Friday, April 15, 2011

DIGIC 4 Processors key benefits

Canon EOS 600D




With class-leading 18-megapixel resolution, user-friendly design, and the entire EOS family of lenses and accessories at your disposal, the EOS 600D lets nothing stand in the way of your photography.
Features

18-megapixel CMOS sensor
Scene Intelligent Auto mode
Full-HD EOS Movie
On-screen Feature Guide
Up to 3.7fps continuous shooting
Wide-area 9-point AF
1,040k-dot vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) screen
Basic+ and Creative Filters
Built-in wireless flash control

Your EOS adventure starts here



18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
An APS-C sized, 18-megapixel CMOS sensor captures images that are packed with detail and clarity. Such high-resolution allows large print sizes and the flexibility to crop pictures for alternative compositions.

ISO 100-6400 sensitivity
An ISO range of 100-6400, extendable to ISO 12,800, enables high-quality hand-held shooting in low-light conditions, without the need for flash.

14-bit image processing
At the heart of the Canon EOS 600D is a 14-bit DIGIC 4 image processor that provides exceptional colour reproduction, smooth tonal gradation and tight control over noise.

Scene Intelligent Auto mode
Scene Intelligent Auto analyzes each scene in detail and picks the right camera settings each and every time, leaving you free to concentrate on what’s important – your photography.

On-screen Feature Guide
The EOS 600D’s on-screen Feature Guide provides descriptions of many of the camera’s functions, as well as advice on how to use them.

Full-HD EOS Movie
Shoot Full-HD video with manual control over frame rate, exposure and sound. Video Snapshot technology allows short clips of 2, 4 or 8 sec to be merged into a single movie file, for footage that looks like it was edited professionally, while Movie Digital Zoom permits 3-10x magnification while retaining Full-HD quality.

9-point wide-area AF and iFCL metering
Nine AF points, including one central cross-type sensor, spread out across the frame for swift, accurate focusing, even with off-centre subjects. 63-zone iFCL metering ensures accurate exposures time after time.

1,040k-dot vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) screen
Shoot from unique angles with a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen, containing 1,040,000 dots for increased clarity.

Basic+
Basic+ technology allows photographers to customize basic auto settings according to lighting conditions or ambience.

Creative Filter Effects
Creative Filter Effects can be applied to Raw and JPEG files post capture, including Toy Camera, Soft Focus, Miniature, Grainy Black & White and Fish Eye simulations.

Built-in wireless flash control
An integrated wireless Speedlite flash controller and Easy Wireless technology allow off-camera TTL flash without the need for extra accessories.

Use with all EF and EF-S lenses
The EOS 600D is supported by the complete system: flashguns, remote releases and over 60 lenses trusted by professional photographers the world over.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS



PowerShot SX30 IS showcases Canon optical expertise with an ultra-wide 35x optical zoom. A 4.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer and Zoom Framing Assist make high zoom stills and HD movie shooting a breeze.
Features

* 35x ultra wide-angle zoom
* Optical Image Stabilizer (4.5-stop), USM, VCM
* 14.1 MP CCD
* 6.8 cm (2.7") vari-angle LCD, EVF
* HD movies, HDMI
* Smart Auto
* Manual modes, Low Light and Miniature Effect movie
* Zoom Framing Assist
* Servo AF/AE
* Extensive accessory system

Exceed your ambitions with 35x zoom



35x optical zoom, ultra wide-angle lens
A huge optical zoom range combined with an ultra wide-angle view provides nearly every focal length you’ll need (24-840mm). From wide landscapes and indoor scenes to long range close-ups, it’s a camera for every occasion.

Optical Image Stabilizer
A powerful optical Image Stabilizer provides a range-leading 4.5 stops compensation and allows you to capture sharp images in low light or when using very long focal lengths.

14.1 Megapixel sensor with DIGIC 4 processor
A high-resolution sensor allows printing of very large A2+ prints for impressive displays. It also makes it possible to crop extensively and still get a great shot from a wider scene.

