Which selfie camera will you pick?

It is no strange that Selfie is a word that used by everyone nowdays. It even manage to enter into Oxford dictionary. A selfie is a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone. Selfies are often shared on social networking services such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Tumblr. They are often casual, and are typically taken either with a camera held at arm's length or in a mirror. I still remember those day we called it camwhore though LOL

I rarely do this kind of post but I am really tempted now. With more and more electronic devices especially camera provided flip screen for more convenient in selfie, I am pretty sure my friends around (girls to be specified) now looking to have have one. Question is, which? I'll separated it into three types of camera : Digital Point & Shoot, Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera and DSLR camera. Hope this serve as a guide for you :) Do note that the price I mentioned here are closest to RRP.

Digital Point & Shoot

Casio EX-TR15 (RM2599)

• 12.1 megapixels
• 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
• EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor
• 21mm f2.8
• 4.0x digital zoom ( in conbination with Multi SR zoom )
• 15.9x maximum digital zoom(in conbination with HD zoom, VGA size)
• ISO 100 - 3200
• Movies Recording ：FHD：1920x1080(30fps) ,HD：1280x720(30fps) ,HS：512x384(240fps)
• 3.0-inch TFT color LCD ( Super Clear LCD ), 921,600 dots, Capacitance touch panel
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-150)
• 128.9(W)×61.6(H)×14.9(D)mm
• 149 g

One of the most expensive selfie compact camera as I know. Alot my friends crazy about it and I have no doubt the design is beautifully done. This camera really purely exist for selfie lover plus it came with wide angle lens (21mm!). Unfortunately optical zoom is not available. Priced at RM2599, it is overpriced for me. I can easily get alot better camera with that price eventhough it is not necessaries smaller in size. Alternately, you can also pick up Casio EX-TR10 which came with same spec but without Wi-Fi function that cost RM2099 which still overpriced for me.

Casio EX-ZR1200 (RM1499 + free Toshiba Flash Air WiFi Card)

• 16.1 megapixels
• 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
• EXILIM Engine HS 3 processor
• 24-300mm F3.0-5.9
• ISO 100 - 3200
• Movies Recording ：FHD：1920 x1080(30fps) / HD*：1280x720(15fps/20fps/30fps) / STD：640x480(30fps) / HS 1000：224x64(1000fps) / HS 480：224 x 160(480fps) / HS 240：512 x 384(240fps) / HS 120：640 x 480(120fps) / HS 30-240：512 x 384(30 to 240fps) / HS 30-120：640 x 480(30 to 120fps)
• 3.0-inch TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 921,600 dots, Tilt(180 degree)
• 5 AXIS Stabilization
• RAW format
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-130A)
• 107.5(W) x 61.5(H) x 36.7(D) mm
• 216 g

If TR15 is too expensive, alternately you can get ZR1200 which cost lesser RM1000. It doesn't come with build in Wi-Fi but Casio Malaysia bundle it together with Toshiba Flash Air WiFi card which is pretty good deal. Two things will captured my interest in getting ZR1200 will be the ability to shoot RAW format and also the 5 axis stabilization. Other than that, the smaller sensor and slow lens can't get me a reason in buying it. of course, with the price I couldn't ask for more right. Again, the lens is pretty wide on 24mm and can zoom till 300mm which is versatile and good enough for average user.

Casio EX-100 ($850 - RM2748.05 approximately)

• 12.1 megapixels
• 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor
• EXILIM Engine HS 3 Advance processor
• 28-300mm F2.8
• ISO 100 - 12,800
• Movies Recording ：FHD：1920 x1080(30fps) / HD*：1280x720(12fps/15fps/20fps/30fps) / STD：640x480(30fps) / HS 1000：224x64(1000fps) / HS 480：224 x 160(480fps) / HS 240：512 x 384(240fps) / HS 120：640 x 480(120fps) / HS 30-240：512 x 384(30 to 240fps) / HS 30-120：640 x 480(30 to 120fps)
• 3.5-inch TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 921,600 dots, Tilt(Up：180 degrees, Down：55 degrees)
• Built in Wi-Fi
• RAW format
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-130A)
• 119.9(W) x 67.9(H) x 50.5(D) mm
• 349 g

Big sensor, lower megapixel, constant f2.8 telephoto lens, built-in WiFi and ability to shoot RAW format. I am totally sold to this camera! If there is one thing to complain then it is the price again. It is a good competitor for Olympus Stylus 1 minus the 180 degrees flip screen.

