Archive for the ‘Cameras’ Category

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New DSLR: Nikon D800 and D800E

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Nikon has launched, worldwide, the successor to the D700. The 36.3-megapixel D800 (approx. S$3,750) will be available in March, while the D800E (approx. 10% more at S$4,100) will be available in April.

Update (22 March 2012):

D4 (S$9,799) and D800 (S$4,488) go on sale in Singapore on 22 Mar.

Nikon launched the D800 and D800E DSLRs worldwide today.

Nikon launched the D800 and D800E DSLRs worldwide today.

The 36.3 megapixel, FX-format DSLRs boast the highest effective pixel count in the world.

In Singapore, Nikon launched the D800 and D800E in the Pan Pacific Hotel, together with the slew of 12 COOLPIX cameras that it had announced one week ago.

Expected to be less than half the price of Nikon’s recently released flagship D4, the D800/800E promises tremendous value for money for enthusiasts looking for a similar level of video recording performance as the D4, but who do not need the professional-oriented features for shooting stills in the D4.

But the star of the event was undoubtedly the D800 and D800E.

Main features

Nikon D800 with 36.3 million pixelsBoth have a powerful new EXPEED 3 image processing engine, 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, and 91k-pixel RGB sensor (for Advanced Scene Recognition) inside a light, single-piece magnesium body that is water and dust resistant.

They are capable of shooting broadcast quality video with high-fidelity audio recording.

The cinematographer will love the versatility of being able to shoot 1080p Full HD in both FX and DX based formats.

ISO ranges from 100 – 6400 (extensible to ISO 50 – 25,600)

The D800E offers even greater detail resolution

Nikon D800E with a battery grip

Nikon D800E with a battery grip

The D800E disables the aliasing and moiré pattern reduction operation performed by the optical low-pass filter in the D800 and most DSLRs, that result in a slight blurring of details.

By doing so, light passing through a NIKKOR lens is able to strike photodiodes directly for greater resolution in details.

This model is optimal for landscape and artistic photography, which demand higher detail resolution and clear definition.

Apart from this, the D800E possesses the same characteristics as the D800.

The detailed brochure for the two cameras can be viewed here.

(more…)

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Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 14 Comments »

Review: Nikon 1 V1 and J1 MIL camera

Monday, February 6th, 2012

I tried out the Nikon 1 V1 (and Nikon 1 J1) mirrorless interchangeable lens (MIL) digital camera over the Chinese New Year.

Here’s what I like and dislike about Nikon’s debut into this relatively new segment of digital cameras.

This is a joint review in partnership with Tech65.org. Check out their video review of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1.

This is a joint review in partnership with Tech65.org. Check out their video review of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1.

Both the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 comes with a choice of 3 lenses. Their bundled prices are tabulated below.

Nikkor Lens kit Nikon 1 V1 Nikon 1 J1
10mm S$1,269 S$969
VR 10-30mm S$1,199 S$899
10mm + VR 10-30mm S$1,399 S$1,099
VR 10-30mm + VR 30-110mm S$1,449 S$1,149

The Nikon 1 has a crop factor of 2.7, so the 10, 30 and 110 mm focal lengths of the Nikon 1 lenses are equivalent (35mm format) to 27, 81 and 297 mm respectively.

If you’re looking for a compact and stylish camera that focuses fast, shoots good quality images in auto mode, offers the flexibility of changing lenses; and you’re not into rolling up your sleeves to interfere with exposure controls – this camera is for you.

Likes

I like the simplicity and clean design of the camera. It’s as simple to use (actually simpler) as a digital compact, and yet it’s only slightly heftier than a compact, but with faster focusing and better image quality.

The new CX format 1-inch 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor is larger than those in compact cameras but smaller than other MIL cameras. It has a crop factor of 2.7 and allows lenses to be compact.

The new CX format 1-inch 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor is larger than those in compact cameras but smaller than other MIL cameras. It has a crop factor of 2.7 and allows lenses to be compact.

With a bigger sensor than most compacts, the image quality was noticeably better. Focusing was also very fast with its hybrid Contrast and Phase detection auto-focus.

So on those days that I just want a point-and-shoot that I can leave on auto and snap away at those precious spontaneous moments, this would be an ideal choice.

Such as when people come and go over the Chinese New Year period to “拜年” and you just want to shoot stills and videos of the kids spewing their well-wishing lines to earn their ang pows.

No need to frighten the kids with this gigantic and obstructive DSLR getting in the way. Besides, the design is retro and nice, very similar to the Olympus PEN, whose design I also like.

And the white design of the Nikon 1 V1 that I used was the conversation topic drawing oohs and aahs from the subjects.

(That is invariably followed by more oohs and aahs when they hear the price of the camera).

