Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Firmware Friday: Nikon D7000, Fuji 3D W3, Leica S2

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Camera Firmware Update

Below you will find this week’s firmware updates.  Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.

Nikon D7000 version 1.01 – “Bright spots were sometimes noticeable with live view mode or movie recording of especially dark scenes or subjects. Occurrence of this issue has been reduced.” [Nikon Website]

Fuji FinePix REAL 3D W3 version 1.10 – “In [HD][1280] movie recording mode, Economy mode [HD][1280]E) can be selected. In this Economy mode, movie quality for long period is optimized. For long continuous recording of 3D HD movies, Economy mode setting is recommended.” [Fuji Website]

Leica S2 version 1.0.0.24 – “The FW 1.0.0.24 firmware update enables a multitude of enhanced camera functions.” [Leica Website – login required]

 

Fuji FinePix X100 Announced

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The Fuji FinePix X100 is a point and shoot camera with a 12MP DSLR-sized sensor.  The Fuji X100 features a 23mm f/2 lens, which is equivalent to a 35mm field of view on a full frame camera.

Additionally, the X100 captures 720p video and includes a hot shoe for external flashes when the built-in flash doesn’t cut it.  A hybrid viewfinder allows you to switch between optical and electronic viewing options.

The new X100 should be available in early 2011.

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

Fuji FinePix REAL 3D W3 Announced

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The Fuji FinePix REAL 3D W3 is the new 3D camera in Fuji’s lineup, and the W3 promises to deliver not only 3D photos, but also 3D video in 720p HD, which is something more than can be said for Panasonic’s recently-announced HDC-SDT750 3D camcorder.  The Fuji W3 3D footage can be played back through its mini HDMI port to 3D-capable TVs.

The Fuji W3 features dual 10MP sensors and a 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equiv) for each lens.  The W3 also features a 1150K dot resolution 3.5″ Autostereoscopic 3D widescreen LCD, which means you can view your 3D photos and videos on the camera’s display without the need for 3D glasses.

The Fuji W3 should be available in September 2010 at an initial retail price of $499.95.

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

Fuji FinePix F300EXR

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The Fuji FinePix F300EXR is the new flagship point and shoot camera for Fuji.  The F300EXR features a 12MP EXR Super CCD image sensor, a 15x optical zoom (24-360mm equivalent), a 3-inch 460k-dot resolution LCD and captures 720p HD video.

Perhaps more importantly, the F300EXR feature phase detection AF sensors, which is the same type of sensors that give DSLRs that super-fast autofocus capability.  Fuji has built those phase detection AF sensors into the image sensor so that the camera can call upon them at will in order to maintain a very fast focusing speed.

The Fuji F300EXR should be available in August 2010 at an initial retail price of $329.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

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

Fuji S1800 and S2550HD Review: A $200 Special Delivery

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The Fuji S1800 and S2550HD are virtually identical cameras, with only a few minor differences in their feature set.  The duo offers a 12.2-megapixel sensor, coupled with an 18x optical zoom.  For cameras that cover an equivalent zoom range of 28-504mm, both are quite affordable (in the $200 street price range at the time of this review).

To find out what you get for that bargain-basement of a price, read on. [Read more…]

Fuji HS10 Firmware Update

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Firmware version 1.02 is now available for the Fuji HS10.  The new firmware addresses the following issues:

  1. In Raw data a line is visible where colors slightly change when developed by Raw File Converter.
  2. Battery indicator turns on too early.
  3. When “Image Disp.” in set-up menu is set to “Zoom”, sometimes image corrupts.

Additional info and download instructions are available on Fuji’s website.

Fuji HS10 Firmware Ver. 1.01 Update

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Fuji has issued a firmware update for its HS10 superzoom camera.  The firmware update addresses the following issues:

  1. Some distorted images with pin-cushion type can be captured at AE bracketing mode
  2. Sometimes unclear details in images
  3. In RAW + JPEG mode, JPEG images are sharper
  4. Soft image or not smooth enough color gradation in D-range 200, 400% than in 100%

The new firmware can be downloaded on Fuji’s website.

Fuji HS10 In-Stock Now

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Fuji FinePix HS10

The Fuji HS10 is one of the most anticipated cameras for this Spring – at least according to the questions I’ve received about this camera via email, comments and Facebook messages.  The HS10 features a 10MP sensor and a 30x zoom range (24-720mm equivalent).  It also shoots 1080p HD video and has an impressive image stabilization system.

Good news for those of you waiting, because the Fuji HS10 finally appears to be in stock at online retailers.

B&H Photo has three different ways to order the HS10.  You can get the camera only, a basic accessory kit with the camera or the camera with a deluxe accessory kit.  The basic kit includes two 4GB SanDisk SD cards and Lowepro case, while the deluxe kit includes the same items, along with 4 rechargeable AA batteries, a charger and a 2-year protection plan.

Fuji HS10 (camera only) at B&H Photo
Fuji HS10 (w/ basic kit) at B&H
Fuji HS10 (w/ deluxe kit) at B&H

Also, note that B&H doesn’t take pre-orders, so chances are pretty good that when it says “In Stock” at B&H, the camera really is in stock.

Note that Amazon is saying it will be in stock on Tuesday (but they’re taking orders now).

Fuji HS10 at Amazon

Adorama is also offering the camera on its own, as well as a couple of different kits; however, at the time of this post Adorama is still listing the camera as back-ordered.  These should open up soon as well.

Fuji HS10 at Adorama
Fuji HS10 (kit# 1) at Adorama
Fuji HS10 (kit# 2) at Adorama

I hope to have one soon for a more in-depth review.  In the mean time, however, feel free to check out my Fuji HS10 Hands-On Review from PMA 2010.