6.8 cm (2.7") vari-angle LCD
The vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD enables easy framing from difficult angles and thanks to Canon’s Quick-bright mode, shooting and viewing in harsh sunlight is made easy at the touch of a button

HD movies with Dynamic IS, HDMI
High quality HD movies (720p) are recorded in stereo sound with Dynamic optical Image Stabilizer for steadier pictures even when moving. The lens’ Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) ensures accurate and silent zooming while Smart Auto optimises movie results from 21 different scenes.

Smart Auto
Smart Auto selects settings from 28 different scenes allowing you to take great pictures without having to worry about the settings. The camera automatically analyses the subject and decides what is best for optimum results.

Manual modes, Low Light and Miniature Effect movie
New shooting modes have been added to make creative experimentation more enjoyable. Give the impression of a smaller scale with Miniature Effect, get better results with Low Light mode and take full control with Manual modes.

Zoom Framing Assist
When shooting with maximum zoom it can be difficult to keep track of a distant subject. At the press of a button Zoom Framing Assist quickly zooms out of the scene - permitting the user to find the subject and put it back in the original frame - then zooms back in the moment the button is released.

Servo AF/AE
Servo AF/AE constantly adjusts focus and exposure on moving subjects allowing you to capture them with great clarity and brightness.

Extensive accessory system
Optional accessories include a Lens Filter Adapter with 67mm thread for attaching lens filters while its concealed hot-shoe is compatible with the Canon Speedlite range of flash units.

Γρήγορες λήψεις με αργές μηχανές

Συχνά οι κάτοχοι compact φωτογραφικών μηχανών διαπιστώνουν πως λόγω της καθυστέρησης στην απόκριση του μηχανισμού εστίασης, φωτομέτρησης και ελέγχου του κλείστρου της μηχανής τους, "χάνουν" την κρίσιμη στιγμή.
Οι γονείς συνήθως βρίσκονται σε αυτή τη θέση προσπαθώντας να φωτογραφίσουν τα παιδιά τους να τους πλησιάζουν τρέχοντας.
Αφού αναφέρουμε πως πιο πρόσφατες prosumer μηχανές παρουσιάζουν μεγάλη βελτίωση στους χρόνους απόκρισης, και πως φυσικά οι μηχανές DSLR έχουν τις καλύτερες επιδόσεις στον τομέα αυτό, να μερικές συμβουλές που θα επιτρέψουν «γρήγορες» λήψεις και στους κατόχους «αργών» φωτογραφικών μηχανών.

