Archive for January, 2008
Sahara rolls out media camera
The Times, South Africa
Sahara Computers has announced the Sahara Digital Camera, a digital hand-held camera solution that aims to allow the user to record and store material in both photo/still shot and motion video format.
The Sahara Digital Camera is said to include 16x Digital Zoom and a 5 megapixel CMOS High Sensitivity Sensor, which aims to empower end-users to take crisp, high resolution multi-media footage.
Sahara says that it has incorporated a focus-free lens with 2.0″ LTPS LCD 180 degrees and 270 degrees twist, aiming to allow the user flexibility and stability of movement when capturing images.
“The secure digital expandable memory and Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries guarantee that users will not risk losing any material, and can maximise the quality of the end result by leveraging off the DVD-quality input and output of the solution,” says Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara Computers.
The Sahara Digital Camera has a recommended retail price of R1,299, including VAT.
January 17th, 2008
Consultant: China’s digital camera sales surge 30% in 2007
Xinhua, China
BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) — China’s digital camera sales in 2007 surged 29.9 percent to hit 8.3 million sets in 2007, according to the estimates of the CCID Consulting, a leading market consultant.
Statistics showed that 5.9 million sets of digital cameras were sold in the first three quarters of last year. The sale in the fourth quarter was estimated at 2.4 million sets.
The sale of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras was put at 310,000 sets, up 47.6 percent. The two Japanese brands, Canon and Nikon, were still monopolizing the DSLR market.
CCID also forecast that sales of digital cameras in 2008 would top 10 million. It said DSLRs would not become a mainstream product in the next two years, as the price is still too high.
Beijing-based CCID Consulting was the first domestic consulting firm to be listed in the Growth Enterprise Market of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It is affiliated to the China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID Group).
Editor: Mu Xuequan
January 14th, 2008
Kodak delivers an impressive digital camera with EasyShare Z812 IS
TECH.BLORGE.com, Australia
The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS is an impressive digital camera designed for aspiring photographer who wants an easy-to-use camera that delivers great pictures with every shot.
Priced at US$299 the EasyShare Z812 IS has an 8MP resolution and an incredible SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH 12x optical zoom lens.
According to Kodak, the EasyShare Z812 IS is a high-zoom digital camera that has an impressive feature set and intuitive controls with high ISO settings that allow consumers to capture brighter, clearer shots in low-light or fast-action situations.
Key features include:
8.3 Megapixels, 1/ 2.5†CCD
Macro allows photography from 12-60 cm (wide) and 60cm.-1.3m (tele)
12x optical zoom
Focal length f/2.8-4.8 Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens (35mm equivalent 36-432mm) 36–432 mm (35 mm equiv.)
2.5″ LCD screen (230,000 pixels)
Takes SD/MMC MEDIA
0.23-second click-to-capture speed means you can capture that challenging action shot without delay; optical mechanical image stabilization automatically minimizes camera shake to deliver sharper pictures
What the manufacturer says:
The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS lets you get in touch with your inner photographer with its high-end features and great quality image output.
What reviewers and users are saying:
“Overall the EasyShare Z812 IS is an affordable ultra-zoom that takes decent images for the price. However, there are models by competing manufacturers that cost about $100 more that offer more zoom and better overall image quality.â€- Karen Cheung
“The Z812 IS delivers SLR-like handling, lots of nifty features, surprisingly good performance, excellent image quality, and P&S (point and shoot) ease of use – and it does it at a conspicuously lower price than the competition.â€- Howard Creech
“Overall, this digital camera’s features are in line with its price. However, you would typically pay nearly 40% more to get a enthusiast’s camera with comparable resolution.â€-Cnet Review
Our comment:
Despite its minor flaws, the EasyShare Z812 IS more than compensates for it by offering this digital camera at an affordable price. With the price that you have to pay for such a device with full features, the Z812 IS is definitely worth every cents you would spend for it, unless of course you’re not fond of using Kodak digital cameras for whatever reasons.
