Low-cost lens offers lo-fi creativity for Micro Four Thirds cameras

Photojojo has just added SLR Magic's 35mm

Strange though it may seem, despite manufacturers going to great lengths to provide the very best in image quality, there are quite a number of snappers who long for the kind of warm and fuzzy (and often accidental) creations from the good old days of 35mm film cameras. Olympus or Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera owners looking for a cheaper alternative to the kind of soft edging and background blur effects offered by the likes of Lens Baby might well be interested in SLR Magic's 35mm f1.4 toy Micro Four Thirds camera lens.

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In the right hands, deliciously lo-fi effects like soft edging, vignetting, Bokeh, lens flaring and low contrast can add a wonderfully warm feel to an otherwise pixel-perfect, high resolution digital image. Such effects can be added using image processing software on a computer but with a dedicated hardware solution you get to see the effects on the camera itself while taking the shot.

The 4 cm (1.57-inch) long SLR Magic SLR toy lens and C-mount adapter is said to be like having three lenses in one. Users will see a range of image effects such as tilt-shift-like edge distortion and smooth Bokeh presented live on the display when opening and closing the aperture. The 300g (10.5 ounce) lens is capable of focus down to 0.3 meters (1 foot), has a 35mm film equivalent focal length of 70mm and a filter thread diameter of 37mm.

Compatible with Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras, the manual focus lens is available from Photojojo for US$90.

Lytro light field camera unveiled, shipping 2012

Lytro's consumer light field camera, which allows users to adjust a photograph's focus after it's been taken, is now available to consumer

So, you're looking at that one photo you took, and wishing that the flower in the foreground was in focus instead of the person behind it? Well it's no big deal, just go in and shift the focus. Oh yeah, that's right, you can't ... but you will be able to soon. California-based Lytro, Inc. announced today that its consumer light field camera is now available for preorder, and should be shipping early next year. It is the first camera of its kind made for the general public.

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Light field cameras use a microlens array and a light field sensor to separately record the color, intensity and vector direction of all the light rays reflected towards them. Algorithms then turn all that data into one image, but users can still manipulate the way in which it's presented after the photo has been taken. Primarily, this means that they can choose between having the foreground, middle, or background subjects in focus, or they can select all three together.

By contrast, regular cameras simply combine all the light rays, and represent them as one amount of light - once the photo has been taken, you're stuck with it the way it is.

Light field technology also allows pictures to be taken in lower light (because all of the light is used), shutter lag is greatly reduced (the camera doesn't have to focus), and both 2D and 3D images can be obtained from the same shot. Even when viewed in 2D, users can still subtly adjust the viewing perspective after the fact - if they think that a certain photo would have looked better had the camera been located just an inch to the right, for instance, they can adjust the shot accordingly.

Lytro's new camera is very simple - at least on the outside. It has a fixed-iris f2 lens, an 8X optical zoom, weighs less than eight ounces (227 grams), and its pocket-sized aluminum body comes in three colors. It has only two controls - power and shutter - along with a touchscreen display on which shots are manipulated using Lytro's "light field engine."

Buyers can choose between 8GB and 16GB models, which store 350 and 750 shots respectively. Although 3D capability won't be available immediately, the required algorithms should be ready (presumably in the form of firmware) sometime next year.

Users will be able to download shots from the camera onto their computer using a free desktop application. It will also allow them to share their photos on sites such as Facebook and by email. As the light field engine data travels with the images, people receiving the shots still being able to change their focus as desired. An OS X version of the software is already available, with a Windows version coming next year.

The camera can be preordered now on Lytro's website, at a price of US$399 for the 8GB model, or $499 for the 16GB.

Canon’s new US$6,800 EOS-1D X pro DSLR

Perhaps the most compelling feature of the new 1D X is its low light capability for both video and still photography

Canon is to upgrade its flagship EOS 1-series digital SLR camera from March 2012 when the weatherproof Canon EOS-1D X will supersede the EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS-1Ds Mark III. Among the many new features of the EOS-1D X is a new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF system, AF continuous shooting at 12 fps (14 fps with mirror lock-up), a full-frame 18.1MP CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 100-51200, the world's fastest shutter release lag (as short as just 36 milliseconds), and full high definition movie recording.

