Canon EOS 1300D, The Camera For The Smartphone Generation

Canon is back with a brand new entry-level DSLR that aims to bridge the gap between the features afforded by cellphones and the image quality of an SLR. The new Canon EOS 1300D packs an 18MP CMOS sensor and built in Wi-Fi as well as NFC. The latter two combine to make the EOS 1300D the perfect companion for social media savvy photos. Why so? We’ll elaborate on that in a bit but for now let’s focus on the camera bit.

If you’re aware of Canon’s camera pedigree you’ll know that they’re all powered by the Digic series of processors. Now in the 4th generation, the EOS 1300D integrates a DIGIC 4+ processor that is simply faster at processing, focusing and more. Its not just the processor that is faster though. The camera has 9 point autofocus and a center cross type autofocus that will make sure that you’ll be able to keep even fast moving objects right in focus. Sports and more importantly, fast moving objects tend to be amongst the most popular subjects for photography and that has clearly been a key focus area for Canon. The faster autofocus and the Digic 4+ processor make it possible to not just focus on the objects but also shoot burst mode at 3 FPS in JPEG mode.

Moving on, it appears that Canon is keeping a close eye on the latest trends where photographing our food has become just as important as eating it. The EOS 1300D brings with it a Food scene mode in addition to all the regular modes we’ve come to get used to on SLRs. You also get full manual control of course. The expanded ISO range of 100-6400 which can be boosted as high as ISO 12800 means that you’ll be able to get the perfect shot even in those dimly lit restaurants. For those who aren’t aware, ISO essentially refers to how sensitive the camera is to light. Being able to go up to ISO 6400 means that you’ll be able to effectively shoot very low light images. To review the shots, the EOS 1300D gets a higher resolution 3 inch LCD display.

Using the Wi-Fi Connectivity option on the EOS 1300D, you can transfer files between smart devices and the camera through the Canon CameraConnect App, available on the iOS and Android App stores for free. The nifty Remote Shooting feature that works in sync with the Canon CameraConnect App enables users to zoom in and click pictures on the EOS 1300D, through a smart device.

And with the NFC connectivity feature built in into the camera, you can download the app quickly by just touching your Android device to the EOS 1300D. Remote shooting is also useful when trying to take long exposure shots where even the slightest vibration can ruin the image. Being able to control the camera wirelessly from your phone and to be able to frame the shot using a better and larger display is sure to make things exciting for budding photographers.

The Canon EOS1300D is priced at Rs. 29,995 for the body and EF-S 18-55mm IS II kit lens and goes up to Rs. 38,995 for the camera body as well as EF-S 18-55mm IS II and EF-S 55-250mm IS II lenses. The Canon EOS 1300D sounds like the perfect gateway to higher end photography for someone who has been brought on the instant nature of smartphone photography. Thanks to the right balance between both raw image quality that SLRs are known for, flexibility of interchangeable lenses and the smart features brought upon via the Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, the Canon EOS 1300D is perfectly placed to be a path breaking device for amateur photographers.

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Canon Announces Flagship EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Canon has launched the EOS-1D X Mark II, company's new flagship DSLR. It features a new 20.2MP CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF, and uses a pair of Dual DIGIC 6+ processors to capture 4K video and shoot continuously at up to 16 fps. The camera has a native ISO of 100-51200, expandable to 409600.

The Mark II also boasts of a new 61-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 41 cross type sensors, with an improved AI Servo III+ predictive algorithm for better accuracy. The camera has built-in GPS but for Wi-Fi you will need to get the WFT-E8 optional accessory that supports 802.11ac for file transfers to computers or smartphones. It is compatible with both CF and CFast memory cards. All of this packed in a weather sealed magnesium alloy body.

The EOS-1D X Mark II will be available in April for $5999 (body only), or bundled with a 64GB CFast card and reader for $6299.

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Nikon KeyMission 360 Action Camera Launched at CES 2016

Along with the flagship D5 and D500 4K DSLR cameras, Nikon has launched KeyMission 360. It is the the company's first ever action camera and it shoots 360-degree video in 4K. 

