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Monday, 30 November 2015

The best Camera deals for Cyber Monday 2015

We're now into Cyber Monday and there are some massive deals for photographers. This year they're all online – but it does means Cyber Monday gives you another day to grab some amazing deals.

Cyber Monday is a big day for photographers for the same reasons as Black Friday: first, you can pick up some truly amazing deals on products you were thinking of buying already; second, you may spot a camera you've always wanted but thought you could never afford. We've seen a couple of these already, and we're expecting more through the day.

This page is where you'll find the best deals Cyber Monday deals for photographers, compiled and edited by humans, not machines! This means you'll get hand-picked offers based on our own camera experience and know-how.

Just as we did on Black Friday, we're picking out the best Cyber Monday camera deals, minute by minute, right from basic point-and-shoot cameras through high-end compacts, bridge cameras, mirrorless cameras. We're also looking for deals on lenses, tripods, camera bags and other accessories.

So stay tuned for some amazing Cyber Monday deals, and even if you can't stay with us all day, do keep coming back because the prices and the deals will be changing throughout the day.

Cyber Monday DSLR deals

Canon Rebel T5 twin lens kit Save $350 on the Rebel T5 starter DSLR, with 18-55mm and 75-300mm Canon lenses, now $399.99 at Best Buy

Nikon D3300 (with two lenses and case) Get fully kitted with this camera, plus two lenses and a carrying case now $496.95 at Amazon

Canon EOS 70D two lens bundle $500 off for the sports shooter in you with two lenses and SD card included now $1149.99 at Costco

Cyber Monday Mirrorless Camera deals

Fuji X-T10 twin lens kit Save $300 on the X-T10 with 16-50mm kit lens and 50-230mm telephoto zoom, now $999.98 at Best Buy

Sony A6000 There's an incredible $250 discount on this amazing mirrorless camera now $398 at Amazon

Sony A6000 twin lens kit Save $350 on the Sony A6000 mirrorless camera with 16-50mm kit lens and 55-210mm telephoto zoom, now $696 at B&H Photo

Nikon 1 J5 twin lens kit Save $100 on Nikon's neat and stylish J5 mirrorless camera, with 10-30mm kit lens and 30-110mm telephoto zoom, now $646.95 at B&H Photo

Panasonic G7 with 10x zoom Save $200 on the Panasonic G7 mirrorless camera with 14-140mm superzoom lens, now $987.99 at B&H Photo

Sony A7 Save $700 on this full-frame Mirrorless Camera now $1298 at Amazon

Sony A5100 (body only) An entry level compact system camera with a $200 discount to boot now $348 at Amazon

Cyber Monday lens deals

Nikon 18-300mm superzoom Save $200 on this 16.7x zoom lens for Nikon DX format DSLRs, now $699.99 at Best Buy

Cyber Monday action camera deals

Sony AZ1VR HD Save $100 on this Sony action cam with remote, now $249.99 at Best Buy

Kodak SP1 Save now on Kodak's Water/Shock/Freeze/Dust Proof action camera now $146.99 at Amazon

Polaroid Cube HD All Polaroid Cube HD cameras come 25% off now $74.99 at Amazon


Source: The best Camera deals for Cyber Monday 2015

Sunday, 29 November 2015

Sony bets on mirrorless cameras for revival

TOKYO - The once-mighty Sony is looking for salvation in digital cameras and other imaging products. But with the electronics market maturing and its business model losing effectiveness, the Japanese company faces a tough road to recovery.

At Foto Meyer, a camera shop in Berlin, customers are often seen carefully examining interchangeable-lens cameras and turning to shop clerks for advice. They are mostly interested in mirrorless cameras, which account for 60 per cent of the shop's sales, according to an employee there.

Mirrorless cameras are small, light and have an interchangeable lens that does not have a mirror reflex optical viewfinder. The first model was developed by Japan's Panasonic in 2008. Sony introduced its own version in 2010. But the cameras did not fare particularly well against single-lens reflex cameras. This was especially the case in the US and Europe.

But that has changed in a big way. According to one industry group estimate, Germany's mirrorless camera market is expected to grow about 150 per cent by volume in 2015 compared with 2012, while the US market is seen expanding 80 per cent. Much of this consumer "awakening" to the allure of mirrorless cameras has been attributed to Sony.

The arrival of a Sony mirrorless model with a full-frame image sensor had a big impact on the market, said Rainer Martin, president of Fotomax, a major German camera distributor.

Click here to read the full article.


Source: Sony bets on mirrorless cameras for revival

Saturday, 28 November 2015

eBay’s Cyber Monday announced – great deals on laptops, cameras and Apple Watch

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ebay

You're probably still just recovering from Black Friday 2015, so you should be sure to conserve some energy for Cyber Monday 2015 as well. eBay has just announced its Cyber Monday 2015 deals and they include some terrific bargains on GoPro cameras, Lenovo laptops and the Apple Watch.

FROM EARLIER: iPhone 7 rumor claims Apple will completely ditch the headphone jack

Here are some of the tech-related deals that eBay will offer starting at midnight ET on Monday, November 30th:

  • Apple Watch 42mm Steel Case – $499.99 (17% off)
  • iPhone 6S Plus 64GB (Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Grey) – $819.00 (4% off)
  • GoPro HERO4 Action Camera – $299.00 (25% off, Up to $100 off a GoPro HERO4 Silver)
  • Lenovo ThinkPad 11.6" Notebook Computer – $209.99 (58% off)
  • Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera + 16-50mm Lens – $489.00 (25% off)
  • It's not just tech deals, of course, as eBay is offering significant price cuts to other goods as well, such as:

  • Over 80% off ICE Watch
  • More than 50% off a new Hoover WindTunnel Air Bagless Upright UH70400
  • Over 40% off Michael Kors Cynthia Satchel
  • 40% off Hunter Original Tall Boots
  • We've posted a scan of eBay's full Cyber Monday 2015 ad below. Be sure to visit our Cyber Monday 2015 hub for more deals and sales events throughout the month.

    ebay-cyber-monday

    Unrelated to the Cyber Monday sale, eBay also passes along its five most popular tech products so far this holiday shopping season. It's interesting to note that Sony's PlayStation 4 is still more popular on eBay and the Xbox One bundle despite some heavy promotions from Microsoft:

     1.Sony Playstation 4 2.Microsoft Xbox Live 12-month Gold Membership 3.Lenovo 15.6″ B50-45 Notebook 4.Apple iPhone 6S 64GB GSM unlocked 5.Microsoft Xbox One with Kinect 500GB

    Related storiesCyber Monday travel deals will save you hundreds of dollars on your next trip5 products you should buy on Cyber Monday instead of Black FridayGoogle Play Cyber Weekend 2015 sale goes live with great deals on apps, movies, music

    More from BGR: 15 best online Black Friday sales that are live right now

    This article was originally published on BGR.com

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  • Apple
  • Cyber Monday

  • Source: eBay's Cyber Monday announced – great deals on laptops, cameras and Apple Watch

    Friday, 27 November 2015

    Best camera deals: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic and more

    Welcome to our roundup of the best camera deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2015!

    In this article we'll bring you our selection of the best photography and accessories deals this year. We're picking out the best camera deals from basic point-and-shoot cameras through high-end compacts, bridge cameras and mirrorless cameras. It's all here!

    All these deals are selected by humans from the T3 team and are based on our own camera experience and know-how. There are also plenty of camera accessory deals including bags and tripods.

    Oh, and don't forget to check out our main Black Friday deals page.

    The top Black Friday camera deals so far

    Fuji X-Pro1 twin lens deal Includes 2 lenses and case, worth £810, now £499 at Wex Photographic

    PNY 128GB Class 10 SDXC card Save a massive £40 on this equally massive 128GB SDXC card – perfect for 4K video, high-res raw files, now £39.99 at Currys

    TomTom Bandit Save a crazy £100 on this action cam, with 1080 video, 16Mp stills, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GoPro adaptor, now £199.95 at John Lewis

    Canon EOS 1200D beginners DSLR with 18-55mm kit lens Claim £20 cashback on an already amazing price, now £199 at Jessops

    Canon G7 X high-end compact Save £50 on this high-end compact camera, with accessory kit worth £50 included, price indludes a further £25 via cashback, now £297 at Wex Photographic

    Canon PowerShot S200 advanced compact camera Get expert camera features at a crazy £90 saving,now £79 at Currys

    Fuji X30 Save a massive £115 on this high-end Fuji compact, with electronic viewfinder, 12Mp X-Trans sensor and and a 4x f2.0-2.8 lens, now £284 at Wex Photographic

    Nikon L31 Digital camera with 5x optical zoom now £44 at Jessops

    Nikon D7200, 18-105mm lens and free battery grip from Nikon Nikon's top DX format DSLR and 18-105mm kit lens are a great combo at this price, and the free grip is worth £229, now £889 at Jessops

    Sony Alpha A7 with 28-70mm lens A full frame camera for a regular DSLR price, now £775 at Jessops

    Fuji X-T10 twin lens kit The Fuji X-T10 is the X-T1's smaller – and cheaper! – brother. Get this twin-lens kit with £40 cashback and a free 32GB memory card worth £34.95, now £999 at Wex Photographic

    Black Friday action camera deals

    Ion Air Pro 3 action cam with Wi-Fi Save £117.99 on this full HD action cam, waterproof to 15m with anti-fog lens, now £132 at Amazon UK

    TomTom Bandit Save a crazy £100 on this action cam, with 1080 video, 16Mp stills, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GoPro adaptor, now £199.95 at John Lewis

