Category Archives: Mirrorless Cameras

Pentax Q-S1 Digital Camera: Providing endless artistic expression in a fashionable compact design, complete with interchangeable lenses

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August 04, 2014

Pentax Q-S1 Digital Camera: Providing endless artistic expression in a fashionable compact design, complete with interchangeable lenses.

PENTAX Q-S1 DIGITAL CAMERA

PENTAX Q-S1 DIGITAL CAMERA

Denver, Colorado August 4, 2014 RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is proud to introduce the new PENTAX Q-S1, one of the world’s smallest and lightest digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. With a new refined look, Smart Affect mode for creative photo enhancing, and color variations from today’s hottest fashion trends, the Q-S1 is an ideal everyday camera for the style-minded looking for the portability of a compact and added benefits of interchangeable lenses.
“Along with its stylish, petite body, this new model offers impressive specifications. The PENTAX Q-S1 is an ideal everyday camera for photographers of all levels, complete with an entire system of 8 lenses designed for on-the-go fun” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President of RICOH IMAGING Americas, Corp.
The PENTAX Q-S1 is the latest addition to the popular PENTAX Q series of compact-sized, interchangeable-lens digital cameras. The camera is equipped with a wide range of features to make photography more enjoyable, including a 12.4 megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor to deliver high-quality images, high-sensitivity shooting to a top sensitivity of ISO 12800, and a reliable shake-reduction system using a state-of-the-art gyro sensor. It also provides a variety of creative tools, such as bokeh control and Smart Effect to add the desired filters with just a simple turn of a dial. The PENTAX Q-S1 creates more personalized, creative images easily and beautifully.
In addition, RICOH IMAGING is pleased to announce the launch of a color to order® service for the new PENTAX Q-S1 digital camera. This unprecedented service, (originally launched with the Q7 in July 2013), has been popularly accepted by many users as a new, fashionable way of expressing one’s personal taste and style.
There are 4 standard color combinations and additional 36 body and grip colors taken straight from the runway, such as champagne, khaki green, and charcoal black, and can be ordered through the color to order® service. The PENTAX-01 STANDARD PRIME lens color can also be chosen from five different options to make the entire imaging system even more desirable and eye-catching.

Pricing and Availability

The Q-S1 will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in August 2014 for a suggested retail price of $499.95

Ordering for the custom colors will be available in August 2014

To learn more about the comprehensive lineup of Pentax products as well as other RICOH IMAGING products, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com

About RICOH IMAGING Americas Corporation|

RICOH IMAGING Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.

The company now known as RICOH IMAGING Americas Corporation was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, RICOH IMAGING Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.

For further information, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
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© 2014 RICOH IMAGING Americas Corporation. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Contact:
Sarah Schachterle
Public Relations Manager
(303) 728-0320
Sarah.schachterle@us.ricoh-imaging.com

RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
633 17th Street I Suite 2600 I Denver, CO 80202 I Phone: 303-799-8000
Main Features
1. Classic, high-grade design
The Q-S1 sports a classic design, with meticulous attention paid even to the texture of the finest details, making it a perfect everyday camera to carry around under all kinds of situations. Its Quick Dial and grip are made of high-grade aluminum for an exclusive look, and are symmetrically positioned for holding comfort and visual attractiveness. For the first time in the Q series, synthetic leather has been used for the front panel, to improve the texture and appearance.
2.12.4 Megapixel image sensor to deliver high-quality images

Due to its 12.4 megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, the Q-S1 delivers high-quality and high-resolution images. Coupled with the state-of-the-art high-speed engine name “Q ENGINE”, it also minimizes annoying noises effectively at all ISO sensitivity levels to deliver rich-gradation, fine-texture images, even in high-sensitivity shooting using a top sensitivity of ISO 12800. It also offers outstanding autofocus accuracy during low-illumination shooting, since it assures pinpoint focus on the subject even at the faintest light level of EV 0.

3. Outstanding operability

Thanks to the incorporation of the Q ENGINE with an optimized algorithm, the Q-S1 assures quick, flawless response at all phases of shooting operation, including a short start-up time of approximately one second. The Quick Dial also lets the user assign as many as four favorite functions, including Smart Effect, aspect ratio, AF/MF switching, focus assist ON/OFF and ND filter ON/OFF, for instant mode switching during shooting.

4. Dependable SR mechanism

The Q-S1’s advanced SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism features a state-of-the-art gyro sensor to effectively compensate for annoying camera shake. It produces sharp, blur-free images even under shooting conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight.

5. Full HD movie recording, even during high-sensitivity shooting

The Q-S1 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels, at 30 frames per second, in the H.264 recording format) with minimal noise. It also provides an interval HD movie recording function to add more creativity to visual expression. The user can also take advantage of advanced image-processing tools like the Smart Effect modes* and an array of in-body movie editing tools. The Continuous AF (AF-C) mode** has been newly added to these creative options, allowing the user to capture a moving subject in sharp focus during movie recording.

* The frame rate may vary when a selected Smart Effect mode requires nonstandard image processing.
** This mode is not compatible with the UNIQUE LENS-series lenses and the 06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM lens.

