eK-gadgets info

Nikon introduced their new D3100 entry-level digital SLR. As you might have guessed, the D3100 replaces the popular D3000, offering a higher resolution sensor, faster processing, live view support, a full HD video recording (with continuous AF), and more. So yeah, it’s a pretty big upgrade. Here are its specs:Nikon D3100

• 14.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Supports all Nikkor F-mount lenses with a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio; do note that autofocus is only supported on AF-S lenses
• Expeed 2 image processor
• Compact body (by D-SLR standards) with dust reduction and 100k cycle shutter life
• 3-inch LCD display with live view (and face detection)
• Auto Scene Selector + full manual controls
• ISO range of 100 - 3200, expandable to 12,800
• 11-point AF system
• Quick Shutter Release mode reduces mirror noise
• Guide Mode gives you step-by-side assistance taking photos
• Tons of special effects in “retouch” menu
• Records video at 1920 x 1080 (24 or 30 fps) with sound and full-time autofocus
  • Videos can be trimmed right on the camera
  • H.264 codec is used
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot
• Uses EN-EL14 li-ion battery; 550 shots per charge
• HDMI output
• Ships in mid-September with the F3.5-5.6, 18 - 55 mm VR lens for $699

Looking for a compact ultra zoom with full HD recording? If you don’t mind a touchscreen interface, than the PowerShot SD4500/IXUS 1000HS might be just what you;’re looking for:

PowerShot IXUS 1000 HS Digital ELPH 

• 10.0 Megapixel “high sensitivity” back-illuminated CMOS sensor
• F3.4-5.6, 10X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 36 - 360 mm
• Optical image stabilization with “dynamic” option for situations with lots of shake
• 3-inch widescreen LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• Point-and-shoot operation, with Smart Auto mode
• Best Image Selection feature takes five exposures and selects the best one of the series
• Offers same benefits as other CMOS-based cameras: high speed burst mode (8.4 fps), “super slow motion” movies (240 fps), and things like “handheld night scene”
• Records movies at 1920 x 1080 (24 fps) with stereo sound using H.264 codec; can shoot at lower resolutions (including 720p) at 30 fps; optical zoom cannot be used while recording
• “Miniature effect” available for both stills and movies
• SD/SDHC/SDXC slot
• Uses NB-9L li-ion battery; 150 shots per charge
• HDMI output
• Available in brown and silver (in some locations)
• Ships in early September for $349

Finally, we have an ultra zoom for the more budget-conscious customers. The PowerShot SX130 has these features and specs:

PowerShot SX130 IS

• 12.1 Megapixel CCD
• F3.4-5.6, 12X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 336 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• Full manual controls + Smart Auto mode
• Special effects include fisheye and miniature
• 720p (30 fps) movie movie with stereo sound; optical zoom can be used while recording
• SD/SDHC/SDXC slot
• Uses AA batteries; 370 shots per charge using NiMH rechargeables
• Ships in late August for $249

Samsung has long been known to be coming out with a tablet computer of the slate form factor for some time now. In fact, we’ve known that their tablet is to be dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Tab – taking a cue from their ever so popular Samsung Galaxy S smart phone (or Samsung Vibrant on T-Mobile and Samsung Captivate on AT&T). Anyways, ever since we first learn of the device it has been pictured, leaked, rumored and so forth.

If you’ll remember, just yesterday we showed you a video of the device taken of a man testing the Samsung Galaxy Tab in Sydney, Australia. Today, we have a leaked picture of the device showing it clearly running Google’s Android 2.2 mobile operating system. Additionally, the same  website  (ifanr) that leaked the picture says the device features a 7-inch 1024 x 600 AMOLED display, a PowerVR SGX 540 GPU, a 3.2 megapixel camera, VGA front-facing camera, 3G, GPS, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFI.

While it was generally assumed that the Galaxy Tab would run Froyo, it’s a bit ironic to see the unreleased tablet running the updated OS while the already released Galaxy S still has not received the 2.2 update.

via ifanr

The interchangeable lens camera market just got a lot more crowded! Sony has introduced their new “NEX” series of ultra-compact ILCs that use an all new lens mount (Sony E-mount), yet retain compatibility with classic Alpha mount lenses via an optional adapter. The NEX-3 and NEX-5 are almost identical, save for the build quality and movie recording capabilities. Both are very small cameras, though the lenses are a bit bulky, due to the camera’s APS-C sensor (which is 60% larger than a Micro Four Thirds sensor). I had a chance to use both cameras last week, and all I can say is: look out Panasonic and Olympus (and Samsung, I guess) — the NEX twins are very impressive. They have the manual controls of an D-SLR, with quite a few features borrowed from Sony’s compact cameras (Sweep Panorama and Smile Shutter, to name two). And did I mention that it will be able to take 3D panoramas?

NEX-3

• 14.2 Megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
• Ultra-compact polycarbonate body comes in silver, black, and red
• Uses new Sony E-mount lenses, with a 1.5x crop factor
  • Three lenses available initially, all of which are made of brushed aluminum, with stainless steel mounts:
    • F2.8, 16 mm pancake lens — supports 12 mm wide-angle and fisheye conversion lenses!
    • F3.5-5.6, 18 - 55 mm zoom lens w/optical image stabilization
    • F3.5-6.3, 18 - 200 mm zoom lens w/optical image stabilization (includes an “active” mode for enhanced shake reduction)
  • Lenses support quiet continuous autofocus and auto exposure for movie recording
  • Backward compatible with classic Alpha-mount lenses via optional LA-EA1 adapter (manual focus only)
• 3-inch articulating LCD display with 921,000 pixels and “TruBlack” technology for better outdoor visibility
• Full time live view with face and smile detection, 25-point contrast detect AF
• Full manual controls, with support for RAW image format; ISO range of 200 - 12,800
• Proprietary shoe on top of camera supports an external flash (GN 7) and optical viewfinder (designed to work with the pancake lens)
• Can take 8 RAW or an unlimited number of JPEGs at 7 frames/second
• Sweep panorama mode can produce 15 or 23 Megapixel panoramas simply by panning the camera from side-to-side; 3D support coming this July via firmware update (requires 3D TV)
• Auto HDR mode combines three exposures into one for better dynamic range; Handheld twilight and anti-motion blur feature combines six exposures into one for blur-free photos
• Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) with stereo sound using H.264 codec
  • Supports continuous AF, auto exposure, and image stabilization
  • Dedicated movie recording button
• Built-in help guide has 80 context-specific tips and tricks
• Dual memory card slots support Memory Stick Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC media
• Uses NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery; 330 shots per charge
• HDMI output
• Ships in July for $550 with the 16 mm pancake lens and $600 with the 18 - 55 zoom
  • Lenses will be available separately for $250 (16 mm), $300 (18 - 55), and $800 (18 - 200, ships this fall)

NEX-5  - changes:

• Even sleeker, magnesium alloy body; comes in silver and black
• Records Full HD movies (1920 x 1080 @ 60 interlaced frames/sec) using AVCHD codec
  • Also supports 720p recording using H.264
• Priced at $650 with the pancake lens and $700 with the 18 - 55 zoom