When it comes to the Micro Four Thirds system for cameras, Samsung has always been one of the top choices because of its use of the big APS-C sensor, similar to the Sony NEX. It may not be making enough splash in the local market but Samsung quietly slipped in their latest interchangeable lens camera, the NX200.

The Samsung NX200 features premium functions such as a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with 3.0” VGA AMOLED Display, High Speed Capture, Wide Range ISO (100-12800), Full HD movie recording and Samsung’s unique i-Function Lens. All these features are built into a compact premium metallic design.

The camera’s 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor developed in-house by Samsung ensures high quality imaging and allows for high speed capture. The NX200 achieves 100ms Advanced AF speed which gives you a fast seven frames per second continuous shooting. The NX200 also features 1920×1080/30p (H.264) Full HD movie recording by the way.

For those who are not familiar with Samsung’s own i-Function lens, these type of lens lets you do quick and easy toggling of shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO through the ring and button on the lens so you don’t have to take your eyes of the viewfinder. The updated Samsung i-Function Lens also allows users to control six different Smart Filters and the intelli-Zoom function from the lens while in Lens Priority Mode. The Smart Filters which is popular in Samsung’s point-and-shoot might turn off experienced photographers but it will surely be a hit to those who are jumping into the micro 4/3rds system from a P&S.

Samsung also introduced new lenses for the i-Function system which includes 18-200mm, 16mm, 60mm and 85mm focal lengths.

Additional features include 3D Panorama function and the Sound Picture function which allows you to add a snippet of sound on your still image. I don’t know how useful that feature is but it’s there.

The Samsung NX200 has a suggested retail price of Php39,990.

Want to try out the best cameras and Handycams Sony has to offer? Better head to their booth at the Photoworld Asia 2012. Held at the Glorietta Activity Center, Sony highlights some of its best products on digital imaging from Alpha, Cyber-shot and Handycam.

Fun with the Cyber-shot

Never before have innovation, style and the most advanced technologies come together at affordable price points and high quality results than with today’s line-up of several new Cyber-shot digital still camera models.

Aside from the W series, which include models WX7 and W570, that feature some of Sony’s most affordable full-featured cameras to-date, the event also highlighted the reliable S series and H series both known for their superb high performance shooting capability and incredible imaging quality.

The stylish line-up of Cyber-shot T-series cameras were also showcased. Leading the pack is TX55, the world’s slimmest fashion camera and TX10, Sony’s sleek and chic underwater camera that’s also dust proof, and both shock and temperature resistant.

Aside from high-quality resolutions, all these models feature the Sweep Panorama mode which utilizes a CCD sensor to capture dramatic panoramic scenes. The Sweep Panorama mode allows the cameras to shoot images continuously to capture wide landscapes or tall buildings in one easy “press and sweep” motion and automatically stitch the images together to create one stunning panoramic photo.

Handycams with built-in projector

Boasting a fresh handycam feature – a built-in projector, the DCR-PJ5 is the first SD digital camcorder with such innovation giving users the chance to share captured memories anytime, anywhere.

With the new “Projector Input” feature, users can also enjoy projecting contents from other compatible devices such as PlayStations, Walkmans, home theater systems, portable DVD players, mobile phones and and tablets.

With Sony’s precision engineering and miniaturization technique, there’s now a chance to able to place a bright, high-contrast projector beneath the LCD panel without adding too much bulk to the camcorder itself. Despite its tiny size, if used in a dark environment, the built-in projector is powerful enough to project images as large as 60 inches (@ 3m distance) in size.

Enthusiasts and professional-grade cameras

Packed with the best digital imaging technology, the Alpha NEX-5N, A65 and A77 caters to all levels of serious photography aficionados – from the hobbyist, to the budding professional, to the seasoned experts.

Measuring only 23.3mm at its slimmest point and made of tough and light magnesium alloy, NEX-5N is a step forward from its predecessor, the NEX-5N boasts of superb responsiveness, superior image quality with the creativity of a DSLR camera.

Second on this formidable digital imaging technology triad is the A65, the fastest camera of its kind bringing advanced features to budding photographers. The compact camera is backed by a higher version of Sony’s highly recognized Translucent Mirror Technology with a 15-point AF 3 cross-sensor system and full-time continuous AF, delivering fast shooting up to 10 frames per second.

