Fragmenting a market with new standards is never a good idea, unless technology has moved so far up that you need to keep up. While DSLR cameras are getting worldwide acceptance by regular folks, not just photography enthusiasts, the megapixel game takes a new turn when picture sizes start to becomes ridiculously huge.

So targeted squarely at professional photographers, the Compact Flash Association announced the new standard in memory cards: XQD. These new cards cards are smaller than the aging Compact Flash cards, but bigger than the current SD cards. These new XQD cards are supposedly more rugged than SD cards as well. However, what makes their existence a necessity is the bandwidth of 2.5Gbps. By using the PCI Express interface, these new XQD memory cards are more like first-gen SSDs, with transfer speeds of 125MB/s up to 250MB/s. That equates to almost fifteen to thirty 20-megapixel photos per second!

The XQD cards will be first shown in February 2012 in a trade show in Japan, with full on licensing available to camera manufacturers from then on. Even so, don’t expect XQD camera to be available even in prosumer cameras any time soon. Perhaps another 2 years before XQD becomes the norm in professional cameras, and another 2 to 3 years before it filters down to mainstream DSLRs. Of course, that’s assuming that some other SD card manufacturer doesn’t come up with a even faster transfer speeds than XQD first!

Today Parrot launched two new products for the UAE market: the DIA digital photo frame designed by NoDesign and the extremely limited edition ‘Ancient Gold’ Zikmu speakers designed by Phillipe Starck.

The ‘Ancient Gold’ speakers are completely handmade, and only 20 of these will be made for the whole world. 3 of these units will made available for the UAE market. We have already reviewed the Zikmu speakers earlier this, and you can see that they are one of the most impressive wireless speakers in the market. The ‘Ancient Gold’ version of the Zikmu add another layer of exclusivity to these already stylish set of speakers. And given their limited nature, it was surprising to know that they will be sold for just AED 8,000, considering the regular Zikmu speakers are sold for AED 6,900.

Next up we have the DIA digital photo frame designed by the award winning Jean-Louis Frechin of NoDesign. The DIA was designed with the old school Kodak Ektachrome in mind, whereby the images are displayed on a opaque layer of glass, illuminated by a bright light behind it. This presentation gives the images a very deep field effect where the images seem to be popping out, but not like a 3D image.

The 10.4″ digital frame has a very elegant white design, with tactile buttons and a trackball on the top. Connectivity via USB, Bluetooth and WiFi is very easy, as is the Mover Lite app, using which images on your iPhone can be transferred to the DIA. One can even link a dedicated email account, using which images taken anywhere around the world can be automatically transferred to the DIA, enabling you to share photos with your family wherever you are in the world.

The DIA will available in the market by the end of this month, with retail price expected to be around AED 2,000.  In the meanwhile you can check out the video below to get a better understanding of the product.

Press Release:

Panasonic is pleased to announce the Middle East launch of its new DMC-GX1 digital interchangeable lens system camera featuring high image quality and stunning performance in both response and function.

The LUMIX G Micro System realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction.

“Professional photographers and amateur enthusiasts will benefit from the DMC-GX1 cameras digital interchangeable lens system which produces superb image quality and performance, and is combined with a premium design,” commented Hitesh Ojha, Senior Manager, Sales and Marketing – AV Categories, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE.

Precision Contrast AF system of LUMIX G Micro System gains even higher speed realizing approx. 0.09 second of Light Speed AF.* Consecutive shooting is also improved for 4.2 fps in 16.0-megapixel full resolution.

The DMC-GX1 records 1920 x 1080 full-HD video with stereo sound in AVCHD format which is superior in both compression efficiency and friendliness with AV equipment for playback. Advanced AF system including practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording so that every photographer can enjoy high quality video recording with minimum ease.

Panasonic Launches New DMC-GX1 Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera in Middle East market.

As a camera from the new premium line of LUMIX G Micro System, the external design of the camera has been developed with no compromising on grip, dial, coating – everything to detail.

The hot shoe on the top lets you attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2) of approx. 1.4x (approx. 0.7x**), 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view. It is now compatible with UHS-I standard for the SDXC/SDHC Memory Card taking its advantage to extend performance.

