Sony Action Cam AS30V Review

Sony Action Cam AS30V Review

I got my hands on the latest Action Cam by Sony last week and I can’t help myself but write a review about it since it’s just super awesome. For those who didn’t know what an Action Cam is, it’s actually a camcorder targeted for those who indulge themselves with extreme sports (superbike racing, mountain climbing, surfing etc). Since nobody can see what the person is going through, a Point-of-View (POV) camera is suitable for such situation. It’s going to enable recording during such activities plus providing GPS data to keep track of your route. We’ll see what the Sony Action Cam has to offer.

Hardware and Design

Inside the small package lies the 1/2.3” type back-illuminated Exmor R^TM CMOS sensor with 12 effective megapixel for photos and videos. The lens is the ZEISS® Tessar® Lens if the highest quality and I have to admit, it gave such a nice and sharp shots of mostly everything that’s in focus. With the max aperture of f/2.8, it does provide a clear, sharp images and recordings. However, be aware that the minimum focusing distance for the Action Cam is 30cm and nearer than that would give you an OOF (Out-of-Focus) shots. Recording button on the back is quite flimsy but it does have a lock to prevent from accidental recording that would end up drying up your juice. Underneath the record button is the battery and memory card slot. The battery would last around 2 to 3 hours. Standy would last for a week I guess. The action cam can either too a microSD or Memorystick micro. I get a 64gb microSD since it gave much more recording time for me (around 5 hours of full HD recording or 10k plus shots). The two button on the side are for navigating the menus and a super-small LCD to show the menus. It was built with great aerodynamic since the wind resistance will be much less than the GoPro. The slot for microUSB, microHDMI and mic were placed on the bottom and covered with a flimsy hard plastic cover. Charging is definitely with the microUSB since it remove the hassle of taking the battery out and using the external charger.

Video

The Action Cam maxed out it’s recording at 1080p 60fps with 18mbps. Beside, it also has 1080p 30fps, 720p 120fps (SuperSlowMotion), 720p 60fps (SlowMotion), 720p 30fps and 480p. After using it on a few occasion (especially on my superbike), the Action Cam proved to be smoother though there’s few artefact which I believe came from the waterproof casing. Videos without stabilization will be at 170º and turning it on and you will get a little bit tight which is around 120º. That might be a lot but for me, it works best on some events. Most of the time I would turn off the stabilization just to get the extra view.

Photo

I would say it’s a mixed bag. This little cam is definitely not suited for photos but it does it’s job. Though it gave you 12mp of photos each time you’re on your own selfie, high noise is the drawback. I managed to get a great outdoor shot with great lighting but indoor is very much acceptable. Not very good but you can still see your own smile. Sometimes I would take clips from the video itself cos it looks much cleaner than taking a photo.

Accessories

Sony has thrown mostly everything you can think of. From the headmount to the chest harness, you name it. Mostly are upgrades from its little brother, the AS15V. What you will basically get right from the box are waterproof case, a curvy and a flat sticking mount. Others like the chest harness require you to blow some cash. The most significant of all the accessories is the LiveView Remote. It has a small LCD that act as a viewfinder and it would also act like a watch to show time. You can record from the watch which means you don’t have to go for the cam itself to push the record button. Changing the setting and view was made easy by the watch. It’s also waterproof. That’s why I get one.

Usage

It works great. Sometime, you can just hold it during your walk and you will still get great videos. The cam alone is not waterproof. It requires the waterproof case to make it waterproof and maybe a little shockproof. It will still break if you smash it on the floor though. I had great time using it in the pool with my friends and the SuperSlowMotion mode is very, very smooth. It’s just like peanut butter cream. The cam is built specifically for extreme sport users. However, if you’re a person who prefer travelling alone, this is also the one for you. You can take you own selfie or record whatever you’re going through your holiday. Since I travel alone with my bike, having this is a much better option.

Price

It’s a Sony. You can’t expect a low price. You think this is a junk? It was priced nearly the same with the GoPro3+. I got mine with the LiveView Remote watch and it costs RM1,499. The GoPro3+ was priced the same with a recording remote watch. I guess Sony’s watch is much better since it gave me a look at what I’m recording though it was like a bulk on my wrist. All the accessories were plastic and it’s gonna cost you premium price. Don’t tell people that I didn’t warn you for this.

