For the moment (8:09 p.m. ET), the Nikon D700 kit is in stock at B&H Photo. Unfortunately, the body only option is not available at B&H yet.
Here’s the links to B&H Photo:
It’s probably time to start perusing some of the other vendors too. Here’s PB’s collection of pre-order links to the Nikon D700:
Unquestionably the most futuristic camera of 2008, the Casio EXILIM EX-F1 offers unparalleled capabilities in both still and video shooting. We expect respectable digital SLRs today to take roughly three photos per second. The EX-F1 can take 60 full-resolution pictures in a second. It can even shoot 7 frames per second while firing the flash with each shot.
The ability to shoot video clips is standard on most compact cameras today, and a few even venture into the realm of 720p "high-definition." The EX-F1, though shoots both standard-definition video and full 1920 x 1080 true high-definition video. And for its most jaw-dropping trick, it offers super-slow-motion shooting at up to 1200 frames per second – in other words, you get to watch a moment in time slowed down by a factor of twenty. At that rate, when you burst a balloon full of water, you see the water hesitate before realizing gravity wants it to splatter. Flicking a butane lighter becomes a Tarantino-esque slow-motion dance of spark and flame.
We learned in January, at the Consumer Electronics Show, that the EX-F1 would deliver these extraordinary capabilities, thanks to a new high-speed CMOS sensor paired with a fast LSI processor. It took a full six months before the company could deliver a production model so we could determine how well any or all of these features actually performed. After working with the camera for a few weeks, both in the labs and shooting out on the streets, we’re excited, but with reservations. The ultra-slow-motion video gets lots of attention, but the gee-whiz appeal faded after a day or two. The killer feature turns out to be rapid-fire photography. The ability to shoot continuously anywhere from 1 to 60 frames per second lets you catch the perfect sports moment, or baby’s smile, or animal zipping across your field of view. That said, still mage quality is good but not great, and the video can’t equal dedicated camcorder output, though most casual users will probably be satisfied with the results. Our complete report, including hands-on experience and lab results, follows.
[http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Casio-EXILIM-EX-F1-Digital-Camera-Review-18683.htm]
Neocamera has posted a review of the Canon Powershot A590 IS.
The Canon Powershot A590 IS proved to be an excellent compact digital camera. With a well-rounded feature set including full-manual controls, image stabilization and unlimited continuous shooting, plus use of readily available AA batteries and chear SD (and SDHC) memory, the A590 is one of the best digital camera values currently available.
via photographybay.com
Press Release:
The Imaging Source, an international manufacturer of imaging hardware and software for astronomy, is now offering amateur astro-photographers a series of highly affordable, low noise telescope cameras to capture high quality images of the night sky.
The telescope cameras ship in blue and black anodized aluminium and zinc housing, measure 50 mm x 56 mm and weigh only 260 g. The included nose piece is mounted onto a C/CS mount on the front of the telescope camera. On the rear, a USB 2.0 or FireWire connector is available (model specific). A threaded tripod adapter on the bottom rounds off the exterior of the telescope camera.
Monochrome and color types are available with and without an IR cut filter in three resolutions: 640x480, 1024x768 and 1280x960. The cameras deploy low noise CCD chips from Sony, which have an exposure time of up to 60 minutes and a maximum frame rate of up to 60 fps.
The telescope cameras ship with the camera control and acquisition software "IC Capture.AS", which allows image sequences and singular images to be saved to disk. Furthermore, using the highly intuitive graphical user interface, all camera parameters, such as exposure, sensitivity and frame rate, can be set.
In the British magazine "Astronomy Now", Nick Howes wrote:
"The Imaging Source have delivered cameras and software that offer the serious Solar System imager a product which will deliver outstanding results for years to come."
Similarly, in the American magazine "Sky & Telescope", Sean Walker wrote:
"The Imaging Source [CCD imager] is a well-designed, versatile camera that is a natural progression for planetary astro-photographers looking to upgrade from a consumer webcam. The camera control software IC Capture.AS seems to be a mature program itself, complementing the camera perfectly."
There is no Nikon D4. Even the Nikon D3x isn't out yet.
It's easy to predict Nikon's new products, since they update them on a regular schedule.
Let's look at history. Looking at announce, not ship dates:
D1: June 1999.
D2H (there was never a D2): July 2003. That's 4 years.
D3: August 2007. That's 4 years.
This sets a D4 announcement for the summer of 2011, 4 years after the announcement of the D3. The D4 ought to start shipping in the fall or winter of 2011, with the D4x anounced at the end of 2012 and shipping mid-2013.
This is all easy to predict when you sit back and look at what Nikon's done in the past. For pro film SLRs, the interval between major updates has been 10 years ever since 1959.
From the Newsdesk
3-D display technology has had an on-again/off-again relationship with the film industry for decades, but has never established itself on the small screen. Modern technology has made 3-D broadcasting a more realistic proposition, but there's currently no standardized method for how such content should be formatted, processed, and displayed. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers intends to tackle this problem, and has given the problem over to the newly formed 3-D Home Display Formats Task Force.
The stated goal of the task force is to develop a standard that will allow 3-D programming to be played "on all fixed devices in the home, no matter the delivery channel." The group will first explore what technology is required in order for 3-D content to play over the variety of devices available in the home, and plans to issue a report on its findings within six months. When the group refers to playback on all fixed devices, they mean it—the report will cover cable, satellite, and over-the-air broadcasting, as well as packaged media (DVDs, Blu-ray). A variety of display mediums will be evaluated as well, including "televisions, computer screens, and other tethered displays." Presumably, this includes plasma, LCD, and standard televisions, as well as displays based on OLED technology.
Once this initial document is finished, it will form the basis of what's to become the SMTP 3-D standard. The task force holds its first meeting on August 19, at the Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California, and the event will feature multiple product and technology demonstrations, as well as a discussion of the development group's goals and aims. If any of you are planning to attend, feel free to drop us a line and let us know.
The prospect of 3-D technology gaining traction in the home entertainment market is both bane and boon to Hollywood studios. On the one hand, there's nothing that would make Hollywood happier than selling us all of our old favorites again, but this time, in AMAZING 3-D ACTION. Not all films benefit from a 3D makeover, and 2D-3D film conversion is still problematic, but industry heads clearly think the idea has potential. George Lucas' upcoming Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated movie will be released in 3-D on August 15, and the director himself has expressed interest in doing a 3-D version of the previous Star Wars movies.
The problem with pushing 3-D technology into the home, from Hollywood's perspective, is that it gives people yet another reason to stay home, instead of driving to a theater. Recent 3-D movies have done quite well, and Hollywood has picked up on that. Big-screen TVs and 7.1 surround sound systems have made it increasingly difficult for the movie industry to entice people to pay for the "theater experience," and the industry would undoubtedly be unhappy to see the potential 3-D cash cow handed off to the small screen before it has been well and thoroughly milked.
The transition may be inevitable, but writing a new standard, building support for it, and putting actual compatible hardware on store shelves are all processes that will take time. Until it happens, the movie industry will push the 3-D angle for as much as it's worth, while simultaneously perfecting their own conversion technologies.
Siu Han, Taipei; Rodney Chan, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 22 July 2008]
Taiwan-based light engine maker Young Optics has announced that it has signed an agreement with Jabil Circuit for the licensing of the field lens architecture used in optical modules for the projector business.
