94x zoom lens patented—is a Canon SX100 planned?

By Mike Tomkins, December 27, 2013 (http://www.imaging-resource.com)

Photographers looking for the ultimate in image quality might avoid zoom lenses like the plague, but the popularity of increasingly long-zoom cameras suggests that some people just can’t get enough telephoto reach. If you’re in their number, you may find the promise of a recent patent filing by Canon Japan to be rather thrilling.

Admittedly, most patents make for somewhat dry reading, but this one, uncovered by Japanese engineering blog Egami, suggests that Canon could soon offer a camera with close to a 100x zoom range. (Given that the existing Canon SX50 HS sports a ~50x zoom, Egami cheekily suggests the name Canon SX100 HS for a followup, tagging its image on the lens diagram with the moniker.)

Full article at the source>

2013 Best Cameras. Find the Top Cameras Released in 2013

By  (http://cameras.about.com/)

2013 was another very good year for digital cameras, with plenty of innovations. As they have for several years, prices continue to drop, giving photographers more value for their dollars. Advanced fixed-lens cameras have been especially plentiful from manufacturers, offering a clear set of advantages over point-and-shoot models and cell phone cameras. Interchangeable lens camera, both DIL and DSLR models, also have been popular in 2013.

Having had a chance to fully test and review several cameras during the year, and having had a chance to informally test and consider dozens more models, here are some of the best cameras I’ve seen during 2013.

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How To: Take Great Photos With Your Point and Shoot

By Howard Creech, DigitalCameraReview Staff 12-06-2013  (http://www.digitalcamerareview.com)

When we see professional photographers on the news and in the movies it often appears that only the dSLR cameras and super-fast lenses they carry are capable of making great images.  Most amateur shooters want to take good pictures too, but they don’t want to spend a lot of money on esoteric photographic gear or learn anything about f-stops. Consequently, many amateur/casual photographers believe that only complex and expensive gear can produce truly beautiful photographs. Socket wrenches and screwdrivers don’t fix cars–good mechanics do! Cast iron skillets and French saut–pans don’t create delicious meals–good cooks do! The camera (like a cast iron skillet or a socket wrench) is simply a tool. And learning how to use that tool is how you can create amazing images.

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Best Compact Point-and-Shoot Cameras 2013

By Tom’s Guide Staff,Daniel Grotta 

If you’re like many people, the convenient, always-available camera embedded in your iPhone, Galaxy S4 or favorite brand of smartphone is the only device you ever need to snap and share photos with friends and family. So why would you consider buying a stand-alone compact camera when your smartphone does it all?

Because, photographically speaking, smartphones don’t do it all. For instance, most phones don’t come equipped with optical-zoom lenses, so they’re useless if you’re shooting hungry lions or just your kids playing soccer or baseball. Also, good point-and-shoots will also easily beat most smartphones in low light, whether you’re shooting with or without a flash. These four point-and-shoot cameras take your photography a notch above smartphone cameras while still being easily pocketable.

Full article at source>

FUJIFILM Launches Powerful Entry-Level X-A1 Compact Camera for Consumers — Available for Pre-Order at Adorama

New X-A1 features an ultra-modern, easy-to-operate camera design as well as 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and Robust EXR Processor II for exceptional picture quality and outstanding ergonomics.

New York, NY (PRWEB.com) September 17, 2013

Fujifilm X-A1 Digital Camera

Fujifilm X-A1 Digital Camera

FUJIFILM today announced the launch of the X-A1 Compact System Camera (CSC), a new entry-level model within the FUJIFILM premium X-Series camera line. Available for pre-order from leading camera and electronics retailer Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/results/Fuji-X-A1) for a starting price of 599.00 USD, the ultra-light X-A1 CSC gives consumers an affordable entry point into FUJIFILM’s X-Series line of digital cameras. In addition to the outstanding image quality thanks to the large 16.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the X-A1 also features well-placed operational buttons and dials, a high definition 3” tilting LCD screen, and wireless image transfer capabilities for easy operation and quick photo sharing.

Customers can order the new X-A1 in either indigo blue or black and will receive their camera with the FUJINON XC16-50mm (35mm equivalent to 24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens. A versatile lens that is ideal for a wide range of photographic subjects, the XC16-50mm lens consists of 12 all-glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element. The lens also features seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 17 stops in 1/3 EV increments for precise aperture control.

Also announced and available starting in November, the all-new FUJINON XC50-230mm (35mm equivalent to 76-350mm) F4.5-6.7 OIS lens adds even more versatility to the X-Series line of compact system cameras by offering an expanded zoom range that delivers consistently outstanding optical performance throughout. The XC50-230mm uses optical image stabilization to ensure superb performance and effectively reduces blur when shooting at longer focal lengths and in low light. The new lens is available at 399.00 USD in either black or silver.

FUJIFILM X-A1 CSC Feature Highlights

Large 16.3 Megapixel APS-C sensor and EXR Processor II
The FUJIFILM X-A1 uses an APS-C sensor and powerful EXR Processor II that captures rich tones, breathtaking dynamic range and stunning low-light images using its extended ISO range of up to 25600. With the X-A1, users can set the sensor sensitivity from ISO 200 to as high as ISO6400 in 1/3 step increments, to obtain remarkably clear images even when shooting indoors and at night.

Together with the EXR Processor II, the X-A1 also gives customers fantastic speed with a start-up time of 0.5 seconds in Quick Start Mode, a shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds and a maximum burst speed of 5.6 frames per second.

Compact performance and advanced features
The X-A1 body weighs just 11.6oz and is about a third of the size of a traditional DSLR body. With a slim profile of 1.3” at its trimmest point, the X-A1 enjoys a highly portable form factor.

