Samsung NX11 i-Function camera - specs, price and availability

CES, Las Vegas – December 28, 2010, Samsung announced the Samsung NX11 Mirrorless camera, which replaces the NX10. The NX11 is part of Samsung's NX-series, which also includes the Samsung NX100. The NX11 is mirrorless camera with an ASP-C sensor and with support for the iFunction. The iFuncion (iFn) is one functionality that Samsung is very proud of, allowing you to control the camera setting using the i-Function button and the lens ring. I was very excited to hear about a new camera but I was interested to know what are the main differences between the NX11 and the previous NX10? In this article I will go over the main features and compare the NX11 vs the older NX10 model. OK, let's start!

Nikon D7000 Accessories - Top 5 (with video reviews)

You've bought a Nikon D7000 this Christmas and now you are searching to buy accessories. Well, there are plenty of accessories for the D7000. In this post I want to list what I think are must-have accessories. I know how exciting it is to buy a new camera, especially if it's a new DSLR camera. Even so, there are accessories that you won't find on the camera store and some of them are only available for purchase online. So let's get started and see what are the Top 5 must-have accessories for Nikon D7000 photographers (or at least  you should consider buying them).

Micro Four Thirds System Standard Advantages

I've been reading about Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses and found this subject very interesting. Both Panasonic and Olympus are doing very well in the mirrorless segment. We can already see the mirrorless segment grabbing market share from the DSLR and for a good reason. There are plenty of reasons while one photographer will commit to such a flexible system. In this article I want to talk about the reasons why you should pick up a Micro 4/3 system instead of going with an entry level DSLR camera and lenses.

SDXC 2TB memory cards for Ultra high storage capacity needs

If 32G SDHC Cards are not enough for your shooting habits, next-generation SDXC 2TB are just around the corner from being announced. According to SD Association website (sdcard.org), new fast and high capacity cards can now be produce due to the exFAT file system. It seems that the need for large capacity cards is higher than ever when people start shooting Full HD movies and RAW files with their cameras. The new file system will allow card capacities from 32GB up to 2 TB in storage quota. The data read/write speeds will also be increased up to 104MB, when SD Association even talks about 300 MB/s.

Buy a cheap camera from the Grey market (Parallel importer) - A Risk?

Sigma has published a PDF article called "Thinking about going Grey?", which talks about the digital camera's Grey market which is also referred to as parallel import. I guess many of you thought about buying cheap cameras (not just Sigma's) from parallel importers. While these import methods are legal for distribution of goods, the original manufacturer manufacturer has not control over it. An unofficial distribution channel can leads to unexpected results when the product ends in the customer hands. Many customers buy cameras from parallel importers because they are cheaper than the official one.

Canon OSK-E3 Original Data Security Kit has been compromised

Canon OSK-E3 is an 'Original Data Security Kit', which was created to allow photographers to identify original images from their non-original ones. What the OSK-E2' software does is embedding an encrypted verification data inside the image file. Later on and by using Original Data Security utility, you can select which image you want to verify and check if it really is the original image. The Canon OSK-E3 can also verify the originality of GPS data too.

Megapix.com - a new photo hosting and sharing website

Today I've came across MegaPix.com image sharing website. This is another niche category website in the Mega-franchise like MegaVideo, MegaUpload and MegaBox websites. The MegaPix.com website allows you to upload and share images, explore member images, buy images or even sell your own images.  By singing up to MegaPix's Premium services you will enjoy the following benefits:

Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM Release date and price?

I've checked Sigma website today and I saw that the price of the 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG APO HSM is $4,200 (MSRP). It means that the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM will costs even more than the non-OS version. As for today, Sigma hasn't prices the 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM and I haven't heard anything regarding its release date yet. I though about buying the Sigma SD1 + 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM, but apparently the price will be more than I've planned to spend. I think that the SD1 + 120-300 OS will be a perfect combination for my type of shooting habits. I found myself shooting more tele than wide angle shots, even though I've came to love shooting wide and ultra wide.

