{"id":164,"date":"2012-01-21T12:04:29","date_gmt":"2012-01-21T17:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/?p=164"},"modified":"2024-09-05T21:56:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T02:56:42","slug":"the-mirrorless-camera-industry-and-the-search-for-the-perfect-camera-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/the-mirrorless-camera-industry-and-the-search-for-the-perfect-camera-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mirrorless Camera Industry and the Search for the Perfect Camera – Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is part two of a two part series on the Mirrorless Camera Industry. Read Part 1 here.<\/a> In this part I’ll discuss the newest exciting offerings in the mirrorless realm and give you my opinions on their successes and failures and I’ll discuss the future and what this all means for you as a photographer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sony NEX-7<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So the quest continues… <\/em>The first item up for discussion is the Sony NEX-7. The NEX-7 was announced back in August of 2011, but is still seeing limited availability in much of the world. Still, it represents the first real attempt by a mirrorless manufacturer to develop a true professional grade Compact System Camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sony NEX-7 has a more robust body, a little larger than the rest of the NEX line, which aids in handling for those with larger hands. It also has a built in EVF of the highest quality, a highly customizable interface, an articulated LCD, good autofocus and a very high quality 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, by far the highest resolution in the CSC realm. It promises a lot, does it succeed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sony NEX-7 with 18-55 lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In my opinion, mostly yes. I unfortunately have not had a chance to shoot with one, but I have done a good bit of research and can talk to its strengths and weaknesses. The NEX-7 has gotten a little bit of flack for having higher per-pixel noise than the NEX-5N, which I frankly think is ridiculous to worry about. The higher resolution means that for similar reproduction size, the files should have a similar noise profile, which would mean it’s class leading with regards to sensor output. It can resolve more than any other CSC and can produce files that rival even modern full-frame cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The viewfinder is said to be the best on the market. High resolution, contrasty, sharp and large. Sony has added focus peaking to its NEX line, which aids in fast and accurate manual focus for use with manual lenses. The interface is much improved over previous NEX cameras, adding multiple dials and more direct control over settings. It is also a quick and responsive camera. Single shot autofocus is reasonably fast and accurate. For many photographers, this is the camera to have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But can it persuade many pros and enthusiasts to ditch their SLRs? For some, yes, but many will still find a fair bit to hold them back. So where does it fail?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, to be honest, for dedicated still shooters, as a camera it doesn’t fail much at all. The biggest downside is the E-mount lens system, which is still well behind any DSLR system and significantly behind the rather robust lineup of Micro 4\/3. For shooters of manual lenses, this won’t be a problem at all, as rangefinder lenses and manual SLR lenses can all be used to great effect. For those who want a compact, fast autofocus experience, however, the current Sony offerings are rather limited. The camera also lacks a standard hotshoe, so you are limited to accessories that are built for the NEX cameras. Those who shoot action will still be let down by inferior continuous autofocus compared to SLRs. Also, the video capabilities are not up to the level of the best video capable DSLRs or even the Panasonic GH2 in the micro 4\/3 camp. Still, for many shooters, this camera has come closest to the ideal camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, the Fuji X-Pro1:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fuji X-Pro1<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An interesting trend has emerged during this whole mirrorless craze. People are going gaga for retro designs. It started with the Olympus E-P1…a classically styled stainless-steel body that exuded the feel of a 1960s Olympus Pen F. Despite the retro look, it remained functional. Then Fuji got involved, and the whole retro trend took off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fujifilm Finepix X100<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When Fuji released their X100 camera, the photography world gasped. It had classic styling, a return to knobs and dials and even a functioning aperture ring. It looked like a classic Leica M rangefinder, yet incorporated an amazing image sensor and a revolutionary new hybrid viewfinder that combined a rangefinder-like optical viewfinder with electronic overlays, as well as the ability to switch entirely to a through the lens electronic finder. The lens is a fixed 24mm f\/2, yielding a field of view similar to a 35mm lens on a full frame body, which is a good length for many photographers for street shooting or general photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This classic sense of design, with switches and dials and knobs, struck a chord with photographers young and old. It harkened back to what was great about simple mechanical film cameras, yet incorporated the latest technology. Perhaps the biggest success is the outstanding sensor that Fuji incorporated into the X100. It is a very high performing camera, with outstanding color and fantastic high ISO capability. The camera has been very successful, despite a number of flaws. Originally, the autofocus had serious issues with speed and ability to find focus in dim light. A later firmware update fixed some of these issues, but it still isn’t as fast or reliable as the modern mirroless system cameras. Additionally, manual