Digital Camera Review

BlueCam Free - Camera App for iPad

2012-05-15T01:59:00.001-07:00

BlueCam Free is a new camera app for the Apple iPad. Providing an alternative to the built-in Camera app, BlueCam Free offers remote control ability, 9x-153x digital zoom for photos & videos, photo & video timers, photo & video filters, auto and manual uploading to Facebook/Twitter/Flickr and many other features. As the name suggests, the app can be downloaded from iTunes free of charge.

Press Release BlueCam Free for iPad 1.0 just released Austin based Mother Tucker, LLC today introduces BlueCam Free for iPad 1.0, a new camera app. Designed specifically for iPads, BlueCam Free for iPad offers remote control ability, 9x-153x zoom for photos and videos, auto and manual uploading to Facebook, Twitter and Flickr, photo and video timers, photo and video filters and many other features. The app also features live preview on remote while recording videos as well as Burst Photo Timers and more.

Austin, Texas - Austin, Texas - Mother Tucker, LLC has announced BlueCam Free for iPad 1.0, a new camera app for iPads. Designed originally for iPads, BlueCam Free for iPad gives users an alternative to the built-in Camera app which has remote control ability, 9x-153x zoom for photos & videos, photo & video timers, photo & video filters, auto and manual uploading to Facebook/Twitter/Flickr and many other features.

The most significant features are allowing a remote control user to: view a live camera preview; voice chat; and view a Google map with a video map pin.

Camera Features:
* Pinch Zoom Preview to zoom
* Tap Preview to Take a Photo
* Double Tap Preview to Start/Stop Recording
* Press 1 Finger on Preview to set Auto Focus
* Press 2 Fingers on Preview to set Exposure
* 9X to 153X zoom depending on your selected Preset
* Zoom while recording videos
* Live preview on remote while recording videos
* iOS5 accelerated zoomed image capture (unfiltered photos only)
* EXIF in all still images
* Resolution/Flash/Torch/Focus/Exposure/WhiteBalance Controls
* Burst Mode - Take 2-4 burst shots with a tap
* Photo Timers
* Video Timers
* ‘About to Shoot’ audio alerts for both Photo/Video Timers
* Burst Photo Timers - Take unlimited burst shots by creating a Timer with a “Delay” of 0 seconds
* Anti-Shake - Use your Accelerometer to take photos only when there is no shaking detected
* Auto Upload your Videos & Photos to Flickr, Facebook or Twitter in the background
* Auto Save - Keep recording & shooting while photos are saved in the background
* Background Uploading
* Geotag Flickr Videos & Photos
* Reticles [Scope, Rectangle, Rule Of Thirds] with color choice of [Black, White, Red and Green]
* Button Colors [Black, White, Red and Green]
* JPEG Quality Control - Allows compression of photos for faster uploading
* Twitter Client
* Facebook Client
* In-App Mail “PRO pack” In-App Purchase:
* Live Filters for recording video and capturing still images (Saturation, Contrast, Brightness, Black&White, Sepia, Vignette, Cartoon, Gamma, Unsharpen, Gaussian Blur, Emboss, Smooth Toon, Sobel Edge detection, Canny Edge detection, Prewitt Edge Detection, Harris Corner Detection, Crosshatch, Swirl, Buldge, Pinch, Stretch…)
* Removes Adds Remote-to-Camera Features:
* Voice Chat
* View a Camera’s Live Camera Preview
* View a Map with a Video Pin of the Camera user
* Tap the “Remote” preview and the “Camera” will snap a shot and send you the photo
* Double Tap the “Remote” preview and the “Camera” will Start/Stop recording
* Adjust a Cameras’s zoom level
* Create Timers on a Camera Remote-to-Remote Features:
* Voice Chat
* View a Map of other users location
* Tap the “Remote” preview to transfer Videos & Photos App Camera Roll Features (Remote and Camera):
* Multiple Selection Support
* Trim Videos
* Playback Videos
* Aviary photo editing/filter library
* Upload, Mail and Save multiple Videos & Photos at once
* Reorder Videos & Photos
* Edit upload locations with a Google map
* Add Videos & Photos from your device’s camera roll
* Swipe through full screen view of Videos & Photos Device Requirements:
* Compatible with iPad
* iOS 5.0 or higher
* 7.1 MB Hard Drive space

Pricing and Availability:
BlueCam Free for iPad is available for free worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photo & Video category.

Mother Tucker: http://www.mothertuckerllc.com
BlueCam Free for iPad 1.0:http://www.mothertuckerllc.com/bluecamipad/bluecamipad.html
Download from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bluecam-free-for-ipad/id524177599
YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adGPCnex4jQ

Located in Austin, TX, Mother Tucker, LLC was founded in 2009 by Raymond Perez and Nicole Tucker Perez. Mother Tucker, LLC develops software for iOS devices including many that were featured by Apple. Copyright (C) 2012 Mother Tucker, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Olympus OM-D Digital Camera review

2012-05-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

Our initial impressions of this camera were very promising, and after having spent a lot more time with it now, we're happy to report that its charms still manage to hold our attention for the most part, especially now we have had a chance to fully examine image quality.

