Casio ZR3500 Review

Here, I got a limited time spent with Casio ZR3500. Without wasting time, I grab it for street shooting on the next day I got it. Nop, I am not gonna mentioned anything about the beauty mode in this camera. Just feel free to look for #casioZR3500 in Instagram and I am pretty sure those photos have more power to convince you than my selfies. What I am gonna do with this camera is, I gonna treat it like usual camera (let's ignore the beauty mode) and see how much it can perform. Will this camera live up to my expectation with the RM1290 price tag? Stay tune and see.

Here are the things you need to know from the camera before proceed to the written review. Pardon my broken English. Haven't had my coffee on early morning.

Some quick glance through for the Casio ZR3500 key specification :

• 12 megapixels
• 1/1.7-inch high-speed CMOS sensor
• EXILIM Engine HS Ver 3 image processor
• 25-300mm F2.8(W) to F6.3(T)
• Optical zoom：12X, Multi SR Zoom：24X, Digital zoom 4X, Maximum digital zoom：93.6X (in combination with HD Zoom, 3M size)
• 3.0-inch TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD) and 180 degree tiltable
• Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• 1920 x 1080 (30fps) video recording
• Lithium Ion Battery (NP-130A)
• 108.3(W) x 61.5(H) x 36.7(D) mm
• 248 g (Including Battery and Memory Card)

Here are the photos taken on Pudu street market. The beauty mode was turn off during the whole shooting session. All photos SOOC.

The camera feels small if to compare to my current micro four thirds gear I had. For instance, someone with large hand like me, shooting with such small camera can't seem to secure itself w/o a proper grip. Other than that, the overall feel solid and good. I do like the idea of putting front shutter; giving more flexibility when selfie. The flip screen also helps alot when I am doing high or low angle shoot on the street.

On software side, it feels pretty much half bucket. It offers options to photographer to shoot in PSAM mode, but did not provide exposure meters nor live view to show the exposure. It will only trigger when I half press the shutter button (refer to the video above for the demo). This makes the whole shooting progress slower and I risk missing one in a life time moment. Hence, I gave up and try to go for RAW format. I couldn't find it at first as it wasn't under image format like usual camera nor PSAM mode. It was hidden under BEST SHOT mode. By using RAW, the camera limitation begin where it'll goes to 35mm F3.2 on wide. Not a big deal for a day time but I hate the half bucket effort so much!

The camera actually offer 300mm zoom in exchange of slower aperture, F6.3. Again it wasn't a big deal on day time but like other subpar camera, the ZR3500 suffer from focus hunting on zoom. However, it focus very quickly on wide open and not a problem at all shooting with it. I do love how wide 25mm is despite I wish it is 21mm instead. The wider the better for a wide junkie like me. F2.8 is sufficient; if you're shooting on close up subject, you'll get bokeh. Coming from Olympus that has 5 Axis IS on body, I felt the ZR3500 5 axis IS nearly didn't exist.

Did a very quick ISO test with 100% and the camera done perfectly on ISO 400 and below. On ISO800 details started to smudge and color begin to shift on ISO 1600 and above.

The Casio Connect work flawlessly to me. As long as it is pair properly to the smartphone, the connection is almost instant. Yup, Casio Connect is available for both play store and iTune.

For me, this camera does what it do best. It is not so suitable for fast moving object due to the factors I mentioned above. If you're the type love taking selfie, foods, scenery or any subject which are not moving and you can take your sweet time, yes I would recommend this camera. It is undeniable a good looking camera that easily attract female with affordable price tag.

Till then, ciaozz!

Samsung announces NX3000 mirrorless camera

The NX3000 is Samsung's latest addition to its NX mirrorless camera line. Along with the 3" flip-up display for self-portraits, it has a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor and can shoot at 5fps. The NX3000 also comes with Wi-Fi and NFC 'Tag & Go' connectivity options. The NX3000 will ship with Samsung’s new compact 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 power zoom ED OIS lens.

Samsung NX3000 Key Specification :

• 20 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CMOS sensor
• ISO 100 - 25600
• 35 Number of focus points
• 3″ tilting LCD screen with 460,800 screen dots
• 5 fps Continuous drive
• 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 video recording
• Built-In Wireless and NFC
• B740 lithium-ion battery
• 117 x 66 x 39 mm

The camera will be available in black, white or brown and sell for $529 with the 16-50mm OIS power zoom lens and SEF-8 flash. A second kit with 20-50mm lens and SEF-8 flash will sell for $479. International pricing has not been announced.

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Samsung announces the Galaxy K zoom camera phone

As a successor of Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom, Samsung today officially unveiled Galaxy K zoom. Like its predecessor, the Galaxy K zoom combines a regular smartphone with the hardware of a point and shoot camera.

