Photography News Blog: August 2013

Saturday 17 August 2013

Updated: Best compact camera 2013: 36 reviewed

There are hundreds of digital compact cameras on the market, with advanced, superzoom and rugged camera options all being available, which makes finding the right one quite tricky.

The right choice, of course, depends on what you want from your compact digital camera. Maybe you're looking for a high-end compact camera to take the place of your SLR, or perhaps you want something more basic to get a few snaps on vacation.

Whichever type you are looking for, we've pulled together a selection of what we believe are the best compact cameras on the market now.

Price: $1,300

Specs: 16.3MP APS-C format CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II, Full HD video

Best compact camera

Fuji's replacement to its popular FinePix X100 compact camera draws on user feedback to make improvements. The Fuji FinePix X100S uses the same sized sensor (APS-C) but it's an X-Trans CMOS II device with a resolution of 16.3 million pixels with the 6 x 6 RGGB filter array pattern seen on the Fuji X-Pro1's sensor. There's also a new EXR Processor II.

We liked the retro design and control arrangement of the Fuji X100 and this continues with the X100S. The hybrid viewfinder, which can be switched between optical and electronic operation, gives the camera an advantage over most compact cameras which only allow images to be composed on an LCD screen.

Its image quality is also very good and on a par with some SLRs, so shots have sharp detail and natural colour.

Although it's a little bulky, the X100S is one of our favourite compact cameras.

Read our full Fuji X100S review

Price: $600

Specs: 12MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, 6 x 6 RGGB filter array pattern, 7.1-28.4mm f/2-2.8 lens

Best compact camera

The Fuji X10 was our favorite high-end compact camera of 2012, and combining it with the same sensor design as one of our favorite compact system cameras - the Fuji X-Pro1 - bodes very well.

Fuji says it's made 50 improvements on the X10 for the X20, including a new 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor with 12 million effective pixels and a 6 x 6 RGGB filter array pattern, which combines with an EXR Processor II. The Fuji X20 also boasts a hybrid AF system and a Digital Trans Panel in the viewfinder.

Read our full Fuji X20 review

Price: $700

Specs: Large 14.3MP CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom, 1080p HD video, swivel LCD screen

Best compact cameras

Although the zoom range is limited when compared to other Canon G-series cameras, the trump card of the Canon G1 X is its unusually large sensor. A larger sensor has more surface area to receive light, improving image quality at high sensitivities and boosting dynamic range. Interestingly, Canon has opted to stick with the 4:3 aspect ratio, rather than 3:2 as most APS-C sensors are, even though the sensor in the G1 X is roughly the same height as APS-C format.

In order to make the most of what the sensor can offer, Canon has equipped the G1 X with the latest Digic 5 processor, which promises better control over noise at high ISO sensitivities, faster operation and smoother 1080p video recording.

The 4x zoom lens provides an angle of view equivalent to a 28-122mm lens on a 35mm camera, and the usual array of direct controls found on G-series cameras should make manual operation a pleasure.

Read our full Canon G1 X review

Price: $500

Specs: 12.1MP CMOS sensor, 5x zoom lens, f/1.8 aperture

Best compact camera

At first glance, the Canon G15 looks pretty similar to the Canon G12, but there are a few significant differences. The most notable of these is the stacked or overlapping mode dial and exposure compensation dials on the top, and a new f/1.8 lens with 5x zoom.

Canon has manufactured a high-quality compact camera in the shape of the Canon G15. It is capable of producing great images with bags of detail, good punchy colors and pleasing shallow depth of field effects.

Read our full Canon G15 review

Price: $1,097

Specs: 16.2Mp APS-C format CMOS sensor, 28mm (equivalent) f/2.8 lens, 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD

Nikon Coolpix A best compact camera

Nikon has given the Coolpix A the same 16.2-million-pixel sensor as the Nikon D7000, but it has left off the anti-aliasing (low-pass) filter to allow it to record sharper details in-camera.

Aimed at serious photographers, the Coolpix A has advanced exposure modes such as aperture priority, shutter priority and manual as well as fully automatic and scene options.

Our tests reveal that the Coolpix A can capture lots of sharp detail, on par with an SLR, but the file write times are a little longer than we'd like and vignetting is apparent in images shot with apertures down to f/8 and in some cases f/16.

Read our full Nikon Coolpix A review

Price: $390

Specs: 12.2MP, 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, 7.1x zoom, 1080p video, 3-inch 921,000-dot variangle LCD

Nikon P7700

The Coolpix P7700 replaces the Nikon P7100 and sits at the top of Nikon's compact camera line-up. It's aimed at experienced photographers who want a smaller alternative to an SLR.

There's a liberal covering of control dials and buttons on the P7700's body giving quick access to features such as the shooting mode, sensitivity, white balance and exposure compensation to name just a few.

The lens offers an equivalent focal length range of 28-200mm in 35mm terms, and has a maximum aperture range of f/2.0-4.0.

Although the P7700 is capable of producing excellent images with lots of detail and nice colors, it is a little hampered by slow image processing making it unsuitable for shooting action.

Read our full Nikon P7700 review

Price: $530

Specs: 12MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, i.Zuiko Digital lens, TruPic VI processor, Full HD video

Best compact camera

The Olympus XZ-2 follows the popular high-end XZ-1, touting a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 920,000 dots, 1080p Full HD movie capture and full manual and semi-manual exposure controls. It also boasts raw image capture and can share photos straight from the camera to social networks.

Its super-fast i.Zuiko Digital lens has to be this camera's standout feature, offering ultra-wide apertures and an impressive focal length range of 28-112mm, which sails past many of its hottest contenders, and produces sharpness straight out of the camera, which many of its peers fail to match.

Read our full Olympus XZ-2 review

Price: $376

Specs: 10.1MP sensor, 3.8x zoom, 24mm wide angle, full manual control

Best compact camera 2013

The Panasonic LX7 only has the same 10.1MP resolution of the preceding Panasonic LX5. However, the new model boasts a redesigned, high-sensitivity CMOS image sensor that claims better dynamic range and increased low-light performance.

Around the front there's direct control for aperture, thanks to a retro-style aperture ring on the lens. On-lens adjustments are also available for focusing modes and image aspect ratios. Up on top, there's a fully featured shooting mode dial that includes "intelligent" auto, access to scene modes, manual PASM controls and two custom shooting settings.

