Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday, July 17, 2009

Nikon D300s Pics, Again

Is this the camera that is set to replace the Nikon D300 soon? Since we’re inching ever closer to the Nikon D300s official announcement, we should all be expecting more and more leaks. The latest leaks, courtesy of Nikon Rumors, come in the form of some up close and unobstructed images of the possible new camera.

This above image is definitely not the same Nikon D300s camera in the image that was leaked previously. Compare the mic holes in the two:

So, one of the two “leaked” images is fake for sure. More photos of the current “leak” follow.

If it’s PhotoChopped, it’s not too shabby.

At least the spy pics were made by a Nikon CoolPix camera.

What do you think? Anyone spot any other evidence of the D300s?

Micro Four Thirds Cameras Can Now be an Entire System

olympus-ep1-thumb-500x358-89993

The Olympus EP-1 has become an exceedingly popular camera. Besides the mass amounts of media coverage that one sees/reads, they’re very hard to get your hands on as the units move very fast. But besides being able to take pictures, this camera and its relative the Panasonic GH1 shoot video: good quality video too. One of the criticisms of the system is not having lots of lenses available for the system. That criticism is very, very untrue.

Voightländer just announced an adapter that will allow for Nikon F and Pentax K lenses to be used in front of the 4/3rds sensor in each of these cameras. That means if you’re a longtime Nikon user or a Pentax user that you’ll be able to put your glass on these cameras as your backup.

Let’s explore what else is available to shooters if they want to buy a m/43rds camera:

Micro 4/3rds Lenses

These lenses are the ones specially made for the system. In terms of these lenses there really isn’t a whole lot available. The nicest ones so far may be the Panasonic 14-140 F3.5-5.6 movie lens and the Olympus 17mm 2.8 prime. These lenses are very small and many are simply just parts of the available kits.

4/3rds Lenses

These need to be used with an adapter but at least they allow users much more flexibility when it comes to shooting pictures or movies. These lenses have been rated as being amongst the best zoom lenses. Unfortunately, the system lacks many good primes. Putting them on your m 4/3rds camera will be a welcome treat to current 4/3rds users.

Olympus OM Lenses

Olympus users from way back in the film days will appreciate the fact that they can use their OM lenses with an adapter. Be warned though that some of the lenses meant for the power-focus cameras will not work with the adapters as they were constructed differently. However, all of those other ones will provide m 4/3rds users with excellent manual focus lenses. This can turn an EP-1 into a great rangefinder for a college student to learn on as manually focusing will teach them to think more about the shots they are taking and the fact that they are learning on it will allow them to be well suited to any similar cameras that come out.

Canon FD Lenses

These lenses are amongst some of the most beautiful pieces of glass I’ve shot with. In addition to being great for just photography they can be very good movie lenses as they are cheaply priced, of good construction and are very easily found. Putting a Canon FD 50mm F1.8 prime on your Micro 4/3rds camera will allow for some very beautiful bokeh in your videos. After personal trials, these are best used with the Panasonic GH1 because of the 24p recording option.

PL Lenses (Zeiss Ultra Primes)

Yes, you just read that correctly. A shoot was done recently that used these expensive movie lenses on a Panasonic GH1. Granted these lenses are terribly expensive, but nonetheless they can accompany your GH1 on a shoot. This effectively provides Indie Filmmakers with another alternative to something like a Red One, Canon 5D MK II, etc. Further, much of what we see on television is shot with Sony camcorders (which use Zeiss lenses).

Nikon F Lenses

These lenses began to be manufactured back in 1959. That means that providing you have the mount available you can have a large number of lenses available. Many of these lenses are still used by Nikonians with cameras like the D3. Additionally, Nikon lenses have been used in actual movie filmings. If a Nikon lover wants a digital rangefinder then perhaps the EP1 might be a good backup camera providing they buy the mount.

Pentax K Lenses

If you look at sales charts of cameras, Pentax isn’t one of the brands that moves units as fast as Canon or Nikon. However, Pentax does have many users (some of which include Samsung). Rumors of a Full-Frame format camera from Pentax have been abound though. If there is a large resurgence of Pentax users because of this then the lenses will be able to work well with a compact camera like the EP1.

