Mirrorless Camera Comparison Guide 2012

Mirrorless camera systems finally feel like they have come of age. Yes they've been knocking around for a couple of years, but over the last 12 months we've seen models which can genuinely rival DSLRs in terms of image quality and performance. While this choice is great for the camera-buying public, it also makes it even more tricky when deciding which system to invest in ... which is why we decided to compile a guide to the top mirrorless camera releases of 2012.

There have been simply too many mirrorless cameras released this year for us to look at them all. So we narrowed our comparison down to the six which we consider to be the most notable:

• Olympus OMD EM-5
• Sony NEX-6
• Fuji X-Pro1
• Panasonic LUMIX GF5
• Nikon 1 V2
• Canon EOS M

Cameras which almost made it into our comparison, but were just edged out by those above, include the Fuji X-E1, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH3, the Olympus PEN E-PL5 and the Samsung NX1000.

Size and Weight

Mirrorless cameras come in all shapes and sizes – just look at the Pentax K-01 – and there's quite a range, even within our pick of the six best from 2012.

The Fuji X-Pro1 and the Olympus OMD EM-5 are considerably bigger and heavier than most mirrorless options, mostly due to their viewfinders and beefy construction (more on that later), while the Panasonic GF5 and the Canon EOS M are battling it out for that spot in your jacket pocket with the smallest dimensions.

Sensor Size and Megapixel Count

More pixels mean a camera can produce more detailed images, but if they're crammed on a small sensor, the resulting images can be noisy. So getting the right balance between sensor size and megapixel count is important.

The Panasonic LUMIX GF5 has the smallest pixel-count of the bunch with 12 MP, but it uses a 4/3" sensor... which means its pixels are still bigger than those in the Nikon 1 V2 with its 14.2 MP and smaller 1-inch-type sensor.

Most of the mirrorless cameras here with APS-C sized sensors share a pixel-count around the 16 MP mark, while the Canon EOS M has the highest at 18.0 megapixels.

Autofocus

The Nikon 1 V2 features the most Autofocus points with 73 phase detection areas and 135 contract detect areas – helping it achieve ultra-fast focus which, it's claimed, rivals some professional DSLRs.

The Sony NEX-6 also combines phase-detection and contrast-detection to achieve speedy focus in most lighting situations, with a respective 99 and 25 AF points. At the other end of the scale the Panasonic LUMIX GF5 has just 23 AF areas.

FPS Burst Rate

Because mirrorless cameras don't require a mirror to flick up and down between taking images (like DSLRs) they're often capable of faster burst rates. That's certainly the case with the Nikon 1 V2, which can shoot 15 frames per second with autofocus, or a blistering 60 fps with focus position for the first frame fixed.

The Sony NEX-6 and Olympus OMD EM-5 aren't far behind with 10 fps and 9 fps respectively, but the Canon EOS M appears somewhat sluggish with just 4 fps, though this could be that with 18MP it is handling more data… or just because Canon doesn't want to canabalise DSLR sales.

ISO Range

While a large ISO range should theoretically mean good quality images in any lighting conditions, this category has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Not all ISO 1600 settings are created equal, while one could produce clean images, another could leave you with messy noisy shots.

Also, while most of these cameras have an ISO which is expandable to 25,600, you have to question when you would ever use this setting given the blotchy mess your resulting images would be.

Viewfinder and/or LCD

Only the Olympus OMD EM-5 and Fuji X-Pro1 boast a viewfinder in addition to their LCD screens, and while the OMD uses a 1,440K dot EVF, the Fuji has a unique hybrid optical/electrical viewfinder which overlays electronic data over the optical viewfinder.

All of the cameras feature three inch monitors on the rear, but with 1,230K dots the one of the Fuji X-Pro1 has the highest resolution, though not far behind is the Canon EOS M with 1,040K dots and the added benefit of touchscreen abilities.

Though the Olympus OMD EM-5 features the lowest resolution with a rather dated feeling 610K dots, its tilting OLED screen can come in handy when shooting in awkward positions.

Storage Media and File Types

SD/SDHC/SDXC compatibility reigns supreme as the storage media of choice for mirrorless cameras, but the Sony NEX-6 adds the ability to use Memory Stick PRO Duo if you've still got any of those proprietary memory cards lying around.

