Power to go with slim, light 39.5cm (15.5”) VAIO S Series

Fully-featured Full HD notebook PC weighs just 2kg

Thin and light with stylish full-flat design
39.5cm (15.5”) Full HD (1920 x 1080) VAIO Display Plus
Work and play for up to 13 hours with optional Sheet battery1
View 3D content using optional ‘glasses-free’ 3D panel accessory

The VAIO S Series range of notebook PCs from Sony grows with a slim, power-packed 39.5cm (15.5”) addition to the family.

The new model offers all the performance and thinness of its 33.7cm (13.3") sibling – while adding a larger screen to suit anyone who needs more room to work and play.

Just 24.5mm thin and weighing a travel-friendly 2kg (approx.), VAIO S Series can be carried easily between meetings or lectures in a backpack or case. Crafted in magnesium and aluminium for lightness and rigidity, the stylish ‘full flat’ design features a concealed hinge mechanism that doesn’t distract your view of what’s on screen.

The 39.5cm (15.5”) Full HD VAIO Display Plus offers a clear, generously-sized view of documents, movies and more. On-screen glare from office lights and other sources is diffused smoothly for a clear, comfortable image without distracting screen reflections that can cause eye-strain during prolonged viewing.


VAIO S lets you keep working and playing all day and into the night. The internal battery gives power for up to 6.5 hours1 computing time (in stamina mode). Available as an option, a secondary Sheet battery can be charged separately from the PC and attached at any time, boosting total stamina up to 13 hours1. If you’re in a hurry, Quick Charge gives you an hour’s worth of battery life from just 20 minutes recharging time on AC power.

A conveniently-placed performance switch lets you choose speed mode for maximum performance, or stamina mode for longer battery life when you’re away from mains power.

The backlit isolation keyboard includes a dedicated numeric keypad for precise, rapid data entry. There’s also an ambient light sensor that automatically dims display brightness to conserve power when the lights are low. Video chats with friends and family are crisp and clear thanks to the HD web camera powered by ‘Exmor’ technology.

Models configured to order with an SSD drive feature Quick Boot, loading Genuine Windows® 7 significantly quicker than conventional notebooks to save you precious time. Available on selected models only, embedded VAIO 'everywair' 3G WWAN lets you connect on the move via your mobile broadband operator at up to 14.4Mbps (download) / 5.76 Mbps (upload). All models feature a conveniently-placed WEB button that powers up your PC for Internet access in seconds.

VGP-FL3D15A ‘glasses-free’ 3D panel

Now you can enjoy an immersive three-dimensional viewing experience without wearing 3D glasses. Available as an optional accessory for VAIO S Series models configured with Blu-ray Disc™ drive, the new VGP-FL3D15A is a ‘glasses-free’ 3D panel that attaches easily to the computer’s LCD screen.

VAIO uses face detection technology by Sony to track the viewer’s head position via the PC’s built-in web camera, adjusting images for a clear, satisfying 3D experience that’s always comfortable to watch. Enjoy 3D movie titles on VAIO models equipped with a Blu-ray Disc™ drive with a vivid sense of depth and extra realism. View 3D still photos and Sweep Panorama images captured with compatible Cyber-shot™, α and α NEX cameras.

A wide range of optional accessories includes a docking station, carry cases and mice.

NEW Toshiba AT100 Series Tablet PC

The Toshiba AT100 provides a unique multimedia experience. Toshiba’s Resolution+ make photos and movies sharper by converting to near HD quality. A 25.7cm (10.1’’) HD touchscreen and NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 processing provides seamless multitasking and stunning graphics. Extensive connectivity gives you direct access to a full-sized HDMI, two USB ports and a SD card reader. With up to 7 hours of power you can keep going all day. Watch HD movies. Play games. Surf the web. The Toshiba AT100 is yours, make it your own.

Coming soon to Okobe.co.uk...  

NETGEAR Introduces Nano-sized Powerline Adapter with Two Ports

The new Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set quickly and easily connects two Internet-enabled devices, such as TVs, PCs and video game consoles, to home networks

Bracknell - August 31, 2011 - NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today introduced the Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set (XAVB2602) here at IFA, one of the world's largest consumer electronics trade shows, where NETGEAR is exhibiting in Hall 12, Booth 102, of the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The Powerline Nano Dual-port Set features a tiny adapter that plugs into any electrical outlet and provides two Ethernet ports for connecting Internet-enabled devices such as TVs, PCs, Blu-ray players and video game consoles to home networks.

Powerline networking, which makes connections through a home's existing electric wiring, is ideal for reaching rooms beyond the range of WiFi signals, without the cost and complication of installing Ethernet cables.

Getting started with the Powerline Nano Dual-port Set is quick and easy, with no need to configure or install software. One adapter from the kit is plugged into a wall outlet near the home router/gateway, with an Ethernet cable connecting the router to the adapter. The other adapter can be placed in any outlet in the home and makes an automatic connection to the home router at up to 200 megabits per second (mbps). This adapter has two ports for connecting nearby Internet-enabled devices through Ethernet cables.

Unlike earlier generations of powerline adapters, which were so bulky that they often blocked two wall outlets, the Powerline Nano Dual-port adapter is a very compact 4.5 inches high by 2 inches wide by 1 ¼ inches deep (114 x 55 x 33 mm) - small enough to not block a second outlet, while fitting behind home furniture or entertainment centers.

The adapter has a "pass through" power outlet, so that other electrical devices can share the same outlet. The adapter also filters electrical interference from any device plugged into the pass-through outlet so that network performance is maximised.

The Powerline Nano Dual-port Set is part of the NETGEAR Green program, with an energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption to less than one watt when there is no network traffic.

"For many places in the house, it's no longer sufficient to have one Ethernet port. The Powerline Nano Dual-port Set makes it easy to support two devices - such as a TV and a video game console, or a Blu-ray player and a PC - in the same room," said Fred Guiot, Senior Product Line Manager for Powerline Products at NETGEAR. "With speeds of up to 200 mbps and almost no latency, the Powerline Nano Dual-port Set is ready for demanding network tasks such as multi-player games and streaming high-definition video."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set (XAVB2602) will be available in France in October and in Germany and the rest of Europe in November for €109.90 (Euros). The product will be available worldwide in early 2012.

Chip Shot: Intel Partners with Amazon and Wheezy Waiter to Help Schools Across America

Wheezy Waiter – one of the most popular video creators on YouTube – created a humorous video that is currently posted to the Amazon.com/Intel PC Store page. If the video secures 200,000 views by Sept. 14, Intel will donate $25k to DonorsChoose.org to help bring technology into classrooms across America. To learn more about the planned donation as part of DonorsChoose.org’s Double Your Impact campaign, read the Intel Inside Scoop blog post on the same subject.

Corsair Announces Availability of High-Capacity Force Series GT SSDs

- New 180GB and 240GB Solid-State Drives models take full advantage of SATA 6Gb/s technology -

FREMONT, California - August 30th, 2011 - Corsair®, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced worldwide retail availability of 180GB and 240GB Force SeriesTM GT SSDs.

The new high-capacity 180GB and 240GB models join the 60GB and 120GB Force Series GT models already on the market.

Force Series GT is designed for enthusiasts who demand the fastest performance available. It uses the SandForce SF-2280 SSD Processor, with native support for SATA 6Gb/s (SATA 3), combined with ONFI synchronous flash memory. Force Series GT SSD upgrades deliver outstanding read/write performance and significantly faster system response, boot times, and application load times than SATA 2 solid-state drives, with out-of-box performance of up to 85K Random Write IOPS, read speeds of up to 555 MB/s, and write speeds of up to 525 MB/s. The use of synchronous flash memory makes the Force GT Series particularly adept at reading and writing non-compressible data, such as video and music files.

All Force Series GT models are also backward compatible with SATA 2, and include an easy-to-use 3.5" adapter for use in both laptop and desktop PCs.

"Force Series GT is our fastest, most flexible line of SSDs," said Thi La, Vice President of Memory Products at Corsair. "The new 180GB and 240GB models are ideal for premium systems which require large amounts of high-performance storage."

