hopRSS

Friday, December 31, 2010

Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3

Fujifilm has launched the FinePix Real 3D W3, its second 3D compact camera, and the first to shoot movies in HD. It inherits the same techonology including dual 10MP CCD sensors and twin lenses from the W1, but comes with a larger 3.5" 3D LCD compared to the 2.8" screen of the previous model. It offers a new Auto 3D mode and records sound in stereo. Images and videos taken with the camera can be viewed on 3D televisions and the company's 3D photo frames.

Press Release:


Unique Fujifilm technology allows true 3D images, stunning 3D HD movies and direct connection to any 3D TV – bringing a new dimension to family viewing.

Following on from the successful launch of the world’s first 3D camera in September ‘09, Fujifilm continue to offer consumers the opportunity to make their own true, rather than interpolated, 3D content with the launch of a new camera – the FinePix Real 3D W3.

A world’s first!
While smaller and lighter than the original model, the FinePix W3 adds a bigger and better quality screen, an Auto 3D mode, stereo sound recording and the unique ability to shoot video in Real 3D in High Definition, with live or recorded playback via direct connection to any 3D TV – using an HDMI mini-cable (hi-speed type) 1.4 cable.

The FinePix W3 continues Fujifilm’s strategy of offering Real 3D content by replicating the human visual system in combining two high quality lens and two CCDs in the one chassis – and allows consumers the option of viewing 3D images and video either with or without special glasses.

3D content can be viewed, and on a huge scale, on any of the increasing number of large screen 3D TVs by using the sets’ supplied glasses.

Alternatively consumers can also view stunning 3D images and video without glasses through the camera’s built-in 3.5inch LCD display or via the optional 8” 3D digital viewer/photoframe. Images can also be made into special ‘lenticular’ prints - via a unique printing process which will shortly be available in the UK for the first time and in a range of sizes up to 9”x6”.

Owners of 3D TVs can also rest assured that the FinePix W3 will show their new screen at its very best, thanks to the unique 3D HD video recording and a parallax control function which helps to remove crosstalk problems by allowing 3D fine tuning, even after the images have been taken.

A rather special 2D Camera
They may already be bowled over by the unique 3D performance of the FinePix W3, but consumers can also be happy in the knowledge that they are also purchasing a very special 2D camera indeed.

This new technology has also brought some unique benefits to shooting images and video in the 2D world, bringing new creative freedom to the user.

By featuring twin high quality Fujinon lens and two CCD sensors the FinePix W3 effectively becomes two cameras in one body, while the powerful, proprietary processor allows the camera to take two different photos at the same time.

So photographers can select to shoot both close-up and wide angle versions of a photo, or two alternative colour balances or have an image with two versions with high and low sensitivity.  

The FinePix Real 3D W3 camera will be launched in early September 2010 with an estimated selling price of £399 and will be available from major department stores and leading independent camera specialists.

Key features at a glance:

3D HD Movie (720p) and 3D still image capture Instant 3D playback on build-in High Contrast, 3.5” 3D LCD (without the need for special 3D glasses) Direct Connection via HDMI high-speed 1.4(Type A-Type C) cable to any branded 3D HDTV Two 1/2.3” 10 Megapixel CCD Two Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens 3D RP(REAL PHOTO) HD PROCESSOR Compact and light-weight 230g body (excluding accessories, battery and memory card) 2D Special effects using Simultaneous Shooting functions Sensor• 2 x 1/2.3 " Type CCD
• 10.0 million effective pixels eachImage sizes• 3648 x 2736
• 3648 x 2432
• 3584 x 2016
• 2592 x 1944
• 2592 x 1728
• 2560 x 1440
• 2048 x 1536
• 2016 x 1344
• 1920 x 1080 Movie clips• 1280 x 720 pixels (24 fps)
• 640 x 480 pixels (30 fps)
• 320 x 240 pixels (30 fps)
• With stereo sound File formats• Still image :
- 3D Still image: MPO+JPEG, MPO (Multi Picture Format compatible)
- 2D Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2 * (Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
• Movie :
- 3D Movie: 3D-AVI (Stereo AVI format with 2 image channels)
- 2D Movie: AVI format (Motion JPEG with sound)Lens• 2 x Fujinon 3x Optical zoom lens
• F3.7 - F4.2
• f=6.5mm – 18.1mm
• 35-105mm equiv.
Focus• 3D: Center
• 2D: Center, Multi (for Face Detection off only)
Focus distance• Normal: Approx. 60cm/2.0 ft to infinity
• Macro: Approx. 8cm to 70cm/2.6ftISO sensitivity• Auto (400)
• Auto (800)
• Auto (1600)
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600 ApertureWide : F3.7- F8.0
Tele : F4.2- F9.0Shooting modes• Programmed AE
• Aperture Priority AE
• Manual Scene modes • SP mode: Natural light, Natural light and with Flash, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Night (Tripod), Sunset, Snow, Beach, Underwater, Party, Anti-Blur
• ADV 3D: Interval 3D shooting, Individual shutter 3D shooting
• ADV 2D: Tele/Wide simultaneous shooting, 2-Color simultaneous shooting, 2-Sensitivity simultaneous shooting Flash• Auto flash
• Effective range: (ISO 800):
Wide-angle: approx.60cm - 3.6m / 2 ft. - 11.8 ft.
Macro : 30cm - 80cm / 1.0 ft. - 2.6 ft.LCD monitor• 3.5-inch
• approx. 1150,000 pixels
• Lenticular type
• approx. 100% coverageVideo output• HDMI
• NTSC / PAL selectableStorage• 34 MB Internal memory
• SD / SDHC memory card Power• Rechargeable NP-45A Li-ion battery (included)DimensionsApprox. 124.0 (W) x 65.9(H) x 27.8 (D) mm /
4.9 (W) x 2.6 (H) x 1.1 (D) in.Email Print Post comment News Discussion Share: Facebook Twitter Digg del.icio.us

View the original article here

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100

Panasonic has released the Lumix DMC-FZ100 super-zoom digital camera with Full HD AVCHD video recording. With a 24x zoom lens (25mm - 600mm equiv.), 14.1 MP CMOS sensor and 460K dot 3.0 inch tiltable LCD, it includes features such as Image Stabilization, the latest Venus Engine FHD processor and P/A/S/M shooting modes. It also offers the industry's fastest full resolution burst shooting using a mechanical shutter at 11 fps. The camera is designed with a focus mode switch on the lens barrel, and a rear jog dial for better control while shooting manually. It will be available from the end of August for a suggested retail price of $499.95. Now with demonstration of zoom range added.

Jump to:

If you're having difficulty getting your head around what 25-600mm equivalent looks like in the real world? Here's a simple demonstration. Images shot with a pre-production FZ100, so may not represent final image quality.

Press Release:

Stockholm, Sweden (July 7, 2010) – Panasonic, is pleased to introduce new DMC-FZ100, top-of-the-line of LUMIX popular FZ series that packs a powerful optical zoom and creative options including manual operation, adding full HD movie recording capability. The newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens in the DMC-FZ100 extends its optical zoom range from 27mm to 25mm at wide end and the zoom power from 18x to 24x to be even more versatile compared with the DMC-FZ35*1.

Also the newly developed 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor lets the FZ100 record high quality 1920x1080 full HD movie as smooth as 50i (PAL). Together with a host of options, the unlimited expression of not only photo but also of movie is now easily available with FZ100. The high speed MOS sensor realizes the industry’s fastest level of burst shooting in 14.1-megapixel full resolution at 11 fps with mechanical shutter and even 60 fps in 3.5-megapixel recording mode*2. It also enables the camera to record high speed movie at 220 fps in QVGA size, to capture the motion of a subject the naked eye cannot see.

The new image processing LSI the Venus Engine FHD assures high picture quality in both photo and movie recording. It also compiles the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing depending on the part of a picture to give a whole image outstandingly natural clearness with fine details. The powerful 24x optical zoom*1 can be increased its power to 32x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function taking advantage of the Intelligent Resolution technology maintaining the picture quality even using digital zoom. The Sonic Speed AF in the FZ100 features its speed at the industry's fastest level. Combined with a high-speed start-up, this gives the FZ100 an industry's fastest level of response that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

The manual control of FZ100 elevates the operability even higher with the incorporation of new jog dial. Focus switch is newly equipped on the lens barrel true to the system camera. User can enjoy creative shooting expressing their intention not only in photo but also in movie, utilizing a host of options including Creative Movie mode and My Color mode.

The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – an advancing hallmark of LUMIX – now comprehends Motion Deblur mode*2. The Motion Deblur mode is available by updating the motion detection (Intelligent ISO Control) and brightness control (Intelligent Exposure) to gain as high shutter speed as possible. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), the DMC-FZ100 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur - whether the blur is caused by a handshake or the subject's motion.

The POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure work appropriately just by entering the iA mode for any user to take beautiful photos with maximum ease.

The 3.0-inch free-angle Intelligent LCD has now 460,000-dot high resolution to dramatically, improve visibility during recording and playback. The battery life is also as powerful as approx. 410 pictures shooting thanks to the highly energy efficient MOS sensor and image processing LSI, the Venus Engine FHD.

