Kanex has launched a Multi Sync Keyboard reports Daniel Cooper writing on engadget.
“Kanex’s home territory is making for gear for OS X and iOS devices, so don’t be surprised to see a similar bias here. Compared to an Apple wireless keyboard, the Fn button has been replaced with an iDevice Home button, while an iOS search key sits below the right-sided shift. The company has also been required to shift around placement of the function keys to accommodate the multi-sync feature, with F1-3 being the toggles for the three Bluetooth devices, while F4 switches to the USB connection. ‘Round back you’ve got a microUSB port and a bundled lead, and the keyboard is either bus-powered or with a pair AAA batteries that’ll sit in a slot underneath. In addition to a cable and a fresh pair of batteries, the company has also included a stand that’ll prop your smartphone or tablet at 75, 69 or 63-degree angles, making it good for an impromptu work session, like drafting out this very piece.”
Merging the creative power of a premium compact camera with the convenience and connectivity of today’s smartphones, Sony today introduced two “lens-style” QX series cameras that bring new levels of fun and creativity to the mobile photography experience.
The innovative Cyber-shot® DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 models utilize Wi-Fi® connectivity to instantly transform a connected smartphone into a versatile, powerful photographic tool, allowing it to shoot high-quality images and HD videos to rival a premium compact camera. It’s an entirely new and different way for consumers to capture and share memories with friends and family.
With a distinct lens-style shape, the new cameras utilize the latest version of Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile™ application (available for iOS™ and Android™ devices, version 3.1 or higher required) to connect wirelessly to a smartphone, converting the bright, large LCD screen of the phone into a real-time viewfinder with the ability to release the shutter, start/stop movie recordings, and adjust common photographic settings like shooting mode, zoom, Auto Focus area and more. For added convenience, the app can be activated using NFC one-touch with compatible devices. Once pictures are taken, they are saved directly on both the phone and the camera*, and can be shared instantly via social media or other common mobile applications.
“With the new QX series cameras, we are making it easier for the ever-growing population of ‘mobile photographers’ to capture far superior, higher-quality content without sacrificing the convenience and accessibility of their existing mobile network or the familiar ‘phone-style’ shooting experience that they’ve grown accustomed to,” said Patrick Huang, director of the Cyber-shot business at Sony. “We feel that these new products represent not only an evolution for the digital camera business, but a revolution in terms of redefining how cameras and smartphones can cooperatively flourish in today’s market.”
The new compact, ultra-portable cameras can be attached to a connected phone with a supplied mechanically adjustable adapter, or can be held separately in hand or even mounted to a tripod while still maintaining all functionality and connectivity with the smartphone. They can also be operated as completely independent cameras if desired, as both the DSCQX100 and DSC-QX10 cameras have a shutter release, memory card slot and come with a rechargeable battery.
Premium, Large-Sensor QX100 Camera
The Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 camera features a premium, high-quality 1.0 inch, 20.2 MP Exmor® RCMOS sensor. Identical to the sensor found in the acclaimed Cyber-shot RX100 II camera, it allows for exceptionally detailed, ultra-low noise images in all types of lighting conditions, including dimly lit indoor and night scenes.
The sensor is paired with a fast, wide-aperture Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 3.6x optical zoom and a powerful BIONZ® image processor, ensuring beautifully natural, detail-packed still images and HD videos. As an extra refinement, the DSC-QX100 sports a dedicated control ring for camera-like adjustment of manual focus and zoom. Several different shooting modes can be selected while using the camera including Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto, which automatically recognizes 33 different shooting conditions and adjusts camera settings to suit.
High-Zoom Cyber-shot QX10 model
Boasting a powerful 18.2 effective megapixel Exmor RCMOS sensor and versatile 10x optical zoom Sony G Lens, the Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 camera allows mobile photographers to bring distant subjects closer without sacrificing image quality or resolution, a common problem in smartphones. It’s also extremely portable and lightweight – weighing less than 4 oz and measuring about 2.5″X2.5″x1.3″, it’s a great tool for travel photography. Additionally, the camera has built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to combat camera shake, keeping handheld pictures and videos steady and blur-free. It has Program Auto, Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto modes to choose from, and will be available in two different colors – black and white.
