CANON 100D REVIEWS 2014

Billed as the world's lightest DSLR, the 100D crams an impressive specification within a petite body

The 100D positions itself between the entry-level EOS 1100D and 700D in Canon's DSLR line-up. Sharing the same 18MP APS-S Hybrid AF II CMOS sensor as the 700D. the 100D has a smaller shutter mechanism, thinner sensor module and smaller-footprint circuit board to make it the petite size it is. The sensor delivers an ISO range of 100-12.800 (expendable to 25.600) and supports built-in phase-detect AF pixels for continuous autofocus when recording HD video (1920 x 1080) at 30. 25 and 24fps. There's the option to record videos at 50fps (1280 x 720) and a 3.5mm mic port is also available beside the remote port. Despite its dense component layout. the 100D crams in a DIGIC 5 image processor that allows it to shoot continuously at up to 4fps.

Retaining Canon's EF-S lens mount, which allows the camera to be used with Canon EF and EF-S lenses. the EOS 100D features a nine-point array of AF points in a diamond formation with one cross-type AF point in the centre. Focus modes include Al Focus One Shot and Al Servo. with metering being looked after by the tried and tested 63-zone SPC metering system.

Turning to the rear of the camera. the optical viewfinder makes a refreshing change from the electronic viewfinders we're commonly used to seeing on CSCs of this size. Coverage isn't the full 100% but approximately 95% with a 0.87 x magnification. Below the viewfinder is a 3in. Clear View II TFT touchscreen, which boasts a 1040k-dot resolution. Just like the Lumix G6. it's the capacitive type, but is not the vari-angle kind meaning it cannot be pulled out or swivelled.

KIT LENS PERMORMANCE

Continuous AF (Al Servo) is snappy for stills with the 18-55mm f/3.505.6 IS STM lens attached, but when you switch to movie mode. autofocus operates in an entirely different way. The stepper motor within the lens (STM) combined with the 100D's full time Servo AF mode produces beautifully smooth focus transitions for video with the option to pause movie Servo AF using the touchscreen when you'd like to fix you AF point or reposition the AF point before telling the camera when you'd like it to refocus. it makes for an intuitive way of focusing during video recording. plus there's the added benefit of the STM motor in the lens being completely silent so there;s no threat of whirring autofocus noises affecting audio footage either.

The 100D's body materials are made from aluminium alloy and polycarbonate resin with carbon and glass fibre. This is an improvement on canon's entry-level DSLR. the 110D, that has a stainless steel construction and weighs 88g more. The finish is excellent despite its weight loss. it feels refined in the hand. thanks to a new rubberised material at the front section of the handgrip and at the rear where the thumb lays to rest. its doesn't feature weather-sealing. but manages to separate itself from canon's entry level plasticky designs we've seen in the past.

>> US  Click Here For The Prices Canon 100D <<

>> UK  Click Here For The Prices Canon 100D <<

PENTAX K-50 AND K-500 UNVEILED REVIEWS

Both models share many commonalities

Both the K-50 and K-500 sport the same 16.28MP APS-C CMOS  sensor that features in the K-30 although each now offers a higher maximum sensitivity of ISO 51.200.

Each camera incorporates a SAFOX IXi+AF module which comprises 11 focusing points, nine of which being cross-type, and each can be programmed to fire at 6fps on its full resolution. The two cameras also share a pentaprism viewfinder. which offers an approximate 100% field, as well a 3in LCD screen with a 921k-dot resolution. HD video is recorded at a choice of frame rates, including 30 fps.

the two cameras only differ in a handful of areas, the primary one being the 81 seals around the K-50's body which are said to make it weather resistant and dustproff. because of this the K-50 will come as a kit option with a new smc Pentax-DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5/6AL WR lens while the K-500 wll be bundled with the smc Pentax-DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL alternative.

A further difference between the K-50 and K-500 is that the former will feature focus point indicators in the viewfinder and also a digital level while the latter will offer neither. Pentax's omission of focus point indicators has proved controversial in the past. and was one ciritism we had of the Pentax K-x

Both models are available now at Amazon

PENTAX K-50 AND K-500 HIGHLIGHTS

• 16.28MP APS-C CMOS
• Prime M processing engine
• 11-point SAFOX IXI+ AF system
• 6fps burst models
• 3in, 921k-dot display 
• Full HD video at 30fps

US >>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PENTAX K-50<< AND >> PENTAX K-500<<

UK >>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PENTAX K-50<< AND >> PENTAX K-500<<

Photography Equipments

SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II UPDATE/NEW REVIEWS

Premium compact adopts tilt screen and NFC

Almost a years the days after releasing the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II, sony has released the RX100 II - a premium compact camera that's designed to sit beside the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II in Sony's compact Cyber-shot range.

Just like the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II, the RX100 II employs a lin 20.2MP sensor, which is now back-illuminated to give the camera an improved native ISO range of 100-12-800 that's extendable to an ISO  equivalent of 25.600 when the camera's overlay burst shooting mode is seleted Employing the same.

28-100mm f/18-4.9 lens as the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II, a new step zoom feature lets users instantly choose from five popular focal lengths (28,35,50,70 and 100mm) using the control ring - an intuitive alternative to zooming in and out when attempting to compose a shot in a hurry.

An all new multi interface shoe and multi terminal expand possibilities for the creative photographer who'd alike to attach an electronic view finder, stereo flash, or stereo microphone, while at the rear there's now a 3 in white magic screen that's the tilt type unlike the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II's fixed display. in addition to being WI-FI enabled, the RX100 II is the first ever camera from sony to feature NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. which communicates directly with Sony smartphones such as the Xperia Z by the power of touch. Lastly. Full HD Video has been enhanced with addition of 24p/25p shooting for smooth results that mimic a cinematic feel. Available in the Now

>> CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II<<

SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II FEATURES

New 1.0 inch Exmor R™ back-illuminated CMOS sensor

Extremely high sensitivity and remarkably low noise are achieved by Sony’s massive new 20.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor. Its back illumination technology collects light more efficiently and combines with image processing advances to bring noise to unbelievably low levels — equivalent to noise one stop lower sensitivity in the renowned SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II.
   

Large-aperture F1.8 Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* lens

Legendary Carl Zeiss optics and unrivaled Sony imaging technology merge in a compact, high-performance lens that offers supremely accurate performance, powerful 3.6x (28-100mm at 35mm equivalent) optical zoom capabilities and an enormous F1.8 aperture with almost perfectly round seven-blade diaphragm for beautiful background defocusing.
       

Instantly connect to smartphones and tablets

Touch your Android™ smartphone or tablet to the camera to create a connection. No setup is required beyond downloading the free PlayMemories Mobile app to your device. Made possible by NFC™ technology, once connected, you can remotely control the camera’s shutter release from your mobile device and instantly receive the captured image via Wi-Fi.
   

Expanded ISO Sensitivity

With a new Exmor R® sensor that features the same adaptive noise reduction technology from Sony’s flagship SLT-A99V, the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II easily offers a wide range of sensitivity from ISO 160 to ISO 12800.
       

Expand your shooting options via Multi Interface Shoe

A Multi Interface Shoe lets you attach wide-ranging accessories for photo and movie shooting. These include an electronic viewfinder, powerful external flash unit and stereo microphone. You can also connect with a compatible remote control via Multi Terminal.
   

View every scene clearly on the tiltable LCD

The 3.0-inch, 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine monitor displays scenes extra clearly, even in bright sunlight. It can be tilted up to 45° downward to shoot over crowds or up to 84° upward to capture pets eye to eye. You’ll enjoy clear, faithful reproduction thanks to WhiteMagic™ wizardry, which combines white and RGB pixels to boost brightness and visibility.

PROS AND CONS OF SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II

Cons

Short zoom range.
No touchscreen.

Pros

New tilting screen is useful.
Impressive build quality.
Hot shoe accessory support.
Large, 1-inch sensor.

CLICK HERE for read Customers Review from Amazon's

SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II CONCLUSION

Due to the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II having such a positive response from customers all over the world, I think it was a clever move by Sony to improve the camera even further by adding extra features consumers had been talking about which would improve it even further, and with the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II, it has done just that!

With the extra additions of an upgraded sensor with better sensitivity, hot-shoe, tilt-able screen, WiFi & NFC features, this definitely makes the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II a worthy upgrade.

That said, I don't think it completely replaces the previous model because the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II is still a great camera and is available for a lower price, however if the extra features are something that would be of a greater use (which for me it has), then I think it would be well worth either upgrading, or buying this over the SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II.

Overall I would definitely recommend this SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100 II camera, it's just utterly brilliant!

US >>BUY NOW<<

UK >>BUY NOW<<

SAMSUNG GALAXY NX The Best 3G/4G Android CSC

Samsung has announced the Galaxy NX - the world's first Compact System Camera that's designed to bridge the gap between smartphones and traditional digital cameras by supporting 3G/4G LTE data connectivity. Superseding the Samsung NX300 as the new flagship model in the NX-series, the Samsung Galaxy NX adopts the Android operating system that was rolled out in the Samsung Galaxy camera last year and offers greater flexibility with its interchangeable-lens design that makes it fully compatible with Samsung's line-up of 13 NX-series lenses.

At the heart of the Galaxy NX lies a 20.3MP APS-S CMOS sensor that's partnered by a DRIMe IV image processor. which is claimed to deliver the speed and accuracy that today photographer demand. With an ISO sensitivity range of 100-25.600, the Galaxy NX shoots a continuous burst as fast as 8.6 fps, with the fastest shutter speed being 1/600 sec,

For Autofocus, the Galaxy NX uses Hybrid system, which pairs 105 phase-detection AF points with 247 contrast-detect AF points, AF point selections is designed to stretch to the far edges of the frame while the combination of autofocus technologies promises a fast focus acquisition time of eight milliseconds.

The 4.8in Super Clear TFT LCD capacitive touch screen at the rear is enormous, and with no room for any buttons beside, users are reliant on the screen and scroll dial to set up the camera and adjust settings. To aid composition, there;s also an electronic viewfinder (SVGA). Which is activated by an automated eye-sensor.

Keen to push the serious photo capabilities of the Galaxy NX, the camera features the full set of PASM modes for more-experienced users, while an Auto setting is included for novices and beginners. The camera is also well equipped with more than 30 Smart Modes for those who'd like to produce creative images without having to master the cameras settings. Some of these Smart Modes include Multi-exposure. Drama, Animated Photo, Vignette. Miniature. Colour Bracket and Panorama.

For added personalisation. The Galaxy NX's Camera Studio feature allows users to set up and costumise settings with the most frequently used apps or camera modes o that photos can be captured more quickly for spur of the moment shot.

ANDROID OS
The Android 4.2 jelly Bean operating system opens up endless possibilities, with over 700.000 applications available to download from the google play store. Not only does this mean that you can Play Angry Birds on your camera. but you can also access a wide range of photography applications to both edit and share images on

HIGHLIGHTS
20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
Samsung DRIMeIV Image Processor
ISO 100-25.600
Advanced Hybrid AF System
4.8in TFT LCD touch screen
8.6fps continuous shooting
full HD video at 25fps

Pros
Greats Operating System
You can Simultaneously Upload Your Photos to Dropbox and GooglePlus automatically, as you take each picture!
The Samsung Smart Apps ALso has a remote view-finder function which allows user to Remotely control the camera Using Samsung Galaxy NX-series

Cons
Serious read and write speed issues.
Very expensive.

Conclusion
To be able to borrow a footballing example, the new Samsung Galaxy NX is extremely much a game associated with two halves. In the 1st it delights with excellent image quality and the compelling ability to change and share your images via the Android OPERATING SYSTEM, but in the second it fades away since the convoluted interface, slow processing times and also sky-high price detract in the overall performance. The Samsung Galaxy NX can be a brave but ultimately mistaken first-generation product, too expensive to attract more casual users to purchase the better image quality it delivers, and not professional enough to tempt keen enthusiasts from rival interchangeable-lens systems.