Young Optics said its Kunshan, China subsidiary has executed an asset purchase agreement with Jabil Circuit (Wuxi), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jabil. As part of the agreement Young Optics will be awarded a license for the field lens architecture, a patented technology owned by Sypro Optics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jabil.
The agreement is expected to become effective July 30, 2008 pending government authorities' approval, upon completion of the legal asset transfer procedure, Young Optics said.
"Jabil will partner with Young Optics to meet the needs of its customers with optical module manufacturing requirements," said Albrecht Richter, managing director of Sypro Optics. "Jabil will focus on our customers' requirements for highly integrated product solutions in the mobile projection and industrial/digital signage segments and rely on Young Optics as a provider of projection optics."
The agreement offers Young Optics the opportunity to serve Jabil and Sypro with optical components and modules for a variety of products, said Claude Hsu, president of the Taiwan maker.
Neocamera has posted a review of the Nikon D60.
The Nikon D60 is a simple DSLR, yet it remains versatile due to its selection of lenses, wide ISO range and full manual controls.
Trusted Reviews has posted a review of the Canon EOS 450D. The new EOS 450D (aka Digital Rebel XSi) kit comes with an stabilized 18-55mm lens. Canon’s entry-level DSLR now features a 3″ rear LCD panel that’s capable of Live View framing and focusing.
As usual with Canon’s CMOS-sensored DSLRs noise control is exemplary. There is almost no noise up to 400 ISO, and shots at 800 ISO - the maximum setting in auto mode - are also perfectly usable. Pushing it up to 1600 ISO produces some noise, particularly in darker areas, but thanks to the way Canon applies noise reduction it looks very much like film grain, not an unattractive effect.
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON PHTOGRAPHYBLOG by Mark Goldstein.
Eye-Fi have added two new online sites where users can upload their photos - Adobe Photoshop Express and Nikon’s myPicturetown. In addition, you can also now purchase Eye-Fi Cards from any Circuit City store in the USA. “The integration of Adobe Photoshop Express and my Picturetown adds two rich online photo options – from two of the best brands in digital photography – to the Eye-Fi Service. And, the addition of Circuit City stores is a major step in the expansion of this new category being created by Eye-Fi.” said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. The Eye-Fi family of products range in price from $79-$129.
Eye-Fi Press Release
EYE-FI EXPANDS SERVICE WITH ADOBE PHOTOSHOP EXPRESS AND NIKON’S MY PICTURETOWN AND ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE RETAIL AVAILABILITY AT CIRCUIT CITY New relationships offer effortless image uploads for editing, sharing and storing memories and an expansion of retail locations for purchase
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, July 22, 2008 - Eye-Fi Inc., makers of the world’s first wireless memory card for digital cameras, today announced new online photo sharing partnerships with Adobe and Nikon and its first nationwide retailer Circuit City.
Images stored on Eye-Fi Cards will now wirelessly upload to Adobe® Photoshop® Express and Nikon’s my Picturetown, enabling consumers to easily get their digital memories to destinations that provide a rich photo editing, sharing and storing experience. In addition, Eye-Fi Cards are now available at each of Circuit City’s more than 600 retail stores nationwide and on the Circuit City Web site.
“Expanding our partnerships to include more interactive sites is important to digital photo enthusiasts and to Eye-Fi,” said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. “The integration of Adobe Photoshop Express and my Picturetown adds two rich online photo options – from two of the best brands in digital photography – to the Eye-Fi Service. And, the addition of Circuit City stores is a major step in the expansion of this new category being created by Eye-Fi.”
Eye-Fi users can automatically upload images to Adobe Photoshop Express, a new Web-based solution that allows users to store up to two gigabytes of images for free, edit photos and share them in creative ways. The online experience allows anyone to easily show off digital photos with eye-catching effects and bypass the initial hassle of uploading photos by using the Eye-Fi Card.
“Together, Eye-Fi and Adobe provide the easiest way for everyday snapshooters to get their images directly from their digital cameras into Adobe Photoshop Express, where it’s simple and fun for anyone to organize, edit, store and share their pictures online, no software download required,” said Geoff Baum, Director of Photoshop Express at Adobe. “Enabling Eye-Fi-powered image uploading makes a great Adobe Photoshop Express experience even better for our users.”
Earlier this year, Eye-Fi announced that Nikon enhanced its D60 Digital SLR camera for the Eye-Fi Card. Photographers can now select Nikon’s my Picturetown as a destination for their full-resolution digital images to be stored and shared. The service offers users new ways to enjoy digital images “anytime, anywhere” by organically linking digital cameras, the Internet, computers, mobile phones and now, the Eye-Fi Card.
Eye-Fi also announced expanded retail availability at Circuit City stores nationwide and on http://www.circuitcity.com.
“The Eye-Fi Card is a good example of how new technology and a new approach can redefine a mature category and make it even more valuable and convenient for the consumer. Circuit City customers regularly come to us to seek out products that simplify their lives, and the Eye-Fi Card does just that,” said Ann Saulsbury, imaging buyer of Circuit City.
Eye-Fi has garnered numerous awards, including PC World’s “The 100 Best Products of 2008” and Yahoo! Tech’s “Last Gadget Standing 2008.” The Eye-Fi family of products range from $79-$129 MSRP and are PC and Mac compatible. For more information, please visit http://www.eye.fi.
About Eye-Fi
Founded in 2005, the company is dedicated to building products and services that help consumers navigate, nurture and share their visual memories. Eye-Fi’s patent-pending technology works with Wi-Fi networks to automatically send photos from a digital camera to online, in-home and retail destinations. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., the company’s investors include Opus Capital and Shasta Ventures. More information is available at http://www.eye.fi.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX(R) compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN(R) digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
About Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Circuit City Stores, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics and related services. At May 31, the domestic segment operated through 687 Superstores and 9 outlet stores in 158 U.S. media markets. At May 31, the international segment operated through 775 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates Web sites at http://www.circuitcity.com, http://www.thesource.ca and http://www.firedog.com.
Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2008
By Andrew Alexander
(Monday, July 21, 2008 - 16:50 EDT)
The Canon 24mm f/2.8 is a small wide-angle lens, first introduced by Canon in 1988. It uses a design of 10 lens elements in separate groups, however, the use of rear lens cell focusing improves AF performance by not requiring the movement of many elements.
Canon's come a long way since 1988, as the sharpness profile for the 24mm f/2.8 will attest. Wide-open performance exhibits quite a bit of corner softness, on both sub- and full-frame camera bodies.
Click here for our review of this lens.
Panasonic HDC-SD100 : The camcorder market is moving swiftly to high definition. Superior image quality is now a must, and many consumers are also demanding higher-level features - such as image-creating capabilities that are a rank above the conventional. For these users Panasonic introduces a new full-HD 3MOS model - the Panasonic HDC-SD100 - with manual functions that give users the power to create dramatic, artistic images. The new Panasonic SD100 also features the world's first 3MOS system, newly developed by Panasonic based on 3CCD technology that is renowned for excellent colour reproduction. With its expanded light-receiving areas, the MOS sensor is also significantly improves image quality, even in low lighting.
Panasonic SD100 camcorder - 3MOS system
The new Panasonic HDC-SD100 delivers an AAA (triple A) performance in all aspects of use - image quality, functions, and operating ease. The Panasonic SD100 boasts the 3MOS system, newly developed by Panasonic based on its popular 3CCD technology. The three MOS sensors process the red, green, and blue components of incoming light separately, so colour reproduction is superb. These sensors also have about double the light-receiving area of CCD sensors, so image quality when shooting in low light is much higher.
