what digital camera 201412

THE BEST CAMERAS YOU CAN BUY RIGHT NOW.

CameraWHAT DIGITAL

THE MAGAZINE YOU NEED TO FIND YOUR NEXT CAMERA

THE UKS BEST SOURCE FOR IN-DEPTH TESTS AND CAMERA REVIEWS

ONE OF 3FUJIFILM S9200S

WIN!

NIKON

D750

DECEMBER 2014

t

TOP 20 INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERAS REVIEWED AND RATED Our listings rate and compare the specs of all the nest DSLRs, CSCs & compacts

BEST

Worlds rst full frame DSLR with a tilt screen & Wi- tested

Get to grips with shutter speed

Master Action Photography

26Tips & essential shooting advice

And boost impact in your pics

FULLTEST

FREEPULL OUT TECHNIQUEGUIDE

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1Is the E-M1 a dream to use out on an assignment? We nd out...

EACHWORTH250

27BEST IN C

LASS

CAMERAS

FIELDTEST

Cover WDC DEC 2014 clean.indd 1 13/10/2014 15:41

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WWW.WHATDIGITALCAMERA.COM 3

W E L C O M E

Rewind six years and the Nikon D700

was the hot topic of conversation

among photo enthusiasts. Its

professional credentials came at an

affordable price and it quickly gained a

reputation as the most desirable DSLR going. After a

long and patient wait, Nikon users nally have the

model theyve been waiting for the D750, which

slots into the gap between the D610 and D810. Our

full review looks at it in more detail on page 12.

Our main cover feature looks at helping you nd the

best camera no matter how much youre willing to

spend, while this months pull-out technique guide

offers no less than 26 tips for shooting action and

reveals why shutter speed is such a vital setting.

Elsewhere in this issue we subject the

Olympus OM-D E-M1 to a grilling eld test

to nd out if its still one of the nest

Micro Four Thirds cameras; we test the

Sony Alpha A5100 to see if its as

promising as its specs suggest; and as

always we answer all your photographic

questions. Enjoy the issue.

MANAGING EDITOR MICHAEL TOPHAM

CameraWHAT DIGITAL

DECEMBER 2014P4 First Look We get hands on with

the new Panasonic Lumix

GM5 and Samsung NX1

P8 Incoming The rest of the best

releases from this years

Photokina imaging fair

P10 Opening Shot A sensational wildlife shot

by Richard Shucksmith

P12 Nikon D750 How does Nikons latest

full frame DSLR stack up

and perform in the eld?

P17 Best Cameras You Can Buy Right Now

Unsure of the best camera

to buy on a strict budget?

We round up the nest

choices from 150-2,500

P26 My Digital Camera Two Canon DSLR users

offer their opinions on the

EOS 500D and EOS 7D

P30 Secondhand Classic An old classic gets revisited

P33 Field Test We take Olympuss OM-D

E-M1 aboard a yacht to

nd out how it fares at

documenting an epic race

P38 Sony A5100 The latest addition to the

Alpha series gets reviewed

P40 Accessories We test the rst portable

Wi- hard drive with an

SD slot for secure backup

when youre on the move

P45 Technique This months pull-out

guide reveals how to take

better action images and

master your shutter speed

P58 Help Your photography-related

queries get answered

P62 Buying Guide Reviews of all the current cameras plus lens listings

P98 Competition Enter to win a Fuji lm

S9200 bridge compact!

T E S T S Y O U C A N T R U S T

To ensure the camera you buy

doesnt disappoint when you

get it home, every camera

that passes through the hands

of What Digital Cameras highly

experienced technical team is

put through a series of tests to

analyse how it performs.

Every model, from high-spec

DSLRs through to entry-level

compacts, is subjected to a series

of rigorous tests in our lab, with

results analysed by the very best

industry software. This makes our

reviews the most authoritative in

the UK.

We test for colour different

sensors and camera image

processors can interpret colour

differently, while this can also

shift at different ISO sensitivities.

We then get down to the nitty-

gritty of resolution, with our lab

tests showing us exactly how

much detail each camera can

resolve even though cameras

can share identical pixel counts,

some perform better than others.

Then we look at Image Noise,

since different cameras can

produce cleaner images at higher

ISOs than others.

Finally, we get out and shoot

with every camera and lens in

real-world conditions just as you

will, to nd out how they perform.

22 20

COLOUR Subjecting each camera to our colour chart test

reveals any variation and differences in colour

between Raw and JPEG le formats.

RESOLUTIONOur resolution chart reveals exactly how much

detail a sensor can resolve and its measured in

lines per picture height, abbreviated as l/ph.

NOISE The diorama is used to ascertain how image

noise is handled through an ISO range. Some

cameras produce cleaner results than others.

ISO 100

ISO 400ISO 100

ISO 100

p3 Contents Dec MTjp.indd 3 14/10/2014 14:5293WDC14DEC104.pgs 14.10.2014 15:53 BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

4 WWW.WHATDIGITALCAMERA.COM

Photokina 2014 brought us

an array of exciting new

cameras, from large-sensor

zoom compacts to top-end SLRs.

But one of the real stars of the

show came from a less likely

stable the Samsung NX1. The

NX1 is a high-end Compact

System Camera thats designed

to appeal to advanced

enthusiasts. This places it in the

same bracket as current standout

cameras including the Fuji lm

X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D

E-M1. However, on paper, the NX1

offers the most impressive

feature set of the lot.

The NX1 has a 28MP APS-C

CMOS sensor, with a hybrid

autofocus system that includes

phase detection elements arrayed

across almost the entire frame. It

can shoot at 15fps with

continuous autofocus, and has a

70-frame JPEG buffer. It also

joins a select group of cameras

that offer video recording at 4K

resolution. For viewing, it

incorporates a large 2.36-million-

dot electronic view nder, a

3in Super-Amoled tilting

touchscreen, even a top-plate

LCD panel of the type normally

reserved for enthusiast DSLRs.

The body is made of magnesium

alloy, and is dustproof as well as

splashproof. Naturally Wi- with

NFC is built-in, but interestingly,

Samsung also adds Bluetooth.

This is all pretty mouthwatering

stuff, with the NX1 out-gunning

the other top-end APS-C

announcement at Photokina, the

Canon EOS 7D Mark II, at least in

terms of speci cation.

SENSORThe NX1 is based on an entirely

new 28MP sensor which is the

rst APS-C sized unit to employ

back-side illumination (BSI)

technology. Samsung says this

increases sensitivity, so that

each pixel can record as much

light as those on its previous

20MP sensors. In principle the

technology also reduces lens

shading effects. The available

sensitivity range runs

from ISO 100 up to

ISO 25,600 or ISO

51,200 in extended

mode.

The sensor

includes no fewer

than 205 phase detection

elements for autofocus covering

a wide area of the frame, which

work in concert with 209

contrast detection elements in

the hybrid autofocus system.

Of these, 153 are cross-type:

sensitive to both horizontal and

vertical detail. Whats more,

Samsung claims the system can

track moving subjects while

shooting at 15fps, and focus in

just 55 milliseconds. It can also

operate during movie recording.

Our initial impressions from trying

the camera are positive the NX1

focused quickly and decisively

in Samsungs reasonably well-lit

demo area at Photokina.

Image processing employs

the DRIME V, Samsungs most

powerful processor yet. It

uses a multi-core processor to

achieve speeds 2.8x faster than

its predecessor. Samsung says

its more power-ef cient than

previous designs, which helps

allow a battery life of 500 shots

unusually high for a CSC.

The NX1 closely resembles a

mid-size SLR in its design, with a

central housing for its electronic

view nder, a prominent handgrip,

and a body peppered with

buttons and dials. It feels pretty

A N D Y W E S T L A K E T E C H N I C A L E D I T O R

SAMSUNG DEBUTS NX1HIGHLIGHTS SENSOR 28.2MP BSI APS-C CMOS sensorPROCESSOR DRIMe V image processorLENS MOUNT Samsung NX mountAUTOFOCUS 205-point Hybrid AF systemSCREEN 3in, 1,040k-dot touchscreenVIEWFINDER EVF (OLED) 2,360k-dotVIDEO 4K (4096x2160) 24fps, Full HD (1920x1080) PRICE 1,299 (body only)

C O M P A C T S 4 5 5 - 1 2 0 0

F I R S T LO O K

solid in your hand, but doesnt

quite exude the same sense of

bomb-proo ng that you get from

its direct Photokina rival, the

Canon EOS 7D Mark II.

Samsung is keen to stress that

the NX1 can shoot video as well

as stills. Its 4096 x 2160 pixel

resolution 4K video is encoded

using the H.265 codec, which is

twice as space-ef cient as the

standard H.264 used by most

cameras. The NX1 records at

80Mbps to its own SD card, so

theres no need for an external

recorder, and has an input socket

for an external microphone.

Samsung has also announced

a raft of accessories for the NX1

which reveal the full extent of

its ambitions. Theres a premium

50-150mm f/2.8 S series lens

to complement the existing

16-50mm f/2-2.8, and the high-

power ED-SEF580A ash with a

maximum guide number of 58.

