Sony a6300 Mirrorless Camera

Sony announced the a6300 mirrorless camera a few months ago with a newly developed 24.2 MP APS-C sensor .  It has the fastest auto focus mechanism as claimed by Sony.  It is an upgrade version of the popular a6000.  The announcement is stated as follows:
Sony today introduced the latest addition to their award winning line-up of mirrorless cameras, the α6300. The camera boasts an unrivalled 4D FOCUS™ system that can lock focus on a subject in as little as 0.05 seconds, the world’s fastest AF acquisition time[i]. Additionally, the α6300 has an incredible 425 phase detection AF points that are densely positioned over the entire image area – the world’s highest number of AF points on any interchangeable lens camera[ii], and can shoot images at up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking.

The impressive new mirrorless model also has the ability to support full live-view continuous shooting on the Tru-finder or LCD screen at up to 8 frames per second, ultimately producing a real-time shooting experience that combines all the benefits of an electronic viewfinder with the immediacy of a through-the-lens optical viewfinder.

The versatile α6300 camera is equipped with a newly developed 24.2 MPAPS-C sized Exmor CMOS sensor that works together with a BIONZ X image processing engine to produce outstanding image quality throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range ISO 100 – 51200.

The new α6300 can also shoot and record high resolution 4K video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in the popular Super 35mm format.

Leica X Vario Digital Camera

Leica X Vario was announced in June 11, 2013:
Leica Camera AG has unveiled the latest addition to its digital compact camera offerings and presents the Leica X Vario. Made in Leica Camera’s headquarters in Germany, the X Vario features a high-performance 16.5-megapixel (effective 16.1), APS-C format, CMOS image sensor, a zoom lens covering a range of focal lengths from 28 to 70 mm (35 mm equivalent) and Full-HD video recording capability. With several design and handling characteristics of the storied M-System, the ‘Made in Germany’ Leica X Vario offers great versatility and creative freedom.

The X Vario’s high performance image sensor is unusually large for a camera in its class. Combined with the Leica Vario Elmar 18-46 mm f/3.5-6.4 ASPH, it sets completely new standards for imaging quality in the compact segment with outstanding exposures in all situations. The Leica X Vario is the world’s first compact camera to combine a large, APS-C format, CMOS image sensor with a zoom lens.

Leica X Digital Camera

Leica X is a fixed lens APS-C sensor camera. It features a 16.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Leica Vario-Elmar 18-46mm f/3.5-6.4 Lens, 28-70mm (35mm Equivalent).  The camera incorporates a3.0" 920k-dot wide-angle LCD monitor, full HD 1080 video recording at 30 fps, 11-point AF system, manual focus and manual exposure control, ISO 12500, up to 5 fps shooting and aluminum and magnesium alloy body. 

Panasonic G7 Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic micro 4/3 mirrorless camera features a 16 MP live MOS sensor, Venus Engine 9 Image processor with 2.36m-Dot OLED Viewfinder.  In addition, the camera incorporates 3.0" 1.04m-dot free-angle touchscreen, 4K UHD video recording at 30/24 fps, built-In WiFi connectivity, up to 8 fps shooting with AF & ISO 25600 and DFD AF system, 4K photo modes.  The include kit lens is a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II MEGA O.I.S. lens.

Sony RX100 III 1 inch Sensor Point and Shot Camera

Sony RX100 III is an one inch sensor point and shot camera.  The camera has a 20.1 MP Exmor R® sensor for extreme low-light shots.  Maximum aperture is F1.8 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens (24-70mm).  The camera incorporates a Built-in SVGA Oled viewfinder w/ZEISS T* coating.  The LCD is 3 inches large.  Other feature includes built-in ND filter for bright night shooting.  HDMI output is used to connect TV.  The shooting modes are P/A/S/M. It has built in Wi-Fi with NFC.  Smart phone can connect the camera.

Sony A7 II 5 Axis Stabilization Full Frame Digital Camera

Sony recently announces the full frame A7 II 5 Axis Stabilization digital camera in Japan.  It is the first time, a full frame digital mirrorless camera  features a unique 5-axis in-camera stabilization system.  The shutter speed is between 30 to 1/8000 sec. Continuous shooting rate is up to 5 fps in continuous high and 2.5 fps in continuous low.  ISO sensitivity is 100-25600 (expandable to ISO 50-51200 with multi-shot NR).  The exposure modes has Aperture-Priority (A), Manual (M), Programmed auto (P), Shutter-Priority Auto (S).