Samsung Galaxy K zoom Key Specification :

• 4.8-inch with 1280x720 resolution Super AMOLED display
• Exynos 5 Hexa SoC with six CPU cores comprising of four 1.3GHz ARM Cortex A7 and two 1.7GHz ARM Cortex A15
• Mali-T624 GPU
• 2GB RAM
• 8GB internal memory with microSD slot
• 20.7 megapixel back camera 1/2.3 BSI CMOS sensor
• 24-240mm F3.1-6.3 with optical image stabilization (OIS)
• 2MP front camera
• LTE
• 2,430mAh battery
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• 200 g
• 137.5 X 70.8 X 16.6 mm

The Galaxy K zoom will be available in black, white and blue. Price still unknown.

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Nikon announces flagship D4s professional DSLR

We knew this is coming since last year. Gentlemen, the Nikon D4s is ready! While not a major upgrade to the camera (hence the 's' in the name) from Nikon D4, the D4s packs more processing power, a refined autofocus system, faster continuous shooting, and more video features (including 1080/60p support). Two other items pros will appreciate are a 'small' Raw size and a noticeable improvement in battery life compared to the D4.

Nikon D4s Key Specification :

• 16 megapixels
• Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) CMOS Sensor
• Expeed 4 Image Processing
• ISO 100 - 25600 (expands to 50-409600)
• 51 Number of focus points
• 3.2″ fixed LCD with 921,000 screen dots
• 11 fps Continuous drive
• 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
• Water and dust resistant
• Lithium-Ion EN-EL18a rechargeable battery
• 160 x 157 x 91 mm
• 1350 g

The camera will be available in early March for $6499.95 / £5,199.99.

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Sony announces a6000 - claimed world's fastest AF and 11 fps subject tracking

Sony has released its new a6000 mirrorless camera, which is the replacement to the NEX-6. This midrange mirrorless features a 24MP CMOS sensor, Sony's latest Bionz X processor, and a refined Hybrid AF system that covers 92% of the frame with phase-detect points. The new AF system allows for continuous shooting at 11 fps with subject tracking, and also claimed the 'world's fastest autofocus', according to Sony. The camera now offers zebra pattern and clean HDMI output for movie lovers. Those who love the XGA EVF on the NEX-6 may be disappointed by the smaller, lower resolution one on the a6000.

Sony a6000 Key Specification :

• 24 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) CMOS Sensor
• Bionz X Image Processing
• ISO 100 - 25600 (51200 with Multi-Frame NR)
• 179 Number of focus points
• 3″ Tilting LCD screen with 921,600 dots
• Electronic viewfinder with 1,440,000 resolution
• 11 fps Continuous drive
• 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
• Built-In Wi-Fi and NFC
• NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery
• 120 x 67 x 45 mm
• 344 g

The camera will be available in silver or black for $650 body only, or $800 when kitted with the 16-50 F3.5-5.6 power zoom lens.

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Canon announces entry-level EOS 1200D (Rebel T5)

Finally a new entry-level camera in Canon's DSLRs lineup, and it's the EOS 1200D or known as Rebel T5. This model replaces the EOS 1100D (Rebel T3) and features the company's familiar 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processor, and 9-point AF system. The 1200D also has a 3" LCD, 3 fps continuous shooting, and 1080p video recording.

Canon EOS 1200D Key Specification :

• 18 megapixels
• APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) CMOS Sensor
• Digic 4 Image Processing
• ISO 100 - 6400
• 9 Number of focus points
• 3″ Fixed LCD screen with 460,000 dots
• 3 fps Continuous drive
• 1920 x 1080 (30, 25 fps)
• Lithium-Ion LP-E10 rechargeable battery
• 130 x 100 x 78 mm
• 480 g

The Canon EOS 1200D will be priced at $549, with the former including an 18-55mm lens.

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Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II adds faster lens and AF to big-sensor body

Canon has announced the successor for PowerShot G1 X large-sensor compact: the G1 X Mark II. The G1 X II improves upon its predecessor in many ways. It's smaller, features a faster 24-120mm equivalent F2.0-3.9 lens (with closer focusing distances), a 31-point AF system, dual lens rings, a touchscreen LCD that can tilt upward by 180°, and Wi-Fi with NFC. One added trick is that the G1 X II can shoot at 3:2 or 4:3 with the same field-of-view. The catch? No more optical viewfinder (though a $299 XGA EVF is optional). In Europe the G1 X II will be sold with an accessory grip included; US customers can buy an optional accessory grip (GR-DC1A) from Canon for $29.99.

