was beaten by a worthier opponent. This is definitely the very best camera for professionals, no two ways about it. If you're one of those wealthy amateurs who simply must have the best, you will also hopefully have the back, legs, stamina and motivation to lug this huge camera around; it weighs over 1,500 gms with battery and card. Add a few more kilos for a couple of long, super-fast Canon L lenses like the 300mm...

Is It Worth Buying Nikon D5100 Now That D5200 Is Here? [Part II]

This is Part II of the article titled "Is It Worth Buying Nikon D5100 Now That D5200 Is Here?". Refer Part I of the article here. Effects: In line with its pre-determined role (as a so-called 'entry level' dslr that also has highly advanced features tucked in the menu) of capturing a high percentage of the dslr buying populace on the planet, the D5100 has a typically point-and-shoot fun feature marked 'Effects' on the mode dial. These effects are usable both before as well as after shooting (available in Image Review > Retouch feature in the menu). I have used some of these, including selective color, color sketch, high and low key, silhouette, even fish-eye and miniature effect (the latter imparts a sort of perspective control focus selectivity to an image), but I rarely use them unless I'm in the mood for experimentation. There is even an HDR (High Dynamic...

Nikon Coolpix P7700 — What It’s All About [Part I]

Canon and Nikon, the two major photo equipment manufacturers from Japan, have long been engaged in a titanic slugfest. Sometimes one gains the upper hand, sometimes the other. But in the cash rich US market, which is a prime target for camera manufacturers, it is Canon that enjoys the lead in terms of overall sales. This is in no small measure due to its vastly popular range of SureShot and PowerShot compact cameras. Nikon, however, has made heavy weather of it in the same segment. This is hardly surprising given its mindset, which has traditionally been focused on SLR cameras ever since the venerable Nikon F hit the market in 1959. Nikon's compact camera offerings, while not exactly paragons of excellence, managed to satisfy those who felt the Nikon reputation for excellence rubbed off on them if they were seen flaunting a colorful little camera that happened to bear the...

Nikon Coolpix P7700 — What It’s All About [Part II]

This is part II of Nikon Coolpix P7700 s hands-on-review. Refer part I of the review here. The Back Plate Of The Camera A glance at the well-populated back plate will show that the P7700 means business. We've discussed the vertically sliding control that activates the pop-up flash. We've also covered the well-knurled dials on the top deck, so we can now turn our attention to the Disp button. Pressing this changes the amount of exposure-related data on the LCD monitor during replay. Each successive press of this button nudges the amount of data available on-screen, going from no data to minimal to comprehensive (which includes a tone-map with a movable cursor to highlight various areas with the same tone, for accurately exposing a particularly perplexing scene in terms of giving priority to the most important tonal areas). This is not something casual shooters may need or appreciate, but for the...

Sony Cybershot DSC-H70 — What’s Good About This Point And Shoot Camera

It was almost by accident, as it were, that I returned to photography after a gap of almost a quarter of a century. I'd bought a Samsung notebook online, and had been intrigued to discover a little stowaway in the parcel - a freebie in the form of a Samsung pocket digital camera! I wasn't too impressed by its appearance. I had last used some pretty solid Nikon SLRs and some of the sharpest lenses in 35mm photography, including the legendary 105mm f2.5 tele-Nikkor and the laser sharp 55mm f3.5 micro-Nikkor. So after a quick scan of the user's manual it didn't need much guessing. I loaded the battery and card (they share the same compartment at the base, next to the USB / tripod socket), set the ISO to its base setting and I was in business. Out there, in the brilliant sunshine, began a journey that was to...

The Magnificent Seven — The Best Professional Cameras Of 2012

This article lists some of the finest new cameras launched in 2012. Though the selection is obviously colored by our own preferences and predilections, it will be hard to deny that each one is a top performer in its respective category. However, you have all the say in the matter. Feel free to mention your favorite cameras in the comments. Canon EOS 1DX [Best Professional DSLR] The Nikon D4 almost made it here, but was beaten by a worthier opponent. This is definitely the very best camera for professionals, no two ways about it. If you're one of those wealthy amateurs who simply must have the best, you will also hopefully have the back, legs, stamina and motivation to lug this huge camera around; it weighs over 1,500 gms with battery and card. Add a few more kilos for a couple of long, super-fast Canon L lenses like the 300mm...

