Saturday, 16 January 2016
Friday, 15 January 2016
ANNOUNCED: NEW FUJIFILM X-PRO2, X-E2S & X-70
FUJIFILM announced today 3 exciting new models to join their Fujifilm X-range line-up, the Fujifilm X-PRO2, X-E2S & the compact X-70. Most exciting of these is the eagerly anticipated X-PRO2 & shows the most dramatic improvements over its predecessor the X-PRO1. With a similar classic design, it now sports a NEW sensor, NEW processing engine, NEW improved Auto-Focus system, NEW improved Hybrid Viewfinder- so far its looks very promising & sounding like what every X-series user out there has been waiting for.
Fujifilm X-PRO2
New X-Trans CMOS III - The newly-developed 24.3MP X-Trans™ CMOS III APS-C sensor
boasts the highest ever pixel count for an X-Series camera. Combined with an XF
lens, it delivers images with a perceived resolution far greater than the
number of pixels used thanks to the removal of the Optical Low-Pass Filter used
in many other cameras.
In addition, the phase detection pixels have been positioned
over a larger area for faster, more precise phase detection AF performance.
High ISO sensitivity performance has also been improved to
the point that the whole sensitivity range - up to the maximum ISO 12,800 in
RAW (Extended output sensitivity up to 51,200 in JPEG) - can now be used with
confidence.
New X Processor Pro - Thanks to the newly-developed X-Processor Pro engine,
processing speeds are now approximately four times faster than a conventional
model. This maximises the capability of the X-Trans™ CMOS III sensor to ensure
it delivers the highest image quality with super-fast response times.
When combined with the high-speed reading technology of the
sensor, the previous generation EVF's display speed of 54fps has been increased
to a maximum of 85fps when used in High Performance mode. This substantially
reduces the image delay phenomenon when tracking a moving subject.
Finally, blackout time after releasing the shutter has also
been reduced by approximately half and lossless compressed RAW is supported,
improving the ease-of-handling of RAW data.
Film Simulation modes - Using the knowledge gained from of accurately reproducing
colour in film manufacturing, Film Simulation modes allow users to change
colour and tone settings to match the subject, scene and creative intent, just
as if shooting with a roll of film. There are a total of 15 modes including
PROVIA / Standard, Velvia / Vivid and ASTIA / Soft.
ACROS Film Simulation mode - The FUJIFILM X-Pro2 features the new ACROS Film Simulation
mode. Its features include smoother gradation, deep blacks and beautiful
textures. Ultra high-quality monochrome images are possible, adding extra
creativity to the general monochrome mode.
Grain Effect - The FUJIFILM X-Pro2 has the ability to reproduce graininess
typically unique to film-based images. There are two strengths: Strong or Weak,
which can be combined with each of the different Film Simulation modes. It is
possible to add the effects after the shot has been taken through in-camera RAW
development.
Compressed RAW - By using compressed RAW files, performance and functionality
now meets the needs of professional photographers, including shorter
write-times and even higher definition movies.
Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder - The only interchangeable lens camera in the world that
features a Hybrid Viewfinder system that incorporates both an Optical
Viewfinder with Electronic Rangefinder and an Electronic Viewfinder.
Choose the viewfinder mode to suit your needs
Compose images in the viewfinder using one of three
different viewing modes. Combining the advantages of both an OVF and an EVF, Fujifilm
has perfected the Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder with three viewing options.
Now you can return to the roots of photography with the only viewfinder of its
kind in the world. A built-in eye sensor allows the camera to automatically
switch between the viewfinder and the LCD screen when the camera is held up to
the user's face.
Optical Viewfinder (OVF) lets you see outside of the frame.
The OVF is the purest way to shoot. As you look through it,
you are simply seeing the real world in front of you, eliminating any possible
delay. Additionally, depending on the lens you use, you can see outside of the
final frame which makes framing up even easier. The frame guideline and OVF magnification automatically
changes depending on the lens attached.
Electronic Rangefinder (ERF) simultaneously displays a small
EVF window in the optical viewfinder.
