Materials on photography and other topics. All cameras with Wi-Fi support: study and compare

2014-12-05
Toshiba introduced a new family of enterprise SSDs
Toshiba has introduced two new enterprise-class (eSSD) series - HK3E2 for systems with increased durability and HK3R2 for systems with high read intensity. This is an enterprise-class SATA SSD with a speed of 6 Gbps. The Toshiba HK3E2 has a capacity of up to 800 GB in a standard 2.5-inch form factor (7 mm thick).

2014-12-05
HP has launched its latest 27-inch curved monitor EliteDisplay S270c models
launched its latest 27-inch curved EliteDisplay S270c. The manufacturer reports that the curved screen of the new product promotes better perception of the peripheral areas of the image and helps achieve an immersive effect.

2014-12-04
Lenovo introduced a portable workstation ThinkPad W550s
announced a new one, the hardware basis of which is based on Intel platform Broadwell. The new product is called ThinkPad W550s.

2014-12-04
Multisensory ViewSonic monitor TD2740
Introducing a new product - TD2740, which is ideal solution as touch display for commercial and consumer use. Equipped with a 10-point multi-touch screen with 1080p Full HD resolution, the 27-inch TD2740 is universal solution for use in the office or home, for information kiosks in in public places or as a learning tool in interactive learning environments.

2014-12-04
Logitech Receives Four Honorable Mentions at 2015 CES Innovation Awards
announced that four of its products were named winners of the 2015 CES Innovation Awards. This year, the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 received recognition, game Mouse Logitech G502 Proteus Core Tunable Gaming Mouse, Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury Ultra-Fast FPS Gaming Mouse and gaming keyboard Logitech G910 Orion Spark RGB Mechanical Keyboard.

2014-12-04
New full size washing machines Whirlpool
Whirlpool presented in new line full size with front loading, which included models AWO/C 91200, AWO/C 81200 and AWOC 8100.

2014-12-03
Philips S398 entered the Russian market
announced new series S - . A body with smooth contours, an IPS display with HD resolution, a quad-core processor, an 8-megapixel camera - all this is inherent. The new product is equipped with 1 GB random access memory, which allows you to comfortably work with many resource-demanding games and applications from the Google Play catalog.

2014-12-03
Samsung and LG sold 50% of 4K TVs in the world
South Korean manufacturers continue to maintain leadership positions in sales. Their share of the nascent 4K (UHD) TV market segment accounted for just over 50 percent of global shipments at the end of the third quarter of this year.

2014-12-03
Collection of New Year's ceramic teapots Polaris
Polaris introduced a new model in Russia - the ceramic electric model PWK 1299CCR. The body of the new item is decorated with enamel paintings with winter motifs.

2014-12-03
Factory Epson printing will soon be replenished with new printers and MFPs with built-in CISS
presents on the Russian market new six-color photographic devices from the Epson Print Factory series. New and designed to print photos at low cost and high speed. You can print photos directly from memory cards without connecting to a computer or via PictBridge

2014-12-03
HP introduced the world's thinnest and lightest business laptops
introduced two new business models: HP EliteBook Folio 1020 and HP EliteBook 1020 Special Edition (SE) with a 12.5-inch screen diagonal. The company claims that these are the thinnest laptops in their class. The case thickness in both cases is 15.7 mm. And the SE model is also the lightest, weighing 1 kg.

2014-12-03
Dell P2415Q and P2715Q - new inexpensive monitors Ultra HD resolution
announced a couple of new ones with Ultra HD resolution: P2415Q and P2715Q. The cost of the first model is $600, while for the second you will need to pay $700.

2014-12-02
LG introduces new audio systems in the SMART AUDIO line
announced that the wireless LG SMART AUDIO, presented in September at the IFA exhibition, has become available to Russian consumers. The SMART AUDIO system includes speakers (models NP8340, NP8540, NP8740), soundbar (model LAS650M) and special application for LG Music Flow smartphones.

2014-12-02
Global PC shipments may fall in Q4 2014
Global shipments in the fourth quarter of 2014 could be 5% lower than in the third. Market observers cite low shipment volumes as one of the reasons.

