Saturday, September 25, 2010

Canon G12 unleashed

Canon released the update to its popular Powershot G11 earlier this month. The G12 retains the 10 MP resolution of its predecessor but adds some extra features to what is a successful design. Canon’s HS System, 720p HD movie recording and Hybrid IS are new additions, delivering premium image quality in stills and movies, and a new Front Dial provides improved handling and swift manual control. The PowerShot G12 is also compatible with a new optional Lens Filter Adapter, which extends with the lens when using the zoom to offer full coverage throughout the zoom range.

The inclusion of the HS System allows shooting at higher ISOs with excellent image quality – enabling users to capture exceptional images in all conditions. This extended ISO range allows users to shoot darker scenes without engaging the flash or using a tripod – capturing correctly-exposed images using only the available light. In situations when use of the flash is necessary, a higher ISO will enable users to extend its effective range and illuminate the subject more effectively. Higher ISOs also enable users to utilise faster shutter speeds – freezing motion to capture moving subjects with a reduced risk of blur.

Allowing users precise control over the ISO level, the dedicated ISO dial now allows adjustments in 1/3 stop increments.  In addition to this, a new Auto ISO level adjustment feature allows users to pre-configure the maximum ISO setting they wish to use during shooting and specify how the camera selects the ISO to obtain the best balance between image quality and shutter speed.
In very dark situations, Low Light mode can be used to extend the ISO range up to ISO 12800, with the ability for users to control ISO and white balance to accurately capture the ambience of a dimly-lit environment. Users can also capture fast-moving action with the ability to shoot at up to 4.2 shots per second.

Canon PowerShot G12 – key features:
  • HS System
  • High-sensitivity 10 MP CCD
  • 28mm wide, 5x zoom lens, Hybrid IS
  • 7.0 cm (2.8") Vari-Angle LCD, Electronic Level, OVF
  • Front Dial, Full Manual & RAW
  • HD movies, HDMI
  • High Dynamic Range mode
  • Smart Auto
  • Multi-Aspect Shooting
  • Extensive accessory system
Check out Canon's site for more details on specification. UK Price is £498 inc VAT.

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Friday, September 24, 2010

Sigma Announce 46MP SD1 DSLR

The SIGMA SD1 is Sigma's flagship digital SLR model, adopting a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy for its body and O-ring sealing connections to make a weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions.

The SIGMA SD1 incorporates a 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor and dual "TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II" image processing engines. The combination of the 46 megapixel sensor and dual TRUE II processing engines ensure the high resolution images are processed quickly with high definition and smooth and subtle graduation of colour. The SD1 is SIGMA's latest digital SLR camera which meets high requirements of professional and enthusiast photographers for all types of photography.

Product Summary
46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 Full-colour image sensor
The 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor featured in the Sigma SD1 captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces colour more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and colour, generated by the 46 megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor, is captured with a three-dimensional feel.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SD1 incorporates a dual "TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II" image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

Memory Card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card. This camera is compatible with UDMA Mode6, enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.
* It is not possible to use Microdrives and TYPE II CF cards.

Sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy.

Body
The Sigma SD1 adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.

Weather-resistant design
Buttons and connections benefit from O-ring sealings to prevent dust and water getting inside the camera body.

Large, highly visible 3.0" TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SD1 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition.

Optional lenses
The SD1 can be used with over 40 Sigma lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheyes which adopt the latest technology such as FLD and SLD glass, Aspherical lenses, Sigma's unique Optical Stabiliser function, Hyper Sonic Motor and Sigma's Super Multi Layer Coating. They meet the various and demanding requirements of all types of photographers.
Visit SD1 Special site: www.SIGMA-SD.com/sd1 for more info. Price TBC
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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Nikon D7000 joins the mid-range and boosts MP resolution of range