All of the cameras in our comparison offer the ability to shoot RAW or JPEG images, but while 12 bit RAW is the most common, the Canon EOS M allows 14 bit RAW files, which some would argue gives you more options when editing files.

Construction and Weather Sealing

The most notable construction details amongst the mirrorless cameras are the die-cast aluminum alloy top and base of the Fuji X-Pro1 and the magnesium alloy body of the Olympus OMD EM-5, which gives both cameras a sturdy feeling, but with the obvious additional heft.

The Olympus OMD EM-5 is the only one of the cameras to be weather sealed in the same way as professional DSLRs, meaning that if you plan on shooting in extreme weather conditions, it's probably the obvious choice.

Video Modes

Full HD recording is offered across the board, but with a few caveats: The Sony NEX-6 is the only camera to feature 50p recording at 1080, the others peak at 30p, or in the case of the Fuji X-Pro1, 24p which gives a more movie-like appearance. By the time you reduce to 720 HD, 60p recording has become the standard.

Wired Connections

There's USB 2.0 and HDMI output on all of the cameras, via either micro or mini connectors. However, only the Nikon 1 V2 and Canon EOS M have a 3.5mm audio input for using an external microphone while recording video.

Wi-Fi Options

While the Olympus OMD EM-5 can have wireless capabilities with the use of an optional Bluetooth dongle, the Sony NEX-6 is really the stand-out performer when it comes to wireless prowess.

PlayMemories Camera Apps, which can be downloaded to the Sony NEX-6 via built-in Wi-Fi, allow for features like the direct uploading of files to the internet, and the ability to control the camera from a smartphone or tablet.

Kit Lens

Kit lenses can be a great starting point with a new camera. They offer great value, opposed to buying lenses separately, though there's little point buying a interchangeable-lens camera if you're only ever going to use one lens.

Most of the kit lenses are wide to medium focal-range zooms with average aperture ranges. However the 22mm f/2 prime, which is bundled with the Canon EOS M, is considerably faster (allowing for lower light photography and a shallower depth of field) and stands out as a lens which will still get used, even if you acquire a selection of glass.

Lens Mount

The Olympus OMD EM-5 and the Panasonic LUMIX GF5 share a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, meaning a wide range of compatible lenses, while the other cameras each use mounts designed specifically for their manufacturer's range or mirrorless cameras.

While the number of lenses available for some of these mounts is somewhat limited, it's worth remembering that adapters can give you an arsenal of lenses at your disposal on all of these cameras, though sometimes without metering or auto-focus.

The likes of the Nikon 1 V2 and Canon EOS M have adapters available allowing the use of their respective DSLR lenses... and Leica lenses look awfully nice on the front of the Fuji X-Pro1.

Price

A quick look at the prices of the cameras in this comparison shows they are not all competing for the same market. The Panasonic LUMIX GF5 is the least expensive at US$500 with a kit lens while the Fuji X-Pro1 comes in at $1,400 for the body only.

Obviously, you could buy a DSLR for the same price as many of these mirrorless cameras, which at one point would have been an obvious choice, but these mirrorless cameras are able to produce images which are just as good, and often in a smaller and more portable form.

Summing Up...

There's never been a better time to be in the market for a mirrorless camera system, any of the cameras in this comparison are more than capable of shooting stunning images… and you have to wonder how much longer DSLRs have got outside of the professional market.

It's really just a matter of deciding what size, price and functions are important to you and, as is always the way with cameras, the best way to know which one is right for you is to feel them in your own hands. You might decide you couldn't be happy without a separate viewfinder, or that you want the smallest mirrorless camera you can, to make it more likely that you'll carry it around with you everywhere you go.

If I was currently in the market for a mirrorless camera, the Fuji X-Pro1 would be the one at the top of my shopping list. The sturdy construction, retro looks and manual dials all appeal, but the optical/electrical viewfinder really makes it stand out from the competition. Coming from using film cameras and DSLRs I struggle to enjoy the experience of using an LCD screen to compose shots, and even the best EVFs can suffer a slight lag. Also, while sluggish autofocus was once a reason to steer clear of the Fuji X-Pro1, a recent firmware update has made it positively zippy.

