Fujifilm FinePix X10

Prosumer compact redefined. The Fujifilm FinePix X10 is Fujifilm’s entry into the prosumer compact category with a beautifully designed model that uses the 2/3-in. image sensor. In fact, that sensor used to be in all prosumer cameras a number of years back but was abandoned for the smaller 1/1.7-in. (or 1/1.8-in.) sensor, probably for economic reasons. It is therefore good to see the return of the larger 2/3-in. sensor in compact digicams. The larger the image sensor, the better its high ISO low noise capability. The FinePix X10 features a 12MP resolution on an EXR CMOS image sensor and a fixed F2.0 4x wide-angle optical manual zoom lens (28-112mm, equiv.) in a magnesium-alloy body.

Because there is inevitably going to be comparison between the X10 and its bigger award-winning brother, the X100, we’ll cover the X10′s features while pointing out the differences from the X100.

As on the X100, The lens on the X10 is also fixed, i.e. not interchangeable. While the X100 lens is also of fixed focal length, the X10 has a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens. The manual zoom is fly-by-wire.

The zoom ring also functions as the Power switch. When in the OFF position, the lens is retracted and the camera is turned OFF. Turn the ring to the 28mm position and the lens extends to that focal length and the camera turns ON. This retractable design makes the X10 smaller and easier to carry when powered OFF. The lens has optical image stabilization and can take macro shots as close as 1 cm. It has a reasonably fast F2.0 max. aperture at wide angle and F2.8 max aperture at telephoto that should help obtain nice background defocus (or bokeh).

The X10 design also bears some resemblance to the X100 retro design that garnered much accolade. It should however be pointed out that the X10 does not have the shutter speed dial and aperture ring that give the X100 its enduring appeal. Instead, the dial you see on top is the Mode Dial and you use the Command Dial and Subcommand Dial on the back of the camera to set shutter speed and aperture. There is also an exposure compensation dial that makes it easy to quickly adjust exposure.

Like the X100, the viewfinder on the X10 is optical, but it is not hybrid like on the X100, i.e it does not have an EVF capability and overlay. Fujififilm claims the X10 viewfinder provides a wide field of view and a bright image. As expected, the optical viewfinder zooms in tandem with the lens. For those who prefer the LCD, it is 2.8-in. (460K-dot).

The Fujifilm X10 boasts a shutter-release time lag of approx. 0.01 sec. and a high-speed and high-precision contrast-detect AF. Continuous Shooting is at a fast 7fps at full resolution.

The FinePix X10 also offers the EXR Mode and Film Simulation Mode popularized in its compact digital cameras. Advanced photographers can use PASM modes and RAW for full control over exposure and image creation. Other practical features include an Electronic Horizon Leveling Gauge, built-in popup flash, a hot shoe to attach an external flash, 360° Motion Panorama, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 pixels at 30fps with stereo sound.

The Fujifilm FinePix X10 seems ready to set a new standard for digital cameras in the prosumer compact category.

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Nikon Coolpix P7100

Compact companion to a DSLR. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is Nikon’s flagship COOLPIX prosumer compact category digital camera. It features 10.1MP resolution (on a 1/1.7-in. CCD sensor) and a 7.1x (28-200mm equiv.) wide-angle optical zoom lens in a stylish body. It is billed as “the ideal camera that advanced photographers will seek as a companion to their D-SLR camera when both portability and superior image quality are a necessity.”

The Nikon P71000 features a fixed lens, i.e. the lens is not interchangeable. It has a maximum aperture of F2.8 and there is a built-in Neutral Density (ND) Filter that you’ll find useful when you want to shoot using a slow shutter speed in the bright outdoors. The lens is optically stabilized for both still and movie recording.

The P7100 has lots of dials and buttons to minimize the need to access the menu for the most common functions. Besides the Mode Dial, there is an Exposure Compensation Dial as well as a Quick Menu Dial on top, a Command Dial on the back and a Sub-command Dial on the front. The LCD is 2.8-in. with a high 921K-dot resolution and is tiltable for easy down low or overhead shots. For those who prefer it, there is also an optical viewfinder.

Creative features include the Special Effects and Filter Effects: Defocus Filter, Cross Process Filter, Creative Monochrome Filter, High Dynamic Range (HDR) function, Backlighting Mode, High/Low Key, Sepia and Painting Modes. In Playback Mode, images can also be altered with a Fisheye Effect or Cross Screen Filter.

The P7100 records HD 720p movies at 30 fps with stereo sound through the built-in microphone. An optional external microphone ME-1 can be connected via the stereo microphone jack. You can zoom during movie recording. Optional accessories include the 0.75x Wide-Angle Convertor WC-E75A (21mm equiv.) and the SB-400, SB-700 and SB-900 speedlights.

For when you decide to leave the DSLR home, the Nikon Coolpix P7100 provides the versatility and performance you want in a compact digital camera.

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Panasonic VIERA Full HD 3D VT30

PANASONIC’S 2011 PRODUCT LINE-UP GETS CONNECTED

MISSISSAUGA, ON (March 22, 2011) – Panasonic Canada Inc. today revealed the latest trends and technology for the year ahead with its innovative television, home theatre, Blu-ray, and digital imaging line-up. Tech enthusiasts, movie buffs, audiophiles, photographers and families alike will be impressed with the new and improved features and interconnectivity of Panasonic’s 2011 products.

Straight from the show floor of Panasonic’s the 2011 Dealer Show, please find below a snapshot of products to keep on the radar this year.

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Olympus XZ-1

Xceptional picture quality. The Olympus XZ-1 is Olympus’ flagship prosumer compact category digital camera. It features 10MP resolution (on a 1/1.63-in. CCD sensor), Sensor-shift image stabilization and an iZuiko 4x (28-112mm equiv.) wide-angle optical zoom lens in an compact body. It is the first built-in Zuiko® lens on a compact digital camera.

The XZ-1 features a fixed lens (i.e. the lens is not interchangeable) with a maximum aperture of F1.8 at wide-angle and F2.5 at telephoto, which should help obtain defocused background. The built-in Neutral Density (ND) Filter should prove useful when you want to shoot using a slow shutter speed in the bright outdoors.

The XZ-1 has a 3.0-in. OLED display with a high 614K-dot resolution. There is no built-in viewfinder but you can attach an optional electronic viewfinder. There is a built-in pop-up flash and a hotshoe to use optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-14, FL-300R and FL-36R.

The XZ-1 records HD 720p movies at 30 fps with stereo sound. Six in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone) can be applied to both still shots and HD video.

For the experienced photographers, the XZ-1 offers PASM shooting modes. A manual control ring around the lens allows for quick changes to settings such as ISO, aperture and shutter speed, depending on the selected shooting mode.

Optional accessories include optional RM-UC1 Remote cable, SEMA-1 external microphone adapter, the VF-2 and VF-3 electronic viewfinders, the PT-050 underwater case (waterproof to a depth of 40 metres /130 feet) and the MAL-1 Macro Arm Light.

The Olympus XZ-1 captures high-quality still images and HD videos in a compact digital camera with a fast, super-bright Olympus iZuiko lens.

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