Pricing and Availability
The new Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 and DSC-QX10 lens-style cameras will available later this month for about $500 and $250, respectively. The cameras and a range of compatible accessories including a soft carry case and dedicated camera case attachment for Sony Mobile phones like the Xperia™ Z can be purchased at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.
Please visit www.blog.sony.com for a full video preview of the new Sony Cyber-shot QX Series cameras and follow #SonyCamera on Twitter for the latest camera news.
Acer has unveiled the Acer DA241HL, the first All-in-One based on the Android OS and NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor from Acer. It’s designed to offer users the same familiar experience as with tablets and smartphones. The company also took the opportunity to launch several new All-in-Ones aimed at offering users an improved and more ergonomic full HD touch experience. The range of new models includes the elegant, modern and flexible Aspire U5-610, the Aspire Z3-105 and the Aspire Z3-610, designed to unlock a world of optimized sound, simplified access and full HD touch enjoyment for the entire family.
Acer DA241HL
With the DA214HL, Acer introduces the first Full HD touch 24-inch AiO based on Android Jelly Bean 4.2 and featuring NVIDIA Tegra quad-core performance. Users can now find on their home PC the same familiar interface used on other Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets that are increasingly popular for media consumption, web browsing or social media interactions.
What’s more, the Android OS unlocks a world of exciting games and affordable productivity solutions, and the same 1 million+ apps from the Google Market can be accessed across multiple Android devices under the same user account. This provides a simplified and convenient user experience, as content can easily be synchronized across devices. The Tegra processing power provides access to the top sold emulated games and features on Google Play that are not supported or slow to play with other processors. On top of it, the DA241HL can offer a personalized experience to each family member, as it allows the customization of settings and apps for up to 5 users.
Thanks to MHL connectivity, the DA241HL can easily transmit smartphone content to a larger display for more comfortable viewing. It can also connect to any PC with Windows 8 via an HDMI port or USB cable becoming a 2-point Touch Display. In addition, the tilting angle of 20° to 75° enables a comfortable touch experience.
Acer Aspire U5-610
Elegant, contemporary and flexible, the Aspire U5-610 is the perfect home AiO for modern day explorers. Bundled in a stunning, futuristic design, the Aspire U5-610 is engineered to deliver top performance for first-class entertainment and maximum productivity. It couples the latest 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors, providing better CPU performance and enabling applications to load faster. And NVIDIA’s® GeForce® GTX 760M allows faster content creation, smoother gaming and better digital entertainment; plus up to 16 GB DDR3 memory provides faster multitasking.
Besides great performance, the Aspire U5-610 offers users a top of the range entertainment experience. On the 23″ Full HD touch display that touts wide viewing angle colours, saturation and contrast are fine-tuned by Acer’s CineBoost Color Engine (ACCE). CONEQ™ Sound Technology, designed to improve sound direction towards the user, expands the sound images to better match visual movie effects and maximise sound coverage regardless of users sit. Acer Remote helps to control Windows 8 via iOS or Android mobile devices. Pairing an iOS or Android mobile device with the Aspire U5-610 via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth instantly unleashes a series of remote applications over the touchpad, media, keypad, Windows 8 Metro, Power point and Laser control.
Optimized to allow users to capture and share more, the Aspire U5-610 features a Full HD webcam with up to a 75° wide Field of View (FOV) enabling a larger coverage of visuals during video chats. Moreover, to let family, friends or business contacts clearly hear what users are saying, the Acer Purified.Voice provides clear communication with no volume reduction by tracking the speaker’s voice and eliminating background noise. The HDMI with MHL support lets users easily access and share content on a bigger screen from their mobile devices while charging.
