Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body

Here's something you probably didn't expect: a compact Sony camera with a full-frame sensor. While Photoprice.ca was uncovering a treasure trove of leaked press shots that include the Alpha A99 and NEX-6, it also came across images of the RX1, whose body looks borderline pocketable yet stuffs in the same kind of sensor (and likely image quality) you'd normally reserve for pro-grade models. Several extra details reveal themselves right from the start. The RX1 is carrying a 35mm, f/2.0 lens with no apparent button to detach the lens -- the included glass is probably as good as it'll get. However, the RX1 is most definitely tuned for experienced shooters, with a toggle for macro focusing as well as dedicated controls for aperture and exposure compensation. We're also liking that there's a pop-up flash, a standard hot shoe for accessories and three custom settings on the mode dial. The slip doesn't include mention of a release date or a price, but talk during the A99 slip mentioned a September 12th unveiling that wouldn't shock us if it included multiple cameras -- and we would be equally unsurprised if the RX1 carried the same high price commonly associated with other full-frame bodies.

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Samsung may announce Galaxy S Camera alongside Galaxy Note 2

IFA 2012 is almost upon us and all manufacturers are getting all their new toys ready. The latest rumor claims that there is going to be a little special something coming from Samsung, though – the Samsung Galaxy S Camera.

We have heard about an Android-based camera coming from Samsung for some time. The rumor has been dying, but it seems Samsung might have not given up on the idea. GSM Arena’s sources claim that this camera is in the works, and will be announced during IFA, next to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

The device is described as a “Galaxy S3 glued to the back of a point-and-shoot camera.” It will be 1.5 to 2 times thicker than Samsung’s flagship device and feature a curved right side (ergonomics) and a pop=out Xenon flash.

It is also said to sport a 16 MP sensor and run Android 4.0, available in both WiFi-only a 3G versions. Of course, the Samsung Galaxy S Camera would not be meant to replace your smartphone, so carrier connectivity is said to be limited to data. We simply can’t see who would want to pay an extra monthly fee for a camera, but that is the rumor, and some of you just may need that.

Remember that this is simply a rumor, so it might be a bad idea to hold your breath on it. Android cameras may seem a bit far-fetched at this point. It surely seems like an odd market to target, but Polaroid and Nikon are taking their shots. Who is to say Samsung can’t make a Samsung Galaxy S Camera?

IFA 2012 is just around the corner, so let’s stick around and see what comes from Samsung and all other manufacturers. But what do you guys say – would you be down for a Samsung Galaxy S Camera?

[Via: GSM Arena]

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Panasonic Lumix LX7 is Announced

After the Long wait Panasonic Lumix LX7 its pocketable enthusiast compact camera. The LX7 features a slightly smaller sensor than the LX5, allowing it to offer the brightest lens of any compact camera with a really impressive F1.4-2.3 24-90mm equivalent range. The LX7 is based around a 10.1MP MOS sensor, rather than its predecessor's CCD, allowing it to offer 10 fps continuous shooting and 1080p60 movies (50p for European examples) in AVCHD Progressive format, or half that rate in MP4. It also gains an aperture ring around the lens, a 920k dot LCD, and finds room for stereo mics and a larger accessory port, allowing use with an optional high-res electronic viewfinder.

Source-Dpreview
 

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Nikon D3200's connectivity with iOS

Nikon's latest DSLR Nikon D3200  is one of the best-specced entry-level cameras we'ev seen. it sports a 24.2 mega pixel CMDS sensor, uses the same image processing engine as the flagship D$, and can now shoot 1080p 3D, HD video. Using an optional module, it can transfer images Wirelessly to an Android phone or tablet, with iOS connectivity coming soon

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Sony Launches its New Camera SLT-A37 in India

Capturing fast-moving subjects and fleeting facial expressions is effortless with SLT-A37. Thanks to its revolutionary Translucent Mirror Technology, you can shoot up to 7 images per second with clarity and precision, while enjoying continuous auto-focusing on a full-time basis.