Nikon D7000Image by Rafakoy via Flickr
The Nikon D7000 packs high-end image technologies into a surprisingly portable body. It's sturdy enough and it's range of advanced features will satisfy enthusiast and semi-pro photographers looking for more resolution than the D90 offers.
Features:
  • 16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
  • High ISO (100-6400) light sensitivity - extendable up to 25600
  • EXPEED 2: Nikon’s advanced image processing engine
  • Durable design with magnesium alloy top and rear covers
  • Twin SD card slots: SDXC compatible
  • Razor-sharp 39-point AF system
Specifications:
  • 16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor delivers lifelike images with vivid colors, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations.
  • High ISO (100-6400) light sensitivity - manually extendable up to 25600 using the Hi2 setting. Enables faster shutter speeds for finely detailed images with minimal noise when you shoot fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light. Features an Auto ISO setting.
  • EXPEED 2 image processing engine: optimizes the camera's technologies for superior performance and maximum image quality, all while consuming minimal energy.
  • Durable design: boasts tough, yet light, magnesium alloy top and rear covers, and environmentally-sealed joints that protect the camera from dust and moisture.
  • 100% viewfinder coverage with approx. 0.94x magnification for precise composition.
  • Durable shutter unit tested to 150,000 cycles. Delivers precise shutter control and exceptional reliability with a shutter speed of up to 1/8000s, and flash synchronization at up to 1/250s.
  • Twin SD memory card slots: for enhanced shooting flexibility. Use the second card when the first is full, or record stills on one and movies on another. SDXC compatible.
  • Razor-sharp 39-point Autofocus system with nine cross-type sensors in the center. Offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame. Four AF-area modes, including 3D-tracking AF, deliver sharp results, whether your subject is off-center, moving fast or completely unpredictable.
  • 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor delivers highly accurate metering for exact exposures and provides precise data to the camera's Scene Recognition System, which optimizes exposure, autofocus and white balance immediately before the shutter is released for sharply defined images.
  • 6 fps continuous shooting: capture fast-moving action at six frames per second.
  • Quick response: boasts a near-instant start-up time and approx. 0.052-second shutter-release time lag.
  • D-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) movie clips: a dedicated record button lets you capture beautiful high-definition (HD) movie clips instantly. AF-F mode keeps everything in focus while you are shooting and the camera supports use of an external microphone so you can record in quality stereo sound. Simple editing functions let you make edits of your clips in-camera.
  • Large 7.5 cm (3-in.), 920k-dot, high-resolution LCD monitor with reinforced glass makes it easy to view essential camera information, and a pleasure to review and edit your photos and movies.
 Available from £1,099.99 for the body alone. Various kits available.
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    Tuesday, September 14, 2010

    Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac released!

    Parallels Coherence in ExposéImage via Wikipedia

    With over 80 new features and enhancements, Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac is our best version yet. Upgrade today, and you can:
    • New! Enjoy full access and control of your virtual machine from wherever you are with an all-new Parallels Mobile app for iPhone & iPad
    • New! Take advantage of all your computer's power with a new 64-bit engine
    • New! Immerse yourself in your favorite games, music and video with 5.1 Surround Sound
    • Enhanced! Work the way you want with Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts in Coherence and Crystal view modes
    • Enhanced! Working with files on USB drives, networks and shared folders is faster and easier than ever
    • Enhanced! Boot Windows 41% faster
    • Enhanced! 3D graphics performance is nearly 40% better
    You can upgrade for just £34.99 or if purchasing for the first time, Desktop Parallels 6 costs £64.99.
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    Sunday, September 12, 2010

    Sigma SD15 available

    The Sigma SD 15 is the latest in Sigma's range of DSLR. It uses a unique three-layer sensor (Foveon X3) to capture 14 MP of full colour detail. in addition, it comes with a durable focal plane shutter that is rated for 100,000 exposures an is designed to dramatically reduce the amount of dust and dirt on the sensor.
    To minimise camera shake there are two motor systems, which together with a mirror-lock mechanism can be very usefulwhen shooting macro or when using ultra-telephoto lenses.
    Up to 21  frames can be captured in RAW mode as the camera comes with a DDR2 buffer memory module (twice the size of the SD14 buffer). The camera can shoot at up to 3 FPS in RAW up to this limit. In terms of image processing, the SD15 incorporates the TRUE II image processor. The camera is compatible with SD memory cards (inc. SDHC). With an ISO range of 50 - 3200 the SD15 can capture rich tones n a wide variety of lighting conditions. Using its 5 focus points  (center one is of the cross type) the camera is claimed to be fast and precise in its focusing. If needed, there is also a 5 frame auto bracketing function. Sigma offers SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0 for post-processing of RAW images.
    More information is available on the Sigma site at http://www.sigma-sd.com/SD15/main.html
    The Sigma SD15 is available for pre-order at £799.99 for the body from most major retailers.
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    Thursday, September 02, 2010

    10% Cashback for Students from Nikon

    Nikon Ohi FactoryImage via Wikipedia
    Press Release:
    Nikon UK is celebrating the start of the new term with an exciting new promotion offering students 10% cashback on Nikon equipment.

    From 1st September – 31st October 2010 (inclusive) full time students, lecturers or technicians attending or teaching a higher education photographic or media course in the UK and the Republic of Ireland are entitled to claim 10% cashback on any Nikon equipment in a single transaction.
    Jeremy Gilbert, Group Marketing Manager at Nikon UK says: "Nikon is committed to supporting students and appreciate that starting a new term can be expensive which is why we’ve introduced this significant offer to help students as they begin, or progress their studies."

    All claims must be received by 30th November 2010. For more information about Nikon’s range of products please visit Nikon.

    For terms and conditions and information about how to claim your cashback please visit: Nikon student cashback.

    For information about where to buy please visit Nikon.
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