New camera trends: Full frame and WiFi

WHILE many expect me to be smashing apples this week because of the iPhone 5, whose best feature is the two-sided dock, I've decided it's not worth readers' time as many consumers seem to be aware that Apple is losing its touch, especially with the wide variety of jokers on the internet showing elongated "new versions" of the iPhone.

Instead of scoffing at the iPhone 5's record breaking sales (probably because too many people own a 3GS being disappointed by the 4/4S), I think what's happening at Photokina, which begins today, is worth talking about more with some interesting trends formulating.

The first being the entry-level full frames, which are available in a number of form factors; and the second, being WiFi equipped cameras, targeted at easy sharing on social networking sites, and, of course, Instagram.

The first I'll start with, and one I'm most excited about, is the Canon 6D.

Canon said that December 2012 is the target date for the new entry-level full frame, which seems unlikely now that a number of Japanese manufacturers such as Canon and Panasonic have shut down plants in China due to conflicts arising from the unclaimed island.

When and if it does land, the 6D is said to carry a price tag of US$2099 ($2,710), which is significantly lower than the 5D Mark 3 and 5D Mark 2 (this is, of course, just an initial assumption).

The camera is equipped with 20.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, Digic 5+ processor, 4.5 frames per second, a silent shutter mode, 1080p video, 11-point Auto Focus system, and 3.0-inch clear view TFT LCD.

What's disappointing for me is the lack of touch-screen (some reports are saying it has one, but Canon's release doesn't say so), and also a dedicated AF-point controller.

Also disappointing is the lack of an extra memory card slot that Nikon's models come with. On the other hand, the inclusion of WiFi and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), the first on a Canon full frame, allows for quick sharing and instant location tags.

What's even better is, with the inclusion of WiFi, users can then control shutter, exposure or adjust other settings via Canon's mobile application for Android and iOS, Canon EOS Remote.

Another feature to boast about is the camera's size and weight, which is Canon's smallest and lightest full frame to hit the market.

The 6D will also be Canon's only full frame running with an SD card slot as opposed to a CF card.

Nikon D600

Nikon is actually the first to launch an entry-level full frame with the D600, a few days earlier than Canon.

Full frames have now become in the price range of an APS-C type camera, which I can only assume will become even cheaper in the future.

The D600 is also priced at US$2,099, but it seems to have better specifications than the 6D.

For starters, it has a 24.3 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, 5.5 frames per second burst, 39-point AF system, a headphone jack for monitoring video sound, and a 3.2-inch LCD.

Another advantage the Nikon has is a 100 per cent viewfinder coverage.

The D600 also has two well-positioned dials, one in the front where your index finger would normally land, and the other behind where your right thumb would go.

These dials have a nice locking feature like the higher-end cameras, which allows for less accidents when shooting.

The physical buttons are also neatly positioned on the left of the camera, clearing space on the right to grip, and has a better positioned AF point selector than the 6D.

Another plus for Nikon is D600's built-in flash, which actually gives the camera more of an entry-level feel, and everyday normal users like you and me will appreciate it, contrary to Canon's flash-less 6D.

Yet another plus, would be the camera's built-in auto focus system, which will work great with Nikon legacy lenses with no auto focus built-in, or with third party lenses.

Sony Alpha 99 and RX1

Sony announced two full-frames over the week; the A99, which is a DSLR, and the RX1, which is, believe it or not, a compact.

The RX1 is the most outrageous compact of all, and will carry a matching price tag to boot. It will set you back US$2,799 (around $3,434) and will give you a 24-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, a fixed 35mm f2 lens, a dedicated aperture ring, five user-customiseable buttons, 1080p video and a bulb mode.

The lens, of course, in typical Sony fashion, is a Carl Zeiss, which features a silent option, and can focus to as close as 20cm.

All-in-all, the RX1 is going to be targeted at enthusiasts, especially with the aforementioned price tag. I've always felt the need for a compact camera, yet one that's able to produce amazing quality photos, but this is just too much!

The Alpha 99 is Sony's first full-frame in four years (since its A900). I've never truly been a fan of Sony as a camera maker, or particularly anything Sony really because of its price, but the A99 has some features that should not be overlooked as they are not available on the aforementioned two full frames.

Sony's A99's basic specifications is its 24-megapixel full frame CMOS, 2.4 million OLED electronic viewfinder, six frames per second of continuous shooting, and a top panel LCD.

What it has that other full frames don't, is a three-hinge swivel out rear LCD that will make it so handy for weird angles.

It also has the ability to capture 1080p videos a 60 frames per second, and can has dual slot memory cards able to read SD and Sony's Memory Stick.

The views expressed by the author are his own and do not reflect those of The Brunei Times.

This is part one of a two-series article. Part two will appear next week.

The Brunei Times