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Casio joins the self-portrait LCD ranks with the €350 Exilim EX-ZR1000, we go hands-on (video)
Watch out, Samsung MV900F, there's a new self-portrait cam in town. Many camera manufacturers may not consider high-end models from Casio to be a threat to their own market share, but the company's new Exilim EX-ZR1000 has more that a few tricks up its €350 barrel. First and foremost is the 180-degree swiveling LCD, which, like Samsung's MultiView flavor, flips all the way forward to simplify composition for self-portraits, but it also offers some nifty gesture controls, letting you wave briefly to trigger a two-second countdown, for example. The camera also includes features that should appease more-advanced users, such as a dedicated mode dial, a versatile lens ring control, a top ISO sensitivity of 25,600 and a 6 frames-per-second burst mode. There's also a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and Casio's Exilim Engine HS 3 on board to handle processing. We caught up with the snappy shooter at Photokina, and were pleasantly surprised with its looks and performance. Its body construction may not make it feel like a premium shooter, despite the decidedly high-end price tag, but performance was speedy and the 3-inch LCD looked quite nice, even when viewed at an angle. As we mentioned, that display flips up and faces forward, but it can also tilt at various other angles, enabling below-the-waist or overhead shooting, too. The mode and lens dials had a reasonable amount of resistance, and the camera focused quickly and accurately. We can't speak to image quality, unfortunately, but shots we captured appeared to be sharp and properly exposed based on what we were able to gather from the display. Overall, the Exilim EX-ZR1000 seems to be a pretty capable shooter, and we're eager to see how it performs after it makes a formal debut this November. Catch our hands-on gallery below, followed by a video walkthrough after the break.
Canon PowerShot G1 X review
Canon's G1 X boasts a beefy 14-megapixel resolution and a tank-load of ambition. Its mandate, no less, is to deliver the image quality and control of a DSLR inside the discreet body of a compact, aiming to attract serious photographers who want to travel light or supplement their main kit. That's why the G1 X houses a substantial 1.5-inch CMOS sensor, stretching to around 80 percent of the size of APS-C, along with an anti-minimalist array of dials, knobs and buttons to provide quick access to manual settings. It also explains why the G1 X is 30 percent heavier than both its evolutionary ancestor and some of its competitors, and why its price tag is equally hefty: $800, which is SLR-like in all the wrong ways. We've had this shooter long enough to gather our thoughts, but as to whether it deserves a smile or a snarl, you'll have to read on to find out.
Nikon D5100 and ME-1 external mic coming April 21st, we go hands-on (video)
Okay, so Nikon kind of spoiled the surprise with this one, but we can now enlighten you with the full details of its upcoming midrange (or "advanced beginner" as Nikon calls it) DSLR refresh. The D5100 takes the spot of the venerable D5000, but follows the previous generation's recipe for success pretty closely. The D5000 was a stripped-down D90 in a simpler, smaller package that came with an articulating LCD, and the D5100 just so happens to feature the same mighty 16.2 megapixel sensor as the D7000 (Nikon's current high-end consumer DSLR) augmented with a flipout screen. Having the D7000's internals helps the new shooter churn out 1080p video at 24fps, 25fps, or 30fps, depending on your preference for up to a maximum of 20 minutes. The D5000 is only capable of five-minute bursts of 720/24p video and isn't able to continually autofocus, which the D5100 can. The D5100 also betters its predecessor in terms of physical fitness, coming in at a healthy 10 percent lighter and smaller, while a good number of the physical controls have been repositioned in order to allow for a new horizontal opening mechanism. That'll be a well appreciated tweak for tripod users. The new screen's also 17 percent thinner, we're told, and steps up to a 3-inch diagonal with a 920k-dot resolution. Solid stuff. After the break you'll find a full spec sheet along with some video action with the D5100. Pricing for this camera is set at $800 / €777 / £670 for the body only or $900 / €904 / £780 for the body plus an 18-55mm VR kit lens. The ME-1 external mic introduced alongside it -- did we not mention the D5100 has an external mic input -- will cost $180 / €139 / £120 and both are expected in stores on April 21st. %Gallery-120375% %Gallery-120376% %Gallery-120374%
Sony's NXCAM HD is the NEX-FS100, brings Super 35mm sensor pricetag down to $5,850
Sony may have discontinued the NEX-3, but the future of those interchangeable E-mount lenses seems downright secure -- after all, they'll fit quite nicely on this new NEX-FS100. The NXCAM HD that Sony teased last November is what you're gawking at right now, which is either the pro alternative to the NEX-VG10 or the far-more-affordable PMW-F3, depending on whether you typically tote camcorders or tend to shoot professional film. Either way, $5,850 buys you a Super 35mm sensor that shoots 1080p60 content at up to 28Mbps to SD, Memory Stick (or an optional 128GB SSD) or output uncompressed 4:2:2 footage over HDMI, monitoring the lot on a swiveling 3.5-inch LCD display. The package doesn't include the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens pictured above -- that's an extra $700 on top of the price -- but Sony will throw in that viewfinder tube and shotgun mic. While we all look forward to online availability and some thorough reviews, why not join us after the break for video? Then, scoot on over to F-Stop Academy for the very first footage shot with the unit. [Thanks, Nate W.]
