Review based on a production Canon EOS 1100D with Firmware V1.0.4

The bottom-end of the interchangeable lens camera has become fiercely competitive with manufacturers culling features and cutting-corners to offer a tempting upgrade path from compact cameras, at the most attractive price. As a result we've seen control dials, orientation sensors and even focus motors disappear to reduce the manufacturing costs of these entry-level, gateway cameras. From the consumer's perspective, of course, we've also seen technologies once only in the reach of the professionals filter down to almost compact camera prices.

For several years, Canon and then Nikon were able to carve up the sub-$1000 DSLR market between themselves, without any particular concern about other players in the market. But this hegemony was never likely to last, especially once the electronics giants such as Panasonic, Sony and Samsung had time to prepare their own competitors. Eventually even Canon had to respond to the arrival of these companies' increasingly impressive low-end offerings, most notably with the splitting of its Rebel series into a multiple model range.

In June 2008, rather than just letting the outgoing model's price drop when the next camera was introduced, Canon launched a completely new model that sat below its then very recent Rebel XSi/450D. The Rebel XS (EOS 1000D in Europe) was unashamedly a cut-down version of the XSi but its mixture of a well trusted sensor and compelling price tag have seen it continue to sell strongly, particularly at the price-conscious end of the market.

Two-and-a-half years is nearly two lifetimes in contemporary camera terms, so it was beginning to look like the XS might turn out to be a one-off, until the launch of its replacement in February 2011. The Rebel T3 (EOS 1100D) builds on a successful formula and takes it further, offering a strong (if not exactly cutting-edge) set of features in a body that suggests it should be very capable of competing on price.

The 1100D takes a series of familiar-sounding components and folds them together in a distinctly conventional but still capable-sounding package. So there's a 12MP CMOS chip that is likely to date back to the 450D/XSi, coupled with Canon's now-standard 9-point AF system and the 63-area iFCL (Focus, color and luminance sensitive) metering system first seen in the EOS 7D. These combine with the equally well-known Digic 4 processor to offer a camera that's unlikely to offer much in the way of surprises (which should also mean the avoidance of any nasty ones).

Sitting alongside the Rebel XS (1000D), it's clear that T3 (1100D) is very slightly larger but only by a fraction. The new model eschew's the 1000D's textured plastic, instead being constructed of smooth, rather low-density materials.
The rear view shows the 1100D has been updated in line with more recent Canon DSLRs, gaining direct access to live view/movie shooting and a Q button for the interactive 'Quick Control' displays.

Canon EOS 1100D specification highlights:

• 12MP CMOS sensor
• 9-point AF system (up from 7 on the 1000D)
• 63-area iFCL color-sensitive metering (from EOS 7D)
• 720p movie recording at 30 or 25fps (H.264 compression)
• 2.7" LCD, 230,000 dots
• ISO 100-6400 (no expansion)
• Basic+ creative point-and-shoot mode
• Eye-Fi wireless SD card compatible menu options

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April 5, 2011: The undeniably glamorous addition to Fujifilm’s spring 2011 collection, the new FinePix Z900EXR is sure to get tongues wagging. With its effortless good looks, feature-packed specification and brilliant picture-taking performance, its set to become the must-have camera for Fashionistas this season.

Stepping into the shoes of the Z800EXR, the new FinePix Z900EXR comes in an eye-catching high gloss finish and offers a wide selection of Fujifilm’s latest technologies to help deliver great images in all conditions. Specification highlights include a brand new EXR-CMOS sensor, 5x wide-angle zoom lens, touch-screen LCD with improved user interface, a selection of high speed shooting modes and high quality video capture all packed into a slim body that’ll fit neatly into a bag or pocket. Meaning style-conscious photographers no longer have to compromise looks for picture quality.

Beauty is more than just skin deep
While the FinePix Z900EXR may be stunning to look at, it also has inner beauty in the shape of the all-new 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor.

Found in other new premium FinePix models including the HS20EXR and F550EXR, the sensor combines two cutting edge technologies to help deliver brilliant pictures in any lighting conditions. Whether you’re shooting outside in bright sunlight, or indoors in subdued lighting, the EXR-CMOS will come into its own thanks to the combination of a Back Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor and triple-layer EXR array.

With conventional sensor design, light has to pass through a layer of wiring before it reaches the photo diodes. This reduces the amount of light hitting the sensor. But with a BSI sensor, the wiring layer and photo diodes are reversed so sensitivity is improved; a benefit that’s particularly obvious when shooting in low light conditions.

The triple-layer EXR array adds further versatility by modifying its behaviour according to the picture-taking situation. Users can either let the Z900EXR choose the correct setting itself by selecting the EXR Auto mode, or pick from three manual options:

• High Resolution mode should be chosen when you’re after exceptional image quality. The FinePix Z900EXR uses the full 16 megapixel resolution to produce images that can printed out at A3 size straight from the camera.
• Signal to Noise mode is the one to choose in low light conditions where the combination with the BSI sensor makes for superb results. To achieve this, the Z900EXR uses Pixel Fusion where it doubles the size of the pixels to make them more sensitive to light.
• Finally, Dynamic Range mode cleverly takes two pictures and combines them to provide a range of up to 1600%. This makes light work of scenes with lots of contrast such as a landscape on a summer’s day or a portrait where the light source is behind the subject.

