Problems ultrazoom too obvious (small matrix for large scale
camera), so that the user continued to ignore, preferring bezzerkalkam
ultrazoom. Bezzerkalki, in turn, do not have a pocket size. Niche
"second" camera for the enthusiast or a single camera for those who
need a compact, but also valuable picture quality continues to require
podpitki.I her company took complete compact with high-aperture optics. Today's
test will be devoted to the two most important (along with Sony RX100)
novelties in this segment, similar in characteristics and directly competing
with each other, - Samsung EX2F and
Panasonic Lumix LX7.
For Samsung EX2F - the second in a series of high-luminosity
incarnation compacts follower of last year, a very successful model EX1. At
Panasonic LX-series story is more serious: the first camera in this series,
reminiscent LX7 is very remote, came out in 2005, the year, and the previous
model, LX5 - in 2010, when we were with her in detail and reviewed. No matter
how the story that at this stage of Panasonic and Samsung have released a very
similar cameras: the optical characteristics to the layout decisions, but with
its own individual characteristics, of course. Panasonic different
characteristic of the Japanese company focusing on video and nano-coated
optics, Samsung released a swivel screen, built-in Wi-Fi and a large number of
post-processing effects.
Key Features
Panasonic Lumix A7
Matrix: CMOS, size 1/1, 7 ", the effective resolution -
10.1 megapixels.
Photo resolution: up to 3648 x 2736.
Lens: Leica DC
VARIO-SUMMICRON, f = 4,7-17,7 mm (35 mm equivalent 24-90 mm), F1 ,4-2, 3, 3.8 x
optical zoom.
System Stabilization: Mega OIS optical image stabilizer
Viewfinder: Optional.
Display: TFT, 3-inch, resolution of 920 000 pixels.
Focus: Auto, Manual, Macro.
Auto focus: the face, the witness, Matrix, Spot.
Focus Distance: 50 cm wide, 1 cm in macro mode.
Shutter Speed Range (seconds): 1/4000 - 30 s.
Frame rate: up to 11 fps. / Sec
Aspect ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1.
Metering: Multi, Spot, Center-weighted, Face Detection.
Exposure Compensation: ± 3EV (step 1/3EV steps).
Operating modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter
Priority, Manual, iA, creative modes, scene modes, video, user modes.
Scene modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, landscape, panorama,
sport, night portrait, night landscape, night handheld, HDR, food, shooting two
children, pet, sunset, through the glass, 3D photos.
Creative modes: expressive, retro, vysokotonalny,
nizkotonalny, Dynamic Monochrome, "an impressive art" highly dynamic,
cross-process, toy camera, miniature, soft focus, star filter, highlighting,
defocusing at the edges, soft defocus.
Sensitivity: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400,
12800.
White Balance: Auto, daylight, cloudy, shade, halogen,
flash, 2 x manual installation, color temperature setting.
Photo file format: JPEG (DCF/Exif2.3), RAW, MPO.
Video file format: MP4, AVCHD.
Video: Up to 1920 x 1080, 60p.
Flash: Built-in, up to 8.5 m, red-eye reduction, and there
is the shoe for an external flash.
Memory slot for memory cards format SD,, supporting SDHC,
SDXC.
Interfaces: USB, miniHDMI, AV.
The average price in Moscow
- 20 200 rubles. Traditionally for Panasonic price is not the main advantage of
the product - LX7 is not cheap, not only relatively close competitors (as many
or more are only Sony RX100 and Fujifilm X10), but about the same brand
bezzerkalok. For similar money can buy, for example, Panasonic Lumix GX1 in
kit-set.
Samsung E2
Matrix: BSI CMOS, size 1/1, 7 inches, the effective
resolution - 12.4 megapixels.
Photo resolution: up to 4000 x 3000.
Lens: Schneider-KREUZNACH 3.3X Zoom Lens, f = 5,2-17,2 mm
(35 mm equivalent 24-80 mm), F1 ,4-2, 7.
The stabilization system: double, optical and digital.
Viewfinder: no.
Display: AMOLED, 3-inch, 614,000 dots resolution.
