OLYMPUS Tough TG-3The new reinforced Olympus compact gives pride to photos with fashion details "Focus stacking".
The Olympus of the "Tough" range (tough) have always had a solid reputation. Today, the manufacturer updates its top model and presents the TG-3. Optically it integrates a 4x zoom (25-100 mm) bright full aperture (f / 2), but less effective in zoom end (f / 4.9) requires compactness. The sensor is new however, since this is a 16 megapixel CMOS instead of 12 Mpix TG-2.
beefy
The toughest waterproof camera 2014, Resistant to falls from 2.1 m in height, the small TG-3 swim up to 15 m deep and works perfectly to -10 ° C. However, watch penguins if the unit itself has no problems with low temperatures, the battery is! Think about getting one or two batteries, if you want to fool around all day on the ice. In addition to this natural resistance to adversity, the TG-3 incorporates a Wi-Fi chip to facilitate the sharing of images via a smartphone or tablet.
Prince of macro
If the data sheet is generally pretty standard for this type of camera, Olympus has added macro functions (retail Photography) very advanced including a "microscope" mode that allows you to enlarge a detail x40. For purists sharpness, as the TG-3 offers a mode called "Focus stacking" of merging several macro images to obtain a clear picture of the first in the background - which is a real headache for usual. To go even further, Olympus offers, in addition to the traditional case (PT-056) as expensive as the device and plunges 45 m, a ring placed around the optical block and makes Torch office. Those who are truly interested in aquatic macro would do well to check it look as real limit of scuba diving photo is good light.
Plus
- resistance 15 m
- wide angle 25 mm bright (f / 2)
- very advanced macro modes
- Optional ring torch
Mins
- screen of only 460,000 dots
- average brightness zoom end
As with the TZ30 which gives way to TZ40 by pride to
wireless sharing via Wi-Fi and an NFC chip, the compact
Panasonic Waterproof Digital for 2013, the Lumix DMC-FT5 acquires
Also Wi-Fifi and an NFC chip.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5: Hard compact cooking
As for the strength of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5, the device can go under water to a depth of 12m, withstands bumps and drops to 2 m high, as well as crushing corresponding to a pressure of 100 kg. The Lumix FT5 works in freezing temperatures down to -10 ° C.
The Panasonic FT5 photo-video side
Photo and video side, the MOS sensor backlit of the device allows it to access higher sensitivities without too much damage when light is lacking, important thing in underwater photography. The objective is very wide-angle, since its short focal length is 25 mm.
Wi-Fi & NFC
This is the side of wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi and NFC, the main innovations of this new generation of Panasonic waterproof digital compact stand out. Like the Panasonic TZ40, the FT5 is equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi for wireless sharing photos to the cloud, or on social networks from any location covered by a 3G or 4G signal, connecting the device to your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
to facilitate the setting of wireless connectivity, the Panasonic FT5 is equipped with an NFC chip that will be in charge of this operation for which it is sufficient to contact the camera with your mobile phone.
Price and availability of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 end March 2013 is available in colors: orange, black, and blue to the indicative selling price of 399 euros.
Lumix FT5 will be accompanied in the range of sealed by the compact Lumix DMC-FT25, impervious to 7m instead of 12 resistant to a drop of 1.5 m instead of 2 m and provided with an image stabilizing the generation Previous, Mega OIS Its screen measures 2.7 "and it shoots video in 720p only (at 25 frames / s).
Nikon 1 AW1: hybrid that says hello to the fish and concreteShockproof and waterproof, the Nikon 1 AW1 is the first reinforced hybrid camera. Trend or trial run?
So far, the only ways to make kisses the fish without ruining his camera was either to provide an enhanced compact waterproof with limited photographic qualities, or to equip their aircraft with a (very expensive) sealed housing. Nikon now offers another alternative: the Nikon 1 AW1, the first hybrid camera (with interchangeable lenses) that is both shockproof (2m height) and waterproof to 15 m for 1 hour.
Gene Nikonos
The AW1 reeks famous Nikonos devices, a range of devices originally designed by the great Jacques-Yves Cousteau then redeemed by Nikon. Fully compatible with all lenses Nikon 1 CX format, digital shark is sealed with special optics, the Nikkor Zoom AW 11-27.5 mm f / 3.5-5.6 (equivalent to 30-74 mm) and AW Nikkor wide-angle 10 mm f / 2.8 (Eq. 27 mm), two optical benefiting in particular an O-ring that ensures the integrity of the immersion housing.
DNA Nikon 1 ...