* Κλείδωμα εστίασης ή/και φωτομέτρησης (focus/exposure lock): Μια λειτουργία διαθέσιμη σε όλες σχεδόν τις ψφμ, που συνήθως ενεργοποιείται με το πάτημα του κουμπιού του κλείστρου ως τη μέση. Μπορούμε από πριν δηλαδή βάλουμε τη μηχανή να εστιάσει ή/και να φωτομετρήσει σε συγκεκριμένο κάδρο, και την κατάλληλη στιγμή να πιέσουμε ως το τέρμα για να ολοκληρώσουμε τη λήψη. (Για κινούμενα θέματα προβλέπουμε την πορεία του θέματός μας, εφαρμόζουμε τα παραπάνω λίγο πιο μπροστά και περιμένουμε το θέμα μας να έρθει στο κάδρο μας) Τι κερδίζουμε; Την καθυστέρηση εστίασης ή/και φωτομέτρησης.
* Χρήση των εστιακών αποστάσεων στις οποίες η μηχανή μας εστιάζει γρηγορότερα: Πολλές μηχανές εστιάζουν γρηγορότερα σε θέση wide παρά tele
* Χειροκίνητη εστίαση: Αν το επιτρέπει η μηχανή μας και είμαστε σε σχετικά σταθερή απόσταση από το θέμα μας, εστιάζουμε μια φορά χειροκίνητα και ...ξεχνάμε την καθυστέρηση εστίασης (Ιδιαίτερα χρήσιμο σε συνδυασμό με κλειστό διάφραγμα για μεγαλύτερο βάθος πεδίου)
* Φωτογράφιση ριπής (burst mode): Λειτουργία που αν την διαθέτει η μηχανή μας επιτρέπει τη φωτογράφιση ενός αριθμού διαδοχικών λήψεων πολύ γρήγορα, κρατώντας πατημένο το κουμπί του κλείστρου. (Ε, κάποια θα πετύχει εκείνη την κρίσιμη στιγμή που μας ξεφεύγει)
* Απενεργοποίηση λειτουργιών που καθυστερούν τη λήψη όταν δεν χρειάζονται, όπως είναι το άναμμα του φλας στιγμιαία πριν τη λήψη για τη μείωση του φαινομένου των κόκκινων ματιών
* Το μυαλό και το χέρι μας: Εφαρμόζοντας τα παραπάνω μπορούμε να απαλλαγούμε από αρκετούς παράγοντες καθυστέρησης, ή να τους μειώσουμε. Ένας όμως εξακολουθεί να μας ταλαιπωρεί, εκείνη ακριβώς η καθυστέρηση από το πάτημα του κουμπιού ως την πραγματική στιγμή της φωτογράφισης. Ε, εδώ ας αξιοποιήσουμε τη σημαντικότερη «λειτουργία» της μηχανής μας. Το μυαλό και τα χέρια που τη χειρίζονται. Με λίγη παρατήρηση και αρκετή εξάσκηση, μπορούμε να συνηθίσουμε να πατάμε λίγο νωρίτερα το κουμπί του κλείστρου, τόσο όσο χρειάζεται για να αντισταθμίσουμε την καθυστέρηση, με αρκετές πιθανότητες επιτυχίας.

source : http://www.dpgr.gr/index.php?page=fast_shots

Λήψεις βίντεο HD με φωτογραφικές μηχανές





Μια νέα, προσαρτώμενη οθόνη LCD από τη Sony δίνει τη δυνατότητα σε όσους διαθέτουν φωτογραφικές μηχανές DSLR να έχουν μεγαλύτερη και καλύτερη άποψη του υλικού τους όταν πραγματοποιούν λήψεις HD βίντεο.

Η CLM-V55 είναι μια φορητή οθόνη βίντεο με υψηλής ανάλυσης LCD πάνελ WVGA (800 x 480) και διαγώνιο 5”. Προσαρμόζεται με ευκολία στις περισσότερες ψηφιακές φωτογραφικές μηχανές με εναλλάξιμους φακούς και στις συμβατές HD βιντεοκάμερες μέσω του παρεχόμενου αντάπτορα και προβάλλει την εικόνα κατά τη διάρκεια της λήψης ή αναπαραγωγής, με εκπληκτική ευκρίνεια και μεγάλο εύρος γωνίας θέασης.

Η προσαρτώμενη οθόνη αλλάζει κλίση και περιστρέφεται σε οποιαδήποτε γωνία για άνετο καδράρισμα (framing) σε οποιαδήποτε θέση – ακόμη και όταν είστε οι ίδιοι στο πλάνο.

Η CLM-V55 διαθέτει επαγγελματικά χαρακτηριστικά για να βοηθήσει, όσους έχουν πάθος με τη φωτογραφία και τη βιντεοσκόπηση, να πραγματοποιήσουν λήψεις HD βίντεο υψηλής ποιότητας με τη φωτογραφική μηχανή τους που διαθέτει εναλλάξιμους φακούς.

Η λειτουργία μεγέθυνσης των pixel επιτρέπει ακρίβεια στην επιβεβαίωση της εστίασης, καθώς μπορεί να μεγεθύνει μια συγκεκριμένη περιοχή οποιασδήποτε εικόνας Full HD, σε κορυφαία ποιότητα. Συμπληρώνεται από μια λειτουργία επιλογής χρώματος, η οποία τονίζει το περίγραμμα των περιοχών της εικόνας του βίντεο που έχουν εστιαστεί με ακρίβεια.

