Daily Archives: August 24, 2011

Sony is taking professional quality imaging and artistic shooting options to new levels with the introduction of the new – NEX-7 camera. Styled in magnesium alloy for strength and designed with a unique blend of classic and modern inspiration, the new compact interchangeable lens model weighs only 10.3 ounces (291g).

“For Sony, the new NEX-7 represents innovation in its purest form,” said Kelly Davis, vice president of digital imaging at Sony Electronics. “Speed and style meet performance and control, creating a shooting experience unlike anything in market today.”

The NEX-7 camera features a new Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution – highest in its class — that complements the latest generation of Sony’s BIONZ® image processing engine.
This unique combination of sensor and processor technology delivers flawless image and HD video quality with very low noise and exceptionally fast shooting responses. An ultra-high sensitivity range extends from ISO 100-16000, making it easy to capture clean, low-noise images in dimly lit interiors or exteriors.

Response is accelerated even further by a shutter release lag of approximately 20 milliseconds– the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera (as of Aug 2011). In speed priority continuous mode, the NEX-7 camera captures fast-moving action at up to 10fps (AF/AE is fixed) – the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (as of Aug 2011).

The NEX-7 model offers extensive, direct control over creative settings via an intuitive new TRINAVI control interface, important for enthusiast and professional photographers. Two control dials on the top of the camera are complemented by a control wheel, giving users three customizable, manual controls and the ability to create images with the flexibility and precision of an advanced DSLR camera.

The NEX-7 model is also the world’s first interchangeable lens camera (along with new ?77, ?65) that features an integrated XGA OLED TruFinder™ viewfinder for precision framing and focusing. The viewfinder provides a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with approximately 100 percent frame coverage and a wide field of view that rivals pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines, various shooting parameters and a level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing. With the XGA OLED TruFinder™, the NEX-7 model realizes the ideal of a compact, rangefinder style camera with an eye-level, through the lens viewfinder.

The XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder is complemented by a three-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display that can be angled up to 90-degrees up or 45-degrees down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack™ technology assures superb detail and contrast, while dramatically reducing on-screen reflections.

At the touch of a button, the NEX-7 camera shoots smooth AVCHD Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound. Support for the new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0) format allows users to capture Full HD video at 60p (progressive) frame rates. for beautifully smooth, detailed video footage. 24p video shooting is also available. The Tracking Focus feature lets users select a target object on screen and focus on it accurately, even if it is moving.

Additionally, manual focus is now possible during video shooting. Enthusiasts can also enjoy full control over creating the perfect video image with Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (P/A/S/M) – just like the most advanced DSLR cameras. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effects enables easy “in camera” production of sophisticated artistic effects without the need for a PC or post-processing. The camera features 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature and Rich-Tone Mono. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama™ mode, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

The NEX-7 camera includes an integrated flash system and also features an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe for advanced shooting applications, both of which are firsts for Sony’s E-mount line of cameras. The shoe supports the full range of Alpha flashes and monitors, as well as adaptors to accommodate studio lighting.

The LCS-ELC7 soft carrying case combines a snug-fitting body case and leather lens jacket to help protect the body and lens from scratches and dust. It’s complemented by the STP-XH70 shoulder strap, made of the same material.

Pricing and Availability

The ? NEX-7 ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera will be available this November in a kit with an exclusive black 18-55mm zoom lens for about $1350, or as a body-only for about $1200.

The new camera and all compatible lenses and accessories will be sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.

For “sneak peak” videos of the new products, please visit www.sony.com/cameravideos

Shipping in October, the Carl Zeiss SonnarT E has a 24mm fixed focal length and f/1.8 aperture, with a minimum focus distance of 16 cm and a $999 price tag. With a f/1.8 aperture, the $300 E 50mm OSS does not Carl Zeiss branding, but includes built-in image stabilization and a circular aperture, promising smooth defocus. Both lenses will ship in December.

A new telephoto lens, shipping in October, the $350 E 55-210mm compensates for its slow f/4.5-6.3 maximum aperture with optical image stabilization while offering 3.8x magnification.

Also announced is Sony’s LA-EA2 A-mount adapter that lets you use your full-size Alpha lenses with the NEX cameras without losing functionality, thanks to built-in Translucent Mirror Technology and a dedicated AF motor. NEX-3, NEX-5, and NEX-C3 owners will need a firmware update to take advantage of the adaptor. Costing $400 the adaptor ships in November.

