Hyetis Crossbow smartwatch features a 41MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics

 

If you can't stand waiting for a smartwatch from the likes of Samsung or Apple, a new Swiss-made watch has you covered, especially if you're a photo nerd. Hyetis has announced its Crossbow smartwatch on Tuesday, packing a 41-megapixel camera facing at 12-o'clock, complete with Carl Zeiss optics.
Hyetis has designed the Crossbow smartwatch to connect with Android, iOS, and Windows Phone 8. The smartwatch features a touchscreen, where you can navigate through notifications on its face. You can also manage Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC links. Hyetis is still being unclear about a few technical details, but maybe those will surface before its launch. An altimeter, microphone, thermometer and biometric sensors in the band - which can measure your physical condition - are all included,  

Having a camera on a watch is certainly an interesting idea, in a world where smartphone cameras (and maybe soon Google Glass) have replaced point-and-shoot cameras for many casual photographers. We're curious to see what taking a photo with your wrist will feel like. 
It's certainly worth noting this won't be a product for everyone. Hyetis plans to make the Crossbow available for pre-order soon, with a starting price of $1,200. If you can manage that kind of cash you might want to act fast - only 500 units will be available in the first batch. In the meantime, most of us will stick with the Pebble.

Source: Pocket-lint

Sony NEX-5T hands-on

Sony NEX-5T hands-on review

Actually there isn't a huge change compared to the previous NEX-5R - the 5T's only differentiating factor is the addition of NFC (near field communication) technology to simplify wireless sharing with compatible devices.

The design is familiar: it's identical to the 5R, which gives a decent build and compact scale. There's a range of physical controls for those who want to get a little more creative without having to dive into the menus through the touchscreen system all the time - an issue that plagued the earliest NEX models. With that in mind there's the Fn button on the top along with the thumb dial, which is all part of what helps sit this model above the NEX-3N.

The 5T we saw was a pre-production sample complete with almost suspicious painted-out model name across the top shoulder. The only real change compared to the 5R is the addition of the NFC logo on the 5T's handgrip. Sometimes it's the little things.


In the hands the Sony NEX-5T oozes great quality - and, as before, we're impressed with the slim build. The display on the rear tilts vertically all the way through 180-degrees for those inevitable selfies, which is achieved without adding bulk to this dainty camera.
If we've one criticism, it's that there's not much finger space between the end of the grip and the barrel of the attached lens, but it's something you can quickly overcome. Unless you've got really chunky fingers.

Our review of the NEX-5R was sprinkled with positives. We liked the image quality - something that the NEX series' use of an APS-C size sensor has been praised for since launch. The 5T ought to deliver the very same goods.
But it's not just the resulting quality, it's the familiar controls too. We also like the thumbwheel control on top, which may even mean those moving away from a DSLR system will feel a little more at home.

source: pocket-lint

Sony A3000 - entry-level DSLR

Sony A3000 - entry-level DSLR

Sony has announced the Sony A3000, a new entry-level model of compact system camera. That's right - the Alpha name is venturing into CSC territory.

The Sony A3000 forges a new category of camera for Sony. It uses the E-mount lens system from the NEX line in a body that's more like the design of a traditional DSLR.

With a launch price of £370, the Sony A3000 is more budget than the likes of the NEX-3, so it certainly has budget appeal.

The body of the Sony A3000 is designed to be easy to handle, with a pronounced grip and integrated electronic viewfinder, rather like Panasonic's Lumix G and GH models. The viewfinder offers a 100 per cent field of view, so what you see in preview is what you get in the final image.

With a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor positioned behind that E-mount lens - offering ISO 100-16,000 sensitivity - Sony promises that it will deliver plenty of quality. It's a different sensor to the NEX models - but the performance remains to be seen.

With conventional styling, the Sony A3000 also offers equally conventional DSLR-like controls: a top-mounted control dial for switching through shooting modes, and all the features you'd expect from an entry-level system camera. That means you'll get things like artistic effects and 1080p HD video capture in addition to full auto and manual controls.

On the rear there's a 3-inch LCD, but unlike many other Sony cameras, this is fixed flat to the body. It's also relatively low resolution at a mere 230k-dots - an indicator of where Sony has made cuts to hit the affordable price point.

Sony says the A3000 is designed to appeal to those who want to take better pictures and and step-up to a more sophisticated camera, emphasising that it will be a better performer than a compact camera or smartphone.

