Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR Digital Camera

The new Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR digital camera features a 16-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor with a 15x optical zoom, GPS Landmark Navigator, RAW image capture and both automatic and manual exposure modes. This compact camera supports a new EXR Auto mode with a Motion Detection capability, which will reduce subject blur in all lighting conditions. Additionally, the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR also has an enhanced Motion Panorama mode for 360° panoramic images and a continuous shooting mode with frame rates up to 8fps at full resolution. Other features include a full HD 1080p movie capture with stereo sound and a high speed movie option for freezing fast moving action at up to 320fps. The Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR will be launched at the end of October 2011 for £269($435). [dpreview]
source: TechFresh

Fujifilm has a new FinePix in-town with the F600EXR

Fujifilm has introduced this morning in Japan a new compact cameras with the FinePix F600EXR. This new 16Mpix BSI (Back Side Illuminated) Camera comes in Japan in four different colors, with a 15x optical Zoom, GPS, RAW support and with both automatic and manual exposure.

The F600EXR also comes with several nice additional features like Fujifilm EXR technology, an 8fps burst mode, Seamless Motion Panorama 360 mode, a Full HD Movie mode and a nice little 320fps slow-motion mode.

The FinePix F600 EXR uses key aspects of the specification first seen on the F550 EXR, but adds extra functionality. The pioneering 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor now features new EXR Auto with a Motion Detection capability to virtually reduce subject blur in all lighting conditions. The built-in GPS functionality adds a Landmark Navigator feature to help photographers pin-point locations, and the 15x wide-angle optical zoom lens now doubles its telephoto power thanks to the new intelligent digital zoom mode. It all stacks up to make the FinePix F600 EXR a dynamic package and one that will set new standards in the premium compact camera market.

Intelligent Digital Zoom pulls in the most distant details

The FinePix F600 EXR is no slouch when it comes to zoom capability. The camera features a wide-reaching 15x optical zoom, which offers the 35mm equivalent of a 24-360mm lens.

This ensures that users can capture a wide range of images from landscapes through to tightly framed details.

Thanks to the new Intelligent Digital Zoom feature, however, the F600 EXR's zoom range offers double the telephoto power. With its 30x Intelligent Digital Zoom, even the most distant objects can be turned into frame-filling close-ups, greatly extending the creative uses for the FinePix F600 EXR.

Intelligent Digital Zoom is an enhanced digital zoom function. Cameras featuring conventional digital zoom functionality boost sharpness during processing by enhancing the edges of all objects in the frame. However, this also increases noise in unwanted areas of the image, leading to lower quality results. Fujifilm's Intelligent Digital Zoom assesses areas of contrast within an image and applies selective processing to the sections of the image where sharpness can be boosted without lowering image quality. This ensures that digital noise is not increased uniformly across the frame so results are much improved.

Improved sensor technology = improved low light pictures

The bespoke 1x2" 16 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor in the FinePix F600 EXR was first seen in the F550 EXR and combines Back Side Illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) and EXR technologies to deliver superb results across a wide range of lighting conditions. This is thanks to the design of the sensor, which improves light transmission to boost performance, most notably in low light conditions. On the F600 EXR, however, low light results are further enhanced thanks to the improved EXR Auto mode that now offers Motion Detection plus a superior scene recognition range than previous models.

The new Motion Detection function enables the FinePix F600 EXR to tackle motion blur on three fronts with mechanical image stabilisation, high ISO sensitivity and the new Motion Detection capability working together. In low light conditions with EXR Auto mode selected, the FinePix F600 EXR will automatically identify if the subject is moving. If it is, the camera deploys Motion Detection and a higher ISO to ensure the subject is captured, blur free. If no subject movement is identified, the FinePix F600 EXR will automatically keep the ISO lower and use image stabilisation for blur free results.

This new functionality is in addition to the EXR sensor's unique technology. Leave the FinePix F600 EXR in EXR Auto and it will select the best option to deliver a great result. But users who prefer to take more control themselves can choose from:

· EXR HR (High Resolution) priority mode is where the sensor utilises every one of its 16 megapixels for the highest quality results.

· EXR DR (Dynamic Range) priority mode where two images are captured and then merged together to produce superb results on high contrast scenes.

· EXR SN (Signal to Noise) priority mode in which pixels are doubled up to increase sensitivity and give better results in low light conditions.

Augmented Reality Landmark Navigator - the next level of GPS

GPS tagging is the latest must-have feature on compact cameras and after introducing the functionality on the FinePix F550 EXR, Fujifilm has taken the technology further with the introduction of a GPS Landmark Navigator on the FinePix F600 EXR.