2014-12-02
The Lumia 535 smartphone appeared in Russia
Announced in less than a month, the budget model is already available for purchase on the Russian market.

2014-12-02
D-Link has once again confirmed its leadership in the rating of the CRN/RE publication Champions of the Russian IT channel
D-Link, a leading global manufacturer, has once again confirmed its leadership in the prestigious rating of the CRN/RE publication “Champions of the Russian IT Channel” in two categories at once - “ network hardware" and "NAS systems for home and office."

2014-12-02
Touchscreen laptops will leave the market
Despite efforts Microsoft companies and Intel of the traditional form factor, equipped with a touch screen, may completely disappear from the market, as reported by DigiTimes, citing its own anonymous sources from the industry. As noted, orders for such models of laptop computers are no longer being received from suppliers, and previous stocks are being depleted.

2014-12-01
LG CordZero collection of cordless vacuum cleaners released in Russia
announced its entry into the Russian market

GPS technology is developing so quickly that they are trying to squeeze it into everything possible: phones, tablets... cameras.

This sounds a little stupid, although in reality the presence of a GPS module in the camera looks very logical. GPS is built into the camera to obtain marks (coordinates) where exactly the photo was taken. Of course, you cannot view the marks on the map with a camera. The coordinates are recorded in the file properties, and then, on your computer using a special program, you can see the photo itself, and next to it a mark on Google maps of the place where it was taken.

There are many opponents of using this technology, because it greatly increases the cost of the camera. In fact, GPS modules are now inexpensive, and their use is completely justified. Have you often had to look through old photographs of nature and landscapes, but at the same time you could not remember exactly where they were taken? This is exactly why the idea of ​​​​building in GPS technology into cameras.

In addition, GPS data is suitable for publishing photos on social networks, which is now possible. This way, friends can immediately see where the photo was taken. Very comfortably! By the way, GPS modules can be built-in or separate. Some are sold, ATTENTION, separately, and a fairly wide demand for them allows us to think that they are really useful.

Why wi-fi in a camera?

In general, we have already dealt with GPS. Now let's talk about Wi-Fi. The presence of this module solves two problems simultaneously:

1. Freeing the user from the link between the Internet in the form of a computer and a camera. Now the camera is the same computer, less convenient, but a computer with Internet access. You no longer need to connect it to your laptop via cable in order to upload photos and then post them on a social network or file sharing service or cloud service. All this can be done directly from the camera: take wonderful shots, “upload” them to the Internet, while drinking coffee in any cafe with a free wi-fi point.
2. Wireless data exchange with a TV, for example. Often, in order to display videos or photographs on the TV screen, you need to connect the camera via cable or remove the flash drive and insert it into the connectors on the TV. It's a little inconvenient. Another thing is the Wi-Fi wireless connection, which will allow you to perform the same operations without these hated wires.

Of course, you can do without this module, as well as without a GPS module. But why? After all, Wi-Fi actually solves some pressing problems in the practice of using a camera. In addition, its presence should not greatly increase the cost of the camera itself, although marketers are trying by all means to achieve just that.

Wireless data transfer to a PC or mobile device is one of the basic functions available with a Wi-Fi-enabled camera. As a rule, to send pictures you need to install a special application, with which you can conveniently select and sort pictures on a memory card, change their format and resolution before sending to another device.

One-touch communication

Some modern models cameras have a built-in NFC (near field communication technology) module, with its help you can instantly install Wi-Fi connection between devices and transfer pictures with one touch. Working with NFC is supported in Android OS version 2.3.3 and higher.

Remote control

You can control your Wi-Fi enabled camera remotely! For example, using a smartphone, on the screen of which the image captured by the camera lens is displayed. This is very useful when shooting self-portraits and wildlife. You can remotely not only press the shutter button, but also select the focus point, zoom the frame, adjust the exposure, and so on. The range of available settings depends on the camera model. The remote control feature may be of most interest to photographers who shoot on a tripod, as it is important to keep the camera position securely in place.

