Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
GE has released 9 new point and shoot cameras touting at least 9 megapixels and featuring bells and whistles such as a touch screen LCD, panoramic shooting modes and a waterproof version. The cameras have a very “me too” kind of feel in an industry that is crowded with multiple models from the big, established companies. Sorry, but nothing really makes them stand out from the huge crowd. Additional details are below. [Read more…]
Sony revealed in its press conference on March 2, 2009 that it will be introducing 6 new lenses for its Alpha line of DSLRs. The above image was taken from a product slide show at the press conference.
The new lenses, pictured above, are as follows:
Hopefully, we’ll have more details on these lenses later in the week. Stay tuned.
Today, several companies showed off their products at the PMA Sneak Peek, an event for press attendees. In this post, I’ll provide a brief roundup of some of the highlights for me. [Read more…]
Sony may have just redefined point and shoot cameras with the new Cyber-shot HX1. The first feature that sticks out to me is the inclusion of a 9.1 megapixel sensor. I give a big kudos to Sony for sticking with a reasonable megapixel count and making the most of those pixels.
The HX1 packs a couple of features that many have tried and few, if any, point and shoots have done well. First, is 10 fps frame rate at the full 9.1 megapixels. This is truly incredible frame rate that actually works very well in this compact superzoom camera.
Next up, is Sweep Panorama mode. This mode allows you to hold the camera and pan from side to side while the HX1 captures its image. The result? Simply amazing. I’ll have more on this feature later in a hands-on preview, but Sony really nailed it.
The Sony Cyber-shot HX1 should be available in April 2009 for $499.99. Check availability on Amazon.com.
More details below.
Photography Bay (hands-on)
It’s not everybody’s camera. However, anyone that is looking for a super zoom point and shoot camera should have the HX1 near the top of a rather short list. The killer features, like Sweep Panorama and 10 fps, will be enough to seal the deal for some.
Right out of the box you can get great results with the 20x optical zoom Sony G lens coupled to an Exmor CMOS sensor with sensitivity to ISO 3,200 using Programmed Auto, intelligent Auto, or Easy mode.
Having a long zoom on a snappy camera with almost all the controls you desire made for a very pleasant shooting experience – so much so that we were reluctant to give the camera back!
Autofocusing was generally fast and accurate, although low light levels initiated minor hunting. The special shooting modes (Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur) were fun to use, although they did restrict many shooting controls.
Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is a powerful super-zoom camera with some pretty unique features that allow it to stand out from the crowd.
The Cyber-shot HX1 indeed lives up to part of its hype – the camera handles quite well and has good build quality, there’s full manual controls and good battery life… and it looks REALLY close to a digital SLR.
The Cybershot DSC HX1 can handle most situations very well. Purple fringing can be an issue where light, such as from the sun, catches the edge of light coloured objects.
If you’re sticking to small prints and like all the unique features that the HX1 offers, then it’s worth a look. Those of you who’ll be making large prints or viewing the images on your computer may want to look at another super zoom model.
For some people the versatility of the wide zoom range, the ultra-fast continuous shooting speeds, the unique shooting modes and the convenience of having a HD video camera and stills camera in one package will be extremely attractive.
LAS VEGAS (PMA #F171), March 2, 2009 – Sony is spotlighting its first digital still camera to feature sweep panorama technology here at the Photo Marketing Association confab. The new HX1 Cyber-shot model can take 224-degree panorama shots in one easy press-and-sweep motion.
It is also the company’s first Cyber-shot camera to use the exclusive 1/2.4-inch Exmor™ CMOS sensor technology. This technology allows it to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution in continuous burst mode.
Setting it apart from most digital still cameras, which use an electronic shutter to achieve high speed, the HX1 unit has a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when shooting a moving subject.
Compared to images shot with traditional sensors, the HX1 model takes clearer images with about 50 percent less noise when in handheld twilight or anti-blur modes. It is also the first Cyber-shot camera to include a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie clip recording capabilities.