Panasonic HDC-SD100 - High definition and Software
The new Panasonic HDC-SD100 features manual controls that gives users the freedom to create the kind of expressive, highly customised images that are simply not possible with automatic functions. With the world's first iA (intelligent Auto) functions, the Panasonic SD100 makes it easy for users to capture beautiful, mistake-free images every time. The Panasonic HDC-SD100 makes it easier than ever to edit high-definition moving pictures on a PC. The camcorder comes packaged with HD Writer 2.6 software for Windows, and also support iMovie '08 for Apple Macintosh, which let users directly edit the high-quality full-HD moving pictures they capture with their camcorders.
Panasonic HDC SD100 video camera - SD and SDHC memory cards
The Panasonic SD100 is highly resistant to impact because it records onto SD and SDHC memory cards and thus has no moving mechanism. This plus the compact size make the Panasonic HDC-SD100 ideal for casual, walk-about shooting fun. After a day of shooting, users can simply take the SD Memory Card from the Panasonic SD100 and slip it into the card slot on a Panasonic PZ800, PZ700 or PY700 VIERA TV, or a BD50 or BD30 Blu-ray Disc Player, and enjoy easy, instant large-screen viewing of stunning HD images.
Panasonic HD camcorder - AVCHD video format and Blu-ray
The Panasonic HDC-SD100 uses the advanced AVCHD video format to record 1920 x 1080 images in breathtaking full-HD quality. The new model features Panasonic’s newly developed 3MOS system based on the company’s renowned 3CCD technology. The 3MOS system uses separate sensors to process the three different colour components of the incoming light (red, green and blue), so colour expression is superb. Each sensor also has about twice the light-receiving area of a CCD sensor, so low-light shooting performance is much improved too. Users will find it easy to capture beautiful HD images with the Panasonic SD100 and copies them to DVD discs for quick, convenient playback. A Panasonic VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) can be used to burn HD images onto a DVD disc in the original AVCHD format; no need to use a PC. The copied DVD discs can then be easily played with the VW-BN1 and sent via the Panasonic SD100 to a large-screen TV for viewing in high definition without use of a Blu-ray Disc player or similar device.
Panasonic HDC-SD100 digital camcorder - Acoustic presence and Focus mic
The new Panasonic HDC-SD100 boasts an outstanding 5.1-channel sound system with five microphones that capture extremely high-quality audio with a true-to-life acoustic presence. Play back SD100 recordings on a good surround sound system, and it feels as if you’re right in the scene. The camcorder features a Zoom Mic function in which the microphones' range is linked to the operation of the zoom lens. It also has a Focus Mic function that focuses on sounds from sources in the area in front of the camcorder, regardless of whether the lens is focusing on a near or distant object. The Panasonic HDC-SD100 also has jacks for connecting an external mic and headphones. These can be useful for capturing (and, in the case of the headphones, monitoring) sounds that typically are difficult for an internal mic to pick up, such as birds singing or the gentle murmur of a stream. When played on a good large-screen HDTV with a capable audio system, recordings made with the SD100 provides an image-and-sound experience that is truly spectacular.
Panasonic SD100 HD camcorder - Colour components and Imaging elements
A trio of advanced technologies - the 3MOS sensor, HD Crystal Engine and new Leica Dicomar lens - helps the SD100 delivers the superior images demanded by full-HD 1920 x 1080 recording. The Panasonic SD100 features the 3MOS sensor, newly developed by Panasonic based on its proven 3CCD technology. In a 3MOS system, light passing through the lens is split into its three primary colour components (red, green and blue), and the signal from each is processed by one of the three MOS circuits. Compared with a conventional 1MOS, Panasonic's new 3MOS system captures more vibrant, true-to-life colours, greater detail and richer gradation. Also, the MOS sensor’s light-receiving area is about double that of a CCD sensor, so sensitivity is higher. This high-precision imaging element is first in the world to shoot in lighting as low as 2 lux. It helps the Panasonic HDC-SD100 capture exceptionally clear, bright images.
Leica Dicomar lens system - Multi coating
Photographers around the world have long known Leica Camera AG as a maker of superb cameras and lenses. In our digital era, Leica optical technology has combined with Panasonic technology to create the renowned Leica Dicomar lens. Now the lens has advanced even further. The Leica Dicomar lens system used in the Panasonic SD100 comprises 12 lenses in 9 groups, including aspherical lenses to improve resolution and contrast and an LD (low-dispersion) lens to prevent colour bleeding. Also, a special multi-coating process is applied to all lens elements to minimise chromatic aberration, so images are crisp, clear, and free of flare and ghosting. The use of a highly-refractive lens also made it possible to have both 12x zoom power and a compact body.
Panasonic HDC SD100 - HD Crystal Engine
To maximise the capabilities of the new HD-level 3MOS sensor featured in the Panasonic SD100, Panasonic further enhanced the renowned Crystal Engine image processor. The result is the HD Crystal Engine. A noise reduction circuit combines with the Intelligent Contrast Control circuit to boost image quality while reducing power consumption. The dynamic range is also about twice that in previous Panasonic models, which helps prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows and allows more natural colour expression. Offering both higher image quality and longer battery life, the HD Crystal Engine takes camcorder performance to new heights.
Panasonic Advanced Optical Image Stabilization
In Panasonic's Advanced O.I.S., gyrosensors detect hand-shake and a lens unit shifts to correctly align the optical axis, so that images are sharp and blur-free. This happens at a remarkable rate of 4,000 times per second. Now the compensation area has been almost tripled compared with previous systems, so even very significant hand-shake is corrected. Users can capture clear, sharp images even when shooting long-distance zoom shots, where hand-shake is typically a big concern. Because Panasonic’s system is optical, there is no loss of quality - images are captured in their full original beauty. Advanced O.I.S. is truly necessary in an age when large-screen, high-resolution TVs can make even minor blurring a major problem.
Panasonic HDC-SD100 intelligent operation
The Manual Ring is provided for users who want more creative freedom in their image production. In the Panasonic SD100, users can enjoy precise, responsive fingertip control over five key settings - zoom, focus, iris, shutter speed, and white balance. The On-Screen Assist function displays a guide for exposure compensation. There are different assist guides - Zebra Pattern, Brightness Level, and Histogram. These help the user determine the brightness level - and make the adjustments desired - with a precision not possible by simply looking at the image on the LCD. A world's first, the iA function offered on the Panasonic HDC-SD100 automatically activates several convenient shooting functions at once. These include Advanced O.I.S., which compensates for hand-shake to eliminate blurring; Face Detection, which adjusts the exposure so faces are captured perfectly; and Intelligent Contrast Control, which helps ensure proper contrast. Also included is the Intelligent Scene Selector, which determines the shooting conditions and automatically selects the Scene setting that will provide optimal results. For example, it can determine and choose the proper Scene setting when the user is shooting ocean or mountain landscapes, people's faces, low-light scenes (indoors or out), and scenes such as stages illuminated with spotlights where bright and dark areas both exist.
