Compacts and Camcorders

Rugged compacts

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:25:02 -0500

Olympus

TG-2 iHS - 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equivalent f/2.0 lens and 1080p video

Links:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/08/Olympus-TG-2-iHS

Panasonic

LUMIX TS5

Waterproof to a depth of 39 feet, shockproof from a height of 6.5 feet, freeze proof down to a temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit and pressure resistant to 220 lbs
1920x1080, 50p Full HD
Stereo microphone
Wi-Fi connection with NFC
Underwater mode
9.3x Intelligent Zoom and a 24mm Ultra Wide Angle LEICA DC lens
16.1-megapixel high sensitivity MOS Sensor
GPS

Links:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/07/Panasonic-lumix-dmc-ts5-ts25

FujiFilm

FinePix XP60

1/2.3-inch 16MP CMOS
CMOS Shift Image Stabilization
Waterproof to 20ft/6m
Shockproof to 5ft/1.5m
Dustproof
Freezeproof to 14°F/-10ºC
1920 x 1080p60 video

Links:

Panasonic FZ200 topic, 24x zoom with constant F2.8 aperture

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 04:11:01 -0400

The DMC-FZ200, which is due for release in late August or early September, replaces Panasonic's FZ150 as its new flagship bridge camera. Included is a highly formidable 25-600mm lens, which is incredibly wide yet capable of zooming extreme distances. Even more impressive is that the lens on the FZ200 maintains a constant f2.8 aperture throughout.

Specifications:

25-600mm F2.8 zoom
12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor, 1/2,3“-
Light Speed AF (auto focus) combines with the LUMIX FZ200’s ability to capture high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (frames per second) in full resolution
High Speed Video enables users to record fast-moving subjects at 120 fps (NTSC/HD)2 or 240 fps (NTSC/VGA)
POWER O.I.S. with Active Mode
newly developed 0.2-inch EVF (Electronic View Finder) features a 1,312,000-dot equivalent high resolution
free-angle 460,000-dot Intelligent LCD \
1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps)
Also high speed 100/120fps in 720p or 200/240fps in 480p.
External microphone input
Expected price : $600 (600 EUR)

Previews:

Samples:

Available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ200-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B008MB6ZX0/

Panasonic LX7 topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:19:06 -0400

Specifications:

80 to 12800 ISO
10.1 MP multi-aspect ratio sensor, 1/1.7", 12.7 MP total
Venus Engine VII FHD
24-90mm equv. LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX F1,4-2,3mm
Video: 1080p50/1080p60, stereo mikes
Built-in 3 stop neutral density filter
920K dots 3" screen
11 fps continuous shooting, 5 fps with AF tracking
Aperture ring around lens barrel
Combined ND/manual focus control on rear

Available at:

Previews and reviews:

Samples:

Panasonic GH3 vs Sony FS100

chasehagen — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:44:35 -0400

Wondering if anyone has any experience or videos/comparisons between the old low light king, FS100 and our new-ish Panny flagship the GH3? Haven't had a chance to try both out side by side for a test or comparison but I figure someone must have. I would assume the FS100 would still have the edge in lowlight performance (i.e. grain/noise) but what about other aspects like actual resolution tests/comparisons (lines resolved), Dynamic Range, Rolling Shutter, Moire, Slow-Mo, Codec, Grading Capability. I would assume the GH3's 50Mbps would be far superior in color grading latitude and for Green screen compositing than the 24Mbps AVCHD of the Sony? Just be interesting to see if anyone's done any tests or have some insights between the two cameras as I cant seem to fin any online anywhere (all GH2 vs FS100). I've got a GH3 (and a GH2) just curious if the Sony's worth the extra few $K if you don't need XLR and Super 35mm DOF and extreme low light performance. Grateful for anyone who could share some insight on their observed differences between these two great cams! Thanks!

Pentax MX-1

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:37:07 -0500

12mp 1/1.7" sensor
3.0-inch, high-definition LCD display with approximately 921,000 dots
Fast F1.8-2.5 lens
1080p30 video (sic!)
$500 expected price

Links:

Available at:

GoPro Hero3 , 4K is here in Baby Steps for $399.99!