Final Verdict

This is not a normal camcorder. If you think you’re getting this for your home video, you would better off using your smartphones for that. My Samsung S4 did better home video or even stupid video compared to the Action Cam. Get this cam if you are going jumping off the cliff, bungee jumping or even skydiving or even any other sports that is going to make recording impossible. Videos are smooth, shots are considerably acceptable and it is quite tough. Get this one if you’re going to do so extreme and crazy stuff.

Landscape Photography

Salam.

Once upon a time, I was a clueless photographer. Means I just grab my gears and went on shooting stuff. From portrait to macro and sometimes underwater photography. After taking millions of shots, I realised that I am not into all those shots I've taken. Be it candid or planned, I never thought of it. Just snap and go. I've also ventured into the world of Sony, Canon and Nikon. Currently I'm with Nikon. Regardless of brands, creativity is much more important that that.

Enough bullshit for today. Rather than bragging about myself for the next twenty posts, let's get down to business. Here I would like to share on landscaping. Or landscape photography.

Landscape photography basically means taking shots of the world around us. Be it with or without people in it. I'm not going to share about any sure-fire or any easy way tips to a great landscape shots but just sharing some requirement for it. Just basic requirement within my boundaries of knowledge.

1. Get a camera
Any would do. Even a compact or mobile phone. In my case, I'm on a DSLR. Just don't kill yourself over a 10k camera. Even a basic one will do.

2. Get a tripod
If you're on a compact or smaller size camera, get a cheap tripod as it would not wobble much since your camera is not too heavy. Compared to a DSLR or other big-cam, you should get a sturdier and muscular tripod. So your camera would not shake too much to the point of you yourself tossing it in the river. On top of that, landscaping might require you to use slow shutter rather than normal shutter.

3. Push the aperture
You would want everything to be in focus. Thus smaller aperture such as f/8 and below, will be a necessity. That is why I recommend you having a tripod so it will help you with your framing and shooting.

4. Wide-angle Lens for DSLR (if possible)
Landscaping is not about getting everything in the frame but its about getting the most out of the environment. For DSLR users, it is very convenient to use a wide-angle lens to be able to get the most out of the environment. Even a kitlens would be great (if you know how) for landscaping due to its 18mm wide. Its not like you can't use a telephoto lens such as the 70-200 for landscaping but the opening is very small and not much stuff can enter the frame. But it doesn't mean you can't. Its just difficult.

5. Cloud
If the cloud is super beautiful on that day, don't hesitate.

6. Subject
Get a subject in your shot. Its essential as it will provide as a rest area for the eyes. Without any subject, the eyes will wander around the shot without knowing where to rest. Its also tiring for the viewers.

Here is some shot from my landscape collection.

I'm just stating some tips here. Your creativity would be vital in getting better shots. Get out there and have fun with your camera.

Salam.

Gadgets for Sale!

Salam.

Today I just shipped my customer's bundle of Magic: The Gathering cards. Hope it will arrive safely tomorrow. But I still have some items that I would like to sell to anyone interested. Here they are.

1. Canon EOS 1000D + Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR LD ASPHERICAL (IF)  [RETRACTED]

- This camera was bought in the UK in October 2010.
- Shutter count (SC) is around 14k.
- Still in good condition.
- Free 8GB SD card.
- No kitlens but comes with an awesome Tamron 17-50.
- The lens' bokeh is awesome and very sharp.
- Comes with rear cap and UV filter.
- Misplace the front lens cap while packing things. Will post when I found it.
- Selling at RM1400 nego.

2. Canon IVIS HF S11 64GB FullHD Camcorder  [SOLD]

- This baby was bought in the UK in May 2010.
- Awesome condition. 5 stars. Make it 10 stars.
- Great 64GB internal memory. Capture up to 32 hours of videos.
- Snap 8 Megapixel photo while recording.
- Come with extra gift. Carrying bag, UV filter, front lens cap, extra battery, wide angle + macro lens & camera cleaning kit.
- Selling at RM2200 nego.

Well readers, if you're interested, you cal SMS me at 0one3-3one7eight4six7 or email me at roy_mustang_88@yahoo.com


I can post it to you or we can meet up to view the items.

Thanks for reading.

Salam.

Sony A77 - Leak Photo

Salam.