Canon G12 vs Nikon P7000 - Best High-End Compact Cameras for 2010

Some Enthusiast photographers debating whether to buy an advanced Point-and-shoot camera or buy a digital SLR camera. In fact, there are only a few excellent advanced P&S cameras to choose from, the Nikon Coolpix P7000 and Canon PowerShot G12 are both the best their is in this segment. The Nikon P7000 is a compact traveling camera for which is packed with lots of advanced features. If you are searching to get a shallow depth of field, long battery life, speed and highest image quality, digital SLR camera are probably the only way to go. Even so, for photographers who don't take advantage of it, the Coolpix P7000 is a highly recommended camera. In my previous P7000 preview I covered the basic specs of this camera. Now I want to go into more details and see what makes the P7000 such a good buy for advanced pro shooters. I will also compare the Nikon P7000 vs Canon PowerShot G12 and see if we can come to an inclusive decision, which one is better?

Canon and Nikon Mirrorless cameras in 2011?

Today I've come across NikonRumors.com article which mentioned a Nikon's new pending patent for Interchangeable sensor for for mirrorless cameras. As you know, Nikon hasn't yet released its mirrorless camera's lineup. Though I assume that their new mirrorless camera's lineup will be announced pretty soon. I haven't found sales statistics about mirrorless sales for the last month on the Internet. I am also very interested in getting the mirrorless sales information for this Christmas. You are probably asking yourself why it takes Nikon so much time releasing its new mirrorless lineup? - I guess that Nikon is taking its time so it can come up with a (probably) revolutionary product, which will take advantage of new technologies.

Canon 8D specs predictions

As the rumors and predictions about the Nikon D800 are getting hotter each day, so does the rumors and predictions about the Canon 8D. I must say that I am more excited about the Canon 8D than the Nikon D800. No, I am not a Canon fanboy. I am really eager to see the Canon EOS 8D for two main reasons: the first one is because the 7D is an excellent camera and I really want to see what Canon can improve upon it. Second, Canon is facing a tough competition from Nikon and I think Canon will come with something unique that other cameras don't have. These are probably words in the air, but I somewhat get a good feeling that Canon won't be presenting 'just another' upgraded camera.

MemXpand - DSLR Memory Card Expansion Module (Concept Design)

Today I thought about getting creative again. That's what I do once in a while. Today I am presenting to you the MemXpand, a DSLR memory expansion module for demanding photographers. This is a concept design camera accessory which suppose to expand the camera card capacities. The MemXpand is a module that attaches to the DSLR tripod mount. It has a dummy SD-size memory card which is inserted to the camera card slot. The dummy card is connected to the controller which transmit the data (bi-directional) to the camera.

Pentax K-5 vs Nikon D7000 vs Canon 7D - Specs Comparison Review

In this article I'll go through the Pentax K-5 specs, price and features. You can also go through a comparison table which compared the Pentax K-5 vs Nikon D7000 vs Canon 7D. The Pentax K-5 is Pentax' Flagship digital SLR. Though Pentax doesn't have a Full Frame DSLR (yet), Pentax continues to attract enthusiast photographers. Photographers say that it is the combination of new technologies, price and excellent choice of lenses that made them purchase the K-5 or older models. It seems that in some markets like the Japanese DSLR market, Pentax has a stronger hold than other markets. As Pentax is now a division of Hoya Corporation, many think that it will give Pentax a push forwards for better digital camera technologies and an edge vs its competitors. In this review, I will talk about the Pentax K-5, but also give more emphasize on Pentax' position in the DSLR market as well, let's start!

