Sony’s Camera Remote API allows WiFi-equipped devices to control its cameras, act as a second screen

Sony's Camera Remote API allows WiFiequipped devices to control its cameras, act as a second screen

This year’s IFA has been rather eventful for Sony: the company unveiled a new handset, some interesting cameras and even a recorder that can turn you into the next Justin Bieber. But lost in the shuffle was an announcement that the Japanese outfit’s also releasing its Camera Remote API, albeit in beta. Sony says the idea here is to provide developers with the ability to turn WiFi-ready devices, such as smartphones and tablets, into a companion for many of its shooters — i.e. act as a second display or be able to shoot images / video remotely.

The Camera Remote API will be friendly with novel products including the Action Cam HDR-AS30, HDR-MV1 Music Video Recorder and both DSC-QX lens cameras, as well as older models like the NEX-6, NEX-5R and NEX-5T. This is definitely good news for current and future owners of any of the aforementioned, since the new API can certainly add much more value to Sony’s cameras via the third-party app creations that are born from it.

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Via: Pocket-lint

Source: Sony

Sony offers pro 4K camcorder for $6,500: the PXW-Z100 with 10-bit, 600Mbps video

Sony announces $6,500 PXWZ100 4K camcorder with 10bit, 600Mbps video

Other than a smallish 1/2.3-inch sensor, Sony’s new PXW-Z100 4K camcorder should push all the right buttons for pro shooters. Though it shares a sensor (and body) with the newly launched FDR-AX1 prosumer model, everything is upmarket from there. It’ll record 4:2:2 10-bit (billions of colors) 4K video at up to 500/600Mbps at 50p/60p using its new XAVC format and high-speed XQD memory cards. By contrast, the FDR-AX1 uses XAVC-S, capturing 60fps 4K at 150Mbps in 4:2:0 8-bit color. HD is also recorded at 10-bit at a healthy 233Mbps for 50 or 60 fps video, compared to 50Mbps for its prosumer cousin. You’ll be able to output 4K video at up to 60fps via HDMI to a compatible BRAVIA monitor, and a remote control WiFi adaptor is included. All that’s missing is the shallow depth of field you’d get with a larger sensor — but a lot of shooters are so over that.

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Via: NoFilmSchool

Source: Sony

Leaked: A Fuji Mirrorless Camera That Won’t Destroy Your Bank Account

Leaked: A Fuji Mirrorless Camera That Won't Destroy Your Bank Account

Alongside their efforts to court enthusiast photographers, Fujifilm wants you to know that they have options for those with shallow pockets. This leaked image of the upcoming X-A1 hints at a mirrorless camera for just that sort of photographer.

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Leaked Fujifilm X-A1 hints at a more mainstream mirrorless camera

Fujifilm XA1 interchangeable camera leaks, suggests 16megapixel

Fujifilm looks set to extend its range of retro-styled mirrorless cameras, if we’re to believe a leaked press release and publicity shots for an unannounced model, the X-A1. The camera, which first appeared on Czech camera retailer Fotoskoda (before it was quickly taken down), looks to become the fourth model in Fujifilm’s interchangeable lens X-series, with a 16-megapixel APS-C EXR CMOS sensor. Like the $700 X-M1, Fujifilm’s latest shooter is said to include a 3-inch tilting LCD, on-board Wi-Fi, and a “very fast” startup response time to get you snapping in less than 0.5 seconds. The absence of Fujifilm’s magical X-TRANS sensor, which has been a big feature on the higher-end models, makes us think this may be a significantly cheaper model, possibly aimed at those looking for their first foray into the world of interchangeable lens compacts. There’s no word on when the X-A1 might become available, but expect bold red and blue variants when it does, alongside the more traditional Fuji-ish black.

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Via: Photorumors

Source: Fotoskoda

Ricoh’s Weird 360 Camera Takes Mind-Bending Photos, But It’s Expensive

Ricoh's Weird 360 Camera Takes Mind-Bending Photos, But It's Expensive

Ricoh’s new Theta is a genuinely new kind of consumer gadget. The wand-shaped device has two opposite facing images, which can capture fully-spherical, 360-degree images. The resulting images are really cool looking and the Theta is a lot of fun to use but for $400, it’s a bit pricey.