Aspire Z3-105
The Aspire Z3-105 is powered with AMD’s latest A series quad-core processors and Radeon graphic solutions to offer best performance and let families enjoy enhanced entertainment. The 23″ full HD touch display with IPS technology grants amazing images and life-like colours, while premium front-facing Harman Kardon® speakers and Dolby® Home Theater® v4 surround sound unlock a world of fantastic cinematic audio. The front-facing ports and webcam make it easy for customer to connect external devices or chat with friends.
Aspire Z3-610
The Aspire Z3-610 all-in-one desktop is designed to offer the best performance and an all-round entertainment to the entire family. Now available with Intel’s 4th generation processors, it can pack either integrated graphics from Intel or Nvidia’s GeForce GT 740M graphic solution to ensure a fast multimedia experience. While the 23″ full HD touch display with IPS technology presents stunning images and natural-looking colours, premium front-facing Harman Kardon® speakers and Dolby® Home Theater® v4 surround sound for crystal clear, accurate sound.
Adding to its trademark line of esteemed digital cameras, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the release of four new feature-packed PowerShot digital cameras: the PowerShot G16, PowerShot S120, PowerShot SX510 HS and PowerShot SX170 IS. Designed to help photo enthusiasts create high-quality images and videos, these cameras feature advanced DIGIC imaging technology to deliver superb image quality in portable, compact digital camera bodies. In addition, all four models have the ability to achieve faster autofocusing speeds than was possible with previous PowerShot models. The PowerShot G16 and S120 also feature the new Star mode to help users capture the brilliance of a starry night sky, while the new Background Defocus mode allows users to soften the background of their images for a portraiture look.
Canon PowerShot G16
For the connected photographer, the PowerShot G16, S120 and SX510 HS digital cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi® technology that allows for outstanding quality images and video files to be wirelessly transferred from the camera to social networking sites through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY#, to a PC, or users can upload images to virtually anywhere on their compatible iOS® or Android™ device* with the download of the free Canon CameraWindow app**. The Wi-Fi® setup process has been improved by Canon, making it easier than ever for users to initially setup these cameras. Software no longer needs to be installed onto a user’s computer, so all initial setup can be accomplished from the user’s smart device or computer, allowing for easy photo sharing on-the-go. Images can also be printed wirelessly using Wireless PictBridgei on select printers, including the Canon PIXMA MG7120 or PIXMA MG5520 Wireless Photo All-In-One printers, so special moments can be preserved and cherished for years to come.
“At Canon we are continually inspired to introduce the latest technological advancements to the PowerShot line of digital cameras,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “Although smartphone camera popularity is continually increasing, the PowerShot line of cameras offers features such as advanced image sensors, high-quality optics, low-light capabilities and extremely fast autofocusing speeds that, when combined, are unrivaled by smartphone technology.”PowerShot G16 Digital Camera
The PowerShot G16 digital camera builds upon the success of the PowerShot G15 by utilizing some of Canon’s most innovative technologies. The first PowerShot in the G-series to come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi® technology, the G16 has the ability to share images and video to social networking sites such as Facebook®, Twitter®, YouTube®, and Flickr® or via email through the use of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. Users can also upload images from almost anywhere via their compatible iOS® or Android™ device with the download of the free Canon CameraWindow app.
The PowerShot G16 features a 28-140mm wide-angle lens with an aperture range of f/1.8 – f/2.8, which helps while shooting in low-light conditions or for users who want to create a dramatic shallow depth-of-field with soft backgrounds. The G16 is equipped with Canon’s HS System, which combines a DIGIC 6 image processor and a 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor, allowing for enhanced low-light image quality.
With improved AF times and reduced shooting lag over previous G-series models, the advancements to Canon’s AF system help ensure users never miss a shot. Continuous shooting speeds of up to 9.3 frames-per-second are possible with the PowerShot G16, allowing users to capture images in full resolution as they happen***. The G16 also captures 1080p/60p Full HD video, and includes a built-in stereo microphone and an HDMI output so users have the ability to view videos on their HDTV.
