Compact Cameras

Compact cameras are increasingly getting better with each new generation.  Even with improvements across-the-board there are some that still have an additional level of quality coupled with a better feature set. 

The high end compact is home to several models that approach the quality and usability of DSLR cameras without the added weight. They aren't cheap but the trade-off is its superior build and photographic quality.  

There are a number of compacts aimed at the advanced amateur or professional photographer seeking high image quality and performance in a compact sized body.

 

The Sony RX1R is a full frame, 24.3MP camera equipped with a 35mm Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* f2 lens and has no optical low pass filter for improved detail in the final photograph. It has a high quality magnesium alloy body and a manual aperture ring which can be adjusted in 1/3 stops to obtain the optimal setting. A +/-3 stop compensation dial located on the top for quick access to exposure compensation while in auto mode. While the ISO range extends to 25600 for extreme low light shooting. This camera also features Sony’s excellent WhiteMagic LCD screen and is currently the smallest compact digital camera with a full frame sensor available in the market.

 

The Canon G1X has a 28mm (35mm equivalent) 4x optical zoom with an aperture range of f2.8 - 5.8.  The camera packs a 14.3MP CMOS Sensor which is about 20% smaller than an APS-C Sensor.  The G1X has full manual control with an exposure compensation dial on the top with a +/- 3 stop range.  It also features a HDR mode for photographs with a high dynamic range. It will shoot 14 bit RAW images for smooth colour gradation and even shoots in different aspect ratios if you prefer 1:1 or 3:4.  This camera is also compatible with a range of Canon Speedlite Flash Units.

 

The Fujifilm X100s is a classically styled compact camera that is the successor to the ever popular, if a little flawed, X100.  It features Fujifilm’s new 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor which also has no optical low pass filter to unleash extra sharpness and detail. The camera’s updated processor speed is now doubled and substantially increases the autofocus speed over its predecessor (this was a widely discussed issue with the original X100).  The fixed lens sports a 35mm focal length and a fast f/2 maximum aperture for brilliant low-light photography or beautifully blurred backgrounds for those up-close portraits.  The lens also has a very high level of optical sharpness, making it an ideal street photography tool.  The leaf-type shutter is near silent and the menus are very easy to navigate.  It also features filters that recreate classic Fuji films such as the ‘Velvia’ which was highly favoured by landscape and wedding photographers seeking vibrantly saturated properties.

 

 

The Nikon Coolpix A has a 28mm (35mm equivalent) f /2.8 lens and a DX sized (same size as their crop frame DSLR cameras) 16.2MP Sensor.  Similar to the other cameras mentioned above, the Coolpix A also has no optical low pass filter for ultimate image quality. It is the smallest camera in this round up and is very easy to carry around in your pocket for quick access, making it great for street and spontaneous photographic moments.  The Coolpix A may also be paired with an iOS or Android device with the optional mobile adapter for convenient image sharing with your family, friends and favourite social media site. Additionally, manual focus is available by using the manual focus adjustment ring around the lens.

This is not an exhaustive list of high-end compacts and there are a few more that are definitely considering if you’re in search of one.  Come in to one of our stores, give us a call on 1300 365 220 or check out our website if you want further info. on these camera types.  As always, we are happy to talk about all things photography!

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Crumpler Bags & Accessories Arrive At DCW!

We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Crumpler and as of now are stocking the full range of Crumpler professional camera and photography bags online and in all of our retail locations! We’re super excited to be the largest photographic specialist stocking Crumpler’s pro photo and camera range in the country outside of Crumpler branded stores.



Our Crumpler wall-of-pretty is here!

Crumpler is an Australian owned company that designs and manufactures an extensive range of premium quality bags that include professional camera and photography bags, laptop and technology bags, backpacks, casual sling packs and travel luggage. Complimenting their wide range of bags are numerous accessories that include camera straps, tablet sleeves and even compact gadget pouches that are easily affixed to their larger bags. To top is all off, Crumpler offers a lifetime warranty on their products as they truly believe in the quality of their goods! 