The f/1.4-2.3 zoom lens gives an effective 24mm wide-angle focal length. The downside is that it's only a 3.8x zoom and is lacking at the telephoto end, equivalent to just 90mm.

Read our full Panasonic LX7 review

Price: $550

Specs: 10MP CCD sensor, 28mm (equiv) f/1.9 lens, 1,230,000 dot 3-inch LCD screen

Best compact camera

A pocketable camera with a high-quality lens, equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera, and a fast f/1.9 maximum aperture. The GR Digital IV follows in Ricoh's tradition of producing high-quality compact cameras that are ideal for street photography.

Despite the compact dimensions, manual controls are easily accessible and a 3-inch LCD screen with an extremely high resolution of 1,230,000 dots has been squeezed onto the rear. Images can be shot in raw formats, too.

Strangely Ricoh hasn't followed the trend of including HD video capability, the GRD IV will record video, but only at VGA resolution.

Read our full Ricoh GR Digital IV review

Price: $300

Specs: 12.4MP, 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, 3.3x optical zoom, 1080p video, 3-inch, 614,000 dot variangle screen

Samsung EX2F

The Samsung EX2F improves on the Samsung EX1 by adding Wi-Fi capability for easy image sharing, boosting the pixel count from 10MP to 12MP and increasing the maximum aperture of the 24-80mm (equivalent) lens from f/1.8 to f/1.4.

Two dials on the top of the camera make selecting the shooting mode and changing key settings such as the drive mode very quick and easy. The function (Fn) provides a quick route to most other important features.

Our tests found that the Samsung EX2F is a very capable compact camera that delivers high-quality images with plenty of detail at the lower sensitivity settings, and natural color. It's Wi-Fi connectivity is also well integrated so its easy to set up and use. You can share images on Facebook in next to no time.

Read our full Samsung EX2F review

Price: $2,800

Specs: 24.3MP Xmor CMOS full-frame sensor, 35mm f/2.0 Carl Zeiss T* coated lens, Full HD video

Best compact camera

On the Sony RX1, the manufacturer has stashed a 35mm format full-frame sensor and a fixed length, 35mm f/2.0 Carl Zeiss T* coated lens inside a compact body. It also features a new Bionz processor, which enables Full HD video recording and sensitivity capabilities from ISO 50 to ISO 102,400.

The Sony DSC-RX1 produces superb images, with a fantastic amount of detail, color and dynamic range. It really is the best image quality you'll get in something of this size. Of course, you'll have to be prepared to pay a lot for this ultimate combination of quality and portability, not just in terms of asking price, but also in terms of inflexibility.

Read our full Sony RX1 review

Price: $650

Specs: 20.2MP Exmoor CMOS sensor, 3.6x zoom, 1080p video, Bionz processor, f/1.8-4.9 lens

Best Compact camera

Best compact camera 2013

Though it's a relative small compact camera, the Sony RX100 has a larger than average sensor. In fact its 20.2MP 1-inch CMOS device is the same physical size as the one in the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 J1, which are compact system cameras.

We love the build quality of the RX100 and it provides all the controls that demanding enthusiasts expect, plus the ability to record raw files. We especially like the control ring around the 28-100mm (equivalent) f/1.8-4.9 lens that can be used to adjust a selection of features including aperture.

Our tests reveal that the RX100 performs well across the sensitivity range (ISO 125-6400) and it produces, bright punchy images that aren't excessively vibrant.

Read our full Sony RX100 review

View the original article here

Sunday 11 August 2013

Video on Instagram no longer limited to in-app shooting

Users can summon library footage, trim and crop
Creating masterful Video on Instagram content just became a lot easier thanks to an update that allows users to import pre-shot video clips into their filtered, 15-second montages.
Instagram 4.1 for iOS and Android includes the ability to call on footage from the Camera Roll or Gallery apps, rather than having to shoot clips on the fly within the app.
Instagram videographers can now, to cite one random example, stitch together their favourite clips from their day at the beach, just by calling them up, and dropping the snippets into the timeline.
Access to pre-shot footage also gives users more control via the new trim tool or other editing apps to obtain frame-by-frame precision, remove rough edges and ensure each segment is of perfect length.
Users will also be able to choose how to square crop their footage, just like they can with photos, which will make it easier to create well-framed video clips.
It can already be argued that creating great looking videos on Instagram was easier than Vine thanks to a tool that allows users to delete the last clip they shot (rather than start over again) and the more flexible time parameters (15-seconds maximum compared with 6-seconds on Vine),
Today's update, although arguably removing a lot of the skill required when crafting great clips, makes it even easier for Instagrammers to end up with a polished product.
"Video Import from libraryhas been one of the most requested features from the community since the launch of Video on Instagram," the Facebook-owned company wrote in a press release.
"With the ability to import video from their library, we're giving people more creative control and broadened the scope of moments they can share, even if they already happened. In addition, we're providing a powerful and simple to use video editing tool."
Other improvements within Instagram 4.1, which is rolling out today, include a photo straightening tool for the iOS app and video support for Android phones running the Ice Cream Sandwich flavour of the OS.

Thursday 8 August 2013

SmugMug launches UK photo sharing service

SmugMug is bringing its successful photo sharing and storage tool to the UK
SmugMug is to a launch a UK version of its successful photo sharing and storage solution.
The service is a cloud based photo album, which can be customized to look however you want it to look. According to research carried out by SmugMug, UK consumers take over 600 million photos a week, with almost a third admitting to not backing up their images.
With SmugMug, images can be kept private or shared with others. Photos and galleries can be password protected and non-searchable if you choose, or displayed for all to see.
Images are stored on the site at high resolution, with responsiveness designed to display the image in the best possible way on any device that you're using.
Four different levels of account are available, ranging from Basic through to Business. These vary in cost and features to suit different needs.
Images stored on SmugMug can be shared via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, or via email. They can also be embedded on blogs and forums. Mobile apps are also available for iOS and Android.
The new launch comes in the wake of both 500px and Flickr announcing major redesigns to their respective photo sharing sites.
Visit the SmugMug website for more information on pricing and accounts.