Canon G1X Mark II (RM2899)

• 13 megapixels
• 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) CMOS sensor
• Digic 6 processor
• 24–120 mm F2.0 - F3.9
• ISO 100 - 12,800
• Movies Recording ：1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
• 3-inch Tilting LCD, 1,040,000 dots, Capacitive touch screen
• Built in Wi-Fi and NFC
• RAW format
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery NB-12L
• 116 x 74 x 66 mm
• 553 g

Large sensor in small body seem very popular nowdays. Canon G1X Mark II is one of them with impressive 24-120mm f2-3.9 lens. I will always believe that going to larger sensor camera won't go wrong. The price tag is close to Casio EX-100. Given a choice between this 2, I wouldn't hesitate to grab G1X Mark II unless, you really need the 300mm telephoto zoom.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III ($800 - 2572.40 approximately)

• 21 megapixels
• 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) BSI-CMOS sensor
• Bionz X processor
• 24–70 mm F1.8 - F2.8
• ISO 125 - 12,800
• Movies Recording ：1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/24p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p/24p/120p), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
• 3-inch Tilting WhiteMagic TFT-LCD, 1,228,800 dots
• Electronic Viewfinder
• Built in Wi-Fi and NFC
• RAW format
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery NP-BX1
• 102 x 58 x 41 mm
• 290 g

The popular Sony RX100 series is back with mark III version! An amazing camera with 1" sensor size and small physical size. Packed with full frame camera popular focal length lens, 24-70mm in f1.8-2.8. The mark III came with pop out EVF which is very useful for certain people. The only things I dislike was Sony decided to removed the hot shoe again.

Samsung EX2F (RM1499)

• 12 megapixels
• 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) BSI-CMOS sensor
• 24–80 mm F1.4 - F2.7
• ISO 80 - 3200
• Movies Recording ：Full HD 1080/30p
• 3-inch Fully articulated AMOLED LCD
• RAW format
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery SLB-10A
• 112 x 62 x 29 mm
• 294 g

Eventhough is old model, but I still think is a very capable camera. It has my favourite articulated screen instead of flip (yes i think flip screen is stupid because some pop out flash or ext flash will block the screen) and also fastest lens (f1.7) among the list I listed out here. Plus the price is not expensive where I believe you can get it for around 1.2k.

Nikon COOLPIX S6600 (RM858)

• 16 megapixels
• 1/2.3" CMOS sensor
• 25-300 mm f3.3-6.3
• ISO 125 - 6400
• 2.7-inch Fully articulated LCD
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery EN-EL19
• 96.9 x 57.1 x 27.2 mm
• 165 g

A good competitor for Casio EX-ZR1200 in cheaper price. Spec are decent and nothing much to shout. I hands on it once in Time Square Nikon Center and I don't felt any excitement when holding this camera. Probably just feel soulless. The operation is kinda sluggish to my likey as well and it just simply make me lose appetite using it.