The new Force Series GT SSD models are available from authorized distributors and retailers worldwide at a US suggested retail price of $379 USD for the 180GB model, and $489 USD for the 240GB model. Note that stated capacities are unformatted and actual capacities will vary depending on the formatting and operating system used. For more information on Force Series GT solid-state drives, please visit:

http://www.corsair.com/ssd/force-series-gt.html

About Corsair

Founded in 1994, Corsair supplies high performance products purchased primarily by PC gaming enthusiasts who build their own PCs or buy pre-assembled customized systems. The company's award-winning products include DDR3 memory upgrades, USB flash drives, power supply units, solid-state drives, PC speakers, gaming headsets, CPU cooling products, and computer cases.

Panasonic updates firmware of DMC-LX5 to enhance its performance with a significant upgrades and improvements

Panasonic updates firmware of DMC-LX5 to enhance its performance with a significant upgrades and improvements

A new firmware version will be released for the LUMIX premium compact digital camera DMC-LX5. The firmware, version 2.0, improves the camera’s performance and upgrades various functions while enhancing the usability.

A redesigned algorithm makes it possible to speed up the AF time by reducing it by approx. 23% at the wide-end, which is the fastest level of speed in class. A High ISO NR (Noise Reduction) mode is newly added to offer noise reduction specifically to the images shot at high ISO 1600/3200 sensitivity. The performance of auto white balance adjustment is improved in low light situations.

For functional upgrades, Active mode is added in video recording for more effective countermeasure against blur. The Active Mode effectively suppresses blur in video recording especially at wide angle while walking. The Popular Miniature Effect mode is added to the My Colour mode, which can be applied to both photo and video. The conventional 60 second shutter speed limit is now extended to max.250 seconds for shooting fireworks, night scenery or astrophotography.

Shutter operation is improved so that the continuous focusing with half-shutter and shooting with full shutter is realised – as with a system camera. The combination of AF/MF is now easier to use, even in situations where severe focusing accuracy is demanded. The size and the location of the focusing area once set can be saved and later resumed which is convenient for shooting using a tripod. Now the brightness, contrast/saturation and red/blue tint of the LCD monitor and the External Live Viewfinder (optional) is adjusted manually, to reproduce the colour setting becoming more true to the user’s intention on the monitor.

Panasonic’s new DMC-FX90 with Wi-Fi connectivity

Panasonic’s new DMC-FX90 with Wi-Fi connectivity

Panasonic is pleased to announce the new stylish compact DMC-FX90 – that not only offers all the features Panasonic’s FX range are well renowned for, but goes one step further by adding Wi-Fi® connectivity (802.11 b/g/n). With the FX90, users can share photos and videos with friends and family effortlessly. Encased within a slim and stylish profile the FX90 is the perfect camera for those on the go and those who enjoy sharing images daily.

Why Wi-Fi?

Taking photos and sharing these photos is an integral part of photography - now even more so thanks to the increased growth of social networking sites and global online image sharing. With this in mind, the DMC-FX90 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (802.11 b/g/n) to encourage users to share their photos quickly and easily. With its Wi-Fi capability, users can post images on their chosen image sharing service such as FacebookTM, FlickrTM, PicasaTM or YouTubeTM.

Panasonic is also launching a new service called “LUMIX CLUB” for the users of DMC-FX90 (detailed information is available separately) to offer external site link function to easily support SNS posting using the DMC-FX90 without having to worry about complicated settings. Once registered with LUMIX CLUB on the camera, users can compile the log-in information for the social services in it. This means they don’t have to log in to each service separately and can even upload and share images on different social services simultaneously.

The FX90 makes uploading photos as quick as possible. When users are out and about they can upload images and videos instantly via the mobile network using their smartphone. Panasonic provides a free, dedicated application program (APP) “LUMIX LINK” for both iPhone® and Android™OS smartphones and all control is available with this program. Simply activate the application “LUMIX LINK” and log in to “LUMIX CLUB” on the smartphone or on the PC browser, and users can upload photos and videos anywhere via a mobile network, without needing to find a special access point. Simple! At home, users can directly upload the images to the image sharing service using their home router.

For instant access, a dedicated Wi-Fi button is provided. Just pressing it directly opens a Wi-Fi Connection mode outside home and gets WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) connection at home. The Wi-Fi module is situated on the opposite side of the grip on the camera so as not to interfere with the connection signal. Wi-Fi connectivity lets users share their photos instantly, straight from their camera. Users can even back up their images to their PC with the wireless connection – ensuring those special moments are safe and secure!
High Quality Lens

Behind the slim and stylish profile, the FX90 is packed full of technological features offering outstanding performance. The lens, for example, is a newly developed high quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens that boasts excellent brightness of F2.5. It allows the use of higher shutter speed but captures stunningly clear, sharp, blur-free images even in lower lighting situation. Together with the anti-blurring function in the iA mode, the DMC-FX90 powerfully suppresses blur caused by the movement of subjects. Also, the 24mm (35mm camera equivalent: 24-120mm ) ultra-wide-angle lens - rare on a compact camera - gives photographers a wider range of composition possibilities with approx. 213% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm camera. The super-high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT lens minimizes distortion at the wide end.

Comprising of 7 elements in 6 groups with 3 aspherical lenses with 5 aspherical surfaces, the lens unit in the DMC-FX90 realized downsizing of both total length and diameter to fit in the slim, compact body of the camera. It is made possible with its mechanism and the use of Extra High Index Low Dispersion Meniscus Aspherical Lens as thin as 0.3mm. Panasonic succeeded in developing the lens with high refractive index and low dispersion performance which results in the excellent colour reproduction and suppression of chromatic aberration.

This advanced lens unit passes Leica's stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance with its minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations while suppressing ghosting and flaring.

Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-FX90 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even when using a digital zoom. This means the 5x optical can virtually extend to 6.5x equivalent – so you’ll never miss that shot in the distance.
The Venus Engine

The advanced image processing Venus Engine LSI,, assures high picture quality in both photo and video recording thanks to the exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. By separating chromatic noise from luminance noise and applying the optimal noise reduction to each, you can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The Venus Engine also provides precise and selective noise reduction to the chromatic noise without affecting the border of colours.

The Sonic Speed AF and a quick start-up time give the DMC-FX90 super high speed response that helps catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.
Full HD Video

The 12.1-megapixel CCD with 2-channel signal output structure boasts higher signal transfer speed for the operations that require high performance and speed such as 1920 x1080 full HD video recording and high speed continuous shooting. The picture quality is also improved thanks to the approx. 25% higher sensitivity which is made possible by highly efficient light condensation adoption.

The DMC-FX90 also has recording capability of AVCHD video even in 1,920 x 1,080 50i (PAL, sensor output 25p) full-HD despite its slim, stylish body. Alternately, videos can be recorded in MP4 format to play it back directly on the PC. The DMC-FX90 also boasts Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio.

Catering for all your imaging needs, popular features such as the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – including AF Tracking and MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure are available in motion image. The 5x optical zoom is available in video recording too. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.
Control at Your Fingertips

With a Smart Touch operation, the FX90 is technically savvy. All control is possible by the touch operation – Touch AF, Touch Zoom or Touch Shutter – during recording and various playback functions. The functions and settings used most often, such as O.I.S., consecutive shooting, auto focus point, white balance setting, ISO sensitivity level, image size and LCD mode are quickly and easily accessed via the shortcut setting by just dragging the icon to the main menu area.

Taking advantage of the touch operation, various functions, such as Beauty Retouch, Aesthetic Retouch, Make-up Retouch and Art Retouch, are incorporated to add more fun to DMC-FX90. For example, in Aesthetic Retouch, various effects can be applied to the face including clearing the skin texture, lifting up the face, and whitening of teeth.

The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the image you want out of hundreds by touching the desired thumbnails. My Photo Album function lets users sort images in the separate folders allowing quick, direct playback of the images they want without searching a huge collection of photos. For example, you can sort photos into work photos and private photos. This is also convenient when transferring the images because you can just copy the target folder in a SD card to the PC without selecting the photos you need one by one.

The Intelligent LCD automatically adjusts the screen brightness in 11 steps as the surrounding brightness level changes, ensuring easy visibility at all times.
Seamlessly Simple Thanks to iA Mode

Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. In the iA mode, the camera does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments. Just press, aim and shoot.