Recording both high quality photo and movie with super fast response at 25mm ultra wide angle to super telephoto 24x, the DMC-FZ100 is none-the-like versatile digital compact camera with functions that satisfies users at any level of photography from beginners to high amateurs. 25mm Ultra Wide-Angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens with Powerful 24x Optical Zoom for Ultimate Versatility in Both Photo and Movie Recording
The FZ100 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom(35mm camera equivalent:25-600mm). Comprising 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly compact body while passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance suppressing distortion at wide end and color bleeding at tele end. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the FZ100 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom. This means the 24x optical can virtually extend to 32x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 50.6x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the large MOS sensor to bring subjects even closer. Newly Developed 14.1-Megapixel MOS Sensor Pursuing Even Higher Level in Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed
To realize the 1920x1080 full HD movie recording with high image quality, the new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor is developed for DMC-FZ100. For the effective concentration of light, the newly developed sensor adopts microfabrication technology to achieve even higher sensitivity. With an advanced micro light tube structure, both color mixture and signal loss are prevented. The result is that the photo and movie shot at any sensitivity from low to high have outstanding clearness.

The high speed digital signal output technology integrated in the DMC-GH1 is applied also to the DMC-FZ100 realizing the high speed consecutive shooting and full HD movie recording. It lets the DMC-FZ100 shoot 11 fps in 14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps with continuous AF. Even higher speed burst shooting is available with DMC-FZ100 if electronic shutter is used– 60 fps in 3.5-megapixel*2. It also enables the camera to record Full HD 50i (PAL) smooth movie. In addition, the high speed movie at 220 fps in QVGA size is another advantage of the sensor which captures the motion of a subject. The frame rate, AF setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject with a dedicated button on the top of the camera.

Photos shot with the burst shooting are automatically organized and it is easy to play them back later either in the camera or on PC using the bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition.
Despite its outstanding performance, the high performance MOS sensor contributes to energy efficiency extending the battery life up to 410 shots (CIPA) per a single charge. 1920x1080 60i Full HD Movie Recording in the AVCHD format
The LUMIX DMC-FZ100 is an advanced photographic tool for recording not only great photos but also beautiful full-HD movies. In addition to Motion JPEG images, the DMC-FZ100 can record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080 50i (PAL) movies in AVCHD (MPEG-4/H.264)*4 format. The AVCHD format features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG and excels in the compatibility with AV equipment like HDTVs or Blu-ray players. A special, separate button on the top lets the user instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings.

The powerful 24x optical zoom is available in movie recording with the mechanism designed to minimize the noise of auto focusing or zooming. With DMC-FZ100, there are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes – high-quality photos or movies. The user can simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully.

The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in movie recording. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, and Intelligent Scene Selector also support shooting beautiful movie with ease. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. The Intelligent Exposure that also optimizes the exposure to prevent over/under exposure part from occurring.

The movies also come with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound to the movie. For more creative sound recording, an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) is available. And a Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.

It is also possible to take still image while recording motion picture simultaneously (3.5-megapixel)*2.With the Video Divide function, users can divide the video into two sections to shorten or delete the unwanted part on the spot in the camera. You can cut out a clear still image from a movie in the camera thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. A host of options enhances the usability and fun of recording high quality full HD movie.

Photos or movies recorded in AVCHD on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV. Simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player to playback your contents. Alternatively, you can use an optional mini HDMI cable to output the still and motion images you took from the FZ100 directly to the TV for VIERA Link. You can take maximum advantage of LUMIX camera's playback functions including the slideshow in which both still and motion images are integrated in the timeline, category playback according to the scene mode you used or calendar display and so on. All control is possible using only the TV's remote control.

In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube or burn them to a DVD disc for archiving. Motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 29min 59 sec in European PAL areasContinuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen. Use a card with SD Speed Class*5 with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 6" or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].Redesigned Venus Engine FHD with Even Higher Signal Processing Performance
For the image processor, the new Venus Engine FHD is incorporated that features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. By separating chromatic noise from luminance noise and applying the optimal noise reduction to each, you can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine FHD also provides precisely selective noise reduction to the chromatic noise without affecting the border of colors which is judged from the brightness level of a pixel. The Intelligent Resolution technology is another feature of the Venus Engine FHD.

With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas — outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction system of the Venus Engine FHD is applied to make it smoother.

Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording. The Intelligent Resolution technology also realizes Intelligent Zoom, which virtually extends the optical zoom ratio to its approx. 1.3x equivalent maintaining the picture quality even combining the digital zoom. Details of an image in high sensitivity recording tend to be lost in the noise reduction process; however, the Intelligent Resolution works to keep them. Linking smoothly with the MOS sensor, the Venus Engine FHD processes a large amount of signals at high speed, making it possible to record high resolution consecutive shots and full HD movie recording.

At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine FHD achieves a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.008 second and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus).

Intuitive Manual Control and Creative Option
The excellent manual controllability is the advantage of DMC-FZ100, making it stand out of standard compact cameras. The newly adopted jog dial enhances the operability together with the focus switch relocated on the lens barrel.

In movie recording, the DMC-FZ100 goes further than simply recording HD movies. Apart from the movie recording capability of conventional digital compact cameras, the DMC-FZ100 also features a Creative Movie mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out.

My Color mode, which was popular in the LUMIX G Micro System cameras, is a special option that gives free reign to the user's creativity. With a variety of options including new Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic and High Dynamic B&W, the My Color mode makes it easier and more fun to create interesting, expressive images by shooting images with most intensive color, brightness and saturation parameters The popular My Color mode is available also in movie recording giving the user a wider range of expressive possibilities to explore together with the Creative Movie mode.

The newly added hot shoe allows attachment of various accessories including an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash (DMW-FL220/360/500). The DMC-FZ100 is also compatible with a optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.

Great Photography Is Not only from a Professional Photographer — Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Photo & Movie
The DMC-FZ100 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably.

The hand-shake component, which is physically generated when pressing the shutter button or when shooting at night with a slow shutter speed, is recognized as a low-frequency vibration, for which the POWER O.I.S. is particularly effective. This greatly improves the quality of shots taken with high zoom, at night or indoors where a flash cannot be used, or where the photographer doesn't want to use a flash because it would spoil the mood. It captures beautiful photos in situations that previously resulted in blurring. The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people. The Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene modes — Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset — that best suits the shooting situation.

With the DMC-FZ100, the Motion Deblur mode* is incorporated to prevent blur even more powerfully. The mode is a comprehensive integration of Intelligent ISO Control which automatically adjusts ISO setting and shutter speed according to the subject's movement and the advanced contrast control system of Intelligent Exposure that also optimizes the exposure to prevent over/under exposure part in a picture. The camera judges the appropriate shutter speed to suppress the motion blur according to the movement of the subject. The shutter speed rises as high as possible activating the high sensitivity recording by pixel mixed readout method.

Plus, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in the iA mode which results in the clearer and higher picture quality in every photo and movie with extended zoom range with the Intelligent Zoom equivalent to 32x optical zoom.

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting the iA mode to take beautiful photos and movies with maximum ease.

The Happy mode, a color mode option in the iA mode, optimizes color, saturation and brightness to make both photo and movie more vivid and true to the color of the scene you memorized.

Other Features Enhancing the Photographic Experience
The DMC-FZ100 features free-angle 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD (which boasts a wide viewing angle) and 0.2-inch 201,600-dot EVF, both with 100% field of view. A large, clear, easy-to-see LCD, that rotates 180° horizontally and 270° vertically to offer even more comfortable view for both monitoring when shooting and for playing back the results. The 1cm Macro shot is also available to capture subjects with fine detail with the FZ100.

Rich Options for Further Expandability
The DMC-FZ100 offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style. Tele Conversion Lens(1.7x): DMW-LT55Close-up Lens: DMW-LC55Conversion Lens Adaptor: DMW-LA5 NEWMC Protector: DMW-MC52 ND Filter: DMW-LND52 PL Filter: DMW-LPL52 External Flash: DMW-FL220(GN22) / DMW-FL360(GN36) / DMW-FL500(GN50) Stereo Microphone: DMW-MS1Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1Battery Pack: DMW-BMB9Carrying Case: DMW-CZS100 NEWBag:DMW-CZ18About Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0
The exciting, multi-functional software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 comes bundled with DMC-FT10. With quick start-up and fast read-in of images, the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored in your PC.

The Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture automatically sorts the photos by the registered faces without picking out each photo one by one when you only want pictures of a specific person. You can also enjoy slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music library as background music. Motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader even in HD (High Definition) quality. The new PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 also lets you create a 360-degree rotation panorama file in MOV.

Experience and feel the outstanding benefit of the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0. It will surely allow you to view, edit and archive your captured photos and motion pictures with greater ease and fun.

*1 Equivalent to 35mm camera: 25-600mm.
*2 In the high speed burst shooting at 60 fps, the picture size is 3.5-megapixel(16:9), 3-megapixel(3:2), 2.5-megapixel(4:3) or 2-megapixel(1:1)
*3 The picture size may be reduced.
*4Full-HD (1920 x 1080) movies are recorded at 50i (PAL). HD (1280 x 720) movies are output and recorded by the image sensor at 50p (PAL).
*5 SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.

