Wow this is a big deal for me. Anyone who has tried and failed to get many usable shots of their little ones, esp indoors I must add, will appreciate this. Not only are you struggling with the slow shutter speed and camera shake, you are hit with out-of-focus subjects.
Ok I know you must be thinking: "late to the party...again!"
When I initially heard about it, I thought someone has mixed up "Face detection" with "Phase detection" and verbally they do sound the same. And I had discounted the possibility of squeezing in a phase detector into that ever thinner supermodel bodies:)
I didn't know this until last week (I had forgotten until I said it out loud to a friend) that there are two kinds of phase detection AF. One involves a separate phase detector unit used in SLR when the mirror is down; and one that involves a few of the sensor's pixel, recently added to Samsung Galaxy S5 and earlier Canon 70D in movie mode when the mirror is locked. Apple has aptly termed it "FocusPixels" and I can't wait to test it out. I can imagine this teamed up with the Optical Image Stabiliser will make the iPhone 6 Plus even more popular than an iPad as a tourist camera of choice!
So while I initially was underwhelmed by the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus launches, I've slowly changed my mind and getting more and more eager with anticipation. The spec really wasn't very inspiring. Dual core 1.4GHz CPU and the "same" f/2.2 lens and 8MP 1.5µm sensor certainly invited plenty of abuse from Samsung fans and fandroids in general. I expect the hex core GPU to be the trump card and given how much of a smartphone is actually graphics and media and how much dedicated graphics hardware are packed into the A8 to serve those, I can imagine Apple is quietly confident about the user responses come Friday.
4 million phones in 24 hour points to about 12-13 million units over the first weekend. That should be a cool $ix BEELION profit for shareholders and add a few fraction of basis point to the 10 countries' GDP figures!
Monday, 15 September 2014
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
iPhone 5 Review
Noh....this is not a phone review.
Unfortunately the same cannot
be said about the absolute photo quality of this 8MP snapper. Plenty of samples with elongated/buldging
head in the corners. Here's one of the worse example but it would not be fair to call it a bad camera. Overall sharpness is very good in normal daylight situation with faithful and punchy colours. Frame your subject at the center and you'll get excellent quality pictures. Low light performance is no match for a dedicated compact with larger sensor which is a common shortfall of a phone camera.
I really look forward to the next incarnation from the fruity firm, iPhone 5S, that comes fitted with enlarged 1.5 micron pixel sensor (same 8MP but 14.8% larger area) and f2.2, 5-element lens. For comparison the largest is 4MP HTC One with f2 lens at 2.0 micron, Nokia N8 at 1.75 micron and the rest (i5, MX, HOX+, SZ) at 1.4 micron and 13MP GS4 and 41MP N1020 at 1.12 micron, while the (possibly) same 5-element f2.2 lens is also found on the BZ10 and BZ30. PS: See my Olympus E-M5 review for past experience with sensor sizes. In short, from 8MP to 16MP, sensor size impacts image quality more. 4MP is pushing it a bit: out to proof a point: yes, but frankly being a laughing stock (no pun intended).
As the title suggests, I shall
stick only to the imaging side of the iThing.
Without any doubt in my mind,
one of the best 1080p FullHD videocam around. Playback quality on a 42 inch
plasma screen belies the quarter inch opening at the back of the
7.6mm thick phone. One contributing factor is the cropped video frame that utilise the better (more central) part of the lens elements.
 |
| Distortion sample |
It doesn't seem to focus too close either which is ashame
because it is most useful as a convenient document recorder where faithful shape
reproduction isn't as critical.
Oh did I mention the panorama feature? Lovin'it....
 |
| Panorama effectively replaces wide angle lens |
I really look forward to the next incarnation from the fruity firm, iPhone 5S, that comes fitted with enlarged 1.5 micron pixel sensor (same 8MP but 14.8% larger area) and f2.2, 5-element lens. For comparison the largest is 4MP HTC One with f2 lens at 2.0 micron, Nokia N8 at 1.75 micron and the rest (i5, MX, HOX+, SZ) at 1.4 micron and 13MP GS4 and 41MP N1020 at 1.12 micron, while the (possibly) same 5-element f2.2 lens is also found on the BZ10 and BZ30. PS: See my Olympus E-M5 review for past experience with sensor sizes. In short, from 8MP to 16MP, sensor size impacts image quality more. 4MP is pushing it a bit: out to proof a point: yes, but frankly being a laughing stock (no pun intended).
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review
My new go-to camera.
