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Saturday, May 16, 2009

Canon’s new PowerShot A-Series – easier and more intelligent than ever




Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 18 February 2009: Canon today gives everyone the power to take great photos, with the launch of the 12.1 Megapixel PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS. For the ultimate in easy picture-taking, both models incorporate Canon’s new Scene Detection Technology – available via an improved Easy mode and new Smart Auto mode - for excellent results without effort.

Featuring optical zoom lenses of 4x and 6x respectively, the PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS are powered by Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor. This allows both models to deliver fast, responsive operation and outstanding, rich, detailed images. Replacing the A1000 and A2000 respectively, the PowerShot A1100 IS is available in blue, pink or silver, while the PowerShot A2100 IS features a classic black design.

Features

* 12.1 Megapixels
* Smart Auto and Easy shooting modes with Scene Detection Technology
* 4x/6x optical zoom (PowerShot A1100 IS/PowerShot A2100 IS) with optical Image Stabilizer
* DIGIC 4 processing delivers fast response times, high-quality images and intelligent technologies
* Combats blur with IS and Motion Detection Technology
* People shots made easy with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and Face Select & Track, plus FaceSelf-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction
* i-Contrast improves dynamic range in shooting or playback
* Available in Blue, Pink or Silver (PowerShot A1100 IS), or Black (PowerShot A2100 IS)
* Range of shooting modes
* 2.5” LCD plus OVF (PowerShot A1100 IS); 3.0” LCD (PowerShot A2100 IS)
* 30fps VGA movies with sound plus Long Play option
* Powered by AA batteries for convenience and flexibility

High resolution, high quality lens
Both cameras are capable of capturing incredible levels of detail by combining a 12.1 Megapixel sensor with a high quality zoom lens - allowing you to enlarge or creatively crop images while retaining outstanding image detail. With a 4x optical zoom, the PowerShot A1100 IS delivers a range of flexible framing options, while the PowerShot A2100 IS delivers extra telephoto reach via a 6x optical zoom. Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer technology helps guard photos against the blurring effects of camera shake.

Intelligent and easy to use
Both cameras incorporate two fully automatic modes: new Smart Auto mode and an improved Easy mode. These use Canon’s Scene Detection Technology, which analyses the shooting scene in detail – assessing subject brightness, contrast, distance and overall hue – and selecting from a choice of 18 possible modes to ensure optimal results for any scene.

Also featured are Motion Detection and Face Detection Technology, both of which offer improved performance thanks to DIGIC 4 processing.

Motion Detection Technology prevents blur by registering camera or subject movement and adjusting settings to compensate; Face Detection Technology detects up to 35 faces in a frame and automatically adjusts key focus and exposure settings so everyone looks their best. Canon’s i-Contrast allows users to bring out hidden detail – for example, in areas of shadow - by brightening dark areas in an image without blowing out lighter areas.

A wide range of shooting modes are available in each model, including dedicated Indoor and Kids & Pets modes. These take care of all the technical aspects of shooting in a host of common shooting situations. Users can choose to simply point-and-shoot for terrific results.

Designed for convenience
Both models feature high quality movies, capturing 30 frames per second for smooth results. Frame and review images and movies on the large LCDs – the PowerShot A2100 IS features a 3.0” high resolution screen with five levels of brightness adjustment, and the PowerShot A1100 IS has a 2.5” LCD plus the convenience of an optical viewfinder.

“Canon has raised the IQ of the PowerShot A-Series with the introduction of increasingly clever new technologies,” remarked Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS are practical, easy-to-use models designed to give anyone outstanding results.”

Printing
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS feature a dedicated Print menu for quick access to direct print options. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. A Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.

Language
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS feature a user interface that supports 26 languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic, Romanian, Ukrainian and Farsi.

Memory Card Support
In addition to SD, SDHC and MMC memory cards, the PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS support MMCplus and HC MMCplus card formats. Both cameras are supplied with a memory card.

Software and CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS come bundled with the following Canon Software:

* ZoomBrowser EX 6.3 (Windows), ImageBrowser 6.3 (Macintosh): For organising and editing images, movies and slideshows, or creating and printing digital photo albums.
* PhotoStitch 3.1 (Windows), PhotoStitch 3.2 (Mac): For creating panoramic photos from multiple images.