Features:

• 16.1 MP Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor
• 7 fps continuous shooting with Full-time Continuous AF
• Auto Portrait Framing
• New Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder
• AVCHD Ver 2.0 (Progressive) Full HD Movie at 60p (50p)
• ISO 100 - 16000 sensitivity

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Pentax announced its K-30 Mid level DSLR

Pentax has announced its K-30 Mid level DSLR which features  a 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, and it also features an ISO range up to 12800 which is expandable up to 25600. It can shoot continuously at up to 6 frames per second, has a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000th of a second and can capture video at 1080p30.

According to Pentax, the K-30 features a water sealed body, and it is designed to be water resistant, and also dust resistant and can work in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Pentax K-30 DSLR will go on sale in July for $800 for the body only of $900 with an 18-55mm kit lens.

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Hasselblad has announced Discounts in Price

Hasselblad has announced plans to cut the prices of a number of models - including nearly 23% off the entry-point H4D-31 (with 35-90mm lens) and more than 20% off the 60 megapixel H4D-60 camera (pictured). Under the revised pricing structure the H4D-31 kit will be available for €11,995. The H4D-60 cost is down €6,200 to €23,900. Additionally, customers who buy a new Hasselblad camera and lens before the end of July will be eligible to purchase a second lens at just 50% of the manufacturer’s recommended sales price.

Hasselblad Press Release

Now your new Hasselblad could cost 22% less
18/05/2012 The cost of owning one of the world’s most coveted high-end cameras has just been dramatically reduced, following the launch of a landmark global marketing initiative by Hasselblad.
The makers of the world’s most advanced camera system have announced plans to cut the cost of ownership on a number of models - including a massive 22.9% off the entry-point H4D-31 (with 35-90mm lens) and 20.59% off the company’s ‘ultimate photography tool’, the 60 megapixel H4D-60 camera.
Under the revised pricing structure the H4D-31 (incl. 35-90mm lens) has been reduced by 3,565 euros to 11,995 euros. The H4D-60 cost is down 6,200 euros to 23,900 euros.
Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad’s Global Sales and Marketing Director said: “This is a groundbreaking move and a very important day indeed for every photographer who aspires to own one of the best cameras in the world. For many, price has long been the biggest barrier to ownership. Now we have substantially reduced prices on six units and there really has never been a better time to get your hands on a Hasselblad. Photographers can now buy into our fully integrated H System capture solutions with an H4D-31 camera body for less than 9,000 euros.”
He added: “This price reduction campaign is part of an innovative and dynamic marketing strategy for the company, ahead of the world’s biggest photographic trade fair; photokina, Cologne, in September. We are determined that more of the world’s serious creative photographers will now have unprecedented access to a Hasselblad at a price they can afford.”
The popular Hasselblad trade-in opportunity will also continue. Russell-Fish explained: “We have adjusted this programme to reflect our new price structure. Photographers can get more information online.”
Under the new deal the H4D-40 unit is reduced by 1,000 euros; the H4D-50 by 3,000 euros; the H4D-50MS by 3,000 euros; the H4D-200MS by 4,500 euros and the CFV-50 Digital Back by 2,000 euros.
And in a separate stand-alone offer customers who buy a new Hasselblad camera and lens before the end of July will be eligible to purchase a second lens at just 50% of the manufacturer’s recommended sales price.

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Fujifilm FinePix F660 EXR launched at Rs. 18,999 in INDIA

Fujifilm India has launched the FinePix F660 EXR in the country, giving the digital zoom compact digital camera an MOP of Rs. 18,999. Featuring a 0.5-inch 16MP EXR CMOS sensor, the F660 EXR’s biggest USP is its special shooting mode for extreme low light photography.

Sriwant Wariz, National Marketing Manager of Fujifilm India, spoke on the launch: “Photography is all about lights. As a photographer, we all are familiar with challenges and opportunities of low light photography. Either taking photo during an evening out, or capturing a landscape at dusk low light will definitely challenge your creativity. In FinePix F660, the low light photography is key feature and it has a special shooting mode for shooting in extreme low light.”

The Fujifilm FinePix F660 EXR is a super-zoom offering, features 30x intelligent digital zoom, apart from 15x optical zoom. It can also record video at 1080p HD and 30 frames per second, along with stereo sound recording. Also onboard are face detection, and a continuous shoot mode of 11 frames per second. The camera was first announced back in March, along withseveral others.

Fujifilm has released four colours of the FinePix F660EXR in India - black, red, blue and gold.