For more effective countermeasure against blur, the FX90 includes Active Mode for an option of image stabilization in video recording. This mode is especially effective in active video recording at wide angle such as shooting while walking.

With the DMC-FX90, the Motion Deblur mode is incorporated to prevent blur due to the subject’s movement even more powerfully by setting the appropriate ISO setting and shutter speed automatically according to the subjects’ motion. Combined with the outstanding brightness of the lens and the Active Mode, the DMC-FX90 thoroughly prevents any kind of blur - whether caused by handshake or the subject's motion and whether in photo or video recording.

Additional features also include the Face Recognition function, which remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people while removing the unwanted red-eye. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene modes - Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset - that best suit the shooting situation. In addition, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in the iA mode which results in clearer, higher picture quality in every photo and video with extended zoom range equivalent to 6.5x optical zoom by the Intelligent Zoom.

Once you enter the iA mode, these functions happen automatically together with other powerful shooting-assist functions - AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Exposure - so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.
The 3D Photo Mode

The DMC-FX90 features the new 3D Photo mode , which produces a 3D image in the camera. Take 20 shots whilst panning left to right, and the camera automatically selects two most suitable images - one for the right eye and one for the left eye - to synthesize a 3D composite. The 3D image can be viewed on a VIERA HDTV. The format of 3D image is compatible with MPO which can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as TV, Digital Photo Frame or Printing.

Packed full of features, yet remaining easy to use and looking super stylish – the FX90 has all angles covered. The perfect party accompaniment, the FX90 makes sharing images easy and will be available from October.

Panasonic’s DMC-FZ150 – The 24x Super-Zoom Camera with Full HD Video Recording

Panasonic’s DMC-FZ150 – The 24x Super-Zoom Camera with Full HD Video Recording

Heading up the super-zoom compact digital camera range, Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new addition to the multiple award winning FZ range of cameras – the DMC-FZ150. An eminently worthy addition to the series, the FZ150 boasts a 25mm ultra wide angle, powerful 24x optical LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with Panasonic’s Black Box Nano Surface Coating technology to minimize light reflection that causes ghosts and flares. Picture perfect – the FZ150 can also record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080 50p videos for those users looking for high picture quality of both photo and video.

Packing a powerful zoom lens, high performance imaging devices, a host of functions and manual control in a compact body, the DMC-FZ150 is highly versatile – perfect for advanced amateur photographers with its high quality photo and video.

The DMC-FZ150 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 25mm ultra wide-angle lens with a 24x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm). With the newly applied Nano Surface Coating technology, light reflection is dramatically minimized across the entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) by applying the extra-low refractive index coating on the surface of the lens. This results in a highly clear picture with dramatic reduction of ghost and flare.

Thanks to Panasonic's black box technology, the image delivered through the lens of the DMC-FZ150 has exceptional optical performance with stunning clarity that passes Leica's stringent standards. Comprising 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit delivers exceptional optical performance, suppressing distortion at wide end and colour bleeding at tele-end.

The already powerful 24x optical zoom can increase its power to 32x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function. Taking advantage of Intelligent Resolution technology, the FZ150 maintains the picture quality even when using a digital zoom. With the powerful zoom drawing distant objects near, and the 25mm ultra wide angle lens capturing approximately 196% wider angle of view compared with a standard 35mm camera – the FZ150 is ideal for shooting dynamic landscapes or indoor group portraits.
High Picture Quality

The combination of the 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the Venus Engine ensures high performance in terms of both sensitivity and speed. The S/N ratio is thus improved by 3.9dB (ISO 100) to 4.7dB (ISO1600) compared to the predecessor DMC-FZ100.

The newly developed Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness the picture. Both high frequency noise that occurs in the dark part and low frequency noise in the light part are suppressed even as they happen in a picture. As a result, images recorded in low-lit situations are now extremely clear.

The Venus Engine has a quad-circuit system for processing large amount of progressive full HD data at high speed. Not only 1,920 x 1,080 50p smooth full-HD video recording, but also super fast consecutive shots at 12 fps (without auto focusing) and 5.5 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. It is also able to record high speed video at 220 fps in QVGA. At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine realizes a super-fast response time. The auto focus is approx. 50% faster speed compared with the DMC-FZ100 achieving Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second. The speed in AF Tracking also becomes faster thanks to the improved tracking performance which doubles its sampling frequency.

Catering for all your imaging needs, the DMC-FZ150 not only captures superb photos but also beautiful full-HD videos too. The DMC-FZ150 can record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080 50p videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. Upgrading the full HD recording capability from interlaced to progressive, subjects with fast motion or fine details are reproduced with greater clarity.

The powerful 24x optical zoom is also available in video, so rest assured that those special moments, even in the distant, can be captured whether it’s a still image or video.

The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in video recording. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent D-range Control also support shooting beautiful video with ease.

The FZ150 is newly equipped with Active Mode in video recording for more effective countermeasure against blur. In addition to the conventional POWER O.I.S., the Active Mode effectively suppresses blur in video recording especially at wide angle while walking. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. The Intelligent D-range Control makes images look more natural by preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights to optimize the exposure for each part of an image. It also ensures a beautiful reproduction of gradation and details.

Incorporating a stereo zoom microphone, videos also come with high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, to offer highly realistic sound in video. Mechanical noise caused by a zooming operation is suppressed to improve clarity and the Auto Wind Cut function is also available to block out the majority of background wind noise, making human voices stand out.

Ensuring those special moments are never missed, it is also possible to take still images while recording video simultaneously (3.5-megapixel). You can cut out your favorite scene as a still image from the video in the camera. The image is clear thanks to the rich Progressive recording format and Intelligent Resolution technology. A host of options enhance the usability and fun of recording high quality full-HD video.
Creativity at Your Fingertips

To encourage step up users to enjoy shooting even more, full manual control is available with the DMC-FZ150. The side lever is newly added on the left side of the lens barrel, making it smoother to zoom when concentrating on the shutter operation with the right hand. Focus can also be changed with this lever, which is convenient in video recording.

New features such as Creative Control, which features a selection of artistic effect modes including expressive, retro and sepia – and Photo Style for the expression of finer nuances – let users at any skill level create their photographic intentions.

Video recording has been designed with users in mind, with the DMC-FZ150 offering much more than simply recording HD videos. The FZ150 features a Creative Video mode, which lets users set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive videos. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to videos, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and you want both of them to stand out.

For more advanced creative freedom, the DMC-FZ150 is equipped with a hot shoe allowing attachment of various accessories including an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash (DMW-FL220 / FL360 / FL500). The DMC-FZ150 is also compatible with an optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.

The DMC-FZ150 now features the new 3D Photo mode , which produces a 3D image in the camera. Take 20 panning shots and the camera automatically selects two most suitable images - one for the right eye and one for the left eye - to synthesize a 3D composite. The 3D image can be viewed on a VIERA HDTV or any other 3D TV. The format of 3D image is compatible with MPO which can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as TV, Digital Photo Frame or Printing.
Inherently User Friendly

Although the FZ150 is highly technically specified the beauty is that it remains inherently easy to use. Panasonic incorporated Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and to reduce misshots. In iA mode, the camera does all the work, leaving you free to compose shots and capture moments.

Motion Deblur mode helps to prevent blur even more powerfully in the FZ150. Plus, the newly added Intelligent Handheld Nightshot mode enables bright, glamorous night scenery to be recorded without using a tripod.

The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people while removing the unwanted red-eye. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects whichever of 6 Scene modes - Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset - that best suit the shooting situation.

Once you enter iA mode, these functions work automatically and together with other powerful shooting-assist functions - AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent D-range Control - so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

Sharing images and video footage is a key part of photography and Panasonic ensures that it remains effortlessly easy thanks to LUMIX Image Uploader’. Simply checkmark the photos you want to share and connect the camera to a PC. Uploading starts just by following the guidance. You can add comment and let your friends know about the update of your album via e-mail. Facebook can be used for photos and YouTube for videos. Users can join these social networking services without installation of special software, and can then quickly and easily share pictures with their friends. Perfect!

With a strong family heritage, the new FZ150 is the ultimate super-zoom camera with excellent performance and handling, a host of features, an astonishing lens and superb usability. The DMC-FZ150 will be available from October.

