Posts Tagged ‘pointandshoot’
The New iPod Touch Will Additional Obliterate The Point-And-Shoot Market
Author: Tiffany Shoman
It ’ s effortless to forget that the iPod touch didn ’ t even include a camera until 2010. While such an essential function has been common on the iPhone given that its initial unveiling in 2007, Apple apparently didn ’ t think it was among the must-have attributes of the touch. That modifications this year.
With the new iPod touch (the fifth generation, for those keeping score in your home), which was unveiled a couple of weeks ago and simply started shipping this week, the camera is among the trademark functions. In fact, it might end up being its crucial attribute.
I know just what you ’ re reasoning: however it ’ s not also as great as the camera on the iPhone 4S, let alone that iPhone 5. In megapixel terms, that ’ s real. However it doesn ’ t matter. It ’ s a great camera. A actually great camera. And for millions of users, it should be great enough to be their only camera.
When I rested to consider my angle in covering the iPod touch, at initially, I was a little stumped. It ’ s a great gadget, don ’ t get me wrongly. But I ’ m an iPhone man. I don ’ t actually have a demand for an iPod touch in my life given that the two are so similar. It would certainly be overkill.
However many people (most, even) aren ’ t iPhone people. There are huge swaths of the marketplace that are never ever going to own an iPhone. There are children with parents who think they ’ re too young for a phone. There are individuals with Android phones (yes, I ’ m confessing this). There are individuals with Windows Phones. And BlackBerrys. And yes, there are even still a ton of people with feature phones.
And there are a great deal of people who want access to the Application Store as well as iTunes and all its tidings. Some select an iPad for this, but plenty select the iPod touch (and some, of course, pick both). There ’ s plainly a large market for the iPod touch as it ’ s the only variation of the device that Apple now routinely singles out as the variation that is doing well in an age of continuous iPod decrease.
Anyway, I rapidly recognized my angle for writing about this specific variation of the iPod touch was looking me in the face: the loop.– the wrist strap that has the brand-new iPod touch.
There are a couple of attributes that the iPhone has which the iPod touch does not (cellular connectivity being the greatest). But the loop is a feature reserved only for the touch. And I think that ’ s telling.
Clearly, Apple ’ s thinking here was to take a page from the point-and-shoot camera book. Each point-and-shoot I ’ ve ever before owned has actually had a wrist band. Apple being Apple, rethought how it ought to work. There is no indented location that you try to fish a cord through. As an alternative, there ’ s a metal button you push and up pops a metal latch to which you can easily connect the loop.
This is not something they simply tacked onto the iPod touch. They made the entire iPod touch with this function in mind. And once again, that must talk to Apple ’ s thoughts about the progressing duty of the iPod touch worldwide: as a point-and-shoot camera.
In terms of megapixels, the camera discovered on the brand-new iPod touch matches the one found on the iPhone 4. It ’ s a 5 megapixel shooter. Again, that could seem slightly lame when the FOUR and the 5 included 8 megapixel cameras, but it ’ s simple to forget simply exactly how good the iPhone 4 camera was when it was first released– also though that was only two years ago!
And this iPod touch camera is really much better thanks to additional improvements to these little camera internals made over time, as well as the updates to the camera software because then.
Mobile phones have been consuming point-and-shoot cameras ’ lunch for a while now. You ’ ve probably seen the Flickr chart. The domination of the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4 as the leading total cameras (yes, out of all cameras, duration) made use of to take the photos on the service has actually just been decreased by the release of the iPhone 5, which will certainly quickly leading the listing itself.
No point-and-shoot also makes the leading 5 on that listing. It ’ s all mobile phones (and let ’ s be honest, just iPhones) and DSLRs.
Still, tons of people continue to get point-and-shoots. Hell, I ’ m one of them. I have a Canon S95 which replaced my Canon S90 before that. I basically never utilize it any longer. It ’ s all iPhone, all the time now. Those cameras were numerous hundreds of bucks eventually not well invested.
