Digital cameras with Wi-Fi support - prices. All cameras with Wi-Fi support: we study and compare Protected camera with Wi-Fi

Cameras with Wi-Fi help move photos to iOS or Android phones and tablets, some uploading photos directly to social media pages.

And for those who need photographs on business issues and urgently, such a camera will allow you to immediately send pictures by e-mail.

Specifications

Photo resolution is measured by the number of pixels in the image in terms of length and width. Photos become clearer with an increase in this indicator.

But, with an increase in the number of pixels, the size (volume) of photos also increases. Therefore, when sending photo data via the camera's built-in Wi-Fi module, you need to consider the data transfer rate. The higher the weight of the images and the lower the speed, the longer the photos will be sent.

For ordinary shots, a resolution of 1280 × 960 and an aspect ratio of 4: 3 or 3: 2 will suffice. If photos for family archives are saved and viewed on computer devices - at least 1920 × 1080 and 16: 9 format.

Some camera models are equipped with a function to select the aspect ratio and screen resolution. This determines the amount of memory occupied by one photo and the number of images that can fit on a flash card.

On the other hand, if you have Wi-Fi, you can ignore the size of the pictures - they can be immediately uploaded to a PC or to a “cloud service”.

How to choose a digital camera with Wi-Fi

Display and viewfinder

Almost all models of modern digital cameras with Wi-Fi received LCD displays for previewing photos. Preference should be given to devices with a display of at least 4 inches. The screen displays settings, control functions, including viewing footage.

In expensive models there is a viewfinder, it immediately displays the real view of the future photo, before clicking on “take a picture”.

In entry-level cameras, it is missing and replaced by a display on which, in real time, an image is displayed.

Viewfinder types:

• Optic;
• Mirror;
• Electronic.

The mirror viewfinder is better - the photographer immediately sees a real, undistorted picture, and can quickly adjust the aperture or sharpness.

Zoom and focus

Optical Zoom - visually zooms in on the image. If you want to photograph only a specific subject, this function can “zoom in” it while standing still.

Digital Zoom is the "stretching" of the image from the center of the screen to the edges. At each stage of enlargement, the image resolution and quality are reduced.

Wi-Fi digital cameras can be equipped with a variety of focusing technologies.

Autofocus – automatic setting sharpness when pointing the camera at the subject.

Face detection autofocus- the system automatically finds faces and focuses sharpness on them.

Some companies are equipping Wi-Fi devices with functions "Trigger for a smile" and automatic frame correction after shooting.

For advanced users, a choice is possible Manual focus... This option allows very precise focusing and other additional adjustments.

White balance

White balance is a parameter that allows you to adjust the camera to the type of lighting: day, night, cloudy, sunny. Almost every device is equipped with automatic white balance correction, which comes in handy for beginners.

In semi-professional and professional cameras, white balance can be adjusted completely manually.

Image stabilizer

The technology in digital cameras with Wi-Fi allows you to get rid of image blur if the camera shakes for some reason: trembling in the hands, movement, etc. thus, the clarity of the picture is preserved.

Optical stabilization- based on the incorporation of a movable stabilizing element into the lens, which changes the movement of the light beam in the correct direction.
Cons of technology: decrease in lens aperture, increase in cost.

Anti-shake- in this technology, the lens remains stable (static), and the moving element is the matrix. The advantage of this approach is the ability to work with any optics.

Shooting modes

Serial- the camera will take a series of pictures at a time with the shortest time interval. This makes it possible to get "motion in the pictures" or to make a choice of a good photo. You can adjust the number of frames per unit of time.

Macro photography- allows you to shoot small objects or individual fragments of objects on an enlarged scale, in a larger high definition... Photographing is carried out from a distance to the subject of photography, no more than 0.2m.

Remote- just install a camera with Wi-Fi in any place and take pictures with it remotely. To do this, you need a smartphone and alignment with the camera, then you can remotely control all shooting parameters.

Video recording- video recording mode, which makes the camera a universal device. If this opportunity is needed, then pay attention to the video resolution that the camera can shoot, and the number of frames per unit of time.

