Nikon Coolpix S1200 pj review: TechRadar labs data
Our test of the Nikon Coolpix S1200pj is on the way, but in the mean time we would like to share the resolution chart images and the noise and dynamic range results.
The Nikon Coolpix S1200pj was announced in August as the successor to the S1100pj. It features a front mounted projector, 5x optical zoom, 14 megapixel CMOS sensor and sensitivity expandable to ISO 6400.
The camera showed average results for signal to noise ratio across the scale, comparable to other compact cameras that include a similar 14 megapixel 1/2.3-in sensor. Dynamic range results also showed that throughout the sensitivity range it was capable of capturing a good amount of shadow and highlight detail up to ISO 1600.
Both signal to noise ratio and dynamic range results show that whilst the camera compares well with other compact cameras with a similar specification you are paying a hefty premium for the addition of the projector.
The Nikon Coolpix S1200pj is available to buy now, with prices around £350.
Resolution charts
As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon Coolpix S1200pj, we've shot our resolution chart.If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Nikon Coolpix S1200pj capable of resolving up to around 20 (line widths per picture height x100) in its highest quality JPEG files.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
ISO 80, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 100, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 200, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 400, score: 18 (see full image)
ISO 800, score: 16 (see full image)
ISO 1600, score: 16 (see full image)
ISO 3200, score: n/a (see full image)
ISO 6400, score: n/a (see full image)
Noise and dynamic range
These graphs were produced using data generated by DXO Analyzer.We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO software.
Signal to noise ratio
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
JPEG images from the Nikon Coolpix S1200pj are on a par with those from the Nikon Coolpix S4150, Samsung ST95 and Canon PowerShot A3200.
For a full explanation of what our resolution charts mean, and how to read them please click here to read the full article.
Dynamic range
For a full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests, please click here to read the full article.
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Review: Benro A297EX FlexPod and BH2-M
Overview, features and build quality
For DSLR and lens combinations weighing up to 8kg, this aluminium-based Benro tripod and ball head are well engineered to take the strain of heavy camera kit.Sold separately, they also offer a range of features to suit the most demanding of photographers in all sorts of shooting scenarios.
The tripod and ball head combination is smartly styled, immaculately finished and comes complete with a durable padded carrying case.
Well matched for use with heavy SLRs and lenses, the Benro A297EX FlexPod tripod has a maximum load rating of 10kg, while the BH2-M ball head is rated at 8kg.
The combined tripod and ball head weigh 2.7kg and fold down to a carrying height of 75cm. Each leg has three sections, with diameters ranging from 28mm to 24mm to 20mm as they descend from top to bottom.
By extending the centre column, the maximum available height is a lofty 184cm.
Features
Leg sections are clamped with clip locks and the bottom sections have solid rubber feet, although these lack retractable spikes. A bubble level in the tripod collar and another one in the ball head help you to level the tripod and the camera for perfectly straight horizons in your photos.There's also a weight hook fitted to the bottom of the centre column, to help stabilise the tripod when shooting outdoors in breezy conditions.
Advanced features include multi-angle legs, which hinge out to any of three angles. This is particularly useful for low-level shots down to about 49cm or for shooting in cramped areas or on rough terrain.
Equally useful for close-up photography and for shooting with ultra wide-angle lenses, the centre column has a 180 degree pivot facility.
Build quality
The locking action of the tripod's leg section clamps is reassuringly tight. When the clip locks are released, the leg sections extend smoothly, although there's a little stiffness when collapsing the sections from their fully extended lengths.Tension in the hinges for opening the legs is sufficient to stop unwanted movement, but not so stiff that adjusting the leg angles is difficult. Comfort padding is fitted to only one of the three legs, but it's better than nothing.
Clips for operating the three-position leg angles are smooth and precise, and the pivoting centre column assembly is well designed and very secure.
At the top of the Benro A297EX FlexPod tripod's centre column, the platform features three grub screws for securely attaching the head with an allen key. The tension of the leg section clip locks and the main leg hinges can also be adjusted if and when necessary with allen keys.
Build quality of the Benro BH2-M ball head feels similarly robust. The locking screw enables complete steadiness, even with long telephoto lenses or when using the camera in portrait orientation.
Performance and verdict
Performance
Any tripod with the word 'flex' in its name might sound a bit off-putting, but the Benro A297EX FlexPod proved very solid and resistant to flexing in our tests. Bubble levels in both the tripod collar and the ball head make for quick and easy levelling of both the tripod and the camera.The tripod's centre column can be removed and inverted for low-level shooting. But there's no need for this, because the pivoting facility enables you to quickly and easily swing the centre column through a complete 180 degree arc.
It's similarly simple to adjust the angle of the legs from the centre column to any of three different positions.
The Benro BH2-M ball head has no friction control or separate panning control, but is nevertheless solid and well built. Its scissor-action lock on the quick-release plate makes for fast fitting and removal, while offering a degree of security against releasing the plate accidentally.
With its single locking screw, the ball head is very quick to adjust. There's also a reassuring level of friction when the screw is released a little, despite there being no secondary friction control.
The quick-release plate also offers a secure, solid fit to both the tripod head and the camera.
Verdict
At the price, the Benro A297EX FlexPod is right up with the leaders in the class, such as the Giottos MTL9361B, Manfrotto 055XPROB and Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT.We liked
Impressive stability, good implementation of 180 degree pivoting centre column and bubble levels on both the tripod collar and ball head to aid levelling.
We disliked
Collapsing the leg sections from their maximum extension can sometimes feel a little sticky.
Verdict
A solid performer, the Benro A297EX FlexPod tripod combines excellent stability with great versatility. Advanced features such as its 180 degree pivoting centre column and three-position multi-angle legs are well implemented and easy to use.
Benro's BH2-M ball head is similarly well engineered, but lacks the finery of an adjustable friction damper or separate panning control, although the bubble level is a nice touch and is helpful for levelling the camera.
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Miramax: Digital platforms are the problem, not piracy
It's not piracy that's the big digital problem for film studios, it's getting legitimate content out to consumers that is setting them back, according to Miramax.
Speaking at MIPCOM 2011 in Cannes, Miramax CEO Mike Lang explained, "Piracy really is not the bigger issue for our company or for our library. It's been lack of exploitation, just not getting it out there."
Apples and pears
He went on to talk about lack of competition in online media sharing, citing Apple and its monopoly over the music industry thanks to iTunes; adding that the video industry needed to avoid finding itself in a similar situation."Apple is the strongest company in the music industry, and because there was not enough competition, and still to this day is not enough competition, as an industry it can't then influence, packaging, merchandising… all the things that are vital," said Lang.
"As the movie business we have to be very cognisant of that. We want multiple players to be successful… It's really important as an industry that we try to allow multiple players in markets around the world.
"Our goal as an industry should be to have as many as possible, and may the best service win."
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Windows 8 video preview
Windows 8 is in the hands of developers, and excitement is building for this touch-friendly new operating system from Microsoft.
You've probably already checked out TechRadar's extensive hands on Windows 8 review, but you can now check out our video preview of what you need to know about the next-gen operating system and see it in action.
So, if you want to know your Charms from your Metro, check out our video preview for Windows 8 ahead of a probable 2012 launch.
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Miramax eyes Google film content partnership
Miramax is in talks with Google about a partnership that would see Miramax movies available on Android, Google TV and YouTube.
Miramax CEO Mike Lang told New Media Age, "We've had lots of conversations with Google, not only about its TV platform but also YouTube and its Android platform.
"It would be an incredible partner. It would bring significant scale and a great ad platform, and we like the idea of providing more free, ad-supported content on digital platforms."
Stream dream
Whether a deal would be based solely on streaming films or whether it would include more than that – like extra features, for example – wasn't elaborated on.During his MIPCOM keynote over in Cannes, Lang also described Miramax's new approach as "a bit more Silicon Valley than Hollywood."
"It's a case of innovate or die," he added. "Our library presents a tremendous opportunity."
He's not wrong, with Miramax holding the rights to a veritable treasure trove of hits including Pulp Fiction, No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood.
Miramax has already experimented with Facebook by offering movie rentals via the social network, as well as hinting that a pure iPad app could be on the cards.
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Review: Ricoh PX
Overview
Rugged waterproof compact cameras tend to be fashioned to look as hardwearing as they claim to be, with chiselled edges, intricate details and exposed screw tops all giving the impression of solidity. Ricoh's PX proves this doesn't always have to be so; it eschews it all and instead opts for a clean and minimal design.While the company's previous waterproof digital cameras were aimed at industrial rather than consumer use, the Ricoh PX combines its more conventional styling with a set of specifications comparable to those from other rugged models.
The camera incorporates a 16MP CCD sensor, one fitted with a stabilisation system to help keep images blur-free, along with a Smooth Imaging IV engine for all image-processing tasks.
Optically the Ricoh PX spans a reasonable 5x optical zoom range of 28-140mm, but Ricoh confidently claims that this can be doubled "with almost no drop in image quality" – a claim that'll be investigated later on.
