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.
They’re the compact cameras point-and-shooters have been waiting for, wrapped up in deliciously retro shells, and so forgive us if we drool a little over Fujifilm‘s new X20 and X100S cameras. Officially unveiled at CES and brought out for some shutterbug time at CP+ in Japan, the pair of cameras follow on from the already cult-status X10 and X100, with boosted autofocus, better sensors – 16-megapixels in the X100S and 12-megapixels in the X20 – and more.
The X100S takes the fundamentals of the original X100 and then bumps up the sensor, but it’s the on-sensor phase detection autofocus that makes the big difference in the hand. Fujifilm claims it’s now the world’s fastest, in fact, and it’s certainly clear from the moment you start snapping that the whole process is improved. Even the time to turn on and be ready for shooting has been trimmed.
Manual focus is also refined, with a new UI that combines the full frame and a magnified portion, while the electronic viewfinder has jumped in resolution, from 1.4m dots to a far more detailed 2.35m. However, the buttons, dials, and other controls are still the same as on the X100, which should make transitioning from one camera to the other more straightforward.
As for the X20, that does away with the X10 and introduces a new sensor, the X-Trans CMOS measuring in at 2/3-inch and 12-megapixels. It keeps the zoom lens – no great hardship, given the X10′s 28-112mm equivalent zoom was speedy and satisfying already – and F2-2.8 aperture, as well as the neat power control triggered by winding the zoom ring right back in.
The X-Trans sensor uses the same color filter array as in the X100S (and, indeed, the well-esteemed X-Pro1 rangefinder) and a backside-illuminated sensor, rather than the X10′s more pedestrian system, and the upshot should be crisper shots and improved low-light performance. At $600 – versus the X100S’s $1,300 sticker – it’s also something of a bargain.
Fujifilm X100S and X20 hands-on is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
When smartphone cameras are increasingly the go-to snapper of choice, you have to do something unusual to stand out, and Bonzart’s oddly retro Ampel certainly does that. Styled – and in fact named – after German traffic signals, the odd twin-lensed camera looks like it should be a toy, but does something for its $199 price tag that most cameras would demand specialist lenses for: native tilt-shift photos and video.
We caught up with the Bonzart (GDC) team at the CP+ camera show in Japan this week to have a look at the Ampel, which is available in the US, Japan, and UK. Styled and operated like a twin-lens dual reflex camera, the Ampel has a flip-up panel on top revealing a color display, as well as dedicated mode dials on the side for each of the lenses.
One of those lenses shoots normal images – albeit with the choice of either 4:3 or 1:1 (i.e. square) aspect ratio – while the other shoots tilt-shift images, making everything look like a miniatures scene. Up to 5-megapixels images can be captured, or up to 720p HD video, and there’s a 4x digital zoom though no optical zoom.
What you can do is snap on a magnetic wide-angle lens, which fits to either the regular or tilt-shift lenses. If the unusual aspect ratio isn’t enough for you, you can also apply some integrated effects: there’s standard, vivid, B&W, sepia, and “refreshing” to choose between. Storage is courtesy of a SD card up to 32GB.
It might not be the first camera you reach for to take wedding photos, but for a party the Ampel is certainly unique enough to stand out. Plus, with dedicated tilt-shift lenses running at around $300, the $200 Bonzart camera is practically a bargain.
Bonzart Ampel hands-on: The twin-lens retro camera Instagram wishes it was is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Casio has unveiled two new Exilim digital cameras, the EX-ZR700 and the EX-ZR400. The former camera boasts ultra-zoom and high-end image stabilization, while the latter is being hailed as having the longest battery life in its series, allowing users to take 515 photos on a charge. You can check out both cameras’ specs and gallery after the jump.
Both camera models feature the Exilim Engine HS Version 3, which enables a high-speed burst mode. There’s a Triple Shot function, which – as its name suggests – allows users to take three images per shutter press, ideal for those times when the subject is in action. Photographs that have been taken are displayed on a portion of both cameras’ LCDs while the rest of the display continues to function as a viewfinder, allowing for simultaneous review and image taking. Both models support Eye-Fi and Flash Air for wireless image transfer.
The EX-ZR700 features a startup time of 1.4 seconds, an auto focus speed of 0.18 seconds, a capture interval of 0.26 seconds, and a shutter response speed of 0.016 seconds. The EX-ZR400 is a tad faster, with a startup time of 0.99 seconds, an auto focus speed of 0.14 seconds, a capture interval time of 0.26 seconds, and a shutter response speed of 0.015 seconds. There’s an All-in-Focus Macro mode, which takes multiple images at different focuses, then combines them into a single image where all aspects are in focus. Another similar feature is Blurred Background, which places a soft blur on a photograph’s background.
The EX-ZR700 features a 25mm wide-angle lens, as well as 18x optical zoom and lens shift image stabilization for crisp images. With Multi-Frame SR Zoom technology, the camera’s total zoom is 36x. Casio states that even when using the long-zoom, images still come out blur-free. The model features a 3-inch, 920k LCD display.
The EX-ZR400′s biggest feature is its long battery life, which allows users to take approximately 515 photos per charge, making it ideal for vacations, hiking, or other situations where charging is inconvenient. This model features a 24mm wide-angle lens and 12.5x optical zoom, with a total zoom of 25x via Multi-Frame SR Zoom technology.
[via Casio Europe]
Casio announces the Exilim EX-ZR700 ultra-zoom and power-sipping EX-ZR400 is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Sigma has unveiled a handful of new lenses that will join the company’s current lineup of Art lenses, which are designed to be high-quality alternatives of the competition, like Canon and Nikon lenses, but with a slightly lower cost than you would normally see with these companies. The four new lenses that Sigma announce are a 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM, 60mm f/2.8 DN, 30mm f/2.8 DN, and a 19mm f/2.8 DN.
The 30mm f/1.4 lens is designed for large-aperture APS-C format cameras, and the angle of view is equivalent to 45mm on a 35mm camera. The lens promises to deliver the highest level of image quality, thanks to a Hyper Sonic Motor for quiet, high-speed autofocusing, as well as a 9-blade rounded diaphragm that creates a bokeh effect. It also has a brass bayonet mount designed to withstand long-term use. The lens has been specifically optimized to reduce field curvature and improve focusing capabilities.
The 60mm f/2.8 DN lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, as well as Sony E-mount shooters. It has an angle of view equivalent to 120mm on the Micro Four Thirds system and 90mm on the E-mount system (35mm equivalent focal length). The lens contains Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass, which helps minimize chromatic aberration. The lens is specifically created for telephoto shooting and portrait work, and it will be available in both silver and black.
Sigma’s other new 30mm lens is a f/2.8 lens also meant for Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount cameras. This lens is meant for everyday shooting and is engineered as an all-around lens that you can anywhere. It’s also perfect for casual and formal portraiture, and documentary photography. The lens includes a double-sided aspherical lens that improves its optical performance.
Last, but not least, the 19mm f/2.8 DN is yet another Micro Four Thirds and E-mount lens that has an angle of view equivalent to 38mm on the Micro Four Thirds system and 28.5mm on the E-mount system (35mm equivalent focal length). This lens is designed for street shooting, as well as landscape, architecture, and studio work.
Pricing and availability on these lenses have yet to be disclosed, but Sigma says that the 30mm f/1.4 lens is expected to arrive in a couple of months, while we have yet to hear a release window for the other three lenses.
Sigma unveils four new Art lenses is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Fujifilm has unveiled two new additions to its F-series compact camera line, the F850EXR and the F900EXR. Both cameras bring long zoom to the table, as well as lightweight, easily-pocketable compact designs, with each being hailed as a travel camera for the on-the-go consumer. We have pictures of both models after the jump.
