New Sony Digital SLRs With Two Image Sensors
Sony’s latest digital SLR models, the and the Alpha DSLR-A350, introduce an innovative, dual-sensor approach to previewing your image in real-time on the LCD screen, just as you can do today with digital point-and-shoot cameras.
Although Sony is not the first company to use two sensors to generate a live preview, the company is the first to offer both live preview and full control of the auto-focus system, including during rapid-fire burst-mode shooting.
Live view remains a relatively new feature on digital SLR models. By definition, with a digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, you see what the lens sees; but, the actual image is captured when you flip up the mirror and open the shutter. In order to offer a live preview of an SLR model, manufacturers have typically had to preview the image off of the same sensor that handles capturing the image.
The first digital SLR with a live LCD preview–Olympus’ $1000 (with 14-45mm lens) EVolt E-330–came out about a year ago. Now, several other manufacturers–including the $1300 (body only) Canon EOS 40D and the $4500 Canon EOS 1D Mark III, and the $1800 (body only) Nikon D300 and $5000 Nikon D3 and Nikon D3–are offering this feature; and the recently introduced Pentax K20D ($1300 body only) that does so as well. The Sony A300 costs $800 for the body only, or $900 for the body plus an 18-70mm lens.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 specifications:
| Sensor | 14.2 megapixel, 23.6×15.8mm CCD |
| Lens/Zoom | Minolta A-type bayonet mount (Alpha mount) |
| LCD/Viewfinder | 2.7″, 230K-pixel tiltable TFT LCD; Penta-mirror optical viewfinder |
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-3200 |
| Shutter Speed | 30-1/4000 seconds |
| Shooting Modes | Not Specified |
| Scene Presets | Not Specified |
| White Balance Settings | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Fluorescent, Tungsten, Flash, Color Temperature/Color Filter, Custom |
| Metering Modes | 40-Segment, Center-Weighted, Spot |
| Focus Modes | 9-point AF system, mode not specified |
| Drive Modes | Normal, Burst |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Fill, Rear Flash Sync, Slow Sync, High-Speed Sync |
| Self Timer Settings |
10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off |
| Memory Formats | Compact Flash |
| Internal Memory |
None |
| File Formats | JPEG, RAW |
| Max. Image Size | Not Specified |
| Max. Video Size |
N/A |
| Zoom During Video | N/A |
| Battery | STAMINA rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 730 shots |
| Connections | USB 2.0 |
| Additional Features | Dynamic Range Optimizer, Super SteadyShot, Live View, Bionz Engine Processor |
JVC Unveils HD Camcorders
JVC has announced two new High Definition (HD) Everio-brand hard disk-based camcorders for consumer use.
The new GZ-HD6 and GZ-HD5 are expected to go on same in March priced at US$1,399.99 and $1,199.99 respectively.
Both cameras ship with a complement of Windows video editing and download software, but they also include plug-in software “to facilitate data import into various Mac applications.” What’s more, the camcorders work with JVC’s VD40 Everio Share Station, which lets users burn video to DVD without having to use a computer first.
The cameras both utilize Fujinon HD lenses, and employ progressive-scan 3CCD imaging systems. The cameras record video to a built-in hard disk at 1920 x 1080 — full HD video quality, and they provide 1080p 60 frame per second output using HDMI 1.3. They also sport optical image stabilization to reduce camera shake.
Also common to both models is a microphone jack input and manual controls; the cameras both have manual focus rings, manual white balance, exposure control, shutter priority mode, aperture priority mode and sharpness control. There’s a Focus Assist function and a “zebra” function that displays a striped pattern across highlight areas on the image in the LCD monitor to help you adjust exposure.
The main difference between the two units, besides a black chassis on the HD6 and a silver chassis for the HD5, is hard disk space — the HD6 has a 120GB hard disk drive, while the HD5 has a 60GB hard disk. This is suitable for up to 24 or 12 hours of recorded video in the 1440 LP mode, according to JVC.
JVC’s Web site had not been updated with information about the new models as Macworld posted this article.
source:pcworld
Kodak Launches 10MP High-zoom Digicam
At the Photo Marketing Association Show (PMA), Eastman Kodak Company announced the latest addition to its line of Kodak Easyshare consumer digital cameras. The Kodak Easyshare Z1012 IS Zoom Digital Camera – with 10-megapixel resolution and 12x optical zoom with optical image stabilization – marries an advanced, high performance feature set to a compact size.
“With the newest addition to the EasyShare family, Kodak makes it even easier for consumers to capture life’s high-performance memories,” said Pierre Schaeffer, chief marketing officer, Kodak’s Consumer Digital Imaging Group. “The smart technology found on the Kodak Easyshare Z1012 IS enables consumers to capture important moments and seamlessly bring pictures to life on vivid prints, HD displays, and wireless picture frames.”
The Easyshare Z1012 IS boasts a suite of exclusive features that capture detailed pictures in the most challenging settings, yet its compact body can fit in the palm of your hand. Some of the smart features that make great picture-taking simple include:
* Click-to-capture speed (0.14 sec) and auto-focus accuracy.
* Kodak’s smart capture technology automatically identifies the scene and adjusts the settings to deliver a great picture in almost any environment.
* Capture the details in low light conditions and fast action situations with high ISO (up to 3,200).
* Advanced settings including program, aperture and shutter priority, as well as full manual mode (PASM).
* Face Detection locates faces and automatically adjusts camera settings.
* Multimedia slideshow feature combines your pictures with music and transition effects right on camera.
The Easyshare Z1012 IS will retail for US $299.95 (MSRP) and will be available in the US in the first half of 2008. Pricing and availability in India have not been announced yet.
source:tech2
Panasonic Launches Seven New Digicams
Panasonic recently launched seven new compact digital cameras targeted at various market segments. For details, read on…
The new line of super-slim Lumix FX-Series digicams is introduced with the DMC-FX35, complete with Panasonic’s first-ever 25mm ultrawide lens. The FX35, with 10.1 megapixels, features 4x optical zoom, Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens offering f2.8 brightness and the new fourth-generation Venus Engine image processor. It will be available in the US in March in silver, black, and blue, at an MSRP of $349.95.
Also announced were two point-and-shoot models: the DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8. Featuring two key enhancements over last year’s DMC-LZ7, the new models feature Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lenses and wideangle shooting – 30mm on the LZ10 and 32mm on the LZ8. Further, both boast manual controls, convenient AA battery operation, 5x optical zoom, Intelligent Auto Mode, and Venus Engine IV. They will be available in February in black and silver, at an MSRP of $249.95 and $179.95 respectively.
The newly launched Lumix FS-Series of digital cameras debuted a pair of 10.1-megapixel models, the DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5, both of which feature a 30mm wideangle Leica DC lens with 4x optical zoom. The FS models, a stylish sister-line of the highly-acclaimed LUMIX FX-Series, combines easy operation with a slim, compact look. Both models have Intelligent Auto Mode – an advanced intuitive system of technologies that help users take better photos more easily. The DMC-FS20 (MSRP $299.95) will be available in pink, black, and silver; while the DMC-FS5 (MSRP $249.95) will come in red, black, and silver. Both will be available in the US market sometime next month.
Finally, Panasonic introduced two new additions to its award-winning TZ family of LUMIX digicams, the DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4. Both pack a 28mm wideangle, 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens in a compact design. Other features include Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction. The DMC-TZ5 is available in blue, black, and silver, at an MSRP of $349.95; while the DMC-TZ4 comes in black and silver, at an MSRP of $299.95. Both models will be available in late March 2008.
source:tech2