Regarding its rugged credentials, the PX is waterproof to a depth of 3m and dustproof to the Class 6 JIS/IEC specification.
It may also be safely dropped from a height of 1.5m, although Ricoh points out that some scratches and cosmetic damage may result from doing so.
Scratch resistance has, however, been incorporated into the camera's LCD screen, which measures 2.7 inches in size and offers a fairly basic 230,000dot resolution.
The rest of the camera's specifications are in line with what we'd expect for a sub-£200 model. A 256-segment metering system provides the multi, centre-weighted and spot trio of options, while exposure compensation may be regulated over a range of +/-2EV.
A capable sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200 also features, as do a variety of focusing options such as multi-area, spot and AF tracking.
A handful of Ricoh's trademark extras can be found among its feature set, such as the Skew Correction mode to correct sloping verticals, and a multi-pattern auto white balance option which varies white balance for different areas of an image.
There are also a number of novelty capture options, such as High-Contrast Black and White, Miniature and the slightly odd Sweets mode, which does little more than provide a white frame for those times when you want to photograph sweets.
Movie recording is also possible on the Ricoh PX to 720p resolution, and a micro HDMI port is found alongside a mini USB one.
Helpfully, it's also possible to charge the camera through a USB cable connected to either the supplied adaptor or a computer, while all images and videos are recorded to the user's choice of SD, SDHC and Eye-Fi media, or to the 40MB of internal memory.
Build quality and handling
Ricoh claims the PX has been designed so that it may be easily slipped in and out of a pocket, so the photographer can respond swiftly when a photo opportunity presents itself.
And this much is true. The lack of any protrusions means it slides comfortably in and out of a jeans or jacket pocket, although its bulky body means that it won't be quite at home in tighter pockets (and it's certainly too large to be discreetly carried around inside a shirt pocket).
Build quality is impressive, though, with metal used throughout its outer shell and a sturdy battery compartment door at its base.
Although the Ricoh PX's water and dustproofing capabilities are clearly marked on its top-plate, its design doesn't particularly allude to this. Admittedly its lens is sealed and its battery door is a little harder to close then usual, but all buttons travel easily when pressed.
The only exception to this ease of operation is with the zoom rocker, which protrudes from the camera's top plate and is somewhat annoying to manoeuvre with the forefinger (see above).
Worse still, when the rocker is used it moves the zoom erratically, beginning at a steady pace before rushing through the rest of its range, while its ideal position on the back of the camera is occupied by a lesser-used dial that changes flash settings.
Thankfully, the otherwise pleasing operation of the camera's external controls is matched with a responsive menu system. It's long overdue a makeover, but it remains functional and lists options clearly and in full.
To make things easier on the eye, colours and images are also used to accompany scene modes and other options, but only conservatively so.
Performance
Ricoh claims the PX is ready for action in approximately 1.4 seconds, and while this much is true it's not particularly class leading.
Things are slightly better with the focusing system, though: the multi-pattern option does well to identify key subjects and focus accordingly, and while the system isn't the fastest we've seen at this price point. it's snappy enough for most types of photography.
While the LCD screen suffers from the typical issues with visibility in bright light, and isn't quite as highly specified as some other digital camera displays, it redeems itself somewhat by having a wider viewing angle than expected.
The Ricoh PX shows no ill effects after being dropped from various heights up to its 1.5m limit, and seems more than happy to be used underwater too.
Here, the menu system is still easy to read and images are displayed well, although, as may be expected, the screen's viewing angle isn't quite as great as it is out of the water. Underwater focusing speeds are good, though, and images typically show just a small drop in contrast.
After use, we couldn't spot any water droplets inside the battery compartment, and the camera's design meant that it could be easily and quickly dried too.
The camera does a decent job to expose correctly for most scenes. Instead of focusing on any main subject, the multi-pattern system attempts to compromise for the whole scene. This is good for predictability but not so great if you simply want print-ready results.
On the handful of occasions it does under or overexpose it's understandably because there are dominant highlight or shadow areas. With colour, the camera is reasonably faithful in its reproduction of tones and colours. Auto white balance is good most of the time, even if now and again it makes images appear a little too warm.
Sadly, details at 100% are lacking, thanks to noise and the imapct of in-camera noise reduction, which mar images shot on even the lowest sensitivities. Colour is fine up until ISO 800, but past this noise reduction takes over and leaves images looking decidedly less lively.
These issues with noise are applicable to the camera's movie recording too, which means they also lack a little bite.
Sound quality is reasonable, though, and there's only a little ambient noise picked up by the Ricoh PX's microphone.
Some chromatic aberrations are also noticeable, but, overall, these are well controlled, and only really visible at 100%, while distortions from the lens are also present but pleasingly minimal.
Photos shot between the 5-10x Super Resolution range of the camera's zoom aren't quite as good as they are when taken with the camera's standard optical zoom, with a noticeable dip in contrast and detail.
This being said, for web use and at smaller print sizes, such flaws aren't anywhere near as noticeable as they are at 100%.
Sample images
See a selection of sample images taken with the Ricoh PX, featuring a range of different subjects and conditions.
Colours can be a little too saturated
See a full res version of this photo here
Sometimes, punchy colours are exactly what you want, like with this stained glass window
See a full res version of this photo here
Noise and noise reduction compromise image details, even at lower sensitivities
See a full res version of this photo here
The auto white balance system has left this image a little warm
See a full res version of this photo here
The camera puts in a good macro performance
See a full res version of this photo here
The camera may focus down to 3cm away from the subject at its wideangle setting
See a full res version of this photo here
Verdict
The Ricoh PX is an interesting addition to the ever-expanding rugged digital camera market, and its build quality and ease of operation score points. It's also one of the few sub-£200 waterproof models on the market.
Sadly, it's a little on the bulky side and the position of its zoom rocker is less than convenient, while its images leave a lot to be desired.
We liked
A decent focusing system and design that separates it from many of its peers, the Ricoh PX is a solidly built camera with good underwater performance and a range of both useful and novelty functionality.
We disliked
Noise and its effects on image details is an issue with the Ricoh PX, while the awkward operation of the zoom and the basic LCD screen are equally unlikely to impress.
Verdict
Rugged cameras have been around for long enough for us to no longer be simply happy to be able to shoot in harsh environments, get shots while in the sea or skiing. While the PX does a decent job of getting the subject sharp and correctly exposed, its images are let down by a relatively low level of detail. This limits the size of the prints that can be made, which is a shame if you are looking to blow-up shots from your holidays.
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Second-gen Eee Pad Transformer on the way
Doubts surrounding the launch date and price of Asus' second Eee Pad Transformer have been rebuffed by Jerry Shen, the company's chief executive officer.
There had been rumblings in the market that the innovative tablet's successor would be delayed, but Shen said that it will deploy on schedule, with the target launch date rumoured to be later this month.
Decept-icons
Shen also confirmed that Asus will not follow in the wake of the BlackBerry Playbook by cutting the price of the original Eee Pad Transformer, and the company plans to launch the Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2 at the $499 price point (£324).The outspoken CEO also strongly hinted that the tablet will receive the Ice Cream Sandwich Android update later this year, claiming that what he calls Android 4.0 will put Android on a level playing field with the iPad.
The Eee Pad Transformer won us over in terms of usability and price, and its slightly gimmicky detachable keyboard and battery expander actually worked incredibly well.
It was also a huge hit for Asus, which shipped more than one million tablets in the first nine months after launch.
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In Depth: Best RSS reader for Mac: 6 reviewed and rated
Best RSS reader for OS X
RSS enables you to choose what news you're interested in and have it delivered directly to your Mac as it happens. No need to trawl through countless sites looking for interesting stuff; it will come to you.To get started, find a source of news you want to read, add its RSS feed in your app of choice (a process known as subscribing), and hey presto, the news rolls in.
Nearly all news sites have RSS feeds (also called newsfeeds), as do the major blogging services and Twitter, so you can effectively manage your entire news intake through an RSS reader, given the right subscriptions.
Safari and Mail enable you to subscribe to RSS feeds, but their handling of them is very basic - we wouldn't recommend using either for RSS, since there are so many great bespoke apps that do a better job.
What we're looking for in these apps is ease of adding and managing lots of feeds and an elegant, easy-to-use layout that makes reading the news a pleasure. One other important factor to consider is Google Reader integration.
There are two types of app here: the first type displays newsfeeds in columns and lists (NetNewsWire, Reeder, Socialite and NewsRack), whereas Pulp and Mixtab are more visual. Which you choose will depend on the kind of experience you want: if you subscribe to loads of different feeds, go for list-based, because it's the best way to work through lots of information nice and quickly. If you're after a more visually appealing look, go for one of the others.
RSS readers on test
Mixtab - FreeNetNewsWire - £14.95
NewsRack - £4.99
Pulp - £5.99
Reeder - £5.99
Socialite - £5.99
Test one: Adding RSS feeds
How simple is it to add your favourite RSS feeds?