Posting photos on social networks

Sending photos by e-mail is another basic function of cameras with Wi-Fi. Pictures can be sent directly from the camera to e-mail to the selected recipient and via a mobile device. Similarly (in two ways), you can share the footage on social networks. Some have a built-in function for posting on social networks, which allows you to change the resolution of pictures and add comments to them. The number of available social networks depends on the specific model or a specially installed application.

Backing Up Photos

Via Wi-Fi and special mobile application you can configure automatic backup photos from the camera to a laptop or mobile device, as well as uploading them to a popular cloud storage: Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive or any other.

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How Wi-Fi works in cameras and why it is needed

There is no need to talk once again about the global penetration of wireless data networks. The arrival of Wi-Fi in the field of photographic equipment was only a matter of time, and today we can confidently declare the widespread nature of this phenomenon. But what does this give to the average user and how does it work? We have collected full list cameras with Wi-Fi and outlined in detail all wireless capabilities.

Formally, the first cameras with a built-in Wi-Fi module are the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 models with sensor resolutions of 8 MP and 5 MP, respectively. They came out - scary to say - in the fall of 2005, but the technology was still ahead of its time - Wi-Fi networks were not yet so developed, wireless data transmission was just beginning to come into use, and we practically did not use social networks. In general, then this topic died out, and the cameras did not gain popularity.

However, to be more precise, the first experiments with Wi-Fi in relation to photographic equipment began even earlier and also belong to Nikon. Even before the release of the Coolpix P1 and P2 compacts, the company developed external transmitters WT-1 and WT-2A for Nikon D2H and D2X DSLRs. Adapters made it possible to transmit images over the air and even implement simple remote control. And at the beginning of 2005 Wi-Fi technology tried to implement Kodak in its compact brainchild EasyShare One. For wireless transmission pictures required special card Kodak Wi-Fi memory card is the ancestor of modern Eye-Fi drives.

Behind Last year Quite a few cameras with Wi-Fi support have been released. And their number is constantly growing, although potential buyers still do not have a clear understanding of how it works and what opportunities it opens up. The most obvious thing is to upload pictures to social media or transfer copying to a computer on the fly. However, this is not all (and not even the main thing) that modern cameras with wireless modules can do.

Wi-Fi in the camera. How is this implemented?

The vast majority of compact cameras are equipped with a built-in module. In this case, the user only needs to configure the connection, install the appropriate software and use it. Often a model with Wi-Fi costs more expensive than analogue without such functions, although this difference in price is small, and in the future it will become even smaller.

Majority SLR cameras It does not have a built-in Wi-Fi module. Instead, external transmitters are used and must be purchased separately. External module takes up space in the camera's accessory connector, which is not always convenient. The transmitter can also be designed as an additional handle, as is the case with the WFT-E5A for the Canon EOS 7D. Well, the trend towards integrating Wi-Fi into DSLRs and mirrorless cameras has just begun. Panasonic Lumix GH3, GF6, Canon EOS 6D, Samsung NX1000 are the most obvious examples.

The third and simplest security option wireless communication is support for Eye-Fi cards. In this case, however, the camera cannot act as wireless point access.

Operating principle and functionality

Basic Wi-Fi capabilities in cameras are completely trivial. This is, for example, copying photos to mobile devices, hot backup, sending content to social networks or cloud storage, taking photos and videos. Other functions are less obvious and are not available from all manufacturers - viewing pictures on TVs with DLNA support, geotagging using a smartphone or tablet, establishing a connection using an NFC module or QR codes, downloading additional applications to the camera or firmware update.

For most use wireless functions download required installation special software for smartphones, tablets and regular PCs. Applications are provided free of charge and often have version requirements operating system and the mobile device itself for full compatibility. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

One of the basic functions available on almost any camera with Wi-Fi. By installing the appropriate application, you will have access to the pictures on the camera's memory card. The app lets you choose which photos to download, and also allows you to change the file format or resolution before downloading to save space.

Transfer data to PC

Ability to transfer footage to a PC via wireless router appeared in cameras one of the first. In this case, special software must be installed on the computer, but in most cases it is not required.

Working as a server

Sometimes you need to quickly send pictures to a group of people who are not at all interested in installing any applications on their smartphones or tablets. In this case, the server function with the function of quick access and copying of pictures will be useful.