The PowerShot G16 also features new shooting modes to capture breathtaking images day or night. The new Star mode gives users the ability to capture the brilliance and wonder of the night sky through the use of three scene modes. “Star Nightscape” lets users shoot the radiance of stars in a landscape image, while the “Star Trails” mode captures trails of stars to turn them into a luminous still image. “Star Time Lapse Movie” captures continuous still images of the stars and then combines each to create a stunning video replicating the motion of the stars in the night sky.
In addition, the camera’s creative handheld HDR Scene mode automatically combines multiple shots of a scene to help create an image with a greater dynamic range without the necessity for a tripod. HDR Scene mode includes Natural, Art Bold, Art Embossed, Art Standard and Art Vivid options.
For photographers who want the convenience and ease-of-use of a compact camera with the feel of a DSLR, the PowerShot G16 features dials and controls similar to those on Canon’s EOS Digital SLR cameras. It is also compatible with Canon Speedlite flashes and select accessories.
The PowerShot G16 is scheduled to be available in October 2013 for an estimated retail price of $549.99.
PowerShot S120 Digital Camera
Succeeding the PowerShot S110, the pocket-sized PowerShot S120 digital camera continues the tradition of built-in Wi-Fi® technology that allows for images and video to be shared to social networking sites or via email through the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. Users can also download the free Canon CameraWindow app to their compatible iOS® or Android™ device and upload images from virtually anywhere.
The PowerShot S120 features a sharp 24-120mm extra-wide angle lens with an aperture range of f/1.8-f/5.7. It is equipped with Canon’s HS System, which combines a DIGIC 6 image processor and a 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor allowing for enhanced low-light image quality. The advancements to Canon’s AF system allow users to achieve significantly faster autofocusing speeds. The S120 allows for continuous capture of up to 12.1 frames per secondii at 12.1-megapixels. The camera also records 1080p/60p Full HD video and includes a built-in stereo microphone and convenient playback via HDMI output.
Multiple creative shot modes such as the new Star mode, Background Defocus mode, and handheld HDR Scene mode give users the ability to create images they will be proud to share. Smart AUTO technology selects 58 different pre-defined scenes without the need to switch modes, making it possible to take beautiful images in a variety of situations.
The PowerShot S120 is scheduled be available in October 2013 for an estimated retail price of $449.99.
PowerShot SX510 HS Digital Camera
The compact PowerShot SX510 HSiii digital camera incorporates a 30x optical zoom 24mm wide-angle lens, Intelligent IS technology for sharp, vivid images, a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor that allows users to capture high-quality images. The camera also records 1080p Full HD video. The SX510 HS is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi® technology so that images and videos can be shared with friends and family wirelessly on social networking sites or via email through the use of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. Users can also upload images from almost anywhere via their compatible iOS® or Android™ device with the download of the free Canon CameraWindow app.
The camera’s Zoom Framing Assist feature automatically maintains the correct distance from the subject using a face recognition sensor to track and capture subjects for sharp still and video images. Upgraded from previous PowerShot models, the AF speed helps dramatically reduce lag time so that perfect shot will be captured with ease.
The PowerShot SX510 HS is scheduled to be available in September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $249.99.
PowerShot SX170 IS Digital Camera
The PowerShot SX170 IS digital camera offers a long zoom in a compact camera body at an affordable price. The camera’s 16x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilization captures clear, vivid images whether a subject is up close or far away. Featuring High-Speed AF and Intelligent IS system that provides smooth video and sharp images via six stabilization modes, the SX170 IS operates with a DIGIC 4 Image Processor and a 16.0-megapixel sensor to create high-quality images. With 720p HD video capability, users can shoot still and video images and view both via an HDTV using an HDMI connector.