Ένας εύκολος στη χρήση περιστροφικός διακόπτης ελέγχου σας επιτρέπει να ρυθμίζετε άμεσα και με ακρίβεια μια μεγάλη γκάμα λειτουργιών της οθόνης, χωρίς να χρειαστεί να διακόψετε την βιντεοσκόπηση. Στις παραμέτρους που μπορείτε να ρυθμίσετε περιλαμβάνονται: ο λόγος πλευρών του κάδρου (16:9/4:3), η ένταση του ήχου, η φωτεινότητα, η αντίθεση, ο χρωματικός τόνος (phase), η θερμοκρασία χρώματος και η αυτόματη ρύθμιση φωτεινότητας (auto dimmer). Δείκτες επάνω στην οθόνη διευκολύνουν στην ακρίβεια του καδραρίσματος (framing), δείχνοντας με σαφήνεια τα όρια της περιοχής προβολής μιας τηλεόρασης με λόγο πλευρών οθόνης 16:9 ή 4:3. Η LCD οθόνη διαθέτει ενσωματωμένο μονοφωνικό ηχείο, το οποίο συμπληρώνεται από μια έξοδο ακουστικών για να μπορείτε να ελέγχετε τον ήχο κατά τη διάρκεια της λήψης.

Η CLM-V55 προσαρμόζεται με ευκολία σε ένα μεγάλο αριθμό ψηφιακών φωτογραφικών μηχανών με εναλλάξιμους φακούς της Sony, αλλά και άλλων κατασκευαστών, οι οποίες υποστηρίζουν λήψεις HD βίντεο. Ο παρεχόμενος αντάπτορας προσαρμόζεται με ευκολία στην οθόνη οποιασδήποτε φωτογραφικής μηχανής ή HD βιντεοκάμερας που διαθέτει υποδοχή/πέλμα (shoe) auto-lock ή ISO. Το σήμα από τη μηχανή μεταδίδεται στην οθόνη μέσω του παρεχόμενου καλωδίου HDMI, ενώ η τροφοδοσία εξασφαλίζεται από μια μπαταρία ή από έναν αντάπτορα ρεύματος (και τα δύο προαιρετικά). Η οθόνη CLM-V55 συνοδεύεται από ένα αποσπώμενο παρασολέιγ του LCD πάνελ για πιο άνετη παρακολούθηση της εικόνας σε εξωτερικές λήψεις με δυνατό ήλιο.

Η LCD οθόνη βίντεο CLM-V55 από τη Sony θα είναι διαθέσιμη στην αγορά από τον Μάρτιο του 2011.

Canon unleashes the benchmark PowerShot G12

Canon unleashes the benchmark PowerShot G12





PowerShot G12 London, UK, 14th September 2010 – Canon today announces the new PowerShot G12 – the latest model in the multi award-winning PowerShot G-series trusted by professional photographers the world over. The new model offers photographers best-in-class flexibility and all-round powerful performance, with professional levels of control and support for a wide range of accessories.


While retaining the classic handling and control of its predecessor, the PowerShot G12 has been designed to offer superior performance to suit the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike. Canon’s HS System, 720p HD movie recording and Hybrid IS are new additions, delivering premium image quality in stills and movies, and a new Front Dial provides improved handling and swift manual control. The PowerShot G12 is also compatible with a new optional Lens Filter Adapter, which extends with the lens when using the zoom to offer full coverage throughout the zoom range.

The HS System: Premium Canon image quality, even in low light
The PowerShot G12 is the first G-series model to feature Canon’s HS System – a powerful combination of a high-sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor and high-performance DIGIC 4 processor designed to provide outstanding image quality in all lighting conditions, including low light.