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Fujifilm at Ifsec 2012: New megapixel lenses enlarge the product range of Fujinon CCTV lenses

Fujifilm at Ifsec 2012: New megapixel lenses enlarge the product range of Fujinon CCTV lenses
One of the world's leading global security events, Ifsec in Birmingham, will take place from May 14 - 17 2012 at NEC exhibition centre. Fujifilm is all set to proudly present its wide product range of high-quality Fujinon CCTV lenses at this year´s show. Highlights will be a number of new megapixel Varifocal lenses for day/night as well as high-resolution telezoom lenses for long range surveillance applications in High Definition

Source-Fujiflim

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Sony launches a slew of CyberShot point-and-shoot cameras in India

Looks like camera manufacturers like to release their products in large sets. First, Fujitsu released a set of new consumer cameras, then came Nikon and finally now its Sony’s turn. The company has launched a new set of cameras encompassing the Super Hi-Zoom, Compact Hi-Zoom and S series of CyberShot camera ranges in India.
The products in the CyberShot Super Hi-Zoom line include the H90, HX10V, HX20V and HX200V models. The DSC-H90 features a 16.1 megapixel CCD sensor and Intelligent Auto that is capable of recognizing up to 33 scenes that makes it easier to take clear pictures. DSC-H90 has a powerful 16x optical zoom and 360 sweep panorama that captures virtually any wide range or telephoto shot. On the other hand, the DSC-HX20V features 20x optical zoom and DSC-HX10V features 16x optical zoom, a new 18.2 megapixel (effective) Exmor-R CMOS sensor, Optical SteadyShot and a superior i-Auto shooting mode. The HX20V and HX10V also include a new GPS log recording function. Sporting an 18.2 (effective) mega pixel Exmor-R CMOS sensor, the Cyber-shot HX200V will also have a 30x optical zoom .
The higher-end HX200V sports an 18.2 megapixel Exmor-R CMOS sensor, 30x Optical Zoom while resolution is kept high zoom. Sony claims improved high-speed AF enables the HX200V to focus more quickly with as fast as 0.13 seconds in daylight. The CyberShot Super Hi-Zoom series start at Rs 13,990 and go up to Rs 27,990. The lower end H90 and HX10V models will be available by the end of April while the HX20V and HX200V models will be available in May.
The models in the Compact Hi-Zoom series include WX150 and W690 which the company claims are the world’s smallest and lights cameras offering optical zooms of 10x. Sony is able to reach these ultra slim form factors using an advanced aspherical lens. Both the cameras use 18.2-megapixel sensors using a BIONZ image engine.
Other models in the compact Hi-Zoom range include the WX50,W630, W620 and W610. These cameras boast of technologies like Optical SteadyShot, sweep panorama, intelligent auto and picture effect modes. All these models are equipped with 16.2 megapixel sensors with Exmor-R technology. The Compact Hi-Zoom range starts from Rs 6,490 and goes up to Rs 14,990. The W690 model will be available in May, while the WX150 will hit the shelves in late April while all the other models are already available.
For basic photography, Sony has launched the new S-Series CyberShot camera. The DSC-S5000 has a 5x optical zoom and 14.1 megapixel image sensor. The DSC-S5000 also features a 360 sweep panorama, i-Auto shooting mode and picture effect. The DSC-S5000 costs Rs 5,490.

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LG Optimus[White ] 4X HD Poses For The Camera

The LG Optimus 4X HD was announced back in February, and the handset is due to go on sale within the next couple of months in the UK, Europe and US, and now the guys over at ePrice have managed to get their hands on a white version of the smartphone.

The LG Optimus 4X HD gets compared to the new HTC One X by the guys from ePrice and we get a good look at the device as well as some benchmark comparison’s between the two smartphones.

As a reminder, the LG Optimus 4X HD is powered by a quad core 1.5GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, and it features a 4.7 inch IPS multi-touch HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

The Optimus 4X HD features the latest version of Google’s mobile OS, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and it features 1GB of RAM and 16GB of build in storage, there is also a 2,150mAh battery and it comes with DLNA and MHL.

