HM-307 XP NTSCIncludes: handheld thermal imager with 320 X 240 pixel thermal microbolometer hotshoe video output and charging accessory 4 rechargeable AA batteries AC power adapter/charger Neck lanyard Operator's Manual USB cable Video output cable plus 2X E-Zoom. Operating temperature range: -4°F to 140°F. Shop Amazon - Digital Cameras - New Releases FEATURE :
FLIR FIRST MATE HM-307 XP NTSC 320 X 240 7X5 FIELD OF VIEW.
Ever wanted to take a photo of a cyclist in motion? Shoot portraits of your loved ones that show them at their best, or compose fine-art images that reveal your creativity? With The Complete Photo Manual, picture-perfect photos are just a shutter's click away. Photography books tend to be long, technical, and full of complicated jargon. For the amateur or pro who just wants to get quick-hitting tips and loads of inspiration, this is the book that does the job. In 355 handy, easy-to-grasp hints, this book gives you what you need to know to grasp the basics of lighting, composition, gear, working with models, and much, much more. Pro tips make this much more than a beginner’s guide.
Taking amazing pictures is getting easier and easier with the advances in digital photography, and The Complete Photo Manual is here to help you take full advantage! Organized into three useful chapters (Gear & Setup, Shooting & Composing, and Processing and Beyond), this book from the experts at Popular Photography magazine helps you select and use cutting-edge cameras and accessories; teaches you to see the world as a photographer does and shoot in the moment to capture great shots as they happen; and then tweak your images in photo-processing software for next-level effects.
From the subtle (adjusting the color in a picture to create a different mood) to the artistic (compositions merging several photos to dramatic effect) to the downright amazing (how to photograph yourself levitating . . . it’s easier than you think!), The Complete Photo Manual opens up a whole world of photographic possibility.
Set-ups and techniques are described in detail, with easy-to-understand illustrations and diagrams, and a wealth of beautifully inspirational photography. Beginners will learn ways to quickly move into new realms of expertise, and even old pros will pick up some new tricks. Anyone who has ever looked at an amazing composition or a skillful composite and said, “How did they do that?” will find this book irresistible. Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks
BRIEF ABOUT AUTHOR: With more than 2 million readers and over 70 years of expertise,Popular Photography is the world’s largest how-to monthly magazine for image-making enthusiasts. The magazine’s editors are not just great how-to writers, they are all talented photographers, who really know how to make the most of any image.
SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER
REVIEW FROM AMAZON:
1) The best book for ALL photographers. rank amatuer to advanced amatuer. -In the more than four decades I've been a pro photographer, I have never seen a book quite like this. Concise but thorough... easy to find the subject your looking for if you're more advanced. Each hint includes a sample photo of the effect. Almost every hint takes up no more than one page... some just half a page. Book is soft bound BUT has metal corners on the right hand side as you look at the front of the book. I would highly recommend this, the best overall book on photography, to my pro friends as a refresher... and to those wanting to learn almost everything important in photography all the way up to becoming creative with your camera. This book is more geared to those with a DSLR, but a lot of information applies to point-and-shoot cameras as well. My reason for purchasing this book (4 copies!, three copies at Costco and one on Amazon) was to give as a gift to the four people in my extended family around the world (in-laws) who have a VERY severe interest in photography, but need some guidance in many aspects of photography. This book is perfect for those who have spent a year or so learning how to take photographs (as opposed to snapshooting). There are a FEW things covered that would be useful to "professionals" who want to truly meet the expectations of their clients. This is NOT a complete encyclopedia in photography. NO single book fits that description. What makes this a great book is that hints are explained in laymen's terms without being over simplistic.
ByJoseph A. Nowakon November 27, 2012
2) The best book that I have ever owned in my life. -This book is amazing. It is like a photography bible. It is a must have for anyone shooting with any type of camera, from a cell phone camera to a large format camera. Every single page is vibrate with pictures and numerous pieces of advice. There are 355 topics touched on, in the categories of gear and setup, composing and shooting and processing and beyond. The book even looks amazing. The front cover is holographic and the book has metal on the corners, so they don't get bent, I guess. Don't hesitate. Don't even add it to your cart. Just hit "buy with one click." This will be the best photography book that you'll ever own. (Until Pop Photo's next book release.. Maybe.)
