There was a time when many said DSLR cameras with video capabilities wouldn't make much sense, but look where we are today. Now we're starting to see point and shoot cameras offering more into HD video features, but it's still nothing to get too excited about. Point and shoot cameras with HD Video still aren't quite at a level to make any filmmaker go nuts - but then again there are guys spending big bucks shooting short movies and music videos through an iPhone. Here's three cameras that have already made it as winners in this years popularity contest, but should be even more popular during the holidays. If you're like me, and you've got friends asking you about what new camera they should be getting into, keep an eye out for the Canon S95, Canon G12, and Nikon P7000.
Canon Powershot S95 Images
I'll dive into some fun novelty features that these cameras have built in on a different post, but for now a quick highlight of the external hardware and basic features. The Canon S95 is an improvement over the already popular S90. Many settings can be controlled manually like shutter, aperture, ISO, and white balance. For photos, the S95 can also shoot in RAW which will give you more dynamic range to edit images in post. A friend of mine recently took the Canon Powershot S95 on vacation and found the camera's ability to take such nice pictures in it's auto settings, there was no need to shoot in RAW and edit later. For serious photographers, the manual settings and RAW photo options are great features in a pocketable Point and Shoot camera. All three cameras use SDHC media cards for storage and are HD video capable @720 24fps with HDMI out as well as a port for USB AV out.
Canon Powershot G12 Images
Unlike the other two larger cameras, the Canon S95 does not have a hotshoe option and very little analog dials / buttons to manually change camera settings. If you're willing to carry a slightly larger camera, the Canon G12 and Nikon P7000 will get you closer to that DSLR feeling. These camera have several dials and buttons dedicated to quickly change camera settings. On the Canon G12 there's a single dial dedicated to ISO, and a single dial dedicated for Exposure compensation. Another dial controls the main menu for AV, TV, Video, and one more jog dial on the back controls the shutter speed. It's not in familiar places, but with short time you'll master these controls.
Comparing the Canon G12 and Nikon P7000, the Canon can accept a remote shutter. The Nikon P7000 does not have a port for this. For travelers who want to fire the camera remotely, or control it via Intervalometer (timer remote) for some nice Timelapse photography or to trigger for HDR bracketing, the Canon G12 would be the better camera. FYI - The remote does not start video mode. Also take note, the Canon G12 uses the same connection as the T2i or Canon 60D. The intervalometer shown is one I use for the larger DSLR's found here: http://cheesycam.com/canon-60d-timer-remote-timelapse/
Nikon Coolpix P7000 Images
For video mode, the Nikon P7000 does have an external Mic input. That's a very nice surprise for someone that is planning to do more video work than photos on this smaller camera. I can see myself mounting an LED video light and a good external microphone to enhance the whole video experience. Perhaps a tiny camera cage stabilizer would make it even more fun to take around events. One super huge advantage Canon has is that this type of camera has existed for many many years. Many adapters, lenses, and accessories have been designed for earlier G10 & G11 bodies, which is still compatible to the G12. You can find some additional Telephoto adapters, Macro Filters, and Wide angle lenses for the Canon G12 here: Canon G10, G11, and G12 Adapter, Lenses, and Filters
Even the Canon OEM waterproof housing for the G11 is compatible with the G12. This already makes for a perfect underwater HD video camera on the cheap. Special wide angle lenses, fisheyes, and step up Macro filters are widely available through Canon and aftermarket companies. Since this is something new for Nikon, I can't even locate the lens adapter for the P7000 yet. Hopefully we'll start seeing some new accessories for the P7000 by end of year to further expand it's usability.
Nikon P7000 with Ikan Fly Kit, Rode VM, and Z96 LED Light
Since the Nikon P7000 has a 3.5mm input for an external Microphone, I quickly threw on my Rode VideoMic. Next I mounted it to the Ikan FlyKit DSLR Stabilizer (I'll get to that later). With a Flexible Power Arm, I also mounted the Z96 LED video light. I have nothing interesting to record right now, but testing it out, everything works great and the image stabilization in the Nikon performed well. I'm not sure if there's a way to set the video to 'manual' mode but I did notice some exposure changes in the video while running around. I'll have more stuff to show on the Ikan FlyKit DSLR Stabilizer soon.
IKan Elements Fly Pack DSLR Kit
I know people will be looking for information about these popular cameras during the coming holidays, so i'll have more information to come. There's a ton of things I haven't covered like built in ND filters, Hybrid Image Stabilization, registering Custom Settings, built in Effects like Fisheye and Miniature Filters, built in HDR Processing, and much much more. I'll try to get it to it soon, but there's more technical specs at the product pages below. Showing right to left Canon S95, Canon G12, and Nikon P7000.
