Thursday 28 February 2013

Best Nikon Ever - D7000

When it was announced in September the D7000 took a lot of people by surprise. Although a D90 successor had been on the horizon for some time, what wasn't expected was how close in specification terms the new camera would turn out to be to the D300S. In some respects, in fact, the D7000 actually outguns its (supposedly) semi-pro cousin, and offers a compelling upgrade option to both D90 and D300S owners, whilst nominally sitting between the two in Nikon's current lineup.

Although ergonomically, the D7000 is a very close match for the D90, its overall 'feel' is considerably more serious, thanks to a magnesium alloy body shell and slightly thicker rubber coating on the hand grip and rear of the camera. At 16.2Mp the D7000 offers the second highest resolution of any Nikon DSLR, behind only the 24Mp D3X. All of these pixels are packed onto a newly developed CMOS sensor, which is almost certainly the same or very similar to that in the Sony Alpha SLT-A55. As well as extra resolution, the new sensor also offers a higher 'standard' ISO span of 100-6400, expandable up to the equivalent of ISO 25,600.
The D7000's AF and metering systems are also new, and represent a significant upgrade to those used in the D90. The new camera boasts a 39-point AF array with 9 cross-type AF points and works in collaboration with a new 2016-pixel RGB metering sensor to allow 3D AF tracking (essentially tracking by subject color, explained here). Other changes include the same combined live view/movie switch control as the 3100, and a significantly upgraded movie specification, up to 'full HD' - 1920x1080 resolution at 24fps. Unlike the D90, the D7000 can also maintain AF during live view and movie shooting, thanks to its AF-F ('full time') AF mode.
D90 owners have been waiting for a replacement camera for a while, and although the D90 isn't set for retirement quite yet, the D7000 certainly represents a compelling upgrade. It took longer than we'd hoped for a production D7000 to be supplied to us, but now that we've had one for a a few weeks we've been able to produce an in-depth review. Read on to find out what we think of Nikon's newest DSLR...

Nikon D7000 Key Features

  • 16.2MP CMOS sensor
  • 1080p HD video recording with mic jack for external microphone
  • ISO 100-6400 (plus H1 and H2 equivalent to ISO 12,800/25,600)
  • 39-point AF system with 3D tracking
  • New 2016 pixel metering sensor
  • Scene Recognition System (see 2016 pixel sensor, above) aids WB/metering + focus accuracy
  • Twin SD card slots
  • 3.0 inch 921k dot LCD screen
  • New Live View/movie shooting switch
  • Full-time AF in Live View/movie modes
  • Up to 6fps continuous shooting
  • Lockable drive mode dial
  • Built-in intervalometer
  • Electronic virtual horizon
  • Shutter tested to 150K actuations

Nikon D7000 and Nikon D90: Key differences

The D7000 sits above the D90 in Nikon's current lineup, and as befits its new position in the range, the D7000 combines elements of the D90 with elements of the D300S - Nikon's current APS-C flagship. The most obvious physical clue to its new position is a magnesium alloy body shell, which up to now has been reserved for Nikon's top-end APS-C and full frame cameras.
'Under the hood' though the differences are legion - a new 16.2MP CMOS sensor, dual card slots, a new 39-point AF array, 'true' HD movie mode with full-time AF and more customization options, some of which are inherited from Nikon's professional DSLRs. Like the D90, the D7000 supports AF with Nikon's older AF and AF-D lenses (lower-end models are limited to compatibility with AF-S and AF-I optics only) but additionally, because the D7000 has an Ai indexing tab on its lens mount, up to 9 'non-CPU' lenses can also be registered with the camera.
This allows the use of virtually any Ai specification or later lens to be used in aperture priority or manual mode with the D7000, with almost no loss of functionality (apart from AF). Novice DSLR users might never look beyond the horizons offered by their kit lenses, but for the enthusiast, legacy support like this could well be a deal-clincher.

  • Higher resolution sensor (16.2MP vs. 12.3MP)
  • Choice of 12-bit or 14-bit NEF (RAW)
  • 1080p HD movie mode
  • Limited movie editing functionality
  • AF possible during video shooting
  • Live View switch (basically the same as D3100)
  • Faster AF in live view mode.
  • Twin SD card slots
  • Non-CPU lens data function (allows registration of up to 9 non-G lenses with manual apertures)
  • Magnesium alloy body shell
  • Wider ISO span (100-25,600 including 'H1' and 'H2')
  • Newly developed 39-point AF system
  • 'Quiet' single frame advance mode
  • 'Proper' mirror lock-up (as distinct from 'exposure delay mode')
  • Lockable drive mode dial
  • Higher maximum frame rate (6fps) with a Continuous Lo shooting option (1-5fps)
  • 100% viewfinder
  • Choice of 12-bit or 14-bit NEF (RAW) recording in compressed or lossless compressed formats
  • Up to 9 'non-CPU' lenses can be registered (same as D300s/D3s/D3X)
  • New EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery
  • New MB-D11 battery pack (magnesium alloy construction)

Compared to the D90 and D300S: core feature and specification differences

 

Nikon D7000

Nikon D90

Nikon D300S
Construction Magnesium alloy body Polycarbonate Magnesium alloy body
Sensor • 23.6 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor
• RGB color filter array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 16.2 million effective pixels
• RGB Color Filter Array
• 14-bit A/D converter
• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
• RGB color filter array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 12.3 million effective pixels
• RGB Color Filter Array
• 12-bit A/D converter
• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
• RGB color filter array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 12.3 million effective pixels
• RGB Color Filter Array
• 14-bit A/D converter
ISO range • Auto ISO (100-Hi2)
• ISO 100-6400 in 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• H1 and H2 (ISO 12800 and 25600) expansion
• Adjustable Auto ISO limit
• Auto ISO (400-H1)
• ISO 200 -3200 in 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• L1 (ISO 100) and H1 (ISO 6400) expansion
• Adjustable Auto ISO limit
• Auto ISO (400-H1)
• ISO 200 -3200 in 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• L1 (ISO 100) and H1 (ISO 6400) expansion
• Adjustable Auto ISO limit
Movie resolution* • 1920 x 1080p (24fps)
• 1280 x 720p (30, 25, 24fps)
• 640 x 424p (30, 25fps)
• 1280 x 720p (24 fps)
• 640 x 424p (24 fps)
• 320 x 216p (24 fps)
• 1280 x 720p (24 fps)
• 640 x 424p (24 fps)
• 320 x 216p (24 fps)
AF sensor • 39 AF points
• 9 cross-type sensors
• 11 AF points
• 1 cross-type sensor
• 51 focus points
• 15 cross-type sensors
Metering sensor • TTL exposure metering using 2016-pixel RGB sensor
• Metering range: EV 0 - 20 EV
• TTL exposure metering using 403-pixel RGB sensor
• Metering range: EV 0 - 20 EV
• TTL exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor
• Metering range: EV 0 - 20 EV
Viewfinder • Eye-level pentaprism
• 100% frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.94x
• Eyepoint: 19.5 mm
• Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with AF area brackets
Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1.0m-1)
• Eye-level pentaprism
• 96% (horizontal and vertical) frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.94x
• Eyepoint: 19.5 mm
• B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II with AF area brackets
• Built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1m-1)
• Eye-level pentaprism
• 100% frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.94x
• Eyepoint: 19.5 mm
• B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II with AF area brackets
• Built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1m-1)
Continuous shooting rate • Approx 6 fps max
• Approx 4.5 fps max
• Up to approx 8fps with AC adapter or MB-D10 pack and batteries other than EN-EL3e
Memory format • SD/SDHC/SDXC (dual slots) • SD/SDHC • Compact Flash (type I and UDMA) (dual SD/CF slots)
Dimensions Approx 132 x 105 x 77mm
(5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0in)
Approx 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.) Approx 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)
Weight (inc battery) 780 g (1.7 lb.) 704 g (1.5 lb.) 918 g (2.2 lb.)


Get Paid When Promoting Post : Facebook

Facebook on Friday said it is letting users pay to ensure that messages posted by friends at the leading social network get more attention.

The feature is being rolled out globally and comes less than four months after Facebook began letting members pay to have personal posts get priority in feeds seen by friends.

"Now, in addition to promoting your own posts, you can promote a friend's post, such as a fundraising or celebration announcement," Facebook said in a blog post.

"It's important to know that this feature respects the privacy of the original poster - it will promote to everyone who originally saw it."

A list of popular use cases included spotlighting a friend's efforts to raise money for charity; a move to a new city, or accomplishments such as job promotions or college graduations.

The feature is only available for people with fewer than 5,000 friends at the social network, according to Facebook.

The California-based firm has been seeking new ways to generate revenue since it made a dismal stock market debut in May of last year.



 credit to gadgets.ndtv.com
Facebook on Friday said it is letting users pay to ensure that messages posted by friends at the leading social network get more attention.

The feature is being rolled out globally and comes less than four months after Facebook began letting members pay to have personal posts get priority in feeds seen by friends.

"Now, in addition to promoting your own posts, you can promote a friend's post, such as a fundraising or celebration announcement," Facebook said in a blog post.

"It's important to know that this feature respects the privacy of the original poster - it will promote to everyone who originally saw it."

A list of popular use cases included spotlighting a friend's efforts to raise money for charity; a move to a new city, or accomplishments such as job promotions or college graduations.

The feature is only available for people with fewer than 5,000 friends at the social network, according to Facebook.

The California-based firm has been seeking new ways to generate revenue since it made a dismal stock market debut in May of last year.

Shares sank after making a debut at $38 dollars but have regained some of the ground, trading at $28.21 on the Nasdaq exchange mid-day Friday. - See more at: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/social-networking/news/facebook-users-can-now-pay-to-promote-friends-posts-331683#sthash.OqBa8rzf.dpuf
Facebook on Friday said it is letting users pay to ensure that messages posted by friends at the leading social network get more attention.

The feature is being rolled out globally and comes less than four months after Facebook began letting members pay to have personal posts get priority in feeds seen by friends.

"Now, in addition to promoting your own posts, you can promote a friend's post, such as a fundraising or celebration announcement," Facebook said in a blog post.

"It's important to know that this feature respects the privacy of the original poster - it will promote to everyone who originally saw it."

A list of popular use cases included spotlighting a friend's efforts to raise money for charity; a move to a new city, or accomplishments such as job promotions or college graduations.

The feature is only available for people with fewer than 5,000 friends at the social network, according to Facebook.

The California-based firm has been seeking new ways to generate revenue since it made a dismal stock market debut in May of last year.

Shares sank after making a debut at $38 dollars but have regained some of the ground, trading at $28.21 on the Nasdaq exchange mid-day Friday. - See more at: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/social-networking/news/facebook-users-can-now-pay-to-promote-friends-posts-331683#sthash.OqBa8rzf.dpuf
Facebook on Friday said it is letting users pay to ensure that messages posted by friends at the leading social network get more attention.

The feature is being rolled out globally and comes less than four months after Facebook began letting members pay to have personal posts get priority in feeds seen by friends.

"Now, in addition to promoting your own posts, you can promote a friend's post, such as a fundraising or celebration announcement," Facebook said in a blog post.

"It's important to know that this feature respects the privacy of the original poster - it will promote to everyone who originally saw it."

A list of popular use cases included spotlighting a friend's efforts to raise money for charity; a move to a new city, or accomplishments such as job promotions or college graduations.

The feature is only available for people with fewer than 5,000 friends at the social network, according to Facebook.

The California-based firm has been seeking new ways to generate revenue since it made a dismal stock market debut in May of last year.

