Comparative test of advanced non-DSLR cameras

Today, the most advanced and functional non-mirror cameras can be divided into two categories. The first and most extensive is the top models of ultrasonics from different manufacturers. Representatives of the second category – cameras with truly wide capabilities and functions, but not having such a wide range of focal lengths – are presented more modestly. For example, these are the G series models from Canon and the P5000/P5100 from Nikon. By the way, the choice between cameras in these categories is not as obvious as it seems at first glance. Of course, the ability to shoot a distant object close-up is very tempting and makes ultrazooms very versatile in use.

But it should be noted that developing a lens with a large zoom (the zoom value is the ratio of the maximum focal length to the minimum) that works equally well at all focal lengths (resolution, chromatic aberration, glare resistance, geometry, etc.) is quite complicated and expensive, so in most ultrasonic lenses we can see a rather modest matrix of standard size 1/2.5” (rather than 1/1.8”), for which it is easier and cheaper to design a lens. This negatively affects some characteristics of the resulting image, especially noise.

Both types of cameras cannot be called compact. But in this class of devices this is rather a plus. After all, working with such cameras is very convenient. Many devices also have a comfortable grip, thanks to a special protrusion-handle on the body. Another feature of these cameras is a large number of different control buttons. By understanding their purpose, you can make the shooting process much more comfortable and efficient. After all, it’s easier to press the appropriate button than to go to the settings menu every time. As for the filming setups, this is also in complete order.

A variety of exposure control modes, manual focusing, white balance, exposure metering, flash control and other features are available in cameras of this class. If you are just starting to get acquainted with photographic equipment, a full set of presets for all kinds of shooting situations (portrait, twilight, sports, etc.) is available at your service. It is also logical to expect a large high-resolution screen from these cameras, and some models can boast a rotating screen.

By the way, it should be noted that progress does not stand still, and in terms of efficiency, today’s participants have noticeably improved compared to models of previous generations. Zooming in some cameras is very fast even despite the large zoom value. The new models also feature fairly fast autofocus.

Various “usefulness”

If there is insufficient lighting, there is a high probability that the pictures may turn out blurry. This is especially true when shooting at long focal lengths. Image stabilization technology is designed to combat this problem. It should be noted that in many models it is really effective. However, do not forget that you can only benefit from its use when shooting static scenes. The operation of the stabilization system in the cameras being tested will be discussed in more detail in the test.

Although the main purpose of these devices is to take photographs, they also do not help when recording video. In addition to a significant resolution of 640×480 pixels, and sometimes more, at a speed of 30 fps, many models allow you to zoom directly during shooting and can refocus depending on the location of the subject being photographed. And the Canon PowerShot S5 IS camera is even capable of recording with stereo sound.

Participants are setting new records in terms of the number of pixels of the light-receiving matrix. Unfortunately, this is no longer of decisive importance. The laws of physics have not been canceled, and for the matrices installed in these cameras, the threshold has long been overcome, and a further increase in their number is pointless, since it is “eaten up” by diffraction and there is no increase in resolution. So just don’t pay attention to the number of megapixels in these cameras.

Camera are different

Today there are a large number of cameras that sometimes have very unexpected properties and functions. It is difficult for these devices to compete on equal terms with the main participants in the test in terms of image quality, but we were interested in considering these cameras as well. In our test, they are included in a separate category (these models are presented in the table on p. 62) and the methodology for evaluating them differs in many respects. Let’s call these devices fashionable (you can’t call them affordable – their cost reaches $400, and sometimes higher), and they can have a non-standard, bright design, excellent performance and body materials.

To please the user, they are often endowed with unusual properties. For example, the Panasonic TZ3 and Casio V7 cameras have a special lens design with periscopic lens placement (the optical axis of these lenses is curved by 90 degrees, which allows the cameras to be equipped with lenses with a wide range of focal lengths, while the cameras themselves remain quite compact in size). The HP R937 has a huge 3.6-inch touchscreen, and our recently reviewed Sony DSC-G1 (hi-Tech PRO 9/2007, p. 39) boasts Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.

To be or not to be?

In terms of price, cameras in this class sometimes come very close to entry-level SLR cameras, and some models already directly compete with them in price. But still, it’s not entirely correct to compare these cameras. They have different users. If you do not have too high demands on image quality, are not ready to spend money on new components for your camera in the future, but want a camera “for all occasions” – universal, functional, convenient – then the cameras presented in our testing are for you will be very interesting.

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Test participants

Nikon Coolpix P5000

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

Olympus SP-55OUZ

Sony Cyber-shot DSK-X7

Fujifilm FinePix S5700

Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS

HP Photosmart R937

Casio Exilim EX-V7

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

Samsung NV11

Samsung NV20