Less than 20 times, let alone the comparative evaluation of six super telephoto cameras.

Posted in front of this website

"Read" The Distant World "and learn about the world of super telephoto cameras.

In this paper, we give an overview of super telephoto consumer digital cameras. In this paper, we will make a detailed comparison of six ultra-telephoto cameras on the market to help you choose the ultra-telephoto digital camera that suits you.

With the addition of Canon, Pentax, Kodak and other brands, the super telephoto team is no longer lonely. Interestingly, however, fujifilm and Panasonic, which had made great achievements in the field of super telephoto cameras before, did not launch 20x zoom products. The following are six mainstream super telephoto digital cameras on the market at present, and this paper makes a comparative test:

"Brand?

"model

"Pixels (millions)

"Sensor size (inches)

"Wide-angle equivalent focal length (mm)

"zoom multiple

"canon

PowerShot SX 1

10

1/2.3

28

20

"Kodak

Shenzhouxing Z980

12

1/2.33

26

24

"Nikon

COOLPIX P90

12

1/2.33

26

24

"Pentax

X70

12

1/2.33

26

24

"Olympus

SP590UZ

12

1/2.33

26

26

"Sony

Cyber-shot HX 1

9. 1

1/2.4

28

20

We will compare the basic configuration, functions, ease of use and performance of these six products. Found these products in super telephoto? Dragon? What are the differences in the world and what are the characteristics that are the key factors to distinguish them? Finally, we will give specific purchase suggestions according to the product price to solve the problem of purchasing super telephoto digital cameras.

Based on the pursuit of high-speed performance under high pixels, CMOS has become a popular digital image sensor after CCD. Looking at the current models using CMOS, they all have remarkable high-speed performance or high-definition video shooting ability. Among the six super telephoto cameras, Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS and Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 all adopt CMOS, which supports full HD video shooting, and the performance of high-speed continuous shooting is better.

Lens of Nikon COOLPIX P90 and Pentax X70 (click here to view larger image

)

Although the lens zoom multiples of these six cameras have reached 20 times, in fact, their lenses have an extremely subtle relationship. Pentax X70 and Nikon COOLPIX P90 have exactly the same lens specifications. In fact, the structure and range of motion of these two cameras are similar. Whether their performances will be very close will be verified in later tests.

G lens of Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 (click here to view larger image

)

The lens of Canon PowerShot SX 1 is (click here to view larger image.

)

The lens with G logo was originally a product with excellent optical performance among Sony SLR lenses. The lens of Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS can also be distinguished from other cameras in structure. In "Breaking Space Obstacle 6 Extreme Performance Comparison of Ultra-telephoto Camera"

In this article, we learned about the excellent performance of special lens in imaging clarity and dispersion control.

"abstract:

In fact, for digital cameras, especially consumer digital cameras, the small-size image sensor as the core component limits the imaging quality of the camera, while the focal length and aperture of the lens determine the image expressive force of the camera. If the nuances of the picture are very demanding, Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS and Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 with unique core configurations are even better. Although these two cameras have no advantages in lens zoom multiple, maximum aperture and number of pixels.

For some subjects, such as news events and fast action, we pay more attention to shooting efficiency, but the requirements for image quality will not be placed first. In addition, if the camera is used very frequently and completely as a tool to complete the task, then it is necessary to objectively evaluate its control system before buying the camera. Whether the camera has a comfortable and efficient control interface is our evaluation standard.

The operating interface of Canon PowerShot SX 1 is (click here to view the larger image.

)

Efficient control interface is based on rich special function buttons and flexible custom space. In this respect, Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 and Canon PowerShot SX 1 have done better. They not only separate some important function buttons such as focusing and exposure compensation, but also provide buttons with customizable functions. In addition, the shape of the fuselage also has obvious influence on the grip comfort. Canon PowerShot SX 1 The sleek body fits the palm of your hand best and has a good operating experience.