Source : gizmag

2012 eReader Comparison Guide

Five years ago, Amazon released one of the most important mobile gadgets of the decade. E-books had been around for years, but few cared until the arrival of the Kindle. Today Amazon's digital reader is now an entire product line.

Like any revolutionary product, the Kindle spawned rivals. The most prominent is Barnes & Noble's Nook. The competing products have evolved in sync with one another: getting smaller and cheaper, adding touch screens, and expanding into subsidized tablets.

As we compare the best eReaders on the market, we're focusing on the dominant players:

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
• Amazon Kindle
• Amazon Kindle Keyboard
• Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight
• Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch
• Kobo Glo

We could have easily included Sony's Reader, but we narrowed it to these top six. Our list is dominated by the Kindle and Nook, but they've proven themselves to be the undisputed market leaders.

So, without further ado, let's break down the top eReaders of the 2012 holiday season …

Size

Sizes are all in the same ballpark. In terms of surface area, the standard Kindle is the smallest, and the Kindle Keyboard is the largest. The Kindle Keyboard is also the thinnest, with the beefy Nook Simple Touches measuring the thickest.

Weight

All of these readers are relatively light. The standard Kindle takes the crown for lightest, with the Kindle Keyboard weighing the heaviest.

Display

Notice a pattern? Manufacturers have settled on six inches as the standard for e-ink readers. The Kindle Paperwhite, both Nook Simple Touches, and the Kobo Glo all have touch screens. The rest rely on physical controls.

Though text looks great on all of them, the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Glo have the highest resolution. The Paperwhite, Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight, and Kobo Glo offer backlit displays for low-light reading.

Storage

E-books don't take up much space, so the numbers you see above should suffice for most customers. Purchases are also stored in the cloud, so you can remove books from your device without losing your purchases.

Wireless

All but the Kindle Keyboard are sold in Wi-Fi only models. Only the Paperwhite and Keyboard Kindles are sold with free 3G data. Frequent travelers may find these models to be worth the extra money.

Battery life

Low-powered e-ink screens always delivered great battery life, and this batch is no exception. The Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Keyboard, and Nook Simple Touch win the race at an absurd two months without a charge.

Charging time

For those times when you do need to charge your reader, the standard Kindle is the quickest. Its battery can go from dead to full in three hours.

Intangibles

Backlit displays are the biggest step forward for eReaders in years. The Kindle Paperwhite, Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, and Kobo Glo all let you read in the dark. The biggest concern is keeping that display evenly-lit, and the Paperwhite and Kobo achieve this better than the Nook.

The biggest reason to choose the standard Kindle is for its rock-bottom price (see below). The Kindle Keyboard, meanwhile, is for … well, those who want a keyboard. It features a rudimentary web browser, so you could hypothetically tap out emails in a pinch.

The standard Nook Simple Touch is a great reader, but with a higher price tag than the Kindle, it's primarily for those who prefer the Nook's content and design.

The Paperwhite and standard Kindles don't include a charger, so you may need to spend a few extra bucks on that.

Starting price

If you want cheap, the standard Kindle is affordable for almost anyone at US$69. All of the Kindles ship by default with "Special Offers." These advertisements are mostly non-intrusive, but if they bug you, you can turn them off for a one-time payment of $20.

Summing up

As much as smartphones and tablets have become integral parts of our lives, there's something to be said for eReaders. They're lighter, easier on the eyes, and better recreate the feeling of reading a book. Not to mention, they contain fewer distractions (Steinbeck or Angry Birds?).

Still, if you dare cross onto the other side of the fence, Amazon and Barnes & Noble will be happy to sell you a tablet

Source : Gizmag

Kindle Fire HD 8.9" vs. Nexus 7

The budget tablet market is getting crowded. Ruled last year by Amazon, it now hosts products from Apple, Asus, Barnes & Noble, and Samsung. Amazon alone released three Kindle tablets this year, and they all start at under US$300. How does the best of those – the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" – compare to the Nexus 7? Read on.

Size

We're comparing two different classes of tablet. The Nexus 7 is a classic small tablet, while the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" is a mid-sized tablet. If you long for something bigger than the Nexus 7 but smaller than the iPad, the Fire 8.9" isn't a bad choice.

Weight

The Fire gives you a bigger screen, but you pay for it in weight. At 227 g heavier, it begs for two hands. The Nexus 7 is easily held in one.