focus is spotty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, the sentiment among many photographers is that they wanted an interchangeable lens system based around the X100. A top tier sensor, classic functional design and great lenses, combined with a wonderful viewfinder and (hopefully) autofocus that matches other mirrorless cameras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Consumer Electronics Show 2012, Fuji announced their X-Pro1, a new camera with old-school design, interchangeable lenses and a great sensor. Would this be the camera that sets the bar, that best combines performance, size and image quality? The market will have to decide, but in my opinion, the answer is no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm f\/1.4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The X-Pro1 has a number of extremely desirable features. It’s got a classic design, similar to the X100, with shutter speed dials, aperture rings on the lenses and the same hybrid viewfinder that people loved in the X100. Additionally, Fuji released three lenses that really appeal to the pure photographer in me. With the X-Pro 1, Fuji announced three lenses: 18mm f\/2, 35mm f\/1.4 and 60mm f\/2.4 macro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love a lot of Fuji’s choices here, appealing to advanced photographers with a ‘holy trinity’ of prime lenses, rather than bundling a slow 28-80 equivalent zoom lens. The lenses look to be of very good quality, and image quality samples show the sensor to be outstanding, with wonderful tonal range and good high ISO capability. The sensor is 16 megapixels, but that resolution is plenty for 99% of photographers, and is capable of making excellent 20×30″ prints. Additionally, to my eyes there is a richness to the files that is very unique. It’s a truly beautiful rendering with wonderful color, a soft and gentle contrast rolloff and a depth that I frankly have rarely seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in my opinion Fuji fell far short of perfect with this offering, and my hope is that they will be able to remedy many of the issues I have with their next few cameras. First, the body is quite overpriced. Fuji is asking $1700 for this camera, and this might be worth it, except that Sony has their excellent NEX-7 priced a full $500 below that for a 24 megapixel APS-C option with an amazing viewfinder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, the X-Pro1 has these retro design elements, but for a premium product made some interesting design choices. The aperture ring on the lenses is electronic, as is the focus. While focus-by-wire can be very good if implemented well, early reports are showing manual focus to be less than ideal on the X-Pro1, and for a premium ‘retro’ product, having no mechanical coupling on these controls is an odd choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirdly, the viewfinder that worked so well on the X100 doesn’t work nearly as well on a camera like the X-Pro1. It has a typical rangefinder style, which superimposes frame lines on the view. This works quite well for wide-angle lenses and normal lenses, but starts to become less advantageous for lenses that start getting towards telephoto. Yes, you can switch to EVF for these lenses, as I’m sure most will do, but the EVF isn’t quite up to the level of the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to these issues, early hands on videos show that the autofocus still lags the competition by a significant margin, including some failure to lock focus in average light, even with contrasty subjects. The speed is also a step behind Micro 4\/3, Nikon 1 and NEX. This might not be a problem if manual focus were implemented well, which unfortunately it isn’t. The focus by wire is being reported to be less than precise, with the viewfinder not offering focus peaking or a decent viewfinder magnification for precise focus. This is a letdown to photographers who were looking for a more affordable body to put their Leica M rangefinder lenses on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest thing for me, and this might be less important for other photographers, is that the body is just too big. It’s significantly larger than any of the other mirrorless systems out there. If this had been released about 5 years ago, the size would have seemed better in line, but now that we have outstanding mirrorless options the size of the Panasonic GX1 or the Sony NEX-7, a body this size is less desirable to me. See the following links for comparison to the Panasonic GX1<\/a> or the Sony NEX-7<\/a>. Some photographers might still find it small, as it’s roughly the same size as the Leica M9, but compared to the competition, it’s a chunky brick of a camera. The lenses are of decent size, but at its smallest, the system becomes far less portable than the competition. With all of these issues, the Fuji X-Pro1 is a case of Close, but No Cigar, at least for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, the Olympus OM-D and what it all means:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Olympus OM-D<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The current buzz in the mirrorless world is centering on Olympus’ rumored and somewhat leaked OM-D. Olympus has been promising a ‘professional’ Micro 4\/3 camera for years, and it appears that this is finally the one. They prepped the world for this announcement with their latest lens, a 12-50mm weathersealed kit zoom, which will undoubtedly be paired with the OM-D. While the lens is slow, and elicited a few groans due to the aperture selection, the fact that it’s weathersealed lens let the world know that the Pro Olympus was coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Olympus OM-D – Photo courtesy of 43rumors.