Fuji X-T200 review: This camera is ideal for video content creators

MANILA -- Despite the coronavirus pandemic, this has been a busy year for camera giant Fuji.

Earlier this year, Fuji released the XF100v and many are awaiting the X-T4, the newest update to its top-of-the-line X-T series.

But more immediate, Fuji has recently released the X-T200, the follow-up to the X-T100 targeted at beginners and those transitioning from smartphone photography.

It seems that Fuji has taken strides to improve last year’s X-T100 by bringing in features from its more advanced and more expensive siblings. This can be seen in its video features as the camera is clearly positioned as a vloggers camera.

Coming in at very light 370 grams with the battery and a lightweight XC lens installed, it’s very handy to carry around.

The camera has a Hi-Res OLED screen visible even under direct sunlight. The screen can rotate 360 degrees so it’s perfect to mount on a gorilla pod so you can see yourself while talking to the camera. Besides that, the camera’s separate stereo jack enables users to connect an external microphone for clearer audio.

However, for the video content creator, the feature that’s most noteworthy is the digital gimbal. While not as smooth as the In Body Internal Stabilization (IBIS) of the X-H1, the X-T200 shoots at 6K and downscales the stabilized footage to 4K with the help of onboard software and the camera’s internal gyroscopic sensors. The handheld results are good enough to remove the jitters off a walkthrough, though a real gimbal is still recommended.

With regards to stills, the improved 24MP sensor is 3.5 times faster than the old one.

There has been some thought that went into upgrading the user experience when navigating the cameras features. A lot of the controls are now touch- and swipe-activated. For example, users can touch any of the 425 AF points to use them. For video creators, you can trim videos on the camera to reduce upload times and file sizes on the fly.

Fuji’s Camera Simulation and filters have been retained. A key feature with this is that you can do a split-screen comparison between the current one and previewed others.

The X-T200 is clearly aimed for a new breed of content creators. For those who want to go beyond camera phone video production, the Fujifilm X-T200 is an affordable camera that’s a great upgrade to more professional equipment.

The Fujifilm X-T200 is available in dark silver, silver, and champagne gold with an SRP of P45,990 and is now available at your favorite online retailers.

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Learn photography, videography by watching Fujifilm PH's free online classes

MANILA -- Fujifilm Philippines has launched free online classes as its way of uplifting the photography and videography committee amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Fujifilm Academy Online kicked off on Wednesday with lessons on simple one-light setups and editing JPEGs by photographers Jerico Montemayor and Magic Liwanag, respectively.

Watch their classes 

The next web sessions on video color grading (JC Gellidon) and easy product photography at home (Ricky Ladia) will be held on March 30.

Fujifilm Academy Online will run until April 13. Check out the schedule of classes

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This device transforms your smartphone memories into Polaroid pictures

True to its heritage of making instant memories, the American company recently came up with Polaroid Lab, which brings out the photos in your phone bank into the real world instantly. 

“Unlimited cloud storage can actually be your memories’ worst enemy, causing your digital photos to skyrocket in numbers and end up falling into a void of oblivion," says Polaroid BV CEO Oskar Smolokowski.

To address this problem, the 82-year-old American company introduced Polaroid Lab, a new instant camera product that turns digital into analog, was released in the country. The three-lens developing system functions as a miniature table top darkroom, transforming smartphone photos into their signature-style photos. By doing so, Smolokowski says that this will dec-lutter your phones of your photos, "bringing them into the world as something you can hold in your hand and store on the fridge door rather than in the cloud."

Users select an image from their smartphone via the Polaroid Originals app, before placing their phone facing downward on the platform. When the red button is pressed, the picture is projected onto the film and then, using a combination of mirrors, light, and chemistry, it is recast as an instant photo that ejects from the Polaroid Lab. After development, the digital image is now a fully-fledged Polaroid.

The Polaroid Originals app lets you experiment with image collages and augmented reality features - giving you unprecedented creative control over your pictures before turning them into Polaroid pictures.

Polaroid Lab will be available in selected Bratpack stores and The Travel Club Trinoma for PHP 8,890. For more information, follow Polaroid Originals on Facebook.

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Pixel 4 Review: Google Needs to Do More to Stand Out

Google’s new Pixel 4 phones will reach stores this week. Apple’s new iPhone 11s debuted last month. The question is: Will you be able to tell the difference between the smartphones?

It used to be easy to distinguish them. While the Pixel’s hardware features were never as impressive as those of other high-end devices, Google stood out by leveraging its prowess in software and artificial intelligence to meet — and sometimes exceed — its competitors in areas like smartphone photography.

But this year, rivals have caught up with Google’s camera software. The latest iPhones, for instance, have added Google-esque capabilities like a night mode for shooting better photos in the dark.

That’s bad news for Google, underscoring some of the Pixel’s weaknesses.

When evaluated in a vacuum, the Pixel 4, which comes in two screen sizes, is a solid all-around device. It has a second camera lens, making Google’s already excellent camera system slightly more capable than last year’s. It has incorporated an iPhone-like face scanner and new software that mimics the swipe-gesture controls for using an iPhone. The screen looks rich and bright. It’s also cool that Google’s voice recorder can automatically transcribe audio clips.