 

So if you're in the market for a new camera bag or accessory, why not join the millions around the globe and see what the hype is all about? We know you will be pleased!

Click here to discover more!

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Pentax Announces Firmware Update for K-5 II/IIs DSLRs & Q Mirrorless Camera

The latest update addresses an issue in the K-5 II/IIs where some controls may cease to function on the status screen and also improves the overall stability.  The Q update fixes a minor issue with one of the Smart Effects filters.  Updates are now available from the Pentax website. 

 

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Latest Updates from LYTRO

The Lytro Light Field camera is still captivating audiences around the world, and naturally Australia is no exception. 

One thing we really like about the LYTRO company is their constant drive to improve the system, with yet another desktop software update available today. It's pretty great when you can experience the latest technology on offer without the need to upgrade the hardware huh?

This December 4th update allows users to utilize "Perspective Shift" and "Living Filters" in their light field images. 

Perspective Shift allows Lytro users to interactively change the point of view in a light field photo after it has been taken. Just like all Lytro images, both the photographer and the viewer can play with the perspective without the need for special software once the feature has been applied and shared. Pictures come to life and become an involved experience for the audience - it makes for a really neat way to tell your story.

So what about Living Filters? These allow the photographer to show off their creative flair and compose their art in even more ways to excite the audience. Lytro users will be able to apply one of nine interactive filters, including Film Noir, Crayon, and Carnival, to their living pictures to change the look of the picture based on light field depth.

These filters work on new shots as well as light field photos previously taken before the software update - woo hoo!

Check out a sample below, and see the Lytro Blog to update your desktop software today. 

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New Firmware for the Nikon Coolpix S800c Android Camera

Hey guys,

If you're the proud owner of Nikon's first Android camera, the Coolpix S800c, you'll be pleased to know the latest firmware is ready for you right now.

Firmware v1.1 enables the following modifications and resolves these issues:

1. Support for Hindi and Arabic has been added.

2. When a memory card inserted in the camera was ejected while an Android app saved to the camera’s internal SD card storage (internal SD card space) was running, operation of the Android OS sometimes became unstable. This issue has been resolved.

3. When the camera was turned on and then off, icons for Android apps saved to the camera’s internal SD card storage (internal SD card space) sometimes disappeared. This issue has been resolved.

4. An issue that sometimes caused unexpected termination of Wi-Fi connections has been resolved.

5. An issue that sometimes caused the camera to stop functioning when multiple Android apps were running has been resolved.

6. DPOF-compatible printers were sometimes unable to recognize information specified with print orders (playback menu>Print order). This issue has been resolved.

Enjoy!

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Event/Party Photography Tips Just in Time for the Holidays

If your event and party photography is a little lacklustre or you just don’t seem to capture the magic in the moment, you might need to take a different approach. These tips will help put you in the right direction for your next family event, party or function:

     1. Plan, Plan, Plan. You might think the average event is planned enough without you thinking about it, but if you have been to a few Engagement Parties, Weddings or even a child’s birthday party you know it doesn’t always go off according to schedule and you will need to be prepared to be flexible at these times.

If you can look over a program of the day this will give you somewhat of a head start. You will be able to plan the gear you need to take – be mindful of your kit if you’re using a DSLR and think about how long and how far you will be walking with it all. It might be a good idea to visit the location/s ahead of time and if you feel so inclined, planning shots while there could come in handy.  If you can’t do these things, talk to the organisers. Small steps in preparation can at least ease some of the stress during the event.

 

     2.Try To Tell a Story. Most photographers aim to tell some sort of story of course, but with an event you usually have a distinct beginning, middle and end. Break the camera out early and try to capture establishing shots to give the viewer an experience of the whole party, not just the ceremonial aspects.