Focus: Auto, Manual, Macro.
AF: centered, matrix, optionally, a witness.
Focus Distance: 40 cm wide, 100 cm in body-position, 1 cm in
macro mode.
Shutter Speed Range (seconds): 1/2000 - 30 s.
Frame rate: 3 to 10
frames per second (buffer for up to 10 frames).
Aspect ratio: 4:3, in a lower resolution - 3:2, 16:9, 1:1.
Metering: Multi, Spot, Center-weighted, Face Detection.
Exposure Compensation: ± 2EV (1/3EV step increments).
Operating modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter
Priority, Manual, Smart Auto, creative modes Magic Plus, video, Wi-Fi.
Magic Plus: Scene Modes, Panorama, Magic Frame, split shot,
a picture in a picture, paint brushes, HDR, creative video.
Scene modes: Beauty Shot, Night, Landscape, Text, Sunset,
Dawn, Backlight, Beach & Snow, 3D photos.
Sensitivity: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400,
expanding to 12800.
WB: autobalance, sunlight, cloudy, fluorescent CB, TB
Fluorescent, Tungsten, Custom, Kelvin temperature range.
Photo file format: JPEG (DCF), EXIF 2,21, RAW, DPOF 1,1,
PictBridge 1,0, Video MP4.
Video: up to 1920 x 1080, MP4 (H.264), high-speed
photography (120, 240, 480 frames per second), stereo.
Flash: Built-in, up to 7.8 m, red-eye reduction, and there
is the shoe for an external flash.
Memory slot for memory cards format SD,, supporting SDHC,
SDXC.
Interfaces: USB, microHDMI.
Moscow average
price - 15 100 rubles. EX2F, despite close to LX7 characteristics, is much
cheaper, to talk about any over-pricing is not necessary, Samsung is the
favorite looks, including in the fight against other close competitors
(Fujifilm X10, Canon PowerShot S110, Olympus XZ-2, Sony RX100).
Design and construction
Be afoot trend with a variety of colors, shades and shapes
in this case bypassed Panasonic and Samsung side: both cameras are okay and
very similar design in black with a slightly raised on the front of the lens
and a similar set of functional elements.
Panasonic Lumix LX7 a little more concise and refined,
although it could well create a sense of sticker Samsung EX2F, which we have
failed to separate from the camera body.
Both models are made of metal, which affects their weight.
298 g for compacts (Panasonic) and 300 g (Samsung) - quite a lot, so weigh
bezzerkalki mediocre, but it is a reasonable sacrifice for the opportunity to
deal with the thing that produces reliable, impressive impression.
Both cameras, if you really want, you can put into the
pocket and is completely free - in a jacket pocket, which can be useful when
you walk in places where the idea of "shine" major appliances not
seem so much reasonable. In this case, Panasonic Lumix LX7 by eliminating the
rotary screen and a smaller ledge to the right hand grip is noticeably thinner,
camera dimensions - 111 x 67 x 46 mm. Samsung EX2F - 112 x 62 x 29 mm. While in
the hand, despite the difference in the thickness and size of the projection,
cameras are about the same: not that great, but pretty well, I note that EX2F
better shutter button is located at a more convenient location for the index
finger.
Functional elements of the Panasonic Lumix LX7. The front
panel is LED lighting and autofocus lens, traditionally Series ringed by two
switches: the aspect ratio and the aperture. From above we see a pop-up flash
with a lever of her forced open, hot shoe, strereomikrofon, the shutter latch
zoom, video recording button, mode dial and switch. The left edge is free of
elements on the right is covered with a lid and HDMI-USB-connector. Underneath
is the memory card slot and battery, as well as thread for tripod, which
unexpectedly far removed from the battery compartment, and thus access to it
when mounted on a tripod does not overlap - infrequent care about the user
amateur camera. On the rear panel is a fixed screen, five-way joystick with
multifunctional buttons, key lock focus / exposure, play, call the quick menu,
adjusting for the display, and the selector dial and brand switch, activating
the built-in neutral density filter.