Completing the line-up is the A77 camera which has the fastest 12fps burst shooting for interchangeable lens cameras with APS-C size sensor, not only in its class, but in the world.  The A77 features a better version of Sony’s award-winning Translucent Mirror Technology and boasts of an entirely redeveloped 19-point autofocus system (AF) with 11 cross sensors and full-time continuous AF that delivers blazing speed. Coupled with Sony’s enhanced Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (24.3 effective megapixel resolution) and newly developed BIONZ image processor, the Translucent Mirror Technology allows users to take sharp, ultra-low noise photos at a blistering 12fps, making the A77 the fastest interchangeable lens camera in the world.

Something for the fans

Sony will hold various events to celebrate Photoworld Asia 2012 which includes a photography seminar with Alpha brand ambassador Paul Soriano entitled, “My Sony Alpha 77 Experience,” a photo-exhibition of the winning entries from the recently concluded “Go Wide: Sweep Panorama On-the-Spot Contest,” which was held at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.  There will also be a performance by Zumba dancers that will showcase the impressive action photography capability of the Sony Alpha 65, which can capture 10 frames per second. Exciting promos are also in store for Photoworld Asia delegates and visitors like freebies for every purchase of Alpha, Cyber-shot and Handycam.

The PhotoWorld Asia 2012 is a 9-day event scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2012 held at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati.

ViewSonic, popularly known as a monitor brand, expanded its 3D display leadership when they announced its new ultra-fast V3D231 LED monitor.

This 23-inch 3D-Ready LED monitor features an ultra-fast 2ms video response time, making it perfect for crystal clear 3D gaming and video experience. Paired with a native 1920×1080 full HD resolution and 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, users can expect great color accuracy and picture detail, making for unsurpassed 3D image quality.

Delivering an immersive multimedia entertainment experience, the V3D231 offers integrated SRS Premium Sound audio speakers, in addition to the included polarized 3D glasses. Add VGA, DVI-D and HDMI 1.4a inputs and consumers can enjoy vast connectivity options, including directly connecting to content on their Blu-ray 3D player or PS3 gaming console.

To ensure all users have access to a plethora of 3D content, ViewSonic’s V3D231 monitor also includes a TriDef 3D software suite. With this software, users can easily convert and view their 2D PC images in life-like 3D, in addition to playing over 500 PC-based video games in amazing 3D quality.

Product Features:

• 3D-Ready monitor with polarized technology. V3D231 is completely compatible with next-generation 3D devices. You can view movies and play games in vivid 3D! It’s the most economical and convenient way to enjoy 3D without special graphics cards or PC upgrades.
• HDMI 1.4 support enables 3D images without delay. The V3D231 supports the lastest HDMI 1.4 format, allowing you to directly connect 3D imaging devices, such as Blu-ray and PS3, and transmit high definition video and audio files. Watch stunning images with perfect performance every time.
• 23″ display with 1920×1080 resolution delivers refined images. The V3D231 features a 23″ LED screen and Full HD 1920×1080 resolution for clear, crisp images and vivid colors.
• ClearMotiv™ II 2ms ultra fast response time creates blur-free action. The latest-generation ClearMotiv™ II imaging technology enables an ultra fast 2ms liquid cyrstal response time for digital broadcast-quality and full-motion video.
• Integrated speakers with SRS Premium Sound® for home theater quality. Dual 2-watt stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound® provide a high-sensory audio experience. Take an all-immersive journey while listening to music, watching videos and playing games with the V3D231.
• 20,000,000:1 MEGA dynamic contrast ratio for superior image quality. Smart Dynamic Contrast Ratio technology automatically detects input brightness and adjusts the backlight accordingly. It provides the most accurate color performance and creates deeper black levels that result in superior overall image quality. Auto-adjustment of contrast corresponds to the environment, saving energy while displaying remarkable images.

