·
Super zoom compact complete with Wi-Fi
functionality
·
Price: $475.5
Key specs
·
Sensor: 16MP 1/2in EXR CMOS type
·
Lens: 25-500mm f/3.5 – 5.3
·
File formats; JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG, MOV
·
ISO: 80-3200 (expandable to ISO 6400 12,800)
·
Exposure modes: PASM, EXR, Auto, 17 scene
·
Movie mode: 1920 x 1080 (30FPS)
·
Screen: 3in 46K-Dot TFT LCD
·
Weight: 232g
·
Dimensions: 105.1 x 63.3 x 36mm
Fujifilm
F800EXR
The F800EXR boasts Fujifilm's 16MP 1/2in
EXR CMOS sensor, and as a result offers the full range of EXR shooting options.
A 20x optical zoom features with a range of
25-500mm in 35mm-equivalent terms. The F800EXR also offers a 40x Intelligent
Digital Zoom expansion, a feature which has recently become commonplace.
An advanced specification continues with
the presence of a large 3in 460k-dot LCS screen, as well as a full range of
manual shooting control. HD video capture is also on offer at a full resolution
of 1080p and 30fps, with a dedicated record button offering quick access.
The model’s Wi-Fi allows for geo-tagging of
images when used in conjunction with a compatible smartphone, although the main
function of the Wi-Fi is to allow for wireless image transfer between the
F800EXR and either an iOS or Android device, via Fujifilm’s dedicated app.
Unfortunately, remote live view or camera control like that found in other
manufacturers’ implementations – is not supported.
The F800EXr retains all of the design
hallmarks that make the triple digit F-series a pleasure to use. The compact
features a pleasing curved body with a slightly protruding handgrip and
rubberised pad on the rear which both offer a secure hold on the camera. The
model’s mode dial sits at 450 angle between the camera’s top and
rear, making it both easily viewable and simple to adjust.
In use, the model’s shot-to-shot speed,
while swift enough when shooting just JPEG files, is noticeably tardy when Raw
files are brought into the equation. The model’s AF system performs well in
general, although there is some hunting for focus in low-light conditions, with
accurate focus proving an issue.
It’s generally good news in the image
quality department, though. The camera’s Auto White Balance system copes well
in a variety of conditions, and the only time it really struggles is in low
light and mixed light sources. ISO performance is respectable, although not
without its own issues; up to ISO 800 images are usable, although anything
above that sees a severe drop in image quality.
Verdict
While the F800EXR’s Wi-Fi technology isn’t
as complete as that on some other compacts, it’s still more useful than if the
camera only featured GPS. Noise isn’t best handled at high ISO settings and the
camera isn’t the quickest on the market, but, even in spite of these issues, it’s
an impressive super zoom compact.
Pros
·
Large zoom in a slim body
·
Simplified interface
Full manual control and Raw capture
Cons
·
Slow Raw write speed
·
Difficulties with noise at higher ISO settings
·
Features: 18
·
Performance: 17
·
Design: 18
·
Image quality: 17
·
Value: 18
·
What digital camera: 88%
Sigma SP1 Merrill
·
Price: $1,267
·
46 megapixels
·
19mm fixed focal length
·
Full manual control
Sigma
SP1 Merrill
The sigma DP1 Merrill (DP1M) features an
APS-C equivalent sensor and fixed-focal-length lens. The model is somewhat
stripped back, featuring 640 x 480 VGA video capture and lacking auto shooting
modes. Although the DP1M is certainly a bulky compact, it handles well and is
enjoyable to use, with its basic focus system operating well. Image quality is
some of the very best you’ll find in a compact camera, with stills featuring
excellent detail and a natural tone.
Key specs
·
Sensor: 46MP, 23.5 x 15.7mm Foveon X3 CMOS
sensor
·
ISO: 100 – 6400
·
Screen: 3in, 920K-Dot LCD
·
Weight: 340g
·
Dimensions: 121.5 x 66.7 x 64.3mm
Verdict
The DP1M is not a camera for everyone. It
excels in certain areas, although is basic in others. If you’re willing to make
compromises in areas such as battery life and general shooting speed, you’ll be
rewarded with some great images.
Pro: Truly excellent image quality
Con: Prohibitive price tag
Score: 82%
Nikon S01
·
Price: $237.9
·
10 megapixel
·
3x optical zoom
·
8GB internal memory
Nikon
S01
Nikon’s SO1 is a tiny compact that’s
smaller than a credit card. It achieves this feat by forgoing removable flash
storage in favor of 8GB of internal memory, as well as a fixed battery. The
model also features a 2.5in touchscreen and 3x optical zoom, and is available
in a host of colors. The SO1 isn’t a camera for those with large hands and can
at times prove fiddly, although in general it performs well. Image quality,
while generally good, struggles at times.
Key specs
·
Sensor: 10.1MP, 1/2.9in CCD
·
ISO: 80 – 1600
·
Screen: 2.5in, 230K-Dot touchscreen LCD
·
Weight: 96g
·
Dimensions: 77 x 51.2 x 17.2mm
Verdict
With such a small body, the Nikon SO1 was
always going to risk being seen as a novelty camera. The good news is that this
isn’t the case and while image quality isn’t fantastic, the camera performs
well in general and certainly has appeal.
Pro: Diminutive body
Con: Can prove fiddly for those with big
hands
Score: 84%
Canon PowerShot SX160 IS
·
Price: $285.5
·
16 megapixels
·
16x optical zoom
·
AA battery powered
Canon
PowerShot SX160 IS
Aimed more towards the affordable end of
the Canon PowerShot range, the SX160 IS still has a strong spec. A 16x optical
zoom features, along with a 16MP sensor and 720p video capture. The camera is
powered by AA batteries, and unfortunately battery life isn’t great. Despite
being bulky, the camera is well designed, and although the model’s LCD screen
makes image capture and review difficult, image quality is generally reliable.
Key specs
·
Sensor: 16MP, 1/2.3in
·
ISO: 100 – 1600
·
Screen: 3in, 230K-Dot LCD
·
Weight: 291g
·
Dimensions: 111 x 72.5 x 44.1mm
Verdict
The SX160 IS tries to be affordable while
offering a high spec and performance, and achieves it. There are compromises
made, namely in AA battery life and LCD screen performance, although on the
whole it’s a reliable model.
Pro: Generally reliable image quality
Con: AA battery life is poor
Score: 84%
BenQ G1
·
Price: $380.5
·
14 megapixels
·
4.6x optical zoom
·
3in vari-angle LCD
BenQ
G1
On paper, the BenQ G1 certainly appears an
impressive compact, with a 14MP sensor, 4.6x optical zoom complete with a
maximum aperture of f/1.8 along with a 3in vari-angle LCD screen.
Unfortunately, the model’s build quality is somewhat lacking, with a plasticky
body, while the LCD’s performance is rather disappointing. The G1 produces
reasonable images, although it suffers from lens flare and noise issues at
higher ISO settings.
Key specs
·
Sensor: 14MP, 1/2.3in CMOS
·
ISO: 100 – 6400
·
Screen: 3in, 920K-Dot vari-angle LCD
·
Weight: 195g
·
Dimensions: 114 x 62.5 x 25.5mm
Verdict
While the G1 looks like an appealing
prospect on paper, unfortunately once you scratch the surface a range of issues
arise. Although the price tag and spec looks appealing and in general it’s a
respectable model, there are better options.
Pro: Impressive specification
Con: Poor LCD performance
Score: 81%