Remote viewfinder and remote control

An interesting feature that can be used in a number of useful ways. Remote control is suitable, for example, for filming in wildlife or for self-portraits. In this case, the image captured by the camera lens is transmitted to the smartphone screen. This happens with a slight delay, which should be kept in mind when shooting dynamic scenes remotely. Various manufacturers offer a different set of available settings that can be changed remotely. Selecting a focus point, zooming, adjusting exposure, and starting video recording are the main features. The footage can be immediately copied to a mobile device for further work.

Sending by e-mail

Also one of the basic functions of a Wi-Fi transmitter. There are two ways to send by email - directly or via tablet/smartphone. In the first case, the camera connects to the Internet and your mailbox and sends pictures to specified address. In the second case, photos are first copied to a mobile device and sent using it own connection to the Internet.

One-touch transfer

In the presence of NFC module in the camera and mobile device, you can not only quickly install WiFi connection between them, but also reset selected data from the camera with one touch. Working with NFC is supported in Android OS version 2.3.3 and higher.

Special effects

Mobile applications from some manufacturers allow you to apply various artistic effects to pictures transferred from the camera via Wi-Fi. Often this option is available in the camera itself, but if you use it for remote shooting, it will be more convenient to apply effects from a smartphone or tablet.

Reservation

Most mobile applications allow you to back up all your footage in real time. Backup can also be performed on a PC. It differs from the usual transfer of pictures via Wi-Fi by the automation of the entire process. The camera will transfer every captured frame to a smartphone or tablet without external intervention. Or a laptop.

Upload to social networks

As with e-mail, sending files to social networks can be done directly or via a mobile device. The list of social networks is quite large - YouTube, Picassa, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and so on. The final list depends on specific application, manufacturer and even camera model. Before uploading, it is possible to change the resolution of images, as well as add own comments. It is noteworthy that companies that supply their products to Russian-speaking countries also offer support for the VKontakte and Odnoklassniki networks. However, this is still rather an exception to the rule.

Upload to cloud storage

Cloud storage is rapidly gaining popularity. Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive are popular services for synchronizing and storing data. A number of camera manufacturers allow you to upload pictures to such storages, again with the help of special mobile applications.

Geotagging

Apps that transfer pictures over Wi-Fi also allow you to add geotags. Geodata is supplied by the GPS module of your tablet or smartphone. Pictures with such tags can later be uploaded to social networks and displayed on a world map.

Firmware update

When connected to a Wi-Fi network with Internet access, some cameras can automatically check for the latest firmware and automatically download and install it. A very convenient, although rarely used, function.

Remote viewing without copying

This function allows you to view the contents of a memory card remotely without downloading pictures and videos. Often remote viewing video is not possible.

Wireless printing

Row modern printers Compatible with Wi-Fi, which means it is possible to transfer pictures from the camera to the printer for printing directly without wires.

Output to TV

Modern TVs that support DLNA standards can display pictures and videos directly from the camera. Without wires, of course.

Different manufacturers pay different attention to the implementation of wireless functionality. Panasonic, for example, leads the way in the variety of wireless features in its products. Samsung comes in second place, but has been more active and has been promoting Wi-Fi to the masses for a long time. The company has even created something like an ecosystem called Smart Camera 2.0 - a family of smart cameras that can communicate with other devices. Other manufacturers, such as Fujifilm, Olympus, are so far making only timid steps in this area.

Today there are three ways to configure wireless network and establishing a connection. In the first case, the camera works like a point Wi-Fi access, A remote connections carried out manually and using known network data (SSID, password, etc.).

The second method was proposed by Panasonic. The essence of the idea is to use NFC chip, which transmits network settings to a smartphone or tablet when they are in close proximity to the camera. In this case, the connection is configured automatically. To date, only 5 models of the Panasonic Lumix family and one model Samsung series NX are equipped with NFC. It is also worth noting that NFC technology haven't gotten to it yet Apple products, so you won’t be able to pair an iPhone or iPad with a camera this way.