But Apple and Samsung phones now have triple-lens cameras, which are more versatile for taking photographs. The iPhone’s face scanner is also more secure than the Pixel’s.

So dollar for dollar, it’s tough to recommend a Pixel 4, which costs $800 or $900, when you can get a new iPhone for $700 to $1,100, or a Samsung Galaxy S10 for $900.

The Pixel 4 is the best at one thing: integrating Google’s software and internet services into a mobile communications device. Unlike other Android phones, Pixels aren’t cluttered with clunky software and confusing interfaces. But for most people, that won’t be enough.

I tested a $900 Pixel 4 XL side by side with Apple’s new $1,000 iPhone 11 Pro for about a week. Here’s what I found.

A FLAWED FACE SCANNER

The most notable new feature on Google’s Pixel is also the most flawed part of the device.

Google decided to go all in on face-scanning as a way of unlocking the Pixel 4. When you set the phone up, you scan a 3D model of your face. From there, whenever you pick up the device, it will unlock as soon as it verifies your mug.

The face scanner is part of a new system that Google calls Motion Sense, which is an array of sensors including infrared and depth-sensing cameras and a miniature radar. The radar senses when someone reaches for the phone and activates the infrared cameras so they can scan your face in less than a second.

The problem? BBC News reported last week that the face scanner would unlock even with a user’s eyes closed, which I confirmed in my tests. This is a major security flaw. If you’re asleep, all someone has to do to get access to your personal data is take your phone and hold it up to your face. That makes the face scanner, in some ways, a weaker security feature than a fingerprint sensor.

Google said in a statement that it would release a software update in coming months adding the option to require a person’s eyes to be open before unlocking the phone. In the meantime, the company said, people could temporarily disable face unlock and use a PIN, pattern or password instead.

In contrast, the iPhone requires that its owner look toward the screen before it unlocks. Apple also claims that the likelihood of bypassing its Face ID scanner with the incorrect face is one in a million.

I asked Google what the false-acceptance rate was for the Pixel 4’s face scanner. Google would say only that the biometric requirements exceeded its standards for Android phones in general.

For now, Google’s face unlock looks like an unfinished security feature that doesn’t feel safe to use, and releasing it in this state suggests that the search giant treats device security as an afterthought. This is a bad look for Google in a time when many people are concerned about their digital privacy.

LOSING ITS EDGE IN CAMERA SOFTWARE

To compare the Pixel 4 camera with the iPhone 11 Pro camera, I tested them in a challenging nighttime environment: an outdoor Thom Yorke concert at the Greek Theater in Berkeley, California.

Both cameras produced decent photos in low light. But night shots taken from the iPhone looked consistently better. The low-light pictures from the Pixel 4 often looked overexposed compared with the iPhone’s. This was especially pronounced in a photo in which dozens of members of the audience turned on their phone flashlights as a form of applause.

To test the cameras in daytime, I took the phones to a dog park in San Francisco. Both cameras excelled. Photos of my dogs looked crisp and clear with pleasing colors.

But in several shots, the Pixel phone’s portrait mode, which sharpens the foreground and gently blurs the background, unintentionally created an ugly digital mask around my corgi, Max. Google said this happened when the camera’s depth map didn’t perfectly follow the outline of the subject.

The iPhone 11 Pro wasn’t perfect with portrait mode, either. Occasionally it left parts of a subject blurred when they should have been sharpened.

Still, I was more disappointed with the Pixel 4 camera in this area. The phone is supposed to be better at portrait shots than last year’s model thanks to its second camera lens, but I didn’t notice a marked improvement.

Lastly, Google left out a feature that Apple and Samsung just introduced on their phones: an ultrawide lens. The company said it felt that making the zoom ability of the camera better was more important. In my tests, zoomed-in shots looked great on the Pixel 4.

But the ultrawide lens on other phone cameras is useful for taking photos with a broader field of view in some situations, like a shot of the Grand Canyon or a large group gathering for Thanksgiving dinner — an effect that the Pixel 4’s software cannot replicate. The lack of this special lens on the Pixel 4 is not a deal breaker, but it diminishes its value.




THE BOTTOM LINE

The Pixel 4 has a few intriguing features, like the transcription feature built directly into its voice recorder, which worked well in my tests. The screen also has a higher refresh rate, which makes motion look smoother.

But overall, these perks did not make up for the Pixel 4’s weaknesses, and I was disappointed that Google didn’t do more to distinguish its premium phone from competitors. With its rivals catching up on sophisticated photo software, Google looks behind the curve in hardware.

Recently, I revised my smartphone upgrade criteria to include advice on when people absolutely must jump to a new phone. For those with older Pixel phones, I recommend taking a wait-and-see approach before considering an upgrade. All the older Pixels, including the original model from 2016, are still getting software and security updates, so there is no rush to buy. The Pixel 4 will be a nice upgrade only if Google meaningfully strengthens the security of the face scanner.