    Go Pro Hero3+ The Silver edition for now £149.99 at argos.co.uk

    Black Friday mirrorless CSC camera deals

    Canon EOS M3 kit Canon EOS M3 Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens Premium Kit, save £120 and free EOS M Adaptor worth £99, now £399 at Wex Photographic

    Fuji X-A2 mirrorless camera Save £50 on this smart compact system camera with 16-50mm lens and flip-up screen, now £299.99 at argos.co.uk

    Fuji X-T10 twin lens kit The Fuji X-T10 is the X-T1's smaller – and cheaper! – brother. Get this twin-lens kit with £40 cashback and a free 32GB memory card worth £34.95, now £999 at Wex Photographic

    Fuji X-Pro1 twin lens deal Includes 2 lenses and case, worth £810, now £499 at Wex Photographic

    Nikon 1 J5 twin lens kit Get the stylish Nikon 1 J5 with 10-30mm and 30-110mm lenses for an amazing price, and with a further £50 cashback on top, now £379 at Jessops

    Nikon 1 AW1 Get the world's only shockproof and waterproof compact system camera and save £149,now £449.99 at argos.co.uk

    Olympus E-PL6 twin lens kit Super-cheap way to kick off your mirrorless camera system, with 14-42mm lens and 40-150mm telephoto now £279 at Currys

    Olympus Pen E-PL7 with 14-42m lens Save £100, now £329 at Wex Photographic

    Olympus OM-D E-M10 with 14-140mm lens Save £200 on this Wex exclusive and get this Olympus mirrorless camera with 10x zoom, now £599 at Wex Photographic

    Exclusive Olympus E-M10 twin lens deal Get the OM-D E-M10, 14-42mm and 40-150mm telephoto and save £100, now £449 at Jessops

    Olympus OM-D E-M1 with 12-40mm f/2.8 pro lens Save £200 and get £100 cashback, now £1299 at Wex Photographic

    Olympus OM-D E-M1 twin lens kit Save £500 and get £100 cashback on this double-pro zoom deal for Olympus's top mirrorless camera, now £1999 at Wex Photographic

    Panasonic Lumix G7 with £200 cashback Panasonic's double-cashback means you save £200 on its latest DSLR style mirrorless camera (you need to claim the cash back from Panasonic), now £339 at Jessops

    Panasonic GX7 with kit lens Save £20 and get a further £50 cashback on this high-end Panasonic mirrorless camera, now £383 at Jessops

    Panasonic GX8 with 10x 14-140mm zoom Get Panasonic's top mirrorless camera with a 10x superzoom and claim £240 cashback, now £1299.95 at John Lewis

    Panasonic GH4 stills and 4K camera Highly regarded for its 4K video, the GH4 is also a high-speed 16MP stills camera with a £200 double-cashback deal, now £740 at Wex Photographic

    Sony A5000 Bundle This Sony A5000 and camera case is only now £249 at Currys

    Sony A5100 Get the A5100 mirrorless camera and 16-50mm power zoom lens and save £124.97, now £279 at Amazon UK

    Sony A6000 with 16-50mm kit lens With its 24MP sensor, super-fast autofocus and built in EVF, this A6000 is a great deal – price includes £100 cashback, now £394 at Jessops

    Sony Alpha A7 with 28-70mm lens A full frame camera for a regular DSLR price, now £775 at Jessops

    Sony Alpha A7 It's not the latest model, but it comes with a 28-70mm lens and you won't find a full-frame camera/lens kit for less (price includes £200 cashback), now £775 at Jessops

    Best DSLR deals for Black Friday

    Canon EOS 1200D beginners DSLR with 18-55mm kit lens Claim £20 cashback on an already amazing price, now £199 at Jessops

    Canon EOS 6D Save £100 and get £100 cashback, now £1119 at Wex Photographic

    Canon EOS 7D Mark II Save £100, now £1199 at Wex Photographic

    Canon EOS 5D Mark III body only Save £250 on the 5D Mark III with this voucher code: 5DMK3BF,now £1999 at Wex Photographic

    Nikon D3300 with accessory kit Nikon's best-selling D3300 DSLR, kit lens and accessory kit including camera bag, lens cleaning pen and spare battery, now £279 at Currys

    Nikon D7200, 18-105mm lens and free battery grip from Nikon Nikon's top DX format DSLR and 18-105mm kit lens are a great combo at this price, and the free grip is worth £229, now £889 at Jessops

    Nikon D610 body only Save £135 on this terrific full-frame DSLR from Nikon, now £1049 at Jessops

    Pentax K-S1 DSLR with lens Save 30% on Pentax's innovative 20Mp DSLR and 18-55mm kit lens,now £349.98 at Amazon UK

    Pentax K-S2 with 18-135mm lens Save a massive £390.99 on Pentax's latest DSLR, sold with the extra long 18-135mm kit zoom, now £699 at Amazon UK

    Plus: lots of Black Friday lens deals

    Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens Claim £100 cashback on this premium quality Art lens, now £536 at Jessops

    Canon EF-S 55-250mm lens Save a massive £187 on this Canon telephoto zoom, with STM autofocus, now £162.95 at Amazon UK

    Tamron 70-300mm telephoto for Nikon Save 48% on this Tamron telephoto lens, with built in AF motor, for Nikon DSLRs, now £89.99 at Amazon UK

    Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Save over £20 on this f/1.8 prime lens for Canon DSLRs, now £80 at Amazon UK

    Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Sigma's super-telephoto zoom comes with £50 cashback and a free protective UV filter, now £849 at Wex Photographic

    Save 10% off all Zeiss lenses Enter ZEISS10 at the checkout, now at Wex Photographic

    Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 Save £250 on this Olympus pro telephoto lens, now £999 at Wex Photographic

    Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens with matched MC-14 teleconverter Save £300 on this Olympus pro telephoto with teleconverter that extends it to 56-210mm, now £1199 at Jessops

    Black Friday ompact camera deals

    Canon Ixus 165 Get this stylish Canon compact camera half price, with 20Mp sensor and 8x zoom, now £69.99 at argos.co.uk

    Canon PowerShot S200 advanced compact camera Get expert camera features at a crazy £90 saving, now £79 at Currys

    Canon PowerShot SX410 This straightforward pocket-sized bridge camera has 20 million pixels and a 40x zoom and is half price, now £129.99 at argos.co.uk

    Canon SX610 compact camera Save £20 on this versatile Canon camera, with 18x zoom and free accessory kit worth £49.99, now £129 at Jessops

    Canon G7 X high-end compact Save £50 on this high-end compact camera, with accessory kit worth £50 included, price indludes a further £25 via cashback, now £297 at Wex Photographic

    Fuji X30 Save a massive £115 on this high-end Fuji compact, with electronic viewfinder, 12Mp X-Trans sensor and and a 4x f2.0-2.8 lens, now £284 at Wex Photographic

    Lytro Illum light field camera Save £200, Was £599, now £399 at Wex Photographic

    Nikon L31 Digital camera with 5x optical zoom now £44 at Jessops

    Nikon AW130 waterproof camera Waterproof to 30m, shockproof to a height of 2m and freezeproof down to -10 degrees, this is a great camera for adventure fans at a great price – and you get a free accessory kit worth £59.99, now £199 at Wex Photographic

    Panasonic TZ55 travel compact Get this versatile camera with 20x zoom and 16Mp sensor at a knock-down price, now £99 at argos.co.uk

    Panasonic LX100 Save £50 on Panasonic's legendary high-end compact camera and claim £100 cashback too, now £439 at Jessops

    Ricoh WG-5 rugged camera Waterproof, Splashproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof and with built in GPS, this Ricoh shoots 1080 video, 16MP stills and has a 4x zoom, now £149.95 at John Lewis

    Sony W800 camera Bag a bargain and save £20 on this Sony compact camera, with 5x zoom and 20MP sensor, now £59 at Tesco.com

    Sony RX100 Pick up this 20.2 megapixel camera with £60 cashback, now £204 at Jessops

    Sony RX10 Get this premium quality Sony bridge camera for a knock down price (including £100 cashback) and get a free tripod worth £49.99 too, now £498 at Jessops

    Black Friday camera accessory deals

    Bowens Limelite Pixel 3-Head Light Kit Less than half price! Save £641 on this multi-light kit for photos and video, now £499 at Wex Photographic

    Save 20% on Three Legged Thing tripods Enter Code '3LT-BF15' at Checkout, at Wex Photographic

    Gorillapod Magnetic Tripod Designed for compact cameras and selling at half price, now £14.95 at John Lewis

    PNY 128GB Class 10 SDXC card Save a massive £40 on this equally massive 128GB SDXC card – perfect for 4K video, high-res raw files, now £39.99 at Currys

    Manfrotto monopod Keep your shots steady with this Manfrotto monopod and save £10 at the same time, now £19.99 at Currys

    Photoshop Elements 14 Get Adobe's photo-editing and organising software at half price, now £39.99 at Currys

    Lowepro Urban Reporter 350 Messenger Bag Down to half price, was £49, now £24 at Wex Photographic

    Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 tripod Save £40, Was £139, now £99 at Wex Photographic

    Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head Save £20, Was £74, now £54 at Wex Photographic

    DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter Drone Save £80 & Free Battery, now £1079 at Wex Photographic

    Comodo Orbit video rig The world's first twin-grip, mechanical gimbal camera stabilisation rig, Save £350, RRP £599, now £249 at Wex Photographic

    Kata Bug-203 PL backpack (black) Save an amazing £160 on this pro-level backpack and use our exclusive code [TECHRADAR2] for a further reduction, now £53 at Wex Photographic

    Manfrotto MT190CXPro4 tripod with bag and free head The MT190CXPro4 is a sturdy but lightweight carbon fibre tripod, sold here with a free Manfrotto bag and free XPro 3 way head via redemption from Manfrotto now £249 at Wex Photographic

    Kata DR-467 DL backpack Save 75% and get this photo backpack with room for a DSLR, two lenses, accessories and even a 17-inch laptop, now £34.95 at Wex Photographic

    Lexar 32GB UHS II SDHC twin pack with free card reader Ideal for stills, HD and 4K video, with free USB 3.0 Lexar Pro SR2 Workflow card reader, now £48 at Wex Photographic

    Solo 3DR quadcopter drone with free bag Lowepro DroneGuard CS 400 Case included free (usually £110) while stocks last, now £979 at Wex Photographic

    Lexar 16Gb Class 10/UHS II memory card Fast enough for full HD and even 4K video, this Lexar SDHC memory card has 66% off, now £12.09 at Amazon UK

    Manfrotto Still Life Kit The perfect kit for experimenting with table-top still lifes this winter, now £119 at Wex Photographic

    Liked this? Don't forget to check out our main Black Friday deals page.


