Sony reveals Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R & Cyber-shot RX100 II

Remember the little tiny camera by packed with huge full frame sensor from Sony? Yup you got it right! Sony Cyber-shot RX1 just got a replacement, known as RX1R. It is exactly same with RX1 except, RX1R has no anti-aliasing (AA) filter.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R Key Specification :

• 24.3 megapixels
• Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) CMOS sensor
• ISO 100 - 25600
• 35 mm f2 lens
• 25 Number of focus points
• 3″ fixed LCD screen
• 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 25, 24 fps)

The MSRP of the RX1R is exactly the same as the regular RX1 ($2800), which will continue to be sold.

My Opinion : Kinda disappointed the RX1R wasn't a huge upgrade from RX1. So for existing owner of RX1, move on for the next gen RX. This isn't worth it unless you prefer extra sharpness on ur images due to lack of AA filter.

Sony announced RX100 II too, as replacement for the first generation RX100. It features a new 20.2 megapixel 1-inch back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which Sony claims is 40% more sensitive in low light than its predecessor. The 3-inch WhiteMagic LCD now articulates (84 degrees up, 45 degrees down), allowing for easier composition. Another major addition is a Multi Interface Shoe, which can not only accept an external flash, but also an electronic viewfinder or stereo microphone. The RX100 II also has Wi-Fi and NFC capability, which allows for one-touch photo transfer between camera and smart devices.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Key Specification :

• 20.2 megapixels
• 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS sensor
• ISO 200 - 25600
• 28–100 mm F1.8 - F4.9 lens
• 25 Number of focus points
• 3″ tilting LCD screen
• 1920 x 1080 (60 fps)
• NFC
• Wi-Fi

The RX100 II will be available next month for $750.

My Opinion : Physical design wise, nothing much change except the hotshoe and also tiltable LCD screen at the back. However, it is a huge upgrades in terms of sensor and also Wi-Fi enable. Sadly the lens still pretty slow on telezoom. Wish they could put f1.8-2.5 like Olympus did on their XZ series.

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Sony Xperia Z Ultra goes official

Finally, Sony Xperia Z Ultra goes official! It is the company first Phablet Android powered device. It all weighs in at 212 grams (over 50 grams more than the Xperia Z) but the body has been slimmed down to a mere 6.5mm uniform thickness. In addition, use the same design language as Xperia Z and Xperia Tablet Z - OmniBalance. It also come with TRILUMINOS display with Sony bravia engine which reproduces a greater range of rich, natural colours to deliver true and natural shades.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra will become direct competition for Samsung Galaxy Note range since it capable of pick up any pencil or pen with conductive tip and you can start writing or drawing on the screen. You can also write during calls, so you’ll always be ready capture your thoughts as they happen.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra Key Specification :

• 6.4 inch with 1080p resolution
• 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 Krait 400
• Adreno 330 GPU
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB internal memory with microSD slot
• 8-megapixel back facing camera with Exmor RS sensor
• 2-megapixel front facing camera
• IP 58
• LTE
• 3,000mAh
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

Sony Xperia Z Ultra will launch globally from Q3 2013 in white, black and purple. Pricing still unknown.

My Opinion : Finally! Sony managed to chase and even surpass all it's competitor in terms of hardware. They decided to skip S600 processor and went ahead with S800. Not to mentioned the ability to draw on the screen with pencil or pen it just sound good for artist! Now, I would love to see the review how good is the screen as well as is there any press pressure when using pen/pencil to draw.

Fujifilm announces X-M1

It is time for Fujifilm X-M1 to join the mirrorless competition together with X-E1 and X-Pro 1. Fujifilm X-M1 is the company entry level mirrorless that packed with all spec same with it's sibling.

Fujifilm X-M1 Key Specification :

• 16.3 megapixel
• X-Trans APS-C CMOS sensor
• ISO 200 - 6400
• 3.0 inch tiltable screen
• 49 point AF
• 5.6fps burst
• 1920×1080 30p, 1280×720 30p video recording
• built in wi-fi

The Fujifilm X-M1 will hit the store by July with price tag of $699.95 for body only.

In the same time, Fujifilm announce new kit zoom, the XC 16-50mm F3.6-5.6 OIS that offers a 24-75mm equivalent range and optical stabilisation, but has no aperture ring. The kit lens will come together with X-M1 with price tag $799.95.