Equipment

Memory card

The amount of photos that can be taken and stored before sending using the built-in Wi-Fi depends on its volume. Advanced models of devices support several types of memory cards; there may also be restrictions on their maximum memory capacity.

As noted earlier, cameras with Wi-Fi allow you to immediately transfer images to another device or to the Internet, so in some cases the amount of memory is of little importance.

Battery

The battery is designed to take at least 300 photos, excluding transfer to another media or using Wi-Fi. In addition, digital cameras with Wi-Fi begin to drain the battery intensively when Wi-Fi is on, and especially during image transfer.

If you often shoot in the evening or in low light, it is better to purchase an additional battery immediately to the device.

When choosing, attention is paid to the type and capacity of the battery. The devices are supplied with 2 types of batteries: AA size or from the manufacturer.

AA-slot for batteries is preferable, since when completely discharged, you can temporarily install batteries of this type. The manufacturer's device is larger and lighter than AA. The disadvantage of this option is that it is difficult to find a suitable model for some cameras.

Problems

Security

When using the remote mode, the device opens access to other devices with the same communication protocol. To prevent this, set a password for the communication channel with the camera.

Working in social networks, sending by e-mail, to cloud storage - is fraught with the danger of infection with computer viruses, which will negatively affect the operation of the camera. Security is achieved only by connecting to trusted sites or devices that have anti-virus programs.

Malfunctions

Failure of the matrix

The laser beam that has entered the camera lens can destroy the matrix.

Another problem with matrices in Wi-Fi cameras is dead pixels. A small number of them does not affect the image. But with an increase in their number, the matrix begins to gradually “die” and soon a complete replacement will be required.

Display malfunction

A common reason is that the display is smashed or crushed due to careless handling. There are times when the display shows white image or the picture on the display is not visible.

This can happen due to the ingress of liquid into the device, an electrical impulse, or mechanical damage: rupture of the loop, chipping of the edge of the screen. In such cases, the screen is completely changed.

Lens malfunction

A faulty lens in the device takes up 40% of service calls. The most common cause of breakdown is dropping the device, which mechanically damages and displaces the elements, the internal components of the lens may split.

The camera may accidentally turn on in the bag / case and lens movement starts, but the bag / case prevents this. The result is the failure of internal elements and lens guides.

Another reason is the ingress of sand. One grain of sand is enough to jam the lens. Sand getting into the silicone grease makes it difficult to clean the parts, since complete disassembly, cleaning and lubrication are required.

The electronics of the camera are damaged if wet. If no serious problems have arisen, then after drying, streaks and stains may appear on the surface of the lenses.

In some cases, the owners try to push or pull the lens with their hands, they can pour grease or alcohol into the lens. This leads to a complete breakdown of the device and the impossibility of repairing it.

Pay attention to the functionality of the device: the wider it is, the more diverse the photos will become. For both amateurs and professionals, it is right to choose those device models that have as many manual settings as possible.

Problems registering on the site? CLICK HERE ! Do not pass by a very interesting section of our site - the projects of visitors. There you will always find the latest news, anecdotes, weather forecast (in the ADSL newspaper), a TV program of terrestrial and ADSL-TV channels, the freshest and most interesting news from the world of high technologies, the most original and amazing pictures from the Internet, a large archive of magazines in recent years , delicious recipes in pictures, informative. The section is updated daily. Always the latest versions of the best free programs for everyday use in the Necessary programs section. There is almost everything you need for your daily work. Start gradually abandoning pirated versions in favor of more convenient and functional free counterparts. If you still do not use our chat, we highly recommend you to get acquainted with it. You will find many new friends there. It is also the fastest and most efficient way to contact project administrators. The Antivirus Updates section continues to work - always up-to-date free updates for Dr Web and NOD. Didn't have time to read something? The full content of the creeping line can be found at this link.

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

There is no need to once again talk about the global penetration of wireless data transmission networks. The arrival of Wi-Fi in the field of photography was only a matter of time, and today we can confidently state that this phenomenon is massive. But what does this give an ordinary user and how does it work? We have collected full list cameras with Wi-Fi and detailed all wireless capabilities.