Multidimensional parameter dial of Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 (click here to view larger image

)

The operating interface of Olympus SP590UZ is relatively simple (click here to view the larger image.

)

On the other hand, as high-end consumer digital cameras, these models all support some manual functions, so it is more convenient to set the dial wheel with special parameters. Kodak EASYSHARE Z980, Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 and other parameter dials are very easy to use. It is convenient to switch setting items and adjust corresponding parameters. The parameters of Canon PowerShot SX 1 are that the parameters of Nikon COOLPIX P90 and Pentax X70 are similar to those of entry-level SLR cameras, so it is very convenient to use. In this respect, the operating interface of Olympus is hardly optimized more effectively on the basis of ordinary consumer cameras.

The foldable display of Nikon COOLPIX P90 (click here to view the larger image

)

Without exception, all six cameras provide LCD screens and electronic viewfinders. However, there are still obvious differences between their respective display screens, with different display sizes and slightly different pixel numbers. However, compared with the actual display effect, the usability of the rotatable display screen has more prominent characteristics in use. The foldable screens of Nikon COOLPIX P90 and Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 provide a lot of convenience for aerial shooting and aerial shooting. Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS has a higher degree of freedom in rotating the screen, and even self-portraits are just as convenient.

Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 is powered by AA battery (click here to view larger image

)

Because the ultra telephoto lens has higher power when it works, it also has higher requirements for power supply. AA battery has good versatility and larger capacity, and is more durable and convenient than lithium battery. Kodak EASYSHARE Z980, canon PowerShot SX 1 IS and Olympus SP590UZ all support AA battery power supply. Pentax X70' s special lithium battery has small capacity and poor battery durability.

"abstract:

If you really want to become a more professional photographer through the super telephoto camera, or use this camera to complete many shooting tasks, then we still recommend models with more professional and efficient control interfaces, among which Sony Cyber-shot HX 1, Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS and Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 are all good choices, especially Canon PowerShot SX 65480.

Besides manual exposure, what else is involved? Manual? Or? Custom? Many functions of can improve the professionalism of shooting. However, we can't ask too much for the manual function of this camera. Not a professional camera after all. Do you know these functions? Talk is better than nothing? That's right. For example, manual focusing can only be used for macro shooting, and it is not easy to confirm the focusing status on the display screen.

Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 has a special focus control button (click here to view a larger image.

)

Olympus provides dynamic predictive focusing function.

Continuous autofocus and predictive focus mode are helpful for shooting moving objects, but according to the focus response speed of these cameras we tested, their practicability is very limited. For sports themes or other objects that need to be snapped quickly, the functions of surround exposure and continuous shooting are more practical, and these cameras also provide these functions without exception.

Canon PowerShot SX 1 has two closed exposure functions.

Pentax X70 supports interval shooting.

In terms of imaging color and image quality, basically each model provides several image modes or corresponding quality control options. However, in comparison, Kodak's RAW file storage is more powerful in image quality control. For details, please refer to "Kodak Z980 has never been so professional in evaluating consumer cameras".

Articles ".

Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 supports saving RAW files.

The cooperation of menu system and control interface affects the usability and efficiency of camera. Except for the menu system structure of Olympus SP590UZ, which is particularly complicated and the control efficiency is low, several other menu designs can meet the needs of efficient control. Canon PowerShot SX 1 is an operating system with FUNC shortcut menu, which is particularly convenient.

"abstract:

Comparing the differences of six cameras in body, operating system design, basic functions and operating experience, we think that Canon PowerShot SX 1 can best meet the requirements of high efficiency and ease of use. Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 and Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 are also distinctive.

Camera function is a very popular function of digital cameras recently. With the maturity of these functions, their practicability is gradually improving. For example, among the six models, the video shooting function of Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS is particularly powerful. Not only does it support the highest recording specification 1920X 1080 30P, but it also supports dual-channel recording, and exposure compensation and focus control can be performed during shooting. In addition, Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 has excellent camera function. The following are the camera function differences of the six models:

"Brand?

