Huawei has received the highest rating from DxOMark for the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro’s industry-leading camera system.

The Mate 30 Pro’s SuperSensing Cine Camera received an overall score of 121, four points higher than the second-highest score of 117, as well as the highest photo score of 131.

Both accolades recognize the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro as the new king of smartphone photography, raising the bar for competitors.

DxOMark, the photographic ranking system which thoroughly evaluates the image quality of smartphone cameras, has announced that the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro’s integrated quad-camera system, including the innovative SuperSensing Camera and Cine Camera, ranks number one in overall DxOMark camera score. By achieving the number one status, Huawei’s latest flagship device reinforces the brand’s reputation as the king of smartphone photography.

“With an overall DxOMark camera score of 121, the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro is the new number one in our smartphone camera ranking. The new record is largely due to a phenomenal photo score of 131, a full five points ahead of the previous leader,” DxOMark commented.

The HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro’s ground-breaking camera system includes a 40MP SuperSensing Camera, a 40MP Cine Camera, an 8MP Telephoto Camera and a 3D Depth Sensing Camera. The SuperSensing Cine Camera is a dual-main camera system capable of taking stunning photos including Ultra-Wide Night-shots, Ultra-Wide Angle shots with HDR+, and portrait shots with Pro-Bokeh Effect. The 40MP SuperSensing Camera with RYYB color array is designed to attract more light, ensuring the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro takes very detailed and clear images in super low-light conditions.

Coupled with an ISP 5.0 Image Signal Processor, the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro captures photographs and videos of the highest possible quality.

HUAWEI’s Mate 30 Pro is also capable of taking professional videos in cinematic tones. The Cine Camera features a large 1/1.54-inch sensor size with a high maximum ISO of 51200 to capture videos including Ultra Slow-motion video at the highest 7680 frames per second as well as 4K Low-light Ultra-Wide Time-lapse video.

Since launching the Mate 30 Series earlier in September 2019, Huawei has redefined smartphone capabilities and prompted consumers to rethink photography and videography all over again.

It has also been announced that Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro will be releasing down under.

The post Mate 30 Pro – New King of Smartphone Photography appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, building on its heritage of advanced image stabilization, takes a bold new direction with the Osmo Action camera.

Utilizing DJI’s unparalleled experience with capturing smooth and stable videos in the most demanding environments, Osmo Action is as rugged as it is sophisticated, opening worlds of creative potential for professionals and adventure seekers alike.

“DJI has always pushed the limits of technology, and the content creators who love our products made clear they wanted us to push the limits of their creative potential too. Osmo Action is our cutting-edge answer to what the creative community demands. Exceptional image quality and stabilization in a unique and durable new form factor, with dual colour screens and seamless software integration. For all types of creators who push their gear to the limits, Osmo Action sets the new standard,” said Roger Luo, DJI President. “Whether you are capturing aerial content with Mavic 2, incredibly smooth content with Osmo Pocket, or heart-racing footage with Osmo Action, DJI offers a full suite of products for your creative needs.”

A compact yet durable design makes Osmo Action the ideal camera for life’s adventures. Constructed to handle extreme conditions with ease, Osmo Action is dustproof, shockproof, waterproof and has the ability to operate in sub-freezing temperatures. Osmo Action utilizes colour screens on both the front and back, a unique design feature that allows for more convenient scene composition while on the move. The 2.25-inch rear touchscreen employs a water and fingerprint repelling coating, and the 1.4-inch front screen makes vlogging and selfies easier than ever before. With a brightness of 750-nits, Osmo Action can be used in harsh lighting conditions including direct sunlight.

Osmo Action’s interactive user interface, Action OS, combines a streamlined and functional physical design with flexible operation. Power on, initiate recording, and rotate through the video and photo capture modes in the blink of an eye with three dedicated buttons. Never miss a moment with the help of SnapShot, which allows Osmo Action to turn on and begin recording in under two seconds by pressing the shutter button once.

A 1/2.3-inch sensor records 12-megapixel photos and 4K video up to 60fps at 100Mbps in stunning detail, assuring high-quality footage. A three-glass aspherical lens design records low-distortion content and aids in reducing warping effects for improved scenes. The lens cap is finished with two layers of anti-fingerprint coating to keep the shot clean during use, as well as an anti-reflective coating to reduce the unwanted effects of lens glare, giving users more flexibility to shoot in bright conditions.

Incorporating over a decade of experience creating three-axis mechanical gimbals, Osmo Action is the first DJI handheld camera to include RockSteady, DJI’s Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. High-performance stabilization algorithms work in conjunction with EIS to record every movement in smooth, stable, high-quality video, even when recording 4K/60fps. Additionally, Osmo Action is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 4K/30fps, delivering an additional three stops of dynamic range to the scene, natural transitions between light and dark areas, and rich details that are often lost in complex lighting conditions. Osmo Action has a removable battery with a run time of 93 minutes recording at 4K/30fps with RockSteady enabled, and 135 minutes recording at 1080p/30fps without RockSteady. Dual microphones let users take advantage of Osmo Action’s Voice Control, and a speaker ensures outstanding playback quality.