January 14th, 2008
Digital Camera News
Digital Camera Reviews, OH
ZINK Imaging and Polaroid will continue collaboration
According to an announcement yesterday, that pocket-sized inkless photo printer that we saw from Polaroid at CES was just the beginning. ZINK, developer of the thermal imaging technology behind this new device, intends to work in tandem with Polaroid to develop an entire line of color printers.
Using ZINK-made paper that comes pre-embedded with yellow, magenta, and cyan dye crystals, Polaroid’s new generation of printing technology promises to be “compact, easy-to-use, and earth-friendly.”
Polaroid’s Digital Instant Mobile Photo Printer, the first product to come out of this collaborative effort, is scheduled for retail release later this year. For more information on the printer, check out our CES 2008: Monday Run-Down.
AgfaPhoto digicams to appear at PMA
The Agfa name is probably familiar to film shooters from the company’s famed lines of film and paper, but financial troubles, restructuring, and a new distribution deal later, it looks like the AgfaPhoto marquee will begin to make its way onto digital cameras here in the US.
Budget camera maker VistaQuest will be promoting two AgfaPhoto-branded devices at its PMA booth later in the month, including the 5-in-1 AgfaPhoto DV-5000g. The device claims to offer the combined functionality of a video camera, digital still camera, webcam, MP3 player, and 20-game portable gaming console.
From the photos, it seems unlikely that the $199 offering will be a top performer in any of these areas, but in the interest of fairness further judgment will be withheld. It certainly looks spy-gadget enough, in any event.
Kodak TRACELESS system aimed at preventing sales of counterfeit batteries
Spurred by concerns about consumer product safety and recent exploding-battery incidents, Kodak announced plans to implement an anti-counterfeiting system for its lithium-ion rechargeable camera batteries.
The system, which uses forensically undetectable markers that can be inserted into product packaging or the products themselves, will allow Kodak and its retailers to distinguish actual Kodak batteries from the scores of questionable-quality counterfeits flooding the market. With a proven track record in fields as diverse as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and wine, TRACELESS can be easily embedded in thermal transfer ribbons commonly used for barcodes on electronics.
In addition to its work with Kodak-brand batteries, Kodak has already licensed the TRACELESS system to Sanyo for their use as well.
Lexar, Eye-Fi introduce Lexar-branded wireless memory card
Consumers will soon be able to get a Lexar-branded SD memory card with Wi-Fi file transfer capabilities. Eye-Fi, maker of the wireless SD card of the same name, announced an agreement with Lexar on Tuesday to begin producing a Lexar product based on Eye-Fi’s technology.
Perhaps more significantly, both companies claim that this joint venture represents the first step in a potentially important partnership to expand the range of Wi-Fi capable media storage products on the market. In anticipation of the announcement, Lexar was showing off Eye-Fi’s transfer capabilities at its CES booth this week.
The partnership has clear benefits for both manufacturers, advancing Lexar into the growing realm of wireless transfer technology, and providing Eye-Fi with the increased prominence of the Lexar name.
January 11th, 2008
Casio Camera Will Freeze Many Moments in Time
U.S. News & World Report, DC
It may be possible to photograph even a fast-moving toddler if a camera coming from Casio lives up to this week’s demos at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Casio says the new $1,000 digital camera captures an impressive 60 frames a second. That’s remarkably faster than the 10 frames a second that today’s best models can grab, and those cost around $4,000.
Casio showed reporters how the fast frame rate means catching the moment that the ball hits Junior’s bat, every time. Luck no longer is needed, says Susumu Takashima, head of Casio’s digital cameras.
That’s just one new feature that Casio and others hope will revive growth in the sale of digital cameras. Sales otherwise will peak this year, Takashima says. Consumers this year will buy about 100 million of the digicams, whose popularity exploded earlier this decade after large LCDs and thin bodies were introduced. But sales are slowing in Europe and North America, and expansion in other markets like China and Russia isn’t enough to keep the business growing.
