Olympus announces the all new Stylus SP-100EE with a world first feature

Olympus Imaging Australia today announced the upcoming release of the new Olympus Stylus SP-100 EE. This intriguing new camera from Olympus is equipped with the optical 50x, super high-powered 24mm-1200mm zoom lens (at 35mm equivalent) and it is the world’s first digital camera to be equipped with a dot sight. The EE in the name stands for “Eagle Eye”. As you can imagine it enables you to capture your target without losing sight of it.

Key features include:

• Optical 50x (24-1200mm), 100x super resolution zoom, super high-powered lens.
• The world’s first digital camera to be equipped with a built-in dot sight for perfectly capturing subjects in telephoto photography.
• High resolution Electronic View Finder (EVF) and excellent controls.
• 60p Full D movies and Art Filter for enhanced expressive power.
• ½.3-type, 16 million dot Backlit CMOS Sensor.
• High performance TruePic VII image processor developed on the OM-D range of interchangeable lens cameras.
• Handheld night mode

More information on this amazing superzoom model will be available in greater detail on the DCW website very shortly where you will have the opportunity to register your interest.

The Stylus SP-100EE is expected to land on Australian shores and in DCW stores in March.

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Olympus Announce Stylus TG-850 Tough Compact Camera

Olympus Imaging Australia today announced the release of the new Olympus Stylus TG-850 Tough compact digital camera, which is being touted as the first Tough camera to be equipped with a tilting LCD. What does this mean?? Underwater “selfies” or at least partially submerged selfies.

Olympus tell us the TG-850 features the four cornerstones of tough performance, waterproof, shock-proof, freeze-proof and crush-proof which sets you up for worry-free shooting underwater, on snowy mountains and other harsh environments other cameras could not endure.

Key features include:

• Waterproof to 10mtr, shock-proof to 2.1mtr, freeze-proof to -10 degrees Celsius, and crush-proof to 100kg.
• 180 degree tilting LCD screen for low angle shots and self portraits.
• Super wide-angle 21-105mm optical 5x zoom lens.
• 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor.
• High performance TruePic VII image processor.
• 60p Full HD movies and Art Filter for enhanced expressive power

Information on this fantastic travel and holiday companion will be available in greater detail on the DCW website very shortly where you will have the opportunity to register your interest. 

The Stylus TG-850 Tough is expected to land on Australian shores and in DCW stores in March.

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Photographing Water - in all its glory!

Photographing Water 

We’ve all seen those great landscape photos of the beach with wonderfully soft looking water washing onto shore or silky smooth waterfalls flowing over the edge of a cliff.  How do we recreate this?  It’s actually quite simple, there are just a few things that need to be done to create this effect.

Canon 5DMK2 with 24 -70 L at 24mm, ISO 100, f22 @ 2.0 Seconds.
Shot at Isabella Falls near Edmonton, Far North QLD  

Technique
The technique is very simple: long shutter speeds with your camera on a tripod.  But there can be problems that you will need to correct, for example, your shutter speed is not slow enough due to the scene being too bright, the sky blowing out above the scene due to too much light hitting the sensor from bright parts of the image, water ruining your equipment, camera movement, etc.  There are a number of pieces of equipment that can solve these issues.

Equipment
Before we head off and attempt these images there are a few things which are absolutely essential and a few things that are nice to have.