The new 1D X EOS offers full HD (1920x1080: 24/25 fps) shooting, with a host of refinements. Processing and CMOS sensor upgrades have enabled enhanced movie recording performance, including a reduction in moiré and false color.

While Canon has already forged an exceptional reputation for its low-light video with the 5D Mk II, the 1D X offers an expanded movie ISO range of 100-25600 (H:51200; H1:102400; H2:204800) for high sensitivity and exceptional low-light performance. The camera automatically segments movie files every 4GB to assist with continuity of shooting. The 1D X supports the ALL-I compression format, as well as high-quality, high-compression IPB format. For the first time with a Canon digital SLR shooting video, audio recording is manually adjustable both before and during shooting.

The Canon EOS-1D X will sell for US$6,800.

Also shown for the first time today was a new compact Wireless File Transmitter unit (the WFT-E6) which offers extended functionality for the EOS-1D X, including synchronized shooting with multiple camera units, remote control shooting, image review and download using an Internet browser, and high-speed Wi-Fi or Bluetooth file transfer. The Wireless File Transmitter will become available in March at around US$600. Also launched today, the GPS receiver GP-E1 adds location and directional information to images during shooting for such uses as organizing news coverage and research. Bundled software enables tracking of shooting locations on a map. The GPS Receiver will become available in April 2012, priced at around US$300.

JVC breaks out the new GC-PX10 hybrid stills/video camera

JVC says that its new GC-PX10 is neither a camera capable of recording video, or a camcorder able to take photographs - it's a true hybrid of both

Most digital still cameras these days are fairly capable in the video department and there are numerous examples of camcorders that can snap high resolution photos. JVC says that its new GC-PX10 is neither format, but a true hybrid of both. Capable of capturing 12 megapixel stills and recording full high definition 1080/60p video at 36 Mbps, the all-in-one solution also benefits from a new high speed imaging engine, a tilting LCD monitor, and a 10x optical Konica zoom Minolta HD lens.

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Doubtless in recognition of its new hybrid status, JVC has positioned many of the controls on the GC-PX10 away from the rear of main body and onto the front of the camera - on the lens housing. On one side is a digital SLR-like PASM mode dial, exposure/focus control and power button, as well and the interface bay for such things as external microphone, HDMI-out and USB 2.0 port. On the other is the SD/SDHC/SDXC media card compartment and the built-in flash. The stereo microphone grills sit on top.

To the rear of the camera is a 230,000 dot resolution, 3-inch tilting touch panel monitor with the zoom/volume control at the top right and some physical buttons underneath. JVC has opted to retain some familiarity for camera users, however, by placing the shutter release button on the top of the body grip.

Within the housing, JVC has included the company's new FALCONBRID high speed imaging engine, first used in the GS-TD1 HD 3D camcorder, and a 4000 x 3000 pixel resolution, 1/2.3-inch back-Illuminated CMOS sensor. The GC-PX10 features a ISO100 to ISO6400 sensitivity range, optical image stabilization and a generous 32GB of internal solid state memory.

The zoom capabilities of the F2.8 - F4.5/f=6.7 - 67mm 10x optical lens can be bumped up to 19x using dynamic zoom, with JVC claiming no degradation in image quality. There's an Intelligent Auto feature that selects the best settings for a scene, face recognition and a brisk 60 shots per second continuous shooting at 8.3 megapixels or 30 frames per second at full resolution.

The hybrid is said to be capable of simultaneous full HD video and stills capture, although the latter is at a lower resolution of 8.3 megapixels. Users can also drop the video quality down to VGA (640 x 360) resolution and take advantage of 300 frames-per-second video recording which can be used continuously for up to two hours, enough to record a full game of soccer in super-slow motion.