Another approach is automating the shutter. Some cameras already can detect smiles before snapping a photo. New Casio cameras will also wait until everyone’s sitting still before snapping. It’s an effort to lessen blur in photos while boosting new sales in cameras.
January 9th, 2008
Zoran Corporation Demonstrates New HD DVD/Blu-Ray, HDTV, Digital Camera, Multimedia Mobile Phone, Printer and Connected Technologies at CES 2008
FOX New
LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan 07, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) — Zoran Corporation (NASDAQ: ZRAN) announced it is demonstrating its newest digital entertainment and digital imaging platforms and technologies for consumer electronics manufacturers.
In addition, President and CEO Dr. Levy Gerzberg will participate in the SuperSession panel “Big Thinkers and Disruptive Technologies — Today’s Thought Leaders, Tomorrow’s Technologies” discussion during the first Super Session panel scheduled for January 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 am in North Hall, Room N257.
The panel, moderated by Tim Bajarin, president and CEO, Creative Strategies, will also include Dave Habiger, President and CEO Sonic Solutions;
Dick Lynch, Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer, Verizon; Terry McBride, CEO, Nettwerk Music Group; Shane Robison, Executive VP and Chief Strategy and Technology Officer, Hewlett Packard Company; and Owen Van Natta CEO, Facebook.
“We look forward to hearing from Dr. Gerzberg about disruptive technologies and what to expect over the next five years in the semiconductor industry that is likely to improve the entertainment experiences for consumers wanting all types of video and audio content delivered to portable handheld devices and televisions in the home as well as other exciting products,” said Mr. Bajarin.
Zoran’s new product and technology demonstrations at CES 2008 include the following:
– SupraHD(R) high definition television designs and set-top box products
for Asia, Europe and North American markets
– NTIA-Certified SupraHD(R)-based converter set-top boxes under multiple
brands that support the U.S. conversion to digital broadcasts in February
2009
– VaddisHD(TM) High Definition Multimedia Processor platforms supporting
both the Blu-Ray and HD-DVD blue laser emerging standards DVD players
– Vaddis(R) DVD multimedia processor enabled products from major
manufacturers including new portable and automobile systems
– DVD Recorder reference designs for Digital Video Broadcast Set-top
Boxes, PVRs, DTVs, and new combo products based on Zoran’s Activa(R) 200
family of processors
– APPROACH(R) multimedia processors enabling multimedia camera phones
including LG’s popular new Viewty model
– New digital camera design platforms and new models from Nikon,
Olympus, Pentax, Samsung, Sony and others using the COACH digital camera
processor
– New Quatro(R)-based All-in-one printers and photo printer reference
designs plus new models from Epson, Konica-Minolta, Samsung and others
Meetings with Zoran are by appointment in North Hall room N108 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
About Zoran Corporation
Zoran Corporation, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a leading provider of digital solutions in the growing digital entertainment and digital imaging markets. With two decades of expertise developing and delivering digital signal processing technologies, Zoran has pioneered high-performance digital audio and video, imaging applications, and Connect Share Entertain(TM) technologies for the digital home. Zoran’s proficiency in integration delivers major benefits for OEM customers, including greater capabilities within each product generation, reduced system costs, and shorter time to market. Zoran-based DVD, digital camera, DTV, multimedia mobile phone, and multifunction printer products have received recognition for excellence and are now in hundreds of millions of homes and offices worldwide. With headquarters in the U.S. and operations in Canada, China, England, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, Zoran may be contacted on the World Wide Web at www.zoran.com or at 408-523-6500.
Zoran, the Zoran logo, Activa, APPROACH, Quatro, SupraHD, SupraTV, Vaddis and VaddisHD are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zoran Corporation and its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as property of others.
