Online photo sharing is a huge phenomenon with millions choosing to share their snaps online. Services like Flickr and Picasa report record growth in 2012, as camera equipped Smartphones find way into more and more people lives. In fact, Picasa recently announced that the device most commonly used when uploading images to their photo sharing service was the iPhone 4s; the first time that a camera phone has overtaken traditional digital cameras in this area. The market for camera phones is reaching a turning point, and many no longer see a separate camera as an essential device.This is thanks largely to the introduction of the iPhone 4s with its crystal clear lens, and most importantly, a powerful flash. Rival manufacturers such as Samsung and HTC are not far behind, and the consumer is spoilt for choice with phones at all price ranges that will shoot decent photographs.

Smartphones up their game

The digital camera revolution of the last 15 years has placed incredible imaging technology in the hands of the everyday user. As devices have got smaller and smaller they have become ever more portable, and this has made them essential tools for capturing special moments. Apple, in particular, with the camera on the iPhone 4s convinced many a naysayer that it was time to ditch their digital compact camera. Whilst Cameraphones may lack the creative freedom that digital SLR’s allow there’s still plenty to enjoy in how you frame and compose shots, and the options for post production are almost limitless. Samsung’s Epic 4G Touch is a fine mid price Smartphone that also boasts a stunning camera. It’s powered by Google’s Android operating system for which thousands of camera applications have been developed. HTC are strong players, and their HTC One S is one of the thinnest phones on the market but still packs in fantastic camera. These phones are available for all of the popular UK networks and there are some great mobile deals if you are looking to upgrade.

Apps apps apps

The knock out punch for many is the ease with which a Smartphone makes the editing and sharing of photos. Photo sharing service Instagram has been in the headlines recently after Facebook purchased the company for $1billion making instant millionaires out of its 13 employees. The software allows users to take a picture, apply a retro filter and instantly share it via Facebook or Instagram’s own social networking site. It’s the perfect example of how using a Smartphone can allow people to become more creative with their photography, and quickly and easily publish their photo to share with their loved ones.

Fast, more creative and bright than ever: sophisticated technologies come together for an exciting new camera which moves beyond anything the G-Series has seen before. The Canon PowerShot G1 X will inspire advanced amateurs who have embraced the G-Series for exploring new realms of photographic expression, and give pros an excellent camera which complements their creative demands. The new High-Sensitivity 1.5-inch CMOS sensor approaches an APS-C sized sensor of EOS DSLR with a light sensitive area, which is around 6.3 times bigger unlike that of the PowerShot G12 camera. Its 14.3 Megapixel sensor, fused with DIGIC 5 Image Processor and a new lens creates an HS SYSTEM which delivers image quality originally impossible in a compact camera with lower noise, extraordinary resolution in low light shooting and beautiful blur and can shoot at ISOs of up to 12800. The G1 X also has 14-bit RAW abilities for Full high definition Video recording and even greater creative control. Manual operability and settings inherited from EOS devices impart a high level shooting experience, and open the door to new creative possibilities. Substantive luxury defines the design: a neatly clarified sculpture with huge Vari-angle LCD, optical viewfinder and a firm grip.

The newest generation Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor brings phenomenal increases in processing power and speed. Enhanced algorithms and chip architecture deliver greatly expanded functionality with further refinement in image quality. Enhanced noise reduction produces clearer images while shooting in low light at high ISO speeds. Improved i-Contrast performance adjusts differences between dark and light areas for achieving even more natural looking results. The faster processing speed also results in faster continuous shooting capability. The DIGIC 5 Image Processor also makes possible a new, highly advanced automatic white balance system. The traditional white balance of Canon PowerShot G1 X makes an overall adjustment based on a single type of light source, while the new Canon Multi-Area White Balance analyzes various areas of the image for determining whether different adjustments are needed, for instance, for the background and the main subject.

The engineers of the company developed and designed a sensor for the Canon PowerShot G1 X digital camera which is almost the size of an EOS DSLR camera’s APS-C sized sensor, and engineered with a similar pixel structure – each pixel site is larger, enabling more light to be captured – giving the PowerShot G1 X a completely different level of image quality unlike compact digital cameras that have come before it. At 1.5 inches, the sensor is approximately 6.3 times bigger as compared to that of the PowerShot G12 digital camera. This heightened degree of sensitivity, along with 14.3 Megapixels, delivers several distinct advantages. Noise is dramatically reduced at high ISO speeds for clear low-light and nighttime shooting. Resolution at low ISO speeds is incredibly rich and precise. And, most atypically for a compact camera, the PowerShot G1 X digital camera allows you to create the intensely beautiful background blur that is the hallmark of DSLR cameras.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X provides plenty of recording and shooting modes ranging from fully manual to fully automatic. For ultimate in creative control, it enables you to record in 14-bit RAW + JPEG. 14-bit signal processing, just as in EOS series cameras, provides photos notably smooth gradation and rich detail. Unlike with 12-bit processing, the 14-bit provides a 4x increase in RAW data, makes a visible impact, providing images rich detail in both shadows and highlights as well as more natural, smoother tonal gradation for exceptional image quality. RAW images can be edited to exact specifications of a photographer with combined software for increased creative control.

