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MissionMan
14-06-2014, 11:39am
As a amateur photographer and tech fanatic, I enjoy playing with new toys, particularly those that are in the technology space.

It's easy to get wrapped up in the Nikon vs Canon space, and forget to look around, but sometimes you need to realize there is a life outside of Nikon and Canon.

http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-7jwJj83/0/X2/DSC_7121-X2.jpg

My 3 year old daughter has taken an interest in photography, largely to prevent herself being on the receiving end and I'll be honest and say that having a pro body with pro lenses falls into the "slightly to heavy for a toddler to wield comfortably" territory.

http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-xhzHs8M/0/X2/DSC_7138-X2.jpg

Whilst browsing around the tech section of Target one day, something new caught my eye. A new Barbie camera. How did this camera miss the main stream media when Nikon's D4s is plastered all over the place? Finally there was something Barbie related that a real man could play with, and of course share with my daughter.

Packaging is reasonable given the heavy $20 price tag of this piece of professional glass. Weight is surprisingly light, and I'm not quite sure how they managed to keep it that light with professional glass in it. They even included a wrist strap which is surprising given my Nikon body only came with a neck strap.

The specs are a little astounding for this type of gear so hold yourself back. This baby houses a 1.4MP sensor and to top it off, Barbie have splashed out on internal memory so you don't need to bother yourself with expensive 64GB SD or CF cards. That's a saving of $100 which means they are virtually paying you to take this camera. That's right, from the moment you buy it, you're making a profit! Granted its full within a relatively short period of time, but if you've ever seen how long a single toy holds a toddlers attention, that won't be a problem.

http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-DsfNhPr/0/X2/DSC_7125-X2.jpg

They don't specify the glass on this camera, but given my lengthy professional photography background and superb photography analytical skills, I'd be inclined to believe this camera holds a 35mm Zeiss f/1.2 prime. I've showed the quality of photos to number of professional photographers and the look of shock when I mentioned Barbie cam, $20 and Zeiss prime serves to confirm my suspicions about the legitimacy of my Zeiss lens claims. I have contacted Zeiss for a comment on the matter, but I can only assume their silence is a clear indication that they don't want to spoil the sales of their $4000 primes when potential buyers find out they can just buy a barbie cam.

The "Zeiss" optics with Zeiss like plastic quality. No expense has been spared.
http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-CffLdfQ/0/X2/DSC_7127-X2.jpg

Here is an example of a picture. Bare in mind that this is also handheld at f/3.0. The sharpness of the optic is so strong it picks up the dust particles in the air!
http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-SR5DC8s/0/XL/DSC0010-XL.jpg

Now compare that to this photo taken with a much more expensive camera and lens, and it's hard to see how Nikon justify the price differential (no post processing)
http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-c98Bfm2/0/X2/DSC_7145-X2.jpg

Usability is on a par for what I'd expect. It has a number of buttons on the back that offer the ability to switch on the camera, play photos and scroll through the photos. The rear LCD is an astounding AHD (almost HD) 640x480 which puts in on a par with the pro bodies (in 2001).

http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-Tr2rTvn/0/X2/DSC_7126-X2.jpg

If I was to niggle about anything on this camera that would limit its capacity to hit a 10/10, I'd say the lack of rechargeable battery may be a killer for some buyers, but the AAA batteries have reasonable battery life and are located in most countries if you intend doing international travel. I'd also say that the lack of zoom probably pushes this into the professional territory as most novices will be looking for a zoom.

No IS/VR required on this baby. It's startlingly sharp. This photo was taken by my daughter and if you compare it to the photos I took of her with my D700, they are barely distinguishable.
http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-BcfGgRX/0/XL/DSC0015-XL.jpg

Size is amazing considering the tech that is inside this body. Here you can see it along side a Nikon 70-200 and you can see how the lens dwarfs this piece of high tech gear, astounding given how close they are in quality of photos. When comparing the Barbie cam against my D700, if you look at 1.4MP sensor vs 12MP sensor, by simply moving the decimal point one character to the left, the Barbie cam actually has a bigger sensor. $3000 vs $20 for one decimal point is pretty hard for Nikon to justify the additional $2980 purchase price! Add the internal memory of the barbie cam, and the fact that the D700 doesn't come with its own lens, and it's clear that the barbie cam is the winner in the specifications race.

No need for an l plate on this baby, it comes tripod ready
http://atholhill.smugmug.com/Barbie-Cam-Review/i-NxVR7SF/0/X2/DSC_7123-X2.jpg

One of the things I like about having bleeding edge technology at my disposal is the attention it gets from the public. Pull out a pro DSLR these days in a tram or bus, and it's a dime a dozen with tourists everywhere sporting similar displays. Pull out a Barbie cam, and people really start to stare. Now I know how people in Ferrari's feel when they get out of their cars. I was one of the first to get an iPhone and even that wasn't enough to garner the sort of looks I get when I pull out my Barbie cam. You can even see the disapproving looks from the more jealous members of society shaking their heads in disapproval. I was at the Melbourne Photography meet last weekend and when I pulled this out it was like I had just shown them my new 800mm f/5.6. When a couple of females joined the group, I could feel myself constantly surrounded by them. As I said, this is like having a Ferrari in your pocket. If you don't like attention, go with a mainstream DSLR.