For non-photography buffs who don’t know how having a large sensor size matters to a camera, it is one of the major factor why DSLRs get to shoot good photos even in low light condition, or easily get those “bokeh” or blurred background shots due to a shallow depth of field. Point-and-shoot cameras have no business in achieving close to what DSLRs can do due to their compact size and small lens which limits the sensor size.

Well Canon just released the latest addition to its prosumer PowerShot G-series camera, the PowerShot G1 X. Boasting a 1.5-inch 14.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, its sensor size is nearly as large as the APS-C found in Sony and Samsung’s mirrorless cameras and quite a number of DSLRs. I guess Canon is not yet ready to enter the micro 4/3rds market so they instead boosted their PowerShot G line.

Aside from taking good low light photos (up to 12,800 ISO range) and “bokeh” shots, the Canon PowerShot G1 X can also do 1080p Full HD video recording, 14-bit RAW and JPEG captures. It has a 4x 28mm lens with an aperture range of f/2.8-16 which should cover your shots in almost any lighting condition. It also features a 920k dots 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD and is compatible with accessories such as Speedlite, Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes.

Estimated SRP for the Canon PowerShot G1 X is $799.99 and will be launched next month stateside.

Epson recently introduced a new inkjet printer to their ME (Max Economy) Office series designed with a very low cost per page in mind for the SOHO users.

The Epson ME Office 535 is currently the world’s smallest all-in-one printer that you could find room in any small office space, and is the latest model of Epson’s ME Office range. First introduced in 2010, Epson’s ME Office series printers have been specifically designed to provide business users outstanding value through higher performance and lower running cost.

Epson also calls is the “Small–in-One”, the Epson ME Office 535 when compared to its predecessor, the Epson Stylus TX220, uses 19% fewer components, and is an incredible 39% smaller in size and 24% smaller in footprint.

Like the other models in Epson’s ME Office range, the Epson ME Office 535 produces optimum quality prints by using the ME141 inks that offer a very affordable running cost of PhP1.36 cost per page for monochrome printing and PhP2.54 for color prints.

The Epson ME Office 535 is already available with an SRP of Php4,995.

Yesterday, Electroworld unveiled Nikon’s interchangeable lens cameras (ILC), the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon 1 V1. These types of cameras falls between your high-end point-and-shoot cameras and your DSLRs. They are compact, yet can accommodate different lenses and take almost DSLR-like photos.

At the heart of the Nikon 1 cameras is Nikon’s own and very new, CX sensor. It’s smaller than other ILC sensors out there but it doesn’t compromise on speed, dynamic range and image quality at all. Thanks to its EXPEED 3 processor, the Nikon 1 cameras feels really fast… from focusing, to processing and saving your picture. It packs a combination of Contrast and Phase-Detection AF in a single hybrid sensor that contributes to the fast focusing and the 135 focus points (my Nikon D90 only has 9) will make sure you’ll get the best results.

I was able to try out these Nikon 1 cameras and I was really impressed with its all-around quick response, excellent quality even in indoor shots and very smart auto mode. The only qualm I have coming from my familiarity of the DSLR is its simplistic approach when it comes to dials. The only quick toggle I can do is shutter speed and aperture. If I want to change WB and ISO I need to dig into the menu, which to be fair is quite intuitive and simple.

The Nikon 1 J1 is geared towards the consumers who hasn’t handled a DSLR yet and not sure if they want to go that route. Or those who wants something small yet with DSLR-like controls. It’s smaller than the V1 and doesn’t have a viewfinder nor a hotshoe for external accessories. It comes in red, white, pink, silver,  or black with a 10mm to 30mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The Nikon 1 J1 retails for Php31,999.

The Nikon 1 V1 is for the enthusiasts or professional photographers who needs a secondary, less bulky camera that can do the job. It’s the bigger sibling of the J1 with a bright, 1440k electronic viewfinder, a mechanical shutter, and a covered slot (not hotshoe and no built-in flash) for proprietary Nikon 1 accessories. It can also take still photos while shooting Full HD videos without interruption. It comes in black, or white with a 10mm to 30mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The Nikon 1 V1 retails for Php43,999.

If you’re already a Nikon DSLR owner, there’s an F-mount adapter that lets you use your Nikkor lens on any of these Nikon 1 cameras. No word yet on how much it costs here.