“Traditional CMOS sensor technology provides higher shutter speeds, but we are using what we call an Image3 system that combines the best image, sensor and processor,” said Karim Noblecilla, senior product marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging Division. “By combining this sensor with a high-quality Sony G lens and powerful BIONZ™ processor, we are able to create solutions beyond fast speed that helps consumers get better pictures.”
Incorporating on-chip A/D conversion, which minimizes image degradation that can occur during analogue processing, Noblecilla said the Exmor CMOS sensor delivers outstanding images, reduces noise and can continuously shoot at a high speeds.
Compared to cameras with traditional sensors, the HX1 model has two scene modes that significantly reduce noise. Using the high-speed shutter Exmor CMOS sensor technology, the new model takes six shots within a fraction of a second. Combined with the power of the BIONZ imaging processor, it immediately superimposes them into one picture. The camera calculates the position of objects in each frame and composes the sharpest picture possible, resulting in clearer, sharper images.
The two modes that use this functionality include hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur. For difficult shots in low light, the hand-held twilight mode results in clearer and sharper pictures without the need of a tripod. Anti-motion blur uses High ISO to reduce blur especially in dimly lit environments.
To reduce blur, the camera detects if a person or object is moving, or if the camera is shaking, which is likely when taking a telephoto shot. When it superimposes the images, the camera captures the moving subject or object from one of the six shots. It takes, combines and composes the rest of the image using the six shots. This reduces blur on the main subject and results in a sharp, clear background.
Capturing wide landscapes, church spires or skyscrapers is as easy as “press and sweep.” Sweep panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. With wide and ultra-wide settings and horizontal or vertical directions, sweep panorama mode can take up to 224-degree horizontal or 154-degree vertical shots.
Using the fast-speed Exmor CMOS sensor, the camera continuously shoots full-resolution images at a high speed. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, it automatically stitches the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo. The maximum resolution is 7152 x 1080 (ultra wide horizontal).
“This panorama mode is so seamless that it removes the guess work,” Noblecilla said. “The camera indicates where you are in the degree range, so you know how wide you can shoot and stitches the photos automatically. It calculates and aligns pictures for you without using additional software.”
The HX1 camera captures movie clips in 1080p HD resolution, and a built-in stereo microphone records crisp, clear audio. The camera’s wide 20x optical zoom is also available while shooting.
When set to HD movie, it records at 30 frames per second (1440 x 1080). The camera uses the high-quality, high-compression MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. Other recording options include standard-definition video and VGA.
The camera also has HDMI™ connectivity via supplied HDMI accessory (cable not included) so images can be shared in high definition on an HD television set. MPEG4 AVC video recording allows you to view footage on a PC and upload it to the Web.
The Sony G lens is optimized to complement the advanced image sensors and image processing technology in Sony’s cameras. The HX1 camera features a 28-560 millimeter f/2.8-5.2 wide-angle lens with 20x telephoto range. With the combination of this G lens and sweep panorama mode, the camera can cover almost any telephoto and wide angle need.
Containing a six-blade aperture, the G lens produces beautifully defocused backgrounds with a soft, natural feel. A-spherical lens elements and elements made from extra-low dispersion glass combine to minimize chromatic aberration common to high-magnification lenses.
Like many of Sony’s new cameras this year, the HX1 model has the convenient and powerful intelligent auto mode, which combines Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN), Optical SteadyShot™ and face detection technologies. It recognizes scenes and lighting conditions within one-thirtieth of a second, and then changes settings. This produces clearer images with more natural skin tones, reduced red-eye, fewer closed-eye shots and less overall blur without compromising image quality.
The iSCN feature detects up to eight scenes and automatically changes settings that will apply to the scene or lighting conditions. With the iSCN Advance feature, the camera takes a second shot when low or backlight is detected, letting users choose the best picture.
With face detection technology, the camera will adjust the flash, focus, exposure and white balance producing more natural skin tones and reducing red-eye. Face motion detection identifies a moving subject and adjusts the ISO to minimize blur. In conjunction with iSCN, the camera takes two pictures simultaneously and saves the one in which the eyes are the least closed.
A new selected-face memory function registers one face (selected by the user) as the main face and adjusts focus, exposure, flash and white balance accordingly. The camera remembers the face every time that face shows in the frame.