Canon G1 X Mark II Key Specification :

• 13 megapixels
• 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) CMOS Sensor
• Digic 6 Image Processing
• ISO 100 - 12800
• 24–120 mm F2.0 - 3.9
• 31 Number of focus points
• 3″ Tilting LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots
• 5 fps Continuous drive
• 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
• Built in Wi-Fi and NFC
• NB-12L lithium-ion battery
• 116 x 74 x 66 mm
• 553 g

The G1 X Mark II will be available in April for $799.

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Sigma unveils DP2 Quattro with 19.6MP Foveon sensor

Not sure what weed Sigma have been smoking but here we go, the brand new DP2 - APS-C sensor and fixed focal length cameras. The latest, 45mm-equivalent, model features dramatic styling and a fundamental re-think of the company's Foveon multi-layer sensor design. The Quattro sensor still uses three layers to detect color information but now only captures its full, 19.6 million pixel resolution in the top layer, with lower two layers capturing 4.9MP of information each. The sensor will also appear in 28mm and 75mm equivalent dp1 Quattro and dp3 Quattro models.

Price and availability have not yet been announced.

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Panasonic announces 4K-capable Lumix DMC-GH4

Finally, a beastly camera video officially announces. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 designed as a 'hybrid camera' that can shoot both stills and videos with its revised 16MP Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine IX processor which allow for 4K video, 12 fps continuous shooting and 1080p shooting at bitrates as high as 200Mbps. The GH4 uses a new 'Depth from Defocus' autofocus system which offers focus times as quick as 0.07 sec and less hunting. The real story here is the GH4's video recording capabilities, which include 4K and 1080p, with support for the IPB and ALL-Intra codecs. Shooting aids include focus peaking, zebra pattern, luminance level adjustment, and cinema gamma presets. An optional 'interface unit' adds five SDI and two XLR terminals, and permits 10-bit 4:2:2 output with time code.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Key Specification :

• 16 megapixels
• Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor
• Venus Engine IX imaging processor
• ISO 200 - 25600
• 49 Number of focus points
• 3″ Fully articulated OLED screen with 1,036,000 dots
• Electronic Viewfinder with 2,359,000 resolution
• 12 fps Continuous drive
• 4096 x 2160 (24p), 3840 x 2160 (24p, 25p, 30p), 1920 x 1080 (24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 60p), 1280 x 720 (24p, 25p, 30p), 640 x 480 (25p, 30p) video recording
• Supports IBP and ALL-Intra codecs; 1080p data rates up to 200 Mbps
• Built-In Wireless and NFC
• DMW-BLF19 lithium-ion battery
• 133 x 93 x 84 mm
• 560 grams

Pricing and availability will be announced at a future date.

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Olympus officially announce OM-D E-M10 and reveals 25mm F1.8, compact 14-42mm, and 9mm F8 Fish-Eye

Olympus unveils the OM-D E-M10, a smaller and budget-friendlier Micro Four Thirds OMD series with many parts borrowed from the E-M5 - starting with its 16 megapixel sensor. It also manages to snag a few features from the flagship E-M1, including its TruePic VII processor and built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Key Specification :

• 16 megapixels
• Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS sensor
• TruePic VII Imaging Processor
• ISO 200 - 25600
• 3″ tilting screen with 1,037,000 screen dots
• 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) video recording
• BLS-5 Li-ion battery
• 119 x 82 x 46 mm
• 396 g
• Price : $699.99 / £529.99 (body only)
•           $799.99 / £699.99 (with 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens

It falls short of its siblings with '3-axis' image stabilization rather than the '5-axis' system in the E-M5 and E-M1, and doesn't provide an accessory port, but these concessions help nudge the E-M10 to an attractive price point. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 will be available in March 2014.

Alongside the OM-D E-M10, Olympus has also announced three lenses. First up is the M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8, a classic 50mm focal length in full frame. The lens will cost $399.

Second is the 9mm F8 Fish-Eye Body Cap Lens (which Olympus technically considers an 'accessory'); this offers a 140° angle of view in a tiny plastic body in the cost of $99.

Finally there's a new 'pancake' kit zoom for the E-M10, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ, which features an electronic zoom. The lens will cost $349.

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Fujifilm announce X-T1, offers weather-resistant body and improved EVF

The SLR-alike Fujifilm X-T1 is here! We believe the design was heavily inspired by Sony A7/7R and the very successful awards winning camera, Olympus OM-D. It's a weather-resistant, SLR-styled mirrorless camera bearing Fuji's 16MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, borrowed from its X-E2 sibling. Its built-in 2.36M dot EVF is similar to that of the XE-2, though it boasts a higher 0.77x equivalent magnification and claimed lag time of 0.005 seconds. Also included is built-in Wi-Fi, now with remote capture, and a tilting 3.0-inch LCD.

