Nikon D7000

The Nikon D7000^[2] is a 16.2-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) model announced by Nikonon September 15, 2010. At the time of announcement, it was a new class of camera placed between the professional D300S and the midrange D90.^[3][4][5][6] The D7000 offers numerous professional-style features over the D90, such as magnesium alloy body construction, weather and moisture sealing, a 2,016-segment color exposure meter, built-in timed interval exposure features, 39 rather than 11 focus points, dual SD memory card slots, virtual horizon (in live view and viewfinder) and compatibility with older non-CPUautofocus and manual-focus AI and AI-S Nikon F-mount lenses (including an electronic rangefinder with three-segment viewfinder manual focus indication) as well as tilt-shift PC-E lenses. Other built-in features are a wireless flash commander, two user-customizable modes, full HD video with autofocus and mono audio (With support for an external stereo microphone), automatic correction of lateral chromatic aberration and support for GPS and WLAN.

In 2011, the D7000 received four major awards, the Red Dot product design, TIPA's "Best D-SLR Advanced" category, EISA's "European Advanced SLR Camera 2011-2012" and the CameraGP Japan 2011 Readers Award.^{[7][8][9][10]}

The D7000 was superseded by the D7100, announced on February 20, 2013.^[11] However, Nikon is expected to keep the D7000 in its product lineup for at least several months

Feature list[edit]

• Sony IMX071^[13] 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, Nikon DX format with a pixel size of 4.78 µm.
• Nikon EXPEED 2 image/video processor.
• Full HD 1080p (at 24 frame/s) movie mode with auto-focus while filming, mono sound, and stereo external mic support. (30 frame/s or 25 frame/s or 24 frame/s when recording at 720p)
• Automatic correction of lateral chromatic aberration for JPEGs. Correction-data is additionally stored in RAW-files and can be used by Nikon Capture NX, View NX and some other RAW tools.
• Enhanced built-in RAW processing with extended Retouch menu for image processing without using a computer.
• Active D-Lighting and Active D-Lighting bracketing; also D-Lighting which can be applied to a JPEG using an Image Editing feature in Playback mode; Nikon Capture NX and View software include tools for applying D-Lighting to NEF format photos.
• Two user-customisable modes
• Many WB options including WB Bracketing and two auto white balance modes, one of which maintainins warm lighting colours
• 3-inch TFT LCD with 921,000-dot resolution (640x480 VGA) and 170-degree ultra-wide viewing angle with toughened glass screen
• Live View shooting mode (activated with a dedicated lever)
• Inbuilt time-lapse photography intervalometer
• Continuous Drive up to 6 frames per second for 100 JPEG frames (but not necessarily all at the same frame rate).^[14]
• Memory Buffer Capacity: Varies with image format, 10 image capacity in NEF (RAW) Lossless Compressed 14-bit format (Highest resolution available format) and can store up to 100 with JPEG.^[15]
• 2,016-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System.
• 3D Tracking Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus sensor module with 39 AF points, including nine cross-type points.
• Face detection, Wide Area, Normal Area, and Subject Tracking autofocus options in live view mode.
• ISO sensitivity 100 to 6400 (up to 25600 with boost).
• Bracketing
• Dual SD memory card slots with support for SDXC cards, UHS-I bus, and Eye-Fi Wireless LAN
• Weather-resistant, sealed body that has Magnesium-alloy top and back panels.
• Built-in Sensor cleaning system
• Support for optional GPS unit direct connect.
• File formats: JPEG, NEF (Nikon's RAW, 12/14-bit also lossless compressed), MOV (H.264, PCM).
• EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery, Battery Life (shots per charge) approx. : 1,050 shots (CIPA).
• Lens compatibility: Nikkor F Mount, AF-S, AF-I, AF-D, Manual Nikkor AI/AIS (metering use built-in coupling on D7000)
• 
  

Reviews[edit]

Since its release, the D7000 has received many favorable reviews, with some commenting that the D7000 is a viable alternative to the more expensive D300S and an upgrade over the D90.^[43][44][45]Digital Photography Review awarded the camera an overall score of 80%, praising its feature set and image quality.^[45] The D7000 received four out of five stars and the Editor's choice award in CNET's review.^[46]

DxO Labs awarded its sensor an overall score of 80,^[47] above much more expensive competitors.^[48][49] The main point of criticism by reviewers is the small buffer which limits the number of shots in burst mode especially when shooting RAW.

There are image comparisons with many cameras at all ISO speeds in JPEG^[50] and RAW.^[51]

Matrix Metering II and detected faces[edit]

The 3D Color Matrix Metering II tends to overexpose minor parts of the image (e.g. sky or bright back-lights) if it detects faces near the image center that are darker (e.g. in shadow) than these minor parts.^[52] This feature is sometimes surprising due to reliable scene recognition and face detection (including side-view of faces) of the new high-resolution sensor, even if there are only strangers (in the dark) near the image center.^[53]

If not wanted, the metering can be changed with exposure compensation, two-point (average) metering, metering on the bright lights or use of center-weighted or spot metering, fill flash or RAW images.^[54][55] Increasing the dynamic range by use of Active D-Lighting or reducing the contrast settings (the default contrast is higher compared to previous Nikon DSLRs) aids when shooting JPEGs. After taking the image, contrast and brightness can easily be changed in camera.