As of right now, only the black and white colors are available but the rest of colors (including colored lens) will be available early next year. You can buy these cameras at Electroworld and Nikon stores in the metro.

You might want to head to http://nikon1.nikon-asia.com to know more about the features of these cameras.

You never really associate projectors with Apple devices or as a home appliance. Sure some people use it on their private screening room but a projector that’s also a docking station for the iPod, iPhone or iPad? It’s a first and Epson is bringing it to us.

According to Epson the MG-850HD home projector is aimed towards homes and schools. Why school? Because some academic institutes use iPad as a teaching tool or as a learning tool. Got a Keynote presentation or report on your iPad or iPhone? Slap it into this projector and show it to the class.

The Epson MG-850HD only outputs via display out meaning it won’t really display things as seen on your Apple device unless the app (like official Mac apps) also supports display out. You can’t play Angry Birds and use the projector to have a bigger screen. In fact, it has its own UI to navigate through your videos and photos from your camera roll.

It has a 10W speaker output so you can really use it as your iPod speaker dock. There’s also a mic jack which you can use to aid you in your presentation. The USB port accepts flash drives but will only play photos from it so it’s not really a media player projector. It also recognizes Epson-accepted WiFi dongles so you can use this projector to display your PC or laptop content wirelessly.

Did we mention that this one’s also an HD projector? To add to its versatility, you can connect your device/appliance via HDMI, component and composite into it if you wish to view your 720p HD videos on a bigger screen. With its 2800lm brightness, it is just like watching your HD videos on your TV with the picture quality retained.

Supported devices for its dock are the iPad 1 and 2, all iPhone models, all iPod Touch models and iPod Nano 3rd gen to 5th gen. It will be available starting next month with an SRP of Php43,900.

Epson MG-850HD Specs:

• RGB liquid crystal shutter projection system (3LCD)
• 720p (1280 x 800) native resolution
• F-number: 1.58 – 1.72
• Focal length: 16.9mm – 20.28mm
• Zoom Ratio: 1 – 1.2
• Throw Ratio: 1.30 – 1.56
• Lamp: 200W UHE (E-TORL), 4000-hours
• Screen size: 33″ – 318″
• Brightness: 2800lm
• Contrast ratio: 3000:1
• Sound output: 10W x 2
• Keystone correction: +- 30 degrees
• Connectivity: VGA port, Component, Composite, S-Video, HDMI, Audio RCA, 2x USB, stereo mini-jack, iPod dock connector
• Start-up period: 6 seconds
• Cool-down period: Instant off
• Power consumption: 303W normal, 256W eco, 0.3W standby
• Weight: 3.9kg
• SRP: Php43,900

Mobile phones nowadays have become an all-in-one gadget, killing the industry of its indirect competitors – one of which, point-and-shoot cameras. There seems to be a growing demand for mobile applications to better enhance its marketability thus poses a great challenge to camera manufacturers to be on the loop.

The new Samsung MV800 gives a twist on the usual point-and-shoot cameras with its more fun features and let me share you how much I had fun taking photos using this.

Disclaimer: It’s funny that I always seem to get to review cameras that are enticing to people who loves taking photos of themselves. Again, I do not know anything about photography but I sure love taking pictures.

Hardware

The Samsung MV800 has a very sleek design, gives you a feel like you’re holding a mobile phone. When not in use, you won’t find any bulges, which makes it very pocketable. It uses 16.15 megapixel Schneider 26mm wide-angle lens with an optical zoom reaching up to 5x.

The MV800 is very easy to operate, with only a few physical buttons present. On the top edge, you will find the usual Power and Shutter buttons and the zoom controls. At the back panel are the home and playback buttons beside the 3-inch flip-out touchscreen with a UI resembling other Samsung phones.

The microUSB port which can be used for charging or transfer files (like smartphones) can be found on the right side along with the mini HDMI output. Beside the battery compartment at the bottom is the memory card slot, which already includes a 4GB microSD.

One of its most interesting features is its flip-out touchscreen LCD display that allows you to shoot at different angles, whether you’re shooting your pets from a lower angle, shooting a self-portrait or shooting overhead during concerts. Simply put, this feature helps you frame your photo perfectly from different angles that are hard to do with normal cameras.