In the meantime, people who enjoy Google products have a good option: the $400 Pixel 3A, the budget version of the phone that was released in May. It lacks frills of higher-end phones like wireless charging and waterproofing, but it includes Google’s smart camera and a nice screen. It’s the best Android phone you can get at that price.

If Google doesn’t step up its efforts in the premium hardware market, the low end may become the only place where it stays relevant.


2019 The New York Times Company

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Huawei P30 review: P series DNA at an attractive price

MANILA -- It's the Huawei P30 -- no Pro, no X, no Max -- and it's fine. In fact, it's really good if you're looking for a photography-centered smartphone that can last for an entire day of snapping and sharing.

The 50 times zoom on the P30 Pro is absent on the P30. It also has 3 lenses instead of 4, missing the time of flight or depth sensor. The screen is also smaller at 6.1 inches versus 6.47 inches.

But the omissions don't take away from the experience of a Leica-powered P Series phone. Colors are rich, images are sharp and a wide angle view captures as much of the scene as possible.

It also helps that the P30 sells for P36,990, P14,000 less than the P30 Pro, P13,000 less than the Galaxy S10 with a similar sized screen and nearly half the price of the iPhone XS.

MINI MONSTER

The P30 has Leica-engineered triple shooters: a 40MP wide angle lens with f/1.8 aperture, a 16MP ultra wide lens with f/2.2 and an 8MP telephoto with f/2.4.

Huawei endorser and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach said during the P30 series launch that the smartphones see what the eyes can't. The wide view was especially enjoyable for dramatic landscape shots.

The wide angle mode made this scene appear like a shower of yellow flowers while the macro mode made one cluster of blossoms pop.

Our review unit topped out at 30 times zoom and it took a decent shot of the moon at nightfall.

The night mode is among the best we've used in a smartphone, as in these photos of a church interior.

Colors on mundane objects like these pinwheels appear bright.

The P30's Master AI can recognize food, but we found that it needed a fair amount of natural light to make the colors pop. Colors can look bland in dim lighting.

PALM-SIZED POWER

The smaller screen on the P30 makes it easier to manage unlike its larger sibling. The flat screen comes with a screen protector. Looking for screen guards for curved screens like that on the P30 Pro or the Galaxy S10 and S10+ can be chore for those averse to scratches.

At 165 grams, the phone is easy to hold, coupled with the flat top and bottom. The supplied clear case makes it less slippery.

The P30 comes in the same gradient color finishes of the P30 Pro and seen from afar, the two phones look almost identical unless you know how to spot the square-shaped periscope lens and the TOF sensor on the Pro model.

The P30 also has a headphone jack and calls are loud on the earpiece speaker, which the P30 Pro replaces with screen vibrations.

The 3,650 mAh battery is enough to power the phone for a day. However, it lacks the wireless charging and reverse wireless charging on the Pro model.

The P30 ships with 128GB of on board storage with 8GB of RAM. The Kirin 980 blazes through applications and tasks. Navigation gestures on EMUI 9 is more intuitive than other Android skins. However the look of the UI is overdue for a refresh.

THE P FOR MOST PEOPLE

The Huawei P30 succeeds in bringing the P Series DNA to a smaller, less expensive package. Despite lacking the marquee features of the P30 Pro, it doesn't feel like a compromise.

It's rare for flagship phones to be priced in the P30,000 tier, even Huawei's rivals like Xiaomi and OnePlus have begun to flirt with higher price points.

For photography smarts, power and a competitive price tag, the P30 is a smart choice.

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Germany's Leica distances self from Tiananmen video

BEIJING - Germany's Leica Camera AG has distanced itself from a promotional video that depicts a news photographer covering democracy protests at Tiananmen Square amid a backlash on social media and broad censorship of the brand's name.

The five-minute video, called "The Hunt", includes a dramatized scene in which a photographer runs from Chinese-speaking policemen before capturing the iconic "tank-man" photograph of a protester standing in front of a convoy of tanks to block their path.

Mention of the June 4, 1989, event is heavily censored in Chinese news and social media, as well as related dates, names and symbols. The ruling Communist Party has never declared how many protesters were killed in the crackdown in and around Tiananmen Square, with many analysts putting the toll in the hundreds.

A spokesman for Leica, Dirk Große-Leege, said in a statement "the video was not commissioned, financed or approved by any company in the Leica Group. We expressly regret any confusion and will take further legal steps to prevent unauthorized use of our brand."

Leica did not clarify how the promotional video was conceived, or comment on the company's relationship with the Brazilian ad agency that created it, F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi.

F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi, which previously produced promotional videos for Leica, produced "The Hunt" video and published the video on its Twitter account on April 16.

F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi did not respond to requests for comment, however a spokeswoman for the ad firm, Carolina Aranha, was quoted by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post as saying the video was approved by Leica.

The backlash against the video in Chinese social media comes at a particularly sensitive time, ahead of the 30th anniversary of the protests.

Hundreds of people using Chinese social media site Weibo left comments on Leica's recent posts, condemning the video before mentions of the company's name were swiftly censored. (Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Nick Macfie)

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South Korea spycam crimes put hidden camera industry under scrutiny

SEOUL - Shin Jang-jin's shop in Incheon offers seemingly innocuous household items, from pens and lighters to watches and smoke detectors, but with a secret feature -- a hidden one millimeter-wide-lens that can shoot video.