Nikon KeyMission 360

According to the blog post, "The Nikon KeyMission 360 features an image sensor and lens on opposite sides of the device, with images from each combining to create a single immersive, ultra-high-definition 360-degree video and still image. A terrific companion for a wide range of travel, sports or when an adventure takes a turn off the beaten path, the camera is designed be easy to use and withstand the elements. Waterproof (approx. 100 ft./30m), and ready to stand up to dust, shock and low temperatures, the KeyMission 360 also features electronic Vibration Reduction (VR), enabled through applications during playback, that reduces the effects of camera shake to help produce sharp and crisp video quality."

Nikon D5, D500 Flagship DSLR Cameras Launched at CES 2016

At the ongoing CES 2016 exhibition in Las Vegas, Nikon has unveiled its long-awaited flagship, the D5. The company formally made an announcement back in November that they are working on the successor to the D4S and as we predicted, it's now officially announced during CES. You'll be able to get your hands on this in March for $6,500 (approximately Rs. 4,33,600), body-only. 

Other than the D5, Nikon also announced a very exciting flagship for its DX-format camera range called the D500. This will be the successor to the D300S and like the D5, will pack in the same Expeed 5 image processor and support 4K video recording. The D500 will also be available this March at a price of $1,999.95 (approximately Rs. 1,34,000) for just the body while a kit with a 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR lens will set you back $ 3,069.95 (approximately Rs. 2,04,800).

Some of the highlights of the D5 includes a new 20.8-megapixel sensor which offers 153 autofocus points. There's the new Expeed 5 image processor which enables high-speed shooting of around 12fps. Native ISO range now stretches to 1,02,400 making it great for low-light photography. You also have support for 4K video recording at 30fps. The D5 sports a 3.2-inch touchscreen display with a 2,359k dot resolution, built-in Ethernet connectivity and dual memory card slots.

The D500 boasts of many of the professional level features of the D5 but in a more compact form factor. It features a new 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, 153-point autofocus system, 4K video recording support and a native ISO range of 100-51,200. You also get a 3.2-inch touchscreen display and dual memory card slots. The camera also supports Nikon's SnapBridge connectivity suite which includes built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC for quickly connecting and sharing pictures with your phones and tablets.

PS : I do not own this post

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, DMC-FZ300 Bridge Cameras Launched in India

Panasonic has just added the Lumix DMC-FZ1000 and the Lumix DMC-FZ300 to its lineup in India, priced at Rs. 45,990 and Rs. 58,990 respectively. Both cameras support 4K video recording and feature Panasonic's wide-angle Leica lens system with Oled viewfinders. The term bridge camera is used to define a class of cameras that sit between SLRs and point-and-shoot, commonly referred to as prosumer or superzoom cameras. 

Both the Pansonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 and the Lumix DMC-FZ300 models offer the option to capture 8-megapixel stills during 4K video recording along with features like 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst S/S (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. There's also Wi-Fi onboard for syncing with smartphones and tablets for sharing the captured image.

The Lumix DMC-FZ1000 packs in a 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor with 16x optical zoom. This being its flagship camera, you also get a 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabiliser and a 5-step speed control system to eliminate any shakes or vibrations while zooming on the move.  Other specifications include an aperture range of f/2.8-4.0, a selection of shooting modes, manual controls for shutter speed, ISO, and aperture and an Oled viewfinder with around 100-percent field of view. 

The Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a rugged bridge camera with a splashproof and dustproof design which makes it ideal for sports and adventure photography. The camera features 24x zoom with full-range f/2.8 aperture. Inside, we have a 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor, 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabiliser, manual controls for parameters like shutter speed, ISO, and a selection of shooting modes.