Source: Android Community

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New Nikon D3200 SLR Connects To iPad Over Wi-Fi

We’ve been banging on about connecting proper cameras to the internet for quite a while now, and it seems that at last these cameras are starting to catch up to the world of smartphone cameras. Nikon’s new D3200 SLR updates the D3100 with some slightly better specs, but the big news is that it can be used with an optional Wi-Fi unit for sending photos to your iPhone, iPad, or whatever piece of junk you use instead.
If you’re thinking “Whatever, Charlie. This is Nikon. How much does this thing cost?” then I have your answer. A surprisingly cheap $60. That’s way less than an Eye-Fi card, and hopefully it’s way more reliable.

The D3200 is very similar to the D3100 before it. Upgrades include a much better 920,000-dot rear LCD (up from a pathetic-for–2012 230,000 dots), a bigger 24MP sensor (the old one was a perfectly adequate 14.2MP) and a slightly faster shooting speed.
In short, it’s a camera that will shoot great pictures, like all Nikon and Canon DSLRs. It will cost $700 when it goes on sale later in April.
But add in the little WU–1a (which I can’t help but pronounce “woo-lah!”) adapter and you can not only beam photos to your mobile device of choice, you can also remotely trigger the camera and preview images before shooting. Stupidly, though, the adapter plugs into the side of the camera, so you’ll have to leave the protective flap/door open (or just rip the thing off).
Inexplicably, the Android app will be available at launch, while the iOS version will follow at an unannounced future date. I’d guess that customers for good entry-level SLRs who also want to send photos to their phones are overwhelmingly iPhone and iPad owners, so this seems rather shortsighted. Still, I guess we should be grateful the app is free. I bought a €2,200 D700 body from Nikon a few years back (since sold) and it didn’t even come bundled with Nikon’s own software.
I’m pretty stoked about this news nonetheless, although these days my iPad 3 is my most-used camera, despite all its flaws.
For more info, check out Nikon’s press release.

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Nikon launches 13 new CoolPix cameras in India with Hindi menu system

Nikon has launched its spring summer collection of CoolPix cameras in India which comprise of 13 new cameras. These cameras add to Nikons P, S and L series of camera families. The most notable feature in these cameras is the Hindi menu system.
The latest models in the CoolPix P series include the CoolPix P510 and P310 models, both of which are prosumer cameras. The CoolPix P510 features 42x optical zoom covering 24mm wide angle through a 1000mm super telephoto, 16-megapixel resolution and a built-in GPS and logging function to record location data and it also creates a log of the user’s route. On the other hand, the CoolPix P310 possesses an advanced built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function, 19 scene modes, EXPEED C2 image processor, 3-inch color display and an effective 16.1-megapixel count.
The new CoolPix S series cameras are the S9300, S9200, S6300, S4300, S3300, S2600 and S30. Features like built-in GPS function, high-power optical zoom ranging from 3x to 18x and an effective 10.1-megapixel to 16.0-megapixel count can be found in these new models.
The CoolPix L series gets four new models, that include the L810, L310, L26 and L25. These cameras come with support for wide-angle 22.5mm to a super telephoto 585mm coverage and high power optical zoom lenses coupled with automatic shooting functions.
The L-Series models are priced between Rs 4,990 and Rs 15,450, while the S-Series models are priced between Rs 5,950 and Rs 18,950. The higher-end P-Series cameras are priced between Rs 16,950 and Rs 23,950.

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Sigma UK Announces SRP of 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM Lens

Sigma UK has announced the suggested retail price (SRP) of the new Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM lens. Available in mid April for Canon fit and mid May for Nikon and Sigma fit, the lens features Sigma’s proprietary OS (Optical Stabiliser) system, Super Multi-Layer Coating, six SLD glass elements and “hyper-sonic” focus motor. The price of the lens is £949.99.

At the same time, Sigma Corporation of America has announced the immediate availability of the upgraded 50-150mm lens, with an MSRP of $1,099.

Sigma UK Press Release

50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM

Large aperture telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for digital SLRs

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the suggested retail price of the new 50-150mm f2.8 DC OS HSM is £949.99. This new lens will be available in the UK in mid April for Canon fit and mid May for Nikon and Sigma fit.

Sigma’s proprietary OS (Optical Stabiliser) system enables hand held tele-photography by allowing the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible.