And the ED-VGNX01 vertical grip

replicates the NX1s main controls

for portrait format shooting.

FIRST IMPRESSIONSThe NX1 sees Samsung aiming

higher than it ever has before,

offering a true top-end model to

rival cameras such as the

Olympus OM-D E-M1. On paper

its a startlingly impressive

camera, and looks worthy of

serious attention. Samsungs

biggest problem to date has been

one of brand perception, and

convincing potential buyers that

its a proper camera maker. The

NX1 might just change that, and

were looking forward to trying it.

The grip offers a pleasing and comfortable feel in the hand

Unlike many CSCs, the NX1

has an LCD top-plate display

In the hand,

the NX1 feels a

touch plasticky

in some areas

p4-5 first look dec MTjp.indd 4 10/10/2014 17:24


Action camera specialist

GoPro has taken wraps

off its most powerful

lineup of HERO cameras to date.

Comprised of three new models,

the GoPro HERO 4 Black edition

is the latest agship action cam,

which builds on the success of

the HERO 3+ Black edition by

supporting broadcast-quality 4K

video at 30fps and 2.7K video at

50fps, with the option to shoot

Full HD video at a blistering

120fps for slow-motion effects.

In addition, the HERO 4 Black

features an entirely new audio

system thats said to capture

enhanced sound with 2x the

dynamic range of previous

models. For those interested in

rattling out stills as well as video,

it can shoot 12MP still images at

a lightning-fast 30fps. Other

improvements include a

refreshed user-interface, 50%

faster Wi- and LED strips

beside the LCD screen to offer a

clear view of when the GoPro is

recording or when Wi- is active

and switched on.

Equally as impressive is the

GoPro HERO Silver edition.

Although it lacks 4K,

professional video capture is

captured at 2.7K (30fps), 1080p

(60fps) and 720p (120fps). The

real standout feature is the

built-in touch display. Until

recently, users wanting to

compose via the camera instead

of the app and watch footage

back in playback mode have

required an LCD Touch BacPac

accessory, at additional expense.

The HERO 4 Silver also shoots

12MP still images at up to 30fps,

comes with GoPros fresh menu

interface and faster Wi- .

Just as noteworthy is the

debut of the HERO the rst

entry-level GoPro aimed at

attracting a consumer whos

seeking the perks of shooting

video and stills in extreme

environments on a budget. As a

simpli ed model it shoots 1080p

footage at 30fps or 720p at

60fps, and is supplied in rugged,

waterproof housing.

All three models are available

to preorder now, costing 369,

289 and 99 respectively.

GOPRO SHOOTS 4K VIDEOM I C H A E L T O P H A M M A N A G I N G E D I T O R

C O M P A C T S 4 5 5 - 1 2 0 0F I R S T LO O K

Last year Panasonic

impressed us with its tiny

GM1 a Compact System

camera barely taller than its Micro

Four Thirds lens mount. With its

near-silent electronic shutter and

extensive touchscreen-based

controls, the GM1 is a ne

carry-everywhere camera for

serious photographers. But it has

its weaknesses, most notably a

ddly rear control dial thats used

for changing exposure settings.

And as I found out testing

Panasonics latest 15mm f/1.7 lens

this summer, the xed rear screen

and lack of any other viewing

option means that shooting in

bright light can become a matter

of guesswork.

With the new GM5, Panasonic

has addressed both these issues.

Its added an electronic view nder

and revised the control layout,

while barely increasing its size.

The result is a camera that can

stake a serious claim to being the

best small interchangeable lens

camera on the market.

To replace the GM1s tiny rear

dial, Panasonic has added a small

thumbdial on the cameras

shoulder, re-introducing a control

thats long been a staple of

Panasonics G-series cameras,

right back to the cult-classic GF1.

This is used to change exposure

settings such as shutter speed,

aperture, and exposure

compensation; clicking it inwards

toggles its function between

whichever are active in the

current exposure mode. This dial

isnt very large, but past

experience says it should make

shooting with the GM5 a much

more pleasant experience.

The second new feature is the

electronic view nder, which is

placed range nder-style in the

upper left corner. Its impressively

high resolution, but pretty small

a necessary compromise for

keeping the body this compact.

As usual a wide range of exposure

information is visible while youre

shooting, including a live

histogram and electronic levels.

The slight increase in size

relative to the GM1 means that the

control layout on the cameras

rear has been revised and spaced

out. Panasonic has persisted with

placing a focus mode switch on

the top-plate, which seems like a

waste of real estate its not the

most obvious function wed

dedicate the space to, especially

with exposure compensation dials

becoming more commonplace.

The GM5 retains the GM1s xed

rear touchscreen, which offers

quick access to a wide range of

secondary functions via the

onscreen Q menu. Its also

possible to specify the focus area

by tapping the screen when

shooting with the LCD, which

weve always found to be a useful

option. Like the GM1, the GM5

feels like a quality product in your

hand. Theres no grip as such, but

there is suf cient space on the

back of the camera for your

thumb to rest.

FIRST IMPRESSIONSThe GM5 takes what was already

a superb little camera, and by

adding an electronic view nder

and tweaking the controls, turns it

into something very desirable

indeed. It makes an interesting

comparison with the co-

announced LX100 xed-lens

compact camera; the GM5 is

noticeably smaller while using the

same size sensor. Its 12-32mm

f/3.5-5.6 kit zoom is much slower

than the LX100s similar range,

f/1.8-2.8 built-in lens, but the GM5

has the advantage of accepting

interchangeable lenses.

Overall the GM5 looks like it will

be a lot of camera in a very small

package, competing almost as

much with 1-inch sensor compact

cameras as with other small

Compact System cameras. Its

also likely to be very attactive to

existing users of larger Micro Four

Thirds cameras like the Panasonic

GH3 and GH4, and the Olympus

OM-D E-M1, as an ultra-portable

second camera. It may risk being

somewhat overlooked in the

inevitable excitement around the

LX100, but its an interesting

camera in its own right.


MICRO PERFECT LUMIXHIGHLIGHTS SENSOR 16MP Live MOS sensorPROCESSOR Venus engine image processorLENS MOUNT Micro Four ThirdsAUTOFOCUS 23-area AF systemSCREEN 3in, 921k dotsVIEWFINDER EVF, 1,166 k dotsPRICE 769 (with 12-32mm kit lens)

The HERO 4 Silver Edition is the

rst GoPro to feature an inbuilt

touch display to aid composition

and make it easier to view stills

and videos in playback mode

The GM5 builds

on the success

of the excellent

Lumix GM1

p4-5 first look dec MTjp.indd 5 10/10/2014 17:25


Canons PowerShot range

of advanced compacts

has proved incredibly

popular over the past few years,

and the all-new PowerShot G7 X

looks set to continue this trend.

Perhaps the most impressive of

the Canon PowerShot G7 Xs

numerous features is its lens. The

4.2x optical zoom covers a focal

range of 24-100mm, and with a

maximum aperture range of

f/1.8-2.8, its a lens that

outperforms one of its key rivals

the Sony RX100 III. It matches

the RX100 III in terms of sensor

speci cation, also boasting a 1in

CMOS chip. That in the G7 X

offers a 20MP resolution and a

maximum ISO 12,800, meaning it

should be capable of capturing

stunning shots, even in low light.

The Canon G7 X, as you might

expect for a modern compact,

features both Wi- and NFC


CANON POWERSHOT G7XHIGHLIGHTS SENSOR 20.2MP 1inch back-illuminated CMOSLENS 4.2x optical zoom (24-100mm)LCD 3in, 1,040k-dot touchscreenISO 125-12,800VIDEO Full HD video (1080p) at 60/30fpsAF SYSTEM 31-point PRICE 579

C O M P A C T S 4 5 5 - 1 2 0 0F I R S T LO O K

connectivity. Both of these

technologies allow for the camera

to connect to a smartphone or

tablet with Canons Camera

Window app installed. The model

also features Full HD video

capture at 30 and 60 frames per

second, with full manual exposure

control available in this setting.

In terms of the cameras

design, the G7 X features a

touchscreen LCD thats hinged so

as to facilitate adjustment for

viewing at different angles. That

having been said, although it can

be moved to face forwards for

self-portraits it cant be tilted

either sideways or downwards,

and as such its effectiveness is

somewhat limited.

Its fair to say the model is

more akin to an S-series

PowerShot than a G-series model

in terms of feel, although it is a

touch thicker. Canon has paid

attention to the models control

layout, ensuring the presence of

an exposure compensation dial

on the cameras top-plate as well

as a control dial around the lens.

Both of these have pleasing click

steps to give tactile feedback

something often overlooked in

competing models.

FIRST IMPRESSIONSIn equipping the PowerShot G7 X

with a 1in sensor as well as a

host of manual controls Canon

has lined the camera up squarely

in competition with Sonys

successful RX100 series, and in

particular the latest RX100 III,

which if we recall features that

superbly designed pop-up

electronic view nder a rst of

its kind on a premium pocket

compact model.