Formally, the first cameras with a built-in Wi-Fi module are Nikon models Coolpix P1 and P2 with 8MP and 5MP sensor resolutions, respectively. They came out - it's 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 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 the WT-1 and WT-2A external transmitters for Nikon D2H and D2X DSLRs. Adapters made it possible to transmit images over the air and even implement a simple remote control... And in early 2005, Kodak tried to implement Wi-Fi technology in its compact creation EasyShare One. To transfer images wirelessly, a special Kodak Wi-Fi card was required - the progenitor of modern Eye-Fi drives.

Per Last year cameras with Wi-Fi support have been released quite a few. And their number is constantly growing, although there is still no clear understanding of how this works and what opportunities it opens up among potential buyers. The most obvious thing is to upload pictures to social networks or transfer copying to a computer on the fly. However, this is far from 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, the user only needs to configure the connection, install the appropriate software and use. Often, a model with Wi-Fi costs more than an analogue without such functions, although this price difference is small, and in the future it will become even less.

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

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

Principle of operation and functionality

The basic Wi-Fi capabilities of cameras are completely trivial. This, 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 not available for 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 of the wireless functions, download the installation of special software for smartphones, tablets and regular PCs is required. Apps are free and often have version requirements operating system and the mobile device itself for full compatibility. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

One of the basic functions available for 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 application allows you to choose which pictures to upload, and also allows you to change the file format or resolution before downloading to save space.

Data transfer to PC

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

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 has a number of useful uses. Remote control is suitable, for example, for filming in the wild or for self-portraits. At the same time, the image that has fallen into the field of vision of the camera lens is broadcast on the smartphone screen. This happens with a slight delay, which should be borne in mind when shooting action scenes at a distance. Different manufacturers offer a different set of available settings that can be changed remotely. Selecting a focus point, zooming, adjusting exposure, starting video 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 e-mail - directly or via a 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

If there is an NFC module in the camera and the 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 the OS Android version 2.3.3 and up.

Special effects

Some manufacturers' mobile apps allow you to apply various artistic effects to images transmitted from the camera via Wi-Fi. Often there is such an opportunity 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 apps allow you to back up all your footage in real time. Backups can also be done on a PC. It differs from the usual transfer of images via Wi-Fi in the automation of the whole process. The camera, without external intervention, will transmit each captured frame to a smartphone or tablet. Or a laptop.

Uploading to social networks

As in the case of e-mail, sending files to social networks can occur directly or through 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, the manufacturer, and even the camera model. Before uploading, you can change the resolution of images, as well as add your own comments. It is noteworthy that companies supplying 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 gaining popularity rapidly. Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive are popular services for syncing and storing data. A number of camera manufacturers allow you to upload images to such storages, again, not without the help of special mobile applications.

Geotagging

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

Firmware upgrade

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

Remote viewing without copying

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

Wireless printing

A number of modern printers are compatible with Wi-Fi, which means it is possible to transfer images 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, but has been pushing Wi-Fi more actively and for a long time. The company 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 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 it will not work to make friends with an iPhone or iPad with a camera in this way.

The third and most elegant way 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 connection... A smartphone with a pre-installed proprietary application reads this code with its own camera and connects. So far only the Olympus PEN E-P5 can boast of such an extraordinary way.

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

Android cameras

Another category of cameras stands apart - compacts based on Android. While we were preparing this material, Samsung managed to give birth to 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 it does not change the essence - otherwise the functionality of the cameras is identical. The main feature of the camera is the 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 here. 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 is in any case more than modern smartphones can afford.

Video recording is possible in Full HD resolution with stereo sound and compression by MPEG-4 or H.264 codecs. In fact, Samsung Galaxy Camera is a mobile device that supports full Internet access via Wi-Fi, so the table listing the wireless capabilities makes no sense. The device weighs 300 g with dimensions of 129x71x19 mm.

