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Canon Launches The New Rebel T4i

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The latest iteration of the Rebel lineup, the T4i (650D in some countries) has been unveiled today and it seems some significant upgrades over previous models.  Ergonomically it seems to have something more of a ‘pro’ styling to it, looking more like the 5D Mark 3 if you ask me.  In terms of the specs we are seeing a much upgraded AF system, to that which is currently in the EOS 60D as well as a 63 zone metering system.  The Rebel T4i is also the first Canon DSLR to have a touchscreen.  Scroll down to see some videos of that in action.

 

 

 

Critical Specs

  • 18 MP APS-C
  • SDHC slot, USH-1 complaint
  • AF system has 9 cross-type points, found in 40D, 50D, 60D
  • 63 zone metering like 7D and 5DIII
  • ~5 fps
  • Pentaprism Viewfinder
  • ISO 100-12,800 expandable to 25,600
  • Articulated touchscreen LCD
  • Hybrid AF during video shooting

Pre Orders

B&H

Canon Rebel T4i/650D

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Redrock Micro DSLR Baseplate Review

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If you are even remotely serious about shooting video with a DSLR then you’ll quickly find that you need to add a few accessories.  For me a follow focus is the first thing I would pick up, as you’ll see in the following photos I use the excellent O’Connor F-Focus DM.  To attach a follow focus unit, and many other cine style accessories to your camera you are going to need a way to add rods.  In the cine world there are three rod standards: 15mm lightweight, 15mm studio and 19mm studio.  If you aren’t familiar with these then O’Connor

Canon Launches A New Specialist Camera – EOS 60Da

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Canon have just launched another one of their specialist astophotography cameras providing “a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity”.  Given that this isn’t the first astro camera that Canon have launched there must be a market for it I guess!  It’s pretty cool that they would make such a specialist product though.

If this is your thing then B&H have the camera ready for pre-order already.

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Nikon Launches the 36MP D800

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Nikon has unveiled the new D800 today which features a 36MP full frame sensor along with all of the video function improvements we saw on the previously announced D4.  In an interesting twist, Nikon will also be offering a D800E which is identical except for the omission of the anti-aliasing filter.  This should provide increased sharpness in that variation, but at the expense of possible aliasing on patterned subjects.  With the enormous processing power needed to deal with a 36MP image it comes as no surprise that the D800 is capable of a lower fps burst than it’s predecessor. 4fps

New Tascam DR-40 and DR-100 MKII FOR DSLR Audio

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Getting around the deficient audio in DSLR video production is always a tricky problem for one reason or another.  There are several ways to do it , depending on which camera you are using but it also depends on whether you want to shoot separate audio tracks and sync in post using Plural Eyes , or whether you want to record straight into the video track on camera.  The latter route will never be as high quality but sometimes you just don’t have time for the extra step in post of syncing and managing the audio files.  Of course the

Samson Launches New Zoom H2N Audio Recorder

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Samson’s audio products have cropped up a few times on my site and for good reason, they represent good value for money.  I reviewed the Zoom H1 recently and found the sound quality to be very good but the $99 price tag left the build quality a little to be desired.  The Zoom H4N has been mentioned several times as well and has become a somewhat ubiquitous accessory for DSLR budget film making with it’s 4 channel control.  Samson have today updated their H2 model to a new H2N which looks to be a great middle lineup addition.  Priced at

Canon 60D Vs 7D

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Browsing some websites and forums this morning I noticed a lot of discussion about the new Canon 60D and how it compares with the 7D.  I can understand this, at first glance it might seem like the 60D has made the 7D somewhat obsolete but that really is not the case.  A closer look at the specs reveals a camera that more carefully fits into the “advanced amateur” category than previous XXD line cameras because of course the 7D did not exist when the 50D was released.  The camera that is best for you will depend partly on your budget

Z-Finder Jr Review and comparison to Z-Finder Pro

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100601_1908_dancarrIf you have taken more than a passing interest into the video capabilities of your DSLR camera then you will probably have thought about getting some sort of viewfinder for the LCD screen. With the DSLR cameras lacking the ergonomics of traditional video camera design, such viewfinders are probably the most useful accessory to aid video shooting. Not only do they permit easier manual focusing with a clear view of the screen, but they also add stability to hand held shooting with an extra point of contact to your body.

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Sony NEX-3 & NEX-5

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nexThe popularity of smaller form-factor cameras such as the Panasonic and Olympus Micro 4/3 cameras in on the increase. Samsung recently introduced their version, the NX-10 with its mirrorless design and APS-C sized sensor. Sony announced their intention to join the so called EVIL camera market back at PMA when they displayed prototype cameras, but today the NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras were finally made official. And at first glace it looks like they will have been worth the wait!

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