Using the recently released DJI Mimo mobile app, connect Osmo Action to your mobile device with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for added functionality, including a live feed of the camera, multiple story templates, in-app quick editing, and more. An ecosystem of accessories helps unleash all the possibilities of Osmo Action.

DJI Osmo Action is now available at DJI’s Official Store and will be available at DJI authorized dealers in June 2019.

The post DJI Osmo Action Camera Captures Every Adventure appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Huawei bring it again. The magic, the wizardry, the camera smarts with their latest super phone, the  Huawei P30 Pro.

The 6.47 inch wrap screen features of course an almost zero bezel, top and bottom with the finger print sensor placed under the glass as we first experienced, ever, with their Mate 20 Pro late last year.

The P30 Pro features Huawei’s own Kirin 980 CPU. How do you ensure that a phone has enough grunt under the hood to ensure a seamless experience, whether gaming, watching media or multitasking, you create your own – which is exactly what Huawei have done.

The P30 Pro model has 8GB RAM 2GB step up from the Mate 20 Pro) and a 256GB internal storage (ROM). This is a more than modest memory and storage inclusion, with 128GB and 512GB variants. Unfortunately there is no microSD slot but the bay does feature allocations for dual Sims one of which can be used for a proprietary Huawei Nano MicroSD.

The two Sims arrangement has changed aswell to an Active format, whereby you can now use both Simcards simultaneously, as opposed to prior passive set up (where certain tasks can be assigned to specific Simcards). The dual sim feature will not in work in New Zealand though.

The camera is where Huawei have it over anyone else at the moment.

Continuing their partnership with Leica, the P30 Pro features a Tri-Lens housing on the rear, three lenses working together including the Telescopic lens which will allow you to zoom in at 50x Digital zoom. In all there are four cameras on the back and one on the front. The P30 Pro is a 5 camera phone.

Your usual array of A.I. smarts when taking a pic and A.R. goodness, including avatar and the animation of still objects are still included, whatsmore, there’s 4K video recording with a one-touch easy as A.I. editor, wide angle lense, 3D depth and more. One of my personal favourites is the Aperture mode and the killer Bokeh effect. The rear camera specs are one of the highest on any smartphone to date, weighing in at 40 MP (Wide Angle Lens, f/1.6 aperture,OIS) + 20 MP (Ultra Wide Angle Lens, f/2.2 aperture) + 8 MP (Telephoto, f/3.4 aperture,OIS) MP. If you haven’t already done the maths, that’s a combined MP count of 68 MP. Wow.

Time of flight is also a standout feature, with superb image stabilisation using a proprietary and Huawei developed laser autofocus.

Low light is pure witchcraft. Huawei have replaced the Green hue in RGB with Yellow is suck in more light in a darkened shot. Taking a pic in darkness to the human eye reveals detail and light that we mere mortals cannot see.

The front lens is housed in a dew drop placement. Smaller than the notch and dew drop appears to be a favourite among other phone manufacturers at present. The front camera also has AR and A.I. 3D smarts, and comes in at an astounding 32 MP.

New owners of the P30 Pro will immediately notice one very pleasing change with the EMUI OS which is overlayed on top of Android 9.

Everything is gesture based. In order to minimize any screen clutter and maximize the entire screen, the new operating system enables you to swipe to close an App, in multi-view mode, swipe move the App that’s open to display another.

Operating the P30 Pro is entirely gesture based. No longer is a Back and Home Button to be found anywhere.

External audio has also had an oerhaul with an external depth sounding speaker now at the rear of the device. For the headset connected experience Dolby Atmos is builtin with three settings; Music, Film and Smart (auto adjusts to your media).

Coming in three differing flavours, Black,  Breathing Crystal (White-ish) and Aurora (Blue) the stunning gloss shimmer of the P30 Pro resounds a million dollar look.

But that’s not the price tag. The Huawei P30 Pro is priced extremely competitively downunder, where for a considerable less cost of the nearest competitor you’ll get yourself one of these bad boys with a camera that current rivals have no way of matching.

Huawei’s P30 Pro is built for digital photography. Totally. Yet it still has way more than enough juice to tackle high end Android games to the likes of ARK: Survival and PUBG without breaking a sweat or even putting a dent in the battery after a couple of hours.

The wirelessly chargeable P30 Pro also has reverse charging, wireless reverse charging. First experienced on the Mate 20 Pro, you can add a bit of life to any other device by placing it on the back of the P30 Pro.