The Sony A3000 will cost around £370 and be available from September 2013.

source: pocket-lint

Panasonic Superzoom Camera - Lumix DMC-FZ62 review

The FZ62 is the successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48, which was one of our favourite ultra-zoom cameras of 2011. We were particularly impressed that Panasonic had moved from 14 megapixels in the earlier FZ45 to 12 megapixels in the FZ48, as this delivered a significant drop in noise levels.This wisdom has sadly escaped Panasonic this time around. While the pricier Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 sticks with a 12-megapixel sensor, the FZ62's resolution has been hiked up to 16 megapixels. This doesn't bode well for noise levels, although the move from a CCD to what Panasonic calls a High Sensitivity MOS sensor might redress the balance – more on this below.

Continuous performance is up from 3.7fps on the FZ48 to 10fps, but this isn't entirely good news either. Whereas the older model could capture seven shots in a burst, the FZ62 only managed three. An alternative 5fps mode is more useful, not least because the camera can refocus between each shot. This mode only lasted for three frames at 5fps but then continued at 1.7fps rather than stopping. It's not exactly a blistering turn of speed but we appreciate that live view was available while shooting. Elsewhere, performance was excellent, with just one second to switch on and shoot, and 0.7 seconds between shots.

Most other features remain as they were on the FZ48. The 3in screen is reasonably sharp but isn't articulated, and the low-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) isn't much fun to use. Higher quality EVFs are starting to appear in ultra-zoom cameras, but only in pricier models such as the FZ200 and Fujifilm X-S1.

The power switch has been moved to a lever beside the mode dial, which makes room for a dedicated button to access continuous mode settings. The buttons on the back have been tweaked, too, with a new white balance control. There are no less than four buttons dedicated to focus control: one for moving the autofocus point, an auto/macro/manual focus button, another for AF/AE lock and yet another for single or continuous autofocus. If that seems like overkill, the latter two can be reassigned, perhaps to access metering mode and AE bracketing. In short, this is an excellent camera for people who like hands-on control.

There are extensive options in the menu to customise image quality, plus control over the maximum ISO speed allowed when Auto ISO is selected. There's full manual exposure control too, but it's disappointing that the slowest shutter speed is now four seconds; on the FZ48 it was 60.

Less technical photographers will want to stick to the Intelligent Auto mode, but we found that it sometimes failed to live up to its name. Shooting in moderate-to-low light using telephoto zoom positions, the camera often chose shutter speeds as slow as 1/4 seconds before it was willing to raise the ISO speed beyond 400. The FZ62's optical stabilisation is pretty good, but it's not that good – most of these shots were blurry.

As with previous FZ-series cameras, the FZ62 excels for video. Picture and sound quality were both clear and detailed, and the zoom and focus motors worked smoothly and silently. The AVCHD format delivers clip lengths up to 30 minutes, and there's manual exposure control for videos.Photos were impressively sharp, thanks in no small part to the excellent lens and some aggressive digital sharpening, but our studio tests revealed only marginal improvements over the 12-megapixel FZ48. Handling of highlights appears to have regressed, though, with blooming around over-exposed areas of photos.

It's a welcome relief to find that noise levels at fast ISO speeds were a little lower than from the FZ48, despite the increased resolution. Noise was far from being absent, though, with a slight graininess to shadows even in brightly lit shots. Dimly lit shots had very little fine details but they looked fine when resized for online sharing. The FZ48 wasn't great in low light, and while we welcome the improvement this time around, we're curious to see how much better the 12-megapixel FZ200 performs.

The FZ62 isn't the most inspiring update, but on balance it's marginally better than the FZ48. The FZ48 is still available for around £220 as we go to press, and is an excellent choice for bargain hunters. But putting end-of-line deals to one side, he FZ62 is the best ultra-zoom currently available under £300.

source: expertreviews

Olympus PEN E-PM2 review

The E-PM2 is that the entry-level model within the PEN vary, however it still boasts some upscale options. Its metal body homes identical 16-megapixel detector that is utilized in mountain peak's top-of-the-range Olympus OMD E-M5. Continuous shooting is at 8fps – double what most CSCs at this worth manage and solely a shade behind the E-M5's 9fps performance. there is an adjunct shoe that accepts not simply external flashguns however additionally associate degree electronic finder, mike input, Bluetooth electronic device (for wireless icon transfers to robot devices) and even a combine of macro diode lamps on versatile arms. there is a little flash unit enclosed within the box, however it's no brighter than a typical integrated flash and rather spoils the camera's sleek style. we tend to suspect lots of individuals can leave it within the back of a drawer and ignore it.