    Source: Best camera deals: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic and more

    Thursday, 26 November 2015

    eBay’s Black Friday 2015 sale is now live

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    ebay-sign

    Many people still think of eBay as an auction site, but anyone who has been paying attention knows that eBay is about much more than just auctions. Retail stores and individuals from all over the world flock to eBay to sell products at rock bottom prices without any need to bid, and now many of those rock bottom prices have somehow gotten even lower for eBay's big Black Friday 2015 sale.

    DON'T MISS: 15 best online Black Friday sales that are live right now

    If you've been following our Black Friday coverage this year, you've known for just over two weeks that eBay was prepping a huge sales event for Black Friday. Now, the site's big sale has officially kicked off. eBay and its partner sellers are offering big discounts on all sorts of products ranging from HDTVs, smartphones and tablets to jewelry, appliances and plenty more.

    Here are some of the sales shoppers now have access to on eBay:

  • $1,799.99 65-inch Samsung Smart 4K TV (save $1,200)
  • $1,199.99 55-inch Samsung Smart 4K 3D TV (save $1,800)
  • $999 Canon EOS 6D DSLR (save $700)
  • $819 128GB iPhone 6s (save $30)
  • $369.99 LG Nexus 5X 16GB (Factory GSM Unlocked) Android Smartphone (save $10)
  • $729 11.6-inch MacBook Air (save $170)
  • $719 64GB iPhone 6s (save $30)
  • $629 16GB iPhone 6s (save $20)
  • $489 Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera + 16-50 lens (save $159)
  • $459.99 64GB iPad mini 4 (save $40)
  • $459.99 15.6 Lenovo Flex laptop (save $240)
  • $359.99 16GB iPad Air 2 (save $140)
  • $299 GoPro Hero4 camera (save $100)
  • $229 GoPro Hero4 camera (save $70)
  • $209.99 11.6-inch Lenovo ThinkPad laptop (save $289.01)
  • $185 $200 Target Gift card (save $15)
  • $114.95 Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband (save $30)
  • $80 for $100 Toys R Us Gift Card (save $20)
  • $50 GameStop Gift Card with Bonus $10
  • Like what you see? Head over to the eBay website to see all the great deals that are available, and head here for info about other big Black Friday sales from Amazon, Best Buy and more.

    Related storiesAmazon's top Black Friday deals of the day: Huge HDTVs, drones, streaming sticks and moreThe ultimate Black Friday 2015 guide: Everything you need to know15 best online Black Friday sales that are live right now

    More from BGR: 15 best online Black Friday sales that are live right now

    This article was originally published on BGR.com

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  • Source: eBay's Black Friday 2015 sale is now live

    Wednesday, 25 November 2015

    Pulse is a Full Fledged Remote Control for Your DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

    Controlling a DSLR camera remotely has never been that easy, the wireless triggers were limited to capturing the shots but one couldn't just change the settings or control the camera in totality. That's something the new accessory, Pulse promises to offer. The Kickstarter exhibit will let you control your DSLR or Mirrorless camera from your smartphone wirelessly by plugging in to the cameras USB port. The best part is that the device does render complete control of your camera to the smartphone including stills, videos and even Timelapses.

    Pulse

    The Pulse works on the Bluetooth LE energy radio and an advanced form of USB control software. The software on the phone also boasts of an option to preview the picture wirelessly, before taking the shots, the range although will be limited to 100 feet. Next time you want to shoot the night sky lit with the skyscrapers you can position your camera and take the photo all the while snugging in the cosy blanket. The Pulse is compatible with any Nikon or Canon DSLR and the app is available on both iOS and Android.

    Pulse_2

    The Pulse also helps out the users with the battery and the memory notifications – in essence it teleports all the controls from the camera to the smartphone app. The app also lets you to keep the shutter open for several hours or even a few seconds, the long exposure mode will let you to lock the shutter down manually and release it, still better it also allows to count down until its finished and shut down all by itself.

    The makers of Pulse have spared quiet a lot of efforts to fine tune the product. The Pulse is also capable of helping you out with that perfectly timed timelapse thanks to its Exposure Ramping Feature. The feature will let you capture day to night transitions without actually touching the camera. The caveat however is that the previews on the Pulse app are actually thumbnails as the Bluetooth LE doesn't has the transfer rates to deploy the images live on the app.

    The bottom line is that Pulse has more use-cases than one can think of, the very fact that it lets you control three cameras at a single instance depicts how a one-man team can shoot from different angles. Wildlife Photographers will find a new favourite with the Pulse as they won't be needing to venture near the camera setup thus leaving the scene to be shot undisturbed.

    If you find the Pulse enthralling enough for your taste and utility, you can back it up on Kickstarter. The team behind Pulse has successfully delivered three other camera accessories in the past, so they can be considered to be reliable. The available slots for pledge range from $74 to $3000. If you pledge for $74 you will be the first one to own the pulse and will get a $25 discount on the sticker price. By Pledging $350 or more you can actually Beta test the product and also help the team to tweak the firmware plus you will also get a Pulse once it starts shipping. The folks who chip in $3000 will not only get their hands on the Pulse but will also get a 2-day trip with the Pulse team to learn photography.


    Source: Pulse is a Full Fledged Remote Control for Your DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

    Tuesday, 24 November 2015

    Top Olympus mirrorless cameras get a free update

    The older OM-D E-M1 has been around since 2013, and this update is designed to keep it ahead of the game in the fast-moving mirrorless camera market. It gets the biggest set of improvements with no fewer than 18 feature enhancements, and here they are in full:

    Olympus OM-D E-M1 Ver. 4.0 firmware update features
  • Focus Stacking: this combines 8 shots into a single image from a single shutter release.
  • Focus Bracketing: a series of shots are taken at different focus distances so that you can choose the most successful later.
  • Advanced Focus Peaking: better manual focus display.
  • Silent Mode: uses the camera's electronic shutter for silent stills and video photography.
  • Improved Anti-shock Mode
  • Advanced Olympus Capture tethered shooting software compatibility
  • S-OVF (Simulated OVF): more natural-looking 'optical' viewfinder image.
  • 4K Time Lapse Movie
  • Live Composite on OI.Share
  • MF Clutch Disable
  • Menu Cursor Position Memory
  • Movie image stabilisation with 5-axis optical IS and digital IS: the digital stabilization is new.
  • 24p (23.98p)/25p Frame Rate: offers a choice of frame rates rather than just 30fps.
  • Movie Info Display: includes histogram, level gauge, audio level, time code.
  • Movie Rec Start with Release Cable (RM-UC1)
  • Time Code Setting
  • M-IS1 and M-IS2 supported
  • Slate Tone: automatically matches in-camera audio wavelengths with the OLYMPUS LS-100 audio recorder.
  • Synchronised PCM Audio Rec with Movie Rec
  • M.Zuiko Premium + 14-42mm EZ movie aperture support
  • Olympus says the emphasis is on video and professional workflow and the key updates are the focus stacking mode, extra video frame rates, digital stabilization, enhanced movie info display and silent mode.

    Most-read articles Best free video editing software: 20 top programs in 2015 Trim, process and polish your movies - no cash required, promise 100 best free Android games 2015 The best free games on Android for phone and tablet 20 common Windows 10 problems and how to solve them Easy fixes for popular issues

    Olympus OM D E M5 II

    Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Ver. 2.0 firmware update features

    The OM-D E-M5 II is much newer. It was launched early 2015 and already has many of the features in the OM-D E-M1 update. It still has some important new options, though:

  • Focus Bracketing: the camera shoots a series of images at different focus distances so that you can choose the best one later.
  • Advanced Olympus Capture tethered shooting software compatibility.
  • S-OVF: simulated optical viewfinder.
  • 4K Time Lapse Movie: shoots 4K stills at fixed intervals for combining into a 4K movie.
  • Live Composite on OI.Share
  • MF Clutch Disable
  • Slate Tone
  • Synchronised PCM Audio Rec with Movie Rec
  • Movie-Exclusive Picture Mode: Flat/Noise Filter for video shooting: this captures footage optimised for color grading later.
  • M.Zuiko Premium + 14-42mm EZ movie aperture supported
  • The key additions for the E-M5 II are the 'flat' movie mode and the focus bracketing option. The updates for both cameras are available from November 26th and can be installed via the Olympus Digital Camera Updater app.

    See also:


    Source: Top Olympus mirrorless cameras get a free update

    Monday, 23 November 2015

    6 unmissable Cyber Monday deals from eBay: Smart TV, iPhone 6s Plus, GoPro Hero 4, more

    With the countdown to Black Friday now in full swing, you have most likely nailed down your shopping list for Thursday and Friday. If there is anything missing from your list you have not found a sale for yet, you will get a second chance when Cyber Monday sales kick off.