Sensor• 1/2.33" Type MOS
• 15.1 million pixels total
• 14.1 million effective pixelsImage sizes4:3
• 4320 x 3240 (14M)
• 3648 x 2736 (10M)
• 3072 x 2304 (7M)
• 2560 x 1920 (5M)
• 2048 x 1536 (3M)
• 640 x 480 (0.3M)
3:2
• 4320 x 2880 (12.5M)
• 3648 x 2432 (9M)
• 3072 x 2048 (6M)
• 2560 x 1712 (4.5M)
• 2048 x 1360 (2.5M)
• 640 x 424 (0.3M)
16:9
• 4320 x 2432 (10.5M)
• 3648 x 2056 (7.5M)
• 3072 x 1728 (5.5M)
• 2560 x 1440 (3.5M)
• 1920 x 1080 (2M)
• 640 x 360 (0.2M)
1:1
• 3232 x 3232 (10.5M)
• 2736 x 2736 (7.5M)
• 2304 x 2304 (5.5M)
• 1920 x 1920 (3.5M)
• 1536 x 1536 (2.5M)
• 480 x 480 (0.2M)
Movie clips• AVCHD : 1980 x 1080 (FSH: 17Mbps / FH:13Mbps)
• AVCHD Lite: 1280 x 720 pixels (SH: 17Mbps / H:13Mbps )
• Motion JPEG: 1280 x 720 pixels @ 30fps
• 4:3: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels @ 30 fps
• 16:9: 848 x 480 pixels @ 30 fps
File formats• Still Image: JPEG(DCF/Exif2.21), RAW
• Motion picture: AVCHD, AVCHD Lite, QuickTime Motion JPEG
Lens• 24x optical zoom
• 25 - 600mm (35mm equiv.)
• f=4.5-108mm
• F2.8 - 5.2
• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT
• 14 elements in 10 groups Image stabilizationPower O.I.S lens-shift stabilization Focus• Normal
• Macro
• Quick AF On/Off (On in Intelligent Auto)
• Continuous AF On/Off
• Manual Focus (Jog dial and cursor key button)
• One Shot AF
• AF Area Select
• AF Tracking
AF area modes • Face / AF tracking
• 11-point
• 1-point High speed
• 1-point
• Spot (flexible/ scalable)Focus distance• Normal: Wide 30cm - infinity, Tele 200 cm - infinity
• Macro / Intelligent AUTO/ Clipboard: Wide 1 cm / Tele 100cm - infinityMetering• Intelligent Multiple
• Center
• SpotISO sensitivity• Auto
• Intelligent ISO
• 100
• 200
• 400
• 800
• 1600
• High Sensitivity Mode : Auto (1600 - 6400)Shutter speed• 60-1/2000 sec
• Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60secAperture• F2.8 - 5.5 (F2.8- 8 (W) / F5.2 - 8 (T)) Modes• Intelligent AUTO
• P (Program)
• A (Aperture Priority)
• S (Shutter Priority)
• M (Manual)
• SCN
• Creative Movie mode
• My Color mode
• Portrait mode
• Sports mode
• Night Portrait mode
• Close-up mode
• Custom
Scene modes • Panorama Assist
• Party
• Candle Light
• Baby1
• Baby2
• Pet
• Sunset
• High Sensitivity
• Flash Burst
• Panning
• Starry Sky
• Fireworks
• Beach
• Snow
• Aerial Photo
• Photo Frame
• High Speed Movie White balance• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Shade
• Halogen
• Color Temprature
• White Set 1,2Continuous shooting• 11 frames/sec
• 60 frames/sec High Speed Burst modeImage parametersStandard, Dynamic, Nature, Smooth, Vibrant, Nostalgic, Standard B&W, Dynamic B&W, Smooth B&W, My Film 1/2, Multi Film (My Color Mode) Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, High Dynamic, Dynamic Art, Dynamic B&W, Silhouette, Pinhole, Film Grain, Custom, Happy (only in iA mode) Flash• Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
• 0.3 - 9.5m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 5.1m (Tele/ISO Auto)Viewfinder• 0.20" 202K Pixel equiv.
Approx 100% Field of viewLCD monitor• 3.0" Free Angle TFT LCD Display
• 460K dots
• Field of View : approx. 100%
• AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD modeConnectivity• USB2.0 High speed
• Mini HDMI
• AV Output (NTSC/PAL)
• DC InputStorage• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card
• 40MB internal memoryPower• Li-ion battery
• Charger included
• AC adaptor (optional)Dimensions124 x 82 x 95 mm
(4.89 x 3.20 x 3.74 in)

View the original article here

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Samsung PL200

Samsung has launched the PL200 budget compact camera. The 14.1MP camera features a 3.0 inch LCD and comes with 7x image-stabilized zoom lens (31-217mm equiv.) and records 720p HD videos using H.264 compression. The camera will be available from September at a retail price of $179.99.

Jump to:

Press Release:


The New PL200 Lets Consumers Experience Advanced Features Without Breaking the Bank

Ridgefield Park, NJ (July 21, 2010) Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced the PL200, a stylish 14.2 mega-pixel point-and-shoot digital camera that sets a new benchmark in today’s mid-range class. The competitively-priced PL200 combines advanced features such as high-definition video recording, powerful optics, and a large LCD screen, along with the unmatched ease-of-use that has become one of the defining features of Samsung’s digital camera lineup, making it one of the most well-rounded digital cameras on the market.

 “The PL200 is the ideal digital camera for those who value simplicity but also long for a more immersive digital imaging experience,” said Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of Mobile Entertainment Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. “With the PL200, consumers can experience the versatility offered by more advanced digital cameras, along with a comprehensive suite of automatic controls, allowing them to step up to the next level of digital camera without stepping outside of their comfort zone.”

A Powerful and Stylish Camera
Samsung’s PL200, which measures just 3.9” x 2.3” x 0.83”, sports a slim and stylish design that includes a large 3.0” LCD, allowing consumers to frame and review their images and video with ease. The PL200 also incorporates a powerful 7x optical zoom lens (35mm film equivalent focal length of 31mm-217mm) that puts consumers in the middle of the action.

Additionally, thanks to Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology, which combines the benefits of both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization, users have added stability and can capture clear, blur-free images with the utmost precision. Alongside high-quality still images, the PL200 can also record 720p HD video at 30 frames-per-second in H.264 format, giving users three times more recording capacity than MJPEG video.

Smart Automatic Controls
The Samsung PL200 offers a comprehensive suite of automatic controls to help users capture better images with ease. Samsung’s advanced Smart Auto (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology takes the hassle out of capturing great still images or 720p HD video.

With the simple touch of a button, consumers can switch the PL200 to Smart Auto (Still & Movie), and it will analyze the current shooting environment and subject and automatically select the most appropriate scene mode and settings for the best results possible. The PL200 also offers Beauty Shot and Smile Shot modes, as well as Blink Detection and Face Detection features. In addition, consumers can take advantage of the Smart Album feature to help manage their images.

Lens• f = 5.6 - 13.2mm.
• 31 - 217mm equiv.
• 7x Optical Zoom Lens
LCD monitor• 3.0 inch TFT LCD
• 230,000 dotEmail Print Post comment News Discussion Share: Facebook Twitter Digg del.icio.us

View the original article here

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Pre-Photokina 2010: Canon has announced the PowerShot SX30 IS superzoom digital compact, successor to the the SX20 IS. Compared to its predecessor, it features a 24-840mm equivalent wide-angle 35x zoom lens (as opposed to the SX20's 28-560mm equiv.), a slightly larger 2.7" articulated LCD and a 14.1Mp sensor. It also includes Ultrasonic (USM) and Voice Coil (VCM) motors for faster and quieter zooming and focusing. The camera offers 720p HD recording, a Miniature effect movie mode, P/A/S/M shooting modes and a Zoom Framing Assist function that helps users quickly toggle between three preset zoomed-out positions at the longer end of the lens for better framing.

Jump to:

Press Release:

London, UK, 14 September 2010 – Canon today redefines the boundaries of its compact superzoom range with the introduction of the new PowerShot SX30 IS - a high performance camera that boasts a 24mm ultra-wide, 35x optical zoom lens. Succeeding the PowerShot SX20 IS, the new model combines outstanding Canon optics with a host of advanced imaging technologies, providing the ideal tool for photo enthusiasts who want a powerful all-in-one camera for all their creative pursuits.

Perfect for use in any situation, the PowerShot SX30 IS provides full manual control, HD movie recording and a number of creative and automatic shooting modes – delivering  as much or as little creative assistance as desired. Other design features, including a 6.8cm (2.7”) vari-angle LCD screen and hot shoe, also allow users to extend their creativity by shooting from different angles and with a range of compatible Canon accessories.

Class-leading zoom with outstanding image quality
The camera’s 14.1 Megapixel sensor allows photographers to generate A2+ size prints, offering detailed images that users can crop creatively with no compromise on quality. The enormous focal range of the 35x optical zoom lens offers users a unique realm of creative possibilities, extending from 24mm to 840mm (35mm equiv.), capturing everything from ultra wide-angle images to extreme telephoto shots.

