Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Samsung HZ35W and HZ30W

By

Samsung HZ35W

The Samsung HZ35W and HZ30W serve to replace the HZ15W and HZ10W.  The biggest improvement in the HZ35W and HZ30W is the inclusion of a 15x zoom lens, as opposed to a 10x zoom lens in last year’s models.

Both cameras offer a 12MP sensor and a stabilized 15x optical zoom that begins at the widest setting with a 24mm equivalent field of view on a full frame camera.  While both cameras offer a 3-inch display, the HZ35W uses an AMOLED screen and the HZ30W provides the traditional LCD panel.  The cameras can also record 720p video at 30 fps in H.264 format.

Samsung HZ35W

The HZ35W distinguishes itself further with the inclusion of GPS geo-tagging with location data, visual map and real time location display.

The HZ35W and HZ30W should be available in March 2010.  Check availability for each of the cameras on Amazon.com:

Samsung HZ35W at Amazon

Samsung HZ30W at Amazon

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

 

Samsung TL110 and TL105

By

Samsung TL110

The Samsung TL110 is a 14.2MP point and shoot camera with a 2.7-inch LCD and 5x optical zoom.  The TL110 features optical image stabilization and can record 720p video at 30fps in H.264 format.  The TL110 should be available in February 2010.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

The Samsung TL105 is a lower-spec’d version of the TL110, featuring a 12.2MP sensor, 4x optical zoom and the same 2.7-inch LCD panel.  The TL105 does not offer optical image stabilization (digital-only), but is capable of recording HD video at 720p and 30 fps in H.264 format.  The TL105 should also be available in February 2010.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Tamrac Zipshot Tripod

By

Tamrac recently introduced the Zipshot tripod, which is a light and ultra-portable alternative to the run-of-the-mill tripods out there. The Zipshot weighs 11 ounces and can carry a maximum load of 3 lbs (e.g., a prosumer DSLR with a kit lens).  It also includes a built-in ball head.

As you can see in the video, the whole thing pops open in just a few seconds thanks to the bungee cords inside the tripod legs.  It’s not exactly the sturdiest tripod, but can still get the job done, particularly if you use a remote or timer. [Read more…]

Canon “Story Behind the Still” Contest

By

Canon is holding a new contest for aspiring filmmakers that gives you a chance to win a Canon 7D, 5D Mark II or some Canon lenses.  Vincent Laforet has created a new short film, Cabbie (seen above), but you have to pick up with the subsequent chapters based on the still image provided by Laforet at the end of Cabbie.  Laforet and other all star film makers will pick the winning chapters after Cabbie for a total of seven chapters (six winners).

The deadline for chapter 2 is February 11.

You can get details in the press release below and over on the Vimeo group, Beyond the Still. [Read more…]

Panasonic FH20 Quick Hands-On Review

By

Panasonic FH20

One of the many point and shoot cameras announced at CES 2010 was the Panasonic FH20.  I spent a little while at CES checking out the new camera and its siblings.

The FH20 is at the top end of the new cameras in the FH lineup.  The other new cameras, the FH3 and FH1, are essentially just lower-spec versions of the FH20.  Since all the models were preproduction and I couldn’t evaluate image quality at CES, the handling and performance comments on the FH20 pretty much match up with my impressions of the FH3 and FH1 as well. [Read more…]

Stabilization for iPhone 3GS Cinematographers

By

How serious are you about shooting video with your iPhone?  If you’re big time into iPhone video, then you might want to take a look at the Steadicam Smoothee from Tiffen.

This Steadicam is designed specifically for the iPhone and includes a customized mount for it.  The Smoothee should help keep your iPhone videos a little less shaky.  No word on pricing yet though.

Get the full rundown in the press release below. [Read more…]

Olympus E-P1 Firmware Update ver. 1.2

By

Olympus E-P1

Olympus has released a firmware update for the E-P1.  Firmware version 1.2 adds the following functionality:

  • Reduced time of the MF ASSIST enlarged display to improve operability.
  • REC VIEW enabled when the monitor’s backlight is set to off.

The firmware can be updated through the Olympus Master or Studio software.

[via Olympus.co.jp]