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TRENDnet lax webcam security prompts first FTC action on connected home devices

The Federal Trade Commission has made its first ever action against a maker of connected everyday devices, TRENDnet, for what it says is lax security despite promises stating otherwise. TRENDnet makes a variety of wireless webcams, connected home security cameras, and other such devices that connect to the Internet, devices that the FTC states left […]

Ricoh Theta WiFi camera shoots 360-degree photos for $399 (hands-on)

DNP Ricoh Theta WiFi camera shoots 360degree photos for $399 handson

It’s a big week for LCD-less WiFi point-and-shoots, but today’s offering is a bit more unusual than Sony’s lens-camera duo. What would you pay for a 360-degree camera that’s compact, easy to use and compatible with an iOS app? $100? Maybe a buck fifty? Ricoh’s betting big on a figure far higher — a “consumer-friendly” $399. And we’re not sold. Sure, the Theta is a unique device, but 360-degree images have limited appeal, and the fact that you (and your friends) will need to download a dedicated app just to view them without distortion doesn’t help to seal the deal. Still, we’re always up for trying out something new, and we’re guessing you might be a bit curious, too. Click past the break as we go full circle with Theta.

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Toshiba takes on GoPro with its Camileo X-Sports action cam (hands-on)

Toshiba takes on GoPro with its Camileo X-Sports action cam (hands-on)

We’re guessing that a few companies have been eyeing GoPro’s position at the top of the action-cam market with envy. That’s why Toshiba is launching the Camileo X-Sports, a boxy action camera that strongly takes after that aforementioned leading brand. The small, 94-gram (3.3-ounce) unit comes with a 2-inch LCD display, a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor and the ability to shoot 60fps video. There’s a 10x digital zoom paired with an ultra-wide angle lens, micro-USB and mini-HDMI ports and the battery promises to last 1.5 hours when shooting 60fps and over two hours at 30fps. It’ll also connect directly over 802.11 b/g/n WiFi to a nearby smartphone or tablet, so you can use the larger device as a viewfinder for your more arty powder shredding montages. The retail package will also come with a bundled waterproof casing, wristband remote control as well as several mounts, and will be available in Europe before Christmas for €250 ($330). %Gallery-slideshow79648%

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Nikon’s Tiny LED Light Keeps Darkness Out of Your Camera’s Way

Nikon's Tiny LED Light Keeps Darkness Out of Your Camera's Way

Nikon’s LD-1000 LED movie light is an inexpensive, portable lighting solution that could make shooting video with company’s Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras a lot easier. The always-on light mounts to your camera and keeps the scene in front of you continuously illuminated with what Nikon promises is a natural-looking, diffuse white glow.

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Nikon focuses on prosumers with full-function Coolpix P7800 point-and-shoot

Nikon focuses on prosumers with fullfunction Coolpix P7800 pointandshoot

Say hello to the Coolpix P7800. It’s an incremental bump, so we wouldn’t necessarily recommend ditching last year’s P7700 to upgrade, but if you’ve been holding out, there’s a bit more value here. Cosmetically, the most significant addition is a 921k-dot EVF, which Nikon reps feel justifies a jump in price, from $500 to $550. You’ll also find a 1/1.7-inch 12.2MP BSI CMOS sensor, 7.1x 28-200mm f/2-4 lens and a 3-inch 921k-dot RGBW articulating LCD, which, like on the D7100, yields better clarity and contrast. There’s 1080/30p video capture, an 8 fps continuous shooting mode (but only for six consecutive JPG frames) and an ISO range of 80-3200. Surprisingly, there’s no built-in WiFi, but you can add on the $60 WU-1a for wireless connectivity. There’s also a full-size hot shoe, for attaching an external strobe and the like.

One of this flagship point-and-shoot’s most attractive features for advanced shooters is the manual control. There’s a mode dial up top near the shutter release, with access to manual and aperture-priority modes, for example, along with a dedicated exposure-compensation dial, giving you direct access to three stops over and under the metered values. There’s also a built-in three-stop neutral-density filter, netting a bit more flexibility for video shooters. Absent this time around, however, is the quick access dial. It’s been replaced with a dedicated button and a corresponding on-screen menu, which some photographers might even find more efficient. Nikon’s planning to ship the Coolpix P7800 later this month, with an MSRP of $550.

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