Sensor CX format 17.2 megapixel 1 inch, the AW1 is neither more nor less than a Nikon D3 camouflaged in an armored submarine - which is not bad. On land, they may get all of the optical system and acts like his little brothers: fast autofocus, burst at 60 i / s burst mode and 15 frames / s with the active AF, responsive interface, screen 920000 points etc. Point hot shoe though - corrosion oblige - but-sealed external flash will trigger the external flash future sold in 2014 current accessory.
plus some genes fighters
Underwater, everything is different and therefore it required appropriate controls: the Nikon 1 AW1 has a special interface that runs on tilt. Simply hold down a button and tilt the device left or right to control the menu. Handy when you have neoprene gloves to 6 m deep chasing mullet in the harbor of Rothéneuf.
The Nikon 1 AW1 is available in kit with 11-27.5 mm zoom f / 3.5-5.6 to 749 euros and fixed focus wide angle 10 mm f / 2.8 is launched to 299 euros. Many accessories such as underwater SB-N10 will arrive current 2014 at unspecified price.
Plus
- Hybrid & waterproof reinforced
- System start (optical, flash)
- Special mode for driving under water
Mins
- nothing
Canon PowerShot D30 :Resistant, waterproof and frost, perfect for adventurers!
Replacing the famous adventurer PowerShot D20 camera, the new Canon PowerShot D30 is ready for action! Get out there, it is waterproof without additional box with exceptional depth of 25 meters, withstands drops up to 2 meters operates at temperatures down to -10 °!
To you the underwater depths!
The new compact Canon PowerShot D30 fighter has the best underwater performances that allow you to explore the oceans up to 25 meters deep. Designed for use in harsh conditions, the PowerShot D30 also withstands drops up to 2 meters, and more, it works at temperatures down to -10 ° C and is fully protected from dust. You can use it in most extreme outdoor activities, from snowboarding to scuba diving. Moreover, it is resistant to some rough handling of children in family adventure travel. Child crash test 100% successful!
The Canon PowerShot D30 will accompany you in all your extreme sport activities (snowboarding, diving, climbing ...). The "high sensitivity" combined the advanced DIGIC 4 processor and CMOS sensor allows your photos to succeed in the most difficult conditions such as diving or brightness is more rare.
The Canon PowerShot D30 is equipped with a 28mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom. The 28mm wide angle you will achieve group photos with ease. The 5x optical zoom enables you about it to get closer to distant subjects. And better image quality in all circumstances, the integrated stabilizer ensures sharp images and videos even when shooting on the move.
The GPS function integrated in the Canon PowerShot D30 allows you to retrace your route. The Map Utility software allows you to easily share your shipments and locate with high precision. Keep track of your routes and repeat them in pictures!
Full HD movie mode allows integrated also save your memories on video with excellent quality and the ability to use the optical zoom while recording.
Remember our photo accessories!
Remember to protect your camera with a holster, purse or backpack and equip a memory card to store your photos (SDHC, SDXC, micro SD, micro SDHC ...).
Sony TX30: stylish compact waterproof but its screen disappoints
If its performance is adequate, the screen is difficult to read in daylight and unusable touch underwater.
promise
Sony has always had a special place among the sealed and reinforced compact: When Olympus, Panasonic and Ricoh are such that their devices look like Russian tanks - big and ugly but effective - Sony has always done the opposite by offering devices extra fine and design. On one side the range of devices / diving, the other devices "pool" for Sony. The TX30 is no exception to this bias and retains the elegant slide protect the optics and so sexy size: only 1.5 cm thick.
reality
No wheels, only two buttons (besides the trigger) and a super sleek design: The TX30 is as much a minimalist camera a beautiful object. The relief on the optics protective cover is the most beautiful effect and impeccable craftsmanship. Once T and TX costing around 400 euros, but today the TX30 will cost "more than" 229 euros in official price: Sony has not clipped on the quality of construction and it's a good point. Its really pocket size will appeal to those who do not want to lug a camera: it is not its 150g and 1.5 cm thick that will weigh down your bag.
fast
The TX30 quickly hangs topics quickly and triggers for a compact. In daylight, it is not too far from the snapshot and can even declare a "target" in a tactile way for the device to maintain the focus on a subject - it works very well on faces, less on objects. This rapid tripping also feels the system, rapid without being confusing.
Photo: Well, without further
Already the Periscopic objectives reinforced compacts are less bright than traditional compact by the optics of TX30 must supply a mini light sensor 18.2 Mpix! To successfully exploit this Sony has made great efforts in terms of signal processing, and it shows: even in daylight (low sensitivity) Image displayed at 100% on screen shows the trace of a strong smoothing. Quite honestly, it does not affect the quality for 10x15 or 20x30 cm, but it still feels a certain softness. It is suitable given the density of the pixels and the smallness of the device, but it is not the high-flying picture. Sony could probably develop less defined sensors but with larger photosites.