Our time spent with the Canon

PowerShot GX 7 gives us the

impression that the camera is

certainly going to present keen

competition to the RX100 III,

certainly in terms of the control

layout and lens speci cation.

Whats more, the touchscreen

control is extremely responsive

and makes for easy navigation of

the intuitive menu interface.

One thing is for sure its great

to see other manufacturers

launching large-sensor pocket

compacts to challenge the

popular Sony RX100 III. Were

looking forward to seeing how it

compares in a head-to-head test.

Be sure to watch this space.

The zoom has a variable

aperture of f/1.8-2.8

Exposure compensation is controlled below

the mode dial

The screen ips

by 180 for the

times when

youd like to

shoot a sel e

The G7 X also

comes with NFC

connectivity for

instant touch

sharing with

mobile devices

p6 first look dec MTjp.indd 6 10/10/2014 17:32

Lenses and accessories shown are not included

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C O M P A C T S 4 5 5 - 1 2 0 0

PANASONIC LUMIX CM1The shock announcement at this years Photokina was the launch of the Lumix CM1 the rst

smartphone to feature a 1-inch sensor. Destined to offer a detail and image quality performance like

no smartphone camera weve seen before, it has an elegant design and runs the Android 4.4 KitKat

operating system. Itll initially be sold in France and Germany before potentially coming to UK shores.

900 www.panasonic.com/uk

SANDISK 512GBWhod have thought it would be possible to t

512GBs worth of storage on an SD card?

SanDisks latest release offers just that ideal

for memory-hungry HD and 4K video footage.

685 www.sandisk.co.uk

OLYMPUS 40-150MMThis professional-grade zoom features an f/2.8

maximum aperture and dual linear motors for

quick and silent focusing. Its available with a

new 1.4x converter for even more zoom power.

1299 www.olympus.co.uk

RICOH WG-M1The action camera market is thriving with new releases of late. The Ricoh WG-M1 looks to take on its

rivals with a 14MP CMOS sensor capable of recording full HD video (1920 x 1080) at 30fps. Its design

shares similarities with the companys WG-4 rugged compact, being waterproof to a depth of 10m,

freezeproof to -10C and surviving drops from 2m all without the need of a protective case.

199 www.ricoh-imaging.co.uk

ADOBE ELEMENTS 13Latest version brings new effects and a new

crop selection tool, which can analyse an

image and apply the best crop based on the

rules of classic composition clever stuff!

79 www.adobe.com/uk

T H I S M O N T H S H O T T E S T N E W G E A R

INCOMING

SONY FE 16-35MM F/4This new wideangle zoom becomes the fth

full-frame zoom lens for Sonys Alpha 7-series.

Its bound to be a hit with serious landscape

photographers using the Sony A7 or A7R.

1289 www.sony.co.uk

p8-9 incoming Dec MT jp.indd 8 10/10/2014 17:43


C O M P A C T S 4 5 5 - 1 2 0 0INCOMING

TAMRON 15-30MMTamron has revealed development of an ultra

wideangle lens for full-frame DSLRs with an

f/2.8 maximum aperture. Its expected to be on

sale and available to buy around May 2015.

TBA www.intro2020.co.uk

VANGUARD SEDONA Designed for hiking and travelling

photographers, the new Sedona range is

available in two sling bag sizes and three

rucksack sizes in black, khaki green or blue.

109 www.vanguardworld.co.uk

NIKON SB-500The SB-500s unique feature is its bright LED at

the front that covers a wide 24mm angle of

view (FX). This continuous light source will be

extremely useful for videographers.

199 www.nikon.co.uk

LEICA XThe Leica X is the manufacturers new agship,

xed-lens compact thats intended to sit above

the newly announced X-E a cosmetically

refreshed version of the two-year-old Leica X2.

1550 www.leica.com

SIGMA FILTERSSigma has unveiled a pair of new teleconverters

- a 1.4x and 2x - designed exclusively for the

new Sigma lens lines. Theyll be available in

Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts.

259 www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

PANASONIC LUMIX LX100The Lumix LX100 has become Panasonics agship premium compact. Its large 4/3-inch sensor is

more than ve times the size of that in the Lumix LX7 its out to replace. Becoming the third

Panasonic camera to join the 4K brigade, its newly developed Leica DC Vario Summilux f/1.7-2.8 lens

has a zoom range of 24-75mm in 35mm terms and its possible to shoot at 11fps continuously.

799 www.panasonic.com/uk

SIGMA 150-600MM F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | SFeaturing the manufacturers Sport branding, and a construction of 24 elements in 16 groups, this

Sigma 150-600mm is dustproof and splashproof for use in demanding shooting environments. Its

lauched beside another Sigma 150-600mm telephoto zoom that is more compact and portable.

1599 www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

p8-9 incoming Dec MT jp.indd 9 10/10/2014 17:43


RICHARD SHUCKSMITHThis shot of a ock of gannets off the Shetland Islands recently picked up a Highly Commended award from the British Wildlife Photography Award judges. Of his technique, Richard explained: Trying to capture a split-level shot of a diving gannet with gannets ying around proved challenging. There was an element of guesswork as I found it easier not to look through the view nder. More of Richards superb wildlife images can be seen by visiting: www.ecological-photography.co.uk

NIKOND4

This striking shot was highly

commended in this years British

Wildlife Photography Awards

Go to www.bwpawards.org for more information about the British Wildlife

Photography Awards, the prizes, and how to enter next years competition

OPENING

SHOT

p10-11 opening shot Dec jp MT 2.indd 10 10/10/2014 18:34

richard shucksmith

WWW.WhatdiGitaLcamEra.cOm 11

p10-11 opening shot Dec jp MT 2.indd 11 10/10/2014 18:34

T E S T

Nikons full frame

DSLR line-up is

currently looking

stronger than ever,

with ve models all

offering something slightly different

for those looking for the very best in

image quality.

The Nikon D750 is the latest

addition to the collection, aimed to

sit between the D610 and the D810;

the manufacturer states that its

targeted towards the enthusiast, but

also caters for the hobbyist and the

aspiring professional alike.

The D750 adopts the same 24.3MP

sensor found in the D610 but also

inherits a host of features from the

more advanced D810, while adding a

few of its own including a

redeveloped AF module and

in a rst for a Nikon full frame DSLR

a vari-angle LCD screen.

All of these features combine in

what could well be one of the most

attractive enthusiast DSLRs on the

market. Lets dig a little deeper to

see if thats really the case.

FEATURES

One of the most notable features on

the D750, and one which marks it

out from the rest in Nikons full frame

DSLR line-up, is its wireless

connectivity. The D750 has full Wi-

built into the camera something we

havent seen in a Nikon DSLR since

the release of the D5300. Its the rst

full frame Nikon DSLR to go down

the all-wireless route; in the past

DSLRs had to enlist an extra Wi-

adaptor at both extra cost and extra

bulk and as such many purchasers

were often happy to go without.

However, now that the new model

arrives with the functionality straight

out of the box we can imagine that it

will become a lot more widely used.

The Wi- connectivity allows for

wireless transfer of images between

the camera and either a smartphone

or tablet, as well as the remote

control of the cameras shooting

settings, provided that Nikons

wireless mobile utility app is installed.

In terms of the core imaging

functionality, the Nikon D750 sports

a full frame sensor with a resolution

of 24.3MP. Although this is the same

resolution as the Nikon D610, Nikon

makes it clear that its a redesigned

chip and one which bene ts from

several developments.

One feature of the sensor that

distinguishes it from the D810 is the

presence of an optical low pass lter

that will help to prevent moir

patterning, although its worth

B I G T E S T

NIKOND750

E S S E N T I A L S

DSLR 24MPC M O SS E N S O R

1799100-51,200I S O

3.2inVA R I -A N G L E

S C R E E NB O DY O N LY

Welcome to the D750 Nikons latest full frame

DSLR, featuring an improved AF system, inbuilt Wi-

and a vari-angle LCD screen

T E S T E D B Y C A L L U M M C I N E R N E Y - R I L E Y


p12-15 D750 Dec MTjp.indd 12 10/10/2014 18:26


N i k o N D 7 5 0

noting that it will do so at the

expense of some fner detail

reproduction.

The camera pairs its full frame chip

with Nikons latest Expeed 4

processor, which allows a continuous

shooting speed of 6.5fps as well as

claimed improved AWB accuracy and

enhanced JPEG processing.

Elsewhere, the D750 features a

native ISO range of 100 to 12,800,

extendable right up to 51,200, which

is equivalent to a stop higher than

the extended top setting on the D610.

There are a range of other features

the D750 has inherited from its full

frame stablemates such as the D810.

One such example is the LCD

monitor a 3.2in, 1,299k-dot screen

boasting RGBW technology. What

this RGBW technology means is that

the screen features a fourth white

pixel alongside the red, green and

blue pixels conventionally found in an

LCD monitor, and as such its deemed

to feature improved contrast and

colour rendition.

