Sony A550 Preview

Sony's approach to the DSLR market has been an interesting one to watch - the first generation of the A2XX/3XX family was a three-camera assault on a market that most manufacturers had tried to address with a single model. Sony instead created three cameras that placed greater emphasis on attracting new users across from compact cameras (whether that be through price or what was, at the time, the

Sony announces A500 and A550 digital SLR cameras

Sony has two new SLRs coming out, the A500 and its brother the A550. These cameras are equipped with two Live View functions and a 3-inch LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up or down, and a new CMOS image sensor.

PRESS SUMMARY

Models Deliver Low-Light Performance, Exceptional Shooting Speed and In-Camera High Dynamic Range
Sony today introduced two α (alpha) DSLR cameras with a new generation of Exmor™ CMOS sensors and BIONZ™ image processors, which make it easy for active shooters to get the best shot and capture clearer images—without missing their favorite moments.
The α550 (14.2 megapixels) and α500 (12.3 megapixels) cameras provide excellent picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. A new generation of Sony® Exmor CMOS image sensors employ new low-noise processing for high-quality pictures. The BIONZ image processor has color-noise reduction that helps achieve low noise up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing fine detail.
“We are bringing performance of a higher class of cameras within the reach of a broader group of consumers,” said Mark Weir, senior manager of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “Not only do these cameras provide great value, but they also bring faster shooting speeds and new technologies like in-camera High Dynamic Range and new Live View features to mainstream photo enthusiasts.”

Fast Shooting Speeds
With its unique sensor-processor combination, the α550 camera is the first DSLR in its class with seven frames per second shooting speed for under $1,000. Using the optical viewfinder on both models, you can shoot up to five frames per second and up to four frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View. This helps you capture the decisive moment when shooting fast moving subjects like in sports.
In-Camera High Dynamic Range
These are Sony's first DSLR cameras that offer an in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature for capturing highlights and shadows, which processes the image within two seconds. Unlike HDR features in other DSLR cameras, Sony's unique positional interpolation technology can overcome slight changes in camera position and align individual shots so that a tripod is not required.
The feature handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes like looking out a window into bright daylight. The in-camera auto HDR technology combines the highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image.
Improved Live View
Because composing shots on the LCD monitor is becoming increasingly important to DSLR users, Sony has equipped these cameras with two Live View functions and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up or down. The α500 has a 230,000 pixel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen, and the α550 has a 921,000 pixel Xtra Fine LCD™ display.
Sony's Quick AF Live View uses two sensors to maintain the same focusing speed as with the optical viewfinder. While the speed of Quick AF Live View is ideal for every day shooting, Manual Focus Check Live View enables critical framing and magnification for setting precise manual focus in macro and tripod shooting. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100 percent framing in the LCD.
The Quick Auto Focus Live View has been developed with Face Detection technology to help you get the best shot by recognizing and adjusting for faces. It is the world's first Face Detection system to work with fast, high-precision “phase detection” Auto Focus. By tracking up to eight faces, this system can prioritize auto focus points on a face, and optimize exposure and white balance for beautiful portraits.
These are Sony's first DSLR cameras that include Smile ShutterTM technology in Live View, which takes the shot when your subject smiles. It works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments.
Image stabilization helps take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. Blur will also be reduced with every A-mount lens, including macro and wide aperture standard zoom lenses, with an effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops
To make the benefits of macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is making available at retail the DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL30M28) macro lens.  It captures intricate close-ups, which is difficult to achieve with standard lenses and is only compatible with APS-C format DSLRs.
Memory Cards
For higher capacity storage with greater connectivity and faster transfer speeds, the new DSLRs are compatible with Sony's newest 32GB Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX media. The HX series card is designed to deliver optimal read and write speeds for a growing number of products that require high-bandwidth memory in order to capture and store large data files.
Using the HX series media, Sony α (alpha) DSLR users can confidently enjoy advanced features such as continuous-shooting photography and realize higher transfer rates of large capacity files to their compatible PC (via supplied USB adapter).  For example with the α550 model, approximately 1500 14-megapixel photos shot in the JPEG+RAW mode can be transferred to a compatible PC in approximately 26 minutes (HX series media sold separately).
The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, HX series and SD/SDHC media (all sold separately).
Pricing and Availability
The α550 (model DSLR-A550) and α500 (model DSLR-A500), which come with the camera body only, will cost about $950 and $750 respectively. The α550L and α500L, which come with the camera body and 18-55 kit lens, will cost about $1050 and $850, respectively. The SAL30M28 macro lens will be available for about $200.