Functional elements of Samsung EX2F. On the front panel
there is a selector dial, AF-assist light and a lens with twist-off ring,
provide a record cover. At the top end: the flash and the lever to activate it,
a hot shoe, stereo microphone, power button, shutter button with the zoom tab,
two selectors: drive modes / and bracketing modes. Again, the left edge is free
of functional elements on the right are the same two interfaces: HDMI and USB.
Bottom - the battery compartment and memory card with the overlapping access
them threaded tripod. On the rear panel: turning 270 degrees vertical and 180
degrees horizontal screen, five-way navigation joystick with a rotating ring
around the perimeter of the keys start movie recording, lock focus / exposure,
the menu, playback, delete images and feature button.
The build quality of both cameras is not satisfactory - not
only because of the metal case, but also because of the lack of any erasures at
the "cutting of" building. Only at Samsung EX2F not really like
swivel screen, jarring at maximum deflection angles, but LX7 rotary screen and does
not have that record this deficiency plus her rivals fail.
Interface and control
The control system is very similar to the two cameras:
analog mode selector, to press the selector dial, the five-way joystick, made
by the button to activate the video. Differences - in detail. At Samsung EX2F -
an additional selector drive modes, additional function keys, turning once
drive around navigation button. All this makes the control of the camera enough
variability, requiring a minimum number of moves to change the settings, but
there are drawbacks - for example, sensitivity adjustment or change of focus
points required to access quick menu.
Panasonic Lumix LX7 follows the tradition of previous
cameras in this series, having not just the most common location of controls: the
analog switches made type control focus, adjust the aspect ratio (not the
necessary education, in my opinion) in the number of new - a very comfortable
setting ring around the lens aperture and tab controls manual focus, in
combination - the button to activate the neutral density filter. Settings made
on the external keys, unlike Samsung EX2F, more logical. In this LX7 inferior
in implementing quick menu and the location button is pressed.
Interface both chambers familiar from previous models of
Panasonic lines and Samsung: think, for example, bezzerkalki G5 and NX20.
At Panasonic laconic, almost monochrome menus classic image
to navigate through them, and not the best quick menu, which requires mandatory
horizontal scrolling to access the next item. The total number of settings is
much higher than that of EX2F - LX7 general impression of a more
"serious" machine.
Samsung issued a colorful and friendly to amateur. Serious
face here no one does, but excessive pomp and Korean is not observed, despite
the fact that almost all - illustrated, and hints of continuous climb on the
screen (this can be disabled). It's great to make a quick menu.
Each camera its advantages and drawbacks, the management LX7
seems a little more thoughtful and intuitive, but the overall experience of
using EX2F, perhaps the leading - by rotating the screen.
Functionality
In this section we talk about the cameras. Despite the
ideological proximity, each of them has a number of unique features that
require attention.
Panasonic Lumix A7
Panasonic CD is equipped with 1/1, 7 "-matrix
resolution of 10.1 megapixels, a processor of the latest generation Venus
Engine VII FHD - and this bunch, as in the case of its predecessor, LX5, is
very fast. Different camera and instant start - if you remember to remove the
cover, it will be spent to activate less than a second. Shutter lag is minimal
as well, RAW recording to the memory card does not cause LX7 difficulties, does
not interfere with, the burst speed when using a mechanical shutter and fixed AF
is 11 frames per second, the duration of the series is identical. When using
servo AF speed burst shooting - 5 frames per second. The minimum shutter speed
- 1/4000, very good for a compact.
To use the contrast AF sensor with 23 points - very fast and
sufficient (for contrast system) precision; compete for the title of
"world's fastest" with bezzerkalkami Nikon, Olympus,
or by their own brethren from Panasonic it can not, but this is a very compact
serious level, in any case. For guidance in the manual focus mode is
responsible dorsal tongue, combined with a switch the ND filter - a very
convenient way.
Screen Panasonic Lumix LX7 not bad, but not much more: TFT,
3-inch, 920,000 dots, excellent brightness and viewing angles, but there is a
layer of air between the glass and the screen, which leads to a glare in the
sun. And next to the Samsung screen looks worse now only because of the
inability to rotate it, it is not superfluous for any camera - but especially
for a camera without a viewfinder.