The EVF is simultaneously displayed as a small window in the
optical viewfinder. It can be displayed in three different ways: 100% field of
view, 2.5x magnification and 6x magnification. This allows the user to check
focus, the angle-of-view, exposure and white balance in real-time, even when
taking photos through the OVF. As it can also be used with MF assist, precise
MF is now possible in OVF mode. Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) allows you to see the final shot
before you press the shutter. A 0.48-inch, 2.36-million dot EVF allows you to see exactly
what the camera sees, including all exposure settings, the depth of field and
any film simulation modes.
This is particularly useful when shooting in Aperture or Shutter
priority modes, allowing you to use the Exposure Compensation dial to adjust
the brightness in front of your very eyes, or when using additional Neutral
Density filters.
Focusing
Advanced focusing system that combines fast and accurate AF
with simple MF. For photographers, focusing is an important job. Although AF
now reacts faster than the human eye, the appeal and level of trust in MF will
never disappear. Manually operating the focus ring to pick out a specific
element in the frame is often crucial. Speed isn't always everything.
Phase Detection AF area expanded to 7x7
New dedicated Focus Lever
Instantly change the focus area
The new dedicated Focus Lever on the back of the camera can
be moved like a joystick in eight directions to instantly move the focus area.
Now, rapid focus area changes can be made, even when composing an image. Not
only is this available to move the AF point during AF mode, but it can also be
used during MF mode to quickly move the enlarged display area when using MF
assist.
Advanced Manual Focus assist modes
Colour Digital Split Image
The FUJIFILM X-Pro2 comes equipped with Digital Split Image
manual focus assist mode, which is reminiscent of old rangefinders
Focus Peaking
Colour is used to highlight the parts of the image that are
in focus. You can choose between White, Red or Blue highlights - the latter two
are particularly effective while shooting in a black and white film simulation
mode.
PRE-ORDER YOURS TODAY
contact us via info@chasnorman.com or visit our website
Fujifilm X-E2S
Advanced Rangefinder design
16 MP X-Trans™* CMOS II sensor & EXR Processor II
New Full Auto mode
New AF Zone and Wide/Tracking modes
Real Time Viewfinder
3.0-inch 1,040K-dot LCD
Compact and lightweight body
PRE-ORDER YOURS TODAY
contact us via info@chasnorman.com
Fujifilm X-70
The Ultimate APS-C sized sensor compact X
New 18.5mm wide angle lens
X-Trans™ CMOS II & EXR Processor II
Manual Dial Operation
Auto Mode Selector Lever
Fastest AF 0.1 sec.
New Tilting LCD & Touchscreen Monitor
New Digital Tele-Converter
Design & Control
High-quality finish
and easy operation encourage creativity - Weighing approximately 340g*5,
the FUJIFILM X70 is the lightest X-series camera with an APS-C sized sensor.
The top-plate features milled aluminium exposure compensation and shutter speed
dials, making it easy to quickly access key features, while the aperture and
focusing rings are also made from milled aluminium to help keep weight down.
Apertures can be changed in 1/3 or 1 stop increments, plus the focusing ring
doubles up as a control ring for quick access to a range of functions.
Autofocus
AF system with Zone and Wide/Tracking modes for
effortless capture of moving subjects - The AF system offers the standard
49-point Single Point mode for high speed and precision focusing, as well as
the new Zone and Wide/Tracking modes that use a larger 77-point area to capture
moving subjects.
Digital
Tele-converter
Digital Tele-converter
with three settings - One body, three lenses. The X70's fixed lens offers a
28mm angle of view but, thanks to the first Digital Tele-converter mode in an
X-series camera, users can also select 35mm and 50mm options. Settings for the
Digital Tele-converter can be changed within the menu, or on the control ring
on the lens barrel, enabling users to quickly check the image on the LCD before
shooting.
PRE-ORDER YOURS TODAY
contact us via info@chasnorman.com or visit our website
Tuesday, 12 January 2016
FIRMWARE UPDATES FOR SONY A7 II & OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1
Been meaning to write about these 2 firmware updates for a few weeks now. If you are owners of the Sony A7 II or the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and haven't updated to the latest firmware for these 2 cameras already, then there are new firmwares available which you might want to consider.
-Sony A7 II-
Sony updates include Uncompressed RAW and Phase Detection AF for Faster and More Precise Autofocus. In addition to this, the MOVIE button can now be assigned to a custom button.