    Although right now details are scarce on who will offer what on Cyber Monday, we brought you a selection of Cyber Monday deals on laptops and accessories from Dell last week and today we have six Cyber Monday deals from eBay for you. Take a look below:

    Samsung 55-inch 4K Ultra HD 3D Smart TV

    At $1,199.00, eBay is offering a massive 70 percent discount off the regular retail price of $3,999.00 for a 55-inch Samsung 4K Ultra HD 3D Smart TV.

    It is worth pointing out that this a 2015 model, and sports the latest smart TV tech on offer from Samsung, including 64X greater color expression than a regular HD TV, a more dynamic picture and Ultra HD upscaling to perk up your regular TV viewing.

    GameStop Gift Card

    You can grab that PS4 game at GameStop you've been eyeing and save $60 with a $50 GameStop gift card that includes a bonus $10 for just $50. That's a saving of 17 percent.

    iPhone 6s Plus 64GB

    Available in gold, silver, space gray, and rose gold, you can get a 64GB iPhone 6s Plus for $819 and save 4 percent off the retail price.

    Apple's newly released iPhone 6s Plus features a faster A9 chip, 3D Touch, LTE Advanced wireless connectivity, Touch ID, a 12-megapixel iSight camera with optical image stabilization capable of shooting 4K video, a 5-megapixel FaceTime camera with Apple's new retina Flash and ships with iOS 9.

    GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera

    Save $100 on a GoPro Hero4 Silver action camera at just $299.

    The GoPro Hero4 Silver features 1080p video at 60 frames per second, 720p at 120 frames per second and can shoot 12-megapixel stills at up to 30 frames per second. It has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Protune for photos and video. It's also waterproof to 131 feet.

    With a built-in touch screen and built-in video trimming, you can quickly create and save short highlight clips of your footage to share on social media. The HiLight Tag feature lets you mark key moments in footage so that you can easily find them again.

    Lenovo ThinkPad 11.6-inch Notebook Computer

    eBay is offering a massive 58 percent discount on the 11.6-inch Lenovo ThinkPad. Featuring a 1.5GHz AMD A-Series processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, this ThinkPad will go on sale at just $209.99 on Cyber Monday.

    Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera plus 16-50mm lens

    At $489.00, on Cyber Monday eBay is selling the Sony Alpha a6000 plus a 16-50mm lens at 25 percent less than the retail price of $648.

    The Sony Alpha a 6000 mirrorless camera features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, BIONZ X image processor, a Tru-Finder 0.39-inch 1,440k-Dot OLED electronic view finder, a 3.0-inch 921k-Dot Xtra fine tilting LDC display, shoots Full HD 1080i/p video at 24 or 60 frames per second, and comes with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC to let you control the camera via a smartphone app and easily send images to you phone, tablet or laptop.

    Don't forget, the deal includes a Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Zoom lens.

    eBay's Cyber Monday sale kicks off on November 29 at 9 p.m. PST and the online retailer is sure to add more deals on the day.

    In case you haven't finished your Black Friday shopping list, check out more 2015 Black Friday deals:

    Best Target Black Friday deals on iPhones, PlayStations: Free gift cards

    Best Buy Black Friday deals: TVs, game + console bundles and more

    Microsoft's delectable Xbox One deals for Black Friday, starting today

    Amazon Black Friday 2015 list includes some great bargains on tech and electronics

    11 unmissable Black Friday deals on Apple's iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV

    6 Pre-Black Friday deals on iPads, iPhones, GoPro cameras, more

    13 unmissable Black Friday deals on Android smartphones and tablets

    Nest Black Friday sales: Best Buy discounts, bundles and more

    Best Black Friday sales for smartwatches, fitness trackers and other gadgets

    Best Walmart Black Friday sales for iPhones, game consoles and TVs

    Source: BlackFriday.com

    Image credit: Kevin Marks via Flickr
  • About
  • Latest Posts
  • Collen Kriel Collen Kriel is a beat writer for SiliconANGLE covering consumer technology with a focus on mobile. He has a passion for words, the Internet, the Web and all things tech. He endures a minor fascination with people who define themselves by the brand of smartphone they own. Prior to writing for SiliconANGLE he worked as an account executive in the IT industry, directly for, or in association with companies like Mimecast, IBM, VMware and Micros. He is an avid traveller currently making his way around South East Asia Latest posts by Collen Kriel (see all)
  • Presence Pro Care's range of connected sensors helps you care for ageing loved ones - November 23, 2015
  • 10 best Black Friday tablet deals, all under $150 - November 23, 2015
  • 6 unmissable Cyber Monday deals from eBay: Smart TV, iPhone 6s Plus, GoPro Hero 4, more - November 23, 2015
  • SIGN UP FOR THE SiliconANGLE NEWSLETTER! Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
    Source: 6 unmissable Cyber Monday deals from eBay: Smart TV, iPhone 6s Plus, GoPro Hero 4, more

    Thursday, 19 November 2015

    Great Advanced Cameras for $600 or Less

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  • Source: Great Advanced Cameras for $600 or Less

    Wednesday, 18 November 2015

    Top 12 Best Premium Mirrorless Compact System Cameras 2015

    The mirrorless camera, or compact system camera (CSC), lets you change lenses, as well as providing DSLR sized sensors with DSLR image quality in a much more compact camera body. With a rapid refresh cycle, there is a number of new cameras introduced each year, with many offering innovative new features. Here we highlight the best advanced Compact System Cameras with a built in electronic viewfinder (EVF).  

    Click the camera names to read our full reviews of these cameras to see how they have scored, as well as the pros and cons of each model. To check the latest prices, you can click the green "Check Latest Price" buttons. 

    Here we highlight the best of the bunch, starting with Number 1:

    Sony Alpha A7R II (2)

    The 42.4 megapixel Sony Alpha A7R Mark II offers a backlit full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, 5-axis sensor based image stabilisation, ISO50 to ISO102400, 5fps continuous shooting, and a tilting 3inch screen. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), and built in Wi-Fi. 

    Check Latest Price

    Olympus OM D E M5 MarkII (2)

    The 16 megapixel Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is an impressive camera, with a range of features to suit all aspects of photography, from the video enthusiast, who will benefit from the 5-axis image stabilisation, or someone looking for high resolution (stills) photography, the 40 megapixel mode will be very appealing. The camera is much cheaper than any alternative 36mp+ camera and the camera produces excellent images, with an abundance of options and settings available. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), ISO100 to ISO25600, a vari-angle touch-screen, built in Wi-Fi, 10fps continuous shooting, and a weather sealed camera body. 

    Check Latest Price

    Panasonic Lumix DMC GH4 (2)

    The 16 megapixel Panasonic Lumix GH4 gives excellent image quality, high speed continuous shooting at 12fps, and records 4K video. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), a vari-angle touch-screen, built in Wi-Fi, and a weather sealed camera body. The camera offers ISO100 to ISO25600.

    Check Latest Price

    Olympus OMD EM10 MarkII (11)

    The 16 megapixel Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is the entry level Olympus OM-D model, yet features the same 16 megapixel sensor as the E-M5 Mark II, as well as 5-axis image stabilisation, and built in Wi-Fi, at a competitive price. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), ISO100 to ISO25600, 8.5fps continuous shooting, and built in Wi-Fi. Although the camera is not weather-sealed, it does have a tilting touch-screen. 

    Check Latest Price

    Fujifilm X T10 Black (7)

    The 16 megapixel Fujifilm X-T10 offers the same 16 megapixel sensor and 8fps continuous shooting as the X-T1, although is not weather-sealed. There is a high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), ISO100 to ISO51200, built in Wi-Fi, and a 3inch screen on the back. 

    Check Latest Price

    X-T1

    The 16 megapixel Fujifilm X-T1 gives excellent image quality, high speed continuous shooting at 8fps, and records full HD video. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), a tilting 3inch screen, ISO100 to ISO51200, built in Wi-Fi, and a weather-sealed camera body. 

    Check Latest Price

    Panasonic Lumix G7 Black (2)

    The 16 megapixel Panasonic Lumix G7 offers 4K video recording, 8fps continuous shooting, a vari-angle touch-screen, and DSLR styling. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), ISO100 to ISO25600, and built in Wi-Fi and NFC. 

    Check Latest Price

    Panasonic Lumix GM5 (3)

    The 16 megapixel Panasonic Lumix GM5 is a marvel of compact dimensions, offering the image quality of the GX7, it is the smallest Micro Four Thirds camera available, and one of the smallest mirrorless cameras available, yet has access to an excellent range of lenses, with a built-in electronic viewfinder (1.166m dots) as well as a flash hot-shoe. The camera can shoot at 5.8fps, has an ISO range of ISO100 to ISO25600, a 3inch touch-screen, and has built in Wi-Fi. 

    Check Latest Price

    Sony Alpha A6000 (4) 

    The 24 megapixel Sony Alpha A6000 offers an APS-C CMOS sensor, high speed shooting at 11fps with continuous AF, making this a quick camera with a competitive price point as well. There is an electronic viewfinder (1.44m dots), ISO100 to ISO25600, and built in Wi-Fi and NFC. 

    Check Latest Price

     Samsung NX1 (1)

    The 28 megapixel Samsung NX1 is a DSLR shaped mirrorless camera, with a high resolution 28 megapixel BSI APS-C CMOS sensor, 15fps continuous shooting, 4K video recording, tilting vari-angle touch-screen, and an ISO range of ISO100 to ISO51200. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), built in Wi-Fi, and a weather-sealed body. 

