Best Cameras

1. Fujifilm X100S 

The Fujifilm X100 was a redefining camera for the point and shoot segment, but sadly, it shipped with many flaws. However, the X100s feels like a camera made by a company that listens to its customers. Not only does the new camera inherit no flaws from the X100, but it also brings with it a set of new features that are sure to win many over. But the price on the X100S can be a deterrent for a few along with its fixed focal length lens. But there�s a lot more to the story, so read on.

2. Sony India RX100

Sony India has today officially launched the RX100 II, a much awaited update to the already very popular RX100. The camera brings about a bucket full of changes, though they may not be so apparent on first glance.

The RX100 II has a 20.9 megapixel sensor, same as the RX100 with an effective resolution of 20.2 megapixels, same as the RX100. So may would be inclined to think that the sensor in the two cameras is the same, but Sony claims that is not the case. It is possible that the micro-lens array has received some tweaking, which does result in noticeable changes in image quality, especially with BSI-CMOS sensors.

3. Fujifilm FinePix X20

The X20 boasts to be a lot more than its predecessor claimed to be, packing a brand spankin' new BSI sensor and image processor. It addressed the many shortcomings the previous model had, including making that optical viewfinder useful by putting a digital information overlay in there. But does it seriously outperform its predecessor? But more importantly, does it justify spending the extra money over its competitors? We find out.

4. Canon PowerShot G1X 

At Rs. 47,995 it has a ridiculous pricing for a high end point and shoot camera. Taking the large sensor size into consideration, we just keep wondering how wonderful it would have been if the camera was an interchangeable-lens one. The PowerShot S100 is still a great camera for its price, although it comes with a smaller sensor. The Nikon V1 comes at Rs. 45,450 which is still quite high a price point but you get the option to change lenses. Canon G1X with its price clearly targets photography enthusiasts, who most likely own a DSLR or those who are comfortable with manual operational modes. 

Most Sold Digital Cameras in India

Digital Cameras are one of the favorite electronic products which we all love to carry around to capture memories. Smartphone which comes up with high megapixel cameras are affecting this digital camera industry a bit, but still those look for the experience and passion of photography goes for a digital camera. Here comes a list of the most sold compact digital cameras of Nikon, Canon, Sony and a few others in the Indian market.

Best of Nikon:  If you are one among those who has some interest and knowledge in photography, then your first pick will always be a Nikon. We are listing out a few affordable and good ones under this brand.

Nikon Coolpix L23:

Nikon Coolpix L23 is a 10.1 megapixel entry level compact camera engineered with EXPEED C2 Image Processing Engine and 5x optical zoom NIKKOR lens which zooms up to 5x optically and 4x digitally. Its comes with a 2.7-inch TFT LCD screen, 22MB internal memory, supports external memory cards, has a rechargeable Ni-MH Battery and a built-in and auto-focus flash. This entry level camera costs just Rs.4,400.

Nikon Coolpix S2500:

Nikon Coolpix S2500 is a 12 megapixel compact digital camera which comes with the company’s EXPEED C2 Image Processing Engine and possesses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor. It sports a 4x zoom 4.9 - 19.6 mm focal length NIKKOR lens which can be zoomed optically and digital, a 2.7-inch TFT LCD monitor, an internal memory of 16 MB-expendable with SD card, rechargeable Li-ion battery, in-built flash and comes with auto-focusing features. This affordable camera is available for Rs.5,500.

Nikon Coolpix S6100:

Nikon Coolpix S6100 comes with a massive 16 megapixel sensor, 7x optical zoom and a 3-inch 460k dot LCD touchscreen. Other features are; F-stop ranges from 3.7-5.6, 4 way image stabilization, 20MB Internal Memory, SDXC card slot, Li-ion Battery and an auto-focus built in flash. This high-featured digital camera costs around Rs.11,500.

