It’s been a big few weeks for cameras! Nikon, Fujifilm, Lumix, and Sony have all released or announced new cameras, and here’s a breakdown of some of the highlights, especially as they relate to shooting video:
Nikon D5300
The Nikon D5200 has started to really establish itself as one of the best new DSLR cameras in the video world, so it’s no surprise that Nikon is wasting no time in releasing a new model. The D5200 is capable of shooting in extremely low-light conditions, even rivaling “low-light kings” such as the 5D MKIII, and the images are very clear and sharp. The D5300 is an upgraded version of the D5200. It uses a new 24.2-pixel sensor that can shoot super large 1080/60p videos! I think all digital SLR cameras need this feature as it is essential for slow motion. Some other highlights of the D5300 include WiFi functionality (which allows you to control your phone from your smartphone or tablet), a larger 3.2-inch display, and built-in GPS. When released later this month, the price of the body should be close to that of its predecessor, around $800.
While this may seem like an incremental update in some ways, if the new sensor beats the D5200 in image quality/dynamic range, then D5200 users will be able to upgrade as a matter of course, especially with the new 1080/60p capabilities. With support.
Specification:
- 24.1MP DX format CMOS sensor, no OLPF
- EXPEED 4 processing
- ISO 100-6400 standard, extended to 25600
- 5 fps burst shooting
- 39-point autofocus system, 9-sensor cross-type
- 2016 pixel RGB photometric sensor
- 1080p60 video recording, built-in stereo microphone
- 1.04 million dot 3.2-inch variable-angle LCD display
Sony Alpha 7 and 7R
Now these cameras have become something exciting. They are the first lightweight full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, which is a big deal for shooters who like the look of a full-frame but need a smaller camera body than a traditional digital SLR. These cameras are physically the same but have different sensors, which is their only difference. The A7 has a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with OLPF, and the A7R has a 36.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor without OLPF. Time will tell how these different sensors perform in real life, but considering they both record at 1080p, they’re likely to perform very close in video mode.
Both cameras feature microphone/headphone jacks, which shows that Sony is taking the video capabilities of this camera seriously. I really hope these cameras deliver on the video performance as this is exactly what I’ve been looking for in a camera. I wish it had a higher bitrate codec (it still only uses AVCHD), but it will likely deliver excellent image quality. Sony also announced that they will be releasing new “FE” lenses for these cameras. Available lenses are: 24-70mm f4, 70-200mm f4, 35mm f2.8 and 55mm f1.8. They said that by 2015, there will be 15 lenses in the “FE” series.
Specification:
- 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with OLPF [A7]
- 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, no OLPF [A7R]
- E-mount, supports FE, E and A-mount lenses (adapter included)
- Bionz X image processor
- Hybrid autofocus system with 25 contrast detection points and 117 phase detection points [A7 only]
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- 3-inch 1.23 million dot flip LCD screen
- XGA (2.4 million dots) electronic viewing window
- Diffraction correction technology
- 1080/60p and 24p Full HD recording; uncompressed HDMI output
- Wi-Fi with NFC and downloadable apps
SonyRX10
For those of you who are looking for a camera that offers excellent quality while offering an ease of use unmatched by most other digital SLRs, this may be the camera for you. The newly announced RX10 is equipped with a fixed 23-200mm F2.8 constant zoom lens, which is ideal for users who usually only use a single zoom lens on their camera. But this is not interchangeable, so be aware! One of the best features of this camera is that it has a built-in ND filter, making it one of the easiest digital SLR cameras to shoot in changing light situations. It also has a de-clicky aperture ring, which shows they seem to have photographers/photojournalists in mind. It also features 1080/60p from a 1-inch sensor (which, by the way, is smaller than Micro Four Thirds, so expect pretty high volumes!).
At $1,300, this camera exceeded my expectations, but may be the best option for certain shooters. Personally, I need to change lenses frequently, so this camera isn’t for me. Still, if I were a video journalist, this would be a great choice (provided the video quality is up to spec), as the built-in ND filter alone makes tricky shooting situations much easier.
Specification:
- 20MP 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor (13.2x 8.8mm)
- 24-200mm equivalent stabilized F2.8 lens
- Built-in 3-EV neutral density filter
- Flip-type 1.3m dot (VGA resolution) rear LCD
- 1.14m dot OLED viewfinder
- ISO 125 – 12,800 (expandable to ISO 80)
- Approximately 10fps continuous shooting in “speed priority mode”
- Wi-Fi connection with NFC is more convenient (use compatible devices)
Rumex GM1
This is a cool-looking camera recently launched by Lumix, equipped with a 16-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch spliced LCD screen and 1,080p video recording capabilities. The camera is constructed from a metal alloy and even comes with an aluminum dial and brushed steel finish, which makes the camera not only look bold but feel solid as well. The camera features a new 12-32mm F3-5.6 lens that is retractable and specially designed to fit snugly onto the camera body. Like most new digital cameras, it has WiFi capabilities, which may please many users, but more importantly for video shooters – it has a focus peaking option.
All in all, it looks like a solid all-around camera with decent video capabilities (albeit no 1080/60p option). I don’t think this will be the camera of choice for video shooters by any means, but for those looking for an all-around camera in a solid body with above-average video capabilities, this might be the right choice.
Specification:
- 16MP Live MOS sensor
- Built-in WiFi (no NFC)
- 3.0-inch, 1036K-dot touch LCD
- 1080 60i/30p high definition video
- Built-in pop-up flash
- 1/16,000 maximum shutter speed (with fully electronic shutter)
- focus peaking
- Picture-in-picture magnification with manual focus
- Micro HDMI output
- Magnesium alloy housing, aluminum top and bottom plates
idea
Of all the cameras here, the only ones I’m really excited about are the Sony A7 and A7R. The rest of the list are all solid cameras, most of which have some cool features/features, but they’re really nothing new. They are either incremental updates or minor innovations that don’t really provide any new value. The A7 and A7R offer a new format not available before – a mirrorless full-frame camera. I’m sure Canon and Nikon will eventually follow suit, but it’s always nice to see a company take the bull by the horns and come out with something new. It would be more beneficial to me if the camera had a higher bitrate codec, but I hope Sony packs a punch even with the included AVCHD.
What do you think? Do any of these cameras pique your interest? If so, let us know in the comments below!
I have to recheck my post 5 Digital SLR Cameras for Video After I got my hands on a few of these, but I have a feeling the A7/A7R might steal a spot on the list.