The four that sync to your Google Reader account - NetNewsWire, NewsRack, Socialite and Reeder - are a snip to set up. But only Reeder and NewsRack keep the feeds and folders in the same order they are on the Google account, and rearranging them is particularly irksome in Socialite, since it can hang as you move things.
Pulp will link to Google Reader, but only to pull in individual feeds - it won't bring in your whole list, nor will it keep read/unread items in sync. But to add feeds manually, you can often just type in the site's URL, rather than the specific feed one, and it'll soon find the feed.
NetNewsWire, Socialite and NewsRack also allow this; Reeder goes one better by enabling you to search by keyword and finding the feed for you. Irritatingly, Reeder and Socialite don't let you rename feeds. You have to add them manually to Mixtab, but the process is a bit long-winded and it struggles with some URLs that other apps handle fine.
Test results
Test two: Design and feel
It's all about the looks bettering the reading experience
Of the list-based apps, NetNewsWire, NewsRack and Socialite look and feel like old-school Mac software: buttons, folder icons and so on are similar to native Snow Leopard apps including Mail.
Reeder takes a refreshing, iOS-inspired approach. With bigger icons, buttons and toolbars, we love how it works so smoothly, new content and feeds fading in and out of view. It makes the other three feel rather antiquated.
Pulp is like a print newspaper with headlines on the front pages, which fold away like paper to read a story. We thoroughly enjoyed adding selected feeds to it and spending time reading over breakfast; it feels less like you're reading on a computer. But the interface isn't great for adding lots of feeds you want to skim through quickly.
Mixtab displays each feed on a tile with a customisable logo or an image from the top article. But because of the odd behaviour of the images, making it look good can present a challenge.
Test results
Navigation and extra features
Test three: Navigation
How easy is it to move between your various feeds?
The simplest way to move between feeds is using just a mouse or trackpad, clicking through the news items one after the other, or going back and forth between the main pages and the articles in Pulp or Mixtab.
But it's often easier to use a keyboard, and all the apps here allow at least some form of keyboard navigation - with shortcuts available if you want them. We found one of Reeder's few flaws here: when you're moving around using the arrow keys, it can be hard to know which column's selected.
NewsRack, Socialite, Reeder and Pulp also let you navigate using multi-touch gestures, which makes moving from one story to the next an absolute joy. Socialite and Pulp bounce you to Safari to view an item in its original form, but we preferred the other four apps, which let you remain in the interface.
Special kudos here to NetNewsWire and NewsRack for allowing multiple browsing tabs to be opened concurrently.
Test results
Test four: Extra features
We pick out a few of the best hidden features
As far as further features go, Socialite's got the most going for it, given it's more than just an RSS reader - it can be your entire social networking hub, pulling together Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Digg. If you use even some of these services, having everything in one place is excellent. But in trying to be all things, it falls short as an RSS reader overall, so we can't recommend it for this purpose.
Reeder's big extra feature is its built-in Readability viewer, which is truly amazing. Because many RSS feeds only contain the first few lines of the actual article, you often need to click through to the source website to read the full thing. But with the Readability viewer, you click a button (or unpinch on your trackpad) and Reeder attempts to pull through the full text into the app. No ads, no clutter, just what you want to read. Once you get used to using it, you'll wonder how you ever managed without.
Pulp uses a similar system called Magic Reader.
Test results
The best RSS reader for OS X: Reeder
NetNewsWire and NewsRack are solid, business-like ways to keep on top of lots of feeds, Pulp is pure elegance, and an honourable mention goes to Mixtab, since it's the only free one here.
But then along comes Reeder and quite simply blows the rest out of the water. Originally designed for the iPhone and iPad, it genuinely feels like part of a new generation of Mac apps in terms of its look, feel and ease of use. It's wonderfully elegant in the way its columns and articles glide in and out of view.
It lets you use multi-touch gestures which are becoming so central to how the Mac works. And its built-in Readability viewer means you rarely have to view the full web page where the article came from. Overall, it's pure class.
Final results
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Adobe ups tablet creativity with Touch Apps and Creative Cloud
In conjunction with a new cloud-based image storage system, Adobe has launched six new tablet apps to get your creative juices flowing on to your iPad or Android tablet.
Slightly unfortunate imagery aside, the Adobe Touch Apps pick up where the previous generation – Eazel, Color Lava and Nav – left off.
Up first is Photoshop Touch, which gives you touch-control over the advanced image editing features of the popular image tweaking software – including layered images and applying effects.
Collage es tu
Adobe Collage, meanwhile, allows you to build moodboards and make, er, collages with imported images, text, on-screen drawing and colour themes.The other apps include presentation software called Adobe Debut, a vector-based drawing app known as Adobe Ideas, a colour tool (which sounds the same as Color to us) called Adobe Kuler and a handy wireframe developer called Adobe Pronto that website and app developers should find handy.
You'll be able to use the newly announced Creative Cloud space to store your work and images too, with 20GB of Cloud storage available for a fee – a "highly attractive price" that will be announced in due course.
The Creative Cloud will also serve as a kind of community hub where creative types can network and collaborate.
The suite of apps will launch on Android devices in November 2011 when UK pricing will also be announced, with news regarding iOS to follow in early 2012.
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HP's $12bn Autonomy purchase goes through
Hewlett Packard acquisition of British software giant Autonomy has gone through – with the Cambridge-based company costing $12 billion (£7.7bn).
HP has paid a 79 per cent premium on each share offering £25.50, something that did not sit well with the company's shareholders.
That dissent, along with the controversial decision to announce that the hardware business would be spun off, was enough to end Leo Apotheker's tenure as CEO.
Support
But replacement Meg Whitman has supported the Autonomy purchase, describing it as central to the company's new direction.Autonomy was founded in 1996 as a spin-off from Cambridge Neurodynamics, a company it later acquired along with key rival Verity Inc.
The company, which principally deals with enterprise software, will be run as a separate business unit with founder Mike Lynch in charge - who will no doubt be hoping to put an embarrassing public spat with Oracle behind him.
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HP's $12 billion Autonomy purchase goes through
Hewlett Packard acquisition of British software giant Autonomy has gone through – with the Cambridge-based company costing $12 billion (£7.7bn).
HP has paid a 79 per cent premium on each share offering £25.50, something that did not sit well with the company's shareholders.
That dissent, along with the controversial decision to announce that the hardware business would be spun off, was enough to end Leo Apotheker's tenure as CEO.
Support
But replacement Meg Whitman has supported the Autonomy purchase, describing it as central to the company's new direction.Autonomy was founded in 1996 as a spin-off from Cambridge Neurodynamics, a company it later acquired along with key rival Verity Inc.
The company, which principally deals with enterprise software, will be run as a separate business unit with founder Mike Lynch in charge - who will no doubt be hoping to put an embarrassing public spat with Oracle behind him.
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Review: Windows Phone 7.5 Mango
Overview
With Android's Ice Cream Sandwich and the iPhone 5 on the way, Windows Phone 7 needs an update to fill in the missing pieces. The Windows Phone 7.5 'Mango' refresh brings with it a comprehensive list of fixes and features, but how sweet is it in action?The big advantage of Windows' mobile operating system is the clean, clear, but far from antiseptic Metro interface, which is so good that Microsoft has taken it to both Windows 8 and Xbox 360. Microsoft hasn't messed with success here – Windows Phone 7.5 Mango has the same signature look as its predecessor, only better.
The live tiles are livelier, and you can pin not just apps but specific features within apps to the Start screen (such as the Wi-Fi control, although developers have to allow this).
You can also pin groups of people, who you can then text or track on Twitter and Facebook all at once; folders from email; artists; albums; or the new SmartDJ playlists. Without changing the way the Start screen works, Microsoft has made it more useful and more pliant for personalisation.
You no longer have to cram all your favourite apps on to it to find them either. Once you have more than 45 apps, letters of the alphabet show up to separate the list. Tap any letter to open an alphabetised grid that makes it fast to find an app without you having to spend time arranging them logically.
It's the same principle as the original interface, just made to work better – and in general that's what you get throughout Windows Phone 7.5 Mango.
Multitasking
Windows Phone 7.5 Mango has multitasking capabilities, but what you get from these depends on the apps you run. Some apps – music players, for instance – get to run in the background, but mostly what you get is the same fast-task switching as before, with the addition of an app picker view so you can choose what you want to go back to.If an app hasn't been updated to suit multitasking, it resumes from its frozen state just about as quickly as before. But apps that have been rewritten to suit the functionality resume more quickly, and they can also get Windows Phone 7.5 to run background agents for them to perform updates and the like.
It's similar to the way that Live Tiles work and a good compromise between making it easier to work with multiple apps and not undermining battery life. A handful of apps, including Evernote, have already been updated to run in the background, and you can go back to working with them as fast as if you never switched away.
Once you have a lot of apps that can run in the background, the new battery saver option comes in handy. When your battery gets low, this turns off Wi-Fi, push email and background apps. We found we could set it to turn on automatically and squeeze extra life out of the phone without ever really noticing that any service was getting turned off.
