New Technology Reviews!.: macro

Review: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

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The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is one of two new 100mm macro lenses in Canon's range, the other being the more expensive L-series optic, the CanonEF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, which has the advantage of a new Hybrid IS system.</div>
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This one may lack image stabilisation but, nevertheless, it's priced attractively and competitively specified.</div>
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It contains an internal focusing system, which has the dual advantages of maintaining the same working distance throughout its focusing range and keeping the front element static as this happens.</div>
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Focusing itself is carried out via a ring Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which Canon claims offers fast and quiet autofocus, while the further inclusion of a three-group floating system is said to ensure correction for aberrations throughout the lens's focusing range.</div>
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On the inside, Canon has incorporated a secondary diaphragm to block stray light when shooting at f/2.8, while a single Ultra Low Dispersion element is also included to help minimise chromatic aberrations.</div>
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To help improve light transmission and to reduce both flare and ghosting, Canon has treated the elements within the lens with its Super Spectra Coatings. This works by cancelling out the reflections from the surfaces of the elements, so that more light can pass through to the sensor and not bounce around inside to degrade image quality.</div>
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The lens incorporates a particularly broad rubber manual focusing ring on its barrel, which turns easily and makes clear when the ends of its focusing scale have been reached. It can also be used to override the autofocus system once focus has been confirmed.</div>
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<img alt="Canon ef 100 f/2.8 usm macro" class="aligncenter" height="189" mce_src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/CanonEF100mm-420-90.jpg" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/CanonEF100mm-420-90.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="252" /></div>
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This is joined by two switches next to the distance window - one that alternates between manual and autofocus and another that closes off the focusing range to 0.48m-infinity for non-macro photography.</div>
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The distance window, meanwhile, indicates the focusing distance in both feet and metres, and also shows the current reproduction ratio down the maximum 1:1.</div>
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The mottled finish of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro's body is similar to that of some previous Canon EOS DSLR cameras, such as the EOS 600D and EOS 5D Mk II, although its design is a little dated when compared with more recent finish options from other manufacturers.</div>
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The mount is constructed from a solid metal for durability, and above it sits a large red lens mount index that indicates the mounting position clearly.</div>
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The only other external features of note are the 58mm filter thread at the opposite end of the lens and the grooves around it, which can be used to mount either an external lens hood or a macro ring lite flash.</div>
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At this price we don't necessarily expect an image stabilisation system, and for macro work a sturdy tripod is generally recommended as a better idea. However, since Canon lenses don't offer image stabilisation inside their bodies, this puts it at a slight disadvantage to similar lens/body combinations from other manufacturers when used for non-macro work.</div>
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This is particularly the case with APS-C bodies such as the Canon EOS 600D and EOS 7D, where its effective focal length rises closer to 160mm, and this omission also means that the viewfinder image isn't stabilised for more precise composition.</div>
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Performance</h4>
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Thanks to the use of a piezoelectric motor, focusing noise is about as silent as expected as the lens travels between its two extremes, and it's able to quickly shift its focus between varying distances before promptly confirming focus.</div>
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Furthermore, the use of different text colours in the distance window makes it easy to differentiate between its three readings, while the size of the focusing ring means that it's easily adjusted with just a finger if required.</div>
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Its positioning towards the front of the barrel makes this manoeuvre a little more difficult for those with smaller hands, but in most situations the macro lens will no doubt be either left to autofocus or be manually adjusted more precisely on a tripod.</div>
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Control over distortion is good, and the absence of chromatic aberration in the centre of the frame is particularly impressive, although as you venture further away from the centre it's clear that there's room for improvement.</div>
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Although central sharpness at f/2.8 is impressive this slowly drops off to softness towards the edges. By f/8, however, all is forgiven as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro records excellent sharpness right across the frame. Predictably, things aren't quite as good at its smallest apertures, although even here consistency is still reasonable.</div>
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Verdict</h4>
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Overall then, this lens is a capable performer, with quick and silent autofocus system and generally good to excellent image quality. While more expensive then the Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1, it has the distinct advantages of an internal focusing system and a much quieter motor.</div>
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Review: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is one of two new 100mm macro lenses in Canon's range, the other being the more expensive L-ser...