But once more, not everybody has an iPhone. So for many individuals, a point-and-shoot still makes sense. Enter the new iPod touch. If the iPhone terribly harmed the point-and-shoot market, the iPod touch is going to obliterate it.
Yes, yes, yes. I hear you. The point-and-shoots like the Canon S series cameras are better total cameras than the iPod touch. No question. However it simply doesn ’ t matter anymore. While the brand-new iPhone 5 camera is superb, it ’ s also still not quite as a great as a great point-and-shoot. And yet, the outcomes are in: point-and-shoots lose.
The point-and-shoot is in a bad spot. People major about photography choose for DSLRs, which continue to come down in price. The rest of us now mostly choose mobile phones for daily photography. There was still a sliver of individuals still trying to find that point-and-shoot. But those people should and should now look at the iPod touch.
Being a camera isn ’ t enough anymore. Not in an age of apps. Why spent $ 300 on a point-and-shoot camera when you can invest $ 300 on an iPod touch with a strong camera and lots of wonderful camera apps? Still not offered? Just what if I toss in a games equipment, an internet browser, a messaging device, a music user, a film user, etc, etc, etc.
. Formerly, the camera on the iPod touch was a joke. It was meant to shoot video and the still images (sub-1 megapixel– yes, really) were a full after-thought. But, there were still more pictures taken and shared with that device than any of the Samsung Galaxy phones, for example.
Now, this is the first touch where Apple is taking the camera seriously. It ’ s going to rocket up the Flickr list. And it won’t be to the detriment of mobile phones.
As for the rest of the gadget, it ’ s great. As I mention above, some individuals will certainly get it just as a games gadget. Some should purchase it simply as a media user. Some will certainly buy it simply for apps. It ’ s a real jack-of-all trades gadget without needing to bother with carrier contracts.
It ’ s getting close enough performance-wise to the iPhone where I would certainly look at purchasing one if they just added cellular connection. Imagine an iPod touch that had built-in LTE and the choice to obtain the exact same no-contract bargains from the carriers. That ’ s what I truly desire.
It ’ s would be the iPhone minus the phone. When you consider it that way, it ’ s kind of ludicrous that we ’ re all paying the carriers up-wards of a hundred dollars a month for years on end to have the capability to talk with somebody over their digital lines in the sky. All we truly want is the information, however you could ’ t get that yet without the phone. (Except on gadgets like the iPad– presumably due to the fact that the providers know you ’ re not going to walk around utilizing Skype on your iPad to talk with people. Though I ’ ve seen lots of individuals really do this. Seriously.)
Of course, if Apple did try to include an LTE antenna into this iPod touch, additional compromises would have to be made– particularly in design and battery life. And those are two of the very best functions of this gadget.
Because it could just link to the net by means of WiFi, the iPod touch’s battery appears to last permanently. It ’ s not rather iPad-good, however this thing is a portion of the size of the iPad. It blows the iPhone battery away despite the device being thinner than even the iPhone 5. Again, an advantage of not featuring a cellular (and GPS) antenna.
Yet another striking function of the brand-new touch is the design. Unlike the iPhone which features a two-tone back that ’ s a combination of aluminum and glass, the iPod touch has an all-aluminum back (save a little black plastic oval in the upper right for WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.). In my opinion, this looks nicer than the iPhone 5.
And rather of having flat edges that split the front and back of the gadget, the iPod touch is unibody aluminum all the means to the front plate. This feels like the means Apple would certainly wish to create the iPhone if only all those troublesome antennas didn ’ t matter.
The iPhone 5 feels great in your hand– the iPod touch feels even better. The rounded aluminum contours harken back to the initial iPhone. However this gadget is so much thinner and lighter.
The additional conveniences of this unibody experience is the ability to supply the device in different colors. I ’ m screening the yellow one, however it also comes in slate, silver, pink, blue, and (product) red. And yes, the loop matches the color you decide on.