Panasonic Launches World-First High Performance Interchangeable Power Zoom Lenses for Lumix G Cameras

 
LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm and LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm.

Panasonic today announced the arrival of two new high performance interchangeable lenses for their Lumix G System cameras; the Lumix G X H-PS14042 and X H-PS45175. The new ultra compact electronic power zoom lenses are the first from the premium lens brand, ‘X’ for LUMIX G. Lumix G X lenses are a new breed of the highest quality zoom lenses, based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard. Their focal lengths complement each other perfectly for quality wide angle, portrait and landscape imagery.

The new LUMIX premium ‘X’ brand is at the forefront of the next generation of camera lenses; utilising the best in advanced optical performance. The new lenses feature Panasonic’s unique nano surface coating technology, optical image stabilisation (POWER O.I.S.) and aspherical and ED glass elements to achieve superb image quality while maintaining compact and light design.

Both lenses utilise Panasonic’s nano surface coating to significantly minimise the reflection at entire visual light range. The results are incredibly clear pictures and a dramatic reduction in ghosting and lens flare. The zoom lever on the lens barrel, an industry-first for interchangeable lenses, provides the user with fast, precise and silent zooming especially when shooting HD video recording. Manual focusing is also available, with the manual focus lever for users requiring a more precise control.

The new POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilisation) which is newly integrated in both the LUMIX G X lenses makes it easy to take images with great clarity even in low-light conditions. With the improved sensitivity of the gyro sensor, the new POWER O.I.S. dramatically improves the hand-shake correction power - resulting in visibly improved sharpness.
Small in your pocket, big in performance - The new 14-42mm X Zoom lens

Specifically, the new LUMIX G X H-PS14042 lens offers a versatile zoom range that extends from 14mm to 42mm (35mm equivalent: 28-84 mm) making it suitable for a wide range of scenes, from dynamic landscape shots to impressive portrait images. The collapsible power zoom lens is ultra-compact when not in use, and expands to a 3x zoom lens when switched on. It is approximately the same size as a 20mm pancake lens but with the added features that a zoom brings. The two ED lenses and four aspherical lenses correct a variety of aberrations to deliver excellent optical performance whilst minimising distortion levels and chromatic aberration even at the 28mm wide-end.

In comparison to the Lumix G Standard 14-42mm kit lens, these new lenses provide significant improved optical performance yet achieve a 58% reduction in size (when turned off) and a 48% reduction in weight
So close but yet so far – The new 45-175mm X zoom lens

The new LUMIX GX H-PS45175 tele-zoom lens has a versatile focal range from 45mm to 175mm (35 mm equivalent: 90-350 mm). It features notably high contrast and resolution for images shot at its wider-end, which makes it great for taking portrait shots; meaning it complements the LUMIX G X H-PS14042 lens perfectly. In an industry-first, the adoption of its fast motorised Multi-Actuator Floating Inner Focus System*** ensures that air and dust isn’t sucked into the lens during zooming or focussing, and downsizing in both size and weight is achieved while improving image quality.

The LUMIX G X VARIO lenses are available in the highly stylish and sophisticated colour options of black and silver, a perfect complement to the LUMIX G and LUMIX GF3 cameras. The GF3X kit containing the GF3 body and the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. will be available throughout Europe.

Ultra-responsive, compact, NEX-5N camera from Sony with 16.1 megapixels and Full HD 50p video

Ultra-responsive, compact, NEX-5N camera from Sony with 16.1 megapixels and Full HD 50p video

World’s fastest release time lag and quick, responsive autofocus
16.1 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and new BIONZ processor enabling ISO 25600 high sensitivity
Full HD Movie with 50p/25p, manual focus, full P/A/S/M exposure control and improved audio
Tilt-angle 7.5cm (3”) Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen and easy-to-use Photo Creativity interface
10 fps continuous shooting (In Speed Priority Continuous mode)
Styled in magnesium, just 23.3mm slim (Distance from front of body to LCD monitor screen surface)

Drawing on the positive acceptance of the digital camera NEX-5, the new α NEX-5N from Sony has advanced further and offers the superb responsiveness, image quality, and creative possibilities of a DSLR camera with less to carry.

Styled in tough, light magnesium alloy and just 23.3mm at the slimmest point, the NEX-5N evolves the sleek, minimalist design of the acclaimed NEX-5. It’s also a step forward from its predecessor in terms of still image and HD video quality, powerful creative features and easy operation.

Responses are accelerated further by a release time lag of approx. 0.02 seconds1: the fastest of any interchangeable lens camera in the world. This, combined with an improved AF algorithm which doubled the readout speed from the image sensor and more efficient image processing, results in an AF that is significantly faster than the current NEX-5 model.

The camera’s Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution is partnered by a specially-optimised version of the powerful BIONZ image processing engine. This combination of sensor and processor ensures exceptionally clean, low noise images. Maximum sensitivity is also boosted to ISO 25600, the highest among mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras, allowing very high quality handheld shooting in low light conditions.

At the touch of a button, the NEX-5N shoots smooth AVCHD ver. 2.0 (Progressive) Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound at 50p - a world first for interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C size sensor. Faster readout from the sensor increases the maximum frame rate to 60 fps over the previous 30 fps. When shooting at the 24p setting, movies achieve a beautifully expressive, artistic feel. As with stills shooting, Tracking Focus allows a target object to be selected via the touch-screen for accurate focusing, even when the subject is moving.

Photographers can also enjoy full control over exposure, when shooting video, with Programme, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (PASM) – just like a DSLR camera. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers wind noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

The NEX-5N is the first E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that features an intuitive new Photo Creativity Touch interface. Background Defocus, Exposure, Picture Effect and other adjustments can be previewed, applied and combined in an instant via the LCD touch panel and control dial, with no photo jargon to confuse newcomers.

First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effect simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Rich-Tone Monochrome and Soft High-key. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5N captures fast-moving action at up to 10 fps (actual speed depends on shooting conditions and memory card performance). This represents the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera2.

The camera’s 7.5 cm (3.0") Xtra Fine LCD angles up to 80° up or 45º down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduces on-screen reflections. Enhanced by the new Photo Creativity Touch interface, the LCD makes composition, shot review and adjustment of camera settings easier and more flexible than ever.

Lenses and accessories
The growing choice of E-mount lenses compatible with all α NEX cameras now includes the new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA, E 50mm F1.8 OSS and long-awaited Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS.

The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting. Also available, the optional Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S, XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ offers high resolution/contrast and wide viewing angle.

Also new in the range of accessories, the stylish Body Case (LCS-EB50) and Lens Jacket (LCS-EL50) protect the camera and lens from scratches, the Shoulder Strap (STP-XS3) fits tightly to body with its quick fit structure and the Soft Carrying Case (LCS-EMF) holds the E-mount camera body with attached lens as well as an additional lens or other accessories.

The α NEX-5N ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera by Sony is available from September 2011.

Experience IFA 2011 Live with Panasonic

Panasonic Broadcasts Live IFA Experience

Panasonic brings the IFA experience to everyone - anyone unable to attend IFA in Berlin can visit the Panasonic stand online, explore the stand via live webcams, and ask product experts questions about the latest Panasonic products and technologies.

Panasonic will be hosting a live and interactive broadcast from IFA to enable people from around the world to share the Panasonic IFA experience and explore a world of innovation.

The Panasonic IFA Live Broadcast will be hosted daily by Patrice Bouédibéla, from MTV Germany, who will guide viewers around the Panasonic booth, and introduce Panasonic’s team of experts from its TV, Digital Imaging and home AV product ranges.

Viewers can then post a question on participating Panasonic Facebook pages or the Panasonic website, which will be answered live. Every viewer that has their question answered will then receive a link of the video to share with friends, and can participate in the prize draw.