The third, most elegant method belongs to the engineers from Olympus. Instead of an NFC module, a camera display is used, which displays a QR code with Wi-Fi settings connections. A smartphone with a pre-installed proprietary application reads this code with its own camera and makes the connection. So in an extraordinary way so far only the Olympus PEN E-P5 model can boast.

We decided to present all the main Wi-Fi functions in the form of a table and use it when describing the cameras further. The presence or absence of a particular function will be indicated by the signs “+” or “-”. The table will also indicate the name of the mobile application required for work and important comments. It is worth noting here that manufacturers have unfairly ignored Windows system Phone - not a single application has been released for it yet! However, in the near future the situation will change.

Android cameras

Another category of cameras stands apart - compacts based on Android. While we were preparing this material, Samsung managed to release two more devices, including one mirrorless camera - the Galaxy NX. We will talk about it in a separate review.

Samsung Galaxy Camera

Samsung Galaxy Camera with only Wi-Fi on board came out later than its more advanced sisters with 3G and 4G modules. However, in our case this does not change the essence - otherwise the functionality of the cameras is identical. The main feature of the camera is Android OS version 4.1 and powerful “smartphone” hardware in the form quad core processor with a frequency of 1.4 GHz. A large 4.8-inch touchscreen is used for control. Photographic hardware looks more modest. The 16.3-megapixel sensor is made using BSI CMOS technology and has a standard 1/2.3" format for compacts, which in any case is larger than modern smartphones can afford.

Video recording is possible in Full HD resolution with stereo sound and compression with MPEG-4 or H.264 codecs. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy Camera is a mobile device that supports full Internet access via Wi-Fi, so the table listing wireless capabilities is meaningless. The device weighs 300 g with dimensions 129x71x19 mm.

Nikon Coolpix S800c

Like the Samsung Galaxy Camera, the Nikon Coolpix S800c is a hybrid smartphone and camera. But in this case, the hardware is noticeably weaker - Cortex processor A9 and 512 MB of RAM are controlled by the middle-aged Android 2.3 OS. However, this is quite enough for undemanding applications available on Google Play. If desired, the camera can work as a GPS navigator thanks to the presence of an appropriate receiver. Another non-trivial application of the device can be the function of a car DVR. To do this, just download the application and buy the appropriate one car mount. Nikon Coolpix S800c received a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor of 1/2.3" format and a lens with a tenfold zoom 25-250 mm F3.2-5.8. All controls are implemented using a touch interface, as well as three buttons familiar to smartphones: Menu, Home and Back.

The display has a diagonal of 3.5", resolution of 819,000 pixels and is based on a matrix organic LEDs(OLED). The camera also features a built-in flash, 1.7GB of built-in memory, and even supports USB interface 3.0.

Compact cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is an advanced rugged compact that can withstand underwater immersion to a depth of 12 meters, a drop from a two-meter height, and is also capable of operating in ten-degree frost. The camera is equipped with an altimeter and depth gauge, as well as GPS sensor and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC modules for quick setup wireless connection with smartphones and tablets. Of course, mobile devices must also support NFC technology.

Among protected competitors, this model is also distinguished by the presence manual settings exposure, as well as Full HD video shooting at 60 frames per second and interval recording (time lapse). A CMOS matrix with a resolution of 16 megapixels, as well as a 28-128 mm F3.3-5.9 zoom lens, are responsible for shooting. The image is displayed on a three-inch screen with a resolution of 460,000 pixels. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is perfect for a beach vacation, especially if you have a Wi-Fi network at hand. Available features Wi-Fi modules are very diverse and are shown in the table.

Wi-Fi is steadily penetrating into the most budget models of compact cameras. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 is a pocket travel zoom equipped with an 18-megapixel camera CMOS matrix and optical zoom 24-480 mm F3.3-6.4. The model also has a built-in flash, GPS module and a display with a resolution of 920,000 dots. But the main feature, of course, is the presence of a Wi-Fi module in tandem with an NFC chip. The camera can record Full HD video with stereo sound, shoot in 3D, and also allows you to manually control exposure settings.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 offers an advanced set of controls, including touch screen and a mechanical mode selector. Its dimensions are 105x59x28 mm and weighs 198 g.