Available in silver and black, the DMC-GX1 offers luxurious comfort in shooting experience with a stunning performance and a host of functions, to be a great partner that is always in your sight, in your mind.

1. High Image Quality for an Interchangeable Lens System Camera
LUMIX G Micro System realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens and precision AF achieves high resolution, optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction achieves lifelike image rendering and high precision auto exposure and white balance with live light metering results in the faithful color reproduction.

2. Advanced AF System
All cameras of LUMIX G Micro System adopt Contrast AF for its focus system. The Phase-difference AF system is susceptible to mechanical margin of error. However, in Contrast AF system, focusing is controlled by the image sensor so that no mechanical margin of error occurs to achieve precise focusing. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy especially in shooting with bright lens with small F value. (e.g. the accuracy of Contrast AF is approx. 90% while Phase difference AF is approx. 60% at F1.4.)

3. Easy Manual Control with a Variety of Shooting Assist Functions
Despite its outstanding compactness, the operation on DMC-GX1 is smooth and easy with optimum layout of control buttons and the mode dial, turn-and-press dial and dedicated function buttons.

4. Finest Tuning in Every Part of the Camera
As a camera from the new premium GX line of LUMIX G Micro System, the external design of the camera has been developed with no compromising in every detail. The ergonomically designed grip fits the DMC-GX1’s flat profile yet easy to hold. Its tactile feeling offers more comfort thanks to the casting material resin and elastomer. The mode dial is machined with finest tuning on its pitch of spin, form of plate and shininess. Characters are sharply printed by laser so that they are easy to see and they last long. The buttons on the back also have style in the coating, spin, stamp and color.

5. 1920 x 1080 Full-HD High Quality Video Recording
LUMIX G Micro System is the camera that records not only high quality photo but also stunning video. The AVCHD format features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A special, dedicated button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings. Now the DMC-GX1 can record high-resolution full-HD videos 1920 x 1080 at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) in AVCHD (Sensor output is 30p [NTSC] / 25p [PAL])*. Image recording is more flexible fun with the DMC-GX1. In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing the subject, the focus is shifted to it and let it stand out to attract attention.

6. Outstanding Performance in Power, Speed and Image Processing
With further optimization and rationalization in electric design, the DMC-GX1 excels in energy consumption and features approx. 11%* longer battery life than the DMC-G3 which complies with the same battery pack DMW-BLD10. The DMC-GX1 is now capable of 4.2 fps consecutive shooting in 16.0-megapixel full resolution with mechanical shutter. High speed burst shooting at 20 fps with electronic shutter is also selectable according to the shooting fast-moving subject and it is possible to select the best shot later**.

*Based on a CIPA Standard.
** In the high speed burst shooting at 20 fps, the picture size is fixed to S-size in all aspects.

7. Artistic Color Control Functions and iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus mode
The DMC-GX1 is artistic not only in form, but also in function. It provides an array of features that let users capture precisely true-to-life images and create their own beautifully expressive images. The Creative Control offers a variety of color modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect* and newly added Low Key and Toy Effect mode. Effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable.

8. Enjoy Watching High Quality Photos and Videos on Large HDTV — VIERA Link Networking Even in 3D
With the world’s first* introduction of digital interchangeable lens to make 3D photo shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera, Panasonic proposes to enjoy high-quality shooting in 3D with DMC-GX1.

9. Rich Options for Further Expandability
The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today’s Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional Mount Adaptor for the unlimited number of lens properties.

Imagine a camera where you can take pictures instantly, without ever having to worry about focusing or worrying about spoiling the picture with flash in low-light conditions. A camera where every moment can be captured as it is, without missing a beat. Of course, there are many cameras with various combination of lenses that make all of this possible, but at astronomical costs.

Introducing the Lytro camera, the world’s first camera to use light-field technology that creates images by capturing all sources of light at once. The resulting picture can then be viewed on you PC, whereby you can focus on any one place and get your desired subject in focus. And because there is no focus going on, images are captured instantaneously. Helping to this is the fact that the Lytro camera has 8x optical zoom with a constant f/2 aperture, meaning that you can take great pictures even in low-light conditions.