After years of travelling with a DSLR (and then equally many years put in deep storage), and similar number of years experimenting with the mirrorless GF1, I decided that it's time to fully embrace the MFT and totally abandon the DSLR world.
Reason? Ryanair.
With one hand luggage and 7kg cabin weight limit, it's simply not practical to be lugging around DSLR body and lenses. Of course they used to be a nicer airline and more lenient with carry on luggage. I also used to be single and fitter. That was then. Now flying with kids means that I could do with lighter and smaller gears and MFT seems to fit the bill perfectly as not only is the body smaller, the lenses are generally half the volume and weight of their DSLR counterparts with acceptable sacrifice in DOF and sensor size ISO noise. More on that later.
Here's a good link to the issue of depth of field and background blur explanation and comparison: Full Frame Vs Cropped Sensor DOF Comparison - Photo.net Casual Photo Conversations Forum
Going from film manual Nikon FM2 to auto Canon 5D and then digital compact 4MP Canon A80, 8MP Canon 20D photo only with 118k pixels 1.8 inch LCD to 12MP Panasonic GF1 mono audio 720p HD video with 460k pixels 3 inch LCD to E-M5 with 16MP stereo 1080p Full HD video and 610k pixels OLED touchscreen made me realise two things. Firstly my upgrade cycles have a fixed interval of 3-4 years (1995, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2013) and secondly, whilst it allows me to appreciate advances in the various technology, the final output have not improved all that much IMHO.
The 5-axis in-body stabilisation is a godsend, and whilst not trumping in-lens OIS, it works for all lenses, mainly primes, which seldom come with OIS anyway. This is THE main reason for getting the E-M5 in terms of technology. For me, filming with prime lenses with better control of depth of field plus the fact that it sucks in loads more light and has less distortion, all helps to create more appealing videos. The downside was camera shake. It is no more, and I couldn't be happier.
Of course you may achieve the same with cheaper EPM2 or EPL5 (dual axis IBIS) or the latest EP5 (same 5-axis IBIS) but the former will keep me wondering what-if and the latter is simply too expensive. Not only that the E-M5 can be had for a discounted price (since it's launched a year ago in 2012), it comes with the built-in gorgeous retro-looking penta-shaped viewfinder, albeit just an EVF. I find myself using it most of the time, way more than I use the LCD for normal shooting.
Downsides are equally plenty but they are more annoying than seriously lacking except maybe the first one if you are into action shots. In no particular order:
Earlier I mentioned my DSLR was in deep storage for long periods but it is not entirely true. Although I no longer travel with a DSLR except to Wimbeldon this year as I didn't have a MFT tele zoom at the time (compared with the uber fast 70-200 f4L!), all the while the DSLR+50mm f1.8 was filling a portrait gap with lovely bokeh that the 2x cropped MFT sensor was unable to match. The 20D's ISO performace easily beats the GF1 hands down but the new Olympus at least match the APS-C which is no mean feat given the smaller sensor size. And the arrival of Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens closes the gap even further with better overall sharpeness plus stabilisation while producing slightly less creamy bokeh (see comparison below).
This is an inherent limitation of the MFT sensor, as well as the diffraction issue at high f-stops limiting landscape's opposite requirement on DOF.
Is the sacrifice worth the overall gain in convenience? You bet!
After years of travelling with a DSLR (and then equally many years put in deep storage), and similar number of years experimenting with the mirrorless GF1, I decided that it's time to fully embrace the MFT and totally abandon the DSLR world.
Reason? Ryanair.
With one hand luggage and 7kg cabin weight limit, it's simply not practical to be lugging around DSLR body and lenses. Of course they used to be a nicer airline and more lenient with carry on luggage. I also used to be single and fitter. That was then. Now flying with kids means that I could do with lighter and smaller gears and MFT seems to fit the bill perfectly as not only is the body smaller, the lenses are generally half the volume and weight of their DSLR counterparts with acceptable sacrifice in DOF and sensor size ISO noise. More on that later.
Here's a good link to the issue of depth of field and background blur explanation and comparison: Full Frame Vs Cropped Sensor DOF Comparison - Photo.net Casual Photo Conversations Forum
Going from film manual Nikon FM2 to auto Canon 5D and then digital compact 4MP Canon A80, 8MP Canon 20D photo only with 118k pixels 1.8 inch LCD to 12MP Panasonic GF1 mono audio 720p HD video with 460k pixels 3 inch LCD to E-M5 with 16MP stereo 1080p Full HD video and 610k pixels OLED touchscreen made me realise two things. Firstly my upgrade cycles have a fixed interval of 3-4 years (1995, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2013) and secondly, whilst it allows me to appreciate advances in the various technology, the final output have not improved all that much IMHO.