Besides the HS SYSTEM, the combination of DIGIC 5 Image Processor and the advanced CMOS sensor in Canon PowerShot G1 X makes it possible to shoot clear, crisp high definition video. Imagine the excitement and fun of being able to shoot spectacular 1080p Full high definition video with stereo sound which you can later watch on your high definition television or download to your PC for sharing with friends and family. Besides being able to shoot Full high definition 1080p video at 24 frames per second, the G1 X can also shoot 720p HD video at 30 frames per second.

It is easy to share and enjoy the videos you shoot with Canon PowerShot G1 X. Simply connect its HDMI terminal to your high definition television using the HDMI cable. As it supports HDMI-CEC technology, you will be able to control the playback of your videos and images on any CEC-enabled HDTV using television’s remote control. With PowerShot G1 X, you can also shoot video in the Apple iFrame format that’s computer friendly standard which speeds up editing and importing of videos. It keeps file sizes small, making it more convenient for uploading or emailing high quality videos. The iFrame format enjoys native support in compatible Windows and Mac video applications, which makes it unnecessary to perform time consuming and often quality-degrading conversions.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X comes equipped with a newly designed 28mm lens (35mm equivalent: 28-112mm) and 4x Wide Angle Optical Zoom, designed with the knowledge acquired over years of Canon leadership in optical technology innovation. The engineers of the company specifically engineered this lens to take advantage of its outstandingly large sensor. Fast and bright, its lens captures a wealth of subtle detail, even in dark scenes and indoors and easily covers a full range of shooting conditions. It integrates the newest in Canon UA lens technology, suppressing lens aberration for exceptional image quality throughout the entire zoom range. Photos are richly expressive, from areas of highest resolution to beautifully artistic background blurs. The wide angle provides you more to work with in every shot, expanding your avenues for creative photography.

The latest advance in Canon Optical Image Stabilization technology, Intelligent IS applies the best shake correction method for shooting condition and analyzes camera movement. For images, this system automatically selects among Panning, Normal, Tripod IS and Macro (Hybrid) modes. While shooting video, it automatically selects among Powered, Dynamic, Tripod IS and Macro modes. With Intelligent IS, you can concentrate on image capture, allowing the device make the most effective IS settings for assuring the steadiest possible image. Using the increased processing power and speed of all-new Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor, High Speed Burst HQ makes it possible to capture fast action stills at full resolution during continuous shooting. The results are outstandingly high quality images recorded in rapid sequence.

With Canon PowerShot G1 X, difficult shooting angles won’t stop you from getting the shot you want. Its large 3.0-inch Vari-Angle LCD screen rotates and swivels out, tilting up and down for giving you access to the lowest and highest angles for shooting flexibility which greatly improves your creative expression. You can also put yourself into group shots or capture perfectly centered self portraits. The display’s benefits don’t end with mobility. A resolution of 922,000 pixels gives you an unprecedented level of detail in the photos you are composing. The high resolution level makes it easy to read onscreen information when you are accessing shot information and adjusting camera settings. Full-range color is natural and true. Shoot SLR-style with real image optical zoom finder, and customize the viewfinder for your vision with dioptric adjustment.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X allows you to access the exciting EOS accessories including the Macro Ring Light MR-14EX, new Macro Light Adapter MLA-DC1 and all of the Canon Speedlite flashes, long revered by professional photographers. The high output of Speedlite flashes brings out the texture and depth of your images in complete, natural beauty. The ultra lightweight Canon Speedlite 270EX II is a high performance, compact flash unit which is fun and easy with adjustable guide number and illumination angle. The versatile Speedlite 320EX features an LED light at front of the flash body which can be used for illuminating nearby subjects in dim light, ideal for shooting video.

Specifications

Type: Compact digital still camera with 4x Optical, built-in flash, 4x Digital and 16x Combined Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer

Type: 14.3 Megapixels, 1.5-inch CMOS

Autofocus System: TTL Autofocus

Optical Viewfinder: Real-image zoom viewfinder

LCD Monitor: 3.0-inch TFT color LCD (Vari-angle type with wide-viewing angle)

Shutter speeds available in Tv and M: 60, 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3.2, 2.5, 2, 1.6, 1.3, 1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, 1/13, 1/15, 1/20, 1/25, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/60, 1/80, 1/100, 1/125, 1/160, 1/200, 1/250, 1/320, 1/400, 1/500, 1/640, 1/800, 1/1000, 1/1250, 1/1600, 1/2000,1/2500, 1/3200, 1/4000 (Units: sec.)

Sensitivity: Auto*, ISO 100 / 125 / 160 / 200 / 250 / 320 / 400 / 500 / 640 / 800 / 1000 / 1250 / 1600 / 2000 / 2500 / 3200 / 4000 / 5000 / 6400 / 8000 / 10000 / 12800 (When in P mode)

Light Metering Method: Evaluative, Center weighted average, Spot

White Balance Control: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Underwater, Custom1, Custom2

Shooting Modes: C1, C2, M, Av, Tv, P, Auto, SCN, Creative Filters, Movie, Movie Digest, Portrait, Landscape, Kids & Pets, Sports, Smart Shutter*5, High-Speed Burst HQ, Handheld Night Scene, Beach, Underwater, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist, High Dynamic Range, Nostalgic, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap, Standard, iFrame Movie, Smile, Wink Self-timer, Face Self-timer

Photo Effects: My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin, Darker Skin, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color

Storage Media: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card

Number of Recording Pixels: Still Images:

[16:9]
Large: 4352 x 2448, Medium 1: 3072 x 1728,
Medium 2: 1920 x 1080, Small: 640 x 360