Having received a P30 Pro from Huawei, I have tried out the Samsung Buds, Note9 and iPhone XS Max. All happily charge up from the P30 Pro. From full charge on the P30 Pro, a quick 10 minute charge of the iPhone XS Max removed a mere 3% from the 4200 mAh battery. The Samsung Buds fully charged over 20 minutes and I lost only 2% from a full charge on the P30 Pro.

Theoretically the large capacity battery inside the P30 Pro would set you right for a few days with mid to moderate use.

After a 24 hour period, having wirelessly charged the Samsung buds, streamed Spotify for most of the day and tested out PUBG for an hour the battery only dropped 12% from a 100% level.

If you need reliability you’re not going to go wrong with the P30 Pro in this respect.

Huawei continue to innovate – building upon the smartphone greatness that they produce each year, surprisingly going above and beyond, making sure that those that own one of their smartdevices are really getting value for money, and not just another phone-clone which we are currently seeing from its nearest competitors.

While we all wait in anticipation for the rise of the foldables coming out this year including Huawei’s Mate X the traditional smartphone that we have all used and evolved with over the years is still forging ahead in bounds that we could have only imagined not that long ago.

Huawei P30 Pro, it’s a keeper, a winner and a digital photography powerhouse.

*Huawei P30 and P30 Pro release on the 12th of April 2019.

The post Huawei P30 Pro Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Time to drag all those boxes of photos sitting in your cupboard into the 21st Century.

There was a time when I lamented the death of the physical photo. I intended, naively, to take the few hundred digital photos that I had taken down to Officeworks and get them all printed.

Well, those few hundred digital photos are now several thousand. It’s fair to say, no photo I’ve taken since 2003 is ever going to end up in a physical photo album. All our photos now tend to be stored on our hard drives, in our phones and in online storage.

But what about out old photos?

If you fear sticking you beloved memories into scanner, you can stop worrying. Epson’s FastFoto FF-680W will lovingly scan your old photos, by the box-load, in just a few minutes.

The setup is easy. You plug it in, insert the CD (or download the install software), follow the prompts, press the WPS button on your router and you are all set for wirelessly scanning your memories. You can also directly connect to your PC via USB.

The scanner itself is pretty small, easily small enough to fit in a bag to take around you relative’s house to plunder the family photos. This small size means that there’s no display. Just a load of buttons that, to be honest, are not very intuitive in their function.

The scanner unfolds to revel a feeder that’ll take up to A4, and a tray to catch your scanned photos.

Scanning is easy. You simply load your photos in the tray and press the scan button. On your PC, the driver software asks is you want to label the photos with the date and a prefix. The scanner quickly draws in each photo and places it in the tray.

Unlike most scanners, the FastFoto doesn’t make unnerving crunchy noises as if it is moments away from screwing up your original documents. The scanner is virtually silent, cleanly picking up your photos, even if they are dogeared, creased or have dried up mounts on the back. If you are nervous about a particularly important, damaged document or photo, the package comes with some protected sleeves for a bit of insurance.

As part of the scanning process you can elect to have the software clean up the images for you. As well as a cleaned-up image, you can also have the machine save an untouched image for each photo. I found the process a little harsh for some of my black and white photos, losing some of the detail in the dark areas, but perfect for cleaning up washed out colour photos from the early 70s.

The scanning software really breathed some life into my old childhood photos, making them pop like they never did before. The scanner also picks up anything on the back of the photos, scanning an extra image (appended with “_b”, the primary photo being “_a”). The scanning software isn’t magic, in that it won’t add detail were there wasn’t any, but it’s not far off it.

You can switch from 300dpi, which takes about a second to scan each photo, to 600dpi for archival quality scans (at about 3 seconds per photo) or to an interpolated 1200dpi resolution, which takes 10 seconds per photo, for enlargements and cropping. You can also choose to save as either jpg or tiff files.

The Epson FastPhoto FF-680W is an essential purchase for anyone with boxes of photos sitting around in cupboard. It’s easy to set up and easy to use. Scanning is ridiculously fast and it’s careful with your precious photos. A recommended product, for sure.

The post Epson FF-680W FastFoto Photo Scanner Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

FUJIFILM Corporation has unveiled yet another mirrorless camera and lens in a global announcement proving the 85-year veteran remains at the cutting edge of photographic technology.

Hot on the heels of the company’s highly successful X-T3 launch, the brand new, highly anticipated FUJIFILM X-T30 mirrorless digital camera will be available for sale on New Zealand shores from March 20th 2019.

Pitched as a powerful companion for any photographer – beginners through to the enthusiast – it’s the latest addition to the X Series range of cameras, renowned for outstanding image quality, proprietary colour reproduction technology and intuitive dial-based handling.

“We’re calling this powerful little unit the ‘all-rounder’. It will appeal to a broad range of users from enthusiast photographers to first time beginners,” says Craig Robertson, professional photographer and FUJIFILM’s NZ X Series specialist.

