A review of system cameras: diversifying the photo

It would not be wrong to say that the most exciting new products lately have appeared mostly in the system camera segment. The older compact cameras also have interesting changes, as we said earlier, but this is a continuation of trends that have been emerging for quite some time, and in addition, there is clearly a lack of some variety. On the contrary, “system” devices evolve in different directions and at different levels

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fujifilm x-a1

Nikon 1 V2

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Samsung Galaxy NX1

Sony Alpha A7S

The range of professional-level cameras was unexpectedly expanded by a representative of Samsung NX system. The manufacturer has tried to get closer to the big leagues before, but never before has the balance of optimum design, feature set, ergonomics and performance been so well combined as in the NX1. It is typical that with its novelty Samsung decided to attract not only and not so much photographers but people who seriously – on amateur level or professionally – deal with video. In some parameters this device successfully outperforms competitors produced by Sony and Panasonic, experienced and well-known developers of professional video equipment. Of course, the final verdict will be made based on extensive testing of the production model NX1. In any case, this novelty is certainly worthy of attention.

Just before the issue went to press, Sony made adjustments to the top line of Alpha “system” cameras. A7 II replaces the full frame A7 from a year ago. The changes are not cardinal, but very important. You can hardly be surprised by a five axis vibration compensation system nowadays: almost all key vendors have released their analogues of such stabilizers in different camera segments. But Sony was able to say a new word. The thing is, it’s hard to twist with high frequency and correct amplitude with a large sensor in five dimensions. Besides it would have had to considerably increase the size of the sensor unit. The developers have solved the problem gracefully. They’ve split the compensation directions between a traditional stabilization unit in the lens, which handles tilt relative to the optical axis well, and a unit that controls horizontal and vertical shift of the sensor, as well as rotation around the optical axis. Thus, the sensor is in one plane all the time, and therefore its magnetic suspension is quite compact. No special lenses are required: the system will work with any previously released Sony E lenses equipped with a proprietary stabilizer SteadyShot. Claimed a very high level of efficiency of such a system: Sony says it can compensate up to 4.5 exposure steps EV . In spite of the fact that the basic components of the camera remained the same, there is a considerable growth of speed of single-frame and trailing focus. Besides, plastic front body panel finally gave way to magnesium alloy: the justice is restored.

The medium-sized mirrorless camera segment has seen a marked increase in functionality. The new Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Sony Alpha A5100 cameras are much more capable than their predecessors while retaining their amateur control philosophy and ergonomics. The miniature Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5, despite its not quite amateur price tag, is also quite in tune with the times: more serious performance, easier access to shooting settings, the availability of a hot shoe and viewfinder.

And finally, the most amazing novelty – Sony QX1 – an attachment with a large sensor and full interchangeable optics to a smartphone. If earlier to screw a light portrait on a cell phone could be only with adhesive tape, but now you’re welcome: a full control exposure and many other shooting parameters, shooting in RAW, fast autofocus albeit by contrast , with direct compatibility with the entire system Sony E and indirectly, through the adapter, with a vast fleet of optics Sony Minolta A.

So there are not many new products this season, but there are no passé models among them.