While its retro looks may not appeal to everyone, for original OM users, it will certainly be a treat. Weatherproofing and ruggedness of the camera mean it feels as if it is built to last after taking some serious abuse, so we can also see street photographers falling in love with this camera.

Introducing an in-built EVF to this camera elevates it status above the PEN, taking it (despite Olympus's own protestations) almost into semi-pro territory.

The wide range of compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses now available on the market - not forgetting those made by Panasonic and third party manufacturers such as Sigma, make purchasing a Micro Four Thirds camera a very interesting proposition. It's when using different optics that the versatility of the OM-D is truly revealed.

It is of course an expensive proposition at £1, 149 for the single lens kit or £999 body-only, but when you consider all of the improvements that have been made, we think the extra expense when compared with an E-P3 is just about worth it.

It's also worth pointing out that one of its biggest rivals, the Fuji X Pro1, is currently retailing for around £1,500 body only, making the E-M5 suddenly seem more attractive.

However, having said all of that, we can't help but feel that the E-M5 is a little bit 'unfinished'. As this is the first camera in the new OM-D line-up, it seems as if there is some work to do to make this camera live up to its full potential. For example, the plastic buttons feel like an afterthought.

Olympus has been guilty of this before, with the original PEN (E-P1) being superseded by the E-P2 only a few months after, packed with better features. So, for that reason, we'll be very excited to see how Olympus develops this line going forward, and will be watching with anticipation.

We liked

The excellent viewfinder shows a marked improvements on those we've used before, while new art filters and variations on existing ones show how creative you can be with this camera. Image quality, in certain situations, is excellent and comparable to DSLR quality, while being confined within a much more portable device.

We disliked

There are still a few little bugbears that could do with being ironed out. For such an expensive camera, the buttons could have been metal to add a better finish, while some of them were also a little slow and unresponsive.

Verdict

Olympus has delivered a fantastic camera, which, along with its premium CSC cohorts, has the potential to be a game-changer, stealing focus from certain areas of the DSLR market. There's a lot to love about the OM-D, especially the great image quality and its retro appeal - it will be interesting to see how sales perform.

Click here for more.

Inspirational Pictures - Returning to the same ocean. (Karachi, Pakistan.)

2012-05-11T02:20:00.000-07:00

Taken during the May 2007 Karachi riots in which 45 innocent people were killed by animals who live amongst us.

This city often goes through days like these, and it's just maddening. Quite a compliment that we have the calmness of the arabian sea all along us.

We don't deserve the ocean, we need it. May 12th 2007

Click here for more from Ali Khurshid

Fujfilm announces XP170 waterproof compact

2012-05-11T00:49:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm has announced the FinePix XP170, an updated rugged, waterproof compact camera, featuring Wi-Fi to allow wireless image transfer to Android or iOS smartphones and tablets. The XP170 features a 14MP CMOS sensor that can shoot at up to 10fps, mounted behind a 5x, 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens. It is shockproof from 2m (6.5ft), and waterproof to 10m (33ft). The stand-out feature is its wireless image transfer function that allows images to be sent to smartphones and tablets, making it easy to upload to the internet.

FUJIFILM MAKES SHARING IMAGES EASY WITH THE ALL NEW RUGGED AND WATERPROOF FINEPIX XP170 DIGITAL CAMERA

Valhalla, N.Y., May 8, 2012 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the launch of the all new waterproof FinePix XP170 digital camera that combines rugged protection and durability with a new innovative Wireless Image Transfer function that allows users to wirelessly connect to their smartphone or tablet and then upload images to the Internet for online sharing. The FinePix XP170 is the latest edition in Fujifilm’s bestselling line of waterproof cameras for three years in a row*.

The FinePix XP170 digital camera is ideally suited for all of your outdoor adventures because it features Four-Way Protection that is Waterproof to 33ft (10M), Shockproof to 6.5 ft (2M), Freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C) and Dustproof. With all this protection, you are certain to get your most daring shots, all with an extremely attractive camera body that is easy to use. The FinePix XP170 also delivers a bright LCD screen, fast auto focus speeds, comfortable grip, and advanced functionality for all weather conditions.

The new FinePix XP170 lets users capture higher quality pictures they would otherwise miss with a smartphone camera that cannot be exposed to the elements, wet weather and cold temperatures. And with the new Wireless Image Transfer feature, users can still share those great outdoor images quickly and easily.

