Nikon Hong Kong released the Nikon D4, a Nikon FX-format camera that serves as the new flagship model in their lineup of digital-SLR cameras, last week in Hong Kong.

Key things to know about the new D4:

• A new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (imaging size of 36.0 × 23.9 mm)
• EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital-SLR cameras, making it the next-generation flagship Nikon digital-SLR camera.
• The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which is able to recognize human faces even when images are framed using the optical viewfinder.
• Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie movie recording function is capable of recording Full-HD movies at 30 fps, and offers three movie recording formats for selection according to recording conditions or creative intent.
• Records images to memory cards faster with built-in support for high-speed, UDMA 7-compatible CompactFlash memory cards and next-generation, high-speed XQD memory cards.
• Built-in wired LAN features, the D4 also supports high-speed image transfer via wireless LAN when the new, compact, easy-to-use Wireless Transmitter WT-5 (available separately) is connected to the camera.

Price and availability to be announced.

The iPhone app Instagram is doing wonders for the amateur photographer – so why not have those creations printed and hung in your walls?

Here’s a company we’re sure to see cloned in Hong Kong soon enough: CanvasPop prints your Instagram photos onto canvas so you can hang them in your home for instant cool interior design ideas without having to buy crazy expensive stuff from Lane Crawford Home.

It sounds a lot like how we made our own custom iPhone cases: upload your photo to the CanvasPop site, adjust the photos and then they print and send to you. We’re going to assume that the shipping is going to cost a pretty penny based on the size, but you’ll get some custom-made photos to hang or give away as gifts this Christmas.

More on their site here and here’s a video on behind-the-scenes at CanvasPop:

We saw a live demo and met the people behind Lytro at AsiaD, and we were very impressed with this new camera launching in early 2012.

Basically it looks like a rectangular Kaleidoscope with only has 2 buttons: 1 for zooming and one for releasing the shutter – besides the interesting product design (that comes in 3 colors) it’s really the technology that makes this camera amazing – no matter what kind of photo you take, you will always be able to adjust the focus when editing it on your computer later.

And you’ll be able to make 3D images instantly like this one of AsiaD’s Walt Mossberg:

Let’s let the Lytro introduce it themselves:

The 8GB models are US$400/HK$3200 and the 16GB model is US$499/HK$4000.

The Lytro is available for pre-order now but only to the US, but keep we’ll be importing some for our Neonpunch VIP’s directly.

The world of Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy comes to Hong Kong with the recently released Sony DEV-5 digital binoculars; that can take both hi-res images and HD video. This handy gadget gives users 20x magnification making it possible to capture moments that are normally too far away.

For bird watching enthusiast and ornithologists this is a piece of kit will help you find and capture videos and photos of those rare feathery little birdies with no muss or fuss. You could even probably take a nice snapshot of the rarest and must elusive of birds “fasteus furiouses” or more commonly known as The Road Runner.

The new DEV-5 digital recording binoculars from Sony will be available in Hong Kong from November 2011 at the suggested retail price of HK$15,980.

For customer enquiries, please contact Sony sales and services hotline at (852) 2345-2966.

Specifications

• Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording with stereo sound
• Up to 20x magnification
• Optical SteadyShot (Active Mode) image stabilisation for clear viewing and recording
• Minimal ‘stealth’ design with ergonomic controls
• HDMI connection to HDTV, 3D TV or Professional 3D Monitors
• Geotagging with GPS

Just before the weekend Sony launched an impressive five new image capture products for the consumer market. The new releases include two new DSLRs, two new compact digital cameras with interchangeable lenses and a digital camcorder.

The new cameras include:

• 77 DSLR Camera
• 65 DSLR Camera
• NEX-7 All-In-One Compact, Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera
• NEX-5N Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera
• NEX-VG20E a New Interchangeable Lens Full HD Camcorder

77 Alpha

Sony is expanding its range of Digital Single-lens Reflex cameras with a new A-mount model appealing to advanced, amateurs and photo enthusiasts, the Alpha 77. The new Alpha 77 camera has the fastest  burst shooting for an interchangeable lens digital camera; managing 12frames per second with a APS-C size sensor.

