Minggu, 05 Mei 2013

Samsung NX2000 Preview

Samsung NX2000 Preview



Samsung introduced the NX2000 interchangeable-lens camera, which features a phone-like touch screen and easy Autoshare toggling.

Essentially a slightly more feature-rich version of the NX1100 (which in turn is the NX1000 with Autoshare capability and a bundled version of Adobe Lightroom 4, which also comes with the NX2000). Both are based on the same sensor as the NX210, though the NX2000 has an updated version of the image-processing engine. Samsung says that it results in better image quality and faster performance, and that autofocus performance falls somewhere between the NX1100 and NX300; it's got faster contrast AF, but lacks the phase-detection sensors of the NX300.

The camera incorporates a new 3.7-inch capacitive touch screen, and its interface mimics that of the Galaxy Camera, albeit without the Android. In addition to using NFC to enable quick Wi-Fi connections, it has a dedicated button to toggle Autoshare -- automatic image transfer directly to a linked device -- though the button can be remapped to send directly to another location.

As you'd expect, there are other operational tweaks, including updates to the scene analysis behind the Smart Mode for better automatic operation.

With this model, Samsung is switching to MicroSD, which is a big pain for people who actually remove their media on a regular basis.

14 different SMART Modes, as well as the i-Function controls, offer photographers a variety of ways to creatively adjust and customize imagery and camera settings. Full HD 1920x1080p Movie Recording is standard in 2D with any of the 12 compatible NX-series lenses, but if you opt for the 45mm 2D/3D lens (sold separately), you can also capture full quality 3D stills and movies.

Despite a full freight of professional camera performance specs, Samsung seems most excited about the NX2000's Wi-Fi Connectivity features, which work in conjunction with the Samsung SMART CAMERA App; available for both Android and iOS devices. AutoShare sends photos as they are taken to a smartphone or tablet. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology syncs the NX200 to NFC-enabled Android smartphones and tablets via a direct Wi-Fi connection. You can also use the Direct Link "hot key" to sync up your favorite social networking site, such as Facebook.

Finally, Samsung bundles a copy of the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 with every purchase.


Samsung SMART Camera NX2000 Features
  •     20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor
  •     DRIMe IV engine
  •     3.7-inch WVGA Full Touch Screen Display
  •     Full 1080p HD Movie Recording (30 frames-per-second)
  •     HDMI 1.4a output
  •     14 SMART Modes, including:
        Action Freeze
        Best Face
        Beauty Face
        Landscape
        Macro
        Rich Tone
        Panorama
        Waterfall
        Silhouette
        Sunset
        Night
        Fireworks
        Light Trace
        Creative Shot
  •     8 frames-per-second fast continuous shooting
  •     1/4000th second top shutter speed
  •     100-25600 ISO range
  •     i-Function System
  •     3D Still and Movie Recording Capabilities
        *Requires options 25mm 2D/3D lens
  •     Works with 12 NX-series lenses
  •     Wi-Fi Connectivity includes
        Auto Share
        SNS & Cloud
        Email
        Auto Backup
        Remote Viewfinder
        MobileLink
        Wi-Fi Direct (playback)
        Samsung Link (previously known as AllShare Play)
        Social Sharing
  •     RAW & JPEG recording formats
  •     Dimensions: 119 x 64.5 x 35.7 mm


Though an exact street date has yet to be announced, the Samsung SMART Camera NX2000 will be available in black, pink, and white for less than $650. 












Sources:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/samsung-nx2000-with-20/4505-6501_7-35755703.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/samsung/nx2000/samsung-smart-camera-nx2000-review.html

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Preview

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Preview



Like many of their competitors, Panasonic has fully embraced Wi-Fi connectivity for their newly announced 2013 LUMIX series cameras. The DMC-LF1 works perfectly with both the Panasonic Image App (available on Android and iOS platforms) as well as the camera-maker's cloud service, LUMIX CLUB. The club, in addition to being a great place to backup and store photographs and videos, allows users to sync their accounts with social networking sites like Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, or YouTube.