Contact Information
Betty Watkins
Zoran Corporation
408-523-4373
Email Contact
SOURCE: Zoran Corporation
January 8th, 2008
Sony Takes Center Stage at CES With Innovative Products and Strategic Business Alliances
Reuters
Sony Takes Center Stage at CES With Innovative Products and Strategic Business
Alliances
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ — CES Booth #14200 — Sony rolled out new
products, technologies and business relationships here on the eve of the
Consumer Electronics Show. From razor-flat television technology to innovative
audio, mobile and IT products, the company demonstrated its leadership across
several major product categories.
Key alliances were announced at a press conference, where company
executives highlighted three new exhibit areas: HDNA (high-definition),
mobility and creativity.
The company took the wraps off the first Organic Light Emitting Diode
television in the United States. About the thickness of three credit cards,
the new OLED-TV (model XEL-1) offers picture quality with high contrast of
1,000,000:1, outstanding brightness, exceptional color reproduction, and a
rapid response time.
Other major announcements included additions to the company’s Digital
Media Extender (DMeX) technology, for clip-on BRAVIA(R) TV models, a line of
high-definition Handycam(R) camcorders, a new Alpha DSLR-A200 digital camera,
a VAIO(R) Home Theater PC, and the innovative Rolly(TM) entertainment device
with its unique combination of robotic and digital audio technologies.
“Sony continues to reinforce its standing as number one in the consumer
electronics industry,” said Sony Electronics President and Chief Operating
Officer Stan Glasgow. “We are accomplishing this by offering products and
technologies that show our innovation, as well as the ability to deliver the
best customer experience.”
The nation’s first OLED-TV will be launched in select Sony Style retails
store around the country in limited quantities beginning tomorrow.
HDNA
Coming off a strong holiday selling season, Sony added strength to its
leadership position in high-definition with key product announcements.
The company unveiled three new modules as part of its DMeX technology,
which allows consumers to add optional features to BRAVIA(R) televisions for
enhanced programming and functionality.
First, the BRAVIA Wireless Link module, a wireless HDMI(TM) link, frees
the living room of messy wires by connecting an HD transmitter to AV gear and
an HD receiver behind the television for wireless 1080p/24p transmission. It
supports up to four HDMI source devices at distances up to 200 feet.
Next, the BRAVIA DVD link module provides an easy upgrade to DVD, CD and
MP3 functionality and seamlessly mounts on the back of the television.
And finally, the BRAVIA Input Link module extends a home theater with
three additional HDMI inputs. All three will be available later this year.
Additionally, new broadband content providers were announced at the show
for the existing BRAVIA Internet Video Link module, which streams Internet
video content directly to compatible BRAVIA televisions without the need for a
PC.
Glasgow also touted the arrival of the CBS Interactive as the latest
provider to join the service, adding one-of-a-kind videos later this month
encompassing primetime and daytime programming, news and sports.
Sony’s newest offerings in its number-one selling BRAVIA flat-panel LCD
HDTV line were also on display. Ranging in sizes from 19 to 52 inches
(measured diagonally), the new line includes seven entry-level 720p and 10
full HD 1080p models, including the company’s first 1080p 32-inch and 37-inch
HDTVs.
New features include slim bezels on select models, a distinctive 3D
graphic interface. Select models also feature compatibility with Sony’s
Digital Media Port, which allows users to connect a number of optional
accessories like an iPod dock to access video and audio content on the
television.
Additional advances — such as BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) technology for one-touch
play, Motionflow(TM) 120Hz high frame rate technology for further elimination
of motion artifacts and better fast-action viewing, and x.v.Color(TM)
technology for a wider gamut of colors — are all featured on a broader
selection of new models.
The company also announced a new high-definition version of its spherical
digital living room PC, the VAIO(R) TP Home Theater PC. A stylish media hub,
the unit integrates a Blu-ray Disc(TM) drive, built-in DVR functionality and
BRAVIA Sync technology for one-touch play. The model is available with two
external CableCARD(TM) TV tuners, so you can watch and record two HD programs
at the same time.
A sub-$200 internal BD-ROM drive that can upgrade an existing desktop
computer into a high-definition Blu-ray Disc player, as well as a DVD and a CD
player was also introduced today. The new BDU-X10S model drive comes with
CyberLink’s PowerDVD BD Edition software for playback of commercial movie
titles, recorded Blu-ray Disc home videos, DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs.
Creativity
Knowledge transfer of Sony’s HD expertise was evident by the company’s
newest digital imaging lineup for personal content creation.
Sony is leading the emerging high-definition camcorder category with the
introduction of full 1920 x 1080 high-definition Handycam(R) camcorders with
face detection technology. This technology can identify up to eight faces in
the camcorder’s LCD frame and automatically adjust focus, exposure, color
control and, when photos are taken, flash control. Originally developed for
Sony’s digital camera line, face detection is one of several new shared
technologies in digital imaging aimed to improve picture quality and make
video recording more enjoyable.
Other features on new models include 10-megapixel photo capture, as well
as hybrid and hybrid-plus movie recording. Now there are two to three
recording media options all in one device to lengthen recording times and
provide greater convenience when shooting on-the-go.
Sony debuted 16 camcorders in high-definition and standard definition to
meet the video needs of virtually every consumer.
In the digital still camera category, the company previewed its new Alpha
DSLR-A200 digital camera aimed at mainstream photo buffs. This model will
replace the DSLR-A100 camera and join the Alpha system with its 23
professional-grade lenses, a full array of accessories, and the
enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera body.
Designed to be faster, lighter, and easier to use, this model incorporates
Sony’s signature Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization system inside the
camera body. It is one of many features designed to improve camera
performance,
as well as help ease the transition for many users from point-and-shoot to
DSLR cameras.
Mobility
To meet the changing ways people want to access their entertainment, Sony
introduced a completely new portable entertainment concept. The Rolly(TM)
entertainment player is an audio device that moves to the beat of your music,
while delivering exceptional sound quality.
The player’s distinctive egg shape should appeal to tech-savvy,
design-conscious music enthusiasts. Personal music can be downloaded from a PC
or streamed to the player with any compatible Bluetooth(R) enabled stereo
device. The device incorporates two gigabytes of flash memory and built-in
speakers.
For the ultimate in amusement, the device’s artificial intelligence allows
it to dance along and light up to the beat of the music. The Rolly(TM) player
can be personalized by programming your own motion data along with music using
the bundled software.
Attention was also drawn to in-car entertainment with an important
alliance with Ford Motor Company. Building on a successful relationship in
Europe, the global automotive manufacturer has chosen Sony to be the exclusive
in-car audio supplier for Ford and Mercury vehicles in North America. This
phase of the two companies’ collaboration will begin with the launch of the
2009 Ford Flex.
In addition, Sony previewed its latest line of car audio products,
including nav-u(TM) portable navigation systems with POSITION Plus(TM). The
premium model comes with Bluetooth(R) wireless hands-free calling. The company
also unveiled its full lineup of Xplod(R) car stereo products, including six
receivers made for connecting to your favorite devices.
Then there was the debut of the latest mylo(TM) personal communicator. The
new device allows users to cruise, upload and download content on the web;
chat via AOL Instant Messenger(TM); download and listen to music; and make
voice calls in one stylish device. It also has a built-in digital camera with
an easy-to-use interface to easily upload photos to popular web sharing sites.
Sony also announced a partnership with Wayport(TM) that gives all COM-2
mylo owners free Wi-Fi access at thousands of hotspots across the United
States, including more than 9,000 participating McDonald’s(R) Restaurants.
On-the-go entertainment was accentuated by the debut of Sony’s latest
noise cancelling headphones, which utilize an exclusive digital signal
processing to reduce 99.7 percent of all ambient noise. The noise cancelling
function is enhanced by artificial intelligence technology, which selects the
optical noise cancelling mode based on analysis of ambient environment noise.