When the screen is flipped at 180 degrees for self-portraits, it obstructs the shutter button so Samsung has another shutter button found at the center portion of the back panel, perfect to meet your middle or index finger for taking the photo in either left or right hand.

User Interface

The user interface on this camera is very easy to understand. There are 5 screens you can navigate to which nicely groups the myriad of features based on functionalities. We’ll run through each quickly and show you examples later on.

The first screen has the standard features. Smart Auto which you would most likely use lets the camera select the appropriate scene for the shot. There’s also the capability to take 3D photos but you need a 3D display to view it. The Live Panorama is a very handy feature for any point-and-shoot. The Self Shot is an easy way to take self portraits, flip the display towards you and touch the screen then a 3-second timer will countdown before taking the shot.

Second screen gives us effects you can do with your shots. The Magic Frame allows you to use some pre-selected backgrounds like billboards, posters, etc. and it will embed your photo on them. Funny Face morphs your face before taking a picture. Photo filter has some cool effects you can apply on your shots my favorite being the Cartoon.

Third screen are some extra settings for taking specific shots. Beauty Shot smoothens portrait photos. Background Blur would’ve been nice but it’s hard to gauge the distance to make it successful.

Fourth screen has some more shooting options like timer and touch shot if you don’t want to use the shutter button, just double-click on the screen to focus and shoot. Pose guide is a cool tool if you’re bored with your usual camera poses (more on this later).

Fifth screen shows display and camera options. Not only you can view your photos as a slideshow but you can also create a theme album (with music) so viewing your photos would be more fun. Photo Editor allows you to do basic edits and apply filters on existing photos.

Because of the combination of touchscreen display and the oodles of things you can with this camera, expect the camera not to last more than a day of shooting. Good thing it can be charged easily like you would a smartphone.

Sample photos

Here are some normal sample shots taken with the Samsung MV800.

Here are a couple of panoramic shots:

These photos look just average but what can you expect from a point-and-shoot right? But that’s the beginning. The strength of this camera lies on the myriad of things you can do with your shots to make it really fun.

Let the fun begin

Camera effects are so in these days especially that social media has allowed photo sharing. The fun part with using this camera is that as if you have most of your photo editing applications installed in your camera! It has A LOT of creative options for you to play around with your photos and share them to your friends!

I was able to try almost all the effects and I seriously enjoyed the experience. I wouldn’t go to each of them but instead show you the cool stuff you can do with your shots using this camera.

It has the Funny Face feature that automatically warps your favorite part of the face just like one of the features of the Mac’s Photobooth application. It was somehow a disappointment because I expected my face to look really weird but it doesn’t distort the face as I had expected.

Funny face!

I think what I loved most about playing with this unit is the different art filters – feels like you have a built-in Photoshop in it! Some cameras also have effects like Black and White or Sepia mode, but this one’s got more! I personally like the sketch and cartoon effect.

Sketch Filter

Cartoon Filter

Old Film filter

Miniature Effect

Fish Eye filter

I also enjoyed the Magic Frame too where you can choose from an array of templates and mix them with your chosen photo. You may wish to do this before or after taking the picture, how flexible is that? Below are some photos with my favorite templates.

As I mentioned in my disclaimer, I  am not a pro, which is why I loved its Pose Guide function. It directs your subjects on the best way/s to pose for a shot. In your screen is an outline of the model and you’ll just have to fit the subject within the outline, for that perfect shot like a pro!

Pose Guide

Some other features worth mentioning are the Beauty Shot, where your face looks flawless and conceals the blemishes instantly. The Picture in Picture functionality inserts the image to another so that you won’t miss any important happening. For a personal touch, you may also change the wallpapers of the screen and even create your photo slideshow easily.

In terms of using the MV800 to take videos, quality is okay for a 720p HD video, similar to the quality of the photos but it has a zoom noise reduction feature that eliminates the mechanical sound when zooming in.