Continue reading… All about the new Sony full-frame A550 digital SLR

The new Canon G11 Digital Camera

PRESS SUMMARY

Canon today announces the launch of the PowerShot G11 digital compact camera, successor to the multi-award winning PowerShot G10, with a host of stunning new features.
Key innovations on the PowerShot G11 include a high-resolution vari-angle LCD screen and greatly improved noise reduction. Canon's new Dual Anti-Noise System combines a high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon's enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology to greatly reduce noise and increase quality equal to 2-stops. The Dual Anti-Noise System allows photographers to capture full resolution images - using up to ISO 3200 - in difficult low-light conditions. This makes it easier than ever to take stunning low-light portraits or retain the ambient light detail with late-night landscapes. Motion blur can also be substantially reduced.
Flexible shooting options with vari-angle LCD
The PowerShot G11 introduces enhanced flexibility with a new 2.8-inch vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD – a feature introduced as a direct result of customer feedback. The adaptable screen makes the PowerShot G11 ideal for shooting in all situations, such as reportage photography where using the optical viewfinder may not be practical. Perfect for creative and macro photography, the vari-angle lens has a wide viewing angle and 461k dot resolution with natural colour accuracy, giving photographers a detailed view of their subjects - both pre and post-shoot.
The premium quality Canon lens delivers picture-perfect performance, offering a 5x wide angle (28mm) zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (IS). This allows handheld shots to be taken at much slower shutter speeds (4-stops) than conventional non-IS models - allowing perfect shooting in darker conditions or at a lower ISO.
DIGIC 4 - enhanced, improved, expanded
Professional photographers and budding amateurs alike will benefit from improvements to Canon's DIGIC 4 image processing technology within the PowerShot G11.
These improvements include enhancements to Intelligent Contrast Correction technology - i-Contrast - which optimises the dynamic range of images, to help prevent highlight blowout, while retaining low-light detail. i-Contrast is ideal for use in difficult lighting situations where there is a wide disparity between dark and bright areas of a scene, as can be the case with outdoor portraits. A new Low Light mode can be used to achieve low noise levels at reduced resolution in a higher ISO range - ideal for indoor and low-light photography, users can capture 2.5 Megapixel images at up to ISO 12800 and 2.4 frames per second.
The PowerShot G11 also includes a built-in 3-stop Neutral Density (ND) filter and white balance fine control which enables photographers to more accurately account for variations in natural and artificial light, such as differences in colour tone across various kinds of tungsten light bulbs. The ability to make such fine adjustments in-camera can cut processing time post-shoot – while enabling photographers to be more creative in the field.
Smart Auto Mode – now even smarter
DIGIC 4 now includes an enhanced version of Canon's Smart Auto Mode with Scene Detection Technology. The PowerShot G11 will automatically analyse and compare the scene to 22 types of scene, applying the best settings for optimum output – a great asset to those who love to point-and-shoot without worrying about the technical details. Smart Auto now also detects the movement of people in a scene, activating Servo AF/AE to ensure that focus and exposure are locked onto that subject. Photographers can also take advantage of Quick Shot – a shooting method that cuts shutter lag by using the optical viewfinder for focus and framing.
Great features for professional results
Whether amateur or professional, the PowerShot G11 offers an exceptional range of features and accessories for expanding a photographer's shooting opportunities. The digital compact includes the ability to shoot in RAW format and is compatible with Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, ensuring that photo shoots can be easily integrated into a photographer's workflow.
The PowerShot G11 can also be used with a wide range of Canon accessories, including the Speedlite 270EX, 430EX II and 580EX II; Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX flashes for enhanced shooting options; the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite Bracket and Remote Switch RS-60E3. Underwater photographers can even team the PowerShot G11 with the specially designed Waterproof Case WP-DC34 - an underwater housing allowing full control of the camera at depths of up to 40m. The PowerShot G11 includes an HDMI port so users can share their images with friends and family using a compatible TV or display with an optional HDMI cable.
Owners of the PowerShot G11 are entitled to free membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online photo sharing service. Users can take advantage of great new features like the increase in storage capacity to 2GB in October, allowing the upload and sharing of hundreds of high-quality images. Friends and family can also enjoy viewing your online photo albums from their mobile phones with the new mobile phone browsing feature. In addition, owners of Canon PIXMA inkjet printers can now create, share and print images from their photo album using the new PIXMA Album Printing feature. CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is the ideal site for Canon users to share high-quality and memorable photos and video with family and friends.

