Announced: The Fujifilm FinePix X-S1

Fujifilm FinePix X-S1 (pictured)

Just announced is the Fujifilm FinePix X-S1, the latest NEW member to the incredibly successful X-series from Fujifilm which also includes the Fujifilm FinePix X100 & X10. 


This 26x Optical Zoom bridge camera looks to be designed to feel more like a traditional SLR in-the-hand than the current FinePix HS20. The X-S1 continues the X-series attention to detail when it comes to quality. Build construction appears to be strong, comfortable and well sealed.


Lets look at the Fujifilm FinePix X-S1 key specification:

• 12 Megapixel 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor + EXR image Processing
• 26x Manual Optical Zoom (24-624mm equiv)
• Lens shift image stabilizing
• 49 point selectable Auto Focus
• ISO 100-12,800
• 3-inch tilting LCD screen (460K dot)
• 100% digital viewfinder (1,440,000 dots)
• Continuous shooting 7fps (full res.)
• 1cm Super Macro Mode
• Up to 52x Intelligent digital zoom
• Full HD movie (1080p) 

    

Fujifilm FinePix X-S1-above view

What stands out for me is the quality & convenience of the Fujifilm FinePix X-S1's Lens. The exceptional range of the lens-24-624mm equivalent, is complimented with very bright f2.8-5.6 apertures. The ED Glass reduces Chromatic Aberrations and the Super Electron Beam Coating (EBC) reduces Ghosting & Lens Flare (Super EBC coating is traditionally used in Fujinon Broadcasting video lenses). Also, the FinePix X-S1 manual metal lens barrel allows for precise zoom adjustment and the NEW 9-Blade Aperture Diaphragm will add a beautiful "Bokeh" effect to your images. If the Intelligent Digital Zoom works nearly as well as that on the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR, then 52x (1248mm equiv) could be a usable range.


The Response speed of the FinePix X-S1 is also a plus, 

• 0.18 sec. Auto Focus
• 0.01 sec. Shutter Lag Time
• 0.6 sec. Start-up Time*

(*All times-Fujifilm testing)


The FinePix X-S1's NEW 'Best Frame Capture' feature allows the user to more easily capture moving subjects, by capturing 10fps@6MP at a half depress of the shutter button & 16fps including pre-recorded frames when the shutter button is fully depressed. 


Other functions on the Fujifilm FinePix X-S1 that stand out is the in-camera RAW file converter & the amount of RAW file editing in-camera. Another nice function is the Yellow, Green, Red filtration that can be used when doing Black & White Photography.


Due in the shops early 2012


CLICK HERE FOR MORE FUJIFILM INFO   

REVIEWED: THE NEW FUJIFILM FINEPIX F600 EXR

Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR (pictured)

The NEW Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR is like Leonardo Da Vinci adding the Smile to the Mona Lisa, it would be a superb painting without the smile, but with becomes something extraordinary. This is a similar relationship between the Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR and the F600 EXR, how do you improve on something which is already very good? Well, you just make minor tweaks here & there.


Fuji has pretty much kept the same shell since the release of the Fujifilm FinePix F300, followed by the F500 EXR/ F550 EXR and now the F600 EXR. These models have proven that for a 15x Optical Zoom compact digital camera, the small size and shape is perfect for portability and holding comfort. The only real change to the cosmetic design has revolved around its in-built flash. The F300's flash popped up each time the camera was turned on and would not hold down, unless it was held down by your finger. Then the F500 EXR & F550 EXR's flash again popped up each time the camera was turned on, but this time a light magnet could hold the flash down. Finally with the F600 EXR's flash, Fuji has got it right. Now if you want the flash up, there is a NEW release button on the left side of the camera.


Lets have a look at the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR's key specifications:

• 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor 
• 15x Optical Zoom (with 'NEW' 30x Super Resolution Capabilities)
• 24mm Wide-Angle lens
• 3-inch, hi-res LCD screen (460k dots)
• Full 1080p HD Movie recording 
• RAW file shooting 
• GPS Geotagging & 'NEW' Landmark Navigator

Initially, it is very hard to find a difference between the 'NEW' F600 EXR and the F550 EXR, but digging beneath the surface reveals a few minor changes. The EXR Auto now identifies 54 different scenes & subjects, even selecting multiples within one scene, revealing a 99 identification pattern. This includes the 'NEW' very useful motion detection, which analyse's your movement or the movement of others within your composition. Also added is a 'NEW' reel like 360 degree motion panorama, which the beginning & end are joined so when reviewed it continues to scroll through the panorama.

The Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR also has got 2 extra 'NEW' intelligent systems, Intelligent Sharpness & Intelligent Digital Zoom. But when compared to the F550 EXR, we really couldn't find a tremendous difference in quality between the 2 cameras.

Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR- 15x Zoom

FujiFilm FinePix F600 EXR- 15x Zoom

  

Click on images to view larger
 

Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR-
62x Digital Zoom

Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR-
51x Intelligent Digital Zoom +
Intelligent Sharpness

Decreasing the range of the digital zoom on the F600 EXR, enables the user to still achieve good results. Infact, we found that both the F550 EXR & F600 EXR took very good photos when the image quality was increased to Fine, but the F600 EXR achieved greater detail & a sharper result when the new Intelligent Sharpness function was set on (would advise keeping it on). Our conclusion is that the Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR is a fantastic compact digital camera, good quality images, very easy to use, very nice lens & zoom range, excellent functions- auto & manual. Plus, it comes in Black, Red, White & Champagne Gold.


4.8 out of 5


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Announced: The 'New' Panasonic Lumix GX1

Panasonic Lumix GX1 (pictured)

Panasonic have just announced the New Panasonic Lumix GX1 to join their Lumix G range of interchangeable lens cameras. The specifications are as follows:

• LUMIX G Micro System - Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera
• High Image Quality with 16.0 - megapixel Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine
• Advanced AF System with High Speed, High Accuracy and Touch Operation
• Easy Manual Control with a Variety of Shooting Assist Functions
• Finest Tuning in Every Part of the Camera
• 1920 x 1080 Full-HD High Quality Video Recording
• Outstanding Performance in Power, Speed and Image Processing

Initial thoughts on the Panasonic Lumix GX1 are very positive. Its design shows that it has reverted back to traditional mode wheels and hot-shoe which will be a welcome change, and will also still maintain a touch-panel LCD (not just touch screen, like the Panasonic Lumix GF2 & GF3). As most general photography is impulsive, this means functions can be more quick & easy to change and this will be far more popular amongst traditionalist photographers. 


Due to be in the shops by the end of the month

• FOR MORE ON PANASONIC LUMIX G- CLICK HERE

REVIEWED: THE NEW FUJIFILM FINEPIX X10

Fujifilm Finepix X10 (pictured)

The Fujifilm Finepix X10 is the NEW advanced compact digital camera on the block. Like its bigger brother the Fujifilm Finepix X100, the top & base plates of the X10 are constructed of lightweight magnesium, covered with a durable synthetic leather for a more comfortable grip & surface protection. This finish doesn't just make the camera fit more comfortably in the hand, it also adds to its appeal with this chic Leicaesque retro design- especially amongst us fashion conscious photographers.


The Mode wheels & Function buttons are presented on the camera for quick & easy use. Also including a dedicated 'RAW' file button & 'Fn' button which can be custom set to ISO, Image Size, Image Quality, Dynamic Range, Film Simulation, AF Mode, Face Recognition, Face Detection or Intelligent Digital Zoom. The X10's Manual functions are ideal for Pro's/Enthusiasts or an opportunity for beginners to grow. Its EXR mode is great for easy shooting, with Auto-Scene selection & also Auto-Selecting the sensor behaviour to either (HR) High Resolution, (DR) Dynamic Range or (SN) Signal-Noise Ratio. The X10 also contains some useful Advanced Auto settings like Motion Panorama, Pro Focus or Pro Low-Light.


After a few seconds looking for the 'On' switch, its surprising how much satisfaction is gained from turning a camera On/Off by twisting the lens barrel. Whilst on the subject of the lens, its the perfect time to reflect on the high quality of the lens. The incredibly useful focal length range of 28-112mm (4x optical zoom) is ideal for Landscape, Architecture to Portraits, which is further complimented by the large f/2.0-f2.8 max.apertures. This means the X10 is still extremely quick/responsive & produces breathtaking images even under difficult lighting conditions, and also produces nice bokeh (background blur) for portraits.


Also, one of X10's main attractions will be it's zoom optical viewfinder. The X10 gives the photographer the option of either using its 2.8" (460k-dot) LCD screen or its very bright, very clear optical viewfinder. Our only concern with the viewfinder is there is no shooting info through the viewfinder & when zooming, fingers will certainly appear within your line-of-sight. Its not the same as the incredible 'Hybrid viewfinder' found in the Fujifilm Finepix X100, but is still a very useful feature when shooting under very bright conditions or conserving battery power.

Fujifilm Finepix X10- 1/45 sec, f2.8 @ ISO 100 

Canon Powershot G12- 1/6 sec, f4.5 @  ISO 80

Internally, the X10 incorporates a 12 million pixel 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor & EXR processor, which enables the camera to deliver rich detailed, accurate colour rendition & wide dynamic range images. This also enables the camera to take images in very low-lighting conditions with exceptional results and minimal noise. Even in comparison to the popular Canon Powershot G12, the X10 rendered colour far more accurately and the image quality was sharper. The metadata reveals that due to the X10's superb bright lens, shutter speeds were vastly increased, even using fine-grain ISO's.

Fujifilm Finepix X10- 100% magnification

Canon Powershot G12- 100% magnification

Fujifilm Finepix X10- ISO 400

Fujifilm Finepix X10- ISO 800

Fujifilm Finepix X10- ISO 1600

Conclusion is that despite the fact the Fujifilm Finepix X10 does not have inter-changeable lenses, with its similar price it will to some degree be competing with the compact system cameras. It definitely does stand out as a class leader, especially for its combination of bright, high quality optics & exceptional quality images.


