Hasta La Gadget!

Sony is reportedly busy behind the scenes cooking up the A99, a DSLR that will rival offerings from Canon and Nikon. The specs for the camera are still up in the air, and it’s not clear when the company plans on announcing the A99, but Sony Alpha Rumors has been talking to inside sources to try and figure out the exact strategy behind the camera. Sources suggest that the camera is aimed at those looking for professional video, with Sony taking note of the popularity of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Mark III in that particular area.

The idea is to provide the best video capabilities possible in a full-frame DSLR while still offering great photography performance. The A99 is said to be more mature than the A77, with much better video and a faster operating speed, and Sony is also hoping to tempt users with well thought out accessories and “clean image quality.”

The hot shoe, flash light, and battery grip have all been designed with film making in mind. Filmmakers should find it easier to swap out the necessary accessories, and the redesigned battery grip should allow for easier video shoots. All of this has been achieved with the help of filmmakers and professional photographers, with Sony reportedly approaching such individuals two years ago to better understand what the camera should offer.

Specs for the Sony A99 are said to include a 24-megapixel sensor, with the camera capable of shooting ISO 100-25,600, expandable down to 50 and all the way up to 102,500. It’s unclear when Sony intends to release the camera, but it could make a debut at the Photokina trade show in September.

[via EOS HD]

Strategy behind Sony A99 DSLR detailed is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Some people simply don’t need DSLRs, and a capable point-and-shoot is more than enough. Nikon seems to be aiming for that very market, today introducing the relatively affordable Coolpix L610. The camera features a 16-megapixel sensor with a 14x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD screen, 1080p video recording, and some software magic that helps you get the most out of your photos.

The 14x optical zoom covers 25mm up to 350mm, with the lens built using two ED glass elements and construction handled by 11 elements in 10 groups. Nikon has included an Easy Auto Mode that dynamically adjusts to the lighting conditions as well as different scenarios, and optical image stabilization helps to reduce any blur from unsteady hands.

Most notably, Nikon has dropped proprietary batteries, instead powering the Coolpix L610 with two AA batteries. That should be a lot more convenient for travellers the world over: it’s much easier to walk into a store and buy some fresh batteries if you’re desperate for some power.

Ports for the camera include a mini-HDMI connector for sharing 1080p videos out to a TV, as well as a USB connector to pull the photos to a computer. Nikon says the Coolpix L610 should be available in September for around $249.95, with color options including black, red, and silver.

Nikon Coolpix L610 offers 16MP and 1080p for $250 is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Several camera manufacturers have expressed their intention to make “smart” cameras, accessing social networking and sharing functions via embedded wireless chips. It looks like Nikon will be the first company to use Android on one of its cameras, however, with a filing at the Indonesian Communication Agency revealing the Coolpix S800 model number. Nikon Rumors believes the camera will run Android 2.3 and be compatible with just about all the apps found on the Play Store.

The Coolpix S800 will reportedly come with a 25-250mm lens, along with built-in GPS and WiFi. The camera is said to have a 3.5-inch OLED screen, with everything running on Android 2.3. That’s an interesting choice for Nikon, but it ultimately makes sense. If they can tie the camera software to Android correctly, users will be able to tap straight into apps like Instagram and Facebook so that they can share their pictures with relative ease.

Other specs and details for the camera aren’t known, but the release date is said to be August 22nd. It opens up other questions about Nikon’s lineup too: will they extend Android to other cameras or even DSLRs in the future?

Nikon isn’t the only company interested in smart cameras, however. Back in March, Panasonic stated that it was looking into the possibility of using Android on its cameras, but that keeping a firm grasp on the system was a concern, as were potential warranty issues with opening up such cameras to a wide range of apps. Samsung also expressed interest in using Android for its cameras, and while the company didn’t confirm that it was moving ahead with any Android-based camera products, it did file a “Galaxy Camera” trademark back in February.

[via GSMDome]

Nikon Coolpix S800 tipped as company’s first Android-based camera is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

You can already buy mounts that will adapt your Canon lenses to mirrorless cameras such as Sony’s NEX line, but you lose out on any electronic control in the process. Kipon, an accessory company famous for creating various mounts and adapters, has announced that it plans to sell a full electronic EOS to micro four thirds adapter. The timing is certainly interesting considering the Canon EOS-M was just announced this week, marking Canon’s own entry into the mirrorless camera market.

There are some disadvantages to using an unofficial mount or adapter, although we doubt those with an expensive collection of Canon lenses will be complaining about getting an opportunity to use their glass with a smaller camera. There’s also no word on when Kipon will be offering the mount, or how much it will cost, but taking a look at the company’s listings on eBay shows that it should be relatively inexpensive.

While an adpater may be on the cards for various micro four thirds cameras, you could simply spring for Canon’s own mirrorless offering when it’s eventually released. The Canon EOS-M features an APS-C CMOS sensor at 18-megapixels, ISO that ranges from 100 all the way up to 25,600, and has 1080p video recording at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second. Canon has carried across some autofocus tricks from the EOS T4i, and everything can be framed correctly using the 3-inch screen on the back of the camera. The camera is up for pre-order now for delivery in October, and currently costs $799.

[via 4/3 Rumors]

Kipon plans electronic EOS to micro four thirds lens adapter is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Canon has long been a leader in the world of DSLRs, but when it comes to smaller sized shooters, Canon had largely concentrated on commercially viable consumer and prosumer class digital cameras, not really treading on the mirrorless camera technology known as Micro Four Thirds which has been around for some years now. The mirrorless camera comes close to a DSLR in terms of image quality, and yet is far less bulkier in terms of size, not to mention allowing you to change a fair number of lenses (a market which is growing), making it a favorite secondary camera to many.

Well, Canon has finally decided to dip their toes into this particular market, by offering the Canon EOS M digital camera which is said to deliver exceptional EOS Full HD video quality with continuous autofocus, not to mention having it accompanied by a notable and expansive range of lenses.

Inspired by EOS technology, the EOS M will be able to leverage on the company’s core technologies, while distilling them down in order to deliver outstanding video capture capabilities without sacrificing image quality when it comes to still shots. Whenever you want to capture still images, the EOS M camera’s 18-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor is more than capable of delivering a shallow depth of field, in addition to incredible low-light image quality and a wide dynamic range which is more than capable of capturing rich gradation and detail.

This is the latest member of the EOS family, where both videographers and photographers alike regardless of their level of professionalism and interest, will be able to play nice with a couple of lenses that were specially designed for Canon’s new camera format – namely the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens and the optional EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. Not only that, you are also able to make full use of your Canon EF and EF-S lenses courtesy of the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS M.

Press Release

[ Canon EOS M digital camera enters into the mirrorless territory copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]