682 replies to this topic

[rxpharm]

The reviews depend on the point of view of the reviewer - in the case of Dpreview they were reviewing it against traditional DSLRs and so gave it lower marks because of the user interface.

If it is being reviewed against traditional bridge cameras or advanced point and shoots - then it rates higher.

It is revolutionary because it has an APSC sensor in the body size of a point and shoot - although the big lenses make it unpocketable - but give much better photos than the point and shoots and bridge cameras.

This camera is not really aimed at the DSLR users.

[pacman]

Dpreview test all decent cameras, including P&S & bridge cameras. They get judged on their individual merits. So while not wishing to take issue with rxpharm, I think the criticism they level at the NEX-5 is more than its poor rating against the big DSLRs.

I can't speak for dpreview but for me, this is a camera with an identity crisis. Sony have tried too hard to make it both small with all the big camera features. They are masters of miniturisation & they did, by any definition, achieve what they set out to do.

Except the body is so small with no room for buttons & controls, that the camera is flawed by the difficulty of making adjustments.

The number one thing you pay for when you graduate from all-singing, all-dancing P&S cameras to a top-of-the-line DSLR are "professional buttons" (and better sensors, the selling point of the NEX series). These are the wheels & dials that allow you to adjust ISO, aperture & shutter as fast as necessary.

But the lack of them is only part of the problem with the NEX-5. Its identity crisis comes from it not really being what Sony intended, i.e. a miniture alternative to a DSLR. To my mind, the NEX-5 should be the ultimate pocket camera. (Jacket pocket at least)

Add a zoom lens to the NEX-5 & this thing just lost the debate. Until someone designs good lenses that can fold flat against the camera body, all the miniturisation adds up to nought.

And only lenses designed to go on the NEX bodies will fit. That means anyone with older Sony lenses gets no advantage.

As I see it, why go to the expense for a camera with an unwieldy operating system, that doesn't have the advantage of being pocketable, that will cost as much as any decent DSLR once lenses are added & is already considered a bit of an orphan.

IMO dpreview got it right. This will appeal to the aesthetes amongst us but will be looked at sceptically by the rest.

[rxpharm]

Reviews are simply opinions of the reviewer, what is more revealing is how the users feel about it and when you actually try one for yourself.

I would suggest the Petesie read the Dpreview NEX Forum and see what actual owners say about the Nex.

[eslmiker]

I'm trying to buy a new camera today or tomorrow, before my trip. Looking at a Canon S90 with good low light abilities & very good ratings/reviews, or a Canon SX210 great 14times optical zoom (which I'd like) but ratings/review aren't as good (zoom & auto focus are a bit slow) From my reading and looking at the websites, these seem to fit. I'm leaning toward the S90, as umm well, it might work better for my 'room' shots. However, the S90 is a bit more expensive than the S210, and there's less available, as it's an 'older' camera.

Any suggestions of something that might be a happy medium between these 2?

[rxpharm]

The S90 is an excellent choice - but also look at the type of photos you take the most of. If you will be taking more photos that require the 14x zoom then the SX210 would be a better choice - but look at this in the total % of photos you take.

Many people who have the S90 and a DSLR find they use the S90 more than their big cameras now. Which is a testament of how good the results are they get with it.

[eslmiker]

Thanks Rxpharm, the guys at the electronics mart here, who didn't have the S90, were pushing the Samsung EX1, which has an f1.8 lens & ISO 80-3200. While, it's not on dpreview from what I can see, I have read a couple of other good reviews. Any thoughts on this?

[pacman]

The Samsung EX1 is an excellent little camera boasting the same Sony sensor used in the S90 with a very fast f1.8 lens.

Putting such a big sensor in a compact camera is the photographic equivalent of putting a V8 motor into a Mini. The extra light sensitivity of this sensor combined with the very large aperture that comes with the f1.8 lens is what allows the camera to take shots in near darkness.

Here's the dpreview report on the Samsung EX1 (sold as a TL500 in some markets) http://www.dpreview....s/samsungtl500/

It is an impressive review with some caveats. They compare it with the S90 & the Panasonic LX3. All are great travel cameras with better performance than any 'point & shoot' model sold.

Each have their own features/quirks that you need to familiarise yourself with to make your decision. I had talked myself out of getting the Canon S90 as I kept reading about problems caused by the rear dial. It isn't tight enough according to some & can be knocked out of position resulting in wrong exposure or worse, lost photos.