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Sony a68 SLT Camera With Translucent Mirror, 4D Focus System

Sony Europe unveils a new Alpha-mount camera that belongs to the SLT range. The camera features Sony's 4D Focus system and is compatible with A-mount lenses. The a68 will go on sale in Europe starting March 2016 for roughly EUR 600 (approximately Rs. 42,800) for just the body and EUR 700 (approximately Rs. 50,000) with an 18-55mm, F3.5-5.6 SAM II kit lens.

"The new A68 (ILCA-68) camera from Sony lets enthusiastic photographers discover even more creative opportunities with their precious collection of A-mount lenses," said Sony in a press release. "Inheriting many pro-style features from the acclaimed A77II, the A68 features Sony's unique 4D FOCUS system that delivers extraordinary AF performance under any shooting conditions - even in lighting as low as EV-2 where other cameras struggle."

The a68 continues the use of Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology that allows for constant AF tracking while the camera is shooting at 8 frames per second. The a68 features a 2.7-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 460k dots and can be tilted. You also get an electronic viewfinder, which is an Oled panel with a resolution of 1.4 million dots and offers 100 percent frame coverage. Other features of the a68 include Full HD video recording with continuous AF tracking, a rear control wheel that’s similar to the a7 series, 10 customizable buttons, a front control dial, and a Multi Interface Shoe and Multi Terminal for accessories (e.g. flashes, lights, microphones, and remote commanders). 

Sony touts the new A68 to come equipped with a fixed translucent mirror which allows the camera to perform quick shooting coupled with continuous use of accurate phase detection AF.

"The larger Exmor CMOS image sensor with approximately 24MP provides for high image resolution, delicate tonal gradation and expressive bokeh," said Sony. "And the BIONZ X featuring advanced image reproducing technologies processes vast data from the sensor at high speed for more realistic images." "The duo is a perfect match for shooting in the wide ISO range of 100-25600 and producing beautifully sharp, clear results," Sony added.

Canon Unveils a APS-H-size 250-Megapixel CMOS Camera Sensor

Canon has announced that it has developed an APS-H-size (approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm) CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels (19,580 x 12,600 pixels), the world's highest number of pixels1 for a CMOS sensor smaller than the size of a 35 mm full-frame sensor. The new APS-H CMOS sensor could distinguish an airplane flying at a distance of approximately 18km from the shooting location. 

As per the blog, "With CMOS sensors, increases in pixel counts result in increased signal volume, which can cause such problems as signal delays and slight discrepancies in timing. The new Canon-developed CMOS sensor, however, despite its exceptionally high pixel count, achieves an ultra-high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second, made possible through such advancements as circuit miniaturization and enhanced signal-processing technology. Accordingly, the sensor enables the capture of ultra-high-pixel-count video at a speed of five frames per second. Additionally, despite the exceptionally high pixel count, Canon applied its sensor technologies cultivated over many years to realize an architecture adapted for miniaturized pixels that delivers high-sensitivity, low-noise imaging performance. Video footage captured by the camera outfitted with the approximately 250-megapixel CMOS sensor achieved a level of resolution that was approximately 125 times that of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video and approximately 30 times that of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) video. The exceptionally high definition made possible by the sensor lets users crop and magnify video images without sacrificing image resolution and clarity".

Motorola Updates Camera and Gallery App with New Features

Motorola has updated its Camera and Gallery Apps for Android with some new features. Now the new version of app in the Play Store for Camera app is v5.0.47.7 and Gallery app is v520012.

The new Camera app adds a QR/barcode viewfinder feature that allows the app to recognize and act on QR codes and barcodes, meaning that you don’t have to install a separate app just for that purpose. This feature is supported on the Moto X (2nd Gen.), Moto X Pro, DROID Turbo, Moto Maxx, and Moto Turbo on Android 5.1. This Camera update also includes bug fixes.

The new Gallery app now allows you to move the albums to an SD card. It also lets you organize your photos and videos into albums. 

Download the App from here - Camera || Gallery.

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS With 50x Optical Zoom Launched at Rs. 21,995

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS was recently announced in CES 2015, now it is available in Indian market at a price of Rs. 21,995. The camera comes with a 24-1200mm zoom lens that converts to a 50x optical zoom. The users can snap 3 continuous shots and automatically generates 6 still images applying various compositions and filter effects.