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In recent days, a lot of information has been leaked regarding the OM-D. The rumored specifications are that it will be a weathersealed camera body, styled much like the original Olympus OM cameras of the 70s and 80s. It seems Olympus is continuing the ‘retro’ trend in the mirrorless space. The leaked photo to the right (courtesy of 43rumors.com<\/a>), shows a sneak peak at the design and top controls of the new camera. It appears Olympus has added an additional control dial and is using what would be the film adavance lever as a thumb rest. The rumored specifications are also something to get excited about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The camera is rumored to have an all-new 16 megapixel sensor developed by Olympus with an emphasis on high dynamic range and an ISO range that extends to ISO 25,600. If the sensor is truly a big improvement on existing Micro 4\/3 sensors and can provide dynamic range and noise control similar to the NEX-5N, this could really be a revolutionary camera. Autofocus on the new camera is said to be even faster than that on the E-P3 and Panasonic GX1, possibly the fastest AF on any camera. It remains to be seen if this will translate to acceptable continuous autofocus as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we don’t know the details, it is also rumored to have a revolutionary new viewfinder. While details on what this means are sketchy, as some places are reporting a standard 1.44M dot EVF, it is possible that the viewfinder will harken back to what was the old OM-1’s signature feature: an absolutely gorgeous, clear and enormous viewfinder. In fact, modern full-frame DSLRs have viewfinders that are quite small in comparison to the OM-1’s finder. If Olympus can produce a brilliant large viewfinder like the OM-1, it will make many<\/em> people very happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A truly excellent sensor in a responsive, fast and comfortable weathersealed body, with the size advantage and lens selection of the Micro 4\/3 system could be a very, very exciting development. This could end up being the camera that catapults Micro 4\/3 into the league of professional use for a lot of people. (Of course, many professionals are using Micro 4\/3 and NEX cameras now, but this could expand the pool). We’ll all be waiting with baited breath on February 8th, when the camera is slated to become official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what does it all mean?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Well, if you’ve read this whole thing, you may be wondering, is there a perfect camera? Well, of course there isn’t one perfect camera that will work for everyone. Many enthusiasts and professionals will continue to use SLRs for their work, as they better fit the photographer’s needs. Some really want the big sensor of a full-frame 35mm sized imager. Some need the speed and depth of field control offered by the great lens lineups of Canon and Nikon, and have no problem with the weight and size of even using the huge supertelephotos like a 400mm f\/2.8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, more and more photographers are ditching their heavy gear and moving to smaller CSCs. The newest offerings from Sony, Fuji and Olympus could entice even more photographers into the tiny mirrorless fold. Each photographer will obviously need to decide their priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some will prefer the great control and amazing sensor with reasonable price of the Sony NEX system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others will see the fantastic depth of the images with old-school ergonomics and control of the Fuji X-Pro1 as the means to their photographic end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Panasonic GX1 with Olympus 17mm f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Others, like me, enjoy the Micro 4\/3 system and love the great lenses and outstanding portability, and wonderful ergonomics with excellent image quality it offers. For us, the OM-D might represent the best (though I am extremely happy with the outstanding Panasonic GH2 and GX1…you can read my GX1 review here<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether a photographer chooses to delve into the CSC market will be an individual choice, of course; we are in a very exciting time, and in my opinion, it is a crossroads in photography that will very well define the photographic gear of the future. CSCs are getting good enough to be used as primary cameras for a LOT of enthusiasts and professionals alike, and I predict we will see a shift in the industry akin to the switch to 35mm film in the early 20th Century (though not quite as fast and complete as the shift to digital). With many different standards, and the industry still evolving, we’re still figuring out where the mirrorless cameras will end up, but it’s safe to say that cameras will likely be quite a bit different in 20 years than they are now. Smaller, better, and possibly incorporating advanced technologies we are just beginning to scratch the surface of (look up the Lytro camera, for instance).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I, for one, am really enjoying watching the photography industry evolve, and we’ll all continue to search for our own perfect camera. I’d leave it there, but I’ll put this thought in your head….this is a gear-centric post, but as any good photographer knows, the gear is but a small part of the equation, and the vision used to craft an image is so much more important…I’ll delve more into that aspect many times over the coming weeks and months.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is part two of a two part series on the Mirrorless Camera Industry. Read Part 1 here. In this part I’ll discuss the newest exciting offerings in the mirrorless realm and give you my opinions on their successes and failures and I’ll discuss the future and what this all means for you as a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2},"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[21,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinion","category-shop"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/Fujifilm-XPro1-mirrorless-camera2.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p28RGq-2E","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=164"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12743,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164\/revisions\/12743"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=164"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}