Social networking
The Twitter integration that was sorely missing in Windows Phone 7 arrives in 7.5 Mango along with LinkedIn, and the Facebook implementation is far better.
There's still one feature missing, though: there's no built-in way to do direct messages, even though there's an obvious place to put them.
Add a Twitter account and replies and mentions show up in the notification pane for the Me tile, which is also where you post updates to as many of your linked social networks as you want. So you tap on your own photo to say things or see what people are saying to you, which makes sense. Then you go to the People hub to see what your friends are saying and to reply.
This works very well. Updates that are on both Twitter and Facebook only show up once and you can swipe between replies on both services. You can also retrieve a day or so of updates, depending on how chatty your friends are, and quickly filter this to show just one social network or just updates from friends in your address book.
Alternatively, you can switch over to a group you've made to track just your family or specific friends, rather than every school chum you're Facebook friends with.
It's worth taking a few minutes to set up groups, because they turn social networks from a font of random information into an easy way to stay in touch with whatever service your friends use (unless, of course it's Google Plus).
You can also chat with Facebook friends just like you were sending text messages. In fact, you can reply to a text message with a Facebook message and vice versa, and the whole conversation shows up in the same place.
This also applies Facebook, Windows Live Messenger or any of the linked services such as AOL and Yahoo.
This would be the ideal place to put Twitter direct messages and we think Microsoft has missed a trick here.
Other exchanges, such as emails, phone calls and meetings, show up in the history pane for each contact you have, so you can follow conversations as they jump across different services.
And you can still filter out your address book, so that it's not swamped by your Facebook friends.
Snap and share
Tweets aren't the only thing you can share more easily with Windows Phone 7.5 Mango. Take a snap with the camera and you can share your photos via Facebook, Twitter (by dropping them onto a SkyDrive page), email or certain apps.
You can also share videos on SkyDrive and Facebook, but not YouTube, and if you record a long clip it will get transcoded to upload more quickly.
What's more, the camera now saves its settings instead of throwing them away every time you leave the interface, and it has a nifty on-screen shutter button that you touch to focus and take a shot.
There's also an Autofix option that makes some basic adjustments, which improved about half of our photographs.
From this...
To this...
This isn't the cleverest camera interface we've seen, but it's far more functional than before, and third-party apps can now plug in and make it shine.
Internet Explorer 9 browser and real Office
IE9 on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango is a real browser that uses the same code as IE9 on Windows 7, although it still lacks the ability to run plug-ins such as Flash. It does, however, have the same super-fast Chakra JavaScript engine.
This means you can run web apps such as Google Docs, the full TechRadar site, your mobile banking site and almost any other page online.
You can choose whether the browser identifies itself as operating from a mobile to retrieve smaller, phone-optimised pages or a desktop browser for the full version of sites, but you rarely have to worry about a page not working unless it's specifically written for Safari or Chrome.
The browser interface has changed slightly to show you more of the page on screen, which means the tabs are now hidden on the swipe-up menu (oddly, the default is for links from apps to reuse the current tab rather than opening in their own new tab).
However, there's now an address bar in landscape mode, which grants a popular Windows Phone 7 request. These are small improvements, though – the big news here is the full HTML5 browser.
If you buy a Windows Phone 7 device, Bing may well be your browser of choice. If your operator has a deal with Yahoo instead, you can thankfully now change the default browser search back to Bing. Unsurprisingly, you can't opt for Google, though.
Email, calendar and SkyDrive
The email client adds both key business features for document security and a threaded view of email that neatly shows you the whole of a conversation without making the interface cluttered or confusing. The conversation view also includes your replies, even if you've filed some messages away in other folders.
You can also choose whether to have separate inboxes for each email service you use pinned as separate tiles on the Start screen, or have a unified inbox for some or all of your accounts.
You can pin key folders instead of whole accounts too, so you can file comments to your blog away neatly, but still know exactly when you have new messages in that folder.
And although it's not new, the way you can swipe across the screen to see unread or flagged messages is still far more convenient than just about any other smartphone email view.
Calendar
The calendar now shows multiple calendars from Windows Live or Exchange, plus your Facebook calendar, complete with events you've been invited to, but haven't yet accepted.
And if you use a service such as Tripit, which puts travel plans into its own online calendar, or you need to see calendars for the rest of your family, you can also get the appointments on your phone.
There's still no week view, although Agenda works well, but it's become much faster to add an appointment in Windows Phone 7.5, because you can just tap on the right time in Day view and type in the details.
Office and Skydrive
The Office and SkyDrive tools are much easier to use now, and the fantastically handy OneNote notes are the first thing you see in the Office hub, followed by recent documents and templates.
There's a new OneNote checkbox list you can use to make a to-do list that you can tick off as you work through it – assuming you're not using the To Do pane in the calendar to work with tasks and to-do items from Exchange and Windows Live instead.
Word and PowerPoint get a few new features, including templates, and Excel now adds up multiple cells when you select them the way it does on a PC, which is a very handy shortcut.
Office 365 integration is very neat too – just typing in your email address and password sets up email, calendar, contacts and a link to SharePoint in the Office hub. But you can also explore SkyDrive and documents on your phone, all in the same consistent interface. Again, this is tidying up something that was useful in Windows Phone 7, but just wasn't done well enough to be appealing.
Incidentally, although Microsoft suggested the autocorrect you get across Windows Phone 7.5 Mango is only for US phones, it worked just fine in every app that we tried that uses the full keyboard after the UK upgrade.
It doesn't seem to learn your specific corrections as fast as the original version, but if you accidentally hit 'b' or 'n' between two words instead of the space bar, it now corrects that, and it's still fantastic at turning gibberish offset keystrokes into the word you were trying to type. This is the touch keyboard for people who can't use touch keyboards.
Speak, listen, search
Voice search in Windows Phone 7 was restricted to US phones. Now the UK and a couple of other countries also let you search Bing and Bing Maps by talking to your phone.
What's more, you can dictate text and Facebook messages as if they were texts, and have replies read to you.
The readback works very well unless you're somewhere noisy – like walking down the street – but it's great in the car, where it's a quiet environment. That's the case even if you're playing music on the phone, since it gets paused automatically when messages arrive.
Bing search and maps
Voice search isn't the only new option in Bing. The rather pointless News results have been replaced by Images.
You can use the Local Scout to look for places nearby to shop and eat.
As usual, the database is a little better in the US, but it does find local venues in London. Annoyingly, the UK doesn't get the best new feature in Bing Maps, though: reading directions aloud as you walk or drive.
We're not so keen on the way the view is permanently split between the map and directions instead of being able to zoom in on one or the other either.
There's an intriguing new option called Bing Vision, which is similar to Google Goggles. With it, you can photograph text, have it OCRed in the cloud word by word, pick the words you want by tapping on screen and either search on the text or translate it into another language.
This works well on clearly printed text or even text on screen, but not so well on a blurry printed receipt. It also recognises QR codes and Microsoft Tags, plus bar codes for US books, DVDs and CDs.
There's also a Shazam-style search for recognising music that's playing and buying it from Zune Marketplace.
The Marketplace is finally easier to search, with results divided between music, games and apps, so that you can actually find what you're looking for.
You can find apps on the new Web Marketplace and send them directly to your phone as well.
On our test handset, what we got was a Hotmail message with a link that downloaded and installed apps (very like BlackBerry AppWorld). On some other phones we've seen, hidden text messages trigger the install directly. Either way, it's convenient.
Installing apps and games is also much clearer too. Click Install and you see a list of your existing apps with the icon for the app you're downloading and a progress bar, so you're not left wondering where the app will end up.
Music with Zune HD
Windows Phone 7 missed out on some of the best features of the Zune HD. With Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, you can finally make your own playlists.
You can also get a Smart DJ mix of music on your device that should go well together, or even music from the whole of Marketplace if you have a Zune Pass.
Unlike Google Music, this actually provides tracks you want to listen to together rather than strange and jarring transitions, especially if you're streaming tracks from the huge choice on Zune.
The player controls are also a little larger and easier to see (although possibly not as elegant), and they show up on the lock screen as well.
For video, assuming the file is either local or a format that can be cached, you're provided with a progress bar to scrub through the media as well.
The other big missing feature of Windows Phone 7 was custom ringtones. The Mango update means you can now add these through the Zune software, with unprotected tracks of less than 40 seconds that have the ringtone genre assigned to them. It's a clunky mechanism, but we expect plenty of apps to appear making this painless.
Verdict
Windows Phone 7.5 Mango is definitely an upgrade for the mobile operating system. The 500 new features don't make the system cluttered or confusing, despite adding improvements, fixes and new features in almost every area. Instead they fit in with the existing user experience and enhance it.
This means the operating system has the same elegant and engaging user interface as ever, with colourful tiles and plenty of white space – but it now also has key features that were previously missing to help it match the current versions of iOS and Android. Some aspects even leapfrog other platforms.
It runs on all existing Windows Phone 7 handsets too. While newer phones have updated Snapdragon 8x55 or 7x30 processors, original handsets such as the HTC HD7 didn't feel slow or sluggish at all under the updated operating system, even with many large web pages loaded.
