2012/02/16

Pentax Optio VS20 16MP Digital Camera with 20X Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD Screen

The new Pentax Optio VS20 has a peculiarity: it is the first compact digital camera with two buttons and two trigger controls to zoom, making operation even easier when you hold the camera vertically. There's even a second attack on the stand.
Dual controls in part, the Pentax VS20 provides a sensor of a CCD, 16 megapixel, the stabilizer device, which acts directly on the CCD to compensate for the micro movements of the hand, and a zoom particularly extended, 20x, 28 - 560 mm equivalent , f/3.1-4.8.

Among the other features of the compact-which has fully automatic operation and various "special effects" for the photos - a 3-inch LCD with good resolution (460,000 points), the electronic level, a new face detection function and 720p HD video recording.
Among the optional wireless remote control also.
The independence declared by the manufacturer (the battery is a rechargeable lithium battery) is about 200 shots per charge. The memories are compatible SD / SDHC / SDXC.

"The agility and performance of a digital SLR that can compete with medium format" looks like the new Nikon D800, FX format professional SLR with 36.3 megapixel sensor.
The machines, in fact, are two: the Nikon D800 and D800E, special version with a limited number of specimens, most expensive, with the optical filter changed.

Sensor "Revolutionary"

"Revolutionary" tells about the new Nikon sensor implemented on the D800. It 'a CMOS sensor FX (full frame) from 36.3 megapixels, a record level for a digital SLR. A sensor that promises "levels of detail and tonal range without precedent."
The data sheet states: 12-channel readout with A / D conversion and 14-bit signal / noise ratio high. The promise is that of a minimum level of noise, even at high sensitivity, and pictures full of detail and wide dynamic range.
The values of sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The range can be extended up to ISO 50 to ISO 25,600.

"The Nikon D800 is a full-frame digital SLR revolution, which opens new avenues for the future of photography and video - says Dirk Jasper, Manager Professional Products at Nikon Europe - 36.3 megapixels a detail never before experienced and numerous options of video captivate professionals from all disciplines. "

Alongside the new sensor, the Nikon EXPEED processor 3, can handle without suffering large amounts of data processing 16-bit images, colors and more vivid colors, smooth gradations with maximum detail and shades that range across the scale, up to pure white, even if you shoot in JPEG.

Full HD Video Professional

The Nikon D800 can shoot Full HD 1080p) in 30p, 25p and 24p, with options 60p, 50p and 25p to 720p. The duration of the video can not exceed 29:59 minutes.
Full HD recording is possible in FX DX format.

High-fidelity audio: In addition to the input of external stereo microphone, there is audio output for external headphones. There is also the configuration Line Input for recording linear PCM.

The D800 offers the possibility to export the movie in live view mode uncompressed recorders and external monitors. As in the Nikon D4, the data is extracted by the image size and frame rate indicated and without the overlap of information, which may instead be displayed on the TFT monitor of the camera.
Comfortable custom commands simplify the use of live view mode. Instead of rotating the command dial, you can use the opening improved, allowing a more sensitive means of opening the dedicated buttons on the front of the camera. The index mark facilitates the assignment of tags to important frames on the timeline by the inclusion of indicators while recording movies, to a more immediate retrieval during editing.

Autofocus System Redesigned

System Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX AF coverage settings to 9, 21 and 51 points individually selectable or configurable, and the form of autofocus algorithms have been redesigned to significantly improve the sensitivity of the acquisition in low light conditions up to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20 ° C).
The AF operation is possible even with a combination of aperture to f8 (for example a target f / 4 AF-S 600 mm combined with a 2x teleconverter TC-20EIII) with 11 sensors and 15 sensors involved AF AF with values between f/5.6 and f / 8.

Selecting the AF area mode, and AF can now be simplified without moving the eye from the viewfinder.

The exposure system now incorporates a 91,000 pixel RGB sensor new concept. Nikon says, "is able to detect human faces as accurately even using only the optical viewfinder and recognize colors and brightness of a scene like never before. This level of detailed analysis of the scene is used as a support for a more precise focus, auto exposure and i-TTL flash exposure leads to a very diverse range of possibilities of composition and lighting. For example, the detection of subjects 3D is much better when shooting small subjects .. "

A Fast Digital SLR

The Nikon D800 has a startup time of about 0.12 seconds, a shutter lag reduced to about 0,042 seconds (equivalent to those of D4), with a capacity of about 4 fps in FX mode and all the trimming and maximum capacity of about 6 fps in DX crop mode with Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D12 optional.