Microsoft altered WP8 to accommodate the Lumia 1020's 41MP camera

Some Microsoft moves helped bring the 1020 to life
Given today's anticipated reveal of the Nokia Lumia 1020, both Microsoft and Nokia have plenty to say about the smartphone with the 41-megapixel camera.
For one thing, Microsoft made some changes to Windows Phone 8 to accommodate the extra-powerful snapper, Windows Phone Vice President Joe Belfiore and Nokia Vice President Kevin Shields said in a discussion posted on the Windows Blog.
Shields said that the OS "played a critical role" in the creation of the Lumia 1020.
"It's easy to get fixated on this one feature - this terrific 41-megapixel sensor that we're shipping - but there was a lot of unseen work on the Windows Phone side that went into it: plumbing and UI changes to bring out the best of that component and make the camera experience possible," he said. "Our collaboration with Microsoft was super important to making the Lumia 1020 the great product that it is."
"Our goal is to work with our partners as if we were a single organization, designing hardware and software together," Microsoft's Belfiore said.
"Nokia came to us with the idea for building this amazing camera, and we had to find the right ways to improve the platform so they could deliver the best imaging experience on any phone, anywhere," he added.
Microsoft improved the zoom capability in its photo viewer and made other changes that the two execs say are "under the covers" but nonetheless vital.
Belfiore also influenced the development of Nokia's Pro Camera app, which is meant to replicate features found on high-end cameras, and he said that he wrote more than 10 pages of feedback for Nokia during development.
Shields also addressed a burning question: how is the Lumia 1020 different from Nokia's 808 PureView, a Symbian phone with a 41-megapixel camera that launched in 2012?
He said the Lumia 1020 is a combination of Nokia's past successes; it combines the 808's large sensor with the image stabilization of the Lumia 920.
He added that high-quality DSLR digital cameras, while they may match or surpass the 1020 in some ways, lack the processing power of the Windows Phone.

Supposed Sony smartphone lens mount might make your pics less terrible

Is that a standalone camera lens in your pocket? (credit: Sony Alpha Rumors)

Face it, smartphone camera photos are never going to be good enough when compared to those taken by a DSLR, and high-end standalone cameras are impractical to carry around all day long.

Sony knows this and that's why it may be making a high-end camera lens that can be attached to existing smartphones and bridges the gap.

The Sony camera lens contains a built-in sensor, battery and memory, according to a blog dedicated to the company's cameras, Sony Alpha Rumors.

The sensor and Zeiss lens is said to be the same as the one included in the recently released and well-reviewed Sony RX100 II.

The Sony camera lens can be mounted on a smartphone or used separately, as it contains a built-in battery that can power the device on its own, according to the report.

This means that its photos would then have to be transferred to a smartphone or tablet by Wi-Fi and NFC, a process similar to that of an Eye-Fi card.

While the existence of a standalone Sony camera lens with the on-board bells and whistles of an RX-100 Mark II is very much a rumor, Sony Alpha Rumors rates it an SR5, or "almost certainly correct."

The site also claims that a second model with a smaller sensor and larger zoom is being made by Sony.

As confident as the report is about the existence of these Sony camera lenses, no price or release date was given.

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Kogan action cam base jumps past GoPro Hero 3's price point

Kogan gets in on the action cams action...

Kogan has set its sights on disrupting the action camera market with its new Full HD Action Camera.

Kogan's offering is priced at $119, taking on the GoPro Hero 3 rather aggressively, which has a current RRP of $399.

"GoPro is a massively popular product, but Australians are forking out about $500 for one with the accompanying accessories. That's almost a week's pay for some people," said Kogan CEO and founder Ruslan Kogan.

"It's a huge market we're disrupting today."

The Kogan Full HD Action Camera has Full HD 1080p recording, a 12MP camera, remote control, USB, AV Out and HDMI, as well as a micro SD card slot.

Weighing 110 grams, it has the same field of view as the GoPro Hero 3 with a water, shock and dust proof casing.

It also has larger screen size than the GoPro at 1.5-inches, which is also a colour display, but with a smaller battery size (1000mAh to the GoPro's 1050mAh), this could take its toll on its power consumption.

"At this new price point, more Australians will be able to capture their fun, action-packed, and cherished moments on the go," Kogan said.

The Kogan Full HD Action Camera comes in black or silver for $199, or bundled with an accessory pack for an extra $20.

In Depth: Zooming in on the Lumia 1020's camera apps and features

It's seemingly impossible to go a week without a new smartphone announcement, with manufacturers falling all over themselves to announce the "next big thing."

Some may be tempted to write off yesterday's reveal of the Nokia Lumia 1020 as just another debut of yet another Windows Phone 8 device, albeit one with a humungous camera, but the Finnish firm is hoping consumers will find that it actually enhances the mobile phone experience.

When CEO Stephen Elop took the stage to put the focus on the bombastic 41MP Pureview camera fitted into the Lumia 1020's frame, he showed the world the Nokia is ready to evolve beyond the traditional idea of a smartphone.

In addition to attempting to blaze a new path in the cellphone sphere, Nokia believes its latest flagship will offer prospective users true control and confidence in capturing their lives at the press of a button.

Nokia Lumia 1020 Interior Lumia 1020 rethinks what a camera phone should be

That the Lumia 1020 has a better camera than most point-and-shoots, and low-end DSLRs for that matter, shouldn't intimidate potential users.

For Nokia, one of the core concepts of its latest phone is putting confidence back in the hands of the amateur photographer.

According to the company's research, consumers will take 7-10 pictures with a camera just to make sure they got the right image.

As Nokia's reps explained to us, with the Lumia 1020, the first picture you take will hopefully be the picture you keep. Granted, it make take the phone a little longer to save the 15MB image, but the aim is that it's worth the wait.

The phone's Pro Camera app should alleviate some of the unease and uncertainty users might have about getting the shot just right, as well.

Useful features like Reframe allow you to craft multiple images from just one massive 41MP shot, while more experienced photographers will still find all the ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed options they could hope for, allowing them the same level of customization they have with a full camera in a device decidedly smaller. The features aren't inaccessible to the non-photogs among us, either.

The Smart Camera app provides a range of "been there, done that" options at a slightly lower resolution, but is still capable of offering more creative ways to personalize your pictures.

Though you won't be able to take 41MP images with Smart Camera on, you'll have much more freedom and flexibility for action shots and editing within Nokia's built-in Creative Studio.

Technically, there's a third camera app in the default Windows 8 camera, but it's not fine-tuned for the new Pureview lens like the other two Nokia-developed apps.

It will still take pictures just like you'd expect, but it doesn't offer any of the bonus features found in either Smart Camera or Pro Camera.