[3:2]
Large: 4352 x 2904, Medium 1: 3072 x 2048,
Medium 2: 1600 x 1064, Small: 640 x 424

[4:3]
Large: 4352 x 3264, Medium 1: 3072 x 2304,
Medium 2: 1600 x 1200, Small: 640 x 480
RAW: 4352 x 3264

[1:1]
Large: 3264 x 3264, Medium 1: 2304 x 2304,
Medium 2: 1200 x 1200, Small: 480 x 480

[4:5]
Large: 2608 x 3264, Medium 1: 1840 x 2304,
Medium 2: 960 x 1200, Small: 384 x 480

Playback Modes File: Still Images & Movies: Auto Rotate, Transition Effects (Off, Scroll, Slide, Fade), Scroll Display, Rotate, Favorites, My Category, Search Jump (Favorites, Date, My Category, Still Images/Movies/Movie Digest, Jump 10 Images, Jump 100 Images), Smart Shuffle, Group Playback, Movie Digest, Filtered Playback, Slideshow

Computer Interface: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (Dedicated connector (female) with unified type of digital, audio and video)

Other: Memory card slot; direct connection to Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Inkjet Photo Printers and PictBridge-compatible printers via camera’s USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Cable

27 display languages provided: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic, Romanian, Ukrainian, Farsi, and Hindi

The Canon PowerShot G1 X is a very difficult digital camera to pigeon-hole. Unlike other premium compact devices, it is much heavier and bigger but has a much bigger image sensor, which offers better images with more depth of field.

Step up to unbelievable shooting experience with Sony Alpha SLT-A77V. Featuring the company’s top of the line Translucent Mirror Technology, you can shoot and focus concurrently for precise, fast performance and continuous shooting of up to 12fps, complete with continuous autofocus. You can capture astonishingly detailed photos, which make for stunning enlargements with its imposing 24.3-megapixel sensor. The SLT-A77V is considered to be the first DSLR camera of the world to provide choice of standard 60i, richly cinematic 24p or super-smooth 60p movie modes all at Full high definition 1920 x 1080 resolution; you can capture incredible, high-quality MP4 or AVCHD videos of your memorable moments. The Tru-Finder OLED electronic viewfinder provides extraordinary high contrast and resolution for exceptional depth, and enables you to view setting adjustments in real time for best possible picture.

The Sony Alpha SLT-A77V’s translucent mirror makes it easier for capturing decisive soccer kick or your baby at absolute cutest. You can shoot up to 12fps at full resolution 24.3 megapixels with continuous autofocus. It is the world’s fastest shooting speed for interchangeable lens APS-C cameras, as of 2011. There has never been anything quite like Tru-Finder OLED electronic viewfinder. For speed, brightness and size even after sunset, this is a gem. It starts with 2359K pixels for amazing high contrast ratio and resolution for incredible depth. OLED reduces motion blur to bare minimum and you can also see results of camera adjustments in real time with superb detail and color.

The Sony Alpha SLT-A77V is designed and engineered for real world with magnesium alloy body, which fuses light weight with high strength. Ports, doors and controls are also weather-resistant for smooth operation under adverse conditions. For maximizing value of Translucent Mirror Technology, the company integrates Phase Detection AF of great sophistication; 19 sensors with 11 cross sensors maximize precision for both horizontal and vertical subjects. You can experience incredible low-light shooting without flash and the device captures 6 images in fraction of second. Fusing data from all six, it produces single image with reduction in noise equivalent to 2 extra steps of ISO sensitivity, which is selectable up to ISO 16000. DRO (Dynamic Range Optimizer) enhances results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows.

The Sony Alpha SLT-A77V is quite heavy, particularly with 16-50mm kit lens. The electronic viewfinder is a pleasure to use and packed full of solid features, albeit still lacks some key ones. It delivers solid noise profile for the segment and excellent video and photo. It comes standard with 24.3-megapixel Exmor HD CMOS sensor, 1.5x focal length multiplier, ISO sensitivity range from 50 to 16,000. 8 frames per second of continuous shooting, electronic OLED 2.36 million pixels, 19-point phase detection 11 cross type, sensor shift image stabilization, stereo microphone input, three-inch articulated display with 921,600 pixels and wireless flash.

As per the company’s typical design, the Sony Alpha SLT-A77V’s mode dial sits on the left shoulder and offers usual selection of automatic, manual and semimanual modes along with Memory Recall, which holds 3 custom settings, including dedicated movie mode that enables manual adjustment of shutter speed and aperture, 3D Sweep and Sweep Panorama and Continuous Advance Priority autoexposure mode that fixes exposure for 12 frames per second burst. On the top right, you will find direct access controls for burst modes, ISO sensitivity, white balance and exposure compensation along with awkwardly placed button to switch between LCD and EVF. The most significant ones – AE lock, AF/MF override, quick adjustment menu access (Fn), navigation joystick and movie record are positioned for easy reach without contortions.

Standard features on Sony Alpha SLT-A77V include Lens Compatibility: Sony A-mount lens; Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor; BIONZ image processor; Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism; 24.3 megapixels; TTL phase detection AF; AF Modes: Continuous AF(AF-C), Single-shot AF(AF-S), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Automatic AF(AF-A) selectable and Manual Focus; Focus Features: Predictive control(AF-A, AF-C), Focus Lock, Eye-start AF; AF Illuminator: Built-in LED; Flash Modes: Auto, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Hi-speed sync., Red-eye reduction (on/off selectable for Autoflash and fill-flash mode), Wireless, Off.

