The WB850F, WB150F, and ST200F devices feature Samsung’s innovative new SMART Wi-Fi technology that aims to change the way consumers take pictures, share and store them. The Samsung SMART range of cameras allows users to transfer images to their PC or laptop using the Auto Backup function – which means no more fussing with cables! Users also get integrated free storage space from Samsung’s AllShare Play and Microsoft Sky Drive so can store and access their photos anywhere. The Wi-Fi capability of the new Samsung SMART long-zoom cameras gives users the ability to share your photos with incredible ease. Using any Wi-Fi hotspot users can email photos or share them on social networks such as Facebook and Picasa or post videos to YouTube.

The WB850F also uses GPS features and Live Landmark to enhance the user’s journeys, enabling them to download maps and find out information on nearby locations with the touch of a button. The camera’s Digital Compass can also give users their location and tell them how far they are from certain locations, while the MapView function allows users to download maps and use their camera to help explore new cities.

The WB850F, WB150F and ST200F cameras make it easy to capture incredible detail through their zoom lenses. The WB850F features a 21x optical zoom, the WB150F features an 18x optical super zoom and the ST200F includes a 10x optical zoom lens. In order to capture the detail at its best the Samsung travel zoom models feature upwards of 12 Megapixel sensors – 16.2 Megapixels on the WB850F and 14.2 Megapixels on the WB150F. The WB850F also features pioneering BSI CMOS sensor technology to reduce image noise and distortion, even in low light conditions. This crystal-clear detail can then be experienced in all its clarity on the 3.0″ VGA AMOLED screen featured on both models.

Anyway, this phonecamera is still an interesting move for Polaroid. The camera part is a high quality 16MP point-n-shoot, with 3x optical zoom, 5x digital zoom. It shoots 720p video and has geotagging, anti-shake and face and smile detection rolled in too.

The rest of the hardware is pretty standard fare. A decent 800×400 3.2″ LCD touchscreen, 512MB RAM, 512MB builtin storage, microSD slot for upto 32GB of extra storage, Micro USB port and 2.5mm headphone jack. A Samsung 800Mhz CPU powers the Smart Camera, running an unspecified version of Android. For connectivity you have Bluetooth, WiFi and a micro SIM slot for GSM cellular data, so it really is a phone, or at least you can use it as one if you like.

Probably one of the biggest plus points for a camera running on Android is you get access to the Android Market, and a variety of apps to work with your photos. Don’t like what your camera came with? Download something different.

It’s a little heftier than what’s probably in your pocket now, and I’m not crazy about the textured faux leather plastic, but it’s got some nice metal touches and, overall, isn’t too bad looking. But you’ve got to ask yourself if you really have room in your saddle bags for another device, a device very much like the phone that already takes up most of the space?

G1 X’s 1.5-inch 14.3 megapixel CMOS sensor is what really makes it unique, offering a sensor size nearly as large as the APS-C found in larger mirror less models and many full-size DSLRs.  Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot design, the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera features the largest sensor to date for a Canon point-and-shoot model.

The camera has a brand new, large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm), 14.3-megapixel High-Sensitivity Canon CMOS sensor, delivering shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range, an ISO range of up to 12800 and incredible light gathering ability helping to ensure brilliant images in even tough low-light conditions. Featuring a Canon lens with 4X Optical Zoom, an aperture of f/2.8 to f/16 along with wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm, the PowerShot G1 X camera ensures that users will have the right optics for almost any situation.

Adding to the EOS-like feature set of this new model is 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting and compatibility with accessories such as Speedlite, Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes. HDR Shooting has been included to ensure the best possible shot is captured as well. The PowerShot G1 X camera also shoots in Full HD 1080p video ensuring memorable moments are captured in the highest quality.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X camera has a large 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD with 922,000 dots of resolution. The inclusion of the Mode Dial on the top of the camera and the Front Dial helps provide more intuitive control of the camera.

The Nikon D4 offers an impressive array of high-end features for the professional user. It’s also refreshing to see some of the basic features of video cameras that have eluded DSLRs in the past. It seems silly that even something as simple as a headphone jack to monitor incoming sound has yet to find its way into a DSLR. That is just one of the small touches Nikon has added to appeal to a growing base of professional DSLR videographers.

