Thursday, March 31, 2011

IXUS 220 HS

IXUS 220 HS
Introducing IXUS 220 HS!

The latest Canon IXUS 220HS is gonna rekindle your love for Digital still camera.

Who says Still Cameras can't take quality pictures/videos? With IXUS 220 HS, nothing is impossible!

IXUS 220 HS weighs at 141g. It may not be the lightest but its the slimmest of its kind! The screen is 2.7 inch wide. It comes in 3 colours, Black, Red and Silver.

IXUS 220 HS is packed with a 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor provides high-speed shooting functionality and a 24mm ultra-wide angle 5x optical zoom lens. These features ensure that you will take high quality pictures and videos even if you are a novince user. It also has the ability to shoot full HD (1080p) videos with stereo sound in superb quality. Slow motion movie is also available on IXUS 220 HS, up to 320 x 240 pixel resolution at 240 frames per second.

Canon's lastest "smart auto" mode is ideal for users who are lazy to change the settings of the camera. The camera would automatically select the best shooting setting based on the environment to provide "point-to-shoot" for the convenience of the user. Also, it can now detect up to 32 faces in one picture. Hurray to group photos. You will never see a missing face in a picture.

Another feature of IXUS 220 HS would be the "movie digest" mode. What is this feature all about? Every still picture you take using your IXUS 220 HS, it would automatically be converted into a 4 second short video clip and the camera will combine an entire day's worth of clips into a single video. Whats more is that it doesnt require any editing!

Apart from the "normal effects" most cameras has, IXUS 220 HS has new additional "Toy Camera" and "Monochrome". Toy Camera Effect gives images the retro feel of pinhole camera photos, while Monochrome creates atmospheric shots with sepia, black & white or other monochromatic tones. In addition, Miniature effect/Fish eye/Poster effect.. you name it, you get it!

A dedicated button for the user to switch from normal to shooting mode is available in IXUS 220 HS. You will never miss a action with this convienient switch. With Dynamic IS, Zooming while shooting video would be stable.

Of course, there are still many awesome features in IXUS 220 HS! You will find it out when you have your hands on it ;)

Here are the specs of the camera/more information for you to know about the camera!
Style
Ultra Compact
Megapixels
12
Zoom
5x
LCD Screen
2.7
MemoryCards
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Resolution
4:3, 16:9, 3:2, 1:1
File Formats
JPEG
Focal Length Equivalent
24 – 120mm
Shutter Speed
15 to 1/2000 seconds
Aperture
f/2.7 – f/5.9
Sensitivity
AUTO, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
White Balance Settings
Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
ExposureCompensation
-2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Viewfinder
No
Flash Modes
Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Slow Synchro, Red Eye Reduction
Flash Range
3.5m
Shooting Modes
Movie Digest, Portrait, Kids & Pets, Smart Shutter (Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer), High-speed Burst (3.0MP) , Best Image Selection (3.0MP), Handheld Night Scene, Low Light (3.0MP), Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap, Beach, Underwater, Foliage, Snow, Long Shutter, Stitch Assist
Maximum Movie Resolution
1920 x 1080 pixels
Maximum Movie Frames Per Second
24 fps (Full HD)
Maximum Movie Duration
4 GB or 10 min (HD)



Canon IXUS 220 HS is available @ SONGBROTHERS @ $399!

Sony Cameras to look out for!

Many new Sony cameras will be launching in 2011.

I will be introducing you the new sony models that are launching this year in this post.


DSC TX10
First up, it would be DSC TX10. From its name, you might have guessed that its the replacement for DSC TX5.

TX10 is packed with 16.2-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS sensor. An upgrade from TX5's 10.2 megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor. TX10 is also equiped with full HD recording in AVCHD format. Also, with TX10, you will be able to take 3D Still pictures and 3D Sweep Panorama(a better way to capture memorable events).

If you are an "outdoor person" and has been waiting for the right camera to buy, i highly reccomend DSC TX10! Better and upgraded functions from DSC TX5.

Why i say its highly reccomended? This is because, you can use your TX10 anywhere, everywhere, even underwater! It is made this way, with its airtight construction that allows it to be waterproof(up to 16 feet). Don't worry if you drop your TX10, it is shockproof(up to 5foot drop) and your camera wont hurt a bit. It is dustproof and freezeproof(down to 14 degree) as well!

View the world in a brand new way with TX10 in your hands!

