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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Canon 5D Mark II Strikes Again, Captures Sony’s Official Cyber-shot Promo Images

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Sony Cyber-shot EXIF 5D Mark II

Canon must really feel flattered with all the press that other camera manufacturers are providing.  Just last week, Panasonic released a behind-the-scenes video (subsequently taken down) that revealed its new Panasonic G2 commercial was shot with the 5D Mark II, although it appeared to be captured with the Panasonic G2 at first blush.

And, while Sony hasn’t gone to the amount of effort that Panasonic did to showcase Canon’s full frame camera, the EXIF data embedded in the promo shots for Sony’s new Cyber-shot cameras (WX5, TX9, T99) reveal that many were shot with the 5D Mark II (see top screen capture). [Read more…]

Sony Cyber-shot T99

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The Sony Cyber-shot T99 is a 14.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with an ultra-slim design. The T99 has a CCD imaging sensor, instead of the backlit CMOS sensors found in some of the higher-end Cyber-shot models like the new Sony Cyber-shot TX9.  However, the T99 includes the same BIONZ processor that now powers the Cyber-shot and Alpha range of cameras.

The T99 offers a 4x optical zoom lens (25-100mm equivalent) and a broad sensitivity range from ISO 80-3200.  These features, combined with Optical SteadyShot, suggest better low-light capability for such a compact camera.

The T99 features a 3″ touchscreen display, much like the previous Sony Cyber-shot TX5.  Additionally, the T99 is equipped with Sony’s signature Sweep Panorama mode, which is capable of underwater operation as well.  Finally, the T99 will capture 720p HD video in MP4 format.

The Sony T99 will carry an initial retail price of about $250.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

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…]

Fuji Z700EXR Review

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The Fuji Z700EXR is a 12-megapixel point and shoot camera featuring Fuji’s popular EXR sensor technology. The Z700EXR offers a 3.5? wide touchscreen display in 16:9 format, a 5x optical zoom and is capable of capturing HD video at 720p.

To see how well this casual shooter handles, read on. [Read more…]

Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Camcorder is Looking Pretty Sweet

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That’s the new Panasonic Micro Four Thirds AG-AF100 AVCCAM camcorder up there.

Interchangeable lenses? Check.

Big sensor? Check

I think Panasonic is going to make a whole of friends with this one. To see all the goods that were just spilled, courtesy of a product brochure from Panasonic, head on over to Tech Tilt.