The Panasonic Image App has a lot of great features too. For example, if you have a DLNA-compliant Panasonic VIERA HDTV, Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology allows you to display slideshows directly from your camera (no wires!). The Instant Transfer function automatically sends photo data to designated electronic devices whenever the shutter releases (or feel free to pick individual images to transfer during playback mode). And, finally, the app allows you to use your smartphone or tablet as A) a remote control to shoot both stills and video -- release the shutter, zoom, focus, and adjust shutter speed, aperture, or exposure compensation -- or B) an external monitor. Very cool.

While Wi-Fi is an excellent bonus, what's most important about the LF1 is that, assuming it reviews like similarly appointed LUMIX models, it promises to take highly-detailed, accurately-colored photographs at a 12.1-megapixel resolution as well as record 1080/60i HD videos. The 7.1x optical zoom lens has the 35mm equivalency of 28-200mm with a F2.0 maximum aperture. iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode and the Creative Guide are both designed to help newer shutterbugs accurately capture and frame still photos. And, there are 15 Filter Effects accessible via Creative Control (Filters applied BEFORE stills or video) and Creative Retouch (Filters applied AFTER).

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Features

  •     12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS image sensor
  •     7.1x LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON optical zoom lens
        35mm equivalent of 28-200mm
        F2.0-5.9
  •     Venus Engine Image Processor
  •     3.0-inch (920K-dot) Intelligent LCD
  •     200K-dot Electronic Viewfinder
  •     POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
  •     1920x1080/60i HD Video Recording
  •     Control Ring with access to Manual Controls
  •     10 frames per second High Speed Burst Shooting
  •     iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode
  •     Composition Guide
        Rule of Thirds Offset
        Diagonal Lines
        Tunnel
        Radiation 1
        Radiation 3
        S-Shape
  •     Level Gauge
  •     ISO up to 12,800
  •     Creative Panorama
  •     Creative Control and Creative Retouch with 15 Filter Effects, including:
        Old Days
        Expressive
        Retro
        High Key
        Sepia
        High Dynamic
        Soft Focus
        Dynamic Monochrome
        Impressive Art
        One Point Color
        Cross Process
        Low Key
        Toy Effect
        Star Filter
        Miniature Effect
  •     Wi-Fi Connectivity
  •     NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology
  •     AC / USB Power Charging

Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-LF1 should be available in the coming months. Stay tuned for a specific date and pricing. Color choices, thus far, include black or white.







http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/panasonic/lumix-dmc-lf1/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lf1-review.html

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Preview

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Preview



Panasonic has announced its latest Wi-Fi capable, interchangeable lens LUMIX series camera for 2013. The DMC-G6 is an updated version of last year's well-reviewed G5. For starters, we've still got the 16.05 megapixel Live MOS images sensor with the VENUS image processor, the 3.0-inch free-angle touch screen LCD display capable of Touch AF (AutoFocus), a high quality LVF (Live Viewfinder), Creative Control Filters, and Full HD Video Recording.

But there are a lot of upgrades too. For instance, where the G5 included 14 Creative Filters, the G6 adds five more. And HD video recording has been improved with the ability to natively shoot not only in Full 1080/60p HD, but also the film-like 1080/24p. Then let's throw in new features like Creative Panorama (for capturing the widest vistas in one click), Time Lapse Shot (for recording fluid movement over extended periods of time), Stop Motion Animation (for creating movies one frame at a time), and Clear Retouch (for erasing "unwanted objects or figures in an image by tracing over them on the monitor with a fingertip").

Newbie Photographers will enjoy the updated Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode, which automatically pre-selects optimum camera settings for just about any shooting scenario, as well as Scene Guide, which allows photographers to select one of 23 professional photographs to help frame and set up your own shot.

Saving the best new feature for last, the biggest difference between the G5 and the G6 comes from built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. When combined with either the Panasonic Image app, or Panasonic's cloud service, LUMIX CLUB, users gain access to a whole new set of features and networking capabilities. First, on the Panasonic Image App (available for both iOS and Android devices), use your smartphone or tablet as A) a remote control to shoot both stills and video -- release the shutter, zoom, focus, and adjust shutter speed, aperture, or exposure compensation -- or B) an external monitor. The Instant Transfer function automatically sends photo data to designated electronic devices whenever the shutter releases (or feel free to pick individual images to transfer during playback mode). Also, Wi-Fi Direct uses Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology to display still images on DLNA-compliant Panasonic VIERA HDTVs. Finally, via LUMIX CLUB, G6 owners will be able to sync their cloud accounts with all their favorite social networking sites, such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, or YouTube.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Features