If you value style but not weight when you're out looking for great images, you'll love the ultra compact LEICA C-LUX 2 ! Sporting a classic black or silver metal body and measuring just 3 1/2 x 2 in, it fits into even the smallest pocket. The elegant exterior design is unmistakably Leica and is matched by an immaculate standard of optics and digital technology inside. The high-speed wide-angle 28 mm zoom lens takes stunning, space-grabbing shots. The optical image stabilizer and the intelligent exposure control prevent camera shake and ensure optimum definition. The 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor enables superlative prints up to poster size. The extra large 2.5-inch display, the image stabilization and short shutter delay of the LEICA C-LUX 2 all guarantee carefree photography with high-quality results. Fast, discreet snapshots captured on the fly, or pictureperfect compositions at twilight or in other tricky conditions - everything is possible with the LEICA C-LUX 2. The VARIO-ELMARIT zoom lens retracts entirely into the camera body at the flick of the 'off' switch. Whether you're a partygoer, beachcomber, city stroller or nature lover, the LEICA C-LUX 2 is always a dependable companion - any time, any place, you'll never miss another photo op. Shop Amazon - Compact System Cameras - Best Sellers
FEATURE :
7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints.
3.6x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display.
High-speed wide-angle lens allows for creative framing.
Classic, ultra-compact metal body measures 3.5 x 2 x .9 inches.
Powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included); stores images on SD memory cards (64MB memory card included).
SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER
REVIEW FROM AMAZON :
1) Leica C-Lux 2 -I won't go into technical details here because those can be found on the Leica site etc. I really wanted to love this camera but...for the price I expected better. Here is a short and simple synopsis of what I found:
PROS:The material and workmanship of the product are supurb. The design is flawless and all controls are easy to access. You don't have to go deep into the menu to change basic important features. The "self protrait" feature works very well. Color and low light capture are superior.
CONS:The macro feature is only OK. The landscape pictures I took were poor. I tried all the different settings, took about 50 pictures and only a handful were acceptable to me. The video capture is OK with somewhat poor sound quality. You can't zoom while filming.
Overall, this is an interesting little camera. But for the price there are better alternatives like the Sony T-100. It is incredible both for pictures and video.
ByM. Bahlon May 12, 2007
2) Extremely impressive pocket camera -I am *extremely* impressed by this little Leica.
This will be a rather short review since this camera model is already, like, 300 years old in dog years.
I was able to pick a new one up for less than [...] on the internets from someone who clearly didn't know what they were parting with. When I inquired into why the party was selling she only told me that her husband needed something newer.
I have owned and used dozens of cameras (Leica, Nikon, Canon, Rollie, Mamiya) in my career.
The C-LUX 2 is an amazing unit in terms of color authenticity, image quality, zoom quality, sensitivity, precision, workmanship, and most of all: usability and convenience.
I cannot stress how perfect the menu system is on this camera. It's perfect and the controls are precise, accurate, and delightful to use.
Convenience means that having this camera in your pocket you will never miss a great shot no matter where you are. Yes it really is that good. With controls from scene mode to nearly manual you have precise control of your pictures. There is no reason you cannot achieve a National Geo picture with this camera.
When the C-LUX 2 debuted at [.........] it was really a Euro-jet-setting no-show. Now that you can find this gem below [....] it is a must have.
5 stars based on current market conditions and availability in late 2008. Good luck finding a mint unit. If you are indefatigable you will find no better camera in the same class at any price.
