Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH5 review
20.2MP effective resolution. Priced at $2999.
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Recommended
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Cameras must have an overall score of 80% or more and at least 70% for image quality in auto mode to make it into this list. Cameras in the table with overall scores between 70–79% are still good performers and worth considering, particularly if they fit your budget.
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CHOICE Expert Rating
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The overall score is made up of: image quality – auto and manual (50%), ease of use (30%), movie quality (10%), and monitor/viewfinder (10%).
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Picture quality score – auto mode
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Cameras are set to full automatic function, including exposure, white balance and focus function, with the maximum resolution and image quality setting in JPEG.
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Picture quality score – manual mode
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Picture quality is evaluated after the photos are transferred to a PC.
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Ease of use score
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We assess start-up speed, the menu system, controls and the insertion and removal of the storage cards.
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Movie quality score
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Subjects in colourful clothes are shot at rest and in motion. The camera is on a tripod, with autofocus and auto white balance on, and footage alternates between pan and zoom.
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Monitor/viewfinder score
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Both monitor and viewfinder (if available) are considered.
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Flash score
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Images are checked across varying distances for amount of light, evenness, flatness, distribution of light and whether the flash can automatically adapt to the distance from the subject.
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Availability
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'Tested model' refers to cameras that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to cameras that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.
- Discontinued model
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Price
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Recommended retail price, as provided by the manufacturer.
- $2999
- Lens
- LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm 1:2.8-4 ASPH. POWER O.I.S
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Zoom range (mm)
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Refers to the level of zoom built into the lens. It's measured in millimeters (mm), because it refers to the physical distance between your camera's sensor and the point of convergence on the lens. The numbers, e.g. 24-70mm, indicate the maximum width and zoom available. This column only refers to optical zoom, which is lens components physically moving to increase or decrease magnification, like a telescope.
- 24 - 120
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Lens factor
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This is magnification calculated by dividing the longest zoom setting by the shortest zoom setting.
- 5
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Minimum aperture range (f-stops)
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This is the manufacturer's stated minimum aperture range in f-stops, wide to telephoto.
- 2.8 - 4
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Minimum shutter speed (secs)
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Measured in seconds.
- 1/16000
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Maximum shutter speed (secs)
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Measured in seconds.
- 60
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Lens diameter (mm)
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Measurement required when buying lens filters.
- 68
- Lens length (mm)
- 91
- Lens weight (g)
- 325
- Lens filter thread (mm)
- 62
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Lens mount
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Notes which lens brands and types are accepted by the camera by default. You may be able to mount additional lenses using a converter. These are typically sold separately.
- Micro-Four-Thirds
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Sensor type
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The sensor converts light to a digital image. Different sensors have different effects on the picture as it's processed (e.g. colour, tone, hue, saturation). Though there are different brands and models, some competing camera manufacturers use the same sensors.
- Live MOS
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Sensor size
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36mm x 24mm is the approximate size of a full-frame sensor.
- 17.3 x 13
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Effective resolution (MP)
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Measured in megapixels, based on the effective resolution, using a standard that is generally accepted to provide a reasonable indication of the maximum number of pixels the camera uses to create an image.
- 20.2
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Dimensions (mm, WxHxD)
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For fixed-lens cameras the lens is retracted if possible.
- 148 x 99 x 86
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Weight (g)
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Body only for system cameras.
- 774
- Tripod socket
- Metal (centred)
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Start-up time (sec)
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Measured from camera off until the first frame is shot.
- 0.9
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Shutter delay 1m (sec)
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Shutter delay when the target is one metre from the camera. The camera is on, but focused at infinity.
- 0.21
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Shutter delay 8.5m (sec)
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Shutter delay with the target at 8.5m. The camera is on, but focused at infinity.
- 0.21
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ISO rating
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ISO relates to the camera's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO, the greater the sensitivity, and the less light required to produce a well-lit image in dark environments. However, high ISOs have more image noise (grain) and less accurate colours. Noise reduction tech in newer cameras can negate some of these problems.
- 200 - 25600
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Exposure correction (lower)
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Used to automatically alter photos beyond the exposure suggestion of the camera to make them brighter or darker. Often called exposure compensation. Measured in EV units, 1 EV equals one exposure stop (or steps). Negative range shows the number of stops the camera can go below the recommended exposure. Adjustment range in stops.
- -5
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Exposure correction (higher)
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Used to automatically alter photos beyond the exposure suggestion of the camera to make them brighter or darker. Often called exposure compensation. Measured in EV units, 1 EV equals one exposure stop (or steps). Negative range shows the number of stops the camera can go below the recommended exposure. Adjustment range in stops.