Complete with Smart AUTO technology, the PowerShot SX170 IS automatically selects the optimal settings from 32 predefined shooting situations, which helps the user to capture the best image possible. Powered by a new lithium-ion battery that provides efficient battery life, the SX170 IS has a 3.0-inch LCD screen and an ergonomic body allowing users to comfortably hold the camera.
The PowerShot SX170 IS digital camera is scheduled be available in September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $179.99.
For more information about the PowerShot G16, S120, SX510 HS, and SX170 IS digital camera models please visit: www.usa.canon.com/powershot.
Google are launching a new community site called Views that makes it easy for people to publicly share their photos of places by contributing photo spheres to Google Maps (photo spheres are 360º panoramas that can be easily be created with your Android phone).
Photo spheres can be created with the camera in Android 4.2 or higher, including most Nexus devices and the new Nexus 7 tablet. The video below shows you how to get started. You can also share panoramas you’ve created with your DSLR camera.
Monarch Software Designs today announced the immediate availability of their Facebook-powered auction application, Monarch Market. The free service allows anyone with a Facebook account to signup with one click and start selling. There are no fees of any kind, other than those to your payment provider.
“Thanks to Facebook’s platform and the affordability of our Cloud hosting provider Heroku, our cost of operation is quite low,” said CTO Brian Thomason. “Given that, we don’t feel the need to charge exorbitant rates like some websites out there. In fact, we don’t wish to charge any fees at all.”
Where revenue is concerned, Monarch plans to team up with a payment provider. Currently, only PayPal is supported for sending or receiving payments.
In addition to being free, Monarch also plans to entice users to join due to their integration features with Facebook. “We are not only an auction site. We are a full-featured ecommerce solution integrated into Facebook,” said CEO Jason Radolec. “With one click of the mouse you can begin setting up a store, adding product inventory, and launching auctions. Once you have launched an auction, you can then share that with your friends or followers by using our ‘Announce’ feature to post it to your Facebook page or timeline.”
Monarch also boasts a wishlist feature whereby users can essentially bookmark items they’d like to own. In turn, their friends can then view this list, and if they are feeling generous, can purchase an item from it and have it delivered directly to the owner of the list.
Google has announced a new full-screen compose window on Gmail.
When this option is enabled, the compose window is centered in your inbox and expands to fit on your screen. In addition, the formatting toolbar is on by default. You can click on the expand button in the top right to switch to full-screen or set full-screen as the default by selecting Default to full-screen in the more options menu in the bottom right.
Polaroid announces that Polamatic, the popular photography app that combines digital photo effects and showcases them in the frame of the Polaroid Classic Border Logo, is now available for Android™ devices through Google Play. With the Polamatic app, users can shoot a new picture or use an existing one from their photo library, add one of 36 frames in the Polaroid Classic Border Logo format, apply a choice of 20 filters, write a caption on the white border, and share their unique, retro photo across multiple platforms. Polamatic combines the camera technology available in today’s mobile devices with the classic look of an instant Polaroid picture.
“Polamatic makes your pictures come alive with classic Polaroid style.”
The Polamatic app was first released for iOS in May 2012, and is now one of the few featured photography applications available on both iOS and Android. Today’s release is compatible for Android versions 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) and above, giving users across over 2,700 devices access to the Polamatic app.
“The Polamatic app allows Polaroid to bring the instant picture look and feel everyone loves and remembers to today’s mobile device user,” commented Scott W. Hardy, President and CEO of Polaroid. “There is something nostalgic about holding a picture framed by the iconic Polaroid Classic Border, and we are bringing that feeling to the digital world. Now that the Polamatic app is available for iOS and Android, everyone can easily capture their favorite image, edit it, apply the Polaroid Classic Border Logo treatment and share it quickly and conveniently on all their favorite social media networks.”
