Nikon celebrates 80th NIKKOR anniversary with lens-making movie

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Nikon recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Nikkor brand … and decided to commemorate the achievement by releasing a video offering an insight into how its lenses are made nowadays.

The three-and-a-half-minute movie takes viewers through lens-making process; from forming the glass, to meticulously checking and polishing it before fixing it in a barrel ready to mounted on your camera.

It's a fascinating insight into process you probably take for granted, and certainly a great way to celebrate the 80 year history which began with the first shipment of Nippon Kogaku’s Aero-Nikkor aerial photographic lenses.

Sony ridicule DSLR users who use automatic settings

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Sony think it's daft that so many people buy expensive DSLRs and then leave them on automatic settings, so they sent out professional photographer Gary Heery to investigate why.

In a video which has gone viral online, Heery can be seen chatting to a number of photographers about how they use their cameras, an what they know about them.

It soon becomes apparent that many people may as well be wearing expensive necklaces as their DSLRs, because they are just for show and they don't know how to use them.

GoPro launch Hero 3 … shoots 4K video


The Hero range of action-cameras have been popular with extreme sports aficionados for a few year now, and their latest camera, the Hero 3 looks sure to continue the trend.

The Hero 3 is said to be 30 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than its predecessor, but this hasn't impacted what it is capable of, not by a long way.

Three versions of the Hero 3 offer a variety of specs, but it's the top of the range black edition which is the most interesting. In addition to shooting 1080p60 Full HD video, the camera is capable of 2.7k and 4K resolutions albeit at lower frame-rates.

Hasselblad Lunar APS-C camera announced


Hasselblad is known for its medium format camera, but it has now announced plans to release a APS-C camera system, the Hasselblad Lunar.

The Lunar will be the first camera produced as part of a partnership between Hasselblad and Sony, and as such will feature a lot of the tech we've previously seen in the NEX series.

A APS-C 24.3 MP sensor will be used with 25AF points focusing, and matched to an Ultra fast Processor. On the rear there will be a 3" high definition display and revolutionary OLED viewfinder.

Autographer is an automated camera which decides when and what to shoot

                                                                                                                                                               
A hands-free camera which is worn around the neck and uses a host of sensors to automatically decide what photos to take is set to go on sale.

Autographer uses five on-board sensors and GPS capability to identify the perfect time to take a photo, based on changes in light and colour, motion, direction and temperature, and  then snaps away using a wide-angle lens.

For instance, Autographer might capture an image when the wearer speeds up as they run for the bus, moves from a warm pub to a snowy street or turns around to greet a friend.

Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 packs a full-frame sensor in compact camera

Sensor size is one of the biggest factors in determining image quality in a camera and Sony have somehow managed to pack a full-frame sensor in their latest compact the DSC-RX1.

Aimed at professional photographers who what to travel light, the DSC-RX1 features 24.3 megapixels, a BIONZ image processor and an ISO range of 100-25600.

A brand new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T F2-22 lens is fixed to the body and features a manual aperture control, on-lens macro mode switching and a focus control ring.

Nokia faked footage in Lumia 920 promo video


Nokia recently revealed their upcoming Lumia 920 phone which features a PureView camera and Optical Image Stabilization. In fact they were so proud of the cameras ability they also released a video showing off the OIS.

The problem was the clip - which shows how steady the OIS could make moving video - was faked and wasn't created using the technology Nokia was so proud of.

Shortly after the release of the marketing video, it was noticed that reflections revealed the footage had been shot with a DSLR sized camera rather than one of the new phones. Oops!

Samsung reveal Android-powered GALAXY Camera



Android cameras aren't just the ones you get in mobile phones anymore. The GALAXY Camera from Samsung is an Android-powered compact camera which can also be used to share images online and run apps.

The 16.3-megapixel camera looks like a traditional compact camera on one side (with a 23 mm, 21x optical zoom lens) and a mobile phone on the other, complete with Android home-screen and all the apps you would see on a phone.

Samsung says the GALAXY Camera - which boasts 3G and WiFi - gives you "the magic of professional digital photography with the powerful intelligence of the Android Jelly Bean OS."

Nikon introduces the Nikon 1 J2



Nikon have rolled out the latest update to their mirrorless Nikon 1 range, the Nikon 1 J2.

A modest update the J1, the new camera sticks with the same 10mp sensor and EXPEED 3 engine, it now boasts a higher resolution 3.0-inch, 921,000 dot LCD and is available in a range of six colours.

The Nikon 1 J2 is being also launched alongside the new 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and the WP-N1, a waterproof case capable of going 40m below surface.

Fisheye Baby 110 is a pocket-sized Lomo Fisheye camera


The Lomographic Society has released a pocket-sized fisheye camera which it claims brings the iconic warped looking images to the palm of your hand.

The Fisheye Baby 110 - which is available in two versions, plastic and metal - produces circular Fisheye shots on 110 format film.

A spokesperson for Lomography said: "This miniature version of the Fisheye No. 2 is packed with the same features—170-degree lens, bulb setting, multiple exposure capability—but can easily fit in your pocket."

Canon EOS 650D packs a flip out 3-inch touch screen


If you think new DSLR features are just for professional models, think again … Canon have just announced the Canon EOS 650D - a DSLR which boasts an articulating three-inch touchscreen on the rear.

The Canon EOS 650D (the EOS Rebel T4i in the US) has a 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, can shoot 5 fps and has sensitivity range of ISO 100-12,800 (extendable to ISO 25,600).

Camera porn: Vintage rangefinders get restored


It's sad whenever you see a battered old camera sitting in the middle of a car boot sale, knowing it hasn't beed used in quite a while, and probably won't see a fresh film any time soon.

So it's nice to know that some of these cameras will get picked up by the like of the folks over at ilottvintage.com who caring restore vintage rangefinders.

After giving them a good clean the cameras are patiently brought back to life and good mechanical condition before being given a new skin, often in the form of a wood veneers.

Video shows making of the Leica M9-P Edition Hermès


With a price-tag in the region of £30,000 we think it's safe to say that not too many CoolPhoto readers will get to enjoy the delights of the Leica M9-P Edition Hermès.

But that doesn't mean you cant enjoy the camera porn which is this 'Making of' video which shows things like the leather being cut to shape and the numbers on the dials being hand painted.

The three and a half minute video - which goes some way towards justifying the Leica costs - shows the technical skill and dedication involves in constructing the camera.

Sony NEX-F3 is the latest entry-level mirrorless shooter


Sony have rolled out yet another compact mirrorless camera which is said to be capable of producing DSLR-quality images - the entry-level NEX-F3.

Described as being 'pocket-sized' (maybe if you have a pancake lens) the Sony NEX-F3 features a APS-C size image sensor with 16.1 effective megapixels, a 180° tiltable LCD and a built-in flash.

It is also able to shoot Full HD video (50i/25p) and the CMOS sensor captures more light for flawless, low-noise stills. A battery boost also means you can now shoot 470 images on a single charge - up 18% over the NEX-C3.

Consumers beginning to want Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras


For years we've been thinking it was just us, but more and more people are apparently wanting their next camera to be Wi-Fi enabled, it has been revealed.

A recent study found that 7.9% of would-b digital camera shoppers rate Wi-Fi capabilities -- the ability to share photos or remotely control a camera -- to be desirable.

This is up from 7.4% just three months ago and 6.4%, 5.9%, and 5.5% during the previous four quarters.

Samsung's launch range of Wi-Fi-toting cameras


In an age where everyone is used to shooting images on their mobile phone and instantly sending they to social media sites or friends, we've often wondered why the same functionality isn't available in many cameras.

Well it looks like Samsung have had the same thought -- because they have just rolled out a trio of Wi-Fi-toting cameras, the NX1000, NX20 and NX210.

All three models feature a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and are compatible with Samsung’s range of nine lenses, and while the NX1000 is compact, the NX210 boasts a metallic finish and 3.0” AMOLED display. The NX20 however, it larger and targeted at the enthusiast amateur or semi-professional photographer.

BlackMagic Cinema Camera offers 2.5K Resolution for £2000


Just about a week ago we were telling you about the Canon EOS-1D C -- a 4K shooting DSLR -- but are aware the £8,000 price-tag may have put you off.

Well if that was the case and you don't quite need all of that resolution, how about the BlackMagic Cinema -- a video camera with a 2.5K resolution and a modest £2,000 price.

The stylish camera is said to deliver "that timeless feature film look" and in addition to the 2.5K image sensor offers 13 stops of dynamic range, LCD touchscreen monitoring and a built-in SSD recorder.

Canon brings 4K video to DSLRs with EOS-1D C


Not long ago your bought a DSLR to take photos, then along came video fucntions, Full HD video and now 4K video after Canon revealed the EOS-1D C, the first DSLR capable of recording video at 4K resolution.

While still capable of shooting 18MP stills the camera is clearly all about the video and in addition to shooting 4K video suitable for the cinema industry -- that's a Full HD-dwarfing 4096 x 2160 -- it also boasts 1080p at 50/60fps.

Because the 1D C is based on the EOS-1D X it's no slouch when it comes to stills either and there is 12fps continuous stills shooting, a 61 point AF system and an ISO range of 100-25600.

Canon EOS 60Da -- The DSLR for Brian Cox and other space fans


If Brian Cox is in the market for a new camera, something tells us he will probably be looking at the Canon EOS 60Da -- a DSLR designed specifically for astrophotography.

Canon have used a modified low-pass filter which sits in front of the camera’s 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and makes it more sensitive to infrared light.

Based on the popular EOS 60D camera (as the name would suggest) the camera benefits from enhanced sensitivity to H-a long-wavelength light.

The camera which lets you 'frame' shots with your fingers


Would-be photographers the world over have held their finger to their faces to frame a shot before taking a picture -- but now their digits could actually become a camera.

Boffins from the Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences in Japan have shown off a camera with attaches to a finger and transform a humble hand into a camera.

Users (after assuming the rectangular fingers pose) then frame the shot they want to take, moving their hands away from their face to zoom in.