The Nikon D5200 was just reviewed. This entry-level DSLR is the first of its kind to feature a 39-point autofocus system, making it uniquely well suited for sports and action photography, something which was only found on much higher-end DSLR cameras until now.

The D5200 is an upgrade to the externally identical D5100 with a 24 megapixels CMOS sensor capable of 5 FPS continuous shooting and a maximum expanded ISO sensitivity of 25600. There is also a black&white Night Vision mode that captures images up to ISO 102400! As all modern DSLRs, the D5200 shoots full 1080p HD video. This one adds stereo sound from a built-in microphone or an external audio-source.

Read Neocamera’s express review of the Nikon D5200 to find out how it performs. Do not forget to check out the sample images to see how it performs in real-world situation.

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium

Olympus is proud to announce a new flagship for its PEN series of mirrorless digital cameras. Following the E-P3 launched in 2011, it joins the E-PL5 and E-PM2 with the latest 16 megapixels Four-Thirds CMOS sensor. As the top-of-the-line PEN, the new E-P5 offers a wealth of photographic controls and plenty of buttons, including dual control-dials, to access its advanced features.

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is redesigned to look even more retro than its predecessor while improving handling and elegance with a more streamlined all-metal body. Within it are key technologies borrowed from the OM-D E-M5, including the highly-acclaimed 16 MP TruePic VI LiveMOS sensor and processor plus unique 5-axis image-stabilization system which corrects horizontal shift, vertical shift, tilt, pitch and yaw for any mounted lens. Still, Olympus has enhanced the 5-axis stabilization system with automatic panning and tripod detection.

The PEN E-P5 includes an all-new mechanical shutter, capable of a maximum shutter-speed of 1/8000s and with a flash-sync speed of 1/320s when using the built-in flash. This is a first for Olympus and matches shutter-speeds available among the fastest DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with mechanical shutters. This shutter also lets it shoot continuously at 9 FPS  with focus and exposure locked on the first frame or 5 FPS otherwise.

Equipped with the Olympus accessory-port, the E-P5 supports an optional EVF, including the 2.36 MP VF-4 being launched simultaneously. This new EVF is huge and offers a class-leading 0.74X magnification with 100% coverage, making bigger than the largest optical viewfinders. The VF-4 has an improved LCD panel which an ultra-short display-lag. An Eye-Start sensor at the base of the VF-4 automatically switches between the EVF and LCD and is very pleasant to use. The  init tilts vertically for added flexibility.

Built-in WiFi makes its appearance on the Olympus PEN E-P5 with a clever Androis and iOS application which binds to the camera via a QR code. Once bound, the WiFi link supports: remote shooting, remote viewing, transfer of images and the embedding of GPS data supplied by a suitably-equipped smartphone.

This new mirrorless camera adds a number of convenience features, including Live-Bulb and Live-Time which first appeared on the OM-D E-M5. With these features, one can see a long exposure in-progress. The E-P5 adds a progressive histogram so that the saturation-point can be much more easily be detected. Also present on this camera, multiple-exposure blending, interval shooting and video time-lapse from up to 99 frames or 10 seconds.

The Olympus E-P5 features dual control-dials with two functions assigned per dial. A two position switch at the rear, toggles between pairs of dial functions. This innovative control lets the E-P5 directly access additional features without so many buttons. This saves space for the slimmest tilting LCD to date. This display measures 3″ diagonally and has 1.04 MP and touchscreen functionality.

The Olympus E-P5 is expected to ship this month for an estimated price of $999 USD for the body-only package. A premium kit will also be available as the E-P5 plus M.Zuiko 17mm F/1.8 lens and VF-4 EVF for $1449 USD. The camera itself will be available in 3 colors: black, silver or white.

Preproduction Hands-On

We have had the privilege of trying an almost final pre-production E-P5. The metal body makes the camera feel very dense and extremely solid and even the tilting hinge of the rear LCD is quite sturdy. The screen is bright and details and the MF-Assist view allows to zoom-in to the pixel level. The VF-4 is impressively large and shows virtually no motion lag which greatly helps with adjusting zoom, focus and following moving objects.

The new body looks good and less busy than the E-P3. The control-dials are very responsive with good click points and very comfortable to access. Using the thumb one can quickly switch between control-dial modes and what each dial does is extremely customizable. There is a customizable button at the top of the camera as well.