If you're in the market for a camera and are currently looking at a Nikon and Canon pro body, I'd recommend you consider this option seriously, if not just to keep your toddlers hands off your real body. If you're the kind of person that likes to be noticed and be the envy of people's attention, this camera fits the bill.

Harry41
14-06-2014, 11:44am
Excellent review! My upgrade path from the D90 has just revealed itself!

MissionMan
14-06-2014, 11:50am
Excellent review! My upgrade path from the D90 has just revealed itself!

if you're coming from a D90 you're probably not ready for this. It's an advanced only camera due to the fixed focal length. I'd advise spending some time in manual mode after upgrading to a D600/D800/D4 and then when you're used to working with primes, you'll be ready for this. Without being arrogant, I think the high resolution sensor and quality optics would be wasted on a D90 owner. :D

Harry41
14-06-2014, 12:31pm
surely I can learn on the fly? Does it come with a user's manual?

paulheath
14-06-2014, 1:19pm
seriously looking at moving from Canon.......i think this ticks all the boxes, what would swing me is does it have "liveview"? looking at the quality of the pics its not really a deal breaker if it doesn't. great review..... you don't work for Mattel Inc do you?

MissionMan
14-06-2014, 1:23pm
seriously looking at moving from Canon.......i think this ticks all the boxes, what would swing me is does it have "liveview"? looking at the quality of the pics its not really a deal breaker if it doesn't. great review..... you don't work for Mattel Inc do you?

Yup. It has liveview. I didn't think to add that to the notes due to the fact that it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. Technically it falls into the mirrorless category but the focus speed on this baby is on a par with most professional DSLR's so I really see it as the mirrorless camera that bridges the gap for professionals to convert.

I know it's hard to believe that I don't work for the manufacturer, but this camera is just that good that I don't think it's possible to do a bad review. I've heard rumours that when Sigma heard about this camera, they dropped their plans for any further ART lenses because they felt it would be impossible to compete.

ricktas
14-06-2014, 1:44pm
Does it come in blue?

MissionMan
14-06-2014, 1:49pm
Does it come in blue?

No, it does not come in blue. If you're asking that sort of question, this camera is not the right camera for you.

The "Thomas the Tank" camera comes in blue. Everyone knows that.

If you're going to ask novice questions about photography gear, please don't put "advanced" next to the skill level on your name!

Mary Anne
14-06-2014, 5:30pm
Ok I have my laugh for today Thanks :lol::lol:

Kaktus
14-06-2014, 5:47pm
Totally spellbinding review :th3: The included photos only add to the story :th3:
Thank you soooo much for posting this, made my day :lol::lol::lol:

MissionMan
14-06-2014, 6:54pm
Thanks. It's one of the few occasions I get to accuse Rick of being a novice without getting banned :)

Jim560
15-06-2014, 3:11am
What a fantastic review. I wish I had read this prior to my recent upgrade, not only did I waste money on my D800 iIalso bought my daughter a Dora Camera form Kmart for $25.. what a rip off, and the pictures from that were terrible. Mission Man please give me any future updates when you do the initial tests..

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

:nlogo: (READ BARBIE)

I @ M
15-06-2014, 5:30am
No need for an l plate on this baby, it comes tripod ready

I was very excited by all the tech here and had my credit card out and ready to hit the buy now button until I saw the tripod mount isn't aligned with the lens centre.
That is a definite deal breaker I'm afraid as it simply won't cut it for multi row panorama shots.



What a fantastic review. I wish I had read this prior to my recent upgrade, not only did I waste money on my D800 iIalso bought my daughter a Dora Camera form Kmart for $25.. what a rip off, and the pictures from that were terrible. Mission Man please give me any future updates when you do the initial tests..
:nlogo: (READ BARBIE)

Jim, I'm certain that if you really want cutting edge Dora / Barbie tech in a camera and can't afford another body, you could simply swap the D800 with your daughter. Do your best used car salesman impersonation, kids are easily convinced and in the end you will have her believing she did get a good deal.

MissionMan
15-06-2014, 8:24am
I was very excited by all the tech here and had my credit card out and ready to hit the buy now button until I saw the tripod mount isn't aligned with the lens centre.
That is a definite deal breaker I'm afraid as it simply won't cut it for multi row panorama shots.


More novice questions.

The offset of the tripod mount is to cater for the error of parallax. This graphic from one of the education sites shows how the visual point should always be offset slightly to one side. This is only something you'll notice on professional grade cameras.

http://www.antonine-education.co.uk/Image_library/Physics_3/parallax.JPG

I @ M
15-06-2014, 9:30am
More novice questions.