In fact, older models felt faster and more responsive than when running the original Windows Phone 7, although fast task switching and background apps certainly help with that.
Even newer phones still have single- rather than dual-core processors to keep battery lives reasonable, but we didn't ever feel that the devices were slowed down for lack of an extra core.
In short, just having a better hardware spec doesn't make something a better phone. What Windows Phone 7.5 does is take really good advantage of the hardware you have.
We liked
Full HTML5 browsing with IE9 is an excellent new addition, as is the great Twitter integration, including sharing and groups to organise updates from friends.
Multitasking means you can switch between a few current apps quickly.
Voice recognition and handy new ways to search are finally available for UK users as well as US Windows Phone users.
We disliked
Internet connection sharing is at the whim of the mobile phone operator, and only for new phones.
The otherwise excellent Twitter integration doesn't include direct messages.
Apps need to be written specifically to take full advantage of multitasking.
There's no Flash support (although YouTube videos play without a separate player, they're still full screen).
Some features – text to speech directions, indoor maps, traffic – are still US only. Others – hyperlinked addresses and email – work better for US addresses and numbers than for UK ones.
Final verdict
Windows Phone 7.5 is supremely usable, surprisingly powerful and delivers the experience Microsoft has been promising, with only a few rough edges left.
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Explained: What is a compact system camera?
What is a Compact System Camera?
Looking for a small camera with DSLR-like controls, high quality pictures and interchangeable lenses? A compact system camera (CSC) ought to tick most of your boxes.Available in a smaller form than their DSLR cousins, this new wave of camera format is built differently: no mirror box means a less bulky construction, although it also means either an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or no viewfinder at all.
Top image quality can be expected from the Micro Four Thirds or APS-C sensor sizes that far outdo compact cameras' capabilities, and in some cases are on par with many DSLR systems.
There are three main choices:
1. DSLR replacement options with built-in viewfinders and all the quick-access buttons and layout of a DSLR in a small package, such as the Panasonic G3 below.
2. Style options such as the Olympus PEN E-P3 (shown below) where an optional viewfinder can be added via a hotshoe and which are as much about look as the resulting image quality
3. Pocketable or mini options that look no larger than a compact camera and, without a viewfinder, often function very much like one, for example the Panasonic GF3 below.
Olympus PEN and Panasonic Lumix GF-series CSC models can freely swap lenses through the common Micro Four Thirds standard. Meanwhile, the larger-sensor models from Samsung and Sony the Samsung NX11, Sony NEX-5 – are independent of one another and use separate lens mounts.
Pentax and Nikon have opted for small cameras with tiny, compact camera-sized sensors for the Pentax Q, Nikon V1 and Nikon J1, with new separate lens mounts.
As the compact system camera market share continues to grow, there are yet more manufacturers involved in producing their own new ranges. On the one hand it's getting many photographers interested in their potential. But on the other hand, for many this new creation is an unclear area that's got more confusing as different manufacturers, sensor formats and subcategories have been thrown into the mix.
Here we'll try to dispel any confusion about compact system cameras (CSCs), explain the different technologies and systems available and help you to choose the right CSC for you.
Evolution of compact system cameras
In 2008, Olympus and Panasonic announced the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera system, used in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Olympus PEN E-P1. This system maintained the same Four Thirds DSLR sensor size as used before, but the shorter lens-mount-to-sensor-distance paved the way for smaller camera bodies and lenses.
Then in 2010 Samsung released the NX10, moving away from the Pentax-partnered GX-series of DSLR cameras. This solo venture shunned the MFT standard, using a larger APS-C-sized sensor similar to those found in many DSLRs.
Different acronyms began to be flung around for the NX-series' new system, from Hybrid, through Micro System Camera (MSC) and EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangeable Lens) to MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera).
As sales grew, other manufacturers got involved too. In the middle for 2010, Sony announced its own solo venture, the NEX-series, including the Sony NEX-5. This has been followed by the Pentax Q, and Nikon V1 and J1.
How do compact system cameras work?
A compact system camera (CSC) works using a similar principle to DSLR technology: light enters the camera body and creates an image on the sensor. However, unlike a SLR there's no mirror system to reflect light into an optical viewfinder. Instead compact system cameras use a full time live view system on the LCD.
The mirrorbox sacrifice means a less bulky construction, but it doesn't always mean a viewfinder is an impossibility: as light feeds to the sensor, the camera can replicate that feed to a secondary LCD screen, known as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Some models come with an EVF, some without, and some have a port to allow an optional external EVF to be connected.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome for compact system camera manufacturers was to produce a camera with contrast-detect autofocus able to match up to a DSLR's faster phase-detection system. Because the very makeup of a CSC depends on using live view and contrast-detect autofocus, the first few CSCs released just didn't compare.
However, the latest models have greatly improved sensors and focusing algorithms. By increasing the sensor's output speed, in models such as the Panasonic Lumix G3, the larger volume of information – at up to 120 cycles per second – means a rapid contrast detection process for an improved focus response.
CSC technology is now of the standard to significantly surpass DSLRs for live view work and the latest releases aren't far behind DSLRs as a whole – Olympus even claims its PEN E-P3 has the world's fastest autofocus
Pros and cons of compact system cameras
Initial teething problems put to one side, the current range of compact system cameras (CSCs) are very capable machines indeed. Because there's no mirror, the removal of this mechanical movement means faster burst speeds are often possible. The Sony NEX-7 and NEX-5N's 10fps continuous shooting modes make this abundantly clear.
The smaller size of compact system cameras is another potential benefit, plus lenses are smaller than their DSLR equivalents. The Micro Four Thirds system has the smaller sensor and therefore the smaller lenses, while other manufacturer's APS-C-sized sensors mean larger lenses but image quality that's more closely matched to a DSLR standard.
The main downside to compact system cameras is that electronic viewfinders (EVFs) aren't all that great, yet. Low light introduces image lag and higher image noise in preview that doesn't make framing as preferable, plus the size of the EVF is often far smaller than an optical equivalent.
On the upside, an EVF will offer a 'what you see is what you get' 100% field of view, and many models can add virtual spirit levels or feed back a variety of information on the image area of the viewfinder. Further improvements are certainly being made – the Sony Alpha A77 includes a 3million dot OLED EVF, for example – but it will take time before this technology migrates to the more affordable, entry-level photography market.
The other thing to consider is that new ranges mean new lens fittings and, therefore, your existing lenses won't prove of much worth on a CSC camera. It also means the independent ventures of Sony, Samsung and Pentax don't offer a particularly fruitful selection of lenses when compared to the DSLR market – although research and development is hard at work in all camps to output a variety of lenses over the coming years.
Lens adaptors are available to use DSLR and other lenses, such as Leica glass, but there are often restrictions to autofocus and lens operability.
As manufacturers spend a lot of time creating models to entice new users into the market, there's a lack of high-end or professional kit currently available. It's plausible that this will appear later but, for now at least, the pro photography DSLR market will be hard to break.
Which compact system camera to buy?
A variety of compact system camera (CSC) models target the different market sectors. Don't forget that the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor from Panasonic and Olympus models may not quite match their competitors for low light image quality performance, but the smaller MFT sensor means smaller lenses – and that's important if you intend to keep your kit as miniature as possible.
Of the current models available, there are three main sectors that divide: DSLR replacement, style and mini options.
The larger-bodied CSC models, including the Samsung NX11 and Panasonic GH2, offer lots of button-based controls and built-in electronic viewfinders. These are often known as DSLR replacement models.
Medium-sized models are often design or style-focused, such as the Olympus PEN E-P3. This doesn't have a viewfinder but the inclusion of a hotshoe means an optional one can always be added at a later date. This is also the case for other similar models.
Mini models do away with viewfinders altogether and, in some cases, no hotshoe means these cameras are more akin to step-up compacts with changeable lenses. The Panasonic GF3, Olympus PEN E-PM1, Sony NEX-C3 and Samsung NX200 are great examples that tend to come bundled with prime pancake lenses to keep the overall size down (add a big lens and you may defeat the object of buying into a small system). Provided you are happy with a smaller sensor the Nikon V1, Nikon J1, and Pentax Qare also making there way into the shops.
Despite the wide range of choice, there's no Canon model in the compact system camera market. Rumours are rife that a model is forthcoming – but with another lens mounts, that'll only spread things out yet further.
For the time being, manufacturers are trying hard to get the public on board to buy into their systems. Once that happens, and when lens ranges expand, there will be natural growth and more pro-spec models are likely to become a reality. Ultimately, the CSC market could see a huge chunk of the DSLR sector eaten up in the not too distant future... Watch this space.