Regardless of which app you use, all photos are taken with the new stabilization, multi-layered lens, and flash, which should help give even novices a chance at capturing the elusive "perfect" image.

Nokia Lumia 1020 Reframe Every picture tells a different story

Unless you've got an actual photographer in your family, most of your photo albums are probably full of either close-ups or wide-angle shots.

Your smartphone camera album is probably even worse, as most digital zooms end up looking awful and distorted.

Pro Camera's Reframe takes all the guesswork out of the equation, and lets you snap pictures now and decide what the story is later, without the loss of pixel density or fidelity.

To be fair, in our time with the Lumia 1020, we found zooming in all the way for the tiniest of details left things muddled, but the range of post-photo zooming is miles above what's available elsewhere.

Reframing works as soon as the photo is saved, giving you the choice of repurposing the still to your exact specifications quickly and easily.

While more savvy photo fiends are already doing these kinds of things in editing programs on their computers, having the option available instantly and on the go certainly helps the Lumia 1020 appear more flexible for the average consumer.

A picture Pictures in 41 megapixels

Even if you'll be losing some of the ridiculous pixel density by using the Smart Camera app, there are still some advantages to the secondary application.

We've seen camera features like action shots, multi-shots, face-swapping, and the ability to wipe moving objects before, but that doesn't make them any less relevant for a phone like the Lumia 1020.

By including a wealth of options like those above, Nokia has effectively eliminated the hoping and praying typically associated with trying to get just the right shot.

In theory, users will be able to take solace that no matter what, they're going to get the shot they wanted... with a little help from Nokia's software.

Of course, there's something to be said for the lens and flash coming with the Lumia 1020 as well, as those components will do a lot of the heavy lifting in making sure photographs turn out the way you intended.

Nokia Lumia 1020 Pureview lens Nokia's future is built on the 1020's camera

The Xenon flash isn't as harsh as an LED flash, but it is brighter and faster, which means images taken in low-light will come out stronger, even if people are moving.

Outside of turning the flash on or off, that's not something you'll ever have to manage; that's just the way the phone is built.

Additionally, the five lenses (one glass, four plastic) compacted together to create the Pureview design have stabilization measures built-in to ensure they all move in unison.

By ensuring the lenses will never be out of sync, you have a markedly lower chance of shaky cam happening with stills or with video.

Again, this should aid in taking all of the worry out of picture-taking, which in turn allows users have faith in their abilities, and should keep them snapping away without having to worry about standing perfectly still.

The Lumia 1020 is still a pricey piece of hardware (priced at $299.99 in the U.S. or about £199/AU$327) when compared to some competitors, but Nokia and its products appear set to take a different path than phones like Samsung Galaxy S4 or the HTC One.

The Lumia 1020 doesn't quite hold up to the screen and hardware power of its top rivals, but as the line between spec-heavy devices has blurred, Nokia's phone is a bold statement about where it sees itself going in the future.

Based on our earliest impressions, every aspect of the Lumia 1020 has been fine-tuned to appeal to the snap-happy consumers that have flooded social networks with pictures of everyday life, while also offering power and performance that should impress pros.

As it will be arriving in just a few weeks in the U.S., we won't have long to wait to discover if consumers are willing to shell out premium prices for the convenience, and confidence, the Lumia 1020 provides.

You can find out more about the Lumia 1020's camera prowess in the video below:

View the original article here

Panasonic reveals advanced compact system camera, the GX7

Panasonic says that the GX7 produces the best image quality of any of its G-series cameras

Panasonic has revealed the upgrade to its premium compact system camera. The company has skipped straight to the Panasonic Lumix GX7, to replace 2011's Panasonic Lumix GX1.

The camera features a new 16 million pixel sensor, which Panasonic claims is "far beyond anything we have launched before" and can compete with larger (APS-C or DSLR format) sensors in terms of low light shooting.

A new Venus processing engine is also part of the package, which should help with noise control in low light shooting conditions.

Coming just a couple of months after Olympus revealed its top of the line Olympus PEN E-P5 compact system camera, the Panasonic GX7 features a magnesium body and will be available in a retro black and silver, as well as in an all-black model.

A range of other high-end features are also included on the Panasonic GX7, such as inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC technology, a 1040k-dot tilting LCD screen, 1/8000 second maximum shutter speed and focus peaking.

Unlike the Olympus PEN E-P5, the Panasonic GX7 has a built-in viewfinder, which can tilt up from the body for composing from above. This 2760k dot device is designed to sit relatively flush to the body.

Other specifications include 22 digital filters, silent mode, pinpoint AF and the ability to create stop motion animations in-camera.

The Panasonic GX7 price depends on the kit variation. The body-only price clocks in at £819 (around US$1,255 / AU$1,365), while it will cost £899 with the standard 14-42mm lens included. A kit which includes a 20mm f/1.7 lens will also be available for £999 (around US$1,530 / AU$1,665).

1840 Petzval lens reborn for DSLRs

Practice your Victorian poses now - no smiling, kids

The Lomography Society has announced the reintroduction of the Petzval portrait lens for DSLRs, and is seeking funding via Kickstarter to bring it to full production.

The 85mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.2, a brass barrel and uses a Waterhouse aperture set - a series of disks with holes of different sizes. The aperture options include f/2.2, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11 and f/16. There are no electrical contacts and focusing is strictly manual only.

Although the optics have been re-engineered to suit Canon and Nikon DSLRs, the lens is claimed to replicate the characteristics of the famed 19th Century portrait lens, with good centre sharpness, noticeable vignetting, high-contrast, deep colour saturation and a swirly bokeh effect.

1840 Petzval lens reborn for the digital age

Because of field curvature, there is a sharp transition from the central sharp area to the out of focus edges in images captured with the Petzval lens. This makes the lens especially attractive for portraits.

Lomo has turned to optical specialists at Zenit in Russia to redesign and construct the new Petzval lens. It will have a 30 degree field of view and closest focusing distance of 1m. The lens will be constructed from four elements in three groups, and will use a gear rack focusing mechanism and 67mm filter thread.

1840 Petzval lens reborn for the digital age

The lens is available for pre-order exclusively on Kickstarter.com, and funding is being sought, but it is set to retail for £399/US$499.

Current forecasts indicate that the first lenses will be ready for delivery from February 2014, but this is only an estimate.