Built-in flash pops straight up, do not take up much space,
has a working number 8.5 and Red-eye reduction. There is a hot shoe for
external flash or other, even more important accessories like a viewfinder,
which the two heroines of today's tests were deprived of the benefit
dimensions. The lens branded Mega OIS optical stabilization
ND filter off
ND filter is on
Panasonic Lumix LX7 has the soul of a very serious
opportunity to work with image - both in post-processing software, and with the
still shot. The latter is responsible for the camera embedded in neutral
density filter, which is becoming more common in the amateur segment (see
Fujifilm X100) tool element of a professional photographer, allowing to achieve
a more even distribution of light and shadow on the frame (that is, roughly
speaking, the sky glare, getting normally proeksponirovanny house). To manage
this feature even given an individual control. In EX2F also integrated filter,
but it can only be activated from the menu - and yes, this way seems to me to
be more correct, and it is protected from accidental activation, and more
conscious action - being turned on, it displays a small icon in the bottom of
the screen, and it is quite can not be overlooked.
Post-processing capabilities include a mandatory program:
adjust color «My Color», as well as a set of filters, with each generation
Lumix increasingly expanding. Examples of images with different filters can see
above.
Scene modes are not as interesting as the Panasonic Lumix
G5, for example, but they should pay special attention, if only because it is
in this section are hidden things such as automatic gluing panoramas, gluing
HDR and 3D-shooting.
Video.
Here LX7 will handicap not only her opponent on this
test, and all close to the Compact, but also many bezzerkalkam and SLRs. At
least on the net performance: FullHD, 60 frames per second progressive scan,
AVCHD as a container, stereo, fully manual settings. Yes, matrix optics and
fail to achieve high image thoroughbred cameras, but the impressive capabilities
- video LX7 is not ashamed to write.
Download video recorded on Panasonic Lumix LX7 (MTS, 108,5
MB)
Samsung E2
Compact from Samsung is equipped with a matrix of the same,
as the Lumix LX7, size 1/1, 7'', but a higher resolution - 12.4 megapixels. What
kind of processor used EX2F, not reported, but its capabilities are slightly
lower than those of LX7; at least, the camera turns slower and much slower
working with RAW-files. Yes, at this time you can continue to shoot, but to
switch to a different mode or change the parameters impossible. The same
problems we saw in bezzerkalkah Samsung NX-series. Burst speed - up to 10
frames per second, the duration of a series of identical, after taking a series
of chamber for three to four seconds processes the images. Continuous shooting
at any speed in RAW format is not possible, unfortunately. I note the unusual
feature "pre-recording": the camera records 10 frames at
half-pressed, and when you complete it, "cashes" series, thus helping
to avoid missing something important - something like we saw on the Nikon 1,
only in a more detailed form . Interesting abilities.
EX2F contrast AF is very fast, at the level of rivals, and
quite accurately, serious issues have arisen. But in tracking mode it behaves
much weaker. Also not as convenient built control manual focus - using any of
the selector, but with the need to necessarily go through the menu to adjust
the focus, to the same auto focus is not completely switched off after the
transition between modes, or go to the menu the camera can still tried to clean
herself. To shoot close-up should include macro mode, as well as on the LX7.
Screen Samsung EX2F inferior LX7 display resolution (614,000
pixels versus 920,000), is diagonal (although with less visual framework around
it seem larger), is not free from the air gap, making it unstable to glare, but
superior competitor in brightness . And most importantly, it is turning - it's
a big plus.
Flash, pop-up just straight up, has a slightly smaller
number of workers 7.8, struggling with red eye and generally quite tolerably
uncomplicated to perform its duties. Hot shoe is here. Along with optical
stabilizer works and electronic, but to say that it gives a great advantage
over the LX7, I can not.
ND filter off
ND filter is on
About the presence on board EX2F built-in ND filter I have
said above. To control them no special button on the case, but it is just about
as effective.
And for added functionality, with EX2F difficult to argue.