Imagine you're visiting a city that you've never been to before. You want to be sure you take in all the famous sites - or you simply want to know where they are in relation to your current location. GPS Landmark Navigator enables you to do just that. The FinePix F600 EXR automatically locates places of interest from its on-board database of around one million locations before displaying these points on the camera's LCD, showing their relative position, distance from your current spot and type of location depending on a range of category icons. Users can also add and edit location names.

This exciting new feature is offered in addition to the GPS functionality introduced in the FinePix F550 EXR. This includes Photo Navigation to help users to find their way back to a previously-photographed location, and tracking data where users can create a route of their travels - along with pictures taken along that route - once they return home using Google Maps*.

*You need to install "MyFinePix Studio" on your PC to access to this function.

Great panoramic shots - seamlessly!

A 360° panoramic image of a location makes for a great memory and the FinePix F600 EXR has an enhanced Motion Panorama mode that ensures those memories are even better preserved. With the camera's 360° panorama functionality, each side of the panorama is connected so you get one - seamless - panoramic shot. No details are missed and you're assured of recording every single aspect of a location.

Good panoramic shots also rely on a steady grip on the camera and the FinePix F600 EXR's new rubber coating (only available on Black version) on the front plate will ensure a solid hold, as well as enhancing the overall feel of the camera. Coupled with the high resolution 3.0-inch LCD screen (460K dots), the FinePix F600 EXR all adds up to a fantastic handling experience.

Fantastic features for maximum versatility

In addition to all these exciting new features, the F600 EXR also offers a wide range of picture taking modes that make it the ideal model for almost every photographic occasion. ISO sensitivity up to 12,800, a full complement of exposure modes including aperture priority, shutter-priority and manual for creative shooting, continuous frame capture of up to eight frames per second at full resolution, RAW file format, a selection of film simulation modes, and a full-featured integrated flash are just some of the multitude of options available.

And for users preferring to capture video footage, the FinePix F600 EXR offers full HD 1080p movie capture with stereo sound and a high speed movie option for freezing fast moving action at up to an incredible 320 frames per second.

Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR key features:

· 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor with NEW EXR Auto mode and Motion Detection technology

· 15x optical zoom covering 24-360mm (35mm equivalent) plus 2x Intelligent Digital zoom

· GPS Landmark Navigator

· Seamless Motion Panorama 360 mode

· 3.0" LCD screen (high resolution 460K dots)

· Rubberised body coating (Black model only)

· P, A, S, M exposure modes for creativity plus Scene modes

· Pro Low-Light and Pro Focus advanced shooting modes

· Full HD (1080p) movie capture

· Photobook Assist function

· Film Simulation modes

· RAW image capture (RAF file format)

· SD, SDHC and SDXC card compatibility

· 33MB internal memory

· Available in the UK in Red, Black and White colour variations
source: Akihabara News

FinePix F600 EXR announced by Fujifilm

Looking to get yourself a brand new camera? If you are, Fujifilm has just announced their latest camera, the FinePix F600 EXR, which is based off the FinePix F550 EXR but is said to have been improved on.

It's said to be no bigger than the F550 which means if you plan to put this camera into your pocket or handbag, it shouldn't present any problems. It also comes with a 16MP EXR-CMOS sensor along with a new Motion Detection feature in Auto mode that is said to be able to reduce subject blur in all lighting conditions by automatically determining if the ISO sensitivity should be raised/lowered.

It even comes with a GPS Landmark Navigator which helps to pin-point interesting locations around you, which we're also hoping will be able to be used to pin-point your location should you get lost while shooting in the jungle.

The lens used features 15x optical zoom which is said to be the 35mm equivalent of a 24-360mm lens. It also comes with Motion Panorama which as the name implies, allows for panoramic photos. On top of that the FinePix F600 EXR is also capable of shooting videos in 1080p Full HD mode.