Details from Sony
Sony today announced that it will
release a free firmware update for α7 II cameras on November 18 , 2015 that will add
uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture and activates phase detection
autofocus for faster and more precise autofocus with lenses designed for interchangeable
lens cameras such as Sony’s A-mount lenses.
The α7 II becomes the latest Sony
full-frame camera, along with α7S II, α7R II and RX1R II to offer uncompressed RAW capture,
which becomes a selectable feature within the menu system.
Additionally, it becomes the second
Sony camera, along with the flagship α7R II, to offer fully functional phase detection
autofocus with A-mount lenses in addition to E-mount lenses. The firmware update
activates the 117-point focal plane phase detection autofocus sensor on the
α7 II for lenses beyond native Sony FE lenses. This includes Sony’s extensive
collection of A-mount lenses, which can be utilised along with the LA-EA3
mount adapter. In addition to these feature
upgrades, the MOVIE button can now be assigned to a custom button.
The new firmware, version 2.0, will
be available for download at no cost through Sony’s e-support site www.esupport.sony.com on
the product page for model “ILCE-7M2”.
The α7 II is compatible with Sony’s
growing line-up of α -mount lenses, which now totals 64 different models including 13
native ‘FE’ full frame lenses. In 2016, Sony aims to build the native FE lens
line-up to over 20 different models.
-Olympus OM-D E-M1-
Olympus has added quite a lot of updated features via the new firmware, almost making the OM-D E-M1 a new camera.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Firmware update Version 4.0
Precautions when updating firmware: When you update your firmware to
version 4.0, camera settings other than the AF Focus adjustments are reset.
New functions:
Focus bracketing is now possible.
Focus stacking is now possible.
Silent shooting is now possible.
Simulated Optical Viewfinder was
added.
4K was added to Time Lapse Movie
for Time lapse shooting.
Supports synchronization of start
and stop of movie sound recording when using linear PCM recorder LS-100.
Slate Tone generation function was
added.
Major improvements to operability:
Anti-shock shooting was moved to
Shooting menu 2.
Keystone compensation was moved to
Shooting menu 2.
Sequential shooting/self-timer
setting menu integrated with Time lapse shooting setting menu and moved to
Shooting menu 1.
M-IS2 was added to movie setting
for Image Stabilizer. Image Stabilizer was moved to Custom Menu [C].
Image quality mode for movies were
changed. Frame rates 24p (23.98p)/25p were added.
Movie setting function was added.
MF clutch/Snapshot Focus can be
disabled.
Sequential shooting setting was
added to silent shooting.
Info display settings are changed,
and custom display settings are possible.
Expand LV Dyn. Range was changed to
S-OVF.
It is possible to change the color
and strength of the Peaking Settings.
It is possible to do setting Menu
Recall.
If digital shift is done by button
functions, it is possible to cancel by pressing and holding the button.
S-OVF was added to button
functions.
S-OVF was added to Multi Function.
Supports shooting movies with
release cable (RM-UC1).
Supports Windows 10.
OI.Share support:
Supports OI.Share Ver.2.6. Live
composite shooting with O.I.Share is now possible.
OLYMPUS Capture support:
Supports OLYMPUS Capture Ver.1.1.
To find out about all features and
improvements in this firmware update, please refer to the Manual.
Saturday, 9 January 2016
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
NEW CAMERA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy New Everyone....!!!
Canon, Nikon & Panasonic have both started 2016 with the announcement of some new cameras, and it would seem that Canon are going backwards not forward with their compact line-up. They have released 3 new IXUS cameras- the Canon IXUS 175, IXUS 180 HS & IXUS 285 HS, and a new bridge camera- the Canon Powershot SX 540 HS. The 3 new IXUS cameras have the same appearance they have had for years now, boasting a not very exciting 8,10 & 12x Optical Zooms, & a 50x bridge camera with no viewfinder. Canon is not listening to their customers/or future customers & is clearly unaware of the competition it has in this sector from other brands.
Nikon has released 2 new DSLR's- the Nikon D5 & D500. The D5 being a camera that Professional Photographers have been eagerly waiting for quite a while since rumours of its development begun.