    16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS image sensor
    Venus Engine Image Processor
    3.0-inch Free-Angle Monitor with In-Cell Touch Technology
    1,440K-dot OLED Live View Finder
    Full 1920x1080/60p HD Video Recording in AVCHD Progressive
    1080/24p HD Video Recording
    P/A/S/M Manual Controls
    Full-Time AF (Auto Focus)
    7 frames per second High Speed Burst Shooting
    5fps with AF Tracking engaged
    Touch AF
    Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode
    Scene Guide
    ISO up to 25,600
    Ready to shoot in 0.5 seconds after start up
    Creative Panorama
    Time Lapse Shot
    Stop Motion Animation
    Clear Retouch
    Creative Control Mode with 14 Classic and 5 New (*) Filters
        Old Days*
        Sunshine*
        Bleach Bypass*
        Toy Pop*
        Fantasy*
        Expressive
        Retro
        High Key
        Sepia
        High Dynamic
        Soft Focus
        Dynamic Monochrome
        Impressive Art
        One Point Color
        Cross Process
        Low Key
        Toy Effect
        Star Filter
        Miniature Effect
    Wi-Fi Connectivity
    NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology


Though the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 will be available sometime this year, pricing and the exact date are still unknown.







http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/panasonic/lumix-dmc-g6/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g6-review.html

Sony Digital Recording Binoculars DEV-50V Preview

Sony Digital Recording Binoculars DEV-50V Preview



30% smaller than their predecessor, Sony has announced the DEV-50V Digital Recording Binoculars. In addition to simple world observation, these digital binocs also capture up to 20.4-megapixel still images as well as HD video in either three or two dimensions. Twin Sony G-Lenses funnel light into dual Exmor R CMOS image sensors and the BIONZ image processor, which, in addition to ensuring vivid and colorful images and videos, helps the camera's super fast Auto Focus (not found on your father's binoculars) and adds a few creative bells and whistles. Although there is no optical viewfinder, Sony supplies twin OLED Tru-finder eyes pieces (2.4 million dots each).

The DEV-50V's optical zoom range is different for video and still images. With a 35mm equivalent of 36.3-2007mm, or 25x, you're going to love the built-in Optical Steady Shot to ensure blur-free still photos. 3D / HD Movies can also access the 25x zoom range, but only with Digital Zoom turned on; for cleaner recordings, we recommend sticking with the 12x optical zoom.

In addition to all sorts of inputs and outputs, Sony's newest Digital Recording Binoculars offer Hyper-Gain Mode, for seeing in ultra-low-light scenarios almost like Nigh Vision, and Sweep Panorama 360, the easiest way to capture wide-angle panoramas.

Sony DEV-50V Digital Recording Binoculars Features

   - Twin Exmor R CMOS image sensors with a max resolution of 20.4 megapixels
   - Twin OLED Tru-finder eyes pieces (2.4 million dots each)
   - Twin Sony G Lenses capable of
  •         25x optical zoom Still Photos (36.3 - 2007mm)
  •         12x optical zoom Movie Recording
 -   BIONZ Image Processor
 -   3D HD Video Recording at 1080/60i
 -   2D HD Video Recording at 1080/60p
 -   AutoFocus
 -   Optical Steady Shot
 -   Sweep Panorama 360
 -   Hyper Gain Mode
 -   Micro HDMI Out
 -   Composite Video Out
 -   Supplied Accessories
  •         Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FV70)
  •         AC Adaptor
  •         Power Cord
  •         Operation Guide
  •         HDMI Micro Cable
  •         Micro USB Cable
  •         CD-ROM Manuals
  •         Neck Strap
  •         Lens Cap
  •         Large Eyecup
  •         Finder Cap
  •         Carrying Case

Pricing and availability for the Sony DEV-50V will be announced shortly.












Source: http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/sony/dev-50/sony-dev-50v-digital-recording-binoculars-review.html

Senin, 22 April 2013

Pentax GR Camera: APS-C sensor, fixed-lens compact

Pentax GR Camera: APS-C sensor, fixed-lens compact


It seems large-sensor compacts are the latest trend and Ricoh Pentax has got in on the action with the announcement of the Pentax GR. Based around the Ricoh GR-series - the same company which acquired all Pentax Imaging Corp shares back in 2011 - this 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor based compact has got a whole lot going for it.

