|
 Better late than never... the Buy-n-Shoot.com ‘Reviewer's Choice Awards
2011' have been announced! The year 2011 was one that saw many new
cameras hit retailer's shelves with clever innovations previously
exhibited at trade shows internationally only as beta models.
We were once again very lucky on many occasions through the year to be
invited by the biggest and best camera companies across the globe to
view first hand previews of new models, before they were announced and
affording us the luxury of reviewing the units first as they arrive in
the country.
In a year where Full HD video became the hot must-have addition, along
with dual screens, 3D technology, translucent mirror technology and most
importantly great leaps forward in ISO ranges pushing their absolute
boundaries, there was no shortage of great imagery being produced from
so many different perspectives.
So as the advancements on the previous year were many along with
standards raised, value for money pushed harder than ever and clever
innovation taken to the next level... We are now proud to reveal which cameras we
chose as the winners of their categories for the Annual 2011 Reviewer's
Choice Awards...
Drum roll please...................
BEST DSLR
Sony A77
[ RRP $1899 - Body only ]
[ RRP $2,799.00 16-50mm Lens ]
Read the full review here
[Conclusion from the review] After spending a week with this camera there really is very little to
dislike and a whole lot to love. Other than an LCD that picks up finger
prints easily, a video record button that could be better placed and a
non-standard hot shoe, the A77 offers loads of pluses such as 24.3MP
capture, Full HD movie capture, professional quality body and lens
build, multi-angled rear LCD and the big surprise… the fantastic world
first XGA OLED Tru-Finder Electronic Viewfinder with that whopping
2,359k dots (XGA) resolution. No matter which way you look at this
camera it takes the cake!
BEST Micro Four Thirds
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
[ RRP $799 single lens kit ]
[ RRP $999 twin lens kit ]
Read the full review here
[Conclusion from the review] There is little going against the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 digital
camera other than a missed opportunity to upgrade an LCD screen used in
previous models. However, the GF3 on so many fronts just gets it right. From retailer
shelf appeal, to the quality of images it produces, to Full HD video
recording and a bonus $100 price tag reduction from the GF2 to the
GF3... this camera is definitely a contender for camera of the year. The
Intelligent Auto+ features certainly makes it easy for happy snappers
to achieve great images effortlessly. And coupled with a 3.0 TFT LCD
Touch panel embracing all the functionality that is a buzz with
smart-phones there is no doubting this camera is a winner.
BEST Advanced Compact
Olympus XZ-1
[ RRP $699 ]
Read the full review here
[Conclusion from the review] What Olympus has produced with the XZ-1 is a camera worth very strong
consideration. Not just to be weighed up against its direct competitors
(S95, G12, LX5, EX-1, P7000) but as an alternative to its own
mirror-less PEN range. For those hoping to tap into their creative side,
the lack of an auto focus lock button is a minor blemish in an
otherwise great package. The Zuiko lens is stunning and sets a new
standard in lens brightness that followers need to live up to. The XZ-1
produces many of the qualities found in the PEN range and maintaining a
pocketable form. At a recommended retail price of $699, however, the XZ-1 is only a small
step away from the price point of Olympus’ own mirror-less camera range
and if size isn’t the deciding factor, the bigger sensor of the E-PL2
may sway some enthusiasts out there. As a step up from more traditional
point and shoot cameras, or as a companion to a DSLR camera, the XZ-1 is
a fantastic option. For those looking for their only camera and where
size isn’t a consideration, it remains a very valid option to throw into
a group test prior to purchasing.
BEST Compact
 Canon S95
[ RRP $599 ]
Read the full review here
[Conclusion from the review] Overall, it’s near impossible to not strongly recommend the S95 for
those wanting high-quality image performance or just a high level of
manual control over a pocketable camera. There are a couple of larger
alternatives that come close to rivalling the S95 but for a camera
comparable to Canon’s IXUS range of cameras in its size, there really
isn’t a comparison available to this tuxedo wearing shooting.
|