New to the LCD screen, however, is

its vari-angle functionality. The screen

is hinged in such a way that its

possible to pull it away from the

body and tilt it so it faces either

upwards or downwards. This makes

the D750 stand out from the crowd,

especially when you consider that

Canon is yet to release a full frame

DSLR that offers as much versatility

in this department. Although the

vari-angle mechanism isnt as

complete as on some other DSLRs,

being located as it is on a solely

horizontal hinge, it is well suited

towards videographers who might

prefer to shoot from lower angles,

and those whod like to take still

images millimetres from the deck

looking upwards.

Touching on video capture, the

D750 comes well equipped in this

department too. The model offers full

HD video (1920x 1080) capture at 60,

50, 30, 25 and 24fps. In addition, the

D750 boasts a range of new video

features frst seen on the D810. For

example, the camera now features

zebra striping technology which

warns of burnt highlight detail, while

a Flat Picture Mode setting will

allow for video to be captured with

very little automated processing.

DesignNikon has been keen to stress the

D750s rugged build quality; itll be

able to stand up to a range of bumps

and bruises associated with heavy

use out in the feld.

The body itself is of a monocoque

design akin to the D5300 and

D3300, with various materials used

including a mix of thermoplastic and

lightweight carbon fbre. Although

The D750 was

paired with the

nikon 58mm

f/1.4 g AF-s

to create this

shallow depth of

feld portrait

this combination is rugged enough,

its reassuring to see that magnesium

alloy has been employed on both the

top and the rear of the camera.

Although at around 840g the

Nikon D750 is by no means light. Yet,

thanks to the aforementioned

monocoque body, the D750 is

actually smaller than its D610

stablemate, despite the incorporation

of the highly useful tiltable LCD.

Despite being a touch smaller than

the Nikon D610, the D750 manages

to feel well balanced in the hand

owing to a large and pronounced

grip. The grip is so secure in fact

that the D750 even feels well

matched and solid in the hand when

coupled with Nikons pro-spec

zooms, such as the 70-200mm

f/2.8G ED VR II lens.

The D750s control layout is more

akin to enthusiast models than the

manufacturers pro-level cameras.

This is because the D750 features a

mode dial towards the left hand side

of the top-plate with a range of

different camera controls down the

left hand side of the screen.

One slight disappointment is the

lack of an AF-ON button, although

when you consider that the D750

isnt a professional-level camera in

the purist sense, its not perhaps

surprising this is amiss. If an AF-ON

button is important to you, the Nikon

D810 might be more appropriate.

The impressive

dynamic range

allows you to

push images

hard using post

processing

techniques

p12-15 D750 Dec MTjp.indd 13 10/10/2014 18:27


T E S T

COLOUR AND WHITE BALANCEOwing to the fact that the D750 utilises the same colour sensor as the D800E and the D810, the colour rendition is very much the same. What this means in practice is you get well-saturated colours across a wide range of subjects, and colours which are punchy and very rich straight out of the camera. The D750 is also now capable of performing spot white balance in live view, a feature which will prove a big bene t to videographers, as they can quickly and easily be assured

the white balance is correct in a speci c area of the frame.

EXPOSUREThe Nikon D750 utilises a 91k-pixel RGB sensor also seen in the D800E and D810. One nice feature it carries over is the Highlight Metering Mode which meters for the highlights in particular to ensure theyre not blown out and lose vital detail.

This setting is certainly effective, although its also worth noting that both spot and evaluative metering modes deliver extremely accurate

exposures across a wide range of challenging lighting conditions.

RESOLUTIONWhile the inclusion of an anti-alias lter is sure to affect the nest detail reproduction in comparison to other full frame DSLRs that lack an anti-alias lter, the D750s resolution performance is around the level you would expect for its megapixel count. Impressively, even at ISO 6400 the high resolution is generally sustained and our test chart revealed it resolved 30 lines per picture

height (l/ph) at this sensitivity. At the highest setting (ISO 51,200) images begin to lose sharpness, although generally performance is still impressive at this point.

NOISEImages are noise-free up to ISO 400, and pretty much so up to ISO 1600. At ISO 12,800 both luminance and colour noise start to be more prominent, while at ISO 25,600 and 51,200 quality certainly suffers. That said, those two highest settings can still be used in extreme circumstances.

32 32

3032

26 24

ISO 100

ISO 51200

ISO 12800

ISO 1600

ISO 100

ISO 51200

ISO 6400

ISO 400

ISO 100

ISO 6400 ISO 51200

ISO 800

COLOUR Subjecting each camera to our colour chart test

reveals any variation and differences in colour

between Raw and JPEG le formats.

RESOLUTIONOur resolution chart reveals exactly how much

detail a sensor can resolve and its measured in

lines per picture height, abbreviated as l/ph.

NOISE The diorama is used to ascertain how image

noise is handled through an ISO range. Some

cameras produce cleaner results than others.

I M A G E Q U A L I T Y

Theres a 3.5mm mic

port and audio monitoring port

at the side

The 3.2in screen swings open and tilts up to 90, and

down to 75

p12-15 D750 Dec MTjp.indd 14 10/10/2014 18:3093WDC14DEC124.pgs 13.10.2014 12:46 BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN


N I K O N D 7 5 0

PERFORMANCEOne of the real areas where Nikon

pitches the D750 to excel at is in its

autofocus performance. The model

sports a new Multi-Cam 3500FX

Mark II Autofocus module and one of

the highlights of this new system is

the ability to focus in extremely dark

conditions, right down to -3EV.

The D750 sports 51 AF points with

15 cross-type points and 11 points

intended for use with a teleconverter.

Its safe to say that the range of AF

settings and customisation is

comprehensive. For example, in AF-S

mode, users can select Auto Area AF,

Single Point AF or Group Area AF, all

of which can be adjusted and

selected from using the dpad on the

rear of the camera. When AF-C

continuous mode is selected the

D750 makes use of 3D tracking

thanks to a 91k-dot colour sensor,

and as a result it delivers an

impressive level of accuracy. The new

module also delivers an impressive

lock-on speed, which was noticeable

as light levels dropped beyond dusk.

In live view the D750 employs

contrast detection AF, though this

doesnt match the speed of Canon

DSLRs that employ Dual AF

technology namely the EOS 7D

Mark II and EOS 70D. Despite this, its

pleasing to see a professional level of

AF performance in whats essentially

an enthusiast full frame DSLR.

One other welcome feature of the

camera not to be forgotten is the DX

crop mode. This offers a 1.5x crop

(10.3MP), as well as 1.2x crop

(16.7MP), which is bound to cater

well for those whod like to get a bit

more length from their lenses.

SENSOR 24.3MP 35.9 x 34mm full frame CMOS sensor

OUTPUT SIZE 6016 x 4016 pixels

FILE FORMAT JPEG, Raw, Raw+JPEG

COMPRESSION Fine, Normal, Basic

SHUTTER SPEEDS 30secs-1/4000sec, bulb

EXPOSURE COMP Yes, +/- 5EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps

ISO ISO 100-12,800, extendable to ISO 51,200

EXPOSURE MODES PASM, Auto, Scene, Special effects

METERING SYSTEM TTL metering RGB sensor (91k pixels)

DRIVE MODE 6.5fps

MOVIE MODE Yes; 1920 x 1080 @ 60, 50, 30, 25, 24p

DISPLAY 3.2in, tilt angle 1,229k-dot LCD

VIEWFINDER TYPE Optical (100% coverage)

FOCUSING MODES AF-S, AF-C, Predictive focus tracking,

Manual

MEMORY CARD SD, SDHC, SDXC (Twin card slot)

CONNECTIVITY High Speed USB, Type C HDMI,

3.5mm mic port, 3.5mm audio out,

Wi- , Accessory terminal

WEIGHT 750g (body only)

DIMENSIONS 140.5 x 113 x 78mm

While JPEG les

do a great job of

managing ne

detail through

noise reduction

at higher ISO

settings, to get

the most detail

from the sensor it

remains sensible

to shoot Raw les

and process these

manually yourself

in post processing

software such as

Adobe Lightroom.

Of course, at

high ISO settings,

this means more

chroma noise

in the original,

although this

was easily dealt

with using the

colour and noise

reduction sliders.

R A W V J P E G

RAW

JPEG

V E R D I C T

CONS Maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec might be restrictive

for some Lack of GPS could be viewed as a negative LCD doesnt sit entirely ush to the back of the camera

PROS High-resolution sensor Vari-angle

LCD screen Inclusion of Wi- as standard

Solid and robust build quality 1,230-shot battery life 6.5fps

burst shooting

FEATURES

PERFORMANCE

DES IGN

IMAGE QUALITY

VALUE X

X

X

X

X

S P E C S

Theres no denying that the Nikon D750 is an excellent

enthusiast DSLR, complete with almost every feature you

could want from such a camera. Not only has it inherited a

bunch of functionality from its predecessors and

stablemates, but with the introduction of a tilting LCD and

Wi- functionality included inside the body as standard its

fair to say that the camera breaks new ground to boot.

Once you take the camera out shooting, it continues to

impress. Developments with AF set-up means that the

camera performs brilliantly in the eld in a wide range of

demanding conditions and environments.

