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Samsung Galaxy NX reaches the FCC with AT&T-ready LTE
Samsung promised that the Galaxy NX would reach the US, but it didn't say exactly which wireless networks the American model would support. Thanks to the FCC, we now have a good idea. A variant of the mirrorless Android camera has just surfaced at the agency with AT&T-capable LTE and HSPA data. There aren't any clues as to the launch date, although we'd expect the NX to ship relatively soon. Samsung only has a few days left to make its October release target -- barring a last-minute delay, the FCC approval is coming just in the nick of time.
Fujifilm launches mid-tier X-E2 and XQ1 cameras with fast imaging and WiFi
The refined image processing from Fujifilm's X100s and X20 is at last reaching more affordable cameras: welcome the X-E2 and X-Q1. The X-E2 is a direct upgrade to the X-E1 that brings the company's 16.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II to a mid-tier interchangeable lens design, giving welcome boosts to both the image quality and autofocusing speed. Software upgrades like split image display and 60 fps 1080p video come along with the new hardware, and there's both WiFi photo transfers as well as a much sharper one-megapixel, three-inch preview LCD. The X-E2 will ship in November for $1,000 in body-only form, or $1,400 when paired with an 18-55mm f/2.8-4 zoom lens. Photographers looking for a more pocketable shooter will want to look at the XQ1. The 12-megapixel compact cam is a spiritual successor to the XF1 that ditches the faux leather look in favor of a plainer, smaller body. It still has a non-removable 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 lens, but it gets the X-E2's image processing upgrades and WiFi. An improved three-inch, 920,000-pixel LCD is present as well. The XQ1 should arrive later this month for $500.
Sony Alpha 7 and 7R: the full-frame mirrorless ILC is finally here (update: hands-on photos!)
Photo junkies, brace yourselves for some very big news. Sony has finally announced its much-anticipated (and leaked) mirrorless camera, debuting not one, but two feature-packed models. The $1,700 Alpha 7, which is positioned as a step-up cam for APS-C interchangeable-lens camera owners, includes a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. The $2,300 Alpha 7R, for its part, will be of particular interest to professionals -- that flagship model packs a 36.3-megapixel sensor without a low-pass filter. Both cameras ship with a new BIONZ X processor, enabling 14-bit RAW, a 25,600 top ISO, improved area-specific noise reduction, upgraded detail reproduction and diffraction-reduction technology that helps eliminate the blurriness you may experience when shooting at higher apertures. Despite their gigantic sensors, both the Alpha 7 and 7R (Sony's dropping NEX from the branding here) include a footprint not much larger than other models in the company's mirrorless lineup. Externally, the duo is identical, with resolution representing the chief differentiator here. They use the same E-mount that you'll find on existing cameras and lenses, but you'll need to upgrade your glass to take full advantage of the new sensor. You can also use existing optics, either with significant cropping or some heavy vignetting, but if you're investing in either camera, it's definitely worth boosting your lens collection, too. Join us past the break for a closer look at Sony's exciting new Alphas. Update: We've got some hands-on pics delivered all the way from Hong Kong. Enjoy!
Sony's full-frame A7 cameras pose for clearer leaked shots
We caught a glimpse of Sony's A7 camera series just a day ago, but the low-resolution image didn't exactly show much. Thankfully, Digicam Info has just posted two leaked press shots that reveal considerably more of the full-frame mirrorless shooters. The images support rumors of a built-in viewfinder and point to options of both a Zeiss-branded 35mm f/2.8 prime lens (above) and a 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom (after the break). Unfortunately, there's no photos from other angles to provide further clues. However, Sony Alpha Rumors now claims that the A7r's 36-megapixel sensor will omit the usual antialiasing filter for the sake of preserving detail, much like the Nikon D800E. If you still crave more info, you may not have long to wait -- Sony Japan has been teasing a camera launch on October 16th, which suggests that we could get the full scoop on the A7 in a matter of hours.
Sony A7 reportedly pictured in blurry screengrab, teases viewfinder
Remember that full-frame mirrorless shooter Sony's expected to release? Sony Alpha Rumors claims to have found an (admittedly low resolution) image of the fabled camera. The blurry shot shows a little more than half of the rumored camera's face, teasing undefined outlines of the device's control wheels, as well as a protruding bump that could hide an traditional viewfinder. The rig looks a bit like a mash up between Sony's A900 and the mirrorless NEX-7, borrowing elements from both designs. The camera is rumored to launch later this month, and is expected to come in 24- and 36-megapixel variants (respectively called the A7 and A7r). Check out the source link below for more rumors and speculation.