Display

The Fire 8.9" doesn't just have a larger display, it also has a sharper one. Along with the Nexus 10, iPad, and Nook HD, it has one of the higher pixel densities among the current crop of tablets. Text and images should be a bit crisper than they are on the Nexus 7's display.

Processor

Both tablets should have zippy performance. The Nexus 7's processor has more cores, but the Texas Instruments chip in the Fire 8.9 is a screamer.

RAM

Both tablets have 1 GB of random-access memory (RAM).

Storage

Storage is also equal, with each product sold in both 16 GB and 32 GB models.

Wireless

This is the first mobile data-enabled Amazon tablet. It doesn't, however, come cheap. The LTE version of the Kindle Fire 8.9" costs US$200 more than its Wi-Fi only counterpart.

There is an upside. Fire 8.9 owners can get 250 MB/month of mobile data for an entire year by paying US$50.

Battery

Take these numbers with grains of salt, but estimated battery life should be comparable.

Cameras

Neither tablet has a rear camera, but they both have front-facing cameras to allow video chat.

Starting prices

The Nexus 7 undercuts the 8.9" Fire by $100. If you want extra storage or mobile data, though, both tablets get more expensive.

Intangibles

Hardware is only half of the equation, and the Nexus 7 easily wins the software battle. The Kindle Fire gives you an Amazon storefront layered over an old version of Android. There are plenty of apps to install, but the operating system is centered around selling Amazon content.

The Nexus 7, meanwhile, gives you the latest version of "pure" Android. It will also receive future Android updates quickly. Neither device has a great tablet app library, but the Nexus 7 has a smoother and more robust operating system.

The Fire adds a few more asterisks. It doesn't include a charger, so you might have to spend a few more bucks on that. It also ships with "Special Offers" advertisements. You can pay $15 (at checkout or anytime after) to get rid of them.

Summing up

Each tablet has its advantages. The Fire 8.9 has a bigger, sharper display, and it arguably gives you more hardware bang for your buck. The Nexus 7 has a far superior operating system, and is much lighter. If you know your priorities, your decision may be easy.

For more options, check out our 2012 Tablet Comparison Guide.

Kindle Fire HD 8.9" vs. iPad

When something is a success, it tends to breed. The original Kindle Fire was a phenomenon, and now it has a family. At the risk of over-complicating things, Amazon released three different Kindle Fires this year. The latest and greatest is the Kindle Fire HD 8.9". How does it compare to the market-leading iPad? Read on.

Size

This is the first Kindle Fire that approaches the iPad's size. The Fire HD 8.9" is roughly the same height as the iPad, but narrower and a bit thinner.

Weight

The Fire 8.9" is notably lighter than the iPad. But it's still much heavier than smaller 7-inch tablets.

Display

This is the best display we've seen on a Kindle Fire. Its pixel density is almost on par with the iPad's terrific display. Text and images should be razor-sharp.

Processor

Both tablets should be speed demons. There aren't many existing apps that will push either device to its limits.

RAM

The Fire 8.9 and the iPad each carry 1 GB of random-access memory (RAM).

Storage

Storage is similar. If you want the most, the iPad comes in a 64 GB model, but you'll have to pay for it.

Wireless

The 8.9-inch Fire is the first of its kind with mobile data. You can pay extra for a version that supports the fastest cellular network, LTE. US customers can pay US$50 to get 250 MB per month for a full year.

Cameras

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9" has a front-facing camera, so you can video chat. Only the iPad, though, has a rear camera as well.

Battery

These are manufacturers' estimates, so take them with grains of salt. The iPad has been tested, and should last roughly what Apple promises. The Fire's battery, though, hasn't been put through the paces.

Starting price

If you want to save some money, Amazon can help. The Fire HD 8.9" is almost a full-sized tablet, but its price is closer to smaller tablets. If you don't mind some software compromises (see below), it's a good deal.

Speaking of deals, the Fire ships by default with "Special Offers" advertisements. You can pay an extra US$15 (at check-out or anytime later) to get rid of them.

Intangibles

If you want the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire, you'll have to wait. Customers who pre-ordered early are receiving theirs, but new buyers are out of luck. The back-ordered tablets are shipping around December 3. For the LTE version, you'll have to wait until Dec. 10.