Nikon Coolpix S800с

Like the Samsung Galaxy Camera, the Nikon Coolpix S800c is a smartphone / camera hybrid. But in this case, the hardware filling is noticeably weaker - the Cortex A9 processor and 512 MB of RAM are given under the control of the elderly OS Android 2.3. However, this should be sufficient for the undemanding apps available on Google Play. If desired, the camera can function as a GPS navigator thanks to the presence of a corresponding receiver. Another non-trivial application of the device can be the function of a car DVR. All you need to do is download the app and buy a suitable car mount. Nikon Coolpix S800c received a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor format 1 / 2.3 "and a 10x zoom lens 25-250 mm F3.2-5.8. All control is realized using the touch interface, as well as three usual for smartphones Menu, Home and Back buttons.

The display has a diagonal of 3.5 ", a resolution of 819,000 dots and is made on the basis of a matrix of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). The camera also has a built-in flash, built-in memory of 1.7 GB, and even supports USB 3.0.

Compact cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 is an advanced rugged compact that can withstand underwater diving to a depth of 12 meters, a drop from a height of two meters, and is also capable of working in ten degrees of frost. The camera is equipped with an altimeter and depth gauge, as well as a GPS sensor and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC modules for quickly setting up a 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 of manual exposure settings, as well as Full HD video recording at 60 frames per second and interval recording (time lapse). Responsible for shooting is a CMOS matrix with a resolution of 16 megapixels, as well as a 28-128 mm F3.3-5.9 zoom lens. 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 Wi-Fi at your fingertips. The available functions of the Wi-Fi module are very diverse and are shown in the table.

Wi-Fi systematically penetrates into the most budget models of compact cameras. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 is a pocket travel zoom equipped with an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 24-480 mm F3.3-6.4 optical zoom. The model also has a built-in flash, GPS module and a display with a resolution of 920,000 pixels. 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 array of controls, including a touch screen and mechanical mode selector. Its dimensions are 105x59x28 mm and weighs 198 g.

The most budgetary option with Wi-Fi support is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 compact. Here we have 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 pixels. 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, it is limited to only one Wi-Fi module. Nevertheless, the device, like its more expensive counterparts, is able to connect to mobile devices for transferring pictures, uploading to social networks, remote control and much more.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1

Advanced compact Panasonic camera The Lumix DMC-LF1 allows you to shoot in manual and auto modes and save images in RAW format. The basis of the camera is a 1 / 1.7 "format sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels inherited from the Lumix LX7, as well as a high-aperture 28-200 mm F2.0-5.9 lens made by Leica. Manual focusing is available for advanced amateurs, the ISO range is 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 points.

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

Surprisingly, the USB interface in all cameras has existed since time immemorial. But the Wi-Fi wireless interface in cameras began to appear quite recently. Although it is obvious to everyone that in modern world rejection of wires is the only true path of development. Still, conservative photographers are still quite wary of Wi-Fi in cameras. And in vain, in many cases it can seriously make life easier.

The Canon EOS 70D has Wi-Fi. And today we will figure out how it works.

First you need to turn on Wi-Fi in the camera and select the desired function. The following features are supported: transferring images between cameras, connecting to a smartphone, remote control using EOS Utility from a computer, printing to a Wi-Fi printer, uploading to a website, and viewing images on DLNA-compatible devices. Of all this diversity, perhaps three functions are of interest to the photographer: connection to a smartphone, connection to a PC and wireless printing. Today we will work with a smartphone.

Smartphone connection

If earlier I connected a Canon EOS 6D with an Android tablet, today I will connect a Canon EOS 70D to an iPhone. The connection algorithm is absolutely the same!

So, first we need to install the EOS Remote app on our smartphone. It is available both in the AppStore and in the Play Market. It is completely free to download. Install and run.

Now you need to pair your camera and smartphone. There are two options for action: either we use an existing wireless network to which the smartphone is already connected (such a solution is suitable for a home, office or photo studio), or we connect the smartphone directly to the camera. The advantage of the first option is that we will be able to work comfortably at any point where there is our local network, even if the camera is far from the smartphone. But the second method allows you to literally work in a field where there are no routers and local area networks... Today we will connect the camera and the smartphone in this way.

When you first connect, you need to do a lot of actions, but each of them is necessary and important. We start by choosing a connection method. Connect manually or automatically? It is always more reliable manually!