NickBen — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:35:45 -0400

http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-black-edition/#description

http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/gopro-goes-4k-with-new-hero-3-black-edition-1104951

http://www.wired.com/business/2012/10/gopro-3-goes-to-11-and-shoots-in-4k/

4K HD at 15fps and 2.7K at 30fps is AWESOME for $399.99, and actually outdoes the BMCC resolution in a matchbox.

4K HD at 15fps; 2.7K at 30fps, 25, 24fps; 1440p at 48fps; 1080p at 60fps

Looks like we are in for some awesome footage coming soon! GoPro Cinema 4K is coming pretty fast, just need a few more frames and a little more time!

If Vitaliy manages to hack this baby for the few extra frames, BIG BUCKS! Lovely how GoPro manages to have a small partly useable 4K mode, while the GH3 skips it entirely...

Available at:

FujiFilm 2013 Ultrazooms topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:52:15 -0500

FujiFilm HS50EXR

Specifications:

42x Optical Zoom Lens (24-1000mm
EXR 16MP ½” EXR CMOS II sensor
EXR Processor II
build in phase sensors
Intelligent Hybrid AF : 0.05 seconds; world’s fastest
Focus Peaking
920k dot, highly detailed electronic viewfinder
3.0” variable-angle 920k dot LCD screen that folds out and flips around
Full HD movie 1080p60 with stereo sound (or 60i ?)
External microphone input
$549.95

The HS50EXR now includes built-in phase detection

Links:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/07/Fujifilm-finepix-hs50-exr-hs35

Available at:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910167-REG/fujifilm_16286412_finepix_hs50_digital_camera.html

Fujifilm X-20

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 07:10:23 -0500

Main features

NEW Advanced Optical Viewfinder with a Digital Trans Panel
NEW 12 megapixel 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor
Intelligent Hybrid AF in 0.06 seconds (*3)
Improved EXR Processor II
High quality fast f/2.0-2.8 lens
4x FUJINON manual barrel zoom lens
2.8inch High Contrast LCD monitor (460K dots)
Pop-up Super Intelligent Flash
Fast start-up time of 0.5 seconds (*４), shutter time lag of 0.01 seconds
Super Macro mode (1cm)
Motion Panorama 360
8 Advanced Filters
Q button for frequently used menu items
Function (Fn) button
NEW GUI showing the focal distance, aperture value and shutter speed in sync with the zoom ring or command dial rotation
Advanced SR Auto mode with 64 shooting patterns
Full HD video - 1080p60 at 36Mbps
Manual focus during video recording
Input for Stereo Microphone (sold separately)
Focus Peak Highlight function on the LCD screen
Available in all black or two-tone black and silver
4 types of shutter sounds - Lens Shutter, Focal Plane Shutter, Mirror Up and Silent Shutter

Links:

Available at:

Panasonic launches FZ47/FZ48

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:36:22 -0400

You can read press release here: http://dpreview.com/news/1107/11072110panasonicdmcfz47.asp

I'll just focus on two things,

First. It has full manual movie mode.

Second. List of modes make me optimistic about next cameras:

AVCHD: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 50i (17Mbps) (Sensor output is 25p)
AVCHD: 1280 x 720 pixels, 50p (17Mbps) (Sensor output is 25p)
MP4: 1920 x 1080 pixels, 25p (20Mbps) (Sensor output is 25p)
MP4: 1280 x 720 pixels, 25p (10Mbps) (Sensor output is 25p)

We see that progressive container is present and bitrate is raised.
So, with very high probability we'll see higher bitrates and more fps choice in next GH.

Sony Action Cam

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:09:57 -0400

You can preorder them:

Sony HDR-AS10 Action Video Camera - http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-AS10-Action-Video-Camera/dp/B0090EC5NC/
Sony HDR-AS15 Action Video Camera - http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-AS15-Action-Video-Camera/dp/B0090EC5MS/
Sony HDR-AS15 Wifi Action Video Camera (Black) Essentials Bundle - http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-AS15-Action-Essentials-Battery/dp/B0094719MS/

Sony HX50V topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:03:59 -0400

Specs:

24 - 720mm lens, F3.4-F6.3
21Mp 1/2.3 sensor
Active mode SteadyShot
921600 dots screen
10 fps shooting
1080p60 video
108 x 64 x 38 mm
3.6-volt 1240mAh battery
Wi-Fi
GPS
Price - $450
272g

Previews:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/sony-hx50v/sony-hx50vA.HTM

Preorders:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CDIK48U/

Panasonic ZS25 and ZS30 aka TZ40

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:54:54 -0500

Panasonic ZS30

18.1 megapixels
20x optical zoom
1080p60 video
GPS
Wi-Fi with NFC (for fast connection)
198 g

Links

Available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS30-Digital-Camera/dp/B00B3YSW5W/

Panasonic ZS25

16.1Mp CMOS sensor
20x optical zoom lens
1080p60 video

Links

Panasonic LF1 topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:13:24 -0400

Specs:

1/1.7 LX7 size sensor
Build in 28-200mm F2.0-F5.9 lens with Power O.I.S.
200k dots EVF, bad, in other words
10fps burst shooting
1080i60/p30 video (sic!)
NFC and Wi-Fi
$499 price

Previews:

Preorder links:

GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition errors, bugs & micro SD cards.

kaikerr — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 06:49:01 -0500

Hi, recently i bought a GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition camera with a SanDisk 32GB microSD card, and besides all the problems with the camera (freezing, not enought bus and stoping the camera, color changes in the same room/light in camraw protune filming mode, buttons doingwhattheywantanytime) suddenly it stops working and a "SD ERROR" appear in the screen so i plug it to my Mac to reformat it (the camera doesn't allow me to do that) and my Mac says it has no format and when i tryed to give a new format in only appears a 32MB (not GB) partition wich i tryed to format and doens't allow me in any case (i tryes it infinietly) so what i'm trying to do before i go to the shop where i bought the card and the camera is to completly erase all information as i use the card first to save passwords and sensitive information but as i can not access the card, how can i do this? any manual method to completly erase the card? (like magnetic o electric charges) i don't want to return the card to the store with this info inside it and i just bought it 2 weeks ago... Any ideas? Thanks.

Samsung 4.8", 21x zoom, WiFi and 4G enabled camera

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:49:13 -0400

More photos: http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-camera-press-shots/#5241718

Previews and specs:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/08/29/samsung-announces-galaxy-camera-with-android-OS-4-1-jelly-bean

Available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Camera-EK-GC100-Generation/dp/B008K29OHK/

Canon Vixia HD 2013 camcorders

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:00:17 -0500

Minor upgrade of previous top consumer model - HG20

Links:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/camcorders/consumer_camcorders/vixia_hf_g20

Other new models:

It is interesting that lower models only are actually upgraded getting 1080p60 and 35MBit.

Preorder and spec links:

Panasonic 3D1, cheap entry into 3D world

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:37:25 -0400

Links to specs page - http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/3d1/

It can combine photos for more DR, shoot photos and videos without interruption, many things.

Good thing that they are now available for quite cheap at ebay - http://www.ebay.com/sch/Digital-Cameras-/31388/i.html?_sop=15&_nkw=panasonic+3d1

Sigma DP1x

stonebat — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:53:08 -0400

Last year Amazon was selling it at $250, and I gladly got one.

Latest firmware has Capture Priority Mode feature that processes images when the buffer is full. At max resolution, 3 photos fills up the buffer which kicks in processing that would take about 10~20 seconds. Yeap be patient like slow cooking.

Dynamic range kinda sucks. SOOC JPEG quality sucks. High ISO performance really sucks. Some claim that its native ISO is only 100, and all other ISO settings are artificially simulated from in-camera post-processing. That explains why ISO 100 looks better than ISO 50. Yes there is noise at ISO 200. Haha gotta love this crazy Foveon!!! Of course there is no face detection. CDAF but manually select only one of 9 point focusing points. What a PITA piece of crap. But I've grown to like it. Foveon sensor is known to give very accurate color information, and it's just amazing how well it captures accurate color in shadow, on water reflection, in bright sun, or whatever crazy condition. Yes I use only ISO 100.

LR4 supports RAW, but Sigma's SPP app is much better at processing RAW. SPP can raise the brightness and boost color very well and simulate standard/vivid/scenary/monochrome/original/etc picture mode. But that's where its usefulness ends. Export to Tiff format then let LR4 import it.