- 5
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Continuous shooting mode
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Indicates the number of shots possible before the camera's buffer is full. Continuous shooting will stop at this point.
- 11.3
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Frame limit in continuous mode
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Maximum number of simultaneous photos the camera can take in continuous shooting mode.
- 1000
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Number of selectable exposure programs
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These preset modes adjust camera settings (like ISO and shutter speed) for certain situations. Modes or icons you may see indicate settings for portrait shots, macro, landscape, low-light or party mode.
- 6
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Closest focus wide (m)
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Minimum distance required to keep the subject in focus at wide angles. Moving closer will cause the image to lose focus.
- 0.2
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Closest focus tele (m)
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Minimum distance required to keep the subject in focus at zoom angles. Moving closer will cause the image to lose focus.
- 0.24
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Closest focus macro (m)
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Minimum distance required to keep the subject in focus using macro mode. Moving closer will cause the image to lose focus.
- Not applicable
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Focus points (auto mode)
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Total number of active focus points available when shooting in auto-mode. Auto-focus does not allow you to select specific focus points.
- 225
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Monitor size (mm)
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Size of the screen on the rear of the camera.
- 66 x 44
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Monitor ratio
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Aspect ratio of the screen on the rear of the camera. Most are in 4:3 or 16:9 widescreen format.
- 3:2
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Monitor swivel (V x H, deg)
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Ability to raise, lower, swivel and adjust the screen on the back of the camera in various directions. Useful for reviewing images in bright environments and taking selfies. Vertical x horizontal, degrees.
- 260 x 180
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Viewfinder type
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There are two types of viewfinders. Optical (OVF) shows the environment through the lens by bouncing light off the camera's mirror. Electronic (EVF) is essentially a miniature version of the screen on the back of the camera. It usually includes similar features such as preview mode, which can show what the final image will look like based on ISO, aperture and more.
- Electronic viewfinder
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Viewfinder diopter
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Adjustable viewfinder to accommodate various types of eyesight strength. This can be useful for shooting in focus without glasses.
- -4 x 3
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Video ratios supported
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Most cameras film in traditional 4:3, and 16:9 widescreen mode.
- 16:9
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Video format
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List of output formats available. This is important information as most editing programs, media players and websites only support certain video formats. Formats also have their own pros and cons, such as image quality and compression methods.
- MTS, MP4, MOV (codec AVCHD, MP4, MP4, LPCM, MOV)
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Maximum frame rate – progressive
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The maximum progressive frame rate possible in video mode. ns= not stated; na = not applicable.
- 60
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Number of selectable exposure programs - video
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These preset modes adjust camera settings (like ISO and shutter speed) for certain situations. Modes or icons you may see indicate settings for close-up shots, low-light and indoor events.
- 4
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Audio recording format
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Does the camera record single channel (mono) or two-channel (stereo) audio when capturing video?
- Stereo
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Memory card type
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Cameras will only work with the memory cards listed for each model. Some models support multiple card types.
- SDHC, SDXC
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Internal memory (MB)
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Some cameras come with a small amount of inbuilt memory that can store a handful of images. This is typically found on cheap, entry-level models.
- None
- Number of memory cards - insertable
- 2
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Image ratios supported
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List of ratios (e.g. 4:3, 16:9) that the camera can photograph in. Most cameras support multiple ratios.
- 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
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Flash type
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Built-in, pop-up or external. Some will automatically pop up when the camera is in auto mode, while others require manual release even when in auto mode. All flash types can be turned off if required.
- Not applicable
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Battery type
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Cameras with removable batteries have a few advantages including the freedom to carry fully-charged backup batteries and the option to replace one when it permanently dies. The number of required batteries is shown in brackets.
- Li-Ion (1)
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CIPA battery cycles
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A measure of how many photos you're likely to be able to take with freshly charged or new batteries. This is reported by the camera manufacturer and measured according to the international Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standard for digital camera battery testing.
- 400
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Image editing software
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Whether the camera comes with image editing software.
- PHOTOfunSTUDIO 10.0 XE (Win)
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Video editing software
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Whether the camera comes with video editing software.
- LoiLoScope (Win)
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RAW converter software
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Whether the camera comes with software that converts RAW images to other formats such as JPG or PNG.
- SILKYPIX Developer Studio SE (Win/Mac)
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Fully manual mode
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Does the camera allow full manual control over all functions, like shutter speed, ISO and white balance?
- Yes
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Water/dust resistant
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Some models make claims for water or dust resistance.
- Yes
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GPS tagging
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Camera has an inbuilt GPS that can add location data to the photo.
- No
- Electric cable release
- Yes
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Camera controlled via USB
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Ability to control the camera using a remote USB device, or via software when tethered to a computer.