GoPro App update lets you quickly share your action shots via Wi-Fi

After giving you the ability to shoot photos and videos while jumping out of planes, surfing or skiing, GoPro is now making it super easy for you to share videos and photos from your GoPro Hero 3 near-instantly using its new app.

Available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone, the app will allow you to preview and download photos and videos through your smartphone or tablet from your GoPro action cam using Wi-Fi.

From there, it is as simple as sharing or uploading like you would with any pictures or video taken on your phone.

Speaking to TechRadar, Rick Loughery, GoPro's global director of communications said: "We want to use the mobile phone as a companion, we don't want to compete with it."

"The way we look as it is, there's capture, create, share and manage. The camera is all about capture, the create and share is what we're doing with the app. So the app we really look at as instant gratification."

Using Wi-Fi to connect to the camera, you can not only download your videos and photos straight to your device, but you can also control settings and take snaps remotely.

"The app provides a really intuitive way to look at all your shots… a pretty intuitive way to move around the camera [settings]," said Loughery.

"It's very much 'here's where I'm at right now' type of deal," he told us while demonstrating just how quickly the files are transferred from the camera onto your device so that you can then upload it onto Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or however else you want to share with friends and family.

"And so, boom. It's there, it's downloaded. That is what the app is about… that instant gratification."

While the ability to pull videos and photos are only available on Android and iOS, the app on Windows phone lets you access the rest of the features, including checking your camera's battery levels and remaining card capacity.

But the main focus with the app is to make it easier to share.

"That's the goal – make it quick for someone. Like a good recipe to make some fun, share-able content," Loughery said.

"Our biggest marketers are our customers. They're out there tagging their videos: 'check out my GoPro shot' or 'check out my GoPro video'… we want to keep fueling that fire."

To help make GoPro content share-able, the company will soon also be releasing a new video editing software, updating its old GoPro Studio program.

"You've got a lot of people that can use Windows Movie Maker, Final Cut, iMovie, but then you have a lot of people that we heard from that were like, 'This Windows Movie Maker and iMovie is still kind of too much, I just want something basic, something easy'," Loughery said.

It's a simple program that will let you drag and drop your videos into the software, where you will then be able to cut the length of videos, stitch a number of videos together, add filters, text and some transitions.

Loughery added that one key feature of the new software will be GoPro video templates.

"One of things we hear [from customers] is, 'We love your videos, but I don't have any skills and I'd love to make GoPro-style videos'. So we did templates."

You can start with a blank template for a basic edit, or pick one of the available official GoPro videos as a template to place your clips into.

Each template provides a description of each cut, as well as timing and points of edit into which you just replace all the targets with your own video clips. It then matches the video clips to the cadence of the song and automatically adjusts the speed. You can then add text, filters or your own transitions.

The software will also allow you to take screenshots from your video, giving you photos at 5MP. If the video is recorded in 4K, then the screenshot will be 8MP.

GoPro will also be looking into getting some basic photo editing functions into the software, but currently, the software is focused on video.

"I think honestly, what we'll end up doing with photo, we might put some tools in there, but you'll see more updates in the app to give you more tools on that," Loughery said, adding that they may even add a tool for mini stitches on the app for photos.

When we asked Rick about the Kogan action cam, which has similar specifications as a GoPro, but costs only $119, he said that the quality of the components used could affect performance in the long run.

"If it's at a low price point, you've got to look at what the quality is, the design of it, the number of accessories. That's really something that has differentiated us from other competitors over the years," he said.

"Competition is a good thing, but right now, I'm not too worried about it."

The GoPro App is out now, while GoPro Studio will release in beta in early August.

View the original article here

Buying Guide: 10 top gadgets for your summer holiday

Even when you're getting away from it all, there are some things you want to take with you. But how do you know which gadgets are worthy of taking up your valuable packing space?

These are our 10 picks for the technological traveller: everything on this lists has been designed for travel.

From smaller, lighter, luggage friendly versions of your must-have gadgets to life-savers for your life on the road, we've got your packing covered.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday Noise cancelling cans in a hand-luggage friendly size? Perfect

A pair of bulky noise-cancelling headphones come somewhere near the kitchen sink on most people's packing list, which makes these dinky Sennheisers something of a revelation.

The headband has two comfy skull pads while the ear-cups press themselves effectively to close the gaps.Most impressively, the NoiseGard noise cancelling function (which can be toggled on and off) works almost as well as models four times the size (and three times the price).

The only drawback is an AA battery compartment on the audio cable, but it's a small price to pay on these expensive, but good value headphones.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday You need a tripod to get your best shot, and this Vanguard is superbly portable

You need a tripod to get your best shot, so it's a pity that when you're on holiday and most likely to have exotic scenes and great adventures to record, you're

Made from carbon fibre and weighing-in at just 810g (that's less than the smallest Macbook Air), this three-legged, five-section tripod from Vanguard stretches from 42cm to a mighty 115cm.

It sits easily in the side pocket of most small backpack, and its built-in spirit level means you can always be confident of shooting straight.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday Walking is thirsty work, so a good job these sandals come with built in bottle opener

Picture the scene: you're on the beach, sunset's drawing near and you've a bag full of beer to get stuck into … but did anyone pack a bottle opener?

Probably not, but if you're sporting a pair of Quencha TQT (which stands for Thirst Quenching Technology) sandals from Reef there's a nice surprise in the sole, where a bottle opener has been cleverly stashed away.

Also featuring an airbag in the heel and a comfy nubuck strap, these Reefs come in black and lime green.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday With this bombproof backpack, your possessions will make it on holiday even if you don't

Looking more like futuristic body armour than a simple gadget bag, this tough aircraft cabin-sized backpack from LAT56 keeps your gadgets protected as you barge through the world airports, bus stations and hotels.

The secret is the use of specially moulded EVA foam that's got a bit of give in it, but only a bit; cue zip-up side-pockets that are sturdy enough to take a pair of sunglasses (though also perfect for chargers and cables) and a slightly bulging front that's there to protect your gear, but also happens to be the shape of a folded-up shirt.

At the back behind some unusually comfy shoulder straps is a bombproof NASA-spec memory foam laptop compartment for models up to 15.6 inches, while inside are some dividers that can be flattened for full access to its 15-litre capacity.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday This sturdy Panasonic camera really can go anywhere - even underwater

The fact that it's got built-in GPS tells you straight away that the Panasonic DMC-FT5 is built for roaming. It can geotag images as you go, so you'll never be left wondering exactly which picturesque mountain you decided to photograph.