    Check Latest Price

    Olympus OM D E M1 (12)

    The 16 megapixel Olympus OM-D E-M1 has improved image quality and improved handling, as well as an excellent and large electronic viewfinder making this more appealing to the professional user. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots), ISO100 to ISO25600, built in Wi-Fi, and a weather-sealed camera body. 

    Check Latest Price

    Panasonic Lumix GX8 Silver (4)

    The 20 megapixel Panasonic Lumix GX8 is the first 20 megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera available, has a tilting EVF built into the body, a tilting vari-angle 3 inch touch screen, 4K video recording, as well as in-body sensor shift image stabilisation, which will benefit anyone who shoots with lenses without built in IS. There is a large, high resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36m dots) that tilts, 8fps continuous shooting, ISO100 to ISO25600, built in Wi-Fi, and a weather sealed camera body. 

    Check Latest Price

    For more mirrorless compact system camera reviews, have a look at our latest mirrorless reviews. Don't forget to pick up a bag for it to protect it - have a look at our complete guide to bags. If you want a memory card for your camera, have a look at our complete guide to memory cards. Updated November 2015.


    Source: Top 12 Best Premium Mirrorless Compact System Cameras 2015

    Tuesday, 17 November 2015

    24/7 Camera Bags Hit the Photo and Video Scene, Available Now at Adorama

    The Just-Launched 24/7 Brand of Camera Bags Makes Its Debut With The Traffic Collection, Featuring Six Styles Specially Designed to Carry DSLRs, Mirrorless Cameras, Laptops, Phones, Memory Cards and More -- Available Only at Adorama

    NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Nov 17, 2015) - 24/7, a new brand of stylish and discreet camera bags designed to securely hold all the photo and video gear one could need, has just launched The Traffic Collection, its first ever line of camera bags. Created for the urban photographer looking for infallible support and organization when shooting from location to location, the 24/7 debut collection was sleekly designed with impeccable taste, keeping photographers covered, discreetly, from café to boardroom to bustling city streets. The collection currently includes six different styles -- the Holster M, the Holster S, the Messenger S, the Pouch, the Shoulder and the Sling. The 24/7 line is the picture-perfect answer for carrying equipment securely and in style, even in the busiest of cities. Bags from 24/7 are available to order now at Adorama.com.

    The 24/7 Traffic Collection includes:

    Holster M: The Holster M is perfect for the urban photographer, with a design complementary to fast-paced city life. This medium-sized holster can hold a standard DSLR camera and has additional pockets for a memory card and personal items. Its adjustable, removable shoulder strap allows for two different ways to wear -- across the body or on the shoulder. With a built-in all-weather cover, the 24/7 Holster M offers the best camera protection possible from the elements. Shop the 24/7 Holster M

    Holster S: Like the Holster M, the Holster S is also designed for fast-paced city life, but in a more compact size. Made to carry a mirrorless camera and additional personal items in a front organizer and rear pocket, this small holster is wearable across the body or on the shoulder. A built-in all-weather cover gives shooters peace of mind in any environment. Ideal for those spur of the moment trips on the town, the 24/7 Holster S is the perfect size for travel. Shop the 24/7 Holster S

    Messenger S: Specially designed for bicyclists, the 24/7 Messenger S is both stylish and discreet. A standard DSLR kit and personal items can easily fit in its large main compartment, and the additional padded insert keeps items from jostling around during a bike ride through the city. An adjustable shoulder strap gives the wearer two options, across the body or on the shoulder, for ultimate support while on the go. Shop the 24/7 Messenger S

    Pouch: The Pouch was designed to hold a superzoom camera with plenty of padding and support. It can be carried on the shoulder or attached to the belt for free-hand shooting. This bag also includes a built-in all weather pouch to protect equipment from the elements. Designed for photographers seeking the highest level of convenience, the 24/7 Pouch allows for quick access to equipment with a fast-release front clip. Shop the 24/7 Pouch

    Shoulder: The 24/7 Shoulder bag gives commuting professionals style and discretion in a larger carrier for those needing a bit of extra room. With space for a standard DSLR kit and personal items, there is plenty of space to hold all equipment necessary for all-day shooting -- and then some. The removable shoulder strap is adjustable for extra support, and its built-in all-weather cover keeps equipment safe from the elements. Shop the 24/7 Shoulder

    Sling: The 24/7 Sling gives shooters the ultimate flexibility on the job. With a strap designed for "slinging" the bag from back to front quickly, gear is accessible in a flash. This bag also offers side access that allows users to take their camera out without removing the bag entirely. Its padded harness and quick-adjust buckle provide extra support during fast movement, and with a separate area for personal items, the Sling is ideal for any situation that may arise during an all-day shoot. Shop the 24/7 Sling

    For more information on 24/7 Bags, or to purchase, please visit: http://www.adorama.com/l/?sel=Brand_24-7. 

    Request a Media Review Kit Members of the media are invited to review any of the above products from the 24/7 Traffic Collection. To request a product review kit, please contact Anya Nelson at anya@zazilmediagroup.com.

    ADORAMA: More Than a Camera Store Adorama is more than a camera store -- it's one of the world's largest photography, video, audio and computer retailers. Serving customers for more than 35 years, Adorama has grown from its flagship NYC store to include the leading online destination for imaging and consumer electronics. Adorama's vast product offerings encompass home entertainment, mobile computing, and professional video and audio, while its services include an in-house photo lab, AdoramaPix; resources and gear for photographers, filmmakers, production studios, broadcasting and post houses, and recording artists through Adorama Pro; pro equipment rental at Adorama Rental Company; and the award-winning Adorama Learning Center, which offers free creative education in online channels such as the popular Adorama TV. 

    Adorama is listed as one of the top five electronics retailers by Consumer Reports, "Best of the Web" by Forbes.com, Internet Retailers Top 100, and is the official Electronics Retailer of the NY Giants.

    Visit ADORAMA at www.adorama.com.


    Source: 24/7 Camera Bags Hit the Photo and Video Scene, Available Now at Adorama

    Monday, 16 November 2015

    Top 5: Best mirrorless cameras for shooting video

    If you're in the market for a new camera and want to shoot video, you're in luck. With the advent of mirrorless technology, there's an almost staggering array of cameras that produce crisp video, without the need to spend thousands of dollars. Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Leica, and even new companies like Blackmagic Design have ratcheted up the innovation factor. That chunky DSLR sitting over there in the corner? Dare I say… looking slightly long in the tooth.

    Mirrorless cameras offer several advantages over their DSLR counterparts: compact design thanks to the lack of a sizable mirror mechanism; quiet operation; high performance in low light (in general, but not always the case); and, for the most part, relatively affordable prices.

    Bottom line: now is a great time to be camera shopping.

    But how to decide?

    I've rolled up my 5 favorite mirrorless cameras. These are ones that do especially well when it comes to video. So if you plan to shoot, for example, birthday parties, soccer games, weddings, and the like, you'd do well to give these a look. A few here (especially the Panasonic GH4 and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera) will give you even more runway, and can be used to produce commercials, music videos, fashion films, and even full-length features.

    Canon has long been a personal favorite. I've been shooting specifically on Canon — currently the stellar Canon EOS 70D (before that a 60D, and Rebel T2i) — since 2009 for videos here on Stark Insider. We specialize in covering various events across the San Francisco Bay Area, live concerts, backstage Broadway, "wanderlust" travel features and theater and the arts. Though I still think the 70D is great (and use it regularly), if I had to start all over again in selecting gear I'd likely give the Sony ecosystem strong consideration.

    So, with that, here's 5 excellent mirror cameras you should consider for shooting video. All of these I've personally owned, tested, rented, or borrowed from a colleague.

    Top 5: Best Mirror Camera's for Shooting Video

    (in no particular order)

    Sony RX100 IV Camera - Photo testsSony RX100 IV. Fourth generation mini shooter now has 4K video. Build quality and image quality or both outstanding.

    Best for: Everyday video shoots, those that want a discrete camera, 4K enthusiasts.

    Watch out for: Controls can be too tiny for those with large hands.

    Price: $948

    If small size and portability are your ultimate goals, consider the new Sony RX100 IV (Sony RX 100 IV Hands-On: 5 Killer Features). It looks like a regular point-and-shoot camera, but it packs some serious power. Like 4K video for instance. And a trick fly-by-wire focus ring that can also be configured as an aperture or shutter control. The built-in lens offers decent range. Battery life is good (but not as good as some of the competition). A built-in flash and viewfinder further expand its versatility.

    WATCH: "Trampoline" – Shot on Sony RX100 IV

    Perhaps best of all, you'll look totally inconspicuous capturing video — making the RX100 IV perfect for shooting in museums, capturing documentary footage, for example. Discrete, compact, stellar image quality (Zeiss glass). There's a lot to like here. Quick note for those with large hands: this camera's controls may be too tiny for comfortable use.

    Panasonic Lumix GH4 - recommended for videoLumix GH4 by Panasonic. Highly recommended.

    Best for: filmmakers on limited budgets, serious photographers, creative professionals and hobbyists alike.

    Watch out for: crop factor on micro four thirds sensor (you'll need a very wide angle lens to properly capture landscape).

    Price: $1,499 (try Amazon where the GH4 is discounted to only $1,297 USD)

    Aspiring filmmaker? Say hello to the GH4.

    Panasonic nailed it with this high-performing, incredibly well-made camera. Surf the forums and you'll quickly discover that many would-be filmmakers, documentary makers, and music video producers on limited budgets jumped ship from Canon DSLRs to the GH4. Not only does it offer 4K resolution when capturing video, the GH4 also serves up superb handling (the ergonomics are just right), fantastically sharp image quality, and an interchangeable lens mount (the increasingly popular micro four thirds). On that last point: being able to swap out lenses depending on the situations means you can be more creative than you can with something with a fixed, non-removable lens, like the above mentioned RX100 IV.

