Review » Lumix GF3: A Pocket Friendly DSLR

Everyone yearns for professional snapshot, but with a simple point and shoot that might be a problem. Alternatively, you could opt for a more expensive DSLR setup but given the complexity of those cameras it’s an up hill battle to achieve the shots that you so desire.

Enter the Lumix GF3. Much like the GF2 it is a micro 4/3rds setup, but in an easier to use setup. Panasonic has removed the hotshot and the viewfinder and simplified the UI for those less interested in the finer tweaks (or headaches) in photogging. At the back is a 3-inch touchscreen along with a scroll wheel for pursuing the camera’s menus and a 12.1 megapixel sensor. ISO ranges from 160-6400 for the most versatile of lighting scenarios and it can capture 1080i video. Apparently, it’s 15% lighter than the GF2 and 17% smaller.

Panasonic says that the GF3 will be available in late July for $699 and include a 14mm lens. Come August they’ll roll out a 14-42mm kit that will set you back $599.

Full press release after the ‘leap’

PANASONIC UNVEILS THE LUMIX GF3, THE COMPANY’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGELABLE LENS SYSTEM CAMERA WITH A BUILT-IN FLASH*

The LUMIX GF3 Body Weighs Just 7.83oz and Produces High-Quality Photos, Full-HD Video Recording Capabilities and Smart Touch-Screen Controls
SECAUCUS, NJ (June 13, 2011) – Panasonic today announces its latest compact system camera (CSC), the mirror-free Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF3 is the company’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a built-in flash*1, with its body size comparable to that of a smartphone and weighing just 7.83oz (body only), less than a standard 8oz cup of coffee. The Panasonic’s LUMIX GF3 realizes all the features desired from a traditional DSLR interchangeable lens camera, only it accomplishes them in an ultra-compact body that is lightweight and simple to master.

This remarkable reduction in size and weight is thanks to advancements in new mirror-free camera technology, and large DSLR format sensors that are more compatible with a new class of compact Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System lenses. This new class of Compact System Cameras offers a weight and compactness not seen in traditional DSLRs, yielding greater portability and creative control. The DMC-GF3′s image quality comes from a large DSLR-sized 12.1-megapixel sensor and newly advanced image processing technologies.

The LUMIX GF3 digital camera is based on the Micro Four Thirds standard of lenses, which includes Panasonic’s 3D lens, thus the LUMIX GF3 not only provides outstanding still photos, full-High Definition 1080/60i video, but is also capable of shooting 3D still photos.

The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 produces high-quality photos with true-to-life details, thanks to excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens options; and extremely precise Auto Focus (AF). Plus, the LUMIX GF3 creates the right balance between resolution and noise reduction, thus producing life-like images with accurate auto exposure and white balance, creating rich colors. Taking a page from the renowned LUMIX GH2′s image quality, the LUMIX GF3 boasts full sized DSLR like Image quality thanks the same Venus Engine FHD image processor. The Venus Engine FHD image processor makes impressive low noise images from its 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor. Notably, images shot in low-lit situations at high ISO sensitivity setting, are stunningly clear with extremely sharp resolution. The image processor also excels in energy consumption by extending the battery life, despite its smaller size.

Thanks to a new mount, the LUMIX GF3 is approximately 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter than its predecessor, the LUMIX GF2. Despite its small size and unlike many CSC cameras in this class, the LUMIX GF3 still maintains a built-in flash and features a new pop-up mechanism that helps prevent the vignetting effect due to short distances between the flash unit and the interchangeable lens. With a newly-designed aluminum body that incorporates an ergonomic grip, and a well-designed control dial combined with a 3-inch touch enabled screen, the LUMIX GF3 is extremely intuitive and easy to use.

“The Panasonic GF3 compact system camera is extremely small and its newly-designed rounded body is quite attractive, which we expect to be popular among those users wanting to step-up from a point-and-shoot, yet who view traditional DSLRs as bulky and overly complex,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “While the size and weight of the GF3 has been greatly reduced, Panasonic does not compromise what is at the core of every LUMIX, which is exceptional photo and video quality with an easy-to-use interface.”