- No
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Manual white balance
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Does the camera include full manual control over white balance settings (excluding pre-sets)?
- Yes
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Bulb setting
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Keeps the shutter open for as long as you press the shutter button.
- Yes (max 30 minutes)
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Priority mode – shutter speed
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The camera will select the highest shutter speed possible in the conditions.
- Yes
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Priority mode – aperture
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The camera will prioritise aperture over shutter speed in the conditions.
- Yes
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Shutter release via touch screen
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Can you take a photo by tapping the touch screen?
- Yes
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HDR function
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High Dynamic Range. Takes three photos of varying exposures, then combines them to produce an image with an increased colour range and luminosity.
- Yes
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Time lapse
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The camera takes one photo at a specified interval for a given period (e.g. one shot per second for 20 minutes). These can be combined to make a time lapse video using special software.
- Yes
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Panorama (panning)
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A panorama (very wide image) is made by panning the camera across a scene. This is useful when shooting landscapes.
- No
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Image stabilisation - physical
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Either the lens elements or the sensor move to compensate for camera shake.
- Optical
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Electronic image stabilisation
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The camera increases ISO and fully opens the aperture to compensate for camera shake.
- No
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Focus assist lamp
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Some cameras project light for an inbuilt lamp to assist auto-focus mode in low-light environments.
- Yes
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Focus via touch screen
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Can the camera auto-focus correctly when the subject is tapped on the touchscreen?
- Yes
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Continuous manual focus switchable
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Ability to override auto focus without turning off the feature completely. Brands often use slightly different terms for this such as full-time manual focus (FTM).
- Yes
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Face detection
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A feature that tells the camera to automatically detect, and focus on, faces. Some can also automatically fire the shutter when a face is detected.
- Yes
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Spot focus
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Exposure based on a specific spot, also known as spot metering.
- Yes
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Focus tracking
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The camera can continually track and keep a moving subject in focus.
- Yes
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Focus bracketing
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The camera automatically takes a number of photos at different focus distances then combines them to give a greater depth of field than you can achieve using aperture settings on a single shot. Also known as focus stacking. This is particularly useful in macro photography.
- Yes
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Touchscreen
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Does the screen on the back of the camera respond to touch input?
- Yes
- Monitor grid guide
- Yes
- Video face detection
- Yes
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Video spot focus
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While the default exposure metering option for a basic camera in video mode generally determines the exposure for a whole scene, you can choose to be more precise and force the camera to follow a subject that you've chosen.
- Yes
- Video focus tracking
- Yes
- Manual focus video
- Yes
- Continuous to manual focus switchable - video
- Yes
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Slow motion setting
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Can the camera film in slow motion?
- Yes
- Stop motion setting
- Yes
- Video image stabilisation
- Yes
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Built-in speaker
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Some cameras have an inbuilt speaker that activates during video playback.
- Yes
- Socket for external microphone
- Yes
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Can add a comment to a still image
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Ability to tag photo, which can be a useful way of recording related information such as location or mood.
- No
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Can record in RAW format
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RAW is the digital version of a film negative. Shooting RAW gives you many more editing options in post processing.
- Yes
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RAW plus JPEG format
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Can simultaneously duplicate and process a single image in RAW and JPEG formats.
- Yes
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Flash slow sync
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A setting that tells your camera to shoot with a low shutter speed while firing the flash. This can deliver interesting results – the flash can freeze the subject while the rest of the photo is blurred, or the flash can expose the subject while the slow shutter speed lets in different coloured ambient light from the surroundings, for example.
- Yes
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Flash power adjustable
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The ability to increase or decrease the brightness of the flash.
- Yes
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Hotshoe
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A slot on top of the camera that allows you to mount an external flash that can communicate with the camera. It can also be used as a mount point for battery-powered lights and microphones when filming.
- Yes
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Other flash connection
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Ports in addition to the hotshoe which support and power an external flash.
- Yes
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HDMI connection
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An inbuilt HDMI output, which is typically used for viewing photos or video on a large screen directly from the camera.
- Yes
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Wi-Fi WLAN connection
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This gives you the ability to transfer files over a wireless network.
- Yes
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Charge via USB
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Can you charge the battery in the camera via USB?
- No
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Adapter for charging batteries
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Does the camera come with an external battery charger?
- No
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Separate battery holder
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Whether a case is supplied for carrying a backup battery.
- Yes
- Lens bag supplied
- No
- Lens hood supplied
- Yes
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Shoulder belt supplied
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Whether the camera includes an optional strap for slinging it over your shoulder.
- Yes
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Other items supplied
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- USB cable, lenscap, rear lenscap, bodycap, hot shoe cover, sync terminal cover