Even the preproduction unit was very responsive. Adjustments were reflected immediately on the LCD or EVF and following action is possible during continuous shooting. Manual adjustment of focus works very well and there is now a focus-peaking display mode that highlights the plane-of-focus.

The E-P5 is quite compact and slim for an advanced mirrorless camera. It feels heavy for its size  because of the all-metal body but is unlikely to be tiresome to hold. The VF-4 adds some bulk which makes it taller than the OM-D E-M5 which is also weather-sealed. Photographers who prefer to shoot at eye-level are likely to be torn between the E-P5 and E-M5.

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium

The flagship mirrorless from Panasonic was just reviewed. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 presents a significant upgrade to the GH2 with nearly every component improved. Headline specifications include an all-new low-noise 16 MP LiveMOS sensor capable of 6 FPS shooting and full 1080p HD video at 60 FPS. The redesigned body is now weather-sealed and features 3 control-dials plus a large 1.7 MP  EVF with Eye-Start sensor.

While photographic specifications are impressive, the Panasonic GH3 pushes the limits of video for a photo camera. Adding to the versatility of interchangeable lenses and image quality of a large sensor, the GH3 offers 3 video codecs to choose from and bit-rates up to 72 Mbps. Full stereo recording from an internal microphone or external source is supported, as is 1080p HD playback over HDMI.

Read the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 review to learn everything there is to know about the GH3. This in-depth review covers all major aspects of the GH3. Be sure to see the gallery of sample images at all ISO for which the GH3 was very successful.

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium

Today, Panasonic Canada is confirming five new products for Canada. First up is the Panasonic Lumix DMF-LF1 which is the most compact camera to ever feature a built-in EVF and was described here last week.

Second is the all-new mid-range mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6. This is a largish model for being mirrorless with a deep grip and built-in EVF with eye-start sensor. At its core is a 16 megapixels CMOS sensor capable of shooting continuously at 7 FPS until the memory card fills up for JPEG or up to 9 RAW images. As with its predecessor, the G6 offers full manual-controls with a traditional mode-dial and a single control-dial. A powerful battery lets the G6 manage 350 shots-per-charge according to the  CIPA standard.

The next product is the very compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 which features the same 16 megapixels Micro Four-Thirds sensor as its larger sibling.  A less powerful processor still lets it shoot continuously a respectable 4.2 FPS while achieving a battery-life of 330 shots-per-charge according to the CIPA standard.

The GF6 also offers full manual-controls which are accessible using a traditional mode-dial and a single control-dial. The slim body features a small grip and rounded top-plate with a built-in flash but no hot-shoe.

The headline addition to the G6 and GF6, besides the low-noise Micro Four-Thirds sensor, is wireless connectivity in the form of built-in WiFi and NFC which allows to transfer of images by tapping with another compatible device.

The fourth product is a redesigned 10X optical zoom lens with built-in image stabilization. This Micro Four-Thirds mount lens has a focal-range going from 14 to 140mm, like its predecessor, albeit with a brighter maximum aperture range throughout the zoom. It features a quiet focus-motor for use during movie-capture.

The last product is neither a camera nor a lens, so we know much less about it. For the curious, it is the WiFi-enabled HX-A100 Wearable Camcorder shown here.

Exact pricing and availability dates in Canada have not be announced yet for any of these products.

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium

Panasonic today unveiled the Lumix DMC-LF1, the very first compact digital camera with a built-in EVF. This premium model offers a stabilized 7X optical zoom lens paired with a larger-than-usual 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor just like the one on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 reviewed here.

Just like other premium compacts, the LF1 offers full manual-controls with both dual control-dials and a traditional mode-dial to access those feature efficiently. Its CMOS sensor can capture images continuous at 10 FPS or full 1080p HD video.

Given the very small size of the Panasonic LF1, it is neat how they managed to pack a 0.2″ EVF, a 3″ LCD and a 7X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28-200mm F/2-5.9. To round-off its bonus features, the LF1 manages to also pack WiFi and NFC communication capabilities.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 has a suggested retail price of $499 USD and is expected to be available a few days before July starts. B&H Photo is already accepting LF1 pre-orders.

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium