The Sony RX100 camera angle

Sony's latest compact camera's impressive features come at a price

by Nicholas Yeo 

 

Updated 03:39 PM Jul 31, 2012

 

Sony's RX100 compact camera. Photo SONY

 SINGAPORE - In a world of high resolution smart phones, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 shows that there is still much to look forward to in the compact camera arena. At 101.6mm by 50.1mm by 35.9mm and weighing only 240g, the new camera is small enough to put in your pocket, yet it has a large 1-inch EXMOR sensor, ultra bright f/1.8 lens and multi-function control ring.

The aluminium clad RX100 is reduced to the bare essentials: A simple button layout and controls put shutter speed and aperture at your fingertips while a useful function button unlocks settings like ISO and White Balance.

The RX100's sensor is unmatched by any camera in its category. The EXMOR device packs 20.2 million pixels; producing professional quality images and even RAW files.

The camera's 3.6x optical zoom - equivalent of a 28mm to 100mm zoom - offers a quick f/1.8 aperture at its widest zoom, which illuminates your subjects even in low light situations.

However, extending the camera's focal length to the maximum will cause the aperture to rise incrementally to a slower f/4.9, and result in significantly diminished low light ability.

At its widest setting, the camera could be approximately 5cm from a subject. That, coupled with the lens' shallow depth of field, produces pleasing close up shots with artistic blur.

The RX100 also has a built in flash that pops out of the camera body. The strobe is useful when shooting portraits and close-ups. Interestingly, it can even be tilted upwards for a softer looking "bounce" effect.

The camera was very quick to acquire focus, and a button in the middle of the back dial also allowed for tracking focus, useful in sports photography. The camera shoots at a high speed of up to 10 frames per second and is very silent during the continuous burst mode.

The Sony RX100 comes with a new NP-BX1 battery that has a CIPA rating of 330 shots. The camera is charged via a USB cable, but there are optional external chargers available.

The Cyber-shot RX100 takes amazing pictures, but, at S$999, it costs more than some entry-level DSLRs - which may take this compact camera out of the hands of enthusiasts without deep pockets.

On the box, it says the camera is made - not assembled - in Japan, a rarity these days.

The camera will be available in early August. NICHOLAS YEO

 

Source: www.todayonline.com

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Amazon preparing 'up to six' new Kindle Fire tablet

LONDON - Amazon will introduce up to six new tablets to succeed the Kindle Fire, as it intensifies its challenge to Apple, according to a major American retailer.

The head of US retail for Staples, Mr Demos Parneros, said he expected "five or six" new models to reach stores, including at least one with a 10-inch screen to match the iPad.

The first Kindle Fire, still only available in America, has a 7-inch screen. It made its debut last autumn but has itself recently been challenged at the lower end of the tablet market by Google's Nexus 7, and has seen intiial enthusiasm fade amid complaints of poor build quality and clunky software.

It was unclear whether Mr Parneros referred only to several variations of new tablets, or a combination of tablets and Kindle e-readers, but his claims back those of industry observers who expect Amazon to introduce new models in time for the run in to Christmas.

Amazon is making its own hardware to sell more digital goods, such as MP3s, movies, TV shows, apps and games. Physical versions of these products, such as CDs and DVDs, remain a big business for Amazon, but it is in decline, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Having its own devices sitting atop a software platform that offers digital content to more than 100 million, credit-card-wielding customers already programmed to buy, could help Amazon become a major mobile platform player, challenging Apple. The firm is also expected to introduce its own smartphone this year, based on Google's Android mobile operating system, in common with the Kindle Fire.

Amazon has not commented on what effect the kindle Fire has had on its sales of digital content beyond saying that it was "very pleased with what's happening".

The signs from Lab126, the firm's devices division, are also that a big expansion is underway, with both tablets and smartphones in the works.

Lab126 had just over 500 employees listed on LinkedIn in September, when Amazon launched the Kindle Fire. That has since grown to 865.

"They are there to develop other devices," said Robert Brunner, a former Amazon engineer who helped develop the first Kindle e-readers. "Knowing what I know about Jeff Bezos and Amazon, it's likely they are doing a smart phone."

Seven job postings by Lab126 in recent months sought hardware and software engineers who have experience with mobile phone projects. Amazon also hired two Windows Phone managers from Microsoft in recent months, according to their LinkedIn profiles.

"I can't really say much about some of the things on which I am working," said one of the men, Brandon Watson. "I can say that the goals of some of the teams are huge. Huge." AGENCIES

Source: www.todayonline.com

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Canon announces first mirrorless camera

by June Yang

Updated 07:50 PM Aug 03, 2012

 

The Canon EOS M, shown with a 22mm f/2.0 pancake lens. PHOTO COURTESY CANON

SINGAPORE - The long wait is finally over: Canon has joined its competitors by announcing its first compact mirrorless camera.

The EOS M, announced today, is equipped with a 18.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the DIGIC 5 imaging processor common to its other DSLR cameras such as the 1DX, and a fixed 3-inch touchscreen panel. The body weighs 265g and measures just 108.6 x 66.5 x 32.3 mm.

Online rumours had speculated that the new camera would use the Micro Four Thirds standard, but the larger APS-C sensor puts the EOS M in the same bracket as Canon's mid-range DSLRs, such as the EOS 60D.

The first notable mirrorless camera in the market was Panasonic's DMC-G1 in 2008. Since then, most of the major manufacturers have launched their own devices. The Nikon 1 system introduced September last year left Canon as the last holdout, a lag Canon attributes to spending more time on development. "It's not about being the first to market, but about having the best product with no compromise," said Mr Andrew Koh, director and general manager of Canon Singapore.

Market factors were also in play, said Mr Edwin Teoh, assistant director of image communication products for Canon Singapore. "If we had done it a few years ago, when it was still in infancy, the market may not have been so receptive. We have to find the right timing."

The EOS M will launch together with two EF-M lenses: a 18-55mm f3.5/5.6 IS STM zoom lens and a 22mm f/2.0 STM pancake lens. In addition, an EF-EOS M mount adapter makes the camera compatible with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, including all autofocus functions.

Some competing mirrorless cameras, such as Nikon's V1, lose some autofocus functionality when paired with existing DSLR lenses.

The EOS M also records video in full high-definition, with a hybrid autofocus system that can track a moving person or object.

The local price has yet to be announced, but it will retail for US$800 (S$1,010) with the 22mm pancake lens in America. It will be available here in early October - more than enough time to stuff the diminutive shooter into a Christmas stocking.



MORE SPECS

- ISO range 100-12800 (expandable to ISO 25600)

- Shoots 4.3 frames per second

- 0.048-second shutter lag

- Hybrid CMOS AF system can track moving objects in stills and video

- MultiFlexiZone with 31 AF zones

- Single FlexiZone with AF point movable via touchscreen

 

Source: www.todayonline.com

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A Microsoft tablet next?

PC giant may demonstrate new Windows OS device at event today, sources say

REDMOND (WASHINGTON) - Microsoft will unveil a tablet running the next Windows operating system under its own brand, according to a source familiar with the plans.

The company may demonstrate the device today, said the source, who asked not to be identified because the plans have not been made public.

Microsoft has been working with personal computer makers to produce Windows 8 tablets, designed to win back consumers hooked on Apple's iPad.

The world's largest software maker may be taking steps to exert more control over the hardware that runs its programs in order to mount a more successful challenge.

"If Microsoft wants to control the entire user experience and the entire quality of their products, they have to build their own hardware," said an analyst.

A spokesman for Microsoft declined to comment.

On Sunday, the company invited press via email to an event in Los Angeles at 3.30am today (Singapore time) at a location to be disclosed later.

"This will be a major Microsoft announcement - you will not want to miss it," the invitation said.

Since the release of IBM's first personal computer (PC) in 1981, Microsoft has focused on software for the machines and left design and branding to hardware makers. While the company has played a larger role in working with some PC makers on design, it has shied away from developing and selling machines under its brand.

The shift in strategy may sour Microsoft's relationship with some PC partners, many of which have been investing to develop Windows 8 tablets themselves and may not want to compete directly with Microsoft.

Still, they may have limited recourse, an analyst said. Apple does not licence its software to computer makers and Google, which makes the Android operating system, will probably make its own tablets through its recent acquisition of Motorola Mobility. BLOOMBERG

Source: todayonline.com

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Give the Panasonic Lumix GF5 a shot

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF5.
PHOTO COURTESY PANASONIC

SINGAPORE - Panasonic last week launched its latest mirrorless camera, the Lumix DMC-GF5, an upgrade over the GF3 that was only released last year.

Casting an eye over it, the GF5 seems only slightly thicker, taller and heavier than the GF3. But when I cradled the camera, the expanded grip and slightly bigger size is noticeably more comfortable.

For lensmen with larger hands like myself, the grip feels more secure while shooting but is not quite as snug as with larger cameras such as the Lumix GF1 or the GX1.

However, the real difference shows when you switch the camera on.

Sporting a new high-resolution screen, images on the Lumix GF5 look great, and having a sharper display comes in handy when you are composing or reviewing shots.

But the biggest upgrade of all is its new sensor: While the megapixel count remains the same as the GF3, the new sensor is more sensitive and produces less grainy shots even in low light.

The image-processing Venus Engine also helps with the noise reduction. While not comparable with a high-end full-sized DSLR, the GF5 is very impressive in its small package.

The GF5 also tries to keep things simple with its "Intelligent Auto" option, which senses the ambient surroundings to shoot the perfect picture. It works great in all circumstances I tried it in.

However, if you wish to go into manual mode, the options are nested deep in the touchscreen, which became too much of a hassle.

All the incremental upgrades may not appear to be a big deal if you already own a GF3 or another entry-level mirrorless camera, but if you are looking to move on from your compact cameras or even your smartphone, the Panasonic GF5 is a good place to start.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF5 is available now and is priced at S$1,099 for either the GF5X with the power zoom 14-42mm LUMIX G X lens, or the GF5W with 14mm F2.5 pancake lens and 14-42mm standard kit lens. Alvin Chong

 Source:  todayonline.com

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Samsung: Galaxy S III sales to hit 10m in July

JK Shin, head of Samsung Electronics' mobile
division, holds Galaxy S III devices as h
e poses for photographers during an event
to launch the smartphone in local
market at the headquarters of
Samsung in Seoul June 25, 2012. REUTERS

SEOUL - Samsung Electronics, the world's top mobile phone maker, said Monday it expects global sales of the latest Galaxy smartphone to surpass 10 million in July even as it struggles to keep up with demand because of component shortages.

Shin Jong-kyun, president of Samsung's mobile communications business, said the Galaxy S III will hit the 10-million milestone within two months of its launch.

"It has been tough to keep up with demand," Shin told reporters.

Samsung's failure to procure sufficient mobile components for its latest smartphone has stoked concerns that its second-quarter smartphone sales could be much lower than expected. Shin said the company expects to resolve the supply issues with mobile components sometime in the next week.

"Despite the tough economic situation in Europe and problems with supplying components for the Galaxy S III, the second-quarter earnings will be better than the first quarter," he said.

Samsung began sales of the Galaxy S III in Europe on May 29 and released the smartphone through all major mobile US carriers last week. In its home market, the company started sales of the latest iteration of Galaxy earlier Monday.

Samsung's sales estimate for the S III reflects robust demand from mobile operators. Unlike Apple, Samsung does not disclose sales figures to consumers.

The South Korean company said the S III will be released by nearly 300 mobile carriers around the world by the end of July, aiming for an early start before rival Apple announces a new version of the iPhone in the third quarter.

Samsung overtook Nokia as the world's biggest mobile-phone maker in 2011 and competes with Apple for the top smartphone maker position. It aims to double its smartphone sales this year to nearly 200 million phones. AP

Source: wwww.todayonline.com

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Canon EOS 650D and Nikon D3200 reviewed

The Nikon D3200.

The Canon EOS 650D

Entry-level DSLRs placed back to back in a classic shoot-out

SINGAPORE - If you have ever looked at a Digital Single Lens-Reflex (DSLR) camera and thought you would never be able to figure it out, it is time to iron out your fret lines.

Imaging giants Canon and Nikon have both just released new cameras for the beginner-to-amateur shutterbug. The Canon EOS 650D and the Nikon D3200 both come with new features to hand-hold users stepping into the world of DSLRs for the first time.

So, in the true spirit of the wild west, we pit both cameras in a good ol' western shoot-out.



Canon EOS 650D

For beginner lensmen (or women), the Canon 650D describes what you are doing when you switch modes and options so the letters on the camera's dial are no longer a mystery. And when you finally understand your options, you can always feel free to switch to manual options to take your skills up a notch.

A nice touch is its capacitive touch screen display, which is possibly the most responsive I have tried on a camera. If you have used a smartphone, finding your way around would be a cinch. You will be able to change options, focus and shoot via the touchscreen.

The built-in high dynamic range (HDR) on the Canon EOS 650D is also a boon for people who enjoy HDR photography - a feature that can be found on many new smartphones these days - however, due to the size of the camera (with the lens attached), you will need to hold the camera with both hands, making shots via the touchscreen only possible when it is mounted on a tripod.

Photographs taken off its 18-megapixel APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 processor have super-fine resolution that are rich in colour, and it performs better than the Nikon in terms of detail and low-light performance.

Both cameras have video capabilities, with Canon boasting a dedicated video switch which is a great idea for videographers and, for the first time, a full-time autofocusing-during-movie-recording function, which worked well even without the recommended STM lenses by Canon.

However, the Canon stood out from the Nikon with its articulated LCD screen, which proved useful when shooting at odd angles.

The Canon 650D costs S$1,299 with an 18-55mm kit lens and is available in black.

Nikon D3200

If you do not know the difference between the aperture size and shutter speed, and what they do, the Nikon D3200 may be a better choice.

The camera's Guide Mode helps you with the settings you need once you have decided on the shot, such as a sunset or sporting activity, in your mind.

The Guide Mode also comes with verbose descriptions to improve your understanding, and with this you will be learning the functions of a DSLR in a jiffy.

Image-wise, the Nikon's 24.2-megapixel count means you are able to take larger photos than the Canon, and with a larger battery you would probably be shooting larger and longer.

If image quality is your concern, the Nikon with its new DX-format CMOS image sensor combined with the upgraded Exspeed 3 processor is no slouch, providing great images for an entry-level DSLR and handily beating its predecessor, the D3100.

Despite the Nikon's ISO setting only going up to (an equivalent of) ISO 12800, about half of Canon's ISO 25600, noise control on both cameras is very good, with images turning out very well.

If it is the lighting that often throws you off photography, you will be glad to learn Nikon's Active D-Lighting works to preserve details in both highlights and shadows, giving you moderation in contrast so you do not have to grapple with a washed out outdoors while preserving details in the shadows.

The Nikon D3200 retails for S$1,099 with an 18-55mm kit lens, and comes in red or black.


Source:  www.todayonline.com

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