Strangely, no word has been given yet on whether Samsung’s NX format will allow for interchangeability or mounting with Pentax lenses.

Leica M Lenses

Providing you’re lucky enough to get your hands on these or inherit them from a previous family member, Leica lenses are buttery smooth in their focusing abilities and deliver spectacular shots.

Olympus Pen F lenses

I’ve never heard of this, but it’s true according to Wikipedia. Confirming this, the adapters can be bought on eBay. It makes sense as the EP1 is a digital Pen camera.


Source Photography Bay

Monday, July 13, 2009

Fuji 3D Camera Priced at $600, Coming in September


Fuji is right on schedule for the release of its dual-lens 3D camera in September, which won’t require special glasses to “get” the 3D effect. Time got some hands-on experience with a prototype of the new shooter and, overall, it looks pretty impressive. One of the other interesting tidbits, is that Fuji is planning on launching a print service in order to make the special 3D prints available. Again, no 3D glasses required.

Time also got word that the camera’s price should come in “around $600″ with the aforementioned 3D prints at $5 or less. 3D cameras have been tried before; however, the technological hurdles have never been as low as now. Fuji could really be onto something here and we could be looking at the tip of a very large iceberg.

Source Photographybay

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Sony Ericsson W910i Review




Ok I used this phone for a week and I think i can explain all the pros and cons of this phone to help out next potential buy for this phone.

Ok before we go into the details lets round up the headlines, the pros and cons in short.

Pros:
-Nice package of features in the price
-Design is very pleasing to Eye
-Slide mechanism is brilliant
-Best Walkman Software yet on a Walkman phone
-Nice Motion Sensor(Accelerometer)
-Big and Nice Screen
-Cool range of colors

Cons:
-Lack of Ergonomics
-Ear piece is placed on very uncomfortable place
-Loud Speaker location is Questionable
-Buttons are not good for Messaging
-Laggy Messaging and Phonebook operations
-Sound Quality is not Walkman worthy
-Loud Speaker(Are you kidding me)

------------------------- Details -------------------------

Design
The phone is totally made out of plastic.
Looks wise the phone is a masterpiece, Its slim and very well made. The color choices are superb. The screen is nice and big and the back light is noticeable in almost every situation. The Slide Mechanism is very Robust and will work in many years to come.

On the downside, this design is not very ergonomic. The Earpiece is way up there with the sharp edge of the top and the loud speaker is way down to get muffed by the fingers.
The buttons are very hard and small. Its a Hell for Person who loves Texting.

Loud Speaker
The loud speaker is located on the bottom end of the phone and its very easy to muff it because it is placed right where your fingers would go.
Plus when you put your phone on Loud Speaker while calling, you are not getting anything. The loud speaker is too silent and is not good enough, same goes for the ring tones.
Although this loud speaker has 72 polyphony, but it plays the music in very awkward way, so try it before you buy it.

Screen
The Screen is 320x240 and 2.4" in size. Its very nice and bright and there was not much trouble using in direct sunlight. The screen however is very reflective and attracts a lot of finger prints.

Menu and Home Screen
The Home screen and Menu is typical Sony Ericsson, Except it now supposts themes that can work with Motion Sensor, This works with Menu and Home Screen.
Menu is very basic and old sony ericsson user will find himself at home when using this menu system

Messaging
The messaging software provides all the possibilities that you expect from a SE(Sony Ericsson) Phone, only more more thing, The messaging software is some what laggy and works slower than your hands, If you don't use t9 then you 'll probably hate this phone, The problem get appearant when you turn on music at the back and then type message, the slowness then becomes a huge headache.

Phonebook
Nothing Special here except, this is slow as well, and it can be a huge head ache when driving or when dialing in emergency.

Media
Its a type of File Manager, Only with some limitations, It does not give you complete control over content like traditional File Manager but it put a bit of Cool Factor into it, In Other words Its a Walkman Feature for Music, Pictures, Videos and some Web Contents. It shows files in very cool animation way, and of course it has auto rotate function which aligns the content as you turn your phone in landscape or portrait mode. This function works brilliantly but of course get a bit slow you play song in the background.