Hands-On Experience With The Sony Cyber-Shot RX1

I've shot around 60,000 photographs with my Nikon D80 and it is pending a shutter-unit replacement. I've shot almost everything with it. That's the camera with which I grew as a photographer and that's why APN happened. It was the only camera I had so far and the only lens I used it with is 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 VR Nikkor. I enjoyed my share of reading great camera reviews. And after all this while I settled for Sony RX1. This review got delayed by over a month. Finally I realized that a "delayed review" equals "no review". And just when I sat down to share my experiences, they released the newer RX1R - the one with the anti-aliasing filter removed. There were several reasons I wanted to go with Sony RX1. I just hated to be so visible with a hammer of a camera in my hand and a big-gun zoom...

Photokina 2012 Highlights: 11 Handpicked Cameras For Photography Enthusiasts

Photokina 2012 had it all to impress the photography enthusiasts. Be it a line-up of full frame cameras or talk about the surprising compacts, Photokina 2012 introduced some of the most interesting cameras of the time. While Nikon (with D600), Canon (with EOS 6D) and Sony (for Alpha SLT A99) had made way for a perfect promotion strategy (by launching their cameras just a few days before the show), the announcement of Panasonic GH3, Hassleblad Lunar and full-frame range-finders by Leica were the real show stoppers. That’s not all. A pair of cameras in the Olympus PEN series, mirrorless lenses by Panasonic and Olympus and Fujifilm’s stylish XF1 also make up for the key highlights of the grand event - Photokina 2012 (Cologne, Germany, 18th – 23rd September 2012). And here we have handpicked some of the remarkable cameras from the event.

1. Nikon D600

   
   

   Nikon D600 - an FX camera in the DSLR packet was purposely launched on 13th September to steal the show. This 24.3 MP camera smartly loads in a number of features for serious enthusiasts and amateurs, who aspire to hold a full-frame camera in their hands. So here we have Nikon D600 powered by EXPEED 3 processor with 100% frame coverage, 5.5 fps in burst mode, 39 auto focus points, ISO 100-6400, expandable to 25600 with promises for amazing low light performance and high color depth. The best thing is that D600 is the first ever Nikon FX launched in the consumer range - economic and lightweight. And now let’s dive into the details of the Canon EOS 6D - another promising full-frame camera in the economic range. You can get D600 camera body for $2,096.95.

2. Canon EOS 6D

   
   

   Just like Nikon, Canon is also set to offer lightest and smallest 35mm full frame DSLR. Canon EOS 6D is promptly promoted as a best economic alternative to Canon EOS 5D Mark III. On a 20.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, Canon EOS 6D features 11 point AF array and an ISO in the range of 100-25600. It’s 63 zone dual layer iFCL metering sensor and 14-bit analogue to digital conversion system is all set to give a surreal feel to your images like almost all the Canons. It has built in Wi-Fi 2 and GPS3 module, which easily scores over the optional Wi-Fi support offered by D600. Nevertheless, it can be a good deal for Canon lovers at $ 2,099 for a full-frame professional system.

3. Nikon Coolpix P7700

   
   

   From a premiering consumer FX to compacts, Nikon is all set to entice its customers. The other smashing hit from the Nikon’s store is Nikon Coolpix P7700. For great snap shooters, Nikon introduces a 12.76 MP compact camera with 6mm – 42.8mm, 7.1 x optical zoom inbuilt Nikkor VR lens. Nikon is all set to redefine crisp and sharp hand held shooting with the key features like lens-shift vibration reduction system, ISO ranging from 80-1600 with ISO 3200 at full stop and support for semi-auto modes (P/S/A/M) with AE/AF lock. Along with it, P7700 is designed to offer 1/3 EV steps within+/- 3EV and AE bracketing up to 5 shots. It processes images with EXPEED C2 engine and has support for SDHC/SDXC and Hi-speed USB, through which you can transfer enhanced NRW (RAW) files. This compact camera is priced at $499 approx. You can also connect an external remote cord, microphone and GPS (GP-1) to record the location on the move. What else one needs from a handy compact?

   
   
   

   

   
   

4. Sony Alpha SLT-A99

   
   

   In the full-frame flurry at Photokina 2012, Sony also revealed its Alpha SLT A99. Sony’s latest 35mm full frame camera features 24.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. It is the same sensor that fits in Nikon D600 body. Other than the full frame advantage, Sony SLT A99 comes packed with dual AF system with 102 AF points, ISO (100 – 25,600) expandable from 50 to 102, 400, superior processing - 14 frames per second in burst mode and 1080p video shooting capability. The camera also features dual memory card slot for SD and SD/MS along with individual slots for headphone and microphone input. Unlike Nikon D600 and Canon EOS 6D it is a bit on the pricier side. You will have to spend $2,798 to experiment with Sony’s excellence at making the pictures which speak for themselves.

5. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1

   
   

   Sony makes up for the second round of applause with its full-frame compact camera - Cybershot DSC-RX1. Sony Cybershot DSC-RX1 is a 24 megapixel 35 mm full-frame sensor camera with Carl Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm F2 prime lens. The key features of this camera includes a processing speed of 5fps in burst mode, retention of RAW information with 14 bit analogue to digital conversion, efficient video capabilities with 1080p videos in AVCHD format recordable at 25p/50p/60p, better low light performance with ISO sensitivity of 100 to 25,600. This compact camera is all set to make capturing images all the more easy. The camera offers the feasibility of customizing the functions of five buttons on the camera. It also features a dedicated aperture ring to control exposure under various situation. The shutter button also supports bulb mode and has threaded cable release socket. This small yet effective compact camera is priced on the higher end though. You will have to spend something like $2,798 to hold Cybershot RX1 in your hands. Get it here.

   
   
   

   

   
   

6. Leica M

   
   

   Talking about the full-frame cameras how can we miss out on Leica’s latest M. Leica introduces the first ever full frame range-finder with Leica M. Leica M is an exclusive range-finder which features 24 megapixel full frame sensor. Priced at $6,950, the camera is one out of the bunch to assure high quality images. This range finder goes to the end of providing features like focus peaking (so that you can see the entire area of the scene in focus on real time basis), 10x magnification and an exclusive port for connecting external EVF (Electronic Viewfinder). And the camera’s ability to record HD videos is like the cherry on the top. Get it here.

7. Leica M-E

   
   

   Leica has made a smart move by announcing a host of cameras at Photokina 2012. The other remarkable camera from Leica is Leica M-E. Leica M-E is a perfect camera for people starting range finder photography. It has 18 megapixel CCD sensor in full 35mm format. It allows you to set the focus manually and the shutter speed is usually set as per the manual focus, though it can also be set manually. It has a mechanical shutter action, yet it is not audible and hence makes it a quiet capturing device. It doesn’t have low pass filter like Nikon D800E, so the final images are supposed to have a natural visual impact. You can get this one for $5,450, again on the pricier end just like Leica M.

8. Leica M9

   
   

   Leica released M9 for photographers who sweat for finest details. Leica M9 is the smallest full frame camera with 18 megapixel CCD image sensor which is equivalent to 35 mm film format. It gives you four-way switch and dial controls to work in conjunction with few functions. You can view the image in 2.5 inch monitor. It also has quick control “Set” button to set White Balance, Exposure Correction, Exposure Bracketing, Resolution, Image Compression and other customizable user profiles. The solid make of the camera gives it a truly professional look. The 139 x 37 x 80 mm camera’s full metal housing has been made up of high-tensile magnesium allow and solid brass has been used in top deck and bottom plate. Leica frequently releases firmware updates for M9. You can buy it for $6,995 or view this link for special discount offers.
   

   

   
   

9. Canon S110 Compact

   
   

   Canon has a good deal for compact camera market as well. Canon S110 is launched to give stiff competition to Nikon P7700. Canon S110 is a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. It has 24mm lens (just like previous Canon compacts) with f/2.0 and 5x zoom. To reduce the chances of getting the blurry images, Canon implements a 4 stop intelligent image stabilization mechanism in its latest consumer compact. Canon S110 offer you the ability to capture full HD movie, shoot in RAW and share images wirelessly. With all these features, S110 comes for a price tag of $449.99.

10. Fujifilm X-E1

    
    

    Fujifilm X-E1 had been a star at Photokina 2012. This 16 megapixel compact camera offers a smart deal for photography enthusiasts at $1,399 . It is a compact camera with a hub of features like film simulation, multiple exposure, panoramic shooting, auto-bracketing and HD video recording.

11. Fujifilm XF1

    
    

    The stylish looks of Fujifilm XF1 makes it a rock star for the show. This 12 megapixel compact camera has 2/3 type sensor. It has a 25-100mm lens with f1.8 – f4.9. The camera also makes provision for mitigating the shakes with its’ optical image stabilization technology. For the first time we had noticed a camera with various ISO modes such as SN (where camera would keep the ISO high and noise as low as it can), DR (where the camera keeps the ISO prioritized to dynamic-range of the scene) and HR (where resolution will have the top-most priority). It features a high speed EXR processing engine which reads the CMOS in quick time, starts it up in as fast as 0.55 secs, acquires focus within 0.16 secs and gets ready for the next shot just within 0.8 secs. And you can get this one for $499.95 approx. Check out here.

These are just the highlights. There are a lot many cameras that made to Photokina 2012. Which one is your pick?