    WATCH: New York City – Shot on Lumix GH4

    $1,300 might sound like a lot. But, keep in mind, the GH4 can be used to shoot professionally. It's deceptively powerful. For instance, it has waveform monitors, focus peaking, and other tools targeted at folks who take their video very seriously.

    Sony RX10 II - a 4K superzoom at a priceSony RX10 II – a 4K superzoom for a premium.

    Best for: Event shooters, sports shooters that need super slow-mo, 4K enthusiasts.

    Watch out for: That price! Sony's RX10 II is a premium "super zoom" with premium price to match.

    Price: $1,298 (try Amazon)

    Another Sony. And another new model added to this year's line-up. I like the RX10 II because it offers great range (24-200mm "super zoom" with constant f/2.8 aperture), is still compact enough to throw in a purse or handbag (and possibly even a larger jacket pocket), and offers incredible images thanks to its superbly engineered Zeiss glass. Built-in image stabilization means you won't have to worry as much about camera shake when shooting handheld. Also, something to consider if you shoot video in tough conditions, is its weather sealing (moisture and dust) — a feature not necessarily found among some of the competition.

    Especially trick with the RX10 II are its high frame rates. If you like slow-mo, you're in for a treat. You can shoot up to 960fps, though, in 4K that drops to a (still impressive) 248fps (NTSC)… see video below.

    WATCH: Sony RX010 II Slow Motion Test

    Finally, for advanced users, the RX10 II (like the RX100 IV) can be set to capture footage in S-Log 2. This applies a flat curve. Files then need to be graded in post production. Of course, you don't have to shoot in this mode, but if you do you'll take advantage of the camera's full dynamic range, and be able to stylize your video more creatively.

    Olympus OM-D E-M10 16 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm 2RK lens (Silver)Olympus OM-D E-M10. Go retro and get it in silver. For less than $500 (USD) you get one heck of a camera.

    Best for: Those on a budget who don't want to sacrifice image quality.

    Watch out for: Video quality not quite up to others such as the Lumix GH4.

    Price: $699 (try Amazon where the E-M10 goes for only $499 … a bargain to be sure)

    If you're on a limited budget, but still want a high quality camera that can produce amazing images, and solid video, consider this Olympus — the one with that looong model name. OM-D E-M10 II. Right? Sure, but it's worth hunting this camera down, and I'd suggest adding it to your short list. The metal build, and that retro look (silver), are especially appealing, and a fun nod to the glory days of SLR cameras. I've only had brief hands-on with this camera. But the esteemed DPreview (one of the top if not the top camera review site) gave the E-M10 a gold award and a score of 80% which is might impressive for its budget-friendly price tag. My guess? You won't be disappointed.

    WATCH: Olympus EM-10 Video Sample Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Perfect for filmmakers.Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Beginning filmmaker camera of choice. Just know what you're getting into…

    Best for: The auteur.

    Watch out for: Video only. The BMPCC is a highly advanced cinema camera in a point-and-shoot body. Battery life is poor. Files need color grading. Know what you're getting into — but bask in those filmic results!

    Price: $995 (try Amazon)

    Blackmagic has released several cinema cameras over the past few years. But I think the Pocket, the cheapest in the line-up, is their best to date. This is a through-and-through cinema camera. So you can't take photos (though you could grab high quality stills from the footage). And, yes, the BMPCC is "only" 1080p (HD) meaning you'll easily lose a specs contest with that pixel peeper on Reddit. In my estimation, though, we're still living in a 1080p world. Last I heard, story-telling hasn't been compromised one iota by lack of 4K. For under $1,000, Blackmagic has given the filmmaking world a gift. Use the BMPCC properly and you'll end up with spectacularly filmic footage. It can easily rival cameras costing 5-10x more. The results come at a price though: battery life is poor (you'll need many for a day's shoot or some sort of external power solution); ergonomics are tricky (a cage will help); and files need post-processing (for color grading). If you're just ge tting into filmmaking, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is unquestionably a great camera to get to know.

    WATCH: "The One" short film shot on Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Honorable mention:

    Sony a7S II ($3,200)

    Outstanding image, rivaling and perhaps even surpassing many top end DSLRs. Ridiculously good in low light. Internal 5-axis image stabilization system means any lens you throw on it will be stabilized. Premium price. Premium mirrorless camera.

    Sony a6000 ($478)

    Another solid offering from Sony. Many consider it a modern day classic. Interchangeable lens. Once again, great build, and an image to die for (some of my friends have dumped their Nikons for this camera…!). For the price, exceptional.

    Canon M3 Mirrorless ($578)

    Yes, Canon does have a mirrorless offering. The third-gen M3 is a solid HD shooter. With an adapter you could use your EF glass. For those invested in the Canon ecosystem this might make a lot of sense. Spec-wise, though, Sony offers a whole lot more, and it's hard to ignore that fact.

    Conclusion

    Mirrorless is here in a big way. And for video shooters, it can be a great choice. There are several great choices out there, and the list of suitors appears to be growing at break-neck speed. In the end, I think you can do well with any of these (though, again, the BMPCC warrants special consideration) cameras. I'm dear to Canon, but Sony and others have really raised the bar in the last few years. You do have to wonder how long the DSLR form factor will last.

    Mirrorless is here in a big way.

    Whether you're shooting casual family get-togethers, soccer games, birthday parties, or, shooting more serious projects, like weddings, music videos, or even narrative films, you might be surprised how far a mirrorless camera can take you.

    Pro video stories, news, tips, Clint's Top 5 Mirrorless Cameras for Shooting Video

    (in no particular order)

    1. Sony RX100 IV 2. Panasonic GH4 3. Sony Rx10 II 4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 II 5. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

    Final Thought: Keep in mind, these are just tools. The saying goes that the best camera is the one in your hands. So true, no? Instead of specs, try to focus more effort on story-telling, lighting, editing, composition, etc. I learn something new every day. And when I put it into practice, the results are especially rewarding. Happy shooting!

    Explore. Create. Live. Follow Stark Insider on Twitter and Facebook. Join our 9,000 subscribers who read SI on tablets and smartphones on Google Newsstand. Prefer video? Subscribe to Stark Insider on YouTube, the largest arts & travel channel in San Francisco.
    Source: Top 5: Best mirrorless cameras for shooting video

    Saturday, 14 November 2015

    Christmas gift ideas for photographers – £51-£100

    Need a Christmas gift idea for a photography enthusiast, without breaking the bank? We round up the best Christmas gift ideas for photographers from £51-£100.

    Sirui T-005X Sirui T-005X with C-10X head

    Price: £99

    Website: www.sirui.eu/en

    If you're travelling or spending a day out and about, sometimes a full-size tripod is just too much to carry. Help is at hand, though, in the shape of the Sirui T-005X, which weighs a little over 1kg and folds down to 32.5cm, but extends to 139cm. With three leg angles and a removable centre column, it's flexible, too. It's ideal for use with mirrorless cameras or small DSLRs, and the superb C-10X head is worth the price of admission alone.

    Hahnel capture

    Hähnel Captur Remote set

    Price: £60

    Website: www.hahnel.ie

    With the ability to act as both a shutter release and a remote flash trigger, Hähnel's Captur Remote kills two brids with one stone. The two-part set consists of a trigger and a receiver unit, and 2.4GHz wireless technology gives a 100m range. It employs interchangeable connector cables to allow use with different brands of camera, with kits available for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus/Panasonic users. The system is expandable, too: additional receivers can be used to trigger multiple flashes or cameras, a timer trigger includes a programmable intervalometer, and a 'Pro' module includes motion, light and sound sensors.

    ARzden SMX-10

    Azden SMX-10 Directional Stereo Microphone

    Price: £99

    Website: www.azden.co.uk

    DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are getting ever more proficient at recording video, but one area where they often lag is in sound recording using the built-in microphones, which pick up operational noises all too easily. So if you get at all serious about movie making, an external microphone is a must. The SMX-10 is a well-made, high-quality stereo unit that attaches to the hotshoe via an anti-shock mount, and has a standard 3.5mm stereo plug for connection to most cameras.

    Manfrotto 804 Mark II

    Manfrotto 804 Mark II 3-Way head

    Price: £79.95

    Website: www.manfrotto.co.uk

    Many photographers favour three-way tripod heads for their ability to adjust the camera angle independently in each axis, but they tend to be heavy and awkward to carry. Manfrotto's recently updated 804 model addresses both of these problems. Made of lightweight Adapto polymer, it weighs 750g, and the two longer handles have a clever sliding retractable design that allows it to be more easily packed for transport. It uses Manfrotto's standard RC2 quick release plate, and has a bubble level to help with setting up the camera straight and level. With a load capacity of 4kg, it'll handle most types of camera.

    Phottix TR-90

    Phottix TR-90 Timer Remote control

    Price: £55

    Website: www.phottix.com

    Many new cameras now come with programmable self-timer and intervalometer functions built in, but most older models don't. The camera manufacturers' own programmable remote releases also tend to be very pricey. This is where the Phottix TR-90 comes in. It's a multi-functional electronic release whose functions include a self-timer, long-exposure timer, bulb mode, and intervalometer. The main shutter button can be pressed for single shots or held for bulb control, with a sliding lock, and the LCD has a handy illuminator. The cable is 1 metre long, and versions are available for most cameras.

    x-rite colorchecker passport photo

    X-Rite ColorChecker Passport Photo

    Price: £69

    Website: www.xrite.com

    Most cameras will produce acceptable results most of the time, but getting truly accurate colour when you really need it under difficult lighting can be a trial. The X-Rite ColorChecker Passport can help; the idea is to include it in a test shot to determine any white balance or colour adjustments that need to be made in post-processing. It combines three test targets in a tough, easy-to-carry package, and the supplied software can even be used to create custom colour profiles for your camera. A video-optimised version, the ColorChecker Passport Video, has also recently become available.