“Photographers won’t outgrow the X-T30 as they enhance their skills. It will always deliver premium quality pictures and video captured with ease, regardless of experience.”

The X-T30 is equipped with a host of new functions offering outstanding performance, utilising the 4th Generation image sensor and processor with 26.1 megapixel resolution and fast high-performance AF.  In addition, phase detection pixels are now across the entire frame (100%).

Other advanced features include a joystick for shifting focus points easily, a new intuitive touch-screen panel with improved response, and an improved body design that offers better holding stability to ensure comfortable shooting even with larger lenses.

“Fujifilm cameras are known the world over for being lighter and more compact without compromising quality. The X-T30 is no different and we’re proud to say gone are the days of lugging heavy DSLR gear around,” says Craig.

An improved algorithm delivers even more advanced AF-tracking performance. This includes enhanced accuracy in face / eye detection and the introduction of a Face Select function to provide priority auto-focus on a selected subject.

The evolution of AF performance is available with both still photos and during video filming. Improved exposure stability during face / eye AF and face recognition in the AF-C (continuous AF) mode adds to ease of use. Video performance itself has also been enhanced, offering high-resolution audio recording and smooth 4K/30P video recording.

Coupled with the launch of the X-T30, FUJIFILM will add to its X Series line-up of interchangeable lenses with the release of the new FUJINON XF16mmF2.8 R WRto compliment the other compact prime lenses. Also available in New Zealand from March 20^th 2019, this lens features a focal length equivalent to 24mm (in the 35mm format) and has a maximum aperture of F2.8.

“The XF16mmF2.8 lens is small and lightweight. Its inner focusing system is fast and quiet and is perfect for travel and landscape photographers,” says Craig.

“It’s also weather and dust resistant, and operates in temperatures as low as -10°C making it versatile for a range of conditions.”

The FUJINON XF16mmF2.8 R WR lens in black (and silver from April) has an indicative price of $699 NZD. The FUJIFILM X-T30 has an indicative price of $1,649 (body only) and will be available in black, silver and charcoal silver. Both can be purchased from authorised FUJIFILM dealers nationwide from March 20th 2019.

The post FUJIFILM launches high performing all-rounders appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Panasonic is proud to introduce the full specifications of its long-awaited first full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras, the LUMIX S1R and S1, with a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor.

The LUMIX S Series aims for unprecedented image quality with high resolution, rich gradation and superior color reproduction. A high-speed, high-precision AF system based on advanced control technology over the lens, the sensor, and the new Venus Engine enable the user to capture the target in sharp focus without fail. It also boasts industry-leading video recording performance (4K 60p / 50p), intuitive control, a rugged design for heavy field use, durability, and expandability.

The new cameras are based on the L-Mount standard, which boasts a well-balanced, large inner diameter and compact dimensions for a flange focus to realize optimum size and performance as a mirrorless camera system.

The LUMIX S1R has 47.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (36mm x 24mm), which gives it the industry’s highest level of resolution in the full-frame mirrorless cameras, to pursue the ultimate power of expression. In addition to the precise reproduction capability in detail, this sensor achieves a high S/N ratio by taking advantage of its high light-condensing efficiency despite the large number of pixels.

Panasonic LUMIX S1R

The LUMIX S1 comes with a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (35.6mm x 23.8mm) that provides a wide dynamic range and excellent performance at high sensitivity in addition to a natural yet sharp image description. The LUMIX S1 supports professional use in videography by taking advantage of the stunning expression performance that a full-frame camera can offer. It records smooth 4K 60p / 50p video and enables full-pixel readout of signals in 4K 30p/25p to save truly beautiful footage. Furthermore, the LUMIX S1 will comply with 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p/25p internal video recording and 4K 60p/50p HDMI output as well as V-Log, with a software upgrade key (to be sold separately) following soon in 2019.

Panasonic New Zealand, Product Manager, Andrew Reid, says: “At Panasonic we’re committed to pioneering new innovations under the vision of “Changing Photography”, which is why we’re excited to be launching the new full-frame mirrorless LUMIX S1R and S1 cameras in New Zealand.”

The LUMIX S1R incorporates a new 47.3-megapixel CMOS sensor without LPF (Low Pass Filter) to realize high resolution and descriptive performance. This sensor adopts an aspherical lens for the on-chip micro lens to enhance light condensation. Together with the optimum design to concentrate more incoming light onto the photodiode, it achieves both high resolution and highly efficient light condensation performance.

The LUMIX S1 employs a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. The new Venus Engine, which is exclusively tuned for the full-frame camera, and its Multipixel Luminance Generation and Intelligent Detail Processing realize natural, high-resolution expression while suppressing color moiré. Three-dimensional Color Control improves the color reproduction of both bright and shadow areas. This results in natural, true-to-life images from low to high sensitivity. Taking advantage of sufficient light condensation, the LUMIX S1 boasts a wide dynamic range and reproduces sharp images with exceptional clarity. Noise is minimized even when shot at maximum ISO 51200 high sensitivity. It is an ideal camera to use especially in low-light situations.