The Sony Alpha SLT-A77V also offers 0.50″ XGA OLED EVF (Electronic viewfinder) (2,359k dots); Advanced 1200-zone evaluative metering; Metering Modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted and Spot; Exposure Settings: Auto Advanced (AUTO+), Auto, Sweep Panorama, Scene Selection (SCN), Continuous Advance Priority AE (12fps), 3D Sweep Panorama (3D), Programmed AE (P), Movie, Shutter-speed priority (S), Aperture priority (A) and Manual (M); Scene Modes: Landscape, Portrait, Sports action, Macro, Night portrait, Sunset, Handheld Twilight and Night View; Picture Effects: 11 types (15 variations): Pop Color, Posterization (Color, B/W), Partial Color (R,G,B,Y), Retro Photo, Toy Camera, High Contrast Monochrome, Soft Focus, Soft High-key, Rich-tone Monochrome, HDR Painting and Miniature.

The Sony Alpha SLT-A77V adds Creative Style: Vivid, Standard, Clear, Neutral, Light, Deep, Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Sunset, Black & White, Autumn leaves, Sepia, Saturation and Sharpness; White Balance Mode: Daylight, Auto, Cloudy, Shade, Fluorescent (Warm White, Cool White, Day White, Daylight), Incandescent, Setting the color temperature, Flash, Custom and Color Filter; Media Type: SD, SDHC and SDXC and Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo media memory card; Panorama Still Image Size: Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M); Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M); 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M).

Also standard on Sony Alpha SLT-A77V include 3.0-inch TFT Xtra Fine LCD (921,600 pixels) with TruBlack technology; Customization: Histogram display, Grid, Grid Line, Digital Level Gauge and Magnified display for playback; Supplied Software: Image Data Converter SR v3.2; PMB (Picture Motion Browser) v5.2 and Image Data Lightbox SR v2.2 and Operating System Compatibility: Windows Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Mac OS X (v10.3-?10.6), Windows 7 SP1; Image Data Converter, Image Data Lightbox and Camera (via USB) software are compatible with Mac OS. Overall, the SLT-A77V is a fluid, fast and fun-to-shoot camera, which provides excellent photos and better-than-competing-DSLR video.

The Pentax K-01 marks the intersection where high design and high technology meet. Stunning modern styling by Marc Newson, world renowned designer features rounded corners, soft, rubberized accents and bold lines and colors for a trusty, timeless and touchable appeal. Large APS-C sized 16.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor offers exceptional color accuracy, low noise in multiple aspect ratios and high resolution image quality. The mirrorless body design of Pentax is compatible with more than 25 million PENTAX K-mount lenses spanning decades, for unmatched optical selection and flexibility. Sensor shift Pentax Shake and Dust Reduction system is compatible with all mounted Pentax lens for stabilized videography and beautifully sharp still images.

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS provides very good image quality and features for its segment, including manual and semimanual shooting options and uses AA size batteries. Memory-Making Made Easy. Find out how easy and simple it is to shoot memorable videos and photos of your favorite subjects and be creative with the SX150 IS digital camera. Its compact size makes it convenient to carry around everywhere for capturing those special moments, which can happen anytime. Sporting an elegant design, it is available in 2 great colors: Red and Black. 14.1 Megapixels provide striking image detail and allow you to make stunning large prints. 12x Optical Zoom allows you to get close to distant subjects, whereas the wide angle 28mm capability makes it great to photograph scenic landscapes and large groups of people. Advanced technologies, including Smart AUTO and Intelligent IS, make it effortless and easy to capture striking high definition video and still images. It all makes the SX150 IS a perfect camera for capturing the good times, wherever you might be.

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS comes with a potent Genuine Canon 12x Zoom Lens, which delivers exceptional versatility and optical performance. With decades of leadership and precision engineering in optical technologies, the company has designed and engineered a wide-angle, bright lens which offers a surprising 12x zoom range. The lens starts at 28mm wide angle and extends to 336mm telephoto, providing you with tremendous reach and coverage. The telephoto end allows you to capture subjects from a considerable distance, whereas the 28mm wide angle makes it easy to shoot large groups of people, tall buildings and sweeping landscapes. Furthermore, this superlative lens integrates groundbreaking designs, which allow it to fit the compact profile of PowerShot SX150 IS and perform at high speed with low power consumption.

Handheld shooting can often lead to camera shake, making videos and photos blurry. The Optical Image Stabilizer of Canon is a highly developed system, which uses lens shift technology for correcting for unwanted camera movement. It makes handheld photography more practical in more shooting conditions, offering excellent image quality in many difficult conditions: inside without a flash, even at the telephoto end of zoom range without a tripod and outdoors at dusk. For still images, it allows shooting at slower shutter speeds, accommodating more low light shooting conditions than ever before without having to boost ISO sensitivity. With camera vibration and shake reduced, you get a steadier, sharper image. As it is an optical system, there is none of the image degradation usual with electronic image stabilizers.

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS comes equipped with Smart AUTO, a highly developed Canon technology, which makes getting that great shot as simple as pressing the shutter button. It automatically detects scenes by assessing several factors in both the subject and the background. Detected scenes are analyzed utilizing 32 predefined shooting conditions. The camera then makes optimal settings to ensure the best possible image capture, whether you are shooting video or stills. Smart AUTO also integrates Advanced Subject Detection that enables the camera to track and detect non human moving subjects like vehicles and animals.