6. Large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor

The Q-S1 features a high-resolution 3.0-inch 3:2-proportion LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots. This monitor is treated with AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to produce sharp, bright images even under bright sunshine by effectively minimizing glare and reflection on the screen. Since its wide-view design makes it possible to view the image from 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, the user has a clear view of the on-screen image even when facing the monitor from an angle.

7. An array of image-processing tools to create personalized images

(1) Custom Image function to add distinctive finishing touches
The Custom Image function adds a distinctive finishing touch to an image, faithfully expressing the photographer’s creative intention or reproducing the ambience of a specific scene. The user has a choice of 11 Custom Image modes, including Bleach Bypass, which produces a dramatic, movie-like finish.
(2) Digital filter function to apply artistic visual effects
The digital filter function lets the photographer apply a variety of visual effects without requiring a computer. Of 17 total options, 11 filters including Toy Camera, Invert Color and Posterization can be applied even during the shooting of still images and movie clips, while the remaining six can be applied only during image editing. The user can even apply multiple filters to a single image to produce more inventive visual effects.
(3) Smart Effect function for simple dial control of finishing touches
Using the Quick Dial positioned on the camera’s front panel, the user can quickly and effortlessly add a desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the applied effect on the LCD monitor. From nine Smart Effect modes — including Antique for a nostalgic atmosphere and Fade Color for a chic, faded-color finish — the user can assign four favorite modes to the dial in advance.

8. Effortless bokeh control

The Q-S1’s unique bokeh control function allows the user to make the subject stand out by automatically assessing the relative distance between the in-focus subject and obtrusive objects in the field of view. Since this function simplifies the advanced, SLR-caliber technique of intentional defocusing, even a first-time digital camera user can effortlessly capture high-quality images with beautifully defocused foregrounds and backgrounds.

9. Simple, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes

The Q-S1 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from an range of options including Portrait, Landscape and Macro for a given scene or subject. Since the camera optimizes all affecting parameters, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness, the user can concentrate on the image composition and shutter opportunity. The Q-S1 also provides 21 Scene modes including Night Scene Portrait, Pet and Backlight Silhouette, allowing even an entry-level digital photographer to choose the best exposure settings for a complicated scene or subject with the simple choice of an icon on the LCD monitor.

10. Digital SLR-caliber exposure system

The Q-S1’s comprehensive exposure system assures all the advantages and flexibility of a lens-interchangeable digital camera system. In addition to the all-purpose Programmed AE (P) mode, which automatically selects an optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed, it also provides the Aperture-Priority AE (Av) and Shutter-Priority AE (TV) modes for manual setting of a desired aperture or shutter speed, as well as Metered Manual (M) mode for complete user control over exposure settings.

11. DRII mechanism for effective dust removal

The Q-S1’s DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism effectively prevents annoying dust spots from spoiling captured images, even after the user changes lenses out in the open. Like the PENTAX K-3 and 645Z digital SLR cameras, it employs a highly efficient supersonic vibration mechanism, which vibrates the image sensor at high speed to shake dust off its surface.

12. Other features

・Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards
・High-speed continuous shooting of up to five images per second
・HDR mode to composite three images of varying exposures into one photo with extra-wide dynamic range
・CTE white-balance control mode to emphasize the predominant color of a particular scene, such as the sunset
・Multi-exposure mode (up to nine exposures on a single image), with an auto exposure compensation function
・Remote control receptors on front and back panels
・Digital level function to check the camera’s horizontal/vertical inclination
・Digital Camera Utility 5 software (latest version) included

Optional Accessories

O-CC151 Camera Case
A camera case exclusively designed for the Q-S1, with two strap lugs at the sides to keep the camera suspended at a level position for delay-free shooting. It not only protects the camera from dust and scratches, but adds a sense of elegance and style to the camera. Made of synthetic leather, with a choice of black, cream or gray color.
Usable model: PENTAX Q-S1

O-CC1512 Camera Case (with front cover)
A camera case exclusively designed for the Q-S1, with two strap lugs at the sides to keep the camera suspended at a level position for delay-free shooting. Comes with a front cover to protect the lens surface from dust and scratches. Made of synthetic leather, with a choice of black, cream or red color.
Usable model: PENTAX Q-S1
O-CC1513 Holster Case
A camera case designed to fasten on a belt for quick removal of the camera. The main holster holds the camera with a lens attached, while two neighboring compartments hold the 06 and 02 lenses, respectively. Made of brown-colored synthetic leather, with a ring to attach a strap. A hand strap is also included.
Usable model: PENTAX Q-S1, Q7, Q10 and Q

O-CC1516 Lens Case for 02/06
A lens case for exclusive use with the 02 or 06 lens, with internal padding to protect the lens from dust and scratches. Made of black-colored synthetic leather, with a ring to attach a strap.
Applicable models: PENTAX-02 STANDARD ZOOM and PENTAX-06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM

O-ST151 Three-way Strap
A versatile three-way camera strap, providing three different functions — diagonal suspension, neck strap or hand strap — by varying the arrangement of its two parts. Made of synthetic leather, with a choice of black or cream color.
Usable model: PENTAX Q-S1, Q7, Q10 and Q

Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

New Samsung makes light of weighty problem

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By: Charles Wright. May 7th 2014. (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au)

It’s been more than a decade since we last invested in a camera – a Canon EOS 10D DSLR (digital single lens reflex). Until we spent a couple of days in Hobart among a group of journalists evaluating Samsung’s new NX30 last month, we had no idea what we’d been missing out on.