Olympus TG-850 (RM1,198)

• 16 megapixels
• 1/2.3" CMOS sensor
• TruePic VII processor
• 21 - 105mm f3.5-5.7
• ISO 125 - 6400
• Movies Recording ：1080 60p, 1080p, 720p, VGA, HS120fps, HS240fps
• 3-inch LCD, 460K Dots
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Waterproof Down to 33 ft / 10 m Crushproof Up to 220 lbf / 100 kgf Shockproof Up to 7 ft / 2.1 m Freeze proof Down to 14°F / -10°C Dustproof
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery LI-50B
• 109.9 x 64.1 x 27.6 mm
• 218 g

Olympus is jumping into selfie camera camp as well! While the spec is common, decent nothing to shout, but the selling point is the TOUGH series! Olympus is famous for making camera TOUGH! This camera is proven to be waterproof, crushproof, shockproof and even freeze proof. One of the unique camera for people who love diving while selfie. Anyone?

Phew total 8 compact camera that I listed worth to buy as selfie camera. If based on value buy, probably it'll be either Nikon COOLPIX S6600 (cheapest!) or Samsung EX2F. Of course if you managed push your budget higher, I'll prefer to get Canon G1X Mark II or Sony RX100 III (simply because of awesome optic from ZEISS lens). Olympus TG-850 if you're adventure type that love snorkeling or diving. For me, I highly not recommended on Casio TR15 for being overpriced and under spec. Unless, you simply have too much cash to flung around and got it because of the design.

Next, mirrorless interchangeable lens camera! I always told my friends that if you do not plan to invest on lens and only use kit lens, you might as well as good to get a compact camera. I do admit kit lens is good for beginner and is a great lens to learn but after you learned it you'll started to hate the limitation especially the slow aperture. The price of some mirrorless camera nowdays is very close to premium compact camera as well. So, it is really tough decision!

By the way the price here will be with kit lens only price.

Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens

Sony Alpha a5000 (RM 1,799.00)

• 20 megapixels
• APS-C (23.2 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor
• Bionz X processor
• ISO 100 - 16000
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (60i/24p), 1440 x 1080 (25 fps), 640 x 480 (25 fps)
• 3″ tilting TFT LCD with 460,800 dots
• Built in Wi-Fi & NFC
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery NP-FW50
• 110 x 63 x 36 mm
• 269 g

I believe Sony is no stranger when come to creating camera especially the popular NEX system. Of course, they get rid the NEX now and renamed all the new model into Alpha series. One thing missing here is the standard hotshoe in A5000 (but I guess it doesn't matter for some casual user). I review Sony NEX 5T before and I actually dislike the electronic kit lens. It is abit slow when I needed it to zoom (but it is perfect for video). Wi-Fi and NFC is another bonus point for Sony A5000. Other than that, I have no complain on it. If Sony Alpha a5000 price tag is too high for you, can always look at previous model such as NEX 5T, NEX 3N and etc. Yes I am confuse with Sony camera naming convention since they release new model very fast every year with naming which doesn't make any sense.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 ($1,697.99 body only - RM5446.64 approximately)

• 16 megapixels
• Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor
• Venus Engine IX processor
• ISO 200-25600
• Movie Recording : 4096 x 2160 (24p), 3840 x 2160 (24p, 25p, 30p), 1920 x 1080 (24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p), 1280 x 720 (24p, 25p, 30p), 640 x 480 (25p, 30p)
• 3″ Fully articulated OLED with 1,036,000 dots
• Electronic viewfinder with 2,359,000 resolution
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery DMW-BLF19
• 133 x 93 x 84 mm
• 560 g

The first mirrorless camera with 4K video recording! Probably the biggest in size too! For those who dunno, Panasonic GH series are designed specialise in videography. One shall no doubt on the video capability in Panasonic GH series. Plus it has EVF and also my favourite articulated LCD screen instead of flipable. Serious on videography? Then GH4 is no doubt a better choice (or take a look at previous GH3).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 (RM2,388.00)

• 16 megapixels
• Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor
• ISO 160-25600
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps
• 3″ Fully articulated TFT Color LCD with 1,036,000 dots
• Electronic viewfinder with 1,440,000 resolution
• Built in Wi-Fi & NFC
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery
• 122 x 85 x 71 mm
• 390 g