3.5 inch LCD: a touch of class
Fujifilm has harnessed the very latest touch-screen technology on the FinePix Z900EXR. The large, 3.5 inch LCD has 460,000 pixels for high image quality, plus it adds Multi Touch functionality to make it even easier to check sharpness and clarity on your shots. With the Z900EXR you can use two fingers to expand and reduce image size or simply swipe from side-to-side to scroll through your shots, iPhone-style.

An improved user interface also ensures that the camera is easier and more pleasant to use. Pixellated graphics are so last year! Now they’ve been replaced with rounded text and graphics thanks to Vector fonts and Flash-based animation. What’s more, the improved graphics are scaleable, so you’ll benefit from the improved interface whether you’re using the camera’s rear LCD or viewing images through an HDTV via the mini HDMI output.

Great shots, in the blink of an eye
How many shots have you missed because your current compact hasn’t been able to keep up with the action? The FinePix Z900EXR makes missed shots a thing of the past thanks to its selection of features for super-fast capture.

You can shoot up to 3 frames per second at 16 megapixel resolution, which will ensure you keep up with even the fastest action. Speed demons won’t be disappointed by the high speed video function either with an incredible 320 frames per second available, which will stop anything in its tracks.

This high speed functionality has benefits for more conventional images, too. The FinePix Z900EXR’s Pro Low Light and Pro Focus modes both capture multiple images in the blink of an eye and then combine them to deliver brilliant results. Pro Low Light will help you get perfect images in lower lighting conditions without having to resort to using a tripod or other support, while Pro Focus takes images at different focusing points to produce a blurred background; perfect for concentrating full attention on portrait subjects.

Video quality doesn’t come any better
Fujifilm recognises that the world doesn’t just revolve around still images, which is why the FinePix Z900EXR features high quality Full HD video capability even in low light conditions with Pixel Fusion Movie technology. Here, pixels are doubled up to make them more sensitive to low light so it is perfect for the night party season! Also, it can save as the H.264 format; which doesn’t take up as much room on the memory card as a conventional AVI file. Not only does this mean you can shoot more high quality 1080p footage, it’s easier to share with friends and family via sites like YouTube, or by simply plugging the camera straight into a HD-ready TV.

Slim and good looking
Available in four high gloss colours – Brilliant Black, Gloss Red, Hot Pink and Royal Blue - there’s a FinePix Z900EXR to suit everyone (and every outfit!), plus its ultra slim body measuring just 18.2mm wide is easy to take anywhere.

Despite these svelte proportions, the Z900EXR still manages to pack in a 5x wide-angle zoom lens covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) so you’ll be ready to capture everything from group shots, to tightly-cropped head and shoulders portraits. Plus, there’s no need to worry about the battery running out half way through your evening; it now offers approximately 220 frames per charge. Absolutely fabulous!

Fujifilm FinePix Z900EXR key features:

• 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor
• 5x optical zoom covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent)
• 3.5 inch touch-screen LCD with Multi Touch functionality
• Rich User Interface using Vector fonts/graphics and Flash animation
• CMOS Shift Image Stabilisation
• Up to ISO 6400
• 1600% wide dynamic range
• High speed shooting up to 12 frames per second
• Full HD movie capture using H.264 (MOV) format
• Mini HDMI port
• New EXR Auto mode featuring 27 scenes
• 360° Panorama mode
• Available colours – Brilliant Black, Gloss Red, Hot Pink and Royal Blue.

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Review based on a production Nikon D5100, Firmware A 1.00, B 1.00

The arrival of the D5100 appears to signal the completion of Nikons refresh of its non-pro DSLR lineup. Its feature set and pricing mean that it sits very comfortably between the beginner-friendly D3100 and the high-end D7000 - it's clearly aimed to attract the attention of enthusiast photographers without cannibalizing sales of is sister models. A camera maker can judge the success of its market positioning by seeing how many people are wondering 'which model is right for me?' on discussion forums - and we think a D3100/D5100/D7000 progression would minimize such doubts. The official line is that the D90 maintains its position in the range, but both its naming and overlap with other models suggest that its role is now more one of historical interest than future significance.

The D5100 has a very similar 16.2MP CMOS sensor to the excellent one seen in the D7000 but, understandably, loses out on that camera's high-end build and feature-set. So there's no wireless flash control, magnesium alloy build or 39-point AF system but the underlying image quality looks to be the same.

As has become standard for a Nikon at this price point, the D5100 offers a single control dial, pentamirror viewfinder and no built-in autofocus motor. However, it gains 1080p video capability (at 30, 25 or 24fps), saved using the efficient H.264/AVC codec, and a 920,000 dot fully articulated LCD panel to help shoot it. These are both significant gains over its predecessor the D5000, and the improvements extend to the D5100 having smaller, neater construction and a more conventional side-mounted hinge for that LCD.

