The Canon EOS 7D is on sale now
Packed with new features, the Canon’s EOS 7D digital SLR combines innovative technology and intuitive build to create a new photographic experience and is destined to be a big seller this Christmas.
The groundbreaking design was developed by Canon according to the specific demands of over 5,000 photographers worldwide matched with cutting edge technology. Features include a new 18MPP APS-C CMOS Sensor with Dual DIGIC 4 processors that eliminate the need to compromise between shooting speed, image quality and ISO performance and is effective in any light setting. With continuous shooting images can be captured at eight frames per second without the need for additional accessories and the ISO expands to 12,800 to create a more natural light.
Design features include a body made of magnesium alloy that is both tough and lightweight and resistant to moisture and dust. Operation is smooth and it’s easy to switch directly to movie mode when users can create a cinematic experience by shooting full HD video with options for 24 frames per second.
The EOS 7D’s 19-point cross-type AF sensor achieves more accurate shots and improves composition options. With a range of manual and automatic settings including Zone and customisable Spot AF, subjects can be captured quickly and accurately. The photographer can effortlessly switch between landscape and portrait settings. A new metering system measures focus, colour and brightness across 63 zones to obtain a more accurate exposure and an ambient light sensor sets brightness automatically depending on circumstances.
The Intelligent Viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage with 1.0x magnification which allows photographers to engage more with the shot. The three inch LCD allows users to choose between various overlay features with a range of tools that assist in framing the picture and protects from glare with a viewing angle of 160 degrees. A new feature is the first Dual-Axis Electronic Level in the viewfinder and LCD that indicates pitch and roll angles – especially useful when shooting landscapes to ensure a level horizon.
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Exilim EX FH20 camera from Casio
The Exilim EX-FH20 from Casio is a bridge-style compact camera capable of high-speed continuous shooting action in high-definition and still images in crisp, clear detail.
Reckoned to be the second fastest camera on the market and a less expensive option with a price tag of around £250, the EX-FH20 integrates 9.1 megapixels with a 20X optical zoom (26-520mm equivalent) that has a smooth and responsive action, mechanical image stabilisation and a 26mm wide-angle lens. It’s also capable of shooting action at speeds of up to 1000 frames per second and still images of up to 40 fps in a single burst by selecting from one of seven burst settings. At the highest speeds of up to 1,000 fps the camera catches movements that can’t be seen with the naked eye. There’s also a slow motion video option available.
The bright three inch LCD screen situated at the rear of the camera remains clear even in extreme sunlight with an electronic viewfinder situated above and a conveniently placed button for switching between that and the LCD, plus a diopter adjustment wheel. Incorporating
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Lumix DMC-GF1 release dates
This Micro Four Thirds model claims to be the world’s smallest and lightest camera with built-in flash and HD movie record and is suitable for both experienced photographers, with its many advanced functions and for beginners who can employ its iA mode.
The new compact size has been reduced from the G1 by 35% and its weight by 26% yet it still has built in flash, a large 76 mm (3 inch) Intelligent LCD display with a wide viewing angle and full 460,000-dot resolution, an optional EVF and impressive focus speed, also offering continuous shooting at three frames per second.
Backlight control is combined with high resolution and image quality is excellent with a 4/3-type 12.1 megapixel Live MOS Sensor combined with low power consumption. Images are reproduced with fine detail and strong gradation. The DMC-GF1 also features a My Colour mode with seven preset effects and a manual mode that lets users set the colour, brightness and colour saturation levels. Capable of recording 1280×720 high definition motion pictures in AVCHD Lite, the DMC-GF1 has a long recording time and HDMI output. It can network with other AV devices and record in the Motion JPEG format for use with PCs.
The Optical Image Stabilizer and MEGA O.I.S. helps prevent blurring and minimises hand shake when using a high powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects up to six faces in the frame and adjusts focus, contrast and exposure accordingly with the ability to recognise up to three people and record their names once registered.
Intelligent exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts exposure to compensate, preventing blocked shadows and highlights and the Intelligent Scene selector recognises the four most common scenes of portrait, scenery, close-up and low light and alters accordingly. There is also an option to use an optical viewfinder attachment. The DMC-GF1 goes on sale with two lens options of a 20mm f1.7 fixed focus lens or a 14.45mm f3.5050.6 lens and is available in October.
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