Optical image stabilisation is incorporated into the detector therefore it works with any lens. This includes wide-aperture lenses, that seldom have stabilisation inbuilt. it is also value noting the wide selection of compatible small Four Thirds lenses – much more than for competitive  Sony NEX, Nikon one and Samsung NX systems.

CONTROLS

It all bodes well for keen photographers World Health Organization need a subtle camera however do not have Brobdingnagian amounts of money to pay, or maybe preferring to refill on lenses instead of purchase the foremost costly camera body. However, these sorts of users could also be less enamoured by the E-PM2's controls. It's no surprise that there is simply alittle scattering of howevertons – that is typical for entry-level CSCs – but accessing key options is slower than on rival cameras.

There's a quick-access menu with fourteen functions ordered out over 2 pages, however fewer functions on one page would be faster to navigate. we tend to doubt that several individuals feel the requirement to regulate the video resolution or toggle the video sound recording on and off on an everyday basis, and drive mode already features a dedicated labeled  button. The six customisable functions on the Sony NEX-3N's quick-access menu work higher, as will the Panasonic GF6's eleven functions that ar all visible right away and might be jumped to mistreatment the touchscreen. The E-PM2's screen is touch-sensitive however it is not utilized in either the quick-access or the most menu.

The touchscreen proves its value once moving the optical device purpose, though. It additionally goes a protracted method towards creating up for the dearth of a mode dial. Pressing the Menu button reveals the varied modes, which might be elect by touching the screen.

The main menu is Brobdingnagian, spanning twenty three pages. there is Brobdingnagian scope to customize the camera's behaviour however we tend to did not notice it simple pursuit down specific functions. it is not helped by cryptic labels like American state BKT and Rls Priority S. Pressing the information button reveals explanations, however a number of these offer no any clarity and that they are not offered in sub-menus.

SPEED AND QUALITY - CLICK pictures TO ENLARGE

Autofocus is seriously fast, and it's secured by extraordinarily responsive subject pursuit. It took 0.6 seconds between shots in program mode, however iAuto mode was somewhat slower, at 0.8 seconds. The 8fps continuous shooting lasted for nineteen frames before speed to a pair of.9fps – an outstanding result. It maintained this high 8fps speed for fourteen raw frames too. It's nice to check mountain peak pairing this quick performance with a decent-sized buffer. Continuous mode with change optical device was at a pair of.9fps.

source: expertreviews

Samsung NX2000 Preview

Samsung NX2000 Preview

Samsung introduced the NX2000 interchangeable-lens camera, which features a phone-like touch screen and easy Autoshare toggling.

Essentially a slightly more feature-rich version of the NX1100 (which in turn is the NX1000 with Autoshare capability and a bundled version of Adobe Lightroom 4, which also comes with the NX2000). Both are based on the same sensor as the NX210, though the NX2000 has an updated version of the image-processing engine. Samsung says that it results in better image quality and faster performance, and that autofocus performance falls somewhere between the NX1100 and NX300; it's got faster contrast AF, but lacks the phase-detection sensors of the NX300.

The camera incorporates a new 3.7-inch capacitive touch screen, and its interface mimics that of the Galaxy Camera, albeit without the Android. In addition to using NFC to enable quick Wi-Fi connections, it has a dedicated button to toggle Autoshare -- automatic image transfer directly to a linked device -- though the button can be remapped to send directly to another location.

As you'd expect, there are other operational tweaks, including updates to the scene analysis behind the Smart Mode for better automatic operation.

With this model, Samsung is switching to MicroSD, which is a big pain for people who actually remove their media on a regular basis.

14 different SMART Modes, as well as the i-Function controls, offer photographers a variety of ways to creatively adjust and customize imagery and camera settings. Full HD 1920x1080p Movie Recording is standard in 2D with any of the 12 compatible NX-series lenses, but if you opt for the 45mm 2D/3D lens (sold separately), you can also capture full quality 3D stills and movies.

Despite a full freight of professional camera performance specs, Samsung seems most excited about the NX2000's Wi-Fi Connectivity features, which work in conjunction with the Samsung SMART CAMERA App; available for both Android and iOS devices. AutoShare sends photos as they are taken to a smartphone or tablet. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology syncs the NX200 to NFC-enabled Android smartphones and tablets via a direct Wi-Fi connection. You can also use the Direct Link "hot key" to sync up your favorite social networking site, such as Facebook.

