GeekSugar

The Latest Sony Alpha Cameras Boost Photos to Pro Levels

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:11:00 PDT

We may talk a lot about iPhoneography in these parts, but there's no substitute for an "old-fashioned" camera in all its double-digit megapixels, HD video, and interchangeable lens glory. The latest in Sony's camera offerings comes from the brand's Alpha line: the NEX-F3, suited for a more casual photographer, and the SLT-A37, a DSLR kit for those who want to get a little more serious with their hobby.

Available in June, the NEX-F3 ($600 with an 18-55mm zoom lens kit) packs 16.1 MP, 60i/24p HD video capture, and a full-size mirrorless APS-C image sensor into its pocket-sized frame, giving photos SLR-quality results without the intimidation of a bulky SLR body. Beyond its technical prowess, the NEX-F3 has sweet features that any level of camera enthusiast will love: the 180° tilt LCD screen shows a mirror image when flipped vertically, a must for framing self-portraits, and the new Auto Portrait Framing feature crops an image of a subject within perfect rule-of-thirds parameters.

For the photographer who needs extra power, the 16.1 MP SLT-A37 ($600 with an 18-55mm zoom lens kit; available in June) captures 7 frames per second with a 15-point auto focus system intended to keep fast-moving subjects crystal clear. The camera has an ISO range up to 16000, helping you the make most of a low-light scenario. What we may love most about the A37 is the little extras: it includes Auto Portrait Framing as well as an electronic viewfinder, ensuring that every bit of what you see in a frame is captured in the image.

Tour close-ups of the camera in our gallery, and share your favorite interchangeable-lens camera in the comments!

Weekend DIY: Upcycled Camera Strap

Kelly Schwarze — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:41:22 PST

The team at ModCloth is always two steps ahead in the world of all things cute and fashionable, so it comes as no surprise that they're also crafters with a tech edge. If photography is more your forte than sewing, this camera strap DIY requires only basic skills and some old fabric lying around the house.

Use an old flannel shirt, fabric belt, or even material from a worn-out pair of boots to make a wrist strap or a vacation-ready around-the-neck strap with lining. We might make a thrift store run to find a red plaid just like the fabric that ModCloth used! Check out the full how-to on their blog.

First Impressions of the Lytro Camera

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:15:49 PST

For those looking for a new twist on photography, allow me to introduce you to the Lytro camera ($400-$500). This pocket-friendly camera allows you to capture images and refocus your pictures later. The Lytro captures the entire light field in your scene, meaning all the light traveling in every direction. As a contrast, your standard DSLR only captures one pane of light. That's some pretty impressive technology, but the question that begs to be asked is "how good are the photos?" We got a chance to try it out, so keep reading below to find out.

The camera's features and ports are built into a tiny 4.41-inch package (including the constant f/2 lens, battery that can capture 400 images before recharging, and storage, which comes in 8GB and 16GB flavors), and it features a rubberized end that houses the recessed power and shutter buttons, as well as a zoom function that's operated with just a slide of your finger. The Lytro comes with two shooting modes, "Everyday" and "Creative," which give you increased control over depth of field. As for prices, you can drop $400 for the 8GB model (in graphite or red) and $500 for a 16GB red-toned Lytro.

Overall, we thought the Lytro was a cool concept, but pending a full review, we can't say that we'd recommend the Lytro to beginning photographers or serious shutterbugs just yet. Take a look at some of the images we snapped here. Don't be afraid to click on them - you can actually refocus with a click!

See a few more after the break.

Bring Back Instant Photography With the Polaroid Z340

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:17:20 PST

I haven't given up on the instant photography movement, but I'm liking the blend of analog and digital photography that the Polaroid Z340 ($300) brings to the table. The Z340 brings together the old and new thanks to its ability to capture and instantly print images on Zink film that is smudge-proof, water- and tear-resistant, and needs zero dry time (say bye bye to "shaking it like a Polaroid picture"). It also boasts modern features, like capturing 14MP images, an SD card tray so you can store and print, or upload your pics later (or even print pics from other cameras), an LCD screen viewfinder, and the ability to print your pics with or without the classic Polaroid border. The Zink film itself runs at about $18 for 30 exposures, which isn't cheap, but will still cost less than The Impossible Project's film for your Polaroid 600.

Get a closer look at the Z340 in the gallery, then head over to Photojojo to get one for yourself!

Weekend DIY: Camera Lens Pouch

Kelly Schwarze — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:47:14 PST

Forget to put a lens cap back or even worse - lose it - and you're setting yourself up for the potential heartache of photos tainted by a dusty, scratched lens. Keep your lens safe and your photographs top-notch by making your own version of this too-cute camera lens pouch from Melissa of The Polka Dot Chair.