The X-A1 also features a 3” tilting high-resolution LCD screen with 920,000 dots for easy image viewing and framing at various angles. The 3” LCD monitor tilts at variable vertical angles, facilitating both low-angle and high-angle shots, on or off a tripod.

The X-A1 uses a built-in high-precision flash and Super Intelligent Flash technology that uses scene recognition and automatically controls flash strength to reduce highlight clipping.

Easy Image Transfer with WiFi® button
The X-A1 includes a WiFi button that lets users transfer high-quality photos and movies to social media sites for easy sharing from the camera to smartphones, tablets and computers.

To connect the X-A1 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free FUJIFILM Camera Application to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 pictures at a time from the X-A1. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.

Intuitive design and easy operation
The X-A1 has its key operation buttons and dials positioned on the right side of the camera’s rear panel for easy use and quick picture taking. The Mode Dial for selecting the optimum setting for each scene gives access to the Advanced SR Auto function, which automatically recognizes each scene and selects the best settings for sharp and clear images.

The Advanced Filter function and Film Simulation modes give users a range of creative filters and film effects to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks.

One of the first retailers to get a sneak preview of this brand-new camera, Adorama’s team of experts has developed a review article, available now at the Adorama Learning Center (http://www.adorama.com/alc/0014312/blogarticle/Fujifilm-X-A1-Entry-Level-MILC-First-Look).

Pricing and Availability
The FUJIFILM X-A1 CSC kit with XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS lens, and separately, the XC50-230mm lens, are both available for pre-order at Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/results/Fuji-X-A1). Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards are not charged until the X-A1 is shipped.

ABOUT ADORAMA

ADORAMA: More Than a Camera Store
Adorama is more than a camera store – it’s one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers. Serving customers for more than 30 years, Adorama has grown from its flagship NYC store to include the leading online destination for photography, imaging and consumer electronics. Adorama’s vast product offerings encompass home entertainment, mobile computing, and professional video and audio, while its services include an in-house photo lab, AdoramaPix, pro equipment rental at Adorama Rental Company, and the award-winning Adorama Learning Center, which offers free education for photographers in video channels such as the popular Adorama TV.

Adorama is listed as Forbes.com’s “Best of the Web” and in the Internet Retailers Top 100, and is the official Photo and Electronics Retailer of the NY Giants.

Visit ADORAMA at http://www.adorama.com.

 

New “Camera Matchmaker” Makes it Easier to Find the Perfect Camera

Cameta Camera has leveraged technology from Lela.com to create a web-based camera finder, the Cameta Matchmaker. This new feature uses innovative technology to help buyers quickly find their perfect camera; in conjunction with its release, Cameta is offering a chance to win a new Nikon 1 J1 Digital Camera 2-Lens Kit to anyone who registers and uses “Matchmaker.”

Amityville, NY (PRWEB) (http://www.prweb.com) September 12, 2013

In a market flooded with dozens of camera models with hundreds of complicated features, finding the right camera can be a little overwhelming. However, a new, web-based camera finder from photo equipment retailer Cameta Camera, which leverages innovative technology from Lela.com, makes this task much easier. “Matchmaker” — available at Cameta.com — asks a few simple questions, analyzes the answers and provides a list of compatible cameras, complete with scores based on how well each model fits the user’s personality and needs. It’s a unique way to shop that gives everyone the ability to buy with confidence, even those who aren’t technologically savvy.

“It’s really simple, and incredibly accurate,” says Cameta Camera’s online director Michael Lerner. “You can go from start to checkout in less than a minute, and because Matchmaker is actually based on human psychology, you don’t need to know anything about photography to find the perfect camera.”

Matchmaker is presented as a fast, fun quiz, with questions that, on the surface, have nothing to do with photography. For example, one question asks the user which make-believe vehicle they would prefer, while another inquires about their sense of style. These seemingly random, simple questions actually help Matchmaker build a complex personality profile that is cross-referenced with Cameta’s database of available cameras to produce a list of individualized matches, each with a compatibility score.

And while Matchmaker is built on years of deep psychological research and mountains of carefully-compiled product data, the user experience is enjoyable and straightforward, ideal for first-time camera buyers or shoppers who simply don’t know where to start.

“The great thing about the Cameta Matchmaker,” says Kyle Harris, Lela’s President, “is that so much product information is concentrated into a simple, 60-second quiz that works for anyone. You can be a professional photographer or a total novice, and Cameta’s Matchmaker will help you find a camera that’s right for you.”

Matchmaker is completely free to use, and is now available at http://www.cameta.com.

In addition, Cameta Camera is currently offering Matchmaker users a chance to win a new Nikon 1 J1 Digital Camera 2-Lens Kit. Anyone who tries Matchmaker and registers their email address is automatically entered into the sweepstakes. For more information about the Matchmaker sweepstakes, please see the Official Rules.
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About Cameta Camera

Cameta Camera is a leading retailer of digital cameras and accessories, and an Authorized USA Dealer of all major brands of photography equipment. Based in Amityville, New York, Cameta has been committed to providing excellent product selection, low prices and exceptional customer service since 1983.

About Lela

Lela (http://www.lelaknows.com) is the first online shopping assistant that matches people to products using a unique and intuitive technology platform. Lela’s Intelligent MatchTM analyzes a shopper’s personality from a short quiz to discover tastes, lifestyle, values and budget. The Intelligent MatchTM then custom curates a product listing with individualized ratings. The result is a truly meaningful shopping experience.

Contact Information
Mike Mazal
Cameta Camera
http://www.cameta.com/ 
631-389-2135
Richard Schmitz
Lela
http://www.lelaknows.com 
646-790-1205