Panasonic SD100 digital HD camcorder - Face detection and Contrast control
This function automatically adjusts the exposure, contrast, skin complexion effect, and focus so that faces are captured perfectly, using the face of the person nearest the centre of the frame as a reference. Face Detection helps ensure that faces are clear, easy to see and not lost in the shadows - even in situations with backlighting or low lighting. With Face Detection, there's no need to use different correction functions in different shooting situations. Face Detection can detect up to 15 faces in a frame. This intelligent function continually measures the ambient light intensity and adjusts the contrast as it changes. Providing control over a wide range of lighting conditions, Intelligent Contrast Control helps prevent a washed-out look in bright parts of an image and black-outs in shadowy parts. Images can be captured with natural nuances and contrast. Even when shooting toward the light source, Intelligent Contrast Control captures true-to-life pictures with outstanding depth.
Panasonic digital HD camcorder - Color and Cinema
Switch the power on and the SD100 is in recording standby and ready to shoot in just 1.9 seconds. This not only makes it easier to catch spur-of-the-moment shots, it also saves battery time. Users can also choose the 0.6-sec Quick Start mode, in which the power turns on or off when you open or close the LCD. All around the world there is a steadily growing trend toward large-screen, high-image-quality televisions and high-definition (HD) broadcasting. For camcorders, the ability to record HD images will soon be considered essential. Full-HD recording, with its total of 2,070,000 pixels, provides exceptional image details. And in the Panasonic SD100, full-HD and Panasonic's advanced 3MOS system team up to let users capture their own sharp, clear images with exquisite beauty. The Digital Cinema Colour mode automatically switches the camcorder to the optimum setting for the Digital Cinema Colour mode of the VIERA plasma TV series. Colours recorded in this mode look richer than those recorded using the conventional Panasonic standard. For example, the subtle shades of red and gold in flowers, and the greens of leafy trees are remarkably true to life.
Panasonic HDC-SD100 - Playback and Surround sound system
The Intelligent Shooting Selection playback function automatically detects scenes that have serious flaws - such as images that are completely out of focus or shots of the ground taken inadvertently - and automatically skips them during playback. Viewers see only high-quality, mistake-free moving images. The Panasonic SD100 features a 5.1-channel surround sound system with 5 microphones. When their recordings are played on a 5.1-channel home cinema system, viewers are surrounded by clear, detailed sound that makes them feel as if they are right in the middle of the action. A Zoom Mic function links the microphone's action to the camera's action. When zooming in on a bird in the distance, for example, the microphones also zoom in and record the bird's chirping. There is also a Focus Mic function that picks up the sounds from sources in the area in front of the camcorder, regardless of whether the lens is focusing on a near or distant object.
Panasonic SD100 - Headphone jack and Resolution
The SD100 is equipped with jacks to connect an external mic and headphones. An external mic can be useful for capturing the types of sounds that are typically difficult to pick up with an internal mic, such as birds singing or the soft murmur of a stream. Headphones make it easier to monitor what the mic is picking up, so you can make sure that voices and other important sounds are being captured clearly. The High Speed Burst shooting function lets the camcorder snap up to 25 consecutive 2.1-MB resolution still images in a second, or up to about 72 consecutive shots in 3 seconds. This can be used to analyse a golf swing, tennis stroke or other motion. It can also be used to get good shots of subjects in fast motion. The user can fire off a number of shots without stopping, then keep the best ones and delete the rest.
Panasonic camcorder SD100 - LCD monitor and VIERA link
The SD100 incorporates an LCD that has 300,000 dots and a wide 170-degree viewing angle both vertically and horizontally. The wider viewing angle is a big advantage in high-angle and low-angle shooting. It's a big advantage in playback too, allowing several people at the same time to enjoy viewing the video clip that was just recorded. The brightness of the LCD can be set to either of two levels to match the ambient light condition. At the brighter setting, the LCD provides clear, easy viewing even when shooting outdoors on a sunny day. The SD100 is compatible with Panasonic's VIERA Link. Connect either one to a VIERA TV via an HDMI cable, and operate the camcorder using the TV remote control and following on-screen prompts. This adds extra ease and convenience to the fun of viewing full-HD videos.
Panasonic SD100 - Memory card and HD images
The SDHC/SD Memory Card can simply be taken from the SD100 and slipped into the card slot of a Panasonic PZ800, PZ700 or PY700 VIERA TV, or a BD50 or BD30 Blu-ray Disc Player, to view full-HD images recorded in the AVCHD format. Most people use their camcorders for three main purposes: to shoot, play back, and archive video recordings. They want each of these to be as easy as possible. The Panasonic SD100 is equipped with a number of functions designed to do exactly that. In the past, copying video recordings from an SDHC/SD Memory Card or a hard disk to a DVD disc was a two-step process that involved transferring the data to a PC, then copying from PC to disc. The Panasonic HDC-SD100 does away with all that, thanks to a one-touch function that makes it easy to copy video recordings onto DVD discs for easy playback and storage. Connecting the SD100 via USB cable to a VW-BN1 DVD Burner (optional) and pressing a single button is all it takes to copy recorded video clips from an SDHC/SD Memory Card or hard disk to a DVD disc (DVD-RAM/-RW/-R/-R DL) in the original AVCHD format. The copied DVD can be played by the DVD burner, so exciting, large-screen images in HD quality can be viewed by simply connecting the DVD burner to the SD100, and then connecting the SD100 to an HDTV.
Panasonic camcorder software
The new Panasonic SD100 comes packaged with software that makes it easy to edit the full-HD images recorded onto either an SD Memory Card or the hard disk drive. Using HD Writer 2.6 software together with the camcorder's Intelligent Shooting Selection Playback function, scenes determined to be seriously flawed (for example, from overly severe hand-shake or backlighting) are automatically extracted. The user can then delete them easily, without the usual troublesome operation. HD Writer 2.6 also lets the user specify which image files are uploaded to the PC, eliminating the bother and waste of time that occurs with programs that automatically upload all scenes, including the ones you don’t want. HD Writer 2.6 even remembers which image files have been uploaded to the PC, so there is no worry about uploading the same file again later. This is convenient when users have recorded large amounts of data on a memory card or hard drive and upload it over several sessions. When copying images to a DVD disc, users can select either the full-HD AVCHD format or the DVD-Video format. Use AVCHD for images that will be viewed using a Blu-ray Disc player, and DVD-Video (standard-definition) for discs that will be played on a DVD player.
Posted by Lori Grunin on Crave.com
iVis HG21
(Credit: Canon)
Canon today unveiled two new AVCHD camcorder models that will be available in Japan in September for the Japanese equivalent of about $1,300. The iVis models--the overseas version of the Vixia brand--will include an addition to the HF line of flash-based camcorders and a replacement for the HG10 hard-disk based unit.
IVis HF11
(Credit: Canon)
The HF11 is a higher-end line mate for the popular HF10; it adds a higher bit-rate 24Mbps recording mode and an increase to 32GB built-in flash memory, up from 16GB. The hard-disk-based HG21 has the same innards as the HF10/11 and gets a boost to the 12x zoom lens from the HF series. It also gets a bump to a 60GB hard disk--to hold all those large 24Mbps bit-rate files--1,920x1,080 resolution, and the ability to record video to
Just posted! Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D review
Tuesday, 22 July 2008 17:30 GMT
Just Posted! Our review of the Canon EOS Rebel XS / EOS 1000D. The latest entry-level DSLR from Canon has a lot to live up to and some fierce competition to face so can the baby Rebel make as big an impact on the market as its forebears. And, more importantly, does it deserve to? Read our in-depth review to find out.