Get professional-looking results with this advanced yet user-friendly high-zoom camera. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300/B features massive 50x optical zoom plus 100x Clear Image digital zoom technology for awesome close-ups. Every detail will be crisp and clear-even when zoomed in all the way-thanks to top-notch Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology and the camera's powerful processor. The 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS image sensor delivers stunning, high-resolution photos and gorgeous Full HD videos1 even in challenging low-light conditions. Better yet, with so many pixels you'll be able to enlarge, zoom in and crop your photos for frame-worthy mementos of every special occasion. Shop Photokina at Amazon - Check Out New Products in Camera, Photo & Video
Bundle Includes: • Sony DSC-HX300 20 MP Digital Camera with 50x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-Inch LCD (Black) . • Sony 16GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card (SF16UY/TQMN) . • Focus All In One High Speed USB 2.0 Card Reader . • Focus HDMI to Micro HDMI cable (6 FT) . • Focus Deluxe 8 inch table Tripod . • Focus 5 Piece Digital Camera Accessory Kit . • Small Gadget Case . • Focus Lens Cleaning Pen . • Focus Professional Wrist Grip Strap for Digital and Film SLR Cameras. FEATURE
20.4-megapixel, 1/2.3" Exmor R CMOS sensor.
50x optical zoom, 100x Clear Image zoom.
3" Xtra Fine LCD display with high-definition video mode.
1) A Dream Camera For Me ! - I am a compulsive photographer, and started shooting people and objects when I was 15. A friend presented me with my first digital camera when I was 45, and life has never been the same again. That was Sony Mavica, and it used 3.5 inch floppy disks to store pictures. The highest resolution was only 1.2 mega pixels, but with its 16x optical magnification it did wonders for me.
This is my fourth digital Camera in 15 years. In fact the moment I read the specification and the Sony name, I sold my non Sonly Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera, removable lens, and telephoto lens (puchased for a futune) at a loss and bought this model. Once again, life has never been the same again after I bought it.
Here are some of the features
*** It offer 20+ Mega-pixel resolution, something that can do wonders
*** It offer and unbelievable 50x OPTICAL magnification, again something that can do wonders
Care to Take:
*** The camera offers so much in terms of resolution and optical magnification that most users need to learn afresh that a powerful tool can be used in unbelievable way. Do explore all the possibilities
*** Do use a monopod or a tripod for shooting at magnifications greater than 20x
Uniqueness:
*** High resolution
*** Super-high magnification
*** Ability to keep the flash off in any and every situation (a manual switch is provided)
*** All other standard software features are available
*** Very light and ergonomic design
Most Helpful Feature:
*** The ability to shoot pictures even in relative darkness is the feature most helpful to me. This means that I do not have to turn the flash on at most occasions. What is more, if the image on the viewfinder screen looks dark, the circular switch at the back of the camera allows you to lighten the image before shooting to an amazing degree. This means that one can save considerable amount of battery charge, which in turn gives a longer battery life. This feature also produces better pictures than dark pictures made light in a graphics program.
Recommendation:
*** If ease of use, high resolution, and high optical magnification is your need, then this is THE camera for you
*** It is very economically priced
I have been using this Camera now for 3 months and for me it is dream come true.
ByDr. Johnson C. Philipon September 16, 2013
2) Amazing Camera Package - The camera arrived earlier than expected which was a nice surprise. The accessories are top notch. The bag is wonderful and the perfect size for the camera. You will get an array of accessories that would cost you $$ by themselves. This package is the real deal.
Now for the camera! Goodness gracious. I am not a beginner, but not an accomplished photographer either. I have owned Nikon in the past and decided to try this camera based on the rave reviews. Am I ever glad I did. The pictures are unbelievable. The clarity in just the point and shoot mode are incredible. You will feel like a professional! Play around with the other modes on the dial. The booklet is (for once) easy to read and understand. A monkey could use the wonderful camera!
Can/order from this company--Focus Camera...they were good and for once someone reliable(!) and you will be glad. They send you quality stuff and do not skimp. I was fearful that I would get second rate stuff....NOT ! It is all the real deal!
I cannot wait to use this camera on my upcoming trip. Do not delay! You will not regret it for one nano second.