“Sharing photos online has become the best and fastest way to show your family and friends your favorite images, and the versatile and durable FinePix XP170 lets users capture images in more places, and then offers easy sharing with its innovative Wireless Image Transfer function,” said David Troy, director of marketing, Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “With its Four-Way Protection, the XP170 can become your go-to camera that you aren’t afraid to get wet, be dropped, or even frozen or covered in dirt and mud – it will still deliver fantastic photos and HD movies every time.”

The new durable FinePix XP170 features the powerful and performance-driven 14-MegaPixel CMOS sensor, faster start-up and shot-to-shot times, up to 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, a 2.7” anti-reflective, high-contrast LCD that has been brightened for clear viewing even in direct sunlight and underwater, and the high-precision, FUJINON 5x wide angle optical zoom lenses (28-140mm) with a reinforced hardened glass lens barrier and water repellent coating.

Wireless Image Transfer
The FinePix XP170’s innovative Wireless Image Transfer function allows users to connect their smartphone or tablet to the XP170 and upload high-quality images to social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook in seconds.

The FinePix XP170 can be connected to any Android™ smartphone or tablet, or the iPhone™ or iPad™ - all users have to do is download the free application “FUJIFILM Photo Receiver” to their device, then follow the simple instructions to get connected. To start uploading, users press the XP170’s connect button to join to a device, then the images will be transferred to the Android™ smartphone / tablet or iPhone™ / iPad™ for uploading to social networking sites.

HD Capability
The FinePix XP170 offers stunning movies in full 1080p HD – even underwater – with sound at 30fps with one-touch ease. Many consumers are happy to enjoy HD movies on their PC, but with the optional HD Player accessory kit, with wireless remote control (HDMI cable not included), families can gather around their home HDTV to enjoy amazingly detailed stills and high resolution movie playback.

Advanced Image Stabilization
The XP170 has a powerful CMOS-shift Image Stabilization (CIS) system. CIS works as the photo is being taken as it combines a mechanically stabilized sensor with high ISO to combat camera/hand shake and subject movement for improved low light shooting. The result is an expanded range of shooting situations where the camera can be used without the need of a tripod or other support. With CIS working in the background, you can capture sharp, colorful scenes and portraits underwater or at night.

Tracking Auto Focus (AF)
Created specifically to capture an action shot, the AF function tracks fast moving subjects so they don’t escape from the frame in a blur. Subjects will be tracked automatically for as long as it is kept in the frame and the shutter is half-pressed. When users fully press the shutter button, the subject will be in the center of the photo in perfect focus.

In addition to these innovations, the XP170 is also loaded with the following features:

360° Motion Panorama Mode: Automatically creates a stunning panoramic (horizontal or vertical) picture.
Scene Recognition Auto (SR AUTO): This mode intelligently identifies the scene type and necessary shooting conditions to optimize picture perfect potential.
Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal:To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the XP170 uses Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 6 faces simultaneously. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.
Li-ion Rechargeable Battery: The XP170 has an extended-life rechargeable Li-ion battery with charger for up to 300 shots per charge that allows users to shoot all of their images without worrying if the camera is going to last for the duration of their trip.

The FinePix XP170 will be available in June 2012 for $279.95 in blue and orange.
An accessory kit for the new XP170 containing an adjustable float strap, protective silicone skin and a neoprene sports case will also be available at launch.
For complete camera specifications, please go to: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/xp/finepix_xp170/index.html

Leica M-Monochrom Hands-on Preview

2012-05-11T00:46:00.000-07:00

DPReview have done a hands on preview which you can now find online. Summarised here:

Our response, when we first heard about the M-Monochrom was not dissimilar to those Leica users who've heard the rumors about the camera - falling somewhere between surprise and incredulity.

However, spend some time with the M-M and, in its own reality-impervious way, it begins to make a strange kind of sense.

The level of detail the camera captures is nothing short of astonishing and, as we found when shooting the M9, there's a real pleasure to be found in having to think harder about the shots you're taking. Getting the best out of the Monochrom takes practise (perhaps a lifetime's worth) and processing, but willfully embracing that challenge seems to be part of what this camera is about.

Is it easier, more flexible and many times less expensive to shoot in color and make black-and-white conversions (albeit at a cost of the pixel-level detail the M-Monochrom offers)? Of course it is. But then there are many cameras that offer greater capability, flexibility and (in most respects), image quality than the M9 (at a fraction of the cost), but that doesn't make the Leica any less desirable.

