Archive for the ‘cameras’ Category

New arrivals: Sony Alpha 5100 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

Monday, August 18th, 2014

The Alpha 5100 has a 24.3-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and the same Fast Hybrid AF system as the Alpha 6000, as well as the same BIONZ X image processor used in the Alpha 7 series of full-frame cameras.

Update (19 August, 2014):

The Singapore prices for the Alpha 5100 are up on the pre-order website.

The price for the camera body and SELP1650 lens is S$999, with S$229 worth of pre-order free gifts.

Purchase with purchase:

  • SEL50f18 lens: S$319
  • SEL55210 lens: S$300
The Sony Alpha 5100 ships with NFC and is designed to make selfies easier.

The Sony Alpha 5100 ships with NFC and is designed to make selfies easier.

Sony has unveiled what it claims to be the world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera.

“日本相机制造商 Sony 刚公布了新的 Alpha 5100 相机。八月廿日至九月二日可上网预订。九月四日起在新加坡面市。” – 科技点心(微薄)

The new camera will be available for pre-order from 20 August to 2 September 2014 online.

It will be available in Singapore from 4 September 2014 onwards.

Singapore prices have yet to be released but its US price is US$550 for camera body only and US$700 for body plus 16-50 motorised zoom lens (SELP1650).

(more…)

POTD: Cavalia the equestrian extravaganza in Singapore

Sunday, August 17th, 2014

Photo of the Day: Cavalia is an equestrian theatrical performance that leverages innovative multimedia displays and multi-disciplinary performances. It is now running in Singapore from 12 August to 14 September 2014.

* All the photos in this article (except the portrait of Alain Gaulthier) were taken with a Sony A7R full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, with a 55-210mm E-mount zoom lens. Photo credit: John Tan.

This pretty lady kept looking in my direction, so I took a portrait for her.

This pretty lady kept looking in my direction, so I took a portrait for her.

The production was created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of the famed Cirque du Soleil.

Hailing from Montreal in Canada, the lavish production involves 50 horses and 46 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians from all over the world.

Since the show’s debut in 2003, some 4 million people from North America, Europe, Australia and the Middle East have watched the show.

Cast and dancers of Cavalia at the end of the show. I love how the lady's face lit up when she turned around and smiled at her fellow dancer.

Cast and dancers of Cavalia at the end of the show. I love how the lady’s face lit up when she turned around and smiled at her fellow dancer.

There has been more than 2,400 performances over the course of ten years. The 50 horses in Cavalia comprises 11 different breeds.

(more…)

New arrivals: Canon camera bags for DSLRs and compact cameras

Tuesday, August 5th, 2014

Canon today launched its first line-up of Canon bags, offering durability and weather resistance to cameras and accessories.

Prices range from S$9.90 for a generic compact case to S$289 for a professional backpack or shoulder bag. Available from 15 August.

The RL PB-01 (S$289) is a lightweight full size backpack capable of fitting a full set of photographic equipment and a 15” laptop.

The RL PB-01 (S$289) is a lightweight full size backpack capable of fitting a full set of photographic equipment and a 15” laptop.

Available in two categories – Professional and Classic, the bags and cases complement Canon’s extensive range of cameras and lenses.

For greater security, equipment can be placed in a compartment that can only be accessed from the back of the RL PB-01.

For greater security, equipment can be placed in a compartment that can only be accessed from the back of the RL PB-01.

The Professional line features camera backpacks and shoulder bags catered to DSLR users whereas the Classic line carries camera shoulder bags and cases suited for both DSLR and digital compact camera users.

Both lines feature quality craftsmanship, adorned with red threading that distinctly represents Canon’s brand identity.

The RL PB-01 (S$289) – available under the professional line, is a lightweight full size backpack capable of fitting a full set of photographic equipment and a 15” laptop.

It is also able to hold a tripod and a pair of trekking poles.

(more…)

New arrivals: Sony PXW-X70 camcorder in end-Sep 2014

Wednesday, July 30th, 2014

Sony has launched a new, compact member of the XDCAM family to deliver benefits of 1.0-type sensor technology and XAVC in a handheld professional camcorder. 4K recording capability will be available in a future update.

Update (13 August, 2014):

Sony’s PXW-X70 will be available in Asia Pacific from the end of September 2014, with a retail price of S$3,000.

Light and compact entry-level professional camcorder.

Light and compact entry-level professional camcorder.

The 4K recording capability should be available via a firmware update by the end of the year.

Pricing for the update has not been announced yet, but it’s in the hundreds – less than $1,000 for those who want it.

I had a hands-on with the entry level professional camcorder today.

It’s more compact than others and definitely lighter.

For videographers currently using a DSLR to shoot short videos and thinking of taking their craft a notch higher, this would be a shoe-in as it offers features that are not available in the top-end DSLRs.

The versatile new PXW-X70 camcorder features a sensor more than eight times the size of a conventional 1/3 single chip sensor, providing strong sensitivity and low light performance.

The versatile new PXW-X70 camcorder features a sensor more than eight times the size of a conventional 1/3 single chip sensor, providing strong sensitivity and low light performance.

Sony has launched the 4K-ready PXW-X70, the first compact XDCAM professional camcorder ever produced.

(more…)

New arrivals: Nikon D810 full-frame DSLR camera in late July

Friday, June 27th, 2014

The new 36.3-megapixel D810 caters to both enthusiasts and professionals. It now records Full HD (1080p60) video and offers a wide ISO range from ISO 64 to ISO 12800 (expandable to ISO 32 to ISO 51200). Hits the shelves in late July.

Singapore price TBA. US price US$3299.95.

Update (15 July, 2014):

The new Nikon D810, before we got our hands on it.

The new Nikon D810, before we got our hands on it.

The Nikon D810 was officially launched in Singapore today at the Altimate lounge club in 1-Altitude at Raffles Place.

The DSLR will be available at S$4,888 (body only) from 17 July onwards.

The new Nikon D810 will be available in Singapore in late July.

The new Nikon D810 will be available in Singapore in late July.

The FX-format D810 replaces the D800 and D800E and does away with the OLPF (optical low-pass filter) in its 36.3-megapixel (7360 x 4912) CMOS sensor.

The Nikon D810 is powered by EXPEED 4 engine.

The Nikon D810 is powered by EXPEED 4 engine.

It features the EXPEED 4 engine from the D4s to give a bigger ISO range, better image quality and metering and faster burst speed.

The Nikon D810 ships with an electronic first-curtain shutter option, has a redesigned mirror mechanism to reduce vibration, and includes Auto ISO in manual mode.

For video, it can relay uncompressed HDMI output to an external recorder with simultaneous video display on the camera’s rear LCD display and external LCD monitor, while recording to the internal card (compressed).

(more…)

New arrivals: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III compact camera

Tuesday, May 27th, 2014

Sony offers professional quality in your pocket with wider, brighter lens and built-in viewfinder in the compact body of the RX100 mark III.

Available in Singapore from June: S$1,199.

Sony Singapore invited us down for a hands-on on the camera which had just arrived earlier this morning.

Sony Singapore invited us down for a hands-on on the camera which had just arrived earlier this morning.

The current RX100 II will continue to be sold with its price reduced from S$999 to S$899.

Both cameras will continue to be sold on the market with the RX100 II catering to compact camera users while the new RX100 III targets users looking for better performance and image quality and using it as a second camera to their DSLRs.

Here are the main features.

  • Bright, wide angle ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 lens
  • Clear, retractable OLED Tru-Finder™ with ZEISS® T* coating
  • 20.1 effective megapixel back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and powerful BIONZ X processor
  • 50 Mbps high bit-rate Full HD movies with XAVC S support
  • LCD flips for easy selfies
  • 4K still image output
  • Evolved manual controls and new custom button

Here are the specifications of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III.

(more…)

Tech specs: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III compact camera

Tuesday, May 20th, 2014

Sony has unveiled its most advanced compact camera using the 1-inch sensor. The RX100 III should be available in Singapore at the S$1,100-S$1,200 price range.

Update (27 May, 2014):

The new Sony RX100 III will be available in Singapore from June at S$1,199. The current RX100 II will continue to be sold with its price reduced from S$999 to S$899.

The new Sony RX100 III has a 24-70mm equivalent range, and maximum aperture range of F1.8-2.8.

The new Sony RX100 III has a 24-70mm equivalent range, and maximum aperture range of F1.8-2.8.

The lens is much brighter than the 28-100mm, F1.8-4.9 lenses in the existing two RX100 models.

RX100 III with flippable LCD display.

RX100 III with flippable LCD display.