Rounding off the specs is Eye-Fi card compatibility, and K2 audio technology that's said to restore sonic detail lost during compression.

The GC-PX10 is available this month for US$899.95, and comes shipped with LoiLoScope FX software for Windows.

Nikon announces new mirrorless 1 system interchangeable lens cameras

Nikon has joined the mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera party with its new 1 system

Nikon has announced a new camera system which heads down a path already well-trodden by the likes of Sony and Olympus. The company has launched its 1 system with a couple of pocket-sized mirrorless cameras and four interchangeable lenses. Both cameras feature brand new hybrid autofocus technology, super-fast continuous shooting, intuitively placed, redesigned camera controls and full high definition movie recording.

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Nikon J1

The first of Nikon's new 1 system cameras is the J1. The combination of 73-point focal plane phase detection autofocus (AF) system and 135 point contrast detection - with the camera being able to automatically switch between phase detection and contrast detect AF to best suit the scene - is claimed to be the world's fastest autofocus. That nimble autofocus action is powered by Nikon's EXPEED 3 image processing engine incorporating a dual-core image processor, which also offers low noise processing performance and optimum Lithium-ion battery efficiency.

The processing engine works alongside the new Nikon CX format (13.2 x 8.8mm) 10.1 megapixel High-Speed AF CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 100-3200 (that can be extended to ISO6400) that's said to give a picture angle of about 2.7x lens focal length.

The J1 is capable of 10 frames per second (fps) burst shooting with adaptive AF active, but with the autofocus locked down the J1 can snap images at up to 60 fps - which takes the crown for the world's fastest continuous shooting speed. A user can also allow the camera to choose the best frame from images shot and recorded in the camera's pre-cache based on factors like exposure, focus and advanced facial recognition by activating the Smart Photo Selector mode. If the camera's choice isn't to your liking, you can select a favorite from five of the best frames from the feature's image store.

Nikon has turned its back on the familiar DSLR-like PASM shooting modes in favor of a Mode Dial featuring common functions. A Command Dial is used for common camera settings, presenting relevant menus determined by the mode set by the user to help keep interface distractions and menus to a minimum. Image preview and feature menus are presented on a 3.0-inch 460,000 dot resolution LCD monitor and the new camera is capable of full 1080p HD movie recording at 30 frames per second or 60 fps at 1080i resolution with stereo audio. Super slow motion speeds of 400 and 1200 fps are also offered and noise reduction is applied to movie files. Simultaneous HD movie recording and image capture is also possible.

A new Motion Snapshot mode interjects slow motion video action and plays the show back to a built-in audio soundtrack. Users can also create a flip-book-like moving images from multiple images using the included Short Movie Creator.

The aluminum body helps keep the unit to a body-only weight of 8.3 ounces (234 g) and the 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches (106 x 61 x 29.8 mm) J1 also has a built-in pop up flash, a high-speed electronic shutter and is SD/SDHC/SDXC media card compatible. There's USB 2.0 and HDMI-out ports and the battery life is said to be good for around 230 images.

Nikon has produced some color-matched lenses to go with the J1, which will be available in white, pink, red, silver and black.

Nikon V1

The enthusiast-level V1 incorporates most of the features announced for the J1 but features Nikon's new Multi-Accessory Port instead of the pop-up flash, which is ready and waiting for the new SB-N5 compact speedlight or the GP-N100 GPS module. The V1 also gets a 1.4 million dot high resolution electronic viewfinder that automatically activates when the camera is brought up to the user's eye - and gives the camera the title of world's smallest and lightest camera (4.4 x 3 x 1.7-inch/113 x 76 x 43.5mm - body only weight of 10.4 ounces/294g) with interchangeable lens capability and an electronic viewfinder.

The V1 also has a magnesium alloy body, high-speed electronic shutter and high performance mechanical shutter for expanded shooting options, a stereo microphone input, 921,000 Dot LCD display with brightness adjustment and a 350 shot battery life.