Top compact system cameras
Now for our mini guide to our favourite compact system cameras (CSCs) and the CSC models available at the moment, to help you choose the right one for you.Most pocketable: Panasonic GF3
This teeny tiny compact-like model is just about as small as they come - without using a very small sensor, and has a built-in flash
Read our Panasonic GF3 review
'Mini DSLR': Panasonic Lumix G3
Super-fast autofocus and touchscreen controls in a small and capable package
Read full Panasonic Lumix G3 review
Best image quality: Samsung NX11/Sony NEX-5N
It's a toss-up between these two APS-C models, because both compact system cameras produce cracking images
Read our Samsung NX11 review
Read our Sony NEX-5N review
For the fashionistas: Olympus PEN E-P3
The Sony NEX-7 is set to be available in November 2011, it's a beautifully crafted camera with Sony's game-changing EVF built-in
Buy this in white and wear it like a handbag; its touchscreen enhances use too
Read our Olympus PEN EP-3 review
Current compact system camera models
Panasonic Lumix: the range with the Micro Four Thirds standardPanasonic Lumix G3: super-fast autofocus in a small, DSLR-like body with touchscreen controls
Read full our Panasonic Lumix G3 review
Panasonic Lumix GF2: the GF3's older brother
Read our Panasonic Lumix GF2 review
Panasonic Lumix GF3: as small as they come with built in flash, also has touchscreen controls
Read our Panasonic Lumix GF3 review
Panasonic Lumix GH2: top-spec model with 1080p HD video
Read our Panasonic Lumix GH2 review
Olympus PEN: the series using the Micro Four Thirds standard
Olympus PEN E-P3: one for the style-conscious, a unique looking Micro Four Thirds model with touchscreen
Read our Olympus PEN EP-3 review
Olympus PEN E-PL3: similar spec to E-P3 in a slimmed-down plastic body
Read our Olympus PEN EP-L3 review
Olympus PEN E-PM1: the 'mini' version
Read our Olympus PEN E-PM1 review
Samsung: APS-C sensor, using an NX lens system
Samsung NX11: the most DSLR-like model produces (arguably) the best image quality of any CSC
Read our Samsung NX11 review
Samsung NX200: super-high 20.3MP sensor in this mini model
Read our Samsung NX200 review
Sony: APS-C sensor, using an E-mount lens system
Sony NEX-7: 10fps and a 24.3MP sensor
Read our Sony NEX-7 review
Sony NEX-5N: 10fps and a 16.1MP sensor
Sony NEX-C3: boasting a 16.2MP sensor for great image quality
Read our Sony NEX-C3 review
Pentax Q: APS-C sensor, using a Q-mount lens system
Pentax Q: the first model in Pentax's range
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Read More ...
Buying guide: What is a compact system camera (CSC)?
What are CSCs?
Looking for a small camera with DSLR-like controls, high quality pictures and interchangeable lenses? A compact system camera (CSC) ought to tick most of your boxes.Available in a smaller form than their DSLR cousins, this new wave of camera format is built differently: no mirror box means a less bulky construction, although it also means either an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or no viewfinder at all.
Top image quality can be expected from the Micro Four Thirds or APS-C sensor sizes that far outdo compact cameras' capabilities, and in some cases are on par with many DSLR systems.
There are three main choices:
- DSLR replacement options with built-in viewfinders and all the quick-access buttons and layout of a DSLR in a small package, such as the Panasonic G3 below.
- Style options such as the Olympus PEN E-P3 (see below) where an optional viewfinder can be added via a hotshoe and which are as much about look as the resulting image quality
- Pocketable or mini options that look no larger than a compact camera and, without a viewfinder, often function very much like one, for example the Panasonic GF3 below.
Olympus PEN and Panasonic Lumix GF-series CSC models can freely swap lenses through the common Micro Four Thirds standard. Meanwhile, the larger-sensor models from Samsung and Sony the Samsung NX11, Sony NEX-5 – are independent of one another and use separate lens mounts.
Pentax and Nikon have opted for small cameras with tiny, compact camera-sized sensors for the Pentax Q, Nikon V1 and Nikon J1, with new separate lens mounts.
As the compact system camera market share continues to grow, there are yet more manufacturers involved in producing their own new ranges. On the one hand it's getting many photographers interested in their potential. But on the other hand, for many this new creation is an unclear area that's got more confusing as different manufacturers, sensor formats and subcategories have been thrown into the mix.
Here we'll try to dispel any confusion about compact system cameras (CSCs), explain the different technologies and systems available and help you to choose the right CSC for you.
Evolution of compact system cameras
In 2008, Olympus and Panasonic announced the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera system, used in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Olympus PEN E-P1. This system maintained the same Four Thirds DSLR sensor size as used before, but the shorter lens-mount-to-sensor-distance paved the way for smaller camera bodies and lenses.
Then in 2010 Samsung released the NX10, moving away from the Pentax-partnered GX-series of DSLR cameras. This solo venture shunned the MFT standard, using a larger APS-C-sized sensor similar to those found in many DSLRs.
Different acronyms began to be flung around for the NX-series' new system, from Hybrid, through Micro System Camera (MSC) and EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangeable Lens) to MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera).
As sales grew, other manufacturers got involved too. In the middle for 2010, Sony announced its own solo venture, the NEX-series, including the Sony NEX-5. This has been followed by the Pentax Q, and Nikon V1 and J1.
How do compact system cameras work?
A compact system camera (CSC) works using a similar principle to DSLR technology: light enters the camera body and creates an image on the sensor. However, unlike a SLR there's no mirror system to reflect light into an optical viewfinder. Instead compact system cameras use a full time live view system on the LCD.
The mirrorbox sacrifice means a less bulky construction, but it doesn't always mean a viewfinder is an impossibility: as light feeds to the sensor, the camera can replicate that feed to a secondary LCD screen, known as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Some models come with an EVF, some without, and some have a port to allow an optional external EVF to be connected.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome for compact system camera manufacturers was to produce a camera with contrast-detect autofocus able to match up to a DSLR's faster phase-detection system. Because the very makeup of a CSC depends on using live view and contrast-detect autofocus, the first few CSCs released just didn't compare.
However, the latest models have greatly improved sensors and focusing algorithms. By increasing the sensor's output speed, in models such as the Panasonic Lumix G3, the larger volume of information – at up to 120 cycles per second – means a rapid contrast detection process for an improved focus response.
CSC technology is now of the standard to significantly surpass DSLRs for live view work and the latest releases aren't far behind DSLRs as a whole – Olympus even claims its PEN E-P3 has the world's fastest autofocus
Pros and cons of compact system cameras
Initial teething problems put to one side, the current range of compact system cameras (CSCs) are very capable machines indeed. Because there's no mirror, the removal of this mechanical movement means faster burst speeds are often possible. The Sony NEX-7 and NEX-5N's 10fps continuous shooting modes make this abundantly clear.
The smaller size of compact system cameras is another potential benefit, plus lenses are smaller than their DSLR equivalents. The Micro Four Thirds system has the smaller sensor and therefore the smaller lenses, while other manufacturer's APS-C-sized sensors mean larger lenses but image quality that's more closely matched to a DSLR standard.
The main downside to compact system cameras is that electronic viewfinders (EVFs) aren't all that great, yet. Low light introduces image lag and higher image noise in preview that doesn't make framing as preferable, plus the size of the EVF is often far smaller than an optical equivalent.
On the upside, an EVF will offer a 'what you see is what you get' 100% field of view, and many models can add virtual spirit levels or feed back a variety of information on the image area of the viewfinder. Further improvements are certainly being made – the Sony Alpha A77 includes a 3million dot OLED EVF, for example – but it will take time before this technology migrates to the more affordable, entry-level photography market.
The other thing to consider is that new ranges mean new lens fittings and, therefore, your existing lenses won't prove of much worth on a CSC camera. It also means the independent ventures of Sony, Samsung and Pentax don't offer a particularly fruitful selection of lenses when compared to the DSLR market – although research and development is hard at work in all camps to output a variety of lenses over the coming years.
Lens adaptors are available to use DSLR and other lenses, such as Leica glass, but there are often restrictions to autofocus and lens operability.
As manufacturers spend a lot of time creating models to entice new users into the market, there's a lack of high-end or professional kit currently available. It's plausible that this will appear later but, for now at least, the pro photography DSLR market will be hard to break.
Which CSC system to choose?
A variety of compact system camera (CSC) models target the different market sectors. Don't forget that the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor from Panasonic and Olympus models may not quite match their competitors for low light image quality performance, but the smaller MFT sensor means smaller lenses – and that's important if you intend to keep your kit as miniature as possible.
Of the current models available, there are three main sectors that divide: DSLR replacement, style and mini options.
The larger-bodied CSC models, including the Samsung NX11 and Panasonic GH2, offer lots of button-based controls and built-in electronic viewfinders. These are often known as DSLR replacement models.
Medium-sized models are often design or style-focused, such as the Olympus PEN E-P3. This doesn't have a viewfinder but the inclusion of a hotshoe means an optional one can always be added at a later date. This is also the case for other similar models.
Mini models do away with viewfinders altogether and, in some cases, no hotshoe means these cameras are more akin to step-up compacts with changeable lenses. The Panasonic GF3, Olympus PEN E-PM1, Sony NEX-C3 and Samsung NX200 are great examples that tend to come bundled with prime pancake lenses to keep the overall size down (add a big lens and you may defeat the object of buying into a small system). Provided you are happy with a smaller sensor the Nikon V1, Nikon J1, and Pentax Qare also making there way into the shops.