The D4′s most intriguing features is once the D4 is hooked up to a network via Wi-Fi or its Ethernet port, you can pull a network IP address off the screen and use that to connect to the camera with your computer. Assuming the camera and computer are on the same network, you can navigate to the camera through your browser, no apps or connections needed. Once you’re connected, you can take photos, adjust all manner of settings, switch to live view, focus by clicking on individual points, and even shoot video. You can also easily browse all the content stored on the camera’s memory cards. This feature completely eliminates the need to tether your camera with USB, opening up a lot more freedom when shooting photos and viewing them immediately on a computer. This functionality should also come to iPads and iPhones soon.

Key D4 Specifications:

•  16.2 effective megapixel, full-frame sensor (16.6MP total)
• 10fps shooting with AF and AE, 11fps with focus and exposure locked, 24fps 2.5MP grabs
• 91,000 pixel sensor for metering, white balance, flash exposure, face detection and active d-lighting
• ISO Range 100-12,800 (extendable from 50 – 204,800)
• MultiCAM 3500FX Autofocus sensor works in lower light and with smaller apertures
• Two sub-selector joystick/buttons for shooting orientation
• 1080p 30 HD video at up to 24Mbps with uncompressed video output
• New EN-EL18 battery (21.6Wh capacity, CIPA-rated at 2600 shots)
• Twin card slots – one Compact Flash and one XQD

For a full list of specifications please visit the Nikon SA page

There has been no indication on when the D4 will be available here in South Africa, the estimated price in the US is $ 6000, which is a rather large chunk of money, but i think it may just be worth it.

If you’ve never heard of the GoPro camera systems they’re tough cameras built for the outdoors and are often used by extreme sportsmen. The cameras are waterproof and shockproof and can be mounted onto helmets, in front of surfboards, onto handlebars… and well, pretty much anywhere you can imagine.

While the HD Hero2 looks very similar to the HD Hero the new model boasts some great new features and is a definite upgrade. On-board you’ll find a new video sensor that has twice the performance as the original including better low light capture. This new sensor is paired with a different lens that not only improves the overall clarity, but also features a 170 degree field of view – the older HD Hero only offered 127.

GoPro has also improved the user experience – you’ll get a great new user interface on the tiny LCD rather than just the single character menu system found on the original model. The camera now also has LED status lights on four sides rather than just the front.

But the really big improvement is in the internal systems. The new sensor and processor allow for incredible quick image capture. The HD Hero2 will give you 10 photos per second or one every 0.5 seconds. The faster sensor allows for 960p at 48 frames per second, 720p at 60 fps or WVGA at 120 fps. You’ll also get 11 megapixels – a massive step up from the 5MP sensor in the HD Hero.

The new model also has a mini-HDMI port, and 3.5mm external stereo mic input along with a 3.5mm composite video port. Like the HD Hero, the HD Hero2 is also compatible with the BacPac add-ons including the upcoming WiFi BacPac that will add remote management through a small wireless remote and a smartphone.

The HD Hero2 retailed for $299 at launch.

At their core, both cameras use Nikon’s new CX size CMOS sensor, shooting at 10.1 MP. The new sensor is smaller than the average DSLR sensor and smaller than most of the sensors that their ILC* competition are using, but still larger than your average point and click. Another new feature both cameras share is the new 1 NIKKOR lens mount. There is an adapter available, the FT1, which will let you mount F-mount lens on either camera.

Other common features are full 1080/60i HD movie shooting, for upto 29mins per video, and super slo-mo at 1200fps. USB and HDMI connectivity, 73-point AF* system, ‘Motion Snapshot’ for grabbing an image with a short slo-mo movie, and ‘Smart Photo Selector’ takes several shots at once making sure you get the best one.

Both cameras also share the same lens bundle when purchased, which includes 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 and 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM.

V1

The V1 is the top of this new line, with an integrated EVF*, a high res LCD display, a mechanical shutter and stereo mic input. It also features an accessory shoe allowing you to attach a flash or GPS unit for geo-tagging, and a rugged magnesium alloy body that comes in just two colours, black or white. (est. price $899)

J1

The cheaper J1 sports a variety of funky colours, but loses the EVF* and accessory shoe, has a lower res LCD display and an electronic shutter. It does, however, integrate a pop-up flash to make up for the loss of the accessory shoe. (est. price $649)

Both are attractive enough, with some decent specs, but can’t compete with Sony and Olympus’s offerings. Nikon is clearly aiming these two cameras at the more serious amateur enthusiast.