After waiting so long for the real leak, finally its out. The long awaited Sony A77 teases us with another photo leak and this time its clear. Its crystal clear. Its clear cut. Its clean and clear. Its.. Lets just look at the picture below.

Yeah. And from the looks of it, it does portrayed its strength. From the rumours, it is said that it'll work on ISO 100 - 16,000 with expendable ISO 50 and 1/8000 sec shutter speed. 11-point AF points and 10 burst shot is also on this piece.

Let's wait for more leaks for this long-awaited piece of junk... I mean camera.

Source

Salam.

Which DSLR for you?

Salam.

You got the money. And you haven't got yourself a DSLR. Sure thing. DSLR will improve your photography skills in various aspects and also you will be able to identify which type of photography you would prefer. Either an all-rounder, macro, portrait and etc.

There are 4 levels of photography gears that are available in the market and each of it have different needs and requirements. To make it simple, the more money you have, the better your gears will be.

1. Entry / Consumer
The perfect gear for someone who just stepped into the world of professional photography. Its small, lightweight, have all the basic setting for you to learn and it cost less than others. Some of it provide guide mode with detail explanation of the settings. It has basic accessories for you to improve your skills.

Canon EOS 1000D, 1100D, 450D, 500D 550D, 600D.

Nikon D40x, D60, D3000, D3100.

Sony A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390.

2. Advanced amateur / Midrange
You've proven yourself to be a good photographer. And you want to climb a step further. But this time, each step costs money. Just kidding. Gears on this level are for those with experience using DSLR before and they want to move up the ladder. Most uses pentaprism rather than pentamirror for better view. It is also more rugged and better build than the entry gears.

Canon EOS 40D, 50D, 60D.

Nikon D5000, D5100.

Sony A450, A500, A550, A560, A580, A33, A55

3. Prosumer / High End
Yup. You got the money. Some would have a full-frame sensor while others are still stuck with APS-C or APS-H sensor. Gears on this level have better ISO, great settings, crisp image and able to burst-shot a lot better than others. At the moment, most professionals would prefer gears on this level as they have better weather seal and built. They also perform better in low-light condition. But beware. It will also punch a hole in your wallet.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 7D.

Nikon D70, D80, D90, D7000.

Sony A700.

4. Professional / Flagship
On this level, its either you have too much money or your camera is going to feed your family. Yes. This is the top. This is the cream of the crop. This is nearly god-like. The quality this camera produce is second to none. Even if a noob takes a picture with this camera, it will end up becoming an award winning picture in National Geographic's Hall of Fame! It is always full frame (most of it) and usually it came with a vertical grip. The sensor is amazing. Even holding this camera will give you the thrill. Each snap of this camera can give you ... I better not use the word here. Any how, this is not for normal photography. Unless you have too much money to waste.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, 1Ds Mark IV

Nikon D3X, D3S.

Sony A900, A850.

There you go. Guide that will allow you to choose you gears properly. But always check out quotations below.

'Its not the gears that took the pictures. Its you.' 

-National Geographic Society

Currently, these are my gears.
- Canon EOS 1000D
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
- Canon Speedlite 420EX
- Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD IF
- Sigma DC 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 OS HSM 

Hope this guide will help you. Thanks for reading.

Salam. 

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD IF

Salam.

Yup. Suddenly I got a cheap bargain on this lens. Never thought of getting one. But obviously I have to let go some of my lenses and Gundams in order to get this one.

The Digital Picture have made a review on this lens and I believe there in no point making another review. You can click here to read the review.

Here are some highlights of this lens.
- very good image quality
- small, light, fast and affordable package
- very useful tool
- fast (f/2.8)
- general-purpose focal length range
- sharp even at f/2.8


I'm getting this lens as an upgrade for my previous lens. Though it doesn't have the range compared to Sigma 18-125mm, it does have a very wide opening and aperture.


Salam.

DSLR or Camcorder?

Salam.

Would you prefer a DSLR or a camcorder? Nowadays, most DSLR are equipped with HD video recording that allows you to record videos up to 24Mbps (1 second = 24MB). Let me share it with you some issues regarding this matter.

1. Sensor Issue - Long Play
DSLR sensor are specifically made to take photos. The same goes for camcorders which are made to record videos. There's a very big difference between the two. The sensor on the camcorder are optimized to be able to suffer long recording, heat resistant and continuous light absorption. DSLR sensor in the other hand are more towards taking a lot of light in an instance. It is not recommended to record videos on DSLR for a long play. The sensor is not resistant towards heat and continuous light absorption. Long play can damage DSLR sensor and end up costing you more money than usual.