    Metz mecablitz 36 AF-5 digital flash unit

    Metz Mecablitz 36 AF-5 Digital flash unit

    Price: £69.99

    Website: www.metz-mecatech.de/en

    While the majority of cameras have built-in flash units, they tend to have low output and give harsh lighting. It's possible to spend lots of money on sophisticated external flashes with plenty of power and extensive manual controls, but if you're just after some supplementary illumination, the Metz 36 AF-5 may be all you need. It's a compact flashgun with a tilting head that allows more flattering bounced lighting, and can be zoomed to match lenses from 28-85mm. Powered by four AA batteries, it has a built-in autofocus illuminator for DSLRs, and comes in versions for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Micro Four Thirds.

    vanguard veo AM-264TR monopod_

    Vanguard VEO AM-264TR Monopod

    Price: £79.95

    Webiste: www.vanguardworld.co.uk

    If you spend much time shooting with long, heavy lenses, then a monopod is a must to take the weight off your arms. The VEO AM-264TR is one of the best we've seen this year; its four-section aluminium design employs quick lever locks to give a height adjustable up to 1.63m, collapsing down to 56.5cm, and it weighs 900g. This is heavier than most similar-sized monopods due to the folding tri-stand at the base, which has thick anti-slip rubber feet and a ball joint connection for smooth panning. Rounding off the package are a thick rubber grip, adjustable hand strap, and a carabiner for easy carrying.

    vanguard veo 37 travel shoulder bag

    Vanguard VEO 37 Travel shoulder bag

    Price: £69.95

    Website: www.vanguardworld.co.uk

    There are lots of shoulder bags on the market, but the Vanguard VEO 37 stands out by having a built-in compartment in the base for carrying a compact travel tripod, or if you prefer, a long lens such as a 100-400mm telezoom. The upper padded section has space for a camera, several lenses and a flash, and there's space for an 11in laptop or tablet. The adjustable shoulder strap is well padded, and a rain cover is supplied, too.

    Transcend ESD400k SuperSpeed 256GB SSD

    Transcend ESD400K Superspeed 256GB SSD

    Price: £85

    Webiste: uk.transcend-info.com

    With the latest high-resolution cameras, photographers can easily find themselves with many gigabytes of image files to back up and store. Typically they'll find their way onto external hard disk drives, but solid state drives can be much smaller and more rugged, and are getting ever more affordable. Transcend's ESD400K Superspeed SSD drive comes in a variety of sizes, and has a USB 3.0 connection for speedy file transfer at up to 5Gb/sec. At just 92 x 62 x 10.5mm in size and weighing a mere 56g, it's a great option for backing up your precious photos while travelling, and it even comes with a protective pouch.


    Source: Christmas gift ideas for photographers – £51-£100

    Friday, 13 November 2015

    Pulse Allows You To Control Your DSLR Camera Wirelessly From Your Smartphone (video)

    Control Your DSLR Camera Wirelessly

    Photographers that would like to be able to control their DSLR or Mirrorless cameras directly from their smartphone, may be interested in a new device which has been created by Kris Cheng called the Pulse.

    Pulse is a small receiver that is connected to your camera's USB port and transmits a wireless signal back to a companion application which is loaded on your smartphone device.

    Pulse uses Bluetooth connectivity to connect to either iOS or Android smartphones and tablets and is compatible with over 60 types of different camera at the current time. It's on board rechargeable battery is capable of providing over 24 hours of use from a single charge. Making it easy to create time-lapse footage and more.

    Watch the video below to learn more about the Pulse wireless camera control system which is taken to Kickstarter and already raised over $180,000 with still 28 days remaining on the campaign.

    Pulse is the most powerful way to control your camera from your smartphone. Pulse plugs into your DSLR or Mirrorless camera's USB port, so whether you're shooting photos, time lapse, or video, you get complete creative freedom – remotely from your smartphone – with your current camera.

    Pulse's strength comes from its 100′ bluetooth low energy radio, advanced USB control software, and a beautifully designed interface. We wanted a product that could handle your biggest project ideas – from day-long time lapses to your next backpacking trip. Because of its size you can take Pulse anywhere, and thanks to what it can do you'll never want to leave it behind.

    With image preview you can view thumbnails on your phone right after you take a photo, at a range of up to 100 feet. Whether your camera is sticking out a 5th floor window or you're warming up while it braves the cold, Pulse has you covered so you can still get the perfect shot.

    Pulse is now available to back via the Kickstarter website with pledges starting from $69.

    Source: Kickstarter

    Filed Under: Camera News, Gadgets News, Top News
    Source: Pulse Allows You To Control Your DSLR Camera Wirelessly From Your Smartphone (video)

    Thursday, 12 November 2015

    2015 Roundup: Interchangeable Lens Cameras $500-800

    The $500-$800 category (based on US MSRP) features quite a few strong offerings, some of which should satisfy first-time camera buyers with easy-to-use interfaces and point-and-shot style functionality. Others are aimed more at seasoned-enthusiasts, offering direct manual controls and high-end features.

    At this price point, all of the cameras use either Four Thirds or larger APS-C-sized sensors and all of the cameras can shoot Raw. And while a larger sensor can mean the potential for better image quality and more control over depth of field, the difference in size between APS-C and Four Thirds is not enormous. As such, the vast majority of cameras here have what we would consider to be very good image quality.

    You'll also notice that this category contains both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Most of the mirrorless cameras at the price level offer built-in electronic viewfinders, but not all. If you're likely to be shooting in bright light on a regular basis (or you prefer that way of working) we'd recommend that you consider either a mirrorless camera with either a high-resolution EVF, or a DSLR with an optical viewfinder.

    Autofocus performance is another major differentiator in this product class. While all of the cameras in this roundup acquire focus quickly an d accurately in good light, only a few can successfully use continuous autofocus to stay with a moving subject. And even fewer can lock focus on a subject and stay with that subject as it moves through the X, Y and Z (depth) axes. This is important for shooting erratically moving subjects, like newborns, running kids, or birds in flight. Another considerable differentiator is something seemingly simple: face detection. And yet none of the DSLRs in this roundup are capable of it in viewfinder shooting. Although they offer face-detect AF in live view, actual performance is nowhere near what the better mirrorless cameras in this class comfortably offer.

    Furthermore, all of the cameras in this selection are reasonably small in size (compared to pricier ILC's), but the number and arrangement of control points, grip size, build quality and weight all vary quite a bit. As do the inclusion of features like like 4K video capture, Wi-Fi and image stabilization.

    So as you, the potential buyer, work your way through our list below, consider which of these traits and features are most important for your dream camera. You might not find a perfect match here at this price point, but chances are, you'll find something pretty darn close.

    Note: A list of all our upcoming 2015 roundups can be found here.


    Source: 2015 Roundup: Interchangeable Lens Cameras $500-800

    Wednesday, 11 November 2015

    Pulse is a smart remote camera trigger that helps you shoot time-lapses easily

    There are plenty of occasions that call for remote control of your camera, like selfies and group shots, time lapses, astrophotography, etc. A new gadget from Alpine Labs, called the Pulse, lets you control a DSLR or mirrorless camera from your iOS or Android smartphone.

    Many new cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you pair it with a smartphone for remote operation – essentially what the Pulse does. But there are some advantages. The Pulse pairs with smartphones over low-energy Bluetooth (up to 100 feet). Not only does this allow for quicker pairings, without having to go through menus to set up Wi-Fi, it would have less drain on the camera battery — crucial if you're shooting time-lapse photography or video. And unlike other remote triggers, because the Pulse plugs into a camera's USB port, it can adjust parameters like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture; offer a live view; and pick video settings. The app will also warn you about potential problems before you shoot, such as low camera battery.

    With the Pulse, Alpine Labs sought out to create the best accessory for time-lapse photography, as well as astrophotography and long-exposure shooting. The easy-to-use app lets you adjust the duration of a time-lapse or how long the shutter stays open for a long exposure, for example. For beginners, the app makes the functions easy to understand, while experienced users get a convenience, rather than having to adjust in-camera settings. The camera also has Exposure Ramping, which lets you adjust the ISO and shutter speed for day-to-night transitions, such as sunrises and sunsets; it also notes the transition info in the EXIF data.

    Related: Make smooth motion time-lapse videos with the Radian 2 camera accessory

    "One of the big pieces of feedback that we got from our users and backers was that smartphone-enabled wireless camera control would not only make for better time lapses, but would open up a higher level of general photography to more people," Alpine Labs says. "We also wanted to make something that fit beautifully with your camera and felt like a natural extension of your camera's aesthetic and function."

    The Pulse app also lets you control three cameras simultaneously, provided they are each connected to its own Pulse device. This lets users like wedding photographers or independent filmmakers work more efficiently when working solo.

    Alpine Labs says the Pulse will work with more than 60 cameras, from Canon and Nikon, although it hasn't mentioned which exact models. The Pulse recharges via USB, and will last more than 24 hours before recharging. It sits in your camera's hot shoe, so it might be an issue if you use an external flash. Currently raising funds via Kickstarter, the campaign has already garnered more than $10,000 in less than half an hour of its launch; the company has a goal of $50,000, and with 31 days to go, we think they'll make it.