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX400's 63X Mega Zoom Camera

Sony mega zoom HX400 63X camera was announced recently. It has the following features:

• 20.4MP Exmor® R CMOS Sensor
• 50x Optical/100x Clear Image zoom
• Full HD video¹ in 1080/60p/24p
• Lock-On AF, Motion Shot Video traces subject movement
• Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi®/NFC³
• 4K quality still image output via HDMI²

 In addition, there are many special features incorporated into this camera:

• Image Stabilization : Optical SteadyShot™ Image Stabilization with Intelligent Active Mode
• Photo Creativity
• Intelligent Auto 
• Sweep Panorama : Intelligent Sweep Panorama (360)
• Wi-Fi 
• Face Detection : 8 faces
• Smile Shutter™ technology 
• Picture Effects : Toy/Pop/Partial Color/ Retro/Posterization/SoftHighKey/High Contrast Mono/RichtoneMonochrome/HDRPainting/Soft Focus/Miniature/Watercolor/Illustration
• Tracking Focus : Off / Auto

 

 

Canon Powershot SX600 18x Mega Zoom Digital Camera

Canon announced the Powershot SX600 18x zoom digital camera recently.  The camera features wifi and remotely controlled by smart phone.  The dedicated Mobile Device Connect Button allows users to connect to a smartphone in an instant with NFC support for easy share of image. The PowerShot SX600 HS features a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens, as well as an 18x optical zoom. High quality 36x ZoomPlus technology increases the zoom even further.  The camera include feature of 16 MP HS system for clear photos even in low light. The intelligent IS keeps photos sharp and movies steady. Creative Shot  creates 6 unique images.  The camera incorporate smart Auto for point and shoot and full HD movies with optical zoom.

Overview 

 

 

Canon Powershot N100 Point and Shot Camera

Canon announces the Powershot N100 point and shot camera, which will be sold around US$350. The camera features a 12.1 Mp High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor to produce high-resolution picture.  The 5x optical zoom lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-120mm.  The camera has a 90° tilting design screen for easy picture taking.  The features of the camera are summarized as follows:

• 12.1 Mp High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 6 Image Processor
• Canon 5x Optical Zoom f/1.8 Lens
• 24-120mm (35mm Equivalent)
• 3.0" Tilting Capacitive Touchscreen LCD
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 30 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
• Dual Capture and Story Highlights
• Canon HS SYSTEM
• Creative Shot and Hybrid Auto Modes

Hands On

 

 

 

 

Nikon New Full Frame Retro Style DSLR - Nikon DF

Nikon announce the new full frame retro style dslr Nikon DF.  It has the features:

• 16.2MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 3 Image Processor
• 3.2" 921k-Dot LCD Monitor
• Optical Glass Pentaprism Viewfinder
• Dedicated Still Image Only Camera
• Mechanical Exposure Control Dials
• Multi-CAM 4800 AF Sensor with 39 Points
• Expandable Sensitivity: ISO 50-204800
• Continuous Shooting up to 5.5 fps
• Rugged Magnesium Alloy Body

Nikon DF DSLR

 Nikon Commercial

 Preview

 

 

Fujifilm X-A1 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Fujifilm X-A1 was announced a few months ago. X-A1 has the following features.

• 16.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• EXR Processor II
• 3.0" 920k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
• Full HD 1080p Video with Stereo Sound
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Extended Sensitivity to ISO 25600
• Continuous Shooting Rate of 5.6 fps
• Advanced SR AUTO and Q Menu Button
• Film Simulation and Advanced Filters
• Fujifilm XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Lens

Hands On

 

Official Video

Full Frame NEX Camera from Sony - Rumours

Recently reported on the Sonyrumors, Sony will launch a smaller full-frame single micro camera next year, it will use NEX series design, which may be the smallest full frame digital camera on the market. The price may be cheaper than the newly announced alph 7.

Fujifilm X-M1 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Fuji X-M1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera was announced recently.  The camera has the following features:

• 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor
• Fujifilm Proprietary X-Mount
• Includes 16-50mm XC Lens
• 3.0" 920k-dot LCD Tilt Monitor
• Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Full HD 1080p Video with Stereo Sound
• Focal Plane Shutter
• 100-25600 ISO Sensitivities
• Magnesium Alloy Body

 

Hands On

Official Video

Sensors' Review List As Per DxOmark

Here is the link of the sensors' reviews from DxOmark.  It is interesting to see that Nikon D3100 (Score:81) has the same score of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III full frame sensor (Score:81).  Nikon D800E has the highest score of 96, Nikon D800 the second score of 95 and Nikon D600 94.