What kind of day/night was it? Who was there? Was it casual, formal? Show the room empty, filled up and even the aftermath of the event if you can stick around.

     3. Capture the Emotion. Search the crowd for those moments of elation, nostalgia, even the tears of a little kid who has dropped their ice cream cone. Tight close-ups work very well for single displays of emotion, and think about angles and going wider if you have a group to get in shot – think of a wedding bouquet toss or Christening shot.

 

     4. Don’t Be Afraid of Variety. Think about your positioning and without going too crazy and standing on your head, try high and lower angles, try photographing different shapes and alternating the zoom in and out. Do you have time for macro? Try this with table arrangements, small knick-knacks, even the snacks on offer and you might find some magic.

     5. Try To Relax and Be Candid. If you’re on edge and approaching people for posing in photos, this will rub off. If you are speaking to people be calm and try to make them feel at ease. Sometimes the best results come from just snapping away at the action as it unfolds, so take a deep breath and go with the flow.

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Free Shipping on ANY Canon Product This December!

It's getting down to the wire when it comes to shopping for Christmas, and here at Digital Camera Warehouse we'd like to make the experience as easy and value-packed as we can.

For the month of December, we're offering free shipping on all Canon products including compact cameras, DSLRs, video cameras and genuine Canon accessories. There's also bonuses coming with selected products across the range so take a look and sniff out a bargain just in time for the big day.

If you're after more value, there's hot pricing and a bonus floating case on the Panasonic Lumix FT4, a waterproof superstar camera perfect for summer. Also, check out Olympus' award-winning OM-D EM-5 - we're throwing in a Gorillapod with that too.

Just like Billy Idol, we're giving you more, more, more this Christmas!

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Trade in ANY Camera for a Discount on the Nikon D600/D800!

Digital Camera Warehouse in conjunction with Nikon Australia are giving you a fantastic opportunity to own one of their ever-impressive full frame DSLR models at a great price.

Simply trade in ANY camera (yep, that's right, even your old battered compact!) and we will give you $150.00 off the Nikon D600, or $300.00 off the Nikon D800/e! It couldn't be any easier to own one of these impressive cameras at a stellar price with full Australian warranty. 

With the large man in the red suit not far away, this could be the gift of the century for yourself or the enthusiast photographer in your life. 

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Fujifilm Firmware Updates for X-E1 and X-Pro1

Hey there Fuji fans,

The good folks at Fujifilm have just released some important firmware updates to their X-E1 and X-Pro1 compact system cameras. 

The X-E1 firmware update v1.01 addresses the following:

1) Addition of full compatibility with FUJINON XF 18-55mm F/2.8-4 R lens.
2) The auto focus accuracy with the XF60mm lens is improved.
3) When using the M- Mount Adapter, under exposure could occur.

The X-Pro1 firmware update v2.01 addresses the following:


1) Addition of full compatibility with FUJINON XF 18-55mm F/2.8-4 R lens.
2) When using the focus checking function with “3-time” magnification in manual focus mode,you could find a few dots (black or color) only in the live view image on EVF/LCD.

3) The auto focus accuracy with the XF60mm Lens is improved.
4) When using the M- Mount Adapter, under exposure could occur.

Firmware can significantly improve your experience, so check out the above if you're a proud X-series owner or are planning to be in the near future.

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New Contour ROAM2 and Contour SD Card Information

The action cam market continues to expand with the latest offering from the propellerheads at Contour, the Contour ROAM2! 

With significant upgrades over the original ROAM, the ROAM2 boasts a locking "instant-on" switch making it the most simplistic action cam out there, perfect for concentrating on the task while still capturing amazing video. Capable of shooting 60fps at 720p, it lends itself well to fast-paced action and delivers a consistently smooth result.

The ROAM 2 is waterproof without the need for a case, making it one of the most slimline and versatile tools available. The built-in laser level ensures you always have the correct angle, while the long battery life keeps you conquering earth, sea and sky longer than ever before.