α77 and α65 cameras from Sony with 24.3 megapixels and world’s fastest* 12 fps AF-enabled continuous shooting

Translucent Mirror Technology line-up broadens appeal to photo enthusiasts
World’s fastest*12 fps full-resolution continuous burst shooting with phase-detection AF (α65: 10fps)
Newly developed 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors (α77)
24.3 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor and enhanced BIONZ processor
World’s first** XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with versatile information display
Quick AF Full HD Movie with AVCHD Progressive compatibility, and flexible P/A/S/M exposure control in manual focus mode
New design and ergonomics with world’s first* 3-way tilt Xtra Fine LCD and ruggedized, reliable handling (α77)

Sony extends the appeal of its Translucent Mirror camera range with two new A-mount models appealing to advanced amateurs and serious photo enthusiasts.

Latest refinements in Translucent Mirror Technology by Sony make the SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65) the quickest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class. Revised ergonomics on both cameras include a comfortably contoured new grip design and tactile new button layout for ‘eyes off’ operation while viewing via the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™.

A long-awaited successor to the acclaimed α700 DSLR, the α77 adds further refinements in performance and ruggedized construction to handle gruelling photo assignments with ease.

Ultra-responsive shooting
The α77 boasts the world’s fastest continuous AF shooting performance*, capturing a burst of full-resolution images at 12 frames per second with full-time phase-detection autofocus. The α65 achieves a similarly impressive 10fps shooting speed, outpacing virtually all semi-professional cameras.

Precision AF tracking of moving subjects is crisper and more responsive than ever, thanks to a newly-developed 19-point autofocus system with 11 cross sensors. (α65: 15-point AF with 3 cross sensors). Tracking Focus maintains accurate focus lock on a designated moving subject – even if the target’s momentarily obscured by the motion of another object.

Razor-sharp responses are reinforced further by a new electronic front shutter curtain that achieves a pro-class minimum release time lag of approx. 0.050 seconds.

Unprecedented image quality and creative options
The α77 and α65 both feature a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor by Sony with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution.

The sensor is teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine that handles huge amounts of high speed data from the camera sensor. This unique combination of sensor and BIONZ processor delivers unprecedented shooting responses, plus flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video.

A broad sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000 is expandable (α77 only) down to ISO 50. At highest sensitivities, both digital cameras can freeze rapid sporting action with very quick shutter speeds, or capture atmospheric low-noise shots without flash. Low ISO settings are ideal when teamed with a long exposure for creating expressive shots of moving water.

Both cameras showcase the world’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder™. With an unprecedented 2359k dot (XGA) resolution, this precision electronic viewfinder offers a bright, detail-packed, high contrast image with 100% frame coverage that is 10 times higher than conventional electronic viewfinders and provides a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders.

Detailed shooting information is displayed with a choice of five display modes. The effects of adjusting exposure, white balance and other settings are previewed in the Tru-Finder™ in real time. Fine focus tweaks can also be confirmed via a zoomed-in portion of the image.

At the touch of a button, the Smart Teleconverter displays an enlarged central portion of the image sensor. This allows compositions to be displayed clearly on the high-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ and captured as 12 megapixel images with a digital zoom factor of 1.4x or 2x. There’s no need to remove your eye from the Tru-Finder™ from composition to checking final results – allowing photographers to concentrate on their creative flow.

Stills and video can also be composed and reviewed on the adjustable-angle 7.5 cm (3.0") Xtra Fine LCD that offers high resolution (921k dot) and TruBlack technology for superb detail and contrast. As an extra refinement, the α77 introduces the world’s first 3-way adjustable screen that tilts and pivots freely for effortless framing at any angle (α65: 2-way adjust LCD).

Full HD video
The α77 and α65 bring further refinements to the acclaimed Quick AF Full HD Movie shooting as already featured on previous Translucent Mirror Technology from Sony. Phase Detection maintains accurate focus during video shooting of portrait subjects, even when they’re moving.

In another first for consumer-oriented APS-C cameras, Full HD video is now supported at 50p (progressive) frame rates – reflecting recent enhancements to the AVCHD (Ver. 2.0) format. 25p shooting is also available for beautifully ‘filmic’ video footage. Creative video options are extended further by the addition of manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes familiar to still photographers.

α77: Translucent Mirror Technology refined for photo enthusiasts
A natural successor to the enthusiast-oriented α700 DSLR, the α77 adds double control dials for intuitive fingertip operation and a separate top-mounted LCD data display. The durable body features magnesium alloy panels for strength and lightness. Key controls are sealed against the effects of dust and moisture, complementing similar levels of protection offered by the new SAL1650 lens, VG-C77AM Vertical Grip for α77 and HVL-F43AM flash unit.

Underlining the camera’s rugged credentials, a new shutter unit is tested to 150,000 cycles and supports an ultra-fast minimum 1/8000 sec shutter speed (1/250 sec flash sync). On-board GPS allows automatic geotagging of photos and video clips with location data.

New DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM zoom lens and accessories
The growing range of compatible A-mount lenses for both cameras now includes the quiet, bright DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM standard zoom with 16mm wide angle coverage that’s ideal for portrait and everyday shooting.

The high performance lens features a dust- and moisture-resistant design, and offers a zoom range of approximately 3x range at constant maximum aperture F2.8. Optical performance is assured by two aspherical elements and three ED glass elements to minimize aberration at all focal lengths. An internal SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) drive assures fast, quiet autofocus.

Available as an option, the dust- and moisture-resistant VG-C77AM Vertical Grip assures comfortable handling in vertical shooting positions. It can house up to two NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM batteries, doubling shooting stamina to approx. 1060 shots (via LCD monitor)/940 shots (via Tru-Finder™) when using Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.

The compact yet versatile HVL-F43AM external flash is optimised for superb results with all A-mount cameras with a powerful output of GN43, Quick Shift Bounce adjustment, wireless ratio control and dust/moisture resistant design. This is complemented by other new A-mount system accessories that include a back pack, soft carrying cases, LCD protectors and eyepiece cups.

The α77 and α65 Translucent Mirror interchangeable lens digital cameras by Sony are available from October 2011.

Best-ever Full HD video image quality, audio and ergonomics: Sony introduces the Handycam® NEX-VG20E

E-mount system interchangeable lens camcorder with 16.1 megapixels, AVCHD 50p/25p and new touch-screen.

Effective 16.1megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
AVCHD Full HD video plus 50p and 25p progressive modes
DSLR-quality 16 megapixel stills with RAW support*
Improved audio with Quad Capsule Spatial Array microphone and stereo/5.1 sound recording
Manual controls and revised ergonomics with new hand grip, Assignable Dial and dedicated function keys
7.5cm (3”) Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen with Tru-Black technology
Widened choice of E-mount lenses

The new Handycam® NEX-VG20E camcorder from Sony broadens creative possibilities for shooting cinematic Full HD video and high-resolution still photos.

Offering comprehensive manual controls, the NEX-VG20E lets videographers explore the artistic potential of the growing range of E-Mount lenses. With refined ergonomics, improved imaging quality and upgraded sound, it provides several enhancements over the acclaimed NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses.

With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor assures outstanding video image quality, with extremely low noise in low light. It also captures pristine 16 megapixel still photos, with RAW format support for all the post-processing flexibility that’s familiar to DSLR users*.

Whether you’re shooting video or stills, the large sensor rivals the expressive picture quality of a DSLR camera. This allows the creation of beautiful background defocus ('bokeh') effects with your E-mount lens collection.

Full HD video shooting in AVCHD format is now complemented by a choice of 50p and 25p (progressive) frame rate options. Footage shot at 25p can be enhanced with Cinema Tone Gamma™ and Cinema Tone Colour™ for an even richer, more cinematic look.

Dialogue and other sounds are captured by the precision Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone that now supports stereo and 5.1 channel surround. There’s a new audio level control, plus pro-style jacks for an external mic and monitoring headphones.

Several ergonomic refinements let videographers shoot HD video and stills in even greater comfort. The camcorder’s handgrip has been redesigned that offers excellent stability. Allowing manual adjustment of exposure, iris and other settings, the pro-style control dial can now be accessed even when LCD panel is closed.

Button layout has also been revised with ‘hard’ function keys, direct access to each shooting mode (Iris, Shutter speed, Program AE), a second REC button for low-angle shots and expanded focus button – all sited for intuitive operation without taking your eye from the electronic viewfinder.

Shots can also be framed and reviewed on the 7.5cm/3" Xtra Fine LCD that features TruBlack technology for clear, high contrast images. The screen can be rotated over a 270 degree range for easy framing in any position, even with the camera held low. Touch panel operation simplifies fingertip operation of shooting functions.

