The Samsung NX300 has won the European Compact System Camera 2013-2014 EISA Award. The NX300 ranks among the best compact mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras featuring hybrid AF, 8.6fps continuous shooting, a top shutter speed of 1/600 sec., a 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC.

EUROPEAN COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA 2013-2014 – Samsung NX300 from EISA on Vimeo.

Compact, fast, innovative and with superb picture quality, the Samsung NX300 meets and beats the expectations of CSC users in many ways while opening the door for a new generation of connected cameras. It offers a high-resolution APS-C-sensor with 20.3 million pixels, a hybrid autofocus system and a crisp 3.3-inch AMOLED screen. The NX300 is impressively fast, with a top frame rate of 8.6fps and a maximum 1/6000sec shutter speed. With built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Near-Field-Communication (NFC) connectivity that is easy to use, the camera is ready for wireless connection to a mobile phone, tablet, PC or (smart) TV so images can be quickly shared with friends and family.

The Samsung GALAXY NX has won the European Photo Innovation 2013-2014 EISA Award. The GALAXY NX pairs the Android OS with a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera featuring a 4.8-inch LCD touchscreen and all the connectivity that comes with Android.

EUROPEAN PHOTO INNOVATION 2013-2014 – Samsung GALAXY NX from EISA on Vimeo.

No manufacturer has done more than Samsung in the quest for making cameras that allow the photographer to communicate with the outside world. With the GALAXY NX, Samsung is showing us once again the future world of ‘connected’ photography. This is the first time an advanced system camera has been combined with a modern interactive 4.8-inch touchscreen tablet. Through its interchangeable lens system and its use of the Android 4.2.2 operating system, the GALAXY NX promises a real integration of high quality digital photography, mobile editing and full-time connectivity.

Just Posted! Fujifilm X-E1 Review

The Fujifilm X-E1 inherits the DNA of the X-PRO1 with image quality that rivals and even bests that obtained from some enthusiast and top-end DSLRs. It swaps the Hybrid optical/electronic Multi Viewfinder for a very high resolution OLED EVF and adds a built-in flash. It accepts all the XF and XC lenses and, with the M Mount Adapter, can also use LEICA M lenses. If you like the X-PRO1 but can’t afford it, the X-E1 may just be the one for you.

[ Read more in our Fujifilm X-E1 Review… ]

Category: Serious, Advanced

Type: Compact Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Successor to the GX1. After watching other competitors claim the throne to the compact mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, Panasonic has finally decided to make a claim itself with the Lumix DMC-GX7. From a new image sensor that promises higher resolution and higher sensitivity to a tiltable high resolution EVF, the GX7 seems to tick off all the wants of the enthusiast photographers.

Inside the magnesium alloy full diecast frame, there is a new 16MP Digital Live MOS Sensor which, paired with the Venus Engine’s advanced noise reduction, achieves max. ISO25600. The built-in EVF (Panasonic calls it the LVF – Live Viewfinder) features a high 2764K-dot equiv. resolution. It is also tiltable by 90° upward. (An optional Eyecup DMW-EC1 is avauilable for a more comfortable fit for both the naked eye and glasses.)

A new high-speed Light Speed AF allows fast focus tracking of moving subjects. Low Light AF allows the camera to lock focus in -4EV lower lit situations (e.g. under a starry sky). Focus Peaking with color choice (blue, white, orange) is available to help in Manual Focus.

A new for Panasonic is the in-camera Sensor-shift Image Stabilization that will now allow lenses without optical I.S. to gain an image stabilization advantage. When an optically image stabilized lens is mounted, the sensor-shift IS is disabled.

Movie recording is full HD 1920 x 1080, 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) for smooth, high quality video recording in AVCHD Progressive and MP4 with stereo sound. Full-time Tracking AF is available in video recording. You can manually set aperture and shutter speed by using PASM modes during video recording.