The bundled software supports Windows Vista (including SP1) / XP SP2-3 and Macintosh OS X v10.4-10.5. Both cameras support PTP for driverless transfer to Windows XP and Macintosh OS X, along with MTP for image and movie transfers to Windows Vista.

Purchasers of the PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS are eligible for free membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY: 100MB of online ‘personal gallery’ space for sharing stills and video with family and friends.

Optional Accessories
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS can be combined with the following accessories:

* Soft Case (DCC-85)
* High Power Flash (HF-DC1)
* AC Adaptor Kit (ACK800)
* Battery Charger Kit (CBK4-300)
* Ni-MH Batteries (NB4-300)

Printing
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS feature a dedicated Print menu for quick access to direct print options. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. A Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.

Language
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS feature a user interface that supports 26 languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Greek, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Thai, Arabic, Romanian, Ukrainian and Farsi.

Memory Card Support
In addition to SD, SDHC and MMC memory cards, the PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS support MMCplus and HC MMCplus card formats. Both cameras are supplied with a memory card.

Software and CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS come bundled with the following Canon Software:

* ZoomBrowser EX 6.3 (Windows), ImageBrowser 6.3 (Macintosh): For organising and editing images, movies and slideshows, or creating and printing digital photo albums.
* PhotoStitch 3.1 (Windows), PhotoStitch 3.2 (Mac): For creating panoramic photos from multiple images.

The bundled software supports Windows Vista (including SP1) / XP SP2-3 and Macintosh OS X v10.4-10.5. Both cameras support PTP for driverless transfer to Windows XP and Macintosh OS X, along with MTP for image and movie transfers to Windows Vista.

Purchasers of the PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS are eligible for free membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY: 100MB of online ‘personal gallery’ space for sharing stills and video with family and friends.

Optional Accessories
The PowerShot A1100 IS and PowerShot A2100 IS can be combined with the following accessories:

* Soft Case (DCC-85)
* High Power Flash (HF-DC1)
* AC Adaptor Kit (ACK800)
* Battery Charger Kit (CBK4-300)
* Ni-MH Batteries (NB4-300)

Technologies Explained

Key Messages:

* AUTO mode is new for 1H09 in February launched Canon Cameras
* Latest Smart AUTO mode now incorporates advanced Scene Detection Technology
* Smart Auto makes it even easier for users to get better quality images with a press of the shutter button
* DIGIC 4 enables Smart Auto to be more accurate and give better images.

Introduction
Spring 2009 sees the launch of a new step-change in image quality for Canon cameras. For as long as most users can remember, AUTO mode has been a feature of point and shoot cameras -allowing minimal intervention or expertise needed to achieve satisfactory focus and exposure. Since the introduction and rise of digital photography, there have been many technological advances and additional shooting modes, yet AUTO mode remains the staple favourite of many snappers. Research conducted by Canon also reveals that AUTO is one of the most frequently used shooting modes.

Cameras with IQ
From today Canon are making AUTO mode different. The latest range of Digital Still Camera products launched incorporate a new smart system that uses Scene Detection Technology, which along with other advanced Canon technologies, leads to one of the most comprehensive and clever AUTO modes ever seen on a digital camera. Whilst complex in technology, Smart AUTO still delivers the peace of mind and ease of use for point and shooters that has always been expected from selecting the familiar green icon mode.

With intelligent and integrated use of key functions such as focus, exposure, ISO sensitivity, flash, dynamic range adjustments and Intelligent Contrast Correction, Canon Cameras have never been so smart. Added to these Canon Motion Detection and Face Detection Technology plus advanced Noise Reduction, together with pleasing colour rendition all delivered by the DIGIC 4 processor, mean when selecting AUTO mode on these latest models, users can be assured of the best in image quality even in more challenging shooting conditions.

