Leica M9 and X1 Unveiled
September 10, 2009
9th of September saw the announcement of two new digital compacts; M9 and X1 by Leica. The M9 is an update to the M-series cameras and the X1 is a completely new camera designed by the company.
The Leica M9 uses manual focus only and sports a full metal housing and a compact size providing a Portable and rugged build. It is said to feature a full-frame 18 mega-pixel CCD sensor for better image quality. The M9 is stated to be compatible with all the lenses since the company's first purchase.
The Leica X1 on the other hand features a 12 mega-pixel CCD sensor and offers a pop-up flash and autofocus facility. Apparently its lenses are not interchangeable and offers a fixed focal length of 24mm, an aperture of f2.8 and no optical zoom.
The M9 is expected to hits the stores within a few days with a price tag of £4850 inc VAT (body only). The X1 however won't go on sale until January 2010, with the pricing details still under wraps.
Rollei Introduces Three New Compact Digital Cameras
September 9, 2009
Rollei is all set to present three new Compactline devices from its entry-level series of digital cameras at the IFA. All the three are stated to be user friendly with simple pre-programmed modes and has been targeted at amateurs and snapshot photographers.
The Compactline 202 is the top on the series amongst the three. It is reported to feature a 12 mega-pixel sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen, a 3x optical zoom lens and 28 pre-set shooting modes. The next in line is the Compactline 102 that is stated to have a 10 mega-pixel sensor, a thickness of just 19mm and a weight of just 105 grams (without battery and memory card). Also it supposedly includes some advanced functionalities like an anti-shake feature, smile and face detection technologies. Last on the list is the budget friendly Compactline 101 that is said to be equipped with a 10 mega-pixel sensor, a 2.5-inch TFT screen, 3x optical zoom and about 16 pre-set shooting modes.
All the above stated digital compacts are available in attractive colours. The Compactline 202 is expected to cost 149.95euros, while the Compactline 102 is priced at 99.95euros. The cheapest of the lot is the Compactline 101 that is reported to carry a price tag of 59.95euros. For processing Rollei is providing a Zoner PhotoStudio 9 Express software with each of the cameras.
Stanford Scientists develop Open Source Frankencamera
September 7, 2009
Researchers at the Stanford University have conceived an open-source camera, Frankencamera, that is probably the world's first open-source camera. The camera reportedly consists of a Nokia N95 mobile camera module, a couple of Canon lens, a circuit board and Linux operating system.
The current prototype of the Frankencamera is made up of some parts borrowed from dead cameras and its creators have said it to look ugly. The best part of this camera is its open-source platform that provides programmers the facility of creating algorithms in order to process pictures in a different forms rather than depend on the forms offered by the leading camera manufacturers such as Nikon, Canon, etc.
One result the researchers have been able to achieve in the lab is being able to extend the camera's dynamic range making it capable of handling a wide range of lighting in a single frame. Ideally, the whole process of wide-dynamic-range imaging involves capturing pictures of a particular scene with different exposures and then combine all of them to create a composite image on a PC using the processing software.
The researchers are still working out to make the camera churn out better videos by using high resolution pictures. Within a year, this platform is expected to be ready to hit the shelves.
Samsung Reveals a Super-Thin Digital Camera, ST45
September 5, 2009
Samsung has announced a brand new compact digital camera today and named it the ST45. They claim this to be a super-thin digicam with a thickness of just 0.63 inches. This slim and handy dimension allows it to be easy to carry around wherever one goes.
The Samsung ST45 is said to feature a 12.2 mega-pixel sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens system and a light sensitivity of ISO 3200. It is also said to include some additional features like the face detection, self-portrait mode, image stabilisation, and auto sorting functionality.
It is reported to be available in four attractive colours; red, black, grey and blue. The ST45 has been scheduled for a UK release by the end of this month; a US release date is yet to be known. There is no information on the pricing details yet.
Canon Announces EOS 7D; the Nikon D300s Killer
September 4, 2009
Canon has introduced a new 18.1 mega-pixel DSLR camera; the EOS 7D that is expected to give tough competition to the Nikon D300s.
This camera features the Dual DIGIC 4 image processors, 19-point auto focusing system, 8fps continuous shooting, a new Canon iFCL Metering system and an intelligent viewfinder. Reported to be an improved version of the EOS 5D Mark II DSLR, this one is stated to offer full HD recording at 24fps and 30fps. It is also said to feature an expandable ISO range of up to 12800. It has been equipped with an integrated Speedlite Transmitter that can be used by photographers to control external Speedlites without using external accessories.
With a magnesium alloy exterior this one is tough as well as lightweight and also offers protection against moisture and dust. Targeted at the professional photographers, the EOS 7D is expected to cost about $1699 (body only) and is to hit the stores towards the end of September 2009 and early days of October 2009.