Ricoh has always said that it wouldn't release a DSLR camera, and while the company hasn't, it has plonked a DSLR-sized sensor into a GRD-esque compact camera body and stripped out the low-pass filter - much like the Nikon Coolpix A - for heightened sharpness. But unlike the near-£1000 Nikon, the GR will retail for a far more affordable £599. Nice work Pentax.

The GR pairs the large sensor up with an 18.3mm f/2.8 lens - the equivalent of 27.5mm - for a single, wide-angle view onto the world. There's no zoom so the focus is on premier optical quality instead and while this may sound limiting to some first-time snappers, it's just what the doctor ordered for street photography and the like. A build-in ND (neutral density) filter will also mean the wide aperture is available for use in bright conditions, while a crop mode - which uses a smaller portion of the sensor - can equate to a 35mm equivalent output if preferred. Or go the other way by adding the optional 0.75x magnification GW-3 wide conversion lens for a 21mm equivalent ultra-wide shooting experience.

The GR's sensor can capture images from ISO 100-25,600 thanks to the latest GR Engine V processor, while in-body raw data development gives full control wherever you happen to be. With no low-pass filter we'd anticipate that images ought to be even higher quality than the likes of the Pentax K-5 II DSLR which, given the price point, is quite an achievement. However we're yet to use the GR so we'll have to wait with baited breath as to how well it performs in reality.

Capable of shooting at up to four frames per second (4fps), and acquiring subject focus in just 0.2-seconds the GR sounds pretty nippy - though its 1-second start-up time doesn't sound as immediate as it could be.

The GR holds onto the long-standing benefits of the Ricoh GRD series, such as the magnesium alloy frame, but has been redesigned to include an AF and aperture preview button to make for easier everyday shooting.

There's also a hotshoe and an optional electronic viewfinder can be added for £223. Add that to the £599 camera price and it looks like Pentax has just produced a £822 prime compact camera that should rival the best of them. We're rather excited to see more of what this bad boy can do.


By Mike Lowe
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/120515-pentax-gr-aps-c-sensor-fixed-lens-compact-camera-with-599-price-tag-makes-us-want-to-go-grrr

Samsung NX20 Review

Samsung NX20 Review

Samsung NX20
 
Highs:

    Top notch stills and quality videos
    Excellent iFunction lens with OIS
    Superior vari-angle screen

Lows:

    Forget high-speed burst mode
    Occasional focusing issues
    Noisy at high ISOs
   

Features and Design


The 20.3-megapixel NX20 not only looks like a small DSLR, it has all the features you’ll find on their bigger cousins such as a built-in viewfinder, mode dial, and pop-up flash. Many CSCs lack these critical features and we give Samsung a pat on the back for the convenience. The camera really is small, measuring 4.8 x 3.5 x 1.5, tipping the scales at 12 ounces without a lens. Even with the supplied 18-55 OIS glass, we had no problems carrying the NX20 anywhere and everywhere.

As with any interchangeable lens camera, the most important feature on the front is the lens mount. Here it’s Samsung’s NX mount and there are 11 lenses available, covering most of the photographic bases.


On the top deck are the built-in flash, hot shoe, stereo mics, mode dial, jog wheel, as well as metering and green buttons. This last one resets values you might’ve changed in the menus. The combo shutter and on/off switch are angled on the fairly substantial grip. The mode dial has everything you’d expect including Smart (auto), PASM, and Custom. There’s also Wi-Fi for sharing, Movie, Scene, and iEffect (filters).


On the back is a killer 3-inch AMOLED vari-angle display (rated 614K dots). It’s really high-contrast with deep blacks. There were very few times it wiped out, even in direct sunlight. We used the electronic viewfinder (EVF) more for convenience when holding the camera up to our eyes rather than out of necessity. It’s SVGA (800×600), very clear with 100-percent coverage and there’s a diopter adjustment to individually fine-tune it.

