Here is a video that walks you through the different types of configurations for the Canon HDDSLR cameras that I use on production these days. It includes a thorough description of the newer pieces of equipment that I have put into play in the past few months.

• The Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (SAL24F20Z) features the acclaimed Carl Zeiss Distagon design and rounds out the existing Planar (SAL85F14Z) and Sonnar (SAL135F18Z) models also developed in conjunction with Carl Zeiss. It is intended to appeal to experienced photographers looking for a large-aperture wide-angle lens of real distinction.
• The DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) adds the important 35mm focal length to the ‘Easy Choice’ series. ‘Easy Choice’ is intended to provide great value, compact and lightweight lenses that are attractive to entry-level and advanced photographers alike. Each lens in the series is selected for a specific purpose, for example portraiture or macro.
• The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) is another ‘Easy Choice’ lens, this time offering the 85mm focal length considered the standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective it provides. True to type it is extremely compact and light, weighing just 175g.

MTF graphics:

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM

DT 35mm F1.8 SAM

85mm:

85mm F2.8 SAM

• 3-inch touch screen
• plug & share convenience
• Full HD recording – 1920 x 1080/30p, 1280 x 720/60p
• Improved low-light performance and waterproof versatility

Two JVC pocket cameras announced today bring a new level of fun and ease-of-use to making and sharing videos and photos. The new PICSIO pocket cameras, the GC-WP10 and GC-FM2, both feature Full HD video, excellent low-light performance, a three-inch touch screen for easy operation and playback viewing, and compatibility with Eye-Fi cards for Wi-Fi connectivity. And for the ultimate in versatility, the PICSIO GC-WP10 is waterproof.

To produce stunning photos, PICSIO’s CMOS image sensor captures stills at up to five-megapixel native resolution without interpolation. It also records up to 1920 x 1080p/30 fps Full HD video with image stabilization for enjoyment on an HDTV via the camera’s HDMI output. Users can select from four different recording resolutions: Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080/30p), HD 720 (1280 x 720/60p), iFrame (960 x 540/30p) and Quarter High Definition (960 x 540/30p). The new PICSIO cameras also offer time-lapse recording, which reduces hours-long segments to mere seconds.

Canon has announced EOS 60D – DSLR with plastic body, articulated screen and SD card slot, filling the gap between 550D and 7D.

Main features:

• 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Advanced creative features with Basic +
• Vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 ratio LCD
• Full HD movies with manual control
• DIGIC 4
• ISO 100-6400, H:12800
• 5.3fps shooting for up to 58 JPEGs
• 9-point cross type AF System
• iFCL metering with 63-zone Dual-layer Sensor
• Integrated Speedlite transmitter
• In-camera RAW processing

The video capabilities are the same as the cheaper 550D – 1920×1080 video with 24, 25 or 25 fps, 1280×720 video with 59.94, 50 fps.

Canon EOS 60D is available for pre-order at Amazon. The price is $1100 (body only).

Short test footage from a Sony Alpha A55 and the awesome 135mm f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* Lens showing the autofocus in video mode.

Author: Boni

Note: Please wait while the video load

Sony has announced Alpha A55 and A33 DSLRs – the first cameras to incorporate the company’s translucent mirror technology. Instead of moving the mirror up to shoot, the mirrors of the Alpha SLT-A55V and SLT-A33 are translucent which allows for continuous autofocus while shooting at up to 10fps (7fps on the A33) or recording Full HD AVCHD video. Phase detection autofocus is done only with the lens at its widest aperture.

• α55 (SLT-A55V) (16.2 megapixels) and α33 (SLT-A33) (14.2 megapixels)
• Ultra-quick shooting up to 10fps with fast, precision phase detection AF
• First ever Quick AF HD Movie with smooth, continuous autofocus during video shooting
• Enhanced Quick AF Live View and 7.5 cm (3″) free-angle LCD, plus Tru-Finder (Electronic Viewfinder) with 100% coverage
• ISO range of 100 to 12,800
• Advanced imaging functions including 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and multi-frame noise reduction

A55 and A33 can produce AVCHD video – 1920×1080 59.94i (from 29.97fps sensor output) or Motion JPEG video – 1440×1080 29.97p or 25p, depending on region.  The 24p option is not available but external microphone input is available.

Some photos:

Some videos:

A55 is 23% smaller and 26% lighter compared to A550.

Prices are set at $750 for the A55 in October and $650 for the A33 in September.

Sony has announced Alpha A580 and A560 DSLRs with 16.2MP and 14.2MP Exmor Sensors and Bionz processors.

They can produce AVCHD video – 1920×1080 59.94i (from 29.97fps sensor output) or Motion JPEG video – 1440×1080 29.97p or 25p, depending on region.  The 24p option is not available.

The A580 and A560 can freeze fleeting photo opportunities at up to 7 fps in Speed Priority Continuous Advance mode. What’s more, Sony’s popular Quick AF Live View system is now more effective than ever. The benefits of live image preview are maximised by a newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system that keeps even moving subjects in pin-sharp focus.

The ISO sensitivity is 100 – 12800 (extended to 25600). The optical viewfinder is with magnification approx. 0.80x and 95% frame coverage. The LCD is 3.0 inch with 921,600 dots.

The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately).

The new Sony DSLR-A580 and DSLR-A560 digital SLR cameras will be available from October 2010 for £650-700 and £550-600 respectively. In the US only the A560 will be released, with the 18-55mm kit lens costing about $750, with the body only costing about $650.