Those who are in the market looking for a compact camera with some creative control, a long lens and AA batteries, the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS is a good choice. The company does little with PowerShot SX150 IS for enticing owners of its previous model, the SX130 IS, to trade it in for the refresh. It is available for the price of $249.99 and comes standard with 14.0-megapixel ½.3 CCD sensor, 12x f3.4-5.6, 28-336mm lens, 3.0-inch LCD display with 230K pixels, file format support for JPEG/H.264 AAC; highest resolution size of 4320 x 3240/1280 x 720p at 30 frames per second, digital and optical image stabilization, storage media of SD/SDXC/SDHC and bundled software of ZoomBrowser EX 6.8/PhotoStitch 3.1 (Windows); ImageBrowser 6.8/PhotoStitch 3.2 (Mac).

Colors generated by Canon PowerShot SX150 IS are generally excellent – fairly accurate, bright and vivid. White balance and exposure are really very good. For video quality, it is on par with a smartphone or high definition video camera and is certainly good enough for casual viewing on high definition television or Web use. The ISO sensitivity includes Auto, 1600, 80, 800, 100, 400 and 200. Some of the white balance modes are Auto, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Fluorescent H, Tungsten and Fluorescent. It offers plethora of recording modes such as Auto, Movie, Easy, Discreet, Program, Creative Filters, Shutter speed priority, Scene, Aperture priority and Manual. Few focus modes are Face Autofocus, Manual, Center Autofocus, Infinity, Normal and Macro.

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS provides quite a few metering modes; these include spot, multi and center weighted average. Some of the color effects are Vivid Blue, Vivid, Vivid Red, Vivid Green, Sepia, Neutral, Positive Film, Black & White, Darker Skin Tone, Lighter Skin Tone and Custom (adjustment of sharpness, contrast, red, saturation, blue, skin tone and green are available). It provides a wide variety of shooting modes, providing you abundant to experiment with. Amongst the many options are aperture priority, manual options and shutter priority. Available apertures are f4.0, f3.4, f5.0, f4.5, f6.3, f5.6, f8.0 and f7.1. You will also find various photo effect options with presets for skin tone color and subject as well as individual adjustments for sharpness, contrast, red, saturation, blue, skin tone and green. If that isn’t enough, the company also integrates its Color Swap and Color Accent features. Canon includes several of its high-quality Creative Filters: Miniature Effect, Fish-eye Effect, Monochrome, Toy Camera Effect, Poster Effect and Super Vivid.

Specifications:

• Type: Compact digital still camera with built-in flash, 12x Optical Zoom & 4x Digital Zoom & 48x Combined Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
  
• LCD Monitor: 3.0-inch TFT color LCD with wide viewing angle
  
• Image Capture Device Type: 14.1 Megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD
  
• Light Metering Method: Evaluative, Center-weighted Average, Spot
  
• Sensitivity: Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600
• Shooting Modes: M, Av, TV, P, Auto 1, Easy, SCN 2, Creative Filters 3, Discreet, Movie, Smart Shutter, Portrait, Landscape, Kids & Pets, Low Light, Beach, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap, Standard, iFrame Movie, Smile, Wink Self-timer, Face Self-timer
  
• White Balance Control: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
• Storage Media: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card, Eye-Fi
• Photo Effects: My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color
• Image Recording Format: Normal and Fine
• File Format: Design rule for Camera File System, DPOF (Version 1.1) compliant
• Number of Recording Pixels Large: 4320 x 3240; Medium 1: 3072 x 2304; Medium 2: 1600 x 1200; Small: 640 x 480;
• Widescreen: 3744 x 2104
• JPEG Compression Mode: Still Image: 2.3 (JPEG)
• Still Images: Single, Index, Magnification (Approx. 2x-10x), Information Display, Resume Playback, Red-Eye Correction, i-Contrast, Trimming, Resize, My Colors, Focus Check, Histogram, Overexposure Warning
• Playback Modes File: Still Images & Videos: Auto Rotate, Easy, Rotate, Scroll Display, My Category, Favorites, Smart Shuffle, Jump, Filtered Playback
  
• Videos: Normal Playback, Special Playback
  
• 27 display languages: German, English, Dutch, French, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Greek, Korean, Czech, Polish, Turkish, Hungarian, Arabic, Thai, Ukrainian, Romanian, Hindi and Farsi

The HS System of Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS with 16.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 Image Processor is designed for outstanding low light performance up to ISO 3200. Besides Canon HS SYSTEM, the combination of DIGIC 5 Image Processor and advanced CMOS sensor in the ELPH 110 HS makes it possible to shoot clear, crisp high definition video. Imagine the excitement and fun of being able to shoot spectacular 1080p Full HD video which you can later watch on your high definition television or download to your computer to share with family and friends. Besides being able to shoot Full HD 1080p video at 24 frames per second, it can also shoot 720p high definition video at 30 frames per second.