Review: Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro

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One of a handful of macro lens options for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) users, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro provides an effective focal length of 100mm when used with Four Thirds cameras, but with an actual focal length of 50mm it's much smaller and lighter than other 100mm macro options.</div>
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It contains 11 lenses arranged over 10 groups - among them, a single Extra Low Dispersion element. This is in place to help minimise chromatic aberration. Olympus has also incorporated a floating focusing system that corrects for aberrations throughout the optic's focusing range.</div>
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While the lens only offers a 0.52x magnification (half life-size) as standard, Olympus claims that the crop factor applied by Micro Four Thirds bodies results in images that more closely resemble those shot with 'true' macro lenses, which offer 1:1 reproduction ratios.</div>
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Should this not be enough, the lens can be combined with the EX-25 extension tube, which doubles its magnification.</div>
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The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro lens is small and only marginally heavier than non-macro 50mm lenses, and it's finished to match Olympus DSLR bodies. It's also one of the few macro lenses to be sealed against dust and splashes of water, and so it's a good match for the Olympus E-3 and E-5 DSLRs that offer similar protection against adverse conditions.</div>
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At its rear there's a solid metal mount, and above it sits a small but clear distance window, which displays distance in both feet and metres. Unlike similar lenses, however, there's no indication as to the lens' current reproduction ratio, while on some bodies such as the Olympus E-5, it's difficult to see the distance window clearly thanks to the overhang of the fill-in flash.</div>
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Neither a focus limiter nor an AF/MF switch feature on the barrel, so focus modes need to be changed through the host body. Externally, the only other features are a rubber focusing ring and a 52mm filter thread, as well as a bright red index dot to aid mounting.</div>
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The optic's size adds little to the overall profile of a Micro Four Thirds DSLR, and although its focusing ring is a little shallow, it's hard to imagine it realistically being any larger on such a small lens.</div>
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Performance</h4>
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The focus ring turns freely and is easily accessible by the user's thumb or finger, or combination of the two. But because it moves the lens group electronically rather than mechanically, it can't be used to fine-tune autofocus as with similar macro lenses.</div>
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This lens is fairly slow to focus manually, which for a macro lens is undoubtedly preferable to a system where it's far too fast be controlled precisely.</div>
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The lack of an internal focusing system means that the lens extends to almost double its length when used at its closest focusing distance.</div>
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The lens takes a step-by-step approach to autofocusing, first getting the general area right before taking a little longer to find the exact position. Autofocusing speed is perfectly respectable, although it's a shame that there's no Supersonic Wave Drive motor as it falls a little behind lenses with similar technology in place.</div>
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This also means that it isn't as quiet either, joining the Pentax 100mm f2.8 SMC D-FA WR and Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro lenses in the noisy corner.</div>
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Wide open, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro turns in some weak results in terms of sharpness, although in this respect it's hardly alone among macro lenses.</div>
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Things are much better once the aperture is stopped down, though, and it does a good overall job to match the performance of rival lenses up until its maximum aperture of f/22. While lab testing shows it to have relatively poor control over distortion, it does far better at keeping chromatic aberrations to a minimum.</div>
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It's worth noting that thanks to the relatively small sensors with which this optic is used, it's far easier to obtain greater depth of field in images. This is of particular relevance to macro photography, because depth of field at close focusing distances is incredibly narrow, which can be problematic if the focus falls slightly outside of what is expected.</div>
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Verdict</h4>
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Overall, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro is a good performer, but one with room for improvement. At this price many would no doubt trade its weatherproofing for a more refined focusing motor. Nevertheless, once it's stopped down towards its middle apertures, its sharpness equals that of similar lenses, and its control over chromatic aberrations is just as admirable.</div>
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Review: Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro

One of a handful of macro lens options for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) users, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro provides an ef...