Although the RX100 III uses the same 20.2MP BSI CMOS sensor as the RX100 II, it features the latest Bionz X processor and a pop-up electronic viewfinder and a faster lens.

The LCD display can now be flipped up by up to 180° for taking selfies.

The RX100 III includes Wi-Fi and runs Playmemories Camera Apps.

Video now includes full-sensor readout at 1080p and stored at up to 50Mbps in the XAVC S format.

(more…)

Sony launches flagship store at 313@somerset and new gadgets

Thursday, May 1st, 2014

The latest and flagship store in the heart of Orchard Road in Singapore is the largest in South East Asia and features the latest innovations, gadgets and contents from the Sony group of companies.

The new Sony Store in 313@somserset mall is now open to the public from today, and operates daily from 10am to 10pm.

The new Sony Store in 313@somserset mall is now open to the public from today, and operates daily from 10am to 10pm.

The 9,902 square feet flagship store is located at Level Two of 313@somerset mall and puts under one roof offerings from Sony Electronics, Sony Mobile, Sony Pictures, Sony Music and Sony Computer Entertainment.

“The new Sony Store 313@somserset truly embodies the ‘Be Moved’ experience. At this new Sony Store, we intend to showcase a new lifestyle that only Sony can offer,” said Atsushi Endo, General Manager, Singapore Marketing Centre, Sony Electronics (Singapore).

Besides being a showcase for the latest and most innovative technology Sony has to offer, from digital imaging, gaming and mobile, the store will also be used by Sony Music and Sony Pictures to host meet-and-greets with its local and international artistes and screenings of exclusive trailers and sneak peeks.

With a prominent video wall mounted on its store front, customers are invited to step into the wide and open entrance of the store with the dazzling and captivating visual displays.

The Sony Store at 313@somerset mall is located close to the Starbucks cafe at Level 2.

The Sony Store at 313@somerset mall is located close to the Starbucks cafe at Level 2.

(more…)

New arrivals: Samsung Galaxy K zoom smartphone-camera

Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

The new Samsung Galaxy K zoom packs in the image quality of compact cameras with the smartphone features of the Galaxy line of Android smartphones. Price & availability TBA.

The Samsung Galaxy K zoom will be available in three colours: Charcoal Black, Shimmery White and Electric Blue.

The Samsung Galaxy K zoom will be available in three colours: Charcoal Black, Shimmery White and Electric Blue.

Samsung Electronics has announced its new “camera-specialised smartphone” – the Samsung Galaxy K zoom.

Side view showing the lens retracted and deployed.

Side view showing the lens retracted and deployed.

The Galaxy K zoom is a smartphone that blends advanced digital camera technology with Samsung’s Galaxy mobile phone experience.

As a camera-specialised smartphone, the Galaxy K zoom offers an advanced technical camera system designed to offer the control and functionality of a dedicated camera, ensuring that the important moments are captured with good clarity.

The Galaxy K zoom is equipped with new retracting lens technology that provides 10x optical zoom in a slim and chic body.

(more…)

New arrivals: Leica T (Typ 701) mirrorless system camera

Friday, April 25th, 2014

Created in collaboration with Audi Design, the Leica T will be launched with two lenses available: Leica Vario-Elmar-T 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH and Leica Summicron-T 23mm f/2 ASPH.

SRP:

  • Body + 18-56mm lens: S$4,950
  • Body + 23mm lens: S$5,250

Update (29 April, 2014):

The Leica T was officially launched in Singapore today. The camera will be available in Singapore from 26 May 2014 at Leica Stores located at Raffles Hotel Arcade, Mandarin Gallery and ION Orchard.

The Leica T will be available in either a natural aluminum finish, or anodized black.

The Leica T will be available in either a natural aluminum finish, or anodized black.

Two additional lenses are also scheduled to appear in time for presentation at Photokina 2014 on 21 September.

  • Super-Vario-Elmar-T 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH wide-angle zoom
  • Vario-Elmar-T 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH. telephoto zoom

The mirrorless interchangeable lens Leica T camera features a 16-megapixel APS-C-format, CMOS sensor.

It is the first system camera from Leica to feature an integrated Wi-Fi module.

Pictures and videos can be wirelessly transmitted straight from the camera to a smartphone, tablet or computer, and can then be shared by email, or on Facebook or other social media.

(more…)