An AR coating applied on the sensor of both LUMIX S1R / S1 minimizes ghost and flare even in backlighting. Combination with the high-quality LUMIX S Series lenses based on the L-Mount further enhances the potential of the camera.

Plus, the LUMIX S1R / S1 integrates the Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) for powerful handshake correction. Panasonic developed an algorithm that precisely calculates shake information acquired not only from a gyrosensor, but also from the image sensor and accelerometer sensor. This enables more accurate shake detection and compensation, making it possible to use a 5.5-stop slower shutter speed.

Taking full advantage of its high-resolution sensor, the LUMIX S1R / S1 provides a High-Resolution mode that faithfully reproduces precise details to be saved as beautiful, highly realistic RAW images. Eight consecutive images are automatically shot while shifting the sensor using the Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) mechanism and synthesized into a 187-megapixel equivalent (16,736 x 11,168-pixel) image for LUMIX S1R and 96-megapixel equivalent (12,000 x 8,000-pixel) image for LUMIX S1 by the new Venus Engine, which boasts high-speed signal processing. This mode is suitable for taking natural landscapes or fine arts with delicate details. This magnificently high resolution photo is ideal for landscape photography of stationary subjects using a tripod. However, it can also be used in situations where moving subjects are included in the scene, by switching the sub mode.

The high-precision shutter unit offers the highest shutter speed at a maximum 1/8000 second to capture spur-of-the-moment, fast moving subjects and to use a high-speed lens with a fully open aperture even outdoors for impressive defocusing. The external flash can be synchronized with the industry’s fastest shutter speed of a maximum 1/320 second.

The LUMIX S1R / S1 also boasts high speed burst shooting at 9 fps (AFS) or 6 fps (AFC). With its high subject tracking performance, the LUMIX S1R / S1 never loses the target subject. As a camera that excels in low-light shooting, the LUMIX S1R / S1 boasts -6EV luminance detection performance with Low Light AF thanks to the higher sensitivity and optimized tuning of the sensor.

Panasonic LUMIX S1

For more continuous burst shooting, 6K PHOTO makes it possible to capture unmissable moments at 30 fps by extracting the frame with the best timing out of a 6K burst file (in 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio) to save as an approximate 18-megapixel equivalent high-resolution photo. Users can choose the most suitable burst shooting mode in addition to the regular consecutive shooting mode in full resolution depending on the situation.

The LVF (Live View Finder) is the key factor for completing the ultra-high-speed response of the camera. The LUMIX S1R / S1 has the largest level of Real View Finder which boasts the world’s highest 5,760k-dot resolution. The 0.78x magnification ratio can be switched to 0.7x or 0.74x according to the shooting situation. Adoption of a high-speed, high-precision OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) for the LVF achieves smooth display at 60 fps/120 fps (switchable) and high-speed response with minimum time lag of less than 0.005 sec as well as 10,000:1 high contrast for exceptional visibility. With minimum distortion and high optical performance, this Real View Finder provides a natural view as seen with the naked eye. It is always sharp and clear from the center all the way to the corners.

To make the camera just like a part of the photographer’s body, the LUMIX S1R / S1 provides a firm grip, making it easy to hold for long periods. The control buttons and dials are located based on an ergonomic study to enable the user to concentrate on shooting. The adoption of an 8-directional joystick and refined UI (User Interface) also supports quick operation during shooting. In addition, illuminated buttons can be of help in low-light situations. An operation lock lever prevents unintentional operation, and the user can choose which operation to lock.

To be tough enough to withstand heavy field use, the main structure is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front/rear frame. Robust construction and a sealing for every joint, dial, and button make the LUMIX S1R / S1 not only splash resistant and dust resistant but also freeze resistant down to -10 degrees Centigrade. The shutter unit is also durable for approximately 400,000 cycles. The LUMIX S1R / S1 is equipped with a double Memory Card slot compatible with SD (UHS-II) or XQD Memory Cards for high-speed, high-capacity continuous data recording.

Both LUMIX S1R and S1 offer outstanding video recording performance,the LUMIX S1R is a camera designed and developed to boast exceptional performance in photography, yet is capable of 4K 60p/50p video recording. The LUMIX S1 provides professional videography with 4K 60p/50p recording. It realizes a crop factor of 1.0x in 4K 30p/25p/24p, which means that the user can record video in the original viewing angle of the lens. There is no recording time limit for both 4K 30p/25p/24p and Full-HD video.