All models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of digital cameras feature Contrast AF for their focus system, as opposed to phase-difference AF systems, used in traditional DSLRs, which is susceptible to a mechanical margin of focus errors at wide apertures. With a Contrast AF system, focusing is controlled by the image sensor so that mechanical margin of error is reduced to achieve precise focusing, thus boosting higher number of in focus shots, especially when shooting in low light with wide open lens aperture. As a result, when the LUMIX GF3 is used with Panasonic’s new wide aperture interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH, also announced today, the performance of the Contrast AF system is optimally maximized.

The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 features a high-speed and extremely precise Contrast AF system that locks in approximately 0.18 seconds. Taking further advantage of Contrast AF, the LUMIX GF3 incorporates full-area focusing which makes it possible to set focus on any point in the field- of-view. The LUMIX GF3 also features Light Speed AF, an extremely fast AF which measures at approximately 0.1 seconds*2, which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the sensors drive speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. With the combination of touch-control shooting, focusing on close up macro or still life objects is evermore quick and accurate thanks to the newly adopted Pinpoint AF that unlike a DSLR, offers near pixel level touch control focusing.

Manual control over focus is available in the DMC-GF3 and now features a quick 4x magnification feature. By simply touching the subject, that subject is then enlarged in a small window, allowing you to keep the rest of the image in view as a framing reference. Beyond 4x, that small window fills the monitor so even more control over focus fine-tuning can be achieved. This handy feature is available from both the MF (Manual Focus) Assist and AF + MF focus modes.

At the heart of the LUMIX GF3′s simplified functionality is a large 3.0-inch touch enabled LCD (460k- dot) that allows for intuitive touch control of menus and most shooting, focusing, playback and effects controls. Menus can be customized using simple drag-and-drop actions similar to those on some touch-enabled smartphones. This allows for a custom user interface, giving Quick Menu access to functions that can be tailored to any user’s expertise level. Users can also release the shutter using the touch-screen. Once locked onto a subject, the LUMIX GF3 tracks the subject with the AF Tracking feature and another touch allows the user to select the size of the AF area. In addition, Pinpoint AF function allows even more precise focus setting by further enlarging the focusing area. With increased customization, users can set the touch shutter and touch AF ON/OFF based on their preference. Touch-control also makes playback of photos and videos easy to flip through like pages in a book.

For those who miss the tactile feel of a traditional DSLR mode dial, the DMC-GF3 offers an innovative mode thumb wheel that quickly cycles though all available modes with visual feedback provided on the large 3” touch-enabled LCD.
The LUMIX GF3 records 1920 x 1080 full-HD video in the AVCHD format, which features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A dedicated video record button on the top lets users instantly start recording video, without having to hassle with any menu settings. The LUMIX GF3 allows for Touch AF in video recording, enabling professional-like features, such as rack focusing. For instance, by touching the subject on the screen, the focus is shifted to the subject.

Contributing to its ease-of-use, the LUMIX GF3 features Panasonic’s acclaimed iA*3 (Intelligent Auto) mode – and the new advanced iA Plus mode – are automatically engaged once the iA button is pressed, helping to make shooting video and photos with the LUMIX GF3 extremely simple – even to users new to compact system cameras. Panasonic’s iA features include MEGA O.I.S. (included in several lenses), Intelligent ISO Control, and Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Resolution. With the new iA Plus mode, the LUMIX GF3 easily enables commonly desired manual enhancements not available from standard camera auto modes such as peripheral defocusing around faces, exposure compensation, and color balance adjustments which are visually adjusted by moving an on screen slider with the user’s finger or the thumb wheel,.

The LUMIX GF3, like all CSCs in the Panasonic LUMIX G Series, is equipped with a highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. In some system cameras, if dust or other foreign matter gets inside the digital camera while the lenses are being changed, it’s possible that the debris could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. However, the Panasonic Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically approximately 50,000 times per second – thus repelling dust and other particles from the LUMIX GF3′s sensor.