Precision LCD 3.2-inch 921,000 dots, with wide-angle view and automatic brightness control (automatically adjusted and viewing environment during playback). E 'can magnify images up to 46x.

The optical viewfinder, prism glass, offers a 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.7 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity,-1.0m-1).

The camera body measures 146 x 123 x 82 mm and weighs 900 grams. The D800 has a magnesium alloy body with insulation from moisture and dust, and weighs about 10% less than the D700 model, but has the same strength as the other Nikon digital cameras, with insulation from moisture and dust.

The shutter has been tested on over 200,000 shutter cycles to verify strength and precision. Wide range of exposure times: from 1/8000 to 30s; intelligent monitoring for self-diagnostic shutter and, for the first time, a control unit for the reduction of energy consumption when the shutter is raised for long periods time while recording movies.

Efficient energy management: the redesign of the circuits now allows the D800 to shoot approximately 850 images or 60 minutes of video in live view mode. With a single charging a rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15.

For storage there are two slots for high-speed CF cards (UDMA 7) and SD (SDXC and UHS-1).
Nikon D800E - the Alternative

The Nikon D800 D800E is a special edition, designed specifically for those in search of a perfect definition.

With the optical filter that removes the anti-aliasing to get a picture as clear as possible, this tool is ideal for photographers can control brightness, distance and subject to point to mitigate the risk of false color and moiré . Except for the optical filter, all other functions and features are exactly those of the D800.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 16 MP

After many rumors we now know all about the Olympus EM-5, the first Micro Four Thirds mirrorless new professional series D-OM: forms borrowed from the past (the legendary OM series, the film compact cameras from Olympus) and performance in complex, higher to those of mirrorless PEN, Olympus E-P3 included.
The competitors of reference, no doubt, are the new X-Pro1 mirrorless Fujifilm and Sony NEX-7.

One of the most interesting features of the Olympus EM-5, which was officially announced today in Amsterdam, is the presence of an integrated electronic viewfinder (we can not more of the machines without a viewfinder ...) in the body. A viewfinder with a resolution of 1.4 million points, 1.15x magnification, 100% coverage and "refresh" quickly. It 's located on top of the camera body, there where the "old" was the pentaprism SLR.
On the back of the compact interchangeable lens is articulated with a display diagonal of 3 inches and a resolution of 610,000 dots. An OLED touchscreen. functions include touch focus, shutter speed and image review.
An eye sensor automatically switches the screen view from the viewfinder when the photographer approached her face to the machine.

The camera body of EM-5 is particularly robust, made of aluminum alloy / magnesium and protected from dust and splash thanks to a series of gaskets. On the upper part of the body two wheels for the manual controls similar to those implemented on the Sony NEX-7.
The machine weighs 425 grams and measures 122 x 89 x 43 mm. And 'slightly smaller, but taller, the OM-4 Ti which inspire and smaller, for example, the Olympus E-620 digital SLR.
Olympus has designed a battery grip (optional) dedicated to the EM-5. It consists of two parts: one that extends battery life and one that simply offers a better grip.
The battery grip HLD-6, which will be priced around 300 euros, is protected from dust and splashes.

Aboard the Olympus EM-5 is a new 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor, thus with a higher resolution than the sensors used, so far, the Olympus PEN (12 megapixels).
There is no official confirmation from Olympus, but the sensor could be the same used on the G3 and mirrorless GX1 Panasonic (Panasonic, along with Olympus, created the Four Thirds consortium).
The machine accepts all lenses Micro Four thirds. The conversion factor for the optics is 2x.
Sensor is coupled to the image processor TruePic VI. The sensitivity can be set up to IS0 25 600 (range: 200-25600 ISO).
Here are the services offered dall'accoppiata new sensor-processor TruePic VI:

- Shutter speeds up to 9 photos per second, or up to 4.3 shots per second with autofocus active on every shot
- Shutter range: 60 - 1/4000 seconds
- AF speed, even faster than the Olympus E-P3, the new 3D feature tracking allows the AF system to follow moving subjects in all directions
- Full HD video recording with stereo audio and H.264 compression

For the Olympus EM-5 was designed a new 5-axis stabilization system, which, according to Olympus, is invaluable, especially in macro shots.

The flash is included in the package exterior. Guide number is 7 and is protected from dust and splashes. It can be used to control wireless flash units.
The camera body is also the classic shoe for flash.

Among the functions of the bubble mirrorless electronics and also a series of filters creative Art Filters. Among the new Key Line, Cross Process II and Dramatic Tone II.

The door Accessory Port 2 accepts an external microphone, a light to the Bluetooth adapter and macro rirpese penpal.

The price of the Olympus EM-5 - which goes on sale from April 2012 - is 1,100 euros for the body only and 1,300 Euros for the kit with 12-50 mm zoom M.Zuiko f3.5-6.3 ED EZ.

Camera reviews

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Canon SX260 HS e SX240 HS: Teleobiettivo 500 mm

Two new compact digital camera (pocket), are also suitable for travel, the Canon SX260 SX240 HS and HS, are in addition to a rich list of the brand.
The new PowerShot SX230 collect the inheritance, launched last year, and raise with a 20x optical zoom that, in the 35mm format, equivalent to a 25 to 500 mm, f/3.5-6.8.
On board the richest SX260 HS is also built-in GPS, which justifies a different symbol and a slightly higher price.

The other notable features (common to both models) CMOS sensor "high sensitivity" 12.1-megapixel, image processor DIGIC 5 and Intelligent Optical Stabilizer (IS stabilization system chooses the best setting for action, in relation the shooting situation, from the 7 available to provide blur-free photos).
Regarding the reduction of noise in the shots in low light, Canon indicates a "noise reduced by 75% over previous models."

On the back of the compact is a 3-inch PureColor LCD II G with 461,000 pixels.The machines can be utilizzatae automatically, using the Smart Auto mode and 58 scene pre-set, or with all the manual controls. You can shoot in JPEG or RAW format.To signal the speed of the HS and SX260 SX240 HS, that arrive to shoot bursts, for a maximum of 10 photos, with a periodicity of 10.3 shots per second.Besides the photos, you can record full HD 1080 24p video with stereo sound and optical zoom available during recording. Alternatively, you can record movies in super slow motion 240 fps, with a lower resolution.Powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, the pocket-sized PowerShot super zoom has a range stated by the manufacturer, approximately 230 shots per charge.The memory slot is compatible with SD / SDHC / SDXCMain Functions and Creative Control- White balance, multi-zone: detects the presence of multiple light sources and adjusts the color tone by removing the dominant- New technology for the identification of the face (Face ID): friends and family will always appear the best, even if they are located within a large group or on the edge of the frame, you can record up to 12 faces in the camera bringing its birthday, toenable it some of the new "scenes" based on age, which were added to the Smart Car, for example, when photographing a sleeping baby, the camera disables the flash and audio signals so as not to disturb his sleep, or, in the case of a child aged two years playing outdoors, the camera activates focusing Servo AF for moving forward and ensure accurate focus"Handheld Night Scene", which combines a sequence of shots at high speed into a single image with the best possible exposure- Fun Filters: Add eight effects to images, such as Soft Focus, or Smooth Skin, which evens out skin tone- Integrated GPS Logger function improved and recording the position of the camera at regular intervals faster (more than 48 hours of tracking with a single charge); Map Utility included with the software, you can view the route on Google Maps or to share it with applications like Google Earth- Movie Digest, present in both models, captures 4 seconds of video before each shot and then blends together all the clips in HD quality (720p) for a memory of the moments of the day- Mode "Discreet" for photographing inside cathedrals and museums without disturbing- Optional underwater case, you can use the camera to a depth of 40 meters.The prices of the Canon SX260 Canon SX240 HS and HS - on sale from March 2012 - are, respectively, of 360 euros and 330 euros, VAT included.

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2012/02/16