Also on the back is a nice thumb rest, a red-dot video button, and many of same buttons/controls you’ll find on a DSLR – exposure compensation, AEL (auto exposure lock), Function, and so on. It’s a bit busy but hardly intimidating. You can use it in aim-and-forget auto mode or tweak it to your heart’s content. ISO options range from 100-12,800, and shutter speeds are 1/8000-30 seconds. You can shoot in RAW at 8 frames per second for 11 shots (at continuous high mode). Toss in a very nicely designed menu system and the NX20 will take you where you want to go – to a point, as we’ll see shortly.

What’s in the Box

You’ll find the camera and the 18-55mm OIS iFunction lens, various caps/covers, battery, and charger plus USB cable and strap. You also get a basic printed manual along with the full version on the included CD-ROM. Samsung also supplies Intelli-studio and Samsung RAW converter software on the disk for handling images.

Performance and Use

The NX20 uses Contrast AF focusing, not the phase detect of DSLRs. While it works okay for the most part, there are times the camera has difficulty grabbing focus. This is something that occurs with almost every CSC we’ve used. It’s not a deal breaker as this type of interchangeable lens camera is a lot smaller than any DSLR and Live View is much more fluid than any DSLR’s. In other words, no camera is perfect as there are always tradeoffs of one kind or another.

We had the camera with us in Florida, the Northeast, with some palm trees in Aruba thrown in for good measure. We did most of our shooting in Smart (auto) mode then proceeded through the mode dial as subjects warranted; resolution was maxed out for stills and videos (5472 x 3648 pixels, 1920 x 1080/30p MP4).



Using the NX20 is very pleasant. It has a good feel, controls are easy to find and use, plus the menu system is clean and user friendly. You should first peruse the manual to dig into the camera’s capabilities but you’ll hardly refer to it once you start shooting.

We’re big fans of Samsung’s iFunction lens system. Once you move out of Smart (auto) by pressing the iFunction button on the side of the lens you can change settings just by turning the lens ring or jog wheel on the top deck. There are options for shutter speed, ISO, exposure value (EV), white balance (WB), and digital zoom, depending on your needs. It’s simple and fun to use with a really attractive interface. Anything that makes it easier for people to make the most out of their cameras is heartily welcomed.

Before getting into the photographic results, let’s discuss a really strange experience we had. A refresher, this is a 20.3-megapixel CSC that uses an APS-C size sensor capable of ripping off a burst of full-res JPEGs at 8 fps for 11 frames. This is an excellent spec. However, when you use this setting for a full burst, the camera basically freezes as it tries to save all the large files to memory. On several occasions, the “ready” lamp continued to flash during this process and wouldn’t stop. In order to continue our tests, we had to take the battery out, reinsert it, and reboot. Of the cameras we have tested, this was one of the few times we had to use this trick. Clearly the company has to beef up the processing – or else we had a lemon. However, judging by the results we saw onscreen and the zero problems using single-shot and low-burst modes (3 fps), this wasn’t the case.

Now with this nasty issue is out of the way, let’s discuss the photographs and videos. On a 27-inch display the stills looked outstanding, even at 100-percent enlargements. Colors were rich, deep, and accurate – exactly what you want with any camera. In fact, we can easily state the Samsung NX20 delivered dynamite images in bright Florida and Aruba sunshine as well as less well-lit indoor subjects (see samples). As is the case with any camera, there was more digital noise shooting in low light but you’re fine up to ISO 800 – even 1,250 – but things get messy as you move higher. We found the lens delivered very sharp, finely-focused images with hardly any blur; Samsung’s OIS (optical image stabilization) did its job.

Videos were also quite good. We generally like CSCs for movies versus DSLRs (other than Sony Translucent Mirror models). Focusing is much simpler and there’s no need to deal with flipping the mirror up in Live View. We were in Florida for a wedding and the NX20 handled the flashing lights and twisting bodies as the band played. We’re hardly Hollywood cinematographers but the results were solid with little of the “rolling shutter” waves of many DSLRs. Sound was surprisingly good too.

As noted, the NX20 has built-in Wi-Fi. It’s hardly the simple sharing of a smartphone but it’s relatively painless. Just download the Samsung MobileLink app to your smartphone (iOS/Android) and you can upload JPEGs to the Web or your phone; there’s no native app for the iPad in the App Store, but you can use the iPhone version.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung NX20 is an excellent camera. Still quality is superb and movies are very good. It’s a good choice for both aim-and-forgetters and those who tweak every image to the nth degrees. However, avoid the high-speed burst mode or you may have to do a reboot. So forget the speeding bullets, stick to more leisurely action and you’ll be in fine shape.