It’s intriguing that all of the iPod touches feature a white front face other than the slate version, which includes a black front face. This additionally gives the iPod touch a more playful quality than its iPhone brethren as you can plainly see the accent of the colour you picked along the external rim of the gadget. For instance, on this yellow iPod touch, I see a rim of shiny, polished yellow when I consider the gadget. I’ve heard parts of iPhone 5 design explained as “jewlery-like”, this is even more so.
In my iPhone 5 testimonial, the first thing I noted was exactly how huge light the device was. Incredibly, the iPod touch is even lighter– 88 grams compared to the iPhone 5′s 112 grams. However it ’ s the slimness that ’ s the much more noticeable difference. The iPhone 5 is extremely thin. The iPod touch is now absurdly thin. When John Gruber took note of the additional day that the only thing stopping them from making it thinner still is the size of the headphone jack, he ’ s actually not kidding. Perhaps they could possibly shave an additional micron or two. Maybe. (It ’ s so thin that the camera in fact protrudes out a bit– about the very same height as the popped-out loop latch.)
My only real gripe about the iPod touch may be the cost. Provided everything you ’ re getting, I don ’ t think $ 299 (for 32 GB of storage) and $ 399 (for 64 GIGABYTES of storage space) is outrageous– especially in an age where the aforementioned point-and-shoots are still around the very same rate. But it would certainly be wonderful to see a $ 199 price too. Yes, I understand you can easily get the older style of the touch for $ 199, but I would certainly have a difficult time advising it. The brand-new variation is too major of an upgrade in every means.
I can ’ t think I simply wrote this entire review and didn ’ t even mention the stunning new 4-inch retina display, which matches the display found on the brand-new iPhone 5. Well, I just did. All the brand-new applications being modified for the iPhone 5 screen look and work wonderfully right here too. HD motion pictures look fantastic. And, of course, images.
In January 2007, when Steve Jobs took the phase to unveil the iPhone, he set it up this way:
Today we’re launching three innovative products of this class. The first one is a widescreen iPod with touch controls. The second is a revolutionary smart phone. And the 3rd is a breakthrough internet communications gadget.
So, 3 things. A widescreen iPod with touch controls. A revolutionary smart phone. And a development net communications device. An iPod. A phone. And an internet communicator. An iPod. A phone. Are you getting it?
These are not three different gadgets. This is one device.
This new iPod touch could possibly be set up the very same method– with a slight tweak. A widescreen iPod with touch controls. A breakthrough internet communicator. A powerful mobile games machine. And a wonderful point-and-shoot camera. These are not 4 separate devices. This is one gadget.
Incoming search terms:
Related Posts:
Nikon Coolpix L610: an AA-powered, 1080p-capable point-and-shoot for $249
Author: Brian McKinnell
A flagship it isn’t really, however Nikon’s most recent Coolpix will absolutely hit the sweet spot in regards to prices for numerous. The Coolpix L610 is an entry-level compact that breaks away from exclusive cells in order to count on a pair of AAs. World visitors could argue that it’s simpler to locate a pack of those at any corner store than a power outlet, and while it may just satisfy a select few, we’re happy that the AA thought hasn’t been tossed aside totally. Specs-wise, you’re considering a 16 megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensor, a 1080p motion picture mode, 3-inch rear LCD, optical VR picture stabilization, HDMI socket and a 14x wide-angle zoom lens. It’s created to sit between the P510 and P7100 in regards to dimension, with a newfangled design that looks fairly darn appealing at the $ 249 asking price. For those interested, it’ll be hitting racks in September donning a red, black or silver concept.
Gallery: Nikon Coolpix L610 (press images)
Filed under: Digital CamerasNikon Coolpix
L610: an AA-powered, 1080p-capable point-and-shoot for $ 249 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for usage of feeds.