Then when I read that Canon would address the problem with an updated model at this years Photokina (the major camera show where all new models get released) I thought why buy a soon-to-be superceded model? I suspect this is why you can't find an S90, they are being sold off in anticipation of a replacement.

Before I left for LOS I was amazed to see the S90 discounted by almost half of its original price. Now that I have seen several of them here & what they can do, I am kicking myself I didn't buy one. It is the smallest of the 3 cameras mentioned earlier with many comments in the dpreview forums claiming it to be the pick of the three.

Rxpharm made an excellent point - to learn what owners of a camera really think of them, read about their personal experience in the appropriate forum on dpreview.

Regardless of any nitpicking about the EX1 in the review, check the photos posted by owners in the Samsung forum taken by it. Some of them are amazing & made me realise that at this level, when you have the lens & sensor, excellent photos are possible no matter what camera or who takes them.

My suggestion for what it is worth, find an S90 on sale, it should be marked down, if we have them discounted, other countries should be doing likewise. If you can't wait till October for the S90 replacement, buy the EX1 if you are happy with the deal.

But before you buy the Canon SX210, read this comparison review on compact travel cameras. The Canon's rating may surprise you. http://www.dpreview....rouptravelzoom/

The Canon SX20 IS (confusing nomenclature) gets a much better review & is equal first in the Super Zoom comparative review but it is no longer a pocket camera. Plus it costs more. And that's what is great about the S90 (and the EX1), true pocket size able to take photos unimaginable only 3 years ago.

[rxpharm]

A couple of impressive new cameras announced by Sony.

A new variation on the DSLR with an electronic view finder, translucent mirror and video.

The Sony SLT (single lens translucent) Alpha A33 and A55.

Here's the link for Dpreview Sony Alpha A55




A55 key specs:

•16.2MP (effective) APS HD CMOS sensor
•Fixed, pellicle-type semi-translucent mirror
•Maximum ISO 12,800 (with a quasi-ISO 25,600 'Multi-frame NR' option)
•15-point phase-detection AF array with 3 cross-type AF points
•Electronic viewfinder with 1.15 million dot resolution
•Built-in GPS
•Electronic level in EVF/LCD with pitch/roll indicator
•Dual-purpose Memory Stick/SD card slot
•10fps continuous shooting rate
•1080p AVCHD movie mode with continuous AF
•Articulated 3in 'TruBlack' LCD with 912k dots
•socket for external microphone
•2x magnification mode in live view
•Face-detection AF (focus via nearest phase-detection AF point)









DPR gave it a Gold Award, so they were impressed with it. Time will tell if this is a revolutionary breakthrough camera for Sony.

[Nick Bullseye]

•Built-in GPS

Hi rxpharm.

Thanks for the information on the new Sony DSLR camera.

Question concerning GPS: is the GPS value recorded in EXIF?

[rxpharm]

bullseyemaco, yes the GPS info is recorded in the exif. The DPR review comment noted that in built up areas (ie lots of tall buildings) it may be difficult for the camera to pick up the GPS satellites.

The GPS is new on the Alpha A55. The function can be activated in the menu and if satellites are found and the camera is positioned geo-data is written in to the images EXIF-data and displayed with the image in review mode.

[stonefre]

I sold my Nikon Coolpix S220 and bought a new Canon Powershot S95. So far I am very pleased with the new purchase. I look forward to using it my next trip.

[badboyinbkk]

Hi all,

after a few years have just upgraded from Panasonic TZ3 to Canon S95. Reason for this choice: Smaller size, more manual control & better low-light capability (f2 lens).

I'm presently plowing my way through the manual (why do the manufacturers only supply a CD for this!!) - so wish me luck.

1st impressions: great size for portability - no reason not to take anywhere you go, quality build & well made, menu system seems fairly straight forward & good pic quality. Too soon to say any more as I haven't mastered the controls, set-up etc.

I've noticed Stone Fre & Dixon Cox have S90 or S95 also, so any enlightenment from them (& others plse) on the camera set-up/experiences/ examples greatly appreciated.

I will post my results as & when & also any comments about this camera, as it may assist others who are considering buying one etc.

Thanks everybody on this board for all their postings, I'm looking forward to starting my own contributions to share with all.

Badboyinbkk