Two modes – Photo Style and Creative Control – let users at any skill level get creative with their photos. With Creative Control, the user can choose the most-frequently-used color modes (Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic and newly added Miniature Effect*4 mode) with easy access. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized so the photos look like a diorama. The Photo Style mode revitalizes the conventional film mode with settings in Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction.

The LUMIX GF3, like all the CSC in the LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, is compatible with other Micro Four Thirds lenses and the full sized Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adaptor. Other accessories available to the LUMIX G Series include external flashes, PL and ND filters, leather cases, straps, and more. The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 will be available in black, white, red and brown bodies for a suggested retail prices of $699.99 with the 14mm lens kit system starting in July 2011, and $599.99 with the 14-42mm lens kit system starting in late August 2011; and. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX G Series compact system cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

Review » DXG offers low-budget 3D stills

What you are seeing here is a new type of 3D viewer from DXG, creator of a lot of terrific HD camcorders.

This 3D viewer can only take still shots, and I got to try it out. You get the 3D that you may or may not have been looking for, but you really have to jump through a lot of hoops for it.

What happens is that you take pictures with the dual-lens camera. The viewscreen on the back of the camera is only 1.44 inches, and you can see the images in realtime. You can then print them out and put them in the included paper 3D viewer for a “Viewmaster” effect.

When it comes to printing them out, I had trouble at first. I used the included USB cable, but it didn’t quite work. I eventually ejected the SD card (which is not included with the product) and inserted it into my printer’s slot. Thanks to PictBridge technology, it recognized my 3D images and printed them out in the form of two 2D images that merge together to form a 3D image in the viewer. I hope it works without any difficulty on other printers.

I tried this out with ordinary 8 x 11 paper, and it worked, but the company recommends 4 x 6 photo paper. There is a clear difference, and I mean that in every sense of the word.

In all honesty, we are looking at one of the cheapest ways to bring 3D to the average consumer. Granted, it is in still form, and not for video. If you want it, you can get it in various colors for about $69.99 on the official DXG site.

Review » Review of the VueZone System

I have been wanting to try out one of Avaak’s VueZone Systems for a while, and I finally got my wish.

For those who aren’t aware of this technology, VueZone uses tiny cameras that you see to the left of this photo. These cameras are wirelessly synced to the “gateway” that you see on the right of the photo.

All you need to do is set up the cameras, which come with these dome-shaped stands that magnetically lock to the cameras for easy angle adjusting. Once everything is set up, you can view the footage from your computer or the App on iOS or Android.

Of course, it was a slight inconvenience to set up. After I plugged the gateway into my router, turned on the cameras, and set up my account, it didn’t recognize my cameras. At least not at first. Eventually, it kicked into gear, and then I was able to record and take still photos. Sometimes the pictures or videos wouldn’t show up at first, either.

Another downside was that even though I had two cameras, I couldn’t view two footages at once. I’m not certain whether or not my computer is too slow, but it definitely gives me more video surveillance than I had before. That is why I can recommend them, and understand why their network might have some trouble.

It is also a good budget for about $289.95, and there are other cheaper models that with only one camera or lacking motion detection at the VueZone site.

Review » Fujifilm Instax Mini 50s to capture impromptu moments

Yes, we know that summer is the time when you spend your time outdoors instead of being cooped up at home, zapping aliens and saving the earth yet again from another extra-terrestrial threat. For those who know that summer days can be extremely fleeting, it makes perfect sense to capture all those wonderful moments using a camera. Granted, most of us already have a digital camera in some way or another (phones count too, you know), but how about turning back the clock and going old school for once?


We are talking about the Fujifilm Instax Mini 50S, where it will be able to deliver beautiful, high quality instant photo prints. Being the latest addition to the popular Instax family, the Instax Mini 50S will rely on Instax Mini Instant Film that results in credit card sized photo prints, where these can then be shot anywhere and developed on the spot – letting you experience a retro take when it comes to sharing memories on-the-spot with friends and family.


