FullFatGear » Cameras

Olympus E-P2

martin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:31:15 +0000

Digital SLRs have been steadily improving over the last few years, but they still cling on to the form factor and designs of the 35mm camera era. Don’t get me wrong – I love the aesthetic – but if the sensor isn’t 35mm anymore, why is the body around it scaled to that dimension? The 4/3rds designs have moved this on but not felt like proper photographic tools – until Olympus released their E-P1, or E-PEN in homage to its illustrious forebear first introduced in 1959. Now Olympus have already brought out a new model in the E-Pen range – the E-P2.

The E-P2 takes the concept to a new level, with a serious sleek black look and even more pro pretensions. It continues the E-P1 successes with built-in image stabiliser, high ISO capabilities, 12 megapixel sensor, and a form factor that makes it both pocketable and useable. Add in HD movie recording, still AF tracking, and an accessory port that allows the attachment of an old school swivelling electronic viewfinder.

I rarely take my big DLSR out with me these days – and am therefore seriously tempted by a photographic tool this capable and this compact.

Canon 1D mkIV

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:32:26 +0000

Canon just announced its new top of the line camera – the 16 megapixel 1D mkIV. While it’s not full frame, the amazing APS-H sensor captures images up to an incredible 102,400 ISO and video up to 1080p.

While the camera features serious improvements across the board, with 45 autofocus points, 10fps bursts, and improved predictive focusing, it is the video capabilities which are the star of the show – full manual control, a stereo microphone, and 108p video at 24, 25 or 30fps backed up by 50 or 60 fps 720p video. If you have any doubts as to the video capability of this camera – take a look at Vincent Laforet’s Nocturne film – shot in ambient light at 6400 ISO.

The EOS 1D Mk IV will be out in December – with a MSRP of $5000.

Canon EOS 5D mark II

martin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:23:41 +0000

Canon has announced their new SLR 5D Mark II, with a whole slew of improvements to both resolution and features, with 21 megapixels, full HD 1080p video, a 3.0″ VGA LCD, live view display, and a higher capacity battery. The full-frame sensor alone makes this a serious piece of kit with noticeably improved sensitivity and quality over smaller sensors.

This is truly a game changing camera, which surpasses its closest rivals and moves the digital photography world a leap forward. Pair it with some classic L lenses, like the 24-70 f/2.8L, and there can’t be much to beat this camera.