Offered by Appadana Development, an authorized Polaroid licensee, the Polamatic app opens up a new generation of photography enthusiasts to the iconic Polaroid Classic Border. Appadana Development’s Dana Shakiba notes, “You can bring back all of the magic of Polaroid pictures on your iPhone or iPad, and starting today across hundreds of Android phones and tablets.” He added that, “Polamatic makes your pictures come alive with classic Polaroid style.”
Users may select from 36 classic Polaroid borders and unlike other photo editing applications, the frames are not computer generated. Instead, they are high quality scans of new, used, and vintage frames in the Polaroid Classic Border Logo format, giving pictures a unique classic style. The app also features 20 photo effects allowing users to apply a number of color and tone adjustments to their pictures. Add a customized caption at the bottom of your Polaroid image by choosing one of the 24 available fonts and additional text customization settings.
Your Polaroid pictures can be saved to your gallery and easily shared via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr or email, making Polamatic a must-have app for bloggers and social media enthusiasts who want to add Polaroid pictures to their posts.
Feature Highlights:
* Easy to use, intuitive interface produces quality edits in seconds
* 36 authentic frames in the Polaroid Classic Border Logo format
* 20 photo effects for innovative pictures
* Easily share via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr or email
* Control flash, grid, and front or rear camera
* High resolution output – 2282 x 2271px
Polamatic 1.0 for Android is $1.99 (USD) and available worldwide through Google Play as well as the Apple App Store in the Photography category. For more information, visit http://www.polamatic.com.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., introduce the high-performance EOS 70D Digital SLR camera – bringing advanced features to photo enthusiasts looking for a step up from their entry-level digital SLRs. Featuring an innovative new Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for instant and precise focusing of video as well as still images, the EOS 70D also provides outstanding image quality and performance thanks to its new 20.2 megapixel APS-C Canon CMOS sensor and Canon’s superb DIGIC 5+ Image Processor.
Canon’s newly-developed Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a phase-detection autofocus (AF) technology on the camera’s image sensor plane, enables users to shoot video with the new EOS 70D close to the quality of a video shot with a camcorder. Dual Pixel CMOS AF employs a revolutionary CMOS sensor on which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both still imaging and phase-detection AF simultaneously to achieve dramatically improved AF performance over other EOS cameras during Live View shooting and when shooting video.
Compared with Canon’s conventional Live View AF systems, Dual Pixel CMOS AF realizes shorter focusing times, exceptional tracking performance and smoother autofocusing during video shooting. And, because Live View shooting can be used in a manner similar to using the camera’s viewfinder, the fast and smooth AF performance allows users to concentrate more attention on the subject and composing the photo when shooting. Dual Pixel CMOS AF also supports 103 (1) models of EF lenses (including many earlier models), enhancing a photographer’s creative options as well as maximizing the benefit of Dual Pixel CMOS AF in a variety of situations.
“The new EOS 70D Digital SLR camera is a game-changing DSLR model that incorporates advanced features for high-quality still and video capture and intuitive operation that allows photographers to evolve their creative vision from shooting still images to shooting moving images,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “This camera’s outstanding image quality combined with built-in wireless technology and popular creative functions and filters makes it easy to turn photos into works of art and share them immediately.”Wireless Connectivity
The EOS 70D Digital SLR camera’s built-in wireless transmitter offers users several connectivity options to easily share their images. With the download of the free EOS Remote app2 from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store, users can connect to both iOS® or AndroidTM smartphones and tablets3 to wirelessly transfer photos and videos from their camera to their device. They can also control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO from their smartphone. This camera also has the ability to connect directly to Canon’s iMAGE GATEWAY4, making photos easily accessible and ready to share on social networking sites. In addition, the EOS 70D has the ability to connect wirelessly to computers, DLNA devices, Wi-Fi Certified® Canon cameras and wireless PictBridge5 compatible printers, such as the PIXMA MG6320 Wireless Photo All-In-One printer model.