Developed with the same materials and processes used to manufacture Canon’s range of EF lenses, the PowerShot SX30 IS showcases Canon’s unrivalled optical expertise. The lens construction comprises of multiple special lens elements including an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element as well as a Hi-UD element, compensating for light aberrations while maintaining high image quality across the entire zoom range. Hi-UD elements are commonly used in Canon’s globally-trusted range of professional broadcast camera lenses – ensuring maximum image quality while reducing the total lens weight.

A lens of such zooming power would typically pose a significant challenge for photographers shooting in low light or using the telephoto range without a tripod. For this reason, Canon has equipped this model with the most effective optical Image Stabilizer (IS) ever to be used in one of its compact cameras, offering up to 4.5 stops of compensation. This lens-shift system can effectively minimise blur when shooting with long zoom and when the use of a fast shutter speed is not possible.

The PowerShot SX30 IS also features Ultrasonic (USM) and Voice Coil (VCM) motors for fast, accurate and silent zooming and focusing which, along with the optical IS, work in both stills and movies.

The new Zoom Framing Assist function helps users to keep track of distant or moving subjects when shooting with long zoom. Pressing the dedicated shortcut button, the Zoom Framing Assist quickly retracts the lens to one of three preset zoomed-out positions - allowing the user to view more of the scene on the screen and seek the subject - while a rectangle marks the area of the originally zoomed-in frame. Once the user reacquires the subject and positions it back in the rectangular frame, the button can be released and the lens quickly extends back to its zoomed position, allowing the shooting to be resumed in its original framing.

Moving beyond stills
The PowerShot SX30 IS offers 720p HD movie capture with stereo sound and full optical zoom, allowing photographers to switch from stills to movies at the touch of a button. Focus and exposure can be locked or adjusted during movie recording, while a special Dynamic IS mode reduces the camera shake created when filming and moving at the same time, producing a more realistic, steadier picture. Smart Auto in Movie mode can detect 21 different scene types, automatically evaluating and adjusting the settings to achieve optimum exposure, give priority to faces and boost bright colours.  Results can be enjoyed to their fullest by connecting the camera’s HDMI-mini port to an HDTV screen.

Designed without compromise for quality, flexibility and creativity
In addition to the incredible zoom capability, the PowerShot SX30 IS offers a number of design features which enable photographers to take control of their images. A 6.8cm (2.7”) vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD screen with a 230k dot resolution provides maximum flexibility in all types of scenes ranging from floral close-ups to crowded concerts.  These can be shot more comfortably even from awkward angles and then reviewed in brilliant colour and sharp detail. The Quick-bright function enables images to be viewed and subjects to be framed easily, even in bright sunlight.

For those who want to add more variety to their creative photography, the PowerShot SX30 IS features a hot shoe, allowing accessories such as Canon’s EX Speedlite flash units to be used. Additionally, an optional lens filter adapter allows the attachment of 67mm filters such as the Canon PL-C B 67mm polarizer filter, providing photographers with nearly endless possibilities for adding a creative flair to their images.

For those who want to take great shots instantly, without worrying about manually changing settings, the PowerShot SX30 IS features Smart Auto, which uses Scene Detection Technology to identify shooting conditions and select the optimum settings from 28 variables. A series of new scenes have been added, including subjects with strong facial shadows under harsh lighting and subjects in spotlight. Smart Flash Exposure also controls the power of the camera’s flash to ensure perfectly-exposed subjects both in macro shots and when backlit.

For more creative shooting options, photographers can also use Fish-eye, Miniature, Poster and Super Vivid effects to add a fresh perspective on images. Miniature Effect mode is also available in movies, shooting the scene at a reduced frame rate of 6, 3 or 1.5 fps, to create the effect of a high-speed, time-lapse film of a miniature-scale model.

Store, view and share stories

Sharing special moments with family and friends has never been easier. The PowerShot SX30 IS supports SDHC and SDXC memory cards, providing abundant capacity so photographers can keep shooting without worrying about filling their memory card too quickly. To find favourite shots among hundreds of others, users can tag each image in-camera, allowing it to be grouped with other favourites and easily located at a later date. Smart Shuffle playback also suggests similar images to be viewed based on the current image displayed, locating images in the memory card which may have been forgotten or overlooked in the larger library.

This model also supports Eye-Fi connected functions, allowing remote uploads to image sharing websites such as CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. The camera features a dedicated Eye-Fi section within the User Interface, and disables the auto power-down function when the Eye-Fi card transmits data – allowing the easy transfer of content without interruption*1.  

Share stories with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

Owners of the PowerShot SX30 IS can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. Photographers can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage capacity, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.

PowerShot SX30 IS – key features:

35x ultra wide-angle zoomOptical Image Stabilizer (4.5-stop), USM, VCM14.1 MP CCD6.8 cm (2.7") vari-angle LCD, EVFHD movies, HDMISmart AutoManual modes, Low Light and Miniature Effect movieZoom Framing AssistServo AF/AEExtensive accessory system

*1 This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with the card manufacturer.
Also note that approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with the card manufacturer.

Sensor• 1/2.3 " Type CCD
• 14.1 million effective pixelsImage sizes• 4320 x 3240
• 3072 x 2304
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
• 3744 x 2104.
• Resize in playback (M2, S, 320 x 240)Movie clips• 1280 x 720 @ 30fps
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps
• 320 x 240 @ 30fps
• Miniature Effect (HD, L) 6fps, 3fps, 1.5 fpsFile formats• Still: JPEG (Exif v2.3)
• Movie: MOV [H.264 + Linear PCM (stereo)]Lens• 24- 840mm equiv
• 35x Optical zoom
• F2.7 - F5.8
• 13 elements in 10 groups (1 Hi-UD lens, 1 UD lens and 1 double-sided aspherical lens)
• Ultra Sonic Motor (USM)
Focus• Face Detection AiAF
• 1-point AF (Any position is available, fixed to centre or Face Select and Track)
• Manual focus
• Single, Continuous, Servo AF/AE
• Focus bracketMetering• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF)
• Center-weighted average
• Spot (centre or linked to Face Detection AF or FlexiZone AF frame)ISO sensitivity• Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600Exposure compensation• +/- 2EV
• 1/3 stop incrementsShutter speed• Auto (1 - 1/3200 sec)
• 15-1/3200 secModes• Auto
• Program AE
• Shutter Priority AE
• Aperture Priority AE
• Manual
• Custom1
• Custom2
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Sports
• SCN
• MovieScene modes • Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer)
• Low Light (2.0MP)
• Super Vivid
• Poster Effect
• Color Accent
• Color Swap
• Fish-eye Effect
• Miniature Effect
• Beach
• Foliage
• Snow
• Fireworks
• Stitch Assist White balance• Auto (including Face Detection WB)
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Flash
• Custom Continuous shooting• Approx 0.6 fps until card is full (AF / LiveView)
• Approx 1.3 fps until card is full (LCD monitor off)Image parametersMy Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color) Flash• Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Slow Sync, Red-eye reduction
• Slow Sync Speed : Fastest speed 1/2000 sec
• +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments
• Face Detection FE compensation
• Safety FE
• Flash exposure lock
• Manual Power Adjustment
• Range (Auto ISO):50cm - 5.8m (wide) /1.4m- 2.8m (tele)External Flash • E-TTL with Canon EX series Speedlites
• Canon's High Power Flash HF-DC1LCD monitor• Vari-angle 2.7" TFT
• 230,000 pixels
• Adjustable Brightness
• 100% CoverageConnectivity• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• HDMI mini connector
• AV out (PAL / NTSC switchable)StorageSD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMCplus, HCMMCplus
PowerRechargeable Li-ion Battery NB-7L (battery and charger supplied)

View the original article here

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Olympus E-5

Pre-Photokina 2010: Olympus has announced the E-5 professional DSLR, replacing the E-3. Almost three years after launching its predecessor, the company has refreshed its professional flagship to reflect the features of its latest E-series and Micro Four Thirds cameras. The E-5 is built around the weather-sealed body of the E-3 and offers a 12Mp Live MOS sensor, 3.0" 920k LCD, Live View with Contrast AF, HD video recording and shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. It will be available from October 2010 at an estimated retail price of $1699.99. We've had a chance to look at a pre-production E-5, so have prepared a brief hands-on preview discussing its features.

Click here to read our Hands-on Preview of the Olympus E-5

Jump to:

Press Release:

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 14, 2010 – Today Olympus announces the E-5, a new digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera that builds on the company’s tradition of innovation to meet the rigorous demands of professional photographers and experienced amateurs. In recent years, Olympus has changed the DSLR marketplace by pioneering groundbreaking features, including the first 100 percent digital-specific lenses, the award-winning Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System, the first Full -Time Live View system and a completely splashproof and dustproof magnesium alloy DSLR body. Olympus continues this legacy by pairing these technologies with several new breakthrough features developed for the E-5 camera, providing further proof that Olympus lets you capture it all.