Review: Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

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<img alt="Review: Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED" class="aligncenter" height="211" mce_src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/Nikkor105mm-470-90.jpg" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/Nikkor105mm-470-90.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="282" /></div>
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Nikon caters particularly well for macro photographers, with 40mm, 60mm, 85mm and 200mm options in addition to this 105mm lens. An update to the popular Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro optic, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED adds a host of improvements, chief of which being Nikon's second generation Vibration Reduction (VR) system.</div>
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This, a macro first according to Nikon, uses a compensatory lens group that shifts to counter image blur. It promises a four-stop effect when used as close as 3m away from the subject, which drops to three stops when used at a 1:2 reproduction ratio, and two stops when used at 1:1. Nikon does, however, recommend that Vibration Reduction is turned off when using a tripod.</div>
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Elsewhere, an internal focusing system enables the lens to constantly maintain the same length, and therefore the same working distance from the subject. This is useful for macro photography in general, but particularly for shooting living subjects such as insects.</div>
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Internal focusing also means that the front of the lens stays static as the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED focuses, enabling filters and other front-mounted accessories to be used without any hassle.</div>
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Focusing itself is carried out by Nikon's Silent Wave Motor technology, which arrives with the same high speed, low noise promises as the similar technology found in its rival lenses. As with similar systems, it also enables the manual focus ring to be used for fine-tuning, once autofocus has been confirmed.</div>
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Optically, the lens has 14 elements arranged over 12 groups, with a single ED element among these for the prevention of chromatic aberration.</div>
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A nine-bladed diaphragm is said to help produce circular bokeh, and Nano Crystal Coating is also used to help minimise flare and maintain image contrast. This works by gradually changing the angle of refraction as the light enters the lens, which helps more to pass through to the sensor rather than be reflected.</div>
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Next to similar macro lenses, such as Canon EF 100 f/2.8 Macro USM, the lens is fairly bulky, but its 62mm filter thread is a reasonable size and means that you won't need to spend a small fortune should you want to invest in a filter or two.</div>
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The barrel is finished in the same mottled effect Nikon uses on its DSLRs, and despite being almost entirely plastic on the outside, it feels perfectly solid. A gold ring encircles the front of the barrel, behind which sits a large focusing ring that moves freely enough to be easily operable while not being so slack that it moves out of a set position.</div>
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The three switches for focusing, focus limit and Vibration Reduction are all clearly labelled and click satisfactorily into position, while their positioning on the barrel enables each to be conveniently flicked back and forth by the thumb as required.</div>
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Performance</h4>
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The lens moves quietly enough while focusing, not quite as silently as Sigma's new 105mm EX DG OS HSM macro lens, but not far behind it either.   More importantly, it focuses swiftly and comfortably to the standard expected from its price tag. When hunting against low-contrast detail, it quickly runs back and forth until focus is found, and when it's found it's confirmed without hesitation.</div>
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This will, of course, vary between different camera bodies, because higher end DSLRs will be equipped with superior focusing systems to those further down in the range.</div>
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Because the lens isn't particularly small, it's a pity that its focusing window should be. The three lines of information – distance in metres, feet and magnification ratio – are closely bunched up together, and the size of the window provides a poor viewing angle. To see the bottom line, you essentially need to be looking down from directly above the lens, which isn't particularly convenient.</div>
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Still, that this minor grievance is the only one worth mentioning should make it clear that there's very little to fault with - and plenty to like about - the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED's operation.</div>
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At its maximum aperture, the Nikkor lens does a stellar job to record sharp and detailed images, with just a slight drop towards the edges of the frame. When stopped down to around f/8, results are just as impressive, but sadly it can't keep it up for long, and by f/16 diffraction causes its results to fall behind some of its rivals.</div>
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Sadly, its control over both distortion and chromatic aberrations, while not bad, is also bettered by even cheaper macro optics.</div>
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The Vibration Reduction system is effective, though, not always providing its claimed four-stop advantage but safely having the benefit of a couple of stops.</div>
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Verdict</h4>
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In short, for its wide-mid aperture results, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED's a corker, and with its VR system on board it's a great choice for non-macro work such as portraiture.</div>
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Review: Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Nikon caters particularly well for macro photographers, with 40mm, 60mm, 85mm and 200mm options in addition to this 105mm lens. An upd...

