Canon has announced the new PowerShot SX40 HS. While the previous model had more megapixels (14 to be exact), the new SX40 HS has a better CMOS sensor (12 megapixels). This sensor, when combined with the upgraded DIGIC 5 image processor means this new model can take better pictures at higher speeds.
The SX40 HS as a High-speed Burst HQ mode that snaps up to 8 frames. Its HS SYSTEM allows for more clarity in low light situations. The CMOS sensor also translates to full HD 1080p video recording. Intelligent IS (Image Stability) selects from six modes to make sure your shots are blur-free, even when you’re at the camera’s full 35x optical zoom (35mm equivalent of 24-840mm). There is also a Zoom Framing Assist button to help stabilize the camera while tracking moving objects in “extreme telephoto settings.”
Another nice feature on this new model is the 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD viewing screen, which will help taking self-portraits as well as high and low angle shots. While the camera has a host of manual settings, novices and newbies will enjoy the improved Smart AUTO settings, where in the camera selects the optimum shooting mode from one of 32 predefined shooting conditions and situations.
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Features:
- 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
- 35x optical zoom (35mm equivalent of 24-840mm; F2.7-F5.8)
- 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD
- DIGIC 5 image processor
- Improved Smart AUTO (32 predefined shooting situations)
- HS SYSTEM
- Full 1080p HD video capture
- High-speed Burst HQ
- Intelligent IS
- Zoom framing assist button
- HDMI out
- 10 frames per second
Tags:
1080p,
canon,
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS,
cmos sensor,
digic,
hs system,
image processor,
image stability,
light situations,
manual settings,
Review,
self portraits,
smart auto
Like the S95, the S100 can be slipped into a shirt or trouser pocket, whereas the larger G12 is more of a coat-pocket-sized model. Naturally this makes the S100 more attractive as a ‘take anywhere’ camera for keen enthusiasts.
Although the S100 doesn’t look dramatically different from the S95, we are told that Canon went back to the drawing board to design the new camera – we’ve even seen a few design sketches to prove it.
Canon’s new PowerShot S100 looks a very worthy successor to the popular S95. The manufacturer has used technology from across its whole imaging business (video, SLR, lens and compact camera) to produce what appears to be an exciting pocket-sized camera.
Like the S95, the S100 can be slipped into a shirt or trouser pocket, whereas the larger G12 is more of a coat-pocket-sized model. Naturally this makes the S100 more attractive as a ‘take anywhere’ camera for keen enthusiasts.
Although the S100 doesn’t look dramatically different from the S95, we are told that Canon went back to the drawing board to design the new camera – we’ve even seen a few design sketches to prove it.
Canon’s new PowerShot S100 looks a very worthy successor to the popular S95. The manufacturer has used technology from across its whole imaging business (video, SLR, lens and compact camera) to produce what appears to be an exciting pocket-sized camera.
Tags:
Canon Powershot,
Canon PowerShot S100,
compact camera,
design sketches,
keen enthusiasts,
powershot s100,
Review,
s95,
sized model,
trouser pocket,
worthy successor
ony’s latest refinements to its Translucent Mirror Technology make these new cameras the fastest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class, as well as set new performance benchmarks that even professional DSLRs have yet to achieve. The α77 and α65 both feature a newly developed Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution, as well as the world’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder. The sensor teams with the next generation of Sony’s BIONZ® image processing engine to handle huge amounts of high speed data from the camera sensor, enabling unprecedented response times and flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video.
“We feel that these cameras are not only a significant evolution of our breakthrough Translucent Mirror Technology,” said Mike Kahn, director of the alpha camera business group for Sony Electronics. “They’re also a revolution in terms of redefining how this unique technology can be put to use by enthusiasts.”
The much anticipated successor to Sony’s acclaimed α700 DSLR, the α77 boasts the world’s fastest continuous autofocus (AF) shooting performance (among DSLRs in Aug 2011), capturing a burst of full resolution, 24 megapixel images at 12 frames per second with full-time phase-detection AF. The α65 achieves a similarly impressive 10fps shooting speed.
Precision AF tracking of moving subjects is more precise with the α77 due to a new 19-point autofocus system with 11 cross sensors. The α65 boasts 15-point AF with three cross sensors. Tracking Focus maintains accurate focus lock on a moving subject — even if the target is momentarily obscured. Additionally, a new electronic front shutter curtain achieves a minimum release time lag of approximately 50 milliseconds, comparable to much more expensive professional-class DSLRs.
The α77 and α65 further refine Sony’s acclaimed Fast Continuous AF Full HD Movie shooting, already featured on previous Sony Translucent Mirror cameras. Phase Detection maintains accurate focus during video shooting of portrait subjects, even when they’re moving at fast speeds.
Unprecedented image quality and creative options
A broad sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000 expands (α77 only) down to ISO 50. At the highest sensitivities, both cameras can freeze fast action or capture atmospheric low-noise shots without flash. Low ISO settings are ideal when used with a long exposure to create expressive shots, such as splashing water.
