Our test results showed particularly high
maximum contrast at ISO 800, and relatively
constant values right up to ISO 3200, although
these drop off quickly at higher values. The
same observations apply to the camera’s noise
characteristics. Automatic noise reduction
causes only slight impairments up to ISO 800,
whereas higher values up to ISO 3200 produce
a loss of detail and texture as well as frayed
edges and color noise that make images useful
for full-screen viewing only.
At optimum ISO values, the OM-D
produces sharp, balanced images across the
entire zoom range.Video Functionality
With the exception of the Sigma, all of our
test cameras conform to current market
expectations by shooting Full HD video at 30
full frames per second using H.264
compression. The Sony even offers 50 fps
shooting in AVCHD 2.0 format. Both Nikon
models are capable of directly outputting
uncompressed video footage to external
recording media via an HDMI port and
without artificial clip length limitations.
Along with the Canon, the two Nikons
(with their extremely flexible handling
and settings) are aimed at professional
film-makers who appreciate the extra creative
options provided by the full-frame sensor
format. All of our test cameras produced
high-quality video footage that was generally
of comparable quality to the still images
produced by each. The Pentax produced
slightly oversaturated video colors anddistinct wobble effects due to its less effective
vibration reduction system.
The optional motorized zoom built into the
Olympus kit lens is smooth and quiet – ideal
for shooting zoomed video shots. Of all our
test lenses, it was the best suited to video
applications, although they all produced
juddery or noisy focusing results and some
fairly coarse exposure adjustments. If you are
looking for a camera with video work in mind,
make sure that the lens you select has
appropriate characteristics or, better still, aim
high and shoot your clips using fixed focal
lengths and apertures, and fixed or manual
focus settings.Conclusions
Our test cameras represent a fair cross-section
of the current crop of mid-range to high-end
SLR and mirrorless models. They are all
capable of producing great results under
appropriate conditions, but the best all-round
models show their true colors when
conditions are less than optimal.
The most flexible and capable of the seven
cameras tested here are the two Nikons and
the Canon, representing the current cream of
the crop in a long tradition of high-end
camera manufacturing. The Nikon D800, with
its 36-megapixel sensor has made the leap
into medium-format resolution territory
while retaining a relatively compact body
with great handling. The downside of all this
technological progress is the US$3,000 price
for the camera body and the necessary
investment in high-end lenses if you want to
get the most out of the sensor’s capabilities. Ifyou don’t feel you have to squeeze every last
drop of detail out of your subjects, it is
cheaper to go the Canon route. Lenses that
get the best out of the 5D Mark III’s
22-megapixel sensor are easier to find, while
the volume of data remains manageable and
the relatively large pixel pitch enables useful
combinations of high continuous shooting
rates and low noise at high ISO values.
Pro documentary and sports
photographers will most likely go for the
large, robust and super-fast Nikon D4. The
camera’s autofocus system adapts well to
small apertures, making it eminently usable
with long lenses and teleconverters. We were
slightly disappointed by its sub-optimum
noise characteristics, especially in view of its
relatively low-resolution 16-megapixel sensor.
The Sony cheapest SLR in our test (US$650
body only) was the SLT-A57, which displays
similar noise-related shortcomings. On the plus
side, its static, semi-transparent mirror enables
fast continuous shooting and fast, reliable
focus tracking in photo and video modes.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 offers similar
focus speed and accuracy in a mirrorless
retro design that pays homage to the OM
series of SLR cameras introduced more than
40 years ago – all in a small, weather-resistant
package kitted out with an ultra-modern
16-megapixel image sensor. The power and
and sheer functionality of the Olympus
catapult it right to the top of the current
heap of Micro Four Third cameras. But quality
has its price, and you can get a high-end SLR
for the same US$1,300 price as the
Olympus kit – it just won’t be as slim, stylish
and retro ... (pen)The Pentax K-01 is hardly any slimmer than an APS-C SLR, even though it has no mirror. On
the plus side, it is compatible with all Pentax K-mount lenses. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 with
its much smaller Micro Four Thirds body is shown on the right.Camera Test | SLR and System Cameras