Sony launches the budget SLT-A37 SLT DSLR

May 17th, 2012

Sony A37 Camera

Sony’s SLT range has been very popular in the entry level DSLR market so its no surprise to see a replacement model for the A35 this quickly. The A37 may not see a massive specification change but overall it should be a far better camera than the A35. The 15 point auto focus should help any sports photographers. We have a Sony A37 Case range and a Sony A37 Bag range set up ready for any early adopters. You can see the full Sony press release below.

Official Sony Press Release

SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2012 – Lightweight, easy to use and packed with a variety of useful features, the new Sony SLT-A37 camera is an ideal choice for consumers eager to explore the world of interchangeable lens DSLR photography.

The new α37 camera is the latest to feature Sony’s acclaimed Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting.  This innovative technology also allows the new α37 camera to grab split-second action with a burst of sharply focused images.  Shots can be captured at up to seven frames per second in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode, where the central portion of the sensor’s image is magnified by approximately 1.4x.

The camera has a precision 3-cross 15-point AF system with tracking autofocus that keeps faces and fast-moving subjects in sharp focus.  From action-packed sports to spontaneous family portraits, it will ensure that all the drama and beauty of that special moment is captured.

“Delivering lightning-fast shooting speeds and autofocus plus advanced full HD video capture, our innovative Translucent Mirror Technology continues to serve as the backbone of our A-mount line of cameras,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony.  “Featuring this unique technology plus a host of exciting new features and an attractive price tag, our new α37 camera brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘entry level DSLR’.”
Framing and focusing is easy with the camera’s high-resolution Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder.  With a high 1440k dot resolution, excellent contrast and 100% field of view, it matches or exceeds the abilities of many optical viewfinders.  Adjustments to exposure and other creative picture settings can be previewed in real time, either via the Tru-Finder™ EVF or the tilt-angle 6.7 cm (2.7″) Clear Photo™ LCD screen, making it easy to create shots with a customized, professional finish.

Additionally, the Sony α37 camera helps inexperienced photographers create top-quality portraits with ease.  The new Auto Portrait Framing mode identifies the subject’s position in a composed image and follows the “rule of thirds” to trim the scene and create a beautifully framed portrait.  The cropped photo is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo.   Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.

By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the “Clear Image Zoom” feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera.  Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it’s a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.

The 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor inside the α37 camera captures finely detailed, low noise stills and Full HD video. It’s teamed with the latest BIONZ® image processor that extends sensitivity to an ISO 100-16000 range, broadening options for low-light shooting without flash.  Shared with all α A-mount cameras, SteadyShot INSIDE™ stabilization cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4.0 stops for clearer handheld images with any A-mount lens.

The new α37 camera also features Superior Auto Mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically.

Sony NEX 16mm Pancake Lens – Is it worth it?

May 15th, 2012

sony sel16f28

With the SEL16F28 being in short supply the price for this tiny fixed lens is getting higher and higher with most places charging nearly £200. One thing that no one can argue with is it certainly makes the NEX system ultra compact but does it really offer anything more than that?

In short YES

  • It’s excellent for video use
  • The 2.8 aperture is ideal for low light shots
  • It’s well build
  • It’s very light weight

Our only complaint is the soft edges of the lens, the inside of the lens is very sharp but on the outer of the photo you can see it softening up but I think for something this small and useless its not a major problem.

The need for a camera bag disappears unless you want to carry a spare lens. Be sure to check out our large range of Sony NEX cases & bags

Here is the lenses specification

  • Aperture (Max.) : f/2.8
  • Aperture (Min.) : f/22
  • Filter Diameter : 49mm
  • Lens Groups-Elements : 5 groups, 5 elements (1 aspheric surfaces)
  • Minimum Focus Distance : 9.4″ (0.24m)
  • Aspheric Elements : 1 aspheric surface
  • Non-rotating Focusing Ring : No rotation
  • AF for Movie Capture : Yes
  • Angle of View : 83°
  • Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)
  • Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 2-7/16 x 7/8″ (62×22.5mm)
  • Direct Manual Focus : Yes
  • Exterior Finish : Metal
  • Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 24mm
  • Focus Ring in AF Mode : No rotation
  • Internal Motor : Yes (Stepping motor)
  • Lens Weight : 2.5 oz (70g)
  • Low Noise During Movie Capture : Excellent
  • Maximum Magnification : 0.073x (APS-C)
  • Mount Material : Metal

Our latest brand – Riva Compact & DSLR Camera Cases & Bags

May 3rd, 2012

We have just taken on a new and exciting brand called Riva or Rivacase

RIVACASE was founded in 1996 and can be considered as a leader in manufacturing and designing cases and bags for cameras, laptops and other digital devices. The product range of RIVACASE Digital Accessories is constantly upgraded. The quality of products is our top priority. High-tech equipment, the use of advanced materials and modern multi-level control systems ensure high level of manufacturing performance

Riva 7117-S (PS) Digital Camera Case black 6/24This case is one of our favourites as it fits in perfectly with our Sony NEX 5N Case range and also our massively popular Nikon Coolpix L120 case range. It is made of high quality EVA to sure ultimate protection. It is water proof and sealed to ensure it is fully antidust. The inner lining is soft and has a accessory compartment to storing accessories like memory cards and usb cables. Its an excellent alternative from using a small DSLR camera bag to carry your camera around in.

 

Riva 1400 (LRPU) Antishock Digital Compact Camera Case

This compact camera case is made from an antishock material which offers unequalled shock absorbance. Viscoelastic polyurethane guarantees to absorb shocks, bangs and knocks meaning your camera is as safe as it could possible be. The reinforced edges add even more impact protection for those hair raising moments. It is suitable for most compact camera and is available now from our website.

First image of Sony NEX-F3 leaked, confirms 16MP sensor

April 27th, 2012

Sony NEX-F3

This image finally confirms what the rumours have been saying for a few months, the Sony NEX-F3 camera is just around the corner. The camera has a 16MP sensor, built in flash, fold out screen, EVF port and may even be available in white.

We’ll have a Sony NEX-F3 Case section ready and waiting for its release

MILC, CSC, DSLM & EVIL Cameras

April 26th, 2012

These cameras occupy a similar niche to bridge cameras which have become a very popular route into photography for a lot of people.  They are intermediate between compacts or point and shoot camera and DSLRs. Bridge cameras tend to use a small sensor with a fixed superzoom lens and DSLR-style body.  Compact system cameras use a large sensor, interchangeable lenses and either a compact-style or DSLR style body. This enables the manufacturer to produce a tiny bodied camera compared to DSLRs and enables the user to choose a suitable lens for them. The prime lens can be ultra small allowing the camera to also be pocket sized.

 

Sony NEX-7 with 18-55mm lens

 

All the names used for these cameras basically mean the same thing and here is a list of them and what they stand for.

MILC – Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
CSC – Compact System Camera
DSLM – Digital Interchangeable-Lens System
EVIL – Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangeable Lens

These compact system cameras have become massively popular and we try and ensure we have a large range of camera cases in stock to suit each model. Due to the compact design of these cameras half cases are very popular with users

half cases

Toma are always developing half cases for cameras so if one isn’t available for your model yet don’t worry its probably in production at the moment.

Now in stock – Ferrari compact camera case

April 24th, 2012

Official Ferrari Medium Compact Camera Case

We have just received our first delivery of this very special looking Ferrari compact camera case, which is a must for any Ferrari fan. The mythical Italian brand has also been a massive success with motorsport fans all over the world and this camera bag which evokes the spirit of the great sporting brand. On the front of this black Ferrari case is the legendary “prancing horse” logo, the design is subtle, stylish yet distinctive. It offers good protection and is designed to suit most small to medium sized compact cameras.

Kindle Touch is released – GearZap have you covered!

April 20th, 2012

It’s that time again where another big release has happened in the eReader world, and our sister site GearZap.com are the number one place to go to for all things related to the next big eReader – the Kindle Touch.

For those looking for a cover for Kindle Touch, GearZap have and will continue to have the best range available online.

The Kindle Touch has been released as a bit of a surprise from Amazon, with its expected release of the 27th April being cut by a week to those that have pre-ordered it in the UK and Germany.

For all Kindle Touch accessories, be sure to check out GearZap.com today.

The Kindle Touch is Amazon’s current flagship eReader, and allows full touchscreen use – including with a keyboard (as there are no physical buttons). The price is £109 for the WiFi version and £139 for the 3G version.

Toma wrist strap for compact system cameras

April 20th, 2012

Toma are producing some excellent products and the Toma wrist strap is no exception

We have them available in 2 colours


They are made from genuine leather and available for only £14.99

Toma wrist strap – Leather – Black

Toma wrist strap – Leather – Brown

The Nikon D3200 is officially announced! 24MP & optional WiFi

April 19th, 2012

We recently blogged about the rumour that Nikon would be releasing a replacement to the very popular D3100. Today it has been officially confirmed it will be available by the end of this month.

Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera

To keep up with the recent colour trend it will also be available in red as well as black. The specifications are very similar to what we posted in our last blog but here they are as released by Nikon

24.2-MP DX-format CMOS sensor: capture sharp, detailed images with the 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. Big prints look superb and you can crop images without losing any detail.

Go cinematic: make movies you’ll want to share with D-movie. With the camera’s large image sensor and high ISO, you can record sharp Full HD (1080p) video clips in any light.

High ISO (100–6400): take great images in low light or sharp shots of fast-moving subjects. Features an Auto ISO setting, and ISO is extendable up to 12800.

Razor-sharp 11-point autofocus system: enjoy fast and precise autofocus coverage throughout the frame whether your subject is off-centre, moving fast or completely unpredictable.

Wireless Mobile Adapter: use the optional WU-1a to share images directly from the D3200 to a smartphone or tablet, or to control the camera remotely via your smart device*.

EXPEED 3: Nikon’s fast and powerful image processing engine provides high-speed operation, remarkably clear images with excellent color reproduction, and enhanced movie recording.

Scene Recognition System: let the D3200 help you capture superior images. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System will meticulously analyze the scene you’re shooting and adjust the focus, exposure and white balance for optimum results.

4 fps continuous shooting: shoot action at a swift four frames per second and capture fleeting movements or expressions at exactly the right moment.

Photo retouch menu: enhance your photos in-camera with a range of tools and effects. Retouch tools include Resize, Quick Retouch and Straighten. Effects include Selective Colour, Colour Sketch, and Miniature Effect, which makes distant subjects look like scale models.

Active D-Lighting: capture more detail in high-contrast lighting conditions. Nikon’s Active D-Lighting automatically captures the details in both dark and bright areas for stunning images with natural contrast.

Smart autofocus for movies: enjoy continuous autofocus (AF) when you shoot D-movies. Full-time servo AF (AF-F) and subject-tracking AF maintain the focus when you shoot moving subjects. Face-priority AF is ideal for filming events where you want to relax and let the camera focus on faces.

Extensive movie options: you can record Full HD (1080p) movies in 30p, 25p and 24p, and the camera supports use of Nikon’s ME-1 stereo microphone. In-camera edit functions let you perform tasks such as setting the start and end point of your movie. A mini HDMI output enables playback on an HDTV.

The UK price with a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens is expected to be £650

We have our Nikon D3200 Case range and Nikon D3200 Bag range ready with stock available on a next day delivery.

Olympus Wins a TIPA Award for its E-PL3 Pen Camera

April 18th, 2012

E-PL3

The Olympus E-PL3 PEN Lite has been named “Best Entry-Level Compact System Camera” by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The jury praised the camera’s focusing speed, image quality, body-integral image stabiliser and overall usability.

We have always liked the PEN range and have recently took the entire Toma half case range of camera cases for the Olympus PEN. The Olympus PEN Case section on our site is growing fast, be sure to check it out.