COvERSTORY CAMERAS & ACCESSORIES Choosing the Right Digital Camera We look at the best models of DSLR, Compact and Mirrorless cameras recently launched to help you cut the clutter — Jayanta Ghose eciding on buying a camera can be a tedious ion batteries. Also in this category you get models whch task these days because not only do we have provide longer zoom lenses and larger LCD screens, and plenty of options available in the market even offer touch-screen functionality. So these cameras Dfor every category, but also we often got are good for all purpose photography. confused on whether to go for a compact, superzoom, Popular cameras: Sony Cybershots, Nikon Coolpix. DSLR or the new mirrorless cameras. Through this article, Best for: Style concious, party goers. we try to define each category in a simple way so that it helps you clear your thoughts about the type of cameras in the market and what they are best at. Simple point and shoot These are budget cameras that are very simple to operate and capable of taking pictures without any extra skills. You just have to point at and shoot the object. Most budget compacts offer lenses with a 3x optical zoom, and anything more than that is an added advantage. Popular cameras: Canon PowerShot A4000 IS, Panasonic Lumix DMC FH6, etc. Best for: First time users, children. Professional compacts These are compact cameras which aim to bring a high standard of image quality in a small camera. If you want good professional performance and features, without the hassles that come with big DSLRs then Slim and stylish compact these cameras are for you. They slip easily in your These cameras are stylish and trendy with features like pocket but can take professional quality shots, with upto HD video recording and a few of them also offer wide 24.3 megapixel sensors. In proper light conditions and angle lenses. They mostly works on rechargeable lithium- settings these cameras can give you DSLR like results. 36 PCQUEST A P R I L 2 0 1 3 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Scan this code for more info. To download a barcode app, SMS <f2k> to 56677 from a mobile phone with Internet access and camera. Even when light levels drop, the noise control offered DSLR and shares many features with a DSLR but the by these cameras is generally good. Some models controls and operation are more like that of a compact also offer hot shoes for external accessories, such camera. In the mirrorless camera you get a large sensor as viewfinder and flashguns, while a couple of those that helps improve the image quality of these cameras. with longer lenses also manage to squeeze in GPS Popular cameras: Olympus OM-D E-M5, Fujifilm X- recordings should you be travelling around. Pro1, etc. Popular cameras: Sony Rx100, Fujifilm X10, etc. Best for: Good alternative for professional compact Best for: Creative photography on the fly, low-light cameras, street and travel photography. situations. DSLR cameras These cameras offer the best image quality and more options than others. Mainly there are two variants in the DLSR catgory, one is full frame and the other is a crop sensor DSLR. The main difference between the two Superzoom bridge cameras is sensor size. A “full frame” sensor is roughly 24mm x These superzoom bridge cameras combine the flexibility 36mm, whereas a crop sensor is around 16x24mm. Most of a wide focal range with a small format body. Many of the high end professional cameras are full frame, and offer manual control over exposure (with an aperture so are larger in size. Also, full frame sensors have better or shutter priority option), while others allow you to image quality across the board, but they really shine with manually focus too, meaning the photographer can a high ISO performance. take most controls into their hands. A superzoom is a Popular cameras: Nikon D600, Canon 6D, Sony A99 high end point and shoot designed specifically to give (Full frame), NikonD5200, Canon 600D. a photographer a whole lot of magnification without Best for: Images that require the best quality, action having to spend more on a DSLR. Travelers all around the photography, those looking to experiment with video world prefer to carry a super zoom with them because recording. those insanely long lenses are very difficult to carry around. But what goes against the superzoom cameras is that optical quality drops pretty significantly at full zoom. However, to even get close to the same variety of focal lengths from a Mirrorless or SLR camera you would require to carry atleast three lenses, and simply