The Handycam® NEX-VG20EH comes with the SEL18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens. With a wide 11x optical zoom range and built-in Optical SteadyShot, this versatile lens offers smooth, quiet autofocus operation during movies and still shooting.

There is now a choice of seven E-mount lenses to cover virtually any shooting situation. Also available, the optional LA-EA2 lens mount adaptor gives even wider compatibility with the established family of A-mount optics. Translucent Mirror Technology supports high-speed phase-detection AF that keeps even fast-moving subjects in focus.

The Handycam NEX-VG20E Full HD E-mount system camcorder from Sony is available from November 2011.

Sony introduces the NEX-7: all-in-one compact interchangeable lens camera with 24.3 megapixel resolution

 Supreme imaging plus pro performance and handling coupled with creative options

24.3 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
Quick, responsive autofocus and world’s fastest (0.02 sec) release time lag
Quick, versatile new TRINAVI control
High-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ and built-in flash
Full HD Movie with 50p/25p, manual focus, full P/A/S/M exposure control and improved audio
10fps continuous shooting (Speed priority mode)

Sony takes pro-quality imaging and creative options to new extremes with the easy to use α NEX-7. Styled in magnesium alloy for strength and premium looks, the NEX-7 weighs a travel-friendly approx. 291g (camera body only).

The NEX-7 features a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution that’s teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine.

This unique combination of sensor and processor assures ultra-rapid shooting responses, plus flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video. Extending from ISO 100-16000, the ultra-high sensitivity range makes it easy to capture clean, low-noise images in dimly lit interiors or at dusk.

Responses are accelerated further by a shutter release lag of just 0.02 seconds – the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera in the world. Quick, precise AF is enhanced by new Object Tracking that keeps accurate focus lock on a selected target, even when it’s moving in the frame.

The NEX-7 offers quick, easy control over creative settings via an intuitive new TRINAVI control. Two control dials on the top of the camera are complemented by a control wheel. Pushing the navigation button cycles quickly through various shooting modes, allowing enthusiasts to make custom adjustments and control images with the flexibility of a DSLR camera.

The NEX-7 is also the world’s first compact camera that features an XGA OLED TruFinder™ for precision framing and focusing. This precision electronic viewfinder gives a bright, detail-packed, high contrast view of still images and video, with approximately 100% frame coverage and a wide field of view to rival pro-grade optical viewfinders. On-screen grid lines and a level gauge can be displayed to assist with accurate framing.

The XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ is complemented by a 7.5 cm (3.0") Xtra Fine LCD that can be angled up to 90° up or 45º down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack technology assures superb detail and contrast with dramatically reduces on-screen reflections.

At the touch of a button, the NEX-7 shoots smooth AVCHD Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound. Support for the new AVCHD Progressive (Ver. 2.0)* format also allows users to select 50p or 25p frame rates for beautifully smooth, detailed video footage. As with stills shooting, Object Tracking allows a target object to be selected for accurate tracking AF, even when the subject is moving.

Manual focus is now possible during video shooting. Enthusiasts can also enjoy full control over creating the perfect video image with Programme, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (PASM). Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

In speed priority mode, the NEX-7 captures fast-moving action at up to 10fps – the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effect simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature and Rich-Tone Mono. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

The NEX-7 introduces an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe, a first for E-mount cameras. Widening opportunities for advanced shooting applications, the shoe supports accessories including HVL-F58AM, F43AM and F20AM Flash, the HVL-MT24AM Macro Twin Flash Kit and CLM-V55 Clip-on LCD Monitor.

Lenses and accessories
The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting.

The LCS-ELC7 Soft Carrying Case combines a closely-fitting body case and lens jacket in genuine leather to protect camera body and lens from scratches and dust, is released exclusively for NEX-7. It’s complemented by the STP-XH70 shoulder strap in the same material.

The α NEX-7 ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera by Sony is available from November 2011.

Steve Jobs Resigns as CEO of Apple

Tim Cook Named CEO and Jobs Elected Chairman of the Board

CUPERTINO, California—August 24, 2011—Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple's Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.

As COO, Cook was previously responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apple’s Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace.

Seagate To Participate At IFA 2011

MUNICH, Germany - August 22, 2011 - Seagate Technology will participate at IFA 2011, the world’s largest trade fair for consumer electronics and home appliances, in Berlin, 2-7 September. The company will showcase its industry leading portfolio of hard disk drives and storage solutions, including its GoFlex® family of external hard drives and its BlackArmor® small business solutions. Seagate will be located in Hall 17, Stand 127.

Featuring prominently on the Seagate stand will be GoFlex Satellite™ mobile wireless storage, announced by the company in May and now available in Europe. This unique and eagerly awaited device is the first battery-powered external hard drive to extend wirelessly the storage capacity on all leading operating systems of any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device, including iPads and tablets running under Android and Windows, laptops, netbooks and smartphones. The GoFlex Satellite device’s 500GB capacity is enough to store over 300 high definition movies and it can wirelessly stream different HD content to three devices simultaneously.

Also newly arrived in electronics retailers across Europe and featuring on the Seagate stand at IFA is the Momentus® XT Retail Kit for laptop computers. Since its launch in 2010, the Momentus XT solid state/hard disk hybrid drive – the world’s first – has received excellent reviews for its combination of SSD-like performance with the significant cost-per-gigabyte advantage of traditional hard drives. Adaptive Memory™ technology intelligently monitors frequently used applications and data files, then places them into the solid state portion of the drive so they can be recalled quickly. The retail kit will appeal particularly to gamers and to consumers who want to upgrade their laptop computers to a higher level of performance at an affordable cost.

Okobe.co.uk is part of the Seagate Partner Program to view the current range of Seagate products at Okobe.co.uk please Click Here...

Unhacked at Black Hat: Symantec Critical System Protection

Symantec’s powerful virtual and physical server security solution- Symantec Critical System Protection was recently put to the test at the Black Hatconference. Seasoned hackers from various world renowned groups tried but failed to capture a ‘flag’ that was hidden within an un-patched, vulnerable Windows XP workstationprotected by Symantec Critical System Protection.

The aim was to have security professionals and hackers help us improve our product by pointing out existing gaps. The flag was secured using Critical System Protection’s strong prevention policies on a Windows XP un-patched workstation. The workstation had 10 known OS vulnerabilities reported by Rapid 7, was vulnerable to attacks and had open shares that allowed external access.

At any given point in time at least 10 different IP’s were attacking the box, with some IP addresses originating from other countries, including people belonging to various hacker groups who kept trying social engineering techniques to get data about the system. The attacks that were being detected by Critical System Protection were exploitation of vulnerabilities on the system to try and get a remote shell or the execution of commands. Some interesting attempts were made.

· An exploit developer/pentester decided to give it a try by throwing all possible exploits in his toolkit at the system. Before attacking the system he scanned it to find out what was listening and then crafted his attacks. He tried attacks that included Buffer Overflow and Thread Injection against several services including SMB, NetBIOS and RPC. He was trying to get a remote shell to open but was unsuccessful. Several attempts were made to try and get services to execute commands but were blocked by Critical System Protection. He used various password guessing attack tools to try and break into the system but none were successful at guessing the password. The system was strong and he was unsuccessful in getting through.

· Another veteran pentester asked to do a dumb user attack, wanting the Symantec team to open a browser and point to a web address on the box that held the flag. He tried to perform a browser exploit attack on the system to install a backdoor but the installation of the backdoor was blocked by Critical System Protection. He then requested direct access but the Symantec team explained how that would fall outside a real world scenario. Instead he created an executable and wanted Symantec to launch it on the system, but Critical System Protection blocked its execution. The firewall policy of Critical System Protection was then changed to allow all traffic to and from the system. He created a document that had Netcat (Backdoor) embedded in it and asked Symantec to launch it at a command prompt. He provided the command line and Netcat started. He was able to go to his system and create a remote shell to the system. As a direct result of Critical System Protection, the pentester was unable to capture the flag or access the system without assistance.