Nikon Coolpix P300:

Nikon Coolpix P300 is a point and shoot 12.2 megapixel camera. It comes with 4.2x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom, 3 inch TFT LCD Screen, 35 mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24 - 100 mm, rechargeable Li-ion Battery, 90 MB in-build memory, SD card slot and auto-focus built-in flash. This is a promising new camera of Nikon which costs Rs.14,500.

Nikon Coolpix S630:

Nikon Coolpix S630 is a small 12-megapixel point-and-shoot camera which gives 7x zoom. The camera is easy to use, gives a perfect image quality and good color accuracy; about video recording you can’t say it’s perfect. The camera sports a 2.7 Inch LCD screen, rechargeable Li-ion Battery and an internal memory of 44MB which is expandable with SD Card. It comes with a focal length of 37 - 260 mm, has Auto Focus features and built-in Flash. You can owe this camera for Rs.18,000.

Best on Canon: Canon camera are preferred to catch pictures with some professionalism as most of their cameras comes with high-end functionality which can sometime puts normal guys in jeopardy. Have a look at the comparatively simple and worth buying ones.

Canon Powershot XS 150:

Canon XS 150 comes with an exciting 12x optical zoom and sharp 14.1 Megapixel resolution. It features a 3-inch LCD screen, smart shutter with wink self-timer, flip-up auto focus flash, supports SD, SDHC, SDXC cards for storage and for power it has 2x AA Alkaline or NiMH batteries. This camera is quite affordable for Rs.10,000.

Canon SX 220:

Canon just gave a treat to photographers with this zippy 12.1 megapixel Camera which comes with CMOS Image Sensor, 14x Optical Zoom and 4x Digital Zoom, full HD Recording and 3 inch TFT Colour LCD Screen. It also has a built-in pop-up flash, Li-ion NB-5L rechargeable battery, Hi-Speed USB port and a card slot to expand memory. This camera is available for Rs.15,000.

Canon PowerShot SX130IS:

This point and shoot 12.1 megapixel camera has CCD sensor with dimensions of 1/2.3 inch and is powered by DIGIC 4 image processor. The camera features 4x digital zoom, 12.1x optical zoom, 3-inch TFT colour LCD with wide viewing angle, USB 2.0, memory card slot and an in-built auto focus flash. This product will cost you around Rs.10,000.

Best of Sony: Sony camera are the most popular ones in India and  the best once if you are a brand freak, the functionality of these cameras are quite good but they lags a bit behind when compared to the above covered brands. Have a look at the best selling once of Sony.

Sony Cybershot DSC-W570/B:

Sony Cybershot DSC-W570/B is a 16.1 megapixel camera which provides 5x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom. It has a Super HAD CCD sensor, a 2.8 inch LCD display, rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BN1, USB Connection, Micro SD card slot and in-built auto-focus flash. This hot selling camera costs Rs.8,500.

Sony H70:

Sony H70 features 10x optical zoom, 20x Digital Zoom and 25mm wide angle lens. This 16.1 megapixel camera sports BIONZ image processor, Super HAD CCD Image Sensor,   3 inch Clear Photo LCD Screen, Lithium ION NP-BG1 battery, 2.0 Hi-Speed USB, in-built auto-focus flash and memory card slot. This affordable camera has a price tag of Rs.10,000.

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9V:

This is a 16.2 megapixel Camera which has a Exmor R CMOS Sensor, 16x optical zoom and 64x digital zoom. The device features 3 inch XtraFine TruBlack LCD Screen, high-speed USB 2.0, Lithium ION Battery NP-BG1, built-in auto focus flash and memory card slot. Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9V has a price tag of Rs.16,500.

Lytro Camera: Shoot Now Focus Later

Lytro, a startup camera maker has unveiled its first Lytro consumer light field camera. The Lytro camera introduces a new way to take and experience pictures. The amazing feature in this camera is it captures all the rays of light in a scene which helps to focus a picture after it is taken.

This camera offers a powerful 8x optical zoom lens in an iconic rectangular design and creates interactive living pictures that can be refocused constantly. The camera feature a light field sensor that collects the color, intensity, and the direction of every light ray flowing into the camera, capturing a picture in four dimensions. In addition to that, the camera uses a light field engine which allows refocusing pictures directly on the camera.