Finally, Samsung bundles a copy of the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 with every purchase.


Samsung SMART Camera NX2000 Features

•     20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor
•     DRIMe IV engine
•     3.7-inch WVGA Full Touch Screen Display
•     Full 1080p HD Movie Recording (30 frames-per-second)
•     HDMI 1.4a output
•     14 SMART Modes, including:

        Action Freeze
        Best Face
        Beauty Face
        Landscape
        Macro
        Rich Tone
        Panorama
        Waterfall
        Silhouette
        Sunset
        Night
        Fireworks
        Light Trace
        Creative Shot

•     8 frames-per-second fast continuous shooting
•     1/4000th second top shutter speed
•     100-25600 ISO range
•     i-Function System
•     3D Still and Movie Recording Capabilities

        *Requires options 25mm 2D/3D lens

•     Works with 12 NX-series lenses
•     Wi-Fi Connectivity includes

        Auto Share
        SNS & Cloud
        Email
        Auto Backup
        Remote Viewfinder
        MobileLink
        Wi-Fi Direct (playback)
        Samsung Link (previously known as AllShare Play)
        Social Sharing

•     RAW & JPEG recording formats
•     Dimensions: 119 x 64.5 x 35.7 mm

Though an exact street date has yet to be announced, the Samsung SMART Camera NX2000 will be available in black, pink, and white for less than $650. 

Sources:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/samsung-nx2000-with-20/4505-6501_7-35755703.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/samsung/nx2000/samsung-smart-camera-nx2000-review.html

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Preview

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Preview

Like many of their competitors, Panasonic has fully embraced Wi-Fi connectivity for their newly announced 2013 LUMIX series cameras. The DMC-LF1 works perfectly with both the Panasonic Image App (available on Android and iOS platforms) as well as the camera-maker's cloud service, LUMIX CLUB. The club, in addition to being a great place to backup and store photographs and videos, allows users to sync their accounts with social networking sites like Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, or YouTube.

The Panasonic Image App has a lot of great features too. For example, if you have a DLNA-compliant Panasonic VIERA HDTV, Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology allows you to display slideshows directly from your camera (no wires!). The Instant Transfer function automatically sends photo data to designated electronic devices whenever the shutter releases (or feel free to pick individual images to transfer during playback mode). And, finally, the app allows you to use your smartphone or tablet as A) a remote control to shoot both stills and video -- release the shutter, zoom, focus, and adjust shutter speed, aperture, or exposure compensation -- or B) an external monitor. Very cool.

While Wi-Fi is an excellent bonus, what's most important about the LF1 is that, assuming it reviews like similarly appointed LUMIX models, it promises to take highly-detailed, accurately-colored photographs at a 12.1-megapixel resolution as well as record 1080/60i HD videos. The 7.1x optical zoom lens has the 35mm equivalency of 28-200mm with a F2.0 maximum aperture. iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode and the Creative Guide are both designed to help newer shutterbugs accurately capture and frame still photos. And, there are 15 Filter Effects accessible via Creative Control (Filters applied BEFORE stills or video) and Creative Retouch (Filters applied AFTER).

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1 Features

•     12.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS image sensor
•     7.1x LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON optical zoom lens

        35mm equivalent of 28-200mm
        F2.0-5.9

•     Venus Engine Image Processor
•     3.0-inch (920K-dot) Intelligent LCD
•     200K-dot Electronic Viewfinder
•     POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
•     1920x1080/60i HD Video Recording
•     Control Ring with access to Manual Controls
•     10 frames per second High Speed Burst Shooting
•     iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode
•     Composition Guide

        Rule of Thirds Offset
        Diagonal Lines
        Tunnel
        Radiation 1
        Radiation 3
        S-Shape

•     Level Gauge
•     ISO up to 12,800
•     Creative Panorama
•     Creative Control and Creative Retouch with 15 Filter Effects, including:

        Old Days
        Expressive
        Retro
        High Key
        Sepia
        High Dynamic
        Soft Focus
        Dynamic Monochrome
        Impressive Art
        One Point Color
        Cross Process
        Low Key
        Toy Effect
        Star Filter
        Miniature Effect