Over the past decade, Shin has sold thousands of gadgets. But his industry is coming under pressure as ultra-wired South Korea battles a growing epidemic of so-called "molka", or spycam videos -- mostly of women, secretly filmed by men in public places.

Shin insists his gadgets serve a useful purpose, allowing people to capture evidence of domestic violence or child abuse, and told AFP he has refused to serve customers looking to spy on women in toilets. 

"They thought I would understand them as a fellow man. I turned them away." 

But the 52-year-old admits he is not always able to spot unscrupulous buyers.

In 2015, he was questioned by police after one of his products -- a camera installed inside a mobile phone cover -- was used to secretly film women in a dressing room at a water park outside Seoul. 

He had sold the device to a female customer and said he had no idea she would use it to film and distribute illicit footage online.

Under current regulations, spycam buyers are not required to give personal information, making it difficult to trace their ownership and use of the devices.

But some lawmakers are hoping to change that, co-sponsoring a bill in August that requires hidden camera buyers to register with a government database, raising alarm among retailers like Shin. 

CRIME SURGE

Spycam crimes have become so prevalent that female police officers now regularly inspect public toilets to check for cameras in women's stalls. 

In one case, offenders had live-streamed footage of around 800 couples having sex -- filmed in hotel rooms using cameras installed inside hairdryer holders, wall sockets, and digital TV boxes.

As well as secretly filming women in schools, toilets, and offices, "revenge porn" -- private sex videos filmed and shared without permission by disgruntled ex-boyfriends, ex-husbands, or malicious acquaintances -- is believed to be equally widespread. 

In a burgeoning scandal that has shaken South Korea's entertainment industry, K-pop star Jung Joon-young was arrested this month on charges of filming and distributing illicit sex videos without the consent of his female partners. 

The number of spycam crimes reported to police surged from around 2,400 in 2012 to nearly 6,500 in 2017.

According to official statistics about 98 percent of convicted offenders are men -- ranging from school teachers and college professors to church pastors and police officers -- while more than 80 percent of victims are women.

MALICIOUS INTENTIONS

"I turn customers away when it isn't clear why and what they want hidden cameras for," Lee Seung-yon, who customizes spycam gadgets in Seoul, told AFP.

But he admitted his approach was no guarantee against crimes.

With the bill currently under consideration by a parliamentary committee, gadget retailers like Shin fear it will turn away potential customers.

"More than 90 percent of spycam porn crimes are due to mobile phones, not specialized items," he said, adding that any crackdown on the gadgets was akin to blaming knife makers for knife-related murders. 

While there is no official data to support Shin's claim, a police official told AFP that "most" spycam footage is taken using smartphones.

But women's rights activists say the claim is "misleading," citing numerous cases involving customized cameras.

Furthermore, they argue that since smartphones sold in the South are required to make a loud shutter noise when taking pictures -- a measure put in place to combat spycam crimes -- many offenders deploy high-tech devices or use special apps that mute the sound to secretly film victims.

"Victims in most spycam crimes realize they were filmed only after illicit footage had been shared online whereas crimes involving mobile phones are much easier to catch in the first place," said Lee Hyo-rin of the Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center. 

"The solo purpose of these gadgets is to deceive others," she told AFP.

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4-camera Galaxy A9 is 'more than just a phone,' Samsung says

MANILA – Samsung on Tuesday launched the Galaxy A9 with 4 rear cameras wrapped in a gradient glass shell.

Four rear lenses on a smartphone is a world's first, according to Samsung. It bests the 3 rear shooters on Huawei's Mate 20 series and P20 Pro and LG's V40 ThinQ.

"Over the years, smartphones has become more than just a phone for calling and texting. As our photos becomes the universal language, camera is the most crucial function of the smartphone right now," said Samsung Electronic's Product Marketing Manager Ellie Nicolle Huang.

QUAD CAMERA

The A9's 24 megapixel main camera can take clear and bright images and it also has low-light capabilities, Huang said.

The A9 is also equipped with a 120-degree 8 megapixel camera that can take ultra wide shots for travel photos, Samsung said.

It also has a 10 megapixel camera with 2x optical zoom.

Its 5 megapixel "depth camera" enables the device to take "Live Focus" shots with blurred background to highlight the subject.

Aside from the 4 rear cameras, it also has a 24 megapixel AI-enabled front camera.

The Galaxy A9 runs on Android 8.0 Oreo, powered by an octa-core processor and a 3,800 mAh battery. It comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage expandable to up to 512 GB.

The 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display has a resolution of 1080 x 2220. The curved glass back comes in gradient colors, similar to the finish popularized by Huawei.

The Samsung Galaxy A9 will be available in the Philippines starting Dec. 1 for P32,999.

Display pieces from the National Museum of Natural History taken with Samsung Galaxy A9.

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Fuji releases 2 new cameras, including one for Taylor Swift fans

MANILA -- Hot on the heels of the X-T100 camera release this year, Fuji is releasing two more cameras to close 2018.

UPDATED HIGH-END X-T CAMERA

The X-T3 is the update to Fuji's high-end mirrorless camera, the X-T2, released back in 2016, featuring technical and ergonomic improvements but still retains the X-series classic camera aesthetic with slightly bigger knobs for ease of use. 

The 26.1-MP camera has faster autofocus that makes it possible to shoot blackout free photos for up to 30 frames per second and a “Sports finder mode” that is useful in tracking moving subjects. The new sensor also significantly decreases distortion due to shutter roll for both stills and video.

The video capabilities have been upgraded with the XT-3 being the first mirrorless camera capable of capable of 4K/60P 4:2:0 bit internal SD card recording, as well as 4K/60P 4:2:210bit HDMI output. It also inherits the color-grading friendly ETERNA film simulation from its video specialist sibling, the XH-1.

Looking at the specs, it looks like the the XT-3 is positioned against the new Canon EOS-R and the Sony α7iii mirrorless cameras.

From the preview, the X-T3 seems to be a worthy successor to the X-T2. Look out for more information after the camera launches late October.

The X-T3 is now available for pre-order at authorized Fujifilm dealers with an SRP of P86,990 (body only) and P109,990 (kit). 

The pre-order for both body and kit includes two free NP-W126S batteries, 50% off on Vertical Grip VG-XT3, 18 months extended warranty, one-time free internal cleaning (valid for 18 months), an exclusive master class with an X-Photographer, and Fujifilm cap.

THE TAYLOR SWIFT INSTAX

To coincide with Taylor Swift’s Reputation world tour, Fuji is releasing a limited edition of its Instax SQ6 insta-print camera. 

The camera features the Reputation newspaper pattern printed all over its black base body with a metallic gold lens ring. The package contains special Taylor Swift Instax film, reproductions of Taylor Swift’s autograph, a special camera strap, and film case.

For die-hard Swifties hoping to see her live, pre-order the Taylor Swift Instax SQ6 on or before October 19 as Fujifilm is giving away five sets of tickets for two to the Tokyo leg of the Reputation world tour inclusive of round-trip airfare and overnight accommodations. Visit here for details.


The limited-edition Taylor Swift instax SQ6 is now available for pre-order at authorized Fujifilm dealers with an SRP of P11,499.

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Why it took long for Canon to release a high-end mirrorless camera

MANILA -- When Canon recently introduced its latest high-end mirrorless camera, the EOS-R, it wasn’t only a launch for a camera, but a peek into the future of Canon photography.

Long awaited by Canon loyalists, the Canon EOS-R is a full frame 30.3-megapixel camera featuring near instantaneous focusing speed due to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF Sensor. Sporting the latest DIGIC 8 imaging sensor with an Auto Light Optimizer, it delivers more shadow and highlight details to stills. 

Due to updated optics, it’s impressive ISO range from 100-40,000 makes it an ideal camera for shooting in extreme low-light situations. Canon is clearly putting this camera up against the Sony’s full frame heavy-hitters, the α7iii and α7Riii.

Canon is playing catch-up in the mirrorless arena. It was a puzzle to Canon devotees why it took the company so long to make a high-end mirrorless camera. It turns out that the concern was to make the top-of-the-line mirrorless camera as future-proof as possible.

“It takes 10 or 20 years to design a product that will last 20 or 30 years. Look at the lens we developed in the 1970s, photographers are still using those lenses today,” explained Benny Yu, consumer head and director of Canon Marketing Philippines Inc. 

Canon released four new lenses alongside the EOS-R. If the previous DSLR generation of lenses were the EF range, these new lenses sport the RF designation. These are the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, RF50mm f/1.2L USM, RF28-70mm f/2L USM, and RF35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM. 

Besides the upgraded optics, the RF lenses rings can be used as another adjustment point which, by default, is used to adjust aperture. But through the menus, can be customized to adjust other settings. 

Canon has not forgotten photographers who have made significant investments in their ecosystem. Alongside the lenses, several adapters were released so that previous generation EF lenses can be used with EOS-R body. There is a standard adapter, a control ring mount adapter which trickles down the control ring feature to EF lenses, and a drop-in filter adapter which greatly eases the use of standard polarizing filters.

Along with the EOS-R, Canon introduced new updates of its PIXMA range of multi-function printers -- the PIXMA TS9570, TS8270, the TR4570S. The PIXMA line features built-in pattern designs, automatic two-sided printing productivity, and wireless connectivity. The PIXMA Ink Efficient E4270 also packs powerful productivity that operates at low cost even with large print projects. The CanoScan LiDE400 and LiDE300 combine incredibly compact profiles were launched as well.

Significant improvements to Canon’s service and marketing were also highlighted. EOS-R customers, for example, are automatically enrolled to the CPS lite service which aims for faster turnaround times at Canon service centers nationwide. 

Canon is also extending enterprise level service to consumers for printers and scanners incorporating features like providing a service unit when a printer or scanner needs repair or even picking up the units if users cannot go the service center.

“Canon is a well-known brand. However, if you are thinking technology, we have not reached all the customers in the Philippines. We are enhancing activities, expanding the reach to the provinces as well for partners, branch operations, and service,” Canon Marketing Philippines CEO Kazuhiro Ozawa said.

There are plans to cascade Canon activities like the annual Photomarathon to local organizers broadening the reach of the brand nationwide.

The Canon EOS-R is now available at your favorite electronics and camera shop. SRP for body only is P147,998. It is also available as a kit with the RF2-105mm f4 Kit with an SRP of P214,998.

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Four cameras? Samsung sets new Galaxy device launch

The invitation offered few details but the mention of "4x fun" led to speculation the about a new smartphone with four cameras or possibly a foldable handset.

The South Korean electronics giant, the world's leading smartphone maker, unveiled its latest flagship Galaxy Note 9 in August.

Samsung and other device makers are looking for ways to boost momentum in a sluggish smartphone market.

Research firm IDC expects worldwide smartphone shipments to decline 0.7 percent in 2018 to 1.455 billion units, with growth likely to resume as 5G devices become available.

Despite its leadership position, Samsung saw a 22 percent drop in mobile technology sales in the second quarter.

The news from Samsung comes days after Apple unveiled a new lineup of iPhones focusing on the premium smartphone segment at prices starting between $749 and $1,099 for US customers.

Apple recently slipped to third place in the smartphone market behind Huawei, even though the Chinese firm's sales in the United States are limited.

Google, which is looking to gain ground in the premium segment with its own branded handsets, has scheduled a media event October 9 expected to unveil its updated Pixel handsets.

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Tech nostalgia on show with instant cameras, turntables

BERLIN -- For many consumers, rewinding cassettes, carefully placing a needle on a record or shaking dry a Polaroid photo may all feel like long-forgotten gestures from a bygone era. 

But they're everywhere to be seen again at Berlin's IFA tech show, albeit it with an unmistakable digital touch. 

The "new trends" section of the fair, which often showcases upcoming Christmas-season blockbusters, is dominated by a stand belonging to Polaroid, the household-name camera firm that not so long ago appeared near death.

Known as the One Step+, the snapper looks exactly like a traditional Polaroid from the outside -- but offers Bluetooth connectivity to sync up with Android and iPhone apps.

Competitor Kodak also has an instant camera, the Printomatic, on offer, claiming less than 40 seconds to develop a photo in color or black-and-white.

"For the new generation, it's totally new. They have no idea how to take a picture like this, without a screen, or to wait a week for it to get developed", said Polaroid spokesman Tobias Henze.

Unlike digital photos trapped under smartphone glass, "you can frame it, put it on the wall, offer it or put it in a scrapbook," he points out.

AUDIOSTALGIA

In the music world, audio purists and those looking for a more "instagrammable" way to listen are met with ever more options for playing cassettes and vinyl records.

Manufacturers have hard data to back up their turn to the past, with 33 RPM discs accounting for some 14 percent of US album sales in 2017, compared with 11 percent the previous year.

That's why IFA visitors can lust after Yamaha's Vinyl 500 turntable, which nods to modernity with a Wifi connection that also allows users to stream music.

Meanwhile, a slew of startups offer portable turntables that can be lugged around in a satchel or even clipped onto the edge of a speaker or a shelf.

For those with enormous digital collections, Sony vaunts the ability of its DMP-Z1 player -- priced at $13,000 -- to restore the sound quality and audio "grain" of a vinyl pressing.

Debate may rage forever in the audiophile world about whether the traditional discs truly offer superior sound.

But the trend towards the black record is firmly established across Europe, with small-scale publishers popping up in disused factory buildings across the continent.

Outside the air-conditioned halls of the IFA, hip young Berliners are spoiled for choice among shops offering vinyls and cassettes.

"Old formats, in audio, video, photo negatives or records have a very large user base, almost 50 percent of the market," says Klaus Boehm, of consultancy Deloitte.

"Our multimedia use will coexist in the coming years with these older formats, and I'd advise people not to throw away their old devices," he cautioned.

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Samsung Galaxy S9+ camera beats Pixel 2, iPhone X: review

MANILA - Samsung's Galaxy S9+ is the new mobile camera leader, based on a review by industry tracker DxOMark, ahead of flagship phones from Google, Apple and Huawei.

The Galaxy S9+, which will be available locally from March 16, got an overall score of 99, ahead of Google's Pixel 2 with 98 and the Huawei Mate 10 Pro and Apple iPhone X which both got 97.

The Galaxy S9+ camera takes "excellent" shots in good light and "impressive" photos in low light, DxOMark said. Samsung "struck a very good balance between noise reduction and retention of detail," it said.

The DxOMark review, however, noted purple "fringing" on the edges of high contrast images, corners that are "a little softer than the center" and "slight blue or pink" color in bright light.

"These are fairly minor issues, however, and overall, the Galaxy S9 Plus is an excellent bright-light performer," according to the review.

Zoomed images on the S9+ are also "noticeably cleaner" compared to the competition, it said.

The S9+ has a dual lens rear camera a first for the S series and a 6.3-inch screen that curves around the edges. The smaller S8 has a 5.8-inch screen and a single lens read shooter.

Samsung's dual lens implementation allows for optical zoom, like the ones on Apple's iPhone X, 8 Plus and 7 Plus.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Galaxy S9 is coming: Samsung teases 're-imagined' camera

MANILA - Samsung teased improved camera performance in its flagship Galaxy S9 phones, which will be launched on Feb. 25, according to a post on its official Twitter page.

The camera will be "re-imagined" in the new device according to the post, which features a large number "9" in purple against a plain black background.

Last year's Galaxy S8 and S8+ marked Samsung's return to form after it recalled its Galaxy Note 7 in late 2016 due to faulty batteries. 

The S9 and S9+ will likely sport a similar design compared to the S8 line according to various leaks. The larger S9+ plus will have dual lenses on the back, like the Galaxy Note 8 from late 2017.

 The S9 line's unveiling one month earlier compared to the S8 will give Samsung a better shot at competing with Apple's 1,000-dollar iPhone X, which went on sale before Christmas, according to analysts.

The Note 8's camera got a 94 score from mobile camera reviewer DxOMark, making it the fourth best mobile camera available today behind the Google Pixel 2, the iPhone X and the Huawei Mate 10 Pro.

The S8 line scored 88 and has fallen out of the DxOMark top 10 since its release in early 2017.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: This GoPro device has 16 cameras

SAN FRANCISCO - Action camera maker GoPro Inc and Google Inc introduced a virtual reality system using 16 cameras and Google software, sending GoPro shares up nearly 7 percent on Thursday.

GoPro's helmet- and body-mounted video cameras are popular with adventure sports enthusiasts, and the new GoPro system will use Google’s new Jump technology to help create a 360 degree view.

Google showed off the GoPro system at its developer conference in San Francisco. It did not say when the system will go on sale.

Google also announced a new Photos app that helps users store and organize their images. Set to be released on Thursday, the app will let users back up and store unlimited photos and videos for free, said Anil Sabharwal, Google’s director of product management.

The app also makes it easy for users to post their photos through social media and messaging services such as Twitter and WhatsApp.

“We firmly believe you should be able to share photos and videos any way you want,” Sabharwal said.

Available on Apple’s iOS system, Google’s Android system and the web, the app automatically organizes photos by the people, places and things depicted and also helps users create collages and movies.

Google shares were nearly unchanged, down 7 cents to $554.18, while GoPro shares rose 6.6 percent to $56.81.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sony's latest Alpha 7 takes on camera shake

MANILA — Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony recently launched the Alpha 7 II, the newest in the Alpha 7 series of interchangeable-lens models, offering the world’s first camera with optical 5-axis image stabilization designed for a full-frame image sensor.

“The arrival Alpha 7 II marks Sony’s commitment towards continuous innovation. We have already witnessed this when we launched the Alpha 7S and Alpha 7R -- the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens full-frame camera,” said Nobuyoshi Otake, president and managing director of Sony Philippines.

“With the new Alpha 7 II, we carry on the traditions of the Alpha 7 series of outstanding image quality and compact sized cameras that set new standards for professionals and enthusiasts around the world," Otake added.

The Alpha 7 II provides stability by detecting and correcting various camera shake along five axes for still images and video, including: angular shake (pitch and yaw) that tends to occur when shooting with a telephoto lens; shift shake (along the X and Y axes) that becomes noticeable as photographing magnification increases; and rotational shake (roll) that often affects shots at night or when recording video.

The reduction of camera shake is made possible by the 24.3 effective megapixel, 35 mm full-frame Exmor Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. For still images, stabilization is equivalent to up to 4.5 steps faster shutter speed of correction.

The Alpha 7 II also dispenses the tripod when a photographer conducts hand-held low-light shooting at slower shutter speeds. Users can thus enjoy unparalleled freedom with a wide-range of lenses without worrying about camera shake.

They can also monitor the corrected image in real-time on the camera’s LCD screen or in the OLED viewfinder for fine-tuned framing and focusing even when using a telephoto or macro lens.

Overall, users can enjoy beautifully rendered images from the full-frame sensor with the convenience of image stabilization.

The company said a higher form of algorithm is used to detect the subject position, enabling optimal lens drive. In a variety of scenarios, autofocus is very responsive – 30% faster than in previous models. An improved Sony algorithm for the prediction of moving bodies results in a 1.5 times improvement in performance in tracking a subject and predicting its next movement.

The Alpha 7 II is priced at P 89,999 (body only) and at P105,999 with 28-70mm lens.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Iconic camera brand Leica now in PH

The German camera brand, Leica, has finally arrived in the Philippines, opening its first-ever store in Greenbelt 5 in Makati.

Leica's arrival in the country coincides with the brand's celebration of its 100th year.

ANC's "Future Perfect" dropped by the store and looked at some of Leica's newest camera models, including the Leica S, which offers excellent image quality; the Leica M, with its digital rangefinder and iconic design; and the Leica D-Lux, a compact camera that allows users to take selfies in style.

Future Perfect, ANC, November 23, 2014

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Nikon asks retailers in China not to sell D600 camera

TOKYO - Nikon Corp. on Monday asked retailers in China not to sell its D600 digital single-lens reflex camera after Shanghai authorities ordered a local Nikon unit Sunday to take the D600 off its shelves, industry sources said.

The Shanghai sales ban order followed a local television report that dust could penetrate into the camera to produce black spots in its photos.

Nikon has also offered to check D600 cameras, which are no longer in production but are still stocked, sold to customers in Japan and other countries and replace some components free of charge. But the company has admitted that it is difficult to completely eliminate the black spots.

The camera maker is concerned that if the D600 problem continues it could affect its business operations in the Chinese market, which accounted for 11.7 percent of the firm's consolidated sales in the year to March 2013.

As a result of the problem, Nikon shares closed Monday down 29 yen from last weekend at 1,730 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Gadget review: Panasonic Lumix G6

I own a Panasonic Lumix LX3 which, at the time of purchase, was one of the best point-and-shoot cameras in the world. But eventually, I knew I needed something more.

I held off on buying a DSLR, and when the first Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera was announced, the Panasonic Lumix G1 in 2008, I finally knew what I was waiting for. But it would be four more years until I finally acquired my first MFT camera, the Olympus OMD EM-5. I’ve had no complaints.

But when I was offered the chance to spend a few weeks with the Panasonic Lumix G6, I immediately jumped on it, eager to experience what the other side of the MFT equation had to offer.

Design

The reason many people choose mirrorless cameras is because they offer a smaller profile closer to point-and-shoots while still offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses like DSLRs. That said, the G6 isn’t on the slim side of Panasonic’s MFT line, though I shouldn’t complain since it isn’t much bigger than my OMD, and a little lighter.






The contoured hand grip, which is the reason for its chunkiness, also feels very good in the hand. Controls are easy to reach and there are five customizable function buttons.

The G6 has a fully articulated LCD touch panel which I much prefer over the tilting LCD of the OMD. The touch screen is very responsive. And unlike most mirrorless cameras, the G6 also has a built-in Electronic View Finder (EVF) which is very useful under extremely sunny conditions, or for those just not used to composing their shots on an LCD.

Quality and performance

I’m not a pro-photographer. Heck, I wouldn’t even call myself a prosumer. More like an ambitious amateur, which means I don’t really do that much post-processing and prefer getting the look I want on camera. Manual is great when you have the luxury of time. But when you have to fire off a quick shot, the Intelligent Auto mode does a decent job.

The G6 also has quite a number of scene modes that are fun to play with ranging from the familiar (sunset, monochrome, scenery) to the oddly specific (sweet child’s face, soft image of a flower, cute dessert).

The auto-focus is quite fast, aided by face detection and subject tracking options. You can also use the touch screen to specify a focus point which should come naturally for those used to taking photos with their smartphones. Manual focus through the EVF meantime is made easier through magnification of the focus area, which allows you to dial it in.

WiFi and NFC

Wi-Fi on a camera is a brilliant concept. Instead of relying on the camera on your phone, why not use the best camera you have for the best images you upload on the web? Although this could be considered cheating by Instagram purists.

By downloading the Panasonic Image App, you can sync your Android or iOS device to the G6. Once paired, you can use your phone as a remote control, browse through your gallery, and transfer pictures.






If you have an NFC-equipped phone then you’re golden. Just touch the phone to the side of the camera and watch the magic happen. Without NFC, the process is a little more cumbersome, especially at the start when you have to key in the Wi-Fi password for the camera which acts as your hotspot.

Panasonic also has a Lumix Club cloud service. The concept being once you connect your camera to a local Wi-Fi router, you can send images to the service which then posts it to your social networks. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to test this feature.

The Wi-Fi connection can be finicky. There were times when the connection would just drop, or everything would just freeze up while I was using my phone as a remote. But when it works, it’s like sorcery!

There’s also an option for saving photos automatically to your phone as you’re shooting, but better keep the image size manageable since this can slow down the camera.

Video recording

With modern cameras now able to do video as well, the need for dedicated camcorders has virtually disappeared. The G6 seems to be a great option for budding cinematographers. It can record videos in full high definition (1080p), and includes a 24 frames per second option for a more cinematic look.

A dedicated video button is easily accessible on the top panel. It has a mini HDMI port for playing videos straight out of the camera. Aside from a built-in stereo microphone, the G6 also has a microphone jack which is just icing on the cake.


The verdict

I really enjoyed my time with the G6. It was easy to pick up and just start playing around with even without poring through the manual first. I’m still really happy with my Olympus. But if I ever need to buy a second camera, my time with the G6 gives me reason to rekindle the affair. And frankly, the ability to share lenses makes this a viable option.

If you currently have a point-and-shoot and decide to go the MFT route, or you’re a DSLR owner jumping to the dark side, just know that your options for lenses will be limited to what’s available from Panasonic and Olympus here in the Philippines.

Hopefully, this will be remedied as mirrorless cameras continue to gain popularity, and local camera shops finally decide to bring in third party MFT lenses.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com