Fuji Digital Cameras ? Understanding Fujifilm and Fuji Finepix

Fuji Digital Cameras ? Understanding Fujifilm and Fuji Finepix

To the ordinary consumers, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation is best known for its photographic and imaging products like Fuji digital cameras.  This Tokyo-based company, however, is much more than that. Fujifilm has also distinguished itself in office equipment products, flat panel display, medical systems, and life sciences.  The company counts on 223 subsidiaries and over 70,000 employees worldwide for the manufacture, distribution and product research.

In 2007, Fujifilm emerged no. 17 in the listing of companies with the most patents registered in the USA, an indication of the company’s vast technological armory in optics, digital imaging, thin film coating and fine chemical applications.  With almost billion in global revenues, Fujifilm has consistently ranked among the world’s largest companies, occupying the 142nd slot on Fortune Magazine Top 400 and holding the 217th place on BusinessWeek’s Global 1000 list.

Formerly operating as Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., the company was the prime-mover of the development of Japan’s first electronic computer, called FUJIC, which saw completion in 1956.  In more contemporary times, Fujinon lenses helped shape moviemaking history with  a Fujifilm company supplying high-definition lenses in the filming of Darth Vader scenes shot in total darkness for the George Lucas’  Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.  A high-definition Fujinon Cine lens was developed for these particular scenes which are difficult to film with regular movie camera equipment.  What the Fujinon HD Cine lens delivered were images expressing texture and reproducing subtle black hues.   The high performance of these lenses enabled the Fujifilm company Fujinon to win an Emmy Award for Technology and Engineering.

The same outstanding technology is at work in Fuji digital cameras, particularly in the Fuji Finepix models which have set the trend in compact models excelling in low-light shooting conditions. Among the advanced technologies that go into these Fuji compacts is the Super CCD EXR sensor, which is one of the selling points of the Finepix F200 EXR.  The sensors of these Fuji digital cameras bring in a versatile feature that helps the photographer adapt to three different shooting environments.

There is a fine capture mode, wherein these Fuji Finepix cameras employ 12-megapixel resolution of the EXR pixel array to capture images in bright colours up to the smallest detail.  For high-contrast shooting situations, a photographer can switch to the dual capture mode wherein the Fuji compact reads two images and merges them into a single image of up to 800% in wide dynamic range to produce pictures that reveal subtleties and shadow, and eliminate washout in the brightest areas.  In low-lighting situations, the Super CCD EXR is ready to take charge with its pixel-fusion mode, high-sensitivity features and pixel-binning capability wherein two pixels are combined into one super-pixel.

There are two different modes by which to access these Super CCD EXR modes.  One is the priority mode which allows the photographer to manually set any of the EXR modes suitable to the shooting condition.  The other is the auto mode wherein the Fuji digital cameras automatically set the best EXR mode for the shooting situation to deliver the perfect image.

Canon’s 10 megapixel SX1 IS shoots Full HD too

Canon’s 10 megapixel SX1 IS shoots Full HD too

Canon today supercharges its PowerShot digital compact camera range with two powerful new models: the 10 Megapixel PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS, which jointly replace the PowerShot S5 IS.

Both raise the benchmark for compact zooms with an outstanding 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom, with USM and VCM for fast, silent, zooming. The PowerShot SX1 IS offers a revolutionary series of features never seen before on a Canon compact camera – a 10 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, 4 frames per second continuous shooting, and full HD movie capture – while both cameras use Canon’s new DIGIC 4 processor for fast performance and richly detailed, clean images in a wide range of shooting situations.

Unbeatable reach
With a Canon 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom lens, the PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS tackle everything from long-range telephoto shots to sweeping landscapes. Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) combines with Voice Coil Motor (VCM)technology for near-silent operation and the speed for sports or wildlife subjects. And thanks to Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer – which now offers a 4-stop advantage – camera shake blur is avoided even with the zoom fully extended.

10 Megapixel power
The PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS feature resolutions of 10 Megapixels, capturing all the necessary detail for poster-size prints or creative cropping in post processing. A Canon CMOS sensor allows the PowerShot SX1 IS to shoot full-resolution JPEGs at speeds of up to 4fps – making it a powerful, pocket-sized tool ideal for capturing fast-paced action sequences.

High Definition moviemaking
For the ultimate in visual quality, the PowerShot SX1 IS delivers 1080p (30fps) High Definition video – ready for instant playback on any HDTV via a built-in HDMI connection. The PowerShot SX10 IS offers fun, spontaneous VGA movie shooting. Movies on both cameras are enhanced with CD quality stereo sound, optical zooming and Face Detection Technology; and if extra reach is required, the PowerShot SX1 IS includes Canon’s Advanced Tele-Converter for an extra 2x zoom with no loss in movie quality.

DIGIC 4: intelligent processing for better photos
The PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS both feature Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. As well as ensuring ultra-fast operation and superb, low-noise images, DIGIC 4 drives several intelligent technologies that make great photos easier than ever.

People shots benefit from improved Face Detection Technology, which even detects faces positioned at an angle to the camera, or in profile. Face Select & Track tracks a specific subject even more accurately, while a new FaceSelf-timer function – which automatically triggers the shutter shortly after a new face entersthe frame – makes group shots and self-portraits easy.

Canon’s improved Motion Detection Technology delivers fantastic, sharp results by registering camera and subject movement, then automatically adjusting ISO to prevent image blur. Blur is further guarded against by new Servo AF, which continuously adjusts focus on subjects moving towards or away from the camera.

DIGIC 4 also powers Canon’s new i-Contrast feature, which brings out great, natural-looking detail in dark areas of pictures – without blowing out lighter areas.

Total Control
For the ultimate creative precision, the PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS offer full manual control over both aperture and shutter speed. A Multi Control Dial offers fingertip access to all key settings. Plus, compatibility with a range of accessories – including Canon’s professional Speedlite EX flash units – extends creative potential even further.

Also included with the PowerShot SX1 IS is Canon’s WC-DC300 controller, which allows wireless control of shooting and playback. This is ideal for tripod shots at slow shutter speeds, or any situation where keeping a distance from the camera is preferable.

“Both of these cameras offer exceptional imaging possibilities,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “In particular, the PowerShot SX1 IS genuinely redefines what a compact digital camera can do. This kind of power and versatility must be experienced to be believed.”

Pricing & Availability
The PowerShot SX1 IS is available from December priced at £519.99 / €679.99 RRP inc VAT
The PowerShot SX10 IS is available from October priced at £359.99 / €469.99 RRP inc VAT

Features at a glance:

* 20x wide-angle (28mm, f/2.8) optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer
* 10.0 Megapixels
* Canon CMOS sensor for full resolution continuous 4fps shooting (PowerShot SX1 IS)
* Full HD (1080p, 30fps) movies plus HDMI output (PowerShot SX1 IS)
* DIGIC 4 for outstanding images and fast response times
* Shooting modes include full manual control
* Great people shots with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB plus Face Select & Track and FaceSelf-Timer
* Targets every possible cause of blur with High ISO Auto, optical Image Stabilizer, Motion Detection Technology and Servo AF
* Auto Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback
* i-Contrast boosts brightness and retains detail in dark areas
* 2.5″ vari-angle LCD II with wide viewing angle plus electronic viewfinder (PowerShot SX10 IS)

2.8″ widescreen vari-angle LCD II with wide viewing angle (PowerShot SX1 IS)

Multi Control Dial and customizable My Menu

Smooth, 30fps VGA movies (PowerShot SX10 IS)

Canon Powershot SX 200 IS Digital Camera

Canon Powershot SX 200 IS Digital Camera

Canon Powershot SX 200 IS Digital Camera
12.1 Megapixel , 12x Optical Zoom , 3.0″ LCD, Optical Image Stabilization

Canon has jumped into the small-body, with the PowerShot SX200 IS zoom compact. Sporting a 12.1 MP sensor, image-stabilized lens with 12x Optical zoom (28 – 336mm equiv) and a 3.0″ LCD, it includes a host of features including the Smart Auto mode and enhanced Easy mode, Enhanced Face Detection with Face Select & Track, Face Self-Timer, Auto Red-Eye Correction and HD video recording.