The Samsung WB350 SMART Camera's powerful 21x optical zoom brings you closer to your subject and its easy sharing capabilities bring you closer to the rest of the world. With a 21x optical zoom and 23mm wide-angle lens, you'll capture powerful images. The compact, cloud-enabled camera features Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities so you can share your creations with anybody. There are times you don't want to use a flash, like when you want to capture special moments indoors without disturbing others around you. The 16.3-megapixel BSI (backside-illuminated) CMOS sensor needs less light than conventional sensors, so you can capture properly exposed images without a flash. There's also Low Light Shot mode, which merges three continuous shots into one clear photo. The Hybrid Touch User Interface offers two options: use the 5-way button to quickly move the cursor up, down, left and right to intuitively navigate the menu and make selections on the 3.0" TFT LCD screen. Alternately, when you want to enter text, simply input the characters on the touch screen, much like you would on a smartphone. NFC and Wi-Fi enabled features like Photo Beam, AutoShare, Remote Viewfinder and Mobile Link let you share images to compatible smart devices right next to you or on the other side of the world. Photo Beam easily sends any photo that you're viewing to a smart device instantly. AutoShare saves photos to your smart device as you shoot and allows you to effortlessly post photos to social networks, store them on the cloud, and back them up to your PC. When you can't get physically closer to your subject, the 21x optical zoom lets you capture every sharp detail. Show off a fabulous selfie with the rest of the world in no time flat. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can post images and videos directly to Facebook, YouTube, and now Flickr. Tag and add comments, too. You can also upload photos right to your blog, or email them to your family. Shop Photokina at Amazon - Check Out New Products in Camera, Photo & Video
FEATURE :
This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty.
Share your best photos instantly with Family and Friends with Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.
16.3-Megapixel Backside-Illuminated CMOS Sensor, 21x Optical Zoom with Wide-Angle Lens.
Wi-Fi Connectivity for Easy Sharing and Full HD Video Recording.
Full Manual Mode for Creative Control.
SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER REVIEW FROM AMAZON:
1) Nice camera, Nice features, Nice Scratch. - Nice camera with nifty features. NFC and WiFi seems to work good. Email feature from the camera is nice and easy too. Here's my BUT... I did see this was a refurb and have had good luck with refurbs before but, the camera I received has a deep scratch on the touch screen and a couple of good ones on the top as well. So I guess the phrase "shows limited or no wear" in the description means the word "limited" has different meanings to different people.
Bybob mon September 21, 2014
2) Excellent Camera ! -This thing is awesome! The only thing I would have to say is that the soft ware is not compatable with iOS 8. The baby monitor however works flawlessly. The pictures are perfect. Big touch screen, not to mention you don't even really use the buttons.
This bundle contains 4 items (may ship separately)
1 ofCanon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR with 18-55mm STM Lens (White)
18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
4 FPS continuous shooting.
9 point AF system, center AF point is cross-type.
ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600).
1080 (30, 25, 24 fps) and 720 (60, 50 fps) HD video (29min limit, H.264 format).
3" touch panel LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots.
Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects.
Special scene modes for shooting kids, food, by candlelight, and creative filters.
GPS compatible with the GP-E2 (sold separately).
1 of Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Focal length and maximum aperture: 55-250mm 1:4-5.6
Lens construction: 15 elements in 12 groups.
Diagonal angle of view: 27 Degree 50 ft. - 6 Degree 15 ft.
Rear focus system
Closest focusing distance: 0.85m/2.8 ft.
1 ofAmazonBasics DSLR and Laptop Backpack - Orange interior
Backpack holds and protects 2 SLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, 17 inch laptop and additional smaller accessories.
Customizable padded interior. Movable dividers allow for optimal storage.
Side straps secure tripods or other bulky accessories.
Internal Dimensions: 12.6" x 7.8" x 16.5" (LxWxH).
External Dimensions: 13.4" x 8.8" x 17.7" (LxWxH).
Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging.
1 ofSanDisk Ultra 16GB Class 10 SDHC Memory Card Up To 40MB/s- SDSDUN-0016G-G46 [Newest Version]
Up To 40MB/s Read Speed.
10-Year Warranty.
Easily Back Up Files With "SanDisk Memory Zone" App.
SOME OF THE SAMPLE CUSTOMER
REVIEW FROM AMAZON:
1) Excellent Entry Level DSLR with Advanced Ability - I am a casual photographer, who travels a lot and wanted a SLR to take with me. I also want to enhance my photography as a hobby, although I don't plan on ever being professional. I've owned several compact digital prior to this camera.