Fitted with its 18-75mm L Series lens – a beautiful piece of glass – the Canon 10D weighs just over 2.2kg. Carry that around your neck every day for a couple of weeks, as we did during one trip to Paris, and you begin to wonder whether you really do want to keep a photographic record of your travels.

As it happens, that’s precisely what happened to us. After Paris, we rarely took the 10D out of its bag.

The NX30 has introduced us to a much more bearable lightness of being and, happily, that has rekindled our interest in photography.

Full article at the source>

Why Buy a Digital Camera When You Can Rent?

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By: Lauren Goode. April 21, 2014 (http://recode.net)

It’s a well-reported trend: The digital camera market is getting hit hard by smartphones.

And yet, after looking at another set of dim, noisy smartphone photos from a wedding reception last weekend, I can’t help but think there are still situations in which a digital camera — or at the least, a more powerful sensor — is a good thing.

It’s those scenarios that Lumoid wants to capitalize on. Lumoid is a new camera-rental company that’s targeting wedding-goers, new parents, vacationers and photo hobbyists. Its prices range from $5 to $25 per day per item, except for accessories, which are listed for purchase.

Full article at the source>

Canon celebrates production of 250 million digital cameras

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TOKYO, Japan, March 27, 2014—Canon Inc. today celebrated a camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of the Company’s compact digital and interchangeable-lens digital cameras surpassed 250 million units on January 31, 2014

Canon EOS 70D Digital Camera

The EOS 70D, featuring
innovative autofocus technology

Canon Powershot G1 X Mark II Digital Camera

The PowerShot G1 X Mark II,
targeting the highest levels
of imaging performance

Canon, a company that has continuously produced cameras since its founding in 1937, began producing and marketing digital cameras in the mid 1990s. In 1995, when film cameras were still the norm, Canon launched its first digital camera, the professional-model EOS DCS 3* digital SLR camera.

At the time, compact cameras were leading the digital shift within the camera industry. In 1996, Canon announced its market entry with the introduction of the PowerShot 600, the Company’s first compact digital camera. In 2000, amid the market’s rapid growth, Canon launched the IXY DIGITAL (PowerShot S100 or DIGITAL IXUS in markets outside of Japan), featuring a ground-breaking compact, stylish body design that set the trend for compact digital cameras.

Subsequent models released by the Company reflected the diverse evolution of compact digital cameras with models becoming increasingly compact and lightweight, achieving higher sensitivity, incorporating more enhanced automatic functions, and realizing greater network connectivity. This evolution fueled robust growth as Canon’s cumulative production of compact digital cameras surpassed the 100-million-unit mark in 2008, and broke through the 200-million-unit threshold in December 2013. Aiming to further extend its production volume, in 2014 Canon launched a new lineup of compact digital cameras that let users enjoy high value-added photography, including the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, designed to deliver the highest levels of imaging performance, and the new-concept-model PowerShot N100.

As for interchangeable-lens digital cameras, while the market in the mid 1990s had consisted primarily of professional models, with the start of the 2000s, the segment rapidly took off. In 2000, Canon launched the EOS D30, developed as a “next-generation standard digital SLR camera” to satisfy the needs of a wide user base, from advanced photo enthusiasts to professional users. In 2003, Canon again led the market with the introduction of the entry-level-model EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D), which set the stage for dramatic expansion of the market.

Since that time, Canon has successively launched innovative products that capitalize on the Company’s strengths in CMOS sensors, image processors and EF lenses, such as the professional-model EOS-1 series and EOS 5D series targeting advanced-amateur users, as well as the compact-camera-system EOS M series. As a result, in 2005, production of Canon interchangeable-lens digital cameras reached 25 million units and, in February 2014, surpassed 50 million units. Among the new products worthy of note that contributed to the realization of this milestone were the EOS 70D, featuring innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus technology, and the entry-level EOS Kiss X7 (EOS Rebel SL1 or EOS 100D), which combines a ground-breaking compact, lightweight body design with advanced basic performance.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable cameras and lenses that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

* The EOS DCS 3, jointly developed by Canon and Eastman Kodak, was also sold under the Kodak brand.

 

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

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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.

 

Review: Sony RX1

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by Abram Goglanian on 04/18/2013 (http://www.thephoblographer.com)

Sony’s RX1 is the first of a new breed of compact camera; the very first compact digital camera with a full-frame 24×36 sensor. I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks with this digital pioneer and the following consists of my thoughts and experiences.

Sony RX1Digital Camera

Sony RX1Digital Camera

Full Article>