"model

"The largest record specification.

"autofocus

"optical zoom

"canon

PowerShot SX 1

1920X 1080 30P

support

support

"Kodak

Shenzhouxing Z980

1280X720P

support

support

"Nikon

COOLPIX P90

640X480P

support

not support

"Pentax

X70

1280X720 15P

not support

not support

"Olympus

SP590UZ

640X480P

support

support

"Sony

Cyber-shot HX 1

1440X 1080 30P

support

support

In addition to the basic functions mentioned above, in fact, two of these six models are very distinctive. Their features may be the first time you saw them on a consumer camera. Don't miss them.

Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 not only supports RAW shooting, but also provides a vertical handle. Is it true in a professional sense? What model? . For more information about Kodak EASYSHARE Z980, please click the following link:

Click here to view Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 assessment.

Another super telephoto model with distinctive features is Sony Cyber-shot HX 1, right? Panoramic scan? The shooting mode is really interesting, just look at the following link:

Click here to learn how Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 captured such a magical picture.

Regarding the response speed, we have detailed test items, including camera startup, autofocus and image processing speed. These response speeds are related to whether the camera can shoot efficiently. According to the test data, we scored the reaction speed of starting, focusing and image processing (full score is 5), and the results are as follows:

It can be seen that Canon PowerShot SX 1 has obvious advantages in response speed, while Olympus SP590UZ has a slow response speed due to xD card. Kodak, which has always been slow to heat up, seems to have changed since Z980, which is very good. In addition, Canon PowerShot SX 1 has more obvious advantages after integrating continuous shooting speed and menu response speed, and Sony's continuous shooting speed is also excellent.

Optical image stabilization is particularly important for hand-held telephoto shooting. We use the equivalent focal length of various cameras of about 500mm to shoot the same object at the focal length of about 4m, test the safety shutter when closing and opening the optical anti-shake function, and evaluate the effectiveness of the optical anti-shake function. The test results are as follows:

"Optical anti-shake effect

Security shutter (seconds)

Lifting range (electric vehicle)

"Brand?

model

Turn off anti-shake

Turn on anti-shake

"canon

PowerShot SX 1

1/200

1/30

2.7

"Kodak

Shenzhouxing Z980

1/250

1/60

2

"Nikon

COOLPIX P90

1/200

1/40

2.3

"Pentax

X70

1/ 160

1/50

1.7

"Olympus

SP590UZ

1/200

1/60

1.7

"Sony

Cyber-shot HX 1

1/ 160

1/40

2

The test results show that the optical image stabilization effect of Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS is the most obvious, while Pentax X70 and Olympus SP590UZ are the worst.

Large aperture, optical anti-shake and high sensitivity are all taken by ultra telephoto lens? Three magic weapons? . With these conditions, the picture clarity of super telephoto shooting can be guaranteed. Let's take the imaging details of six cameras under ISO 400 as an example to verify the difference:

From the comparison of proofs, Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 and Canon PowerShot SX 1 show finer noise in the dark part of the picture, and the color density is not high; The noise of Pentax X70 and Olympus SP590UZ is obviously grainy. In addition, the performance of these models in terms of picture clarity and layering is also very different. On the whole, Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 has the best picture quality. For a detailed comparison of them, please refer to "Breaking Space Obstacle 6 Extreme Performance Comparison of Ultra-telephoto Camera".

Articles ".

Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS does not have high image color density and excellent picture definition in standard mode, but its overall performance is relatively balanced, with good dispersion control at telephoto end and good noise performance at high sensitivity. The following is a sample shot by Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS:

The color is natural, but the contrast of the picture is not high, which is Canon's style.

The details of the picture are sharp, but Bisogni HX 1 is slightly worse.

Compared with the scene, the dark details are insufficient.