Pentax Q gets official: release date, specs

Pentax has unveiled what it claims to be the world's lightest and smallest digital interchangeable lens system camera, the Pentax Q.<br/><br/>Among the Pentax Q's key features are 12.4-million-pixel resolution, Full HD video recording and high-speed continuous shooting at a maximum speed of 5fps.<br/><br/>In its magnesium-alloy body, the Pentax Q also boasts a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400 and will be compatible with a new range of super-compact Pentax Q-mount lenses which are proportioned to the Pentax Q's compact CMOS image sensor.<br/><br/>Like its sibling DSLRs, the Pentax Q is equipped with anti-dust and Shake Reduction mechanisms, as well as a multi-mode exposure system including the Aperture-Priority AE mode and a custom image function.<br/><br/>The Pentax Q also offers a bokeh control function to adjust the intensity of the out-of-focus effect around a subject, and a creative Smart Effect function to give pictures effects such as that of cross-processing film.<br/><br/>It's worth noting that the Pentax Q's 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor is smaller than the sensors in premium compact cameras, such as the Olympus XZ-1, which boasts a 1/1.63-inch CCD unit.<br/><br/>Effectively, it appears that Pentax has produced an advanced-level compact camera that accepts interchangeable lenses.<br/><br/>It will be interesting to see when samples are available closer to the Pentax Q UK release date in mid-September 2011 how the Pentax Q image quality compares to other mirrorless compact system cameras, and versus enthusiast-level compacts.<br/><br/>Pentax Q price information has not yet been made available.<br/><br/><strong>Type</strong><br/>Lens-interchangeable SL digital-still camera<br/><br/><strong>Lens Mount</strong><br/>PENTAX bayonet Q-mount<br/><br/><strong>Compatible Lens</strong><br/>Q-mount lenses<br/><br/><strong><em>Image Capture Unit</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Image Sensor</strong><br/>Type: CMOS sensor with a primary colour filter, Size: 1/2.3-inch<br/><br/><strong>Effective Pixels</strong><br/>Approx. 12.4 megapixels<br/><br/><strong>Total Pixels</strong><br/>Approx. 12.75 megapixels<br/><br/><strong>Dust Removal</strong><br/>Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations "DR II"<br/><br/><strong>Sensitivity</strong><br/>(Standard Output)<br/>AUTO: ISO 125 to 6400 (1/3 EV steps)<br/>Bulb mode: up to ISO 1600<br/><br/><strong>Image Stabilizer</strong><br/>Sensor shift Shake Reduction<br/><br/><strong><em>File Formats</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>File Format</strong><br/>RAW (DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant<br/><br/><strong>Recorded Pixels</strong><br/><br/>[4:3] 12M (4000x3000), 9M (3456x2592), 5M (2688x2016), 3M (1920x1440)<br/>[3:2] 10M (4000x2664), 8M (3456x2304), 5M (2688x1792), 2M (1920x1280)<br/>[16:9] 9M (4000x2248), 6M (3456x1944), 4M (2688x1512), 2M(1920x1080)<br/>[1:1] 9M (2992x2992), 6M (2592x2592), 4M (2016x2016), 2M (1440x1440)<br/><br/>[4:3] 12M (4000x3000)<br/><br/><strong>Quality Level</strong><br/>RAW (12bit): DNG<br/>JPEG: *** (Best), ** (Better), * (Good)<br/>RAW and JPEG simultaneously recordable<br/><br/><strong>Color Space</strong><br/>sRGB, AdobeRGB<br/><br/><strong>Storage Medium</strong><br/>SD, SDHC, and SDXC Memory Card<br/><br/><strong>Storage Folder</strong><br/>Date (100_1018, 100_1019...)/PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX...)<br/><br/><strong><em>LCD Monitor</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Type</strong><br/>TFT colour LCD monitor, wide angle viewing<br/><br/><strong>Size</strong><br/>3.0 inches<br/><br/><strong>Dots</strong><br/>Approx. 460,000 dots<br/><br/><strong>Adjustment</strong><br/>Brightness and colours adjustable<br/><br/><strong>Display</strong><br/>Field of View: approx. 