Motion Sensor and Apps
This phone has a very effective motion sensor, almost with out lag. As i said before you can put that feature to work with some themes, which is cool. But it has some Apps too. Sad thing is that Sony Ericsson has separate icons for games and Apps, and they are apart too. Games is in full menu but Apps are in Orgnizer.
In Games we got Marble Madness in which you have to guide a marble to the goal by tilting the device in the direction where you wanted it.
In the apps we got Music Mate 4 which uses motion sensor to work as a drum stick and play each instrument by shaking the device in that Device.

Music
Last but not least, The music or should i say, The Walkman feature. It starts from the Media Icon in the main menu. It has a lot features like Sense me and Shake Control. Sense me is a funtion that dedects the level of available songs and devides them in 4 quadrants. 4 arrow heads represent Slow, Fast, Sad, Happy. The level of songs are represent by small dots in the quadrants. SO you select a song and if its the kinda mode you have, the phone will make a automatic playlist by your mood, which is cool but not that practical, Like all the cool things :P.
Of course you can press the 'W' button on the top to activate the shake control and you can shake right to Forward and Left to Reverse the songs or shake a lot to Shuffle the songs.

Sadly This phone, despite being Walkman, does not have hardware sound card, so the quality is not ground breaking, Infact its Just OK and can easily be beaten by some Xpress Music Phone from Nokia, Especially 5310.

Verdict

So here is the verdict, If you are a young dude who just has the phone for fun instead of work, then by all means go for the Sony Ericsson
But if work and efficiency is the first thing on the list then maybe you are off with a cheaper nokia like 6303, al though it looks like an alien.

If you have any questions Please feel free to contact me
mahamza86@hotmail.com

Or leave a comment

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Sony HDR-CX520V and HDR-CX500V Handycam Camcorders


Sony launched a couple of new Handycam camcorders this week. A significant feature of the two new models is the internal flash memory recording media. The new HDR-CX520V features 64GB of internal flash memory, and the HDR-CX500V rings in at 32GB internal storage.

In addition to 1080p HD video capture, the new camcorders can also capture 12-megapixel still images. The HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V, will be available in September for about $1,100 and $1,300 respectively.

More details on these new Handycams is available in Sony’s press release below.

SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2009 – Sony today announced its new HDR-CX520V and HDR-CX500V Handycam® camcorders, which capture full1920×1080 high-definition video and up to 12-megapixel photos on a 64GB or 32GB internal flash memory, respectively, offering up to 25 hours of HD video (LP mode).

“These models combine the best in digital imaging technology, strengthening Sony’s industry leadership and meeting demand for both quality camcorders and HD video,” said Kelly Davis, director of the camcorder business for Sony Electronics. “Expanding our lineup to include Handycam camcorders with large capacity embedded flash memory allows us to offer consumers flexible recording solutions concentrated in a very portable, compact body.”

Advanced Features and Performance

For optimal playback, the HDR-CX520V and HDR-CX500V camcorders feature 60p output, which automatically converts content to 60 progressive frames per second when connected to a compatible high-definition television.

Another notable feature, Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode (which allows a moveable lens element to shift with greater range of motion during camera shake) now offers 3-Way Shake Canceling. This feature reduces hand shake in three directions – vertical and horizontal shake corrected by optical image stabilization and the third, by way of electronic image stabilization, facilitates correction for lateral-roll shake. By employing a wider camera shake correction angle and improved compensation algorithms, blur caused by rolling wrist movements is reduced so users can shoot smoother movie footage on the move.

Prime Functionality

Sony’s powerful BIONZ™ imaging processor is adding a Face Touch function. With Face Touch, users can select a person to be prioritized by the camcorder simply by touching a detected face on the screen.The camcorders prioritize and optimize focus, skin color, and brightness for the selected individual, even if they leave the scene, for the entire recording session. This new feature is a function of Face Detection, which also incorporates Smile Shutter™ technology to capture candid smiling photos while simultaneously recording video. When Face Touch is activated, the Smile Shutter feature only activates automatically in response to the smiles of the selected person.