Another sibling for Panasonic mirrorless and G6 is known as GH2.5 (a model that sit in between Panasonic GH2 and GH3). Which means it has a pretty good video recording as well. Might be a good and cheap alternative for those who couldn't afford GH series but still wanna have a good video shooter.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 (RM1,798.00)

• 16 megapixels
• Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor
• Venus Engine FHD processor
• ISO 160-12800, (25600 with boost)
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (60i PsF/30p in NTSC models, 50i PsF/25p on PAL), 1280 x 720p (60i PsF/30p in NTSC models, 50i PsF/25p on PAL), 640 x 480 (30/25fps)
• 3″ Tilting TFT Color LCD with 1,040,000 dots
• Built in Wi-Fi & NFC
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery
• 111 x 65 x 38 mm
• 323 g

A good competitor with alot entry lvl mirrorless from various brand. Nothing much to shout on the spec as it has most what competitors has. But I will still prefer Panasonic and Olympus due to the lens availability.

Olympus PEN E-PL5 (RM1,935.00)

• 16 megapixels
• Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor
• TruePic VI processor
• ISO 200-25600 with boost
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
• 3″ Tilting TFT Color LCD with 460,000 dots
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery BLS-5
• 111 x 64 x 38 mm
• 325 g

Another competitors for Sony Panasonic GF6. Bare in mind that Olympus E-PL5 is almost 2 years old. Hence, it lacked of WiFi features. As an Olympus user, I gonna sound very bias because I knew what E-PL5 is capable of. It has exactly same sensor and imaging processor from Olympus popular OM-D E-M5 which very well received in photography world. You can check out review from Robin blog as well to know more on E-PL5. Plus I has been always a huge fans of Olympus since I got my E-P3 due to various reason : Fastest auto focus (still no one can beat Olympus when come to single focus), color and Zuiko lenses. Call me bias but I will always recommend Olympus for you all first :P

p/s I don't get commission from Olympus ok! I even manage to amazed Tian Chad with Olympus gear where he only used it for one time.

Samsung NX Mini (RM1,699)

• 21 megapixels
• 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor
• ISO 160 - 12800 (extends to 100-25600)
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 (all 30 fps)
• 3″ Tilting TFT Color LCD with 460,800 dots and capacitive touchscreen
• Built in Wi-Fi & NFC
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery B740
• 110 x 62 x 23 mm
• 196 g

I am in middle of reviewing this camera but I actually believe I can give full review on it (without enough photos to support due to my limited time to go out shooting). I normally don't really recommend Samsung camera to people due to various reasons : lack of lens and weak low light color reproduction. However NX Mini managed to grab my attention mainly because of the size. Pair it with 9mm f3.5 pancake it is really small and good to bring it everywhere you want. Of course, small body will mean a sacrifice on the sensor size (it is 1" sensor size which same with Nikon 1 series and Sony RX series). The touch screen probably the best among all cameras (no doubt coming from their smartphone technology). I have no complain on NX Mini and I am very pleasant using it as my selfie camera everyday (sorry I still trust my Olympus gear more when come to other shooting session). Plus it has a very generous battery size.

Samsung NX30 ($1,000 - RM3207.70 approximately)

• 20 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CMOS Sensor
• DRIMeIV processor
• ISO 100 - 25600
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (60p), 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240
• 3″ Fully articulated AMOLED with 1,036,000 dots
• Electronic viewfinder with 2,359,000 resolution
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery BP1410
• 127 x 96 x 58 mm
• 375 g

A SLR-alike design (just like Panasonic GH4 and G6) which provide a very good grip and handling when shooting (which missing in most mirrorless camera). It might suit someone wanting a DSLR-like experience with the more modern refinements mirrorless cameras offer like usable live view, a touch screen and connectivity. But I do hate AMOLED screen. I always do.