Click here to read their full, in-depth review of the Canon EOS Rebel XS / EOS 1000D
Thom Hogan has posted a review of the Nikon D3.
The D3 is near state-of-the-art at 12mp. Thus, the D3 is a respectable landscape camera. By respectable I mean that you can push landscapes up to the maximum size a desktop inkjet prints and get excellent detail.
bla-bla-bla. BTW, Mr.Thom is the author of Nikon cameras guides. Check it out!
CamTim is a simple electronic circuit hack that allows any digital camera (with a remote) to be used for time-lapse photography of nature (moonrises or sunsets for example), continuous shooting of an event or for monitoring applications including research and security applications etc.
CamTim can also be used in an external trigger mode, where the trigger can come from a wireless source (using ZigBee modules) or from an external sensor operating on TTL voltages. This is especially handy for bird and wildlife photography.
So how does the CamTim work? 
The CamTim consists of a set of switches to select the camera delay, a microcontroller to read the switch values and generate a pulse train, and an interface circuit to periodically close the camera's remote switch.
Switches in the CamTim board are set to select the camera trigger delay from 20us to 40 minutes (the maximum delay is customizable to several days). A microcontroller (PIC16F84A) reads the switch settings and loops indefinitely to trigger a solenoid that then triggers the camera's remote control. Note that an amplifier is required to drive the solenoid and a diode is required across the solenoid to prevent back-emfs from reaching the mcu. A good design should probably include an opto-coupler to isolate the mcu from the solenoid. 
Once the electronics and code is complete, its a simple matter to open the camera's remote control, and find out where the PCB traces from the switch go. In the adjoining figure, the two connections of the camera switch are tapped near the black chip near the bottom right corner of the PCB (click on image to enlarge).
Afterword: A cheaper solution is probably to use a 555 chip. But the 555 solution suffers from many problems including poor adaptibility and inability to create anything other than simple square wave pulse trains at a single frequency. On the other hand, a mcu-based solution such as this would allow a variety of frequencies, would relieve the user of the burden of carrying a bunch of resistances or a multi-meter to measure one and calculate the time-period. Furthermore, complex pulse patterns can be programmed into the mcu. For example, a pulse-train with an arithmetic progression of delays is an easy reach. Crucially, the mcu can be used to interface with wireless devices for remote triggering and with sensors for proximity triggering.
This Tokina 11-16mm lens is compatible with DSLR's which feature APS-C sized sensors and really sets a new standard for speed and sharpness in digital SLR lenses, featuring a fast f/2.8 aperture for better photography in low-light situations. 
The lens is based on the highly rated AT-X 124 PRO DX and it shares many of its predecessor's qualities, such as superb build quality. The AT-X 116 PRO DX has a slightly shorter zoom range than the AT-X 124 PRO DX to maintain optical quality at wide apertures.
The AT-X 116 PRO DX boasts Tokina's exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism. This groundbreaking feature allows the photographer to switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus by simply snapping the focus ring forward for Auto and back towards the camera to focus manually.
Kenro Managing Director, Paul Kench says, "We are really excited about this new lens as it allows the photographer to achieve all the impact of really wide angle images without the usual bending at the edges that a fish-eye lens gives. Those looking for a lens that will add something special to their photos, even in low lighting conditions, will be impressed with the image and build quality, especially at this price point."
The lens is available with either a Canon (TOK120) or a Nikon (TOK119) mount with
the RRP of £489.99 Inc VAT.
Technical data for AT-X 116 PRO DX:
Mount availability: Canon and Nikon APS-C
Focal length: 11 - 16mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Optical construction: 13 elements in 11 groups.
Coatings: Multi-layer
Angle of view: 104°~82°
Minimum focus distance: 0.3m
Reproduction Ratio: 1:11.6
Focusing Mode: Internal Focusing
Zoom Mode: Rotary Zoom
No. Aperture blades: 9
Filter Size: 77mm
Lens length : 89.2mm
Lens Hood: BH-777
Weight: 560g
Accessories: Flower design Bayonet lens hood (BH77A)
A new Forum for Tokina users has been set-up at, www.tokinausers.co.uk. This free-to-use online community allows all Tokina lens users to share their experience using the lenses and offer tips to their peers. There is also the facility for users to upload their photographs taken with Tokina lenses.
Kenro are the official UK distributors for Tokina lenses. See the Kenro site for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.
: Panasonic introduces the Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital still camera, featuring a 27mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with an 18x optical zoom. Joining Panasonic’s popular FZ series of cameras that pack a high-powered zoom into a compact body, the Panasonic FZ28 also boasts 10.1 megapixel resolution and adds a number of enhanced features that boost user fun and convenience, represented by an advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. The super-powerful 18x zoom lens makes it easy to pull in subjects from far away or to take dramatic close-ups. For an added boost, zoom power can be increased to 32.1x with the Extra Optical Zoom function. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is available in black or silver.
Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - Landscape photography
The 27mm wide-angle feature is ideal for both broad landscapes and tight indoor shots, letting photographers capture a wider view. The 10.1-megapixel resolution allows photos to be greatly enlarged while still retaining outstanding detail, or edited by trimming and enlarging parts of the photo to print. The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 is a compact wide-angle, super-zoom camera that offers both uncommon convenience and exceptional creative freedom. Users from soccer moms to serious amateur photographers will find the versatile Panasonic FZ28 a perfect answer to their needs.
Panasonic DMC-FZ28 - Performance and Efficiency
For image processing, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 features the high-speed, high-performance, Venus Engine IV. Thanks to the Venus IV, the Panasonic FZ28 can snap off consecutive shots at a fast max.13 frames per second for subjects with fast motion in High Speed Burst Shooting mode. In High Sensitivity mode, the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 can capture stunning photos with sensitivity up to ISO 6400 in extremely low lit situations. The engine allows the Panasonic FZ28 to shoot up to 450 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ28 - AF tracking and Exposure
Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced for new Lumix cameras to be released in this fall, and so as for the Panasonic FZ28. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.
Panasonic FZ28 - Manual operation and Advanced scene mode
The new Panasonic FZ28 inherits and enhances the manual operation that has proven so popular with other members of the FZ family. The Lumix FZ28 manual controls are more versatile than in previous models and the control layout has been improved, making use of the manual controls easier and more intuitive. Also, the Advanced Scene mode, unique to Lumix high-end compact cameras for users who want more creativity, now includes a Close-up mode that lets users enjoy sophisticated close-up photography according to the subject to shoot with remarkable ease.
Panasonic High Definition and Large screen viewing
In addition to capturing beautiful still images, the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 makes it easy to shoot high-definition 1280 x 720p motion images at 30 fps with outstanding detail. Using the DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable (available separately), these motion images can be output from the FZ28 directly to a TV for large-screen viewing. The FZ28 features a large, 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD with 230,000-dot resolution. Clearly visible in virtually all conditions, this advanced LCD gives the user a clear, detailed look at the shot being composed and plays back crisp, clear images after shooting. The viewfinder resolution has also been increased to 201,600 dots for easier viewing. The FZ28 offers a number of other functions that expand photographic possibilities, including a stronger flash for long-distance lighting and extended use, a color temperature display that makes it easier to set the white balance more accurately, a color bracket function, and new scene modes - Pin Hole and Film Grain - that create film-camera-like effects. Image leveling and other new functions add convenience after shooting as well.
Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT and Optical performance
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 packages a 27mm wide angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with F2.8-4.4 brightness and powerful 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm film camera) together with a 10.1-megapixel CCD into a compact body. The lens unit comprises of 11 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and 2 ED lenses. Notably 2 ED lenses minimize the chromatic aberration that is likely to occur in telephoto images. This set of lenses secure picture quality high enough to pass Leica's stringent standards and delivers exceptional optical performance. With the long zoom range from 27mm to 486mm, equivalent to 18x, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 can be the best suitable camera to take expansive scenery with dynamic perspective and a close-up of a distant subject, having the appealing angle of view. This powerful zoom also works during the motion picture recording. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function uses the centre part of the CCD to provide additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 32.1x.
Panasonic FZ28 - Optical image stabilizer and Face detection
The new Panasonic Lumix-FZ28 adds a new AF Tracking function to iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which is a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action.
>Intelligent Scene Selector and Exposure
The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the FZ28 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash. Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting.
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ28 Megazoom AF system
The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized. In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to switch to the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.
Panasonic camera operation
Packing super-powerful zoom lenses in compact bodies, Lumix FZ series cameras give users everything they need to explore the creative side of photography. FZ cameras come with a joystick that has earned high acclaim from users for allowing quick, easy adjustment of manual focus, manual exposure, and other settings. When the camera is in manual focus mode, the focal length and depth of field are displayed in accordance with the zoom range. When the camera is mounted on a tripod and the angle of view is fixed, the MF Assist function allows pinpoint confirmation of the focus area, so users can focus with high precision even when the composing of image is fixed on a tripod. The AF/AE lock button prevents any accidental changes to the focus and exposure settings, so the user doesn’t have to repeat the same cumbersome trial-and-error process to recapture the previous settings. There is also a custom setting function that lets users store up to 4 sets of settings you often use in memory and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.
Lumix Advanced Scene mode
The Advanced Scene mode has been praised for giving users an extra degree of creative freedom when using ordinary scene modes. The Panasonic FZ28 features 5 scene modes - Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night Scenery and a new Close-up mode that provides optimal settings for shooting flowers or other small objects with fine detail. By selecting Aperture Priority in Close-up mode, the user can capture a close-up shot against a soft-focused background for an even more impressive result. With the new modes in the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, the user can choose from five Portrait mode settings, four Scenery mode settings, four Sports mode settings, four Night Portrait settings, and four new Close-up mode settings. Together with the 16 ordinary scene modes, this makes a total of 37 modes the photographer can choose from to capture images exactly the way he or she sees them. Not only in normal Scene mode but also in Advanced Scene mode, the user can see the effects of the detailed settings in real-time on the LCD. This gives the user the opportunity, before taking the shot, to make whatever adjustments are necessary to capture the desired image. To help take full advantage of the wealth of settings available, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 also offers an Navigation Guide on the LCD that shows the effect of each mode or submode setting.
Panasonic FZ28 Megazoom camera auto focus system
4. Quick and Smart AF and Easy Manual Focusing
Panasonic has dramatically revamped the focus system featured in the Panasonic Lumix FZ28. The most significant improvement is the new Tracking AF. By keeping the focus locked on a moving subject such as a child or pet, this function makes it a lot easier for users to capture clear, perfectly focused shots at the perfect moment. To match the shooting situation and subject's position, the user can select from six auto-focusing methods: AF tracking, face detection, multi, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed, and spot. With the 1-point AF or spot AF method, the auto-focusing area can be chosen freely from the entire field of view with the joystick or cursor button. Various group area patterns can also be selected in the Multi method.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 - Face detection and Macro
The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize a human face to capture it bright and clear. Up to 15 human faces can be detected simultaneously. The detection keeps working on the faces even if subjects are moving so that the time for AF is minimized before you click away the shutter.
Manual focusing, which is a valuable tool for professional-level photography, is also easy thanks to the previously described joystick. Instant switching between AF and MF is available with the independent AF/MF button. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is also equipped with AF Macro button and it activates One-Shot AF function in MF mode with a single press of the button. In both AF/MF, the subject just 1cm away can be finely captured sparing no detail of it. You can experience the dynamic close-up of macro shots.
Panasonic burst shooting and Flash photography
In the High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible max. 13 shots per second. Notably, the shutter mechanism of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is mechanical, which allows users to take beautiful pictures in motion with minimal smearing and distortion effects that is often seen when using the electronic shutter mechanism. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take continuous shooting with continuous emission of flash. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 can snap approx.2.5 shots per second at full resolution.
Panasonic Venus Engine IV image-processing LSI
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. The Parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. It supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.
Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - MEGA O.I.S. and ISO control
The Venus Engine IV also makes it possible to capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights with the Intelligent Exposure function. It now has high, standard and low settings of effect to match the shooting conditions and desired results. Furthermore, the engine elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur. This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 450 shots(CIPA) per a single charge.
Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - High Definition output
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).
Panasonic Lumix slideshow and HDTV
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.
Panasonic FZ28 megazoom digital camera - LCD and Electronic Viewfinder
Clear, easy-to-see LCD is upgraded both in size and resolution to be 2.7-inch with 230,000-dot high resolution to offer even more comfortable view for both monitoring when shooting and for playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd. The in-line Electronic Viewfinder increased its resolution from the predecessor up to 201,600-dot to provide easy, corner-to-corner focusing confirmation even in manual focus mode.
Panasonic Lumix megazoom camera features and functions
The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 is a versatile compact camera equipped with a wide-angle lens, powerful optical zoom, and a host of enhanced features that make shooting more fun. SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE software application comes bundled with the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format. Using this software, you can freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even after shooting for greater enjoyment of digital photography. The flash is more powerful than before and reaches a distance of 8.5 meters at the wide setting and 5.4 meters at the telephoto setting (ISO AUTO). It also has 1st curtain and 2nd curtain synchro settings.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 - Artistic colors and Effects
A new color bracketing function records three types of images - color, monochromatic and sepia - at a single press of a button. Using this function, the photographer can capture a color photo and artistic monochrome photo at the same time while pressing the shutter button just once. For setting the white balance, the FZ28 newly provides a setting by the color temperature in addition to the Two-Axis white balance adjustment to offer more precise control over the WB. The Panasonic FZ28 offers a total of 16 normal scene modes and 5 advanced scene modes, including the new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes that add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. This wide range of modes lets the FZ28 respond easily to any shooting situation. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.
Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - USB port and Memory
Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The USB port supports the 2.0 HS standard and the internal memory has been increased to approx. 50 MB - two further enhancements that add to the convenience and fun of using the Panasonic FZ28.