Four new lenses have been announced for the 1 system (with a FT-1 F-mount adaptor following shortly). There's a versatile 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110 mm f/3.8-5.6 lens, a 1 NIKKOR 10 mm f/2.8 pancake lens (27 mm equivalent), the company's first powered zoom lens in the shape of the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 (27-270mm equivalent) power zoom lens and the standard kit lens - the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (27-81mm 35mm equivalent).

Both cameras will be available in the U.S. from October 20 - the J1 kit (including the 10-30mm lens) is priced at US$649.95 while the V1 kit (with the same color-matched standard zoom lens) will cost US$899.95.

By comparison, Sony's latest NEX addition - the NEX-7 - comes with more than double the megapixel count, has a wider ISO range, and sports a 2 million dot resolution electronic viewfinder - but is a little more expensive than either of Nikon's new offerings. Closer in price but still managing to squeeze in a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C size) and AMOLED display is Samsung's NX100 mirrorless camera.

AR-4i interface gives iPhone 4 an audio boost

The Fostex AR-4i audio interface for iPhone 4 allows users to run dual mics into their phone, and control their input level

People seem to just love accessorizing iPhones, in order to bring them closer to becoming prosumer-level camcorders that just happen to also be able to make phone calls. We've already seen aftermarket zoom, wide angle/macro, panoramic and microscope lenses for the iPhone camera, along with an adapter that lets people use their existing DSLR lenses. There are also handheld condenser microphones that can be run into the phone. Now, Fostex has taken things a step farther, with its triple-input AR-4i audio interface for the iPhone 4.

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The device comes with two swiveling cardioid condenser mics, which can be mounted in two of the three 3.5 mm stereo inputs - the idea is that both mics can be mounted on top if the phone is being held horizontally, or on either side if it's vertical. In most situations, the mics would be pointed out towards the subject, to capture a wide stereo soundtrack. Should users be conducting interviews, however, one mic can be pointed towards the interviewee, with the other one pointed back towards themselves. Third party mics can also be used.

A combined input level for both mics is indicated by a row of LEDs, and can be adjusted using a thumb wheel control. A free app (available soon, we're told) also allows users to do things like audio-panning between the mics, if they wish to emphasize one more than the other. A headphone jack lets users monitor the sound.

The phone itself just slides in and docks with the interface. Screw holes on the side and bottom allow the AR-4i to be mounted on a tripod, or to be attached to its included aluminum hand grip.

Giving the phone's battery a break, the interface runs on two AAA batteries, which are said to provide up to 10 hours of operating time. It can also run off an external power source, via a USB connection.

The Fostex AR-4i audio interface for iPhone 4 is available now, for around US$150. People interested in it might also want to check out the OWLE Bubo, a heavy-duty aluminum iPhone housing that features a shotgun-style mic, a wide angle/macro lens, hand grips and tripod mounting points.

Samsung introduces new naming system with additions to its Galaxy smartphone range

The Galaxy W, Galaxy M Pro, Galaxy Y and Galaxy Y Pro have joined Samsung'

Samsung has ushered in a new naming system for its Galaxy range of smartphones with the release of four new Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) powered devices. Designed to simplify things for consumers, the new naming structure groups its Android-powered smartphones into one of five classes that are identified by a single letter, which can then be broken down further with an additional indicator to provide an indication of more specific functionality.

The five class indicators run the gamut from flagship devices down to entry-level units. As defined by Samsung they are:

• "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.

Within the five classes the indicators of more specific functionality are:

• "Pro" - This indicates that the device includes a physical 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

The four new smartphones introduced to mark the new naming structure include the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro.

Giving an idea of what to expect from the mid-level W class, the new GALAXY W features a 1.4 GHz processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, 3.7-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch display and includes Samsung's Game, Social and Music Hubs. Other features include a 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Kies Air, which allows users to track the phone if it is stolen or lost, as well as accessing the phone on a PC when connected via Wi-Fi.

Next step along on the SRWMY scale comes the GALAXY M Pro, which is powered by a 1 GHz processor and features a QWERTY keypad and enterprise support for Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx. There's also an optical touchpad, 5-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and the inclusion of Samsung's Social Hub.