Nikon crams 36x zoom in P500, full manual controls in P300, refreshes Coolpix range with tons of color
Is it spring already? Nikon has just assaulted us with no less than nine new Coolpix models, freshening up its consumer offering with a litany of hot new shades, touchscreens and hardware updates. We'll let you dig into the press releases after the break for the full details, but the two new Performance range cameras, the P500 and P300, are worth discussing in more detail. The P500 improves on Nikon's P100 by a few orders of magnification, touting a voyeur-friendly 36x optical zoom, while also offering a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080 / 30p video plus stereo sound recording, max ISO of 3200, and an 1100mAh battery. The back is also adorned with a tiltable display, sized at 3 inches diagonally and fitting 920k dots. Yours on March 3rd for $400, €464 or £400, depending on your local currency. %Gallery-115978% The P300 is cheaper at $330 / €348 / £300, however it might well be the more appealing option for image quality obsessives as it boasts a lens with an aggressive F1.8 aperture and 4.2x optical zoom. It shares the same backside-illuminated sensor as you'll find in the P500, but benevolently permits its user full manual control to let him or her capture that perfect shot. Rapid-fire shooting at 8fps for up to seven frames is available, but we're loving the fact it can also do 1080 / 30p with continuous autofocus and the ability to both capture images and use its optical zoom while recording. If Nikon is to be believed, the P300 is basically the P7000 that came out last year, but shrunken down to the size of a compact. It really is a very diminutive and attractive -- it has that intentionally understated matte black finish that huskily whispers the word "prosumer" in your ear -- compact camera. It lands on March 17th. %Gallery-115979% %Gallery-115976%
Olympus E-5 DSLR gets official: 12.3MP, 720p movie mode, swiveling LCD
It's September 15th somewhere, right? Er... right! At any rate, it looks as if the leaks we saw earlier this month were 99 percent accurate, with Olympus pulling the trigger this morning on its mid-range E-5 DSLR. Boasting a familiar design, this 12.3 megapixel shooter ups the ante with a 3-inch dual-axis swiveling LCD, a TruePic V+ image processor, full-time Live View system, splash and dustproof magnesium alloy body, 720p movie mode (Motion JPEG) with a 7 minute-per-clip maximum, in-body mechanical image stabilization and an 11-point auto focus system. There's also wireless flash control, support for both CompactFlash and Secure Digital (SDHC / SDXC) cards and an ISO range from 100 to 6400. Unfortunately, this bad boy will set you back an almost unconscionable $1,699.99 for the body alone, which sure seems lofty given all the other options popping up. Something tells us you should wait for Photokina to conclude before pulling the trigger, but even if you managed to get a pre-order in, it won't leave the docks 'til October. %Gallery-102051%
Sony Alpha A580 and A560 shoot AVCHD 1080i or MP4 video
Just a few days after seeing the Alpha A580 and A560 leak out onto the DSLR stage, here we are with the official word from Sony. As followup to the Alpha A550, both the 16.2 megapixel A580 and 14.2 megapixel A560 with new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensors and the latest Bionz image processors, capable of 7fps continuous shooting and capturing video with stereo audio in both AVCHD 1920x1080 60i or MP4 (QuickTime Motion JPEG) formats, the latter being better suited for consumer-oriented video editing software. Other commonalities are a new 15-point phase-detection autofocus, 3-inch articulating LCD with new Focus Check Live View mode, 100 - 12,800 ISO ranges, support for Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDHC/SDXC cards, and an optical viewfinder with 95 percent frame coverage. Wait, there's more: both cams also feature 3D sweep panorama that can be played back on 3D televisions and a refined Auto HDR mode that combines a burst of three frames into a single ultra-realistic image. The A580 will be available in October for €900 while the A560 will land in the first quarter of 2011 for €800.%Gallery-100225%
