Lightweight photography now packs a punch
By Heinrich Pretorius, Canon Product Specialist at Drive Control Corporation (DCC)
In the world of photography where there are myriad options available, picking a model that differentiates itself from the competition can be a daunting task. However, technology is advancing at a rapid pace and high-end features usually found in professional cameras are now included in Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras. Enter the first, light-weight Digital SLRs that include “heavyweight” features such as full-frame sensors and amazing advancements such as integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS.
In essence, these smaller cameras such as the Canon EOS 6D which weighs only 770g, packs a heavy punch without the physical weight constraints making it ideal for ‘users ‘on-the-go’, portrait and landscape photographers. It combines powerful full-frame imaging systems and low-light performance with a compact, robust and lightweight design.
Why the grown up features?
The inclusion of full-frame sensor enables photographers to gain greater control over depth of field in portraits allowing them to easily isolate their subjects with attractive background blur. Additionally, these lightweight and compact digital SLRs explore the full potential of wide-angle autofocus lenses to capture every detail of a sweeping landscape, beautiful building or people of interest.
These compact cameras keep up with their heavier counterparts and include powerful imaging processing capability and a host of automatic modes and creative shooting features, complementing full manual controls to offer total flexibility to a wide range of users.
Small + wireless + GPS = amazing usage and accessibility
Taking yet another step towards photography nirvana, these smaller digital SLRs are jam-packed with additional features such as Wi-Fi connectivity. With Wi-Fi, photographers can share their work immediately, making it ideal for photographers on tight deadlines. Images can be wirelessly transferred to external storage devices, uploaded to Facebook and YouTube or printed wirelessly using Wi-Fi enabled printers.
Another plus is that -movies and images can be viewed via DLNA-enabled HDTVs. DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance, an organisation that defines a standard for moving movies and other media between devices. Furthermore, by wirelessly connecting to a smart phone or tablet, photographers can also remotely control the camera, adjust shoot settings and focus before remotely triggering the shutter and viewing the captured image.
Featuring integrated GPS, these lightweight camera images can be tagged with location data as they are shot. Travellers can also build a more complete record of their trip by using the GPS logger function to track their route which can be displayed using the supplied Map Utility software.
So to recap, what can you expect from your smaller (770g) digital SLR such as the EOS 6D?
- Full-frame 20.2 Megapixel sensor
- Tough, lightweight construction
- Max ISO 25,600 (expandable to ISO 102,400)
- GPS to record your location
- Wi-Fi for file transfer and remote control
- Full-HD video
The above is undoubtedly great value coupled with all the benefits that come with transporting more lightweight devices and is undoubtedly the way of the future.