Canon today strengthens its PowerShot range of digital cameras with the launch of the PowerShot SX200 IS – a new Super Zoom model in a strikingly compact body. With a wide-angle (28mm) 12x optical zoom lens and powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor for ultra-fast performance and outstanding image quality, this 12.1 Megapixel camera is the ideal travel companion. Richly detailed movies can be shot in High Definition (720p, 30fps), with a built-in HDMI connection for playback on HD televisions. The addition of a full Manual shooting mode gives users control when they want it.

Features

28mm wide-angle 12x optical zoom 12.1 MP Compact design in three colours Fast DIGIC 4 processing Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology Motion Detection Technology Face Detection Technology 3.0” LCD HD movies and HDMI connection Manual Control mode

Salient Features for Canon Powershot SX200IS

28mm wide-angle 12x optical zoom
Capture more in your frame with a powerful and compact 12x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom lens. Canon’s lens-based optical Image Stabilizer Technology counteracts camera shake, for crisp, blur-free images throughout the zoom range.

Digital Cannon Cameras Top-Rated Choices

Digital Cannon Cameras Top-Rated Choices

Each Cannon digicam top choices are the Canon EOS-5D Mark II, Canon PowerShot S90 and the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS. The Canon digital cameras are basically high-quality cameras however, these are just the ones which might be more popular with numerous options used for taking good quality photographs.

The primary Canon digital cameras preferred picks include the PowerShot A490 IS. This specific camera delivers 12.1 megapixels, half a dozen times optical zoom together with four times digital zoom capability. It’s 2.5 in. screen swivels for simple usage in any kind of scenario.

The next Cannon digital camera models leading picks is definitely the PowerShot SX200 IS, that has12.1 megapixels utilizing six times optical plus four times digital zoom along with photo stabilization zoom. The 3″ screen allows the user to see a clear photograph.

The EOS-7D Digital is the next Cannon digital camera top selection. The camera is an SLR camera having 10.1 megapixels. The built-in image processor provides the end user with precise and ultra fast picture processing. The 3 inch view screen makes it easier to see the photo for clarity. This unique camera provides the broadest ISO range in addition to every other camera.

The Canon EOS Rebel T2I is known as a digital SLP camera featuring 12.2 megapixels along with a 3″ screen. The ongoing shooting attribute is ideal for photography enthusiasts acquiring fast moving shots. The camera has the zoom lens built in cleaning solution. Its photograph quality is pure and highly detailed.

These represent the leading Canon digital camera top choices having numerous features and settings for imaging. Cannon gives you more excellent cameras to choose from with different selling prices. Often the top of the line is the EOS-1D Mark III together with the most affordable price tag, the top rated selections being the Canon PowerShot A3000 IS.

Nikon D3000 Great Camera

Nikon D3000 Great Camera

Great camera Fantastic Lens!
After what seemed like weeks looking through endless reviews that carved the D3000 and D5000, and my decision after reading the thoughts of Ken Rockwell on Live-view and video mode. However … Ken Rockwell stated previously, a complete verification that is moving the D3000 for a suggested the D40 or D60 … Seems to have changed his mind since then book a bit ‘.

My thoughts … Now, this camera is a step for me a Fuji FinePix S7000, a great camera, but with significant limitations. As an avid photographer, but just an amateur, I think I made a good choice, and made some recordings have been impressive (see the images of the customer). The great thing about the D3000 is its use as a learning tool for guiding characteristic modes. I think that opens up new possibilities for users of a new digital SLR for technical to understand. My advice is that the experiment … Machine is a great experiment, but leads to a rewarding hobby.
The next step for me … The objective VR 55-200 mm.

By the way …. Make sure that the kit comes with a lens VR … Splendid!

Excellent entry camera
Some of the negative comments are abusive, this is a good value for money camera does not leave disappointed. I wanted a digital SLR camera for ages and could not pay, that was a real pleasure to see. The photos are great, the target VR is worth the price of the camera (IMO). I’m not complaining about this camera, except I’m used to use the LCD as a viewfinder for the camera, first, it took a little ‘getting used to not having. But only a minor point.

This camera has opened a new world of digital SLRs. Macro lenses have been purchased, and a remote control and tripod. I love this camera.
I was going to buy everything again?
YES

And if you buy now and qualify to the home page of Nikon was up 30 pounds to repay the money

Nikon D3000 Reviews
I totally agree with Ken Rockwell.This is the worst made.The Nikon D40 has a much better performance in low light and flash sync of 500 per second, compared to 200 in this camera, even if this is the third ” rates and better “as D40.Neither to wait 10 megapixel Nikon D40S on 6.You than 3 seconds after taking a photo with the ADRs! Full Nonsense.I can not understand, a marketing policy that is at the bottom of 3 consecutive models from Nikon D40.That is the reason why you can not find many in the D40S market, even e-bay – that can be started rapidly!
DSLR brilliant – perfect pass digital cameras

I bought this digital SLR, taking into account many other options available and had a number of friends who had experience of talking with this type of equipment.

Photogaphers Have Discovered the Canon Powershot S90

Photogaphers Have Discovered the Canon Powershot S90

Whilst digital SLR cameras are getting lots of consideration because of their lower prices and increased features, there is still a demand from customers for high-end point and shoot cameras.

And so, there is the Canon Powershot S90, a completely compact camera with nearly all the control of a DLSR camera. It is an alternative to several high end compact models (such as the Canon Powershot G11) that have a tendency to look similar to professional models in line and design. This one was developed to be the total pocket model.

The Canon Powershot S90 has some serious benefits for two groups of people.

First of all, there is the serious student of photography who is just about ready for the Digital SLR. She wants to test out camera features that are not available on less professional models in order to develop an understanding of what these controls can do and the way the work.

The second group is the digital slr owner, either a sophisticated amateur or a pro photographer, who is looking for a fantastic pocket model. These are individuals who by no means want to skip a photo op of any kind, even though their DSLR camera is not handily available.

The Canon Powershot S90 has the look and feel of a truly compact camera, the kind that most folks carry around in their pocket or purse. And, despite the fact that it looks like a typical digital compact, it is certainly not.

Let’s have a look at the basic features of the Canon Powershot S90:

New 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System; DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Improved low-light image performance, plus a Low Light scene mode for ISO settings up to 12,800
Customizable control ring for easy access and operation of manual or other creative shooting settings
Wide-angle 3.8x optical zoom with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer; bright f/2.0 lens

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Here is the ‚Äúgoods‚Äù that really sets this camera so far above the pack of “regular” digital compacts.

Extensive photographic feature set – more professional than typical point and shoot cameras
New Function Ring for easy access of the advanced manual controls
Usable, fast RAW mode with excellent software supplied (RAW, an alternative to JPEG, is the choice of all advanced photographers)
Highly customizable – normal digital cameras have single creative selections, but the S90 is customizable in the same sense as high end DSLR cameras.

Finally, this quote from a Canon Powershot S90 owner just may sum up the thoughts of many other users, as well: “You get what you pay for and if you want the best pocket size camera on the market, look no further than the S90.”

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Review for Black Friday Sale 2010

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Review for Black Friday Sale 2010

Comes the new Canon PowerShot SX30 IS with 35x optical zoom to capture your world in detail

The surprising PowerShot SX30 IS is the latest compact digital cameras from Canon, with a powerful 35x ultra-wide zoom lens (24 mm) that lets you capture large and spectacular landscapes, as well as the finer details can not be beaten. Both images and videos you will clear without appearing moved, thanks to advanced Optical Image Stabilizer Canon first introduced in a compact camera to capture the perfect image in all cases. The new PowerShot SX30 IS, with its 14.1 megapixels and a complete set of specifications in a compact body, is the ideal companion for enthusiastic photographers to beginners looking for a camera that allows them to capture images of high quality, moment, during their breaks.

Captures high quality images, easily
Perfect for those who lead a busy life, the PowerShot SX30 IS lets you record all the highlights in images with maximum detail, regardless of your photographic skills. Smart Auto mode (Smart Car), controlled by Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor super-fast, detects and optimizes the beauty of the scene instantly, thanks to its 28 different settings and helps you get the maximum beauty of your compositions. Its powerful 35x objective using an Ultrasonic Motor for fast zooming and silent, while the function Full Assistance with Zoom to continue to help you further away or moving subjects, with just one click. Whether you’re capturing sports scenes like you’re the calm of an architectural image in a city, you can get as much detail as you want.

Dare! Explore your creative side
Not only will Canon PowerShot SX30 IS zoom offers unrivaled performance, but also enables you to take advantage of a wide range of creative functions to capture pictures and videos imaginative and high quality. The manual modes, meanwhile, give you the freedom to select settings such as shutter speed and aperture to give your creative touch, while the LCD screen PureColor II VA of 6.8 cm (2.7 “) , which can rotate and tilt, lets you take pictures from unusual angles. If you want to further expand your photographic experiments, the camera can be mounted on a Canon Speedlite flash or use an optional adapter to mount various filters to the lens. In addition, you can capture all the action detailed 720p HD video recording with stereo sound and share them with your family or friends in an HDTV through the HDMI port.

A series of fun and creative ways, including Fisheye Effect and Effect Video Thumbnail allow you to expand your creative horizons with a unique and spectacular images and videos that will stand out above the rest. To be able to capture perfect pictures of people, the innovative Intelligent Shutter mode gives you a relaxed way to get out in the photo, firing the shutter with different facial gestures, is the wink of an eye or a spontaneous smile.

PowerShot SX30 IS – Features:
• Ultra-wide Zoom 35x
• Optical Image Stabilizer (4.5 steps), USM, VCM
• 14.1-megapixel CCD
• Vari-angle LCD screen of 6.8 cm (2.7 “) viewfinder
• HD Video, HDMI
• Intelligent Auto Mode (Smart Auto)
• Manual, Low Light & Effect Video Thumbnail
• Help with Zoom Full
• AF / AE Servo
• Extensive system accessories

Canon 1Ds Mark III

Canon 1Ds Mark III

You can Buy Canon 1Ds Mark III In Stock. Canon 1Ds Mark III Shops or Buy Online – At Lowest Pirce you Save BIG!

Compare the 1D vs the 1Ds focus point layouts and you’ll see that the perimeter points of the full frame 1Ds aren’t far enough from the center to be of much use.

1D Mark 4

1Ds Mark 3

The full frame 5D models have the same flaw. Track moving subjects using a perimeter focus point, and you’ll still have to throw away many pixels later cropping to a pleasing 2/3 composition.

BuyingCanon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Solid and Reliable Thing of Beauty

I’ve owned my Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III for about a year now, and while I felt some remorse at first after having spent almost 1000 to purchase it, I can now say that it was worth every penny. You can read the camera’s specifications at Canon’s Web site, so all I’ll say here is that this camera is a joy to use and utterly reliable. I’ve never owned a finer piece of photographic equipment. That having been said, there is one thing about which you should be aware before purchasing this model: This camera’s 21.1 megapixel sensor demands the finest lenses. Some of my old L-series zoom lenses (that worked well with my EOS-5D) are just not sharp enough to use on this camera. In other words, be prepared to spend even more money if you don’t own the newest EF prime lenses.

CheapestCanon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

SeattleAmateur

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

I am an advanced amateur and was using the 5D Mark I for the past 2.5 years. I loved the images but hated the focusing. In any kind of shot that involved focusing on a subject moving at walking speed, (or less) the 5D would fail to snap into focus. The second shot would never be in focus. In lower light situations (typical interior lighting, not candles), the 5D was even worse. Sometimes the focusing would force the lens to go to maximum close/distance as the 5D hunted for focus – even when the lens was basically in focus to start – this was guaranteed to miss the shot.

The 1Ds, on the other hand, is great at focusing. Super fast, subjects snap into focus quickly, and focusing continues onto 2nd shots and more. And it will focus on lenses that are 5.6 and above – something the 5D did not do (try a telephoto with a filter or extender). From what I can read, the new 5D Mark II has basically the same focusing system so it is not improved in this area.

What kind of shots am I talking about? Shots of people,kids, basketball, soccer, bands, parades, candids on the street, street life, travel, animals in the wild or at home – I would include most everything except still life/landscape photos. Generally any shot you would not be making with a tripod is a situation where the 1Ds’ focusing is vastly superior to the 5D.

High resolution is great. But out of focus shots are not keepers.

Finally, the 1Ds Mark III is much more solid than the 5D – everything from the controls to the shutter sound. I love this camera. My only wish is that it were the same size as the 5D since most shoulde camera bags don’t account for its height. I don’t mind the weight since the the weight of the lenses I am carrying is much heavier than the camera.

DiscountCanon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Canon’s Flagship Camera

I’ve used several Cameras from Canon, including the F-1N, 10D, 20D, 1Ds, 1Ds Mark II, and now the 1Ds Mark III. This camera will provide you with the tool to capture great work, but you’ll need the best lenses. Cheap zooms or cheap prime lenses will produce chromatic aberrations that will make the money spent on this camera a waste. In other words, the resolution of the sensor is so high it exceeds many lenses currently on the market.

Why would someone buy this body instead of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II? Because of the build of the body, the durability of the shutter and battery life. These three factors provide the user with a camera that can withstand the extremes of nature while working.

This camera is heavier than the 5D, even if the 5D has the optional grip, so if you don’t like a camera with mass, this camera is not for you.

I have used this camera in the rain, sleet, snow, and the heat of summer. It has performed flawlessly. The resolution provides enough data for beautiful 24″x36″ prints.

Yes, I’m a professional photographer and am immersed in the software and hardware to make photographs. I’m aware that there’s much more to photography than the camera body, but it’s the camera body & sensor that’s the cornerstone for great images.

ow PriceCanon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

ooooooohhhhhh wow

So got this little baby a few days ago… it arrived right on time and was well packaged. Took it out for a little test spin the next day… all I can say is oh my god wow this thing is the best camer I have every had the privlige of using! I had the Canon Rebel XTi, the 1D mark II, and now this camera… it is by far the best camera I have ever used…. it takes fantastic photos (exposures were so good that they required minimal post production work), great color, responsive, and long battery life. This will be my primary camera for years to come… it is great! if you can stomach the price, you will not be disapointed one bit!!!