Superior Image Quality: The E-5 camera achieves the highest image quality of any Olympus camera by pairing a 12.3 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor with a TruePic V+ image processing engine that boasts new “Fine Detail Processing” technology for greater detail in the photograph. Optimized to maximize the performance of the Zuiko® Digital Lenses, Fine Detail Processing takes digital photography to the next level. 270 Degree Swivel LCD: A 3.0-inch dual axis swivel HyperCrystal® LCD with 920,000 dots makes it easy to frame High Definition (HD) videos and still images at any angle from low to high and side to side to ensure accurate composition.Limitless Creativity: Ten in-camera Art Filters including new Dramatic Tone round out this DSLR’s impressive feature set. For the first time, photographers can use Art Filters in all shooting modes, program auto, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual modes and movies with expanded control. Both still and movie capable, the E-5 camera offers HD video in an E-System DSLR for the first time.

“The E-5 camera combines the E-System’s legendary durability, reliability and professional image quality with HD video, multi-exposure and creative art features of the PEN® series,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Wherever you’re shooting, the rugged splashproof design of this camera will capture excellent images and video and withstand any rough conditions you might encounter.”

Superior Image Quality
The E-5 camera utilizes a unique combination of cutting-edge technologies to deliver the highest image quality in the Olympus family. Together with its 12.3 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS image sensor, the Olympus TruePic V+ Image Processor produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information at an individual pixel level to provide the best digital images possible. The increased detail is due to the new Fine Detail Processing technology, utilizing a sophisticated algorithm to deliver all the information from each pixel for greater detail than shots taken on other cameras with the same number of pixels. The image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to ISO 6400), enabling great results in low-light situations.

To prevent image blur caused by camera shake, the E-5 camera employs in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization to compensate for camera movement up to 5 steps EV and delivers blur-free images taken with any of the ZUIKO® DIGITAL lenses available for the camera. Moreover, built-in Image Stabilization works with not only long focal length lenses, but with wide, ultra-wide and even fisheye lenses, permitting long exposures during low-light and night scene settings with sharp, stabilized results.

Head-Turning High Definition Video
Shooting video is as easy as ever with the new Olympus E-5 camera. The camera captures all the action in crisp 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. With more than 20 Four Thirds® lenses, people can shoot video with a selection of lenses ranging from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super telephoto lens for a variety of expressive options. Photographers can capture great stereo sound quality by plugging any microphone with a standard 3.5mm jack into the camera’s stereo microphone terminal. A built-in microphone also records clear monaural audio.

3.0-inch dual axis swivel HyperCrystal® LCD
Whether composing still images or HD video, photographers will appreciate the E-5 camera’s 270 degree dual axis swivel 3.0-inch Live View LCD because it covers all the viewing angles from low to high and side to side, ensuring accurate composition and providing opportunities for creativity. Real-time image monitoring of white balance and exposure enables greater creative control of settings. The LCD displays 920,000 dots in vivid color and includes HyperCrystal® technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback modes. It also provides a wide viewing angle ensuring that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

Tremendous Durability and Reliability
The E-5 camera’s sealed lightweight “thixomold” magnesium alloy chassis is completely splashproof and dustproof for optimal performance with pro lenses on expeditions to the most extreme environments on the planet. A durable shutter mechanism with the lifespan of 150,000 exposures meets the demands of serious photographers. The E-5 camera’s large optical viewfinder provides a 100 percent accurate view to ensure photographers do not miss a shot.

The E-5 camera also features an award-winning built-in Dust Reduction System that eliminates spots from photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter. This year, the system won the prestigious Asahi Shimbun Invention Prize in the 2010 Japan National Invention Awards. The patented ultrasonic technology physically vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, and captures the debris on a special adhesive membrane every time you turn on the camera. It can even remove dust attached by intermolecular force that cannot be removed by physical vibration or by discharging static electricity. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.

Unlimited Creativity
Olympus pioneered easy-to-use in-camera art filters for still images captured inside its E-System DSLRs. It was the first company to offer the ability to apply art filters to HD video recordings captured with the PEN® E-P1 camera. Now, the E-5 camera continues this tradition of innovation with 10 user controllable in-camera art filters, including one new filter: Dramatic Tone.

The Dramatic Tone art filter represents real space in a more imaginary way by applying unrealistic tones of light and darkness based on local changes in contrast. This new filter is a welcome addition to the Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process and Gentle Sepia filters previously available on the E-30, E-620 and PEN® series cameras.

For the first time, photographers can use Art Filters in all shooting modes: shutter priority, aperture priority, manual and program auto modes for expanded control. The filters can all be applied to both still shots and Standard Definition or HD movies. Whether you’re a videographer, documentarian or established director – or just want to shoot like one – Art Filters set your images and videos apart from the pack. Since they’re built into the camera, you can achieve dramatic results on the go without the need for computer or editing software.

With the E-5 camera’s Multiple Exposure function for still image capture, you are free to tell a visual story your way, whether in portrait or landscape orientation, or a combination of both. The image capture options allow you to combine four shots. Shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture two to four shots separately and combine them in the camera later.

The E-5 camera is also equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera’s pitch and roll with indicators in the optical viewfinder, on the control panel and during Live View operation. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit for architectural photographers who must ensure that images they take of buildings are as centered and true as the walls of the buildings themselves. Rather than spend time rotating an image in computer software, you can use the camera’s Digital Leveler to make sure your subjects are where they should be in the frame.

Whatever you create, it will be easy to display on the big screen. When you’re ready to share your work, just plug the E-5 camera into any HD television using the camera’s HDMI output with an HDMI cable and show it off.

Great Performance
Intuitive controls and fast performance are essential for capturing the moment without missing a shot. Besides its direct access buttons for quick access to camera menus, the E-5 camera offers the fastest AF speed in the world when coupled with the ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 (24-120mm equivalent) Supersonic Wave Drive Lens to ensure fast focus for clear, sharp photos.* The E-5 camera has a Twin cross type (fully biaxial) 11-point AF sensor, based on proprietary Olympus micro-sensing technologies that achieve equally effective performance on both the vertical and horizontal axis. With most biaxial sensors, performance on the vertical and horizontal axes is not equal, and there is often a perceived difference in response time when using different lenses. However, unlike systems that respond at nominally lower f-stop values simply by boosting sensitivity, the E-5 camera’s AF sensor features a houndstooth pattern phase detection sensor layout that uses micro-lamination technologies to achieve superior real-world performance. The 11 AF target points on the E-5 can be selected to work individually or dynamically in combination with adjacent target points.

The E-5 camera also features five frames-per-second continuous shooting and a 1/8000 second top shutter speed required for shooting situations when you are capturing fast-moving subjects.

Wireless Flash Control
The E-5 camera is compatible with a range of optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R. The E-5 camera can control both of these flashes wirelessly so you can dynamically control lighting as your photography skills grow. The E-5 camera features a commander function incorporated in its built-in flash, making wireless multi-flash photography possible without using an outside commander. The E-5 camera can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, and control of multiple flashes is possible even in an environment in which both the FL-50R and FL-36R are used simultaneously. In addition, the E-5 camera’s Super Control Panel display makes it possible to enter and check all of the selected items on the LCD. This ensures excellent operability and mobility.

Memory
Accepting both CompactFlash Type I UDMA and SD cards (SDHC/SDXC compatible), the camera provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera. Class 6 or higher SD cards are recommended for optimal movie shooting.

Availability
The Olympus E-5 camera will be available in October 2010. It includes the E-5 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-5), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-5), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

* The autofocus speed of the E-5 camera combined with the ZUIKO® DIGITAL 12-60mm (24-120mm equivalent) f2.8-4.0 SWD lens was measured during in-house testing by Olympus and is based on similar available lenses for digital SLR cameras as of September 14, 2010.


View the original article here

Olympus FE-5050

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Monday, December 27, 2010

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700

Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-FX700 touch-screen digital compact, featuring a stabilized wide angle 5x zoom lens (24-120mm) with a semi-fast F2.2-5.9 maximum aperture range. The camera reduces buttons to a minimum, instead depending on its touch-sensitive 3.0" screen. It also offers full 1080i AVCHD video and 10 fps full resolution burst shooting. Other features include P/A/S/M shooting modes and the latest Venus Engine FHD processor. Press Release:


Stockholm, Sweden (July 7, 2010) – Panasonic, an innovator in the digital imaging realm, is pleased to announce a new addition of DMC-FX700 to the LUMIX popular FX series, that packs a host of advanced functions in a slim, stylish body. The DMC-FX700 is now truly a hybrid camera that records high quality 1920x1080 full HD movie in AVCHD. The 14.1-megapixel DMC-FX700 also features F2.2 super bright 24mm ultra wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens with 5x optical zoom*1 to make the camera even more versatile from shooting dynamic landscapes to the moving subject in low-lit situations such as indoors or at night.

The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – an advancing hallmark of LUMIX – now comprehends Motion Deblur mode*2 and Intelligent Burst mode. The Motion Deblur mode is available by updating the motion detection (Intelligent ISO Control) and brightness control (Intelligent Exposure) to gain as high shutter speed as possible. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), the DMC-FX700 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur - whether the blur is caused by a handshake or the subject's motion. The new Intelligent Burst mode determines the frame rate in the burst shooting according to the speed of subject’s motion. The POWER O.I.S., Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure work appropriately just by entering the iA mode for any user to take beautiful photos with maximum ease.