First, there is a Wi-Fi-module and, more importantly, a whole arsenal of
different ways to use it, taking over from bezzerkalok NX. To control them, a
separate regime imposed, including on the selector. MobileLink allows you to
transfer data directly to your smartphone, this feature can be activated directly
by pressing the right side of the navigation button, and, in my opinion, to
bring them to her such an important control is unnecessary. Remote Viewfinder
for downloading the relevant application for a smartphone can use the latter as
a viewfinder, which is clear from the name of the function (a very handy thing
for shooting group portraits, for example). Sending pictures and videos to
social networks, as well as sending e-mail - the most obvious ways to use Wi-Fi
in the chamber and it is important to note that the camera is sold in Russia,
is not only the expected Facebook, Picasa, Youtube and Photobucket, but the
application for VKontakte. Skydrive allows you to forward pictures in the
"cloud" from Microsoft. Auto-copy allows you to automatically find
the camera home network to copy images from it to your home PC. TV Link -
Wireless can view pictures and videos from the camera to the TV. To work with
the network claims to EX2F no problem, feel the same as you would with an older
model NX20
All scene modes and various post-processing effects are in
one menu, navigation which may be the same as for the mode Wi-Fi, with a matrix
of icons, and a dedicated quick menu. In any case, is somewhat cumbersome, too
many features, but you can get used. Opportunities themselves also cause mixed
feelings.
If for scene modes, automatic gluing and gluing panoramas
HDR (not customizable, too active, so that at times inadequate outstanding
image) matters not, the post-processing effects chosen rather strange.
In addition to the original "magic frame", is to
include a frame made in the already painted pattern, we see here the separate
image (gluing two or three shots in one), the "Picture in Picture",
the creation of 'creative video "(slide show of several photos under the
template music), as well as some unique effects, for some reason, on the
picture with uncomplicated animation (which is recorded as a video in MP4
VGA-resolution as well as the actual end-JPEG). This is very unusual and
original, but as far as the customer needs - a huge issue.
However, there are "normal" filters, they are
available through the quick menu when shooting in standard mode.
Video.
Nothing extraordinary here Samsung does not show:
FullHD, 30 frames per second, MP4, stereo sound, the possibility of laying a
variety of filters, from manual settings - only exposure compensation. But you
can shoot slow-motion video at up to 240 frames per second. But in general
there EX2F its the competitor is inferior.
Download video recorded on Samsung EX2F (MP4, 55 MB)
Photo quality
On abilities of its optics both cameras just been selected
for joint testing. This is the most compact high-aperture lenses to date.
Aperture ratio here is not a means to the shallow depth of field, and
compensation of the small size of the matrix, anti-noise at high sensitivities
by reducing the need for scoring ISO in the dark. Optical characteristics of
the lens Panasonic Lumix LX7: f = 4,7-17,7 mm (35 mm equivalent 24-90 mm) with
F1 ,4-2, 3. Lens Samsung EX2F: f = 5,2-17,2 mm (35 mm equivalent 24-80 mm) with
F1 ,4-2, 7. We see that the superiority in optical zoom (with a digital
Panasonic, unlike Samsung, no), and the luminosity is slightly on the side of
LX7. Both cameras are not very big zoom: what to do, something for intensity,
combined with a compact, you have to sacrifice. It is important that he is
there, and the manufacturer did not put optics with a fixed focal length.
The optical properties of the two lenses are very similar:
they have a uniform and very decent sharpness across the frame surface,
sufficient for its matrices resolution (with which, for example, there was
confusion at the recent Sony RX100 - but here and the resolution is much
lower), a sufficiently clear picture on open to the limit diaphragm. Samsung have
slightly more pronounced spatial distortion at wide angle, the Panasonic
noticeable chromatic aberration. Samsung is holding a little better backlight.