Pictures can not only be printed and converted to Jpegs, but the original Light-Field Picture file (.lfp) can be shared with anyone for an interactive “living” image where people can zoom in/out and focus on any part of the image without the need for any special software. An example of these pictures can be seen on their gallery and even their blog. The main body itself is very simple, made of anodized aluminum, with a rubberized back which also has the Power, Shutter and Zoom slider buttons. The rear 1.5″ touchscreen is a backlit LCD screen. And while Lytro doesn’t like to talk in terms of megapixels, their camera is good enough to capture “HD quality interactive pictures.”

The 8GB version will be selling for $399 (AED 1,500) and the 16GB version, good for 750 pictures will be sold for $499 (AED 1,800). The Lytro cameras will be available for sale by early 2012.

Today Sony Gulf launched their new line of Alpha DSLR and NEX Micro four-thirds cameras. The main attraction of the show was the new SLT-A77 prosumer DSLR which features the new Translucent Mirror Technology. This model takes an incredible 12fps full-frame photos with continuous Auto-Focus. The A77 also has a 24.3 megapixel EXMOR APS HD CMOS sensor and the new BIONZ image processor.  The translucent mirror is also capable of recording 1080p @ 60fps videos at a bitrate of 24mbps, with continuous AF as well.

Mr. Yasuyuki Nagata and Mr. Osamu Miura launching the NEX-7 and A77 respectively.

Next up was their flagship  micro four-thirds camera, the NEX-7, which is also their new prosumer camera in this range. The NEX-7 has a host of improvements, including a full frame OLED viewfinder and two customizable dials on the top, to make it more appealing to enthusiast and professional photographers. As far as specs are concerned, the NEX-7 has the same 24.3MP EXMOR APS HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ processor as the A77. However, the magnesium alloy body weighs a mere 291 grams. With a shutter lag of just 20ms, the NEX-7 also happens to be the fastest interchangeable lens camera in the world.

NEX-7 with matching black kit lens.

The NEX-5N was also on display, but this versions is more of an upgrade from the original NEX-5 camera rather than a revolutionary piece of tech. Still, for people looking to buy the NEX series of cameras, the NEX-5N represents a nice stop gap from the highest-end NEX-7. Similarly the NEX-C3 is also an upgrade from the original NEX-3 introduced last year. The NEX-C3, like the NEX-5N, also features a 16.2MP EXMOR APS HD CMOS sensor capable of capturing 720p videos.

The updated NEX-5N.

The SLT-A77 is expected to be released later this month, with a retail price of AED 6,999. The standard kit will be sold with a f/2.8 16-50mm lens. The NEX-7 is expected to ship in the region next month, with a proposed retail price of around AED 5,000 with the standard f/3.5 18-55mm kit lens. The price of the later hasn’t been finalized yet.

The SLT-A77 with kit lens.

Sony Nex series has enjoyed being called the compact DSLR cameras for too long, but not any more as Nikon just launched its mirrorless camera systems J1 and V1, which can turn to compact body as well as go pro with snazzy lens attachments at will. Here are the specifications at a glance:

• 10.1MP CMOS sensor
• High speed auto-focus
• HDMI out
• 1080p video recording
• 3″ LCD screen
• 10fps still shot speed
• 1200fps slow-mo capable
• Dual-core image processor
• Smart Photo Selector software, which grabs 20 pictures at 30 fps as soon as you press the button and then selects the best photo to keep.
• High quality photos generated from captured video.

Nikon J1 is camera aimed for those casual photographers who want to upgrade from their current compact cameras to improve their picture quality to DSLR quality standards. It has a built-in flash and will cost around 3200 AED when it launches.

Nikon V1 meanwhile is designed more for professionals and existing DSLR owners who want something more compact and versatile. As compared to J1 it has an electronic viewfinder, external flash, hotshoe for accessories and a plusher metal finish. This model will cost around 4800 AED.

Both these cameras launch by end of October.

Purchasing a DSLR camera can be testing for anyone new to the world of photography. There’s a lot to choose from. It’s a bit like walking into your local Starbucks; you can have your coffee with milk, without milk, with or without caffeine, in beige, in black, and with or without whipped cream.