Smart Auto overview:
Using Scene Detection Technology, Smart AUTO can distinguish parameters allowing the camera to carry out optimum processing for a shot by:

* Detecting people
* Evaluating Distances
* Evaluating Subject and camera movement information
* Analysing Scene Brightness
* Analysing Colour


http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021801canona2100isa1100is.asp

Additional image

Fujifilm releases FinePix J20 entry-level compact camera




Tuesday, 17 February 2009 05:00 GMT
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Pre-PMA 2009: Fujifilm has released the FinePix J20 entry-level digital compact camera. This 10 megapixel camera with a 2.7 inch LCD and 3x Optical zoom has a compact 17.4mm body and includes features such as Auto Scene Recognition, Face Detection and 15 Scene Modes.

Jump to:

* Press Release
* Specifications
* Additional image

Press Release:
High on specifications and low on cost, the latest addition to the J-Range: FinePix J20

February 17, 2009 - Fujifilm today announced a new entry-level compact cameras, succeeding the hugely popular FinePix J10 and J15. The FinePix J20 is the latest in the line-up and offers consumers an affordable, but highly-stylish compact camera with point-and-shoot appeal.

With a core specification of 10 Megapixels, a quality Fujinon 3x zoom, Scene Recognition AUTO (SR AUTO), Face Detection and Picture Stabilisation, the FinePix J20 will deliver great images time after time. The FinePix J20 has a 2.7” LCD, both with 230k dots, for crisp, bright images time after time.

Previously only featured on Fujifilm’s award-winning FinePix F60fd, both models feature SR AUTO technology, allowing users to get the best possible results from their camera. All users have to do is frame the shot and SR AUTO intelligently recognises the scene – Landscape, Night, Macro, Night Portrait, Portrait, Backlit Portrait – and selects the ideal setting. There’s also software-based Face Detection technology with auto red-eye removal which identifies faces and optimises focus and exposure to reveal perfect people pictures.

In addition, Picture Stabilisation increases the camera’s ISO setting and associated shutter speed, so that the shutter can open and close much more quickly, thereby freezing moving action without blur - perfect for school sports fields and action shots.

All this technology is packed in to a super-slim and super-stylish 17.4mm body. Its tiny size means you can easily slip it in to your pocket or bag so you’ll always have your camera with you wherever you go.

Features at a glance

* Small and stylish
* 10 Megapixels
* Fujinon 3x zoom lens
* Scene Recognition AUTO
* Picture Stabilisation
* Face Detection technology – software based
* 15 pre-programmed scene modes
* ISO up to 1600
* 2.7” LCD screen – FinePix J2

Availability & pricing
The FinePix J20 will be available from April. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of the launch.
Fujifilm Finepix J20 specifications
Sensor

• 1/2.3 " CCD
• 10 million effective pixels
Image sizes

• 3648 x 2736
• 3648x 2432
• 2592 x 1944
• 2048 x 1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 X 480 pixels

Movie clips • 640x480 (30fps)
• 320x240 (30fps)
File formats • Still Image : JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
• Movie Clip : AVI (MJPEG) Audio : WAV
Lens

• 35.5-106.5mm equiv.
• f = 6.3 - 19.9mm
• F3.1(W) - F5.6(T)
Digital zoom Approx. 5.7x
Focus

Auto focus
Automatic scene recognition
AF area modes

• Cente
• Continuous
Focus distance

• Normal : Wide angle :Approx. 40cm/1.3 ft to infinity
Telephoto :Approx. 40cm /1.3 ft to infinity
• Macro: Wide Angle: Approx. 10cm/3.9 in to 80cm/2.6ft
Telephoto: Approx. 40cm/1.3ft. To 80cm/2.6ft
ISO sensitivity

• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
Metering TTL 256-zones metering
Exposure modes Programmed AE
Shuttter speed 8 sec to 1/2000 sec
Shooting modes

• Portrait
• Landscape
• Sport
• Night
• Fireworks
• Sunset
• Snow
• Beach
• Museum
• Party
• Flower
• Text
• Baby
• Anti-blur
• Natural light
• Night(tripod)
• MOVIE
White balance Preset: (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light),
Self timer Approx. 10 sec./2 sec.
Continuous shooting Modes Top-3 (max 1.4 frames/sec)
Flash