Coming in a sleek yet compact design in a shiny black finish, the Instax Mini 50S is no slouch when it comes to creative photo taking. After all, you do benefit from a couple of shutter release buttons that are located on the front and side of the camera for portrait or landscape prints. To keep up with the times, there is also a handy self-timer which will let you take one or two images simultaneously – one for you, while the other is for a friend, with a blank strip at the bottom of each print leaving some space for you to write a message capturing the fun of the moment.

Additional features of the $129.99 Instax Mini 50s include :-

• Macro lens for close-up shots up to 30cm away
• Intelligent flash for brighter backgrounds
• Exposure indicator display
• Brightness control to lighten or darken photos
• Tripod mount
• Shiny black finish

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fujifilm-makes-instant-anytime-photos-a-snap-with-instax-mini-50s-124640788.html

Review » Review of the VuPoint Magic Wand Portable Scanner

I think that, as a society, we are moving away from paper and going toward an all digital format. Considering that almost every consumer owns a scanner with their printers is a sign that most of our documents need to be made digital, fast.

Those who need their scanning in a more portable form should probably check out the VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand. I first saw it at CES a few years ago, and I finally got a chance to try it out.

I was hoping that I could get past the frustration factor soon, and I did. The Quick Start Guide showed me exactly what to do the moment I took it out of the box. As soon as I inserted a microSD card (not included), I was ready to scan. I found a few of my daughter’s drawings, and you can see the results after the jump.

As you can see, there are a lot of edges that are slightly off, but it captured the image perfectly. A little cropping could take care of that, and I am certain that I could easily perfect this in time.
The scanner has some “rollers” that allow the user to push across and ordinary piece of paper and turn it to a JPG file. An indicator shows how many scans are on file, and the device is powered by 2 AA batteries. It comes with a USB cable so images can be downloaded to your computer.

If you are looking for this type of portable scanning action, feel free to pick it up for about $99 at Amazon.

Review » Leica V-Lux 30 offers another compact digital camera option

In the world of compact digital cameras, there are plenty of choices to pick from – after all, with the sheer number of players and the constant advancement in technology used within, the price has dropped to extremely affordable levels in recent years, although there is still a niche market of a high end compact digital camera that costs more than half a grand.

The Leica V-Lux 30 is one prime example – while no pricing is attached to it, we don’t see it going cheaper than its $600 plus predecessor. On to the hardware specifications then! The new V-Lux 30 will sport a Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens that boasts of an extended range of focal lengths and a new LCD touch screen display which is touted to deliver fast and simple handling. More to come in the extended post, so make that jump.

There is a wide range of automatic features and manual setting options available on the Leica V-Lux 30, truly making this a compact and universal camera for the entire family. Not only that, by including GPS function, you will be able to have a better idea of where and when you’ve been to a certain place when you look back on your gigabytes and gigabytes of photo archives down the years. Needless to say, it is possible that GPS tagging won’t work in China and neighboring regions, as satellite signal reception might be impossible so be forewarned.

Apart from that, the V-Lux 30 will also feature video recording in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD resolution, making it perfect to replace that ageing digital video camcorder of yours – and this only means you have one less gizmo to tote around with you on your travels. With its new 3″ LCD touch screen display, you are able to access many of the camera’s features with the touch of a fingertip.

The Leica V-Lux 30 arrive at various Leica dealers from June onwards, and we await for more information concerning its official price point. Stay tuned!

http://www.leica.com/

Review » The DXG-5B1V 1080p Underwater Camcorder

 

Now that summertime is in swing where I live, I figure I am going to be going to the pool a lot with my kids. Since my wife is going to want to get it all on video, I am going to need a camera that can deal with the water.

Fortunately, DXG has the 5B1V, a HD camcorder that can go up to 10 feet deep in the water. It is rated at IPX8 grade, so it can take some immersion and some splashes.

According to the official website, it takes still pictures up to 12 Megapixels, but the box says about 16 Megapixels. At least the box and site are both consistent in saying that it shoots video at 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps.