If that sounds like the camera for you, the FinePix F600 EXR is expected to be released towards the end of October for £269 which is roughly converted to $436.
source: Ubergizmo

Casio EX-ZS100 Point-And-Shoot Camera

Casio is about to release their newest point-and-shoot camera for the mass market. Known as the EX-ZS100, this compact camera sports a 14.1-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 24mm wide angle lens, a 12.5x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a new Silent Mode feature that automatically configures the camera settings to avoid disturbing others around you, a USB port and 720p HD video recording capabilities. The Casio EX-ZS100 will be available from August 18th for 149.99 GBP (about $244). [PhotographyBlog]
source: TechFresh

Protective Leather Cases for DSLR Cameras

If you use your camera equipment in extreme conditions, or even if you just like the look, you may want a protective case for your camera. The leather DSLR cases from SkyTop Trading are handmade in their Colorado shop from saddle leather and lined with glove-soft leather. They are available for various DSLR models from Nikon, Canon, and several other manufacturers for about $300 to $390. If you'd like some luxury with your protection, they offer a hand-tooled version (tooled by Dave Acton) for about $875.
source: The Gadgeteer

Sony Alpha A77 nominated for Good Design award

The Sony Alpha A77 has yet to hit the market, but to hear that it has already been nominated for a Good Design award at this month's Good Design Expo might just speak volumes for its form factor. We're more interested in what it can deliver through the lens and viewfinder, of course, but for now, at least you know it is one of the better looking shooters out there.

Off hand, what do we know about the Sony Alpha A77? It will ship with a 24-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor accompanied by a translucent mirror which enables full-time continuous autofocus. Sony also threw in a new BIONZ engine, in addition to what they deem it as the “world's fastest” burst rate of 12 frames per second. Another “world's first” includes the XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, whereas the A55 and A35 ships with LCD displays instead.

The nomination page has already been taken down – perhaps it was placed up too soon, or someone was sleeping on the job? Doesn't matter though, as the Internet has a memory for quite some time already.
source: Ubergizmo

Colorware Barfs Paint Onto Once-Stylish Leica D-Lux 5

This is what happens when you let someone like me choose colors

Given that Leica's D-Lux 5 is little more than an overpriced re-badging of the Panasonic LX5, there might actually be a market for Colorware's re-painted version. If somebody is willing to pay an extra $370 just to get Leica's red-dot logo on their camera, surely they'd also be dumb enough to pay another $400 to have the thing resprayed?

The premium point-and-shoot will go from dull black to pretty much any combination of nausea-inducing colors you like. The explosion in a paint factory you see above was arrived at using the randomizing “Brainstorm” button on the Colorware site. I dare you to come up with something worse.

Don't have a lovely Leica that you'd be willing to sacrifice? Colorware will charge you a mere $1,200 and supply the camera, too. That's not so bad. At least Colorware isn't charging a markup on top.

So go ahead and get customizing. And if you do come up with something more hideous than the monstrosity at the top of this post, then attach it to an e-mail and send it to someone you hate. Whatever you do, don't send it to me. Please. I beg you.

Colorware Leica D-Lux 5 product page [Colorware via Uncrate]
source: Gadget Lab

Leica D-Lux 5 Gets Colorware'd

Leica has long been known for is high quality cameras. It is no wonder that Leica digital cameras never fails to get some attention from many avid photographers. But this time, a Leica D-Lux 5 Digital Camera even gets more of that attention be being given the Colorware treatment.

The Leica D-Lux 5 Camera is one of the more affordable digital cameras in the Leica lineup. It also happens to be one of its more customizable models. Colorware can give that Leica D-Lux 5 Camera a unique touch of color customization that will make this beautiful Leica into something even more striking. Colorware can do that for you for US$1,200 including the new Leica D-Lux 5. But if you can furnish your very own Leica, they can customize it for you for US$400.
source: Gadget.com

Sony Cyber-shot TX55 with OLED Back Panel

Enabling its incredible slimness, the TX55 is the first Cyber-shot compact digital camera that includes a slot to accept Memory Stick Micro™ (M2) and MicroSD/SDHC flash memory cards. Sony offers a choice of ultra-compact, high quality media in capacities up to 16GB (newly introduced M2 Mark2, ideal for AVCHD video shooting) / 8GB (microSDHC). All cards come with free PC software (available via download), File Rescue for quick, easy recovery of deleted or damaged photos and files, and x-Pict Story™ that simplifies creation of dazzling slideshows from your photos
source: GIZMOGRAPH

Samsung to improve resolution on 7-inch AMOLED display

Samsung is not one company who loves resting on their laurels – no sir, they are constantly on the lookout for innovation. Remember the early days where Samsung produced cell phones, and most of us dismissed them simply because it failed to live up to expectations in terms of user interface and build quality? See where they are now with the Galaxy S II, while Nokia continues to lose market share. Samsung Mobile Display has announced their intention to deliver a 7″ AMOLED display that will boast an improved resolution when September rolls around later this year.