• Modes: Red-eye removal OFF : Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro.
Red-eye removal ON : Red-eye Reduction Auto, Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro.
• Range
Wide-angle - approx. 0.5m / 1.6ft to 3.2m /10.5ft
Telephoto - approx. 0.5m/1.6ft to 1.8m/5.9 ft
Macro - approx. 0.3m/1.0 ft to 0.8m/2.6 ft

LCD monitor

• 2.7 inch TFT LCD
• approx. 230,000 pixels
• Amorphous silicon TFT colours LCD monitor
• approx. 97% coverage
Digital input/output

• USB 2.0 High Speed
Video output AV : NTSC, PAL (user selectable)
Storage • Internal memory (Approx. 20 MB)
• SD/SDHC
Power • Rechargeable NP-45 Li-ion battery
Weight (no batt) 100 g
Dimensions 91 (W) x 56 (H) x 17 (D) mm
3.6(W)× 2.2(H)× 0.7(D) in

Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR review


Just Posted: Our review of the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR. Fujifilm has built up a reputation for following its own path when it comes to sensor technology, which has resulted in cameras such as the F30, F31fd and S5 Pro that have developed devoted followings. Now we have the FinePix F200 EXR, the first camera to incorporate the company's Super CCD EXR technology. So does this latest wizardry live up to the promises of improved low-light performance and greater dynamic range? And, just as importantly, what's the camera like to use? Find out the answer to both questions in our in-depth review.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0904/09043001fujifilmf200exrreview.asp

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Intel-based iMac



Get Started

* The new user's guide to iMac

* Mac 101
* Switch 101

How to

* Identify your iMac (Mid 2007 and later)
* Installing memory in iMac (Mid 2007) and later
* How to clean Apple products
* How to Install an iMac Firmware Update
* How to identify your iMac

About

* iMac (Early 2009) External features, ports, connectors
* Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter firmware update
* Memory specs and upgrades
* Installing and replacing memory (RAM) for Intel-based iMacs
* About firmware updates for Intel-based Macs
* EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs
* Startup key combinations for Intel-based Macs

More
Troubleshooting

* Quick Assist for your Mac

* What to do if your computer won't turn on
* How to reset the System Management Controller
* Can receive email, but not send email
* Intel-based Mac Power On Self Test RAM error codes
* USB Keyboard or mouse stops responding
* Apple Hardware Test for aluminum iMac
* Setting up Mail, troubleshooting Mail issues
* Using Time Machine and troubleshooting Time Machine issues
* Fans run at full speed after computer turns on
* Troubleshooting installation, startup, and login issues
* If you can't eject a CD or DVD or open the drive tray
* Troubleshooting printing issues

More

Third Party Applications

* FileMaker Pro 10
* Bento 2

Monday, May 4, 2009

Latest iPhone 4G concept, wouldn’t we all want one of these


This new iPhone design concept called the iPhone 4G definitely has the wow factor. I like the way the designer Jim Young has widened the screen of this iPhone towards nearly the very edge making the most out of that OLED screen. It’s also thin, just 9mm, thinner than the new Toshiba TG01 :) Nice slick corners all round and speakers at the bottom. Apple should be highly capable to making something like this, because this literally is a MacBook crammed into an iPhone if you get what I mean.

nokia e71


It has been a while since I’ve last heard about Nokia and I thought the company might have gone awol. Well, that’s not the case and it seems like Nokia has finally reached an agreement with AT&T as the E71 remix called the E71x is officially available on the carrier’s website. When I first heard the rumors of an AT&T Nokia E71x, I wasn’t sure about this especially because the rumored price was $99.99 after mail-in rebate, however, the rumors were true (once again) and the remixed Nokia E71x costs only $99.99 after rebate.

The Nokia E71x features a 3.2-megapixel camera, 3G/HSDPA, WiFi, full QWERTY keyboard, full web browser, Bluetooth 2.0, USB, 120MB of internal memory which can be expanded up to 8GB via a microSD card slot, and of course, the Symbian S60 platform. Also, let’s not forget about the 2.4-inch 16 million LCD screen with a 240 x 320 resolution, IM clients like AIM, Yahoo Messenger, and Windows Live, e-mail support like Xpress Mail, Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo Mail, AOL Mail, and Windows Live Mail, multitasking, and voice dialing.