• Camera – Your camera should allow you to adjust ISO, aperture and shutter speed.  This will give you total control over your exposure.  The shutter speed needs to be able to stay open for at least a few seconds to properly blur the water movement.  A CSC or DSLR would be ideal but you can get good results from higher end compacts, as long as they allow you to control the exposure variables (ISO, aperture etc.).  Wide angle lenses are ideal.
• Tripod - A good, solid tripod is ideal, try to stay away from the cheaper tripods as they can have some movement in them with factors such as wind.  Heavy tripods are more stable over long exposures.  Also the shorter you have the legs, the more stable the tripod due to the lower centre of gravity and less flex.  Generally with landscape composition it’s a good idea to be low to the ground anyway and some tripods can go lower than others.
• Shutter Release - The shutter release allows you to remotely activate your cameras shutter, either with a cable (which is ok) or wirelessly (which is much better).  The wireless option eliminates the possibility of you causing movement in the image due to snagging or accidentally moving the cable.  Wireless shutter releases generally do more than just release the shutter, some of them allow you to do multiple exposures for star trails or time lapse movies.
• Filters - There are a few filters you can use.  The most obvious one is the neutral density filter (ND) which reduces the amount of light getting to the lens.  This slows down your shutter speed allowing the water movement to be slowed down to give a silky water effect.  This filter is available in darkness ratings from ND2 (blocks one stop of light) all the way up to an ND400 (stops 9 stops of light).
• The other is a circular polariser (CP) filter.  This filter removes or reduces reflections off of non-metallic surfaces, including water, glass and tree foliage and grass.  This tends to make water look clearer as it removes reflections from it allowing you to see through the water easily.  It also makes colours seem more saturated: think bluer skies and greener grass.
• The last filter to consider is a graduated neutral density filter (GND); this one is clear on one end but dark on the other with a gradual move between the two ends.  Here is a link to a Cokin kit that starts you off with three filters and a holder.  This filter is used in landscape photography to darken the sky if it’s overexposed in the image.  For example, if the sky has lost all details due to over exposure but the waterfall is correctly exposed then you would use the GND filter to reduce the brightness of the sky but leave the waterfall correctly exposed.

The Shoot

First you need to find the right location.  Ideally this would be a spot where the water is moving noticeably such as a beach where the waves are hitting the sand or a rocky outcrop in the foreground.  A waterfall or quick moving stream are also good to photograph as you can smooth out the water to give a nice effect in contrast to static rocks in the stream.

When you are setting up in these locations you need to be mindful of your safety and the safety of your equipment.  The nature of these places can be slippery and rocks are very unforgiving to falling gear and people.  I have smashed a lens shooting a waterfall before and it’s a bad feeling when you see it happen.  Also watch out for wildlife (snakes, spiders and leaches) that can make surprising appearances at surprising times and also can lead to damaged gear.

Set up your tripod low to capture the foreground clearly in the image and try to relate the foreground to some background elements, this brings a cohesive nature to the photo.  Make sure to get your camera level (using one of these) and then attach the filter.  Note that some filters can make it impossible to see through the lens to focus, for example an ND400. In this case you will need to focus prior to attaching the filter. 

When exposing the image to get the water smooth, set a slower shutter speed.  How slow will depend on several factors such as the speed of the water, the limits of your equipment and even whether you are shooting between waves and need to move out of the way before you get drenched.  The longer the shutter speed the smoother ocean waves will look in the final image.  Waterfalls can be exposed for as little as 1 second and get good results as the water is falling so fast that it blurs very quickly.  Experiment to find what works best for you in the situation you are in.  You can slow the shutter speed down further by using one of the ND filters, the darker the filter, the slower the possible shutter speed.

In the two photos below the one on the top had a shutter speed of 1/20th of a second and you can still see some definition in the water drops.  The photo on the bottom had a shutter speed of half a second and the water is much smoother in appearance.

 

Canon 5DMK2 with 24-70 L at 46mm, 

ISO 500, f4 @ 1/20th Second

Shot at Baron Gorge, Cairns

Canon 5DMK2 with 24-70 L at 46mm, 

ISO 500, f13 @ 0.4 Seconds

Shot at Baron Gorge, Cairns

When exposing for long times it’s important to remember that any movement made by the camera will result in a blurry image. As already mentioned a good tripod is very important.  Also set your camera (if it has the function) to “pre mirror lock up” which reduces mirror slap movement by locking the mirror up when you press the shutter once and then taking the photo on the second shutter press.  Also make sure to use a cable or wireless shutter release to stop your finger moving the camera when firing.

The Last Rule

The last rule is to experiment!  Leave the shutter open longer and see what happens, move your filters around, get coloured sunset filters, change your white balance setting or adjust your aperture.  Continually try new things and shoot as much as you can, there is no substitute for getting out there and catching some light!  Go on over to Facebook and send us some shots that you’re proud of!  Good Luck!

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A Call to Action!

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock-climber for the last few years you’ve likely heard of action cameras or at the very least “GoPro”.   These tiny wearable video cameras have taken the sports/recreation scene by storm and now account for an enormous (and still growing) slice of the video camera market pie.  If you’ve yet to pick up an action camera for yourself or know someone who has it high on their want list, it might pay to brush up on your facts and figures. Let us help with the below information. 

Grab your helmet and strap yourself in as we give you the run down on what’s available and who it’s likely to appeal to.

