Manfrotto just announced a new compact tripod aimed at photographers on the go, called the ‘BeFree’. What makes this tripod ideal for photographers that travel a lot is its compact size and low weight. The aluminum-made BeFree weighs only 3 lbs (1.36 kg) and folds to a size of less than 16″ (40 cm). In addition, it comes with its own dedicated bag for extra protection, which you can also carry over your shoulder.
The BeFree is available now for a retail price of US $199.89.
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More and more photographers are picking up mirrorles systems as either their main system or as backups to their main gear. Either way, if you pick up a mirrorless camera, you are going to need a bag to carry your new gear. Yes, you could utilze the same big and bulkly bags that you use to lug around your big DSLR but that kind of defeats the purpose of having a small mirrorless kit. Not surprisingly, the bag manufacturers have been more than happy to expand their offerings by making smaller bags to accommodate the new onslaught of mirrorless camera systems. One not so new bag that looks like it could be a winner in the mirrorless market is the Domke F-803 Ruggedwear bag. Is this the holy grail of bags for mirrorless shooters? Let’s find out.
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Well Fuji has done it. So did Canon. Sony did it better. And now, Nikon has delivered its very own. This is the Coolpix A and it is the first DX compact camera from Nikon. The general specs for this camera are a 16mp CMOS sensor, ISO 25,600 (with boost) 18.5mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equiv) and a 3″ 921k dot display. I love the trend of these cameras and Nikon again is late to the game . First with the P7000 trying to join in on the Canon G series’ success and now the Coolpix A following the success of the Fuji and Sony cameras. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the specs and take a look at what this camera has to offer. [click to continue…]
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The Fujifilm X-F1 Compact Camera is the latest model to come out of the X-Series, and it breaks into a new class of camera for the series. While the X10 grazed the compact camera field, the X-F1 bravely enters and takes the center stage as their flagship pocketable compact camera. Bowing up to larger competitors like the Canon S100 and Sony RX100, this camera takes a stand as a new way of addressing a common consumer market. With its exclusive lens extension system and the trend-setting retro return to leatherette and metal bodies, this camera boldly stakes its claim in the top shelf as a premium compact camera.
Not one to breeze by on looks alone, the Fuji X-F1 boasts some impressive performance capabilities and the image quality that has become a trademark feature of the X-Series next to their undeniably sexy exteriors. The functionality and interface that Fuji has crafted for this particular model in their lineup also makes for an enjoyable and rewarding shooting experience that makes one wonder how necessary some of the larger and more unwieldy cameras on the market really are for the average daily carry.
So, obviously the Fujifilm X-F1 can boast considerably in various qualities and accolades, but how does this camera really measure up in daily use? I held this question fully in mind as I touted this little wonder around for a couple weeks and hope to impart a little of the experiences I had with this camera as faithfully as I possibly can. Let’s dive in to see just what makes this small image maker really shine and where it flounders.
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Panasonic FH10
At the pace at which camera companies are pushing new models onto the market, there really isn’t any chance aynmore to ever own a camera that’s not outdated only months after you bought it. But also, there isn’t really any chance to accidentally buy a bad camera, since even the cheapest p&s now features technology that was considered state-of-the-art only a short while ago.
As is the case with Panasonic’s latest compact camera offerings which they presented to the public during CES yesterday. Many of them feature a 16 megapixel sensor, WiFi and/or an incredibly long zoom lens of up to 35x. For the details, please continue after the break. [click to continue…]
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Today Sony has announced five new cybershot point and shoot cameras. Sony is focussing on several key improvements overall for the entire line such as less blur under lowlight shooting, steadier shooting and faster auto focus while zoomed in, improved intelligent flash which raises exposure while using flash so the scene is evenly exposed. I’m not sure it deserves a mention but they are also upgrading their skin smoothing features of the camera and now calling it “virtual cosmetic surgery”. This surgery software can do teeth, skin, remove shine, eyes and whiten teeth–and they say the effects make it look more natural than before.
Only one camera out of the mix can do 1080p, has Wi-Fi and a CMOS sensor. All of the other cameras are limited to 720p and CCD sensors although one of these cameras is a neat rugged camera which may be a great compliment to someones kit. Here’s what you’re looking at in a brief snapshot.
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