Additional information: All about the new Canon PowerShot G11 digital camera

The new Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR

Canon has gone and unveiled the EOS 7D digital SLR camera, incorporating a new 18Mp APS-C CMOS Sensor, dual "DIGIC 4" processors, and an ISO range up to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second.

“The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon's new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.”

The Canon EOS 7D's AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:

• Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.
• AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.
• Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional information: All about the new Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera.

Sony's new Full-frame DSLR

Wow!

It looks like Sony is serious about their DSLRs. They just announced the DSLR-A850, a full-frame camera, usually reserved for the advanced or professional photographer.

 

The DSLR-A850 uses the same 24.6 Mp sensor and features of the Sony A900 introduced last year. The ultra-bright viewfinder with 98% field of view coverage and 0.74x magnification enables accurate framing and preview. With the HDMI output and Photo TV HD mode, your creative output can be enjoyed on an HD television.

 

The a850 (model DSLR-A850) will be available in September for about $2,000 (body only) along with related accessories. All a900 accessories are compatible with the a850 camera, including the dedicated vertical grip (model VG-C90AM). The SAL2875 lens will be available in November for about $800

“Sony is bringing the benefits of a full-frame digital SLR camera to a broader group of consumers,” said Kristen Elder, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “The α850 strengthens Sony's alpha DSLR line, which now offers models in each step from high-end professional down to the amateur enthusiast.”

Windows 7 Ultimate reviews

Windows 7 is the new version of windows. After a Vista got very low responses from people Microsoft done many changes and improvements in the new operating system Windows 7.

I have tested the RC version of Windows 7 operating system in my old PC. With a hardware configuration of 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor and 1Gb RAM, the operating system worked well. Applications starts fast and works smooth even without a WDDM Driver Support in my GPU.

Some of the Features of Windows 7 are:

1. Desktop: Introducing improved task bar previews, bigger icons, pinning, and creative ways to personalize.
2. Home Group: Takes the headache out of home networking, so it's easier to share files and printers.
3. Jump Lists : Speedy access to your favorite pictures, songs, websites, and documents.
4. Performance improvements: It's designed to sleep and resume quicker, be less memory hungry, and spot USB devices faster.
5. Full 64-bit support: Windows 7 makes the most of powerful 64-bit PCs, the new desktop standard.
6. Power management:New power-saving features are designed to help laptops run longer.
7. Windows Touch: Pair Windows 7 with a touchscreen PC and you won't always need a keyboard or mouse.
8. Easier wireless networking: Windows 7 gets you online in fewer clicks.

System Requirements:

1. 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
2. 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
3. 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
4. DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
5. Additional requirements to use certain features:
6. Internet access (fees may apply)
7. Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware.
8. For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
9. Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
10. Home Group requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
11. DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
12. Bit Locker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
13. Bit Locker To Go requires a USB flash drive
14. Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware vitalization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
15. Music and sound require audio output

Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration. Some features may require advanced or additional hardware.

Kids Prescription Glasses

Just like camera that need a great lens so it can bring us great picture, our eyes too are also working nearly in the same approach, of course our eyes are far more sophisticated compared to camera lenses, but when our own “lenses” do not work properly, we need a pair of prescription glasses to make the correction, the adjustment so we can see better. Let’s focus on children these days, because