Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Gorillapod Video

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The Joby Gorillapod Video is, as the name implies, a new Gorillapod for video cameras – mini-camcorders to be precise.  The Gorillapod Video has a pan/tilt head with an arm for controlling camera angles and movement.  It’s geared toward use with the likes of the Flip UltraHD, Kodak Zi8 and other lightweight camcorders.

The Gorillapod Video has powerful magnetic feet like those found on the Gorillapod Magnetic, which I love.  The Gorillapod Video runs $29.99 and should be available soon at B&H Photo and Amazon.com.

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

 

Panasonic AG-AF100 Coming December 2010

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A recent Panasonic press statement confirms the availability of the new AVCCAM AG-AF100 Micro Four Thirds camcorder in December 2010.

Unlike the half-camcorder, half-camera Sony NEX-VG10, the coming AG-AF100 is built from the ground up as a camcorder, complete with HD SDI output, time code, XLR input and internal ND filter, among other features.

B&H has already listed the new camcorder with full features and specificiation listings; however, at the time of this post, it is not available for pre-order.

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

Canon Shows Off 4K Camera and More at Canon EXPO 2010

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Canon 4K Concept Camera - via Philip Bloom
Canon 4K Concept Camera – via Philip Bloom

At Canon EXPO 2010 in New York, Canon displayed a 4K concept camera, which Canon describes as “lightweight and compact, Multipurpose Camera that supports both video and still image capture with ultra-high definition 4K resolution and a newly developed CMOS sensor that enables video shooting at high frame rates in excess of 60 frames per second.”

The new Canon 60D, XF105 and XF100 camcorders and plenty other gadgets that have yet to be released were also on display at Canon EXPO 2010.

Philip Bloom has a nice little rundown of the the show floor here.  Also, get more details in Canon’s official press release below. [Read more…]

Sony NEX E-Mount 18-200mm Lens Pricing and Availability

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Sony Japan has announced that the NEX E-Mount 18-200mm lens (which is packaged with the Sony NEX-VG10) will be available in September 2010 for 99750 yen for other NEX-format cameras; however, US pricing should be in the neighborhood of $800-900 as a best guess.

No word yet on availability stateside, or official US pricing for that matter.  It’s a good sign that we’ll see the E-Mount 18-200mm lens on NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras soon though.

Canon VIXIA HF S21 Camcorder Review

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The Canon VIXIA HF-S21 is a compact camcorder that captures Full HD 1920 x 1080 in AVCHD format with a number of frame rate options.   The Canon VIXIA HF-S21 is larger than entry-level camcorders like the Sony HDR-CX350V; however, it’s not so big to prevent you from toting it on family outings or other casual endeavors.

Read the rest of the review at Tech Tilt: Canon VIXIA HF S21 Camcorder Review.

A Couple More Sony NEX-VG10 Topics

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First up, I’ve got a more in-depth overview of the Sony NEX-VG10 over at Tech Tilt.

And second, I just wanted to point out that the location product shots of the NEX-VG10 appear to have been captured with a Sony A850 and Zeiss lenses.  I realize that’s not quite as juicy as a 5D Mark II on Sony’s set (and I’m sure this will generate the obligatory “who cares” comment), but I figured I’d give Sony a bit of credit where credit is due.

Sony NEX-VG10 Camcorder

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The Sony NEX-VG10 is an interchangeable lens, APS-C format camcorder.  It is the first of its kind.

The VG10 gets the NEX prefix from the lens mount, which accepts Sony’s E-mount lenses like those released with the NEX-3 and NEX-5 mirrorless cameras.  The VG10 will also accept Alpha mount lenses from Sony’s DSLR line with the use of an appropriate lens adapter.

The NEX-VG10 captures 1920 x 1080/60i resolution video in AVCHD format at up to 24Mbps.  An array of four microphones at the front of the carry handle captures audio with front-side directivity and stereo separation.  In addition to capturing video, the VG10 captures 14MP still images in a very similar manner to the NEX-5.

The NEX-VG10 will be packaged with a Sony 18-200mm E-mount lens, which will provide a field of view equivalent to 27-300mm for full frame cameras.  Also included in the box will be a free license for Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 via download, which will enable you to work with the VG10’s files and even publish content to Blu-ray discs in full HD.

The NEX-VG10 carries an initial retail price of $2000 and should ship in September.   You can already pre-order the NEX-VG10 direct from Sony Style.

Check availability on B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon.com.

Update: See a more in-depth overview at Tech Tilt: Sony NEX-VG10 Overview.

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

Canon Patent Looks to Speed Up Live View and Video Autofocus

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One of the most crippling features in many DSLR cameras (like the Canon Rebel T2i above) is the poor autofocus performance in both live view and video modes.  While mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GH1 and Samsung NX10 do a decent job of using contrast-detection AF methods, DSLR manufacturers like Canon and Nikon have done a poor job in making it work.  Sony, to its credit, has implemented an effective live view design with fast autofocus by placing a secondary live view sensor in the viewfinder, which allows the standard phase difference AF sensor to function normally.  But, still, it’s not a true “live view” of what the sensor will produce. Plus, Sony’s design won’t work with video.

Of course, most pros and serious amateurs understand the benefit and efficiency of using the fast, phase difference AF method that results from using the viewfinder.  However, that doesn’t stop entry-level and enthusiast photographers from complaining about the poor live view and lack of video autofocus in their sub-$1000 DSLRs.  Additionally, there are certainly situations where an accurate and quick live view or video autofocus mode are desired among photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds.

Canon may very well have the answer: Put the fast, phase difference AF sensors in pixels on the main image sensor.

[Read more…]