Sony Ericsson unveiled three new Walkman(R) phones as part of its total
line of 21 models. With its diamond-inspired design with a bejeweled keypad,
the Z555 will be the company’s first 3G phone in the United States. The
elegant, stylish phone also integrates gesture control so you can silence a
call or snooze the alarm by simply waving your hand over the phone.
Other models included the W760 phone that lets you listen to tracks
depending on your mood using a unique SensMe application, as well as the
ultra-stylish W350 phone with its ultra-thin size at only 10 mm and a
distinctive matchbook design.
To further accentuate Sony’s unified presence at the show, there will be
live performances during the week from Epic recording artists Natasha
Bedingfield and Sean Kingston, Columbia recording artist and Train lead singer
Pat Monahan, and Arista Nashville recording artist Jypsi.
Hollywood producer Dean Devlin will demonstrate Blu-ray Disc interactivity,
and director Robert Luketic will share his experience shooting Sony Pictures’
upcoming “21″ movie release. Movie previews and insightful product and content
demonstrations are planned for the duration of the show.
And in the rotunda in the center of the booth is an exhibit by Sony
Pictures Television, featuring new programming content and distribution
systems.
SOURCE Sony Electronics Inc.
January 7th, 2008
Casio Unveils Super High-Speed Digital Still Camera
Casio is expected to announce a camera capable of shooting up to 60 full-resolution images in one second at CES.
Martyn Williams, IDG News Service
PC World
LAS VEGAS — Casio will put on sale in March a digital still camera capable of shooting up to 60 full-resolution images in one second, and video at more than 1000 per second to realize a super slow-motion effect, it is expected to announce Sunday at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The high-speed shooting and super slow-motion features are a first in consumer cameras, being typically found on much more expensive and dedicated professional models.
Their inclusion in the Exilim Pro EX-F1 tops a two-year development project by Casio that sought to come up with just such a new feature, said Takashi Onoda, an engineer at Casio’s research center that developed the camera.
An early version of the camera was shown at the IFA show in Germany in August 2007, but the production model, which debuts at CES, has been improved against the IFA prototype, said Onoda.
Among the top features of the EX-F1 is the fast-shooting mode that will snap up to 60 images at the camera’s full 6-megapixel resolution. The length of time over which they are shot is set by the user, and can be between one second and one minute. After the images are shot, the user can browse through them to find, for example, the exact moment at which a baseball player’s bat hits the ball, or a baby gives a perfect smile.
To further help get that perfect picture, the camera can record up to 60 images before the shutter button is pressed. It does this by constantly recording and overwriting pictures as soon as the shutter button is pressed halfway down. The maximum number of images recorded in burst mode remains 60, but the feature allows those slow on the shutter to have, for example, 20 images saved from immediately before the shutter is pushed and 40 from immediately afterwards.
The high-speed mode slows down when the flash needs to be used. With the camera’s built-in flash it’s possible to shoot up to 20 pictures at seven images per second.
Just as innovative as the camera’s burst-shooting mode is the high-speed video mode. It can shoot video at between 300 frames per second and 1,200 fps, which when played back at the normal 30 fps realizes a super slow-motion effect. In this mode it’s possible to view, for example, the wings of a dragonfly flap as it takes to flight.
The function has been upgraded from the prototype at IFA, which could only manage 300 fps.
The high-speed shooting comes at the expense of image quality. In 300 fps mode video resolution is 512 pixels by 384 pixels, in 600 fps mode it’s 432 pixels by 192 pixels and in 1,200 fps mode it drops to 336 pixels by 96 pixels. The latter results in a long and thin image that’s just right for capturing something like a golf swing.
In normal video shooting mode the camera is capable of full high-definition recording — 1,920 pixels by 1,080 pixels at 60 fps — in addition to standard definition video. All video shot by the camera is stored as an H.264 Quicktime file and there’s an HDMI output so it can be hooked-up to a high-definition TV.