Despite the wide range of choice, there's no Canon model in the compact system camera market. Rumours are rife that a model is forthcoming – but with another lens mounts, that'll only spread things out yet further.
For the time being, manufacturers are trying hard to get the public on board to buy into their systems. Once that happens, and when lens ranges expand, there will be natural growth and more pro-spec models are likely to become a reality. Ultimately, the CSC market could see a huge chunk of the DSLR sector eaten up in the not too distant future... Watch this space.
Top compact system cameras
Now for our mini guide to our favourite compact system cameras (CSCs) and the CSC models available at the moment, to help you choose the right one for you.Most pocketable: Panasonic GF3
This teeny tiny compact-like model is just about as small as they come - without using a very small sensor, and has a built-in flash
Read full review
'Mini DSLR': Panasonic Lumix G3
Super-fast autofocus and touchscreen controls in a small and capable package
Read full review
Best image quality: Samsung NX11/Sony NEX-5N
It's a toss-up between these two APS-C models, because both compact system cameras produce cracking images
Read full Samsung NX11 review
Read full Sony NEX-5N review
For the fashionistas: Olympus PEN E-P3
The Sony NEX-7 is set to be available in November 2011, it's a beautifully crafted camera with Sony's game-changing EVF built-in
Buy this in white and wear it like a handbag; its touchscreen enhances use too
Read full review
Current compact system camera models
Panasonic Lumix: the range with the Micro Four Thirds standardPanasonic Lumix G3: super-fast autofocus in a small, DSLR-like body with touchscreen controls
Read full review
Panasonic Lumix GF2: the GF3's older brother
Read full review
Panasonic Lumix GF3: as small as they come with built in flash, also has touchscreen controls
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Panasonic Lumix GH2: top-spec model with 1080p HD video
Read full review
Olympus PEN: the series using the Micro Four Thirds standard
Olympus PEN E-P3: one for the style-conscious, a unique looking Micro Four Thirds model with touchscreen
Read full review
Olympus PEN E-PL3: similar spec to E-P3 in a slimmed-down plastic body
Read full review
Olympus PEN E-PM1: the 'mini' version
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Samsung: APS-C sensor, using an NX lens system
Samsung NX11: the most DSLR-like model produces (arguably) the best image quality of any CSC
Read full review
Samsung NX200: super-high 20.3MP sensor in this mini model
Read full review
Sony: APS-C sensor, using an E-mount lens system
Sony NEX-7: 10fps and a 24.3MP sensor
Read full review
Sony NEX-5N: 10fps and a 16.1MP sensor
Sony NEX-C3: boasting a 16.2MP sensor for great image quality
Read full review
Pentax Q: APS-C sensor, using a Q-mount lens system
Pentax Q: the first model in Pentax's range
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LG Optimus LTE arrives with True HD display
LG has unveiled the Optimus LTE smartphone, the first handset to boast a True HD IPS display and 4G connectivity – the down side is that it's only launching in Korea for now.
At 4.5-inches with 326ppi, the display is big news and easily pips Apple's Retina Display in number terms. LG is promising brightness, clarity and colours displayed "in their most natural tones".
The LG Optimus LTE is also being toted as the country's highest-res 4G handset, although we're not sure what Samsung and its Galaxy S2 HD will say about that.
Tenuous Apple link
The screen has been developed in collaboration with LG Display, which also supplies Apple with its mobile screens - so, while we admit it's unlikely, there's a possibility that we'll see a similarly-super HD screen landing on the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S or whatever Apple decides to launch later on today.In terms of other spec you won't be able to enjoy unless you pop to Korea, the LG Optimus LTE is rocking a 1.5GHz dualcore processor, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), plus HDMI and DLNA networking.
"LG Optimus LTE is the first smartphone in Korea to offer vivid and clear HD content on a 4G network," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.
"Our goal is to be a leading player in LTE devices by continuously offering best-in-class products based on our LTE patents and know-how."
LG is yet to determine whether or not it will sell the LG Optimus LTE outside of Korea, but since we don't have a 4G or LTE network in the UK yet, we're willing to bet this is one handset that will pass us by.
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Rumoured Nikon D800 specs emerge
New rumours about the impending Nikon D800 have emerged, suggesting a 36 megapixel sensor, 4 fps continuous shooting and Full HD video in 30p.
Many people had expected a Nikon D800 to emerge as early as February or March this year, but it is thought that the earthquake and tsunami in Japan pushed back the release date to autumn. A report published in May suggested that Nikon's Sendai plant had fallen behind a previous summer deadline for the D700 replacement.
Further fuel was poured on the rumours fire as a French D800 user manual 'Obtenez le maximum du Nikon D800' (or 'Get the most out of your Nikon D800') by Bernard Rome appeared on the Amazon France website.
Mini D3x
According to NikonRumors, the latest specs to emerge all point to the D800 being a mini D3x. Other reported rumours include a larger LCD monitor which includes automatic brightness adjustment, two media card slots (CF and SD) and a shutter durability of 200,000 cycles.Earlier today, information on the ISO range also emerged. The D800 is likely to be capable of ISO 100-6400, with a "lo" ISO 50 mode and "hi-2" ISO 25600 mode.
It is also believed that the D800 will be announced alongside other products, possibly a new consumer DX lens.
Two models
Another interesting rumour is that there will be two versions of the D800 released, one which has the antialiasing filter removed.Antialiasing helps to create smoother edges in images and removes moire patterning, but can result in a some loss of sharpness. If this is rumour turns out to be true, it will be interesting to see how Nikon markets the two different models.
Nikon D800 price and availability
The price of the new camera is currently estimated at around 300,000 yen which would make the Nikon D800 UK price around £2,500. This would be roughly in line with the price of the D700 at the time of launch, which can now be purchased for around £1800.NikonRumors expects the new camera and lenses to be announced at the end of October, with a market release date at the end of November, just in time for Christmas.
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Nikon D800 rumoured specs emerge
New rumours about the impending Nikon D800 have emerged, suggesting a 36 megapixel sensor, 4 fps continuous shooting and Full HD video in 30p.
Many people had expected a Nikon D800 to emerge as early as February or March this year, but it is thought that the earthquake and tsunami in Japan pushed back the release date to autumn. A report published in May suggested that Nikon's Sendai plant had fallen behind a previous summer deadline for the D700 replacement.
Further fuel was poured on the rumours fire as a French D800 user manual 'Obtenez le maximum du Nikon D800' (or 'Get the most out of your Nikon D800') by Bernard Rome appeared on the Amazon France website.
Mini D3x
According to NikonRumors, the latest specs to emerge all point to the D800 being a mini D3x. Other reported rumours include a larger LCD monitor which includes automatic brightness adjustment, two media card slots (CF and SD) and a shutter durability of 200,000 cycles.Earlier today, information on the ISO range also emerged. The D800 is likely to be capable of ISO 100-6400, with a "lo" ISO 50 mode and "hi-2" ISO 25600 mode.
It is also believed that the D800 will be announced alongside other products, possibly a new consumer DX lens.
Two models
Another interesting rumour is that there will be two version of the D800 released, one which has the antialiasing filter removed.Antialiasing helps to create smoother edges in images and removes moire patterning, but can result in a some loss of sharpness. If this is rumour turns out to be true, it will be interesting to see how Nikon markets the two different models.
Nikon D800 price and availability
The price of the new camera is currently estimated at around 300,000 yen which would make the Nikon D800 UK price around £2,500. This would be roughly in line with the price of the D700 at the time of launch, we can now be purchased for around £1800.NikonRumors expects the new camera and lenses to be announced at the end of October, with a market release date at the end of November, just in time for Christmas.
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Review: Eizo Foris FS2332
With two HDMI inputs nestled among the more standard DVI and VGA sockets, plus built-in speakers and a remote control, the Eizo Foris FS2332 monitor is clearly designed to double as a television. As a result, it doesn't look quite as glamorous as dedicated LED monitors.
The infrared port for the remote control and built-in speakers makes it a rather bulky and ugly device – at least on the outside. Thankfully, the hardware powering this panel suffers none of the compromises that plagued earlier monitor/HDTV hybrids.
The Eizo Foris FS2332 uses an IPS panel rather than the more popular TN display found in most LCD monitors. The screen remains visible at 178 degrees vertically and horizontally with a contrast ratio of 1000:1. While it might not be much use for everyday office tasks, it means a group of people can gather around this monitor and watch media without any problems.
This monitor isn't perfect though. While the remote control is a nice addition, it contains the only menu button. This means that if you lose the remote – not hard considering how tiny it is – you'll be unable to change any of the settings except volume and input.
Another unusual addition is a small transparent square next to the IR receiver at the front of the device. This is a brightness sensor – known as the Auto EcoView – that detects the brightness of the room. When the lights are dimmed, the screen adjusts its brightness accordingly. This is slightly distracting when ambient light levels change quickly, but over the course of a day the results are subtle and work well.