As a camera from Panasonic that has been overstepping the limit of video performance in digital cameras, a host of functions are available on the LUMIX S1R/S1. The High Speed Video lets users record slow motion video in 4K (maximum 60 fps/ 50 fps) and FHD (maximum 180 fps /150 fps). For the terminal, an HDMI Type A is provided. Plus, a cable lock holder for the HDMI cable is included in the LUMIX S1R / S1 to prevent unplugging trouble on location. LINE input is also supported by a 3.5-mm microphone jack. This makes it possible to input sounds from an external audio device, for more efficient video production.

Other notable features of both LUMIX S1R and S1 include:

* Variable aspect ratios with new 65:24 and 2:1
* Photo Style featuring a new Flat mode
* I.S. Status Scope
* Highlight Weighted Light Metering Mode
* New AWBw Auto White Balance mode
* Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) / 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n)
* Lumix Tether
* Lumix Sync

Panasonic’s advanced Contrast AF system with DFD technology has evolved through the development of numerous mirrorless cameras to make the AF system of the LUMIX S1R / S1 even more practical. It achieves not only the industry’s fastest level of focusing speed but also a tracking performance that is made possible by the adoption of Advanced AI Technology that accurately recognizes moving target subjects.

A variety of new accessories are available for the LUMIX S1R / S1 including Remote Shutter (DMW-RS2),　Eyecup (DMW-EC6), Battery Grip (DMW-BGS1) and Battery Charger (DMW-BTC14). The Battery Charger also complies with USB PD and enables quick power charging in approximately 2 hours. The camera can be used while charging via this adaptor. The conventional External Flash (DMW-FL580L / FL360L / FL200L) can also be mounted on the LUMIX S Series cameras.

The post Mirrorless Cameras LUMIX S1R & LUMIX S1 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Taking attention to detail and precision to a new level, FUJIFILM releases a first in its telephoto lens technology with this new addition to its highly recognised GF lens range.

The new FUJINON GF100-200mmF5.6 is the first GF telephoto lens to offer a 35mm focal range equivalent of 79-158mm. Ideal for landscape and nature photographers, the lens is capable of capturing the atmosphere of any scene through a combination of high-resolution performance and rich bokeh effect.

FUJIFILM NZ X Series specialist Craig Robertson says the GF range is already highly praised by photographic professionals for its ability to capture high levels of detail and three-dimensional feel within a compact body.

“This is a world-class lens that will delight serious photographers. The GF100-200mmF5.6 offers the freedom to roam, ditching the tripod thanks to the powerful image stabilising technology.

“This lens is also equipped with weather resistant construction, ensuring it endures the toughest of conditions without sacrificing image quality,” says Robertson.

FUJIFILM’s GF lens range owes its quality to the finest optical design and product technologies resulting in high-resolution and rich tonal reproduction.

The latest addition joins eight other lenses in the GF range, which also includes the GFX 50S and the recently released GFX 50R camera bodies. All lenses, including the GF100-200mmF5.6 preserve FUJIFILM’s key notion of producing compact, lightweight bodies without compromising the final product.

The FUJINON GF100-200mmF5.6 has an indicative price of $3,749 NZD and will be available to purchase in New Zealand on February the 14th, 2019 from specialist photographic dealers nationwide.

The post Fujifilm announce a first in telephoto zoom technology appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Panasonic has developed two models of its first Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera with a 35 mm full-frame image sensor, the LUMIX S1R and the S1. The models are equipped with the world’s first 4K 60p / 50p video recording function and Dual I.S. image stabilisation system.

Andrew Reid, Product Manager at Panasonic NZ, says, “We’re really looking forward to introducing the new LUMIX cameras to Kiwis – they are a real game-changer. With the rise in social media and content generation, more people are enjoying a hybrid of photos and videos, widening the range of expression in the production of content, which is where the LUMIX S1R and S1 comes in.”

Panasonic is bringing the new cameras to market as part of the LUMIX S series, striving to provide “specialised value” to customers desiring higher expressiveness. The cameras have the user-friendliness and robustness essential as tools for photography or videography by professionals, while also incorporating an entire array of Panasonic technology refined over a century in the consumer electronics business and 10 years developing Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras: digital technology like image or signal processing, plus optical and heat dispersion technology and more. The combination of these will provide customers with new outstanding value for photography and videography.

Panasonic has also announced they will also expand its lineup of LUMIX S series compatible lenses, developing more than 10 by 2020, including a 50 mm / F1.4 fixed-focus lens, 24-105 mm standard zoom lens, and 70-200 mm telephoto zoom lens.

For the LUMIX G series of Micro Four Thirds Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras, Panasonic has started developing a LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25 mm F1.7 lens that will achieve the world’s first zoom with maximum aperture of F1.7 for the entire range. On top of this, the support services for professional photographers, which started in Japan in April last year, will be available in Europe and the United States this fiscal year.

The LUMIX GH5, G9, and GH5S high-end Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras that Panasonic has steadily released since 2017 have already gained a solid reputation among professionals and high-level amateurs across the world for the quality of their pictures and ability to capture the vitality and beauty of life.