Enter the name of the wireless network that our camera will distribute. Everything is in your hands here: you can show your imagination or just set the name of the model. Both are not a problem: the touchscreen makes communicating with the camera very easy.

I trust the choice of the channel to the automation. There are almost no Wi-Fi networks where I shoot, and the camera will choose an empty channel by itself. If you know the least congested Wi-Fi channel, you can specify it manually.

Whether the network is closed or open is up to you. I hope that no one except me will connect to my camera, and I will not set a password.

Now the smartphone comes into play. We connect it to the newly created network. Launch the EOS Remote and link the camera to your phone.

In the camera, there are only two steps left to do: confirm the creation of a smartphone-camera pair and save the settings in order to connect the smartphone next time in a couple of steps.

What's next? First, let's try to control the camera from a smartphone. The image is displayed on the screen practically without any delays, in real time. In addition to directly releasing the shutter, you can change a number of settings: ISO, current exposure parameter (in my case, this is aperture), enter exposure compensation. The focus point is also selected by simply touching the smartphone. Considering the high autofocus speed in Live View mode, the smartphone-camera system turns out to be absolutely working, without any “buts”. I have not yet come across a better implementation. Stability and speed of work at the highest level.

Using a smartphone, you can also view pictures directly from the camera's flash drive. Naturally, the image can be enlarged on the screen up to 100%. But the best part is that in this way you can select photographic material: assign ratings to photos, delete unsuccessful frames. It is very convenient if you do not have a computer at hand. The pictures you like can be sent to a smartphone and published, for example, on social networks.

Wi-Fi in real life

A logical question: how can this be applied in practice? In fact, there are many options: from self-portraits with friends to remote shooting of wildlife. I used camera control from my phone when shooting at night. I arrived at the suburban pond late in the evening. The already familiar autumn cold this time was intensified many times by a squally wind. Oh, how I did not want to get out of the car! But I lay out the tripod, put the camera on it, and I frame the frame by eye. All further actions I already do while sitting in a warm car.

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

Principle of operation and functionality

The basic Wi-Fi capabilities of cameras are completely trivial. This, for example, copying photos to mobile devices, hot backups, sending content to social networks or cloud storage, remote viewfinder and remote control of shooting photos and videos. Other functions are less obvious and not available for 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 of the wireless functions, download the installation of special software for smartphones, tablets and regular PCs is required. Apps are provided free of charge and often have requirements for the operating system version and the mobile device itself for full compatibility. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Transferring data to a mobile device

One of the basic functions available for 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 application allows you to choose which pictures to upload, and also allows you to change the file format or resolution before downloading to save space.

Data transfer to PC

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

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 has a number of useful uses. Remote control is suitable, for example, for filming in the wild or for self-portraits. At the same time, the image that has fallen into the field of vision of the camera lens is broadcast on the smartphone screen. This happens with a slight delay, which should be borne in mind when shooting action scenes at a distance. Different manufacturers offer a different set of available settings that can be changed remotely. Selecting a focus point, zooming, adjusting exposure, starting video 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 e-mail - directly or via a 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

If there is an NFC module in the camera and the 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

Some manufacturers' mobile apps allow you to apply various artistic effects to images transmitted from the camera via Wi-Fi. Often there is such an opportunity 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 apps allow you to back up all your footage in real time. Backups can also be done on a PC. It differs from the usual transfer of images via Wi-Fi in the automation of the whole process. The camera, without external intervention, will transmit each captured frame to a smartphone or tablet. Or a laptop.

Uploading to social networks

As with e-mail, files can be sent to social networks 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, the manufacturer, and even the camera model. Before uploading, you can change the resolution of images, as well as add your own comments. It is noteworthy that companies supplying 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 gaining popularity rapidly. Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive are popular services for syncing and storing data. A number of camera manufacturers allow you to upload images to such storages, again, not without the help of special mobile applications.

Geotagging

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

Firmware upgrade

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

Remote viewing without copying

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

Wireless printing

A number of modern printers are compatible with Wi-Fi, which means it is possible to transfer images 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, but has been pushing Wi-Fi more actively and for a long time. The company 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 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 it will not work to make friends with an iPhone or iPad with a camera in this way.

