Transformer GXR S10 Test Results

The S10 module is considered an upgrade to the GX200 (rumours have it that the next module will be a telephoto version). So, we'll speak of the S10 in the GX200 context.

The specifications have not spelled out any difference in the lens unit as compared with the GX200's lens. The new 24-72mm f/2.5-4.4 lens is suffixed by VC, meaning vibration correction. Fact is, a shake correction mechanism is also provided to the GX200.

While the GX200 uses the Smooth Imaging Engine III, the S10 employs the upgraded Smooth Imaging Engine IV, same as the CX2's imaging algorithm.

A quick look at the MTF curve graph suggests that on paper, the new lens unit does a bit better than the old mate in image quality. For your comparison between the quality of images by the S10 and GX200, some full-size photos taken at the same scene have been uploaded here. It should be noted that instead of starting from ISO64 to ISO 1600 as the GX200, the sensitivity of S10 starts at ISO 100 but ends at ISO 3200.

For high ISO shots by S10, the improvements are obvious overall. I have no compliant about images up to ISO 400. However, the ISO 800 images on hand show that details are visibly smudged if you really pixel-peep. S10's ISO 1600 image feels like GX200's ISO 800 image, which are the thresholds to what is bearable to a reasonable human brain (unless the photos are taken in black and white so that the chorma noise is not much of a problem). All in all, chroma noise is generally more controlled in the S10's high ISO images.

As an aside, we shall see if the CX3 will outdo the S10 in high ISO IQ performance given the fact that the CX3 uses GRDIII's noise reduction algorithm.

^From top left clockwise: Vivid, natural, soft and black and white.

The colour in the image is visibly milder than the A12's but stronger than the Gx200's.

The GX200 and S10 boost the same macro capability of doing a minimum focusing distance of 1 cm in wide angle and 4 cm in telephoto.

In addition to the aspect ration settings previously available in GX200 (4:3, 3:2 and 1:1), the S10 adds in the 16:9 setting as the A12.

The lens cap LC-2 is of a sturdier built. The curved planes closes tighter as compared with the LC-1's which have concerned some users for they believe dusts may get in through the tiny cracks.

Next we'll take the GXR S10 to hang gai gai (walk around).

A Real Hero

(Grip On Reality: This photo was taken on my way to work. I was walking past trucks parking on a cul-de-sac when the ropes caught my attention. The light was right, the colour was right and the criss-crossing pattern was perfect and I held up my GX200. People passing by checked me out and wondered what could be made out of such a boring scene. To me, the fun in photography is that the photographer makes something interesting out of what is not obvious to most at the scene. The ropes tied in knots somehow reminded people I know who are in the grip of the recession) You must have also known a friend or two, or even yourself, being baffled by the spiral downturn of the economy. Bank went bankrupt and the rich was faced with a shrinking wealth. A friend of mine has just had his salary cut by over 10% and some of his colleagues started to be shed. But, wait. Was this done really for the sake of continuing the business? Or is there a factor or greed in it? I wonder whether the

New Low Prices

The window shopping some hours ago has almost provoked my AgIDS illness. Just in case you’re in Hong Kong or are coming here, and have the money to burn (All in HK$/ body only): GX200 = $3,280 GRD2 = $3,380 LX3 = $3,180 G10 = $3,280 Prices are available form a gear shop on the 1st floor of the Mongkok Computer Centre. Besides these new low prices, I found that Wing Shing Photo (55-57Sai Yeung Choi St., MK Tel: 2396 6886/ 91-95 Fa Yuen St., MK Tel: 2396 6885) is offering a Sony A700 + Carl Zeiss Lens package for HK$9,980 (hopefully, a bargain will make it some hundreds cheaper).

Eye Contact

(Leica D-lux 5) The digital era may make it easier to end up with fave shots. Even lousy photos may be turned likable after a few clicks in the post-processing workflow. But if digital advancement or amendments have any bearing on the cultivation of personal style, no photographers will need to discover his or her own photographer’s eye. Undoutedly, this is out of the question. Only with a trained photographer’s eye can we give a thinking gaze and capture an eternal moment, in our unique style. Style is the soul of a great photo. A few posts have been written in GXG to touch on the topic of photographer’s eye. Instead of finding an answer, which would require academic discussions, the posts are intended to give my general reflections and spark interests in moving towards further exploration of the topic. The posts can be viewed after the links: 1) Photographer's Eye: Storytelling 2) Photographer's Eye: Little Show of Observing 3) Photographer's Eye: Sight-Worthy 4

Marco said…

The LC-1 and LC-2 are a crazy looking design. I never baught it for the GX200 that I had.

7 February 2010 at 12:34

Nevin said…

The LC-1 spoils the graceful design of my GX200. But as I am using it with the VF-1, it gives me a free hand which would have to take hold of the lens cap otherwise.

8 February 2010 at 16:02

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