Price
MSRP	$7,950.00 / £6,120 (inc VAT)
Body type
Body type	Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Body material	Magnesium alloy with synthetic leather trim. Top deck and baseplate in brass with black chrome finish
Sensor
Max resolution	5212 x 3472
Other resolutions	3840 x 2592, 2592 x 1728, 1728 x 1152, 1280 x 846
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	18.0 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	18.5 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor type	CCD
Color space	sRGB hardwired
Image
ISO	Auto, Pull 160, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, 8000, 10000
White balance presets	0
Custom white balance	No
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Standard
File format	DNG (RAW) 14-bit uncompressed (36 MB) JPEG (Fine / Basic) DNG + JPEG
Image parameters	Sharpening (5): Off, Low, Standard, Medium High, High Contrast : Low, Medium Low, Standard, Medium High, High Toning: Hue (Sepia, Cool, Selenium), Strength (Off, Weak Strong)
Optics & Focus
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Lens mount	Leica M mount
Focal length multiplier	1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	2.5"
Screen dots	230,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT color LCD with a sapphire glass LCD cover
Live view	No
Viewfinder type	Optical (rangefinder)
Viewfinder magnification	0.68×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	32 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (Hot-shoe)
Flash modes	Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync
Flash X sync speed	1/180 sec
Continuous drive	Yes (2 fps)
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Metering modes	Center-weighted
Exposure compensation	±3 EV (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±2 (3, 5, 7 frames )
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Microphone	None
Speaker	None
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC card
Storage included	None
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	No
Wireless	None
Remote control	No
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)	600 g (1.32 lb / 21.16 oz)
Dimensions	139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46")
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	No
GPS	None

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Pentax Q price drops by 40% in the US

2012-05-11T00:36:00.000-07:00

The price of the Pentax Q has dropped significantly in the US, after already being reduced in the UK, perhaps suggesting that a new CSC from the company is imminent.

Pentax introduced the Q around a year ago, which is the world's smallest interchangeable lens camera.
Its tiny proportions did not belie a tiny asking price, with many balking at the £600 ($800) asking price, especially when considering the small sensor on board the camera, which is similar in size to a standard compact camera.

Disappointed

Since then, Pentax has admitted that it has been disappointed by sales of the Q, and more recently announced the Pentax K-01, which is much larger, features an APS-C size sensor and a lens mount compatible with its existing line-up of K-mount lenses.

At the time of the K-01 launch, Pentax assured that the Q was still very much a priority, and they were committed to the line. However, last week rumours began circulating that Ricoh Pentax would announce a new low-price mirrorless camera into the market.

Perhaps keen to take away some of the glory of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 success (which also utilise a small sensor), the new camera could conceivably be offered at a more realistic asking price for the beginner market.

2012 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for compact system cameras, with popular new products already being outed by Fujifilm and Olympus and Canon apparently set to finally enter the market.

via PhotoRumors

Holgarizer: A Free Photoshop Action That Emulates a Toy Camera Look

2012-05-11T00:26:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, graphic designer Grey Jay was asked by a company to create a Photoshop action that would emulate a “toy camera” look for photos.

He came up with an action he calls the “Holgarizer” and, after some tweaking and adjusting, has made it freely available to the public. If a messy cross-processed look is what you’re after, Jay’s filter does the job.

You can download the ZIP file here.

Holgarizer by Grey Jay

Leica V-Lux 40 Travel Zoom

2012-05-11T00:22:00.003-07:00

Leica has announced the premium Leica V-Lux 40, based on the Panasonic Lumix TZ30, it features a 20x optical zoom lens equivalent to 24-480mm, GPS, 1/2.33" CMOS image sensor and full HD video recording with stereo sound.

The Leica V-Lux 40 is so versatile that every step you take without it can mean one adventure less.

Its compact size makes it ideal for spontaneously capturing moments in time and its creative modes, with effects like miniature and retro, are a perfect invitation to get creative. Its enormous range of focal lengths (24 to 480 mm) offers the versatility you need for almost every situation. Its autofocus speed of 0.1 seconds guarantees fast focusing and it can shoot up to 60 frames per second in high-speed mode. In addition, its 3" LCD touch screen makes its handling even more simple and intuitive.

LEICA. MY LIFE

‘I never give up. That applies to photography, too. I try things out until I capture the mood of the moment I'm looking for. With my V-Lux 40, I'm always ready to capture that special moment.'

Iskander Abdulkarim is a development engineer at Leica Camera AG. He takes his Leica V-Lux 40 with him wherever he goes.

EXTENSIVE RANGE OF FOCAL LENGTHS

As with all Leica lenses, the V-Lux 40's new Leica DC Vario-Elmar 4.3-86 mm f/3.3-6.4 ASPH. (24-480 mm equivalent) is a true masterpiece. The enormous range of focal lengths of this 20× optical zoom lens, for both still and video capture, spans a 24 mm super-wide angle to a 480 mm super-telephoto. High-precision aspherical lenses in combination with its new, 1/2.33" CMOS image sensor guarantee outstanding results.