Burst shooting is at 5 fps at full in 16MP resolution (4.3 fps when AF Tracking enabled). Use the electronic shutter and a max. 40 fps is achieved. Maximum shutter speed is 1/8000 sec.

The LCD is 3.0-inch with 1040k-dot resolution. It is touchscreen and tilts up by 80° and down by 45°. Touch AF in video recording lets you enjoy professional-like rack focusing. The Touch AE (Auto Exposure) function lets you set the appropriate exposure by simply tapping the subject displayed on the monitor. Even when you are peering through the LVF, the Touch Pad function keeps the monitor functioning so you can still perform touchscreen functions.

Twin control dials control exposure setting. One is around the Shutter Release button and a second one on the back. Major controls, such as the aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation settings, can be quickly adjusted with the front and rear dials.

The GX7 has a built-in flash has a light intensity that is equivalent to GN5.0 (ISO100), GN7.0 (ISO200), and you can adjust the intensity within a range of ±EV 3 in 1/3 EV steps. It can be synchronized with max.1/320 second shutter speed (max.1/250 second for External Flash).

Four function buttons and five Menu tabs allow you to customize the camera to the way you prefer shooting. Time Lapse allows you to record a series of consequent images at a set time interval that can then be recombined to produce a time lapse video. Stop Motion Animation enables producing a stop motion (stop frame) video in camera with the pictures that are sequentially shot while moving the object by degrees. There are 22 filters available for creative photography. Multiple Exposure lets you take up to four exposures in a single frame and Clear Retouch erases unwanted objects or figures in an image by just tracing over them on the monitor with a fingertip.

The GX7 features built-in Wi-Fi with NFC (Near Field Communication) to allow easy picture sharing and instant photo transfer (the picture is transferred to designated electronic device right after shooting) with a smartphone or tablet. To connect the camera with the smartphone or tablet, just bring them near each other. The free Panasonic Image App allows you to instantly upload and share your images on an SNS (Social Networking Service).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 is compact, elegant and targets the enthusiasts who desire a configurable and compact high quality interchangeable lens camera with DSLR-level image quality and performance without the bulk and weight associated with a traditional mirrored DSLR.

Executive SummaryImage QualityPhoto GalleryHandling & FeelUser’s ExperienceQuickFact Sheet / Buy

Continue Reading »

Today, Panasonic announced the successor to the GX1, the LUMIX DMC-GX7. Asked why it jumped from the numeral 1 all the way to a 7, Panasonic answered that it was to clearly indicate that this new camera is not simply an incremental improvement on the GX1, but a leap forward to its current lineup as well as a step ahead of current competitors. Panasonic emphasized that the GX7 features much improved image quality, especially low noise at high ISOs, as well as the tiltable LVF. We were shown a pre-production model and we had a chance to briefly handle the GX7.

Continue Reading »

LUMIX DMC-GX7: THE ULTIMATE DSLM CAMERA

IN A PREMIUM FLAT BODY

Packing a Host of Creative Functions for Photography Enthusiasts

MISSISSAUGA, ON (August 1, 2013) – Panasonic Canada Inc. is pleased to announce a new addition to the LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) Camera line-up. The LUMIX DMC-GX7 features exceptional photographic performance along with a sleek design and a tiltable LVF (Live View Finder).

Panasonic’s newly developed 16.00-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for the DMC-GX7 achieves both higher resolution and higher sensitivity image recording with less noise thanks to the cutting-edge Semiconductor Fine Technology. Colour saturation is improved by approximately 10 per cent and the redesigned on-tip lens enhances light condensation to achieve approximately 10 per cent higher sensitivity. In addition, noise generation is minimized in both pixel circuit and digital signal readout circuit for better S/N ratio by approximately 25 per cent. This makes it possible to capture clear images even in low light situations. The Venus Engine image processor features advanced noise reduction systems with Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) and Detail Reproduction Filter Process that enhances the limit resolution. The combination of the digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves approx.10 per cent finer detail reproduction, making it possible to capture clear images even in low light situations and allows a maximum ISO 25600.