Additionally, the camera comes with Smile Shutter technology that helps capture a smile the moment it happens and dynamic range optimizer (DRO) technology that adjusts for contrast.
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera will be available in April for about $500 and pre-sales will start in March. The camera and a range of accessories will be available online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.
I just confirmed from Nikon at PMA what we all were beginning to believe. There will, in fact, be no new DSLRs from Nikon at PMA.
That means the rumors for the Nikon D5000, D65 and D400 were bogus rumors . . . as far as PMA releases are concerned. We’ll be keeping the ears to the ground though for possible Summer 2009 DSLR releases.
As noted yesterday, Nikon is really pushing the success of the D700, among its other DSLRs.
The Pentax X70 is a 12 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 24x optical zoom range. It also features a 2.7″ LCD and captures HD 720p at 15fps, or standard-def at 30fps.
Priced at $399.95, it should be available in April 2009. Check availability on Amazon.com.
Overall image quality is good, but with certain limitations. The 24x zoom lens has a focal length range equivalent to 26-624mm, and at the wide angle end it does produce quite significant distortion, however its edge to edge sharpness is very good.
Most ultrazooms are running at this same price point, and most have fared considerably well on this site, but the X70 is a great camera that offers a lot of control similar to a DSLR. Not only can the X70 take you from extreme wide-angle to super telephoto with one lens, it does so with the ability to take control of nearly every aspect of shooting.
GOLDEN, CO. (March 2, 2009)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX X70 Megazoom digital camera featuring a high magnification 24X optical zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage housed in a highly portable, compact, lightweight body. With 12 megapixels, SLR-like styling and flexible exposure modes, the PENTAX X70 is a true bridge between compact digital cameras and digital SLRs. The X70 is the ideal camera for the intermediate to advanced shooter who wants to step up in form and function from digital compact offerings without the size, weight, and expense of a true DSLR camera. The X70 offers photographers the ease-of-use of a compact camera with powerful shooting options traditionally found on a DSLR, such as aperture/shutter priority and metered manual modes, true hardware sensor-movement Shake Reduction, fast operation, and a high quality zoom lens. This new model performs superbly and effortlessly in a variety of photographic situations from casual day-to-day snapshots to travel and sports photography.
Also announced is the smc PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited ultra wide-angle lens for PENTAX Digital SLR Cameras. This latest model in PENTAX’s acclaimed Limited Lens series inherits all the attributes of this renowned product line including high quality image reproduction and high grade aluminum lens barrel finish, while providing users with a unique ultra wide-angle perspective. The lens will ship in April 2009 for $649.95 USD, while the PENTAX X70 will ship in April 2009 for $399.95 USD.
Within a compact, lightweight body, the X70 features a high magnification optical 24X zoom lens offering a focal-length coverage between a wide-angle 26mm to a super telephoto 624mm (in the 35mm format). This is ideal for wide-angle scenic shots or group photos, as well as getting closer to the action at a sporting event. Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, the X70 zoom range may be extended to approximately 150 times (for a focal length of an astonishing approximately 3900mm in the 35mm format) without compromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.
With 12.0 megapixels, a high-performance imaging engine, and the high quality PENTAX Megazoom lens, the X70 delivers super clear, high quality images in any shooting mode. Images at 12.0 megapixels are also suitable for printing at most large print sizes including 8×10, 11×17 and even larger poster size prints.
The PENTAX X70 features a large, bright 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution. An Anti-Reflection coating helps minimize glare from sunlight for more effective outdoor viewing. Also, the X70 comes with an electronic viewfinder for easy image composition and review in the brightest lighting conditions. You can also access the camera’s menus and other functions via the electronic viewfinder, so you will always be able to change settings no matter how bright it is outdoors.
The compact, lightweight design of the X70, one of the smallest and lightest cameras in it’s class, make it easy to transport and use. However, the small size does not mean features are compromised. The X70 includes a full range of automatic and manual features and functions.
The X70 incorporates an “image sensor shift” Shake Reduction system to assure sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions such as when shooting at full telephoto or when shooting a sunset or indoor scenes with very low light. By accurately detecting the amount of camera shake using a high-performance gyro sensor and shifting the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed, the X70 offers an outstanding camera-shake compensation effect, equivalent to approximately three shutter steps.