These models also have a back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS sensor to provide stunning low light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity compared to Sony’s existing front-illuminated CMOS sensor at F2.0. The sophisticated G lens fuses advanced optics and low dispersion aspheric glass elements for accurate color reproduction and sharp, detailed images. A six-blade aperture produces circular “bokeh” defocus effects for creative shooting possibilities.

To effortlessly track your destinations on a map, the camcorder’s built-in GPS antenna and NAVTEQ® digital maps geo-tag your videos and photos. Geo-tagged content is marked by a virtual push pin at each shot location and can be played back on the camcorder map index display on the three-inch (measured diagonally) wide touch panel LCD.

Introducing new technology to down-convert from AVCHD™ to MPEG2, Sony eliminates the need for a PC and allows for simple DVD creation with the optional DVDirect Express (VRD-P1) DVD writer.

When the camcorders are connected to the DVDirect Express (sold separately for around $150) via a USB cable, they will instantly burn HD video footage onto a DVD. The camcorder can even down-convert content and burn DVDs in standard-definition picture quality, providing familyographers a way to “future proof” their memories. The down conversion feature allows owners of standard-definition players to capture video in the highest quality and have the option of playing in standard-definition now or saving HD content for when they upgrade to a Blu-ray disk player at a later time.

Other powerful features include a built-in zoom microphone with Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel surround sound and an instant power-on feature when the LCD is opened that lets you capture the moment without delay. The camcorders’ advanced user interface features a new operation bar, which allows scroll searching for all menu items, and a customizable shortcut menu. Improving upon the Highlight Playback feature that personalizes video footage by generating a video slideshow with theme transitions and background music, Sony introduces Highlight Scenario, which saves up to eight highlight scenes for viewing again later. These models also include Picture Motion Browser software to easily view, edit, organize and upload images to many major video and photo sharing Web sites. Mac users can transfer AVCHD recorded data and edit video clips in HD image quality using iMovie software.

In addition to built-in flash memory, the models can record content to optional Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX media (currently sold separately in capacities up to 16GB, a 32GB card will be available in September). Using Sony’s PRO-HG Duo HX format, consumers can transfer nearly two hours of full high-definition video to a PC in approximately 13 minutes (using supplied adapter).

Price and Availability

The HDR-CX500V and HDR-CX520V, will be available in September for about $1,100 and $1,300 respectively. They will be available at Sony Style® retail stores, online through www.sonystyle.com and at authorized dealers nationwide.


Source PhotographyBay

Friday, July 10, 2009

PENTAX K-7 in Stores now

Hey guys, the wait is over, Pentax will hit Online Shelves in few days, if think this the camera for you, then your wait is over.

For more information about the Pentax K-7 visit Pentax Website

Check out this Video Preview from WhatDigitalCamera



Thursday, July 9, 2009

Nikon's Road map for 2009-10 leaked?

Just recently there's been a buzz around the world of Photography, it maybe possible that the road map by Nikon for 2009-10 is leaked, so i decided to share it with you guys.
Here's what i dug up

____________________________________________________________________

Nikon may have just had a huge cat get out of the bag. Leaks like this don’t happen very often; however, they do happen. If this info, which was posted on a Czech forum is legit, Nikon’s rumor mill is going to be rather boring for the next couple of years.

The forum poster lays out a number of Nikon DSLR bodies and lenses, along with purported release dates for 2009 and 2010. Here’s the summary version of the possibly leaked roadmap:

August 2009

Nikon D3000

  • 12.3 MP
  • 3.5 fps
  • ISO 200-3200 (expandable to ISO 100-6400)
  • 7 AF points (1 cross type)
  • Battery EN-EL9a

Nikon D300s

  • 12.3 MP
  • 7 fps (8.5 fps w/ grip)
  • 14-bit
  • HD video - 1080p at 24 fps, Quicktime MOV, H.264 codec
  • AF fine tuning: -30 to 30
  • CF and SD slots

AF-S DX Nikkor 17-65mm f/3.2-4G ED VR

  • Mid-range zoom
  • Affordable price rangee
  • Possibly D300s kit lens?