It could also probably survive a fall down that mountain, thanks to its orange battle armour. Although it suffered a few scars when we dropped it during our tests, it carried on working perfectly and delivering clear images.

Some will miss optical zoom, though the flip-side of its 'no moving parts' design is a totally waterproof, underwater mode that makes this portable a great candidate for snorkelling or diving.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday The Geneva Model XS offers a mighty sound quality for its size

Travel speakers are routinely sold with tall stories of turning tables into speakers and hotel rooms into discos. Ignore all that and go straight for the best-sounding by size: this Swiss-made speaker system that doubles as an alarm clock.

Connecting to a smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth, the Model XS also throws in a DAB+ radio. And it all snaps shut in a travel-friendly clamshell case.

It's also really useful for business trips, able to act as an impressive hands-free speaker for conference calls.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday This powerful headtorch from Petzl will light your way

You'll see Maglite torches in the gift sets on the plane, but it's an LED head torch from Petzl that you really need.

Powered by three AAA batteries and comfy to wear, the biggest beam is powerful enough for upcountry hiking in the pre-dawn darkness while a less powerful setting is just right for finding your hotel room late at night.

It also features flashing modes, and red light setting for stargazers trying to preserve their night-vision while dodging guy ropes on campsites.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday Thule's waterproof backpack will keep your possessions safe and dry

Is this the finest outdoorsy camera bag available? If you're taking your DSLR on holiday, this backpack from Thule with easy-vis bright blue compartments galore can take a camera and multiple lenses. It's ideal as both cabin baggage and for day trips, but that's not what makes it special.

Though its undercarriage is pleasingly tough and strong, it rather unexpectedly hides a useful rain cover, which covers the entire (and already water-resistant - even the zips and seams) daypack in the event of a downpour.

There's even a totally waterproof section for storing SD cards, a stash pocket and a clever tripod clip on the front, and - best of all - it's comfy to wear on a hike around town or up a mountain.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday This Goal generator can supply enough power to charge a laptop 20 times over

For long-term campers and caravanners headed off to remote parts with gadgetry in tow, a generator is a noisy necessity.

But there is a less intrusive option: this silent (if heavy at 54kg) option from Goal Zero, which stores a mighty 1500W of power within. That's enough to recharge a laptop twenty times over.

About 15 hours refuels it from a wall outlet, or even via a USB cable, but if you're off on a long trip to (say) the Australian Outback you'd be a fool not to add the optional solar panel that recharges the Yeti inside 20 hours.

10 top gadgets for your summer holiday For the real adventurers out there, this case transforms any Android smartphone into a satelite phone

Probably overkill for two weeks in the Med (unless you own a yacht), but adventurous types take note. Aimed at hikers, sailors and aviators, the SATcase (due to be launched later this year) transforms any Android smartphone into a satellite phone - thereby bypassing the globe's patchy 3G network.

SATcase is the first satellite phone kit that swaps a bulky receiver unit for a smartphone app, and comes in a rugged case. It also contains a 406 beacon that search and rescue teams can find using the COSPAS-SARSAT system.

View the original article here

Tuesday 6 August 2013

The Xperia Z's successor should be out in at least one place by year's end

If that's really the Sony Xperia i1, there may be 20 megapixels jammed into that camera (credit: JustAMP)

Details of Sony's expected next flagship phone emerged today, and it seems that the Sony Xperia i1 (codenamed "Honami") may arrive in at least one country by the end of the year.

Sony Korea CEO Kenji Sakai said that the Xperia Z successor is due in the country before the end of 2013, Korean site Economic Daily reported.

The phone's main draw will be its 20-megapixel camera, according to rumors, though that still places it at half the MP of Nokia's recently unveiled Lumia 1020.

The Sony Xperia i1 "Honami" will supposedly be the first of many in a new line of Sony handsets equipped with high-quality cameras.

The Xperia Z is going on sale in the U.S. starting this week, while it's been in the U.K. for some time already.

Sony is apparently not content with the Xperia Z and the Xperia Z Ultra, the latter of which ups the screen size well into phablet territory at 6.4 inches.

Rumors of the unannounced next device popped up most recently at the end of June, when some alleged Xperia i1 photos materialized online.

The rumor at that point was the phone called "Honami" would debut on July 4, but that obviously didn't pan out.

Current speculation holds that Sony may lift the veil off the Xperia i1/Honami at its Sept. 4 press event during IFA 2013 in Berlin.

Via Phone Arena

Panasonic launches world's longest zoom bridge camera

Panasonic's new camera has the world's longest optical zoom lens

Panasonic has introduced a new bridge camera to sit in its lineup of Lumix FZ cameras.

The Panasonic FZ72 boasts the world's longest optical zoom with a 60x offering, making it an equivalent of 20-1200mm in 35mm terms. At the wide angle end of the lens, 20mm is approximately 140% wider than a standard 24mm lens provides.

Comprising 14 elements in 12 groups, including six aspherical lenses with nine aspherical surfaces and 3ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses, the lens is small but Panasonic says it will still deliver superb results.

Intelligent Zoom and Intelligent Resolution are included to boost the zoom ratio up to 120x equivalent. A 1.7x tele conversion lens will also be sold separately to boost the lens up to 102x.

Other features include a new 16.1 million pixel MOS sensor, a Venus processing engine, Light Speed AF and Power OIS (Optical Image Stabliser) to provide correction for blur when shooting handheld or in low light.

Of course, it wouldn't be a modern camera without Full HD video recording available in 60i, 50i and 25p.

Full manual control is available for advanced photographers, while a hotshot is also included for attaching a range of optional accessories.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ72 will be available from the end of August, with prices yet to be confirmed.

Sigma introduces way to swap between Canon, Nikon and Sony lens mounts

Sigma's 18-35mm f/1.8 can be swapped from a Canon mount to a Nikon, or vice versa

Sigma has introduced a new service that will help anyone who has recently converted to a Canon from a Nikon camera, or vice versa (or to and from Sony, Sigma and Pentax systems, if anyone does that).

The service will enable you to convert the Sigma lenses that you currently own to a different mount for your new camera, rather than having to replace them.

At the moment, the service will only be available for lenses from Sigma's three new product lines - Art, Contemporary and Sports. The service will cost you money, with Sigma changing the parts for the relevant mount and its internal core system.