With a hook that snaps onto the camera strap, finally solve the case of the missing lens cap. Check out The Polka Dot Chair for the step-by-step directions on this weekend DIY that doesn't require too much sewing experience.

New Camera Envy: Canon EOS 5D

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:54:56 PST

Serious camera enthusiasts have a new toy: the high-end Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera. Canon promises strong image quality with the 22.3 MP CMOS full-frame sensor and low-light boosts with a standard ISO adjustable from 100 to 25,600 and extended ISO settings that reach 102,400; never fear a dim lighting situation again.

An inclusion in the camera that iPhone 4S users have grown accustomed to is the HDR function, a process that stitches together multiple exposure levels into one image. A dual memory card slot ensures you won't have to delete images to clear up space, while the 61-point autofocus system shows off the camera's state of the art technology.

With the capacity for longer video recording times - up to 29 minutes - and a built-in headphone jack to monitor audio, the EOS 5D is a videographer's dream. Available at the end of March for $3,500 not including lens, the EOS 5D is for professionals that use any sort of photography in their line of work. For the rest of us who are unlikely to shell out several thousand for a camera, we can look at the EOS 5D's release as sign that professional camera features will be trickling down to affordable consumer cameras soon.

Jewelry Cuffs For Camera Buffs

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:15:15 PST

Scared of missing a photo opportunity, we carry our cameras with us everywhere - and end up looking like a tourist on the daily commute. Time to mix it up with a fashionable take on an addictive hobby. Australian jewelry company Oye Modern has a line of limited-edition jewelry with the professional and amateur photographer in mind. Heavy-duty lenses are recycled into flexible bracelets, and I'm especially excited about the vintage-inspired sterling silver camera winder brooch. Click through to see all the wearable goods.

Weekend DIY: Scarf Camera Strap

Kelly Schwarze — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:23:22 PST

No need to scour the Internet for the perfect sturdy, cool camera strap to take on your travels; just peek inside your closet. This camera strap DIY by Photojojo calls simply for a silk scarf or piece of cut silk fabric, sturdy key rings, and some basic sewing skills. Silk is an incredibly sturdy fabric, which makes it an ideal candidate to keep a precious DSLR safe. Silk rope is actually stronger than steel cable - its prohibitive costs keep silk from becoming a standard manufacturing option.

Head over to Photojojo for the full how-to on making a boho-chic camera strap of your own and share pics of your creations on our Facebook page!

Nikon Introduces Retro-Chic Coolpix P310

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:59:20 PST

We know that looks aren't everything, but man - the new Nikon Coolpix P310 is quite a looker. Coming with a retro-styled bod and a 16MP sensor, it's the pocket cam for professionals, and a great investment for mobile photographers who want a little more power behind their pics.

The camera itself comes with a 3-inch LCD screen on the back, improved image stabilization, 19 scene modes, full 1080p video recording, Eye-Fi SD card support, and is pocketable and light at just 6.9 ounces. It shoots fabulously well in low light thanks to high ISO and a wide angle f/1.8 lens, which means all those concert and party pics you like to take will look even better. Plus, a smart backlight HDR mode will piece together multiple shots to get you better clarity and vibrancy. The P310's manual mode - that lets you adjust shutter speed, aperture, and other settings - will help you step out of your "auto" comfort zone.

You'll be able to get your hands on the P310 sometime in March for $330, but in the meantime, check out Nikon's sample images in the gallery to see what this camera can do.

Polaroid's Z340 Instant Camera Comes With a Digital Twist

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:41:35 PST

The success of The Impossible Project has shown that demand for the nostalgia of capturing memories via instant photography is strong. Years ago we mourned Polaroid's decision to stop producing instant film and cameras, but today's announcement that the Z340 Instant Digital Camera is finally available promises to breathe new digital life into one of our favorite mediums.

Polaroid's Z340 Instant Digital Camera ($300) integrates a 14MP digital camera with a ZINK-enabled printer directly in one gadget. The printer uses classic Polaroid-size three-inch by four-inch paper with ZINK's ink-free technology, which embeds the paper with cyan, yellow, and magenta dye crystals. The paper looks like normal white photo paper before printing, but the heat of the camera causes the crystals to activate and print the captured image. Within the camera itself you can choose to print using the basic Polaroid border or download additional photo borders.

The digital aspects of the Z340 include the 2.7-inch LCD screen and the auto saving of photos to the included SD card. Settings can be configured to automatically print each image as it's taken, or store pictures in the camera and wait to print until just the right frame is captured. Use the LCD screen for in-camera editing and cropping before storing or printing photos. Thirty sheet refills of the ZINK three-inch by four-inch paper are $20, a relative bargain considering old Polaroid film packs cost the same for much fewer prints.