Other features of the EX-F1 include a 12X optical zoom lens that protrudes out of the front of the camera’s body. The interface also groups together batches of shots taken with the burst-shooting mode so that the user doesn’t end up clicking through hundreds of images to get to the scene they want to find.
Casio said the new camera will cost around $1,000.
See PC World’s ongoing coverage of the Consumer Electronics Show at our CES InfoCenter.
January 7th, 2008
Review: PowerShot G9 digital camera
Computerworld, MA
January 03, 2008 (Macworld) — Canon Inc.’s G series has converted many a serious film shutterbug to digital photography. Launched in 2000 with the PowerShot G1, the sturdy G line helped establish digital photography as something more than a novelty. But judging from the latest entry, the Canon PowerShot G9, the line may have outlived its usefulness.
Make no mistake — this serious-looking black brick of a camera is capable of producing great images. But the G9 is out of sync with the marketplace, offering few compelling advantages and some distinct disadvantages when compared with cheaper point-and-shoot cameras and similarly priced digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
Improvements over the preceding G7 are minimal and not all advantageous. Canon deserves cheers for including RAW mode shooting, which retains more information than JPEG. But the new image sensor merely crams in two more megapixels that nobody needs, bringing the G9 to a gratuitous 12.1 megapixels. And the bigger 3-in. LCD screen is bright and detailed, but it also steals needed space from what was once a useful optical viewfinder.
The G9 falls into to the so-called prosumer class of point-and-shoot cameras that include advanced attributes such as shutter- and aperture-priority modes and RAW capture. The G9′s image quality is certainly comparable or superior to anything in that class, scoring Very Good on both image and color quality in Macworld Lab tests. Photos came out with sharp detail, minimal noise and pleasing color balance at low ISO settings. (Expect increasing noise and fuzz as you go above ISO 200.) Automatic exposure control was consistently reliable, while autofocus had an occasional tendency to wander. On the plus side, the odd little rotating ring on the G9′s main control button makes this one of the few point-and-shoots with a usable manual focus option.
The G9 falls short in other areas, however. Most recent models similar to this one are superzoom cameras that cover a range from wide-angle to extreme telephoto. The G9′s lens starts out at a relatively modest 35mm and extends to 6x optical zoom, but a mere 4x digital zoom.
Most new prosumer models also have bright, information-packed electronic viewfinders, giving photographers greater flexibility in how they compose images. Pushed by the expanded LCD screen, the G9′s optical viewfinder is so tiny that it’s all but useless, especially since it only covers 80% of the image and shows the edge of the camera lens when it’s not zoomed.
Add in some odd design and control choices — ISO settings are elevated to a separate rotating knob on the top of the camera, but you’ll need to dig through the menu to alter a basic function like image stabilization — and it’s tough to make a case for the G9′s $500 price tag. You can spend $150 less and get an equally capable point-and-shoot, such as the Samsung NV11. Or, you could spend $50 more for a DSLR with all of the above plus a significantly broader aperture range and versatility, which will allow the camera to grow with your skills.
The main market for this camera seems to be serious photographers who don’t want the clutter, expense and weight of a DSLR. But with SLRs hitting price points of $500 and weighing less than a pound, those arguments don’t hold much water anymore. Instead, the G9 is likely to succeed mainly on looks — the styling invokes the classic rangefinder cameras of the predigital era — and brand loyalty. I made my jump into digital photography with the G2 and have had a soft spot for the G line ever since. But sentimentality is good for greeting cards, not expensive camera-buying decisions.
Macworld’s buying advice
While it’s a worthy camera in most ways, the Canon PowerShot G9 doesn’t offer many compelling advantages over lower-priced competitors. It’s hard to recommend it as a reasonable value.