2. Creativity - Lenses
Normal camcorders might not have the interchangeable lenses compared to the DSLR. This means that DSLR user have more creativity on creating videos. But you must have lots of lens to play around with. However, camcorders nowadays can have a little creativity to it by applying wide angle or fisheye converter on the front lens.

3. Handling
Holding DSLR for video recording can be very tiring and not applicable for long play. Its like lifting a dumbell with your wrist. The weight of the body, the lens and sometimes the microphone and whatnot is applying a lot of burden on your hand. Camcorder on the other hand are suitable to be hold for a longer period of time. Sometimes you don't even need a tripod for it.

4. Sound sensor
Camcorder have better sound recording system compared to a DSLR. It is better in surround mode and with proper equipment, you can have shotgun mode on (it records sounds in front without any beside or behind noise). DSLR are more towards capturing unfocused sounds which will also includes the wind, your breaths, your friend talking and many more.

Those are some issues I'm highlighting for video recording using DSLR and camcorder. Hope that will help you on deciding which one is more suitable for you. If you like photos, DSLR is your choice then. For videos, go for camcorder.

Thanks for reading.

Salam.

Nikon D5100

Salam.

Its been a while since I've posted something about photography. This time is quite significant as the Nikon D5100 just came out.

It's the evolution of the ol-Nikon D5000. Well, its quite difficult to tell whether its an upgrade or downgrade version from the D5000. Here I will laid out some key features of the D5100.

NIKON D5100 - Key Features
- 16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
- Side-articulated 3.0" LCD monitor (920,000 dots)
- 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
- ISO 100-6400 range (Up to 25,600 equivalent when expanded)
- HD movies (1080p, 720p or WVGA)
- 4 fps continuous shooting
- In-camera effects filters in both stills and video modes

Here are some obvious differences between the D5100 and D5000
- Higher resolution sensor (16.2MP vs. 14MP)
- 1080p video mode
- Wider ISO range (100-25,600 equivalent)
- Full-time AF mode (AF-F in live view)
- Dual IR receivers (front and rear)
- Side-articulated LCD screen (as opposed to bottom-articulated)
- 921k dot LCD screen
- 14-bit NEF (Raw) mode
- Effects modes
- No wireless control mode over the D5000
- No magnesium alloy build
- 11-point AF system vs. 39-point AF system

I am more particular about the features it holds rather than the picture quality because they uses the same EXPEED 2 sensor which only differs in pixels it holds.

Nikon manage to keep a balance upgrade from on the D5100 however the missing magnesium alloy body is quite depressing. Guess Nikon are also using Canon's strategy of removing the magnesium alloy build in their later upgrade (e.g. Canon EOS 60D).

Hope they'll use their head next time before trying out new stuff.

For more in-depth review of the Nikon D5100, click here.

Source

Thanks for reading.

Salam.

Canon Speedlite 320EX and 270EX II

Salam.

With the growth of technology, anything can happen. Recently, Canon introduces two new Speedlite unit. The 320EX and the 270EX II.

The 270EX II is a very small flash but it has adequate power to compensate those low light situation. It has a guide number of 27 and the special features of this flash is the remote release button. This can be used with the latest EOS 600D.

The 320EX holds the guide number of 32 and also has the same remote release button with 270EX. However, the major difference between the two is not only the design and guide number but also the built-in video light to be used with EOS range of cameras.

I personally finds the 320EX is a very great and portable flash unit as it is capable to improve low-light situation be it photo or video. Since most DSLR nowadays have a video-recording function, why not have a video-light? Right Canon?

Hope the price won't be too much for the users.

Thanks for reading.

Salam.

Canon EOS 1100D and EOS 600D

Salam.

Canon sent out their latest weapons from their arsenal and they are called EOS 1100D and 600D. Let's check what they're made of.

The 1100D comes with the kit lens EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II and equipped with a 12.2MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor, nine-point autofocus system and 63-zone dual-layer metering system. Not just that, this baby can capture HD videos! ISO range also increase to 6400 which helps a lot in low light condition.