The edge quality of the picture is good, and the dispersion of details is low.

In JPEG mode, Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 obviously compresses the picture, and the details and levels of the picture are not rich enough, but in standard mode, the image of Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 is very bright. At the telephoto end, dispersion phenomenon is the main factor affecting the expressive force of Kodak EASYSHARE Z980. The following are samples taken by Kodak EASYSHARE Z980:

The picture is obviously compressed and the details of bird feathers are not rich enough.

In the ratio of 100%, we can see that the legs of flamingos are obviously scattered.

The details in the dark part of the picture are seriously lost, and the tolerance of small cameras is generally small.

But I can see that the color of the image is still bright.

The performance of Nikon COOLPIX P90 is not significant, and the imaging definition of telephoto end is generally low. The following is a sample taken by Nikon COOLPIX P90:

The details of swan feathers are not clear and sharp enough.

The overall picture color is relatively dull.

When shooting in reverse light, the picture clarity is low and the dispersion is obvious.

Only low-sensitivity shooting can control the noise at a low level.

Among several high-pixel models, Olympus SP590UZ has good picture quality, good picture dispersion and noise control. It can also show the rich details and levels in the picture. The following are samples taken by Olympus SP590UZ:

The picture looks dull, but the level is too natural.

The color saturation is not high, but the quality of the edge parts that are easy to disperse is acceptable.

When you encounter such a dull picture, you can change it by adjusting the color mode.

This photo shows the dark corner of the picture taken by the super telephoto lens.

The clarity of the picture taken by Pentax X70 is not high, the picture at the telephoto end is obviously diffused, and the expressive force of the picture drops obviously at high sensitivity. But the color of Pentax X70 is bright, and the overall feeling of the photo is quite eye-catching. The following are samples taken by Pentax X70:

At high sensitivity, the picture noise is obvious.

The color saturation is high and the picture looks quite eye-catching.

In the dark background, the subject is highlighted.

The level of the dark part is slightly poor, and the details are visible and scattered, resulting in distortion.

From the perspective of picture details and overall effect, the photos taken by Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 have the least distortion, especially when shooting at the telephoto end, they can still maintain high picture sharpness and control dispersion very well. However, when Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 shoots under indoor artificial light, the picture color is often more obvious than other cameras. The following is a sample shot by Sony Cyber-shot HX 1:

There is almost no obvious distortion such as dispersion in the picture, and the picture quality is very uniform.

It's natural to protrude to the shadow level.

From the original picture, the details of the picture are not obviously distorted.

The background blur effect of ultra telephoto shooting is also much better than that of ordinary small cameras.

"IT 168 assessment center view:

With the development of ultra-telephoto digital cameras to higher specifications, Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 and Kodak EASYSHARE Z980 were born one after another. They not only have very high standard hardware configuration, but also have innovation in professional performance. In addition, CMOS image sensor has opened up a new development direction for consumer cameras, especially in high-speed shooting and video recording.

6 ultra-telephoto digital cameras (click here to view larger image

)

Based on the above comparison, Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS has a good performance in terms of function, handling performance and imaging quality. Can you call it a model? Omnidirectional? Cameras, especially in the function of taking pictures, are almost incomparable to current consumer cameras. Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 is just a model with particularly interesting functions and excellent handling performance and imaging quality. If you have strict requirements on image quality or professional expectation, then Canon PowerShot SX 1 IS and Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 are the right choices for you.

Other models are slightly lacking in these aspects, especially the telephoto imaging quality and operating experience need to be improved. But of course, as far as the current market price is concerned, the price of Canon PowerShot SX 1 exceeds 4,000 yuan, which seems to have no advantage in price. Sony Cyber-shot HX 1 offers about 3330 yuan, with outstanding cost performance; The prices of other cameras are similar, all around 2700. If the budget is limited and you want to gain a special vision, then these relatively low-priced products are worth considering.