It has never been easier to shoot videos with a PowerShot digital camera. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS features a dedicated movie button which allows you to stop and start recording instantly. There is no need to go through layers of menus or operate dials or switches to switch to and from video recording mode. The camera is always ready to shoot video or stills whenever you want. Unlike less sophisticated point and shoot cameras, it also allows you to use the full range of optical zoom while you are shooting a video. With ELPH 110 HS, you can also shoot video in an Apple iFrame format, which is a computer-friendly standard that speeds up editing and importing of videos. It keeps file sizes small, making it more convenient to upload or e-mail high quality videos. The iFrame format enjoys native support in compatible Mac and Windows video applications, making it unnecessary to perform time-consuming and often quality-degrading conversions.

Pioneered by Canon, the UA Lens technology of Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS makes possible compact lenses with astonishing optical performance. By using molded glass with ultra-high refractive index in aspherical lens elements, the company has succeeded in reducing lens size while drastically reducing image aberrations. Another stellar example of cutting edge Canon optics, UA Lens technology helps make PowerShot digital cameras capable of astounding image quality and pocket friendly. Its bright and large 3.0-inch PureColor LCD display makes it easy to view and frame your shots in high resolution (461,000 dots). Many LCD screens in the market today use a striped arrangement of dots, which works great for menus and text, but isn’t ideal for imagery. The ELPH 110 HS digital camera’s PureColor System LCD uses a delta arrangement of dots, an arrangement which works better for the organic nature of videos and photos, enabling you to review your images with exceptional clarity with rich, true-to-life color. Moreover, you can view the LCD screen over a surprisingly wide angle – above, below or to either side – without color shifts and with minimal reflections. A scratch-proof hard coating and a dust-repellent fluorine coating ensure a durable screen that dependably displays clear, vibrant images.

Filled with some of latest technology and shooting modes of Canon, the PowerShot ELPH 110 HS is a solid ultracompact camera. It doesn’t look all that different from the previous model, Elph 100 HS. On the inside, there are DIGIC 5 image processor and backside illuminated 16.0-megapixel CMOS sensor. It also has a wider, faster and longer lens and low shutter lag that’s good news if you are fed up with your smartphone camera’s limitations, but still want something which is very lightweight and pocketable. In spite of all of its positive attributes, it is still a little too expensive at $250.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS measures 3.7 inches by 0.8 inch by 2.2 inches, weighs 4.8 ounces and comes standard with ½.3 backside illuminated 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch LCD display with 460K pixels, 5x f2.7-5.9, 24-120mm lens, file format of JPEG/H.264 AAC, highest resolution of 4608 x 3456/1920 x 1080 at 24 frames per second, digital and optical image stabilization, storage media of SD/SDXC/SDHC and bundled software of ImageBrowser 6.8/PhotoStitch 3.2 (Mac); ZoomBrowser EX 6.8/PhotoStitch 3.1 (Windows) and Map Utility 1.0 (Windows/Mac). The image quality of ELPH 110 HS is good for this segment and are best suited for Web use. Colors are bright and vivid without looking unnatural, while the exposure is generally good highlighting do occasionally blow out. The video quality is noticeably enhanced from its predecessor.

The ISO sensitivity of Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS ranges from Auto, 3200, 100, 1600, 200, 800 and 400, while the white balance modes include Auto, Custom, Daylight, Fluorescent H, Cloudy, Fluorescent and Tungsten. You will find plenty of recording modes such as Program, Auto, Smooth Skin, Portrait, High-speed Burst, Smart Shutter, Handheld Night Scene, Best Image Selection, Fish-eye Effect, Low Light, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Effect, Monochrome, Soft Focus, Poster Effect, Super Vivid, Color Swap, Color Accent, Snow, Underwater, Long Shutter, Fireworks, Movie Digest, Stitch Assist and Movie (Standard, iFrame, Miniature Effect and Super Slow Motion.)

Some of the focus modes on Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS include face detection autofocus, tracking autofocus and center autofocus, while the metering modes are evaluative, spot and center weighted average. There are quite a lot of color effects such as Neutral, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Lighter Skin, Positive Film, Vivid Blue, Darker Skin, Vivid Red, Vivid Green and Custom Color (contrast, sharpness, red, saturation, blue, green and skin tone.) The Elph 110 HS has a large assortment of shooting modes, but nearly all of them are automatic modes, which means there is no full control over aperture and shutter speed. The shooting mode switch on the top has two options: one for all of its other modes and one for Auto. The company pumped up its Smart Auto that recognizes 58 predefined shooting conditions and includes Canon’s new Face ID feature that enables you to program the camera for recognizing up to 12 faces.

Standard features on Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS include Type: Compact digital camera with built-in flash, 4x Digital, 5x Optical and 20x Combined Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer; 16.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor; 3.0-inch TFT Color with wide-viewing angle; Auto, ISO 100/200/400/800/1600/3200; Light Metering Method: Evaluative, Center weighted average and Spot; White Balance Control: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H and Custom; Shooting Modes: P, Auto, Portrait, Movie Digest, Smart Shutter2, High-Smooth Skin, Handheld Night Scene, speed Burst, Low Light, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap, Underwater, Snow, Long Shutter, Stitch Assist, iFrame Movie, Super Slow Motion Movie.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS also offers Photo Effects: My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin, Darker Skin, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color; Storage Media: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card; Number of Recording Pixels: Still Images: [16:9] – Large: 4608 x 2592, Medium 1: 3264 x 1832, Medium 2: 1920 x 1080, Small: 640 x 360; [3:2] – Large: 4608 x 3072, Medium 1: 3264 x 2176 and Medium 2: 1600 x 1064, Small: 640 x 424; [4:3] – Large: 4608 x 3456, Medium 1: 3264 x 2448 and Medium 2: 1600 x 1200, Small: 640 x 480; [1:1] – Large: 3456 x 3456, Medium 1: 2448 x 2448 and Medium 2: 1200 x 1200, Small: 480 x 480; Playback Modes File: Stills & Videos: Image Advance (Operation Tools, Transition effects, Scroll Display), Auto Rotate (Automatic vertical/horizontal detection), Favorites, Rotate, Smart Shuffle, My Category, Slide Show (Playback Interval, Repeat, Effect, Playlist) and Filtered Playback.