Permalink||E-mail this|Opinions
Related Posts:
Samsung updates MultiView camera lineup with MV900F point-and-shoot for $ 350, we go hands-on
Author:
When we were very first introduced to Samsung’s MultiView series with last year’s MV800, we were undoubtedly fascinated by the original design– the LCD flips up to encounter straight forward, resting just above the main video camera module and allowing front-sided operation, for self-portraits and so forth. Just what the camera appeared to offer in ingenuity, nonetheless, it was without in picture quality– shots looked fairly mediocre during PC-based assessments, and when seen on the low-res capacitive touchscreen display. This year’s version, the MV900F, promises enhancements down the 800′s list of imperfections, ranging from an f/2.5 -6.3, 25mm 5x optical zoom lens to brought WiFi, which brings the model’s social attribute set in line with other Samsung SMART cameras. There’s also a 16.3-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensing unit on board, along with that 180-degree MultiView display, this time equipped with a 3.3-inch WVGA AMOLED panel. Physically, the camera is similar in look, however it’s visibly larger, to accommodate that bigger touchscreen (the MV800 included a 3-inch display).
We were able to take a very early appearance at the MV900F, and the display improvements were instantly noticeable. We weren’t enabled to assess sample shots on a computer, however with so much room to grow from its precursor, it’s safe to state that this lens/sensor combo ought to provide a noticeable picture quality boost. The front-facing display is definitely the star of the show, even making it easy for gesture controls– you can easily zoom in and out or catch a shot merely by waving your hand (there’s a tutorial on-board, but the motions aren’t challenging to master). There’s additionally a handful of WiFi choices, featuring Facebook integration, along with instant uploading to websites like Picasa and YouTube, and integration with Samsung’s additional products, featuring Televisions and Galaxy smartphones. Video presentation capture has actually additionally been increased from 720p to 1080p, letting you take full benefit of HDTV playback, while a range of photo and film filters let you get innovative in-camera, including a twilight mode that incorporates three sequential frames in order to snap steady shots in reduced light. The camera is set to deliver in late August for $ 349.99, and will be available in black and white, so if you were considering the MV800 but chose to hold out while Samsung exercised the kinks, this might be the time to leap. Catch the MV900F in action, consisting of those terrific gesture controls, in our hands-on video presentation after the break.
MultiView video camera schedule with MV900F point-and-shoot for $ 350, we go hands-onFiled under: Digital CamerasSamsung updates MultiView video camera lineup with MV900F point-and-shoot
for $ 350, we go hands-on initially appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink|| Email this|OpinionsIncoming search terms:
Related Posts:
Samsung EX2F point-and-shoot with f/1.4 lens hands-on (video clip)
Author: Gabe Hall
We have actually been normally unimpressed with the latest round of standard point-and-shoots, featuring those from Samsung’s mid-range Smart set, however we do have a tendency to take heed whenever a manufacturer opts to concentrate on optics rather than bumping up the megapixel count to enhance sticker label appeal. Compared with sub – $ 200 shooters, there’s a relatively minimal market for $ 549 pocketable models– a cost point that frequently prompts would-be managers to dig past superficial specs in search of full manual control, solid high-ISO performance, fast concentrating and a lens that enables both low-light shooting and shallow depth of industry. Samsung’s EX2F appears to fit the statement, delivering a 12.4-megapixel 1/1.7 – inch CMOS sensor, a leading extended ISO configuration of 12,800, a 3-inch VGA-res AMOLED display and– the crown jewel– an f/1.4 -2.7, 24-79mm lens. That optic delivers an extra stop of sensitivity over the EX2F’s ancestor, the two-year-old TL500. Additional benefits consist of a lighter magnesium alloy body, an NX power pin-enabled hot shoe for bring an external mic or flash, and a new micro-USB trigger cable.