It was at the FPD-International 2010 that Samsung first showcased their maiden 7″ prototype that sports a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600 pixelx). Samsung intends to go one up on that figure by touching 1024x768 pixels, so it might just be possible that the upcoming 7″ production-ready model will rely on Super AMOLED Plus technology in order to achieve such a quality.

If Samsung Mobile Display were to be successful in their production attempt of this new 7″ panel, then the possibility of checking out a Galaxy Tab that sports an OLED display before the year is over could be very real and no longer a dream.
source: Ubergizmo

Buttons: blind camera concept

Here is one interesting camera you won't find on sale. Called Buttons, this camera is unlike any other camera you've seen before. Featuring no optical components at all, it is essentially a blind camera that relies on other people to take photographs for you. The brainchild of Sascha Pohflepp, Buttons is a camera that doesn't capture photographs in the traditional way. In fact it doesn't even “capture” photographs.

When you hit the shutter button, that exact time you pressed the button is stored on the camera (which actually features a Sony Ericsson phone that's running a modified operating system). With the time of the shutter pressed in mind, the camera than trawls through Flickr and searches for a photograph that was taken at that exact same moment in time, but by someone else.

This search could take up to minutes or hours depending on how fast it stumbles upon a photograph with the same timestamp as the moment you “snapped” a picture on the blind camera. Definitely one of the more creative ways you can use to capture the moment. You'll have no idea what's going to turn up on the screen of your camera whenever you hit the shutter button. Watch a demonstration video or find out more about this concept design.
source: Ubergizmo

Leica D-Lux 5 Receives Colorware Treatment

Colorware's new custom D-Lux 5 digital camera is probably one of the most colorful cameras on the market and would be an ideal for photography enthusiasts. For just $400, you can send your Leica D-Lux 5 to Colorware and they will send it back with a fancy new paint job. If you don't already have a D-Lux 5, you can buy a brand new camera with one of their paint jobs for $1,200. [Colorware]
source: TechFresh

Sony Alpha NEX-C3 Interchangeable Lens Camera with 16mm Wide-Angle Lens Available For Pre-Order At B&H

Sony's brand new interchangeable lens camera ‘Alpha NEX-C3′ is now available for pre-order in the US via B&H online shop. This compact camera has a retail price of $599.99 and comes bundled with a 16mm wide-angle lens. In case you've forgotten, the Alpha NEX-C3 sports a 16.2-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD screen, Sony's BIONZ image processor, slots for Memory Stick PRO Duo/ Pro-HG Duo media and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, RAW Image Capture, an HDMI port and 720p HD video recording capabilities (30fps). Pre-order yours now!
source: TechFresh

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye Lens Now Available For Pre-order

B&H Phone has started selling the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens for $1,499. The ultra-wide zoom lens delivers 180 degree diagonal angle of view images for all EOS SLR cameras with imaging formats ranging from full-frame to APS-C. When the lens is used with full-frame cameras you can choose between a circular fisheye image or full-frame image by using the zoom. With its Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM), and Floating Focus System, the lens offers fast auto focus even down to a close 6.2-inch (0.16 m).
source: TechFresh

Rollei Movieline SD 800 P Full HD Camcorder

Rollei has just dropped their newest Full HD camcorder for the mass market. Called the Movieline SD 800 P, this compact camcorder sports a 5.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor, an 8x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch touchscreen display, a built-in projector, an SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32GB), an HDMI port, a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and has the ability to capture 1920 x 1080p Full HD video at 30fps. The Movieline SD 800 P retails for 349.95 Euro (about $499). [Rollei]
source: TechFresh

Sony A77 To Be Launched In Japan On September 16th

According to Digital Camera Info, Sony will be launching their newest interchangeable lens camera ‘A77′ in Japan on September 16th. However, there's no word on pricing yet. For your info, the A77 will sport a magnesium alloy body, a 24.3-megapixel Exmor HD CMOS sensor, a TrueBlack 921k 3-way tilt LCD screen, a 3 million dot OLED viewfinder, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a built-in GPS and 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities. [Sony Alpha Rumors]
source: TechFresh

Ricoh GXR A12 Leica M-mount

The Ricoh GXR A12 is a new GXR system lens mount unit that accepts Leica M lenses. The unit is equipped with an APS-C format CMOS sensor and the Leica M-mount. The A12 also offers a newly developed focal plane shutter, an electronic shutter, a number of lens correction functions to accommodate the different lenses, and a focus-assist function to improve the accuracy of manual focusing. The Ricoh GXR A12 will be released in September 2011 for $649 each. [PhotographyBay]
source: TechFresh

