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Finally digital cameras that reviewers say achieve “the same photo quality as professional cameras in a convenient, smaller package.”

We were intrigued and delighted to read David Pogue’s assessment on the new Olympus and Sony digital cameras in, “Tiny Camera Performs Like a Pro” from The New York Times. Below are what Pogue listed as the most impressive features. But, be warned! If you’re not ready to buy a new camera, you’ll probably want one after this read …

It’s rare that we see Pogue completely swoon over a new piece of technology, which is why we took special note to the new Sony NEX-C3 which he says, “takes unbelievably good photos and 720p high-def videos, every time: crisp, vivid, glorious.” Though he does point out a few things that could use improvement, such as the confusing menu and lack of lens options, this doesn’t seem to phase Pogue who compares pointing out even these minor flaws to “criticizing a Pulitzer Prize-winning high-schooler for taking too long to get dressed in the morning. This camera is amazing; surely Sony must have broken a law of physics or two.”

1.. Sony Nex-C3 ($650, 3x zoom lens) and Pogue’s all time favorite

  • Small body is 1.3 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches and is as small as a $200 camera without its lens.
  • Interchangeable lenses
  • Does well in low-light
  • Removable flash (included with camera)
  • Shoots 5.5 frames a second
  • Once charge good for 400 shots
  • Change focus, zoom and pan for hi-def  video. You can also change exposure mid-shooting.
  • Sweep Panorama mode which allows you to swing camera up and down or side-to-side as it shoots continuously resulting in a “finished, stitched-together, 202-degree panorama shot.”
  • WARNING: Only 4 lenses available and menu can be overly complicated for user to navigate.

While Pogue didn’t seem as in love with the other camera, the new Olympus PEN EP-3, he was still impressed. Check below for a rundown of cool features available in this model, but at a price tag of $250 more than the Sony, we’re not sure why the Times would assume we’d even bother or why they opened the article with the Olympus.

2. Olympus PEN EP-3 ($900, 3x zoom lens)

  • Faster focusing than an SLR allows you to flip on, focus, and take a picture in less than one second.
  • Film camcorder-quality, hi-def video that refocuses smoothly as you zoom and pan.
  • Built-in flash and autofocus lamp for focusing in dim settings.
  • OLED touch screen for double-tap zoom in playback, as well as tap focus and tap again to snap a photo.
  • Solid metal body is 1.4 x 4.8 x 2.7 inches
  • Interchangeable lenses
  • WARNING: Not a good camera to use in low light as pictures came out blurry during Pogue’s testing.

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“Tiny Camera Performs Like a Pro,” The New York Times, David Pogue, August 3, 2011

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