Aimed at younger consumers is the GALAXY Y, which is powered by an 832 MHz processor and features Samsung's TouchWiz user interface along with SWYPE for faster typing on the device's 3-inch 320 x 240 pixel TFT LCD touch screen. Reflecting its younger target market, the GALAXY Y will come in a variety of colors and also includes Social Hub, along with a 2-megaixel camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.

The fourth and final new phone is the GALAXY Y Pro, which indicates it is basically the GALAXY Y with a physical QWERTY keypad. The inclusion of Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging, ensures you're always in touch, while ThinkFree mobile office allows for the editing of Word, Powerpoint, Excel and PDF files on the go.

All four new Galaxy smartphones will come running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and Samsung will be showcasing them at IFA 2011. Pricing and release dates are yet to be announced.

Sony takes the wraps off new SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65) cameras

Sony has revealed details of its new flagship SLT-A77 and consumer-level SLT-A65 digital cameras

Sony has revealed that its faithful α700 mirror-based digital SLR (DLSR) is being put out to pasture and replaced with a powerful new model featuring the company's Translucent Mirror Technology. The new SLT-A77 features a 24 megapixel APS-C size sensor, an OLED electronic viewfinder that's said to provide the kind of image previewing experience previously only available with optical viewfinders and an incredibly fast full resolution continuous shooting rate. Joining the α77 is the SLT-A65 consumer-level digital camera which shares many of the newly-introduced features of the flagship model but costs $500 less (body only).

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Translucent Mirror Technology features a semi-transparent mirror that stays put when the shutter release button in pressed, allowing most of the light through the mirror to the sensor but also redirects some to the AF sensor. The result is super-fast autofocus, even in video mode. Now Sony has announced the next stage in evolution of the company's TMT camera development - revealing what is claimed to be the fastest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class, and reported to outperform many professional-level DSLR cameras.

Both the new alpha cameras have been treated to a newly developed Exmor APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution, which works with Sony's BIONZ image processing engine to produce ultra-low noise images. There's extended exposure-friendly ISO sensitivity, Tracking Focus keeps fast-moving subjects in sharp focus, and a new electronic front shutter curtain is said to result in a release time lag of a high-end-DSLR-matching 50 milliseconds.

Whereas last year's α55 had a somewhat tepid reception for its 1.15 million dot resolution LCD electronic viewfinder, the new kids on the block sport a brand new XGA resolution OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder - with 2,359,296 dot resolution, bright, high contrast image reproduction, five display modes, 100 percent frame coverage, and the ability to zoom into sections of an image for fine focus adjustment. It's said to be comparable to an optical viewfinder but the with ability to preview image settings such as exposure and white balance through the viewfinder, and is also capable of capturing 12 megapixel images of an enlarged central portion of the sensor, at a digital zoom factor of 1.4x or 2x magnification.

Users can also make use of the tilting 3-inch, 921,000 dot resolution Xtra Fine LCD display with TruBlack technology for previews and settings adjustment. Picture Effect in-camera creative styles seen in the NEX-C3 have also been included, along with such staples as 2D/3D Panorama and HDR.

The camera uses the AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0) standard format for full high definition movie recording at a progressive frame rate of 60 frames per second. Continuous autofocus during movie recording has been further refined, and manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes are also made available to video takers.

The light and durable magnesium alloy outer casing has been overhauled to provide a more comfortable grip with tactile buttons for eyes-off operation and dust- and moisture-sealed key controls that offer some protection from the elements. Each camera has a built-in flash, an HDMI port for onward connection to big screen (with Bravia Sync also included) and has Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card compatibility. Sony says that the new models are compatible with A-mount lenses, but will also work with Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses.

The Sony SLT-A77 enthusiast camera is claimed to give the world's fastest continuous autofocus performance - with a burst shooting rate of 12 frames per second in Advance Priority AE mode at full resolution with full-time phase-detection autofocus. The shutter speed ranges from 1/8000 to 30 seconds, its sensitivity is specced at ISO50 to ISO16000 (which can be extended to ISO25600) and the included GPS delivers geotagging functionality.