The most budget option with Wi-Fi support is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 compact. There is a CCD matrix with a resolution of 14.1 megapixels, a 25-250 mm lens and a screen with a low resolution of 230,000 dots. The camera allows you to shoot only in automatic mode, and the type of sensor limits the video resolution to 1280x720.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 does not have a built-in NFC sensor, limiting itself to only one Wi-Fi module. However, the device, like its more expensive counterparts, is capable of connecting to mobile devices to transfer pictures, upload to social networks, remote control and much more.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1

The advanced compact camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 allows you to shoot in manual and automatic modes and save pictures in RAW format. The basis of the camera is a 1/1.7" sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels, inherited from the Lumix LX7, as well as a fast 28-200 mm F2.0-5.9 lens made by Leica. Advanced amateurs have access to manual focusing, an ISO range from 80 to 12800 units , shooting 3D images, as well as a built-in flash and even an electronic viewfinder with a modest resolution of 200,000 dots.

The device display has a resolution of 920,000 pixels and a diagonal of 3 inches. All this fits into a relatively small case of 103x62x28 mm, weighing only 192 g. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 is equipped with a Wi-Fi transmitter and an NFC module for quickly setting up a connection with mobile gadgets. NFC support technology also allows you to copy footage from the camera with one touch. Using the Panasonic Image App mobile application, the shooting process can be controlled remotely.

The third and simplest option for wireless communication is support for Eye-Fi cards. In this case, however, the camera cannot act as a wireless access point.

Operating principle and functionality

Basic Wi-Fi capabilities in cameras are completely trivial. These include, for example, copying photos to mobile devices, hot backup, sending content to social networks or cloud storage, a remote viewfinder, and remote control of photo and video shooting. Other functions are less obvious and are not available from all manufacturers - viewing pictures on DLNA-enabled TVs, geotagging using a smartphone or tablet, establishing a connection using an NFC module or QR codes, downloading additional applications to the camera or updating the firmware.

To use most wireless functions, you need to download and install special software for smartphones, tablets and regular PCs. Applications are provided free of charge and often have requirements for the operating system version and the mobile device itself for full compatibility. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Transferring data to a mobile device

One of the basic functions available on almost any camera with Wi-Fi. By installing the appropriate application, you will have access to the pictures on the camera's memory card. The app lets you choose which photos to download, and also allows you to change the file format or resolution before downloading to save space.

Transfer data to PC

The ability to transfer footage to a PC via a wireless router was one of the first to appear in cameras. In this case, special software must be installed on the computer, but in most cases it is not required.

Working as a server

Sometimes you need to quickly send pictures to a group of people who are not at all interested in installing any applications on their smartphones or tablets. In this case, the server function with the function of quick access and copying of pictures will be useful.

Remote viewfinder and remote control

An interesting feature that can be used in a number of useful ways. Remote control is suitable, for example, for filming in the wild or for self-portraits. In this case, the image captured by the camera lens is transmitted to the smartphone screen. This happens with a slight delay, which should be kept in mind when shooting dynamic scenes remotely. Different manufacturers offer a different set of available settings that can be changed remotely. Selecting a focus point, zooming, adjusting exposure, and starting video recording are the main features. The footage can be immediately copied to a mobile device for further work.

Sending by e-mail

Also one of the basic functions of a Wi-Fi transmitter. There are two ways to send by email - directly or via tablet/smartphone. In the first case, the camera connects to the Internet and your mailbox and sends pictures to the specified address. In the second case, the photos are first copied to the mobile device and sent using its own Internet connection.

One-touch transfer

At availability of NFC module in the camera and mobile device, you can not only quickly establish a Wi-Fi connection between them, but also reset selected data from the camera with one touch. Working with NFC is supported in Android OS version 2.3.3 and higher.

Special effects

Mobile applications from some manufacturers allow you to apply various artistic effects to pictures transferred from the camera via Wi-Fi. Often this option is available in the camera itself, but if you use it for remote shooting, it will be more convenient to apply effects from a smartphone or tablet.