Most importantly, image quality and colour reproduction are great, with 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1.
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Intel hints at the demise of the netbook
The arrival of tablets and lightweight, high-end 'Ultrabooks' has meant that the future for the netbook is looking rather bleak.
This is according to Kas Yoshida, president of Intel Japan, who told TechRadar and other journalists that the netbook form factor could well be on the way out.
Fresh from his keynote speech at CEATEC 2011 in Japan, Yoshida explained: "The netbook was a very interesting product as it enabled a lower price point which helped expand the [PC] user base.
"However, it did not grow as much as we expected. It turned out to be a low-end booster rather than a focus on useability."
Not performing
Speaking about the Japanese market, Yoshida said that there's now much more of an interest in a higher performance, rather than the lower performance offered by netbooks.It is now all about the "thin and light" of the what Intel has dubbed the 'Ultrabook', and the performance and low cost offered by Core i3 and even i5 chips.
"In Japan, 70 per cent [of chips shipped] are the high-end processors. So the netbook wasn't really reaching the performance we wanted.
"Then the i3 and i5 chips came along and the price was similar [to netbook processors], this shifted away the demand. They are still selling but there is a definite shifting away."
When asked if we have seen the end of the netbook, Yoshida noted: "It is hard to say whether the netbook is finished – price point is still very important with users."
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HTC promises OTA update to fix Android security flaw
HTC has released a public statement concerning a security flaw uncovered in some of its Android handsets, promising an over the air update to patch the hole.
The security breach, discovered by a group of researchers, could potentially access user data such as location information, address books and text messages.
As well as promising a security update to fix the vulnerability, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer recommends that customers "use caution" when downloading untrusted apps.
'Use caution'
In its official statement, HTC said:"HTC takes claims related to the security of our products very seriously. In our ongoing investigation into this recent claim, we have concluded that while this HTC software itself does no harm to customers' data, there is a vulnerability that could potentially be exploited by a malicious third-party application.
"A third party malware app exploiting this or any other vulnerability would potentially be acting in violation of civil and criminal laws. So far, we have not learned of any customers being affected in this way and would like to prevent it by making sure all customers are aware of this potential vulnerability.
"HTC is working very diligently to quickly release a security update that will resolve the issue on affected devices. Following a short testing period by our carrier partners, the patch will be sent over-the-air to customers, who will be notified to download and install it.
"We urge all users to install the update promptly. During this time, as always, we strongly urge customers to use caution when downloading, using, installing and updating applications from untrusted sources."
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Intel: We will be number one for smartphone performance
Intel chips are set to come to the smartphone market in 2012, but the company isn't worried about being last to the party.
Speaking to TechRadar at CEATEC 2011, Kas Yoshida, president of Intel Japan, said that despite taking its time entering the smartphone market, it will offer up a better performance than its rivals.
"We want to be number one for performance," explained Yoshida.
"There is more and more demand for apps that need performance, so we need to be good at that but we still need to catch-up with the Android eco-system."
Tizen nicely
As well as its alliance with Google – back in September it was announced that Google will be optimised for Intel chips – Intel also believes that the next generation of Symbian phone Tizen OS, will present an opportunity to show just what Intel is capable of in the phone market."Tizen is part of our phone roadmap. We always believe in an open environment and we encourage the software industry to thrive in this environment."
Although we asked when we will see Tizen phones hit the shelves – considering the problems Intel had with MeeGo – Yoshida didn't give much away but hinted: "Tizen products are not fixed yet be we hope to offer something soon."
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Updated: Apple rejects Samsung deal in Oz patent dispute
Apple has seemingly rejected Samsung's recent offer of a settlement deal to get the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on to Australia's shop shelves.
Update: Apple has now formally rejected the deal offer, with attorney Steven Burley saying, "It is one we don't accept and there is no surprise. The main reason we are here is to prevent the launch and maintain the status quo."
Samsung's lawyers now contend that a truce "is not going to be achievable... given the positions advanced by each party." The case rumbles on.
The deal, which Samsung put forward late last week, was dealt with by lawyers in the courtroom yesterday.
Neil Young, Samsung's attorney, told the court, "No agreement has been reached. The parties are a considerable distance apart."
Do you come from a land down under?
In response, Apple's attorney, Steven Burley, denied that the fruity company had rejected Samsung's offer. He claimed that correspondence between the two companies "were requests for details, not a rejection of the offer".But it doesn't sound good – Burley went on to describe Samsung's deal as, "No more than a tactic to maximise the chances of Samsung launching what we would contend is an infringing product."
Cake break
He also said that the deal was offered "To ensure that Your Honour is placed in as difficult a position as possible."It's the desire of Samsung to have their cake and eat it too."
The terms of the deal that Samsung offered Apple have not been made public, but it seems that Samsung is pretty keen to get out of the courtroom and on to the shop floor.
The ongoing litigation between the two companies has stopped Samsung from launching the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia due to Apple's accusation of the slate infringing on some of its iPad patents.
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Updated: Apple rejects Samsung deal offer in Oz patent dispute
Apple has seemingly rejected Samsung's recent offer of a settlement deal to get the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on to Australia's shop shelves.
Update: Apple has now formally rejected the deal offer, with attorney Steven Burley saying, "It is one we don't accept and there is no surprise. The main reason we are here is to prevent the launch and maintain the status quo."
Samsung's lawyers now contend that a truce "is not going to be achievable... given the positions advanced by each party." The case rumbles on.
The deal, which Samsung put forward late last week, was dealt with by lawyers in the courtroom yesterday.
Neil Young, Samsung's attorney, told the court, "No agreement has been reached. The parties are a considerable distance apart."
Do you come from a land down under?
In response, Apple's attorney, Steven Burley, denied that the fruity company had rejected Samsung's offer. He claimed that correspondence between the two companies "were requests for details, not a rejection of the offer".But it doesn't sound good – Burley went on to describe Samsung's deal as, "No more than a tactic to maximise the chances of Samsung launching what we would contend is an infringing product."
Cake break
He also said that the deal was offered "To ensure that Your Honour is placed in as difficult a position as possible."It's the desire of Samsung to have their cake and eat it too."
The terms of the deal that Samsung offered Apple have not been made public, but it seems that Samsung is pretty keen to get out of the courtroom and on to the shop floor.
The ongoing litigation between the two companies has stopped Samsung from launching the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia due to Apple's accusation of the slate infringing on some of its iPad patents.
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Apple to reject Samsung deal offer in Oz patent dispute?
Apple has seemingly rejected Samsung's recent offer of a settlement deal to get the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on to Australia's shop shelves.
The deal, which Samsung put forward late last week, was dealt with by lawyers in the courtroom yesterday.
Neil Young, Samsung's attorney, told the court, "No agreement has been reached. The parties are a considerable distance apart."
Do you come from a land down under?
In response, Apple's attorney, Steven Burley, denied that the fruity company had rejected Samsung's offer. He claimed that correspondence between the two companies "were requests for details, not a rejection of the offer".But it doesn't sound good – Burley went on to describe Samsung's deal as, "No more than a tactic to maximise the chances of Samsung launching what we would contend is an infringing product."
Cake break
He also said that the deal was offered "To ensure that Your Honour is placed in as difficult a position as possible."It's the desire of Samsung to have their cake and eat it too."
The terms of the deal that Samsung offered Apple have not been made public, but it seems that Samsung is pretty keen to get out of the courtroom and on to the shop floor.
The ongoing litigation between the two companies has stopped Samsung from launching the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia due to Apple's accusation of the slate infringing on some of its iPad patents.
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Cooler Master announces Silent Pro Hybrid PSU
Cooler Master has announced its Silent Pro Hybrid Series PSU, which the company claims is "the industry benchmark to aspire to".
The Silent Pro Hybrid packs many features we've already seen in PSUs, such as modular cables to stop the inside of your PC looking like an unkempt branch of Maplin, and 90 per cent efficiency with 80Plus Gold Certification.
Additionally, the PSU adds three ports for system fans, such as your CPU heatsink and rear case fans.
Poor middle men
This means that the load and connections are removed from your motherboard, a move which Cooler Master describes as "cutting out the middle man".The system fans can be controlled via a dial on a 5.25-inch fan controller module, so you can avoid accidentally sucking small furry animals into your case. The PSU's onboard 135mm fan can be controlled via a seperate dial.
The onboard fan can also be set to "fanless" mode, which turns it off until the power loads become more than 200W, substantially reducing the noise coming out of your PC.
The Silent Pro Hybrid Series will be released in 850W, 1050W and 1300W models for €199.99 (£171), €249.99 (£214) and €299.99 (£257) respectively.
We never thought we'd be excited about a PSU, but we look forward to getting our hands on one before their release in December.
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Available Tags:Nikon , TechRadar , Windows 8 , Windows , Google , Adobe , tablet , Windows Phone , LG , Intel , netbook , HTC , Android , security , smartphone , Apple , Samsung , Cooler Master ,
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