Superb Still Performance
Featuring a new 20.2 megapixel APS-C Canon CMOS sensor and Canon’s superb DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, as well as an extensive ISO range of 100–12800 (expandable to 25,600), the EOS 70D Digital SLR camera is capable of producing sharp, detailed images, even in low-light conditions. And with high-speed continuous shooting of up to 7.0 frames per second (fps) united with a 19-point all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision f/2.8 dual cross-type AF center point), it allows photographers to easily capture accurately focused fast moving subjects. In addition, the camera’s Scene Intelligent Auto Mode delivers optimized photos and offers outstanding scene detection for amazing results even when shooting in low light.
The EOS 70D also incorporates a 63-zone Dual Layer IFCL (Intelligent Focus, Color & Luminance) AE metering system which enhances accurate exposures by minimizing random metering errors caused by varying subject colors and light sources. Other useful features include a built-in Electronic Level Function, Manual WB settings and AF Microadjustment.
Enhanced EOS Full HD Movie Mode for Professional Quality Video
With Canon’s new Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and Movie Servo AF, the camera provides continuous phase-detection AF during video recording for quick and accurate focus tracking of moving subjects in the central 80 percent of the imaging area. While shooting with any of Canon’s Stepping Motor (STM) lenses, such as the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, motor noise from the lens is significantly reduced so the camera will only capture the stereo sound of the scene being recorded. For added flexibility, the EOS 70D Digital SLR camera also features a built-in stereo microphone with manual audio level adjustment and an attenuator function to reduce audio clipping, an accessory jack for external stereo microphones and Video Snapshot mode with editing for expanded video shooting options. When users select the EOS Movie Mode, the EOS 70D offers the ability to shoot in 1080p Full HD video up to 30 fps in either ALL-I or IPB codecs with optional embedded time code, matching the flexibility of other current EOS cameras such as the EOS-1D X, EOS 5D Mark III, and EOS 6D models.
Expanding Creativity
The EOS 70D Digital SLR camera provides advanced amateur photographers and photo hobbyists looking to hone their creative and technical skills with an innovative range of in-camera imaging features such as High Dynamic Range, Multiple Exposure, Handheld Night Scene and HDR Backlight Control modes that allow for expanded creativity. The new camera is also equipped with built-in RAW Image Processing and Image Resizing functions.
When any one of the seven Creative Filters is applied in Live View, users can preview the effect of the filter on the three-inch Vari-Angle Touch Screen monitor without having to shoot the image first. Users can pick from effects such as Art Bold, Fish-eye, Water-painting, Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera and Miniature and choose the one that best expresses their creative vision before or after the image is captured.
All of these features, when combined with a high-resolution Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II with intuitive touch controls featuring multi-touch operation and Touch AF, make the it the ideal camera choice for photographers looking for the best in imaging technology.
The EOS 70D is compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses as well as SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including Ultra High Speed (UHS-1) cards.
Availability
The EOS 70D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be available in September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $1199.00 for the body alone and $1349.00 bundled with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens or $1549.00 bundled with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. Also available will be a new Battery Grip BG-E14 that conveniently accepts up to two LP-E6 battery packs or a set of six AA batteries for an estimated retail price of $270.00.
For more information about the Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera, the full list of product specifications and compatible lenses, visit www.usa.canon.com/eos.
THREE GOES BACK TO BASICS ON PAY AS YOU GO: LAUNCHES GAME-CHANGING OFFER.
Simple rates and clear value of 3p a minute, 2p a text and 1p a MB.
Flexibility that lets you pay only for what you use without the need to convert your credit.
Today, Three launches a new simplified Pay As You Go offer with rates that will allow customers to top up and get great value across voice, text and internet use, paying only for the services they choose to use.
