Canon EOS 700D, Nikon D7100, And Panasonic Lumix GF6 Comparison Review

Canon EOS 700D: The Entry-Level To Beat 

After checking out the Canon EOS 100D and its surreal size for a DSLR, anything less amazing would probably be a letdown. The EOS 700D happened to come out at around the same time, with similar specs, yet minus the drastic weight reduction. It’s part of Canon’s entry-level segment and costs slightly more than the 100D, which puts it in an interesting position in the DSLR pool. While looking through the numbers, we noticed how similar the internals of the 700D are to the 100D. We’re looking at the same sensor, same processor, similar LCD screens, and several other matching details. This isn’t uncommon for entry-level DSLRs though, and this just proves that you don’t have to change something that’s already great.

If you’re accustomed to the three-digit models of Canon’s EOS series, then the handling of the 700D should be a familiar one. The body’s very solid, the button layout is as user-friendly as can be, and the weight is just right for prolonged usage. Extra credit has to be given to Canon for placing the video mode toggle beside the power switch for easier reach and equipping the 700D with built-in stereo microphones.

The software interface is just as cooperative, especially when making use of the intuitive 3-inch capacitive touchscreen. The DIGIC 5 processor built in to this camera is powerful enough to let you fiddle around with menu setting seven while the buffer is loaded.

Another positive note is the focusing speed of the 9-point autofocus system (all of which are cross-type). Subject tracking is quick, and it’s intelligent enough to know which AF point is best to use – but that’s only while using the optical viewfinder. Autofocus during live view mode can be overly slow at times, making you want to switch to manual focus when in a rush to take a shot. Despite being an entry-level DSLR, the 700D produced top grade photos. Saturation and colors were spot on even on default settings, and recorded videos were delightfully sharp.

Noise levels began to show their fangs by the ISO 1600 mark, but it still produced impressive results for an APS-C image sensor. We had a grand time with the 700D. Its handling and imaging performance make Canon’s cameras from a couple of years ago look dated. What prevents it from becoming a star, however, is the fact that the more compact, more affordable 100D exists. On the other hand, this gives consumers more choices, and either way, Canon still wins.

AT A GLANCE
SENSOR
APS-C CMOS (18MP)
MOUNT
Canon EF
SHUTTER
SPEED
1/4000 to 30 seconds
SENSITIVITY
Auto, ISO 100 - 12800






Nikon D7100

Coming two years after the Nikon D7000, the D7100 is quite the beast on paper. It’s the latest in Nikon’s APS-C DSLR cameras to get a high-resolution 24-megapixel sensor and the first to come without an optical low-pass filter, which promises to increase the amount of detail captured in its images, though at risk of moiré artifacts appearing. Physically, very little has changed from the D7000 to the D7100, which isn’t a problem as the D7000 handled quite nicely.

The new camera is comfortable to hold and fast to operate. While it’s not weather-resistant, Nikon says that the D7100 is dust- and moisture-resistant equivalent to the D600 and D800, so it offers some sort of protection against the elements. The large 3.2-inch LCD is rich and vivid, thanks to the 1.2 million-dot resolution.

Even though the D7100 looks similar to the D7000, the insides have been completely overhauled and given a major boost. For one, the D7100 comes with the 51-point Advanced Multi-CAM 3500 autofocus system, the same used on Nikon’s highestend full-frame cameras like the D800 and D4. Thanks to that, the D7100’s autofocus is speedy and responsive, and AF points actually cover a larger area of the shooting frame than even the full-frame D600. It also gets the new Auto ISO mode which we first saw on the D800, which automatically sets the minimum shutter speed based on the focal length of the lens. Because of the lack of an optical low-pass filter, the amount of detail coming through the D7100’s images is rich. On our resolution chart, we’re seeing results of 2600 to 2800 LPH, which is in the very high range. However, because so much detail comes through, you’ll need the best quality glass in order to get the best results.

Image noise is well-controlled, especially when compared to its predecessor the D7000. The D7100 can reach up to ISO 3200 with little impunity, and even JPEGs at ISO 6400 look relatively clean of image noise, even though image details are definitely reduced at this point. The high-resolution 24 megapixel images are crisp and clear, full of fine detail without the mushiness of pictures affected by an optical low-pass filter.

At face value, the Nikon D7100 hits a lot of the right buttons with very little to complain about. The camera comes with Nikon’s outstanding ergonomics which makes it easy for you to power on the camera, adjust your settings, and just start shooting. It wouldn’t be a hyperbole to say that the D7100 is the best APS-C DSLR you can get from Nikon right now.

AT A GLANCE
SENSOR
APS-C CMOS (24.1MP)
Mount
Nikon F
Shutter SPEED
1/8000 to 30 seconds
Sensitivity
Auto, ISO 100 - 6400
Price
US$ 1,199





Panasonic Lumix GF6: Great Value For the Money

The Panasonic Lumix GF6 improves upon the GF5 while taking references from the higher-end, but older GX1. The Mode dial, which had been missing since the GF2, makes a comeback. There are no control dials, but the new Function Lever around the shutter release doubles as one, while the scroll wheel on the back is still there. The touchscreen monitor now swivels nearly 180 degrees to face the front.

The GF6 is not a particularly attractive camera, even with the new silver highlighted top and a slightly less obvious hump than the GF5. The body feels flimsy like plastic usually does, but then again, this is a particularly inexpensive mirrorless system camera. Yet, despite its appearance, the camera handles pretty well, thanks to the smooth integration of touch and physical controls.

Internally, the GF6 carries a new 16-megapixel sensor and Venus Engine with Panasonic’s advanced noise reduction. It’s also quicker to snap a photo after startup, and comes with built-in Wi-Fi, as well as NFC (Near Field Communication). With NFC, you can connect the camera with another NFC smart mobile device by bringing them together. The GF6 is a capable little shooter with smooth handling for both beginners and enthusiasts. For the enthusiast, the Function Lever and the rear scroll wheel work as twin control dials, while the beginner can just tap the iA (Intelligent Auto) button and let the camera take care of everything. You can then share images with smartphones and tablets using the built-in Wi-Fi and the Panasonic Lumix app.

The GF6 benefits from Panasonic’s fast and accurate autofocus system. Even if the camera doesn’t lock onto the right subject for whatever reason, all you need to do is tap on the screen to set the focus. Colors are vivid and pleasant, wherein the camera shoots up to ISO 3200 while keeping image noise to a minimum. Even at ISO 6400, while there is noticeable loss of detail, the appearance of noise is kept impressively low. The camera scores approximately 2200 LPH (horizontal and vertical) on our resolution chart, which is a good amount of detail.

If there’s any quibble with the camera, it’s that the body feels plasticky, but then again, at US$ 699, the GF6 is not built to be a premium camera. nevertheless, we feel it’s quite a steal to get a large-sensor interchangeable lens camera at this price point with built-in Wi-Fi, a touchscreen display, and that fantastic AF speed and image quality.

AT A GLANCE
SENSOR
Four Thirds CMOS (16MP)
MOUNT
Micro Four Thirds
SHUTTER SPEED
1/4000 to 60 seconds
SENSITIVITY
Auto, ISO 160 - 12800
PRICE
US$ 699