Canon U.S.A. Announces Two PIXMA Wireless Photo All-In-One Printers For High-Quality Printing From Almost Anywhere – Featuring Brilliant Image Quality and Software Upgrades to Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print

Canon U.S.A., Inc., have announced the addition of the PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 All-in-Ones to the Company’s line of Wireless1 Photo All-In-One models with the ability to print, copy and scan images and documents. These beautifully designed, affordable printers are compatible with many of the popular wireless devices on the market today for easy printing from almost anywhere. Additionally, consumers can unlock their creative printing side with the significant software upgrades to Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print2.

As an industry leader in innovative printing, Canon has designed the PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers to print from nearly any screen whether on a cell phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. The Canon Easy-PhotoPrint mobile app, for use with compatible Android and Apple smartphones and tablets3, has also been upgraded allowing users to print pdfs directly from compatible wireless devices. Furthermore, users can scan documents on the printer to be sent directly to a compatible wireless device.

With the newly developed Canon PIXMA Cloud Link, printing images and documents is easier than ever. Exclusive to these two PIXMA printer models, is the ability to print select Google Docs™ and Gmail™ attachments from any accessible device, further adding to their wireless versatility4. For registered users of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY or Picasa Web Albums, users can wirelessly access their photo albums directly through the printers without the use of a computer5 and all users will have access to exclusive printing templates including stationery, envelopes, memos, calendars and many others.

The PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers are 802.11n Wi-Fi certified allowing for a faster network transfer rate. Wireless networks can be set up with the press of one button when using a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). In addition, Canon offers its award-winning service and support online for all users looking to set up any of the new Wi-Fi products at, www.usa.canon.com/wirelesshelp. Here, customers have access to manuals and video tutorials to assist in setting up a Wi-Fi device.

“Technology is changing at such a rapid pace that manufacturers need to continually upgrade features to help ensure the needs of the consumer are being met,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “We feel the upgrades made for these two PIXMA All-in-One models provide consumers with a host of new features without forgoing our high-quality output.”

With Canon’s ChromaLife 100+ ink system6, the PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers utilize six individual ink tanks to produce superb results in both color and black and white. The inclusion of the gray and photo black ink provides the photo enthusiast with the opportunity for a black and white photograph to be printed with high accuracy.
Unlock the Creative Side

For the Canon PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO models, Easy-PhotoPrint EX has been upgraded to help spark creativity when customizing and personalizing memorable images with new Fun-Filter Effects such as Fish-Eye, Miniature and Toy Camera. In addition, there is an option to change the focus of the image to have it appear softer and blur specific aspects of the background, similar to an effect which was previously only capable when using an SLR camera. These printers can also print directly on CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs for further personalization of media while creating fun photo projects at the same time.

Full HD Movie Print2 software has been enhanced as well to produce clearer images of frames from videos captured on compatible HD Canon EOS and PowerShot Digital Cameras. Users can easily tell the story of videos from memorable events, frame by frame in a more unique way than before by merging multiple images into one final shot, capturing nearly every portion of the action. There is a new layout feature as well for printing up to 72 individual images on one sheet of paper.
Intelligent to the Touch

The PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printers come equipped with the Intelligent Touch System which helps improve not only ease-of-use but productivity. With back-lit touch sensitive buttons, the light-guidance system eliminates buttons not in use to help reduce opportunities for mistakes. The responsive capacitive touch technology, which picks up on electricity in the users’ body when a finger glides across the touch surface, is designed to provide seamless navigation through menus and other desired commands.
Canon PIXMA MG8220 Wireless Photo AIO printer

Designed with the photo enthusiast in mind, the PIXMA MG8220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printer is ideal for the user not yet ready for a professional printer but who still values high-quality results. The PIXMA MG8220 can produce a 4″ x 6″ borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds7 utilizing a variety of fine art type papers. This new PIXMA photo printer will also deliver output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 9.3 ipm for color8. In addition the printer has a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi9. This printer is also the only current Canon PIXMA model with a Film Adapter Unit for easy converting of older slides and negatives to digital. For easy viewing of images and menu options, a 3.5-inch LCD has been included along with Advanced Media Handling options such as Auto Duplex copying, printing and a two-way paper feed, helping reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a project.

The PIXMA MG8220 will have an estimated selling price of $299.9910.
Canon PIXMA MG6220 Wireless Photo AIO printer

The Canon PIXMA MG6220 Wireless1 Photo AIO printer is perfect for the user interested in high-quality results at a more affordable price. Featuring a 3.0-inch LCD screen and similar Advanced Media Handling options as the PIXMA MG6220 Wireless Photo AIO printer, this model can also produce a 4″ x 6″ borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds7. Additionally the PIXMA MG6220 has a maximum color resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi9. This new PIXMA printer delivers output at approximately 12.5 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 9.3 ipm for color8.