•     Wi-Fi Connectivity
•     NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology
•     AC / USB Power Charging

Panasonic's LUMIX DMC-LF1 should be available in the coming months. Stay tuned for a specific date and pricing. Color choices, thus far, include black or white.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/panasonic/lumix-dmc-lf1/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lf1-review.html

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Preview

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Preview

Panasonic has announced its latest Wi-Fi capable, interchangeable lens LUMIX series camera for 2013. The DMC-G6 is an updated version of last year's well-reviewed G5. For starters, we've still got the 16.05 megapixel Live MOS images sensor with the VENUS image processor, the 3.0-inch free-angle touch screen LCD display capable of Touch AF (AutoFocus), a high quality LVF (Live Viewfinder), Creative Control Filters, and Full HD Video Recording.

But there are a lot of upgrades too. For instance, where the G5 included 14 Creative Filters, the G6 adds five more. And HD video recording has been improved with the ability to natively shoot not only in Full 1080/60p HD, but also the film-like 1080/24p. Then let's throw in new features like Creative Panorama (for capturing the widest vistas in one click), Time Lapse Shot (for recording fluid movement over extended periods of time), Stop Motion Animation (for creating movies one frame at a time), and Clear Retouch (for erasing "unwanted objects or figures in an image by tracing over them on the monitor with a fingertip").

Newbie Photographers will enjoy the updated Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode, which automatically pre-selects optimum camera settings for just about any shooting scenario, as well as Scene Guide, which allows photographers to select one of 23 professional photographs to help frame and set up your own shot.

Saving the best new feature for last, the biggest difference between the G5 and the G6 comes from built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. When combined with either the Panasonic Image app, or Panasonic's cloud service, LUMIX CLUB, users gain access to a whole new set of features and networking capabilities. First, on the Panasonic Image App (available for both iOS and Android devices), use your smartphone or tablet as A) a remote control to shoot both stills and video -- release the shutter, zoom, focus, and adjust shutter speed, aperture, or exposure compensation -- or B) an external monitor. The Instant Transfer function automatically sends photo data to designated electronic devices whenever the shutter releases (or feel free to pick individual images to transfer during playback mode). Also, Wi-Fi Direct uses Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology to display still images on DLNA-compliant Panasonic VIERA HDTVs. Finally, via LUMIX CLUB, G6 owners will be able to sync their cloud accounts with all their favorite social networking sites, such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, or YouTube.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Features

    16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS image sensor
    Venus Engine Image Processor
    3.0-inch Free-Angle Monitor with In-Cell Touch Technology
    1,440K-dot OLED Live View Finder
    Full 1920x1080/60p HD Video Recording in AVCHD Progressive
    1080/24p HD Video Recording
    P/A/S/M Manual Controls
    Full-Time AF (Auto Focus)
    7 frames per second High Speed Burst Shooting
    5fps with AF Tracking engaged
    Touch AF
    Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode
    Scene Guide
    ISO up to 25,600
    Ready to shoot in 0.5 seconds after start up
    Creative Panorama
    Time Lapse Shot
    Stop Motion Animation
    Clear Retouch
    Creative Control Mode with 14 Classic and 5 New (*) Filters
        Old Days*
        Sunshine*
        Bleach Bypass*
        Toy Pop*
        Fantasy*
        Expressive
        Retro
        High Key
        Sepia
        High Dynamic
        Soft Focus
        Dynamic Monochrome
        Impressive Art
        One Point Color
        Cross Process
        Low Key
        Toy Effect
        Star Filter
        Miniature Effect
    Wi-Fi Connectivity
    NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology


Though the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 will be available sometime this year, pricing and the exact date are still unknown.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/panasonic/lumix-dmc-g6/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g6-review.html

Sony Digital Recording Binoculars DEV-50V Preview

Sony Digital Recording Binoculars DEV-50V Preview

30% smaller than their predecessor, Sony has announced the DEV-50V Digital Recording Binoculars. In addition to simple world observation, these digital binocs also capture up to 20.4-megapixel still images as well as HD video in either three or two dimensions. Twin Sony G-Lenses funnel light into dual Exmor R CMOS image sensors and the BIONZ image processor, which, in addition to ensuring vivid and colorful images and videos, helps the camera's super fast Auto Focus (not found on your father's binoculars) and adds a few creative bells and whistles. Although there is no optical viewfinder, Sony supplies twin OLED Tru-finder eyes pieces (2.4 million dots each).