Both cameras have a powerful auto mode, the LX7 will come
with a color management, and connectivity modes including if necessary
corporate "Intelligent Resolution" (which is able to remove the extra
blurring the image), enable HDR mode when necessary and pasting a picture of a
few with different exposures at night scenes, and you can activate a neutral density
filter. The possibility of including filters limit interference in the work of
the photographer auto mode Samsung EX2F, it is more open. I note that on both
cameras Auto mode (and the program mode) always leaves the aperture open - even
on general plans in good light, with LX7 this feature is especially strong.
Metering works more honestly Panasonic Lumix LX7, requiring
less intervention with exposure compensation or manual input ekspopary -
Samsung EX2F «love» peresvechivat shadow and after that, and highlights.
Automatic detection of white balance in difficult conditions frustrating both
chambers, but in different ways: if LX7 has shown a tendency to care in
yellowness, then EX2F tends to green. It is easy to see on the tests ISO, they
are made with an automatic metering BB.
The dynamic range of both cameras can not boast depth, but
for the class is acceptable - with slightly better impression Samsung, although
showing higher signification tendency to "whiten" the shadows. I note
quite a good detail of both chambers in the average resolution at low ISO,
which does not come into play denoising - frames are quite nice, with a minimum
of "soap". Although it is worth, of course, make allowances, again,
to the class: with SLR cameras and bezzerkalkami these machines to compete in
this respect can not, but we are talking in this case about the pocket models.
The total number of points, of course, leads Samsung, which is not much effect
on the overall impression of the pictures, but allows a little more free crop.
More natural color reproduction seemed to me at the Samsung,
Panasonic provides default coldish color.
Gallery of pictures taken on a Panasonic Lumix LX7
Various ISO:
ISO 80
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 12800
Gallery of images taken by Samsung EX2F with different ISO:
ISO 80
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
Despite the aperture optics, under complex lighting
conditions do without scoring sensitivity even impossible. So the behavior of
cells at high ISO is still an important factor. And here a little better LX7
manifests itself through less aggressive shumodava - after ISO 800 images on
both cameras to be not the most precise, but the grain Panasonic looks a little
nicer than a powerful "soaping» Samsung. While, on the other hand, anyone
that lovelier.
Battery
Both cameras show, even expected, but sad time. Due to a
more capacious battery (1250 mAh) LX7 able to hold out a little longer - about
270-290 shots. Samsung EX2F with battery 1050 mAh enough for 230-240 shots.
This is a marked lack of compact cameras, the limiting factor. But Samsung is
struggling with it the original way, which until then we have seen in Sony
RX100. Instead of the classic single charger EX2F predlagaetcya recharged via
microUSB-port, which, in turn, when taken with an external battery (powerbank)
allows you to recharge the camera anywhere. I think that for such solutions lies
the future compacts to it will gradually move all.
Opinion Mail.Ru
Unambiguous winner of the shootout was expected to reveal
easy: each camera has its own advantages, which rival anything very difficult
to oppose. Panasonic Lumix LX7, being smaller in size and, as a result, easily
placed in the pocket, while delivering the best performance on the lens, the
less aggressive shumodavom, convenient control manual focus and better
metering. LX7 also greatly benefit in the video. At Samsung EX2F advantages:
turning AMOLED-screen, built-in Wi-Fi, plenty of effects post-processing. The
most important thing at this point advantage - the price of a quarter lower (15
000 to 20 000). Accordingly, EX2F seriously wins in the most important to the
buyer a combination of "price-functionality", which will provide good
camera sales.
As for the whole class of high-transmission compacts on the
example of two individual models, talk about the attack on the position and the
mirrorless SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses, of course, is not
necessary. This is far from ideal camera unable to meet a picky enthusiast
Images have quality, and many fans will miss three times zoom - although the
camera with a big zoom, certainly, will not be and the quality pictures, and
can not boast aperture for not pulling up ISO at dusk. These cameras are a
compromise, with the top echelon of the compact, which in the future will
replace the small cameras with even larger matrices. The first-born of this
segment in the current year presented Sony: speech and the "inch» RX100,
and the full-frame RX1. At the moment and Panasonic Lumix LX7, and Samsung EX2F
still valid, but in the near future, companies should think about the
combination of high-aperture optics with a large scale - not an easy task, but
a necessary one. Needs grow.