Digital Imaging - Communicating through technology

The Internet has changed the way we communicate forever, nobody will argue about that. The Internet supplies us the communication channels to share our emotions, thoughts, photos and videos with each other. If a few years ago we were showing our photos to our family and close friends, now we can share our photos globally to people in every position on the globe.  No doubt this way of communication also contributed to the popularity of dedicated electronic devices (eg. gadgets). In film camera's days, you didn't get to see people taking their cameras everywhere. It was a device that you had taken out of your drawer if there was an occasion.

Christmas deals on Amazon - Camera and lens Bestsellers

If you are planning to buy a digital SLR on Amazon, you are probably interested knowing which cameras are the most popular on Amazon.com right now. As Christmas 2010 arrives, sales and special camera deals are tumbling Amazon's digital SLR camera's position up and down. Price are now lower than ever and it is a good time getting that digital camera that you saved your money for or as a gift to a friend. Well, this is the best time to find the hottest deals on Amazon. Just visit your favorite merchant and enjoy the best deals for tech products. I've gone through Amazon's top selling digital cameras, SLR cameras and professional lens list and summed it up for you here.

3-Channel color sensor on one layer - Can it work? (concept)

I wanted to share with you an idea that cross my mind a few days ago. I am far away from being an expert li physics, but I am interested hearing you professional opinion about this idea. The idea is to create a sensor with three virtual channels/sections, each records different color. In the camera there should be some kind of a color splitter, which splits the light that comes from the lens to three colors: red, green and blue. Each color channel should be diverted to an angle that directs the light to its corresponding virtual sensor (maybe with dispersion by the color splitter).

Indian digital camera market 2010 - Canon, Nikon Sony and Samsung

In this news article I want to talk about the Indian digital camera market. Let's see what Sony, Nikon and Canon are planning for the next FY and forward. As the digital camera's market becomes crowded and intensely competitive, Sony, Canon and Nikon are searching to struck roots and expend their marketing reach to already matured market, like the Indian market. India's digital camera market is growing rapidly and the leading companies understand that it is crucial to strike roots now to gain more market shares in foreign markets.

Nikon Developed the D3100 CMOS sensor (not Sony) - Proof!

When I wrote the article about the Nikon D700 vs D3s in high ISO, something troubled me. As you know, Sony is the company that manufactures the CMOS sensors for Nikon DSLRs. I still don't know why Nikon continues to use Sony's sensor and doesn't make their own sensors. Well, this is quite true it seems. Today I've read an article which said that the Nikon D3100 sensor was actually developed by Nikon and not by Sony. Because it is based on articles published on Nikon rumors website, I just couldn't take it for granted. I need to find a REAL Proof for that.

Lens micro-adjustment - Autofocus calibration solutions

I remember going through a Canon 60D vs Nikon D7000 vs Canon 7D review, where I've found out that Nikon D7000 was the only one with Lens micro-adjustment.  So the basic questions that I've needed to ask: "What is lens micro adjustment?".  Luckily I've found the answer quickly searching Google.  On Nikon D7000 specs page it is written: "39 area (9 cross type) TTL phase detection with AF fine tuning." and on Nikon Europe website: "Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine tuning, ". OK so it is actually called fine tuning in Nikon's website not micro adjustment, but I guess both are referring to the same functionality.

Tube Video sharing sites - The ultimate online experience

I remember a long time ago watching video for the first time on a website. That experience was truly something unique back then. We have come a long way since then. Now we can see videos on almost every website and even live broadcasting started to kick in a few years ago and now supported on YouTube too. I can understand why people like watching videos as a part of an article or just as a standalone. Videos really bring things to life.  As online viewers, we are quite picky and intrigued to get information and we prefer seeing it with our own eyes, rather than reading it. Videos can replace a full article and can really transfer emotions more easily (at least for many of us).

Nikon D3s vs D700 noise in high ISO and Nikon D800 expectations

Yesterday I came across a Nikon D700 vs D3s High ISO comparison review on mansurovs.com. I interested to know if a the Nikon D700 can produce the same low-noise images as the D3s. The Nikon D3s is probably the best low-noise camera which exists right now. The first thought was that the image quality at high ISO sensitivity levels should be around the same, because both cameras have Full Frame CMOS sensor. Of course there are other variables that influence the amount of noise in high ISO levels like: the pixel size (sensor resolution) and the noise reduction code that reduces noise in-camera.