The 5-axis in-body stabilisation is a godsend, and whilst not trumping in-lens OIS, it works for all lenses, mainly primes, which seldom come with OIS anyway. This is THE main reason for getting the E-M5 in terms of technology. For me, filming with prime lenses with better control of depth of field plus the fact that it sucks in loads more light and has less distortion, all helps to create more appealing videos. The downside was camera shake. It is no more, and I couldn't be happier.
Of course you may achieve the same with cheaper EPM2 or EPL5 (dual axis IBIS) or the latest EP5 (same 5-axis IBIS) but the former will keep me wondering what-if and the latter is simply too expensive. Not only that the E-M5 can be had for a discounted price (since it's launched a year ago in 2012), it comes with the built-in gorgeous retro-looking penta-shaped viewfinder, albeit just an EVF. I find myself using it most of the time, way more than I use the LCD for normal shooting.
Downsides are equally plenty but they are more annoying than seriously lacking except maybe the first one if you are into action shots. In no particular order:
- Contrast detection auto focus is crap, period. In fact it is often worse at locking on than GF1 with the same lens.
- When using the EVF, shot preview appears inside and if you try to pull away expecting it on the LCD, as I'm used to on any DSLR, it has timed out, not there (as it thinks you want to switch from EVF to LCD).
- One shot preview info I use the most is the speed and ISO as a useful quick indication of the next setting change. This is only possible in the histogram info screen (see pic).
- SD card formatting is placed too near the top selection (in fact it IS the top) which scares me every time I accidentally activate it.
- Myset isn't clearly stating what is saved and what is not. And since I can't rename it means I can't remember what each one is for!
- Haven't worked out how AF tracking is moved/selected/locked.
- Why can't aperture be allowed to change while recording video?
- Buttons are narrow and shaped a bit weird and quite hard to hit accurately.
Earlier I mentioned my DSLR was in deep storage for long periods but it is not entirely true. Although I no longer travel with a DSLR except to Wimbeldon this year as I didn't have a MFT tele zoom at the time (compared with the uber fast 70-200 f4L!), all the while the DSLR+50mm f1.8 was filling a portrait gap with lovely bokeh that the 2x cropped MFT sensor was unable to match. The 20D's ISO performace easily beats the GF1 hands down but the new Olympus at least match the APS-C which is no mean feat given the smaller sensor size. And the arrival of Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens closes the gap even further with better overall sharpeness plus stabilisation while producing slightly less creamy bokeh (see comparison below).
 |
| APS-C vs MFT bokeh and ISO 1600 noise test |
This is an inherent limitation of the MFT sensor, as well as the diffraction issue at high f-stops limiting landscape's opposite requirement on DOF.
Is the sacrifice worth the overall gain in convenience? You bet!
Giottos MH1312-652 Ball Head Review
The smallest and lightest and cheapest ball head I could find with a separate pan feature.
The specs are generally listed correctly online but here's what you get on the box label:
The 50mm base plate is an exact fit for the MT8240B carbon fibre tripod leg and given how solid this is, the combo feels a tiny bit head heavy. Don't get me wrong, but most tripod heads are sadly secondary consideration when manufacturers launch tripod kits that we are somehow more used to the opposite kind of balance. I convinced myself that free moving but non-slipping ball head will frustrate a lot less than a cheaper 3-way head that never seem to oblige when you are in a hurry to manouver into position.
The quick release plate has a sliding slot for the screw which I thought was handy as the tripod socket of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 I'm currently using, isn't centered on the lens axis (potentially a problem for panaroma panning shots). Anyway this allow me to center the lens axis with the vertical column of the tripod which is a nice bonus.
To release the plate, squeeze together the main and safety levers and flick both outwards until the base pops. This spring loaded main lever snaps back nicely when you press the plate down firmly against the raised lever lock (pointed by the green arrow).
When the ball is free, the friction knob sets the right amount of resistence for accurate repositioning as well as preventing sudden drop of your beloved equipment. For my peace of mind, I tend to set it just tight enough, and then some, not to let that happen, hopefully ever.
Overall very pleased with the performance of this ball head. Being rated at 6kg, it should come as no surprise that it is more than capable of holding a DSLR four times the weight of my current MFT set up, with zero creep, even when pivoted at the camera body with a big zoom lens combo weighing 1.7kg at a dipping angle, as shown here.