The LCD display tilts with a little more freedom than the α65 courtesy of the world's first three-way adjustment (two-way on the α65). There are front and rear control dials and if you look down at the top of camera, you'll see a useful LCD data display. The α77 is also compatible with Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG DUO HX series memory sticks. The reported battery life is 470 shots if using the viewfinder and 530 shots with LCD monitor.

The SLT-A77 will be available from October in kit form with a new DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM zoom lens for US$2,000, or body-only for US$1,400.

Those with a smaller bank balance can get many of the features of the α77 at a budget-friendly price by opting for the Sony SLT-A65.

This model has a 10 frames per second burst shooting rate at full resolution, a sensitivity range of ISO100 to ISO16000, shutter speeds of 1/4000 to 30 seconds and a battery life of 510 shots with the viewfinder, and 560 with LCD display.

Also scheduled for an October release, the α65 comes as a standard 18-55mm lens kit version for US$1,000 or US$900 for just the body.

Sony details the NEX-7 / NEX-5N digital cameras

Sony has released details of its forthcoming NEX-7 and NEX-5N compact interchangeable lens digital cameras

The interweb rumor mill has been busily whipping up a storm about a new mirrorless digital camera from Sony in recent weeks. Happily, the official announcement from Sony hasn't disappointed those of us who have been patiently waiting for something more tangible. That space has now been filled with a brand new model - the NEX-7 - with an impressive list of advanced features that would normally be found in the company's bigger Alpha cameras. Sony has also announced the retirement of its popular NEX-5 model, with its replacement representing quite a marked upgrade on the original.

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Sony's NEX mirrorless digital cameras provide photographers with a compact-sized camera that has digital SLR functionality and the ability to swap lenses. With the new NEX-7, Sony has really pulled out all the stops, with a release that brings to mind someone trying to close a holiday suitcase that's jam-packed with far too much for such a small container. Its 24.3 megapixel Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor and the latest generation of Sony's BIONZ image processing engine work together to offer users extremely low noise images and blisteringly fast shooting responses. The ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 16000.

Sony says that the camera's shutter lag is around 20 milliseconds - making this the fastest interchangeable lens digital camera available. It also offers a burst shooting rate of up to 10 frames per second in speed priority continuous mode. As well as a 3-inch, 921,600 dot, Xtra Fine LCD display that users can tilt for easy viewing - which features TruBlack technology for crisp, clear viewing - the company has also squeezed in an integrated high contrast 2,359,296-dot OLED TruFinder electronic viewfinder. It's the same as the one featured on the new a77 and a65 cameras, and offers 100 percent frame coverage - Sony believing that it's so good, it could give pro-grade optical viewfinders a run for their money.

The lightweight magnesium alloy body tips the scales at just 10.3 ounces (291 g), there's an integrated pop-up flash and hot-shoe mount, and advanced users are given more manual control of camera operation than you can shake a stick at, in the shape of two control dials to the top of the camera and a control wheel. Creative types will no doubt appreciate the numerous in-camera effects processing options - including Picture Effects like HDR Painting and Miniature (first seen on the NEX-C3), 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin and Auto HDR.

Sony has made the most of the new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0) standard to offer 1080p60 HD video and Tracking Focus will help keep moving objects sharp. There's also manual focus during video recording, and internal circuitry revisions are said to result in improved stereo audio.

Although made for Sony's E-mount lenses, there's also an optional phase-detection autofocus adapter (LA-EA2) with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology that gives the NEX-7 compatibility with A-mount lenses, too.

Image files and recorded video are stored to Sony's Memory Stick PRO Duo and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, or SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. There's HDMI and USB connectivity, and the battery life is claimed to be around 350 images through the viewfinder or 430 via the LCD display.

The NEX-7 is sure to find a host of new NEX worshipers, but whether it will live up to its DSLR-killer promise, only time will tell. It will be available from November - as part of a black 18-55 mm zoom lens kit for US$1,350 or body-only for US$1,200.