It comes in stylish black as well as red and blue, a first for the Contour series. Priced to compete with the big guns, it is set to grab its market share and run with it so don't get left behind.

IMPORTANT SD CARD INFORMATION:

Some users have reported problems with some MicroSD cards in Contour devices. Refer to this information as it may just help you out:

ContourROAM2
You can use any* microSDHC card up to 32GB in size between Class 2 and Class 10 in speed.  Be sure that you format microSD cards using the in-camera method  for this model of camera.

ContourGPS, Contour+, ContourROAM, and Contour+2
You can use any* microSD or microSDHC card up to 32GB in size and up to Class 10 in speed.  Be sure that you format microSD cards using the in-camera method  for each of these models of camera.

ContourHD 1080p
You can use up to a 32GB card in your ContourHD 1080p.  When that camera  was first introduced, 32GB cards were not widely available and that is why the printed manual in the box references 16GB cards.  Since then the microSD card market has expanded and so your camera can use a 32GB card.

However, because the camera was not designed to use a card of that size, the memory card light will alway indicate that the card is full by showing a red light anytime you check the card status.  This is true even when the card is not full.  Other than that, it will function normally.

ContourHD 720p
You can use up to a 16GB card in your ContourHD 720p.

*SanDisk Ultra cards are only compatible with Contour cameras using the latest firmware.

*SHDC-1 microSD cards are not currently compatible with any of the Contour cameras.

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Selected RODE Microphones - Now with PluralEyes3!

You already know Sydney-made RØDE microphones and accessories rock, but what the heck is PluralEyes3?

Filmmakers all over the place are utilizing this unique tool to seriously cut down their post-production workloads, not to mention all the frustration that goes with the territory. 

Recording sound via external sources often requires syncing it with the video off the set, and this is quite the task - even a couple of frames difference can have your dialogue out of sync and ruin an otherwise satisfying production. That's where PluralEyes3 comes in - it will perfectly sync the audio for you.

The new PluralEyes for Mac is a standalone application with a new timeline, visual feedback, and 'test & tweak' features for quality control over your production particulars. PluralEyes 3 is up to 20x faster than PluralEyes 2, and can easily prepare your audio/video sync and take the pain out of post-production activities. 

During November and December 2012, DCW in conjunction with RØDE are giving away free copies of PluralEyes3 with purchase of a RODE VideoMic Pro or Stereo VideoMic Pro. Simply purchase and register your 10 year warranty via RODE's website to claim. 

Valued at $199, this is an outstanding saving and adds a whole new depth to your video production kit. Get into it!

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Facebook Photo Comp - Win a Canon EOS M Twin Kit!

Do you want to win a Canon EOS M Twin Kit? Of course you do!

Lucky for you, we are giving one away to the winner of our latest Facebook photo competition! The theme is 'Miniature Masterpieces' - perfectly suited to the Canon EOS M if we do say so ourselves. 

Head on over to our Facebook contests app to submit your entry and go in the running for this fantastic prize valued at $1059.00. The full brief and terms and conditions are located there for your viewing pleasure.

Don't have Facebook? Enter via the WildFire contest widget here, and if it still isn't working email us directly. We want everyone to have a chance to win, so hop on Facebook or any of the other ways and share the love! 

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Grab a Nikon Bonus Just in Time for Christmas!

We love giving you more bang for your buck, and just in time for the holiday season we're giving away fantastic bonuses on selected items right across the Nikon range. 

Everything from bonus genuine Nikon cases or Lowepro bags with selected compacts, Nikon shoulder cases and straps with selected DSLRs and CSC models to free HOYA filters with selected Nikkor lenses - there's truly something for everyone and useful items to be had as our gift to you.

Spoil someone with a hot Nikon product during our Nikon I AM XMAS promotion! Hurry - offers are while stocks last. 