Size:
Even though I knew what I was ordering, I couldn't get over the size. It's so small for an SLR and so lightweight. I've checked multiple times because I didn't think it was loaded in my bag, it felt empty. No kidding, it's that light weight. But still has all the buttons you need, well placed and easy to operate. It also feels tough and durable, so don't be dissuaded by the light weight or small size. I'm not sure about the concern some voiced about it being "too small" to hold. It's very comfortable. If you are going to shoot for 2 hours straight and/or have shot with a larger camera for 5 years, then maybe this would take some getting used to. But it's very easy to manage, comfortable to hold and feels solid in my hand.
Performance:
I've been experimenting for a couple months now with various settings, different creative shots and I love the camera. Any failures are certainly mine as an amateur. It's easy to shoot, fast enough (I'm not shooting for the NHL) and takes accurate, colorful pictures that are only limited by my creativity. I've shot macro, landscape, architecture, pets and portraits. I love it. It has a deep, feature rich set of custom options, menus and settings. I'm almost addicted to loading my amazing photos into a post photo software (name omitted) and playing with them to see how incredible they can get. That being said, they look incredible (when composed properly) straight from the RAW image. Also remember, this is a canon, so you can use virtually any lens ever created by them.
Video:
The improved AF Focus and STM lens is evident when shooting video. Video is amazingly clear, the AF does a good job keeping up with most subjects (again not shooting NHL or nocturnal animal scenery). The touchscreen, nearly silent lens combo is a huge improvement over prior versions. All but the most demanding professionals will find it does a remarkable job.
Cons:
Not many, seriously. No built in stereo mic..(minor issue use an external) No built in wifi (use an eye fi card)
I kept this simple as there are some more technical reviews out there. I thought simple usage from a consumer standpoint would be most helpful. My advice, be very careful hanging your hat on some of the Amazon reviews that are overly technical. Some of the reviewers don't know as much as they pretend and quote erroneous facts, like the fact that this camera uses "contrast phase detect" for it's auto focus. Wrong, older canon's did, not this one. If you really need the technical details read a review by dpmag, dppreview, camera labs etc. They will be spot on accurate and not a pseudo professional opinion. Happy hunting...
If you found this helpful, please click yes! Thank you.
ByS Mackon November 4, 2013
2) Best combination of image quality, viewfinder, and size - I am impressed with my new Canon SL1 with the 18-55 kit lens. As a long time dedicated amateur photographer with a shelf full of other equipment, including fancier and much more expensive equipment, this will now be the one I take with me and use most of the time. Here's why:
* Incredibly small and incredibly light. The biggest single reason for the recent spate of mirrorless cameras (Sony NEX, Fujifilm X) is now negated! I am sitting here looking at the SL1 next to my Fujifilm XE-1 with a comparable 18-55 zoom lens. The SL1 is lighter and smaller than the Fuji mirrorless camera with its electronic viewfinder. The SL1 optical viewfinder, while more compressed than the one in a large high-end DSLR, to my eyes is still far superior to any electronic viewfinder, which is like looking at a fuzzy little television from the 1960's. Canon appears to have achieved the small size by repackaging the sensor and shutter; impressive engineering and I expect that Nikon and others will have to follow suit. Let's hope we will now see a new generation of tiny DSLRs.
*Image quality: OK you say, it's small. So what am I giving up? Answer is - not really much. Image quality is excellent. The electronics of sensors have advanced rapidly in the last few years and the newest entry level camera is going to perform better than the high end product you bought two years ago. And new half frame sensors may be comparable to full frame sensors from a few years back. Also, the entry level DSLR market is the most competitive. Nikon (D3200) and Canon (SL1 or T5) are forced to give you more for your money than with high end full frame cameras. The SL1 is a bargain. Yes, you can get a marginal improvement in images and controls by going up market, but you will pay 3X as much in dollars, and in weight, and in volume. The cost of any technology is usually on a log scale; 90% of state of the art costs X and 95% costs 3X and 99% costs 9X. It makes no sense to ride this curve unless you do very specialized or commercial photography. For most of us, the most important thing is whether we have the camera with us when the photo opp comes up.