Source: www.digitaltrends.com/digital-camera-reviews/samsung-nx20-review/

Selasa, 09 April 2013

Panasonic Lumix GF6 Review (hands on)

Panasonic Lumix GF6 Review (hands on)


The Panasonic Lumix GF6 is the latest snapper to join the brand's entry-level range of  Compact System Cameras.

Panasonic is aiming to fine-tune the main features of each level of its Lumix G Series CSCs to suit their target users more clearly, with the GF6 being aimed at smartphone users who want to share their images instantly.

Panasonic will also be including both Wi-Fi and NFC on the new camera - it argues that NFC vital as an increasing number of smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S3, already have it - with the number expected to treble in 2013.

Earlier in 2013, the maker launched the NFC and Wi-Fi-toting Panasonic TZ40 compact camera. The GF6 will take over from the Panasonic GF5 which will be discontinued.

Panasonic GF6: Size and build

At first glance, the GF6 looks slightly on the chunky side, mainly due to the new, fold-out screen, however, after taking a look at the GF5 again, Panasonic has actually managed to add thd improved screen without adding too much bulk to the camera chassis at all.

The GF6 will be available in black or white.

Panasonic GF6: Features


The GF6 sports an a new 16MP sensor Live MOS sensor (compared to the 12.1MP sensor on GF5), along with a slightly extended ISO range (up to 25600).

The GF6 also includes a expanded range of filter effects, bringing the total to 19, and some of the more basic effects (such as monochrome and sepia) can now be used when shooting in panoramic mode.

People who like taking pictures of their dinner to post on Instagram (you know who you are) will be pleased to hear that the new camera includes a Food Recognition mode. This may sound like a wind-up, but it's actually just an extra shooting mode that will automatically apply the most suitable settings for you to capture an image of your latest snack.

The camera also includes an improved burst mode along with a new function lever for one-handed control and a full-area autofocus on the touchscreen - which enables you set the focus on any point on the screen.

Panasonic GF6: Screen

Unlike it predecessor, the GF6 sports a screen that can be folded out from the camera body and tilted at an angle of 180 degrees - very handy for self portratis and shooting in awkward posistions.

The new screen packs a 1040k-dot resolution.There's also a dedicated video button for recording full-HD video at a resolution of 1920x1080 in AVCHD.

Panasonic GF6 release date: May 2013

Panasonic GF6 price: £499 (with kit lens), £649 (twin lens pack)

Source: http://www.t3.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-gf6-review

Sabtu, 23 Maret 2013

Fujifilm Finepix S8400W - New Superzoom Camera ( 44x ) with Wi-Fi connectivity

Fujifilm Finepix S8400W Superzoom Camera 44x with Wi-Fi connectivity



Fujifilm announced FinePix S8400W with 44x optical zoom lens and Wi-Fi connectivity to the camera. The name might sound familiar, because Fujifilm announced the S8400 - along with the S8200, S8300 and S8500 - at CES 2013. The change here, as designated by the appended W, is wireless functionality.

The Wi-Fi will offer you an autosave feature, so you can send your images directly to your PC or your smartphone or tablet.

To do so you'll need to install the appropriate app: for PCs that's the Fujifilm PC AutoSave software. But if you're living on the move, then you'll be after the Fujifilm Camera Application from either iTunes for iPhone and iPad, or Google Play for Android.

Wireless connectivity is becoming increasingly common on cameras, giving the user the advantage of the connection of their mobile device, but the quality of the proper camera: you'll be able to share those zoomy pictures in a flash.

Aside from the Wi-Fi, the camera offers that huge 24-1056mm (in 35mm terms) lens with optical image stabilisation, although you'd always be advised to support it at the far end of the zoom.

There's a 16-megapixel BSI sensor at the core with ISO running up to 12,800 and shooting speeds of up to 10fps. If you're happy to take a knock down in resolution, it'll give you 60fps or 120fps.

There's an electronic viewfinder in place along with a 3-inch LCD display and plenty of controls so you can access the full range of features easily. 

The Fujifilm FinePix S8400W will be exclusive to Currys in the UK, pricing is still to be confirmed.