Overspeced you might argue and I couldn't agree more. Reviewers might call it compact and lightweight but it's just that bit larger and heavier than my idea of a compact head. Clearly if I had the choice, I'd go even smaller but alas no one makes ball pan heads both lighter and cheaper.
The specs are generally listed correctly online but here's what you get on the box label:
 |
| Unboxing Giottos MH1312-652 ball head |
The 50mm base plate is an exact fit for the MT8240B carbon fibre tripod leg and given how solid this is, the combo feels a tiny bit head heavy. Don't get me wrong, but most tripod heads are sadly secondary consideration when manufacturers launch tripod kits that we are somehow more used to the opposite kind of balance. I convinced myself that free moving but non-slipping ball head will frustrate a lot less than a cheaper 3-way head that never seem to oblige when you are in a hurry to manouver into position.
The quick release plate has a sliding slot for the screw which I thought was handy as the tripod socket of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 I'm currently using, isn't centered on the lens axis (potentially a problem for panaroma panning shots). Anyway this allow me to center the lens axis with the vertical column of the tripod which is a nice bonus.
 |
| Lever lock |
When the ball is free, the friction knob sets the right amount of resistence for accurate repositioning as well as preventing sudden drop of your beloved equipment. For my peace of mind, I tend to set it just tight enough, and then some, not to let that happen, hopefully ever.
 |
| Stability is not an issue |
Overspeced you might argue and I couldn't agree more. Reviewers might call it compact and lightweight but it's just that bit larger and heavier than my idea of a compact head. Clearly if I had the choice, I'd go even smaller but alas no one makes ball pan heads both lighter and cheaper.
Giottos MT8240B Tripod Review
Finally took the plunge and received my new tripod today with the MH1312-652 ball head.
Why are online retail description often so poor? Some confusion to clear up: this is not the same as the US listed MG-8240B which looks slightly shorter (vertical column lock via side screw) and lighter and includes a shoulder strap - all welcomed bonus. This model comes in a nice Giottos box but sadly no tripod bag or shoulder strap inside. Conflicting sizes are listed on various retail websites regarding the dimension. Here's mine for MT8240B legs (in the order which are important to me):
Needless to say all the information is clearly displayed on the box label. Shame most online retailers just can't be bothered to list them correctly.
First impression does not disappoint in terms of build quality as after all, it's my first "proper" tripod. Previous ones tended to be small and in the £10 mark:) Nor did it impress in terms of carbon fibre weightlessness (my last tripod is around 600g including head!). The difference with similar-sized aluminium ones, from past experience, seems minimal. From purely official spec numbers, the saving is just over 200 grams (vs the aluminium MT9240B). Let's hope this one offers less flex and vibration when fully spread (if my understanding of carbon fibre properties is anything to go by).
Extending and retracting the legs gives nice dampened satisfying thuds, which is reassuring. I prefer the twist lock for two main reasons: robustness and ease of storage. Robustness in the sense that I have had one tripod and one Manfrotto monopod that sheered off at the snap lock which is normally made of plastic. The second annoyance with snap lock legs is the tendency to catch on camera bag straps, lip of tripod bags etc, which clearly contribute to the early demise of the locking mechanism.
The leg catch which you need to lift out to open the tripod to wider
low position is made of solid metal chunk and is a bit stiff to operate. What I didn't realise at
first was that there are three lockable height position (as shown). I also like the
foam grip on each leg, which is not uncommon at this level, providing secure handling and will no doubt be handy on those wet days. If there is a complaint, it is that the legs are a bit stiff to spread out and does require some strength to set up. But honestly I would be happier if it never loosens over time!
The center column height is adjusted manually and locked with the center winged screw. I was initially wishing for the side screw lock but on second thoughts, the latter (on MT8240B) is more secure without the risk of scratching the column if it's anything like the past tripods I used. There is a plasticky safety catch ring just above the spring-loaded hook which has to be aligned when removing the center column.
The 50mm base plate matches the MH1312-652 ball head exactly which is nice. It also comes with a tool bag for switching (flipping) between the dual 1/4 and 3/8 head thread but whatever size it came and set at, the MH1312-652 screws on perfectly.
When I first set out on my quest for a lightweight tripod, the 1kg aim was perhaps a bit unrealistic especially given the feature creep (namely pan head and not being too short). This combo weighs in at 1300g exactly and I feel it is not too bad an effort. Giottos' own Vitruvian range VGRN8255(CF)+MH5501-652 and VGRN9255(ALU)+MH5400-652 come in a touch heavier at 1380g (£259) and 1550g (£169) respectively, but folds down to a much shorter 40cm using a combination of 5-section legs and clever reverse leg hinge. Alternative tripods weight-wise are Gitzo GT0531 (700g), Slik Pro 624CF (820g) and Manfrotto 732CY (950g).