Sony has prepared a demonstration video of the NEX-7, and the other announced NEX release - the NEX-5N:

The NEX-5N is the successor to last year's popular NEX-5 model and benefits from many of the features brought to the NEX-7 - making this update quite a significant one. There's no built-in viewfinder, but there is a 3-inch, 921,600 dot, tilting touchscreen display with TruBlack technology for better contrast during image review and camera settings adjustment. An optional viewfinder (FDA-EV1S or FDA-SV1) can be placed on the camera's hot-shoe mount if desired.

This model has a 16.1 megapixel Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor (up from 14.2 megapixels on the NEX-5) and a specially-optimized version of the BIONZ image processing engine, and its sensitivity gets a boost to ISO25600. Sony says that it benefits from an improved autofocus algorithm that helps make its 25-point tracking autofocus system significantly faster.

The NEX-5N also makes use of the new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0) standard to deliver 1080p video at 60 frames per second, and benefits from a similar audio-improving circuitry rehash.

An external flash HVL-F7S is supplied and attached via the hot-shoe mount, the battery life is good for about 430 images, and it has a body-only weight of 7.4 ounces (210 g). Of the two new releases, the NEX-5N will be the first to become available - as a standard 18-55 mm kit zoom lens for US$700 or body-only for US$600 from next month.

Sony rolls out new NEX-VG20 interchangeable lens camcorder

The NEX-VG20 interchangeable lens camcorder from Sony

Sony has taken the wraps off the NEX-VG20, a consumer HD interchangeable lens camcorder that follows the world's first consumer-oriented HD camcorder with an interchangeable lens system, the NEX-VG10. The upcoming NEX-VG20 features the same E-mount system that offers users the choice of seven different E-mount lenses. Sony claims the VG20 offers a number of improvements over the previous model, including comprehensive manual controls, improved imaging quality, upgraded sound, and ergonomic refinements such as enhanced grips and a second record button.

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With the same Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor found in Sony's NEX-5N and NEX-C3 still cameras, the VG20 offers an effective resolution of 16.1 megapixels to capture 16 megapixel stills in RAW format and Full HD video in AVCHD format in 24p and 60p. For a more cinematic look, footage shot at 24p can also be enhanced with Cinema Tone Gamma and Cinema Tone Color. With the use of E-mount lenses, the sensor also allows for the creation of background defocus - or "bokeh" - effects.

"Whether you're shooting video or stills, this camcorder's large sensor rivals the expressive picture quality of a DSLR camera," said Andy Bubala, director of camcorders at Sony Electronics. "We've also made several enhancements to deliver the type of camcorder that video enthusiasts will love."

The unit's 3-inch (7.5 cm) Xtra Fine LCD display features TruBlack technology for improved contrast and can be rotated up to 270 degrees for high or low angle shooting, The VG20's Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone now supports stereo and 5.1 channel surround sound and the unit also features a new audio level control. The unit is compatible with SD memory cards and Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX series in capacities up to 32 GB.

Sony has also redesigned the camcorder's handgrip to improve the balance of the unit and make low and high angle shooting more comfortable. The control panel that allows for manual adjustment of exposure, iris and other settings can now be accessed when the LCD panel is closed, while the new button layout features "hard" function keys, direct access to each shooting mode and a second record button that have all been located so they can be operated without the user taking their eyes away from the electronic viewfinder.

The VG20 comes with the SEL 18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens that offers 11x optical zoom, built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization and also features smooth, quiet autofocus operation during movie and still shooting. While Sony says the seven E-mount lenses available should cover virtually any shooting situation, the optional LA-EA2 lens mount adapter provides compatibility with A-mount lenses. Sony says it also plans to develop a third party "eco-system" to allow the camcorder to be used with lenses from other brands.

Sony's Handycan NEX-VG20 will be available this November for about US$2,199 with the SEL 18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens included, or for $1,500 for the body-only version.