George Eastman Who Simplified the Picture Taking Process and His Company Kodak Invented the Digital Camera

I compiled the information about George Eastman's tremendous contribution to photography for my reference and yours. George Eastman simplified the photography taking process and contributed a lot to the popularity of picture taking. His camera is one of the greatest invention in 19th century.  Kodak, founded by George Eastman, invented the digital camera which helps advance the photography's popularity even further. Since the mid-1970s, Kodak has invented several solid-state image sensors that "converted light to digital pictures" for professional and home consumer use. In 1986, Kodak scientists invented the world's first megapixel sensor, capable of recording 1.4 million pixels that could produce a 5x7-inch digital photo-quality print. Unfortunately Kodak is not doing very well in digital camera and lost competition to camera manufacturers from Japan.  Hence, Kodak is in a process to restructure its business.

PBS Documentary about George Eastman

You can watch PBS Documentary about George Eastman using the following link:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3 

150th birthday of George Eastman

Captains of George Eastman - The Story of George Eastman

George Eastman Kill Himself due to Illiness

George Eastman House

George Eastman's Kodak Invented Digital Camera

Kodak Winding Down and Restructure due to Invention of Digital Camera

The Economist's article about "The Last Kodak Moment"

Related Link and Information

 George Eastman House

Have You Ever Wished to Understand Digital Camera Basic Specification ?

Introduction

Digital camera specification is the major factor to decide on a digital camera.  It is easy to get confused on all the options described in the specification.  Most of the us usually decide on camera based on the mega pixel and brand name. In addition to the megapixel, there are other requirements contributed to quality of a camera.  The major requirement of a good camera are:

1. Types of camera
2. Mega Pixel
3. Sensor Size
4. Aperture (F/number)
5. Focal Length of the lens
6. Shutter
7. ISO
8. Features of the camera

Types of camera

First you have to decide what types of digital camera to buy i.e. Points and shot, or DSLR or mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.  I have already posted a blog about types of camera (Click here to read).  By and large, DSLR has better picture quality than a mirrorless digital camera and mirrorless digital camera is better than a compact digital camera. 

Compact Digital Camera

Mirrorless Interchangeable Digital Camera

DSLR digital Camera

 

Mega Pixel (MP)

A megapixel is equal to one million pixels. Digital pictures are formed by these tiny pixels in different color. Pictures taking with 10 mega pixels consist of 10 million pixels. Each pixel is like a tiny dot. Image quality depends partially on number of pixels of a sensor.  For printing a picture of 4x 6'', the camera should have at least 2 MP.  The minimum megapixels required for different size of pictures are stated as follows:

Print Size        Required Pixels

4 x 6″	2 megapixels
5 x 7″	3 megapixels
8 x1 0″	5 megapixels
11 x 14″	6 megapixels
16 x 20″	8 megapixels
16 x 24″	12 megapixels

Visualize the Tiny Pixel of Digital Camera

Image Sensor Size

The other factor which may affect image quality are sensor size.

Digital Camera Sensor

Sensor is an electronic device that records the picture and is light sensitive. The larger the size the better picture quality. The compact camera size is usually as small as the little finger.  The professional DSLR has a sensor as big as the size of 35mm (which is the same size of a 35mm film).  Entry level DSLR or some mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras usually has the second largest sensor (APS-C) and the third Micro 4/3 the third largest. APS-C sensor is about 64% size of a full frame sensor.  Micro 4/3 digital camera sensor is about 60% of a APS-C sensor.

Image sensor size comparison

If a small sensor compact camera has the same mega pixel of a large sensor size camera, the picture quality with a larger sensor should have better picture quality.  It is because the large sensor record more light than the small sensor. The small sensor is sort of over populated the tiny pixel in small size.

Canon Mirrorless Digital Camera May be Announced on July 23

There is a rumor that Canon will announce Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC) this coming Monday (July 23). Here is the picture leaked:

Is this the Canon Mirroless Digital Camera?

No one knows the size of the sensor yet. It could be the APS-C.  In my opinion, the price of this camera may be in the range of US$800 to 1000.  This camera may induce fierce in competition cut-throat prices  among all other Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera manufacturers.  It will be good news for photographers who are fond of this type of camera.  It is not sure whether Canon will offer other color for this camera.