VIDEO IN FULL-HD QUALITY

The impressive Full-HD videos captured by the V-Lux 40 deliver a perfect rendition of the details of even the fastest-moving subjects. This is made possible by recording in AVCHD format with 1920 × 1080 pixels at 50 full frames per second. New: Videos can now also be saved in Internet-friendly MP4 format and can be uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices, for example, without the need for conversion. Outstanding audio quality is ensured, thanks to an integrated stereo microphone with built-in wind-noise filter.

INTEGRATED GPS FUNCTION

Its integrated GPS module also makes the V-Lux 40 the ideal camera for travelling. It not only records the location and time in the Exif data of each image file, but also displays any interesting sights to be seen in the surrounding area. The DVD included in the package contains maps of important cities and regions. These can be transferred to an SD card and uploaded to the camera to assist with directions in unfamiliar locations. Thumbnail images can also be stored within these maps.

Leica V-Lux 40 Specifications

Manufacturer	Leica
Lens
	Max Aperture	f/3.3 - f/6.4
	35mm equivalent	24mm - 480mm
	Optical Zoom	20x
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	14.1Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	4320
	Pixels (H)	3240
	Sensor Type	CMOS
	Sensor Size	1/2.33 inch
	Sensor Size (width)	No Data
	Sensor Size (height)	No Data
	Aspect Ratio	4:3 3:2 16:9 1:1
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3in
	Screen resolution	460,000 dots
	Touch Screen	Yes
Focusing
	Min Focus	3cm
	Focusing modes	Spot Face Detection AF Tracking
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/2000sec
	Shutter speeds longest	15sec
	Exp modes	Program Aperture-Priority Shutter-Priority Manual
	Metering	Centre-weighted Multi Pattern Spot
	ISO sensitivity	100 - 6400
	White balance	Auto Outdoors/Daylight Cloudy Incandescent Shade
	Exposure Comp	+/-2
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	10fps
Video
	Movie mode	Yes
	Video Resolution	1920x1080 1280x720 720p 640x480 VGA 320x240 QVGA
	Video FPS	25
	Stereo Sound	Yes
	Optical Zoom with Video	Yes
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	Yes
Interface
	HDMI	Yes
	USB	USB 2
	Wi-Fi	No Data
Storage
	Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC
	File Type
Power Source
	Battery Type	Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, Minimum: 895mAh)
	CIPA Rating	260
Box Contents
	Box Contents	Battery Pack, AC adaptor, USB Cable, Hand Strap, DVD (Map Included)
Dimensions
	Weight	184g
	Width	104.9mm
	Height	58.9mm
	Depth	28.2mm

View Full Product Details

Leica X2 Premium Compact Camera

2012-05-11T00:20:00.002-07:00

Leica has announced the new Leica X2, an update to the Leica X1, it features a new 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, improved auto focus, Leica Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens it boasts that it is the only digital camera made in Germany.

From Leica: The compact Leica X2 makes each moment something truly special - and captures them in brilliant picture quality.

This is guaranteed by its new image sensor and the truly classical focal length of its high-performance Leica lens. In terms of 35 mm photography, the lens of the Leica X2 has a focal length of 35 mm - the classic lens for photojournalism. For snapshots or painstakingly arranged compositions, its intuitive handling makes it easier than ever before to take true-to-life Leica pictures.

The Leica X2 is the perfect camera for anyone with a passion for photography in its purest form. This includes the photographer who works under the pseudonym Hoveeto, who has lived in Paris since the age of five. His greatest passion is capturing the cultural diversity of his home city, in which he finds new inspiration every day.

Outstanding image quality

The true greatness of the Leica X2 lies in its outstanding image quality. For its compact size, the camera features an impressively large, professional APS-C CMOS image sensor with a high resolution of more than 16 megapixels. In combination with its high-performance Leica Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens, this guarantees exposures with extremely low image noise, a high dynamic range and accurate colour differentiation. The outcome: images of superior brilliance - down to even the tiniest details.

Made in Germany

Reminiscent of the traditional M-Design, the X2 is a camera to fall in love with - not only due to its captivating looks, but also its wonderful feel in your hands. It is so inviting to hold that you may never want to put it down!. The X2 is constructed, by hand, in the Leica factory from high-quality materials and passes through the most stringent quality assurance and precision testing at every stage of the production process. This makes the Leica X2 the one and only digital compact camera made in Germany.

Instantaneous reaction - the autofocus

The X2's new autofocus enables fast, extremely precise and virtually silent focusing. Ideal for situations where spontaneous reactions are essential.It adapts flexibly to the situation, for example with the choice of the number of AF focusing segments and face recognition. This allows photographers to completely concentrate on their subjects. The Leica X2 is much more than just a camera. It is an expression of the sheer joy of photography.