Note: Please click on images to view larger


4.9 out of 5

FOR MORE INFO-CLICK HERE

REVIEWED: THE NEW NIKON J1

It has to be said, when some of the specifications for Nikon's new mirror-less compact system were announced it sparked more of a negative than positive reaction at first. Our main concern was the size of the sensor used, as it is considerably smaller than that used in its APS-C sized sensor rivals like the Sony NEX-C3 & Sony NEX-5N or even the Micro FourThirds used in the Panasonic LUMIX GF3 & Olympus PEN EPL3. In fact, its sensor size falls more in-line with the likes of the Canon Powershot G12 or the exceptional new Fujifilm Finepix XP10. If the reduced sensor size was a means of reducing both the size of camera & lenses, then unfortunately I have to say they haven't quite succeeded, as it is physically the exact same size of the Panasonic LUMIX GF3.


But any initial concerns were soon put to rest when actually getting your hands-on the NEW Nikon 1-J1 and you soon realise its place in the market.

• The Nikon 1-J1's 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor actually delivers exceptionally good quality images, rich in tone & detail even under difficult lighting conditions (for example, extreme bright or indoor, even night). 
• Auto WB is very good resulting in very accurate colour rendition
• Intelligent Auto + P, S, A, M controls
• Quick & Responsive AF system, allows easy capture of fast moving children, sports & wildlife.
• 3" LCD screen is fantastic- recycles very fast at 50 or 60 Hz for flicker reduction. Screen colour accuracy is very good & quality is very good, actually surprised us its only 460K dot screen. (even favoured the Nikon's LCD to Sony's 921K dot TruBlack LCD)
• Up to 60fps in full resolution
• 1080x1920/60i HD movie
• Slow-Motion Movie
• Optional Lens mount adapter FT1 to use any of Nikon's Lenses (only AF-S or AF-I will maintain auto focus)   

The Nikon 1-J1 is the ideal camera for someone who is looking for a small compact camera which will offer lots of versatility. This camera has very user-friendly functions for beginners and also offers all the manual functions for Professionals & Enthusiast's alike. Offering compact inter-changeable lenses & also utilising Nikon's existing lenses (with optional lens mount adapter FT1), I do think the Nikon 1-J1 is the perfect complement to a Nikon DSLR user. Having 2.7x magnification on the lenses (for example, a 300mm lens becomes 810mm), its ideal for sports & wildlife photography & movie. The camera does come in a variety of colours for the fashion conscious & the only criticism is we were not overtly keen on 'Periscope like' pop-up Flash. We feel the Nikon 1-J1 is a step up from the advanced compacts & also shines amongst its compact system rivals, overall we are extremely impressed with the Nikon 1-J1.

FOR MORE INFO ON NIKON- CLICK HERE

Pantiles Cameras/Chas Norman Cameras- Camera Reviews and News: WHERE IS THE 'NEW' NIKON D800

Pantiles Cameras/Chas Norman Cameras- Camera Reviews and News: WHERE IS THE 'NEW' NIKON D800: Pictured: Nikon D700 Reports have suggested that Nikon was due to announce the eagerly anticipated Nikon D700 replacement yesterday. But ...

WHERE IS THE 'NEW' NIKON D800

Pictured: Nikon D700

Reports have suggested that Nikon was due to announce the eagerly anticipated Nikon D700 replacement yesterday. But nothing as yet, and I feel it could be weeks maybe months until we hear anything. This is due to the critical situation in Thailand, with extensive flooding almost halting Nikon's production line.


But what do we think we know about this camera from the rumours so far: 

• Firstly, the Model Number- Most believe it will be called a Nikon D800. But going on Nikon's previous track record, there are more reasons to suggest that it might be named D700s, D700x, D710 or D701. (I could be proven wrong here!!!)
• 36 Megapixel FX (Full-Frame) CMOS Sensor (Yes, 36MP), This will surely test the quality of Nikon's EXPEED image processor for pixel Noise & Grain
• 4 fps (frames-per-second) or 6 fps in DX crop function
• Full 1080x1920/30p HD movie (will be expecting lots of movie functions)
• Dual memory card slots (for CF and SD cards)
• Large LCD screen (+3 inches)
• Shutter Durability of 200,000 cycles

Even for a Canon user it is very exciting to see what Nikon's latest offerings will be, and if priced in-line with the Canon EOS 5D mk II then I anticipate a huge interest the NEW Nikon model. The Nikon D700 was & still is a fantastic camera, but even Nikon users will agree that an upgrade has been long awaited. So news of a new model is welcome, hurry up NIKON!!!!


Chances of Official Announcement prior to Xmas '2011


4.5 out of 5

FOR MORE INFO ON NIKON DSLR CLICK HERE