Fujifilm X-Pro 1 : The Successor of The X100 & X10

    The Fujifilm X-Pro 1 - Retro styled camera body with sexy modern feature

The Fujifilm X-Pro 1 is the successor of the retro-styled camera with a body designed like a rangefinder camera - the Fujifilm X100 and the X10. The X-Pro 1, like it's name, is actually aimed towards serious photographers who wanted to experience and own a unique camera unlike any other. One of the most feature looked forward by fans is the availability of the hybrid optical and the electronic viewfinder,though the usage of the optical viewfinder would seem more appropriate especially when you're using this sort of camera. (Well, I don't see any point of using the electronic viewfinder anyway considering that optical viewfinder is always better)

SPECS WISE:

- 3.0" inch LCD screen

- 16Megapixel

- APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor

- EXR Processor Pro image processor

- Dual magnification hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder

Front view of the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

 Top view of the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Rear view of the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Just like its predecessor the Fujifilm X100 and the X10, X-Pro 1 is a vintage designed camera which houses a modern technology - the usage of sensor. Just like the camera's predecessor, the X-Pro 1 comes in a relatively compact body but with a large sensor - the APS-C sensor which is normally reserved for DLSRs. So, its a small camera body with a large sensor, users either professional or amateur photographer can definitely get a lot done with this little rig here.

The Fujifilm X-Pro 1 with its arsenal of interchangeable lenses

So what are the differences between the X-Pro and the X100? Well, one of the feature which made the X-Pro 1 seemingly more superior than the X100 is the fact that it comes with an interchangeable lens. Yes, you can swap your lenses to give you more control on your preferred focal length. 

Some of you may see the X-Pro 1 being the same as X100, except that it has been injected by steroids and beefed up with protein shakes. The difference in sizes between the two models are not what made this camera an "X-Pro 1" though. 

In addition, the X-Pro 1 has a lock on the dial button so that accidents of switching the dial by mistake would not happen. Another improvement made by Fujifilm is that the X-Pro 1 has a more user friendly interface and faster responds compared to the X100. When the X100 went into "sleeping" mode, it seems that it would take forever to "unsleep" it - in other words, the responds of the camera in "sleeping mode" were quite slow. However, Fuji managed to overcome this camera and offers users a faster, more responsive and more convenience with the improved performance level.

However, X100 user would definitely miss the silent shutter sound that the X100 provided. Yes, the near silent shutter feature are not available in the successor of the X100. Furthermore, the X-Pro 1 has a slower flash sync. Though this may seems to be a bit of disappointment to some people, but it also means that the camera would be able to fully combine its fastest shutter speed with the large apertures. 

SAMPLE IMAGES:

Behold The New iPad

The New iPad

So you might have heard a lot of rumors (and I do mean A LOT) about the latest iPad. Much of the rumors does actually hit right on the spot and delivers the users with something they had anticipated from the new model of the iPad.

The iPad offers a higher amount of resolution than its predecessor, the iPad 2

First and foremost, the crystal clear retinal display has four times more pixels than the iPad 2, with a 2048 x 1536 resolution so you can have better details and a much richer color from the screen. The higher resolution will ensure users that the 9.7" inch screen will definitely deliver a much crispier and sharper image so that it may look "life-like".

The iPad is operated using the Dual Core A5X processor but the model will bring a "quad-core graphic power" which can gives much more satisfaction to users when accessing the apps as well as games. Basically what it does is that it delivers a smooth, lag-free and the usual Apple "fluid-like performance" even on a larger pixel counts.

Furthermore, the new iPad also provides a 4G LTE option for a faster connectivity. The model is built with the latest wireless technology that allows you to connect to fast data networks around the world.

Camera wise, the iPad offers a 5 megapixel camera on the rear with the recording capability of 1080p at 30 frames per second. The significantly high improvement does brings smile and joy to many Apple's users. But, all talks about megapixel doesn't really excites many iphoneographer's interests. So, the iSight camera uses an advanced optics which can give you a better image quality. At f/2.4 aperture (which is a relatively large aperture) you can't actually expect "Bokeh" or blurred background from a DSLR or even from a 4/3 sensor camera, but it does allows you to capture at low light condition with better quality. Moreover, the camera is equipped with an infrared filters which is typically reserved for the expensive SLR cameras - this gives the image color more contrast and saturation.

SAMPLE IMAGE:

The camera delivers a sharper and crispier image as compared to the iPad 2

The color produced definitely has more contrast and much more uniform 

And guess what? If you're a hardcore user of any Apple product and you seem to have been complaining about your gadget's battery life span running out too soon, let me tell you - worry not! The new model of iPad can withstand up to 10 hours of usage and allows you to spend your precious time with your loved one even longer - by loved one I meant the iPad.

Black or White - Choose your color

The model also consists of the 16GB model, along with 32GB and the massive 64GB to store every app available at the AppStore.  

SPECS WISE:

-  Retinal display with 2048 x 1536 resolution

- 9.7" inch screen

- A5X processor with quad-core graphic power

- 4G LTE option available for a faster wireless connectivity

- 5 megapixel camera on the rear - recording capability of 1080p at 30 frames per second

- f/2.4 aperture 

- Camera equipped with infrared filters - gives the image color more contrast and saturation

- 10 hours of battery life

Mass Effect 3 For Kinect : Instructions Via Voice Input

Whenever I played any games, yelling at the monitor LCD screen is your first instinct (Let's face it, it does not give much help while doing so). But, Mass Effect 3 for Kinect would beg to differ. This game offers you feature which enables you to use your voice to operate and gives instructions to the game itself.

In short, you (yes, yourself) have the ability to instruct the character in the game  to do something using your voice as an input. For example, if you happened to come across an unidentified object or anything suspicious, you could say "examine" or "follow me", and the input voice will cause the character to obey your instruction! Pretty neat huh?