In a market with a confusing 179 Pay As You Go combinations currently available, Three customers now have the flexibility to use their top up as they choose based on clear and simple basic rates of:
– 3p a minute
– 2p a text
– 1p a MB of internet
Customers will not be forced to pick one value option over another. Pay As you Go price plans typically push people to make value trade-offs and choose between weekend or weekday use, UK or international calls, and use of texts, calls or data. Three’s new approach puts an end to confusing tariffs and value trade-offs by bringing Pay As You Go back to its roots. There’s no need to convert your credit to a 30-day add-on to get the best value. Credit lasts until the last penny is spent.
As the network built for the internet, Three’s cost per MB provides significantly better value than competitors’ standard rates.
Thomas Malleschitz, marketing director at Three said: “The number of complex Pay As You Go tariffs, Add-ons and options available is mindboggling. Consumers are forced into choosing where they want best value – whether that’s calls, texts or internet. Our new rates strip things right back to basics with a simple, clear and transparent rate for calls, texts and internet use that offers clear value across the board. It’s important to us that our Pay As You Go customers can use our Ultrafast network to chat, text and enjoy the internet without making a trade-off on value. This is Pay as You Go in its purest form.”
Once customers top up, they can use credit for talking, texting and the internet, safe in the knowledge that if they send more emails than text one month they won’t be penalised for doing the things they love on their smartphone.
Existing Three Pay As You Go customers can also enjoy Three’s new rates without having to change their tariff and they will be able to use their remaining credit as they wish. “We’re not just saving this for our new customers,” added Malleschitz.
Skype announce that video messaging is now coming out of preview as a full-fledged (and free!) feature in Skype for Windows desktop, Skype for Windows 8, Skype for Mac, Skype for iPhone, Skype for iPad, Skype for Android and Skype for BlackBerry. Just like the millions of users around the world who have already previewed video messaging, you too can now record and share a personal video message, even when your friends and loved ones are not available. The best part is that they’ll be able to view your video message as soon as they sign into Skype. Skype Video Messaging is easy and convenient, and only the contact you’ve chosen to receive your message can view it.
Video messaging is now available to all Skype users. You can send and receive as many video messages as you want – completely free of charge. Video messages can be received and viewed on any platform or device running Skype.
Skype Video Messaging adds another great way to keep in touch with friends and family during life’s most meaningful moments. Send a video message to your friends and family today-it’s easy. You can capture a fleeting memory, create a heartfelt reminder or simply tell a friend or family member “wish you were here” even when they aren’t online:
Sigma Corporation of America announced that its new Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens will arrive in the United States early July for the street price of $799.
“Sigma users are really excited about this lens. They’ve been watching the new Art line very closely – and their reaction to our initial announcement of this lens has been fantastic”
As the market’s first zoom lens to achieve a maximum aperture of F1.8 throughout the entire zoom range, the 18-35mm was created for DSLR cameras with APS-C size sensors, which translates to a focal range of 27-52.5mm on a 35mm camera. This lens will be available early July in Sigma and Canon mounts, with Nikon, Sony and Pentax mounts to follow.
“Sigma users are really excited about this lens. They’ve been watching the new Art line very closely – and their reaction to our initial announcement of this lens has been fantastic,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “More than 50 years of innovating with photography equipment has helped us build new generation lenses like the 18-35mm F1.8. We’re confident that photographers who focus on landscape, portrait, still-life, studio, close-up and casual shots will love this lens.”
The 18-35mm F1.8 is the latest addition to the company’s Art line of lenses, designed under the new Global Vision. The Global Vision lenses have a sleek new design with the manufacturing year stamped on the barrel, and are categorized by use into one of three groups: Art, Contemporary and Sports. The Art category delivers high-level artistic expression through sophisticated and abundant expressive power.
The new 18-35mm F1.8 lens features Sigma’s improved AF/MF switch and the use of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens. The lens’ Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images, even in backlit conditions. Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function, while its nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive, round bokeh at large-aperture settings.
The 18-35mm F1.8 lens is also compatible with Sigma’s new USB Dock, which is available for the street price of $59, enabling photographers to update lens firmware and adjust focus parameters from their computers.
For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.