*Comparison. The images coming out of this Canon SL1 are lovely, contrasty and with excellent colors. I compared directly with my full frame Nikon D600 and also Sony NEX 6 at ISO 400. Results; unless you are a fanatical pixel peeper, they are all in the same ballpark. Only by blowing up the central 10% to fill the computer screen can one begin to see significant differences. If you do make this extreme blowup, the full frame D600 had the cleanest, lowest noise, and finest detail. But then the D600 costs 4X the SL1 and weighs more than twice as much! And anyway, does it really matter if some other sensor is s-l-i-g-h-t-l-y better? No it doesn't. Having the 'best' equipment is just not the determining factor in capturing beautiful photos that I will take pride in years down the road. The SL1 gives me 90% of the quality I will get from any camera anywhere at 1/4 the cost of a high end DSLR. The main difference is that the viewfinder is cramped and the settings are in menus rather than dedicated buttons. Big deal. You can still do any creative thing you want and win photo contests with this camera.
*How about the kit lens?: Just fine. By profession I am interested in the details of lens design and I admire beautiful finely crafted Zeiss lenses just as much as as the next fanatic. But as a photographer I can tell you that for actually capturing once-in-a-lifetime handheld photo opportunities with a sharp high quality image, there are two things that matter much more than ultimate optical quality: a) image stabilization and b) zoom so you can scale the desired image to fill your sensor. Are high quality prime lenses "better?" In practical terms, usually not. For most photography, they will not produce a more detailed image unless your camera is on a tripod and the scene just happens to be matched to the focal length. For general opportunistic or travel photography, squeezing out the last iota of lens quality is close to irrelevant. This is especially so these days when the camera JPG engine corrects typical lens defects such as distortion and chromatic aberration automatically. Modern lenses no longer have to be perfect in the glass; they all end up pretty much alike after the software corrections are applied. This is also why spending hours diddling around with RAW images in Photoshop no longer makes much sense for most of us - the JPEG engine has been programmed to optimize the specific lens - and it will take much time and skill to equal or improve on this on one's own. Today, post processing is not optional so JPEG is how cameras should be judged.
Image stabilization in particular has a lot more to do with sharpness for handheld photos then ultimate lens quality. The stabilization on this Canon lens works fine, showing its best advantage with shutter speeds around 1/10 to 1/25 second and giving effective reduced jitter as if you were shooting at 1/200. (If the required exposure is much slower than 1/25, let's say 1/5 or slower, even IS will not help - and if it's much faster, don't need IS and it won't improve anything.) And as noted, using a zoom has a lot bigger impact on quality then the niceties of a prime lens because one doesn't need to crop down. If I crop to the central 1/4 of the image area because my lens did not frame the scene optimally, I am throwing away 3/4 of my pixels, so I no longer have 18MP anyway. Overall results will be better with a zoom, even if it's optically imperfect.
*So is mirrorless no longer needed? There is one factor which does still favor mirrorless over SLR; the size of lenses, which are limited by the laws of physics and the long flange-to-sensor distance that comes with an SLR mirror. For the Canon SL1 or any SLR, zoom lenses will usually be bigger than the body. So I also bought the 40mm f2.8 Canon pancake lens which is compact for walk-around, although if I have to use a fixed lens I would prefer a wider angle. Canon makes a dozen other mid range zooms such as the 15-85, but you will have to accept a weight of 575-645 g compared to 205 g for the kit lens. In fixed focal lengths, Canon also makes two nice wide angle (24 mm and 28mm) lenses with image stabilization that weigh only 260-281 g and would offer a good match for the SL1. The 50mm f1.8 should be considered instead of the 40mm; faster and costs less. And of course you may already own a shelf full of Canon EF or EF-S lenses.
*But isn't the SL1 plasticky? Yes, it is plasticky, and there are tacky "sculpted" buttons on the back, ala consumer cameras, and the shutter release is not as snappy as my Nikon D600. It does not give the impression of a professional tool. I regret that Canon interpreted "small and light" as "entry level;" I would have been willing to pay more for a compact but higher precision package. But it's also very light. And it's so handy I'm going to take it with me when I travel as opposed to leaving my big full frame Nikon at home. And if it gets stolen or dropped, not such a tragedy. Every camera is a compromise. In my opinion enthusiasts sometimes obsess too much over 'build quality.' Yes, there is a tactile pleasure to high precision Leicas from the 1950's, but that kind of mechanical quality is no longer necessary for quality photos. Cameras today, like so many other products are made of plastic and software but the results - photographs - are better than ever.