The PIXMA MG6220 will have an estimated selling price of $199.9910.
Canon CREATIVE PARK

Extend creativity beyond just photos and document by visiting Canon Inc.’s CREATIVE PARK website at www.canon.com/c-park. The site offers free 3-D paper craft projects, scrapbooking templates and embellishments, novel greeting cards, and educational materials. As an added bonus with the purchase of select PIXMA printers, consumers will be provided with exclusive printable content through CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM11. This content includes post cards, albums, and many more projects including paintings by artists such as Norman Rockwell.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is an exclusive online photography resource and service for owners of registered qualified Canon products. Camera owners who have registered a qualifying Canon camera via their Canon Account can upload and share up to 2GB of photos with friends and family. Members also gain access to informative photography-related articles on topics such as macro shooting, portrait photography, printing tips and print projects to get the most out of their photos. Owners of registered qualifying printers can use their photos to create greeting cards, calendars and much more with Print Projects! Printer members are provided with a wide array of helpful articles to enhance their experience with their Canon printer and to help them create inspiring projects. The Video Podcast Service – available for owners of registered qualifying camera and video products – enables those members to upload videos to be shared and viewed, which can also be used with the Apple iTunes® application and downloaded to access on a compatible Apple iPod or iPhone mobile device.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced a new naming strategy for its GALAXY range of smartphones. The creation of the new naming system is marked by the release of four new GALAXY smartphone, the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro, all of which run on the powerful Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating systems.

Samsung has created a new and simplified system of naming its smartphones, focused on its ever-expanding portfolio of industry-leading Android devices. The naming structure will organize and group all devices into five classes, identified by a single alphabetical letter. Devices will then be further designated by an additional indicator which will identify specific functionality.

“As Samsung continues to innovate, our goal is to provide consumers with an experience uniquely tailored to their needs. We have introduced steps to ensure users can simply identify the device designed to deliver the perfect experience for them,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business.

“In addition to this new naming strategy at IFA this year we unveilling the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro – designed with the professional and social consumer in mind. These products further build on the phenomenal success we have enjoyed with the GALAXY range.”

New ways to identify your GALAXY Smartphones

According to the new naming structure, new class designators refer to the specific category that the smartphone product fits into, for example a premium device, or an entry-level device. All classes will be used within the higher branding of the ‘GALAXY’ smartphones.

– “S” (Super Smart) – Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung’s mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.
· “R” (Royal / Refined) – Premium category models, a combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.
· “W” (Wonder) – High quality, strategic models, perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.
· “M” (Magical) –High-performance models at an economic price-point.
· “Y” (Young) – These are entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.
Class indicators allow a more specific description of the key selling points of a device:

– “Pro” – This indicates that the device includes a QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals.
– “Plus” – This indicates that the device is an upgrade from an existing model.
– “LTE” – This indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed.

Introducing the Samsung GALAXY W

Equipped with high-spec technology including a 1.4GHz Processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity and a large 3.7″ touch screen, the GALAXY W is the ideal solution for those who need to Live Fast and Live Smart. This powerful performance is enhanced with the inclusion of Samsung’s Game, Social and Music Hubs, providing one-stop solutions for a consumer’s gaming, socializing and listening needs. Kies Air enables additional control, allowing users who have misplaced their phone to track it, meaning complete peace of mind.

GALAXY M Pro

Providing a strong performance for high value, the GALAXY M Pro is the ideal solution for young and sociable professionals. A QWERTY keyboard provides swift, accurate typing on the go – enhancing productivity when drafting memos, documents and messages. The keyboard also simplifies communication with Social Hub allowing users to talk to whoever they want, however they want, all from their contact list. Communication history, instant messaging and updates from social networking sites are all readily available.

An optical track pad and touch screen ensures the interface is easy and simple to use. This productivity and functionality is packed into a sleek 9.97m body. Designed with professionals in mind, the GALAXY M Pro offers extensive productivity through a variety of enterprise solutions, including Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx.

GALAXY Y

Compact but with a full range of features and allowing the ability to stay social on-the-go, the GALAXY Y is an ideal device for younger consumers. Seamless multitasking is enabled thanks to the device’s powerful 832MHz processor. The GALAXY Y includes Samsung’s Social Hub, allowing users to stay connected with their online social circles. Equipped with Samsung’s TouchWiz User Interface, the GALAXY Y delivers a simple and intuitive experience. Additionally, the inclusion of SWYPE facilitates speedy typing. The GALAXY Y is available in a variety of colors ensuring it can fit with anyone’s style.