The inclusion of the HS System allows shooting at higher ISOs with excellent image quality – enabling users to capture exceptional images in all conditions. This extended ISO range allows users to shoot darker scenes without engaging the flash or using a tripod – capturing correctly-exposed images using only the available light. In situations when use of the flash is necessary, a higher ISO will enable users to extend its effective range and illuminate the subject more effectively. Higher ISOs also enable users to utilise faster shutter speeds – freezing motion to capture moving subjects with a reduced risk of blur.

Allowing users precise control over the ISO level, the dedicated ISO dial now allows adjustments in 1/3 stop increments. In addition to this, a new Auto ISO level adjustment feature allows users to pre-configure the maximum ISO setting they wish to use during shooting and specify how the camera selects the ISO to obtain the best balance between image quality and shutter speed.

In very dark situations, Low Light mode can be used to extend the ISO range up to ISO 12800, with the ability for users to control ISO and white balance to accurately capture the ambience of a dimly-lit environment. Users can also capture fast-moving action with the ability to shoot at up to 4.2 shots per second.

Genuine Canon Lens with Hybrid IS
The PowerShot G12 features a premium 28mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens, allowing users to capture sweeping landscapes and get closer to distant subjects during shooting. Benefiting from Canon’s extensive heritage in lens design, the lens has been developed using the same processes and quality standards employed to manufacture Canon’s range of EF lenses, ensuring the capture of sharp, detailed shots while still having a compact size so the lens can retract completely into the camera body when not in use.

Counteracting camera shake and enabling photographers to capture shots in darker conditions, the PowerShot G12’s optical Image Stabilizer allows shooting at shutter speeds approximately 4-stops slower than would be otherwise necessary to achieve a sharp shot. Also included in the PowerShot G12 is Canon’s Hybrid IS technology to increase the effectiveness of the optical Image Stabilizer when shooting macro subjects. The PowerShot G12 can focus as close as 1cm to a subject, and the slightest lateral movement of the photographer can negatively affect image quality, making it difficult to capture blur-free shots without the assistance of a tripod. Hybrid IS counteracts unintentional shift and angular movement – two kinds of camera shake that become particularly pronounced as image magnification increases.

Flexible shooting
Flexible shooting and playback is provided by the PowerShot G12’s 7.0cm (2.8”) high-resolution Vari-Angle PureColor II VA LCD screen. The rotating Vari-Angle design offers easy framing from a range of angles, such as when shooting at ground level or overhead. To accommodate a range of shooting styles, the PowerShot G12 also features an optical viewfinder (OVF) with diopter adjustment, allowing users to match the OVF to their vision. After image capture, photographers can also utilise the newly integrated RGB histogram during playback, allowing them to instantly check the exposure of a shot in detail.

Take complete control
As well as offering Full Manual control and a range of semi-automatic modes, the addition of a new Front Dial provides swift and convenient access to settings during shooting. Users can either prioritise the Front Dial or the rear Multi-Control Dial as the main way of controlling the camera, or use a combination of both. For example, the Front Dial can be set to control aperture in AV mode while the Multi-Control Dial controls white balance or shooting aspect ratio, or it can be used independently, with the rear Multi-Control Dial disabled to prevent accidental changes to settings.

For advanced amateurs and professionals, the PowerShot G12 also shoots uncompressed RAW images and includes Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, providing the ability to edit images after capture. Sharing the same post-editing environment as the EOS system, the PowerShot G12 fits seamlessly into a photographer’s existing workflow.

Electronic level and Multi-Aspect shooting
To aid the capture of level horizons, the PowerShot G12 also features a new Electronic Level function. Using information from the camera’s acceleration sensor, an on-screen indicator allows users to check if the camera is level, working in either horizontal or vertical orientations to ensure level shots of portrait or landscape scenes. Multi-Aspect shooting in 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 16:9 and 4:5 formats also allows photographers to shoot according to their subject and the intended use of the image, enabling them to choose which composition and result they want to capture as the image is taken and removing the need to post-process.

