Archive for the ‘Cameras’ Category

Leica Das Wesentliche in Singapore

Friday, May 18th, 2012

Leica showcased its slew of new products in an intimate session on the 32nd storey of Orchard Mandarin Hotel in Singapore.

This is part of Leica’s series of Das Wesentliche events in its main markets, after the inaugural event in Berlin last week. Prices in SGD below includes 7% GST.

Leica M Monochrom with the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens, Leica M9-P »Edition Hermès«, and the Leica X2.

Leica M Monochrom with the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens, Leica M9-P »Edition Hermès«, and the Leica X2.

“Das Wesentliche” means “The Essentials” in German.

It reflects Leica’s intent to focus on just the essentials in the design of their slew new products – to the point of being minimalistic.

The first Das Wesentliche event debuted in Berlin on 10 May.

The new products that were launched in Berlin are now being brought around the world to Leica’s main markets, including Tokyo and Singapore.

The Leica M Monochrom is an 18-megapixel full-frame digital rangefinder camera that shoots only in black-and-white.

It will be available in Singapore (S$12,260) in black chrome from August onwards.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH

Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH

The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH lens has also been launched.

Leica describes it as its most outstanding lens. It will be available in Singapore (S$10,900) from the end of July 2012, in black finish.

Two limited editions of the Leica M9-P have been introduced to commemorate the close relationship between Leica and renowned Parisian house Hermès.

The limited edition Leica M9-P »Edition Hermès« is already available now (US$25,000) although only 300 will be available worldwide.

It comes in either single-lens or triple-lens kits. Both the camera body, lenses, camera bags and accessories have been specially designed by automotive designer Walter de’Silva.

Leica S-Adapter H for the S2

Leica S-Adapter H for the S2

An even more exclusive Leica M9-P »Edition Hermès« – Série Limitée Jean-Louis Dumas will be available (US$50,000) in June 2012. Only 100 sets will be available worldwide. Each set will come with three lenses.

The 16.2-megapixel (effective pixels) Leica X2 is a compact camera with a huge sensor. The APS-C format CMOS image sensor is as big, if not bigger than many DSLRs.

It is targeted towards semi-professional photographers and photography enthusiasts. It will be available in Singapore (S$2,980) from June 2012.

Leica V-Lux 40 with 20x optical zoom

Leica V-Lux 40 with 20x optical zoom

Another new compact camera is the 14.1-megapixel (effective pixels) Leica V-Lux 40, with a 20x optical zoom from 24 to 480 mm (35mm equivalent).

It will be available in Singapore (S$990)  from June 2012 onwards.

Finally, the new Leica S-Adapter H enables the use of Hasselblad H lenses on the Leica S2.

It is now available (S$2,725) in Singapore.

Sony announces two new cameras and a camcorder

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Sony has announced three new digital imaging products: the SLT-A37, NEX-F3 and HDR-GW77. All three will be available from June 2012 onwards, although prices are yet to be announced.

From left: NEX-F3, SLT-A37, HDR-GW77

From left: NEX-F3, SLT-A37, HDR-GW77

The new SLT-A37 is Sony’s latest addition to its “Single Lens Translucent” line of “DSLRs” while the NEX-F3 adds to its line of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

The HDR-GW77 keeps with the trend of ruggedised and water-proof gadgets for the growing segment of out-going and adventurous shooters.

Below are more details:

SLT-A37

Sony SLT-A37 "DSLR"

  • Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 2.7″ tilt-angle LCD screen
  • 7fps in burst mode shooting
  • 3-cross 15-point phase detection autofocus
  • AVCHD (50i/25p) video
  • ISO 100-16000
The new SLT-A37 helps craft portraits by making use of the Auto Portrait Framing mode.

The camera identifies the sitter’s position and trims the scene to create beautifully composed, high resolution portraits.

The SLT-A37 also comes with a 2x Clear Image Zoom that doubles the effective magnification of your lens, promising users higher-quality close-ups.

A new A-mount 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 telephoto zoom lens will be available in July 2012.

NEX-F3

Sony NEX-F3 MIL

  • APS HD CMOS sensor
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • Full HD (50i/25p) video
  • Built-in pop-up flash
  • 180° tiltable LCD screen
The new pocket-sized NEX-F3 offers “Big-camera” picture quality.

A 180° tiltable LCD screen on the NEX-F3 makes self-shooting much easier.

A new SEL18200LE E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 telephoto zoom lens will be available in the Asia Pacific from June 2012.

HDR-GW77

Sony HDR-GW77 camcorder

  • EXMOR R CMOS sensor
  • Video: 1920×1080/50p
  • Photos: 20.4 megapixels
  • Wide angle 29.8mm Sony G Lens
  • 10x optical zoom
  • 3.0″ LCD swivel touch screen
  • Swing Panorama function
The HDR-GW77 takes Full HD video into the great outdoors.

The camcorder is waterproof (to a depth of up to five metres), dust resistant and shockproof against falls of up to 1.5m.

Its swivel 3.0” LCD screen allows for self-shooting, making it the perfect companion to take on road trips and holidays.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 available in Singapore

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

The 10.1-megapixel Nikon COOLPIX S30 (S$259) is now available exclusively from Courts. The waterproof and shockproof compact camera is ideal for kids.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 is shockproof, waterproof and dirtproof.

Nikon COOLPIX S30 is shockproof, waterproof and dirtproof.

The COOLPIX S30 is built to resist shock (withstands falls from heights of up to 80 cm), water (up to 3 metres depth) and dirt.

Nikon COOLPIX S30: 10.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom.

10.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom.

The camera has large buttons and a user-friendly interface, and comes with 3x optical zoom.

For added fun, a creative slide show function creates animated effects and music with the photos!

Unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s Spring 2012 collection, the COOLPIX S30 is available in black, white, pink and blue.

New camera lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Nikon’s newest NIKKOR lens is a fast, wide-angle 28mm f/1.8 fixed focal length in Nikon’s FX-format – for full frame DSLRs like the D800. It will be available in the US from the end of May 2012 at about US$700.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G promises sharp focus and pleasing bokeh.

The new lens can also be used on DX-format cameras – such as the D3200 which was launched at the same time.

Used with DX-format cameras, the equivalent focal length will be 42mm.

New technologies used in the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G include Nano Crystal Coat and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), enhancing image quality and rendering capabilities.

The Nano Crystal Coat prevents internal reflections that cause ghost and flare while the SWM enables extremely quiet autofocusing.

Two focus modes are offered: M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) and M (manual focus).

New DSLR: Nikon D3200

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Nikon has launched, worldwide, the 24.2-megapixel D3200. The new entry-level DSLR will be available in the US in late April (approx. US$700 with 18-55mm kit lens).

Nikon has also launched a Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (approx. US$60, available in May in the US) for the D3200.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The new Nikon D3200 is available in red or black.

The D3200 records Full HD (1080p) video with full time autofocus (AF) and sports a high-speed continuous shooting mode at 4 frames-per second (fps).

The optional WU-1a gives the Nikon D3200 wireless connectivity to mobile devices.

WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

The new optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, to enable preview of an image (but not videos) before shooting and remote control of the camera, from up to 15 m away.

The 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine gives an ISO range of 100 – 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.

As an entry-level DSLR, the D3200 is designed with user-friendly features for the beginner.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

WU-1a plugged into D3200.

Accessible on the Mode Dial, the Guide Mode provides step-by-step photo instructions for set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images and movies.

There are also six Scene Modes – Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up and Night Portrait.

For video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone.

The application for Android smartphones (2.3) and tablets (3.x) will be available in May 2012, with the iOS app for iPhone and iPad expected in Fall 2012.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The Guide Mode walks the beginner using the entry-level D3200.

The main differences between the Nikon D3200 and the D3100 are tabulated below.

Nikon D3200 D3100
Resolution 24.2 MP 14.2 MP
Video Full HD (1080p) 30 fps 24 fps
LCD 920 k 230 k
Max ISO (regular) ISO 6,400 ISO 3,200
Continuous shoot 4 fps 3 fps
Release date 19 Apr 2012 19 Aug 2010

The brochure can be downloaded here.

What’s better than a Canon EOS-1D X? Ans: A Canon EOS-1D C!

Friday, April 13th, 2012

Canon has announced the EOS-1D C, a DSLR capable of recording video at 4K resolution (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) at a frame rate of 24p, or Full HD resolution (1,920×1,080 pixels) at 60p – whilst retaining the still image shooting prowess of the EOS-1D X.

This new flagship DSLR will be available from end October this year (prices TBA).

Canon EOS-1D C, flagship DSLR with 4K video - available in October 2012.

Canon EOS-1D C, flagship DSLR with 4K video - available in October 2012.

The Canon EOS-1D C is designed for use in motion picture, television and other high-resolution digital production industries.

The DSLR provides its users a physically compact yet digitally powerful machine to meet the high demands of today’s production standards.

The Canon EOS-1D C records 4K resolution video (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) at a frame rate of 24p, with 8-bit Motion JPEG compression, cropped to an APS-H-equivalent angle of view.

It can also record Full HD video (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) at a maximum frame rate of 60p, answering the demanding needs of industry professionals.

In addition, the EOS-1D C allows for efficient workflow during production and post-production, with features within the firmware and the accompanying software suite.

Connections panel on one side of the camera.

Connections panel on one side of the camera.

The camera records all video, including 4K, directly to the inserted CF card without having to use peripheral equipment such as external storage devices, bringing increased mobility to its user.

When required, captured video (excluding 4K video) can be output to an external recorder via an HDMI terminal, using an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 signal.

For motion-picture productions, the camera incorporates a Super 35mm crop function, enabling video to be recorded in the industry-standard 35mm angle of view.

The Canon Log Gamma enables the recording of high-quality video with rich gradation expression.

This produces the impressive image quality required in motion-pictures by minimizing both shadow detail loss and highlight detail loss while retaining a high level of color-grading freedom.

Top view of the Canon EOS-1D C

Top view of the Canon EOS-1D C

The EOS-1D C ships with software applications such as EOS Utility and Picture Style Editor.

Canon EOS-1D C body

Canon EOS-1D C body

EOS Utility allows a whole host of camera operations to be controlled via a PC, while the Picture Style Editor allows users to edit and register customized image settings in the camera.

These two applications enable real-time processes such as editing the picture style and confirming results on a monitor during set up or even on the shooting set, increasing production efficiency.

Playback software that ships with the camera allows 4K/Motion JPEG and Full HD video at 60p shot on the EOS-1D C to be output on an external monitor with no loss in image quality.

It also enables video shot with the Canon Log Gamma to be output on a monitor with video gamma applied.

Can’t afford a Leica S2? Rent one!

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

The Leica S2 comes with a hefty price-tag: S$32,550. Now you can rent one from the Camera Rental Centre, at S$588 per day, together with a choice of two lenses.

The medium format professional camera system - Leica S2.

The medium format professional camera system - Leica S2.

The available lenses are the Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8, Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5, Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 and the APO-Macro Summarit-S f/2.5.

“This rental program offers photographers a chance to test-drive the S2 under their preferred time and desired duration,” said Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific.The retail prices for these lenses range from S$6,560 to S$9,630.

Special arrangements can be made to cater time for photographers who wish to get acquainted with the 37.5-megapixel camera before using it for a shoot.

Upon request, Leica lens adapters for the Mamiya 645, Pentax 67 and Hasselblad V system are available too, at no extra charge.

Camera Rental Centre
email: info@camerarental.biz
tel: +65 9650 4158

The medium-format Leica S2 is built with a weather-sealed body that ensures that photographers can shoot even in the most extreme conditions.

High-speed, accurate autofocus aids photographers to nail the perfect shot, frame after frame.

Event: I AM NIKON DAY

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Nikon Singapore will be organising “I AM NIKON DAY” on the weekend of 28-29 April at the Raffles City Convention Centre. The event is free and open to all photography enthusiasts.

Walk-in auditions for The Big Shot Season 3 will also take place at the same venue during the photography weekend.

I AM NIKON DAY - 28 and 29 April 2012 (Raffles City Convention Centre)

I AM NIKON DAY - 28 and 29 April 2012 (Raffles City Convention Centre)

Online registration of seats begins today (here) and is based on a First-come-first-served basis. Registration closes on 25 April.

Event I AM NIKON DAY
(Talks & Workshops)
Date 28 & 29 Apr 2012
Time 11 am to 7 pm
Venue Raffles City Convention Centre
Location Level 4, Atrium Ballroom

Nikon’s Professional Photographers (such as award winning photographer Stefen Chow) and guest photographers will be speaking at the photography weekend, sharing their experience and expertise on a range of topics for beginner photographers and seasoned amateurs.

Speakers include past winners of “The Big Shot Season 1” (Liew Tong Leng) and “The Big Shot Season 2” (Affandy Razak).

Check out the list of speakers and the detailed programme here.

The Big Shot Season 3 (Audition)

Event The Big Shot Season 3
(Audition)
Date 28 & 29 Apr 2012
Time 10 am to 8 pm
Venue Raffles City Convention Centre
Location Level 4, Orchard Ballroom

Auditions for “The Big Shot Season 3” will also be held during the weekend. This third installment of the photography reality television series will air in 2012.

The competition is open to the public for photographers aged 18 and above. Detailed requirements can be found here.

New Android smartphones: HTC One X and HTC One V

Friday, March 30th, 2012

HTC has launched its One series of smartphones in Singapore. The HTC One X (S$898 without contract) and HTC One V (S$398) will be available in Singapore and the countries around the world from next Monday, 2 April 2012.

The HTC One X handset is available in Polar White and Glamour Grey, while the HTC One V comes in the colour of Jupiter Rock.

The HTC One X handset is available in Polar White and Glamour Grey, while the HTC One V comes in the colour of Jupiter Rock.

At the media launch in Marina Bay Sands Hall A today, HTC showed off the new Android 4.0 (ICS, with HTC Sense 4) smartphones, which boast a superb camera, Beats Audio and greater connectivity.