Sony Alpha A55 makes articulating cameo, A33 and some rumored specs tag along
In the market for a Sony shooter or two? The company's upcoming lineup can't seem to stay off the internet, which lucky for you serves as a great source for planning holiday gift plans. First up the Alpha A55, pictured above with an apparent articulating display. According to the DChome forums, there's a 16.7 megapixel APS CMOS sensor, a translucent mirror, 15-point AF, 1080 / 60i video, 10fps continuous shooting, an ISO range of 100 to 25,600, dual memory card slots (we'd guess SD and MemoryStick), and an eventual retail price of $900 to $1,000. Also pictured on the site is the A33 -- with an unmoving display -- spec'd at a reported 14 megapixels, ISO range of 100 to 12,800, and 1080i video. The expected launch is August 24th, but bear in mind this all is just a rumor for now -- keep your wallet and check and don't do anything rash, k?
Is this Canon's 60D DSLR, articulating display and all?
If you'll recall, we first heard a notion that Canon was considering a 60D and 550D with articulating displays way back in January; PMA came and went, and no such camera emerged. But now we're back in familiar territory, and this go 'round we've got IFA and Photokina happening next month in Germany. The image above is bruited to be the 60D we've all been waiting for, and while it's usually easy to brush these off as possible fan renders (or worse, Photoshops), that display hinge looks mighty legitimate. Nikon hasn't seen fit to take the articulating LCD on its entry-level D5000 to any higher-end units just yet, but if Canon goes ahead with this one... well, we all know how competition works, now don't we? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
NEC outs versatile E231W monitor with 1080p resolution and green aspirations
You know that the 16:9 display ratio is here to stay when even NEC's business monitors -- long the bastion of old school sensibilities -- start offering it as a standard feature. At least the Japanese company has also had the decency to include a DisplayPort on its latest 23-incher, with a full 1080p resolution and ambient light sensor adding to the feel of modernity. The E231W isn't moving things along much further than the well-liked EA231W of last year, but it does consume less power (28W) and up-front cash ($299) than its senior sibling. 250 nits of brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 4-way adjustability (height, tilt, swivel, and pivot), and a 3-year warranty round off the energy-efficient package. Availability of this latest MultiSync monitor is scheduled for later this month, and you'll find the full PR after the break.
Samsung's EX1 / TL500 flagship compact articulates 'release' in Korean
It's out, Samsung's 10 megapixel EX1 (aka, TL500) with 3-inch articulating AMOLED display was just pushed out for retail in its Korean homeland. For 599,000KRW or about $400, you get a F1.8 24mm ultra-wide lens, 1/1.7-inch CCD, refined DRIMeIII imaging processor, dual image stabilization, and ISO 3200 max sensitivity (at full resolution) that should combine to deliver decent shots (for a compact) in low-light conditions without using a flash. As Samsung's flagship compact it also supports RAW with shutter‑priority, aperture‑priority and full-manual shooting modes. Unfortunately, H.264 video is limited to 640x480 pixels at 30fps. Fortunately, an optional optical viewfinder can be fitted to the hot shoe in case the AMOLED display fails to hold up under direct sunlight -- a very real possibility since there's no mention of Samsung's "Super AMOLED" anywhere in the press release. Can't wait to see the reviews on this pup.