I am currently searching for a matching tripod bag to hold the combo with ball head. Hence it begins another quest to decipher the online clutter. Giottos' own AA1251 tripod bag is listed as Internal size 530 x 80 x 140 mm that clearly makes me anxious if this 570mm combo will be a tight squeeze..... Again US-listed AA11251 says Internal dimension 4.0 x 22" (10.16 x 55.88cm) (Dia x L) with external length 64cm vs 62cm....
It remains to be seen if I'll actually take it anywhere beyond my garden walls:)
Update 2019:
The tripod is now the perfect bow stand! Sturdy and adjustable.
Why are online retail description often so poor? Some confusion to clear up: this is not the same as the US listed MG-8240B which looks slightly shorter (vertical column lock via side screw) and lighter and includes a shoulder strap - all welcomed bonus. This model comes in a nice Giottos box but sadly no tripod bag or shoulder strap inside. Conflicting sizes are listed on various retail websites regarding the dimension. Here's mine for MT8240B legs (in the order which are important to me):
- Weight 940g (without the tools and tool bag)
- Max height: 145cm up to base plate
- Folded length: 50cm
- Supports both 1/4 and 3/8 screw thread head
- Three lockable spread angle
- Min height: 37cm as this is the length of the center column
Needless to say all the information is clearly displayed on the box label. Shame most online retailers just can't be bothered to list them correctly.
 |
| Unboxing the MT8240B - can't understand poor online spec |
First impression does not disappoint in terms of build quality as after all, it's my first "proper" tripod. Previous ones tended to be small and in the £10 mark:) Nor did it impress in terms of carbon fibre weightlessness (my last tripod is around 600g including head!). The difference with similar-sized aluminium ones, from past experience, seems minimal. From purely official spec numbers, the saving is just over 200 grams (vs the aluminium MT9240B). Let's hope this one offers less flex and vibration when fully spread (if my understanding of carbon fibre properties is anything to go by).
Extending and retracting the legs gives nice dampened satisfying thuds, which is reassuring. I prefer the twist lock for two main reasons: robustness and ease of storage. Robustness in the sense that I have had one tripod and one Manfrotto monopod that sheered off at the snap lock which is normally made of plastic. The second annoyance with snap lock legs is the tendency to catch on camera bag straps, lip of tripod bags etc, which clearly contribute to the early demise of the locking mechanism.
 |
| 3 heights (spread angles) to choose from |
The center column height is adjusted manually and locked with the center winged screw. I was initially wishing for the side screw lock but on second thoughts, the latter (on MT8240B) is more secure without the risk of scratching the column if it's anything like the past tripods I used. There is a plasticky safety catch ring just above the spring-loaded hook which has to be aligned when removing the center column.
The 50mm base plate matches the MH1312-652 ball head exactly which is nice. It also comes with a tool bag for switching (flipping) between the dual 1/4 and 3/8 head thread but whatever size it came and set at, the MH1312-652 screws on perfectly.
When I first set out on my quest for a lightweight tripod, the 1kg aim was perhaps a bit unrealistic especially given the feature creep (namely pan head and not being too short). This combo weighs in at 1300g exactly and I feel it is not too bad an effort. Giottos' own Vitruvian range VGRN8255(CF)+MH5501-652 and VGRN9255(ALU)+MH5400-652 come in a touch heavier at 1380g (£259) and 1550g (£169) respectively, but folds down to a much shorter 40cm using a combination of 5-section legs and clever reverse leg hinge. Alternative tripods weight-wise are Gitzo GT0531 (700g), Slik Pro 624CF (820g) and Manfrotto 732CY (950g).
 |
| 570mm total length with MH1312-652 ball head attached |
I am currently searching for a matching tripod bag to hold the combo with ball head. Hence it begins another quest to decipher the online clutter. Giottos' own AA1251 tripod bag is listed as Internal size 530 x 80 x 140 mm that clearly makes me anxious if this 570mm combo will be a tight squeeze..... Again US-listed AA11251 says Internal dimension 4.0 x 22" (10.16 x 55.88cm) (Dia x L) with external length 64cm vs 62cm....
It remains to be seen if I'll actually take it anywhere beyond my garden walls:)
Update 2019:
The tripod is now the perfect bow stand! Sturdy and adjustable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)