October 2009

Nikon D700x

  • 24.5 MP (D3x sensor)
  • 5 fps (6.5 fps w/ grip)
  • HD video - 1080p at 24 fps, Quicktime MOV, H.264 codec

AF-S Nikkor 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • 77mm filter size
  • 610g
  • 7 blade round diaphragm
  • 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements
  • Enhanced contrast detect AF-S mode

AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

  • Upgraded optics
  • VR II for up to 4 stops of handholdability
  • 82mm filter size
  • 1530g
  • Nanocrystal coating
  • Enhanced contrast detect AF-S mode

AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G

  • Revised design
  • Nanocrystal coating
  • Enhanced contrast detect AF-S mode

AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G

  • SWM focus
  • Nanocrystal coating
  • Enhanced contrast detect AF-S mode

Quarter 1, 2010

AF-S Nikkor 14-28mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

  • 77mm filter size
  • Enhanced contrast detect AF-S mode

AF-S Nikkor 120-450mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II

  • VR II for up to 4 stops of handholdability
  • 82mm filter size
  • 1480g
  • Enhanced contrast detect AF-S mode

Quarter 2, 2010

Nikon D4

  • 15.7 MP
  • FX Sensor
  • 1EV sensitivity increase
  • New dNEF raw format
  • Continuous high-speed mode: 11 fps in FX mode, 16 fps w/ double exposure per phase detection AF; 18 fps in DX mode w/ double exposure
  • Dynamic range double exposure mode: 5 fps for dNEF; 3 fps for JPEG (-Ed. it appears that the JPEG mode may make a single composit of the multiple images - can anyone help with the translation?)
  • ISO 200-12800 (expandable to 100-51200)
  • 100 % viewfinder coverage
  • 0.78x viewfinder magnification
  • HD video - 1080p at 30 fps
  • Multi-CAM 4500: 61-point AF
  • Dual histogram for double exposure mode

Nikon D400

  • 13.8 MP
  • DX format
  • 1 EV sensitivity increase
  • 8 fps
  • 10 fps w/ grip
  • 12 fps w/ double exposure per phase detection AF
  • 14 fps w/ grip and double exposure per phase detection AF
  • ISO 200-6400 (expandable to 100-12800)
  • HD video - 1080p at 24 fps
  • Multi-CAM 4500: 61-point AF
  • Dual histogram for double exposure mode

Quarter 3, 2010

Nikon Coolpix P1DX

  • Compact Camera
  • DX format
  • 12.3 MP
  • 28-85mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
  • VR built-in
  • 2.9-inch 920k dot resolution LCD
  • AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4G VR

  • AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/5.6G VR

  • AF-S Nikkor 70-240mm f/3.5-4.5G VR

  • AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/2G DC

  • AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/4G VR

  • AF-S DX Nikkor 60-95mm f/2G VR

  • AF-S DX Nikkor 17-60mm f/2.8G VR

Quarter 4, 2010

Nikon D4x

  • 30.2 MP
  • FX format
  • 1 EV sensitivity increase
  • 6 fps
  • 10 fps w/ double exposure per phase detection AF
  • dNEF raw format
  • ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 50-12800)
  • HD video - 1080p at 30fps

Monday, July 6, 2009

My Brand new phone Sony Ericsson W910i


Hi,
This is Hamza.
Today i bought a brand new Sony Ericsson W910i. Its a cool looking phone and is currently the flag ship of walkman series.
This is the UN-Boxing Video to show you the contents of the box.
In the box i found

-Sony Ericsson W910i Handset
-Memorystick M2 USB card reader
-Charger with port for accessories
-Data Cable
-Hands free with mic and adapter for 3.5mm jack for universal head sets
-Software Disk
-Manuals

Stay connected to spotlogger and you 'll get the review next week.

Leave a Comment or contact me at
mahamza86@hotmail.com

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