All Kindle tablets are partially subsidized. So, instead of pure Android, you get an Amazon storefront. If you buy lots of physical and digital goods from them, it's no problem. Otherwise, you might long for something less commercial.

Intangibles are Apple's domain, but the iPad's most important is the App Store. With over 275,000 tablet-specific apps, no other platform comes close. If you want the best software, it and iOS 6 make for an unbeatable combination.

Summing up

The Kindle Fire 8.9" HD is Amazon's best tablet. Its display is among the best, it has plenty of horsepower, and it's only $100 more expensive than its little brother. It requires some compromises, and its app selection is dwarfed by the iPad's. But if you're on a budget of $300, you can do much worse than the biggest Kindle Fire.

For more options, check out our 2012 Tablet Comparison Guide.

Source : gizmag

Nexus 10 vs. Surface RT

 

Apple has owned the 10-inch tablet market. Budget slates have done well on the low end, but other full-sized tablets have been utterly dominated by the iPad. Samsung, Google, and Microsoft hope to change that. Surface RT and Nexus 10 are the most compelling full-sized iPad challengers yet. How do they stack up? Read on.

Size

The tablets are close in size, though Surface is a bit more oblong. The Nexus 10 is thinner, but not by a wide margin.

Weight

The Nexus 10 is significantly lighter. The best argument against 10-inch tablets is that they're too heavy, so this could be an important advantage for Samsung's tablet.

Display

This is a tremendous advantage for the Nexus 10. It has the highest resolution of any commercial tablet. Images and text will be razor-sharp.
Microsoft's ClearType (sub-pixel rendering) tech helps Surface's display to look sharper than its resolution would suggest ... but that isn't enough to put it in the same league as the Nexus 10's display.

Processor

Both tablets have great processors, so there shouldn't be any performance issues. The Nexus 10 should have the edge, with its speedy Samsung chip.

RAM

Multitasking performance will be great, as both tablets have 2 GB of random-access memory (RAM).

Storage

These numbers are deceiving. Windows RT takes up a lot of space. That leaves the 32 GB model of Surface with roughly the same amount of useable storage as the 16 GB Nexus 10.
Unlike the Nexus 10, though, Surface has a microSD card slot. You can use it to expand its storage.

Wireless

Neither tablet offers cellular data, so you'll need to connect to Wi-Fi (or your phone's mobile hotspot) for internet access.

Battery

Take these estimates with grains of salt, but the Nexus 10 looks to have the advantage.

Cameras

The Nexus 10 has far superior cameras. Both standard photography and video chat will look much sharper than they will on Surface.

Starting price

This is another big advantage for the Nexus 10. Its base model ships for US$100 less than Surface. Also remember that Surface's keyboard – its killer feature – tacks another $100 onto its price.

Intangibles

Hardware is important, but a tablet is nothing without apps. This is where both tablets stumble.
Android's Google Play Store has all the apps you want … if you have a smartphone. There's still a shortage of quality tablet apps. Sure, those smartphone apps will run on the Nexus 10, but they might look like the Twitter app pictured above. Lots of wasted space, and an unattractive layout.
Surface has its own issues. Windows RT is a brand new platform, and doesn't run desktop Windows software. So don't be surprised if you see some tumbleweeds blowing around. With Surface sales starting slowly, the Windows Store may not be booming anytime soon.
The software story isn't all dismal. The Nexus 10 ships with the latest version of Android, 4.2 Jellybean. It will also receive future updates immediately.
Despite its lack of apps, Windows RT is a bold new operating system. It's basically Windows 8 without the desktop apps. Surface also includes Microsoft Office RT, a selling point for some shoppers.
Surface also has a couple of nifty keyboard add-ons. The Type Cover is a traditional keyboard attachment, but the Touch Cover is something new. It's like an iPad Smart Cover, only with pressure-sensitive keys. Reviews have been mixed, so you might want to try one before throwing down an extra $100.

Summing up

Should Apple be scared? It's hard to say. Both new 10-inch tablets have compelling hardware and exciting new operating systems. Will that be enough to attract software developers? Will customers take the plunge with a lack of tablet apps?
It's a steep hill to climb, but the Nexus 10 may have better odds. It has a lower starting price, a rabid Android fan base, and Surface will soon be competing with its own sibling (Surface Pro).

Source : Gizmag