On the main mode dial, you can see the four main shooting modes for using the camera. The usual Still shooting mode and Movie recording mode, as well as two interesting new modes: Motion Snapshot and Smart Photo Selector.

Motion Snapshot

The first time I shot with Motion Snapshot mode I really liked the effect. What happens is that when you half-press the shutter release button, the camera begins to record video in its buffer.

(more…)

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Posted in Cameras, Gadgets, MIL, Nikon, Prices, Review, Specifications | 5 Comments »

Contest: The 2012 Leica Oskar Barnack Award

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

Entries for this photography contest is open from now until 1 March 2012. Application forms, as well as terms and conditions of participation is available online.

Entries for the 2012 Oskar Barnack Award can be submitted from now till 1 March 2012.

Entries for the 2012 Oskar Barnack Award can be submitted from now till 1 March 2012.

The Leica Oskar Barnack Award will be presented for the 33rd time this year. The winner will receive a Leica M9-P camera with lens worth approximately €10,000, in addition to a cash prize of €5,000.

“This year, I will personally love to see more works from passionate photographers in Asia,” commented Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific.A second honour in the course of the competition will be awarded in the category ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award’, for (prospective) professional photographers aged 25 and under.

The winner of the first prize in this section will also be awarded a Leica M9-P complete with lens.

An international jury awards the Leica Oskar Barnack Award and Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award to photographers who capture and express the relationship between people and their environment in graphic form in a portfolio of up to 12 images.

Submissions must be a self-contained series of images in which the photographer perceives and documents the interaction between people and their environment with acute vision and contemporary visual style – creative, unobtrusive and groundbreaking.

The members of this year’s jury include:

  • Bruce Gilden, Magnum photographer
  • Stephan Erfurt, Director of C/O Berlin
  • Valérie Fougeirol, Creative Director of the Magnum Gallery in Paris
  • Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Artistic Director of the Leica Galerie in Salzburg
  • Brigitte Schaller, Art Director of Leica Fotografie International magazine.

The awards will be presented in the course of the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie photography festival to be held in Arles, France from 2 to 8 July 2012.

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Posted in Cameras, Contest, Gadgets, Leica, Photography, Photos | 1 Comment »

Nikon launches 14 new COOLPIX compact cameras worldwide

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

The 14 COOLPIX cameras comprises 4 from the L (Lifestyle) series, 2 from the P (Performance) series, and 8 from the S (Style) series. Availability and prices will be announced at a later date.

(Update: Prices have been inserted as they became available).

Click on the pictures to get to Nikon’s detailed listing of features, technical specifications and colours available for each model.

COOLPIX L810, L310, L26 and L25 from the Nikon COOLPIX L (Lifestyle) series.

COOLPIX L810, L310, L26 (S$159) and L25 (S$129) from the Nikon COOLPIX L (Lifestyle) series.

4 new L-series COOLPIX cameras

The four new L-series cameras allow users to capture photos with the press of a button.

The compact L810 is small but powerful with its 26x high-power optical zoom lens. The L310 (S$339) is packed with a powerful 21x optical zoom.

The entry-level L26 (S$159) and L25 (S$129) offer a 5x optical zoom and automatic shooting functions that make taking dazzling pictures easy.

 

COOLPIX P310 and P510 from the P (Performance) series offer superior performance and image quality.

COOLPIX P310 and P510 from the P (Performance) series offer superior performance and image quality.

2 new P-series COOLPIX cameras

The COOLPIX P310 and COOLPIX P510 are multi-function, high-performance compact digital cameras with full-scale photographic capabilities

Features Nikon’s built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function and an effective 16.1-million pixel count.

S9300, S9200, S4300, S3300 from the Nikon COOLPIX S (Style) series. The S4200 and S3200 are not available in Singapore.

S9300, S9200, S4300 (S$279), S3300 (S$219) from the Nikon COOLPIX S (Style) series. The S4200 and S3200 are not available in Singapore.

6 new S-series COOLPIX cameras

COOLPIX S9200 (S$509) and S9300 (S$549) has built-in GPS function, a high-power 18x optical zoom NIKKOR lenses that utilises thin optics, backside illumination CMOS image sensor, and a lens-shift VR system.

Nikon COOLPIX S6300 and S30

Nikon COOLPIX S6300 (S$349) and S30

The COOLPIX S4300 (S$279) and S3300 (S$219) are slimmer than their predecessors despite improved zoom function and built-in VR. The S4200and S3200 will not be sold in Singapore.

The COOLPIX S6300 (S$349) offers a balance between still image and movie recording functions.

It is compact despite a built-in 10x optical zoom NIKKOR lens; has a lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function; and full-HD compatible movie function,

The COOLPIX S30 is a compact camera for the family. The camera is dust resistant; waterproof to a depth of three-metres; shock resistant, able to withstand falls from heights of up to 80 cm; can apply frames to still images; and has a slide show function that incorporates background music and animation.