The PEN claims to have it all but how does it do this? The Olympus PEN is a Micro Four Thirds camera which means it has an increased sensor size similar to a DSLR, interchangeable lenses, and full manual control while still being relatively compact in size.  Micro Four Thirds is a concept developed by Olympus and Panasonic, which gets rid of the need for the mirror inside an interchangeable lens camera. While the PEN is definitely compact when compared to its bulky DSLR counterparts it does feels somewhat bulky when being compared to smaller models. Let’s just say it’s small enough to fit in your handbag but you won’t be slipping it in to your pocket as you walk out the door.

Olympus PEN E-P3

Following the success of the PEN E-PL1 and PEN E-PL2 Olympus has announced the release of three new additions to the family: PEN E-P3, PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1. All three of the new cameras share the 12.3MP Live MOS sensor and boast improved auto focus. They also feature TruePic VI image processors, an ISO ceiling of 12,800, re-engineered auto focus system, and HD video mode. The variety of on board Art Filters lets you have a little bit of fun with different affects such as pinhole camera, grainy film affect and pop art. While the artsy affects seem exciting at first this feature is more of a gimmicky add-on.  The idea of being able to shoot as if you are using a pinhole camera does lose its appeal after a while.

The new Olympus PEN E-P3 is introduced as a replacement for the E-P2 and now comes with a built in flash and a higher resolution 614k touchscreen. The PEN E-PL3 will replace the PEN E-PL2 and has been upgraded with a flip out LCD screen. Lastly the completely new addition, the PEN E-PM3, is aimed at a broader consumer market for those wanting a completely simplistic user experience.

Olympus PEN-E-PM1

All-in-all the cameras in the PEN series are a great way to ease yourself in to the realm of DSLRs. It’s also a great option if you’re not a fan of lugging a huge camera around all the time. If you’re serious about taking better pictures then it’s a great place to start but it’ll prove to be a little too complicated and heavy for those wanting to take a few snaps here and there.

While there is nothing radical about the updates, sensor sizes (MegaPixel count) and most of the other bits are pretty much the same, there is one critical update that canon lovers have been waiting for; full-motion HD video recording.

We wrote about it on the Nikon D3100 review, and now Canon too have come to the party. Having video on your camera that doesn’t focus on motion is like putting sugar in your coffee and not being able to stir it. Happily, the new Canons feature “Live-action-filming”, aka in-video autofocus. Yes.

On the technical side, the 1100D comes with a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor, nine-point auto-focus system and 63 -zone dual-layer metering system. While the 600D will sport an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor with the same DIGIC 4 processor. An ISO range of 100-6400 and a tilt and swivel LCD screen.

If you’re starting out, then take a look at the 1100D, it’s a great place to start. If you’re a bit of a pro-am, then the 600D should be a nice option.

The feature war began, who had the most Megapixles, fastest memory cards, lightest bodies etc. Then in 2008, with the launch of the Nikon D90, HD video was added as a feature to the standard DSLR camera. This came at a price though. While some of the cameras could produce fantastic video quality, all in HD, ALL the cameras lacked the ability to auto-focus. Now, auto-focus isn’t a problem if your subject is sitting still, but trying to video the kids, running on the beach, with a DSLR, is a complete disaster.

Nikon though, have changed the rules of engagement. Their latest entry level camera, the D3100, not only has fantastic HD video, but it also supports auto focus. No matter how much you zoom in or out, your subject is always in focus. Even if it’s running on the beach!

What makes this really special, is that the Nikon D3100, costs less than R6000. So it’s within the reach of anyone wanting to buy a DSLR, it comes packed with great features for a stills camera, boasts 14 Megapixles, and barely weighs anything.

So if you’re in the market for a new camera, and want something that is an all-round, feature packed, budget-conscious camera, look no further than the Nikon D3100. And of course you can grab it at your local Incredible Connection store!

We recently reviewed the Olympus PEN E-PL1 camera here and here, and as a follow up, we’re giving away the bigger-brother model PEN E-P1. That competition is over here, and you only have a couple of days left to enter!! (until 19th of November) We will announce the winners on the 22nd of November.

In the famous words of Jeff Probst, of Survivor fame,
“Wanna know what you’re playing for?”
Take a look at this really cool augmented reality demo: