Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Digital DNA
Consider the family lineage when selecting a new DSLR
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The 14.6-megapixel NX10 features a mini-DSLR form factor, with a VGA (921,000-dot) eye-level electronic viewfinder and a 3.0-inch, 614,000-dot AMOLED external monitor, which is much quicker and clearer than LCD monitors. The NX10 can shoot still images at 3 fps (and reduced-res, 1.4-megapixel images at 30 fps). It measures 4.2x3.4x1.6 inches, weighs 12.3 ounces. |
The NX100 features a flat, yet stylish compact-camera form factor, with the same Samsung APS-C CMOS sensor, video capabilities, NX lens mount and AMOLED monitor, but no built-in eye-level electronic viewfinder—though a clip-on one is available as an option. You can record up to 20 seconds of sound with a still image. The NX100 measures 4.7x2.8x1.4 inches, weighs 9.9 ounces.SIGMA
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The latest versions are the DP1x and DP2s, which add improved TRUE II image processing, improved AF performance and more efficient power management to the originals. The DP1x measures 4.5x2.3x2.0 inches, weighs just 8.8 ounces and lists for $800. The DP2s measures 4.5x2.3x2.2 inches, weighs 9.2 ounces and lists for $940. Both are straightforward, easy-to-learn cameras, carrying on the tradition of the Sigma DSLRs.
| Video Formats |
| Most newer DSLRs and all mirrorless interchangeable-lens models offer HD video capability. Some offer 1080 full HD and others offer 720 HD. The 1080 format provides videos 1920 pixels wide and 1020 lines deep. The 720 format provides videos 1280 pixels wide and 720 lines deep. Most cameras also offer SD video, which measures 640 pixels wide and 480 lines deep (fewer lines deep with some cameras). When viewing videos on an HD television or full screen on a computer, higher-resolution video generally looks sharper and clearer with less artifacts. Some video-capable DSLRs and mirrorless cameras provide a choice of frame rates. Common ones include 30 fps, 24 fps and 60 fps. The faster the frame rate, the smoother action sequences appear. The 24 fps rate matches the frame rate of professional motion pictures, and some feel this provides a more “cinematic” look. For pro video work, you’ll want the variable frame rate capability. Note that the NTSC video standard for 24 fps is actually 23.976 fps, 30 fps is actually 29.97 fps, and 60 fps is actually 59.94 fps. Some cameras really shoot 30 fps and 60 fps; for pro work, this is less desirable than cameras that shoot 24, 30 and 60 fps at the NTSC 23.976, 29.97 and 59.94 fps rates, respectively. You’ll also notice a “p” or “i” following the frame rate, 1080/30p, for example. The “p” means “progressive” video, which displays one full image at a time at the specified rate. The “i” means interlaced video, which displays the odd-numbered lines, then the even-numbered lines of the image. Progressive video handles motion better than interlaced, provides entire frames for freeze-frame or still-image grabs, and has fewer artifacts. Video-capable DSLRs and mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras output progressive video. |
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