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Posted in Cameras, Compact camera, COOLPIX, Gadgets, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Specifications | 7 Comments »

Technical specifications: Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Here are the main tech specs for the new S$698 (incl GST) Micro Four Thirds lens from Olympus.

12-50mm, 4.2x zoom, 3-speed motorised zoom mechanism, MSC mechanism for foast, quiet AF, stop focus and macro magnification at 0.72x (35mm equiv), dust/splash proof.

12-50mm, 4.2x zoom, 3-speed motorised zoom mechanism, MSC mechanism for foast, quiet AF, stop focus and macro magnification at 0.72x (35mm equiv), dust/splash proof.

The main technical specifications are tabulated at the end of this article.

Focal range from 12-50mm (35mm equiv: 24-100mm)

To enable a wide 84-degree angle of view to be captured at 24mm wide-angle, this zoom lens uses a Dual Super Aspherical (DSA) element that requires high-precision manufacturing because of the extremely large ratio between the thickness of the lens center and periphery; as well as double-sided aspherical elements located at an intermediate position between the lenses to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations that can accompany changes in the zoom ratio.

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

In addition, an HR (High Refractive index) element and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element are combined for optimum correction of color aberrations.

Extensive use of special glass materials in the 9-group, 10-element lens construction of the zoom lens ensures high imaging performance throughout the zooming range.

In addition, all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance even under unfavourable conditions such as shooting against light.

The use of an inner zooming system means that there is no variation in overall lens length during zooming, ensuring that stability can be maintained during handheld shooting.

(more…)

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Posted in Cameras, Gadgets, Lens, Olympus, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 1 Comment »

New Micro Four Thirds lens: Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

This new lens is a Micro Four Thirds System standard-compliant zoom lens featuring a motorised zoom mechanism with zoom ratio of 4.2X starting from a wide angle of 24mm to 100mm (35mm camera equivalent).

Now available at Olympus authorised retailers for S$698 (incl GST).

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

This is a versatile zoom lens usable in the toughest conditions and capable of everything from close-up wide angle shooting to medium range telephoto shooting of both still images and movies.

Main features of the new lens are:

  1. 4.2X (approx.) zoom starting from a wide angle of 24mm to 100mm (35mm camera equivalent).
  2. Motorised zoom mechanism for stable zooming at a constant rate (3 selectable speeds).
  3. MSC mechanism enhanced by linear motor drive for faster, quieter AF control.
  4. Convenient features including macro mode for close-up shooting at 0.72X magnification (35mm camera equivalent) and the L-Fn (Lens Function) button with focus stop function.
  5. Dust/splash-proof mechanism.

The zoom lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), which is optimal for portraits.

Motorised zoom mechanism with zoom ratio of 4.2X from 24-100mm (35mm camera equiv).

Motorised zoom mechanism with zoom ratio of 4.2X from 24-100mm (35mm camera equiv).

It is the first Olympus interchangeable lens to incorporate a motorised zoom mechanism, which is especially useful in movie shooting, thanks to the smooth, quiet zooming.

The AF system is based on the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism enhanced by a newly developed linear motor drive that enables faster, quieter focusing.

To assure the best possible image quality, this sophisticated lens comprises 9 lens groups with 10 elements, including three aspherical elements.

Special glass materials are used extensively to correct various aberrations and all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance.

The lens also features a macro mode for close-up shooting with a closest focusing distance of 0.2 meters and maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent).

In addition, an L-Fn (Lens Function) button is also provided to allow the user to stop autofocusing temporarily.

This new lens employs the dust-/splash-proof mechanism originally featured in the ZUIKO DIGITAL SHG (Super High Grade) series lenses.

Here are the main tech specs for the new lens.

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Posted in Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Launch, Lens, Olympus, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 1 Comment »

Happy Lunar New Year

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

It’s the first day of the Lunar New Year today. Happy New Year to all the people from cultures that celebrate this traditional festival!

Happy Lunar New Year! Happy Chinese New Year!

Original photo taken with Nikon 1 V1. Watercolour painting effect using Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet with Corel Essentials 4.

And to all Chinese around the world, Happy Chinese New Year!

新年快乐，万事如意，步步高升，恭喜发财，龙马精神；
身体健康，心想事成，学业进步，生意兴隆，马到功成！

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Posted in Accessories, Cameras, DSLR, Gadgets, Graphics tablets, Holiday, Lifestyle, Nikon, Wacom | No Comments »

New compact camera: Nikon COOLPIX S2600

Friday, January 20th, 2012

The 14-megapixel compact digital camera from Nikon goes on sale today at S$179.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 goes on sale today at S$179.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 goes on sale today at S$179.

