Reviews

First impressions of the Fujifilm X100T – Let’s talk AF, MF, OVF, EVF and ERF!

19/12/2014 By Mathieu 18 Comments

My Fujifilm X100t review could be very simple. Why? Because last year, its predecessor the Fuji X100s became my favourite compact camera. I used it for almost everything: street, travel, reportage and even work as a second body. Then this year I had to sell it to make room for the X-T1. We cannot keep all the cameras we test and I have to prioritise my work for MirrorLessons. So when I grabbed the X100t in late September, it felt as if I were picking up from where I’d left off with the X100s. I already knew everything about it. After all, the main characteristics are the same: same lens, same sensor, same image quality, same size and ergonomics. I loved the X100s, so I love the X100t.

First impressions of the Panasonic Lumix LX100 – Is it a worthy premium compact?

17/12/2014 By Heather 24 Comments

The Lumix LX100 is the first premium fixed-lens compact camera from Panasonic to house a four-thirds sensor, which is twice as large than the 1” sensors found on the likes of the RX100 series and Canon G7X. This is a big step-up from the popular LX7, the LX100’s predecessor, which was released more than two years ago and whose sensor was only 1/1.7″. Of all the mirrorless cameras released this year, the LX100 has been met with some of the most excitement, not only due to its large sensor but also owing to its 24-75mm (equivalent) zoom with a fast aperture of f/1.7-2.8.

The birth of a new family – Zeiss Loxia 35mm and 50mm Full Review

12/12/2014 By Mathieu 6 Comments

During our interview with Zeiss Product Manager Christophe Casenave at Photokina, it immediately became clear that the full-frame mirrorless system that Sony has just begun building has piqued the interest of the German brand. Along with the SLR series, Zeiss has a nice line-up of lenses for rangefinder cameras (the now-discontinued Ikon and Leica M system). Building a new line of manual focus lenses specifically designed for Sony full frame E-mount cameras was a natural move especially considering the partnership between Sony and Zeiss. This new family of lenses is called Loxia, which takes its name from a species of bird.

A camera bursting with potential – Samsung NX1 First Impressions

10/12/2014 By Mathieu 10 Comments

Update: check out the Samsung NX1 full review!

The most interesting announcement at this year’s Photokina was without a doubt the Samsung NX1, the newest flagship camera designed to prove that the giant Korean company is getting serious about photography. However, even with the NX1’s impressive specs, Samsung’s road to success is fraught with challenges. The biggest of which will be to achieve recognition as a serious and reliable photography brand despite being better known for its many other electronic products.

On paper, the NX1 seems to have claimed the title of the best mirrorless camera. But is it really the game changer it aspires to be? Let’s find out!

Slowing down and appreciating image quality – The Sigma DP2 Quattro full review

08/12/2014 By Mathieu 9 Comments

The term image quality is generally used to refer to the technical aspects of a photograph generated by a camera. It defines how good an image is from a purely technical point of view: sharpness, colour accuracy, details, noise, dynamic range and so on.

However there is also another side to image quality that is less technical and more related to what the photographer does with the camera. It is more subjective (but not any less important).