High-quality accessories

The Leica X2 can be flexibly adapted to each photographer's individual needs with a range of intelligently designed and versatile accessories especially for the camera. The dedicated accessory range currently includes two viewfinders for the hot shoe, a flash unit, a camera protector, a handgrip and a hand strap. In addition, a range of excellently finished cases and bags offer perfect protection for the camera.

New Leica M10 and more images leaked.

2012-05-10T10:53:00.001-07:00

Best budget cameras for under £100

2012-05-10T10:20:00.003-07:00

“Which cheap compact camera should I buy?” With an abundance of cameras available on the market, What Digital Camera compiles 2011's top 5 budget compact cameras for less than £100…

Top 5 budget compact cameras for under £100

There is a huge range of budget compact cameras on the market, with a number of the best compacts for less than £100 providing some great features and cracking pictures. For less than a hundred notes it's hard to complain. Of course there are many questions of which manufacturer, which modes will you want, even what body colours are available. With that in mind, What Digital Camera compiles the top 5 cheap compact cameras for under £100 for those on a budget...

First thing's first - megapixel count. It's a fallacy that more megapixels necessarily mean better pictures. As compacts have relatively small sensors, cramming more and more pixels onto this small space means each sensor node will struggle to pick up light accurately, resulting in poorer image quality.

The key is to match the sensor size to the right number of megapixels; somewhere close to 8-12MP is absolutely fine. Don't be put off by apparently ‘low' resolutions. One way to think about it is that the current HD TV holy grail ‘Full HD' 1080p is only as resolute as a 2.1MP image per frame (in 16:9 format) - your 10MP camera will shoot stills at around five times that.

1. Panasonic Lumix FS16
PRICE: £99

Panasonic's sub-£100 FS16 budget compact camera has a 14.1MP resolution and squeezes a 4x optical zoom lens into its small body.

This Lumix LS85 makes shooting easy thanks to Panasonic's ‘intelligent Auto' system that cleverly recognises the scene at hand and optimises the settings as required. If the camera detects movement, it will up the ISO sensitivity to allow for a faster shutter speed. If it detects mountainous shapes, it will opt for a small aperture, light permitting, to ensure the broadest depth of field landscape image. Face Detection will recognise a face in the scene to maintain best focus too - all you need to do is point and shoot for the best results.  

Add MEGA O.I.S - optical image stabilisation - to the feature list and your shaky hands will be compensated by the camera lens' ability to move internal elements to counter blur.

A 4x optical zoom lens lends itself to 28-112mm zoom, which is a reasonable standard for a variety of shooting situations. Playback on the 2.7in 230k-dot LCD screen means images view bright and sharply before you even offload them to your computer. The FS16 comes loaded with a rechargeable li-ion battery, so no extra cost buying replacements.

2. Sony Cyber-shot W520
PRICE: £85

Who wants to worry about buttons, menus and camera settings when you're trying to get a great picture? The Sony W520 takes the hassle out of shooting with its easy shooting mode: keeping true to a true ‘point and shoot' compact concept, with simplified on-screen instructions for its six available scene modes help explain all the different options.

Fun in-camera retouching functions mean you can crop and fix redeye without the need for any computer software too.  

A large 2.7in, 230k-dot LCD screen with a wide viewing angle makes it easy to hold the camera at unusual angles whilst still being able to compose on screen.

The Cyber-shot W520 has a 25-125mm 5x optical zoom lens to snap a range of shots, further complimented by the Face Detection mode that's capable of picking out faces in the scene to maintain focus.   Should it get dark, the Sony Cyber-shot W520 also comes with high sensitivity ISO 3200 for low light performance, though do expect some image quality deterioration. Sony's SteadyShot image stabilisation helps reduce blur when shooting handheld too, another compliment for low light performance.  

3. Nikon Coolpix S3100
PRICE: £95

For the low price, the sub-£100 Nikon S3100 has plenty of features and it looks the part too. Available in seven different colours there's a style to suit everyone's needs and the 5x optical zoom lens covers a decent 26-130mm equivalent.

There's plenty of tech squeezed into the body too, including a 14-megapixel sensor, 2.7in LCD screen, Vibration Reduction technology and a variety of shooting modes.

For this price range, the Nikon Coolpix S3100 is one of the better compacts out there, making it a real bargain for the budget compact camera shopper.

4. Canon PowerShot A1200
PRICE: £92.95

The Canon PowerShot A1200 features the company's DIGIC 4 processor, meaning image quality is of the highest order.   

A 3cm from lens macro function means you can shoot super-close to subject, plus Scene modes cover all the options to shoot, well, pretty much anything.

Add Smart Auto and Easy modes and a 720p movie mode and the Canon A1200 certainly comes kitted out with an array of features. Face Detection with autofocus also ensures faces are recognised in the frame and kept sharp too. Blur Reduction technology will detect movement in a scene and change the ISO sensitivity accordingly to a level that will keep subjects crisply frozen in motion. Very clever.   