To realize a high speed and accurate image processing, both the image sensor and the image processing LSI is re-engineered. The new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor achieves high speed consecutive shooting and full HD movie recording with high resolution and high sensitivity.

And the new image processing LSI, the Venus Engine FHD, assures high picture quality in both photo and movie recording. It also compiles the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing depending on the part of a picture to give a whole image outstandingly natural clearness with fine details. The powerful 5x optical zoom*1 increases its power to 6.5x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function taking advantage of the Intelligent Resolution technology maintaining the picture quality even using digital zoom. The Sonic Speed AF and a quick start-up time gives the DMC-FX700 super high speed response that helps to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

Now the 3.0-inch large Intelligent LCD offers full touch control and easy view both in shooting and playing back images. You can not only set the menu or the focus on the intended subject but also release the shutter subsequently. For advanced creative freedom, A/S/M mode is available to set shutter speed and aperture that best express the photographer’s intention.

Despite its compact, slim and stylish look, the DMC-FX700 offers versatile ways of recording memories not only in beautiful photo but also in high quality movie with ultimate ease of operation.

The Super Bright F2.2 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON Lens with 24mm Ultra Wide-Angle and 5x Optical Zoom
The DMC-FX700 packages a high quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens that boasts an astonishing brightness of F2.2, extraordinary for a slim, stylish digital compact camera. The F2.2 lens is about 1.6x brighter than the F2.8 lens, itself generally considered a bright lens. It lets DMC-FX700 shoot at higher shutter speed and capture stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images in lower lighting situation. Together with the anti-blurring function in the iA mode, DMC-FX700 never allows any subject to be blurred. This advanced lens also makes it easy to produce beautiful photos with pleasing soft background focusing thanks to the shallow depth of field provided by the extra light.

Also, the 24mm ultra-wide-angle lens - rare on a compact camera - gives photographers a wider range of composition possibilities with approx. 213% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm camera. The super-high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens minimizes distortion at the wide end.

The lens unit consists of 7 elements in 6 groups with 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces. In addition to the 0.3mm super thin aspherical lens and 0.3mm thin spherical lens, another aspherical lens is designed to be as thin as 0.4mm, which results in the realization of F2.2 brightness and 24mm ultra wide angle of view at the same time. This advanced lens unit passes Leica's stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance with its minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations while suppressing ghosting and flaring.

Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-FX700 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even using a digital zoom. This means the 5x optical*1 can virtually extend to 6.5x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 10.5x (at 3-megapixel resolution) by using the center part of the 14.1-megapixel high resolution MOS sensor to bring subjects even closer.


Enjoy 1920x 1080 Full HD Movie Recording in AVCHD with the Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode

According to the rise of movie recording popularity, digital cameras are now more compatible with it. The DMC-FX700, the top-end model of the FX series, has recording capability of AVCHD movie even in 1920x1080 full HD despite its slim, stylish body. The AVCHD format features almost doubling the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG. The picture quality is greatly enhanced thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. The DMC-FX700 also boasts Dolby Digital Stereo Creator to record high quality audio.

Now on the DMC-FX700, the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in motion image recording. The AF Tracking function that can lock onto the subject to keep it in focus even it moves is now available in movie recording, too. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, and Intelligent Scene Selector also support shooting beautiful movie with ease. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. The Intelligent Exposure that also optimizes the exposure to prevent over/under exposure part from occurring.

The 5x optical zoom is available in movie recording, too. With the Video Divide function, users can divide the video into two sections to shorten or delete the unwanted part on the spot in the camera. You can cut out a clear still image from a movie in the camera thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. A host of options enhances the usability and fun of recording high quality full HD movie. Motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 29min 59 sec in European PAL areaContinuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen. Use a card with SD Speed Class*3 with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 6" or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG]. Newly Developed 14.1-Megapixel MOS Sensor Pursuing Even Higher Level in Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed
To realize the 1920x1080 full HD movie recording with high image quality, the new 14.1-megapixel MOS sensor is developed for DMC-FX700. For the effective concentration of light, the newly developed sensor adopts microfabrication technology to achieve even higher sensitivity. With an advanced micro light tube structure, both color mixture and signal loss are prevented. The result is that the photo and movie shot at any sensitivity from low to high have outstanding clearness.

The high speed digital signal output technology integrated in the DMC-GH1 is applied also to the DMC-FX700 realizing the high speed consecutive shooting and full HD movie recording. It lets the DMC-FX700 to shoot 10 fps in 14-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter and 5 fps / 2 fps with continuous AF. Even higher speed burst shooting is available with DMC-FX700 if electronic shutter is used– 60 fps in 3.5-megapixel*4. The frame rate, AF setting and the recording resolution can be easily selected according to the movement of the subject.

On the other hand, the newly added Intelligent Burst mode adjusts the frame rate of burst shooting according to the speed of the subject’s movement. If the movement of the subject is not so fast, the camera shoot is at regular frame rate and it moves fast, the camera increases it accordingly.

Redesigned Venus Engine FHD with Even Higher Signal Processing Performance
For the image processor, the new Venus Engine FHD is incorporated that features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. By separating chromatic noise from luminance noise and applying the optimal noise reduction to each, so you can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine FHD also provides precisely selective noise reduction to the chromatic noise without affecting the border of colors which is judged from the brightness level of a pixel. The Intelligent Resolution technology is another feature of the Venus Engine FHD.

With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas — outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction system of the Venus Engine FHD is applied to make it smoother.

Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording. The Intelligent Resolution technology also realizes Intelligent Zoom, which virtually extends the optical zoom ratio to its approx. 1.3x equivalent maintaining the picture quality even combining the digital zoom. Details of an image in high sensitivity recording tend to be lost in the noise reduction process; however, the Intelligent Resolution works to keep them. Linking smoothly with the MOS sensor, the Venus Engine FHD processes a large amount of signal at high speed, making it possible to record high resolution consecutive shots and full HD movie recording.

At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine FHD realizes a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.008 second and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus). The high performance Venus Engine FHD is also more energy efficient despite its high processing task, assuring the battery life up to 300 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.

The Evolving iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode Makes Every Photo Blur-less
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. In the iA mode, the camera does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments. Just press, aim and shoot.

With the DMC-FX700, the Motion Deblur mode*2 is incorporated to prevent blur even more powerfully. The mode is a comprehensive integration of Intelligent ISO Control which automatically adjusts ISO setting and shutter speed according to the subject's movement and the advanced contrast control system of Intelligent Exposure that also optimizes the exposure to prevent over/under exposure part in a picture. The camera judges the appropriate shutter speed to suppress the motion blur according to the movement of the subject. The shutter speed rises as high as possible activating the high sensitivity recording by pixel mixed readout method. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the POWER O.I.S., the DMC-FX700 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur — whether out of handshake or the subject's motion.

The newly added Intelligent Burst mode adjusts the frame rate of burst shooting according to the speed of the subject’s movement. If the movement of the subject is not so fast, the camera shoot is at regular frame rate and it moves fast, the camera increases it accordingly.

Not only those, the Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people while removing the unwanted red-eye. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene modes — Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset — that best suits the shooting situation.

In addition, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in the iA mode which results in the clearer and higher picture quality in every photo and movie with extended zoom range equivalent to 6.5x optical zoom by the Intelligent Zoom.

Once you enter the iA mode, these functions happen automatically together with other powerful shooting-assist functions — AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure — so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.
The Happy mode, a color mode option in the iA mode, optimizes color, saturation and brightness to make both photos and movies more vivid and true to the color of the scene you memorized.


The Intuitive Touch-Control Shooting on the Large, Easy-to-see LCD

The DMC-FX700 adopts full touch-screen operation. AF is immediately set to the subject by just touching it on the 3.0-inch large, 230,000-dot LCD and you can even release the shutter. Zooming is also controlled with touch operation.

Once you lock on the subject by a touch, the camera tracks the subject with the AF tracking function even if it moves. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the Portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery to the Scenery mode while a touch on the subject close to the camera to the Macro mode.

All menu setting is now available with touch control. In the shooting screen you can directly touch the icon to change its setting quickly. The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the image you want out of hundreds of stocks by touching in the thumbnails. To play back images one by one in order, you can drag the image over the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book. Max. 16x of enlargement is also operated easily with touches.

The screen brightness automatically adjusts in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times. The 3.0-inch large screen reflects fine details, making it easy to check the focus before shooting. It also serves as a small photo and video viewer, allowing the user and friends to enjoy viewing the still and motion images together.

Other Versatile Functions Adding to the Photographic Enjoyment
Although the DMC-FX700 with the iA mode is the camera for every stage of users to be able to take beautiful shots with, it also features manual control for advanced expressive photo shooting. It has A (Aperture Priority) / S (Shutter Speed Priority) / M (Manual Exposure) modes for step up users to enjoy the creative shots depending on the subject or the scene by controlling the shutter speed and aperture. All control is possible via the touch-screen.

