What is a micro camera?

Abstract: The "micro-single" camera is positioned as a cross-border product between digital SLR cameras and card machines. With its light body, fashionable appearance and high-quality performance, it has become a popular model in the camera market at present. In the past, consumers could only choose SLR products when buying high-performance cameras, but the appearance of micro-orders gave us more choices. How to choose a micro camera? Which one is better for micro-camera? Let's take a look at it with Xiaobian! What is a micro camera

So, what is a micro camera? It means a camera without a reflector. When a SLR camera takes a view, the light enters the camera from the lens, and then the light is reflected upward into the pentaprism through the reflector in front of the sensor (negative), and then the user can see the picture that can be shot by the lens through a series of refraction of the mirror body. In mirrorless cameras, however, the reflector structure is cancelled, and the light enters the camera's direct sensor through the lens, so the framing method in mirrorless cameras is electronic framing.

after explaining the meaning of micro-camera, let's talk about some key points that should be paid attention to when choosing a camera. "cmos sensor size" may be the most important factor. As shown in the following figure, we can simply understand that the larger the sensor size, the better the image quality of the camera. At present, most professional photographers will choose Quan Huafu-sized SLR or micro-single for photography creation. Therefore, a full-frame camera is similar to a status symbol, and there is also a saying in the industry that "Quan Huafu is in one step". Of course, we only talk about equipment here, not photography.

which is the best micro-camera?

At present, the sensor sizes of Sony's micro-camera are mainly APS-C format and Quan Huafu. Fuji's camera only has APS-C format. Panasonic's cameras are mainly 4/3(M43) frames.

so it's clear at a glance. if you are looking for image quality, you will naturally choose Sony's Quan Huafu micro-single. A7, A7R, A7S, A7II, A7RII, A7SII, the price ranges from seven or eight thousand to twenty thousand. A7 is a well-balanced, cost-effective Quan Huafu micro-single, but its disadvantage is poor control. A7R is a micro-single that pursues high quality and high pixels. A7S is a micro-single that pursues taking pictures in low light, with low pixels but good high sense. A7II is an upgraded version of A7, which greatly improves the handling and is equipped with five-axis anti-shake. In my eyes, it is the most suitable micro-camera to buy at present. A7RII is the pinnacle of Sony's micro-single, with high pixel, 4K video and five-axis anti-shake. It uses almost all Sony's black technology, and of course the price is the highest. A7SII is a camera that pursues extreme dark video shooting, with unparalleled high sensitivity and 4K recording, and also has five-axis anti-shake.

Full-frame cameras have the advantages of good image quality, but the disadvantages are obvious. The size of the sensor is too large, which makes the camera body relatively large and not portable. Secondly, the price is relatively high (the cheapest A728-7 sets are about 7, now), which is not close to the people, and sometimes we don't need such high image quality, so Quan Huafu micro-single is not the only choice. Major manufacturers are also very aware of this, so they have introduced APS-C format cameras, which can be very low in price and are aimed at the lower-priced consumer market.

Sony and Fuji both have micro-sheets in APS-C format. Sony has A5, A51, A6 and A63. A5 micro-order has no advantages except its low price. What higher requirements can you have for it at the price of 22 yuan? Support WIFI mobile phone, flip screen for self-timer, built-in beauty function, all popular functions are available at present, and the 2W pixel sensor is also very excellent. If we have to say shortcomings, the quality of that 16-5 camera lens is very bad. The performance of A51 and A6 are basically the same, except that A6 pursues control and professionalism, A51 pursues fashion, A51 flips the screen and can take selfies, but A6 can't. As for the new A63, it is an upgraded version of A6, which has been further improved in video shooting and can record 4K video.

if Sony APS-C format micro-sheet has any shortcomings, then lens group is the biggest problem. First of all, the quality of the set of lenses 16-5 is relatively poor, and secondly, the lens group has less room to choose and the price is relatively expensive. Here we recommend 18-15 and Sigma 31.4 lenses, which are very cost-effective.

Sony's APS-C format micro-single, so-called performance and function are not necessarily the most important considerations for this kind of camera that is biased towards the consumer market. Appearance, portability, and color of direct photos may be more important, and functions such as touch screen, flip screen, and WIFI may be more attractive. In my opinion, Sony APS-C format micro-sheet is full of sense of science and technology, with a relatively modern appearance, and a variety of colors, such as gray, black, white and pink, which is suitable for young people who like trendy and fashionable.

I also highly recommend Fuji's APS-C format micro-sheet. If Sony's micro-sheet is full of modernity, then Fuji's micro-sheet is a symbol of retro, similar to the style of the paraxial camera of that year, and it is the favorite of literary youth. Fuji doesn't have a Quan Huafu micro-single, which means that Fuji has devoted all its energy to APS-C micro-single, with a rich lens group (wide angle, telephoto and large aperture fixed focus). Of course, the price is slightly expensive, but the quality of the lens is also worthy of this price. Although Fuji uses Sony's sensor, it has been improved, and the unique X-TRANS sensor is also a major feature of Fuji. In addition, Fuji's unique in-machine creative filter also kills other cameras. After all, Fuji has been making film for many years and has a unique understanding of color. Several imitation film filters make your photos very beautiful. Many of my friends who use Fuji admire its filters.

there are also many micro-orders on sale at Fuji. XA2、XE2、XPRO2、XE2S、XT1、XT1。 XA2 is the cheapest, but there are many functions such as flip screen and wifi, and the disadvantage is poor focusing. XE2 focusing is much better. XT1 has improved the handling and changed the appearance. XT1 is a simplified version of XT1. XPRO2 is the flagship product of the latest generation. Of course, the price is very expensive, so I personally don't recommend it very much. I don't know much about XE2S, so I won't introduce it.

Panasonic cameras, which use M43 format, are naturally crushed by Fuji and Sony in terms of sensors. Now the domestic M43 market is getting smaller and smaller, probably because everyone likes cameras with large sensors. Why does Panasonic insist on M43 camp? Naturally, it makes sense. First of all, Panasonic has been operating M43 for many years and has rich experience. Secondly, the lens group is large, there are many lenses to choose from, and the quality is very good; Thirdly, the M43 camera is very small, the lens is very small, and it is more portable. Finally, the quality gap between M43 camera and APS-C camera is not very big. For the average consumer, this gap is more psychological.

regarding Panasonic cameras, I recommend these models GF8, which are cheap, compact, powerful in focusing, pleasing in appearance and many colors to choose from.

Finally, these three cameras are very good. No matter which one you buy, I hope you can take good photos. After all, good-looking photos are the most important.

lightweight, portable and high-quality popular micro-camera recommendation

Canon micro-camera EOSM1

Canon EOSM1 with 18 million pixels imaging capability is a micro-camera with high image quality, equipped with APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC6 to ensure high-standard output of image quality. While having high performance, Canon EOSM1 is light in appearance and simple in design, which meets the requirements of carrying around.

Canon EOSM1 sets (15-45mm);

sensor type CMOS；;

the sensor size is 22.3×14.9mm；;

the sensor describes APS-C frame;

18 million effective pixels;

image processor DIGIC6；;

the display size is 3 inches;

display pixel 1.4 million pixel LCD screen;

the shutter speed is 1/4-3 seconds (the total shutter speed range, the available range varies with the shooting mode), and the maximum flash synchronization speed is 1/2 second;

short film shooting 192× 18 (full HD): 3p/25p/24p;

128×72（HD）：6p/5p；

64×48（SD）：3p/25p；

the overall dimension is 18×66.6×35mm；;

the product weighs about 31g; (CIPA policy: including fuselage, battery and memory card)

about 265g; (fuselage only)

Editor's point of view:

As a new member of Canon EOS family, M1 inherits the characteristics of high quality and easy operation. At the same time, the fuselage is light and portable, and the shape design is simple and generous. Moreover, it also provides three body colors of black, white and gray, so that consumers with different needs can choose freely.

Sony α6

Sony's micro-camera should be the most famous product on the market at present, and the A6, which is popular at present, is more tough and more suitable for male consumers. A6 is equipped with 24.3 megapixel APS-C format sensor, which can not only take high-quality still photos, but also record 18P HD video.

Sony ILCE-6 sets (EPZ16-5mm)

Sensor type ExmorAPSHDCMOS；;

sensor size APS frame (23.5 * 15.6mm);

24.3 million effective pixels;

the highest resolution is 6× 4;

focus points are 179 points (phase detection autofocus) and 25 points (contrast detection autofocus);

display type HD screen, flip screen;

the display size is 3 inches;

92, pixel LCD screen;

shutter speed is 3-1/4s, and door B;

sensitivity ISO1-256, automatic (iso1-256);

AVCHD: 192× 18; (5p, average bit rate 28mbps)

avchd: 192× 18; (5i, average bit rate 24mbps)

avchd: 192× 18; (5i, average bit rate 17mbps)

avchd: 192× 18; (25p, average bit rate 24mbps)

avchd: 192× 18; (25p, average bit rate 17mbps)

MP4: 144× 18; (25fps, average bit rate 12 Mbps)

VGA: 64× 48; (25fps, average bit rate 3Mbps)

continuous shooting function support; (up to about 11 pictures per second)

WiFi； with wireless performance;

watch on smart phone, send to computer and watch on TV;

the overall dimension is 12×66.9×45.1mm；;

product weight 285g (fuselage only);

Editor's point of view:

In addition to high image quality and high performance, Sony A6 is also a very convenient micro-camera. Flipping the touch screen makes it easier to operate the camera and take pictures, and the addition of wireless and NFC makes photo sharing easier.

Olympus E-M1

Olympus E-M1 is the last micro camera we introduced today, and it is also the only product with anti-shake function in this recommendation. Excellent anti-shake system of three-axis fuselage can effectively avoid the influence of hand-held camera shake on shooting.

Olympus E-M1 kit (14-42mez)

sensor type LiveMOS；;

the sensor size is 4/3 frames; (17.3*13mm)

The effective pixel is 16.1 million;

the highest resolution is 468× 3456;

focus points are 81 points;

the display size is 3 inches;

display pixel 1.4 million pixel LCD screen;

the shutter speed is 6-1/4s;

door b/door t: the default setting is 8 minutes;

automatic sensitivity: ISO is low (about 1)-16 (expandable to 256);

manual: ISO is low (about 1), and 2-256, 1/3 or 1EV can be selected;

anti-shake performance optical anti-shake; (3-axis fuselage anti-shake)

continuous shooting function support; (up to about 8 PCs/sec)

endurance of 35 PCs; (according to CIPA standard)

overall dimension is 119.1×82.3×45.9mm；; (excluding the protruding part)

The product weighs about 35g (fuselage only), 396g；; (including battery and memory card)

Editor's point of view:

Olympus E-M1 also has a very interesting artistic filter mode. You can choose different filter combinations according to different shooting scenes, and you can get very expressive photos even if you are not a photographer.

Summary:

These are the three micro-cameras that we recommend to you. In addition to the characteristics of high image quality and light body, these three models also have different selling points. Behind EOSM1 is the rich lens accessories resources of EOS family, which is especially suitable for EOS SLR users as backup machines. The simple operation and sharing function of Sony A6 is deeply favored by the younger generation of consumers. Olympus's E-M1 has many loyal fans because of its three-axis anti-shake function and artistic filter mode.