forget the cost involved. Popular cameras: Panasonic FZ150, Canon SX50, etc Best for: Travelling, outdoor activities Mirrorless (interchangeable lense) cameras Mirrorless cameras are a blend of a compact camera with a digital SLR. Or you can say it is like a digital SLR, only without the mirrors that you find in a DSLR. So for that reson it’s much smaller and lighter than a normal pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] A P R I L 2 0 1 3 PCQUEST 37 COvERSTORY CAMERAS & ACCESSORIES DSLRs: Nikon D5200 DSLRs: Sony Alpha 99 — Jayanta Ghose — Jayanta Ghose Like its predecessor A900 this SLT-A99 also enters in the full frame DSLR segment.The flagship A99 model combines the 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor with the BIONZ image processing engine aiming to deliver high image performances in both still and video shooting. With this camera Sony comes with an unique dual sensor AF system, which is a 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors that give you much precise subject tracking along with 6 fps at full resolution or up to 10 fps in tele-zoom high speed shooting mode. The Sony A99 evolved BIONZ processor gives you maximum sensitivity range as wide as ISO 100 – 25600. After testing we found that till 3200 it gives you great low-light noise-free shots. Also the A99 provides five customizable buttons that can each be configured for one of 31 separate functions. The magnesium alloy body feels solid in hand and is surprisingly light weight, with the dust and moisture sealing the body. Also, despite being the first full frame ‘SLR’ with an electronic viewfinder its a very mature camera in terms of operation and handling. Video Quality: The A99 provides Full HD 60p/24p PRICE progressive video recording and it also has a full-time PERFORMANCE Continuous AF Movie mode. Other features include real-time FEATURE Full HD video output via HDMI, and dual-card recording using both the media slots. OVERALL Botom line: A good full frame DSLR with an amaizing low light performance. It is a fully loaded camera capable of delivering consist- After they upgraded the base model D3100 with D3200, they ent results in a wide range of shooting scenarios for both your still also upgraded their other two DX models D5100 by D5200 photography and video. and D7000 by D7100. In this review we will take a look at D5200 and what all changes they have done to it. So on first look we did not notice much difference in the exterior from its Price: `1,79,990 previous model, the D5100. Two major upgrades are in the Key Specs: Mid-size SLR,24.3 megapixels,CMOS,Full frame,ISO 100- megapixel count and the AF points: it was 16MP in D5100 25600,RAW,1/8000 sec, 6 fps, 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x and now it’s 24MP in D5200. Also, its has now 39 AF points 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps), Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro- (with 9 cross-type sensors) that cover most of the frame; this HG Duo; SD, SDHC and SDXC. count was 11 in D5100. The low light performance of this Pros: Full frame, Excellent high ISO output, in-body image stabilization camera is also very impressive, and till ISO 3200 it gives system works with all lenses, 1080p@60 video, Stereo mic and crisp images. Other features are very much same as D5100. headphone inputs, 14-bit RAW output The D5200 has a few more additional tweaks which include Cons: Small coverage area for AF, also, AF tracking accuracy lags the same improved Auto ISO program that we first saw on behind its competitors the D800, which adds the ability to set the minimum shutter speed automatically based on the focal length of the lens in PRICE use. In the movie mode they have included more controls. You PERFORMANCE have the option of taking full control over all exposure values FEATURE - aperture, shutter speed and ISO - in M mode. So if you are OVERALL looking for a high specs entry level camera or looking for a cheaper option then this is a perfect choice. Botom line: This is a very good mid segment SLR, which is nice to use, delivers great results and offers specifications that were only offered by top-end SLRs a few years ago. Price: `46,950 Key Specs: 24.1MP DX ,EXPEED 3, ISO 100-6400 standard, up to 25600 expanded,5 FPS, 39 AF system, 9 sensors cross type, 2016 pixel RGB metering sensor,1080p@30fps video recording, built-in stereo mic. Pros: 24MP, good ISO output, Great swivel screen, HDR mode is excellent. Cons: RAW not available when using effects or HDR mode, Slow AF point positioning in Live View.