Nikon S9700 is Compact and Powerful - Review

Nikon S9700
Price: Rs 18,500 

Specs: 16MP resolution; 30x optical zoom; ISO 125-6400; 3 inch display; 232 grams

Compact cameras are gaining power. Optical zoom is being preferred over the megapixel count and the Nikon S9700 is a perfect example of this. The Nikon S9700 has got a slim body design. It isn't the sleekest camera around, yet is 34.5 mm thick which makes it easy to slide in a loose trouser pocket. Available in red and black, our review unit in red looked nice and bright. Although, it had a matt finish, there was a glossy effect around the lens and controls that made it look good.

The three-inch bright display at the rear is accompanied by the regular set of keys. It has got slightly curved edges, making it a comfortable grip. The mode dial houses the regulars - manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program modes along with the auto mode.

This camera features a 16MP resolution along with 30x optical zoom. Nikon has increased the telephoto range to 750mm in this camera. The images captured from this camera are pleasing. The colours on the images are good and vibrant. However, there is visible noise when the images are zoomed in on a bigger display. There is a dedicated video mode button at the back. The video quality is good in bright light. Overall, the camera is quick.

Ratings: 3.5 /5 

Bag it or junk it: A stylish camera with good performance

When the going gets tough, the tough get… an Olympus TG-3

TechBaaja verdict

"Pricey, but if you need a camera that's built and equipped for life well off the beaten track, the Olympus TG-3 is worth the money."

For

• Great build quality
• Excellent screen
• Ergonomic controls

Against

• Disappointing panorama mode
• Not as waterproof as some rivals
• Average image quality

Most toughened cameras are tough on paper, but few can match the TG-3's exceptional build quality and confidence-inspiring rugged feel. Divers may prefer the Canon D30's 25-metre depth rating or the 18-metre underwater ability of the Nikon AW120, but otherwise the TG-3 will cope with pretty much anything you could throw at it. It's also well equipped to help you out when you're off the beaten track thanks to its electronic compass, easy GPS system, depth and pressure gauges.

The new Wi-Fi addition is also slicker than many competing systems and is useful for image sharing. The newly-revised screen is another welcome addition and a marked improvement over the OLED monitor in the TG-2. It's easily visible in bright sunlight and complements the well-designed controls.

Unfortunately the TG-3's image quality isn't as impressive. It's enough to rival other current tough cameras, but other non-ruggedized cameras equipped with the same size of sensor can produce more detail and cleaner results at high ISO sensitivities. Even so, the TG-3's new 16MP device resolves decent detail in good light, whilst accurate exposure metering and vibrant colour reproduction give images an attractive first impression.

Likes

Rock-solid toughness, carefully-considered controls and ergonomics, plus several useful action-orientated features make the TG-3 well suited to extreme photography. The new sensor and screen are also welcome upgrades over the TG-2's tech and help make the new camera a great all-rounder.

Dislikes

A 15-metre waterproof depth rating is now outclassed by the Canon D30 and Nikon AW120, whilst the automatic panorama mode is in dire need of improvement. Image quality is also nothing special, though it's no worse than that of its rivals.

Final verdict

The TG-3 doesn't stand out significantly from the tough camera competition in any one area, but its combination of superb toughness, extensive action-orientated features and ease of use are good enough to give it the edge over its rivals. Image quality is unremarkable but pleasing at lower sensitivities and acceptable up to ISO1600 if you're not too picky.

All this quality and versatility doesn't come cheap though, as at £349.99/$349.99 the TG-3 is pricier than all its rivals. However, if you need a camera that's built and equipped for life well off the beaten track, the Olympus TG-3 is worth the money.

Sony Launches Alpha 7S, Alpha 77II and Cyber-shot TM RX100 III Cameras in India

Sony has today launched three new cameras in India, the A7S and the A77 II, starting at Rs 1,54,990 and Rs 84,990 respectively. And the third one is called by the name of RX100 III and is priced at Rs. Rs 54,900. While A77 II and RX100 III are already available in market, the A7S will start selling from mid-July. Lets take a look at the specs and features of these new products individually. 




Sony A7S 

The Alpha 7S features a newly developed, 12.2 effective megapixel 35mm full frame Exmor CMOS sensor paired with a powerful BIONZ X image processor, allowing it to shoot at a sensitivity range of ISO 50 - 409,600 with dynamic range and low noise. According to the company, "New A7S model puts extraordinary sensitivity, low noise and spectacular 4K video quality into the hands of professional photographers and videographers."

Sony A77 II 

The A77 II features no less than 79 autofocus detection points, including 15 cross points within most frequently-used central area of the sensor. This aids super-accurate focusing, even with horizontally-striped subjects that confuse many other cameras.

The A77 II can capture a non-stop burst of up to 60 full-resolution JPEG images at a maximum continuous shooting speed of approximately 12 frames per second (in Continuous Advance Priority AE mode). It also features a detail-packed 3.0-type (7.5 cm) Xtra Fine LCD that moves three ways for near-limitless creative flexibility. 

The A77 II can record Full HD 60p and 24p movies using the AVCHD 2.0 format. As with still shooting, Translucent Mirror Technology enables full-time phase-detection AF, ensuring accurate focus tracking with fast-moving subjects while you're capturing video. 

On-board Wi-Fi allows one-touch connection for easy shot sharing with your Xperia, NFC-compatible Android smartphones, tablets and VAIO. A single touch also activates Smart Remote Control, linking the camera to your mobile phone enabling you to fire the shutter from a distance.

Cyber-shotTM RX100 III 

The Cyber-shotTM RX100 III comes with an upgraded lens and faster image processor and a retractable OLED Tru-FinderTM with ZEISS T. The camera will have enhanced movie features and a 180-degree tilting LCD. The camera will have a 20.1 effective megapixel back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor RTM CMOS sensor. It features F2.8 maximum aperture at its telephoto end, subjects stand out crisply against smooth background. 

The lens's impressive light-gathering power also allows faster shutter speeds to freeze fast-moving subjects. A built-in 3-stop (1/8) Neutral Density filter gives even more creative flexibility with sun-drenched exteriors or intentionally-blurred shots of moving water. The Cyber-shot RX100 III has a high-contrast retractable OLED Tru-Finder that offers bright, detailed viewing with the camera held to your eye.