Six SLD glass elements compensate for chromatic aberrations and provide high image quality throughout the zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and ensures sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures.

The lens design adopts an inner focusing and inner zooming system to provide convenient handling and the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed autofocus while allowing full-time manual focus override.

This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 80cm (31.5”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.3. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. The addition of Sigma’s TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO produces a 70-210 F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or 100-300 F5.6 AF telephoto zoom respectively.

Sigma Corporation of America Press Release

Sigma Corporation of America’s 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM now available

Newly designed telephoto zoom lens with Sigma’s own Optical Stabilizer system at street price of $1099

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that its newly upgraded 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM telephoto lens is now available for the street price of $1,099.

The 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM telephoto lens is the successor to the 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC II HSM. The updated lens now features Sigma’s own proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology, which offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The lens design utilizes an inner-focusing and inner-zooming system that provides convenient handling and this, along with the OS feature, makes it favorable for high-performance, handheld, close-up photography. Additionally, the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing, while allowing full-time manual focus capability.

The Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM Canon mounts will be available next week, while the Nikon and Sigma mounts are expected to be available by the end of April.

“This lens is a great addition to our lineup of telephoto lenses, and will be a fantastic tool for portrait, landscape and nature photography,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “This is our tenth telephoto lens with Optical Stabilizer technology and provides another option for photographers looking to produce high-quality images.”

Six SLD glass elements provide exceptional corrections for all types of aberrations and provide high-quality imagery throughout the zoom range. It also has a rounded, nine-blade diaphragm that creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.

The lens’ Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and ensures sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures. The addition of Sigma’s 1.4x EX DG APO and 2x EX DG APO teleconverters produce a 70-210mm F4 autofocus telephoto zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 autofocus telephoto lens, respectively.

For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com. For more information about Sigma’s lenses, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/lenses.

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How to use iPhoto to darken and add drama to your iPhone photography

This week our iPhone Photography series is going to be a little different. Instead of exploring a new technique for taking better photos, we’re going to dive into the digital darkroom of iPhoto to improve an image we’ve already taken. It’s always worth capturing the best possible photo you can with your camera. Thanks to photo editing apps like iPhoto, however, when and if something goes wrong — the framing is a little off, the white balance or exposure isn’t perfect, the levels just don’t look right — there’s a lot you can do to fix it.

Perhaps you recall seeing this image in our lesson about negative space. I admitted to editing it a bit. What I didn’t admit to was how much editing I did. Sure, I did crop to a square and apply an Instagram filter like I mentioned, but I also fired up Photoshop to darken parts of the image even more.
Well, this is an iPhoneography series, so instead of using Photoshop for our edits, we’re going to use Apple’s new iPhoto app for iPhone and iPad. I’m going to use the iPad because I enjoy using the larger screen, but the same process can also be done on the iPhone.

• iPhoto for iPhone and iPad, $4.99 – Download Now

Before we get started, download the full resolution version of the original image so that you can do the edits with me. (Hold down your finger on the image and tap Save Image. This will save it to your Camera Roll.) Here’s what it should look like.

Huge difference from the final image I used, isn’t it? This is why learning how to edit your photos is also an important part of photography, especially for iPhoneographers who don’t have the luxuries and control that come with shooting with a DSLR.

Critique your image

When you decide you want to edit an image, the first thing you should do is sit back and critique it. What do you want it to look like? Why does it even need to be edited in the first place? You don’t just want to start blindly editing photos with a “we’ll see what happens” approach. This will result in images that look processed and overdone. This shouldn’t be your goal. (Side note: that type of look does have its place, but it’s not what we’re going to focus on and, it too, should also be planned and deliberate).
When I look at my original image, I see a lot of flaws. First, the orientation is wrong. To bring the viewer’s attention to the flame, my intended subject, it would be better cropped either horizontally, or as a square. Notice that I said my subject is the flame, not the candle. This is important. Know your subject.
Second, there’s a lot of distracting elements in the frame — especially the people and balloons. Note, however, that I intentionally composed the shot so that the flame, itself, didn’t have a person behind it.
Now that we’ve determined what’s wrong with the photo, we know what we want to fix. We need to crop the image with a landscape orientation and get rid of the distracting elements. The most natural way to do that is by darkening those areas.