100%, Grid display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale display),<br/>Bright/dark area warning, Histogram<br/><br/><strong><em>White Balance</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Auto</strong><br/>TTL by CMOS image sensor<br/><br/><strong>Preset</strong><br/>Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D:Daylight Colour, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White),<br/>Tungsten, Flash, CTE, Manual<br/><br/><strong>Manual</strong><br/>Configuration on monitor<br/><br/><strong>Fine Adjustment</strong><br/>Adjustable ±7 steps on A-B axis or G-M axis<br/><br/><strong><em>Autofocus System</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Type</strong><br/>Contrast detection AF<br/><br/><strong>Brightness Range</strong><br/>EV1 to 18（ISO125)<br/><br/><strong>Focus Method</strong><br/>AF/MF switching<br/><br/><strong>Autofocus Method</strong><br/>Face Detection, Tracking, AF Select (25 Points), Select, Spot<br/><br/><strong>AF Assist Light</strong><br/>Dedicated LED AF assist light<br/><br/><strong>MF Assist</strong><br/>OFF/ｘ2/ｘ4<br/><br/><strong><em>Metering</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Type</strong><br/>TTL image sensor metering, segment metering, centre-weighted metering, and spot metering<br/><br/><strong>Exposure</strong> <strong>Compensation</strong><br/>EV1.3 - 17 (ISO 125, F1.9 lens), +2EV using the Electronic Shutter setting or using the ND filter<br/><br/><strong>Exposure Modes</strong><br/><br/>Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Blue Sky, Forest<br/><br/>Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Night Scene,<br/>Night Scene HDR*, Night Snap, Food, Quick Macro*, Pet, Kids, Forest, Surf & Snow, HDR*,<br/>Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority,<br/>Manual, Bulb, Blur Control*<br/>*JPEG only<br/><br/><strong>EV Compensation</strong><br/>± 3EV (1/3EV step)<br/><br/><strong>AE Lock</strong><br/>Can be assigned to the green/delete button from the menu.<br/>Continuous as long as the shutter release button is pressed halfway.<br/><br/><strong>Shutter</strong><br/>Lens shutter: 1/2000 - 30 seconds<br/>(1/3EV step, 1/8000 - 30 seconds when Electronic Shutter setting is enabled), Bulb<br/>*Shooting at 1/8000 - 2 seconds with Electronic Shutter and Bulb shooting are not available when using<br/>a lens that has no lens shutter.<br/><br/><strong>Aperture</strong><br/>From wide open to F8 *Not available when using a lens that has no lens shutter.<br/><br/><strong>ND Filter</strong><br/>Off/On *Not available when using a lens that has no lens shutter.<br/><br/><strong><em>Drive Modes</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Mode Selection</strong><br/>Single frame, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote Control (0 sec., 3 sec., continuous),<br/>Auto Bracketing (3 frames, remote control)<br/><br/><strong>Continuous Shooting</strong><br/>Approx. 5 fps, JPEG (12M / *** / Continuous Hi): up to 5 frames,<br/>Approx. 1.5 fps, JPEG (12M / *** / Continuous Lo): up to 100 frames<br/><br/><strong><em>Built-in Flash</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Built-in Flash</strong><br/>Built-in retractable P-TTL flash<br/>Guide number: approx. 5.6 (ISO125/m) / approx. 7 (ISO200/m)<br/>Angle of view: coverage: wide angle-lens, equivalent to 28mm in 35mm format<br/><br/><strong>Flash Modes</strong><br/>P-TTL, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync<br/><br/><strong>Sync Speed</strong><br/>Lens shutter: 1/2000 seconds, Electronic shutter: 1/13 seconds<br/><br/><strong>Flash Exposure</strong><br/>Compensation<br/>–2.0 to +1.0 EV<br/><br/><strong><em>Capture Functions</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Custom Image</strong><br/>Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film,<br/>Monochrome, Cross Processing<br/><br/><strong>Noise Reduction</strong><br/>High-ISO NR<br/><br/><strong>Dynamic Range Setting</strong><br/>Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction<br/><br/><strong>Lens Correction</strong><br/>Distortion Correction<br/><br/><strong>Digital Filter</strong><br/>Toy Camera, High Contrast, Shading, Slim, HDR, Invert Colour, Extract Colour, Colour, Water Colour,<br/>Posterization, Fish-eye<br/><br/><strong>HDR Capture</strong><br/>Auto, HDR 1, HDR 2<br/><br/><strong>Multi-exposure</strong><br/>Number of shots: 2-9, Exposure adjusted automatically.<br/><br/><strong>Interval Shooting</strong><br/>Shooting interval: 1 sec. to 24 hr., Start Interval setting: immediately from the set time,<br/>Number of shots: up to 999 images<br/><br/><strong>Smart Effect</strong><br/>Brilliant Color, Unicolour Bold, Vintage Colour, Cross Processing, Warm Fade, Tone Expansion,<br/>Bold Monochrome, Water Colour, Vibrant Colour Enhance, USER 1 to 3<br/><br/><strong><em>Movie</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>File Format</strong><br/>MPEG–4 AVC/H.264<br/><br/><strong>Recorded Pixels</strong><br/>Full HD (1920x1080, 16:9, 30fps), HD (1280x720, 16:9, 30fps), VGA (640x480, 4:3, 30fps)<br/><br/><strong>Quality Level</strong><br/>***(Best), **(Better), *(Good)<br/><br/><strong>Sound</strong><br/>Built-in monaural microphone<br/><br/><strong>Recording Time</strong><br/>Up to 25 minutes; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.