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Friday 29 July 2011

Tablets

Ever since tablets has been popularized by Apple, new models keeps appearing from different manufacturers to compete with iPad. In my view, the major contenders is basically Android OS vs iOS, now consumers spoilt for choice given the models that is currently available now. Windows tablet is not that common yet.

Every new release spots new hardware and faster processing speed, sharper screen etc. So I guess the EOL for current model is pretty fast. And now I am tempted to get a tablet with 3G + WiFi function and 7" screen will be more ideal for me. But overall, I still prefer Android tablet since the OS is always improving everytime.

After doing some research and hands on testing with the current available models, I narrowed down to Samsung tablets. I like its overall feel while testing the Galaxy tab (it has been released for almost a year). ASUS transformer seems to be pretty good too, but the 3G version will only be released later this year.

Currently, Galaxy tab 8.9" and 10.1" version is going to be released locally with the Android 3.0 OS and improved hardware. I shall see if is a major improvement over the current Galaxy tab before I decide, but deep down inside I wish they had released a improved 7" version instead.

Sunday 17 July 2011

m4/3 systems

It has been a couple of years since the release of m4/3 system and I felt that the system is beginning to stabilise in a way. It is sometimes known as DSLR system without the "mirror", so the camera body can be shrink down considerably without it. The sensor is basically the same size as a normal 4/3 sensor.

With more lens and body been released every year as well as improvements made to 4/3 sensors, consumers is spoilt for choice I guess.

For the manufacturers, it is mainly coming from Olympus and Panasonic. They each have their own ways to maximise the potential of their own m4/3 bodies. Good thing is that their brands of lenses is interchangeable with each other like their 4/3 counterparts.

And now I am beginning to have interest in this system too!! Moreover, it can used with the older 4/3 lens. All is needed is to get a adapter to use your old 4/3 lens on m4/3 bodies, so I guess your old 4/3 lens can be put to good use but I am not sure whether the body will fully utilise the 4/3 lens capabilities.

Personally, I felt these two upcoming new models seems to be pretty interesting. So I can consider it to be my next system if 4/3 system is really going to end in the near future. If it doesn't end, it will be another story lol. There are currently previews of both models at some famous online camera site and it looks pretty positive. Below is the specs:



Specifications for EP3:

Effective pixels 12.3 megapixels
Sensor 4/3" Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor
Focal Length Multiplier 2x
ISO rating AUTO: ISO 200 - 12800 (customizable, Default 200-1600); Manual: ISO 200 - 12800 (in 1/3 or 1 EV steps)
Image Stabilization Built-in imager-shift image stabilizer
Shutter speed 60 - 1/4000 sec.
Auto Focus 35-area multiple AF with the contrast detection system (Auto, selectable in option)
Exposure Control Digital ESP (324-area multi pattern metering), Center weighted average, Spot metering (approx. 1% for the viewfinder screen. Highlight / shadow bases are available)
Exposure Compensation ±3 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
Metering TTL Image Sensor metering system
Flash Modes TTL-Auto, Manual (Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64)
Recording Formats Still: RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO (3D still); Movie: AVCHD, AVI Motion JPEG
Display 3.0-inch, 614,000-dot OLED touch panel
Storage type SD Memory Card (SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I compatible), Eye-Fi, Class 6 is recommended for Movie shooting
Connectivity USB 2.0, mini HDMI, Video-Out, Accessory port (AP2)
Battery BLS-1 Li-ion battery (330 shots according to CIPA standard)
Dimensions 122 x 69.1 x 34.2mm (W x H x D, excluding protrusions)
Weight 321g (without battery)

Specifications for G3:

Effective pixels 16.0 megapixels
Sensor Live MOS sensor with primary color filter
ISO rating Auto / Intelligent ISO / 160 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 (Changeable to 1/3 EV step)
Shutter speed 1/4000 ~ 60 and Bulb (up to approx. 120 seconds) (Still Image) / 1/16000 ~ 1/30 (NTSC), 1/16000 ~ 1/25 (PAL) (Motion Image)
Exposure Control Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual
Exposure Compensation 1/3EV step +/-5EV
Metering Intelligent Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot
Recording Formats JPEG (DCF, Exif 2.3), RAW, DPOF compatible, AVCHD, QuickTime Motion JPEG
Display 3.0-inch, 460,000 dots, TFT LCD with Touch panel
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
Connectivity USB 2.0, miniHDMI (TypeC/VIErA Link),
Battery ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack, 1010mAh
Dimensions 115.2 x 83.6 x 46.7mm
Weight Approx. 336g (body only)