The 600D have an 18MP CMOS sensor, ISO range up to 6400, DIGIC 4 image processor, integrated Speedlite setting (suitable for the coming up Speedlite) and also a tilt and swivel screen.

The news on these two are out on the net today. Check it out.

CANON EMPOWERS THE MASSES TO TAKE BETTER PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO

WITH THE NEW EOS REBEL T3i AND EOS REBEL T3 DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS

Two New Speedlites and a New EF-S Lens Round Out the Photographic Journey

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the EOS Rebel T3i and EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Cameras, providing numerous intelligent high-end features at attractive price points. Complementing the award-winning EOS Rebel T2i DSLR, the EOS Rebel T3i, Canon's new flagship Rebel, offers fun and easy-to-use features for beginning photographers, and the EOS Rebel T3 provides a more attractively priced option for those looking to experience the pleasure of shooting with a DSLR camera. For the young enthusiast learning photography or the adult looking to learn more, Canon's new Feature Guide instruction will walk Rebel T3i users through functions and provide recommendations for various settings, a great hands-on learning tool. Point-and-Shoot users looking to step-up to a DSLR will enjoy the T3i camera's Scene Intelligent Auto mode, the most intuitive automatic camera mode available in a Canon Rebel camera to date, providing complete scene analysis and optimized settings. One of the most sought-after and requested features for a DSLR camera is now part of the new EOS Rebel T3i, Canon's three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, ideal for properly composing those difficult overhead shots. Comfortable, lightweight and affordable, Canon's new EOS Rebel T3 is a great camera to welcome users to the world of DSLR photography.

"Everyone today is a photographer, and for those looking to capture stunning images and do more with photography, Canon has introduced the EOS Rebel T3i and T3, offering the right balance of high-end features and easy-to-use guidance at a great price. So regardless of experience level or budget, there is a Canon Rebel camera suited to a user's needs and lifestyle," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Boasting Canon's EOS HD video capture, 18-megapixel resolution, a three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, new Scene Intelligent Auto, new Video Snapshot technology and new Feature Guide instruction, the EOS Rebel T3i DSLR has plenty of reasons for Mom and Dad to step up to a DSLR. Canon's new EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera offers users a small, lightweight interchangeable lens camera with fun options. The Rebel T3 features HD movie capture, 12-megapixel resolution and Canon's new informative Feature Guide, to help educate and instruct users as they capture great images, along with the inherent speed and low-light image quality of a Canon DSLR camera. Both new Rebel models are compatible with Canon's complete line of more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

New EOS Feature Guide

Canon has also included a new EOS Feature Guide on both new Rebel cameras with an enhanced Quick Settings Screen that now includes detailed descriptions of camera settings. The EOS Feature Guide is designed to help first-time users and beginning enthusiasts better understand each camera setting with descriptions and guided recommendations for when to utilize certain settings. Along with an explanation of camera settings and modes, the Feature Guide includes easy-to-understand directions of how to use particular settings such as aperture adjustment in Canon's Creative Auto mode:

Basic + Function

Canon helps beginners get more creative with photography by letting even the most entry-level novice make camera adjustments with easy to understand setting options. In automatic shooting modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action and Night Scene, Canon users can access a quick menu screen to make adjustments as per the scene's ambience. When shooting in one of Canon's "Basic Zones" users can make adjustments as per the scene's lighting or scene type. An easy-to-read menu lets you select an ambience setting from Vivid, Soft, Warm, Intense, Cool, Brighter, Darker to Monochrome, while a Lighting setting allows users to select from Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light or Sunset.

Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera

An A+ for Automatic Mode

Canon aims to make everyone a better photographer and has enhanced the capabilities of the Rebel T3i's automatic mode with new Scene Intelligent Auto technology, re-branding the green mode dial setting with a boxed "A+" design. This new camera setting now takes Picture Style into account as part of the camera's "Auto" setting. By analyzing faces, colors, brightness, movement, and contrast, the camera will dynamically adjust picture-style parameters to match the subject and control vividness. Previously, the automatic setting on a Rebel DSLR adjusted exposure, focus, white balance, and Auto Lighting Optimizer, however on the new Rebel T3i, Picture Style Auto is also taken into account as part of the new Scene Intelligent Auto technology. By incorporating this fifth parameter the camera more intelligently analyzes scenes and adjusts settings based on the subject matter being shot. So when the camera is photographing a face it will reproduce more natural skin tones or blue skies for more vivid landscapes, a flashy red car for more saturated color and evening sunsets for more expressive images.