Thanks to a modi ed and large grip the camera also

handles well, while the mode dial and button con guration

has been carefully thought through to ensure those making

the step up from an entry-level model feel right at home.

Although the resolution isnt as good as some full frame

cameras lacking anti-alias lters, on the whole its one of the

best all-round enthusiast DSLRs currently available. CMR

WDC RAT ING

19/20

18/20

19/20

19/20

18/20

FEATURES

PERFORMANCE

DES IGN

IMAGE QUALITY

VALUE

GOLD

100%The 24.3MP

chip delivers

more than

enough detail

for resolution-

conscious

enthusiasts

p12-15 D750 Dec MTjp.indd 15 10/10/2014 18:31


So youve been saving up hard for a

new camera, but youre unsure of what

constitutes the best buy for what you

have to spend? Before you splash out

and make a rash purchase, cast your eye

over this guide which will help you nd

the best camera, whatever your budget

W O R D S A U D L E Y J A R V I S

Camera WHAT DIGITAL

150-200

400-600

1500+

THE BEST CAMERAS YOU

CAN BUY RIGHT NOW.

BEST

p17 Budget opener Dec.indd 17 10/10/2014 11:14

THE BEST CAMERAS YOU CAN BUY RIGHT NOW.BEST

If youre looking for a new

camera then, generally

speaking, you have three

main options: a compact

camera, a Compact System

Camera (sometimes referred to

as mirrorless interchangeable-

lens cameras) or a DSLR. Sony

also manufactures a type of

camera called a Single-Lens

Translucent camera, which falls

mid-way between a Compact

System Camera and a

traditional DSLR in that it uses a

translucent mirror that remains

xed in place. This lets the

majority of light directly

through to the sensor, while

rebounding the rest into a

phase-detection module in the

roof of the camera.

Each type of camera offers its

own particular set of strengths

and weaknesses. Compact

cameras, for example, are small

and lightweight, which makes

them ideal for carrying around

in a bag or even a pocket.

Cheaper compacts tend to be

fully automatic and rather basic,

whereas high-end or advanced

compacts are often generously

featured with things such as fast

f/1.8 lenses, full manual control,

and the ability to capture images

as lossless Raw les.

The main downside to

compacts though, is that they

use much smaller sensors than

CSCs and DSLRs. This means

that they tend to struggle in

low light, often producing much

noisier images. Indeed, images

shot on compacts tend to lack

the overall quality of CSCs and

DSLRs when put under the

microscope.

WHAT ABOUT THE SENSOR?Compact System Cameras are

generally bigger than compacts

but smaller than DSLRs. This

makes them lighter and easier

to carry than their full-sized

cousins. The physical size

of the sensor found inside

CSCs differs between the

various manufacturers. Some

manufacturers (Canon, Sony and

Fuji lm) employ APS-C sized

sensors inside their Compact

System Cameras, while others

(Panasonic and Olympus) opt

for the slightly smaller Micro

Four Thirds (MFT) sensor.

The important thing to

remember here is that the

difference in image quality

between an APS-C/MFT

sensor and a regular

1/2.3in sensor used in the

majority of cheap compacts is

much more noticeable than the

difference between a MFT and

an APS-C one. In any case, there

is much more to image quality

than sensor size alone and,

indeed, some MFT-equipped

cameras could even be said to

outshine their APS-C touting

rivals. In other words, if youre

in the market for a new CSC go

for what feels right for you. As a

footnote, its also worth adding

that Sony now makes a small

number of full-frame CSCs the

A7 range however, they do

come at quite a premium in

terms of cost.

Digital Single-Lens Re ex

(DSLR) cameras and their

Sony D-SLT cousins are usually

considered the natural choice of

serious enthusiasts and jobbing

professionals, although given

the quality of some of the high-

end CSC models now on the

market this is perhaps less the

case than it has previously been.

Either way, DSLRs tend to be

bigger and heavier, but are also

generally a bit more durable.

FULL FRAME?Broadly speaking most

entry-level and mid-range

enthusiast-grade DSLRs will

come equipped with an APS-C

sensor tted, which is generally

ne for most peoples needs. If,

however, you want to make the

step up to the best image quality

possible (and your budget will

stretch to it) then you may want

to consider investing in a full

frame DSLR, where the physical

size of the sensor measures the

same as an old-school 35mm

lm frame. Thankfully, full frame

cameras have been dropping

in price in recent years and are

becoming ever more affordable.

WHICH CAMERA TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

CSCSFeatures an

interchangeable lens

design and usually an

electronic view nder

(EVF) as opposed to the

conventional optical type

DSLRSA bulky and heavy

option, but the rst

choice of enthusiasts

and pros who demand

rst class performance

and image quality

BRIDGECAMERAS

Share a similar look to

DSLRs, but are in fact

compacts with high-

magni cation zoom

lenses

COMPACTSLarge-sensor compacts

are gaining momentum

in the market and deliver

superior image quality to

the cheapest models


p18-25 Budget camera Dec jpMT.indd 18 10/10/2014 11:21

Focuses within 5cm

of subjects in macro

PANASONIC LUMIX FT5 -24

Waterproof to a depth of 13m, shockproof to drops of up to

2m and crushproof to 100kg, the FT5 is an excellent choice for

those seeking a tough compact able to withstand an active

lifestyle. Internally the FT5 is built around a 4.6x optical zoom

that delivers a 35mm focal range equivalent of 28-128mm. Other

highlights include built-in Wi- , NFC and GPS connectivity,

Panasonics Power O.I.S image stabilisation technology, and

1080p Full HD video recording at up to 50fps.

Sensor 16MP, ISO 100-3200, Drive Mode 10fps, AF 23-area, Display 3in/460k-dot

SAMSUNG WB1100F 149

The Samsung WB1100F superzoom is equipped with a manually

operated 35x optical zoom that provides the 35mm focal range

equivalent of 25-875mm. Other highlights include built-in Wi-

and NFC connectivity; a Dual Image Stabilisation system for

sharper images at extended focal lengths and slower shutter

speeds; and 720p HD video recording. While exposure modes

are limited to the fully automatic variety, the WB1100F remains

very good value for the money.

Sensor 16.2MP, ISO 100-3200, Drive Mode 8.5fps, Display 3in/460k-dot

Features a 10cm

minimum focus distance

Lens features an

f/3.7-6.6 variable aperture

NIKON COOLPIX S5300 129

The S5300 is a generously featured, pocket-friendly compact

that comes with the added bene t of built-in Wi- , allowing

you to transfer images to your mobile phone or tablet.

Internally, the S5300 is built around a 16MP CCD-type sensor

and an 8x optical zoom (25-200mm). Full HD movie capture

is also offered, as are a selection of portrait-speci c Glamour

Retouch effects. On top of this you also get a number of

built-in digital lters.

Sensor 16MP, ISO 125-6400, Drive Mode 7fps, Display 3in/460k-dot

129 149

249

The Lumix FT5 is comfortable to hold and operate. The grip is well pro led, while the metal front and back covers give the camera added protection from shock or knocksGROUP EDITOR NIGEL ATHERTON ON THE PANASONIC LUMIX FT5

CANON POWERSHOT SX7

00HS XXX

This slimline travel compact is just 35m

m thick, making it easy to

slip inside a pocket when not in use. D

espite this, it packs a powerful

30x optical zoom that provides the 35

mm focal range equivalent of

25-750mm. Other notable features incl

ude full manual control, built-

in Wi- and NFC connectivity, Full HD m

ovie recording at 30fps and

a large, high-resolution LCD display on

the back. As travel compacts

go, the SX700HS is currently one of th

e best on the market.

Sensor 16MP, ISO 100-3200, Drive Mode 8.5fps, AF 9-point, Di

splay 3in/922k-dot

Has a

super-slow

motion movie

mode

235

100 250 After a more sophisticated camera than your smartphone? Look no further heres our pick of the nest budget compacts money can buy



PANASONIC LUMIX TZ60 -31

Built around a 30x optical zoom that offers the 35mm focal

range equivalent of 24-720mm, the TZ60 travel compact further

bene ts from a manual control ring that allows you to adjust

focal length, focus and exposure settings on the y. Add to this

a Live View Finder for eye-level shooting, full manual control,

Raw image capture, Wi- and GPS connectivity, Hybrid O.I.S

image stabilisation and 1080p Full HD video recording and the

TZ60 is up there as the most complete travel compact going.

Sensor 18.1MP, ISO 100-6400, Drive Mode 10fps, AF 23-area, Display 3in/920k-dot

OLYMPUS E-PL5 W I T H 1 4 - 4 2 M M 319 With its price having dropped substantially since its release at the

start of 2013, the E-PL5 now represents fantastic value for money.

Built around the same 16.1MP sensor found in the excellent (and

considerably more expensive) OM-D E-M5, the E-PL5 also offers

touchscreen control via its tiltable rear LCD display. While it lacks

Wi- , the E-PL5 does deliver impressively fast AF performance

along with great image quality. The predominantly metal

construction is a neat touch too, especially at this price point.

