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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.
Learn more

See more mobile phones news Add comment
View the original article here

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.

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.

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.

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'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).

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more cameras news Add comment

View the original article here

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.

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more cameras news Add comment

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).

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more cameras news Add comment

View the original article here

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

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more mobile phones news Add comment

View the original article here

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.

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more mobile phones news Add comment

View the original article here

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.

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more mobile phones news Add comment

View the original article here

Will the iPhone 5S swipe from the Galaxy S4 with a slow-mo camera?

What else can Apple jam into the next iPhone?

According to some analysis of the code that makes up the latest beta of iOS 7, Apple's still-unreleased OS update, the next iPhone's camera could feature slow-motion video capture.

9to5Mac was alerted to the "hidden references" to the slow motion video capture in the latest iOS 7 beta code by Twitter user and iOS tinkerer Hamza Sood.

The settings suggest that an upcoming iPhone, be it the iPhones 5S or other, might feature a 120-frames-per-second video recording mode known currently as "Mogul" mode.

Although the feature appears to be referenced in the iOS 7 beta code, current iPhone hardware does not support video capture at that speed, and the feature has not been formally announced for iOS 7.

The iPhone 5 is currently capable of recording 720p video at 30 frames per second, though developers reportedly have access to tools that bump that up to 60FPS in iOS 7.

Still, the current iPhone's camera is simply not capable of recording video at 120FPS.

Video captured at that rate can be slowed down without becoming choppy, or played at normal speed to reduce motion blur.

Even if the feature is real, though, it's unknown how high Apple could get the resolution at that speed. The iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S before it can record video at full HD 1080p, but the resolution might have to be scaled down to accommodate all those extra frames per second.

Despite these doubts, 9to5Mac makes it clear that based on what it sees in the iOS 7 code, it thinks "Apple is actively working on" slow-mo video for an upcoming version of the iPhone.

Of course, while Apple may indeed look to slow-mo video capture as a sexy "cool factor" for its next iPhone, Samsung's Galaxy S4 already does it.

Another possibly new iOS feature - offline dictation - also emerged recently from the iOS 7 beta smoke screen. But Android already has that, as well.

The last few new iPhones have been more iterative than revolutionary, despite the iPhone 5's increased screen real estate. And Apple will have to do better than playing second fiddle to the Galaxy S4 if it wants to regain its lion's share of the market from Android.

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more mobile phones news Add comment

View the original article here

Lytro focus-shifting camera to go on sale in the UK

Clever light-splitting technology allows this camera to create 'living images'

Lytro's Light Field Camera has been on sale for a while in the US, but from this month it will go on sale in the UK.

This unique camera produces shots that the manufacturer calls 'living images', because the focus point can be moved post-capture, turning a soft part of the image sharp before your eyes.

These images may be viewed on the camera, on a smartphone via the free Lytro iOS app or on a computer using either Lytro's website or the supplied software. They can also be shared on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ and viewers are able to navigate around the image, giving a sense of movement around a 3D subject.

The Light Field Camera has an 8x zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 43-340mm, a fixed aperture of f/2 and two shooting modes, Everyday and Creative (the focal length is limited to 43-150mm in Everyday mode). Its operation is largely automatic, but it is possible to opt to set the shutter speed and sensitivity manually or apply a neutral density filter, as well as zoom in or out.

There are just three physical controls on the camera's body, the power button, shutter release and zoom control. Other settings are selected and adjusted via the 1.52-inch touchscreen.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables the camera to communicate with a smartphone with the Lytro app to transfer and share images, which are saved in the proprietary LFP format.

Images are stored on the camera's internal memory with two capacities being available, 8GB which is capable of storing around 350 images and 16GB which can hold around 750 images. In addition, Lytro gives camera owners unlimited storage on its website.

What makes the Light Field Camera different from other cameras is that there's a microlens array in front of the '11-Megaray' sensor. This scatters the light before it hits the sensor. The camera's processing engine analyses the angle of the light and is able to calculate how to make the point that it was reflected from sharp in an image, regardless of whether it was sharp before the shot was taken.

The Lytro camera will be available in the UK from July (it's already available in the US). It will be on sale in Dixon's Travel and Harrods, and online at John Lewis. It is set to retail for £399 for the 8GB version, which is available in three colours: Graphite, Electric Blue, Moxie Pink.

The 16GB version is available in just one colour, Red Hot, and will retail for £469.

Get the week's hottest news stories, our most popular reviews, and fantastic competitions straight to your inbox with our free weekly newsletter.

Learn more

See more cameras news Add comment

View the original article here

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

With more than 350,000 copies sold, Understanding Exposure has demystified the complex concepts of exposure for countless photographers. Now updated with current technologies, more than one hundred new images, and an all-new chapter, this new edition will inspire you more than ever to free yourself from “auto” and create the pictures you truly want.

In his trademark easy-to-understand style, author Bryan Peterson explains the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, including how to achieve successful exposures in seemingly difficult situations. You’ll learn:

•Â Which aperture gives you the greatest contrast and sharpness, and when to use it 
•Â Which apertures guarantee the background remains an out-of-focus tone 
•Â Which one apertureâ??when combined with the right lensâ??creates an area of sharpness from three feet to infinity 
•Â How to creatively use shutter speed to either freeze an action or imply motion 
•Â Where to take a meter reading when shooting a sunset, snow, or a city at dusk

 

With new information on white balance, flash, HDR, and more, this updated classic will inspire you to stop guessing and take control of your settings for better photos anytime, anywhere, and with any camera.

Price: $25.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Small Camera, Epic Shots

« Back to news

To popularise the new Lumix G3 compact system camera, Panasonic has launched a campaign entitled ‘Small Camera, Epic Shots’ which enlists the talents of two UK professional photographers. David Eustace heads to Yosemite National Park, while urban photographer Will Cooper-Mitchell explores the bustling New York City to find out for themselves how the camera performs in two very different and visually stimulating environments. Devised by creative agency Brave, the campaign will feature on television, in print, online and in store and breaks on the 15th July.

Update: Click through / scroll down to view the New York City TV spot.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic’s ‘Small Camera, Epic Shots’ Campaign

With the arrival of the new LUMIX G3, Panasonic are launching a campaign entitled ‘Small Camera, Epic Shots’ which enlists the talents of 2 UK professional photographers.  The established David Eustace ventures to picturesque Yosemite, California, while break through urban photographer Will Cooper-Mitchell explores the bustling New York City to find out for themselves how the camera performs.  Taking us on a journey of discovery using reportage style photography, David and Will demonstrate the diversity of the camera in 2 very different and visually stimulating environments.

The LUMIX G3

Small, lightweight and with outstanding image quality, the LUMIX G3 compact system camera is designed to go anywhere you do. A new 16.0-megapixel sensor and light-speed autofocus gives you the exceptional image quality that was once restricted to large, heavy DSLR cameras. The intuitive automatic shooting modes and full range of advanced features, combined with high-resolution free-angle LCD touch screen or Electronic View Finder, mean you get the picture you want, how you want.

With the LUMIX G3, there really is no limit to your creativity.

“Our consumers are passionate about photography, this is their hobby and creative outlet and what this campaign is designed to do is inspire them to get out there and take amazing shots’’ David Bonney, Advertising Manager at Panasonic UK.

Devised by creative agency Brave, the campaign will feature on Television, in print, online and in store and breaks on the 15th July.

View the original article here