Lowest Price Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Great camera. Wonderful images. Fast, responsive, wonderful viewfinder. Good dynamic range. I wonder why amazon.com’s dpreview.com web site has chosen not to publish their review of Canon’s flagship despite being announced over a year ago.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Truly spectacular

I’ve had the 1Ds Mark III for over a month now and have shot in churches, outdoors and in the studio. It excels in every environment. The first thing you’ll notice is the immensely big, bright viewfinder. It barely feels like looking through something! The LCD display is very good as well. Build is very solid. I’ve used it with the Canon 85mm 1.2 II L and the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS L. Both deliver outstanding results and are hand-holdable. The new automatic dust-removal system is very good, leaving only a couple of spots against the blue sky when shot at small apertures, when there used to be countless on the 5D. Image quality is fantastic, and the images are huge, making cropping while retaining a big image easy. The menu system is very easy to operate, custom functions offer a plethora of options. Shutter sound is wonderful, and at 5fps very fast for 21MP. It’s expensive for sure, but definitely worth it.

se.com, All rights reserved.

Fujifilm 3D Camera Comes of Age in Second Incarnation

Fujifilm 3D Camera Comes of Age in Second Incarnation

Nevertheless, the new FinePix Real 3D W3 digital camera comes with an HDMI interface for instant viewing of 3D pics on virtually any manufacturer’s 3D TV with the assistance of stereographic 3D goggles. The camera will compete with a couple of new Sony models which, like the W3, are due to ship next month.

The thinkers at Fuji believe that the time is finally right for a 3D camera, with the rise of 3D HDTVs from the likes of Samsung, Panasonic, and Sony, and the start of more affordable for 3D TV.

“We are looking to leverage that,” said Go Myazaki, division president for Fujifilm North America’s Imaging and Electronic Divisions, during a press event Tuesday evening at the Museum of Natural History.

With the new FinePix Real 3D W3 digital camera, a successor to Fuji’s earlier W1 camera, the company wants to move 3D photography beyond its initial niche market of hobbyists and gaming enthusiasts into the mass market, said David Troy, Fuji’s director of marketing for consumer digital cameras.

Both 2D and 3D

Users can also snap and display 2D photos and still shots with the W3, using a built-in button to switch between the two modes.

While manufacturers such as Sony also sell pocket-sized 3D cameras, Fuji’s differ from the rest by processing 3D in hardware instead of performing post-processing in software.

Fuji’s cameras have built-in lenses and image sensors for capturing true 3D images.

Along with a new Mini HDMI 1.4 port, the W3 also brings simplified camera operation, first-time support for HDTV, and a larger and brighter 3.5-inch LCD.

Through Fuji’s SeeHere.com Web site, users can now upload their photos for 3D printout on paper. The printouts will then sent back by mail, reporters were told.

How to Take Great 3D Pictures

Yet while pointing and shooting Fuji’s new 3D camera is simple enough, getting good 3D pics requires knowledge of some distinctive photo principles. The reporters, editors, and photographers on hand at the event found this out even before Fuji turned them loose with loaner 3D cameras for the night.

During a demo of the camera, Fuji staff delivered a few tips. First, you should choose a subject with multiple focal points, and you should then hone in on a focal point relatively close to you as an “anchor point.” On the other hand, the anchor point should be at least six feet away from you.

Trying to keep all this in mind, the journalists then shot 3D videos of people and objects in the museum, and of scenes in the park outside the windows. When they were done with that, they plugged their cameras into multivendor 3D TVs, donned the stereographic glasses, and eyed the results of their 3D work.

The W3 will carry an list price of 9.95, much more than what you’d pay for most point-and-shoot 2D digital cameras.

Yet if you’re ready to do more than point-and-shoot, the W3 is packed with features for advanced 2D and 3D photography, said Troy. With TeleWide Simultaneous Shooting, for example, you can zoom in on a subject while simultaneously taking a wide angle shot of the same scene. Another feature, Interval 3D Shooting, is designed for capturing 3D effects in far away subjects.

By switching a built-in parallax control from auto mode into manual mode, you can increase or decrease the 3D effect by fine tuning the sense of depth and the alignment of the images.

How to Use the Camera with a PC

What if you don’t own a 3D TV, and you want to use the 3D camera with a PC instead? If you have a desktop PC, you can buy a Zalman monitor, which will let you ditch the 3D glasses for viewing photos in 3D. Also, 3D-enabled laptops are now becoming available from makers like Toshiba that will let you do the same.