*Interface and ease of use. Canon along with all other Japanese camera brands cram their interfaces with all sorts of useless clutter in the form of indecipherable icons, unnecessary modes and confusing redundancies. What does that odd little icon which looks like an upside down flag with a teardrop mean? Why not just use plain old WORDS to label it? And has anyone you know actually used the "Food Mode?" Is it really more convenient to have three or four redundant ways to change the ISO setting, or just confusing? Canon and the other makers should really drastically simplify the whole thing - look at your iPhone, which does many more things than a camera but has very few icons and labels and buttons. All the major Japanese cameras have the same overly complicated philosophy, but the SL1 Canon is somewhat easier to figure out than most, and the touch screen is a definite plus. In any case, although this is considered an 'entry level' DSLR, the full manual nevertheless runs to 388 pages, so plenty of options. There is also a remote control available as an option, to get yourself in family photos or for nature photography. In short, there is very little you can't do with the SL1.
*Flaws? There is one real photographic deficiency. When I switch to Live View for still photos (this means lock up the mirror and use the LCD to frame photos, like a point-and-shoot), the autofocus becomes very slow and hunts for a lock. The mirrored autofocus runs on a fast phase detection principle but in Live View the sensor focusses using some combination of contrast detection (slow in poor light) with special phase pixels. The solution; don't use Live View for still photos, keep it for movies. Other minor annoyances: the on/off switch is not in the most natural place. Also the optical viewfinder picture is not only cramped but also does not capture 100% of the full sensor field; more like 79%, so you will have to learn to compensate by overfilling the viewfinder frame a bit. I wish the buttons on the back were bigger (Note to Canon: Just because the back of the camera is small does not mean the buttons have to be small - get it?) Finally the flash pops up when I don't want it to, although there is mode dial setting to suppress that.
*Movies. Since one cannot use the optical SLR viewfinder to make movies, an SLR like this is not really the best camera for movies. In you want to concentrate on movies, the Sony NEX design is much better suited.
*Bottom line: This is a great little state of the art camera and lens which takes lovely still photos without much fuss in an affordable tiny package. It benefits from the latest up to the minute sensor technology, the photos are quite comparable to high end mirrorless or other half frame DSLR cameras and only slightly inferior to full frame costing much more and weighing much more. Yes, it is cluttered with too many modes and icons, but they all do that. With the kit lens you get the benefits of zoom and image stabilization and still the overall package is very portable. There is very little one might wish to do in art photography which cannot be done with the SL1. Speaking for myself, a small half-frame camera with an optical viewfinder is just the ticket - the best overall combination of image quality, viewfinder and functionality for the size and weight. It seems to me that the main justification for half frame mirrorless designs with electronic viewfinders has been negated. Is there a time when I won't use the SL1? Yes, for street photography where people may be intimidated by having a camera pointed at them - the Sony NEX with its articulated rear display is better for that. But for any photography where SLR works best, Canon has produced an advance similar to that of the Olympus OM series in the 1970's. Small is beautiful. Bravo, Canon; you will sell a lot of these!
Note added in response to comments below:
Thanks to everyone who commented but perhaps I did not make my viewpoint clear. Yes I know a knowledgable PhotoShop artist who spends time fiddling with an image may produce a better result than the in-camera JPEG. That's not the point. Post RAW processing is no longer optional since lenses are now designed assuming their distortions and aberrations will be corrected in software. Since the efficiency of the in-camera JPEG is part of the product and the mode most people will use, it should be part of the review. For any hobbyist who insists on doing it all by hand, be my guest, knock yourself out!
Second, yes it is possible to get somewhat better, somewhat lower noise images at high ISO from a full frame sensor such as the D600. But in my tests this was only apparent if I crop to a small part of the original image. Normally the difference - in my judgement - is not great enough to make it worth lugging the big heavy D600.
One more update: Consumer Reports just reviewed the SL1 and rated it near the top of DSLR overall.
By Doctor.GenerosityTOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICEon May 3, 2013