Panasonic Lumix digital cameras
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 offers a wide line of optional accessories to expand shooting possibilities. A tele-conversion lens with 1.7x power (equivalent to 826.2mm on a 35mm film camera) and a close-up lens can be mounted using a lens adaptor. An ND filter and new PL filter are also available to provide the FZ28 with true high-end camera capabilities. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 optional accessories
• Panasonic DMW-LT55 Tele conversion lens (Requires Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA3))
• Panasonic DMW-LC55 Close-up lens (Requires Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA3))
• Panasonic DMW-LND46 ND filter
• Panasonic DMW-LMC46 MC protector
• Panasonic DMW-LPL46 PL Filter
• Panasonic DMW-LA3 Lens adaptor
• Panasonic DMW-AC7 AC adaptor
• Panasonic CGR-S006 Battery pack
• Panasonic DMW-CZS7 Soft case
• Panasonic DMW-CZ18 Camera Bag
• Panasonic DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable
Panasonic SDHC update : Panasonic, the leading brand by which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is best known, announced a new line of SD High Capacity (SDHC)(2) Memory Cards - in 6GB and 12GB storage capacities, which are ideal for video recording with High Definition (HD) camcorders, and are capable of recording 90 minutes and 180 minutes of 1920x1080 Full HD content, respectively. The new cards, Panasonic RP-SDM06G (6GB) and RP-SDM12G (12GB) record with Class 4 specification. The SD Card-based HD camcorders market is growing, and Panasonic, which has the number one share in SD Memory Card camcorders worldwide, now provides the most suitable options for recording HD video.
Panasonic SDHC card - Hardware
Since Panasonic manufactures both hardware and media, it can offer highly reliable products that offer superb performance with AVCHD recording. When used with Panasonic’s newly-introduced HDC-SD100 High Definition camcorder, the new SDHC Memory Cards can record 90min (6GB) or 180min (12GB) of 1920 x 1080 Full HD video, while in HX mode (9Mbps). Users can also select other HD recording modes from HE (6Mbps) to HA (17Mbps), the recording time varies according to the modes chosen. With HE mode, users can enjoy up to 135min (6GB) or 270min(12GB) of 1440x 1080 High Definition video recording. The cards can also be used for standard definition video recording.
Panasonic SDHC flash memory - Camcorders and Industrial grade
Beyond its high-performance capabilities when paired with HD camcorders, the new Panasonic SDHC Memory Cards are designed to be resistant to bending and twisting, protecting important data stored on the card. Since the cards employ industrial-grade flash memory, they are extremely reliable even under severe temperature conditions. The cards can function in temperatures ranging from -25C - +85C, thus assuring consistent performance even when used in extreme cold or hot environments(3). In addition, the cards preserve data, even when power is turned off during access.
Panasonic SDHC update - Recording time and Video shooting
The new Panasonic RP-SDM06G (6GB) and RP-SDM12G (12GB) SDHC Memory Cards incorporate user-friendly features, such as memo-labels, which allow users to write directly on the front of the card, making it easy to organize and file according to content. The approximate recording time on each mode is also shown on the package so that users can easily choose the most suitable card or modes for their video shooting.
About Panasonic
Best known for its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of JPY 9,068.9billion (approx. USD 90.52billion, exchange rate USD 1=JPY 100.19 as of March 31, 2008). The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:MC) stock exchanges.
via letsgodigital.org
Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix 10.1 megapixel DMC-FX37 with astonishing 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens and powerful 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 125 mm on a 35mm film camera), which captures almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras, resulting in remarkable images with unprecedented width and depth. The world-acclaimed FX series pursues high picture quality and unique features in an urbane, sophisticated profile to which the Panasonic Lumix FX37 proudly joins. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 will be available in silver, black, blue, pink, white and brown, each with a distinctive finish or texture according to its color.
Panasonic Lumix FX37 takes beautiful photos
Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced for new Lumix cameras to be released in this fall, and so as for the Panasonic FX37. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Panasonic Lumix FX37 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject.
Panasonic DMC FX-37 - Face detection and Image processing
Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights. For image processing, the Panasonic DMC FX37 features the high-speed, high-performance, next-generation Venus Engine IV. The engine allows the Panasonic Lumix FX37 to shoot up to approx. 310 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 - Component cable
In addition to capturing beautiful still images, the Panasonic FX37 makes it easy to shoot high-definition 1280 x 720p motion images at 30 fps with outstanding detail. Using the DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable (available separately), these motion images can be output from the FX37 directly to a TV for large-screen viewing. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 features a new panel, which boasts a wide viewing angle, for its Intelligent LCD to ensure clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations.
Panasonic Lumix film effects and design
The Panasonic Lumix FX37 offers a number of other functions that expand photographic possibilities including new Scene mode. Pin Hole and Film Grain mode create film-camera-like effects, and Flash Burst mode allows continuous emission of flash on burst shooting (Max. 5 images. In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording). Another new mode is the Transform mode which adds more fun especially on portrait pictures, to give the subject special transformation effect to look funny. Image Leveling, batch resizing, and other new functions add convenience after shooting are equipped as well. Dressed in a metal-finished panel, the sleek and slim Panasonic DMC-FX37, a sophisticated camera full of desirable functions, offers the enjoyment of taking snapshots with a fantastic view and fun never before experienced.
Panasonic Lumix digital cameras - Optical Leica lens and CCD
The 10.1-megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX37 packages a 25mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens with 5x optical zoom, offering F2.8 brightness. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit passes Leica's stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance. Notably, a newly developed unevenly thick concave meniscus EA (extra high refractive index aspherical) lens makes it possible to achieve the 25mm ultra-wide-angle high optical performance while keeping the lens unit thin and the body slim. The 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens records almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.9x by using the center part of the CCD.
Lumix FX37 photography camera - Image stabilizer and AF tracking
The new Panasonic DMC-FX37 adds a new AF Tracking function to iA (intelligent auto) mode, which is a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action.
Lumix intelligent software selects scene
Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects whichever of 5 scene modes -- Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, and Night Scenery – that best suits the shooting situation. The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic FX37, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash.
Panasonic Lumix FX37 camera - High lights and QuickAF
Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture image that looknatural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 - ISO control and Shooting assist
In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX37 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.
Panasonic High definition output and HD motion
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic DMC-FX37 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). The Panasonic DMC-FX37 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.
Panasonic Lumix DMC FX37 compact camera - Venus Engine IV
An image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.
Panasonic FX37 Burst Shoot and CIPA
Featured in the Panasonic DMC-FX37, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx.0.005 second minimum and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In Burst Shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC-FX37 can snap 2.5 shots per second at full resolution.* And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible 6 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emission of flash. The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the DMC-FX37 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 310 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 - Shoot and Playback
The new Panasonic DMC-FX37 incorporates an easy-to-see, large, 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD. The Intelligent LCD function equipped in the Panasonic Lumix FX37 detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. Together with the newly adopted panel which boasts a wide viewing angle, it secures comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results in any circumstances.
Panasonic Lumix FX37 features
The new DMC-FX37 features a variety of functionalities to expand the convenience and fun for users to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The Panasonic FX37 offers a total of 25 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. One more new scene mode is the Transform mode, that trims and stretches the image to virtually transform the subject slimmer or stretched wider. It also has a shining effect to make the large transformation look more extreme and funny. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot. Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The Panasonic FX37 can also resize multiple images at the same time. The 2.0 HS-compatible USB port and approx. 50 MB of internal memory also enhance the convenience of using the Panasonic Lumix FX37. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.
Panasonic is introducing a new 14.7 megapixel model to its Lumix FX Series with stylish, high-quality bodies and high-end specifications. Boasting astonishing 14.7 megapixel resolution, the Panasonic FX150 meets the needs of a wide range of consumers looking for an attractive compact camera that makes it easy to take clear, sharp, expressive photos with outstanding detail. Equipped with a 28mm wide-angle lens, the Panasonic Lumix FX150 lets users capture images of expansive scenery just as they appear to the naked eye. The wide-angle lens also makes it possible to fit an entire big building or other architectural structure in a single frame - something not possible with most ordinary cameras.