This success owes to Panasonic’s world-first support for 4K 60p / 50p video recording, and the world’s fastest autofocus function using the company’s proprietary DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology. Panasonic will continue to provide new value to customers through the unique features of the compact yet high-definition LUMIX G series, while also reaching the professional market through the introduction of the full-frame LUMIX S series and the greater reach of the company’s support system. Through these measures, Panasonic will help to create a new culture of photography and videography.

Prototypes of the new cameras and lenses introduced above will be exhibited at Photokina 2018 and will be available early in 2019.

The post Panasonic’s First Full-frame Mirrorless Camera appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Sony, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today announced another exciting model for their popular Cyber-shot RX100 series of compact cameras, the RX100 VI.

The innovative new RX100 VI camera is the first of all the RX100 models to include high magnification zoom through an impressive ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm F2.8 – F4.5 lens, without sacrificing the pocket-size portability, fast responsiveness and high image quality that has become the hallmark of the Sony RX100 lineup.  Its extensive zoom, impressive image quality and versatility for both still images and video make it an ideal choice for capturing daily life, cityscapes, portraiture, sports, wildlife and everything in between.

The new model is equipped with a 20.1 MP 1.0-type stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and an upgraded BIONZ X image processing system with a front-end LSI that maximizes processing speed and optimises image quality in all shooting environments.  Additionally, the RX100 VI features an incredibly efficient Fast Hybrid AF system with 315-point phase-detection AF points on the sensor that can acquire focus in as little as 0.03 seconds, the world’s fastest AF acquisition time for 1.0-type sensor cameras.  It can also shoot at up to 24 fps at full resolution with continuous AF / AE tracking and produces beautiful 4K video with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.

“There is a misconception that you can only take brilliant photos and videos with an Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) and lens. The RX100 VI allows you to capture every moment through the extensive reach of the 24-200mm zoom lens with advanced auto-focus and high-speed shooting, without compromising image quality” said Jun Yoon, Head of Digital Imaging for Sony Australia and New Zealand.

“Whilst there are many advantages to ILC technology, the RX100 VI delivers a super convenient alternative to carrying an ILC kit complete with both a 24-70mm and 70-200mm zoom lens, all in one compact body. Don’t miss that perfect smile; capture your child’s first moments; chronicle your travel adventures; and relive your family milestone events in stunning clarity, by having the RX100 VI as your everyday imaging companion”.

A first for the Sony RX100 series of cameras, the new ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm F2.8 – F4.5 lens packs the power of both 24-70mm and 70-200mm focal lengths into a singular compact design.  This is achieved thanks to its unique design featuring two ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical glass elements and eight aspherical lens elements including four AA (advanced aspherical) lenses.  All pieces work together seamlessly to deliver outstanding sharpness from corner-to-corner at all focal lengths, maintaining the acclaimed image quality of the RX100 series.

The impressive new lens on the RX100 VI maintains a  large aperture throughout the entire zoom range, ensuring portraits can be created with beautiful background defocus, fast moving subjects can be captured with crisp focus and no blurring, and much more. Additionally, the lens has built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation that is equivalent to a 4.0-stop faster shutter speed, helping to prevent camera shake or blurry images even in a low-light condition or at telephoto zoom range.

The new RX100 VI model features a Fast Hybrid AF system that ultimately allows the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.03 seconds.  This innovative AF system combines the respective advantages of 315-point focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 65% of the sensor and contrast-detection AF.  This high speed focusing complements the versatile 24-200mm range of the lens, ensuring all subjects can be captured with precise detail and clarity.

Additionally, in another first for the RX100 series of cameras, the RX100 VI includes Sony’s advanced High-density Tracking AF technology, which concentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy.  The popular Eye AF technology is also available with approximately two times the tracking performance of the current RX100 series model.  Further, the camera has LCD touch focusing and touchpad focus point control for users that would like to drag their fingers to their ideal focus points.

Complementary to its AF system, the RX100 VI offers continuous high-speed shooting at up to 24 fps with full AF / AE tracking, with an impressive buffer limit of up to 233 images.  The display lag of the EVF has been substantially reduced compared to prior models, allowing shooters to capture that decisive moment with ultimate confidence.  Also, for convenience during image playback, continuously shot images can be displayed in groups instead of individual shots.

The RX100 VI also has a high speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second) that reduces the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast moving subjects, and can shoot completely silently in all modes, including continuous high speed shooting, when the electronic shutter is engaged.  A mechanical shutter mode is also available as well, if required by the user.

The pocket-friendly RX100 VI is packed with a variety of video capabilities that will satisfy even the most demanding video enthusiasts.