Samsung NX3000 ($529.99 - RM1700.05 approximately)

• 20 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CMOS Sensor
• ISO 100 - 25600
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240
• 3″ Tilting TFT-LCD with 460,800 dots
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery B740
• 117 x 66 x 39 mm

Trying to be retro but not exactly retro. Yup Samsung NX3000 look like elder brother of NX Mini. Spec seem decent enough to compete with Sony mirrorless camera as well. Again nothing wow on the spec and it is good enough to compete with other mirrorless camera.

It is hard to choose when come to choosing mirrorless camera because life is given too many choices. I always suggest that pick few model you really want but can't decide, then just head to camera shop and play with it. Feel it, hold it and ask yourself does this make you feel like shoot more with it? Then it is your camera! As much as alot people bashing micro four third sensor, but I thing they are now as good as (or maybe on par) with APSC sensor. Always remember, just ask yourself which suit you more when you hold it. Then look at lenses choice (if you plan to invest on lenses). So far the best lenses availability are Olympus and Panasonic (yes they can inter-mount because they using same mount! Hooray for micro four third!). You can always check my blog post to look at how great Zuiko lenses perform. I have no complain.

Just for the fun of it, I even throw some real DSLR model that can selfie in this post.

Digital Single Lens Reflex

Nikon D5300

• 24 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) Sensor
• Expeed 4 processor
• 100 - 12800 (25600 with boost)
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
• 3.2″ Fully articulated TFT-LCD with 1,037,000 dots
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery EN-EL14a or EN-EL14
• 125 x 98 x 76 mm
• 480 g

The D5300 is a very good upper-entry-level DSLR with a high resolution sensor and solid video features. It's bigger than mirrorless competitors and it's priced on the high end of its class, but it won't let down a budding photographer, especially those who plan to upgrade from the kit lens to higher quality optics.

Canon EOS 70D

• 20 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) Sensor
• Digic 5+ processor
• 100 - 12800 (25600 with boost)
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps), 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps)
• 3″ Fully articulated Clear View II TFT color LCD with 1,040,000 dots
• Built in Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery LP-E6
• 139 x 104 x 79 mm
• 755 g

Offering most of what an enthusiast looks for in a digital SLR, the Canon 70D takes it a step further with excellent live view and movie mode autofocus. Good continuous shooting performance and Wi-Fi simply serve to sweeten the deal.

Canon EOS 700D

• 18 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) Sensor
• Digic 5 processor
• 100 - 12800 (25600 with boost)
• Movie Recording : 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps)
• 3″ Fully articulated Clear View II TFT color LCD with 1,040,000 dots
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery LP-E8
• 133 x 100 x 79 mm
• 580 g

The Canon EOS 700D is an upgrade to the 650D almost in name only, but still combines very good image quality with a comprehensive, well-designed touchscreen interface. AF performance in live view mode and video is an improvement over early DSLRs, but still lags behind mirrorless options.

With more and better mirrorless camera emerging in market, I know it is hard to get a reason to get a DSLR. Even myself are from DSLR user jump to mirorrless because I want something smaller to carry around. Of course, DSLR still has it's own value especially when come to lenses selection and a camera will never failed you when come in delivering better images.

Verdict

As I mentioned earlier, if you do no plan on investing on lens, just invest abit to get a better and high end compact camera (recommended Sony RX100 mark III and Canon G1X Mark II) for long life usage. Need something smaller and pocketable? At the moment Samsung NX Mini with 9mm f3.5 lens won my heart but it still let me down on some occasion - slow af in low light and slow f3.5 lens (as to counter with my Olympus 12mm f2). When come to have a better still image, I always believe in three things : Lenses, sensor and image processing where all this three aspect are available in Olympus camera system. Of course, it is based on my personal judgement. So go ahead and realise yourself what's matter for you when grabbing a camera. DSLR? Probably not an option to me.

Good luck in choosing a best selfie camera for yourself! If this post get good response, perhaps next post I'll focus on selfie with mobile phone ;) It is purely referring to great front facing camera.