Currently, the following DSLR lenses are eligible for conversion: the 35mm f/1.4, 120-300mm f/2.8, 30mm f/1.4, 17-70mm f/2.8-4 and 18-35mm f/1.8. Conversions are available for Sigma, Sony, Nikon, Pentax and Canon mounts.

The service will also be available for switching between Micro Four Thirds and Sony E mounts for compact system cameras. So, you can change the 19mm f/2.8, 30mm f/2.8 or 60mm f/2.8 between the two systems.

It's not possible to convert a lens to a mount that Sigma hasn't released, while some specifications, such as optical stabilisation functions, will be subject to adjustment after converting the mount.

Sigma is yet to release any pricing details for this service, but it should be significantly cheaper than replacing a lens entirely. The service will be available from September.

Watch this space for more details as they become available.

Panasonic reveals advanced compact system camera, the GX7

Panasonic says that the GX7 produces the best image quality of any of its G-series cameras

Panasonic has revealed the upgrade to its premium compact system camera. The company has skipped straight to the Panasonic Lumix GX7, to replace 2011's Panasonic Lumix GX1.

A new Venus processing engine is also part of the package, which should help with noise control in low light shooting conditions.

Other specifications include 22 digital filters, silent mode, pinpoint AF and the ability to create stop motion animations in-camera.

Nokia: Lumia 1020 is a camera that does some smartphone stuff too

Spot the smartphone in the smartphone ad

The Nokia Lumia 1020 is a high-end compact camera with a smartphone thrown into the mix for good measure, according to Nokia's latest efforts to lure potential buyers towards its 41-megapixel beast.

In a new commercial, the company billed the device as "the first smartphone to put the camera first," although Samsung may debate that having recently launched the Galaxy S4 Zoom.

During Nokia's unique 31-second spot, which showcases would-be photographers framing shots with non-existent cameras, the company chirped the Lumia 1020 was "for the billions of smartphone photographers."

However, it's not until 17 seconds into the ad that we actually see the device, when we're greeted with images of the camera UI and told of the "41-megapixels and reinvented zoom."

Indeed, Nokia has made its sales pitch pretty clear in this ad. There's no phone calls being made, no answering of emails, no using of apps, no browsing the web and no playing games.

There's also no mention of Windows Phone until eight seconds before the end and no shots identifying WP features until the final frames.

Make no mistake, Nokia sees this device as a camera that'll also let you do some smartphone-related stuff to a relatively high standard too. Not interested in taking pictures on your phone? Move along.

Via PhoneArena

Fujifilm unveils future lens releases

Fuji's X series CSCs are getting more optical add-ons

Fujifilm has updated its lens road map to reveal the plans it has for introducing new lenses to its X interchangeable lens camera system.

The roadmap shows that by early 2014, 10 of the XF (higher quality) lenses will be on the market, while an additional two XC ("compact and casual") lenses will also be available. Add these to the three Zeiss lenses already announced, and you've got 15 available for the range.

Fuji says that it is creating the new lenses based on feedback and requests from users.

XC lenses are suited to the Fuji X-M1 compact system camera, announced earlier this year to be a more affordable option in the X range. XC lenses feature all-glass elements and are designed to be lightweight and portable.

The first XC lens, a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom, was announced alongside the Fuji X-M1, but now Fujifilm has announced a second XC lens. The 50-230 f/4.5-f/6.7 optic will offer the equivalent focal length of 75-350mm. This lens will be available by the end of 2013.

Other lenses that should be seeing the light of day in the next few months include an XF 10-24mm f/4 and an XF 56mm f/1.2 lens. An XF 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens was also introduced at the same time as the Fuji X-M1.

Currently Fuji has three compact system cameras on the market, the Fuji X-Pro1, the Fuji X-E1 and the Fuji X-M1, each aimed at slightly different audiences.

Pricing and exact release dates of the new lenses have yet to be revealed.

Monday 5 August 2013

Sony Xperia Honami's new camera UI may enable Facebook live streaming

AR dinosaurs!

Sony will debut its brand new, feature-packed camera interface to harness the rumoured 20-megapixel camera on its next flagship 'Honami' phone, leaked snaps seem to confirm.

The Gadget Helpline site, which brought us leaked snaps of the device (aka Xperia 1i) last week, has now posted pics of the new camera UI, previously outed by XDA developers earlier this month, running on the device.

The new pics showcase the new Timeshift Burst mode, which enables users to select 'the best moment' from a selection of pictures, while there's also a new Effects & Filters post-production screen.

The AR Effect mode, which will could enable Augmented Reality images to be superimposed onto pictures, is also pictured running on the device. The example pictured above showcases a dinosaur walking across the frame. Scary.

Another significant new feature mentioned, but not pictured, is Social Live which, TGH claimed, will facilitate live video streaming to Facebook.

There's also another look at a second AR feature called Info-Eye, which will enable users to discover more about their surroundings by using the device's camera.

Sony is yet to officially confirm 'Honami' or 'Xperia 1i' or whatever it decides to call it, but the device is likely to succeed the impressive Xperia Z phone.

Recent speculation has pointed to a 5-inch Full HD display, 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip, Qualcomm Adreno 330 graphics, 2GB of memory, 16GB of storage, microSD, LTE and NFC support.

Nikon wants to 'change the concept of cameras,' teases mystery product

The point-and-shoot market is bleeding sales, according to Nikon

Sales of point-and-shoot cameras are falling thanks to the rise of camera-equipped smartphones, but Nikon is not about to go down with that particular ship.

Its expensive digital SLR cameras are doing just fine after all, Nikon President Makoto Kimura told Bloomberg last week.

More importantly, Nikon's got big plans that will "change the concept of cameras," the president said.

Whether that means a Nikon smartphone or something else entirely for now remains a mystery, but Kimura had a little more to say.

"We want to create a product that will change the concept of cameras," said Kimura. "It could be a non-camera consumer product."

A "non-camera" product that "will change the concept of cameras?" If that's not a Nikon smartphone he's hinting at, then we wonder what other consumer products Nikon's engineers are busy strapping cameras to in a secret lab below the Earth's crust. At least, that's how we imagine the company's R&D facilities.

"Rapid expansion of mobile devices is a change in business environment given to us," Kimura further teased.

"Our task going forward is to find an answer to that change."