The A1200's 4x optical zoom means a lens of 28-112mm equivalent, with a 2.7in LCD screen on the back. The A1200 uses 2xAA batteries, so best keep hold of a second set of rechargeables so you'll never miss the moment.

5. Fujifilm Finepix T200
PRICE: £96

Fujifilm's offering - the Finepix T200 - is a slim, 14-megapixel compact with a secret weapon: its 10x optical zoom ranges from 28-280mm (equiv.) and far outreaches the competition.

Available in the usual black or silver, jazzier red or blue versions are also available. At just 28.1mm thin, it's easy to slip the Fujifilm T200 into a pocket or purse to carry around anywhere too.  

Scene Recognition AUTO means the T200 makes it easy to take photos - simply frame your shot and the camera will recognise the scene at hand from any of the available commonly used modes. Plus with Face Detection and further Scene modes to select from all subject types are covered.  

The Fuji T200 has sensor-based image stabilisation to help limit blur when shooting, plus a high sensitivity of ISO 1600 (3200 in ‘S' mode) is great for low light performance without having to use flash. Plus, with the rechargeable li-ion battery that comes in the box all you have to do is charge up at home.

For more.

The New Leica M10?

2012-05-10T08:13:00.003-07:00

Leica Camera sent out invitations for an event in Berlin on May 10th, 2012:

"Leica celebrates the essentials of photography! We invite you to exclusively experience a whole range of product launches in a culturally and photographically unique atmosphere on 10-11 May 2012 in Berlin..."

I was expecting the M10 to be introduced at Photokina together with the new mirrorless camera system. Leica is very particular with their announcement dates - the M9 for example was announced on 09/09/09, so May 10th is a good indication for a new M10.

What to expect from Leica on May 10th, 2012

Those are all the possible scenarios for the Leia announcement on May 10th:

New Leica M9-P Hermes edition camera in blue-grey colors (two different sets will be offered).
Leica X2 (it seems that the Leica X1 is already discontinued).
New Leica mirrorless system camera.
Leica M digital camera with a black and white sensor (will probably not be called M10). This camera was initially scheduled for Photokina announcement.
A "regular" Leica M10 camera update - unlikely for May 10th, but still a possibility.
Leica S lenses: 30-90mm zoom and/or a new super wide angle 24mm prime.
A new Summicron-M 50mm ASPH lens - it was supposed to be announced few months ago.

All Leica's new products for 2012 will be divided in two major announcements - one on May 10th and the rest at Photokina in September.

Click here for more.

Canon PowerShot S95 Review

2012-05-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

There are not too many reasons to upgrade from a PowerShot S90 to the PowerShot S95 , as many of the differences are refinements rather than outright changes.

However, intuitive manual controls using the improved lens control ring in the later model will satisfy serious users and, in its own right, the S95 is a great performer.

There are few cameras that slip comfortably into pocket that will produce better images than this one.

Click here for more info.

Olympus XZ-1 Digital Camera review

2012-05-10T07:16:00.002-07:00

The Olympus XZ-1 is launched at a similar price to its near rival, the Panasonic Lumix LX5, and slightly more than the street price of the other main contenders in this sector, the Canon S95 and Samsung EX1. While there are one or two features on those cameras that the XZ-1 lacks, the XZ-1 has its own aces, such as the wireless flash control.

Image quality is the deciding factor and here the points of difference are more difficult to discern, at least at the lower ISOs. Overall the XZ-1 is prices fairly for what it offers, compared to what else is available.

The Holy Grail for serious enthusiasts shopping for a compact is for a camera that achieves the highest possible image quality, with full control, in as small a package as is practical. The Olympus XZ-1 comes as close to achieving this as any camera yet launched.

It's certainly one of the smallest cameras of its type, the lens is superb, it's great fun to use and image quality at the lower ISOs is among the best, whether shooting in Raw or JPEG. Furthermore it offers the ability to add an electronic viewfinder, to use a flashgun (either on the hotshoe or wirelessly) and to shoot high speed bursts.

Only a couple of niggles thwart its bid for perfection, most notably its high ISO performance and so-so movie quality. The awkward rear dial and lack of any kind of hand grip are more minor issues. On balance though the XZ-1 is an excellent camera that we can heartily recommend to anyone looking for a camera of this type.

Click here for the full article.

Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1

2012-05-10T06:50:00.002-07:00

Although Olympus clearly has a particular niche in mind for its PEN Mini E-PM1 , it's created a camera that will prove tempting for a much wider audience due to the relatively low price and compact size.

Those upgrading from a compact camera will feel right at home with the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1's simplified control layout and easy-to-grasp menus and scene modes.