Lytro Camera

The camera has a sleek design, no unnecessary modes or dials it just have two buttons: power and shutter buttons and has a touchscreen display. The camera also comes with a Lytro’s desktop software, through which you can easily imports pictures from camera and computer. The software allows users to view, interact with snaps, organize and share it to social networking sites. 

The camera is available in two models: 16 GB and 8GB, in three colors: red hot, graphite and electric blue and has a starting price of $399. This device is not yet available in India.

The Journey of Cameras

Now a day’s everyone of us capture lovely moments of our lives, indiscriminately with smartphone camera. Have you ever thought about the journey of cameras and how they reached your smartphone? Here is the fascinating story of camera form ‘camera obscura to the smartphone camera’.

1. Camera Obscura in 300 B.C.

Obscura

The camera obscura is the first device which started the evolution of camera. This device is actually a dark room with a pin hole on the one side to enter light and produce an image inside the room. The image appeared upside down but it cannot be captured, you have to draw the image.

2. Daguerreotype in 1836

Daguerreotype

The Daguerreotype was the first successful photographic process. Louis Daguerre invented this camera in 1836 with the help of his partner Joseph Nicéphore Niépce.

Previously in the camera obscura, artists would manually trace the reflected image but in the Daguerreotype camera he used a copper plate with sliver coat to capture images.

3. Twin Lens Reflex Camera

Twin Lens Reflex

Twin Lens Reflex or Double lens cameras were first developed around 1870. This type of cameras has two objective lenses of same focal length. The first lens is for the photographic view by which photographer view the image and another one for focusing the image.

4. Dry plate in 1871

Dry Plate

With the invention of dry plate, it has improved the quality of images and the photographic exposure time was shortened. This new process simplified the work of photographers and helped them to take more photos. Dry plates are improved type of photographic plates invented by Dr. Richard Maddox in 1871.

5. Celluloid film in 1889

Celluloid film

With the development of celluloid film for still photography, it became possible and easy to directly capture objects in motion in real time.

George Eastman Kodak introduced a camera called Brownie in February 1990 using the celluloid film. This camera was so popular that people were using this camera till 1960.

6. Single Lens Reflex Camera in 1933

Single Lens Reflex Camera

In 1933 Exakta introduced the first single lens reflex camera using 127 mm roll film and in 1936 with 35 mm roll film.  The single lens reflex (SLR) cameras typically use mirrors and prism system allowing the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. This SLR technology became the main character in cameras and framed a whole new path of evolution.

7. Polaroid Instant Camera in 1948

Polaroid Instant Camera

An American scientist Edwin Land invented the first Polaroid instant camera called as Land camera in 1948. These instant cameras are capable to generate a developed film images in just 1 minute. This new invention changed the whole perception of camera industry.

8. Digital Cameras in 1988

Digital Cameras

In 1988 Fujifilm introduced the world’s first digital camera ‘DS-1P’ and it was the beginning of the new digital era. These digital cameras can shoot continuously and store them on a digital media. Today we can see a wide variety of digital cameras from compact point and shoot digital cameras to high-end digital SLRs.

9. Mobile Phone with Camera in 2000

Mobile Phone With Camera

J-Phone is the first to implement camera in Phone successfully. J-Phone is a Japanese mobile company which introduced camera mobile in 2000 and within two years half of the Japanese were using camera mobiles. In 2003 many companies started manufacturing camera phones and in 2005 Nokia become world’s most sold camera phone brand.

10.  Smartphones

Smartphones

Today the smartphones are making buzz in the camera world, you can find one or the other capturing photos without any limits using smartphones. These smartphone cameras are capable of capturing 1080p HD video and take 8 MP photos. Nokia N8 was the first smartphone featuring 12 MP Autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics lens.