These changes resolve two rather awkward aspects of Nikon's existing lineup: if the D5100 and D7000 end up being neighboring models it will avoid the inelegant overlap that existed between the D5000 and D90. It also ensures a more elegant appearance to the models themselves (the D5000 was many things, but pretty wasn't one of them).

Although the D5100 is listed as having an Expeed 2 processor, it's worth remembering that Nikon doesn't use this naming system to denote any specific components, so the actual chunks of silicon and capabilities aren't necessarily the same as those in the D3100 or D7000. However, in addition to a similarly specced 16.2MP sensor, the D5100 offers the same ISO settings as its big brother - extending up to an equivalent of ISO 25,600. It also inherits 14-bit Raw shooting - one of the factors that helps give the D7000 its impressive dynamic range - which is something Nikon used to offer only on its more expensive models.

Nikon D5100 Key Features

• 16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
• Side-articulated 3.0" LCD monitor (920,000 dots)
• 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
• IS0 100-6400 range (Up to 25,600 equivalent when expanded)
• HD movies (1080p, 720p or WVGA)
• 4 fps continuous shooting
• In-camera effects filters in both stills and video modes

Compared to D5000

The D5100 is a smaller and (we think) more attractive camera than its predecessor the D5000. It is less bulbous, and closer to the D3100 and D7000 in terms of styling. The most significant design difference is the addition of a side-hinging LCD screen in the D5100, as opposed to the bulkier (and more awkward) bottom-hinged LCD used in the D5000.

Key Differences

• Higher resolution sensor (16.2MP vs. 12.3MP)
• 1080p video mode
• Wider ISO range (100-25,600 equivalent)
• Full-time AF mode (AF-F in live view)
• Dual IR receivers (front and rear)
• Side-articulated LCD screen (as opposed to bottom-articulated)
• 921k dot LCD screen
• 14-bit NEF (Raw) mode
• Effects modes

Compared to the D3100 and D5000: major feature and specification differences

As you can see from the table below the D5100's specification is a significant advance over its predecessor, and substantially in advance of its little brother the D3100.

	Nikon D3100	Nikon 5100	Nikon D5000
Sensor	• 14.2 million effective pixels • 23.1 x 15.4 mm CMOS (DX format)	• 16.2 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.6 mm CMOS (DX format)	• 12.3 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS (DX format)
Image sizes	• 4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP) • 3456 x 2304 • 2304 x 1536	• 4928 x 3264 (16.2MP) • 3696 x 2448 • 2464 x 1632	• 4288 x 2848 (12 MP) • 3216 x 2136 • 2144 x 1424
Movie mode	• 1080p24 • 720p30/25/24 • 424p24	• 1080p30/25/24 • 720p30/25/24 • 424p30/24	• 720p24
Sensor cleaning	• Image Sensor Cleaning • Airflow control system • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)	• Image Sensor Cleaning • Airflow control system • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)	• Image Sensor Cleaning • Airflow control system • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
AF drive mode	• AF-A • AF-S • AF-C • MF • AF-F (Live view only)	• AF-A • AF-S • AF-C • MF • AF-F (Live view only)	• AF-A • AF-S • AF-C • MF
Sensitivity	• ISO 100 - 3200 • To ISO 12800 with boost	• ISO 100 - 6400 • To ISO 25600 with boost	• ISO 200 - 3200 • ISO 100-6400 with boost
Continuous	• 3 fps	• 4 fps • 100 / 16 frames (Fine JPEG / RAW)	• 4 fps • 63 / 11 frames (Fine JPEG / RAW)
Viewfinder magnification	• 0.8x	• 0.78x	• 0.78x
Viewfinder Frame coverage	• Approx. 95%	• Approx. 95%	• Approx. 95%
LCD monitor	• 3.0" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel TFT	• 3.0" TFT LCD • 921,000 pixel TFT • Articulated	• 2.7" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel TFT • Articulated
Dimensions	124 x 96 x 74.5 mm (4.9 x 3.7 x 3.0 in)	128 x 97 x 79 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1in)	127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in)
Weight	• No battery: 455g (1.0 lb) • With battery: 505g (1.1 lb)	• No battery: 510g (1.1 lb) • With battery: 560g (1.2 lb)	• No battery: 560g (1.2 lb) • With battery: 611g (1.3 lb)
Image processing engine	• Expeed 2 • 12 bit	• Expeed 2 • 14 bit	• Expeed • 12 bit
Active D-lighting	On/Off	Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off	Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off
In-camera retouching	• D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • Fisheye • Color outline • Perspective control • Miniature effect • Edit movie	• D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Resize • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • Fisheye • Color outline • Color sketch • Perspective control • Miniature effect • Selective Color • Edit movie • Side-by-side comparison	• D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • Fisheye • Color outline • Perspective control
Bracketing	No	Yes	Yes

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