Those looking for quick access to manual controls and customisability may find the design a little frustrating for their tastes, though. It's not that those features aren't there, it's just that they take a little more work to access and adjust than cameras aimed at more advanced users.

The high-quality finish and sturdy design helps to make the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 feel like a premium product, and in this respect it's well worth the money. A finger grip to help improve handling and a less reflective LCD screen would be welcome additions, and would make this camera a much more attractive prospect.

Overall the images produced by the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 are of good quality, with low noise up to ISO1600 and not exactly poor noise performance beyond that. The creative art filters are a nice touch too, offering a quick and easy way to spice up your images.

We liked

The excellent build quality, fast autofocus, compact size and relatively low price all add up to a very attractive package. Beginners will love the simple control layout and image quality from the Four Thirds Format Live MOS sensor.

We disliked

Handling the camera can sometimes be tricky due to the slippery glossy finish and slim dimensions. The highly reflective screen makes composing images in bright light very difficult indeed.

Final verdict

Bearing in mind the target market for the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1, which is primarily people looking for a higher-quality upgrade from a compact camera, Olympus has done a good job on the whole with this camera. The minimalistic control layout will suit those who simply enjoy pointing and shooting rather than photographers who like to fiddle with settings.

With low enough noise levels to produce decent sized prints up to ISO1600, and with the camera's performance being on a par with many of its peers at higher sensitivities, it should win many fans. The small body is especially suited to being coupled with a pancake-type compact prime lens to make this a truly pocketable camera, and the faster maximum aperture on those optics will also help with the image quality after dark.

The only true downside is with the highly reflective LCD screen. As cameras like this are often used in bright lighting conditions, outdoors and on holidays, this seems like an oversight on Olympus' part.
An optional electronic viewfinder can be obtained, but the extra cost may put users off this camera altogether, instead looking for an alternative with a better screen, or a built-in viewfinder.

Click here for the full review.

Fujifilm FinePix Z900EXR Review

2012-05-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

It's a shame that there isn't a "Camera that looks like a budget model but performs like a prosumer" award because the Fujifilm FinePix Z900EXR is a strong contender. It looks a lot less than it delivers because of the unassuming exterior. The internal zoom is also a feature generally reserved for the point and shoot generation that simply want a camera to slip in and out of pockets and bags. Usually, a big zoom lens is an indicator of a high specification camera, although no-one really knows why.

Still, we were very interested in the performance of the Fujifilm Finepix Z900EXR. The pictures we produced were very good with realistic colours and minimal noise. The zoom is only modest but using the camera, we never felt that it was lacking. The rest of the camera is built to a high standard and the only areas we didn't approve of were the battery that can be put in the compartment either way but will only work one way and the fact that the Z900EXR can't do anything else while it's processing pictures onto the memory card.

We feel that the Z900EXR is designed for a keen amateur that simply wants a camera for fitting into a bag or pocket but doesn't want to compromise on image quality. It's interesting to note (especially after using the night mode) that using a preset mode sets the Z900EXR up more for getting the best picture than simply placing it in Program.

That's not to say that only keen amateurs will benefit from the Fujifilm Finepix Z900EXR. Younger people will like the design and touch-screen technology while the tech-savvy will enjoy getting to grips with the EXR modes and explaining how the BSI sensor works to all their friends. If this sounds like you then you need to get the camera on your to-do list.

Click here for the full review

Canon IXUS 230 HS digital camera review

2012-05-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Let's not beat about the bush, the 230 HS isn't the best IXUS that Canon have released but it certainly performs where it counts. It doesn't have the hardware that we've seen on the 1100HS but this is reflected in the price. There are a few dubious areas of build quality such as the battery door, but again, this is reflected in the price. The insides are the same as the top IXUS cameras though with the HS system, DIGIC IV processor and good quality lens.

We're happy with the image tests, colours are reproduced realistically and noise is kept to a minimum. If fact, we would be happy shooting at ISO 800 in low light. Everyday pictures are pleasing; sharp and exposed well.

The price tag is keen at under £200 which shows that Canon are trying to entice the type of customer that would normally go for something more inferior in build and image quality. That way, when they're ready to upgrade, they're more likely to spend more on another IXUS. Not a bad marketing strategy and although this is all speculation, the facts add up. The build quality is higher than a £200 camera, the design is curvy and sexy to attract younger photographers and people after a nice looking camera for nights out and the image quality is top notch because we normally expect this kind of noise performance on cameras over £250.

The Canon IXUS 230 HS would be great as a Christmas present for someone in need of a new camera at this time of year and will work great throughout Christmas day documenting the family occasion from opening the presents (even in the dark when the kids have got up at some unholy hour) to the tree lights without using a flash.

If you're looking for a budget digital compact camera for either yourself or as a present and you want good quality and good picture performance then you need to take a serious look at the new Canon IXUS 230 HS.

Click here for the full review.