So how does it achieve its power of waterproofing? The compartment that holds the battery and SD card locks with waterproofing capacity. The same is true about the HDMI port and mini USB port. I’m guessing that you want to make certain that these things are locked before you take it to the pool, beach, shower, or whatever wet environment that you are filming.

If you are looking for this type of action, then you should be able to get on the DXG site and lay down $169.99 for the DXG-5B1V.

REVIEW >> Ricoh PX takes the rugged route

 

Ricoh is back with a spanking new digital camera, where this one will be of the rugged variety. We are talking about the Ricoh PX, where it was specially designed to deliver peace of mind as well as hassle-free use, regardless of where you are, anytime of the day (or night), bringing fully dust-, water-, and shock-resistant features right into the palm of your hands.

Of course, what is the whole point of a hardcore handset when it does not have the professional “qualifications” so to speak to back it up? The Ricoh PX will come with a JIS/IEC protection rating equivalent to IP68, which means you can use it underwater for up to an hour at a depth of 3 meters. You can always wash off dirt from the PX whenever itg ets a little bit too dirty for your comfort, and it also frees up your mind since you can take snapshots anywhere without having to worry about rain, splashes, dirt or soil. For more on the Ricoh PX, check it out in the extended post.

With its special impact-resistant design, the camera is capable of withstanding drops from heights of 1.5 meters. The 2.7″ 230k-dot high-contrast LCD display will also comprise of boast of an anti-fingerprint protection coating which will prevent it from getting any scratches, while the anti-reflective coating ensures that the monitor can still be viewed under bright outdoor conditions without having you to squint your eyes.

With a relatively fast startup time of around 1.4 seconds, you should be able to shoot just about any subject in particular without missing a single important moment.
Subject-tracking Autofocus is standard on all models, while the fully-flat design does away with projections to emphasize portability for a camera like this. Since the lens is located at the center of your body, it makes sure no stray fingers will ruin your shots. With it being USB rechargeable, you can always leave it plugged into your notebook to keep it juiced up before arriving at your destination.

Expect the Ricoh PX to retail for $299 when it arrives later this month.

REVIEW >> Infra Red Camera Ready Nest Box

Now here is a little something for all of you budding voyeurs out there – the Infra Red Camera Ready Nest Box. It might seem like the average wooden bird house to the passer by, but this £84.99 purchase is actually a sneaky little camouflage for something more sinister – it holds all the relevant electronics inside so that you can always capture the goings-on of your neighbor – although we do know that you have a perfectly good alibi when the authorities question you – this little Infra Red Camera Ready Nest Box can also be used to study your feathered friends up close and personal without them knowing any better.

Even more brilliant is the kit comes with infrared lights and cameras that will help you capture night time images in black and white, so you can always have something interesting to look at once you are done surfing through all 500 channels on your TV.

REVIEW >> Japanese military makes a flying orb camera

 

What you are seeing here is not done with wire removal, but we are seeing a flying robot ball. It bears a strong resemblance to the torture ball robot from the original Star Wars movie, but this doesn’t have a needle on it, but a camera.

Yes, the purpose of the flying robot ball is to float in and take pictures. Its ball shape makes it more resistant, it case it bumps into walls.

This flying orb was designed by the Japan’s Ministry of Defense Technical Research and Development Institute. It can travel at a top speed of 40 miles per hour, and files on a single propeller with eight wings. You can see more of it on a video after the jump.

I suppose that this could be used to scope out enemy territory, but the big black ball looks pretty easy to shoot down. Personally, I think it has more uses in the private sector.

Imagine if your boss put this flying camera on your back in order to monitor your job performance. Yeah, I don’t like that idea, and it reminds me of an episode of Regular Show called “Peeps”. If you aren’t watching the Cartoon Network’s Regular Show, you are missing out on one of the funniest things on television.

But I don’t want to digress on that too much. As for this flying orb camera, it only cost $1,000 to make, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of it in the future.