mirrorless camera

Metabones Speed Booster: more than just an adapter…

21/01/2013 By Mathieu

Last week, a whirlwind of interest circled around a new adapter announced by Metabones, the Speed Booster.

Mount adapters are very common these days, especially for those who use DSLRs or mirrorless cameras for video shooting with various Nikkor, Zeiss or Canon lenses on different bodies. I, for example, use a Panasonic AF-101 (micro four thirds mount) with a Novoflex adapter and my Nikkor lenses. One of the things you need to be aware of is that mounting a full frame (24 x 36) lens on a camera with a smaller sensor will increase your focal length. A 24mm full frame lens is a 48mm equivalent on a micro four thirds sensor, and a 36mm equivalent on an APS-C sensor. This can be a limitation especially for wide-angle lenses. If I need to capture a very wide shot with my Panasonic AF-101, I use the excellent Lumix 7-14mm f/4 or the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. Beyond these two models, there aren’t many alternatives out there.

CES 2013: thoughts about the new Nikon 1 cameras

08/01/2013 By Mathieu

Despite its highly-criticized small sensor, the Nikon 1 camera series has proved itself a worthy contender in the mirrorless camera market. The success of the J version further reinforces that Nikon made a wise choice in choosing a small sensor, even though they managed to attract fewer professionals than other brands.

As I see it, Nikon has tried to differentiate itself from the competition by introducing a system based more on functionality than on overall quality image or professional appearance. Nikon 1s are fun to use, and that’s probably what matters the most.

Looking back to the past to see the future…

07/01/2013 By Mathieu

In the past few years, there has been a large increase in interest in old-fashioned photography. I’m not talking about interest in the history of photography or well-known photographers of the past, but the fascination people have with the physical appearance of retro-style cameras and film. Though real historical brands like Kodak have almost disappeared, we try to reconnect with the past by using 70s-style designs to house modern technology.

What to expect in the mirrorless world for 2013

06/01/2013 By Mathieu

2012 has been an exciting year for mirrorless cameras. Fuji and Canon joined the competition with the X-Pro, X-E1 and Eos M, Nikon updated its 1 line with the J2 and V2, Olympus introduced the most DSLR-like of all mirrorless cameras, the OMD-EM5 and Panasonic released the third version of its high-end micro four thirds line, the DMC-GH3, all with amazing new lenses and accessories. There appears to be no limit to the mirrorless market’s growth.

So, what can we expect this year, and what do we wish to see from our favourite brands?

Samsung goes 3D with the new NX300

04/01/2013 By Heather

Samsung isn’t the first brand name that springs to mind when one thinks of digital cameras. However, that hasn’t stopped it from developing its newest mirrorless camera, the NX300, which will make its first appearance at CES 2013 in Los Angeles. With an impressive ISO range of 100-25600, DRIMe IV image engineering for snappy 8.6fps continuous shooting, and an 20.3 MP APS-C sensor, it is set to cause a stir among mirrorless fanatics.

While retro in appearance, there is no lack of newfangled technology in the NX300. The most obvious modern feature is the 3.3 inch upwards-tilting OLED display. Other features include advanced wireless capabilities, which allow users to directly upload images to social networks, and the possibility to use your smartphone as a remote viewfinder with the camera.