It comes with intelligent image stabilization and the lens has the capability to capture macro shots even as close as 0cm of the subject. The camera can be connected via WiFi and NFC.

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS

Key Features :

• Lens: 50x optical zoom IS (100x ZoomPlus)
• Focal length: 24-1200mm
• Aperture: f/3.4-f/6.5
• Image sensor: 16.0 mega-pixel 1/2.3 type (6.20 x 4.65 mm) CMOS sensor
• Imaging processor: DIGIC 4+
• Maximum video quality: Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps
• Image Stabilizer: Intelligent IS
• HS System
• ISO 3200
• LCD: 7.6 cm (approx. 461, 000dots)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC
• Battery type: NB-6LH

Nikon Launched D5500 DX-Format DSLR With Touchscreen

Nikon D5500

Nikon has launched Nikon D5500, the first DX-format camera with a vari-angle touchscreen. D5500 is Nikon's first DSLR to feature a 3.2-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor with a touchscreen.

Nikon D5500 features a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter(OLPF) in order to render images with finer detail. It has built-in Wi-Fi, Nikon’s 39-point autofocus system with nine cross-type sensors in the centre and continuous shooting speeds of up to 5 frames-per-second. For videos, users can use Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processor which will capture Full HD video clips at frame rates up to 50p/60p.

Users can use the touchscreen to focus and shoot, or adjust settings such as aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. The ‘Touch Fn’ can be used to adjust key settings with a swipe of the finger. You can assign up to eight settings to this button including AF area modes, focus points, aperture and ISO sensitivity.

Key Features :

• Touch Fn function: quickly adjust key settings with a finger swipe when shooting through the viewfinder
• Built in Wi-Fi: easily share impressive photos via a compatible smartphone or tablet
• Fast and powerful EXPEED 4 image processing engine
• Viewfinder: approx. 95% frame coverage with approx. 0.82x magnification
• 10 special effects for still images and movies, 16 Scene Modes
• Vari-angle monitor: large 8.1-cm (3.2-in.) LCD with wide-viewing angle and high 1,037k-dot resolution
• Improved contrast-detect AF: 20% faster than the D5300 when shooting in Live View
• Creative tools: retouch menu, bracketing functions, HDR photography, interval timer shooting, vignette control
• Expandable system: Compatible with the full range of NIKKOR DX-format lenses and specific Nikon Speedlights
• Compatible with the WR-R10/WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers
• Built-in stereo microphone: and compatibility with Nikon’s ME-1 Stereo Microphone
• Full HD movies: at 1080/50/60p and Full HD/60p output supported
• Picture Control 2.0: invaluable tools for shooting photos and movies just the way you want. Includes the new Flat setting for maximum dynamic range

The Nikon D5500 price tag will be the following:

Nikon D5500 body only (Black or Red): £639.99 / €799.00
Nikon D5500 body and 18-55 VR II lens (Black or Red): £719.99 / €899.00
Nikon D5500 18-140mm VR (Black): £899.99 / €1129

A Nikon D5500 release date is scheduled for 5 February 2015.

Kodak to launch an Android based photography focused smartphone at CES 2015

Kodak is planing to launch its first smartphone in a range of Android mobile devices at CES 2015. Kodak has partnered with mobile device manufacturer Bullitt Group.

The handset would be photography-centric and would offer high end photo software’s and features which can be used for taking, storing and printing photos. The smartphone will come with pre-installed software for clicking, sorting and printing images, along with a unique user interface. The company stated in a press release that the smartphone will offer “the latest Android OS and features found on high-end smartphones”.

Oliver Schulte, CEO, Bullitt Mobile, said, “Kodak is one of the world’s most recognizable brands. It is trusted by consumers as a marque of quality and innovation. We've taken that heritage and used it to inspire a range of beautifully designed devices that will let users take great pictures and edit, share, store and print them in an instant.”