Also standard on Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS include Still Images: Index (4-100 thumbnails), Single, Magnification (2-10x), Information Display, Red-eye Correction, i-Contrast, Trimming, Resize, My Colors, Focus Check, Histogram, Overexposure Warning; Videos: Normal Playback, Slow Motion, Special Playback, Editing, Resume; Other: SD Memory card slot; direct connection to Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Inkjet Photo Printers and PictBridge-compatible printers through camera’s USB 2.0 Hi-speed cable and Mini-HDMI cable: connection to high definition monitor; 30 display languages: German, English, Dutch, French, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Greek, Korean, Czech, Polish, Turkish, Hungarian, Arabic, Thai, Ukrainian, Romanian, Hindi, Farsi, Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese. So, capture amazing action shots like the pros with the PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera.

Measuring 0.87 inches, the Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS is super-thin, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a small camera, which fits easily into the pocket. With 5 cool metallic colors to choose from, there is a camera that fits your style. In spite of its slim profile, it houses a powerful Genuine Canon 8x Optical Zoom Lens, which delivers outstanding versatility and optical performance. The zoom starts at wide-angle 28mm and extends to 224mm telephoto, covering a highly useful and wide range. The telephoto reach provides you the freedom to capture subjects from afar, while the 28mm wide-angle makes it easy to shoot large groups of people, tall buildings and sweeping landscapes.

The Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS’ lets you take bright, clear photos in an even wider range of shooting conditions. Beautiful low-light shots are possible with maximum detail and minimal noise in shadow and highlight areas. The Canon HS system is a result of two technologies brought together in PowerShot cameras: the DIGIC Image Processor that actively reduces noise with high speed image processing and a high-sensitivity imaging sensor, which is able to capture more light. The CMOS 12.1 Megapixel sensor in Elph 310 HS integrates advanced light reception technology, which enhances sensitivity. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor offers a most significant boost in noise reduction, expanding usable ISO range to an amazing high of 3200.

Besides the Canon HS SYSTEM, the combination of DIGIC 4 Image Processor and advanced CMOS sensor in Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS makes it possible to shoot clear, crisp high definition video. Imagine the excitement and fun of being able to shoot spectacular 1080p full high definition video with stereo sound that you can later watch on your high definition television or download to your computer to share with friends and family. Besides being able to shoot Full HD 1080p video at 24 frames per second, the Elph 310 HS can also shoot 720p HD video at 30 frames per second.

Snapshooters seeking superior image quality as compared to smartphone and 8x zoom lens in a small package should certainly consider the Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS. It is sort of misfit camera; the 8x zoom lens isn’t quite long enough for attracting people looking to enhance on older ultracompact device. The 310 HS is slightly bigger as compared to 300 HS and also features a bigger, higher resolution display, which makes the deal look sweeter. It is available for the price of $259.00 and comes packed with 12.0-megapixel ½.3-inch backside illuminated CMOS sensor, three-inch LCD display with 461,000 pixels, 8x, f3.0-5.9, 28-224mm lens, JPEG, H.264 AAC, highest resolution of 4000 x 3000 pixels/1920 x 1080 at 24 frames per second, digital and optical image stabilization, storage media of SDXC/SD/SDHC and bundled software of ImageBrowser 6.7/PhotoStitch 3.2 (Mac); ZoomBrowser EX 6.7/PhotoStitch 3.1 (Windows) and Map Utility 1.0 (Windows/Mac).

The Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS creates generally excellent snapshots. Images do get noisier and softer above ISO 200, which is usual for point and shoot cameras. Video quality is on par with a very good high definition pocket video camera, good enough for nondiscriminating television viewing and Web use. The ISO sensitivity ranges from Auto, 3200, 100, 1600, 200, 800 and 400. Some of the white balance modes include Auto, Custom, Daylight, Fluorescent H, Cloudy, Fluorescent and Tungsten. The Elph 310 HS offers quite a lot of recording modes, which include Program, Auto, Portrait, Movie Digest, Smart Shutter, Kids & Pets, Best Image Selection, High-Speed Burst, Low Light, Handheld Night Scene, Miniature Effect, Fish-eye Effect, Monochrome, Toy Camera Effect, Poster Effect, Super Vivid, Color Swap, Color Accent, Foliage, Beach, Fireworks, Snow, Stitch Assist, Long Shutter, Super Slow Motion Movie and iFrame Movie.

The Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS also provides few focus modes such as Tracking autofocus, face detection autofocus and center autofocus. Some of the metering modes are evaluative, spot and center weighted average, while color effects include Neutral, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Lighter Skin, Positive Film, Vivid Blue, Darker Skin, Vivid Red, Vivid Green and Custom Color (adjustment of sharpness, contrast, red, saturation, blue, green and skin tone). One of the largest benefits of CMOS sensors is their fast speed unlike CCD sensors. To connect to a PC, monitor or a high definition television, there are mini HDMI and mini USB/AV outputs beneath the panel on the right hand side of the device. The memory card and battery compartment is at the bottom beneath the nonlocking door.