However, for us the new Nikon D500 looks very exciting & boasts very impressive specifications which will make it a very exciting product for photographers interested in Wildlife & Sports. The Nikon D500 is a 20.9MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, 153-point AF System (inherited from the D5), 10 Frames-Per-Second, EXPEED 5 Processing, 4K Video, WiFi & a 2359k-dot 3.2" Tilting Touch-screen LCD.
However, for us the new Nikon D500 looks very exciting & boasts very impressive specifications which will make it a very exciting product for photographers interested in Wildlife & Sports. The Nikon D500 is a 20.9MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, 153-point AF System (inherited from the D5), 10 Frames-Per-Second, EXPEED 5 Processing, 4K Video, WiFi & a 2359k-dot 3.2" Tilting Touch-screen LCD.
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| Pictured: Nikon D500 |
The product announced so far which we feel is the most exciting would the new Panasonic Lumix TZ100.
Panasonic have released 2 new cameras, the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 & TZ100. The TZ80 doesnt seem that much of an upgrade from the TZ70, now boasting 4K Video & Post Focus. However, the Panasonic Lumix TZ100 could be abit of a game changer in the Premium Compact Market. No Premium Compact currently on the market has a large 10x Optical Zoom (25-250mm f2.8-5.9 in 3:2 aspect ratio) with a 1" Sensor. This new model also boasts 20.1MP, 4K Video, Touch-screen, Post Focus & a 1.166k-dot built-in viewfinder.
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| Pictured: Panasonic Lumix TZ100 |
Yet, we are still awaiting announcements from Sony & also Fujifilm where there are hotly rumoured & anticipated products yet to come like the Sony A6100 & the Fujifilm X-PRO 2.
Monday, 28 December 2015
Pantiles Cameras/Chas Norman Cameras- Camera Reviews and News: JANUARY SALES HAS STARTED AT PANTILES CAMERAS
Pantiles Cameras/Chas Norman Cameras- Camera Reviews and News: JANUARY SALES HAS STARTED AT PANTILES CAMERAS: January Sales has started at Pantiles Cameras, with some incredible offers. Get them quick some offers have a limited run date & offe...
JANUARY SALES HAS STARTED AT PANTILES CAMERAS
January Sales has started at Pantiles Cameras, with some incredible offers.
Get them quick some offers have a limited run date & offers are only available while stocks last...
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| FUJIFILM XP-80 SAVE £20 WAS £119.99 NOW ONLY £99.99(Offer ends 6th January 2016) |
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| FUJIFILM X-T10 SAVE £40 BODY-WAS £469.99,NOW ONLY £429.99 X-T10 + 16-50mm-WAS £569.99,NOW ONLY £529.99 (Offer ends 4th January 2016) |
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| FUJIFILM X-T1 SAVE £75 BODY-WAS £829.99,NOW ONLY £754.99 X-T1+18-55mm-WAS £1,129.99,NOW ONLY £1,054.99 X-T1+18-135mm-WAS £1,229.99,NOW ONLY £1,154.99 (Offer ends 4th January 2016) |
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| NIKON COOLPIX S9900 SAVE £10 WAS £209.99 NOW ONLY £199.99 (Offer ends 3rd January 2016) |
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| NIKON D610 Body SAVE £60 WAS £1,059.99 NOW ONLY £999.99 (Offer ends 10th January 2016) |
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| NIKON D750 SAVE £150 BODY- WAS £1,499.99, NOW ONLY £1,349.99 D750 + 24-120mm- WAS £1,999.99, NOW ONLY £1,849.99 (Offer ends 6th January 2016) |
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| OLYMPUS OM-D EM-10 + 14-42mm (Silver Only) SAVE £80 WAS £399.99 NOW ONLY £319.99 (Offer ends 5th January 2016) |
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| OLYMPUS OM-D EM-5 mk II + 12-50mm (Black Only) SAVE £60 WAS £979.99 NOW ONLY £919.99 (Offer ends 5th January 2016)
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| SONY CYBERSHOT DSC-HX300 SAVE £40 WAS £239.99 NOW ONLY £199.99 (Offer ends 10th January 2016) |
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| SONY CYBERSHOT DSC-RX100 mk II SAVE £100 WAS £349.99 NOW ONLY £249.99 (Offer ends 10th January 2016) Click on the links for direct access to our website. Thank you for looking. |
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