First announced last week, the ultra-slim 19.5mm COOLPIX S2600 is the latest addition to the COOLPIX two thousand series.

The 5x NIKKOR lens goes from 26 mm wide-angle coverage (35 mm format equivalent) to 130mm.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Red)Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Silver)Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Blue)Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Black)
In addition to pink, the camera comes in black, silver, blue and red.

The Nikon EXPEED C2 image processing engine reduces image processing time, while specialised functions include electronic VR image stabilisation, upgraded auto noise reduction and scene auto selector.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Decorative Black) Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Decorative Purple) Decorative Black, Decorative Purple has been added to the original basic colours.

The Lithium-ion rechargeable battery is light and compact, and is more eco-friendly than alkaline batteries and more energy efficient than Ni-MH batteries.

The camera comes in plain black, silver, pink, red and blue. Two new “Decorative Purple” and “Decorative Black” colours with floral patterns have also been added.

Main tech specs are listed below:

(more…)

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Posted in Cameras, Compact camera, Gadgets, Launch, Nikon, Photography, Prices, Specifications | 1 Comment »

CES 2012 roundup: Sony gadgets for 2012

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Here is a round-up of Sony’s electronic gadgets for 2012, as released during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

The CES is a chance for consumers to get a glimpse of the gadgets lining up to hit the market in the near to mid-term future.

Sony’s line-up for 2012 includes the new Handycam range; the Cyber-shot W-Series and S-Series; the NWZ-Z1000 series (Sony’s first ever Walkman powered by Android); and a new line-up of BRAVIA  televisions.

Here’s a list of these new products.

Handycam

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder
  1. HDR-TD20VE Double Full HD 3D Flash Memory camcorder
  2. HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

New camcorder accessories

  • RDP-CA1 Portable Speaker
  • HVL-LE1 Battery Video Light
  • VCT-MP1 ‘Multipod’
  • 22MB/s SDHC Class 10 media cards
  • World’s first Balanced Optical SteadyShot for even more stable images while walking/zooming (HDR-PJ760VE)
  • Increased built-in projector models led by the HDR-PJ760VE capable of displaying 100-inch screen size (diagonal)
  • The world’s smallest and lightest 3D Handycam® (HDR-TD20VE)
  • Clearer dialogue with Auto Wind Noise Reduction and Closer Voice (both models)
  • By Pixel Super Resolution processing for high-resolution still images and Extended Zoom (both models

Cyber-shot

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras
 1. W-Series

  • W670
  • W650
  • W630
  • W620
  • W610

2. S-Series

  • S5000
  • All-round images with new 360 Sweep Panorama
  • SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld shots
  • Intelligent Auto mode recognises up to 33 scene settings for great results automatically
  • Picture Effect modes for easy in-camera effects

Walkman

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series
 NWZ-Z1000 series
  • First ever Walkman® powered by Android™
  • Unique ergonomic body design
  • Features the new S-Master MX digital amplifier which greatly reduces noise and distortion level in your music
  • A new distinctive W.BUTTON allows one to launch the unique W.Control app; allowing one to explore their music collection in an intuitive manner
  • Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities

BRAVIA

Sony BRAVIA TV

SonyBRAVIA EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  1. HX855-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  2. HX750-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  3. EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  • Two distinct series –the flagship HX and the mid-level EX
  • Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
  • Picture qualities further enhanced with Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors
  • They are Skype™ embedded, where users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls. Users can also make voice calls while simultaneously watching TV.
  • Sony’s HX855 carries forward Sony’s distinctive Monolithic design incorporating Gorilla® Glass by Corning®, allowing for thinner, lighter and stronger screen material.
  • Complete with X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 960, the HX850 is a fully Internet-connected television with built-in 3D, delivering a premium viewing experience when on, and a stunning addition to home décor even when off.

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Posted in 3D, Accessories, Android, Audio, Compact camera, Exhibition, Gadgets, Graphics tablets, Lifestyle, Monitors, Sony, TV, Videocams | 1 Comment »

Photo: Salmon cream sauce spaghetti

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Home cooked salmon cream sauce spaghetti with chives, mixed herbs and pepper. Served with broccoli soup.

Picture taken with Leica V-Lux 3 compact digital camera in Macro mode. Handheld snapshot at f/2.8, 1/15 sec, ISO400, 25mm (35mm equiv).

Picture taken with Leica V-Lux 3 compact digital camera in Macro mode. Handheld snapshot at f/2.8, 1/15 sec, ISO400, 25mm (35mm equiv).

The Leica V-Lux 3 compact digital camera has a mean Macro mode. You can stick the lens right into the food and still get pin sharp snapshots of your favourite food.

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Posted in Cameras, Compact camera, Food, Gadgets, Leica, Lifestyle, Photography, Photos | No Comments »

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