Fujiflm X-T1 Key Specification :

• 16 megapixels
• APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm) X-Trans II CMOS sensor
• EXR Processor II Imaging Processor
• 3″ tilting screen with 1,040,000 screen dots
• 1920 x 1080 (30, 60p), 1280 x 720 (30p, 60p) video recording
• NP-W126 battery
• 129 x 90 x 47 mm
• 440 g
• Price : $1299.95 / £1049.99 / €1199 (body only)
•           $1699.95 / £1399.99 / €1599 (with XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 OIS lens)

The Fujifilm X-T1 will be available in February 2014.

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Nikon unveils D3300 with new sensor, processor and kit lens

Nikon has released its D3300 entry-level DSLR, which replaces 2012's D3200. The D3300 gets a new 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, as well as an 'Expeed 4' image processor. The camera's ISO range now tops out at 25,600 and continuous shooting has increased to 5 fps. The D3300 can also record 1080/60p Full HD video. A new, collapsible, 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR II kit lens has also been announced. The lens is 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the exisiting 18-55, and will be available as part of a D3300 kit or separately.

Nikon D3300 Key Specification :

• 24 megapixels
• APS-C (23.2 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor
• Expeed 4 imaging processor
• ISO 100 - 25600 (with boost)
• 11 Number of focus points
• 3″ fixed LCD screen with 921,000 Screen dots
• 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
• EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery
• 124 x 98 x 76 mm
• 430 g

The D3300 with the new 18-55mm lens will be available in February at a suggested retail price of $649.95. The lens will be available at the same time and will be priced at $249.95.

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Sony introduces 20 megapixel a5000

It is official Sony changing the NEX naming system to Alpha. Sony has taken the wraps off the a5000 (We suspect it is NEX 3N replacement based on the design, buttons and also built in flash) a mirrorless camera that features a 20.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Bionz X processor, and built-in Wi-Fi. Sony bills the a5000 as 'the world's lightest interchangeable lens camera' because it weighs 210g (7.4 oz.) without battery, card, or lens.

Sony a5000 Key Specification :

• 20 megapixels
• APS-C (23.2 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor
• Bionz X imaging processor
• ISO 100 - 16000
• 25 Number of focus points
• 3″ Tilting LCD with 460,800 screen dots
• 1920 x 1080 (60i/24p), 1440 x 1080 (25 fps), 640 x 480 (25 fps)
• NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery
• 110 x 63 x 36 mm
• 269 g

Expected to ship in March, the Sony a5000 will include a 16-50mm kit lens for $600, and come in black, silver and white.

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Sigma announces 50mm F1.4 DG HSM 'Art' lens

Sigma has announced the 50mm F1.4 DG HSM a fast prime for full frame DSLRs. It will also work on APS-C / DX format cameras, offering a 75mm equivalent short telephoto effect.

It's a completely new lens, rather than a revision of Sigma's existing 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, with an unusually complex optical formula for its type (13 elements in 8 groups). It's also rather large, with a strong family resemblance to the excellent 35mm F1.4 DG HSM. The 50mm F1.4 will be available in Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Sony mounts.

The lens employs an ultrasonic-type focusing motor, and according to Sigma uses improved autofocus algorithms. It's also compatible with Sigma's USB dock (allowing the user to update the firmware when required), and Sigma's Mount Conversion service. Pricing and availability are still to be confirmed.

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Panasonic launches Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 ASPH

Panasonic has formally announced the Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 ASPH fast portrait prime for Micro Four Thirds. It offers an 85mm equivalent field of view and the brightest aperture of any autofocus lens on the system.

The company says the Power O.I.S stabilization built into the lens is designed to compensate for the low-frequency, high-amplitude movements that can plague low-light photography, as well as the high-frequency, low-amplitude movements that make up regular camera shake.

The lens has gained even more distinctive Leica styling and will be available during the first quarter of 2014 at suggested prices of $1,599/€1,499/£1,299.

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Fujifilm unveils XF 56mm F1.2 R portrait lens for X system

Fujifilm has announced the XF 56mm F1.2 R, a fast short telephoto 'portrait' lens for its X system mirrorless cameras. With an angle of view equivalent to an 85mm lens on full frame, it uses an internal focus design for fast, silent autofocus.

The lens has an aperture ring which Fujifilm says has been engineered to give positive click stops, something that hasn't really been the case with previous XF lenses. Like the older XF primes (but unlike the more recent wide angle primes), the focus ring is of the continuously-rotating type with no distance or depth of field scales - although Fujifilm claims it should have improved 'feel'.

The XF 56mm F1.2 R will be available in February, with a suggested retail price of $999.99 / £999.99.

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