77 Alpha basic features

• World’s fastest 12 fps full-resolution continuous burst shooting with phase-detection AF
• 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor and newly developed BIONZ™ image processor
• Newly developed 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors
• World’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder with versatile information display
• Quick AF 1080p 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

Suggested Retail Price and Availablity

• September 22, 2011
• A77 Body only – HK$9,990
• A77 Single lens kit (with 16-50mm f/2.8) – HK$14,990
• 16-50mm F2.8 – HK$5,390
• Vertical Grip for A77 – HK$1,990

65 Alpha

Inside the sleek, compact frame of the Alpha 65 is Sony’s award-winning Translucent Mirror Technology with a 15-point AF 3 cross-sensor system and full-time continuous AF, delivering fast shooting at up to 10fps.

65 Alpha basic features

• Sony’s award-winning Translucent Mirror Technology
• 24.3 effective mega pixel Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor
• Up to 10fps continuous shooting with Full-time Continuous AF
• AVCHD Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) 50p Full HD Movie
• World’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder for high-precision and versatile shooting
• Compact design

Suggested Retail Price and Availability

• September 22, 2011
• A65 (body only)  - HK$7,490
• A65 single lens kit (with 16-50mm f/2.8) – HK$8,190
• A65 double lens kit (with 16-50mm f/2.8 & 55-200 mm f/4.0-5.6 lens) – HK$9,490

NEX-7

The NEX-7 is styled in magnesium alloy for superior strength and premium looks, and weighs in at a travel-friendly 291 grams (camera body only).It features a newly-developed ExmorTM APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixels resolution that is teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZTM image processing engine.

With the world’s fastest shutter release lag of approximately 0.02 seconds, the NEX-7 is the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital cameras in the world. On top of that, 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.

NEX-7 basic features

• 24.3 effective megapixels ExmorTM APS HD CMOS sensor
• Quick, responsive autofocus and world’s fastest (0.02 sec) release time lag
• Versatile, fast new TRI-NAVI 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 continuous mode)

Suggested Retail Price and Availability

• November, 2011.
• Price to be announced.

NEX-5N

NEX-5N from Sony offers superb responsiveness, image quality and creativity of a DSLR camera; all in a compact body. Styled in a tough, light magnesium alloy is just 23.3mm at its slimmest point. The NEX-5N is just as fast as the NEX-with a release time lag of just 0.02 seconds, and features the same improved AF system.

NEX-5N basic features

• 16.1 effective megapixels ExmorTM APS HD CMOS sensor and new BIONZTM processor enabling ISO 25,600 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

Suggested Retail Price and Availability

• September 2, 2011.
• NEX-5N (Body only) Black – HK$4,990
• NEX-5N Single Lens Kit (with 8-55 mm F/3.5-5.6) Black, White – HK$5,990
• NEX-5N Double Lens Kit (with 16 mmF/2.8 & 8-55 mm F/3.5-5.6) Black, White, Silver – HK$6,990
• Lens Mount Adaptor for A-mount lenses – HK$2,590
• FDA-EV1S Electronic Viewfinder – HK$2,390

Handycam NEX-VG20E camcorder

The new Handycam NEX-VG20E camcorder offers filmmakers a broader range filming dynamics with its inter-changeable lens option. There is 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.

The NEX-VG20E camcorder 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.

Suggested Retail Price and Availability

• End of October, 2011
• NEX-VG20E (body only) – HK$11,980
• NEX-VG20EH (body with the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens) – HK$16,98

Sony just released the α35 (SLT-A35) as the latest product in its STL range of light, compact digital cameras. Using Sony’s innovative Translucent Mirror Technology, pioneered on the α33 and α55 models, this camera enables accurate continuous autofocus whether shooting still of HD video.

The α35 premiers a new feature in its Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting function which allows 1.4x magnification of part of the image while shooting at up to 7fps. Its ability to maintain smooth and continuous tracking autofocus even in the 5.5fps drive mode makes it ideal for fast-moving action shots as well as close-up stills.

The newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, with a resolution of 16.2 effective megapixels, combined with its powerful BIONZ processor delivers stunning detail and reduced-noise for stills and HD video alike.

Sony α35 (SLT-A35) features

• DSLR-quality images with effective 16.2-megapixel Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor
• Intuitive new ‘Photo Creativity’ interface for jargon-free adjustment of picture settings
• In-camera ‘Picture Effect’ with real-time preview. Effects include Partial Colour, Retro Photo, Pop Colour, High Contrast Monochrome, Posterisation, High-key and Toy Camera and ‘Soft Skin’
• ‘Peaking’ function for more precise manual focusing
• Multi-frame imaging techniques including 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and Handheld Twilight mode
• Optional accessories including compact HVL-F20S travel flash and 30mm F3.5 E-mount macro lens

Suggested Retail Price for the Sony α35:

• SLT-A35 Body Only – HK$ 5,090
• SLT-A35K Single Lens Kit (with SAL1855) – HK$5,790
• SLT-A35Y Double Lens Kit (with SAL1855 & SAL55200) – HK$7,090

Thinner and sleeker than its predecessor, the Sony NEX-C3 not only looks better but significantly outperforms the NEX-3.

Its technical superiority is obvious in its spec sheet, but what it translates to is a DSLR-sized sensor and a DSLR-surpassing 16.2 effective megapixels providing stunning quality still shots and 720p HD video.

Where the NEX-C3 really impresses is in its user interface and impressive array of settings. You can preview the effect these will have on your photo in real-time, before taking a shot. This takes away the guesswork and helps you take exactly the photo you want without wasting time or missing that fleeting opportunity.

The new Interchangeable Lens Camera also comes with a range of pre-programmed ‘picture effect’ settings and a new ‘peaking’ function which highlights area of the picture to help you achieve a really crisp manual focus in various conditions.

Sony NEX-C3 Features:

• DSLR-quality images with effective 16.2-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensorIntuitive new ‘Photo Creativity’
• interface for jargon-free adjustment of picture settings
• In-camera ‘Picture Effect’ with real-time preview. Effects include Partial Colour, Retro Photo, Pop Colour, High Contrast Monochrome, Posterisation, High-key and Toy Camera and ‘Soft Skin’
• ‘Peaking’ function for more precise manual focusing
• Multi-frame imaging techniques including 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and Handheld Twilight mode
• Optional accessories including compact HVL-F20S travel flash and 30mm F3.5 E-mount macro lens

Suggested Retail Price for the Sony NEX-C3 in Hong Kong:

• Single Lens Kit (with SEL16F28) – HK$ 4,990
• Single Lens Kit (with SEL1855) – HK$ 4,990
• Double Lens Kit (with both) – HK$ 5,990
• SEL30M35 – HK$ 1,990
• HVL-F20S (Flash) – HK$1,090

Have you ever forgotten to take a tripod with you or decided not to because it was too inconvenient to lug around and then regretted it?

Well Manfrotto Hong Kong has made a handy little tripod that it so compact small and light that it can easily fit in any shirt pocket. Manfrotto has come up with the POCKET that comes in two options, one which is made for digital compact cameras and a second designed for use with larger DSLR sized cameras.

Now with Manfrotto’s name you know you are getting a quality product the POCKET series guarantees a long-lasting support solution through its all-metal construction and robust components. The integral concept of the POCKET supports is to ensure an effortless operation yet a durable and robust support solution.

On top of a mountain, on a long stretch of beach or with your friends or family, the POCKET support can allow you to capture all of your special moments with ease. You no longer have to remain behind the camera: now with the POCKET you get into the shots you want to be in, and you are left with shake-free, clearer images.

Manfrotto was generous enough to give us a POCKET for testing and we have to say we were nervous about using it with our Canon D500, but as you can see from our photos the POCKET really works.

The POCKET comes in two colours black and grey.