Samsung refreshes NX300M mirrorless camera with 180 degree rotatable display
Samsung's original NX300 mirrorless camera came with little to shout about beyond its gimmicky 3D capability. This refreshed NX300M brings something more useful to the table, however: a 3.31-inch AMOLED touch display that can now flip around 180 degrees instead of just 90, making it possible to easily frame up your selfies. Other features remain unchanged from the original, like the 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, 100-25,600 ISO range, 8.6fps continuous shooting, dual-channel WiFi with SmartShare and NFC capability. Users in Korea will be able to grab one now in white, black and brown with an 18-55mm kit lens for 890,000 won (about $839). There's no word on US pricing or availability, but that shouldn't be too far behind.
Sony's DSLR-like Alpha A3000 mirrorless camera ships next month for $399 (hands-on video)
Sony's managed to duplicate mid-range DSLR functionality in its NEX series of mirrorless cameras, but while experienced photographers recognize the value of such a device, amateurs looking to step up from a point-and-shoot often opt for a full-size DSLR. The reason, according to Sony reps, is that these users simply assume that a larger camera with a familiar design offers better image quality and performance. So, to suit these misinformed customers, Sony's created a mirrorless camera that looks like a DSLR, but offers the feature set -- and price tag -- of an entry-level compact ILC. The company's first attempt at winning over this broad demographic is the Alpha A3000. Internally, it's very similar to the NEX-3N, featuring a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and E-mount lens compatibility. There's a mode dial, Multi Interface Shoe, pop-up flash and an eye-level electronic viewfinder. It also ships with a black version of Sony's standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, all for the low, low price of $399. We spent a few minutes with the A3000, and while this model wouldn't be the best fit for photographers who understand the appeal of mirrorless cameras, it will likely appeal to the users Sony's aiming at here. It's a nice camera for sure, and a great value at $399 with a lens. While small and light for a DSLR, it feels bulky for a mirrorless camera, but that's kind of the point. It's a reasonable choice for shooting sports, with a 3.5 fps consecutive shooting mode, and it can snap 1080/24p video clips (with autofocus). There's a 0.5-inch color viewfinder that's adequate but not particularly fantastic, a 230k-dot 3-inch fixed LCD and Sony's typical NEX user interface for adjusting capture and WiFi settings. Finally, the company's also launching three new E-mount lenses, including a very nice 16-70mm f/4 fixed-aperture optic that's expected later this month for $999, a black version of last year's 50mm f/1.8 that'll ship this month for $299, and a power-zoom 18-105mm f/4 lens that's due in December for $599. The A3000, for is part, should hit stores beginning next week, but you can take a quick look right now in our hands-on video after the break.
Sony unveils 16.1MP NEX-5T with NFC and WiFi, available this September
We assure you, the camera pictured above is not the NEX-5R. Announced today alongside three new E-mount lenses and the A3000, it's actually Sony's new NEX-5T. This shooter's unique feature is the addition of NFC for tap-to-device transfers of videos and photos -- a nice complement to the WiFi connectivity. Aside from that, it's pretty similar to its predecessor. Internally, you'll find the same 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 25,600 and hybrid phase-/contrast-detect autofocus for still images. The outside houses the familiar 921k-dot 3-inch touchscreen (with 180 degrees of rotation), a rear-set navigation dial and a function button (both programmable) adjacent to the shutter button. Photographers and videographers alike should be pleased with 1080/60p video capture and continuously focused 10-frames-per-second burst shooting. This NEX can also handle Sony's various Play Memories Camera Apps for extended versatility. The NEX-5T is set to launch this September in white, black and silver for $700 with a 16-50mm pancake powered-zoom lens, and $550 for just the body. For now, grab a better glimpse by checking out the embedded galleries. Full press release after the break.
Sony's rumored ILC-3000 E-mount camera flaunts Alpha-like form factor in leak
Rumors of Sony's ILC-3000 or A-3000 E-mount camera have been floating in the wind for a while, but so far nothing of substance has touched down. Now, a contributor at Dyxum.com has spotted Sony advocate Gustav Kiburg with a model that seems to fit the bill. Though it looks more like an Alpha DSLR than a NEX, the E-mount camera is purported to have no mirror and a 20-megapixel APS-C sensor that maxes out at 16,000 ISO (not to mention, captures 1080p video). Amazingly, it also apparently sports a reasonable, £300 ($450 or so) price tag. We'll soon find out whether any of that is true if yet another rumor proves accurate -- it's supposedly set to arrive early tomorrow morning in Europe.
Harrods Olympus PEN Art Edition includes a custom Vespa scooter, because why not
Special editions with ridiculously expensive extras must be all the rage among well-to-do gadget fans -- that's the only real explanation we can imagine for Harrods' new Olympus PEN Art Edition. The kit includes two PEN E-P5s (one hand-painted), but it also bundles prime lenses, accessories, a training session... and a customized Vespa scooter. You'll have both the gear you need for amateur photography and the transportation to your photo shoots. Mind you, we'd expect nothing less when the Art Edition costs £16,000 ($24,814) -- more than some cars. If you're eager to acquire both a new camera and a new ride in one fell swoop, though, the limited-run PEN bundle is available from Harrods today. Check out a photo of the Vespa after the break.
Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy NX hits UK retailers at a weighty £1,299 ($2,000)
We expected the Samsung Galaxy NX camera to cost a bundle when it was first announced, and if pricing from UK retailer Jessops proves accurate, we aren't going to be "disappointed." The Android-powered mirrorless model will run £1,299 ($2,000 or so) with an 18-55mm kit lens, more than Canon's fearsome EOS 70D and pushing Panasonic's flagship GH-3. As you may recall, the Galaxy NX is the first-ever interchangeable-lens camera to run Android, and packs 3G / 4G LTE radios along with a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, 8.6fps shooting speed, WiFi, 16GB built-in storage, and 1/6000 shutter speed. We noted such strange bedfellows might make it a hard sell, especially considering some shortcomings for demanding photographers, like a slow start-up time and lack of manual dials. Jessops is showing the model in stock, while another retailer called Wex merely has it up for pre-order, so we're not sure which has it straight. In any event, if you're one of the few who thought high-end cameras really needed an Android OS, hit the sources.
Panasonic GX7 specs and images leak, show tiltable 2.76 million dot EVF
Prolific leaker Digicame Info has just showed off new images of Panasonic's likely new 16-megapixel Lumix GX7, along with full specs that place it squarely in the high-end, if accurate. Those include a 2.76 million dot EVF that can be tilted 90 degrees, 1/8000th of a second shutter speed, and in-body image stabilization -- all of which exceed the company's $1,500 GH-3 flagship. Other features include a 25,600 max ISO, silent mode shooting, NFC, WiFi, focus peaking, an 80-degree tiltable LCD and full HD, 60 fps video. If 43 Rumors is to be believed, all of that will cost around €1,000 in Europe for the body only (around $1,325). There's no word on an official arrival yet, but if you're in the market for a GH-3 and were hoping for something lighter (and cheaper), you may want to hang on. Head after the break to see the tilt EVF, or check the source for more pics.
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera strikes a pose for the FCC
It's by no means a phone, so adjust your expectations accordingly. Samsung's Android-infused Galaxy NX camera, revealed last week at the company's London bonanza, has just reared its LTE-capable body at the FCC. Sporting model number EK-GN120, the portable mirrorless camera offers up no real surprises -- it has all the internal trimmings Samsung already officially announced, like WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and radios for WCDMA (850/1900MHz) and LTE (Band 5). Nothing in the filing pegs this as a US release, so the usual "(insert carrier)-friendly bands" won't apply here. In fact, its mix of radios clearly mark this Galaxy NX for a South Korean debut. Just when that'll be, we still don't know. It's currently slated for a vague summer release in the UK. On the plus side, this means you still have plenty of time to save up for what should be a hefty price tag.
Fujifilm's X-M1 interchangeable camera leaks out, doesn't mess with retro success
Fujifilm's about to extend its line of mirrorless shooters packing manual dials and vintage looks, if a leak from Digicame Info is to be believed. The Japanese rumor site has flaunted pictures of a purported X-M1 model, which bears a strong resemblance to X-E1 we saw last year, minus the electronic viewfinder and shutter-speed selector dial. In place of the latter is a general mode selector, along with a tiltable LCD screen and WiFi, judging by the pictures above and after the break. While all that points to a cheaper model aimed at more casual shooters, there's no word from the company about specs, pricing or a release date, obviously. As soon as we hear, of course, you'll be the first to know.