Fujifilm also has introduced the XF 27mm F2.8, a compact 'pancake' lens. It's just 23mm thick and weighs only 78g, making it by far the smallest X-mount lens. unfortunately there is no aperture ring, so X-Pro1 and X-E1 owners will need to update their firmware to allow aperture setting from the camera's rear control dial. It'll be available in black and silver, at an MSRP of $449.95.

My Opinion : Great! I been hearing how great is X-Trans sensor rival against full frame sensor. The entry level Fujifilm X-M1 is priced at affordable range, ready to compete with all mirrorless on current market. If I wasn't fond on my Olympus camera, I wouldn't mind grab 1 for myself anytime. In fact, I am tempted to invest on Fujifilm system too in near future.

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Samsung announces Android-powered Galaxy NX mirrorless camera

We know this day will come from Samsung. Samsung has announced the Galaxy NX: the world's first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera running the Android operating system.

Samsung Galaxy NX Key Specification :

• 20.3 megapixels
• APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CMOS Sensor
• DRIMe IV Imaging processor
• ISO 100 - 25600
• Samsung NX lens mount
• Electronic viewfinder with SVGA resolution (800x600px)
• 4.8″ fixed LCD screen
• 1.6GHz quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB internal memory with expandable microSD
• 3G, 4G LTE and Wi-Fi
• 4,360mAh battery
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

Pricing and availability still unknown but we wouldn't be surprise if it cost more than RM 3,000 and above.

My Opinion : Samsung has overtake apple in terms of smartphone. But how about camera segment? Samsung is trying to be difference from other competitor now in terms of mirrorless camera. Yes, they are not the first one using android OS powered camera but at least, their's not half baked. Now my main concern will be how's Android system handling the camera performance? Is the auto focus fast enough? Is the battery life good enough for me to use for whole day shooting? Will the camera have sudden OS crash? It is interesting concept but I am not convincing enough if the three question I asked doesnt satisfy me. Of course image quality is another section to argue. Meanwhile, I still prefer stick to a proper camera.

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HTC Butterfly S is official

UPDATED : Our mistake. It seem like HTC Butterfly S is not waterproof anymore. We saw the picture that the USB pork wasn't cover up and we believe it wasn't waterproof.

Seem like HTC never take a rest. HTC Butterfly S officially announces to replace the company first ever waterproof phone, HTC Butterfly.

HTC Butterfly S Key Specification :

• 5 inch S-LCD 3 with 1080p resolution
• 1.9GHz Quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB Internal storage with expandable microSD slot
• 4MP back facing camera with Ultra pixel sensor
• 2MP front facing camera
• 3200mAh
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with Sense 5

The HTC Butterfly S is expected to debut in Taiwan for NT $22,900 (US $766) in July.

My Opinion : Better spec than HTC One except it wasn't construct with aluminium. But, it come with expandable microSD card and also bigger battery, 3200 mAh. Not to mention all features like HTC Zoe, Boomsound and Blinkfeed.

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Huawei Ascend P6 goes official

The world thinnest smartphone is here! Huawei Ascend P6 marked 6.18mm thickness only and also weight at 120 grams. Not to mention the screen will work with glove on.

Huawei Ascend P6 Key Specification :

• 4.7 inch in-cell LCD with 720p resolution
• 1.5GHz Quad core K3V2 chipset Cortex-A9 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 8MP back facing camera (BSI, F2.0) with 1080p video recording
• 5MP front facing camera
• 8GB internal memory with expandable microSD
• dual-SIM
• 2000 mAh
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with Huawei's Emotion UI

Most likely, Huawei Ascend P6 will available after July. Pricing still unknown at the moment.

My Opinion : The design look really premium and attractive. Though alot will say it look's like iPhone 5. Nevertheless, it is a beauty and a beast device. Nice slim profile, nice hardware though cortex-A9 seem like last year tech and nice front facing camera pixel :P

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HTC Desire 200 is officially announced

HTC just announced a budget entry level Android phone, Desire 200.

HTC Desire 200 Key Specification :

• 3.5" LCD with 320 x 480 pixels resolution
• 1Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB Internal memory with expandable microSD
• 5MP back facing camera
• 1230mAh

Pricing and availability are unknown.

My Opinion : Just another low end budget Android. Nothing exciting, so move on.

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