Top 3 Cameras For Enthusiasts - Spring 2022

The recent rise in hybrid cameras with dual functionality has liberated creatives to follow inspiration and move freely between photography and video. The last few months have seen an array of excellent mid-range hybrid cameras with varying sensor sizes announced. These are three of our favourites delivering outstanding bang for your buck.

Canon R6 Mk II: Superior All-Rounder

Canon’s R6 Mark II retains much of what we loved about the original but adds many exciting improvements and features courtesy of the new 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC X processor. The bump in resolution from the 20MP of its predecessor allows for more detailed stills and higher quality over-sampled 4K videos. Handling remains excellent, but the On-Off dial has been relocated to the right side, making space for a dedicated Photo-Video toggle on the left. It might take a little getting used to for original R6 and R5 users, but the modification allows hybrid shooters to switch between modes instantaneously with all settings between the two saved.

Thanks to increased processing power, the R6 Mark II has a rapid continuous shooting speed of 40 fps in electronic shutter mode and 12 fps in mechanical with AF and AE. There is also a 30 fps RAW Burst mode in which users can select a Pre-release shooting function to capture moments that happened up to 0.5 sec before the shutter button is pressed. Shooting handheld with longer lenses or at slow shutter speeds is a breeze, with the IBIS working to compensate for up to eight stops of shake when paired with compatible RF IS lenses. 

The R6 Mk II features Canon’s advanced dual-pixel CMOS AF II system with 1053 AF points covering the entire area. Updated algorithms provide noticeably faster and more accurate tracking and perform exceptionally well in low light conditions, down to - 6.5 EV. All previous subject detection modes carry over, but the list now includes horses, trains and aircraft, all of which are available whether you’re shooting stills or video. The Mk II also has an Auto option for subject detection in which the camera selects the detection mode. 

Video shooters will appreciate the notable improvements in recording capabilities which allow capture of up to 4K 60p oversampled from the full width of the 6K sensor. High frame rate shooting in Full HD has increased to 180 fps for slow-motion shooting. Users now have ample flexibility with editing workflows and can shoot internal 10-bit with Canon Log 3 or output 10-bit 6K ProRes RAW via HDMI to an external recorder. The maximum recording time has also had a significant boost to 6 hours, and the pre-recording function allows the capture of footage from 3 or 5 seconds before the record button is pressed.

Fujifilm X-T5: Stellar Design and Clarity

Now in its fifth generation, Fuji’s X-T line continues to fuse classic design with sophisticated technology. With the X-T5, Fujifilm has packed more performance and functionality into a noticeably smaller and lighter chassis than its predecessor. At the camera’s core are a new high-resolution 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5 imaging engine delivering substantially more image detail and speed. 

Capitalizing on the X-Processor 5’s power, the X-T5 delivers improved subject detection autofocus based on deep learning technology to accurately detect and track animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, planes, and trains. The new sensor also has more phase detection pixels for improved single-point AF accuracy. Subject tracking AF also works in continuous shooting mode to capture up to 15 fps in mechanical and 20 fps in electronic shutter mode.  

The X-T5 includes 5-axis in-body image stabilization capable of up to seven stops of compensation. The camera’s compact and lightweight design lends itself beautifully to street and travel photography, where using a tripod might not be practical. The advanced IBIS ensures handheld shake won’t destroy the high-resolution pictures. And if 40.2MP isn’t enough, the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function utilizes the IBIS mechanism to capture 20 images consecutively. Dedicated software combines the RAW files to quadruple the camera's native resolution and generate a 160MP image.

Although more photo-centric with its dial operation, three-way tilting LCD, and a suite of 19 Film Simulation presets based on Fujifilm’s most loved film stocks, the X-T5 does offer hybrid shooters some solid video recording options. For high-resolution footage with smooth tonal gradation and rich colours, the camera can record 6.2K 30p 4:2:2 10-bit internally and 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW up to 6.2K 30p externally to a compatible device. And for maximum dynamic range and editing flexibility, the X-T5 also supports F-Log2.

OM-5: Crafted For Intrepid Storytellers

For adventure-focused hybrid shooters, the new OM-5 is a compact and rugged camera that can go virtually anywhere. The 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and updated TruePic IX image processor combine to present a well-rounded and fun selection of photo and video features.

The high-performance 5-axis image stabilization delivers up to 7.5 stops of shutter speed compensation when partnered with compatible IS lenses and alleviates the need for a tripod in many situations, helping users to travel lighter and move freely. The advanced autofocus system utilizes 121 phase and 121 contrast-detection AF points for quick and accurate focusing in mixed lighting conditions. The Focus area is adjustable; users can select between single-area, 5-area, 9-area, and 25-area or custom to suit the subject's size in the scene. There is also a Starry Sky AF mode for accurately focusing on stars.

Harnessing recent advancements in computational photography technology, the OM-5 offers a set of creative shooting modes for flexibility in the field. Handheld High Res Shot generates a 50 MP high-resolution photo without a tripod. Live ND simulates the effect of using an ND filter up to 4 stops to attain motion blur effects. Live Composite mode is ideal for night shooting and light painting applications where the camera blends multiple shots to gradually build an exposure without overexposing key elements. Live Bulb allows monitoring of exposure status at designated intervals during a long exposure. And Focus Stacking captures multiple sequential images at varying focal points then composites the frames into a single photo with an extended depth of field.

Video recording supports 4K 24p in DCI, 4K 30p in UHD, and 60p in Full HD. There is a built-in stereo microphone for simple audio recording and a mic jack for improved audio quality with an external mic. The Time Lapse Movie mode can capture up to 9,999 shots over time and automatically generate a movie with up to 4K UHD resolution when completed. The OM-5 also supports vertical shooting, which saves video files vertically when shot that way and allows for easy uploading to social media and viewing in the vertical orientation without editing software. 

Each has something great to offer.  The Canon R6 II is one of the best true hybrids on the market, offering equally excellent stills and video features. Fujifilm’s X-T5 is a fantastic choice for photographers seeking outstanding image quality in a small body, with the option to record high-quality video. And the OM-5 is the perfect travel companion for adventure creators who want to document their experience without being weighed down by gear.