GoPro Hero 3 Range

The big name in Action Cameras for many years, GoPro was once sought after only by extreme sports people and hardcore divers looking to record their unique past-times.   Thanks to some excellent footage captured by these top users, demand for GoPro among the wider public has soared.  Attach the camera to your head, car, bike, surf board, skate board… press record and do your thing.  Today GoPro is available in 3 different flavours, and a couple of very recent revisions.

GoPro White Edition:
Entry point to the GoPro range, the White Edition packs all the fun and waterproof ruggedness into a low cost package, ideally suited to casual/family use.  GoPro White is compatible with all of the GoPro mounts and accessories and still features built in Wi-Fi connectivity for Smartphone/Tablet remote control.  Full 1080 HD video capture is present with 5MP stills and the same 60m waterproof housing as higher models in the range.

GoPro Silver and Silver+ Edition:
Middle child of the GoPro set, the Silver Edition builds on the specs of the White Edition increasing the still photo resolution to 11MP, time lapse and adding a 10 frame per second burst shooting, advanced recording modes such as looping video, manual white balance and ProTune aimed at cinematic colour grading.  The new Silver+ improvements include reduced size and weight, 30% better battery life, faster Wi-Fi access and better lens optics for even sharper footage.

GoPro Black+ Edition:
Feature packed and among the most wanted, the GoPro Black+ Edition crams so much into its tiny form factor to easily please even the most discerning video adventurer.  Used by professionals in the sports broadcasting, documentary filmmaking and news/journalism fields and loved by enthusiasts the world over.  The GoPro Black+ Edition comes bundled with its own wireless waterproof remote, ability to record higher than Full HD at 4K and 2.7K resolutions, slow motion capture of up to 120fps as well as improvements to low light capabilities and still image capture and a better lens, smaller (by 30%) form factor and better battery life than the recently replaced Black Edition.

Competitive Spirit

While GoPro are the undisputed kings of action cameras, there are still two places on the podium.  Contour and Sony both have enviable reputations in the marketplace.

Contour
Contour, one of the original action camera manufacturers has two cameras in their current range, the ROAM2 and the +2.

ROAM2:

This is the entry level Contour camera and features a 270 degree f2.8 lens projecting onto a high quality 5 megapixel sensor.  This camera records at full high definition at 30fps and high definition at 60fps and is waterproof without a case down to 1 metre with an optional housing that goes down to 60 metres.   The lens rotates 270 degrees for level mounting on any angle surface and has an easy to activate record button.

+2:

The +2 has a lot of the same features as the ROAM2 but with a better quality lens and better low light performance. It also features built in GPS functionality and Bluetooth connectivity.  It also does full high definition video and 120fps slow motion video at 480p.

Sony

Sony has just announced its all-new Action Cam HDR-AS100V (as detailed in our blog below) – it’s a new splash proof wearable video camera that records high-quality Full HD pictures. Due in Australia in March.

Currently available, the Sony HDRAS30V is an awesome action camera from the electronics giant.  It is almost the same as far as sensor and lens (170° Ultra-Wide Angle Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens) as the previous version but with a few new tricks added to keep it very current.   This video camera uses the excellent Exmor R Back-Illuminated CMOS sensor for great colour reproduction and very good low light performance.  The recording options go up to 60fps at full high definition or high definition at 120fps.  You can also record slow motion video at 120fps or 60fps at a resolution of 1280 x 720p.  Still images can be captured at 11.9 megapixels.  Connectivity options are ample with the camera featuring Wi-Fi and NFC compatibility.  It also has GPS built in, of course.  You can buy this with an LCD housing to give it an LCD screen so it can be used as a normal camcorder and it also has a universal mount adapter included to fit all of your existing GoPro mounts.  This camera is excellent value for money.

So, when looking around for cameras to capture your adventures don’t just limit yourself to the GoPro range.   There are a lot of options out there for recording high quality video footage of you and your friends crashing/jumping/winning/riding your favourite extreme sports.

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New Wearable Action Cam unveiled by Sony at CES 2014

Sony Action Cam - HDR-AS100V

Sony’s all-new Action Cam HDR-AS100V is a new splashproof wearable video camera that records high-quality Full HD pictures. The Action Cam delivers picture quality that’s better than ever. With the camera’s upgraded new Zeiss Tessar 170-degree wide angle lens, 13.5 megapixel Exmor R CMOS and powerful new BIONZ X image processor the footage is a lot crisper and clearer.

For the first time Action Cam can now capture Full HD footage with high bit-rate recording at up to 50Mbps, using the efficient new XAVC S video format.

In another first, up to five Action Cam AS100V units can now be controlled wirelessly with the wearable wristwatch-style RM-LVR1 which is supplied in the box.

Sony’s latest wearable Full HD video camera is made for adrenalin-soaked fun especially with:

• A slim design to cut through water and air with less resistance
• A splashproof body for rain-drenched tracks
• Advanced SteadyShot for more stable and blur free footage
• Ability to shoot high-quality video at high-speed (120fps or 240fps) with sound
• Ability to replay footage at normal speed for a slow motion view of your footage
• Addition of a second tally light to give instant confirmation of recording start-stop status
• An action cam that can record video with time code helping synchronise shots

That’s an A+ score from us on this eagerly anticipated Action Cam from Sony.

Full specifications and features for the Sony Action Cam HDR-AS100V will be up on our website shortly with a chance to pre-order before stock arrives on Australian shores in March. 

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Sony unveils the new 4K FDR-AX100E Handycam

Sony also unveiled at CES2014 a new 4K video camera which is a quarter the size of their first 4K Handycam. At Digital Camera Warehouse we will soon be accepting pre-orders on the new Sony FDR-AX100E Handycam with stock available on Australia shores and in-store from May.

Sony FDR-AX100E

The Sony FDR-AX100E is the first 4K Handycam that features a large back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor, which helps capture flawless 4K Ultra HD images with four times the detail of Full HD. All of this is achieved while also allowing amazing ‘bokeh’ background blur effects.

The 4K sensor is paired with Sony’s ultra-powerful BIONZ X processor that employs area-specific noise reduction and detail reproduction technology for incredibly vivid, lifelike footage that’s closer than ever to reality.

The Handycam uses a newly-developed ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom that’s been fine-tuned for 4K shooting. Definition is superb right into the corner of the frame, thanks to the 11 group/17 element lens that incorporates AA (advanced aspherical) and ED lens elements.

In another 4K Handycam first, Dual Video Recording lets you simultaneously record high quality movie clips and ready-to-share MP4 files. Capture movies in XAVC S (at up to 4K/60Mbps or HD/50Mbps) or AVCHD formats to view, edit and enjoy with the highest resolution. At the same time, a more compact lower-resolution copy of your footage is recorded in MP4 format. After shooting, just touch your NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet to wirelessly transfer web-friendly MP4 clips from the AX100E for quick online sharing.

The 4K Handycam also includes 120fps recording capabilities that captures the action in HD quality (1280x720). Enjoy footage edited on your PC in silky-smooth slow motion – just like a TV action replay that shows every moment of that decisive penalty kick.

The 4K Handycam comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC that lets you wirelessly transfer movie clips and photos from to your smartphone or tablet with a single touch through the PlayMemories Mobile  app on your iOS or Android device.

Wi-Fi also allows wireless playback of content stored on Handycam on your networked TV (DLNA renderer compatible TV and access point are required: not compatible with XAVC S format).

Touching the Handycam with your NFC-enabled mobile device also activates Smart Remote Control. Start and stop recording with your mobile – it’s ideal for group scenes or solo performances when you don’t want to run from the camcorder back into the scene once recording’s started.

Key Features

• 1.0-type back illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with approximately 14.2 effective megapixels
• New BIONZ X image processor
• Video resolution (4K) – 3840x2160/25P
• 20 megapixel still image resolution
• ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 29mm wide-angle lens
• 12x optical zoom
• Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation with active mode
• Pro-style control with manual ring, dial and built-in ND filters
• NFC for one-touch connection and Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control from your smartphone
• Weighs approximately 790g (minus battery)

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Sony announces the introduction of the Sony α5000 – The world’s lightest interchangeable-lens camera with built in Wi-Fi and NFC

At Digital Camera Warehouse we will shortly be accepting pre-orders on the new α5000 which was announced recently at CES 2104 in Las Vegas. Stock of this camera will be available on Australian shores and in DCW from March.

Sony α5000

The new α5000 is a pocket rocket when it comes to the interchangeable lens camera category. We are excited about this addition to Sony’s Alpha (α) range.

Loaded with a large 20.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor as well as built in Wi-Fi and NFC it is easy to understand why Sony believes it punches far above its weight. This is before you factor in the lightest interchangeable-lens digital camera in the world claim as touted by Sony.

The α5000 is a serious step up from ordinary point-and-shot cameras, that puts pro-style picture quality in a well designed body that fits easily in your hand, pocket or even handbag.

Single handed selfies are simple with α5000, thanks to the cameras’ comfortable grip and 180° tiltable LCD screen that flips for perfect framing with the α5000 held at arm’s length.

On-board Wi-Fi allows one-touch connection with NFC-compatible Android smartphone or tablet. It’s easy sharing of photos wirelessly on your mobile. A single touch also activates Smart Remote Control, linking the camera with a smartphone or tablet to view shots, or fire the shutter from a distance.

Key Features:

• 20.1MP Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor
• New-generation BIONZ X processor
• 180° tiltable LCD screen
• Built-in pop-up flash
• 13 picture effects
• Built-in NFC for One-touch sharing/remote control with smartphones & tablets
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• ISO100 to 16000 on still images
• Support for PlayMemories Camera Apps and additional Photo Creativity options
• Weighs approx. 210g (body only)

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The New Nikon D3300 D-SLR plus New NIKKOR 35mm prime & 18-55mm standard zoom lens

In addition to the updated COOLPIX range yesterday, Nikon also announced the new Nikon D3300 as well as two new lenses in the Nikkor line. All products can soon be pre-ordered from Digital Camera Warehouse.

Nikon D3300

The new compact and lightweight D3300 is equipped with a high resolution 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor with the optical low-pass filter removed and the latest EXPEED 4 image processing system to deliver quality images and video. The D3300 will be a great camera for those individuals who are new to photography or upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera. Nikon is confident the instructive Guide Mode on the D3300 will help unleash the photographer in everyone.

This is especially the case when you factor in a host of advanced features such as:

• 5 frames-per-second high-speed continuous shooting mode
• ISO range of 100-12800 (25600 extendable)
• Smooth Full HD movie recording with 1080/60p support
• 13 Special Effects modes and various retouch menu options
• An i button that enables direct and quick access to menu settings

Other features include:

• Razor-sharp 11-point AF system with a cross-type sensor in the centre
• 420-pixel RGB metering sensor with Nikon’s Scene Recognition System
• D-Movie: Full HD movies at frame rates up to 50/60p
• Built-in microphone and compatibility with Nikon’s ME-1 Stereo Microphone
• Instant Photo Sharing: Via Nikon’s Wu-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter (optional)
• 6 Scene Modes
• Large LCD screen: 7.5 cm (3.0-in.) with wide-viewing angle and 921K-dot resolution
• Optical viewfinder with approximately 95% frame coverage and 0.85x magnification
• Small, lightweight body: Approx. 124×98×75.5 mm. Weighs just 410 g (without battery and memory card)
• Small, retractable kit lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR II
• Stable grip for secure handling
• Expandable system: Compatible with the full range of NIKKOR DX-format lenses and entry-level Nikon Speedlights

AF-S FX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

This new 35mm from Nikon is a new FX-format prime lens with a fast maximum aperture and optics designed for high-megapixel D-SLR’s. Lighter, more compact, and more affordable than its professional counterpart, Nikon believes the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is set to become a fast favourite amongst keen photographers who want to work with a classic 35mm focal length.

The optical construction consists of 11 elements in 8 groups, and employs one aspherical lens element and one ED glass element in order to minimise chromatic aberrations and ensure sharp, contract-rich results.

Autofocus on this versatile and portable prime lens is smooth, quiet, and swift thanks to Nikon’s SWM (Silent Wave Motor) technology, and the minimum focus distance of 0.25cm.

Optimised for Nikon F-format cameras, the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is also a great option for Nikon DX-format photographers seeking a fast lens for capturing classic images with amazing colour and contrast.

AF-S DX Nikkor18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

Announced alongside the Nikon D3300 D-SLR is the new ultra lightweight AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens. A great first lens, it is perfect for a variety of situations; the optical design delivers sharp, high-contrast photos and HD movies.

Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system ensures clearer, images than ever before. The VR technology allows you to shoot at up to four stops faster, without the image-degrading blur that can be caused by camera shake. The multi-purpose lens renders photos and HD movies with vivid colour and superb sharpness.