The HTC One X has a 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass, while the One V has a 3.7-inch, 480×800 WVGA screen.

The key tech specs can be found here.

Authentic Sound

Beats By Dr. Dre Audio is integrated into the HTC One smartphones for all sound experiences from listening to music to watching YouTube videos or playing games.

HTC’s included Sync Manager software, available in Windows and Mac versions, makes it a breeze to transfer songs, artists and playlists from your music library, whether it is iTunes or Windows Media Player. The syncing can take place wirelessly as well.

Camera
Side views of the HTC One X and V.

HTC One X and HTC One V

With fast autofocus in 0.2 seconds, the camera can take a snapshot in 0.7 seconds.

Simply hold down the shutter button to take up to 99 consecutive shots at 4 frames per second on the HTC One X (HTC One V takes 2 fps to 99 shots).

An f/2.0 lens allows the HTC One X to take pictures in low-light, while HDR technology enables photos in harsh lighting conditions to turn out well.

While shooting HD video, simply press the shutter button to capture a high-resolution still photo without disrupting the video recording. The same can be done while viewing a previously recorded video.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s.

HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU.

Dropbox integration

To save recorded photos and videos, or any other documents, Dropbox has been integrated with HTC Sense 4 in the HTC One, whose users get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years.

Dropbox cloud storage, together with the cloud synchronisation provided by Google via the Android OS has resulted in the recent retirement of HTCsense.com cloud backup services.

Personal entertainment hub

Apart from using the smartphone to make calls, take and view photos or video, enjoy music, surf the web, and play games; HTC is trying to extend the consumption of HTC’s content and media beyond just the smartphone’s screen.

I can see that HTC is positioning the One X as the hub of the modern consumer’s digital lifestyle.

HTC Media Link

If you’re in the living room, you can “throw” the display on your smartphone onto your HDTV with an upward swipe on the smartphone’s screen using three fingers – as long as there is a Wi-Fi network in the vicinity and your TV has an HDMI input which is connected to the HTC Media Link.

The HTC One X is a highly desirable smartphone in a chic package.

The HTC One X is a highly desirable smartphone in a chic package.

The Media Link is a black box the size of a name card box that has a USB power socket and an HDMI socket.The mirrored display is transmitted over the Wi-Fi network to the Media Link. The TV doesn’t have to be DNLA enabled – all it needs is an HDMI input.

For watching movies, the video can be viewed while the smartphone itself is used for other purposes.

HTC Car Stereo Clip

And if you’re in the car, the music or call audio can be channeled into the car’s speakers. Simply plug the HTC Car Stereo Clip into the car stereo’s auxiliary socket. The Car Stereo Clip receives the sound signals from smartphone and pumps it into the car’s sound system.

With a phone holder that can be attached to the windscreen (via a suction attachment), the smartphone can be put into “car” mode.

Only the essential functionalities typically needed in the car are displayed on the smartphone screen, such as Calls, Music, and navigation – with big icons to make it easier to control while driving.

The Media Link, Car Stereo Clip and the car kit are sold separately.

TODAY! Nikon COOLPIX P310, P510, and L810 available in Singapore

Monday, March 26th, 2012

The Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399) hit the shelves in Singapore today.

Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399)

Nikon COOLPIX P310 (S$549), P510 (S$739), and L810 (S$399)

The three 16.1-megapixel COOLPIX compact cameras were first unveiled on 1 February as part of Nikon’s COOLPIX Spring 2012 collection of 14 camera models.

All three cameras features Nikon’s Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) function to produce sharper images with less motion blur.

Below are the details:

Nikon COOLPIX P310, S$549 Nikon COOLPIX P310

S$549

  • Black or White
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 4.2x Optical Zoom
  • Focal range from 24 to 100 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • COOLPIX Picture Control – Optimising Images Prior To Shooting
  • Record Customisable Full-HD Movies With Optical Zoom
  • Bright And Ultra-Clear 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
Nikon COOLPIX P510, S$739 Nikon COOLPIX P510

S$739

  • Black
  • Red
  • Dark Silver
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 42x Optical Zoom
  • Focal range from 24 to 1000 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • COOLPIX Picture Control – Optimising Images Prior To Shooting
  • Record Customisable Full-HD Movies With Optical Zoom
  • Bright And Ultra-Clear 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
Nikon COOLPIX L810, S$399 Nikon COOLPIX L810

S$399

  • Black
  • Red
  • Bronze
  • Blue
  • 16.1-Million Pixel Backside Illumination CMOS Sensor
  • 26x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Lens
  • Focal range from 22.5 to 585 mm (35 mm equiv.)
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) Function
  • 19 optimised scene modes
  • 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD Monitor
  • 3D Photography