January 4th, 2008
Leaf AFi digital camera now available worldwide
Graphic Repro, South Africa
FULL STORY
Leaf, the developer of the world’s fastest medium-format digital camera solutions, announces the worldwide availability of the new Leaf AFi medium format digital camera system. This high-end digital camera system targets professional photographers who seek top-level speed, intuitive design and exceptional quality. The Leaf AFi represents a stellar leap in innovation and is the only 6 x 6 auto focus, medium format camera currently on the market today. The camera system delivers unsurpassed image quality by integrating outstanding hardware, including Schneider AFD lenses and Leaf digital camera back technology.
The Leaf AFi offers the same ultra-fast speed established by the Leaf Aptus family of digital camera backs, while supporting unlimited burst shooting. The capture rate is as high as 70 frames per minute, using CCD image sensors of up to 48 x 36mm, with up to 33 megapixel resolution. The high level of integration in the camera system ensures simple and accurate operation, making the operation of the camera easier and more efficient. The Leaf Capture software is bundled with the AFi package and offers detailed Live View capabilities, for no additional charge.
Leaf has taken great care to optimise the digital quality in this medium format system, and focused on incorporating key system components that ensure maximum ease of use and performance. Exact ergonomic fit is provided via a rotating, 4-position handgrip. A camera back rotation mechanism allows the camera back to be turned from landscape to portrait format. Leaf AFi can be used with view cameras via the planned RZ and Graflok adaptors, as well as additional view camera adaptors being developed by third party vendors. Leaf has designed the Leaf AFi to be an excellent investment that is already prepped for the future, with the capability to accommodate future sensors of even larger dimensions.
Dov Kalinski, general manager of Leaf commented, ‘With the release of the Leaf AFi, we believe that professional photographers have the optimal tool to match their working environment – allowing them to effortlessly shoot high quality images quickly. By offering an integrated system with best of class parts and high performance operations, we continue to address the needs of professional photographers and offer an ingeniously flexible architecture designed to be compatible with future innovations. Leaf technology is designed to deliver exceptional performance today, while ensuring continuity and a solid, long term return on investment.’
Thanks to an array of powerful new features, the Leaf AFi frees the photographer’s creative power, while directly addressing their requirements for ease of use and performance. Leaf customers will particularly appreciate these significant innovations:
• Best in class Schneider AutoFocus Digital (AFD) lenses: Specially developed for use with the Leaf AFi digital camera system. AFD lenses guarantee a resolution of 60lp/mm (as compared to 40lp/mm for AF lenses). This makes due allowance for the more stringent requirements made in digital photography.
• Compatibility with existing lenses: Any Rolleiflex 6008 lenses can also be used on the Leaf AFi digital camera system.
• Ultra fast performance: Unlimited burst shooting with a capture rate as high as 70 frames per minute.
• Complete control: Huge 6 x 7cm touch screen on the back for immediate control of all functions, including instant access to RAW images.
• Rotating, multi-position handgrip: 4 positions for best ergonomic fit to the shooting situation. Allows the LCD panel to be seen regardless of the position of the camera.
• Back rotation mechanism: The back can be turned from landscape to portrait position without rotating the camera.
• Future-looking: Currently the only digital camera on the market that can be used with formats up to 6 x 6cm. It is already equipped to accommodate future sensors with dimensions larger than 36 X 48mm.
• 3 Viewfinder options: Waist-level, 90° prism or 45° prism viewfinders can be used, depending on requirements and situations.
• Efficient power management: Unique power management allows single battery, double battery, or FireWire + battery use.
• Top of the line materials and design: The camera body is fabricated with a light, metal chassis and has a comfortable, ergonomically designed grip. The camera back is built with rugged airplane-grade aluminum. The Leaf AFi’s surfaces are covered with a soft rubbery material that feels good to the hand, while providing a solid grip.
The Leaf AFi is available in the following models:
• Leaf AFi 7 – 50 frames/min 48 x 36mm 33 MP
• Leaf AFi 6 – 60 frames/min 44 x 33mm 28 MP
• Leaf AFi 5 – 70 frames/min 48 x 36mm 22 MP
Additional information can be found at: www.leaf-photography.com
January 3rd, 2008
Next Posts
Previous Posts