Ultra Cool Gadgets

The Speedlite 430EX flash unit replaces the popular Speedlite 420EX. The Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor and includes new features to maximize digital image quality when using a flash. These include automatic selection of camera white-balance settings and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached. The Speedlite 430EX has increased its guide number to 43 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and has approximately 40% faster recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX.

An ultra-bright, two-LED configuration focus assist-beam has been designed to be compatible with all focus points within the frame of all EOS AF systems, up to 9-point AF.
- Optimum flash coverage
The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm and an integrated diffusion panel allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm.
- Ideal white balance : The Speedlite 430EX automatically transfers color temperature information to recent models of digital SLR cameras .
- E-TTL II : The Speedlite 430EX is fully compatible with the distance linked E-TTL II system found on recent EOS cameras, and supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required.
- Upgrade for control : An intuitive and ergonomic interface includes an LCD panel for clear indication of modes and settings.
- Fully synchronized : Features include 1st and 2nd curtain flash synchronization, plus manual adjustment of flash output from full to 1/64 power (7 levels).

Technical Details :
* Replaces the Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash.
* Automatic selection of camera white-balance settings and auto-adjustment of zoom flash position to match camera’s sensor size.
* Flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm; integrated diffusion panel allows extends coverage to 14mm.
* Compatible with distance-linked E-TTL II system; supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required.
* Flash head moves up from 0 to 90 degrees, left from 0 to 180 degrees, and right from 0 to 90 degrees.

Customer Feedback :
I added this flash to act as a slave to my 580ex in certain situations. This flash is phenomenal!!! The output is dead on and the exposure it gives is perfect, thanks to the ETTL-II that the 420ex lacked. Even when it’s connected to the shoe mount on the camera it’s awesome. The light weight is very much appreciated as I now tend to shoot with this as a walk around flash. Highly recommended as a backup or main flash unit!!

Beauty is in the details, and this model captures them all. The DSC-H50 is a full-featured point-and-shoot with outstanding high-power zoom capability. It includes Smile Shutter technology which captures smile the moment they happen, as well as Face Detection technology to optimize focus, exposure and color for up to eight faces. Shoot detailed images with 9.1-megapixel resolution, and bring your subjects closer with the 15x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens. Intelligent Scene Recognition automatically selects your camera’s settings based on detected lighting conditions, while Sony’s Double Anti-Blur solution helps keep your images blur-free. The DSC-H50 completes the package with a 3.0-inch ClearPhoto LCD Plus display that lets you easily view your images and menu options.

Cyber-shot DSC-H50 Highlights :
- 9.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD.
- Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens.
- 3.0-inch tilt-up Clear Photo LCD Plus Display.
- Face Detection.
- Smile Shutter technology.
- Sony Double Anti-Blur Solution.
- Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization.
- High Sensitivity (ISO 3200) mode.
- Intelligent Scene Recognition mode.
- Dynamic Range Optimization Standard & Plus.
- NightShot Infrared System.
- Variable Noise Reduction.
- Advanced Sports Shooting mode.
- Bracket Shooting mode.
- Convenient Photo modes.
- MPEG Movie VX Fine mode.
- High contrast and low chromatic aberration.
- Versatile long distance flash.
- Automatic macro shooting.

Technical Details :
* Smile Shutter technology captures smiles.
* Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization.
* HD Photo Viewing capability.
* Face Detection controls flash/focus/exposure/white bal.
* 15x optical zoom/30x digital zoom.

PROS :
- Very good optical lens range, from somewhat-wide (31mm) to 15x zoom (465mm)
- Generally good image quality.
- Excellent macro performance.
- Effective image stabilization.
- Outstanding, pivoting 3″ LCD screen.
- Feels solid and well-built.
- Lightweight.
- Good ergonomics.
- Full set of customizable photographic settings.
- Extrememly bright flash.
- Intuitive, redesigned user interface/menu system with descriptions.
- Can use up to 16Gb Memory Stick Duo.
- Very easy to use, even for novice users.
- Comes with remote control and other accessories.
- Both super zoom lens and wide-angle lens are available accessories.

CONS :
- Not quite wide-enough short end (only 31mm, not 28mm).
- Small sensor makes noise both inevitable and present, even at low ISO levels (noise reduction can be adjusted in-camera).
- Chromatic aberration/purple fringing under certain conditions.
- No true HD video (compare Panasonic DMC-TZ5).
- No RAW mode (but commonly missing now in “bridge” cameras).
- Camera carrying case not included.
- Can turn camera on with lens cap in place, allowing lens to push into lens cap; lens cap also pops off occasionally.

The FX48 features an enhanced iA mode that includes Face Recognition, a function that “remembers” registered faces. When there’s a familiar face in the frame, it optimizes the focus and exposure so that the face is in sharp focus and bright. iA mode also activates a host of functions that make it easy to get great shots.The 25mm wide-angle lens in this super-compact camera captures greater area of an ordinary 35mm lens, making it ideal for shooting group photos indoors or wide landscapes outdoors. The 5x optical zoom pulls distant subjects up close, and the exquisite rendering of the Leica DC lens lets you capture nuanced, expressive photos.

The FX48 features iA mode, a system of technologies, such as MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Auto Focus (AF) tracking, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Scene Selector, that engage automatically, without the user having to adjust any settings. Panasonic’s advanced iA also adds Face Recognition, a feature that recognizes individual faces, making it a “personal verification system” in the digital camera.
Panasonic’s newly developed Venus Engine V integrates these advanced functions and controls the camera’s operation with high speed, high performance, and low-power consumption. Beyond the power of the conventional imaging engine, the Venus Engine V has twin CPUs to boast approximately 2.4x processing capability. The Venus Engine V improves its energy efficiency by 16 percent, when compared to the Venus Engine IV, thus extending the battery life to 350 pictures (CIPA).

The DMC-FX48 can also record High Definition (1280 x 720p) motion images at 30 fps. And, using the DMW-HDC2 component cable (optional accessories), the video can output directly to a television, such as a Panasonic VIERA HDTV, for easy playback.

Technical Details :
* 12.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-size prints.
* 5x MEGA image-stabilized optical zoom; 25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica DC lens.
* Record High Definition (1280 x 720p) motion images at 30 fps.
* Intelligent Auto (iA) mode; Face Recognition feature.
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included).

Other features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 include:
* A bright 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot resolution Intelligent LCD that provides high resolution and a wide viewing angle.
* New Panorama Assist scene mode allows users to shoot a number of consistent photos, either vertically or horizontally, by aligning them according to a guide that overlaps the screen. Then using those photos and the bundled PanoramaMaker software, users can create dramatic panoramic images.
* High-Speed Burst (Speed Priority) that fires off approx. 10 shots per second.
* Macro Zoom function lets users pull subjects even closer to capture dramatic close-up shots by using the 3x digital zoom in the wide-angle.
* Bundled PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 software that features a Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in photos stored on the computer, allowing the user to easily sort files by the people photographed. Using the software, motion pictures can also be uploaded directly to YouTube.