SPP 5.5 has a pretty cool feature. Monochrome option from white balance selection strips out color information and uses only luminance values to produce "pure" B&W photo. FYI CMOS sensor has bayer filter on top of it, applies demosaicing algorithms to interpolate a set of complete red, green, and blue values for each point, then B&W photo can be generated from the guesstimated color information. That is a guesstimate from a guesstimate. Since Foveon sensor has three vertically stacked photodiodes for red/blue/green that collect 3 different luma information for each point, this new feature gives excellent B&W by controlling three different luma value separately without getting color noise. Some call it a poorman's Leica M-Monochrom :)

Example http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/51037744

But it supports only SD1 and DP1/2/3 Merrill series. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for expanding SPP's Monochrome support for all other DP series.

About video performance, it sucks.

Vastly enhancing the video camera of the iPhone 4S

stonebat — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:27:26 -0400

I didn't know iPhone4s supports 1080p24 and 720p60.

This link explains how to boost the video quality from iPhone. Totally disabling noise reduction is interesting.

http://www.iphonelife.com/blog/87/vastly-enhancing-video-camera-iphone-4s-%E2%80%93-part-i

Panasonic ZS20

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:38:50 -0500

Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4) format (or 30p in MP4)
Powerful 20x optical zoom with 2-step Zoom function is available in video recording.
Same old 460k screen
Flexibility of USB charging or conventional AC adapter charging methods

Normally Panasonic top compact ultra zooms are first cameras to get new LSI.

So, we can safely assume that next GH camera will have 60p (and 50p in PAL)

Hacked it can be very good camera, as you can connect USB and run it for very long time. Plus 20x stabilized zoom. External audio recorder required, of course.

NOVO, modified GoPro with C-mount lenses

jleo — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:05:12 -0500

The Novo, developed and engineered by View Factor Studios in collaboration with Radiant Images, is a re-housed GoPro Hero3 that is even smaller in size and much more flexible and robust for cinematic purposes.

Key new enhancements include a C-mount lens system with back focus adjustment, which allows for extreme macro shooting. In addition, the Novo offers exposure control capabilities that open up a wide-range of artistic possibilities for cinematographers and camera operators. An internal CPU interfaced to the camera permits users to disable the auto exposure feature and then adjust the aperture manually via the lens. This feature gives a cinematographer the control to set a desired exposure and stops.

The lightweight aluminum housing itself is 20% thinner than the GoPro Hero3 and includes three 1/4-20 and two 10-32 mounting points. Also, four buttons on the front (REC, PWR, WiFi & AUX) are assignable to several functions depending on the application. The Aux button turns the auto exposure on/off, but in the near future will also be utilized for other functions, such as digital zoom, a tool to check critical focus.

And the Novo offers these added features while retaining the key functionality and accessories of the GoPro Hero3, such as the LCD touch screen, power backpack and WiFi connectivity for wireless camera control.

The Novo addresses the needs of cinematographers without compromising the power and versatility of the most advanced GoPro ever.

Like the GoPro Hero3: Black Edition, the Novo is capable of capturing cinema-quality video at 2X the resolution and 2X the frame-rate of previous models while delivering 2X better low light performance – 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second, plus the ultra-high resolution 2.7KP-30 fps and 4KP-15 fps video modes.

Info:

http://www.radiantimages.com/index.php/cameras/hd-beyond/gopro/712-novo

Lumix LX7 - Possible hacking?

Daniel_R — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:13:45 -0500

Hey guys;

I read on here a few days ago of a rumour that the LX7 will be in line for a possible "hack". If this is true, that'll be great... as I'm looking for something small and compact that will shoot great video along side my GH2, GH1 and maybe a GoPro. I need to replace my aging Canon HV30's... and this camera looks to be a good price/quality.

So, I guess my question is this... If the LX7 cops a hack, what can we expect? Possible 24p/25p framerates? Upped bitrate? I'm just finding it hard to see where the hack could improve this camera... unless I'm missing something.