Stunning images, stunning video – HD movies with stereo sound
For the first time in a G-series model, the PowerShot G12 features 720p HD movie shooting (24fps) with stereo sound. Miniature Effect is also available in movie mode, adding a different dimension to video footage by shooting at a range of selectable slower frame rates for dramatic, compelling time-lapse-style videos which appear of model scale. An integrated HDMI port with CEC compatibility makes it simple for video and stills to be viewed on a HDTV and controlled directly using a compatible HDTV and remote control.

Capture scenes as you see them
Exceeding the limitations of conventional cameras the PowerShot G12 includes a new High Dynamic Range shooting mode*, allowing the capture of high contrast scenes closer to how they appear to the user. While shooting on a tripod, the PowerShot G12 takes three different exposures of the same scene before analysing and combining shots in-camera to create a single image. The resulting shot captures highlight and shadow detail closer to how the photographer sees it.

As part of i-Contrast processing, the PowerShot G12 allows control over the amount of Dynamic Range correction which is applied in the camera to suppress highlight blow out and shadow detail loss in the final result. To allow photographers to brighten only shadowed areas of an image, Shadow Correction is included to brighten darker areas and reveal hidden detail in shadow regions.

To track subjects that are in motion, or to help achieve a creative composition, a new Tracking AF mode has been added to the PowerShot G12. This new mode gives photographers the ability to select objects from the centre of the frame and track them if they move, or if the frame is recomposed.

Extended shooting abilities
The PowerShot G12 offers comprehensive support for a wide range of accessories, expanding both the creative possibilities and providing enhanced results in certain shooting situations. A new lens filter adapter FA-DC58B attaches directly to the lens barrel ring, providing the ability to attach 58mm diameter Canon filters – such as a Circular Polarizer, Neutral Density, Protect and UV. The FA-DC58B is designed to move along with the lens while zooming, preventing vignetting at the wide-angle end of the zoom and providing filter coverage throughout the full optical zoom range of the lens.

The hot shoe provides compatibility with Canon’s range of EX Speedlites**, enabling photographers to both increase the available flash power or use an external flash via a remote shoe cord (OC-E3) for creative off-camera lighting, or to experiment with different lighting techniques. An optional Waterproof Case provides protection at depths of up to 40 meters, allowing users to record deep-water experiences in stunning detail.

While the PowerShot G12 offers the freedom and flexibility of manual control, users can also achieve exceptional image quality using Smart Auto mode. Intelligently detecting the scene and selecting the optimum settings from 28 variables, Smart Auto uses Scene Detection Technology to provide the best results in all conditions – allowing both serious photographers and beginners to capture excellent images instantly.

Eye-Fi connected functions
Easy, wireless content transfers are supported by Eye-Fi connected functions, allowing remote uploads to image sharing websites such as CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. The camera features a dedicated Eye-Fi section within the User Interface, and disables the auto power-down function when the Eye-Fi card transmits data – allowing the easy transfer of content without interruption***.

Designed for photographers who demand exceptional quality in every area, the PowerShot G12 represents a unique blend of premium image quality, flexibility and excellent handling. A great complement to a larger SLR model or a powerful camera in its own right, it’s the perfect compact for professionals and advanced amateurs – delivering outstanding quality from a body small enough to take on every assignment.

Share stories with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
Owners of the PowerShot G12 can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. Photographers can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage capacity, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.

Canon PowerShot G12 – key features:

*

HS System
*

High-sensitivity 10 MP CCD
*

28mm wide, 5x zoom lens, Hybrid IS
*

7.0 cm (2.8") Vari-Angle LCD, Electronic Level, OVF
*

Front Dial, Full Manual & RAW
*

HD movies, HDMI
*

High Dynamic Range mode
*

Smart Auto
*

Multi-Aspect Shooting
*

Extensive accessory system

* Tripod required for High Dynamic Range shooting.
** See specification for details.
*** This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with the card manufacturer.
Also note that approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with the card manufacturer.