Taking advantage of a high speed MOS sensor, newly added Handheld Night Shot mode shoots consecutive 10 shots to simulate over one picture detecting and fixing the position of the subjects. With a short shutter speed, exposure is accumulated while noise is averaged, to produce a blur-less, beautifully illuminated night shot even without using a tripod.

The 1:1 square format is available for photo recording in addition to the conventional aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9.

About Included Software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition
The latest version of exciting software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition comes bundled with DMC-FX700. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored in your PC. Speeding up its processing time, the Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture and the software automatically sort the photos by the registered faces without picking out each photo one by one when you only want pictures of a specific person.

The consecutive shots are recognized not one-by-one photo but as a sequence of shots, showing a moving thumbnail in the organization interface. You can also enjoy slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music library as background music. Motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader even in HD (High Definition) quality. It also lets you create a 360-degree rotation panorama file in MOV, which is especially easy if Panorama Assist mode in the camera is used. Experience and feel the outstanding benefit of the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.2 HD Edition. It will surely allow you to view, edit and archive your captured photos and motion pictures with greater ease and fun.

*1 Equivalent to 35mm camera: 24-120mm.
*2 The picture size may be reduced.
*3 SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.
*4 In the high speed burst shooting at 60 fps, the picture size is 3.5-megapixel(16:9), 3-megapixel(3:2), 2.5-megapixel(4:3) or 2-megapixel(1:1) Sensor• 1/2.33" Type MOS
• 15.1 million pixels total
• 14.1 million effective pixels Image sizes4:3
• 4320 x 3240 (14M)
• 3648 x 2736 (10M)
• 3072 x 2304 (7M)
• 2560 x 1920 (5M)
• 2048 x 1536 (3M)
• 640 x 480 (0.3M)
3:2
• 4320 x 2880 (12.5M)
• 3648 x 2432 (9M)
• 3072 x 2048 (6M)
• 2560 x 1712 (4.5M)
• 2048 x 1360 (2.5M)
• 640 x 424 (0.3M)
16:9
• 4320 x 2432 (10.5M)
• 3648 x 2056 (7.5M)
• 3072 x 1728 (5.5M)
• 2560 x 1440 (3.5M)
• 1920 x 1080 (2M)
• 640 x 360 (0.2M)
1:1
• 3232 x 3232 (10.5M)
• 2736 x 2736 (7.5M)
• 2304 x 2304 (5.5M)
• 1920 x 1920 (3.5M)
• 1536 x 1536 (2.5M)
• 480 x 480 (0.2M)
Movie clips• AVCHD : 1980 x 1080 (FSH: 17Mbps / FH:13Mbps)
• AVCHD Lite: 1280 x 720 pixels (SH: 17Mbps / H:13Mbps )
• Motion JPEG: 1280 x 720 pixels @ 30fps
• 4:3: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels @ 30 fps
• 16:9: 848 x 480 pixels @ 30 fps
File formats• Still Image: AVCHD, AVCHD Lite, JPEG(DCF/Exif2.21)
• Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG
Lens• 5x optical zoom
• 24 - 120mm (35mm equiv.)
• f=4.3-21.5mm
• F2.2 - 5.9
• LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON
• 7 elements in 6 groups Image stabilizationPower O.I.S lens-shift stabilization Focus• Normal
• Macro
• Quick AF On/Off (On in Intelligent Auto)
• Continuous AF On/Off
• AF Tracking
• AF Area select
• Touch AF/AE
AF area modes • Face / AF tracking
• 11-point
• 1-point High speed
• 1-point
• Spot (flexible/ scalable)Focus distance• Normal: Wide 50cm - infinity, Tele 100 cm - infinity
• Macro / Intelligent AUTO/ Clipboard: Wide 3 cm / Tele 100cm - infinityISO sensitivity• Auto
• Intelligent ISO
• 100
• 200
• 400
• 800
• 1600
• High Sensitivity Mode : Auto (1600 - 6400)Shutter speed• 8-1/2000 sec
• Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60secAperture• F2.2 - 5.9 (F2.2 - 6.3 (W) / F5.9 - 6.3 (T)) Modes• Intelligent AUTO
• P (Program)
• A (Aperture Priority)
• S (Shutter Priority)
• M (Manual)
• SCN
Scene modes • Portrait
• Soft Skin
• Transform
• Self-Portrait
• Scenery
Panorama Assist,
• Sports
• Night Portrait
• Night Scenery
Handheld Twilight
• Food
• Party
• Candle Light
• Baby1
• Baby2
• Pet
• Sunset
• High sensitivity
• Hi-Speed Burst
• Flash Burst
• Starry Sky
• Fireworks
• Beach
• Snow
• Aerial photo
• Photo Frame
• Film Grain
• Pinhole
• High Dynamic(Standard, Art, B&W) White balance• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Shade
• Halogen
• White SetContinuous shooting• 10 frames/sec
• 60 frames/sec High Speed Burst modeImage parametersStandard,  Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm, Happy (only in iA Mode)Flash• Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
• 0.6 - 7.4m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 2.8m (Tele/ISO Auto)LCD monitor• 3.0" TFT LCD Display
• 230K dots
• Field of View : approx. 100%
• AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD modeConnectivity• USB2.0 High speed
• Mini HDMI
• AV Output (NTSC/PAL)
• DC InputStorage• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card
• 40MB internal memoryPower• Li-ion battery
• Charger included
• AC adaptor (optional)Dimensions104 x 56 x 25 mm
(4.08x 2.20 x 0.97 in)

View the original article here

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Nikon D3100

Nikon has unveiled the D3100, its latest entry-level offering and its first DSLR that can record full 1080p HD videos. Successor to the popular D3000, it is built around a 14.2 CMOS sensor and a 3 inch LCD. As well as movies it gains Live View shooting, a wider ISO range ( 100-3200 expandable to 12800) and a host of small revisions. The camera will be available soon at a retail price of £579.99 / €599 with the 18-55mm VR lens. We've been given access to a pre-production version of the camera which we've used to prepare a hands-on preview, looking at the changes Nikon has made to its best-selling DSLR.

Click here to read our hands-on preview of the Nikon D3100

Jump to:

UK Pricing:
D3100 Body only: £499.99
B3100 kit with 18-55mmVR: £579.99 / $699 / €599

Nikon introduces the D3100, the most easy-to-use D-SLR to date, with full High Definition (HD) video.

Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe, says: “The D3100 is the successor to Europe’s best selling D-SLR*1, the D3000, offering 14.2 megapixels, full HD movie, Live View with new AF modes and improved ergonomics. It also has the popular Guide Mode as seen on the D3000, which now shows you sample images of what you can achieve with certain settings, for example if you change the shutter speed or aperture. This is the ideal camera for families who want to capture all the important moments in perfect quality, without worrying about settings.”

Pure and simple D-SLR for the family
The D3100 is designed for newcomers to D-SLR photography, especially young families who want to take beautiful pictures without worrying about complicated functionality. A range of automatic settings means the camera is doing all the hard work much like on a compact camera: Live View with Scene Auto Selector selects the mode that matches your shooting situation; Scene Recognition delivers sharply defined images by analyzing the scene and optimizing the camera settings immediately before the shutter is released; and Guide Mode will take you step-by-step through the process of how to get the picture you want.

The 11-point autofocus system will make sure everything is in focus and ensures razor-sharp images to capture even the most fleeting of expressions or movements. Additionally, the bright viewfinder means you can see and focus precisely on the image you want to capture, quickly and easily. Live View with Scene Auto Selector is an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures, useful for those who have only used a compact camera, and makes it easy to compose images using the LCD monitor. Scene Auto Selector will select the best mode for the scene and subject you want to capture, and Fulltime servo AF (AF-F) mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button. Live View will also recognise as many as 35 faces at a time and even if people in the frame move, the camera will continue tracking and focusing on them.

Stunning pictures in every situation
The 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, new powerful EXPEED 2 processing engine and a wide range of NIKKOR*2 lenses deliver excellent pictures with amazing detail wherever you are and whatever you are doing. It has ISO 100-3200 sensitivity, with the versatility of effectively boosting ISO up to 12800. This significantly reduces the risk of blurred images when taking pictures of the most energetic children or an evening barbeque with all the family.

Full HD movies for all the family
Using the easy-access movie record button you can instantly switch to video mode on the D3100, and the D-Movie function allows you to record stunning HD movie clips with sound. The camera’s large image sensor and high ISO sensitivity offers exceptional image quality, and the wide variety of NIKKOR lenses can be used to create cinematic effects. You can also make simple edits of your clips in-camera by deleting scenes or save specific frames as still images – nothing will be missed for the family photo album. The D3100 is also HDMI compatible so you can connect your camera to an HD television to view your movies in full HD from your sofa. 

The Guide to great photos
For the newcomer to D-SLRs, the intelligent, improved Guide Mode, as seen on the D3000, gives you step-by-step instructions of how to change the camera settings. This means you not only get the picture you want but it helps you to understand how it was achieved so you can develop your photography skills. You can even view sample images of what you can expect from each setting, for example if you change the aperture or shutter speed settings.