MILC is smaller in size than a digital single-reflex camera (DSLR), which is much more portable than a DSLR.  Quality of picture may be equivalent to non-full size senor's DSLR.

Update: July 23
There is a video posted on youtube about EOS M, which is in Italian

Unofficial Specification:
- APS-C CMOS sensor 18 million pixels
- The image processing engine DIGIC5
- Hybrid CMOS AF in combination with phase-contrast
- Video Servo AF, Servo AF, AF touch
- The range is equivalent ISO 25600 ISO100-12800, in the expansion
- To 30 seconds shutter speed is 1/4000, bulb, flash sync is 1/200 sec
- Second continuous shooting speed is 4.3 frames /
- 1.04 million dot LCD 3.0 inches wide, touch panel
- The media SD / SDHC / SDXC (corresponding UHS-I)
- Video is 1920×1080 30p/25p/24p, 1280×720 60p/50p, 640×480 30p/25p
Method – video compression MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, audio Linear PCM, MOV format
- Available in over 60 species of EF lens mount adapter EF-EOS M
- Hand-held Twilight mode synthesized by the continuous shooting at a shutter speed four with less camera shake
- HDR mode to synthesize three different exposure
- Multi-shot noise reduction function to reduce the noise by combining the four images
- Creative filters
- The size is x 66.5mm (width) 108.6mm (height) x 32.3mm (depth)
- The weight (body only) 262g, (including battery and memory card) 298g
- Kit lens EF-M22mm STM, EF-M18-55mm IS STM
- Comes with a mount adapter and EF-EOS M 90EX Speedlite kit of some

In accordance with US News, the camera will be available in October, 2012.

Thank you for visiting ZeroOneVisuals! Feel free to leave comments.

How a Digital Camera and Lens are Made?

This is a very informative video from Canon on how a camera is made.

See this video on how a lens is made

Enjoy the video!

George Eastman House (Photo Museum of Kodak)

George Eastman house is in Rochester, NY, USA. Mr. Eastman (1854–1932) built his home at 900 East Avenue between 1902 and 1905.  He is the founder of Eastman Kodak which had produced films, cameras, printers, camera sensors and other photographic products.  George Eastman (July 12, 1854 – March 14, 1932) simplified the photography taking processes and help to bring photography to common people and the masses. Kodak invented the digital camera, which made it bankruptcy due to competition.

George Eastman House - Photography Museum Fun for Visiting in Rochester

What types (DSLR Camera, Point and Shot Digital Camera or Mirrorless Digital Camera) of cameras you want?

Have you ever thought about what kind of digital camera is good for you?   By and large, there are three types of camera you can consider, namely:

1. Point and Shot digital camera
2. Micro 4/3 digital Cameras (or Mirrorless camera)
3. Digital Single Reflex Camera (DSLR camera)

Point and Shot Digital Camera 
In general point and shot digital camera is quite inexpensive now and small to carry.  If you only use it for posting to web or viewing with computer or printing 4R size picture, it may be your cup of tea.  Usually, this camera is not good for night shoot or using ISO higher than 200.  See Point and Shot Camera

Micro 4/3 Digital Camera and Mirrorless Digital Camera
Mirrorless camera pack a entry level  DSLR sensor (APSC) into a body smaller than digital single reflex camera.  Micro 4/3 is even smaller because it use a smaller sensor (60% of APSC) comparable to the frame size of 110 film. Micro 4/3 is a standard set by Kodak, Panasonic and Olympus.  If you want a better quality for picture that is acceptable using ISO 800 or even at ISO1600 depending on quality and size of the sensor, this kind of camera may be good for you. The micro 4/3 or mirrorless camera is still quite portable and can change different focal length lens.  See Mirrorless Camera.

Digital Single Reflex Camera (DSLR Camera)
If you want to become amateur pro or professional photographer, you may consider this type of bulky, heavy and lens interchangeable digital camera. DSLR camera may provide better picture quality and some of them can take pictures with ISO more than 3200 without noise.  See Affordable DSLR Camera.

In Short, as long as you had a brand name (i.e. Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony etc) digital camera which suits your purpose and budget, you would be able to take quite a good pictures. Though, in general a good picture depends on quality of the camera and skill of the photographer.  The most important is to use whatever camera you have now, follow you heart and go out to record what you seen and feel it with your camera.  Enjoy it and Cheers!