This week the folks at Sony have revealed the Sony NEX-5T, a next-generation camera aiming at users hoping to step up from compact DSCs and those wishing for a second camera not quite as massive as their DSLR. This device works with a 16.1 megapixel image sensor with ISO 25600 up front and a 180-degree […]
With the Sony Alpha 3000, Sony is targeting the entry-level user wishing to carry with them the power of a professional photographer. Sony is aiming to reach a balance between the “emotional needs and wants” of the user, needs and wants generally taken care of in both compact system cameras and a full-sized DSLR-style cameras […]
Sony’s managed to duplicate mid-range DSLR functionality in its NEX series of mirrorless cameras, but while experienced photographers recognize the value of such a device, amateurs looking to step up from a point-and-shoot often opt for a full-size DSLR. The reason, according to Sony reps, is that these users simply assume that a larger camera with a familiar design offers better image quality and performance. So, to suit these misinformed customers, Sony’s created a mirrorless camera that looks like a DSLR, but offers the feature set — and price tag — of an entry-level compact ILC. The company’s first attempt at winning over this broad demographic is the Alpha A3000. Internally, it’s very similar to the NEX-3N, featuring a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and E-mount lens compatibility. There’s a mode dial, Multi Interface Shoe, pop-up flash and an eye-level electronic viewfinder. It also ships with a black version of Sony’s standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, all for the low, low price of $399.
We spent a few minutes with the A3000, and while this model wouldn’t be the best fit for photographers who understand the appeal of mirrorless cameras, it will likely appeal to the users Sony’s aiming at here. It’s a nice camera for sure, and a great value at $399 with a lens. While small and light for a DSLR, it feels bulky for a mirrorless camera, but that’s kind of the point. It’s a reasonable choice for shooting sports, with a 3.5 fps consecutive shooting mode, and it can snap 1080/24p video clips (with autofocus). There’s a 0.5-inch color viewfinder that’s adequate but not particularly fantastic, a 230k-dot 3-inch fixed LCD and Sony’s typical NEX user interface for adjusting capture and WiFi settings. Finally, the company’s also launching three new E-mount lenses, including a very nice 16-70mm f/4 fixed-aperture optic that’s expected later this month for $999, a black version of last year’s 50mm f/1.8 that’ll ship this month for $299, and a power-zoom 18-105mm f/4 lens that’s due in December for $599. The A3000, for is part, should hit stores beginning next week, but you can take a quick look right now in our hands-on video after the break.%Gallery-slideshow73502%
The market is full of cameras advertising a variety of POV functionality, from the well-known GoPro and Sony Action Cam to lesser known action and helmet cameras. The purpose behind them is to capture one’s actions, typically in a sport environment. MeCam is similar, but is aimed at those who want to record their everyday […]
Back in January, a hovering quad-copter camera called the MeCam was teased as a mini video recording chopper with smartphone connectivity. At the time, it was said the camera would launch later in 2013 and that it would feature a $49 price tag. Both of these things have proven to be true, but the MeCam […]
If you’re aiming to take a bite out of the world of on-face camera recording, there’s a whole batch of ways to do it other than with Google’s Glass headset. One of these ways is with the brand Cyclops Gear. Here we’ve had the opportunity to have a look at a pair of HD video […]
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Fujifilm is the torch bearer for retro camera design, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at the boring, blob-like bodies of its recent instant film cameras. The company is aiming for more consistency with its new Instax mini 90: the shooter matches its older photo format with the vintage (and far more stylish) look we’ve seen in Fujfilm’s X-series cameras. Not that the mini 90 is abandoning modern luxuries in the process, mind you. The new Instax more intelligently adjusts to shooting conditions, captures double exposures and brightens backgrounds in a party mode. Fujifilm ships the Instax mini 90 to analog photographers in Japan on September 20th, and should bring the camera to the US sometime next spring.
Filed under: Cameras
Via: Cult of Mac
Source: Fujifilm (translated)
Hobbyist photographers don’t often have the luxury of elaborate lighting rigs. However, Adobe and Cornell University have developed a new software technique that could bring pro-grade illumination to a wider audience. Known as computational lighting design, the solution simplifies a familiar trick that combines shots taken with a camera’s external flash placed in different positions. The software uses multiple sample photos to create composite images that emphasize color, edge lighting and fill lighting; editors just have to balance those three light values to get the desired effect. While the code is still unpolished, it’s good enough that even beginners can produce well-lit masterpieces in less than 15 minutes. Adobe believes that the technique could reach future versions of apps like Lightroom or Photoshop, so don’t be surprised if still-life photography catches on in the near future.
Filed under: Cameras, Software
Via: Phys.org
Source: Cornell University
In addition to four other models Canon rolled out last evening, the company has expanded its line with the PowerShot N, a Facebook-ready point-and-shoot. The camera is a Canon Direct exclusive offering, and achieves its social network-ready status via the inclusion of a Facebook Connect Button, something that instantly shuttles images off to one’s Facebook […]
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