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Click for Product Information & Pricing
Cole
Hi there. I hope this comment will still be able to be seen.
I recently purchased this exact camera and microphone, and the price was an absolute steal. However, I am experiencing the absolute WORST fluttering humming and buzzing sound. I am not sure if this is purely the camera's AGC coming into play, but I wanted to know if you were also experiencing this problem, as you are one of two people I've seen that has this setup.
The other person I know that has this setup is in the following clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74ax9I56Y8
His audio in that clip is virtually identical to the sound my camera is experiencing. Have you had any issues with the Videomic and this camera creating this type of hum?
Emm
Post author@Malcolm MacDonald - I haven't tried that Microphone yet, but the most common issue would be that the camera itself does not have Manual Levels. The camera will automatically boost the signal when things are quiet causing the hissing sound.
Malcolm MacDonald
Hi
I have an Nikon P7000, which is a great little camera. My wife bought me a new Hahnel MK 100 mic which when connected to the camera and then used creates a lot of hiss. What is the problem in your opinion?
Emm
Post author@SPDSKR - Thanks. I know about the IR infrared remote which seems pretty useless. A camera that has a remote input like the G12 can accept several different types of remotes. Can you tell me how you could achieve Timelapse like this with the Nikon? httpss://cheesycam.com/sample-in-camera-hdr-processing-timelapse-photography-with-canon-g12/
Oh and I know the Nikon has a built in Timer, but the shortest interval is 30 seconds. A decent timelapse might need something faster. With an external remote like what the G12 can accept, it could take one every second.
SPDSKR
Hi, Just thought would let you know that I have just picked up the Nikon coolpix p7000 new for $400 which is $100 less than the G12 and it does accept remote input but infrared like the DSLR.
The P7000 has a infrared sensor on the front and back of the camera
Emm
Post author@IO - Yes there's a built in intervalometer, but very generic. You can't do 1 second, 3 second, etc. Besides the Timer Remote, I also use true Wireless Remotes (not infrared) on my Palo Alto setup. Try these shots with an infrared camera httpss://cheesycam.com/shur-ppp-painters-pole-photograpy/
I use these remotes with the large DSLR's but the G12 is the same connection as a 60D or T2i. httpss://cheesycam.com/cheap-wireless-photography-remote-550d-t2i/
IO
@Emm True, I get your point. But one question since you have the p7000: isn't there a function for taking pictures in intervals automatically?
I have the p5000 and it has a function for autotimelapse videos (minimum interval 30 sec) or just taking a foto every 30s-60min.
Emm
Post author@IO - So how does an infrared remote help me with an intervalometer (timer remote)? That was the point I was trying to make. Without a plugin remote, the Nikon fails for timelapse, and infrared remotes are terrible outdoors.
IO
Before you overrate missing remote feature: There is a WIRELESS REMOTE for the NIKON P7000 available here:
https://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Remote-Cords/4730/ML-L3-Wireless-Remote-Control-%28Infrared%29.html
And the nikon has infrared sensors on front and back!!!
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Canon G12 vs Nikon P7000 Real Time HDR Timelapse? » CheesyCam
Sonny
Seems I'm not the only one who shares this sentiment. Thought you guys might find this amusing!
A Love Letter to a Camera!
https://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/a-love-letter-to-a-camera/?scp=1&sq=love+letter+to+a+camera&st=cse
Emm
Post author@AC - Certainly the NEX5 has more features than the rest. but you would have to get a different lens to compete with the wide and zoom of the other small cameras. Once you get a lens comparable to the distance of the smaller cameras, the NEX5 gets sorta big.
AC
Emm,
Between these cameras and lets say the Sony Nex5 in the mix, which camera would you get?
I am looking for a small PnS size camera to lug around when I don't want to have the whole DSLR bag.
Emm
Post author@Sonny - Yeah I like the fact that the S95 can fit in the pocket with all those features. The remote timelapse photography, hotshoe, and built in HDR is making me lean towards the G12.
Sonny
I was torn b/w the G12 & S95 for about a month. I read countless reviews/forums & watched every video review I could find. Twice.
Finally decided to go w/ the S95 ($100 less & one stop faster @ f/2.0, as opposed to f/2.8). I would've been happy w/ either one so I took the plunge and I'm very impressed with my first ever point n' shoot (only owned 35mm film bodies & DSLRs).
It's almost ridiculous how much fun this camera is. Great post, Emm!!!