Fun Rebel Features

For the first time in a Rebel DSLR, the new Rebel T3i features a large Vari-Angle three-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dot/VGA resolution plus anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings for bright clear viewing from any angle. The large Vari-Angle screen helps compose low-angle or overhead shots whether capturing still images or Full HD video clips. Photographers will enjoy the convenience of capturing an overhead shot of a parade or low-angle shots of their children on the Vari-Angle screen.

Canon's new EOS Rebel T3i DSLR gives creative photographers some fun in-camera tools that enable users to apply Creative Filters to images after they have been shot without altering the original file. Canon's new Creative Image Filters, familiar to Canon PowerShot and EOS 60D users, help make a great image more dynamic by creating an altered copy of the image through any of Canon's four artistic filter options:

* The Soft Focus effect filter helps dramatize an image and smooth over shiny reflections.
* The Grainy Black and White filter can give a different nostalgic perspective to any shot.
* Canon's "Toy Camera" filter deliberately adds vignetting and color shift for a creative option when shooting a colorful scene.
* Users can also make a scene appear like a small-scale model, simulating the look from a tilt-shift lens, with Canon's Miniature Effect filter, great when shooting any scene from a high vantage point.

Each of these filters can be applied to a captured still image in-camera to create a second "filtered" JPEG version, leaving the original JPEG file unaffected.

Another addition to the camera's Live View function is Canon's new Aspect Ratio feature whereby the Live View screen can display cropping lines for 1:1, 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios in addition to the standard 3:2 ratio. These cropping lines make it easier to compose images in Live View, and they can help to expedite printing when using Canon's supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Custom aspect ratios are also applied to JPEG images captured directly in-camera.

EOS HD Video Specs

The EOS Rebel T3i with Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution in selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p will grab the attention of film students and independent filmmakers alike. The Rebel T3i incorporates two Canon proprietary technologies for rendering amazing HD video, a DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and a large APS-C–sized CMOS sensor capturing fine detail and color with an amazing cinematic depth of field. The Rebel T3i DSLR allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates.

EOS HD Video: Ready For A Close-Up

When shooting Full HD video, the Rebel T3i digitally provides additional zoom power without sacrificing quality. The new Movie Digital Zoom feature, a first for Canon DSLRs, allows users to achieve 3x to 10x magnification while shooting Full HD video. Unlike standard digital zoom for still images, Movie Digital Zoom crops the video image directly from the CMOS sensor at Full HD resolution to preserve video quality and still provide amazing additional telephoto power beyond just the lens. The Movie Digital Zoom feature is great for those times when the lens isn't enough to get you in close, but this feature provides the extra boost without a loss in video quality so a child's smile on stage is just as clear and bright.

EOS Video Snapshot

Canon's new EOS Video Snapshot feature borrows some innovation from Canon's VIXIA line of camcorders for capturing, assembling and playing fun-to-watch video clips. EOS Video Snapshot enables users to capture the video highlights of family vacations, parties or milestone events, with the same ease as taking photos. Consumers can now record a series of two-, four- or eight-second video clips automatically. The scenes are assembled by the camera into continuous Video Snapshot Album files for easy playback and can even be further edited in camera or through Canon's Video Snapshot Task software on a compatible personal computer for added flexibility and fun.

Valuable Additional Features

Along with the adjustable LCD screen, the new EOS Rebel T3i DSLR features a class-leading 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, a proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, a 9-point Autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. Capable of capturing kids at play or wildlife on the move, the Rebel T3i can shoot up to 34 consecutive full resolution JPEG still images or up to 11 consecutive RAW images at speeds up to 3.7-frames-per-second to either SD, SDHC or new extended capacity SDXC memory cards.

The Rebel T3i includes an ISO range from 100-6400, allowing it to capture beautiful images without the need for a flash during milestone events such as birthday celebrations, yet it still includes a built-in pop-up flash for those times requiring a little extra light. For the first time on a Rebel camera, the T3i features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter making it even easier to do multi-flash shoots and provide images with greater ambience. The new Integrated Speedlite settings are now even easier for beginners shooting with multiple flashes.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS T3i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in the beginning of March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon's new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99. It will also be available in a second kit version with Canon's EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1099.00.

Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera

Canon is happy to introduce a chic camera for beginners to ease into the exciting world of DSLR photography and videography; the new EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR camera. The Rebel T3 is designed to be the camera that can be expertly handled by anyone and allows great-looking photos to be taken with ease and style. The Rebel T3 is excellent in low-light shooting situations and simple to handle and operate.

Putting big imaging power in a small body, the new EOS Rebel T3 DSLR features a 12.2-megapixel Canon CMOS image sensor, a proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, a 9-point Autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. With individual pixels measuring roughly 10x larger than a pixel from a point-and-shoot camera sensor, the Rebel T3 is able to absorb more light with less noise, making it ideal for capturing high-quality images in dimly lit situations. The increased efficiencies in gathering light also make the camera better suited to freeze fast-moving objects such as capturing images of children at play at speeds up to 3-frames per second. Compatible with SD, SDHC or new extended capacity SDXC memory cards, the Rebel T3 also shoots 1280x720 HD movies for amazing image quality for both stills and video. The Canon Rebel T3 features an ISO range from 100-6400 for capturing beautiful images in various light settings while also including a built-in pop-up flash. Designed for easy operation through the camera's mode dial, users can go from taking great still images to great video quickly and easily, with simple to understand icons and buttons.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of March, and will be offered in a kit with Canon's new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $599.99.

New Kit Lenses

Along with these DSLR cameras, Canon is also introducing a new kit lens, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens, the standard kit lens for both the Rebel T3i kit configuration and the Rebel T3 kit configuration.

The new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility with the advantage of Canon's optical lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction. The version II of this lens includes new IS algorithms to distinguish between normal photographing and when the camera is panning to automatically provide the optimal level of image-shake correction.

New Canon Speedlite 320EX and Canon Speedlite 270EX II

The new Canon Speedlite 320EX is designed to provide DSLR users with a lightweight and versatile external flash solution. Along with the new Speedlite 320EX regular flash functions, it includes a built-in LED continuous light option that is capable of providing full-time illumination for short distances when shooting video on a DSLR or PowerShot digital camera. Ideally paired with the new EOS Rebel T3i, the new Speedlite 320EX enables bounce flash shooting with six positions including ceiling bounce for vertical shooting, and rear-wall bounce. The Speedlite 320EX also includes a new remote firing function and can remote fire any EOS DSLR camera that has a built-in wireless remote control function or Integrated Speedlite Transmitter such as the new Rebel T3i, EOS 60D, or EOS 7D DSLRs. The new Speedlite 320EX provides photographers with all the great lighting options Speedlites are known for with the added capability to shoot HD video with a full-time LED light option.

The new Canon Speedlite 270EX II, the successor to the popular 270EX Speedlite model, is a compact, lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select Canon PowerShot models. Ideal for use with the new EOS Rebel T3, the new Speedlite 270EX II uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Like Canon's high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX II allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera's LCD monitor. The flash also features a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot for secure and easy attachment and reliable contact. In addition to the features of 270EX model, the Speedlite 270EX II adds a remote firing function similar to that of the Speedlite 320EX. Both new Speedlites can also be used as slave flash units in E-TTL wireless autoflash configurations with other E-TTL compatible EOS and PowerShot cameras. Canon's Speedlite 270EX II is the new compact and versatile lighting tool for photographers empowering them with multiple light options, compact-size and portability.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon Speedlite 320EX is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in April for an estimated retail price of $249.99. The Canon Speedlite 270EX II is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in the beginning of April for an estimated retail price of $169.99.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Salam.

Pentax K-5 Sensor Stains

Salam.

Remember the Pentax K-5 DSLR that made its way into my blog last time? This time, the company that made it release a notice stating that there is a problem with the sensor.

It seems like there are water drop marks on the sensor that cannot be remove by normal cleaning method. This will require the owner to get it serviced at the nearest shop. Pentax claimed that the stains was caused during manufacturing process so that made me think, does they manufacture it in a cave or something?

Check out the notice here.

So, remember the times when I say don't play with artifacts and keep them in museum? Now you know why.

However, they owner of the K-5 should not be so sad because they can get it serviced for free (if the warranty is still valid).

Thanks for reading.

Source

Salam.