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

We decided to present all the main Wi-Fi functions in the form of a table and use it when describing the cameras below. 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 undeservedly bypassed the Windows Phone system - not a single application has yet been released for it! However, the situation will change in the near future.

Android cameras

Another category of cameras stands apart - compacts based on Android. While we were preparing this material, Samsung managed to give birth to 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 it does not change the essence - otherwise the functionality of the cameras is identical. The main feature of the camera is the 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 here. 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 is in any case more than modern smartphones can afford.

2014-12-05
Toshiba unveils new family of enterprise SSDs
Toshiba is introducing two new Enterprise Series (eSSD) series - the HK3E2 for high durability systems and the HK3R2 for high read-intensity systems. It is an enterprise-class SATA SSD with 6Gb / s speed. The Toshiba HK3E2 model has capacities up to 800GB in a standard 2.5-inch form factor (7mm thickness).

2014-12-05
HP launches its latest EliteDisplay S270c 27-inch curved monitor
launched its newest 27-inch curved EliteDisplay S270c model. The manufacturer reports that the curved screen of the novelty contributes to a better perception of the peripheral areas of the image and helps to achieve an immersive effect.

2014-12-04
Lenovo unveils ThinkPad W550s portable workstation
announced a new one based on the Intel Broadwell platform. The new product is called ThinkPad W550s.

2014-12-04
ViewSonic TD2740 multitouch monitor
Introducing the new TD2740, which is the ideal touchscreen solution for commercial and consumer applications. Equipped with a 1080p Full HD 10-point multi-touch screen, the 27-inch TD2740 is a versatile solution for office or home use, kiosk and in public places or as a learning tool in interactive learning environments.

2014-12-04
Logitech Receives Four CES Innovation Awards 2015
announced that four of its products have been named winners of the 2015 CES Innovation Awards. Recognized this year include the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480, the Logitech G502 Proteus Core Tunable Gaming Mouse, the Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury Ultra-Fast FPS Gaming Mouse, and the Logitech G910 Orion Spark RGB Mechanical Keyboard.

2014-12-04
New full-size Whirlpool washing machines
Whirlpool has introduced a new full-size front-loading lineup that includes the AWO / C 91200, AWO / C 81200 and AWOC 8100 models.

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

2014-12-03
Samsung and LG sell 50% of the world's 4K TVs
South Korean manufacturers continue to maintain their leading positions in sales. Their share of the emerging 4K (UHD) TV market segment is just over 50 percent of all global shipments at the end of the third quarter of this year.

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

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

2014-12-03
HP unveils world's thinnest and lightest business notebooks
announced two new business models - the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 and the HP EliteBook 1020 Special Edition (SE) with a 12.5-inch screen diagonal. The company claims to be the thinnest notebooks in its class. The thickness of the case in both cases is 15.7 mm. And the SE model is also the lightest, with a weight of 1 kg.

2014-12-03
Dell P2415Q & P2715Q New Low-Cost Ultra HD Monitors
announced a couple of new Ultra HD resolutions: the P2415Q and P2715Q. The cost of the first model is $ 600, while the second will cost $ 700.

2014-12-02
LG unveils new SMART AUDIO audio systems
announced that the wireless LG SMART AUDIO, presented at the IFA in September, has become available to Russian consumers. The SMART AUDIO system includes speakers (models NP8340, NP8540, NP8740), a soundbar (model LAS650M) and a dedicated smartphone app LG Music Flow.

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

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

2014-12-02
D-Link has once again confirmed its leadership in the CRN / RE rating. Champions of the Russian IT channel
D-Link, the world's leading manufacturer, has once again confirmed its leadership in the prestigious CRN / RE rating "Champions of the Russian IT Channel" in two nominations at once - "Network Equipment" and "NAS Systems for Home and Office".

2014-12-02
Touchscreen notebooks will leave the market
Despite the efforts of Microsoft and Intel companies, the traditional form factor equipped with a touchscreen 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 laptops from suppliers are no longer received, and previous stocks are depleted.

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