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Tamron's Satisfaction Guarantee

Tamron lenses are used and favoured by photographers the world over, and for 60 days Maxwell International are so confident you'll love your Tamron lens they're willing to offer a money back guarantee.

Simply purchase an SP AF 10-24mm, SP AF 17-50mm, 18-270mm PZD or 60mm Macro between November 1st 2012 and January 1st 2013 and if you're not completely satisfied you can return it to Maxwell International for a refund of your purchase price.

Upon purchasing your new glass, register here for full details and your satisfaction guarantee.

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Control the Adventure: The GoPro App

Have you heard?

Bird, bird, the bird is the word.

Apart from that, word on the street is GoPro have released a pretty butt-kickin' app for iPhone and Android that adds a whole new dimension to your shooting experience, especially on the new GoPro HD HERO3 (it also works well with the HD HERO2, in conjunction with the optional Wi-Fi BacPac).

Use your compatible smartphone or tablet as a remote control through the GoPro app, providing easy video preview in real-time as you shoot. Seize full control over camera settings, features and more while perfect composition is at your fingertips while you concentrate on the task ahead.

Since it is now in your head, enjoy this video. We apologise in advance:

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Canon DSLR Price Drops

Sometimes we're able to get some pretty fantastic prices to you on selected gear, over and above our lowest possible prices. Such a time has come where we are able to offer you truly amazing deals on a selected range of Canon DSLR bodies and kits. We've particularly hammered the 5D Mark III among others, and we urge you to get in quick and place your orders as these prices are on a limited amount of stock and they're skipping out the door faster than a mongoose with its bottom on fire.

Without further ado, see the table below for the insane price drops we're offering for a strictly limited time:

Item	Old Sell Price	New Sell Price	You Save
Canon EOS 60D Body	$985.00	$   899.00	$86.00
Canon EOS 60D Single IS Kit	$1,119.00	$   998.00	$121.00
Canon EOS 60D Twin Kit	$1,429.00	$ 1,297.00	$132.00
Canon EOS 60D Premium Kit	$1,569.00	$ 1,449.00	$120.00
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body	$2,399.00	$ 2,197.00	$202.00
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Premium Kit	$3,379.00	$ 3,197.00	$182.00
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body	$3,819.00	$ 3,597.00	$222.00
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Premium Kit	$4,829.00	$ 4,597.00	$232.00
Canon EOS 7D Body	$1,605.00	$ 1,489.00	$116.00
Canon EOS 7D Premium Kit	$2,239.00	$ 2,139.00	$100.00
Canon EOS 1DX	$7,699.00	$ 7,297.00	$402.00
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Videographer Kit	$3,619.00	$ 3,457.00	$162.00
Canon EOS 7D + 11-16mm Tokina Lens	$2,299.00	$ 2,197.00	$102.00
Canon EOS 7D + 17-85mm Lens	$2,185.00	$ 2,097.00	$88.00
Canon EOS 7D + 18-270mm Tamron Lens	$2,229.00	$ 2,097.00	$132.00
Canon EOS 7D + Canon 50mm f/1.4 Lens	$2,059.00	$ 1,943.00	$116.00
Canon EOS 60D + 11-16mm Tokina Lens	$1,679.00	$ 1,597.00	$82.00
Canon EOS 60D + 18-270 Tamron Lens	$1,528.00	$ 1,519.00	$9.00
Canon EOS 60D + Canon 50mm f/1.4 Lens	$1,439.00	$ 1,385.00	$54.00

These prices can be removed at any time, so get in while you can. Naturally, the whole range comes with a full Australian manufacturers warranty and the service we deliver with pride.

Give us a call on 1300 365 220 or come into one of our stores and speak to our certified camera nerds to fulfil your needs.

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Sneaky Game Changer - GoPro HD HERO3!

Typically announcements from GoPro are mercilessly leaked and rabidly anticipated months prior to the eventual release.