Ricoh GXR Leica M-mount module gets a September ship date, lets you swap lenses with one sensor

Sure, you've seen cameras with interchangeable lenses - you might even own one or two - but a cam that lets you swap out the sensor with the lens? Now that's pretty unique. Ricoh's GXR has been around since 2009 and does exactly that, with four lens / sensor combos, including two zooms and a pair of fixed lenses. Now, the company has confirmed that its new Leica M-mount module will ship on September 9th, letting you use your existing Leica lenses with the GXR. The module includes a 12.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and has a 27.8mm Leica M bayonet mount, with support for RAW image capture and 720p video. It also has an "open" price, which means it's still anyone's guess as to how much you'll be shelling over. But if you own a collection of Leica glass and are interested in experimenting with such a unique sensor-swapping camera system, you're probably somewhat open to open pricing.
source: Engadget

Vivitar rolls out 690 HD camcorder: waterproof, 720p, $60

Vivitar may have bad-mouthed newfangled digital cameras last year, but that hasn't stopped it from selling them. The company's latest is the 690 HD, a compact, Flip-like camcorder that records 720p video and is rated for use up to ten feet underwater. You'll also get an SD card slot for storage and a 2-inch LCD 'round back, but you'll have to make do without other niceties like an optical zoom or HDMI port -- compromises that shouldn't be too hard to take considering the $60 price tag.

Press Release:
VIVITAR® INTRODUCES UNDERWATER HD POCKET VIDEO CAMERA

Los Angeles, Calif., - August 2, 2011- Vivitar, a leading brand of digital cameras and photographic accessories for over 70 years, launches the 690 HD underwater digital pocket video camera. The sleek, easy to use video camera makes the perfect gift, or the perfect, easy-to-carry accessory to capture a day of memories.

Vivitar's 690 HD latest sensation offers waterproof features with a built-in microphone and speaker for your underwater adventures. The digital camcorder also includes a handy SD memory card slot so that every moment can be shared.

In addition, this amazing software is easily uploaded to Facebook, Myspace, Flickr, Picasa Albums, Photobucket, Youtube and more so that your social media never sleeps.

For your full Vivitar experience, the new 690 allows you to create your own movies and has a 4x zoom capacity allowing you to get a close up of every moment. If you are looking to capture the faces of friends and family during the holidays, Vivitar 690 will not only do it well, but will do it in high definition.

The Vivitar 690 is a perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season, especially because of its $59.99 MSRP. After recording a days worth of memories, the Vivitar 690 offers an AV cable so you can easily access your recordings on your closest television.

Vivitar is owned by Sakar International, an Edison, NJ-based company with over 30 years experience in the consumer electronics space. Vivitar digital cameras and accessories are available at Target, Staples, Wal-Mart, RadioShack, K-mart and many other major retailers. For additional information, please visit www.vivitar.com.

# # #

About Vivitar®

Vivitar® is a leading brand of digital photographic and entertainment products, offering a complete line including digital cameras, digital video recorders, digital display devices and all related accessories.

For over 70 years, Vivitar has cultivated a rich heritage of photographic product development and imaging technology innovation.

The ViviCam series of digital cameras is one of the broadest product lines of digital cameras on the market today with features and performance designed to satisfy every level of photographer from novice to professional. Vivitar offers digital cameras from 5-14-megapixels.

With offices in the UK, United States, Latin America, Canada and Hong Kong, Vivitar enjoys a global reach. Vivitar products are distributed worldwide through a wide variety of retailers. www.vivitar.com

Spyro peripheral goes on FCC adventure

Spyro has seen a lot of action in his day, but few, if any, of his adventures have been quite so trying as his recent trip to the FCC. The commission took a close look at the Portal of Power peripheral for the upcoming Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure title. The circular device lets users store game information across platforms using plastic figures, so progress made on, say, the 3DS version of the game will transfer over when they boot up the PS3 version. The plucky dragon and his pie-like Portal of Power are due to arrive in October.
source: Engadget

Capture your DSLR with a Capture Camera Clip System

All photographers will agree that carrying a DSLR camera with a shoulder strap gets pretty annoying when your hand gets tangled up with the strap just when you want to snap a shot. I first saw the Capture Camera Clip System on Kickstarter and it looked great. The idea was simple. Make a clip that can quickly attach and detach your DSLR with no need of any strap to get in the way. The clip attaches to your belt or camera bag and you just slide in the Arca-Swiss tripod mount that's attached to the camera's tripod hole. It's priced at $79.99 direct and is a must have for all photographers.
source: The Gadgeteer