Top Mirrorless Cameras in India

Photography still remains the favorites of many as everyone likes to capture beautiful moments in their lives even though various new technologies have cropped up in our life. There are various camera manufactures offering varieties of cameras and Mirrorless cameras are one among them for amateur and professional photographers. These mirrorless cameras are compact, lightweight and easy to use. These are the best alternatives for bulky digital-SLR camera and it also provides best image quality as a D-SLR. So, have a look at the best mirrorless cameras available in India.

1. Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PL3

The Olympus E-PL3 is a compact, stylish and easy to use mirrorless camera offering 12.3 megapixel resolution with live MOS image sensor and TruePic VI image processor.

The camera delivers superior image quality but the video recording quality disappoints because the camera is only concentrated on images and not on video recording. It has many useful features like tiltable 3 inch LCD viewfinder and Art filters.

The camera has HDMI port, USB port and memory slot for storage. The camera lacks built in flash and there is no proper hand grip but considering the features and looks it’s worth a buy for Rs. 29000.

2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 is very compact and has smooth finished edges. It offers 12.1 megapixel resolution with large DSLR format MOS sensors and takes gorgeous photographs and video recording.

The camera features 3 inch touchscreen display, manual and auto focus modes, face detection, image stabilization, built-in flash, digital and optical zooming options and HD video recording. For connectivity it has HDMI ports and USB ports. This stylish compact mirrorless camera is available for Rs. 29599.

3. Sony Alpha NEX-5N

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

The Sony Alpha NEX-5N is the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera. It is best suited for video recording as it offers 1080i HD movie recording and the image quality is also awesome. The camera sports 16.1 megapixels of resolution with Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor and BIONZ image processor.

The camera also features face detection, smile shutter, sweep panorama, anti motion blur mode and art filters. It has a panable 3 inch display with anti dust system and for connectivity it has HDMI and USB ports. This camera is available in black and silver color for Rs. 34990.

4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a high range camera featuring 16.1 megapixel of resolution with live MOS image sensor and is able to capture Full 1080 pixels of HD video with continuous autofocus at variable frame rates.

The camera sports 3 inch tiltable touchscreen LCD display, a supersonic wave filter dust reduction system, auto eye sensor, auto focus system, built-in microphone, speaker and flash. It has HDMI port, AV out, stereo mini jack and USB port for connectivity. This high featured camera is available with a price tag of Rs.45999.

Samsung Unveils Dual Screen Wi-Fi Camera

Samsung has launched a new dual view digital camera, DV300F. It is the fifth addition to the dual LCD camera series and the first one to have Wi-Fi connectivity in its range.

The camera offers 16.4 MP, 5X wide-angle optical zoom lens and it has CCD sensor with 3 inch display at the back and 1.5 inch front LCD display. The camera also features optical image stabilization, ISO up to 3200, DLNA support, in-built GPS module for image Geo tagging, 720 pixels of HD video recording at 30 frames per second and expandable memory up to 32GB. The camera also has AV out port, mini USB port, built in microphones and speakers.

Samsung's Wi-Fi Camera

 The Wi-Fi addition to this camera allows users to upload photos and videos directly from the camera to Facebook, PhotoBucket, Picasa, Flickr and YouTube. You can also transfer photos and videos wirelessly to a PC or to cloud storage services like Microsoft SkyDrive. The Samsung has also introduced a free Samsung Remote ViewFinder app for Android and iOS devices to remotely control this camera.

The price details for this Dual Screen Wi-Fi camera in India is not yet disclosed, it is expected to be around Rs. 10,600 to 12,500 and it will be available in the first quarter of 2012.

Trace your Stolen Camera with CameraTrace

GadgetTrak has launched its beta version as GadgetTrak Serial Search after several years called CameraTrace, which helps photographers to protect and trace their stolen cameras.

Photographer’s has to register their camera’s serial number which includes a one-time payment of $10 to have life time validity. Whenever you report that your camera is stolen or lost then the CameraTrace will help you to trace your camera using the camera’s serial number. In addition to tracking your stolen camera, it also provides copyright protection service. CameraTrace also track your image if somebody is misusing your photo and uploading it without your permission.