Continue Reading »

A couple of years ago, it was pretty easy to recommend a camera to someone who wants to take photography a bit more seriously. They want better pictures, want to get professional quality results, are willing to upgrade their camera and even to learn a bit about photography.

The recommendation back then would have been a simple, “Get an entry-level Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera.” The DSLR has a bigger image sensor than most compact point-and-shoot cameras and would give better image quality, especially in low light (where, for example, most parents take pictures of their children). Phase detection autofocus would drastically increase performance. Better quality optics would guarantee sharper and more detailed pictures. It was a winning proposition.

Today, a DSLR is not the only way to go if you want to upgrade your photography.

Continue Reading »

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Review

Neocamera just published a review of Panasonic’s latest compact mirrorless. The Lumix GF6 sports a 16 megapixels sensor in a compact body with a tilting LCD screen and built-in wireless connectivity with both WiFi and NFC. This Micro Four-Thirds camera offers full manual-controls with a single control-dial and 3″ touchscreen LCD with a whopping 1 megapixel of resolution.

Read the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 review to find out how it performs and compares to its peers.

FUJIFILM UNVEILS THE NEW X-M1 PREMIUM CSC FEATURING A 16.3 MP APS-C X-TRANS CMOS SENSOR, EXR PROCESSOR II AND A KIT OPTION FEATURING THE NEW XC16-50MM LENS

New X-M1 also includes a 3” tilting, high definition LCD screen, wireless image transfer for easy photo sharing and advanced filters for creative picture taking

Valhalla, N.Y., June 24, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the all new, premium FUJIFILM X-M1 compact system camera (CSC), the third interchangeable lens system camera introduced within the award-winning FUJIFILM X-Series. The X-M1 is a lightweight camera that includes the same 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor used in the critically acclaimed FUJIFILM X-Pro1and X-E1 that delivers outstanding image quality, all in a premium, beautifully crafted body.

Continue Reading »

Category: Beginner, Serious

Type: Compact Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Beginner Classic. The Fujifilm X-M1 is a more compact and affordable version of the X-E1, targeted to beginner photographers. It inherits the beautiful retro design, the innovative APS-C 16MP X-Trans CMOS image sensor, and the X Mount that accepts the full range of interchangeable XF lenses. It is accompanied by a new line of cheaper XC lenses with plastic barrels but which do not compromise with the construction and premium glass elements used. The first of the XC lenses is the XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS kit lens.

The X-M1 does not have any viewfinder, optical or electronic, nor is an optional external viewfinder available. Instead, it has a 3.0-in. LCD with 920K-dot resolution that tilts 90° up and 85° down. The LCD is not touchscreen. You can display a live histogram and framing guide lines but not an Electronic Horizon Leveling Gauge.

Unlike its more expensive big brothers, the X-PRO1 and the X-E1, the X-M1’s body is mostly polycarbonate plastic but is nevertheless solidly constructed and has a feeling of quality. It also reverts back to using a more contemporary Mode Dial so as to make readily available AUTO and Scene Modes. It does, however, sports twin command dials that control the shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation, depending on which shooting mode you have selected. The dials are beautifully designed with the right amount of resistance when turning them.

There is a built-in pop-up flash, and a hot shoe allows you to attach an external flash unit. The Shoe Mount Flash EF-X20 (sold separately) is a compact external flash that has a matching retro design. Also optional is the Hand Grip HG-XM1 (sold separately) for those who prefer a bigger handgrip. Other accessories include a Remote Release RR-90, Protector Filters and Leather Case BLC-XM1. There is also an M Mount Adapter to use LEICA M lenses.

The Fujifilm X-M1 boasts a quick start time of 0.5 sec. (when in sleep mode) and a shutter time lag of approx. 0.05-sec. Continuous Shooting is a fast 5.6fps at full resolution.

