Hasta La Gadget!

Still hungry for a closer look at Sony’s WiFi-packing NEX-6 despite perusing our hands-on? Apparently the FCC feels the same, so it’s used its government-granted authority to inspect the camera first-hand, and tear it apart in the process. This isn’t the only time the 16.1-megapixel shooter has been given the ruler treatment, but a full copy of its user’s manual has notably come along for its US visit. Check out the gallery below to view this NEX’s guts, or hit the source link to gloss over a PDF of the instruction manual — might as well get the boring stuff done before the package arrives in November.

Filed under: Cameras

Sony’s NEX-6 satisfies the FCC with paperwork, guts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Didn’t jump at the chance to own a Fujifilm X-Pro1? Considering the camera’s relatively massive footprint and $1,700 body-only price tag, we can hardly blame you. Fortunately, things are looking up for the company’s high-end X-series of mirrorless cameras — a new model just stepped into town. The X-E1 features the same 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor as the much pricier X-Pro1, but in a body that’s 30 percent smaller. Better yet, this latest flavor, which will ship in two-tone black and silver or solid black “classic designs,” will carry a body-only retail price of $1,000. A cool grand will buy you an interchangeable lens camera with a sensor that, according to Fujifilm, is “capable of delivering resolution that is superior to other APS-C sensors, and equal to even some full frame sensors found in popular DSLR cameras.” (Sayonara, Canon EOS-1D X.)

Like its larger sibling, the X-E1 ditches the low-pass filter typically found in DSLRs in favor of a color filter array, which serves to minimize moire while yielding more accurate colors. A 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF is included for eye-level framing, or you can use the 2.8-inch 460k-dot LCD. The camera boasts a sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600, packs a pop-up flash, it can capture 1080/24p video and includes a microphone input so you can add external audio sources. The camera is compatible with M lenses using an optional M Mount Adapter, or you can take advantage of Fujifilm’s current selection of three X-mount primes. There will also be two new lenses launching alongside the X-E1 in November, including an XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 and a 14mm f/2.8 prime, priced at $900 and $700, respectively — you can save $500 by snagging that first lens in a kit with the camera for $1,400. Head past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading Fujifilm grows X-series mirrorless lineup with 16.3-megapixel X-E1

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Fujifilm grows X-series mirrorless lineup with 16.3-megapixel X-E1 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Japanese site called Digicam Info has leaked pics of a previously unknown Fujifilm mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, the X-E1. The natty looking snapper bears a strong family resemblance to the X-Pro1 model, but looks to be flaunting a pop-up flash, and lacks the optical viewfinder of the flagship model. The sneaked pics show black and silver-topped models, as well as a previously announced lens, the 18-55 f/2.8-4.0 OIS zoom that has yet to hit the market. No other details, such as price, are available yet, but the model will likely slot behind the X-Pro1 and ahead of the X100 to fill out the retro-look X-family.

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Fujifilm X-E1 leaks into view oozing vintage cool originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon has announced a new interchangeable lens digital mirrorless camera as a follow-up to last year’s popular, but less-than-perfect J1. The new Nikon 1 J2 camera is available in six colors and uses an all-metal body along with several updated features.

The camera is capable of recording full HD video and has an image resolution of 8.3 megapixels – which is actually lower than the 10.1MP J1, so it’s not clear if the J2 is a replacement for the J1 or if it’s an additional model in the line. The camera has an ISO range of 100-3200 and can shoot with fixed focus at 60 FPS. The shutter promises to be very fast thanks to what Nikon claims to be the one of the fastest autofocus systems around. The camera has a three-inch rear LCD with a resolution of 921,000 dots.

The camera is fitted with the Nikon EXPEED 3 image processor and has a number of automatic and artistic modes. The camera can also shoot still photos while recording full HD video. Pricing and availability on the camera are unknown at this time.

Not even a year after Nikon ceremoniously entered the mirrorless world, it’s issuing the followup to the J1: it’s the Nikon 1 J2, and it’s — at most — a gentle revision to a camera that was near-universally hailed as being one of the more disappointing ILC options. Disappointing, of course, because it’s Nikon. A company that quite clearly knows a thing or two about photography (D3S / D4, anyone?), but seemed to miss the mark in terms of price, performance and lens compatibility. With the J2, it sort of feels like a do-over. Outside of a slightly tweaked orange color and a reimagined exterior finish, the J2 is identical in size to the J1. You’ll find the same 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (1-inch), the same autofocus system and support for the same lens collection. What’s new are the additions to the Mode Selector dial, which add a smattering of creative options and access to P/S/A/M exposure modes. The rear LCD has seen its resolution double (to 921,000 dots, same as on the D4), and the camera has been intelligently designed to turn on when extending a 1 Series lens out, and turn off when retracting it into storage.

Perhaps most importantly, Nikon’s finally on the same playing field in terms of asking price. The J2 will ship in September for $549.95, and that includes the same 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens that shipped with the J1. If you’ll recall, the J1 kit started at $100 more, yet offered far less punch than Sony’s cheaper NEX-C3. It’s also worth noting that one other player has joined the ILC movement since the J1: Canon. Arguably, the EOS M still beats the J2 in practically every way; the thing that really needed an overhaul in the J2 was the meager 1-inch sensor, yet it remains. Perhaps the best news out of this ordeal is that the J1 isn’t immediately going away. Nikon confirmed that it’d remain on store shelves for an undetermined amount of time, likely at a nice discount. If it’s offered low enough, it may be easier to live with the shortcomings.

In terms of accessories, Nikon’s also introducing an optional 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens ($189.95; ships next month) for the 1 Series. Though similar (on paper) to the 10-30mm kit lens, this guy is nearly 30 percent smaller from a physical size and weight standpoint. And on the other extreme, there’s the WP-N1 waterproof case. This one’s engineered to encase both the J1 and J2 for beneath-the-sea action up to 140 feet deep, but the staggering $749.95 (!) price tag is bound to attract jeers, chuckles and blank stares. Now, underwater cases of merit aren’t ever “affordable,” but offering an enclosure that’s a full $200 more than the hardware it protects? Questionable. That said, we’d certainly relish the chance to test one out, but you best be sure that Nikon’s J1 / J2 is going to be your underwater cam of choice for a long while before plunking down that much coin.

Continue reading Nikon 1 J2 mirrorless camera: minor control tweaks, $549, ships in September

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Nikon 1 J2 mirrorless camera: minor control tweaks, $549, ships in September originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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