    The Pulse has an early bird price of $69 (first 24 hours), which is $30 off the expected retail price. From there, the pledges jump to $350, which would put a prototype in your hands plus a production version when available (expected in February 2016). The Pulse isn't the first Kickstarter project for Alpine Labs, however. The company has launched successful campaigns for its previous time-lapse products, the Radian, Radian 2, and Michron. The company cites its work on the Radian 2's printed circuit board that allowed for the Pulse's quick development.


    Source: Pulse is a smart remote camera trigger that helps you shoot time-lapses easily

    Tuesday, 10 November 2015

    This remote shutter gadget for Nikon or Canon DSLRs also lets you control settings

    There are plenty of occasions that call for remote control of your camera, like selfies and group shots, time lapses, astrophotography, etc. A new gadget from Alpine Labs, called the Pulse, lets you control a DSLR or mirrorless camera from your iOS or Android smartphone.

    Many new cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you pair it with a smartphone for remote operation – essentially what the Pulse does. But there are some advantages. The Pulse pairs with smartphones over low-energy Bluetooth (up to 100 feet). Not only does this allow for quicker pairings, without having to go through menus to set up Wi-Fi, it would have less drain on the camera battery — crucial if you're shooting time-lapse photography or video. And unlike other remote triggers, because the Pulse plugs into a camera's USB port, it can adjust parameters like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture; offer a live view; and pick video settings. The app will also warn you about potential problems before you shoot, such as low camera battery.

    With the Pulse, Alpine Labs sought out to create the best accessory for time-lapse photography, as well as astrophotography and long-exposure shooting. The easy-to-use app lets you adjust the duration of a time-lapse or how long the shutter stays open for a long exposure, for example. For beginners, the app makes the functions easy to understand, while experienced users get a convenience, rather than having to adjust in-camera settings. The camera also has Exposure Ramping, which lets you adjust the ISO and shutter speed for day-to-night transitions, such as sunrises and sunsets; it also notes the transition info in the EXIF data.

    Related: Make smooth motion time-lapse videos with the Radian 2 camera accessory

    "One of the big pieces of feedback that we got from our users and backers was that smartphone-enabled wireless camera control would not only make for better time lapses, but would open up a higher level of general photography to more people," Alpine Labs says. "We also wanted to make something that fit beautifully with your camera and felt like a natural extension of your camera's aesthetic and function."

    The Pulse app also lets you control three cameras simultaneously, provided they are each connected to its own Pulse device. This lets users like wedding photographers or independent filmmakers work more efficiently when working solo.

    Alpine Labs says the Pulse will work with more than 60 cameras, from Canon and Nikon, although it hasn't mentioned which exact models. The Pulse recharges via USB, and will last more than 24 hours before recharging. It sits in your camera's hot shoe, so it might be an issue if you use an external flash. Currently raising funds via Kickstarter, the campaign has already garnered more than $10,000 in less than half an hour of its launch; the company has a goal of $50,000, and with 31 days to go, we think they'll make it.

    The Pulse has an early bird price of $69 (first 24 hours), which is $30 off the expected retail price. From there, the pledges jump to $350, which would put a prototype in your hands plus a production version when available (expected in February 2016). The Pulse isn't the first Kickstarter project for Alpine Labs, however. The company has launched successful campaigns for its previous time-lapse products, the Radian, Radian 2, and Michron. The company cites its work on the Radian 2's printed circuit board that allowed for the Pulse's quick development.

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  • Source: This remote shutter gadget for Nikon or Canon DSLRs also lets you control settings

    Monday, 9 November 2015

    Camera Review: Sony A7R II

    Camera Review: Sony A7R II

    NOVEMBER 09, 2015

    By Theano Nikitas

    Digital devices often look good on paper but don't always follow through to meet the promises of their specifications. Not so with the Sony a7R II, which is chock full of features, technology and performance enhancements that held real promise when first announced. Should you believe the a7R II hype? Yup. 

    Features 

    The a7R II is the fifth in Sony's excellent a7-series of full-frame mirrorless cameras and, like the a7-to-a7 II succession, offers in-camera 5-axis image stabilization and a deeper grip on a slightly larger body. Among other physical adjustments and improvements, controls have been slightly revamped to complement the camera's new grip. 

    Under-the-hood updates are the most notable, however. Built around a newly developed 42-megapixel backside illuminated sensor, the a7R II jumps in resolution from its predecessor's 36-megapixel sensor. The camera is now capable of a native ISO from 100-25,600, which can be expanded to 50/102,400. Continuous shooting moves just a little faster at 5fps, up from the a7R's 4fps. 

    Vibration is a special concern with high-resolution cameras and the a7R II's new 500,000-cycle shutter was designed to reduce vibration by 50 percent compared to the a7R. A silent shooting mode is also available for quiet, vibration-free shooting. 

    Even more impressive is the camera's 399 focal-plane phase detection AF points, providing exceptionally broad coverage across the sensor. Paired with 25 contrast AF points, Sony claims about a 40 percent faster focus response with the new model. Using an LA-EA3 or LA-EA1 mount adapter, Sony A-series lenses will also take advantage of the faster AF system.

    Video features have also been updated and the a7R II can now capture 4K video in-camera, with full-frame and Super 35mm crop options. Taking advantage of the XAVC S codec, the a7R II records at 100 Mbps for 4K and 50 Mbps for full HD. You'll also find several other advanced video features including S-Log2 Gamma and S-Gamut and clean HDMI output. For slow motion fans, there's a 120fps movie mode, albeit in 720p.

    As expected, the a7R II, like its siblings, is Wi-Fi and NFC compatible. 

    Design 

    The new, deeper grip is a welcome change to the a7R II. Even though the camera is slightly larger and measures 5 x 3 7/8 x 2 3/8-inches and weighs 1 pound 6 ounces (with battery pack and media), the size and weight differences are minimal. The deeper grip delivers maximum impact. 

    Sony a7-series users will have no trouble transitioning to the a7R II but will find a larger and lockable mode dial. The shutter, on/off switch and forward dial have moved to the top/front of the grip and provide another ergonomic improvement to its predecessor. 

    Most controls are within easy reach but we found that, as on the a7R, the red movie button is difficult to activate. It's tiny and flush to the side of the camera and while there's no chance of accidentally triggering video capture, finding the button by touch was challenging, as was applying the right amount of pressure to engage the movie mode.

    The one external control we'd put on our wish list, though, is a dedicated manual focus point selector. Although you can customize a dial for quicker access, we'd rather have a dedicated button. 

    Image Quality

    Given the a7R's image quality, it only stands to reason that the a7R II would be a strong performer. Images are clear, sharp and finely detailed, in part thanks to the lack of an optical low-pass filter. Textures were reproduced with great accuracy. Colors were rendered naturally shooting a Standard profile, which can be tweaked and fine-tuned to your preferences with the camera's various Creative Style options.

    The camera handled image noise quite well and its noise profile is certainly improved over its predecessor's. We wouldn't hesitate to shoot at ISO 6400 and, unless making large prints, might push it to 12,800. After that, it's really up to your sensitivity to noise (no pun intended) and the final output requirements. 

    We didn't test the a7R II's video as extensively but the footage we shot—and footage we saw from others—was quite good. Images were sharp, clear, with accurate exposure and color rendering. While HD and UHD footage was stable, 4K footage shot in crop mode exhibited more rolling shutter than that shot on any other resolution. It wasn't a deal breaker but something to keep in mind.

    Performance

    While we were pleased with the camera's overall performance, battery life was disappointing. A CIPA rating of 290 shots (EVF) or 340 shots (LCD) isn't that impressive and we found that we ran down the battery more often than expected. With that in mind, if you buy one accessory for the a7R II, make it a battery grip for double the capacity. 

    The a7R II's continuous shooting speed of 5fps doesn't qualify it as a sports shooter but thanks to the camera's fast and accurate continuous AF and tracking, moderate sporting activities (like skateboarding) can be captured with more focusing hits than misses. For static subjects, the camera quickly locks in focus in good light and only very slightly more slowly in low light. Focus peaking is available for critical manual focus as well. But one of our favorite features is Eye AF, which keeps the focus on a subject's eye—which is ideal for static or slower moving subjects.

    For handheld still images, Sony's 5-axis image stabilization system worked well, as it does on the a7 II. Having often tried to maintain a minimum 1/125th sec. shutter speed, especially when caffeinated, we easily handheld shots captured as slow as 1/60th sec. For those with steadier hands than ours, slower shutter speeds are within easy reach.

    Using a high speed card, we were able to capture about 22-23 RAW and large/fine JPEGs at 5fps before it slowed to a crawl, which is impressive for a camera pushing such large file sizes. But it took longer than expected to clear the buffer—at least 25 seconds by our rough estimate.

    Bottom Line

    Overall, the a7R II generally met or exceeded our expectations. It's a solid camera and will make an excellent addition to the gear bag of any photographer who's looking for a high resolution, high quality but compact mirrorless camera. The a7R II is a great backup for DSLR shooters for a lightweight alternative and while current a7R users may think twice about shelling out $3,200 to replace an already highly capable camera, the new model offers a long list of improvements—and 4K recording—that may be worth trading in the older model. 

    Fast-action shooters need not apply but for those whose subjects move at a slower pace (or not at all), the a7R II deserves strong consideration.

    Sony A7R II 

    PROS: Excellent image quality; extensive feature set; 5-axis image stabilization; fast and accurate AF; good noise performance at high ISOs.

    CONS: Relatively slow buffer clearing; slow start-up; rolling shutter in 4K crop mode; pricey.

    PRICE: $3,200 (body only)

    Related: Sony's New RX1R II Delivers 42-Megapixel Full Frame Sensor in Compact Body 

    Camera Review: Leica Q

    Camera Review: Panasonic Lumix LX100


    Source: Camera Review: Sony A7R II