Don’t miss a moment
The D3100 is the essential item for every family event or day out. The camera’s comprehensive technologies and tough exterior will keep up with any outing, whatever you’re doing. Its compact size and lightweight body make the D3100 easy to pack and carry around for all those unmissable moments.

Key features:

DX-format, 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor: The high pixel sensor will give you outstanding colour and detail in pictures and movies you’ll want to see again and againNew EXPEED 2 image processing engine: Provides enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality. EXPEED 2 maximises CMOS sensor performance for clear, lifelike images that exhibit vivid colours, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations for outstanding photos and moviesHigh ISO (100-3200) sensitivity: Extendable up to 12800: Indoor shots or fast-moving children need never be blurry or dull again, even without a flashGuide Mode: Simply the easiest way to learn how to get great pictures, without having to read the manualD-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24fps movie clips: Record beautiful HD movie clips with sound and achieve exceptional image quality with high ISO sensitivity. NIKKOR lenses can be used for cinematic effects and simple edits can be made in-camera. In addition, HDMI connectivity means you can watch your HD movies on an HD televisionLive View with new AF-F mode and Scene Auto Selector: The new Live View provides an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures and it includes a Scene Auto Selector, which automatically selects the best mode to match the scene. The AF-F mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button 7.5 cm (3-inch) monitor: A great platform on which to share your beautiful images and movies with friends and family11-point autofocus system: The quick and accurate autofocus ensures everything is in focus so you get the sharpest image Active D-Lighting: Bright sunshine need never wash out detail again. The balance of light and shade can be preserved forever Picture control: Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot. You can choose from six settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and LandscapeIn-camera image and movie editing: Why wait for a PC? Retouching, filter effects and red-eye correction can be achieved in the palm of your handCompact, light and durable: It’s the smallest and lightest Nikon D-SLR yet so you can sling it over your shoulder, ready for any picture or movie moment. Also, with improved ergonomics, you’ll now have direct access to shutter release, Live View and movie modes. Dual Integrated Dust Reduction System: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensor for clear, spot-free images New software, ViewNX2 will be bundled with the D3100: It inherits the basic operations of ViewNX whilst providing much enhanced operability, including a refined GUI, and a range of easy-to-use features allowing you to edit photos as well as movie.

*1 Source: GFK, D3000 best selling D-SLR in Europe first half year 2010.
*2 The D3100 is exclusively designed for use with NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses that are equipped with an autofocus motor


View the original article here

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Canon EOS 60D

Canon has unveiled the EOS 60D mid-level DSLR, replacing the EOS 50D. However, following the launch of the EOS 7D, the 60D has been repositioned in the market, so isn't a simple upgrade to its predecessor. Instead the 60D is a smaller camera featuring an articulated screen and plastic body shell and utilizing SD memory cards. It combines the 18MP CMOS sensor and 1040k dot 3.0" LCD from the EOS 550D (Rebel T2i) with the AF system from the 50D. Meanwhile it gains the 7D's HD movie capability. We've had a chance to use a pre-production 60D so have prepared a hands-on preview, including sample images and movies.

Jump to:

Press Release:

London, UK, 26th August 2010 - Canon today announces the latest addition to its world-famous EOS series of Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras – the new EOS 60D. Replacing the EOS 50D, the EOS 60D is designed for photographers who want to take their skills to the next level, offering high performance, a series of creative features, a Vari-angle LCD screen and enhanced ergonomics – empowering photography enthusiasts to capture outstanding stills and Full High Definition (HD) video for unique, creative results.

High speed, high resolution

With an 18 Megapixel APS-C sensor, the EOS 60D offers high levels of detail and a magnification of 1.6x the focal length of the lens to capture poster-size images in a variety of aspect ratios*1. Canon’s powerful DIGIC 4 technology rapidly processes image information captured from the CMOS sensor’s four-channel output, providing outstanding colour reproduction, as well as high-speed shooting at 5.3fps in bursts of 58 full-resolution JPEGs.

A standard ISO range of 100-6400 is extendable to 12800, providing smooth images with minimal noise in low light conditions. A 9-point, all cross-type autofocus (AF) system also provides swift and accurate focusing, with an extra-sensitive centre point for lenses faster than f/2.8, allowing photographers to artistically employ a shallow depth of field during portraiture or for more atmospheric shooting.

The EOS 60D features Canon’s iFCL metering system, first introduced with the acclaimed EOS 7D, with a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor.  Information on subject location is gathered from the Auto Focus system, and is combined with colour and luminance readings for consistent accurate exposures whatever the situation. The Integrated Speedlite transmitter also provides in-camera control of multiple EX flash units for more creative lighting.

Shoot from all angles
A new 7.7cm (3.0”) Vari-angle wide LCD monitor features a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 1,040k dot resolution, providing added flexibility and allowing photographers to view their images in incredible detail. The Vari-angle wide LCD helps frame shots from difficult angles, and can be positioned with Live View enabled to achieve the desired composition if shooting isn’t possible using the viewfinder. The ability to capture wildlife portraits, overhead shots or ground-level photography is instantly enhanced, and the surface of the screen features an anti-reflective, water-repellent coating to protect the screen allows easy viewing in bright light and from a variety of angles.

Empowering creativity
A new Basic + function makes it easy for photographers to add their own creative touch to images without worrying about changing settings. Photographers can add ambiance to a scene by shooting according to lighting and scene type, with Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sport, Night Snapshot or Creative AUTO modes all available. Different effects can be achieved by shooting with Basic + enhancements such as Daylight, Cloudy or Sunset or pre-set Picture Styles including Vivid, Soft, Warm or Monochrome.

Designed to provide power for those who wish to extend their creative vision, the EOS 60D features a host of new functions that help capture better images and in-camera effects to add an extra dimension. The powerful DIGIC 4 processor supports in-camera RAW image processing, allowing photographers to edit settings such as brightness, contrast, white balance or correct distortion or chromatic aberration. The edited image can then be resaved as a JPEG, ready to be printed or uploaded to a PC or the web.

For photographers who want to add post-production effects to their images without the need for expensive software, the EOS 60D also features a range of new creative filters that can be applied in-camera. Filters including Grainy B/W, Soft Focus, Toy Camera Effect and Miniature Effect provide images with a different feel, allowing photographers to create a themed collection - using Grainy B/W to give images a reportage style, for example – or easily smooth skin tone in portraits with Soft Focus.

EOS Movies: Full HD video with complete control
Offering photographers the freedom to go beyond stills, the EOS 60D captures 1920x1080p HD video with a variety of user-selectable frame rates, including 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as 720p video at 60 and 50fps. Movie Crop mode is also available, recording with the central 640x480 pixel area of the sensor to create an effective magnification of approximately seven times the focal length of the lens. 

Full manual control in Movie mode allows photographers to employ their own exposure and focus settings and take advantage of the effects achieved from Canon’s wide range of EF lenses. An external stereo microphone terminal and the ability to adjust sound recording level ensures the audio track recorded matches the visual quality of the video, capturing broadcast-quality sound.

For those who want to share images with friends and family, an integrated HDMI port is compatible with Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), allowing video and images to be viewed on any compatible HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.

Designed for flexibility
The EOS 60D features a completely redesigned body, combining an ergonomically enhanced, curved shape with a new button layout to make it quick and comfortable for photographers to change settings. Frequently used camera controls are grouped together for easy access, while the Quick Control Dial, Multi-controller and SET button have all been merged into one Multi Control Dial, enabling photographers to operate menus and enter settings quickly using their thumb. The mode dial also features a lock button, preventing unintentional changes to settings mid-shoot.

A dedicated Quick Control access button allows photographers to instantly reach the most common shooting settings and playback controls. Customising the functions of a number of buttons is also possible, allowing photographers to tailor the camera to suit their individual needs. To help achieve landscapes with perfectly level horizons, a horizontal Electronic Level can be displayed in the viewfinder or in Live View to assist composition and remove any potential need for post-production correction.

The EOS 60D is one of the latest Canon models to support high-capacity SDXC memory cards, providing up to 2TB of available space, allowing photographers to keep shooting HD video and full resolution RAW and JPEG stills without changing cards. For better management of larger image libraries on the camera, EOS 60D photographers can add a rating of 1 to 5 to their favourite images, allowing them to be easily located and viewed on-screen. Once transferred from the camera to a PC, the tags can also be viewed using a number of image editing and management programs, including Canon’s DPP software.

Share the moment
For photographers who want to transfer content wirelessly, the EOS 60D includes Eye-Fi connected functions*2. The EOS 60D features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface allowing WiFi functionality to be turned off when not required to save battery life
EOS 60D features at a glance:

18 MP APS-C CMOS sensorAdvanced creative features with Basic +Vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 ratio LCD Full HD movies with manual controlDIGIC 4ISO 100-6400, H:128005.3fps shooting for up to 58 JPEGs9-point cross type AF SystemiFCL metering with 63-zone Dual-layer SensorIntegrated Speedlite transmitterIn-camera RAW processing

*1 1:1, 16:9, 4:3 in addition to the standard 3:2 dimension
*2 This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with the card manufacturer. Also note that approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with the card manufacturer


View the original article here