Top 5 Gift Ideas Series: Part 7 - DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

Top 5 Interchangeable Lens Cameras Ideas This Christmas

An interchangeable lens camera such as a DSLR or Mirrorless represents the cream of the crop in the world of camera technology. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner looking to step up from your smartphone or compact, or an experienced shooter seeking the right tool to break through your creative boundaries, this Christmas we’ve got suggestions across all photographic levels. 

1- Canon EOS 200D Twin Lens Kit

The Canon EOS Twin Lens Kit represents the perfect platform for students and those new to photography. Its 24 Megapixel sensor and dual pixel AF technology ensure it’s capable at both stills and video. The twin lenses ensure zoom coverage up to 250mm, perfect for that next overseas holiday or family vacation – Save $235. Limited Time only. 

• 24 Megapixel CMOS Sensor 
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF + DIGIC 7 Processor 
• 3.0” Clear View Vari-Angle LCD Touch Screen 
• Full HD Video Recording 
• Guided Display Mode 
• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + NFC Connectivity 
• Compact and Lightweight Design 
• Includes Canon 18-55mm + 55-250mm IS STM Lenses 

2- Olympus OM-D E-M10 III Twin Lens Kit

The Olympus E-M10 III twin kit is the perfect travelling companion. Its lightweight retro styled design is a delicate fusion of fashion and function. With a 5-axis in-body image stabiliser and 4K video recording capabilities, it can handle a broad range of shooting scenarios, while maintaining a discreet profile – Includes $150 Visa Giftcard. Ending Soon. 

• 16.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor 
• Fast TruPic VIII Image Processor 
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilisation 
• 4K Video Recording 
• High Speed 121-Point Autofocus 
• 3-Inch Tilting Touchscreen 
• Built-In WiFi for Wireless Camera Control 
• Includes M.Zuiko 14-42mm III EZ + 40-150mm R Lens 

3- Canon EOS R Body with Control Ring Mount Adapter

The Canon EOS R was one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2018. Combining a compact, lightweight mirrorless body with their Dual Pixel autofocus technology, plus excellent backwards compatibility with their EF range of lenses has ensured early success for this popular release. 

30.3 Megapixel Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
DIGIC8 Image Processor
4K Video Recording at 30fps
Dual Pixel AF with 5655 AF Points
Dual Pixel RAW Image File Compatibility
Top Mount LCD Panel
Intuitive Multi-Function Touch Bar
Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
Includes Canon Lens Control Ring Mount Adapter - EF-EOSR

4- Sony A7 III

The Sony A7 III ticked enough boxes for enough people for it to win the coveted EISA 2018-2019 Camera Of The Year award. So popular was its debut that there was a global shortage while manufacturing worked to keep up with demand. With a 24 Megapixel sensor, 5-axis image stabilisation, 4K video recording and an amazing 693 autofocus points, it’s easy to see why. We’ve secured limited stock for Christmas, so get in quick to avoid disappointment. 

24.2 Megapixel Back-Illuminated Full Frame CMOS Sensor
5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilisation
2.36 Million-dot OLED EVF and Tilt Touchscreen
10 fps Burst Shooting with Silent or Mechanical Shutter
693 Phase Detection AF Points & Eye AF
Dust/Moisture Resistant Body Construction
4K HDR Video & Full HD 120p
High Capacity Battery, Joystick Control and Dual SD Slots


5- Fujifilm GFX 50R + GF 32-64mm f/4 Lens

The Fujifilm GFX 50R is revolutionising the medium format category. The 50R crams a massive 51.4 Megapixel medium format sensor into a rangefinder style body, enticing photographers who would not traditionally consider medium format because of its size to make the switch. To sweeten the deal this Christmas, we’re offering a $1000 discount with all GFX 50R Camera and Lens combos, plus claim up to $750 Cashback from Fujifilm via redemption. 