In the case of the new GoPro HD HERO3, it seems to have slipped under the radar only to have unleashed with a phenomenal bang on October 17 2012. Now one of our most asked-about cameras, this industry fireball is available for preorder with the first shipment expected in Mid November.


This generation comes in Black, Silver and White editions. The Black Edition is the pièce de résistance, a GoPro that is 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models. It comes with the waterproof Wi-Fi remote for ultimate control at a distance, and perhaps the most amazing feature is the ability to shoot 4K Cinematic Video at 12fps. Nope, that's not a typo; your adventures will be reproduced in the most stunning detail and colours yet (and also munch a lot of the memory on your MicroSD cards).  You can also shoot gorgeous 12 megapixel still photos and a lot more, but we're still getting over the 4K video.

The Silver Edition offers a similar diminutive body packed full of performance, but leaves the video at a still-respectable HD 1080p/24, while incorporating built-in Wi-Fi (though you'll have to buy the remote with this one) and 11MP stills with 10fps continuous shooting.

The White Edition is the entry-level, basically offering similar specs to the Original HD HERO in a smaller, lighter Wi-Fi enabled package with the brand new User Interface.

All editions of the HD HERO 3 are compatible with the insanely fun GoPro app for smartphones and tablets, allowing live video preview and control right from your device. They also support most mounts and accessories in the existing range.

For all the details and to preorder your own adventure-recorder, better head to our website!

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Canon's 75 Trips in 75 Days Promotion

Can you believe the world has been afforded 75 years of Canon's photographic innovation and presence in the market? Time flies when you're having fun.

To celebrate their 75th Anniversary, Canon have launched the 75 Trips in 75 Days promotion:

They are giving away a staggering $200,000 worth of travel prizes, including:


5 x $15,000 Travel Vouchers

10 x $8,000 Travel Vouchers

60 x $1000 QANTAS Holiday Vouchers All you need to do is spend $90 or more on Canon products in a single purchase from a participating retailer (that's us!) and you can enter the draw online. Purchases need to be made between 1 October 2012 and 17 January 2013.Purchase Canon products and enter this fantastic competition, and don't forget us when you're touring the French countryside or having the road trip of a lifetime! Lucky ducks.

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Make Living Pictures with Lytro!

It seems the photographic industry is hell-bent on providing innovation after innovation with some of the most exciting developments coming out in recent months, leading us to believe we're in somewhat of a revolution when it comes to technological advancement in the digital camera sphere.

One such product has finally made it to our shores, the Lytro Light Field Camera!

Although released in the US a little while ago, Digital Camera Warehouse has been named one of only eight exclusive stockists in Australia for the Lytro camera. 

What's so exciting about the Lytro, you ask? Well, if you have ever wished you could refocus your image after you have taken it - now you can. The Lytro captures the entire light field – that is, light in every direction at every point in space. This allows you to capture a “living picture” and interact with it in ways you could only previously imagine.  Focus and re-focus to reveal a new perspective on the image in an instant. You can share these amazing live images with friends and family over social networks, blogs and more, and they too will have control over the focus point in a snap.

It's all about telling a story, and revealing a hidden piece of the puzzle through honing a new skill in this freshly-written chapter in photography history.

Creator Ren Ng is a smart cookie indeed, and we can't wait to see what is in store for his future developments.

Want to preorder this amazing bit of gear to start shooting your own stories? Call us on 1300 365 220 for all the latest information.

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Canon Photo5 Box Giveaway!

If you missed out on a Canon Photo5 competition box, no need to worry because now you have another chance!

We are giving away a strictly limited number of these coveted boxes, each with a unique serial number to qualify you for entry.

If you want the chance to grab one of these, simply email your name and mailing address to marketing@digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au and we will notify you by return email if you've scored.

Hurry - your entry must be received by MIDNIGHT on Thursday, September 27th 2012 to be in the running. Good luck!

 

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