If you don’t mind wearing the 3D glasses as you gaze at your PC, you can purchase NVidia’s 3D Vision, a kit that comes with the glasses plus a 3D graphics card. With the NVidia approach, you’ll also need a PC monitor with a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz, Troy noted.

Fuji’s latest 3D camera supports HDTV, but at 720p resolution, as opposed to the higher 1080p. Will Fuji step to the higher resolution?

The answer is that Fuji hasn’t decided yet. The 1080p technology would be costlier, and Fuji isn’t certain that the added resolution would be all that detectable to most users, Troy suggested. “But we’re always looking at new ways to improve our cameras,” he told me.

We offers a wide selection of replacement digital camera batteries for the leading manufacturers of digital cameras including Canon, JVC, Kodak, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sony, Yashica and more. please visit www.usbcameracables.co.uk

Video Production Tips – 5 Reasons To Use A Canon 5D-7D

Video Production Tips – 5 Reasons To Use A Canon 5D-7D

It all began just over 2 years ago, when Canon released it’s EOS 5D Mark II, the world’s first DSLR with a 1080p video function.

One year later and the 5D was a huge success, prompting Canon to release the follow-up 7D, which many users seem to prefer thanks to it’s easier-to-use video function, plus the advantage of slow-motion functionality.

Since then, Canon has also released the 550D, with many other top manufacturers (most notably Nikon) following suit, by producing similar DSLRs that shoot great quality video. It may seem a little ironic, but the future of video production may well be in these cost-effective, user-friendly and flexible “stills” cameras.

If you want to make the most out of your shoot (and your clients’ budgets), I’d highly recommend trying the Canon 5D / 7D. Here are my top five reason why;

Picture Quality and Colour.

The cameras record full HD, 1080p, at a range of frame rates (including slow-motion on the 7D).

The Canon 5D and 7D range also handles colour (without grading or colour correction) fantastically well.

Compared to Sony’s EX CAM range or Canon’s own XL cameras, the colour is more filmic and significantly less ‘video’. This is due to a number of factors such as the camera’s “Multiple Picture Styles” function, which allows the user to match the colour style to the subject, as well as the camera’s superb resolution and Full Frame sensor.

Its improved quality also means it can be used for higher end deliveries, such as TV, all at a fraction of the cost of shooting Digi-Beta or HDCAM.

Although technically speaking, the quality of the DSLR’s isn’t quite as high as a Digi-Beta, HDCAM or RED, the cost of shooting on the 5D/7D is also much less, providing incredible value for money.

Size.

The small, lightweight DSLRs are much more discreet than larger format cameras. They provide unobtrusive solutions for documentary style shoots and urban film-making, helping you to get more natural results from contributors and high-quality shots from hard to reach places or unusual angles.

Cost.

The 5D and 7D come at just a fraction of the cost of many HD video cameras out there, such as Sony’s EX range. Although DSLRs don’t have quite the same user-friendliness as professional video cameras, this is a very small price to pay for the fantastic image quality they offer.

Interchangeable Lenses.

Having such a wide variety of interchangeable lenses on hand, means that Canon’s DSLR range – both the 5D and the 7D – is perfectly suited to a wide variety of difficult shooting environments and deliver a range of styles.

Whether you need a shallow or deep depth of field, the lenses these cameras are compatible with can almost always provide a solution, producing far better results than most standard lenses provided with HD videos cameras, such as the Sony EX3.

Great Stills.

The 5D and 7D also shoot unbelievable stills. In their own right, they are widely regarded among the most versatile and best DSLRs currently available on the market.

So these are just 5 reasons to use a Canon 5D MKII or 7D on your next video production shoot.

Whether it’s a simple piece-to-camera for a website, a music video or for a TV commercial, there is no excuse for your video, to not look like film.

« Previous Entries