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DSC HX9V
 Another camera to look out for would be Sony's DSC HX9V, the replacement of DSC HX5V.

It has a 3 inch LCD screen. Weighs at 215g(might be heavier when compared to other dsc, but look at the functions, everything is worth it) and is packed with 16.2 "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor(HS5V only has 10.2megapixel).

Another CyberShot camera first, the 16.2-megapixel "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor inside the Sony CyberShot DSC-HX9V supports a brand-new Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR (High Resolution) mode. Just by clicking the shutter button, the camera would take 42.9 megapixel panoramic images with crisp 10480x4096 resolution!!

To make things convienient for users, HX9V has dedicated still image button and dedicated movie capture button. Another feature of HX9V would be its ability of doing dual recording. This means that you can now, record video and take still picture at the same time(dual recording was previously only available on camcorders)!!

For first-time camera users who are afraid that you might not know how to use HX9V, no worries! It is designed to help users learn about the camera's features and how to use it on the spot, there is an in-camera guide which can be accessed from the menu button on the camera.  Also, its "Superior Auto" mode ensures that the best setting is set on the camera. This means that you wont need to change the settings whenever you are at different locations(The camera will do it for you).

In conclusion, if you do enjoy using HX5V, HX9V would be the one for you! With upgraded and new features in this camera, you would definitely enjoy this camera! Also, don't worry if you hadn't handled any cameras, HX9V is very user-friendly!

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J10
Lastly, it would be J10! This is a new J series from Sony. Do expect more J series coming out!

J10 weighs at 126g and is equipped with a 2.7inch LCD screen, which offer excellent, high contrast and wide angle viewing for the user. 16.1 effective megapixels CCD sensor to take high quality images. 4x optical zoom lens which produces crips, clear image at any level of zoom. Also, built-in 4GB internal memory allows you to take more pictures and movie clip!

Ever thought that finding your usb cable was the toughest job? With J10, you will never need to find you usb cable again! Why? J10 has a built-in usb connector! Pull out the user connector when you need it, keep it when you do not! When connector, the camera battery charges up automatically!

I guess, "user-friendliness" is a very important factor in the cameras nowadays. Every camera seems to have easy menus and in-camera guides. The clear LCD screen helps you pick the right settings with clear on-screen icons and simple menus. You will be able to operate your camera like a "pro" in no time!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Sony DSC WS530


Introducing the Sony Cyber-shot DSC WS530!

Enough of DSLRs, the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC WS530 is gonna take you away!

The device weighs only at 113g(with battery) and has a 2.7inch LCD Screen! Bringing it around would be easy and fitting in the pocket wouldn't be a problem.

WS530 comes in 5 colours(Silver, Black, Pink, Green and Blue). To me, apart from the functions of the camera, the looks and the colour of the camera is equally important. Therefore, i always emphasize on the different colours here.

The device includes a Intelligent Auto mode which includes "Smile Shutter" and also detection of up to 8 faces in a scene. Ever thought that taking picture was the most difficult task? With this function, you would enjoy picture taking! The smile shutter function would automatically trigger the shutter when the subject is smiling! You can also choose adult or children priority and the smile sensivity level is of your choice too! You would never miss a smiling face again! 

W530 in Lime Green!


WS530 has 14.1 mega pixel  which allows you to capture more detail and colour in your shots. It features a 26mm wide Carl Zeiss lens with 4x optical zoom. With this wide angle lens, you would not need to take a step back when taking group photos and more would be able to join in! Phototaking is made simpler!

Also, another feature which excites is the "Sweep Panorama" mode. Just by swinging the camera side to side/up and down, the image would be pieced together automatically forming your perfect art piece! The "Sweep Panorama" feature is really cool when you wanna take scenery photos when overseas like "the Grand Canyon" or the "Golden Gate Bridge" in the States.  


Being a novice user? Have yet to use a digital camera before? Sony Cyber-shot DSC WS530 would be the one for you! The simple settings of the camera allows you to take pictures anywhere easily! You would be able to take the perfect photo with this camera on your hands!


