Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Canon Rumors is reporting on a tip received from a known and credible source that Canon will launch the new Rebel T4i/650D alongside a new mirrorless camera in June 2012.
The Rebel T4i (if that’s what it ends up being called) is inevitable. The entry level Rebel T3i is due for its annual update.
The more interesting proposition, however, is a new mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. [Read more…]
The Leica X2 is a 16.2MP APS-C format camera that sports a Leica Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH fixed lens. The X2 features ISO up to 12,500 anda 2.7″ display.
The Leica X2 retails for $1995 and is available here at B&H Photo.
More details and product images below. [Read more…]
In a recent earnings call, Canon mentioned an upcoming camera announcement that will approach SLR image quality. Smells like a true mirrorless camera may be in the works for Canon – unlike the big-sensored G1 X.
Next, I will discuss our full year projection for the camera segment. We expect a strong global demand for SLR cameras to continue driven by such factors as an expanding user base and replacement demand.
There are several Nikon instant rebates available now through May 26, 2012. Included in the rebate deals are the D3200, D7000, D3100 and D5100. On the mirrorless side, both the Nikon V1 and J1 are also available with instant rebates. Check the B&H rebate page for more details.
It looks like the full specs for the Sony NEX-F3 and A37 entry-level cameras are now out in the wild with a release date of May 17, courtesy of SonyAlphaRumors. Leaked images vis Yangcanggih. Check out the spec lists below.
One thing that doesn’t jive with the specs and the leaked images is the MP4 codec listed in the NEX-F3 specs. The images clearly showed the AVCHD logo on the camera body. Likewise, a 1080/24p and 1080/60i frame rate suggests an AVCHD 1.0 codec. If anything, I think the MP4 codec would be for a 720p option (like the NEX-C3) – although, the NEX-F3 appears to offer full 1080p HD video capture in addition to a possible 720p MP4 mode…
With the recent NEX models sporting the AVCHD 2.0 codec, it looks like Sony will differentiate the video capabilities on entry-level models by sticking with a max 30fps frame rate at full 1920 x 1080 resolution via the AVCHD 1.0 codec. This should make the NEX-F3 a perfect consumer camera with great 1080p video. And, if you want to get your overcranked footage on for smooth slo-mo, you’ll need to step up to the NEX-5N or higher.
The A37 looks to be very competent as well for an entry-level shooter. Frankly though, unless you have to have the phase-detection AF system of the SLT models, I would suggest most people to choose the NEX-F3 as an entry-level go-to camera over the A37.
I’ll have more concrete thoughts on these models once they are officially announced and I get my hands on them.
Stay tuned.
Sony Alpha Rumors just published the above image of the upcoming Sony NEX-F3, which is due to replace the excellent Sony NEX-C3.
The new Sony NEX-F3 will sport a 16.1MP image sensor and is rumored to include a 180-degree tilting LCD, along with a built-in flash. The presence of the AVCHD logo on the above image also suggest 1080p capture (hopefully, it will be AVCHD 2.0 for 60p like the NEX-5N).
The naming scheme is curious given the Sony PMW-F3, which is a PL mount cinema camera and commonly referred to as simply the “F3”. Likewise, the potential spec-sheet further suggests that the NEX-F3 may outshine the (also excellent) NEX-5N, in which case we can probably expect a summer 2012 replacement for it as well.
For now, the Sony NEX-F3 is rumored to launch in May 2012, alongside the Sony A37, an entry-level DSLR-ish camera with Sony’s translucent mirror technology.
You can expect to hear a lot more about this camera in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned.
Samsung has announced a trio of new mirrorless cameras with built-in Wi-Fi – the NX20, NX210 and NX1000. All three new cameras feature a APS-C format, 20.3MP CMOS image sensor and the ability to capture 1080p HD video.
The Samsung NX20 follows the NX10 as the more traditional-styled camera, while the NX210 and NX1000 offer a more compact take on the mirrorless system camera design.
The NX20 retails for $1099 with an included 18-55mm kit lens. Check availability at B&H Photo.
The NX210 retails for $899 with an included 18-55mm kit lens. Check availability at B&H Photo.
The NX1000 retails for $699 with an included 20-50mm kit lens. Check availability at B&H Photo.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
The Sony NEX-C3 rounds out the bottom end of the NEX line; however, it’s still quite the full-featured camera. I’ve already raved about the Sony NEX-5n (aside from a now-fixed problem with the audio capture in movie mode). The NEX-C3 is just as impressive of a camera to me. [Read more…]
The Panasonic Lumix GF5 is a 12.1MP Micro Four Thirds camera. It is the most compact of Panasonic’s mirrorless line-up and features a live view 3-inch touchscreen LCD. The GF5 offers 1080p HD video capture and a sensitivity range of ISO 160-12,800.
The GF5 will be available with the GF5 body and standard 14-42mm kit lens for $599, and will be available with the GF5 body and power zoom lens for $749. [Read more…]
Lensbaby has announced the Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras, including Micro Four Thirds, Sony NEX and Samsung NX models. The Composer Pro works with the existing Optic Swap system and comes with the Double Glass Optic. The new Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras retails for $300 and is available from lensbaby.com and B&H Photo.
More info in the press release below. [Read more…]