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera official: Interchangeable lenses, Android Jelly Bean and 4G LTE
True to JK Shin's promise, Samsung is indeed introducing a new Android-powered mirrorless camera: the Galaxy NX. Although it runs Google's mobile OS (version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean) and bears LTE radios, the NX is not quite a direct sequel to the Galaxy Camera, the company's glorified point-and-shoot for all comers. Rather, the Galaxy NX is what Samsung calls an interchangeable-lens CSC (or Compact System Camera), featuring a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, as well as 3G / 4G LTE, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity -- making it worthy of that Galaxy moniker. As you can tell from the above image, the Galaxy NX also packs a large 4.8-inch HD LCD display on its rear and is powered by a 1.6GHz Pega-Q quad-core setup and separate DRIMe IV Signal processor for imaging. The UI should look pretty familiar to anyone who's used an Android device before, with the common apps and widgets submenus, as well as the wheel interface for its 30 Smart Modes -- employed when selecting imaging settings. And if you happen to own any of the company's other NX cameras, you'll be able to swap out lenses (13 in all) as the Galaxy NX is fully compatible with that range. It also incorporates a hybrid AF, culled from the best of DSLRs and compacts, with a shutter speed of 1/6,000th of a second and 8.6fps shooting. Samsung's been pretty forthcoming about all the tech and software it's put into the Galaxy NX, but there are two key bits it's still withholding: pricing and availability. For now, it appears UK residents will have first crack at the Galaxy NX, as PR pegs its release for that territory as sometime this summer. The same, however, can't be said for a US launch. Regardless, as the Galaxy NX is more a proper camera for experienced photogs and less Android phone like the Galaxy Camera and S4 Zoom, you can bet on its price tag being relatively high when it launches. In the meantime, check out our Galaxy NX hands-on for more detailed impressions. %Gallery-191947% %Gallery-191950%
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera appears in press shots, may launch later this month
Samsung's mobile chief JK Shin hinted that the company would soon be announcing an Android-powered mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, and now the Galaxy NX is all but official. In press shots appearing on a Vietnamese gadget site, the device is pictured with a mirrorless mount and a trio of NX lenses. Judging from the body, the camera is likely to be closer in size to a DSLR than Samsung's existing CSC lineup, with a large touchscreen occupying much of the rear. Hardware controls are few and far between, and may be limited to a shutter release, video capture button, top-mounted dial and a pop-up flash release, along with the compulsory lens release to the left of the swappable optic. It's said to include Android 4.2, a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, ISO sensitivity through 25,600 and 1080p video capture. Pricing info is still up in the air, as is an official announce date, which could very well be as soon as Samsung's June 20th event in London. Hit up the source for a few more shots.
Samsung chief alludes to 'mirrorless' Galaxy Camera sequel coming June 20th
We had a feeling the little Galaxy S4 Zoom wouldn't be the final word in Samsung's Android-powered camera lineup for 2013, and now it seems that a truer successor to the high-spec Galaxy Camera is indeed on its way. As quoted by the Korea Times, JK Shin has confirmed that a "mirrorless camera that runs on Google's Android software" will launch at the company's forthcoming event in London on June 20th, which will likely also show off other Galaxy-branded products. Assuming no mistranslations have gotten in the way, the reference to a "mirrorless" camera implies the existence of an interchangeable lens system, suggesting that the new Galaxy Camera might be more akin to Samsung's NX range of cameras than to its cheaper point-and-shoots. If that's the case, then this could be a significant upgrade in terms of sensor size and image quality, but at this point there's still very little we can say for sure.
Pentax intros K-50 and K-500 DSLRs, Q7 mirrorless camera
When it rains, it pours -- we knew Pentax was due for new interchangeable lens cameras, but it just surprised us by unveiling three of them at once. The mid-range K-50 and entry K-500 DSLRs at the front of the pack represent slight upgrades to the 16-megapixel K-30 on the inside, with both gaining a higher ISO 51,200 sensitivity and Eye-Fi card support. They mostly differ on the outside. The K-50 keeps the K-30's weather sealing, lithium batteries and extreme color customization; the K-500 caters to the budget crowd by going without weatherproofing, running on AA batteries and shipping only in black. Both bodies are available in stores this July, starting at $600 for a K-500 with an 18-55m kit lens and $780 for a similarly equipped K-50. The smallest camera of the bunch, the Q7, may be the most intriguing. While the mirrorless body still shoots at the 12.4 megapixels of the Q10, it upgrades to a larger 1/1.7-inch sensor that delivers a big performance boost -- sensitivity has jumped to ISO 12,800, and there's faster autofocusing to boot. Pentax also touts a faster shot-to-shot time, better image stabilization and Eye-Fi support. The Q7 will cost the same $500 in kit form as its ancestor does today, although photographers will have to be patient when the tiny camera doesn't hit retail until August.
Pentax Q7 purportedly leaks with three color options, larger sensor than Q10
Pentax camera launches always seem to be colorful affairs, and if new images are to be believed, a multi-hued mirrorless model with a retro bent will soon arrive from the outfit. According to serial leaker Digicame-info, a new Q7 model will be unveiled with a larger 1/1.7-inch sized sensor than the 1/2.3-inch CMOS-packing Q10, and come with a kit zoom or optional standard prime lens on July 5th. Until we hear it from the source, though, it'd be wise to hold off on buying matching silver, black or yellow outfits.
Leica teases Mini M camera, scheduled to debut on June 11th
Leica seldom updates its camera lineup, so we're especially intrigued to discover that it's teasing a completely new model, the Mini M. On the camera maker's website, this TBA model is represented by only a black box, tucked in between the full-frame M and the APS-C-loaded X2 (Micro M). There's no other official info aside from its June 11th unveiling date, but Leica Rumors is poised to bet that this is the company's first mirrorless ILC entry. The site's sources claim this model will thankfully not be a re-badged Panasonic Lumix -- Hasselblad and Sony's Lunar (a leather-adorned NEX-7) already did enough damage on that front.