In seeking to bring together the best options that come with the Samsung Galaxy and also NX300 cameras, with slightly sprinkling of the more mature NX20's DSLR-like design, Samsung have wound up with a product that ultimately won't satisfy any one its target user organizations. That's not to say we don't like the Galaxy NX - it produces excellent image quality, fast and reliable auto-focusing, a new rich feature-set, and a much better sharing experience than some other comparable cameras - it's exactly that we can't see exactly who will stump up this eye-watering Click here to see a price tag, especially as that doesn't also include any data costs to take advantage of the 3G/4G connectivity.

Ultimately we imagine that the Galaxy Camera serves the patron better, and the NX300 this keen prosumer - which is not even looking beyond the Samsung family. Despite it is huge potential, we are not able to justify recommending the Samsung Galaxy NX until its price, performance and user interface issues have been addressed.

US >> BUY NOW <<
UK >> BUY NOW <<

To make comparison with my reviews above, you can read other reviews at amazon.com

Useful gadgets to enhance your photography, from phones to filters…

Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner

If you still shoot 35mm f lm or have an archive of treasured material in that format, this is a simple and innovative must-have tool

At a glance

● Compatible with all 35mm film
● Portable, small and lightweight
● Simple to attach smartphone and take pictures to scan
● Backlit direct light panel illuminates film

Buy This Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner

LOMOGRAPHY has developed an ingenious way to scan and share images captured on 35mm fi lm by using a rudimentary lightbox design that can hold a smartphone, and which then allows the phone to scan your negatives by taking a photo of each of them.

Build and performance

The Smartphone Film Scanner is incredibly easy to set up. It takes two AA batteries and requires the placing of one to three stackers between the smartphone cradle and the fi lm. To help me capture the negatives, I downloaded the LomoScanner app, which is available via iTunes or the Google Play store, to make it easier to align the camera and the fi lm correctly. Once aligned, it’s just a matter of taking a picture of each frame.

Verdict 

This is a great product and a low-cost solution for film photographers that makes it easy to capture and share images from negatives. Although the LomoScanner app was somewhat unstable at times, I would still recommend the Smartphone Film Scanner. Konstruktor DIY Magnifying Chimney Hood Kit

IN THE RANGE

For improved focusing, the Konstruktor DIY Magnifying Chimney Hood Kit improves focusing visibility when using the Lomography Konstruktor 35mm SLR Camera. Click Here For More Information

Lomography Experimental Lens Kit

The perfect gift for a passionate beginner who wants to experiment with different focal lengths, effects and filters, three lenses for the micro four thirds system are supplied at an affordable price. Click Here For More Information 

Portrait Camera Strap

The Portrait Camera Strap keeps your camera safe around your neck and helps measure the correct distance for shooting portraits on film cameras, such as the Belair X 6-12. Click Here For More Information

Expert advice and tips on improving your photography

YOU CAN’T beat a misty morning for atmosphere on the river, and on this particular morning Karen made the most of the weather to create a beautiful silhouette of this chap out for a bit of exercise. Metering can be tricky in the mist and fog, as cameras see lots of white and brightness and want to close the exposure down to create a grey scene. Usually we have to open up a little to get enough light on to the sensor, but on this occasion the greyness has worked out very well, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere that is untaxing on the eye.

There is a lot of space at the top and bottom of the frame that isn’t really adding anything to the scene, and which I think we would be better off without. Cropping to a widescreen format allows us to maintain the same sense of atmosphere, but it also lends emphasis to certain elements in the scene. Composing the image with more sky emphasises the emptiness of that sky, while angling down to include more of the river forces the viewer to appreciate the refl ections above all else.

Putting the rower in the middle of the frame, as Karen did originally, makes him overpoweringly dominant, while dropping the camera down just a little, I think, balances the requirement to see the rower with the desire to show off the refl ections in the water.

Also, taking the camera down so that the refl ection of the tree enters the frame in the bottom-left corner makes the most of a powerful compositional tool.

This misty-morning river scene makes for a lovely image, and Karen has captured it well, but we should always question the format we are shooting with and consider how composition directs the viewer’s attention

Tittle : Expert advice and tips on improving your photography

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