Panasonic Lumix FX150 - Wide angle lens
And when shooting in tight or crowded indoor spaces, the wide-angle lens fits more people in the photo. The 14.7 megapixels - the most offered in a compact camera - ensure that photos are crisp, clear and sharply detailed even when enlarged. This high resolution also means you can crop unwanted parts of an image and enlarge the rest, creating a beautifully composed photo that retains outstanding detail. Available in an attractive silver, black or gold finish, the Panasonic Lumix FX150 has a refined, understated sophistication that will appeal to adults.
Panasonic FX150 camera - Venus Engine IV
At the heart of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 is Panasonic's new high-speed, high-performance, next-generation image processing system. The Venus Engine IV not only helps render exquisitely beautiful images even in burst mode or when shooting in low lighting, it's also more energy-efficient than predecessor models, allowing 330 pictures (CIPA) per battery charge.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 - Bracketing and White balance
The Panasonic Lumix FX150 also offers easy manual control, letting users adjust the shutter speed as desired. The bracketing function includes the exposure bracketing available on previous models plus a new color bracketing function that can record color, monochromatic and sepia shots of an image at the same time with a single press of the shutter button. The Panasonic Lumix FX150 also introduces a new multi-exposure function that creates an interesting artistic effect by superimposing up to three consecutively shot images, while the user views the previous image on the monitor. Also in the Panasonic FX150, the white balance function has been improved from conventional one-axis compensation to two-axis compensation with a color temperature setting that allows more precise adjustment. For the AF, FX150 allows user to set focus freely among 11 focus points.
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150 digicam - Backlight compensation and Shadows
On the other hand, Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced for new Lumix cameras to be released in this fall, and so as for the Panasonic FX150. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Panasonic DMC-FX150 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.
Panasonic Lumix FX150 digital camera - Intelligent LCD and RAW file
The Panasonic FX150 features a new panel, which boasts a wide viewing angle, for its 2.7-inch large Intelligent LCD to ensure clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations to ensure clear, easy viewing in all lighting situations. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 records original pictures data in RAW file format for the user to develop the image with the intended effects on it. With this extensive package of features and functions, the Panasonic FX150 goes beyond the bounds of conventional compact cameras, giving users the power and freedom to both capture extremely lifelike photos and to create artistically expressive images. The FX150 is recommended for people who want a well-built, stylish, compact digital camera that's more advanced in performance and operability than ordinary models.
Lumix DMC-FX150 Leica lens
With the Panasonic DMC-FX150, Panasonic packages a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens featuring F2.8 brightness and a 3.6x optical zoom plus a 14.7-megapixel CCD into a slim, stylish and conveniently compact camera body. The lens unit, which comprises seven elements in six groups, including an EA (extra-high refractive index aspherical) lens and 4 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, is designed and manufactured to Leica's stringent standards. Its optical performance is exceptional. In addition to the 3.6x optical zoom, the Panasonic Lumix FX150 offers an Extra Optical Zoom function. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 7.7x by using the center part of the CCD. The Panasonic FX150 also has an Easy Zoom feature that, at the touch of a button, shifts the lens instantly to full 3.6x zoom power. A second touch of the button activates the Extra Optical Zoom function and extends zoom all the way to 7.7x.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 camera control
With its Lumix FX Premium Series of digital cameras, Panasonic packs a high-quality wide-angle lens and high-resolution performance in a compact, stylish body. The new Panasonic Lumix FX150 provides easy-to-use manual controls and a wealth of features that let users explore the creative side of photography. The Panasonic FX150 is designed not only for people who want to take great photos of events in their lives, but also for those who want to express themselves artistically through the images they create. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150's easy-to-use Manual Exposure mode lets users choose a particular shutter speed, giving them the freedom to render artistic images of ordinary scenes - flowing streams, moving cars and people walking past - by capturing the “traces” left by moving objects. Simply set the desired shutter speed, and the camera automatically determines the aperture setting that provides the best exposure, or you can set it. When the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 is mounted on a tripod and the angle of view is fixed, the user can select a point to focus among 11 areas freely. They also make it possible to achieve precise focusing no matter where the main subject is positioned within the frame, giving the user greater flexibility when composing the shot. The Panasonic FX150's bracketing function includes the ordinary exposure bracketing and adds a new color bracketing function that captures color, monochromatic and sepia shots of an image at the same time with a single press of the shutter button. With color bracketing, users no longer have to use a PC and editing software should they later want to change a color image to black and white, for example. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 also introduces a multi-exposure function that superimposes up to three consecutively shot images together, while the user views the previous image on the monitor. This creates an unusual, surrealistic effect that cannot be achieved with a single image alone. Also, the white balance function has been improved from conventional one-axis compensation to two-axis compensation, with addition of a color temperature setting that allows finer adjustment.
Panasonic RAW file format
The new Panasonic FX150 records original pictures data in RAW file format. The SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE software application comes bundled with the Panasonic DMC-FX150 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format. Using this software, you can freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even after shooting for greater enjoyment of digital photography. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 goes beyond ordinary compact cameras, giving users the ability not only to capture true-to-life images, but also to create expressive images that satisfy on an artistic level.
Panasonic image and signal processing
Notably, parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 digital camera - Image processing and Resolution
Featured in the Panasonic DMC-FX150, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx.0.005 second and the camera's quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC-FX150 can snap approx.2 shots per second at 14.7 megapixel large full resolution. And in High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible approx. 7 shots per second. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting which lets you keep shooting until the memory card is full. Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take continuous shooting with continuous emission of flash.
Panasonic Venus Engine IV processor
The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. The Venus Engine IV also makes it possible to capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights with the Intelligent Exposure function. It now has high, standard and low settings of effect to match the shooting conditions and desired results. This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 330 shots(CIPA) per a single charge.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 - MEGA O.I.S. and Subject tracking
While offering a creative fun of photography with its manual functions, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 also has an option to enjoy taking beautiful pictures without any special technique, that is the iA (intelligent auto) mode. Adding a new AF Tracking function, the iA mode serves as a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action.
Panasonic Intelligent Scene Selector and AF system
The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the Panasonic FX150 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized.
Panasonic Lumix FX150 - ISO control and Image stabilizer
Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting. In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to select the suitable one between the modes according to zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the FX150 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.
Panasonic FX150 -High definition recording and Playback
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic DMC-FX150 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 24 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).
Panasonic DMC-FX150 - Slideshow and Music
The DMC-FX150 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.
Lumix FX150 Intelligent LCD view
Clear, easy-to-see LCD is upgraded both in size and resolution to be 2.7-inch with 230,000-dot high resolution. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. Together with the newly adopted panel which boasts a wide viewing angle, it secures comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results in any circumstances.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 features
The new Panasonic DMC-FX150 features a variety of functionalities to expand the convenience and fun for users to enjoy taking beautiful pictures. The Panasonic Lumix FX150 offers a total of 24 scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. One more new scene mode is the Transform mode, that trim and stretch the image to virtually transform the subject slimmer or more stretched wider. It also has a shining effect to make the large transformation look more extreme and funny. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.
Panasonic Lumix FX150 - Performance and Convenience
Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The Panasonic FX150 also allows users to set an upper limit for the ISO setting, to suit certain shooting conditions. The 2.0 HS-compatible USB port and approx. 50 MB of internal memory also enhance the convenience of using the FX150. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.