The X-M1 also offers the Film Simulation Mode popularized in its compact digital cameras to simulate the color and tonal qualities of its acclaimed film brands: PROVIA for a true-to-scene natural look, Velvia for vibrant tonality and saturated colors and ASTIA, for a silky soft look and beautiful skin tones. You can also shoot double exposure and a number of filter effects are also available in still photography.

Advanced photographers can use PASM modes and RAW for full control over exposure and image creation. The in-camera RAW Converter lets you view and edit your results without the need for your PC. Other practical features include built-in Wi-Fi (but no NFC or remote control), One-touch Movie Recording button, a customizable Fn button (doubles as Wi-Fi button in Playback), a Quick Menu button, and Super Intelligent Flash when shooting macro shots in dim lighting. Focus peaking is available when using manual focus. A number of bracketing functions are also available for the advanced photographer: Dynamic Range, Film Simulation, AE, and ISO.

The Fujifilm X-M1 is targeted to beginner photographers looking to move up to a mirrorless DSLR. Advanced photographers who are unwilling to compromise with image quality will also find the X-M1 a very alluring proposition. The X-M1 is available in all black, black/silver or brown.

Executive SummaryImage QualityPhoto GalleryHandling & FeelUser’s ExperienceQuickFact Sheet / Buy

Continue Reading »

Samsung just announced the GALAXY NX mirrorless camera, the world’s first compact system camera with 3G/4G LTE connectivity and Android operating system.

Samsung GALAXY NX Camera:

• 20.3 MP sensor and Hybrid Autofocus (AF)
• 4.8-inch HD LCD touchscreen and SVGA Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system
• 3G/4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless sharing of images and video, including:
  • “Share Shot,” ChatOn and AllShare Play similar to GALAXY mobile devices
  • Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more
• 1/6000 sec shutter speed and 8.6fps continuous shooting lets you capture the action as it’s happening
• 3D photo/video recording when paired with the 45mm 2D/3D lens (sold separately)
• 1.6 GHz Quad-core processor
• Pricing and availability for U.S. market TBD

This video presents “[Samsung GALAXY NX] Official Demo Video”:

• “Samsung GALAXY NX | Connect. Express Yourself”

• World’s first interchangeable lens camera with LTE

  • Everything you wanted to know about the GALAXY NX is in this video

PRESS RELEASE

Introducing GALAXY NX, the First Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 3G/4G LTE & Wi-Fi Connectivity

Always connected, the Samsung GALAXY NX turns every picture into a story worth telling

LONDON, UK – June 20, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of the GALAXY NX, the first 3G/4G LTE Connected Compact System Camera (CSC). Versatile and easy to use, the GALAXY NX combines cutting edge optical performance with connectivity capabilities and a galaxy of applications based on the Android eco-system, all in one stylish package. The result is a new type of connected device that allows users to turn their experiences into a story that can be instantly shared with anyone they choose, from wherever they might be, in amazing color and outstanding detail.

“The GALAXY NX reflects the unique needs of a user who needs to take professional photos and share them immediately in any situation. For those who want to express themselves and the exciting moments that make up their lives quickly, easily and on the go, the GALAXY NX is an ideal choice” said Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics.

Continue Reading »

Samsung NX300

Just Posted: Samsung NX300 Review

The Samsung NX300 is intuitive, delivers great results and easily meets the challenges a serious photographer might throw its way. It’s that rare compact mirrorless DSLR that you pick up and enjoy using right away. It features 20.3MP resolution on a hybrid APS-C CMOS (23.5 x 15.7 mm) image sensor with Contrast AF and embedded Phase Detection AF, a large and bright 3.3-in. tiltable Touch Panel AMOLED display screen (768k-dot), Smart AUTO, PASM, Scene modes, i-Function, Smart Filters, In-Camera Panorama, RAW file, Continuous Shooting 8.6fps, Wi-Fi, and HD movie 1920 x 1080 with stereo sound.

Read more in our Samsung NX300 Review.