Nikon is probably not alone in that struggle; Kimura said point-and-shoot camera sales in April and May of 2013 fell a full 25 percent across the industry from the same time in 2012, and that the compact camera market will shrink 12 percent this financial year.

Nikon doesn't divulge quarterly specifics, but its estimates for the first quarter of this year were reportedly "fairly low."

With a mysterious ace up its sleeve, could Nikon turn things around?

A Nikon smartphone with a high-end camera inside might struggle to make a mark, especially with devices like Nokia's rumored Lumia 1020 - with its 41-megapixel camera - on the horizon. That might end up being the phone to own for photophiles.

According to Bloomberg, Nikon may expand further by following Canon, Sony and Olympus into production of medical devices.

Compact cameras may be on the decline, but they're far from dead - check out TechRadar's list of the best high-end compact cameras available now!

'Honami' glimpsed from the back, litany of specs point to a mighty fine phone

AND it's expected to be water-resistant

Details of Sony's Xperia i1 "Honami" continue to trickle on to the internet this week as a possible specs sheet and new image appeared on a Taiwanese site.

The site, ePrice, published the below image with some new details about the rumored Sony flagship, which is expected to release in Korea by the end of the year.

Sony Honami

According to this report, "Honami" will indeed pack a 20-megapixel camera sensor, just as previous rumors claim.

In addition to the snapper the new Xperia handset is said to sport a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip, Adreno 330 graphics, 2GB of memory, 16GB of storage, microSD, LTE and NFC support, a 5-inch full HD display, a 2-megapixel front camera, and a 3000 mAh battery.

The image itself, if legitimate, reveals some interesting things about the Honami's camera.

Specifically, the Sony G Lens branding is visible next to the camera and LED flash. G Lens is Sony's own camera lens glass brand.

The original report also claims that the new Sony flagship will support the BIONZ image processing engine. The engine is usually comprised of a separate sensor, but in this case it's more likely to be a software-only version called BIONZ for mobile, says Xperia Blog. A dedicated camera button is also rumored.

One more things about that image: it seems the Honami could come in white as well as black, the color seen in the previous alleged leak.

The Xperia i1 will face some stiff competition in Nokia's Lumia 1020, with its 41-megapixel camera.

The phone is being considered a successor to Sony's Xperia Z, its current flagship, and the enlarged Xperia Z Ultra. It's also expected to be highly water-resistant.

Sony may lift the veil off the device at its Sept. 4 press event during IFA 2013 in Berlin.

Yes, I'm special: Lumia 1020 has optional camera grip with extra battery

The Lumia 1020's camera grip is more than a new shell

On Thursday, Nokia revealed the phone we've all been anticipating in the Lumia 1020, and it sounds like the photographer's dream that's been leaked left and right.

Knowing just how important its 41MP camera is to the 1020, Nokia will also release an additional camera grip accessory (complete with actual shutter button) to make the device feel much more like a traditional point-and-shoot.

To make things even more appealing, the camera grip will also boost the Nokia Lumia 1020's 2,000mAh battery with a 1,020mAh battery of its own, effectively taking all the worry out of wondering when the battery might run out.

The camera grip will launch alongside the Lumia 1020 when Nokia's new Windows 8 phone arrives in the U.S. later this month, and the U.K. later this fall.

While the $79 (about £52, AU$86) price point on the camera grip might not seem that bad at first, in addition to the $299.99 (about £199, AU$327) price tag of the Lumia 1020, Nokia has effectively put out one of the priciest phones on the market.

The tripod support and USB port on the camera grip are all well and good, but it remains to be seen if consumers will opt to buy a phone with a really great camera, versus keeping their existing smartphones and separate cameras.

Blip: Google buys stake in head-mounted display manufacturer

Is a Google Glass invasion on the way?

A subsidiary of Himax Technologies, the manufacturer behind chip production for head-mounted displays such as Google Glass, has had a chunk of its company bought by Google.

The exact stake of Himax Google now owns is 6.3%, with Google also having the option to purchase a further 8.5% if the honeymoon continues.

Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax, said: "Beginning the second quarter of this year, we had already begun expanding capacity to meet demand for our LCOS product line. This investment from Google further validates our commitment to developing breakthrough technologies and state-of-the-art production facilities."

The investment suggests that Google is serious about Google Glass and how popular it could potentially be. For more information, check out our Glass hands-on right here.

Glass: show me more blips

Panasonic announces super slim compact XS3

Panasonic's XS3 is super slim at just 14mm

Panasonic has introduced the XS3 - a super slim compact camera that's just 14mm thick.

The Panasonic XS3 incorporates a 14.1 million pixel MOS sensor, compared to its predecessor the Panasonic XS1, which had a CCD sensor. Panasonic claims that this will help the camera perform better in low light conditions.

It's also packed with a Venus Engine image processor to help with advanced noise reduction. This tiny camera is also capable of Full HD video recording and boasts 'Light Speed' autofocus.

The Panasonic XS3's lens comprises of six elements in five groups with three aspherical lenses with five aspherical surfaces, and boasts an f/2.8 maximum aperture and 24mm wide angle. A 5x optical zoom offers an equivalent 24-120mm range in 35mm terms.

A wide array of creative functions have been included, such as a Creative Panorama function, enabling the use of digital filters. Those filters are also available in standard image ratios, and include Retro, Expressive, Impressive Art and High Dynamic.

The Panasonic Lumix XS1 price is yet to be confirmed, but it will be available from September.

Sunday 4 August 2013

Competition: WIN! A superzoom Nikon Coolpix S9500 worth £279.99

You could win one of four Nikon S9500 cameras in our competition

Enter our competition to get your hands on one of four Nikon Coolpix S9500 cameras. This smart compact features a 22x Nikkor optical zoom lens and backlit 18-megapixel CMOS sensor to capture distant action and candid close-ups, making this an ideal point-and-shoot camera for summer.

The S9500 also lets you record Full HD movies at the touch of a button. What's more, the Coolpix S9500 has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can share images and movies instantly.

Plus, built-in GPS tags your photo locations and lets you retrace your route via computer. If you want a great compact camera to capture your holiday, then the Coolpix S9500 is an excellent choice.

Nikon has also created the Holiday Countdown App so you can mark off the days till your summer escape. To download the app and start getting excited about your getaway, visit Nikon's Facebook page.

For a chance to win this fantastic prize, all you need to do is click here to answer a simple question and enter the competition.

Please note that this competition is only open to UK residents over 18 years of age.