The DEV-50V's optical zoom range is different for video and still images. With a 35mm equivalent of 36.3-2007mm, or 25x, you're going to love the built-in Optical Steady Shot to ensure blur-free still photos. 3D / HD Movies can also access the 25x zoom range, but only with Digital Zoom turned on; for cleaner recordings, we recommend sticking with the 12x optical zoom.

In addition to all sorts of inputs and outputs, Sony's newest Digital Recording Binoculars offer Hyper-Gain Mode, for seeing in ultra-low-light scenarios almost like Nigh Vision, and Sweep Panorama 360, the easiest way to capture wide-angle panoramas.

Sony DEV-50V Digital Recording Binoculars Features

   - Twin Exmor R CMOS image sensors with a max resolution of 20.4 megapixels
   - Twin OLED Tru-finder eyes pieces (2.4 million dots each)
   - Twin Sony G Lenses capable of

•         25x optical zoom Still Photos (36.3 - 2007mm)
•         12x optical zoom Movie Recording

 -   BIONZ Image Processor
 -   3D HD Video Recording at 1080/60i
 -   2D HD Video Recording at 1080/60p
 -   AutoFocus
 -   Optical Steady Shot
 -   Sweep Panorama 360
 -   Hyper Gain Mode
 -   Micro HDMI Out
 -   Composite Video Out
 -   Supplied Accessories

•         Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FV70)
•         AC Adaptor
•         Power Cord
•         Operation Guide
•         HDMI Micro Cable
•         Micro USB Cable
•         CD-ROM Manuals
•         Neck Strap
•         Lens Cap
•         Large Eyecup
•         Finder Cap
•         Carrying Case

Pricing and availability for the Sony DEV-50V will be announced shortly.

Source: http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/sony/dev-50/sony-dev-50v-digital-recording-binoculars-review.html

Pentax GR Camera: APS-C sensor, fixed-lens compact

Pentax GR Camera: APS-C sensor, fixed-lens compact

It seems large-sensor compacts are the latest trend and Ricoh Pentax has got in on the action with the announcement of the Pentax GR. Based around the Ricoh GR-series - the same company which acquired all Pentax Imaging Corp shares back in 2011 - this 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor based compact has got a whole lot going for it.

Ricoh has always said that it wouldn't release a DSLR camera, and while the company hasn't, it has plonked a DSLR-sized sensor into a GRD-esque compact camera body and stripped out the low-pass filter - much like the Nikon Coolpix A - for heightened sharpness. But unlike the near-£1000 Nikon, the GR will retail for a far more affordable £599. Nice work Pentax.

The GR pairs the large sensor up with an 18.3mm f/2.8 lens - the equivalent of 27.5mm - for a single, wide-angle view onto the world. There's no zoom so the focus is on premier optical quality instead and while this may sound limiting to some first-time snappers, it's just what the doctor ordered for street photography and the like. A build-in ND (neutral density) filter will also mean the wide aperture is available for use in bright conditions, while a crop mode - which uses a smaller portion of the sensor - can equate to a 35mm equivalent output if preferred. Or go the other way by adding the optional 0.75x magnification GW-3 wide conversion lens for a 21mm equivalent ultra-wide shooting experience.

The GR's sensor can capture images from ISO 100-25,600 thanks to the latest GR Engine V processor, while in-body raw data development gives full control wherever you happen to be. With no low-pass filter we'd anticipate that images ought to be even higher quality than the likes of the Pentax K-5 II DSLR which, given the price point, is quite an achievement. However we're yet to use the GR so we'll have to wait with baited breath as to how well it performs in reality.

Capable of shooting at up to four frames per second (4fps), and acquiring subject focus in just 0.2-seconds the GR sounds pretty nippy - though its 1-second start-up time doesn't sound as immediate as it could be.

The GR holds onto the long-standing benefits of the Ricoh GRD series, such as the magnesium alloy frame, but has been redesigned to include an AF and aperture preview button to make for easier everyday shooting.

There's also a hotshoe and an optional electronic viewfinder can be added for £223. Add that to the £599 camera price and it looks like Pentax has just produced a £822 prime compact camera that should rival the best of them. We're rather excited to see more of what this bad boy can do.


By Mike Lowe
source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/120515-pentax-gr-aps-c-sensor-fixed-lens-compact-camera-with-599-price-tag-makes-us-want-to-go-grrr