By the end of BlackHat, about 20 people tried but failed to capture the flag and no one walked away with the prize. Critical System Protection proved itself as a powerful solution for securing virtual and physical servers. Its security policies protect even un-patched and legacy systems against external threats like zero-day attacks and advanced persistent threats, as well as malicious insider breaches.

New High Tech Hotel First To Install Panasonic 3DTV in Bedrooms

New High Tech Hotel First To Install Panasonic 3DTV in Bedrooms

A new luxury boutique hotel in Belgravia, London, is the first to install 3DTV in the bedrooms so guests can enjoy cutting-edge technology during their stay.

See the Panasonic VIERA TX-P50GT30B 3D Plasma TV

Eccleston Square Hotel is a new, hi-tech, luxury hotel situated in the heart of central London. Each of the 39 decadent rooms boasts an award-winning Panasonic 50” GT30 3DTV and Panasonic HTB10 Soundbar so guests can view stunning Full HD 3D content and exceptional true-to-cinema sound.

To add further technological appeal, the hotel restaurant and bar also features one of Panasonic’s 103” Full HD plasma screens so guests can enjoy music and video content in outstanding HD quality on a large screen during anytime of day.

Olivia Byrne, Director at Eccleston Square Hotel comments: “We wanted to create the ultimate in urban accommodation and that meant going the extra mile with attention to detail so guests had an experience they wouldn’t forget. Panasonic’s award-winning range of products offered the perfect fit for our discerning, forward thinking visitors.”

Intel Does a Digital Dance with Matisse at London Design Festival

Intel® unveils final piece for its “Remastered: A Visibly Smart Production from Intel” collection, reinterpreting Matisse’s “Dance” with an interactive installation and cloud particle projection
“Remastered: A Visibly Smart Production from Intel” appears at London Design Festival from 22nd – 25th September at Shop 14 in the Old Truman Brewery and online – www.intel.co.uk/remastered

LONDON, August18, 2011 – Intel Corporation today announces the return of its “Remastered: A Visibly Smart Production from Intel” exhibition at the London Design Festival. The popular event takes place from 22nd September – 25th September in Shoreditch, London. Specially designed for Intel’s appearance at London Design Festival, one final classic artwork from the past will be reinterpreted for a contemporary audience as it explores technology’s impact on art.

Appearing at the Tent London showcase during London Design Festival, Remastered offers one more opportunity for the public to go back in time as Intel re-tells the stories of some of the most iconic art masterpieces from history using digital technology. The exhibition presents an artist’s inspiration in an electrifying creative expose that truly brings to life Intel’s Visibly Smart campaign.

The project which kicked off to critical acclaim with a popular private view and three day long exhibition at London’s One Marylebone in March, sees Intel once again collaborate with curatorial partner jotta. Joining Intel’s homage to art that has defined culture, Central St Martins’ conceptual artist Maxence Parache becomes the latest Remastered artist. Reinterpreting Matisse’s “Dance”, he combines 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM processor technology with an interactive particle cloud projection for an immersive visual experience. He commented on the piece: “Sourcing inspiration from Matisse’s hypnotic painting, Dance II, my aim is to invite the viewer to enter an immersive and dreamlike experience where one can interact with the circle of dancers. I have taken influence from Fauvism and have explored this through physical computing, capturing the wild and intense primeval atmosphere of Dance II”.

Matisse’s piece completes a dynamic exhibition that considers work from masters including Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali and da Vinci.

“Working with some of the best in emerging artistic talent in the UK has been a truly inspirational journey for Intel,” said Gail Hanlon, marketing director, Intel UK and Ireland. “The Remastered project has allowed Intel to unlock the creative potential of technology and show that a mouse can be as effective as a paintbrush in design. We hope our technology can be a muse for the next generation of artists and help shape art in the digital age”.

Ben James, Creative Director, jotta said: “Remastered helps demonstrate practically and conceptually how technology is being adopted by artists and designers across all disciplines with a broad range of outcomes. We're hugely excited by Remastered at London Design Festival which provides the opportunity to recontextualise and build on the project in one of the world's most innovative design environments, Tent London”.

Ben Evans, Festival Director, London Design Festival added: “This year’s Festival will demonstrate the power and versatility of design across London; offering a series of quality projects that fulfill London’s design credentials”.

At London Design Festival, “Remastered: A Visibly Smart Production from Intel” will appear will the following works:
Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory” (1931): Daniel Swan (moving image)
Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” (c. 1893): Lung (sculpture, sound and animation)
J. M. W. Turner’s “Rain, Steam and Speed – The Great Western Railway” (1844): Eric Shockmel (3D animation)
Henri Matisse’s “Dance” (1909-1910): Maxence Parache (particle cloud projection and interactive performance)
“Venus de Milo” (130-100BC): Paul Bryan and Jonathan Ryall (moving image)
Caspar David Friedrich’s Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” (1818): Rafael Pavon (stereoscopic 3D animation)
Edgar Degas’ “Dancer with a Bouquet of Flowers” (“Star of the Ballet”) (1878): Sara Hibbert (moving image and photography)
Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” (1889): Midnight Toastie (interactive installation)
Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (1499): Bompas & Parr (food design and photography)

“Remastered: A Visibly Smart Production from Intel” will be open to the public from 10am on Thursday 22nd September to 5pm Sunday 25th September. During the opening, special workshops will be taking place at the following times:

Wednesday 21st September
Exclusive media preview and workshop to explore creativity in technology with conductive ink. Using basic electronics and readily available materials, the workshop will give a hands-on introduction to interactive art – 7pm-late
Thursday 22nd September
Children’s workshop to promote art and design to the younger audience with simple tools and basic technology. From visual effects to 3D, all techniques and tools used will show the accessibility of design with technology – 2pm-4pm

Street View goes to the Amazon

 
With Google Street View, you can do amazing things such as hike around Stonehenge or even ski down Whistler’s slopes—all without leaving home. Soon, you’ll be able to float down the Amazon and Rio Negro Rivers of northwest Brazil and experience some of the most remote and biodiverse areas in the world.

A few members of our Brazil and U.S. Street View and Google Earth Outreach teams are currently in the Amazon rainforest using our Street View technology to capture images of the river, surrounding forests and adjacent river communities. In partnership with the Foundation for a Sustainable Amazon (FAS), the local non-profit conservation organization that invited us to the area, we’re training some of FAS’s representatives on the imagery collection process and leaving some of our equipment behind for them to continue the work. By teaching locals how to operate these tools, they can continue sharing their points of view, culture and ways of life with audiences across the globe.

We’ll pedal the Street View trike along the narrow dirt paths of the Amazon villages and maneuver it up close to where civilization meets the rainforest. We’ll also mount it onto a boat to take photographs as the boat floats down the river. The tripod—which is the same system we use to capture imagery of business interiors—will also be used to give you a sense of what it’s like to live and work in places such as an Amazonian community center and school.

In this first phase of the project, the Google and FAS teams will visit and capture imagery from a 50km section of the Rio Negro River, extending from the Tumbira community near Manaus—the capital of the state of Amazonas—to the Terra Preta community. We’ll then process the imagery of the river and the communities as usual, stitching the still photos into 360-degree panoramics.

For many outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and environmentalists, this creates an opportunity to experience the wonders of the Amazon, which will be accessible in a way they’d previously only dreamed about. We’re honored to work with FAS on this project to bring the Amazon online for those who can’t visit in person, and help our partners share with the world the unique stories of its inhabitants and the beauty of this place they call home.

Chip Shot: Digital Art Students Win Intel-Sponsored Video Game Competition

Team Funbox took top honors in the nine-week Dare to be Digital video game competition for digital art graduate students. “The Lost Memories” – a third-person action adventure – scored big for visual appeal and performance using Intel® Integrated Graphics. Additionally, Team Evolved Ape, used Intel® Graphics Performance Analyzers in its game, “Dreamweaver,” and won one-of-three British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards for market potential, creativity/innovation and use of technology. As a sponsor supporting this global competition, the Intel® Visual Adrenaline program provided hardware systems and mentorship to the student competitors in the Visual Adrenaline challenge.  

The journey to bring Iraq’s National Museum to Street View

Over the years, our Street View technology has been used to showcase images from a variety of amazing locations around the world. Without the stress of travelling, we’ve all been able to tour places like Stonehenge, Palace and Park of Versailles, and even Half Moon Island (with the penguins!) in Antarctica. Starting today, you can view Iraq’s National Museum in Baghdad on Google Maps, in our Street View Gallery and on the museum’s own website.