The suggested retail prices of the Manfrotto Pocket series are as follows:

• MP3-D01 / MP3-D02 – $280 (for larger DSLR sized cameras)
• MP1-C01 / MP1-C02 – $180 (for digital compact cameras)

Retail locations of the Manfrotto Pocket series

• Broadway Photo Supply Ltd. – 3144 1889
• Sunning Citicall Appliance Ltd.– 2696 9616
• Wing Shing Photo Supplies Co. Ltd.– 2396 6886
• Man Shing Photo Supplies Co. Ltd. – 2396 2996
• Tin Cheung Camera Company – 2722 1386(HK Island) / 2722 1265(Kowloon)
• DC Fever – 2834 3112 (HK Island) / 2781 1780 (Kowloon)

Customer service hotline – 2327 672

Nikon Hong Kong has released a new entry level digital SLR camera the D5100 at the Assaggio Trattoria Italiana Restaurant, Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai.

The D5100 is the latest Nikon DX format digital SLR camera it features a horizontal swing out, vari-angle monitor for better viewing. This feature is exactly the same as Canon’s 60D and 600D cameras and was obviously included in a move that can bes be described as trying to keep up with the Jones’.

The new Nikon DSLR is also equipped with the D-Movie function that supports recording of full-HD (1920 × 1080p, 30p) movies, as well as a Special Effects mode with which a variety of special effects can be applied to still images and movies.

D5100 Primary Features

• A high-resolution Nikon DX-format 16.2 mega pixels CMOS image sensor.
• 3-in., approximately 921k-dot vari-angle monitor with wide viewing angle and increased visibility
• D-Movie for recording and editing of Full-HD movies
• The first Nikon digital-SLR camera to offer Special Effects mode that include Selective color; Color sketch, Miniature effect, and Night vision.

Additional Features and Functions

• High-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 4 fps1,and a very precise and durable shutter unit that has passed testing for 100,000 cycles.
• Equipped with Quiet shutter-release mode for shooting in situations in which quieter shutter operation is desired
• Infrared receivers for remote control operation on the front and back of the camera enable wireless control over the shutter from both in front of and behind the camera (optional ML-L3 wireless remote control supported).
• Equipped with 16 scene modes that enable the simple capture of beautiful photos of the desired scene with automatic optimization of camera settings
• Built-in HDMI-CEC compatibility enables control over playback of still images and movies using the television’s remote control when the camera is connected to a high-definition TV via the HDMI connector.

Suggested Retail price for the Nikon D5100

• Body – HK$5,780.00
• Body + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G Zoom-Nikkor kit lens – HK$6,780

For all the ins and outs check out the Nikon D5100 HERE

We get invited up to Canon Hong Kong’s offices several times a year and with each invite we are told what they are launching, but this time the Japanese camera maker omitted to inform us what product they were showcasing.

This led to a lot of speculation amongst local tech reporters what would be unveiled at the press conference. There was quite a bit of buzz that it would be the 600D and as it turned out it was Canon’s newest entry-level DSLR making its Hong Kong debut.

Canon raises the bar for digital SLR camera again with launch of the EOS 600D. Bringing in all-around advancements including the newest “A+” Scene Intelligent Auto mode, a Feature Guide and the “Basic+” Function that allow easy operation. Plus a vari-angle LCD screen, an exciting world of photography is now open for beginners.

The new model features an 18-megapixel CMOS Sensor with a 9-point auto-focus system and a wide range of ISO 100-6400 sensitivity. The EOS 600D introduces a new “Video Snapshot” function and up to 10x digital zoom, for video recording in Full HD.

New features include several creative filters Grainy B/W, Soft focus, Fish-eye effect, Toy camera effect, and Miniature effect. Also users can make copies of their hi-res images and resize them down to smaller ones for quicker uploading to the web.

For full specifications and features check out Canon’s 600D web page.

Suggested Retail Price

• EOS 600D Body HK$6,480
• EOS 600D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II kit set HK$7,280
• EOS 600D with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit set HK$8,980
• Battery Grip BG-E8 HK$1,260
• Battery Pack LP-E8 HK$ 560
• Battery Charger LC-E8E HK$480
• AC Adapter Kit ACK-E8 HK$ 630
• DC Coupler DR-E8 HK$190