The offset of the tripod mount is to cater for the error of parallax. This graphic from one of the education sites shows how the visual point should always be offset slightly to one side. This is only something you'll notice on professional grade cameras.

http://www.antonine-education.co.uk/Image_library/Physics_3/parallax.JPG

Now I smell something fishy !!!

That diagram is actually for measuring spring deflection rates in a sample of that rare metal unobtanium when subjected to 1, 2 or 3 levels of UV light!!!

Besides, I can't see a viewfinder on that camera -------- :scrtch:

ricktas
15-06-2014, 9:48am
Thanks. It's one of the few occasions I get to accuse Rick of being a novice without getting banned :)

Except it would appear that some of the photos above are copyright to your lovely daughter, not you. Please read the site rules, in particular rule 20. :tog::D:p:eek::lol::lol2::th3:

MissionMan
15-06-2014, 9:50am
Except it would appear that some of the photos above are copyright to your lovely daughter, not you. Please read the site rules, in particular rule 20. :tog::D:p:eek::lol::lol2::th3:

Touché :lol2:

ricktas
15-06-2014, 9:51am
and it would seem from a current thread elsewhere on the site (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?132522), that even though it is only 1.4mp, as the pixel site size may in fact be equal to or larger than the D800's 36mp, then the Barbie Cam wins hands down. After all, nothing else matters, just the pixel site size.:D

Win Win!

MissionMan
15-06-2014, 2:01pm
and it would seem from a current thread elsewhere on the site (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?132522), that even though it is only 1.4mp, as the pixel site size may in fact be equal to or larger than the D800's 36mp, then the Barbie Cam wins hands down. After all, nothing else matters, just the pixel site size.:D

Win Win!

It does if it's Ken Rockwell's Barbie cam. :D

JJM
16-06-2014, 11:21am
Most importantly how many FPS is it capable of ?

Great review!

MissionMan
16-06-2014, 12:06pm
Most importantly how many FPS is it capable of ?

Great review!

I'll mount it on my wimberly tonight and let you know. I haven't done high frame rate tests yet.

Grant S
16-06-2014, 12:48pm
Stunning review and image quality! Can't wait to add one of these babies to my collection. How does it handle full motion video and sound recording? Or is it pro specialised so that kind of frippery is left of this bit of kit?

MissionMan
16-06-2014, 1:01pm
Stunning review and image quality! Can't wait to add one of these babies to my collection. How does it handle full motion video and sound recording? Or is it pro specialised so that kind of frippery is left of this bit of kit?

It has 4K video. By that I mean a second of video uses up about 4K of memory :D

Grant S
16-06-2014, 4:16pm
It has 4K video. By that I mean a second of video uses up about 4K of memory :D
wow so much for so little cash!

bricat
03-08-2014, 8:30am
Rick. Could you please review ALL Missionmans competition entries as it would appear from this post that another person has in fact been taking a lot of photo's that appear to be way above missionmans capability. I think this review may have been written by his daughter as well. If you look at his avatar it shows he has no concept of capturing the facial details of a subject and his skill level should be changed to novice...........

arthurking83
03-08-2014, 2:01pm
I've met MissionMan .. and FWIW she is a very well behaved 3 year old, with an excellent grasp of gear related concepts! :p

MissionMan
03-08-2014, 10:07pm
I've met MissionMan .. and FWIW she is a very well behaved 3 year old, with an excellent grasp of gear related concepts! :p

I turn four on Wednesday. We're having a big frozen party if you want to join us. Mandatory dress code of a Else or Anna dress.

arthurking83
04-08-2014, 5:24pm
I'm still partially frozen from Saturday .. maybe I could come as frosty the snowman! :p

MissionMan
04-08-2014, 5:51pm
I'm still partially frozen from Saturday .. maybe I could come as frosty the snowman! :p

Frosty? FROSTY??

What sort of person doesn't know the snowman in Frozen is called Olaf?

You're officially uninvited!

bitsnpieces
05-08-2014, 1:55pm
What about someone who hasn't seen the movie yet? Do we get grace in the invitation? :P

MissionMan
05-08-2014, 1:59pm
What about someone who hasn't seen the movie yet? Do we get grace in the invitation? :P

You haven't seen Frozen?

YOU HAVEN'T SEEN FROZEN?????

*sigh*

What is this world coming to?

No wonder this world is going downhill. Violence in the middle east, ISIS, North Korea etc. All of this could just be avoided if people stopped and watched Frozen.

bitsnpieces
01-09-2014, 12:22am
Seeing as the Barbie Cam was such a success, maybe you may be interested in the video camera from Barbie:
http://www.digitalrev.com/article/philip-bloom-barbie-camera-challenge/MTc2NDkzOTc3

Brian500au
02-09-2014, 10:55pm
I think I seen these on the B&H site last week - highly recommended as an alternative to the Sony A7R.

I would not be surprised the release of these cameras was the sole reason Canon had to permanently drop the price of the super telephoto white lenses to gain back market share.