Style
Simple and Easy
MegaPixels
14
Zoom
4x
LCD Screen
2.7
Memory Cards
SD/SDHC
Resolution
4:3 16:9
File Formats
JPEG
Focal Length Equivalent
26-105
Shutter Speed
1 to 1/1600seconds
Aperture
2.7-5.7
Sensitivity
Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200
White Balance Setting
Auto (intelligent), Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3, Incandescent, Flash
Exposure Compensation
-2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
View Finder
No
Flash Modes
Auto/On/Slow Syncro/Off
Flash Ranges
3.5M
Maximum Movie Resolution
640x480 Pixel
Maximum Movie Frames per Second
30fps
Maximum Movie Duration
To capacity of memory card
Macro Focus
4cms
Metering
Multi Pattern, Centre weighted, Spot
Manual Controls
None
Image Stabilisation
No
Lens Converters
No
Self Timer
2 seconds/10 seconds
Video out(TV Playback)
Yes
Computer Connection
Yes
Batteries
Lithium Ion Rechargeable
Dimension
92.9 x 52.4 x 19.3
Weight
113g




Sony Cyber-shot DSC WS530 is available @  only $259

Monday, February 7, 2011

Panasonic GF2

 
The Panasonic GF2!






















The Panasonic GF2 would be the camera i would introduce to you in this post.


The latest Panasonic GF2 Micro Four Thirds Camera comes in 4 colours(Black, Silver, White and Pink) which gives the user a wide range of colours to choose from. It is the first interchangeable lens camera. The Lens can be easily changed with this feature. Panasonic has further reduced the size of a compact system camera with the introduction of GF2. It is currently the world's smallest and lightest System Camera with built-in flash! Apart from being light, GF2 has other features like its touch control-LCD screen and being able to take full hd videos.


The size of GF2 makes its convenient to be brought around. Novince users would be able to adapt to the functions of the camera easily with its intuitive touch control. During shooting mode, you can easily change effects/modes to your choice. In addition to GF2's wide range of functions, "My colour" mode of the camera, lets the user choose the suitable effect before snapping(without any editing!). This allows the user to manually set the color, brightness, saturation and contrast levels of the picture(Save the trouble to photoshop your pictures :P)! You can focus by touching the screen and defocus by tapping again.You can also customise your own menu for your individual needs.




Below is a video on the camera.







The new GF2 can record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080 movies. Movies can be saved in JPEG and AVCHD format. The 12.1 mega pixel ensures not only high quality picture but also the quality of the Video. It also has high sound quality of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. To help users record video easily, a red button on the top of the camera, would let user shoot video without the hassle of changing to video mode(like most of the cameras). Just a click, and you can start recording!

Yup, It's true that the camera has many good functions. However, not all function may benefit you. Take for example, the touch screen function of GF2. As the camera are bulkier than the normal Digital still compacq(DSC) cameras, people with small palms might find it difficult to hold the camera and tap on the screen at the same time. Some people may feel discomfort on their hands due to the size of their hands.

Specifications
Features
12.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor
multiple AF modes with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking with Optical Image Stabilizer, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode; 3D NR and CNR (Chromatic Noise Reduction) advanced noise reduction system.
Micro Four Thirds lens mount, with 2X focal length conversion ratio
My Color mode with integrated conventional Film mode
Aluminium body is 19% smaller and 7% lighter than the GF1 (though it no longer has a mode dial); available in black, silver, white, and pink
Venus Engine FHD with Intelligent Resolution technology to automatically detects three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation
3-inch touch screen LCD with 460,000 pixels with focus, MF assist, background blur, customizable menus, and easy image playback
Capable to record video with a 1920 x 1080 videos at 60i option, a smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies or in AVCHD or HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and QVGA.
Accessory port for optional 1.44M pixel electronic viewfinder (same as before)

Live view with fast 23-point contrast detect AF and face detection/recognition

Intelligent Auto mode selects a scene mode, reduces blur, sharpens edges, brightens shadows, and more

Full manual controls, with support for RAW image format; ISO goes to 6400, shutter speed range is 60 - 1/4000 sec

Built-in flash (GN 6) plus hot shoe

Records videos at 1920 x 1080 at 60 interlaced frames/second (sensor output is 30p) with Dolby Digital stereo sound using AVCHD codec
- Camera can continuously focus while recording
- Lower resolutions available using AVCHD or M-JPEG codec
-Wind cut filter and manual mic level adjustment

Supports 3D photography via Panasonic’s recently announced lens

SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot

HDMI output

Uses DMW-BLD10 li-ion battery; 300 - 320 shots per charge, depending on lens




Currently GF2 is on sale now @ $1299(DMC-GF2WGC), $1099(DMC-GF2CGC)