Standard features on Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS include 12.1 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS; TTL Autofocus; 3.0-inch TFT Color LCD with wide viewing angle; Auto, ISO 100/200/400/800/1600/3200 (in P mode); Light Metering Method: Evaluative, Center weighted average, Spot; White Balance Control: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom; Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off; Shooting Modes: P, Auto, Portrait, Movie Digest, Smart Shutter, Kids & Pets, Best Image Selection, High-Speed Burst, Low Light, Handheld Night Scene, Miniature Effect, Fish-eye Effect, Monochrome, Toy Camera Effect, Poster Effect, Super Vivid, Color Swap, Color Accent, Foliage, Beach, Fireworks, Snow, Stitch Assist, Long Shutter, Super Slow Motion Movie and iFrame Movie.

The Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS also offers Photo Effects: Vivid, My Colors Off, Sepia, Neutral, Positive Film, Black & White, Darker Skin, Lighter Skin, Vivid Green, Vivid Blue, Custom Color and Vivid Red; Storage Media: SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card, Eye-Fi and SDXC Memory Card; Number of Recording Pixels 16:9: Large: 4000 x 2248, Medium 1: 2816 x 1584, Medium 2: 1920 x 1080 and Small: 640 x 360; 3:2: Large: 4000 x 2664, Medium 1: 2816 x 1880, Medium 2: 1600 x 1064 and Small: 640 x 424; 4:3: Large: 4000 x 3000, Medium 1: 2816 x 2112, Medium 2: 1600 x 1200 and Small: 640 x 480; 1:1: Large: 2992 x 2992, Medium 1: 2112 x 2112, Medium 2: 1200 x 1200 and Small: 480 x 480.

Also standard on Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS include Playback Modes File: Still Images & Video: Transition Effects, Auto Rotate, Active Display, Scroll Display, Favorites, Rotate, Smart Shuffle, My Category, Movie Digest, Group Playback, Slideshow and Filtered Playback; Still Images: Index (4-100 thumbnails), Single, Information Display, Magnification (2x-10x), i-Contrast, Red-eye Correction, Resize, Trimming, Focus Check, My Colors, Overexposure Warning and Histogram; 27 display languages: German, English, Dutch, French, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Greek, Korean, Czech, Polish, Turkish, Hungarian, Arabic, Thai, Ukrainian, Romanian, Hindi and Farsi.

Overall, it is indeed a recommendable camera that takes good photographs and is relatively simple to use.

Standard features on SLT-A57 include Max resolution: 4912 x 3264; Other resolutions: 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376; Effective pixels: 16.1 megapixels; ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000 (25600 with boost); JPEG quality levels: Fine, Normal; File format: RAW, RAW + JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard; Autofocus: Phase Detect, Multi-area, Selective single-point, Tracking, Single, Continuous, Face Detection, Live View; Xtra Fine TFT drive with TruBlack technology; Exposure modes: iAUTO, Flash Off, Superior Auto, Scene Selection, Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Continuous Advance Priority AE, Movie, Programmed AE (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M); Scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight; Drive modes: Single Shot, Continuous (Hi/Lo), Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay) and Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance), Remote Control (with optional RM-DSLR1).

The exclusive package fuses Pentax K-5, a flagship model of PENTAX K lineup of DSLR cameras with SMC PENTAX-DA 40mm XS F2.8 lens, one of the thinnest unifocal lens of the world. One of the most renowned industrial designers of the world, Marc Newson masterly designed this lens. Both lens barrel and camera body feature the same elegant silver finish, promising that this package is a high-end imaging tool which also boasts maximum visual harmony. The specifications of camera body and lens are same as those for standard K-5 model.

The DSC-HX200V camera will be available for the price of $480 in March 2012 in black. Features include: 30x optical zoom lens with 60x digital Clear Image Zoom at full resolution; Exmor R CMOS 18.2 MP sensor; Lightning-fast AF speed of 0.24 seconds in low-light and 0.13 second in daylight; Extra High Sensitivity technology that enhances low-light shooting capabilities; can capture 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video through “Dual-Record”; 3.0-inch tilting LCD screen with 921k dots; Photo Creativity interface; Full HD Movie Shooting capability and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode and nine Picture Effect options to create custom-styled unique video and photos.

The DSC-HX30V will be offered for the price of $420 in black and will be equipped with 20x optical zoom lens with 40x digital Clear Image Zoom at full resolution; 18.2 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor; Extra High Sensitivity technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities; Wi-Fi enabled to share content directly with compatible PC, smartphone, tablet or other devices; 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen; Lightning-fast AF speed of 0.13 second in daylight, 0.21 seconds in low-light; Full HD Movie Shooting capability and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode; can capture 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”; nine Picture Effect options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video and Photo Creativity interface.

The DSC-HX20V camera will be available for $400 this May with 20x optical zoom lens with 40x digital “Clear Image Zoom” at full resolution; 18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor; Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.21 seconds in low-light; Extra High Sensitivity technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities; can capture 13MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”; 3.0-inch, 921k dot LCD screen; Photo Creativity interface; Full HD Movie Shooting capability and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video.

The DSC-HX10V will be available for the price of $330 in silver, white, red and black colors, while the DSC-H90 camera for $250 in black, red and silver.