Sony Balanced Optical SteadyShot

gizmo — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:43:30 -0500

Sony new model HDR-CX760V has amazing stabilization system. As it can be seen on some YT videos this system works very good! New Balanced Optical SteadyShot technology that provides up to thirteen times better stability than the regular Optical SteadyShot, according to Sony. Starting price $1.499.

Olympus XZ-2 topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 01:33:27 -0400

Specifications:

12-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor
28 to 112mm F1.8 to F2.5 zoom
920k-dot, 3" tilting screen
5fps burst
1080p video
RAW capture

Previews and reviews:

Available at:

US - http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-XZ-2-Digital-Camera-Black/dp/B009AYJQ2U

iPhone 4S

Jspatz — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:18:01 -0400

1080p with image stabilization.

JVC consumer 2013 camcorders, GP-PX100 600fps flagship

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:32:42 -0500

JVC GC-PX100

Specifications:

1/2.3" 12.8 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor
1080/60p video at a bitrate 36Mbps
WiFi connectivity and free specialized apps.
Five additional shooting speeds, ranging from 120fps to 600fps
3.0-inch tiltable LCD monitor with monitor hood
High-speed digital still recording (up to 60 fps)
$999 price

Links:

Available at:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909750-REG/jvc_gc_px100_full_hd_compact.html

Emergency camera

Jspatz — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:45:13 -0500

I am looking for a recommendation in the following situation. I very often fly to a location to do pr events, store tours, impromptu interviews, etc. I pack 2 GH3s with lenses audio, supports and light in a pelican case that is within airline carry on specs. Still, occasionally the case is taken away from me if there is no more room. I am looking for a recommendation on a 3rd camera that is compact and self contained that I can stick in my smaller carry on with a mic and small monopod That will allow me to complete my assignment in some minimal way should my primary kit not arrive. I was considering the FZ200 and some of the camcorders but would appreciate hearing from anyone with some experience in the matter. Thanks

Canon Powershot N, camera your girls need

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:31:07 -0500

Specifications:

Good enough for your girl
Also designed like fingers trainer for your girl (no pressing - just gently turn, like in life).

Links:

iPhone recording

mikey — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:34:47 -0500

Is it possible with any apps to change resolution/bit rate of iphone video recording in camera?

Thanks,

Mike.

Sony Handycam 2013 camcorders with balanced steadishot

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:45:52 -0500

Sony HDR-PJ790V

Specifications:

10x optical zoom lens with F1.8-F3.4 aperture (f=3.8-38.0mm)
Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization w/ Active mode
1/2.88'' (6.3mm) back-illuminated Exmor® R CMOS Sensor
3.0" Xtra Fine LCD™ display (921K) touch screen
Same 1080p60 28Mbps video mode.
74.2mm x 84.6mm x 137.5mm
Expected price $1600

Most is same as previous year camera.

Links:

http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-96GB-Full-HD-Projector-Camcorder/en/p/HDRPJ790V#overview

Sony HDR-PJ650V

Specifications:

12x optical zoom lens with F1.8-F3.4 aperture, 26.8-321.6mm
Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization w/ Active mode
1/3.91'' (4.6mm) back-illuminated Exmor® R CMOS Sensor
3.0" Xtra Fine LCD™ display (921K) touch screen
Wi-Fi Functionality : Remote control with mobile device, send to smartphone, send to PC (with optional wi-fi accessory)
1920x1080 Full HD 24p/60p 28Mbps video modes
67mm x 72.5mm x 134mm
450g
Expected price $1100

Links:

http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-32GB-Full-HD-Projector-Camcorder/en/p/HDRPJ650V

Sony HDR-PJ430V and HDR-CX430V

Specifications:

30x optical zoom lens with F1.8-F4.0 aperture, 26.8-804.0mm
Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization w/ Active mode
1/3.91'' (4.6mm) back-illuminated Exmor® R CMOS Sensor
3.0'' (7.5cm) Clear Photo Plus™ LCD (230K) Wide (16:9) - crappy screen
Wi-Fi Functionality : Remote control with mobile device, send to smartphone, send to PC (with optional wi-fi accessory)
1920x1080 Full HD 24p/60p 28Mbps video modes
61.5mm x 66mm x 121mm
Expected price $850 (with projector) and $699 without

Links:

This seems to be new ideal camera for quadracopters.