Sony's NEX3 / 5 cameras priced, June release date leaked (update: official)
It looks like Sony's having a field day right now in Japan, making its official reveal of the NEX3 and NEX5 cameras, the "ultra-compact" DSLRs with interchangeable lenses we saw back at PMA. The presentation is going on as we speak, and the rumor sites seem to suggest Digital Photography School posted (and subsequently pulled) a review of the NEX3. Quesabesde, however, still has its preview of the not-quite-Micro Four Thirds shooters live, and is also listing some specs and prices. First with the technical details: the NEX3 has a 14.2 megapixel sensor, support for Memory Stick and SDXC media, 720p / 30fps video, and an articulating 2.95-inch LCD. The NEX5 boasts AVCHD 1080i video, and we're not sure yet as to other differences between the pair. As for pricing, the bodies on their lonesome appear to be worth about €250 and €350, respectively -- that's $320 and $448 in US currency. Throw in a 16mm f2.8 lens for €250 and you're now looking at a minimum of €500 (or $640) to join the fray. The kits are said to be going on sale in June. Sony's official site hasn't updated yet, but with any luck we'll get the legit scoop in very short time. Update: Sony made it official, says a firmware update will be released this summer to capture stereoscopic 3D sweep panoramas. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]%Gallery-92716%
Nikon Coolpix P100 reviewed, found to contain oodles of zoom and superb movie mode
If there is such a thing as a no-compromise point and shooter, the Coolpix P100 might just be it. It throws a back-illuminated 10 megapixel CMOS sensor in behind a 26x optical zoom lens, and supplements them with the hardware to record 1080p video at 30fps, with stereo mics pulling in sound, or full-resolution photos at a stunning 10fps clip. Throw in the articulating display on the back and you might already be asking where to buy one. Not so fast, though, as the Photography Blog guys have some notes for you. Firstly, the 10fps mode fills up the camera's buffer after only 6 shots, and the usable burst mode is actually a (still decent) 2.8fps. There's also the criticism that low-contrast detail is often lost thanks to overzealous noise reduction, but on the whole their experience of the camera was still positive. Macro performance was rated as "outstanding," while Nikon's Vibration Reduction was credited with performing its job admirably, and the conclusion was that casual photographers would get a lot of mileage (and fun) out of the P100. Read on for the full analysis.
Samsung prices TL500, TL350, AQ100 and SL605 shooters
Samsung has just visited a bunch of data sheets upon us, and we've drawn out a few as yet unknown numerals regarding pricing and availability of the shooters it showed off at PMA this year. The TL500 above, swiveling AMOLED screen and all, will set buyers back $449 this spring when it'll be joined by its junior sibling, the TL350, which will cost $349. Both shooters offer RAW support and dual image stabilization, though funnily enough the cheaper 350 model offers 1080p video recording whereas the gaudier TL500 makes do with 640 x 480. If you're after something a bit more durable, the scratch-proof and rubberized SL605 will set you back only $129, while the all-weather AQ100 gets a $199 sticker, with both expected in that same spring release window. Phew, aren't you glad you know all that now?