The optical design of the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens features 11 elements in eight groups, and an aspherical lens element minimises spherical aberration and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast.

The compact Silent Wave Motor (SVM) technology from Nikon enables quiet, fast, and accurate autofocus performance, which is a particular advantage when shooting movies.

Ultra-portable and versatile the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II is a true “carry-anywhere” lens.

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Sigma Announces Two NEW Lenses - 50mm prime & 18-200mm telephoto zoom

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM

First up is the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lens, which is part of Sigma’s relatively new “Art” line of lenses.

For axial chromatic aberration this prime lens has incorporated “Special Low Dispersion” (SLD) which should ensure high image quality throughout the entire focusing range.

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM has each glass element positioned to optimise the power layout at respective positions, and succeeds in minimising distortion.

The lens also incorporates a floating system that adjusts the distance between lens groups while focusing, thereby reducing the amount of lens movement required. This achieves a minimum focusing distance of 40cm and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.6.

Other features

• Super Multi Layer Coating, which reduces flare and ghosting while providing sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions.
• A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) which delivers high AF speed and extremely quiet performance.
• 9 blade-rounded diaphragm to create an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image.
• A brass made bayonet mount.

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro (OS) HSM

From the “Contemporary” line of lenses comes the new Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM.

This lens has been redeveloped as the standard zoom lens from Sigma’s new product line, which has higher performance, is even smaller and lighter-weight, and on top of that, includes “the macro features”.

With this lens you can enjoy the variation of different angle-of-views, from a wide-angle of 18mm to a telephoto of 200mm, as well as macro. It is a perfect entry-level interchangeable lens.

This Sigma zoom lens incorporates “Special Low Dispersion” (SLD) glass elements that have a high refractive index, and corrects chromatic aberration at the telephoto-end very well. 

One of the biggest features of this super zoom is that it is possible to shoot subjects as close as macro lens. This lens features a minimum focusing distance of 39cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.

Other features

• An Optical Stabiliser system, which offers superior stabilisation.
• Super Multi Layer Coating, which reduces flare and ghosting while providing sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions.
• 7 blade-rounded diaphragm.
• A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) which delivers high AF speed and extremely quiet performance.
• Brass made bayonet mount.

These lenses will be available to pre-order from Digital Camera Warehouse soon.

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The NEW Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R lens from Fujifilm - A high quality lens for portraits

The NEW Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R lens launched by Fujifilm is the latest professional grade addition to its range of X-Series interchangeable lens cameras.

Less than half the size of an equivalent full-frame camera lens the Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R offers fast, quiet auto focusing as well as delivering beautiful bokeh, This makes it the ideal choice for high quality portraits.

The new optical design of the lens includes two ED (extra low dispersion) elements, one double-sided aspherical element, plus four elements with a convex surface facing the subject, which combines to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations. This helps ensure the best image resolution, even when the lens is at its widest aperture of f/1.2.

Complete with impressive attention to design detail, the Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R sits comfortably in the hand and includes an external metal aperture ring for a premium quality feel.

Key features of the Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R

• Fast & quiet auto focusing
• New optical design of the lens, which includes 11 elements in eight groups
• Fujifilm’s proprietary HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating)
• DC coreless motor combined with an inner focus mechanism
• Durable metal construction including the aperture and focus rings

The Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R is a great addition to the Fujifilm X-Series and will very shortly be available to preorder from Digital Camera Warehouse. Fujifilm Australia expects the lens to be available to ship March 2014.

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New to the Nikon COOLPIX Range

Nikon announces eight new compact camera models in its COOLPIX range. Colourful, intuitive and producing consistently high-quality images, as expected from Nikon products. These new additions have advanced features in a compact body, at an affordable price.

Nikon COOLPIX L830: Ultra High Power Zoom and Comfortable Operation

With improved features for shooting both beautiful stills and movies, the COOLPIX L830 packs a 34x optical zoom and 68x Dynamic Fine Zoom1 in a compact body. It also allows macro shooting as close as 1cm.

Nikon COOLPIX S6800: High Power Zoom and Easy Image Sharing

Ideal for snapping and sharing images on the go, the COOLPIX S6800 promises exceptional images and easy operation and built-in Wi Fi® for instant photo sharing. It sports a 16.0 megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, 12x optical zoom, 24x Dynamic Fine, Zoom1, high performance VR technology and a Target Finding autofocus.

