Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Digital DNA
Consider the family lineage when selecting a new DSLR
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PANASONICPanasonic introduced the first mirrorless Micro Four Thirds System camera, the Lumix DMC-G1, in 2008. Today, the company offers a next-generation lineup of Micro Four Thirds models. The Lumix DMC-GH2, DMC-G2 and DMC-G10 look like mini-DSLRs, with their built-in, eye-level electronic viewfinders complementing the full-time, live-view LCD monitors. The Lumix DMC-GF2 looks like a compact digital camera, but features a Four Thirds sensor like the other Panasonic models.
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The top-of-the-line GH2 features a 16.05-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, a high-res, eye-level electronic viewfinder and an articulated LCD monitor. It can shoot full-res images at 5 fps and 4-megapixel images at 40 fps. Panasonic’s contrast AF systems are known for speed, and the GH2’s Light Speed AF is the quickest contrast-based AF yet. The super-compact GF2 features a 12.1-megapixel Four Thirds sensor, 3.2 fps shooting, similar video capabilities to the GH2 and more. It even can do 3D still images and videos with the optional Lumix G 12.5mm ƒ/12 lens.
| Autofocus Systems |
 DSLRs use phase-detection AF for still photos in viewfinder mode, and most let you choose between phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF in live-view and video modes. Phase-detection AF is quick and much better suited for action subjects. But it requires the SLR mirror to be in the down (viewing) position, so it momentarily disrupts the live view during focusing. Contrast-based AF reads right off the image sensor, so it doesn’t disrupt the live image during focusing, but it’s noticeably slower than phase-detection AF and not as well suited for action photography. There are a few exceptions. Sony live-view DSLRs employ a second sensor to provide the live image and thus can employ the same quick phase-detection AF system for live-view shooting as for viewfinder shooting. Panasonic’s recent mirrorless cameras have very quick contrast-based AF, but no phase-detection AF. |
PENTAX
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The 16.3-megapixel K-5 and 14.6-megapixel K-7 are dust-, moisture- and cold-resistant. The flagship K-5 can shoot up to 7 fps, features ISOs from 80-51,200, and received the highest rating of any APS-C camera in dxomark.com’s RAW sensor ratings. Despite its tiny (for a DSLR) 5.2x3.8x2.9-inch, 23.3-ounce dimensions, the K-5 has a 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot LCD monitor and a 100% eye-level pentaprism viewfinder.  |
The 12.4-megapixel K-r can shoot still images at 6 fps. Even more compact than the K-5, the K-r measures 4.9x3.8x2.7 inches and weighs 19.2 ounces, yet incorporates the same 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot LCD monitor (but has a 96% pentamirror eye-level finder). All Pentax DSLRs can use virtually all Pentax-mount lenses, even old screw-mount and medium-format optics (via adapters). Current DA* lenses feature quiet SDM AF motors and sealing against dust and moisture to match that of the K-5 and K-7 bodies.
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