Panasonic leaks own G2 and G10 Micro Four Thirds cams in macro fashion
Whoopsadaisies. Seems Panasonic "accidentally" posted specs and images of its upcoming G2 and G10 Micro Four Thirds cameras to its web site just long enough to be snagged by a few different photog sites. While there's no denying that the incident occurred (the pics are certainly legit), there's some speculation at 43rumors that the specifications are still "work in progress" and should be considered only partially correct. Nevertheless, let's go with what we've got keeping in mind that some of this might change. Both cams are said to feature a 12.1 megapixel sensor, touchscreen with touch shutter and touch MF Assist, and ISO 100 to 6,200 sensitivity. The G2 differs with its one-touch AVCHD Lite movie mode (1,280 x 720, 60p) and 3-inch articulating display with live view. The G10 then, offers a "double live view" (LCD and live view finder) glimpse at the action while recording 1,280 x 720p motion JPEG videos at 30fps. However, the leaked spec sheet inconsistently mentions an AVCHD Lite recording format for the G10 as well... so who knows. Panasonic is expected to make an announcement on March 7th; surely you can wait you a few days?%Gallery-87453%
Samsung TL500 and TL350 hands-on
Samsung's TL500. We caught the bright, bulky beast bristling at PMA in front of a miniature 3D model of the Taj Mahal enclosed within a shadowy cube. The articulating display was indeed quite luminous, and as you can see from the sample shot, the flash-imbued capture is quite nice -- same can't be said sans flash in this instance, though. As for the TL350, we're always a fan of the analog dials for battery and storage, and the 1,000 frames per second video recording was quite the treat. That said, at 138 x 78 resolution, it's not practical, but the in-between burst shoots do lend themselves to some fun party tricks. Hardware shots just below, TL500 sample shot after the break. %Gallery-86135% %Gallery-86136%
Nikon CoolPix P100 (and its articulating display) hands-on
Turns out Nikon's CoolPix P100 is quite a beaut, and our brief time taking snapshots with the compact superzoom at PMA yielded some pretty good pics with relative ease -- guess Ashton's onto something, after all, if you're not looking for something pocketable. Also of note is the incredibly sturdy articulating display, a great value-add to the $400 piece. Check out more glamor shots below. %Gallery-86130%
Samsung's PMA gifts: HD pocket camcorders, point-and-shoots with AMOLED screens
Hey, didja hear the news? PMA is just about upon us, giving all the camera makers a perfect opportunity to refresh their lineup. In no particular order, here's what Samsung is providing, all set for a Spring 2010 release: New HMX-U15 ($230) and HMX-U20 ($250) 1080p HD pocket camcorders shoot H.264 and feature HDMI out, image stabilization, a 2-inch LCD, and some simple edit options. The U20 also throws in a 3x optical zoom and 10 megapixel stills, while the U15 instead takes 14 megapixel stills. The TL500 is a 10 megapixel camera with 24mm ultra-wide angle lens with an articulating three-inch AMOLED display, perfect for spying around the corner. It supports RAW format, shoots VGA video, and is due out for a hair less than $450. The 10 megapixel TL350 claims 1080p HD video recording with a maximum speed of up to 1,000 frames per second -- which invariably drops the video resolution to 138 x 78, but hey, sacrifices must be made. The three-inch AMOLED display and look for it set you back about $350. A pair of 12 megapixel point-and-shoots for the lower end, the waterproof AQ100 ($200) and the "scratch resistant" SL605 ($130), both with 2.7-inch LCDs and 5x optical zoom. The former shoots video in 720p and the latter just VGA. Plethora of pressers after the break, and we'll be catching our flight to Anaheim shortly to give hands on impressions and take pictures of cameras that'll put our DSLRs to absolute shame. %Gallery-86091%
Canon prepping 60D and 550D / 600D with articulating displays?
Camera aficionados, looks like it's time for the pre-PMA rumor mill to start churning. Our inaugural whisper this season comes care of a forum poster at d-spot.co.il, who according to Canon Rumors' tipster has been accurate in the past (at this point we've been unable to corroborate). Here's the deal: a Canon 60D and Canon 550D / 600D (i.e. Rebel series). Both apparently feature a 15.1 megapixel APS-C sensor, articulating screens, and 720p video at 30 frames per second. The 60D, however, can also claim 1080p footage -- odd that the Rebel doesn't, since the current T1i has 1080p -- an electronic level, and a new battery and grip compared to its 50D successor. That one's apparently priced at around $1,190 and due out in May, while the other is $799 with no connection to a release date given. Make no mistake, between this and those waterproof Sony point-and-shoots, this is only the beginning.
Nikon's D5000 gets reviewed in staggering detail
Just in case our comparatively brief overview of the D5000 wasn't enough to sway you either way, why not have a gander at DPReview's astonishing 33 page critique of Nikon's first-ever DSLR with an articulating display? Within, you'll find oodles of sample shots, comparison to rival cameras and enough analysis to make you feel like a bona fide expert upon leaving. If you're looking for the long and short of it, however, you'll find a conclusion that essentially matches up word-for-word with our own summary: the articulating display is a bit of a personal preference, but every other aspect is rock solid. If you're not down with ponying up for the marginally more expensive D90 and you can't bear the thought of buying Canon glass, there's hardly a better option on the market right now. Dig in below if you still need more proof.