Shares sank after making a debut at $38 dollars but have regained some of the ground, trading at $28.21 on the Nasdaq exchange mid-day Friday. - See more at: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/social-networking/news/facebook-users-can-now-pay-to-promote-friends-posts-331683#sthash.OqBa8rzf.dpuf

Saturday 23 February 2013

IPhone 5S Release Date



The iPhone 5 may only be a few months old, but we're already hearing information about a successor, which may be known as the iPhone 5S in keeping with Apple's naming convention.
The early arrival of the iPad 4 and the iPad mini - just eight months after the release of the iPad 3 in March - has meant that Apple still has the ability to surprise and we could well see an iPhone 5S appear earlier than expected.
Nevertheless, it's more likely that the iPhone 5S will hit stores in the latter part of 2013, following the trend set by the iPhone 5 and 4S. It's even possible that Apple will skip the iPhone 5S and hop right on to the iPhone 6.
Some developers contacted The Next Web in early January to say they had seen a new iPhone6.1 identifer in logs - a device running iOS 7.
One analyst has claimed Apple could use the iPhone 5S to increase its margin for iPhones as a result of falling profitability.

iPhone 5S release date


That means the iPhone 5S release date could be as early Spring 2013. However, we believe it's still likely that we'll see another iPhone later in 2013.
But that's not what everybody thinks: the Chinese-language Commercial Times estimates that full commercial production of the rumored iPhone 5S will begin as early as Q1 2013. That's borne out by further rumors suggesting a March manufacturing start date, followed by a mid-year release.
Digi times reckons the iPhone 5S release date will be a little later, citing predicted sales targets of relevant component manufacturers. "Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation iPad and iPhone series around the middle of 2013... Component orders placed by Apple, which climbed to high levels prior to the iPhone 5 roll out, will rise again between March and April, the observers indicated."
Some sources claim that Apple has is ploughing ahead with the next iteration of the popular handset, due to low yield rates of the iPhone 5 on the assembly line at Foxconn.
Apparently, because of the fragility of the parts used to make the device, many break before they even see the light of day.

iPhone 5S wireless charging

According to CP Tech, Apple filed a patent application last month for Wireless Power Utilization, a wireless charging system with near-field magnetic resonance (NFMR). That means we'll get wireless charging at last.
Needless to say, Tech Radar will be keeping a close eye on all the iPhone 5S rumors and will bring you the latest developments as they emerge - on this very page.


Credit to techradar.com


Wi-Fi Camera From Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Camera


Almost missed this… Few days ago Samsung unveiled a Wi-Fi only version of its Galaxy Camera. As you would imagine, the device is identical to its 3G/4G-enabled sibling sporting a powerful 16.3-megapixel 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor, as well as 21x optical zoom, 19 Smart modes to “enhance photographs,” optical image stabilization (OIS) and up to ISO 3200 support. Additionally, the specs also include a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4GHz, GPS + Glonass, 1650mAh battery, 4.8-inch 720p HD (Super AMOLED) screen, and 8GB of internal storage that can be further expanded with microSD memory cards. Plus, let’s not forget complementary two-year of 50GB Dropbox storage.
Price was not announced yet but we do expect this model to cost less than the 3G/4G equivalent. The lack of cellular connectivity radio gotta count for something, right?

Specifications

Network/Bearer and Wireless Connectivity

  • GSM 3G , HSPA-PLUS
  • HSPA+21 (850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100)
  • 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz / 5GHz
  • Wi-Fi Direct available
  • GAP, SSP, HSP, A2DP, SPP, OPP, AVRCP 1.3, HID
  • DLNA, HDMI 1.4 support
  • KIES, KIES Air support

Image Sensor

  • BSI CMOS
  • 1 / 2.3"
  • Effective Pixel Approx. 16.3 Mega pixels
  • Total Pixel Approx. 17 Mega pixels

Image Stabilization

  • Optical Image Stablisation

OS

  • Android 4.1 (Jellybean)

Lens

  • F = 4.1 ~ 86.1mm (35mm film equivalent : 23 ~ 483mm)
  • 2.8 (W) ~ 5.9 (T)
  • 21x Zoom Lens