It’s a similar tale of confusion when purchasing a DSLR camera. You’ll first have to pick sides for the Canon vs Nikon war. Then there’s all those pesky model numbers to pick from. Canon’s EOS lineup is roughly divided into 4 categories. You’ve got the pocket-friendly 4 digit, 1000D series, followed by entry level DSLRs which are denoted by 3 digits (EOS 500D, EOS 550D, 600D), then by the mid-range semi-pro DSLRs(50D, 60D) and topped off by the professional single-digit series (7D, 5D and the range topping EOS 1Ds)

At the moment, the EOS 600D rules the roost of Canon’s entry level lineup and here’s why:

• It’s got an 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 9 point AutoFocus
• 95% ViewFinder
• Full HD 1080p recording at up to 30FPS
• 10xDigital Zoom in video recording (only in 1080p mode)
• Manual control of audio settings
• Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor
• 3.0 inch Variable Angle LCD screen(1,040,000 pixels)
• ISO range from 100 to 6400 (expandable to 12,800, with boost enabled)
• Continuous shooting of up to 3.7frames/sec
• Live View
• LP-E8 Lithium Ion battery that will last 440 shots (according to CIPA Standards) or 1:30 hours in Video Mode.

What is the most frustrating thing when taking a group picture? For me, it’s getting everyone in the picture to smile and keep their eyes open at the same instant when I click the button on the camera. This becomes quite a task when you have more than three people in a picture and especially when you throw kids in the mix.

Scalado might have a pretty awesome answer as they demonstrated their app at Qualcomm’s iQ2011 event. The app was demonstrated on the HTC Sensation unit and basically captures ten frames back to back. After that, it analyzes faces present in the picture and then you can independently select any one of the ten frames for each of the recognized faces separately. Take a look at the following video:

That is some mighty impressive technology and even more amazing is the face that your Smartphone is able to do all of that.

For most people smartphones have replaced digital cameras, but those who want good pictures still know the true worth of dedicated cameras rather than relying on mobile camera. The new Panasonic Lumix FX90 doesn’t boost to demean your smartphone but on the contrary makes truce with them by offering photo sharing capabilities with it with the touch of a button.

This new camera will support new Panasonic’s Lumix Club online community. It will have built-in WiFi to directly upload your pictures and videos to internet e.g. youtube, facebook etc. It comes with apps for Android and iOS to open a local Wifi connection to transfer the pictures to directly to your smartphone without requirement of any PC.

Its specifications are as below

• 12MP CCD sensor
• 2.5 ultrawide-angle
• 24mm lens
• 5x zoom.
• 1080i video capture at 60fps
• 3′ touchscreen
• WiFi

There is no pricing or release date announced for this camera but expect a release near September when Lumix Club launches.

Press release:
Digital lifestyle provider BenQ has unveiled its new E1465 digital camera to the Middle East. The new 14-megapixel camera’s stand- out feature is its easy-to-use panorama mode which allows photo enthusiasts to capture spectacular horizon shots without missing the smallest of details.

The panorama mode was designed to capture the entire skyline in one single shot by stitching two to three images into one single and seamless large picture. The E1465 guides users frame by frame when capturing sweeping views of natural landscapes or bustling street scenes.

Manish Bakshi, General Manager of BenQ for the Middle East and Africa, said: “BenQ is at the forefront of designing digital products for today’s generation who look for simplicity and convenience in their busy lifestyle. The E1465 digital camera allows users to capture breath-taking pictures, without the need to learn an array of complex functions.”

“With a wide range of capabilities, including a 5cm super macro mode, 27mm wide-angle lens, 720p movie recording and a high ISO of 6400- the E1465 is power- packed with features yet sleek and slim enough for users to carry wherever they go,” he added.

Users can explore many possibilities – they can go super macro, as close as 5cm to capture incredible details which are effective for close-ups of food shots or nature scenes; alternatively they can shoot stunning panoramic shots of entire landscapes with the camera’s 27mm wide-angle lens.

The E1465 camera was built for the photographer to feel like a pro and experiment with a myriad of special effects: the Lomo, Fisheye, and Color Accent effects enable unique and creative styles of shooting. Users can also make movies with collages of photos taken as well as record high-definition 720p clips.

The new BenQ E1465 digital camera, priced at AED299, will soon be available in selected retail outlets in the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.BenQ.ae