The project began in October 2009, when the Street View team had the opportunity to visit Baghdad to collaborate with the museum. By this time, the Iraqi National Museum had recovered a slew of articles that were infamously looted during the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The collection hosts a staggering wealth of artifacts dating back to some of the earliest human settlements, which developed around present day Iraq. The history of this area is often underrepresented, or otherwise inaccessible, in large part due to the political strife that has plagued Iraq. For this reason, we considered it an important opportunity to showcase Iraq’s National Museum in our Street View Gallery.

This was our first attempt to capture an indoor collection at a museum, and we met a host of logistical and technical challenges. While we already had Street View cars visiting cultural landmarks, taking panoramic photos indoors was an untested idea. We had recently completed a prototype of our indoor trolley - which was later used and refined for the Google Art Project, but we were unsure that it would perform how we had envisioned on-site.

For security reasons, we could only spend 4 consecutive hours at the museum per visit. This meant our time there was frantic. We spent most of our first trip assembling and testing the Street View Trolley, installing car batteries that had been hastily acquired in Baghdad, testing GPS antennas, and making numerous satellite phone calls to our Mountain View headquarters to debug issues. While some of us worked on setting up the Trolley, others were photographing everything possible in the museum, trying not to get distracted by artifacts dating back over 6000 years.

With the Street View Trolley working, we spent our second visit collecting images of the main exhibit halls. We also used high-resolution imaging equipment that enabled a close-up 360-degree view of individual artifacts, a selection of which are viewable on the Antiquities page of the Museum website. We imaged a Mother Goddess figurine that predates recorded history, cuneiform tablets that exemplify one of the earliest forms of writing, and several exquisite examples of early Middle Eastern pottery.

Although we only spent a week in Baghdad, we returned with tens of thousands of still photos. We spent months processing the images - which includes stitching them into the immersive panoramic images you’re accustomed to when using Street View in Google Maps - and working closely with the National Museum to incorporate the imagery into their new website. At long last, we’re thrilled to jointly release the imagery, enabling users anywhere in the world to virtually visit the museum’s exhibit halls and learn more about Iraqi culture through this collection.

For those whose interest is piqued by the collection and are considering visiting the museum in person, we hope these online images tides you over until the official museum reopening planned for later this year. You can experience the the Iraqi National Museum for yourself through our Street View feature in Google Maps, via our Street View Gallery, or take a virtual tour on the museum website.

LUMIX DMC-G3 named ‘European Compact System Camera 2011-2012’ by EISA Awards panel

 
Panasonic is pleased to announce its interchangeable lens LUMIX DMC-G3 camera has been named ‘European Compact System Camera 2011-2012’ at the EISA Awards 2011. The award recognises the design innovations of the LUMIX DMC-G3, providing exceptional image quality in a small, lightweight interchangeable lens camera.

Established in 1982, the European Imaging Sound Association (EISA) is a multimedia association that tests consumer electronic products. With a membership including 50 audio, mobile, video and photo magazines from 19 European countries, EISA’s awards are known as one of the most prestigious consumer recommendations that products can receive, and a key indication for the best consumer purchasing decisions.

The LUMIX DMC-G3 camera has been named ‘European Compact System Camera of the year 2011-2012’ for its exceptional range of features and stunning image quality packed into a beautifully lightweight aluminum design. The EISA jury commented: “The LUMIX DMC-G3 is a very small interchangeable-lens camera, which, as it is fitted with a built-in flash and an electronic viewfinder, is as easy to use indoors as it is outside on a sunny day. The camera offers excellent image quality, and it is capable of resolving very fine details and working in low light without producing excessive image noise.”

Sven Dabelstein, Senior Manager Product Marketing, Digital Imaging Products, Panasonic Marketing Europe commented: “We’d all like to take high quality creative photos, but no-one wants to carry around complicated and heavy DSLR cameras every day. That’s why we have created something different with our LUMIX G range of interchangeable lens cameras. We’re delighted that our innovations in this area have been recognised by the EISA judges, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of imaging performance.”

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The LUMIX DMC-G3’s new 16.0-megapixel sensor, light-speed autofocus and Full HD AVCHD movie recording capabilities provide the exceptional image quality in a small sleek design that was once restricted to large, heavy DSLR cameras. The camera’s intuitive automatic shooting modes and full range of advanced features mean every kind of user can get the picture they want, when they want.

Panasonic’s state-of-the-art VIERA TX-P50VT30 has also been named ‘European Plasma TV of the year 2011-2012’ by the EISA judges. Both awards will be officially presented during the official EISA Awards Ceremony on September 2nd at the Adlon Kempinski Hotel in Berlin.

Supercharging Android: Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

Since its launch in November 2007, Android has not only dramatically increased consumer choice but also improved the entire mobile experience for users. Today, more than 150 million Android devices have been activated worldwide—with over 550,000 devices now lit up every day—through a network of about 39 manufacturers and 231 carriers in 123 countries. Given Android’s phenomenal success, we are always looking for new ways to supercharge the Android ecosystem. That is why I am so excited today to announce that we have agreed to acquire Motorola.

Motorola has a history of over 80 years of innovation in communications technology and products, and in the development of intellectual property, which have helped drive the remarkable revolution in mobile computing we are all enjoying today. Its many industry milestones include the introduction of the world’s first portable cell phone nearly 30 years ago, and the StarTAC—the smallest and lightest phone on earth at time of launch. In 2007, Motorola was a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance that worked to make Android the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. I have loved my Motorola phones from the StarTAC era up to the current DROIDs.

In 2008, Motorola bet big on Android as the sole operating system across all of its smartphone devices. It was a smart bet and we’re thrilled at the success they’ve achieved so far. We believe that their mobile business is on an upward trajectory and poised for explosive growth.

Motorola is also a market leader in the home devices and video solutions business. With the transition to Internet Protocol, we are excited to work together with Motorola and the industry to support our partners and cooperate with them to accelerate innovation in this space.

Motorola’s total commitment to Android in mobile devices is one of many reasons that there is a natural fit between our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers everywhere.

This acquisition will not change our commitment to run Android as an open platform. Motorola will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. We will run Motorola as a separate business. Many hardware partners have contributed to Android’s success and we look forward to continuing to work with all of them to deliver outstanding user experiences.

We recently explained how companies including Microsoft and Apple are banding together in anti-competitive patent attacks on Android. The U.S. Department of Justice had to intervene in the results of one recent patent auction to “protect competition and innovation in the open source software community” and it is currently looking into the results of the Nortel auction. Our acquisition of Motorola will increase competition by strengthening Google’s patent portfolio, which will enable us to better protect Android from anti-competitive threats from Microsoft, Apple and other companies.

The combination of Google and Motorola will not only supercharge Android, but will also enhance competition and offer consumers accelerating innovation, greater choice, and wonderful user experiences. I am confident that these great experiences will create huge value for shareholders.

I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.

By Larry Page, CEO of Google

May The Force Be With You… Panasonic’s Exclusive Blu-ray Promotion

Own a piece of movie history with Panasonic and Star Wars Trilogy IV-V-VI

To celebrate STAR WARS™: THE COMPLETE SAGA launching on Blu-ray September 12th, Panasonic is offering Star Wars Trilogy IV-V-VI as a Blu-ray disc collection when you buy a selected Panasonic Blu-ray product.*

This exciting promotion allows you to take home a piece of cinematographic history with the Star Wars Trilogy, movies IV, V and VI to watch in stunning HD quality for the first time!

Available with Panasonic’s new award-winning Blu-ray Players, Blu-ray Home Theatres and Blu-ray Recorders, this is truly a deal not to be missed.

Please visit www.panasonic.co.uk/starwars for full terms and conditions.

* Purchase any one of the new 2011 Blu-ray Players (BDT110, 210, 310, PWT500) or Recorders (BWT700 and BWT800) or Blu-ray Home Theatre systems (BTT270, BTT262, BTT370, BTT362, BTT775, BFT800). Promotion period: 12th August-31st December 2011 whilst stocks last.

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