Another neat feature available in Mass Effect 3 is that you would not just being busy giving instruction to the character you're in control, but you also have the ability to instruct your teammates. Basically, you have the power to direct your team in the battlefield to help or assist you in taking down an enemy squadron, or instructing them to switch to the weapon you'd prefer during the battle. All of this feature promises to give gamers a new experience like they had never seen before - it adds another depth to the gameplay as well as giving gamers the impression that the character is actually coming to life. Mass Effect 3 for the Kinect gives you more control and helps you a lot throughout the game as you would be busy controlling the character using the controller, sometimes all you need is an extra hand.

Casey Hudson, the Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series stated, "..We also realized that because our game uses conversation, we wanted the players to actually be able to speak with the virtual character of the game and speak those conversation instead of speaking through pressing buttons"

The game will be released on March 6 on PS3, X-Box 360, as well as on PC platform.

Tech News: Canon EOS-1D X Delayed

October last year, Canon had announced the new model of the professional range of DSLR, the Canon EOS 1D-X which has 18.1 effective megapixel full frame CMOS sensor and 14 fps burst mode in JPEG and 12fps when shooting in RAW. However, a bad news just came out regarding this camera - just yesterday Canon had announced that the release of the latest professional model DSLR would be delayed for a little longer for reasons unknown. Enthusiasts who have been awaiting eagerly for this camera are going to have a little sat back as Canon press release in various regions claimed that the release of the model would have to wait until "late April". Not much information has been told regarding the delay aside form the short notice of "delay in development".

The company says that it's also delaying many accessories made for the model including GPS receiver (GP-E1), wireless file transmitter (WFT-E6B), battery charger (LC-E4N) and pack (LP-E4N), wide strap (L7) and focusing screen (EC-CV).  

First Impression: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L ii USM or Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 V.C?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L ii USM

Canon has announced the new release of its professional line of L lens (L stands for Luxury) - the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L ii USM lens. Many enthusiasts would probably be expecting an additional feature of an I.S (Image Stabilizer) for this latest arsenals of Canon's champion glass. But, sadly Canon still did not include an I.S feature in this new lens which honestly let's admit it, a bit disappointing. Though the L lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, the lens is significantly heavy (though lighter than its predecessor) and it is quite difficult to get a blur-free image when your shooting at night or in low light condition. However, Canon has improved the image quality produced by this lens - producing a much crispier, sharper image with stunning details.  The lens uses 82mm threat filter and is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometimes in the middle of the year.

Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 V.C

However, the third party lens Tamron offered something which Canon failed to deliver in it's latest glass to photographers. An image stabilizer function or V.C (Vibration Compensation) as the Tamron would prefer to call it on their latest standard lens. The new Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 V.C allows users to capture in low light due to its maximum aperture of f/2.8 and also with the presence of the V.C, allowing users to capture image with less percentage of having a blur or camera shake. Tamron also included USD (Ultra Sonic Drive) motor which gives a smoother and a more quite auto focus and a moisture resistant construction which helps prevent water from penetrating the lens. Plus, this lens would probably cost way less than the Canon's L lens which is good news for your pocket and wallet.

SHOULD YOU BUY IT?

So, what would be your choice of lens of this focal length? The 24-70mm has been a popular demand among photographer because of it's versatility and convenient focal length - you can shoot a wide landscape as well as portrait with this range of focal length. If you have a steady hand, or you'd want an image quality so sharp it hurts your eyes just by looking at it then I suggest that you'd go after for the Canon's latest glass, the 24-70mm f/2.8 L lens mark ii. Or, if you'd prefer a lens which could offer you an even more convenience (and/or if you're on a tight budget), why not go for the pocket friendly Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 V.C? 

iPhone Case Holds Your Credit Card Safely For You

How many of you thinks that all you need in your pocket is your iPhone? Well, these people probably shared the same vision as you as they had created an iPhone case which can hold your credit card - no wallet needed!! 

The design is pretty simple yet provides a solutions for those who prefers to travel light. You can just slide in your credit card or any other card, eg: ATM card into the slot and VOILA - you got yourself a credit card holder and a phone. The case is designed specifically not to damage the card as it is made of UV-Coated PET film to provide a smooth surface and to ensure the satisfaction of users. 

Sources claimed that the design of the case is just a concept for now and still hasn't found its way into the market -YET. But hopefully it can manage to find its way into our local stores or any online sites. 

Samsung Galaxy S3: The Leaked Specs!!

Finally managed to get my eyes on the rumor of the specifications which is going to be available on the long awaited Samsung Galaxy S3. 

Sources obtained from BGR confirmed that the smartphone will have a 4.8" inch "full HD" 1080p (1920 x 1080 resolution) with a 16:9 aspect ratio display. What it means is that it is going to offer users a much clearer picture and image on the screen, so two thumbs up! It uses a 1.5 GHz quad-processor Samsung Exynos processor and has an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system - basically allowing you to organize your smartphone more efficiently by assigning your apps into folders. And guess what? The 4G feature is available too!!

Camera wise, it offers an 8 megapixel camera (though some source claimed it to be 12 megapixel) on its rear and is also equipped with a 2 megapixel camera on the front body allowing you to make video calls with other people with ease.  Sources also claimed that the Samsung Galaxy S3 will have a ceramic casing thus making it feel quite sturdy to hold. Sources from CNET also claimed that the device would be as slim as 7mm.

Though this is not the final rumors about the awaited Samsung Galaxy S3 you would hear about, it does gets you pretty exciting and makes you feel all tingling about the anticipation it brings. The smartphone is definitely worth to be look out for and hopefully, to get our hands on.