Crop

We’re going to start by cropping the photo so that it has a horizontal orientation. There are many different ratios to choose from, and for this image, the important thing is to make sure that the ratio you choose doesn’t cut off the dripping wax as this is an interesting element of the photograph. The best choice for this image was 10×8.
To crop the image, tap the crop icon in the lower left corner. Then tap the settings icon on the bottom right and swipe to the 2nd page to select 10×8. To make sure the image is straight, adjust the dial at the bottom until the grid lines are perfectly lined up with the candle. I went about two degrees in the positive direction.

Adjust contrast and shadows

Next up, we’re going to adjust the contrast and shadows. This will darken the background a bit before we jump into using the darken tool.
To adjust the contrast, tap the exposure icon. It’s the one directly to the right of the crop icon. This will show you a line with some icons across the bottom of the screen. The first and last icons adjust the shadows and highlights, the middle icon adjusts the exposure, and the other two adjust the contrast.
Now let’s make our adjustment. Tap either one of the contrast icons and slide it away from the center. This will increase the contrast. You’ll notice that this will darken the background and make the flame and candle “pop” a bit more. Adjust this to taste. I went about a third of the way between the shadows icon and the exposure icon. I recommend moving it to where you think it looks good, then going a little bit less than that.
Finally, we’ll adjust the shadows. Again, adjust to to where you think it looks good. I went about halfway between the zone on the left. This edit made my background even darker.
At this point, our image has already greatly improved. Trigger the button next to the Edit button in the upper right hand corner to compare with the original. Already a great improvement! But we can do even better. Specifically, I want to get rid of the remaining evidence of someone sitting on the right and darken that white shirt on the left as much as I can.

Darken

Now we’re going to eliminate the remaining distracting elements by darkening those areas of the photo. To do this, select the Darken brush from the Brushes menu (4th icon in the bottom left corner). Next, tap the Settings icon in the lower right corner and toggle Show Strokes to ON. This will allow you to see exactly where you’re applying the brush.
Start painting the areas around the flame with your finger. Your strokes will show up in red and you’ll notice that the opacity increases the more times you go over an area. Make sure you go over the areas that are far away from the candle as much as possible. Also do your best to blend the opacity level of your strokes as you get closer to the candle. Otherwise, there will be an obvious line where you stopped applying the brush. Be patient. Take your time. Tap the undo button if you make a mistake. You can also use the eraser tool to erase your strokes.
Pay special attention to the area to the left of the candle and pinch to zoom into the photo to make sure you’re precise. Also make sure you cover the area with the shirt good since it’s so light.
When you’re done, trigger Show Strokes to off and take a look at your results. Then adjust the slider all the way to the right to make the area you painted even darker. If you notice any areas that need to be fixed, turn Show Stokes back on and make your adjustments. Turn the stokes back off and compare with the original photo again.
Looking much better! But notice that you can still still the shirt on the left side of the candle and the windows are also a bit distracting. Unfortunately, the Darken tool couldn’t completely take care of it. That’s why we’re going to see if there’s a filter that’ll help us out.

Filter

Feel free to experiment with the different filters, but I have narrowed it down to the two I think are best.
The third choice in the Artistic category does a great job of dimming the windows without drastically changing the look of the candle. However, the white shirt on the left is still fairly visible.
The third choice in the Vintage category almost eliminates the shirt entirely and also dims the windows a little bit. But it also reddens the already very red candle.
I think both of these filters make very fine choices. However, I wasn’t completely satisfied with either, so I went with the one in the Artistic category, emailed it myself, saved it to my Camera Roll, then edited the saved image by just darkening the area with the white shirt. (Note: if you save the image to your Camera Roll from iPhoto, iPhoto will recognize it as the same image and won’t allow you to add more of the darken brush. All your edits will still be visible).

Final result

Look at the difference! To see a larger comparison, just tap/click the image.
Now, that wasn’t too hard, was it? Usually, a few small edits can have a major impact on your images.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark III Instruction Manual

The instruction manual for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is now available to download. Canon USA have made the user guide for the 5D Mark III available as a 28Mb PDF file, giving you the chance to read all about this exciting new DSLR before it launches at the end of March.

Download the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Instruction Manual

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• Canon EOS 5D Mark-Review (tech-gadget.co.in)

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CameraSharp, A Finely-Honed iPhone Camera Replacement App

Easy to use, and lots of great features. What's not to like?

There is, you may be aware, a new iPad launching today, along with its fancy new camera. That’s great and all, but what if you a) don’t want one b) live outside the first wave of launch countries or c) just don’t care?
Then why not make a little improvement to the camera already in your iPhone or iPod Touch, with a little app called CameraSharp which, today at least, is free? CameraSharp is an app with a single purpose: to make taking photos easier.

To this end, CameraSharp eschews grunge effects, filters and other gimmicks, and just concentrates on the shooting. The app is especially good if you have an iPod Touch, with its crappy camera app. You can snap a photo with the on-screen button, or choose to make the entire screen the shutter release (you can’t use the volume-up button, though), and you can even choose to trigger it with sound.
The sound trigger works with a 2-second self timer. Thus you can set up a group shot including you, and clap. The timer then kicks in to let you get your hands out of the way.
On-screen, there are various guides, from a grid to a 3-D level. You can also zoom, and set focus and exposure separately via one and two-finger taps. These taps bring up a little non-magnifying loupe which you can slide around and place over the thing you want focused or properly exposed.
Finally, there are focus, white-balance and exposure locks, and a self timer set by twisting two fingers on the screen, like turning a dial.
From my limited testing, I like CameraSharp quite a bit, although with the built-in camera now so easy to access from the lock screen, it might not get all that much use. As I said, the app is free today.

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Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.10

Apple have released an update for Aperture 3 and iPhoto ‘11. This update adds RAW image compatibility for the following cameras:

- Canon PowerShot G1 X
- Nikon D4
- Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1
- Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ35
- Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ38
- Samsung NX200
- Sony Alpha NEX-7
- Sony NEX-VG20

Download the Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.10

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Sony SLT-A57

The Sony A57 is a new digital system camera with a 16-megapixel sensor, semitransparent mirror, high-resolution electronic viewfinder and continuous shooting speeds of up to 12 frames per second. Successor to the Sony A55, the new SLT-A57 is an attractively priced A-mount camera that shares the ergonomics and many of the premium features found on the enthusiast-focused Sony SLT-A65. The 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors ensures fast TTL phase-detection autofocus. Newly-enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or other selected objects in sharp focus – even if your target’s obscured momentarily by another passing object. Sony is also touting the new Auto Portrait Framing feature of the SLT-A57: Using face detection and the rule of thirds, the camera identifies your subject’s position, trimming the scene to create tightly-framed pictures in portrait or landscape orientation. Also capable of recording Full HD 50p video, the Sony A57 will be available in April for $700.

Sony Press Release

α57 from Sony with Translucent Mirror Technology lets everyone grab the action at 12fps13 March 2012
Power-packed camera with unique features including Full HD progressive recording and new Auto Portrait Framing at an accessible price
* High speed 12 fps shooting with full-time continuous autofocus (in Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode) * Full HD 50p video with full P/A/S/M control * World’s first* Auto Portrait Framing * Clear Image Zoom for detail-packed close-ups * New high-resolution Tru-Finder™ with 100% coverage * 16.1 effective megapixels Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor plus latest BIONZ processor * Extended sensitivity range ISO 100 - 16000 * 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors
* As of December 2011. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras.
Limitless creative options are made even more accessible with a brand-new addition to the range of cameras by Sony employing Translucent Mirror Technology. This innovative design directs incoming light to the CMOS image sensor and the AF sensor at the same time, allowing full-time continuous AF during both still and video shooting. Framing, focusing and real-time preview can be achieved on the high-resolution Tru-Finder™ that offers a wide viewing angle and 100% field of view. This allows photographers to capture exactly what they see on the screen.
A natural successor to the acclaimed α55, the α57 is priced to appeal strongly to a wide audience of DSLR users. It shares many of the premium features – plus sophisticated styling and ergonomics – found on the enthusiast-focused α65. For the first time, entry-level photographers can shoot stills and Full HD video with razor-sharp responses and creative flexibility you’d expect from a camera in the class above.
Ensuring detail-packed images, the 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor is teamed with a latest-generation BIONZ engine. Refined by Sony during development of the flagship α77 and α65, this powerful processor effortlessly handles large amounts of image data for flawless, low-noise stills and Full HD video.
The α57 allows incredible shooting speeds of up to 12 frames per second in new Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode. Magnifying the central portion of the sensor’s image by 1.4x, it’s perfect for capturing split-second action close-ups with a burst of sharply-focused images, even when your subject’s moving.
Shared with the α65, the 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors assures fast, accurate TTL phase detection autofocus. Newly-enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or other selected objects in sharp focus – even if your target’s obscured momentarily by another passing object.
The α57 also lets you create powerfully expressive Full HD movies. Responsive full-time continuous phase detection AF ensures that moving subjects stay sharply focused, just like with still shooting. AVCHD (Ver. 2.0) Progressive compatibility means that Full HD resolution movies can be captured at up to high 50p (progressive) frame rate: ideal for capturing silk-smooth, blur-free action. 25p shooting is also selectable for giving your footage that rich, cinematic look. Movie-making options are enhanced further with full control over P/A/S/M shooting modes for virtually limitless creative expression.
Even beginners can effortlessly create pro-style portraits with the α57. In a world first, Sony introduces new Auto Portrait Framing. Using face detection and the compositional ‘rule of thirds’, the camera identifies your subject’s position, trimming the scene to create tightly-framed, professional looking pictures in vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) orientation. By Pixel Super Resolution Technology by Sony ensures that cropped, zoomed images retain a full pixel count. The original photo is saved together with the optimally-trimmed image. This allows easy comparison between the two versions, offering photographers inspiration to refine their own portrait skills.
If you want to get closer to your subject, 2x Clear Image Zoom doubles the effective magnification of your lens. Unique to Sony, By Pixel Super Resolution Technology maintains superb image detail, even with super-zoom shots. It’s a highly practical alternative to travelling with a bigger, bulkier telephoto lens.
Framing, focusing and real-time preview of exposure adjustments are a pleasure with the new Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder. With ultra-detailed 1440k dot resolution and a 100% field of view, it rivals quality optical viewfinders. There’s a choice of selectable high-resolution information displays with a wide viewing-angle to help you shoot with confidence, including a digital level gauge and framing grid. Information can be displayed either in the Tru-Finder™ or on the angle-adjustable 7.5 cm (3.0-type) Xtra Fine LCD.
Thanks to the BIONZ processor, creative shooting opportunities are boosted by an outstanding sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000. You’ll experience consistently natural, low-noise images – whether you’re using fast shutter speeds to freeze dynamic action or shooting handheld without flash in low light.
Already popular with creative photographers, the range of in-camera Picture Effects includes 11 effect types and 15 variations – offering a generous palette of ‘PC-free’ artistic treatments. Results can be previewed in live view mode on the LCD screen on in the Tru-Finder™, whether you’re shooting Full HD video or stills.
A range of optional accessories makes an ideal match for the α57. The battery-powered HVL-LE1 LED video light broadens options for recording video indoors or in low light. Ideal for active shooters, the ACC-FM1A accessory kit bundles a spare NP-FM500H rechargeable battery with the compact, versatile LCS-AMB travel case that protectively cradles the camera while offering quick access.
The new SLT-A57 Translucent Mirror camera by Sony is available in Europe from early April 2012.

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Sony Alpha A57 picture leaks, could launch this week

The first image of what is purported to be the next Alpha range camera from Sony - the Sony Alpha A57 - has leaked online along with some juicy specs and a rumoured release date.

Starting with the details, the Alpha A57 looks just like the translucent mirror DSLR rocking A65 - although the spec sheet doesn't quite match its bigger and older brother. That's because Sony is said to be aiming to bring the A57 in with a price-tag of a couple of hundred quid less.

What we're (possibly / probably) looking at then is a DSLR with a 16-megapixel Exmor HD sensor and 10fps shooting, or 12fps in a tele-zoom mode. It is reported to have ISO modes of 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 and 16000 and a 1.44 million dot electronic viewfinder.

Stills are shot with a 15-point auto-focus with three cross sensors and video recording  is AVCHD 2.0 60p/60i/24p.

And the good news is that you won't have to wait long for the Sony Alpha A57 to hit officialdom. An announcement is expected on 13 March.

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