First up is the F850EXR, which features a 16-megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor, EXR Processor II, and 20x optical zoom. With the EXR Processor II, which is said to have double the processing speed of the first gen processor, the F850EXR has a focus speed of 0.21 seconds, startup time of 1.1 seconds, and 0.5 second shot interval. Videos can be recorded in full HD at 60fps via a dedicated recording button. Sound is recorded in stereo via an integrated stereo mic.
Meanwhile, the F900EXR has some upgrades over the 850, offering a 16-megapixel EXR-CMOS II backside illuminated sensor and EXR Processor II, which offers a 1.1 second startup speeds and 0.5 shot interval. The F900EXR offers Phase Detection auto focus as part of the Intelligent Hybrid AF system, allowing for focus speeds of only 0.5 seconds.
One of the 900 model’s best features is its support for wireless photo transfer to mobile devices and computers. Both PC software and mobile apps are available for photo backup syncing to devices. Image recording is similar to the 850, offering full HD video at 60fps utilizing Phase Detection AF and a dedicated recording button. For now, there’s no word on when we’ll see these two models on store shelves.
[via Fujifilm]
Fujifilm unveils F850EXR and F900EXR ultra-zoom compact cameras is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Fujifilm has announced six cameras in its S-series range, the S4600, S4700, S4800, and the S6600, S6700, and S6800. The first three are entry-level super zooms offering 720p HD video recording, while the latter three bring 1080i recording and high ISO to the table in addition to high optical zoom rates. Check out the specs and gallery of pictures after the jump.
First up are the entry-level FinePix S4600, S4700, and S4800 models, bridge models part of Fujifilm’s 2013 spring lineup. All three cameras are designed to be compact and simple to use, offering high zoom rates. The S4600 offers 26x optical zoom, the S4700 offers 28x optical zoom, and the S4800 offers 30x zoom. Each model features OIS sensor shift for clear images.
Likewise, all three cameras feature 16 megapixel CCD sensors, 6 image modes, 0.3 second auto-focus and startup time of just 1.3 seconds. Videos can be recorded in up to 720p at 30fps, then played back on a TV or monitor via a mini HDMI port. Power comes via 4 AA-batteries, with 320 shots per charge, assuming rechargeable batteries are used.
Jumping to the next batch, we have the S6600, S6700, and S6800. The models have, in order, 26x, 28x, and 30x optical zoom, in addition to a super high ISO of 12,800, OIS sensor shift for blur-free images, and a Super Macro mode that can take images as close as 2 centimeters away. All three feature 16-megapixel sensors and a 1-second startup.
As for video recording, all three cameras offer 1080i full HD recording at 60fps with stereo audio. There’s a dedicated video recording button, removing the need to toggle a dial or menu. In addition to the full HD mode, there’s also slow-motion video recording available at 480fps. Still images can be taken while recording video. Sound intriguing? You can check out the cameras’ bizarre promotional video above.
[via Fujifilm]
FinePix S6800 and S4800 lines announced, offer 1080i recording and long zoom is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
This week the folks at Olympus have shown off their newest iteration of an ultra-powerful machine: the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 II Super Telephone Zoom Lens. Beyond the addition of the “II” to the end of the name, this lens has attained ZERO-Coating for an improved experience with ghosts and flares, the whole unit will be printed in black only (with the exception of the thin blue ring near the focus, and the entire zoom range will be printed now instead of patched. This release will be popping up soon and will be effectively replacing the original model in all stores where fine cameras are sold.
This lens will be shipping in March of 2013 and will have its own unique (and optional) hood (LH-61E), case (LSC-0918), and protection filter (PRF-D58 PRO). Combined with the fabulous Olympus OM-D and its 5axis IS, you’ll be working with no less than what Olympus tags as hand-held super zoom shooting – capture the Birds of Paradise with ease. The images you see above and below are connected to the OM-D as well – bask in the lovely glow of this hot combination.