Nikon COOLPIX S3600: Capture Individual Style

The COOLPIX S3600 boasts high quality styling and a slim form, just like its predecessor (the COOLPIX S3500). It is finely crafted with constructive coloured detailing. It has a slim 19.9mm body and weighs just 130g (including battery and SD memory card). The 20.1 megapixel camera has a high-performance NIKKOR lens and the EXPEED C2 image processing system, as well as a 8x optical zoom and 16x Dynamic Fine Zoom.

Nikon COOLPIX S2800: Easy to Use, Stylish and Slim

The COOLPIXS2800 is ideal for users wanting to capture images without complicated settings. The camera has a 5x zoom, NIKKOR lens, EXPEED C2 image processing engine, Automatic Scene Selector and a Target Finding autofocus.

Nikon COOLPIX L29: Reliable Shooting with Easy Operation

The 16.14 megapixel COOLPIX L29 is ideal as a first digital camera. It is easy to understand, and comes at an affordable price. It has a 5x optical zoom and a 230k dot, 2.7 inch TFT LCD monitor.

Nikon also announces today the Nikon COOLPIX S6700, the S5300 and the COOLPIX L330

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New Canon Camera Announcements - Powershot SX600, Powershot N100, Legria HF R506 & Legria mini X

As a welcome to 2014, Canon has announced a number of new products overnight. These models will be available to preorder at Digital Camera Warehouse soon!

PowerShot SX600 HS

The PowerShot SX600 HS is a perfect travel companion – it combines a superzoom lens in slim and stylish compact body, with flexibility to shoot wide-angle panoramic landscapes, sweeping scenes and the ability to capture distant objects up close. The PowerShot SX600 HS also has an impressive 18x optical zoom and high quality 36x ZoomPlus technology to take you even closer to the action.

Key features:

• Newly developed DiG!C 4+ imaging processor
• 16.0 MP, High Sensitivity image sensor
• Newly developed 25mm, 18x optical zoom lens, 36x ZoomPlus
• Advanced Creative Shot and Intelligent IS
• Wi-Fi, NFC & Mobile Device Connect Button
• Full HD movies recorded in MP4 format (1920 x 1080, 30 fps)

PowerShot N100

The PowerShot N100 is Canon’s first compact camera to feature both front and rear facing cameras, allowing simultaneously capture of the behind-the-camera and the in-front-of camera stories. It features optical technologies similar to those found in the PowerShot S Series, for exceptional quality images.

Key features:

• 12.1 MP, High Sensitivity image sensor and 24mm, 5x optical zoom lens
• DiG!C 6 imaging processor
• 3.0”, tilt LCD (rotation angle: approx. 90 degrees upwards), touch-screen monitor
• Story Camera is available to record images in Digest Movie and Dual Capture (new scene mode)
• Story Highlights capable of automatic photo album generation in the camera via a dedicated button
• Advanced Creative Shot and Intelligent IS
• Wi-Fi, NFC, Mobile Device Connect Button & Favourites button
• Full HD movies recorded in MP4 format (1920 x 1080, 30 fps)

LEGRIA HF R506

For those who want to record life’s most precious memories in stunning quality, the LEGRIA HF R506 combines Canon’s Full HD video system and optical Image Stabiliser technology with intuitive audio functionality - an ideal next step for those currently shooting movies with smart phones or compact cameras.

Key features:

• 3.2 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor
• 32x optical zoom, 57x Advanced zoom
• High res 3.0” touch screen LCD (capacitive type)
• Baby Mode
• Optical Intelligent IS
• DiG!C DV4 imaging processor
• Audio Scene Select
• Superb quality AVCHD and MP4 recording
• Creative features i.e. Cinema-Look filter, Touch Decoration

LEGRIA mini X

The LEGRIA mini X is a brand new creative camcorder offering professional quality audio and stunning HD video to match. Advanced sound and a highly flexible design, makes it ideal for almost any kind of video capture, and perfect for everyday storytellers.

Key features:

• Large Stereo Mic; Wide Dynamic Range
• Linear PCM – CD quality audio
• 170°ultra-wide angle lens for still shooting, 160°for video shooting
• Vari-angle LCD; built-in stand
• Wi-Fi: remote monitoring & sharing
• Switch from ultra-wide to close-up
• Full HD, AVCHD & MP4 support
• Manual audio control
• Slow & fast motion; interval recording
• Compact and portable 

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