<br/><br/><strong>Custom Image</strong><br/>Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film,<br/>Monochrome, Cross Processing<br/><br/><strong>Digital Filter</strong><br/>Toy Camera, High Contrast, Shading, Slim, HDR, Invert Colour, Extract Colour, Colour, Water Colour,<br/>Posterization, Fish-eye<br/><br/><strong>Interval Movie</strong><br/>Recording interval: 1 sec., 5 sec., 10 sec., 30 sec., 1 min., 5 min., 10 min., 30 min., 1 hr.,<br/>Recording time: 5 sec. to 99 hr.<br/>Start Interval setting: immediately, from the set time<br/><br/><strong><em>Playback Functions</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Playback View</strong><br/>Single frame, image comparison, multi-image display (4, 9, 20, 42, 90 segmentation), display magnification (up to 16x, scrolling and quick magnification available), rotating, histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), bright/dark area warning, detailed information display, folder display, calendar display, slideshow<br/><br/><strong>Delete</strong><br/>Delete single image, delete all images, select & delete, delete folder, delete instant review image<br/><br/><strong>Digital Filter</strong><br/>Monochrome, Toy Camera, High Contrast, Shading, Slim, HDR, Invert Colour, Extract Colour, Colour,<br/>Water Colour, Posterization, Fish-eye, Retro, Soft, Sketch Filter, Miniature, Frame Composite, Starburst,<br/>Base Parameter Adjustment<br/><br/><strong>RAW Development</strong><br/>File Format (JPEG), Aspect Ratio, Colour Space, Custom Image, White Balance, Sensitivity, High-ISO NR, Shadow Correction, Distortion Correction<br/><br/><strong>Edit</strong><br/>Resize, Cropping (aspect ratio adjustment available), Index, Movie Editing (divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie, Red-eye Edit, Saving buffer as a RAW file<br/><br/><strong><em>Customization</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Custom Functions</strong><br/>13 items<br/><br/><strong>Mode Memory</strong><br/>12 items<br/>Button/<br/><br/><strong>Dial Customization</strong><br/>Green/Delete button: Green Button, Preview, One Push File Format, AE Lock, Enable AF<br/>Quick Dial: Smart Effect, Custom Image, Digital Filter, Aspect Ratio<br/><br/><strong>World Time</strong><br/>World Time settings for 75 cities (28 time zones)<br/><br/><strong>Language</strong><br/>English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese<br/><br/><strong><em>Power Supply</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Battery Type</strong><br/>Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI68<br/><br/><strong>AC Adapter</strong><br/>AC Adapter Kit K-AC115 (optional)<br/><br/><strong>Battery Life</strong><br/>Number of recordable images: approx. 230 images (with 50% flash usage),<br/>approx. 250 images (without flash usage)<br/>Playback time: approx. 160 minutes<br/>* Using a new lithium-ion battery under the temperature at 23 °C, Tested in compliance with CIPA standard.<br/>Actual results may vary depending on the shooting conditions/circumstances.<br/><br/><strong><em>Interfaces</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Connection Port</strong><br/>USB 2.0 (high-speed compatible) / AV output terminal, HDMI output terminal (Type D)<br/><br/><strong>USB Connection</strong><br/>MSC/PTP<br/><br/><strong>Video Output Format</strong><br/>NTSC/PAL<br/><br/><strong><em>Dimensions and Weight</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Dimensions</strong><br/>Approx. 98.0mm (W) x 57.5mm (H) x 31.0mm (D) (excluding the operation parts and protrusion)<br/><br/><strong>Weight</strong><br/>Approx. 200g (loaded and ready with the dedicated battery and SD Memory Card),<br/>Approx. 180 g (body only)<br/><br/><strong><em>Accessories</em></strong><br/><br/><strong>Package Contents</strong><br/>USB Cable I-USB7, Strap O-ST115, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI68,<br/>Battery Charger D-BC68P, Software (CDROM) S-SW115<br/><br/>Hot shoe cover FK, Body mount cover<br/><br/><strong>Software</strong><br/><br/>SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX

Pentax Q gets official: release date, specs

Pentax has unveiled what it claims to be the world's lightest and smallest digital interchangeable lens system camera, the Pentax Q. Amo...