Though the NX2F was visibly lighter than the 2010 model throughout our hands-on, it maintains a lot of the TL500′s heft– at the very least from a dimension viewpoint. The camera’s footprint makes it too large to slip in a pocket, as we had the ability to do with the Sony RX100, though the flip-out AMOLED display is certainly a welcome addition. An NX-like smart UI mode allows instant accessibility to key configurations, as do the dual control dials, which let you readjust shooting modes (on the right) and grab rate (on the left). There’s additionally a new in-camera HDR mode which combines two back-to-back shots (one underexposed and the additional overexposed) in order to keep added shadow and highlight detail. The camera equipment was rather receptive throughout a quick shoot earlier today, powering on, focusing and catching an image quickly. We’ll require to spend much even more time snapping beyond a workplace atmosphere before passing any type of formal judgement, but it’s very easy to see the appeal of such of device– and the benefit over less-abled point-and-shoots. In the meantime, you can take a closer appearance in the gallery below, and in our hands-on demonstration after the break.
Incoming search terms:
Related Posts:
Ask Engadget: best ‘invincible’ point-and-shoot camera?
Author:
We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is from Mark, who’s in the market for a heavy-duty camera. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
“Back in 2009, you asked what the best rugged, waterproof point-and-shoot camera was. I’m looking for the same thing now and wondered if the readers had any recommendations. I’m not interested in a normal point-and-shoot with a waterproof case, I want something that’s waterproof, sandproof, shockproof, that’s idiot-proof, with a reasonable optical zoom and with minimal shutter lag. Hope someone can help! Thanks.”
Firstly, thank you for doing your homework! It’s reasonable that we should swing past this topic again after three years, so what about it dear friends? A point-and-shoot you’d be happy to take dirt biking, snorkeling and won’t break when you drop it. Any you’ve bought yourself that’s withstood your lifestyle, have you found any that you’d warn us away from? Let us know in the comments below.
Ask Engadget: best ‘invincible’ point-and-shoot camera? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 22:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Related Posts:
Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoot models
Author: Angela Stephens
We’ve heard reports that Samsung has shifted focus at some of its camera manufacturing facilities away from point-and-shoot cameras with the objective of ramping up production of its compact mirrorless models. And while this move implies that the company’s pocketable compacts could be doomed, that’s simply not the case. We spoke with Reid Sullivan, Samsung’s Senior Vice President of Mobile Entertainment, who reinforced the company’s continuing commitment to developing and manufacturing point-and-shoot models — in short, pocketable cameras remain a focus for the company, which simply made manufacturing adjustments to accommodate an anticipated increase in demand for recently-launched NX20, NX210 and NX1000. Point-and-shoots, for better or worse, are here to stay, and Sullivan explained that while we’re unlikely to see new sub-$ 100 cameras make their debut, there’s plenty in the works on the SMART front, with new launches in store for upcoming events like Photokina and CES. Whether there will continue to be demand for point-and-shoots remains to be seen, and while consumers are clearly turning to smartphones for casual shooting, Samsung appears to be in no hurry to abandon the point-and-shoot form-factor.
Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoot models originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Related Posts:
Tags: Camera, clarifies, commitment, Confirms, models, pointandshoot, Production, Samsung, shift | 
No Comments »Samsung Bets Big On Mirrorless Digital Cameras While Reducing Focus On Point-And-Shoot Models
Author: Tiffany Shoman
In the riveting story of consumer electronics, the lowly point-and-shoot camera is about to be cut. Its days are numbered and cheap cameras are becoming increasingly less relevant as smartphones steal the limelight. The point-and-shoot camera will soon be just a supporting character.
Samsung sees the writing on the wall, too. Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, Han Myoung-sup, head of the company’s digital imaging division, indicated that the massive Korean empire will shift away from “low-end compact cameras” in an effort to concentrate on mirrorless cameras. This bet, which is the correct move by the way, shows the company’s foresight as it’s very similar to the one Samsung made several years ago when it decided to shift away from its own smartphone platforms and instead concentrate on Android. This will pay off big for Sammy.
Mirrorless cameras have so far seen a slow start. The technology forgoes the tradition bulky and complex mirror system found in digital SLR cameras. A properly named mirrorless system sits in its place, allowing the camera body to be significantly smaller than DSLR. In most cases, mirrorless camera bodies are as thin as the compact cameras they’re attempting to replace. The redesigned camera sensor is then paired with an interchangeable lens system, which allows camera makers to deploy higher quality (high margin) glass lenses.
As the WSJ points out, Samsung currently holds just 5% of this growing market, which is projected to rise 60% this year while point-and-shoot sales are decreasing. This focus shift should allow the company the freedom to further explore the market and position their mirrorless cameras as lovely companions for their widely popular Android smartphones.
Samsung’s current mirrorless camera lineup employs several smart features that make the models a compelling companion for current Samsung customers. Samsung is building around a single platform that leverages proprietary sharing functions. A Samsung smartphone can easily share pics to a Samsung TV while a Samsung mirrorless camera is using the smartphone’s wireless connectivity. It’s a family built on sharing and Samsung is the only company with the customer and product base large enough to pull off such a hat trick.
Samsung moved 20 million Galaxy S II smartphones in 2011. Samsung is the leader in TVs for six years running and sold two HDTVs every second last November. Much to Sony’s chagrin, consumers have been latching onto Samsung for the last several years and then just a few months back at CES 2012, the company unveiled its latest innovation that essentially connects all its products. Mirrorless cameras are a big part of that push.
For the most part mirrorless cameras can command a higher margin than point-and-shoots. They’re positioned as a premium product even if the manufacturing cost is similar to cheap p&s models. But right now, the models are still somewhat rare and stuck in a niche spot between the low-end budget cameras and pricy DSLR. Samsung is attempting to break it out and own the market.
This is the right move for Samsung. Moving away from budget cell phones paid off big time. Samsung is in a dominant position in smartphones. Doing the same with digital cameras will likely yield the same result. Look for Samsung to use similar tactics and flood the market with mirrorless cameras targeting different price points. But this is just part of a larger quest for Samsung. The company is attempting (and arguably succeeding) at becoming the global leader in consumer electronics. John put it correctly at CES: Samsung is the next Apple.
Incoming search terms:
Related Posts:
Tags: Bets, cameras, digital, Focus, mirrorless, models, pointandshoot, Reducing, Samsung, while. |
No Comments »Samsung shuns point-and-shoot cameras, switches factory to pricier mirrorless types
Author:
Samsung’s main camera plant in China is being converted to produce high-end mirrorless cameras instead of cheaper compacts. That’s a steel-and-concrete sign that the manufacturer is trying to boost digital imaging profits by focusing on cameras with higher margins, and it implies a level adaptability that other companies can only dream of. Sammy’s latest NX range of interchangeable-lens (ILC) mirrorless models start at around $ 700, which is at least twice the going rate for a decent point-and-shoot. While that higher price point may seem off-putting, demand for mirrorless cameras is actually expected to explode by 60 percent this year, according to IDC projections — while sales of compacts are retreating in the face of ever more powerful smartphone snappers. Ultimately, Samsung’s business plan could be good news for us end-users too, if a newly expanded NX range brings the entry point for ILCs down by $ 200 or so — although that could just be wishful thinking on our part.
Samsung shuns point-and-shoot cameras, switches factory to pricier mirrorless types originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
WSJ (registration required) | Email this | Comments
Incoming search terms:
- Powered by Article Dashboard business talk radio
- Powered by Article Dashboard host of entertainment tonight
- Powered by Article Dashboard conservatoire
Related Posts:
Tags: cameras, factory, mirrorless, pointandshoot, pricier, Samsung, shuns, switches, types |
No Comments »Pentax crams 18x optical zoom into Optio RZ18 point-and-shoot camera
Author: Tyler Evans
Guess what, amateur shooters? The superzoom just got shrunk. Pentax has just outed a new compact that touts a downright impressive 18x optical zoomer (25-450mm equivalent), with the snooping lens married to a 16 megapixel sensor, a smattering of shake reduction technologies and a 3-inch HVGA LCD ’round back. Moreover, you’ll find a nine-point autofocus system, face detection algorithms, an SDXC card slot and an HD video mode capable of snagging 720p clips at 30 frames per second. It’s all set to ship next month in black, white and orange for $ 299.95 here in the States, with the full presser embedded just after the break.
Continue reading Pentax crams 18x optical zoom into Optio RZ18 point-and-shoot camera
Pentax crams 18x optical zoom into Optio RZ18 point-and-shoot camera originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Optio RZ18 Fact Sheet [PDF] | Email this | Comments
Related Posts:
The Olympus E-PL3: DSLR Power In A Point-And-Shoot Package
Author: Janet Odell
Features:
- 12.3-Megapixel Live MOS image sensor
- Tilting 3.0-inch screen
- 3D Photo support
- ISO up to 12800
- 1080/60i AVCHD or AVI video recording
- MSRP: $ 699
Pros:
- Amazingly small
- Excellent video recording
- Fast shutter speed
Cons:
- Pricey
- Lenses are pricier
- No flash
Short Version
It’s hard to recommend the E-PL3 over the more powerful and touchscreen-equipped E-P3 but if you’re in the market for a much more compact micro 4/3s shooter and you can survive without a built-in flash, this may be the camera for you.
As Olympus perfects its micro 4/3s chops, it’s interesting to watch the products they produce improve and, more importantly, shrink. The E-PL3 is the “light” version of the original PEN line but it is not the entry level model. At $ 699 it’s still a mite expensive for the average shooter but I find that the more I use micro 4/3s hardware the more I like it.
This model is newer and sexier than the bulkier E-P3. It has an improved UI and features a 12.3-Megapixel Live MOS image sensor and TruePic VI Image Processing Engine. It also has an impressive autofocus system called FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology). There are also a number of improved art filters and it supports 3D shooting, albeit with iffy results.
The best thing about the E-PL3, however, is the size. It is about as big as a Canon G12 and supports all of Olympus’ micro 4/3s lenses, from the pancake 17mm to the ultrazoom 40-150mm. To shrink the camera down properly, however, Olympus had to remove the built-in flash (a hot-shoe accessory is available) and, like the rest of the line, this model eschews an optical viewfinder.
Fans of simpler camera will be pleased with this model as it is almost barren when it comes to function buttons. There is a basic mode setting dial on the top, a dedicated video record button, and a few display and menu buttons. There are no dials for various manual functions and, due to a lack of a touchscreen, it may be a bit hard to tweak things just right if you’re not familiar with the interface.
Outdoors, this camera shines. I actually noticed slightly better photos out of the E-PL3 than the EP3 in some conditions, although indoor shots were a little iffy and often blurred in non-auto modes. Obviously the camera is only as good as its lens and the focus and clarity of all of the Olympus line is quite high if not excellent for this class of lens. I did notice some purple fringing but that’s the reality of consumer-level hardware.
Autofocus is amazingly fast – a far cry from the original PEN line’s slow and steady focus. It has 35 auto-focus points and focused surprisingly quickly in video mode. It records in 1080i or 720p — I’d go with 720p.
The camera, if you care, comes in white, black, and red.
Conclusion
Coming at this from an amateur’s standpoint, I find the E-PL3 slightly lacking, especially when compared to its slightly larger cousins. However, it was a dream to carry around on vacation and it’s surprisingly easy for almost anyone to use, making it a good second camera for the home. While I believe something like the E-P3 gives entry-level DSLRs a run for their money, the E-PL3 is a more subtle camera, requiring real buy-in and understanding before it becomes clear why you would spend $ 700 on this versus a Canon Rebel.
That said, if you’re looking for the ease of a point-and-shoot with the versatility of a DSLR, this can’t be beat. Whether this particular model is the one you want is still up in the air, however. I’d recommend looking at both and deciding on a model depending on your dependence on flash indoors. If you’re a big party photographer, I’d aim for the E-P3. If you’re looking for something compact for street shooting, you can’t go wrong with this unit.
If you’d like to see a more exhaustive look at this camera, pop over here to read Photography Blog’s Fountainhead-sized review.