Verdict:

There are really so many things to tell about the fun features of the Samsung MV800 that it’s easy to overlook the usefulness of the flip-out display. For the price of Php14,500, I think it’s a bit high but still a good investment especially if you’re considering a compact camera that you can bring with you to capture those special moments and enhance them even further with the bountiful features this gadget has to offer. Not to mention the fun that you and your friends or families will enjoy taking the photos.

Seldom do we see variations in today’s point-and-shoot cameras, usually it’s bigger megapixel, longer zoom or more compact design. Well Samsung just made available their MultiView MV800 camera which sports a Flip-out Display for more creative shots.

Flip-out or swivel displays are not new but it’s not common as well in digital cameras. With the MV800, the combination of the compact size and flip-out display allows you to take different angled shots with ease.

The 3.0” Flip-out touchscreen display flips out vertically allowing you to take low-angled shots, overhead shots, and also self-portraits. You can even use it as a stand to prop the camera to let friends view a slideshow of your shots instead of them cramming behind. If you fully flip the display out, a secondary shutter button is located at the back in the center for left or right-handed shooting which is very helpful for self-portrait shots.

The camera is also packed with features to make shooting extra fun. Aside from the usual scene modes, there are lots of filters and effects you can use pre or post shot. Effects like cartoon, watercolor, and sketch for a more creative and Photoshop-free shots. There’s also the Funny Face mode which will morph the subject’s face. The Magic Frame mode will give you options to plaster your face in different backgrounds like billboards or posters.

Going on to the technical side, the Samsung MV800 has a 16-megapixel count with 5x optical zoom. It has a wide-angle 26mm-130mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with a max aperture of f3.3. It can also record 720p HD videos at 30fps so you’re also covered in the movie recording department.

The Samsung MV800 is available for Php14,990 at all leading camera shops nationwide. We’ve been playing with one for quite some time now so expect a review soon. This camera’s loads of fun that’s for sure.

I don’t know if “slimness” is a factor for you when buying digital cameras but I understand it would be for mobile phones, laptops or tablets. Being slim on a camera is not a bad thing if you’re gunning for portability and that’s what the new Sony Cyber-shot TX55 is all about, thin without compromising feature and performance.

This new Cyber-shot is just 12.2mm slim but it can still do 5x optical zoom and also packs a lot of high-end features for a point-and-shoot. It has a 16.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony’s new ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ which boosts zoom range to 10x without quality loss at the image sensor’s maximum resolution. It’s like digital zooming without loss of quality.

Not unusual for most Cyber-shots is the sweep panorama and the TX55 can also do a 3D panorama or a 3D still. It also allows you to shoot Full HD AVCHD videos and view it on its super-size 8.3cm / 3.3″ Xtra Fine OLED wide touchscreen. Enabling its incredible slimness, the TX55 is the first Cyber-shot camera that includes a slot to accept Memory Stick Micro (M2) and microSD/SDHC flash memory cards.

Aside from the usual scene modes, the TX55 is packed with new Picture Effects which you can select while taking your shot (not post-processing) like HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy Camera, Partial Color, Pop Color and Soft High-key. flash memory cards. The Partial color is kinda neat as it isolates the color you choose (red, blue, yellow, green) and it will automatically turn everything else into black and white.

If you want the slimmest and stylish yet very capable digital camera for Christmas, you should give the Cyber-shot TX55 a long look. It should be available in stores this week for Php21,999 in black, silver, purple and pink.

Sony Cyber-shot TX55 Specs:

• 16.2 Megapixels Exmor R CMOS sensor
• 26mm wide-angle zoom
• 3.3” inch Xtra Fine OLED wide touch-screen
• 5x optical zoom and up to 10x with Pixel Super Resolution feature
• Ultra-thin chassis design (12.2 mm)
• Up to ISO 3200 of sensitivity
• Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode
• Full HD AVCHD video recording
• 1080i full HD-resolution video capability
• 10 frames per second (full resolution) burst mode
• 3D Still Image captures with 3D Sweep Panorama mode and Sweep Multi Angle
• Steady Shot image stabilization for Full HD video shooting
• Supports Memory up to 16 GB of removable storage
• Electronic image stabilization for vertical and horizontal handshake correction
• Picture Effects
• Colors: Black, Silver, Pink, Purple
• SRP: Php21,999