The X70 lets the photographer capture the subject continuously at a maximum speed of approximately 11 images per second and up to 21 images in succession.* Coupled with the Auto-Tracking AF mode that keeps a fast-moving subject in focus all the time, the X70 is sure to capture that once in a lifetime, decisive moment in sharp focus. The X70 is perfect for shooting sports action and active children and pets.
* When the continuous-shooting mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
The X70 Face Detection function is effective for capturing casual snapshots of people by optimizing the focusing and exposure of up to 32 faces in a single image in approximately 0.03 seconds. The X70 also offers other user-friendly functions including Smile Capture which automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile, and Blink Detection which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes are closed at the moment of capture.
The X70 captures high quality movie clips, equivalent in image quality to that of high-definition TV (1280 x 720 pixels) at 15 frames per second. The X70 also features Movie SR mode,** which effectively minimizes annoying camera shake during movie capture. The X70 can also record video at 848×480, VGA and QVGA resolutions at 30 frames per second, for full video capture flexibility. As a result, the photographer enjoys high-quality, blur-free movie shooting with minimal effort.
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.
The X70 offers a choice of four exposure modes: Programmed AE, in which the camera automatically selects the optimal combination of aperture and shutter speed for a given subject and Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE and full Metered Manual modes, in which photographers are free to select either (or both) aperture and shutter speed to suit their photographic needs.
The X70 features the advanced PENTAX Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting, movement and other conditions. This user-friendly mode not only makes the right mode choice for the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport and Standard modes), but also features an Auto Macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro in close-range applications.
The X70 comes equipped with an Auto Sensitivity Control function, which automatically shifts the sensitivity level in relation to the subject’s lighting condition and the lens focal-length setting. This allows the photographer to use a high shutter speed in dimly lit locations, such as night scenes or indoor sports events to effectively minimize camera shake and subject blur. The auto sensitivity control range can be set between ISO 50 and ISO 6400, and is range adjustable.
UPDATE 1/4/10: The Samsung NX10 has been announced. Read more info by clicking here.
The new Samsung NX Series takes the hybrid cameras (read: no mirror box) to a new level. This is something that we’ve seen coming for a while. The new NX series will feature the larger, APS-C sensors which are prominent in consumer-grade DSLRs. However, the NX series loses the mirror box and offers an electronic viewfinder, much like the Olympus E-series cameras.
Note, however, that APS-C sensors, presumably the same as the 1.5x crop sensors in current Samsung DSLRs, are larger than the 2x crop sensors in Olympus cameras. Samsung has been aiming high for the past couple years, but has yet to wow us with a killer product. Samsung is now banking on these hybrid cameras to put its stamp on the industry. Details are slim at this point; however, I will be stopping by Samsung’s booth at PMA 2009 tomorrow to try and get more info. [Read more…]
Some of the PMA 2009 events began yesterday – DIMA Annual Conference, PIEA Educator/Student Workshops and PMA Registration. However, the show floor is still closed while vendors were working hard on getting set up before it opens on Tuesday. [Read more…]
So, I made it to Vegas unscathed thus far. While I’m going to take in a bit of sight seeing and snap some shots of the sights, I’ll have some pre-PMA 2009 news over the next couple of days as well.
Look for news to pick up on Monday though. I’ll be dropping lots of news on products and exhibitors Monday and Tuesday evening.
If you’re in Vegas for PMA, or otherwise, and want to meet up to talk photography, an impromptu photowalk or just to say hey, drop me a line through the contact form. As of right now, tonight and Sunday are pretty open.
Stay tuned!
Adorama has a ton of Canon Refurbished gear right now. Many of these items ship for free.
Here’s some of my top picks:
Canon 1D Mark III – $2999.95
Canon 5D – $1399.95
Canon 40D – $699.95
Canon 30D w/ Lens -$599.95
Canon EF 100-400mm L IS – $1199.95
Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS – $349.95
Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS – $199.95
Canon PowerShot S5 IS – $239.95