Reservation

Most mobile applications allow you to back up all your footage in real time. Backup can also be performed on a PC. It differs from the usual transfer of pictures via Wi-Fi by the automation of the entire process. The camera will transfer every captured frame to a smartphone or tablet without external intervention. Or a laptop.

Upload to social networks

As with e-mail, sending files to social networks can be done directly or via a mobile device. The list of social networks is quite large - YouTube, Picassa, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and so on. The final list depends on the specific application, manufacturer, and even camera model. Before uploading, you can change the resolution of the pictures, as well as add your own comments. It is noteworthy that companies that supply their products to Russian-speaking countries also offer support for the VKontakte and Odnoklassniki networks. However, this is still rather an exception to the rule.

Upload to cloud storage

Cloud storage is rapidly gaining popularity. Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive are popular services for synchronizing and storing data. A number of camera manufacturers allow you to upload pictures to such storages, again with the help of special mobile applications.

Geotagging

Apps that transfer pictures over Wi-Fi also allow you to add geotags. Geodata is supplied by the GPS module of your tablet or smartphone. Pictures with such tags can later be uploaded to social networks and displayed on a world map.

Firmware update

When connected to a Wi-Fi network with Internet access, some cameras can automatically check for the latest firmware and automatically download and install it. A very convenient, although rarely used, function.

Remote viewing without copying

This function allows you to view the contents of a memory card remotely without downloading pictures and videos. Often, watching videos remotely is not possible.

Wireless printing

A number of modern printers are Wi-Fi compatible, which means it is possible to transfer images from the camera to the printer for printing directly, wirelessly.

Output to TV

Modern TVs that support DLNA standards can display pictures and videos directly from the camera. Without wires, of course.

Different manufacturers pay different attention to the implementation of wireless functionality. Panasonic, for example, leads the way in the variety of wireless features in its products. Samsung comes in second place, but has been more active and has been promoting Wi-Fi to the masses for a long time. The company has even created something like an ecosystem called Smart Camera 2.0 - a family of smart cameras that can communicate with other devices. Other manufacturers, such as Fujifilm, Olympus, are so far making only timid steps in this area.

Today, there are three ways to set up a wireless network and establish a connection. In the first case, the camera works as a Wi-Fi access point, and remote connections are made manually and using known network data (SSID, password, and so on).

The second method was proposed by Panasonic. The essence of the idea is the use of an NFC chip that transmits network settings to a smartphone or tablet when they are in close proximity to the camera. In this case, the connection is configured automatically. To date, only 5 models of the Panasonic Lumix family and one model of the Samsung NX series are equipped with NFC. It is also worth noting that NFC technology has not yet reached Apple products, so pairing an iPhone or iPad with a camera will not work in this way.

The third, most elegant method belongs to the engineers from Olympus. Instead of an NFC module, a camera display is used, on which a QR code with settings is displayed Wi-Fi connections. A smartphone with a pre-installed proprietary application reads this code with its own camera and makes the connection. So far, only the Olympus PEN E-P5 model can boast of such an extraordinary method.

We decided to present all the main Wi-Fi functions in the form of a table and use it when describing the cameras further. The presence or absence of a particular function will be indicated by the signs “+” or “-”. The table will also indicate the name of the mobile application required for work and important comments. It is worth noting here that manufacturers have unfairly bypassed the system Windows Phone– not a single application has been released for it yet! However, in the near future the situation will change.

Android cameras

Another category of cameras stands apart - compacts based on Android. While we were preparing this material, Samsung managed to release two more devices, including one mirrorless camera – the Galaxy NX. We will talk about it in a separate review.

Samsung Galaxy Camera

Samsung Galaxy Camera with only Wi-Fi on board came out later than its more advanced sisters with 3G and 4G modules. However, in our case this does not change the essence - otherwise the functionality of the cameras is identical. The main feature of the camera is Android OS version 4.1 and a powerful “smartphone” filling in the form of a quad-core processor with a frequency of 1.4 GHz. A large 4.8-inch touchscreen is used for control. Photographic hardware looks more modest. The 16.3-megapixel sensor is made using BSI CMOS technology and has a standard 1/2.3" format for compacts, which in any case is larger than modern smartphones can afford.