CameraTrace can detect and send an instant email notification to the registered user whenever an image is taken from a stolen camera and uploaded online, as almost every digital camera imprints their serial number on the photos. Recently CameraTrace helped professional photographer John Heller to recover his $9,000 camera successfully.

It uses a particular search technology to scan photo from various photo sharing websites for the images which are taken from the registered serial number. It has already searched and examined more than 5 billion images from many popular photo sharing sites. CameraTrace is growing its database and now it includes 11 million cameras of 300 different high-end camera models of several manufacturers like Nikon, Cannon, Kodak, Sony and Olympus as this technology is helping many professional and amateur photographers to trace their valuable lost cameras.

Canon IXUS 1100 HS: A Stylist Heir for IXUS Family

Canon has launched a new stylist digital camera under its IXUS family. This all new touch screen compact Canon IXUS 1100 HS camera is suitable for point-and-shoot usability. This new model is an improvised version of Canon IXUS 1000 HS with advanced resolution, LCD screen size and has less physical buttons which offers a complete touch screen control.

Canon IXUS 100 HS

With effective 12.1 MP Backlit CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 iSAPS image processing technology, it is the one of the most advanced IXUS models till date. It has a 3.2 inch touchscreen with excellent fingertip control which gives an easy to shoot and play back images & videos provision for the photographers.

The camera offers 12x optical zoom with 4-spot optical image stabilizer which provides outstanding image quality and gives a detail zoom from wide angle to the extreme telephoto zoom. It automatically identifies the shooting situation and selects the most suitable image stabilization. For example if you are shooting at sun light or taking close up shot or a landscape, the camera’s sensor will automatically adjust the image stabilization and helps to take perfect picture. It also record video in full HD 1080 pixels of resolution with high-quality stereo sound.

In addition to offering a high zoom compact camera it also features many effects like Vivid, toy camera, monochrome, sepia and poster effect for both images and videos. The fish eye effect allows capturing the image in a unique way.

This new camera is available at a price of Rs. 24, 995 in three colors namely red, black and silver.

FUJIFILM Launches Latest X10 Cameras

FUJIFILM India launches the latest X10. The cameras have a combination of Fujinon lens and a bright viewfinder which gives an amazing shooting experience with this camera.

X10 is the latest offering in the X series digital cameras with a F2.0-2.8, 28-112mm-equivalent lens offered by Fujifilm. The X10 features a large 2/3" 12 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor and a high-definition F2.0 wide-angle and F2.8 telephoto Fujinon 4x manual zoom lens (28-112mm), characterized by its brightness and superb picture quality right up to the edge of an image. In order to maintain the FUJIFILM X10's compact shell whilst ensuring high image quality, Fujinon has adopted lenses made of glass with superior optical characteristics for all elements in the 9-groups/11-elements configuration. The design incorporates an arrangement of aspheric lenses, ED lenses and high-refractive index lenses, and is treated with Fujinon's originally developed Super EBC.

FUJIFILM X10 Cameras

The new EXR AUTO with new Motion Detection instantly recognizes 54 scene types, automatically optimizes every setting from exposure to white balance, and even switches to the ideal sensor mode: HR High Resolution for well-lit conditions, SN High Sensitivity/Low Noise mode for low light, and DR Dynamic Range mode for high-contrast scenes. Latest X1 costs MRP is 44,999/ - Special Price is 39999/-

Mr. K. Tanaka, MD, Fujifilm India, said, “Fujifilm is proud to announce the addition of a new premium compact camera to its digital camera line up for autumn 2011. The X10 is a highly advanced compact camera with specifications that follow in the footsteps of the multi award-winning Fujifilm FinePix X100 that was released in March 2011; the ultimate in refined design, components, functions and specification. Featuring a bright optical zoom viewfinder with a wide viewing angle, the X10 allows users to enjoy the pleasure of photography via a traditional viewfinder, providing all the benefits and ease of composition that this brings.”