GALAXY Y Pro

Equipped with a QWERTY keyboard as well as enhanced social and professional features, the GALAXY Y Pro Smartphone is optimized for young professionals looking to manage both their work and home lives with ease. Users can stay constantly connected with Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging.

An optimized, intuitive touch screen interface allows an accessible and intelligent experience, while users are able to work on the go thanks to ThinkFree mobile office, enabling a variety of Office documents (Word, PPT, Excel and PDF) to be edited from the handset. Productivity is enhanced thanks to the combined power of touch screen and QWERTY keyboard inputs, enabling smooth navigation with efficient and professional input. WiFi Direct also allows faster transfer rates, allowing content to be shared quickly.

Sony adds superb responsiveness, image quality, and creative possibilities to its line of E-mount interchangeable lens cameras with the new – NEX-5N model. Housed in a rugged, light magnesium alloy body, with an intuitive touch-screen interface, the camera is just 23.3mm at its slimmest point.

“The NEX-5N camera extends the sleek, minimalist design of the acclaimed NEX-5,” said Ernesto Bravo, senior business manager of the alpha group at Sony Electronics. “But it’s also a giant step forward from its predecessor in terms of still image and HD video quality, Auto Focus and speed-of-capture performance.”

Response is accelerated even further by a release time lag of approximately 20 milliseconds, the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera. Combined with an improved autofocus (AF) algorithm and more efficient image processing, this results in an AF that is significantly faster than the current NEX-5 model.

The camera’s Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution is complemented by a specially-optimized version of the powerful BIONZ® image processing engine, resulting in exceptionally clean, low noise images. Maximum sensitivity is also boosted to ISO 25600, the highest among mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (as of Aug 2011), allowing for very high-quality handheld shooting in low-light conditions.

The NEX-5N camera shoots smooth AVCHD™ Progressive (Ver2.0) Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound at 60p – the same resolution and frame rate as Blu-ray Disc™ media, a first for interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C size sensor. Faster readout from the sensor doubles the maximum frame rate to 60 fps and, when shooting at the 24p setting, movies achieve a beautifully expressive, artistic and cinematic feel. Additionally, continuous auto-focus while recording video has been improved and object Tracking Focus has been added, which allows a target object to be selected and tracked accurately via the touch-screen, even when the subject is moving.

Photographers can also fully control exposure with Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (P/A/S/M) – just like the most advanced DSLR cameras. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers wind noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

The NEX-5N is the first E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that features an intuitive new Photo Creativity Touch interface. Background Defocus, Exposure, Picture Effect and other adjustments can be quickly and easily previewed, applied and combined via the LCD touch panel and control dial, with traditional “photo jargon” simplified for beginner shooters.
In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5N captures fast-moving action at up to 10 fps (actual speed depends on shooting conditions and memory card performance), the fastest burst speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (as of Aug 2011).

Recently introduced on the new NEX-C3, Picture Effects simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Rich-Tone Monochrome and Soft High-key. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama™ mode, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

The camera’s 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ display can angle up to 80 degrees up or 45 degrees down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack™ technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduced on-screen reflections.

Enhanced by the new Photo Creativity Touch interface, the LCD makes composition, shot review and adjustment of camera settings easier and more flexible than ever.

Lenses and Accessories

The growing choice of E-mount lenses compatible with all ? E-mount cameras now includes the new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA (SEL24F18Z), E 50mm F1.8 OSS (SEL50F18) and long-awaited Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS (SEL55210).

The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional LA-EA2 Mount Adaptorallows phase-detection AF with the majority of A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting. The optional Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S, XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ display offers high resolution/contrast and wide viewing angle. With these two unique accessories, user can adapt their NEX-5N cameras to most any shooting situation and environment.

Also new in the range of accessories, the stylish body case (LCS-EB50) and lens jacket (LCS-EL50) help protect the camera and lens from scratches, the shoulder strap (STP-XS3) fits tightly to the body and the soft carrying case (LCS-EMF) holds the E-mount camera body with attached lens as well as an additional lens or other accessories.

Pricing and Availability

The NEX-5N ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera will be available this September in black and silver with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $700 and as a body-only for about $600.

The new E-mount Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS (SEL55210) will be available this October for about $350. The new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA (SEL24F18Z) and the E 50mm F1.8 OSS (SEL50F18) will each be available this December for about $1000 and $300, respectively.

The new LA-EA2 mount adaptor and FDA-EV1S OLED viewfinder will both be available this November for about $400 and $350, respectively.

The new camera kits, lenses and compatible accessories will all be sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) as well as other authorized retailers throughout the Sony dealer network.

For “sneak peak” videos of the new products, please visit www.sony.com/cameravideos.