The screen disappoints
Double disappointment for this screen yet very clear - 1,290,000 points! Firstly it is not readable in direct sunlight, contrary to his announcement data sheet. As soon as our star shines loudly, it becomes difficult to visualize what one frame. Second disappointment the choice of (almost) touch: dipped in a fountain, the screen does not respond to our commands. So we paid a little too far this simplification orders.
Prefer optical zoom
In addition x5 optical zoom, Sony offers "Zoom clear picture" that can push the zoom x10. Our advice? Turn it off! Not only the image processing is not effective - the high initial image smoothing is probably for many - but in addition the device has to calculate the image "enhanced" which immobilizes good for 4 seconds. It is better to simply trimming with a loss of definition. Or closer to your subject.
For stunned, not for backpackers
In the "Waterproof & reinforced" the TX30 retains its position "jet-set". Its very elegant metal coating is more likely to mark the shocks most shapeless hulls of competition. Moreover its hood zipper may retain sand grains. The destructive fighters equipment rather go see competition, St Tropez photographers prefer the TX30.
the Conclutions
Not too expensive, very compact and very pretty, the TX30 Sony retains the position in the segment of reinforced waterproof devices: yes robustness, but with the class. The picture quality is decent and very refined ergonomics - too much for some. The real regret comes mostly from the screen difficult to read in direct sunlight and touch technology which is unusable underwater.
Ricoh GPS WG-4: The sleeker waterproof compact
Ricoh become since 1 August 2013, following the acquisition of Pentax in 2011, the waterproof compact range retains all the features of his original family. Design racy preference for extreme sports, elongated, and full battery of instruments and geo barometric measurements, GPS-4 WG poorly hides his aspirations. Worrisome competition?
Holding and ergonomics
GPS WG-4 is a continuation of its predecessors. A little too well, since it is identical to the GPS WG-3, released in 2013, just before the decision recorded by the group to pass all Pentax Ricoh compact under the pavilion.
Yes, between the two, only the brand changes! The device is the one that most resembles something indestructible: dense molded in an ultra rigid plastic with hammered texture, and with multiple asperities which provide a good grip.
Ricoh has kept the house locking system with two perpendicular latches, one for locking and one for the opening. The joint is thick, it's reassuring. GPS WG-4 withstands immersion to 14 m. Note however totally eccentric positioning of the tripod mounting: a big mistake because once the tight clip, the camera tilts. And the electronic level panics ...
The screen is quite similar to the Olympus TG-850 iHS: 3 inches, 460,000 pixels in 16/9 ratio. This gap between the 4/3 sensor and the screen has the same discomfort. Except that there is more screen reflections that come to spoil the visibility in bright sunlight, despite a good light.
Ricoh catches up with his little quartz front panel display that shows the time and indicates the pressure or depth: practical when diving. Because the GPS WG-4 features the full range of fighter, including GPS, altimeter, barometer, compass and depth gauge.
No Wi-Fi, but the device is compatible with Eye-Fi cards. A small red card credit autonomy: 240 views, WG-4 finishes dead last!
What about the menu?
Trying to remember when was the Pentax interface, still in force today, take a little of archeology. WG-4 landed without difficulty the palm of quaint in this area. Is it still feasible? Yes, even if the arrangement of the entries may be inadequate.
In the main menu, Ricoh mixture jumbled picture settings (tone, resolution, quality, balance, AF mode and expo, sensitivity, etc.) with the settings of the device (display pictures, customizing the green button print date) and some features (macro lighting, electronic levels). In short, you lose a little its Latin.
And the necessity of having to validate their choice with OK or exit with the menu button is more convenient. After you get used to everything and the bottom line is that this interface remains responsive.
conclusion
Ricoh has a little heavy handed on the price of the aircraft: 300 €! It certainly has some interesting advantages, such as its finishing true adventurer, with a barometric sensor monitor screen façade, bright optics (wide angle), its macro mode microscope or a few well-features (accelerated video, time lapse, video macro).
The picture quality is honorable, when the unit exposes correctly. Only WG-4 fishing on other equally important aspects, such as reactivity (not catastrophic but less to others), reliability autofocus, stabilization (moderately effective) video mode or ergonomics its menus.
If the Panasonic FT5 it is almost everything better point, the GPS WG-4 is in his own family a traitor: WG-3 GPS identical but sold to 230 € in the Pentax brand ... This deserves this award "good".
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