Both cameras showcase a remarkably crisp OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder, the world’s first of its kind. With a 2359k dot (XGA) resolution, this precision electronic viewfinder offers a bright, highly detailed, high contrast image with 100 percent frame coverage and a wide field of view comparable to the most advanced class optical viewfinders.
However, unlike optical viewfinders, users have expansive customization capabilities through the XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder and can preview the effects of adjusting exposure, white balance and other settings in real-time. Photographers can also make fine focus adjustments via a zoomed-in portion of the image.
The Smart Teleconverter displays an enlarged central portion of the image sensor, allowing compositions to be displayed clearly on the OLED viewfinder and captured as 12 megapixel images with a digital zoom factor of 1.4x or 2x.
In another first for DSLR cameras, both new models can capture Full HD video at 60p (progressive) frame rates — incorporating the recently introduced AVCHD™ Progressive (Ver. 2.0) format. Also, 24p shooting is available for capturing beautiful cinematic video footage. Manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes, familiar to creative filmmakers, also can provide enhanced control during video shooting.
Shooters can compose and review stills and video on the adjustable-angle three-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display that offers high resolution (921k dot) and TruBlack™ technology for superb detail and contrast. As an extra refinement, the α77 introduces the world’s first three-way adjustable screen that tilts and pivots freely for effortless framing at any angle (α65: two-way adjust LCD).
Revised ergonomics on both cameras include a comfortably contoured new grip design and tactile new button layout for ‘eyes off’ operation while viewing via the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder.
The α77 adds front and rear control dials for intuitive fingertip operation and a separate top-mounted LCD data display. The durable body features magnesium alloy panels for strength and lightness. Key controls are sealed against the effects of dust and moisture, complementing similar levels of protection offered by the new SAL1650 lens, VG-C77AM Vertical Grip for α77 and HVL-F43AM flash unit.
A new shutter unit on the α77 is tested up to 150,000 cycles and supports an ultra-fast minimum 1/8000 sec shutter speed (1/250 sec flash sync). On-board GPS allows automatic geo-tagging of photos and video clips with location data.
Tags:
accurate focus,
camera sensor,
cmos sensor,
high speed data,
lens cameras,
megapixel images,
mike kahn,
mirror technology,
performance benchmarks,
phase detection,
Review,
Sony Alpha SLT A65
The Alpha A77′s translucent internal mirror makes the difference. Because it doesn’t move while you’re shooting, the camera doesn’t meet the “reflex” requirement of the “digital single lens reflex” (DSLR) name. In practical terms, the translucent mirror means that the Alpha A77′s phase detection autofocus system works when the camera is shooting video or is in burst mode, neither of which is the case with a DSLR. As long as light comes through the lens, the Alpha A77′s mirror redirects some of the light to the camera’s autofocus sensor.
Because the Alpha A77 has no moving mirror, you’ll see an intermittent, strobe-like black-out time on the camera’s OLED viewfinder and LCD screen while you’re shooting continuously. This A77 is also the first interchangeable lens camera to support the AVCHD Progressive format when shooting video, meaning that it can capture 1080p video footage at a higher frame rate and at a higher bitrate, with continuous autofocus employed. The camera’s ability to shoot full 1080p video at 60 fps and 24 fps should make it a standout device for video capture.
Translucent mirror technology isn’t new. Last year’s Sony Alpha A55 and Alpha A33 offered the same in-camera hall of mirrors. But the Alpha A77 ups the ante with that insane 24.3-megapixel sensor (up from 16 megapixels in the A55), a new Bionz image processor (which has to be powerful to process huge image files and all of those AF adjustments simultaneously), a faster burst mode despite the significantly higher resolution images, and video capabilities that appear to be second to none when matched up against consumer DSLRs.
Tags:
a77,
autofocus system,
burst mode,
interchangeable lens,
internal mirror,
mirror technology,
phase detection,
progressive format,
Review,
sony a55,
Sony Alpha A77,
video capabilities
The Sony Alpha NEX- 5N maintains the industrial-chic look. It houses a 16.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor capable of recording 1080 HD video at up to 60p. ISO range stretches up to 25600, which Sony claims is the very highest among mirrorless cameras to date.
Speed-wise, the NEX-5N can keep up with the fastest mirrorless cameras with a 10 fps burst rate. The tilting 3.0-inch LCD has added touch functionality, lending itself to a redesigned user interface. A new clip-on OLED viewfinder will be available separately for purchase. Like all NEX and Alpha cameras launched alongside it today, the NEX-5N will accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory media along with Sony Memory Stick Duo cards
Tags:
cmos sensor,
inch lcd,
memory media,
memory stick duo,
nex,
Review,
sdhc,
sdxc,
Sony Alpha NEX-5N,
sony memory stick,
sony memory stick duo,
viewfinder