This lens has a 16 – 4.1 degree angle of view, 18 lens throughout it in 13 groups including a Super ED lens, 2ED lenses, and 3 HR lenses, and its all works as micro four-thirds system standard – connect at will. The focal length of 75-300mm on this beast is equivalent to a 35mm 150-600mm, and you’ll find that the closest focusing distance you’re going to get is 0.9m – that’s with 75mm focal length. When you’re outside of a 75mm focal length, you’ll be focusing in at 1.5m at least.
The maximum aperture on this amalgamation of photography excellence is f4.8 at 75mm and f6.7 at 300mm, while the minimum aperture is always f22. The diameter you’re working with for filters is 58mm while the actual final size of the lens is 69 (diameter) x 116.5mm, with a final weight at 423g. Inside the box you’re going to get a front Lens Cap (LC-58E), Lens Rear Cap (LR-2), and both an instructions manual and an Olympus Worldwide Warranty Card. This lens will be available in March of this year for an estimated price of $549.99 USD – get pumped up!
Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4-6.7 II Lens revealed is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Along with the WG-10, Pentax has also announced two other rugged camera models: the WG-3 and WG-3 GPS. Both models are waterproof and feature the highest depth rating in the WG series, along with a cold-resistant, dustproof, and crushproof body. You can check out some pictures of the camera, as well as its specs, after the jump.
The WG-3 and WG-3 GPS models are both waterproof to depths of 46 feet (14 meters) and shockproof against drops from heights up to 6.5 feet (2 meters). Both can withstand temps down to 14F (-10C). The big difference between the models is indicated by their names – the WG-3 GPS model can add position and travel log data to images via GPS capabilities. Likewise, the GPS model features wireless recharging, a digital compass, and a gauge showing water depth, altitude, and pressure.
Both cameras feature video recording in up to full 1080p HD, as well as a 3-inch LCD display covered with anti-reflection coating to reduce glares and difficulty seeing. The 16-megapixel CMOS sensor is backlit, there are 12 digital image filters and 16 shooting modes, and support for Eye-Fi wifi SD cards. Because the camera is designed to be rugged, it only makes sense that Pentax included a carabiner strap for both models.
To keep images from coming out blurry, the WG-3/GPS models feature 9-point auto focus, as well as spot auto focus and auto tracking AF. There’s sensor-shift shake reduction, as well as high-sensitivity digital reduction. Both models will be released in April, with the WG-3 being priced at $299.95, and the WG-3 GPS being priced at $349.95.
[via Pentax]
Pentax announces the WG-3 and WG-3 GPS rugged digital cameras is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
The outside world is a dangerous place for cameras, fraught with drops and jostles and inconvenient wet environments, whether it be pouring rain or an underwater subject. As such, there’s no such thing as too many cameras aimed for the outdoorsy market, such as the recently unveiled Pentax WG-10. This model offers a water and shock-proof body complete with a unique, rugged design that hints at both the camera’s durability and intended market.
The WG-10 is a compact, lightweight camera offerings basic specs, making it an underwater-capable point-and-shoot that can be easily pocketed and pulled out for impromptu images. The camera can be taken to water depths of nearly 33 feet (10 meter), and can withstands drops from nearly 5 feet (1.5 meters). Likewise, it can handle temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, the WG-10 is crush-proof with up to 100 kilograms of force and dustproof, being tested at JIS Class 6. The battery offers 2 hours of continuous use, and a Digital Microscope mode that utilizes five LEDs arranged around the camera’s lens for uniform lighting. The lights are designed to illuminate brighter briefly during the shutter release in order to reduce blurs that result from slight vibrations and handshakes in macro photography.
As far as specs go, this camera from Pentax offers a 2.7-inch LCD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and anti-reflection coating. There’s a 28mm wide-angle lens, as well as 5x optical zoom and 6.7x digital zoom. The CCD sensor clocks in at 14-megapixels, ISO ranges from 80 to 6400, and videos can be recorded in up to 720p HD. The camera is set to hit shelves in April for $179.95.
[via Pentax]
Pentax unveils the WG-10 waterproof digital camera is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