Via Pocket-lint

Jumat, 22 Maret 2013

Panasonic Lumix Waterproof Camera DMC-FT5 review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 review




Rugged, waterproof cameras are perfect for skiing and watersports, but they're also a sensible option for the beach, fishing, mountaineering, off-road cycling, building sites and drunken nights out. The FT5's rugged credentials are better than most. It's able to withstand submersion to 13 metres, drops from two metres and 100kg of pressure. Its blocky design inspires confidence but we found the small buttons tricky to press when wearing gloves. Otherwise, operation is straightforward, with a Q Menu button revealing the most often-used functions and a Mode button making up for the lack of a dedicated mode dial.



GPS is built in and nearly all of our outdoor photos were accurately tagged, although one batch was mysteriously plotted in the Arctic Ocean. A small LED blinks intermittently to remind you that the GPS is enabled – we wish there was a physical GPS switch that worked independently of the camera's main power button.


This is the first FT-series camera to include Wi-Fi. It's essentially the same implementation that we saw in last month's Lumix SZ9, with an Android (but no iOS) app handling wireless transfers and remote control. The FT5 adds the ability to use the app as a remote viewfinder while recording video – something that we'd anticipate using more often than remote photo capture. The camera can also transfer photos wirelessly to a PC or NAS over a home network.

It's extremely quick to take photos, averaging 0.7 seconds between shots in our tests. There are lots of burst modes on offer, including 10fps with fixed focus or 5fps with continuous autofocus. This is by far the best performance we've seen from a rugged camera, and it should come in handy for fast-paced outdoor pursuits.

The capable video mode is another useful asset. It's definitely worth choosing MPEG-4 if you're using the Android app, as the remote shooting mode inexplicably drops the AVCHD resolution to 720p, and AVCHD videos can't be transferred wirelessly. Picture quality was excellent and autofocus and zooming were smooth, but there was a faint mechanical chatter in the soundtrack – possibly from the optical stabilisation.


Photo quality was generally up to scratch, but the FT5's premium price doesn't equate to premium image quality. There was some evidence of detail-smearing noise reduction even in brightly lit shots, although it thankfully wasn't as pervasive as on the Panasonic SZ9. Dense textures such as foliage had a mushy quality on close inspection, especially in shady conditions where the ISO speed was pushed up a little.

Indoor photographs suffered from noise too, especially on skin tones and hair textures where problems are easier to spot. The FT5's much faster performance means you can have more shots to choose from, which may make a bigger difference to the overall quality of photos. On balance we'd pick the D20, but if the Wi-Fi functions appeal, the FT5 is a worthy alternative.


Kamis, 21 Maret 2013

Canon EOS 100D - Smallest and Lightest dSLR



 Canon EOS 100D - Smallest and Lightest dSLR

Canon EOS 100D

Canon has announced a new, smaller, DSLR camera in its EOS line, the Canon EOS 100D. It is Canon’s smallest and lightest APS-C digital SLR yet, with the company looking to compete with smaller and lighter models from rival interchangeable lens systems.

The Canon EOS 100D positions itself between Canon’s smallest EOS model, the EOS M and looks like it upgrades the Japanese company’s entry-level DLSR, the EOS 1100D, pulling some of the EOS M characteristics into a more conventional DSLR design.


More conventional it might be, but the EOS 100D does carry that badge of being the smallest and lightest camera in its class. Canon isn’t highlighting this by accident, it’s fully aware of the fierce competition from the likes of Sony NEX line, Samsung NX and Panasonic and Olympus’s Micro-Four Thirds systems.

Sitting at the heart of the camera is an 18-megapixel sensor backed by the DIGIC 5 processor. It offers manually selectable sensitivity up to ISO 12,800, with a 25,600 if you really need that picture in low light, and a capture speed of 4fps.


Like the EOS M, the EOS 100D has a 3-inch touchscreen on the back, expanding your control options over those on the body itself. The controls on the body look pretty conventional too, with a top-mounted mode dial giving you quick access to the major shooting modes, and the body buttons letting you access the most pertinent shooting settings.

You’ll get creative functions with a range of filters, an in-camera guide to help budding photographers start, as well as Full HD video capture, all bundled together in a package that will cost you £569.99 (body only) or £699 with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens.


We’ll bring you more on the Canon EOS 100D when we get our hands on the new compact DSLR model.

via PL