Multi-Mount Lens Rail for DSLR Cameras - Concept design

Today I thought about continuing my digital SLR accessory concept ideas. I have plenty on my mind, but in this article I will present my new concept: Multi-Mount Lens Rail or MMLR for short. The all idea behind the Multi-mount lens rail was to come up with a ring which photographers can mount several lenses. It can even be lenses with different mounts, like Canon and Nikon mounts for example. The MMLR is separated into two parts: The base, which is mounted to the camera and the inner rotating rail where the lens is mounted.

Innovative Ideas for Digital SLR cameras

I think that there is plenty of room for innovation in today's digital cameras and especially in digital SLR cameras. I actually don't know how complicated it is and how much it costs to come up with new technologies and patent them. Even so, I though about opening my mind today and see if I can come up with some unique innovative ideas, which some of them can be used on today's DSLR cameras. New technologies can make the camera a more useful tool for photographers and enhance its functionality and expand photographer's creative capabilities. I also think that is is easier to come up with a better algorithm or software, rather than investing in new hardware technologies, so it seems. Let's get started!

Apple Aperture 3 Preview - Presets, Faces, Brushes and Places

I must admit that I didn't spend time learning about Apple Aperture 3. Although I am a not an Apple user, I was interested to know what Aperture 3 has to offer and how it compares to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 and other competitive products on the market. In this review, I want to go through Aperture 3 features and see how the photo editing software compares to Photoshop Lightoom 3. The first thing I've done was to log into apple.com/aperture and read about the software. After that, I've spent more time going through Aperture 3 detailed features and see why photographers (with an Apple computer) should buy Aperture 3, or rather go with Lightroom 3 instead.

CNET Editor's Choice Award (Nov. 2010) for the Nikon D7000

CNET has reviewed the Nikon D7000, which has won | CNET Editor's Choice Nov 2010. According to CNET review, Nikon won the Editor's choice for having an good combination of performance, image quality, built quality and features. Lori Grunin, Senior editor on CNET.com, really liked the 100% bright pentaprism viewfinder and the image quality the comes out from the D7000. Lori admits that the video AF is almost unusable. Nikon wanted D7000 owners to have AF functionality when shooting HD movies. Some of the competitors don't offer AF while shooting movies, but still there is a long way to go until we see a good implementation for it.

Nikon D7000 Grip, Steadicam, Sennheiser G2 mic for Videographers

Nikon D7000 has already built itself an excellent reputation throughout the web. I can't recall any other Nikon DX camera which packed such great new features in a single digital reflex camera. If I had to choose between the D90 or the D7000, I would certainly look into the D7000 as a valuable option, even considering its high price tag over the D90. As new videos and stills are uploaded to the internet, it seems that it is never enough going through new creative done with this excellent camera. Although I am still a bit troubled with its default yellowish-warm color cast in both videos and stills, the D7000 just doesn't stop amazing me. In this article, I want to write about several DSLR accessories which are specially (not all) designed for videographers who bought or intend to buy the Nikon D7000.

Lumix LifeStyle - Community website for Lumix G Camera owners

Today I came across a community website that is dedicated to Lumix cameras and photographers. The site lumixlifestyle.co.uk was designed to serve as a community website where Panasonic Lumix photographers can share their images, learn about Lumix cameras, participate in online photography competition and read tips and tricks. If you are a proud owner of a Panasonic Lumix camera, you can join a niche community that is dedicated for Panasonic Lumix camera owners.