Sensor 16.1MP, ISO 200-25,600, Drive Mode 8fps, AF 35-point, Display 3in/460k-dot

30x

optical zoom

retracts into the

slimline body

Features

a basic kit

lens to get you

started

Compatible

with EF and EF-S

Canon lenses

CANON EOS 1200D WITH 18-55MM 349 Released earlier this year the 1200D receives a number of

upgrades over its predecessor, including an enhanced 18MP

CMOS APS-C sensor along with a much improved rear LCD

display. Of course, this being a Canon DSLR you also gain

access to Canons vast array of lenses. While Wi- connectivity

is missing, the 1200D does bene t from 1080p Full HD video

recording a feature that its predecessor lacked. Overall, the

1200D is a solid entry-level DSLR thats ideal for beginners.

Sensor 18MP, ISO 100-12,800, Drive Mode 3fps, AF 9-point, Display 3in/460k-dot

319 319

349

The Fuji lm X-M1 excels in three key areas over its rivals that are hard to see when spec sheets are analysed style, feel and the results it producesAPS FEATURES EDITOR PHIL HALL ON THE FUJIFILM X-M1

FUJIFILM X-M1 W I T H 1 6 - 5 0 M M 389The X-M1 uses the advanced X-Trans sensor that the agship X-Pro1 has. This uses a unique pixel arrangement that minimises the effects of false colour and moir and allows Fuji to remove the low-pass lter for better sharpness. The X-M1 also has Wi- , a super-sharp LCD display and a premium metal nish. Theres no view nder and the rear display lacks touch control, but that aside, the X-M1 delivers in terms of overall feel and image quality.Sensor 16MP, ISO 100-12,800, Drive Mode 5.6fps,

AF 49-point, Display 3in/922k-dot

389

Available in black,

silver or this tan colour

250 400 With 250-400 in your back pocket, you can pick up a superb travel compact, an entry-level DSLR, or even a stunning CSC with a retro look




OLYMPUS E-PL7 WTH 1 4 - 42MM 49The big innovation with the style-driven E-PL7 is its tiltable

screen, which can be folded out by 180 so that its forward

facing. This makes it ideal for taking sel es, with the added

bene t that the screen sits underneath the camera rather than

above it, which enables a ash to be attached. Internally, the

E-PL7 bene ts from the same lightning-fast 81-point AF system

used in the agship OM-D E-M1. If youre looking for a super-

stylish, quick-focusing camera thats great at shooting sel es, this

is your match and you wont be disappointed.

Sensor 16MP, ISO 200-25,600, Drive Mode 8fps, AF 81-point, Display 3in/1,037k-dot

CANON POWERSHOT G7X -57

Advanced compacts such as the G7 X have proved immensely

popular in recent years thanks to their advanced feature sets and

ability to take a cracking shot while remaining small enough to

carry in a pocket. The G7 X ups the ante in this respect with a 28-

100mm zoom lens that provides an impressively fast maximum

aperture of f/1.8-f/2.8. Elsewhere, the G7 X also boasts integrated

Wi- and NFC connectivity, full manual control over exposure

settings, and the ability to capture images as lossless Raw les.

Sensor 20.2MP, ISO 125-12,800, Drive Mode 6.5fps, AF 31-point, Display 3in/1,040-dot

Stunning

build with an

all-metal nish

Features

a large 1in

sensor like the

RX100 III

SONY A5100 549

A relatively new addition to Sonys Compact System Camera

range, the A5100 combines a 24.3MP APS-C sized sensor with

Sonys powerful BIONZ-X image processor and a 179-point

hybrid AF system thats as fast and precise as anything in

its class. Other notable highlights include built-in Wi- and

NFC connectivity, a high-resolution rear LCD display with

touchscreen functionality and 1080p Full HD movie shooting at

up to 50fps. Its the most fully featured CSC at this price.


Astonishingly

quick at focusing

on subjects

499

549 579

Canon has paid attention to the models control layout, ensuring the presence of an exposure compensation dial on the top-plate and a control dial around the lens APS TECHNICAL EDITOR ANDY WESTLAKE ON THE CANON POWERSHOT G7 X

NEW

PENTAX K-50 WITH 18-55MM WR D

AL 40

If you like to get out to take photos wha

tever the weather, then

the K-50 is ideal. Housed inside a water-

resistant and fully dust-

sealed body, the K-50 is also freeze-proo

fed down to -10. With

the aid of Pentaxs colour-to-order servi

ce you can also choose

your own bespoke colour scheme. Othe

r highlights include

a higher than average sensitivity range, 1

080p Full HD video

recording and a high-resolution rear LC

D display. Throw in a

water-resistant kit lens and its a fantasti

c package.

Sensor 16.28MP, ISO 100-51,200, Drive Mode 6fps, AF 11-poin

t, Display 3in/922k-dot

Available

in black as well

as in white

400

400 600 Stretch your budget beyond 400 and youll be looking at a well-speci ed model designed to meet your requirements and expectations



NIKON D5300 WITH 18-55MM 60Positioned between the entry-level D3300 and the more

enthusiast-orientated D7100, the D5300 comes equipped with

a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Nikons EXPEED 4 image

processor. Unlike its more expensive sibling, however, the D5300

bene ts from the removal of the low-pass lter, which enables

the camera to retain more ne detail. Built-in Wi- has also

been added, which allows you to transfer captured images to a

smartphone or tablet via Nikons free Wireless Mobile Utility app.

Sensor 24.2MP, ISO 100-25,600, Drive Mode 5fps, AF 39-point, Display 3.2in/1,037k-dot

PANASONIC FZ1000 74

Built around a larger than average 1-inch sensor, the generously

featured FZ1000 comes with a 16x optical zoom that offers

the 35mm focal range equivalent of 25-400mm, along with

an impressive f/2.8-f/4 maximum aperture. The FZ1000s main

attraction, however, is that its the rst superzoom on the

market to offer 4K (3840 x 2160) photo and video recording

technology it borrows from the Lumix GH4. This makes it an

ideal choice for those seeking a single camera that can do it all.


Shoots a

burst at up to

ve frames per

second

Uses a 1in

sensor, much

like the Canon

G7 X

SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 III 699

The RX100 III adds a 1,440k-dot electronic view nder to the

mix, albeit at the expense of the previous models built-in ash.

The newer model also gets a redesigned lens that offers a faster

maximum aperture of f/1.8-f/2.8 throughout its 24-70mm focal

range (compared to f/1.8-f/4.9 on the RX100 IIs 24-100mm

optic). Image quality from the 1in, 20.1MP CMOS sensor is

excellent, making the RX100 III an excellent choice for anyone

seeking a new pocket-friendly advanced compact.

Sensor 20.1MP, ISO 80-12,800, Drive Mode 10fps, AF 25-point, Display 3in/1,229k-dot

Features a

built-in ND lter

600

699 749

This is not just another superzoom. To put it simply, its not only the best bridge camera Ive used, its one of the most enjoyable models Ive used in any classAPS TECHNICAL WRITER JON DEVO ON THE PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000

600 800 Whether youve got 600 or 749 to spend, you can guarantee youll get advanced features and the latest tech from one of these contenders

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 WITH 14-

42MM 65

The E-M10 takes Olympuss premium OM

-D series into

consumer territory, with a lower price-t

ag than the agship

E-M1. Compromises have been made; fo

r example, the E-M10

lacks the weather-sealing of its more ex

pensive sibling. You still

get the same 16.1MP Live MOS sensor fo

und in the E-M5 though,

along with the TruPic VII image process

or used in the E-M1. Add

to this a high-res 1,440k-dot electronic v

iew nder, touchscreen

control, and built-in Wi- and it offers a

lot for the money.

Sensor 16.1MP, ISO 200-25,600, Drive Mode 8fps, AF 81-point

, Display 3in/1,037k-dot

Built

to last with a

metal body

construction

650




NIKON D7100 BODY ONLY 80The D7100 brings a generous number of upgrades to the table.

Not only has resolution jumped from 16.2MP to 24.1MP, the

D7100 also sees the removal of the low-pass lter for added

detail retention. The AF module has also received a major

upgrade, with the number of AF points boosted from 39 to 51.

In keeping with other recent Nikon DSLRs the rear LCD display

is larger than average too, making it easier to review captured

images. All in all, it represents a solid choice for an enthusiast.

Sensor 24.1MP, ISO 100-25,600, Drive Mode 6fps, AF 39-point, Display 3.2in/1,229k-dot

FUJIFILM X100T 999

New from Fuji lm, the X100T is a retro-styled xed-lens

advanced compact that builds upon the strengths of the X100

and X100S models. Built around Fujis proprietary APS-C

X-Trans CMOS II sensor and a Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens, the big

advancement is undoubtedly the X100Ts Advanced Hybrid

View nder that provides a superimposed EVF close-up of the

focus area in the corner of the optical view nder, which in turn

enables more precise manual focusing.