• 51.4 Megapixel Medium Format CMOS Sensor 
• X-Processor Pro Image Processor 
• 14-Bit RAW with 14 Stops of Dynamic Range 
• Rangefinder-style 3.69M OLED EVF 
• Lightweight Mirrorless System Design 
• Weather Resistant Body 
• 2-Direction Tilting 2.36M-Dot Rear LCD 
• Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots & Bluetooth Connectivity 

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Fujifilm GFX 50S - Medium Well Done

Anyone who has picked up and played with a recent Fujifilm X-Series digital camera should have a good sense of what a pleasure they are to use and the stunning results possible. They're one of the big reasons why mirrorless cameras continue to gain popularity and desirability among photographers of all levels. From the original gorgeous rangefinder styled X100 to the recent 4K enabled X-T2, Fujifilm have built a fully-fledged mirrorless system with a passionate following in the space of a few short years.

Kyoto 1 - Image taken on the X-Series System

Kyoto 2 - Image taken on the X-Series System

When challenged with the task of giving users even more performance, image quality and resolving power Fujifilm decided to go big. No, that doesn't accurately describe it all, they went HUGE. With 51.4 Megapixels spread over a sensor 70% larger than Full Frame and nearly 4 times larger than APS-C sensors used in their current cameras!

Fujifilm GFX50S

Medium format cameras are nothing new, even in digital variations but the bulky size, weight, cost and difficulty of use has typically kept them out of the hands of mere mortals. This in turn has led to 35mm format (Full Frame) digital cameras becoming the de facto standard amongst enthusiast and professional shooters across most photographic disciplines and championed by nearly all of the major photographic brands.

Fujifilm GFX50S

With the GFX 50S, Fujifilm believe they can change many of these long-held MF traits and after playing with one even briefly I'm in complete agreement. This is a Digital Medium Format camera that’s as easy to pick up and quickly get results from as your average DSLR. It feels far more refined than any first generation product should, no doubt due to the many borrowed technologies and components from the current X-Series cameras such as:

• the machined control dials for ISO and Shutter speed selection
• lens mounted aperture control rings
• X-Processor Pro running the show
• weather sealing throughout
• 3-way tilt screen now with touch functionality and 
• Fujifilm's trademark film simulation modes delivering superb colour straight from capture

Of course, there are plenty of new features to go along with that phenomenal sensor including 6 all new G-Mount lenses (3 available at launch) plus a H-mount lens adapter, 3.69 million dot electronic viewfinder with optional tilting adapter, always-on 1.28in monochrome top info display and a new vertical battery grip to house an extra NP-T125 high capacity battery. Those new lenses cover most of the major focal lengths from 18mm to 90mm in 35 equivalent terms and include zoom, macro and fast prime designs all with the same weather resistance as the GFX body.

 

In use the GFX feels solid but comfortable with a much more prominent grip than previous Fujifilm cameras. It balances very well with the battery housed just underneath the LCD screen and no mirror box to pushing the lens further away than necessary. It weighs less than its size suggests and will certainly see more handheld use than MF cameras of the past. Controlling the camera is identical to an X-T2 with the same AF selection joystick and direct top control dials except now you can choose to use the front and rear command dials to change aperture and shutter speed much like a traditional DSLR.

It's this familiar size and control that reveal who Fujifilm really want to target this camera toward; high end DSLR users. Although it may cost a decent amount more the GFX50S should be on the mind of anyone considering a Canon 5D Mk IV/5DSR, Nikon D810, Pentax K1 or even a Sony a7R II. These are all fantastic cameras in their own right but the new Fujifilm represents a giant leap forward in digital imaging and is a flagship camera truly deserving of that title.

A huge thank you to all the people at Fujifilm Australia and Fujifilm Japan for organising a great event. We eagerly await this and other new Fujifilm products in store over the coming months.

By Ryan Hoile

DCW Brisbane

Note: Sadly none of the images in this article were taken with the GFX 50S as we only had access to pre-production models and sharing images from those cameras was not allowed. Instead the images from around Kyoto were taken on the Fujifilm X-T1, XF14mm, XF27mm & XF56mm. We look forward to capturing images with the GFX50S once it arrives in Australia in the coming weeks.

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