With Fast Hybrid AF, the focal-plane phase-detection AF points ensures accurate focusing and tracking performance, even for the severe focusing requirements of 4K movie shooting.  AF drive speed and AF tracking sensitivity can also be adjusted via the menu system, giving shooters plenty of flexibility based on their focusing preferences.

In 4K mode, the new RX100 VI utilises full pixel readout without pixel binning to ensure that all the finer details of 4K video are captured with minimal moiré and ‘jaggies’.

For the first time in a Cyber-shot camera, the RX100 VI features 4K HDR compatibility thanks to its new HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile that offers an instant HDR workflow solution.  Additional professional-calibre video features include S-Log3 / S-Gamut3, 120p Full HD mode, Picture Profile, proxy recording and more.  The RX100 VI is able to record super slow motion video at either 240fps, 480 fps or 960 fps.

The new RX100 VI is equipped with a high-contrast 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder with ZEISS T Coating, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality.  The EVF itself retracts in and out of the camera body based on user preference, and can be activated instantly by a single one-push access button.

A further first for Sony’s RX series, RX100 VI has a touch shutter that can be activated by tapping the back LCD screen, a zoom lever with customisable zoom speeds and an LCD that can be rotated 180 degrees upward or 90 degrees downward for a variety of shooting angles for the creator. There is also a Monitor Auto OFF function that boosts max number of still images by up to 30%, and the camera is also Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth compatible.

The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI compact camera will be available from late June 2018. Pricing is still to be confirmed.

The post Sony Combines Versatility with Speed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Welcome to the most advanced mirrorless Professional Digital Camera, ever, the X-H1.

FujiFilms flagship X Series model that was initially thought to be the successor to their X-T2 is built for the more astute photographers while remaining to be intuitive enough for beginners to pick up and play with.

The X-H1 is boasting with features to get your snaps in to the highest quality and highest detail possible.

The first notable feature is the inclusion of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). What this means is that you can now say goodbye to those out of focus or blurred photo’s whether you are taking a shot of a moving subject, or you yourself are moving or a bit shaky when taking the pic. It offers up a 5 Axis system, which is visible via a guideline on the camera’s tilt-able touch screen. Image corrections are processed internally at a whopping rate of 10, 000 times per second to ensure that your photo isn’t out of whack.

Being 24.3 MP (MegaPixel) and using a X-Trans CMOS III Sensor the X-H1 has an ISO range from ISO 200-12,800 (which is expandable to ISO 100-51,200).

With standard zooms, to connecting different sized lenses through to an astounding Macro, the ISO dial sets you right for any environment or any form of filtering that you may need.

Novices will usually opt to the Automatic setting, but I encourage those that are going to pick up this camera to widely experiment with the ISO.

Taken with FujiFilm X-H1

To the top Right of the X-H1 is an info LCD screen. From your current shooting settings through to how many more images you can take on your standard SD Card having this separate and not cluttering your touch screen or viewfinder is a god-send.

Accompanying the retro styled body the X-H1 comes with a mountable Flash and a mid range Lens.

You can also get a mountable weighted dock, which can store up to two spare batteries.

The X-H1 is a beast and a heavy one. you sure do feel it around your neck weighing in at 673g for the camera only.

Also being capable of video, as most Digital Cameras are, the X-Hi supports true cinema with digital cinema aspect ratio (17:9) and is able to record 4K (3840 x 2160) and DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at a rate of 200 mbps.

Now for 4K recording you will need to have a spare battery on hand if it is a lengthy videoing session and a hefty SD Card to save the large video file. The model that we were given to test out came with the 18-55 Lens. This is optimal for video recording.

FujiFilm have also builtin Slow Motion and High Speed recording and as with your still imagery, you can play with the ISO settings (aswell as additional Menu settings) to get the visual outcome that you want.

This makes the X-H1 a perfect all rounder.

Taken with FujiFilm X-H1

For those that have yet to move away from their mobile phones and take up a ‘real’ camera the X-H1 maybe a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t be put off. The X-H1 has alot of functionality to it and is future proofed, meaning that an investment in to one of these bad boys will see you right for years to come.

A solid camera body and perfect spacing between the buttons and the dials, so you don’t need to take your eyes of the snap to look for the right button.

The X-H1 is also a forgiving camera. You do not need to be a Pro when wielding it, but after a time, you will be that professional photographer you had always aspired to be.

Taken with FujiFilm X-H1 (cropped).

Battery life is pretty good. Asides from the expected drain when shooting 4K video, for general photography a single charge can see you right for up to 12 hours. Charging the battery, well that seemed to take a while though. Around 2 to 3 hours, so again you need a spare to hot swap.

The price point for the X-H1 of just over $3K NZD is what you would expect for the one of the top shelf FujiFilm camera’s. But as mentioned, getting in to a X-H1 is an investment and other than the additional cost of perhaps extra batteries and differing lenses the X-H1 is the Digital Camera to rule them all.

The post FujiFilm X-H1 Digital Camera Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.