Sensor 16.3MP, ISO 100-51,200, Drive Mode 6fps, Display 3in/1,040k-dot

The

view nder

provides 100%

coverage

Premium

magnesium

alloy

build

PENTAX K-3 BODY ONLY 87The K-3 is Pentaxs latest enthusiast-level DSLR and offers

great value for money. Solidly built from magnesium alloy, the

K-3 is fully weather sealed meaning you can shoot in inclement

weather with con dence. Internal upgrades include a new Sony-

manufactured 24MP sensor and a 27-point AF module that

includes 25 cross-type sensors. While theres no built-in Wi- ,

the addition of a Pentax Flucard SD card will give you wireless

and remote control over the camera via a tablet or smartphone.

Sensor 24MP, ISO 100-51,200, Drive Mode 8.3fps, AF 27-point, Display 3.2in/1,037k-dot

Shoots

a burst of

images at up to

8.3fps

809

879 999

The Dual Pixel AF sensor will no doubt revolutionise the way AF performs on future DSLRs. Its one of the most complete APS-C DSLRs of its kind currently availableAPS FEATURES EDITOR PHIL HALL ON THE NIKON D7100

CANON EOS 70D BODY ONLY 84The headline feature here is the 20.2MP Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor. This clever innovation employs two photodiodes for each pixel to provide on-sensor phase-detection AF. This facilitates markedly faster autofocus performance when the camera is being used in live view or recording movies. Those raising the camera to the eye will nd a 19-point AF system, where all the AF points are of the cross-type variety. Other highlights include built-in Wi- and a superb touchscreen.Sensor 20.2MP, ISO 100-25,600, Drive Mode 7fps, AF 19-point, Display 3in/1,040k-dot

Features a 3in, vari-angle touchscreen

849

800 1000 If photography is your favourite hobby youll want a camera to match your ability and allow you to progress further as a photographer

NEW



PANASONIC LUMIX GH4 BODY ONLY 299Released earlier this year, the GH4 became the rst CSC to offer

4K (4096 x 2160) photo and video recording. Theres much

more to recommend about it than this alone though. Autofocus,

for example, is among the speediest weve ever seen on a digital

camera and highly customisable too. The 2.36m-dot EVF is also

one of the best weve held our eye to, while image quality, build

quality and overall feel also left us highly impressed. Not only is

the GH4 jack of all trades, it manages to master them too.

Sensor 16MP, ISO 100-25,600, Drive Mode 12fps, AF 49-point, Display 3in/1,040k-dot

NIKON D750 BODY ONLY 179Although it might be tempting to think of it as the natural

successor to the now-discontinued D700, the two cameras are

worlds apart. Instead, the D750 borrows elements from both

the D810 and D610 to create a camera that sits in the middle

of both. From the D610 it takes the 24.3MP sensor, while the

51-point AF module is lifted from the D810. The main new

addition, that the two other models both lack, is built-in Wi-

connectivity. In addition, the D750s LCD display is also hinged.

Sensor 24.3MP, ISO 100-51,200, Drive Mode 6.5fps, AF 51-point, Display 3.2in/1,229k-dot

Capable of

focusing within

0.07sec

Weather-

sealed for

maximum

durability

CANON EOS 7D MARK II BODY ONLY 159With its twin DIGIC 6 image processors, the 7D Mark II is built

for speed. Able to shoot full-resolution images at up to 10fps

its even faster than the 5D Mark III. Complementing this is a

65-point AF module, with all the sensors being of the more

sensitive cross-type variety. This enables the 7D Mark II to

lock-on quickly, with improvements also made to the AF

tracking system. If youre keen on action photography, the 7D

Mark II could well be the ideal camera for you.


Accepts

a pair of SD

cards with a

twin slot

1299

1599 1799

Thanks to the ergonomic design and compact form-factor, its a pleasure to pick up and shoot with, with controls falling nicely to the hand APS FEATURES EDITOR PHIL HALL ON THE OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 BODY ONL

Y 104

The E-M1 takes over from 2012s E-M5

as the agship model

within Olympuss OM-D range. Built ar

ound a 16.3MP Micro

Four Thirds sensor, its well speci ed

yet notably smaller than

an enthusiast-grade APS-C equipped

DSLR. The removal of

the low-pass lter also ensures excep

tional retention of ne

detail. Furthermore, advanced on-se

nsor phase-detection AF

technology ensures speedy focusing,

even when the camera is

used with older lenses. All in all, the E

-M1 is a fantastic camera.

Sensor 16.3MP, ISO 200-25,600, Drive Mode 10fps, AF 81/37-p

oint, Display 3in/1,037k-dot

1049

Equipped

with 5-axis

image

stabilisation

1000 1800 When youre forking out a four- gure sum on a camera, it has to excel, and all four of these models do just that

NEW NEW




SONY A7S BODY ONLY 209With the launch of the full frame A7S, Sony offers three very

distinct A7 models: the 36.3MP A7R thats geared towards

studio and landscape photographers, the 24MP A7 thats more

of an all-rounder, and the 12.2MP A7S that uses gapless sensor

technology to ensure the best possible results in low light. It has

an ISO range of 50-409,600 in expanded mode. While the top

settings do result in noisy images, image quality between ISO

6400 and 25,600 is impressive. It also supports 4K video.


Boasts a 2.36m-dot OLED

view nder

2099 CANON EOS 5D MARK III BODY ONLY 2Despite being over two years old, the full frame 5D Mark III

remains an impressive camera and is a favourite of wedding

photographers thanks to its tank-like durability and all-round

versatility. Able to deliver great results at high ISO settings and

with a fast-focusing 61-point AF module, the 5D Mark III is a

great camera for the professional and semi-pro alike. While it

lacks some modern must-have technologies such as Wi- , a

signi cant drop in its price more than compensates for this.


Enables audio

monitoring for HD video

2299

Whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, editorial, action or nature, the Mk III is right at home in virtually any shooting situation MANAGING EDITOR MICHAEL TOPHAM ON THE CANON EOS 5D MARK III

NIKON D810 BODY ONLY 23The launch of the full-frame 36.3MP D800 two years ago pushed the megapixel count of DSLRs close to medium format territory, and was soon followed by the D800E which removed the anti-aliasing effects of the low-pass lter (but actually kept the physical lter in place) to enhance ne detail. The D810 combines the best of both cameras. It offers truly stunning image quality, and resolves detail better than just about any camera currently on the market. Sensor 36.3MP, ISO 32-51,200, Drive Mode 5fps, AF 51-point, Display 3.2in/1,230k-dot

Features a small Raw (sRAW) le format

2399

1800+ So you want the best camera that money can buy, but cant justify the pro-spec Nikon D4S or Canon EOS 1D X. Here are the full-frame options

NEW

YOUVE CHOSEN YOUR CAMERA NOW FIND THE BEST PRICE BEST

Now youve decided on the best

camera that ts your budget,

the next step is nding the best

price, whether it be in-store or

online. Theres a huge number

of price comparison websites

our there to help you save a

few pounds, but to save you the

time and effort trawling through

these, wed recommend a

visit to www.camerapricebuster.

co.uk as your rst port of call.

Regularly updated with all the

best deals and prices from

reputable UK stock suppliers,

the neatly laid out website is

intuitive to use and lets you

search by manufacturers, or

view the best deals of the day.

Dont forget to click on the

Contact Us link, where youll be

guided to some useful discount

codes and vouchers for use

with online purchases. If youve

never visited the website before,

it comes highly recommended,

and we often use it ourselves to

bring you the most up-to-date

prices in the magazine.



I have always been a Canon

user as I was attracted to the

exibility of shooting stills and

video, along with the promise of

obtaining more L-series glass.

The main drawbacks with this

camera for my wildlife

photography have been the

relatively slow continuous burst

(4fps) and the ISO being usable

at only 400 or less. It can be hard

to capture the decisive moment,

but this has improved my eld

craft and understanding of when

an animal is going to display the

behaviour I want to capture.

My favourite lens is the EF-S

60mm f/2.8 Macro USM. Its

images are outstanding and its

large aperture makes the

cameras drawbacks pale into

insigni cance. I will be ready for

upgrade once I buy some better

lenses but for now Im still happy

using my beloved 500D.

CANON EOS 500D

As a zoologist Ive always been

interested in animals. I started

out by making short videos of my

reptiles with a webcam and wanted

to progress and capture images with

a DSLR. I received my rst camera

for Christmas 2009,

the Canon EOS

500D, which I still

use regularly today.

www. ickr.com/

photos/reuben_clarke/

MY DIGITAL CAMERA


Reuben Clarke R E D H I L L , S U R R E Y

Over shing in IfatyTaken on a eld trip to Madagascar,

a sherman takes some time out

after hauling in his nets.

Canon EOS 500D with Canon EF

18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, 1/400sec @

f/11, ISO 400

Each reader selected for My Digital Camera will receive a great Class 10 EVO 16GB SD card from Samsung.With a Grade 1 transfer speed of up to 48Mb/s, this is ideal for DSLRs and full HD camcorders. Visit: www.samsung.com

EACH READER FEATURED WINS A SAMSUNG CLASS 10 EVO 16GB SD MEMORY CARD!

Elephant EarsMy dog, Oscar, is a favourite

subject of mine and doesnt often

get a photo-free walk.


60mm f/2.8 Macro USM, 1/320sec

@ f/2.8, ISO 400

MYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYMYREADERGALLERY

R E U B E N U S E S A

p26-28 My dig camera Dec MTjp.indd 26 10/10/2014 18:11


The MachiavellianOne of my favourite British

natives, this red fox was on the

move back to an area of cover,

after just fnishing a meal.

Canon EOS 500D with Canon

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM,

1/1000sec@f/8, ISO 3200

Calumma nasutumTaken in Ranomafana, Madgascar,

this small species of chameleon

sleeps at the end of tree branches

ready to fall to the ground when a

nocturnal predator gets too close.


60mm f/2.8 Macro USM, 1/200sec

@ f/11, ISO 200

Into the Mist One of the cable cars leading to

the top of Mont Blanc, high above

the clouds.

Canon EOS 500D with Canon

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM,

1/640sec @ f/11, ISO 400


Ive always enjoyed taking pictures,

but it wasnt until a couple of

years ago that I started to pursue

photography as more of a serious

hobby. Im always at my happiest

when shooting landscapes, and

really enjoy scouting out new

locations, and taking

pictures right through

from sunrise to sunset.

www. ickr.com/photos/

photosbyrashid/

MYDIGITAL CAMERARashid MannanQ U E E N S , N E W Y O R K

New York City In my opinion, nothing beats

the city landscape of New York

City. This image was created

from three exposures stitched

together using Photomerge.

Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF-S

18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS,

30 seconds @ f/11, ISO 100


I use my Canon EOS 7D with

the 18-135mm kit lens. The

reason I purchased the 7D was

down to the fact I liked the idea

of getting a bit more reach from

lenses thanks to its 1.6x crop

factor. That, and because it was

more within my budget,

compared to more expensive full

frame cameras at the time.

The 18-135mm lens gives me

the exibility to take landscape

shots, portraits, and everything in

between. Ive taken pictures with

it where the lighting has been

minimal and it produces clear

shots where Id previously never

thought it possible. It has pushed

me to shoot landscapes during

the hours of darkness, which is

when I rely on using it with my

remote shutter release.

Although Canon has recently

replaced the 7D with the Mark II

version, I was disappointed to

read it doesnt feature Wi- ,

which I believe could be useful

for my type of photography and

instantly uploading my work to

my Flickr page. Although I love

my 7D, I can see myself

upgrading to a full frame camera

in the near future and purchasing

an L-Series wideangle lens thatll

be better suited to the wide-vista

and landscape shots Ive built up

such a passion for shooting.

CANON EOS 7D

Great FallsA visit to the Great Falls in New

Jersey allowed me to take this

shot, which would have been

nothing special without the

bridge spanning the gorge.


18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS,


Sunset at Castle HillThis beautiful sunset scene

presented itself on a trip to

Newport, Rhode Island, last

September. The 7D captured

the scene and its cool tones just

as I remember it at the time.


18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS,


R A S H I D U S E S A


Allprices includeVatat20%.Pricescorrectat timeofgoing topress.E&OE.0523-0914.

Call: 08706 03 03 03

Click: www.calphoto.co.uk

Visit: 8 stores nationwide

Profoto

Profoto B1 Single Head

1554.00

B1 Location 2 Head Kit

3060.00

Available in store

and in rental.

Epson

Stylus Pro 3880 934.00

Stylus Photo R3000 545.00

Canon

Pixma Pro-1 645.00

Pixma Pro-10 499.00

Pixma Pro-100 364.00

Printers

Trade In Your Old Kit

Calumet RentalCalumets national network

of rental centres

offer an extensive

range of photographic

equipment,

including the latest

technologies.

Specialising in

cameras, digital

equipment, video,

lighting, studio

products and much

more. We are constantly updating and adding

products to our portfolio, so visit our exclusive rental website at

www.calumetrental.co.uk to view our extensive range.

Looking to upgrade your equipment? Why not part exchange your

old kit towards the latest models? Visit www.calphoto.co.uk or

Email [email protected] for further information on

our trade in process.We also stock a wide range of second hand

equipment across our stores, check with your local store or visit

our website for current stock and prices.

The X-T1 interchangeable lens camera featuring a 2.36m

dot resolution OLED display, X Trans II CMOS sensor, EXR

II processing and a real time digital viewfnder. A super

stylish addition to the X-Series family of Fujiflm cameras.The latest full frame DSLR from Nikon, boasting 24.3

megapixels and a newly developed image sensor and

EXPEED 4 to achieve superior high-ISO performance.

Offering incomparable

image quality, high-

speed performance,

along Full HD

video fexibility,

the completely

redesigned D810 is

the new benchmark

for high-resolution

shooting. A 36.3 megapixel sensor, new EXPEED4

processor, up to 7fps burst rate and an ultra-wide ISO

range are the detail highlights of the ultimate imaging

machine from Nikon.

The latest DSLR from Canon allows you to shoot bursts

of images at up to 10 frames per second, with full

autofocus and auto exposure.Fujiflm X-T1 GraphiteEdition Body 1199.00Fujiflm X-T1 Black Body 979.00Nikon D750 Body 1799.00

Nikon D810 Body 2399.00

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

EOS 7D Mark II Body 1599.00

Df Body 2199.00

Df+50mm f1.8 2225.00Available in Black or Silver

D4S Body 5199.00

Fuji 56mm f/1.2 XF Lens

829.00Nikon 35mmf/1.8G ED Lens

465.00Otus 55mm F1.4

3170.00

D610 Body 1330.00

D610+24-85mm 1849.00

D7100 Body 809.00

D7100+18-105mm 939.00

Nikon DSLRsNikon D810 Canon DSLRs

EOS 6D Body 1299.00

EOS6D+ 24-105mm1799.00

EOS5DMark III Body 2299.00

EOS5D+24-105mm 2899.00

EOS 70D Body 849.00

EOS-1D X Body 4845.00

EF 50mm F1.4 USM 279.00

EF 50mm F1.8 II 80.00

EF-S 60mm F2.8 USM Macro 365.00

EF 85mm F1.2L II USM 1549.00

EF 100mm F2.8L IS USM Macro 699.00

EF 8-15mm F4.0L USM Fisheye 999.00

EF 16-35mm F2.8L USM II 1198.00

EF 17-40mm F4.0L USM 619.00

EF 24-70mm F4L IS 889.00

EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM 1549.00

EF 24-105mm F4.0L IS USM 813.00

EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM 359.00

EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM II 1699.00

EF 70-200mm F4.0L IS USM 959.00

EF 70-300mm F4.0-5.6 IS USM 389.00

EF 70-300mm F4.0-5.6L IS USM 1069.00

EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM 1239.00

Fuji X-T1Nikon D750

14-24mm F2.8G AF-S ED 1315.00

16-35mm F4.0G AF-S ED VR 829.00

18-35mm F3.5-4.5G AF-S ED 519.00

18-200mm F3.5-5.6G AF-S VR II 584.00

18-300mm F3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR 679.00

24-85mm F3.5-4.5G AF-S ED VR 409.00

24-70mm F2.8G AF-S ED 1235.00

28-300mm F3.5-5.6G AF-S VR 659.00

70-200mm F2.8G AF-S VR II 1579.00

70-200mm F4G AF-S VR ED 949.00

10-24mm F4 R XF 799.00

14mm F2.8 XF 665.00

18mm F2R XF 399.00

23mm F1.4 XF 719.00

27mm F2.8 Black XF 339.00

27mm F2.8 Silver XF 339.00

35mm F1.4R XF 399.00

50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS Black XC 359.00

50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS Silver XC 359.00

55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS XF 539.00

56mm F1.2 XF 829.00

60mm F2.4R Macro XF 434.00

Distagon 15mm F2.8 2150.00

Distagon 21mm F2.8 1449.00

Distagon 28mm F2 979.00

Planar 50mm F1.4 559.00

Planar 85mm F1.4 989.00

APO Sonnar 135mm F2 1599.00

Makro-Planar 100mm F2 1449.00

Otus 55mm F1.4 3170.00

Nikon Lenses Canon LensesFuji Lenses Zeiss Lenses

CALUMETNEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEWGRAPHITEEDITION



PAUL TRUNFULL NEWHAVEN, EAST SUSSEX

S E CO N DH A N D CANON EOS 50D

KEY SPECS

SENSOR 15.1 million pixel APS-C CMOS sensorSCREEN 3 in TFT LCD, approx. 920k dotsISO 100-3200 (expandable up to 12,800 equivalent)BURST MODE Approx 6.3fps maximum AF SYSTEM 9 cross-type AF points (f/2.8 at centre)

What do the owners think? Two Canon EOS 50D users give their verdict

HOW MUCH?

LAUNCH PRICE:830 (body only)CURRENT USED PRICE:

230 - 270


When I purchased my EOS 50D it was

in as-new condition with an extremely

low shutter count. Picking it up for the

rst time, it felt perfect in my hands

all the buttons and dials were at my

ngertips, but I bought the BG E2

battery grip to make it feel better

supported with my heavy lenses.

what digital camera 201412

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