It seems that the SD1 photos were indeed fake

So it seems that the "Impossible picture" was indeed impossible. What Carl did, he shot two separate photos, one from a close range and one from a few meters.  Well, Carl managed to trick us in thinking that the actually shot those images with the Sigma SD1. He didn't mentioned anything about SD1 but left us thinking that that's what he did. At least Carl gave us some pure entertaining videos to watch while waiting for the release of the Sigma SD1 DSLR, which will be launched on February 2011.

Can Sigma attract Canon and Nikon photographers with the Sigma SD1?

I must admit that what Carl Rytterfalk did isn't fair at all. I was waiting for the Sigma to come up with some new sample photos and now it seems that Carl got those photos before anybody else. I've added another video to my previous post which I missed somehow. Carl wrote "SDx.. Impossible detail revealed" as the title of this home made videos. I was going through the videos repeatedly, hopping to find something that will suggest that we are talking about real Sigma SD1 photos here but came empty. For me, it seems that there are a few Nikon and Canon photographers that will gladly switch to Sigma, if the image quality is indeed as good as it looks like it the video (still waiting to see a real image though)

(Real) Sigma SD1 sample image posted on Carl Rytterfalk blog

You probably won't believe it, I actually can't believe that Carl Rytterfalk has its hands over the Sigma SD1 today (actually yesterday in my time). Carl posted a video of him taking a picture from what looks like the brand new Sigma SD1, which supposed to be released on February 2011. Cark Rytterfalk didn't reveal any information, whether the shot was taken with the SD1. According to what you can see in his video, the Sigma camera is blurred in the video, so you can't see whether it is the Sigma SD1 or another Sigma DSLR. Some members of Carl's blog thought that Carl was playing a hide and seek game with them by not showing the camera in his video. I really think that Sigma let Carl take one shot with the Sigma SD1 as a teaser before releasing the SD1 on February.

Does Canon 70-300 mm L justify its high price tag?

I've just finished watching DigitalRevTV Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6L IS USM hand-on review video. I was really interested to see what reviewers think about that lens. The Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6L is kind of a mixed bag to me. It has a long focal range coverage, and it is an L-lens and what comes with that promising red-ring signature. For me, the main problem with this lens was actually its high price tag. For approx. $1600, this lens is far away to be count as an affordable Canon L-lens.

Mirrorless Cameras - Is it too late for Canon and Nikon to Join the game?

I assume that Canon and Nikon will announce their mirrorless cameras in the first quarter of 2011. Both Canon and Nikon cannot afford themselves waiting for that amount of time, while Olympus and Panasonic are establishing themselves as mirrorless market leaders. If you read some of my posts about the mirrorless market share, you can see why Olympus and Panasonic concentrate their marketing effort and financial distribution towards their digital camera sector.

Nikon will release a D7000 firmware update to fix movie recording bright spots

Luckily that there are problems that can be solved via firmware upgrade. According to statement found on Nikon's support page, we can expect to see a new Nikon D7000 firmware upgrade that will solve the bright spots (some refer tho this as hot pixels) while recording movies under certain conditions. Bright spots appears when you shoot movies of dark scenes. According to Answer ID 17099 on Nikon support section, those spots don't appear with regular use, so you might not spot them while shooting your videos. Even so, and probably because many Nikon D7000 owners have reported this problem, Nikon has decided to issue a firmware update that will fix this problem. Nikon will publish a Nikon D7000 release date when the firmware is ready. You can follow Nikon website or dpreview.com to stay up to date.

Panasonic GH2 - Camera and Lens Specs Coverage with Video samples

Yesterday I came across a very interesting review about Panasonic GH2 1:1 crop mode on EOSHD.com. For some reason, I felt an urge to read more about the Panasonic GH2, maybe I missed something. After reading many market share reports and camera reviews, a larger picture starts building inside my head. I can really see the benefits of having a Micro Four thirds digital camera and why those cameras are so popular. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds flagship LUMIX G Micro system camera. It is a compact interchangeable lens camera, packed with many goodies. In this article I will go through some of the most exciting features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera, followed buy interesting videos.