User response[edit]

The D7000 was very much anticipated by Nikon consumers. The hype around its release made it very hard to find during the first months on the market.^[56][57]Supplies of this camera were also limited after the destruction of some Nikon manufacturing facilities in Thailand by the flooding in October 2011.^[58] Many users have complained about back-focus problems on the D7000, as well as dust and oil spots on early production models

Firmware hacks[edit]

Several hacks have been published by Simon Pilgrim on Nikon Hacker internet forum and Vitaliy Kiselev on his personal website. Nikon Hacker has several people working on the hacks. The published hacks, among few others, include removing the time limit for video recording, clean HDMI and LCD on LiveView, disabling automatic hot-pixel removal (also known as Nikon Star Eater) and higher data rate for video recording. Several other hacks are under development but not yet published.

June 2013 Simon Pilgrim was able to enable RAW video recording but the frame rate (roughly 1.5 frames per second) is not high enough to be useful. The hack is not yet published

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Canon EOS 7D

The Canon EOS 7D is a professional^[2] cropped sensor digital single-lens reflex camera made by Canon.^[3] It was announced on 1 September 2009 with a suggested retail price of US$1,699.^[1][4] Among its features are an 18.0 effective megapixel CMOS sensor, HD video recording, its 8.0 frames per second continuous shooting, new viewfinder which offers 1.0X magnification and 100% coverage, 19-point auto-focus system, movie mode, and built-in Speedlite transmitter.^[3]

The 7D remained in Canon's model lineup without replacement for slightly more than five years—the longest product cycle for any EOS camera.^[2] Its successor was the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, announced on 15 September 2014

Features[edit]

• 18.0 effective megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Dual DIGIC 4 image processors with 14-bit processing^[3]
• Liveview mode
• 100% viewfinder frame coverage with 1.0× magnification
• 1080p HD video recording at 24p, 25p and 30p with drop frame timing
• 720p HD video recording at 50p (50 Hz) and 60p (59.94 Hz)^[5]
• 480p ED video recording at 50p (50 Hz) and 60p (59.94 Hz)
• 8.0 frames per second continuous shooting
• ISO sensitivity 100–6400 (expandable to 12,800)
• 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD screen with 640 × 480 (921,600 dots) resolution
• 19 point auto-focus system, all cross-type. Center point is high precision, double cross-type at f/2.8 or faster
• 63 zone color sensitive metering system
• built-in Speedlite transmitter
• Magnesium alloy body
• Popup flash
• Weather sealing
• The 7D has dual DIGIC 4 processors and can reach 8 frames per second continuous shooting. When the camera was first released, the buffer throughput allowed up to 94 frames in large fine JPEG mode, and up to 15 frames in RAW. Firmware upgrades, most recently in August 2012 (see immediately below), have increased the maximum buffer size to 130 large fine JPEGs and 25 RAW files.

  Firmware updates[edit]

  On 6 August 2012, new firmware v2.0 was released^[7] with the following enhancements:^[8]
  • Improved maximum burst for RAW images (up to 25)
  • In-camera RAW image editing
  • In-camera Image Rating
  • In-camera JPEG resizing
  • Maximum Auto ISO setting (ISO 400-6400)
  • Manual audio level adjustment in movie recording
  • Support for the Canon GP-E2 GPS unit
  • File name customisation
  • Time zone settings
  • Faster scrolling of magnified images
  • Quick control screen during playback
  On 12 September 2012, Canon introduced the v2.0.3 firmware update with the following changes:^[9]
  • Fix for a phenomenon in which the camera stops working when the auto power off setting takes effect
  • Fix a phenomenon in which the maximum number of images that can be captured in a burst may be less than the actual number displayed in the viewfinder
  • Corrections for some errors in the message displayed when saving RAW images developed in the camera
  On 2 December 2013, Canon introduced the v2.0.5 firmware update with the following changes:^[10]
  • Fixes a phenomenon in which the image files cannot be transferred using the FTP protocol via USB cable after the Canon EOS 7D camera has established a wireless connection to the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E5A.

  Accessories[edit]

  According to Canon's website,^[11] the EOS 7D model comes equipped with:
  • EOS 7D Digital SLR Body
  • Eyecup
  • Camera Cover R-F-3
  • Wide Strap EW-EOS7D
  • Battery Charger LC-E6
  • Battery Pack LP-E6
  • Stereo AV Cable AV-DC400ST
  • Interface Cable IFC-200U

  Awards[edit]

  The Canon EOS 7D won the 2010–2011 European Advanced SLR Camera^[12] and the Technical Image Press Association Best DSLR Expert awards.^[13]

  Video[edit]

  The Canon EOS 7D offers the ability to record audio from an external source. Both shutter and aperture are available for manual control, and the 7D also provides multiple frame rate options, including three that match the HD television timing specs. Like most DSLR modes, the Canon 7D neglects endless autofocus during video recording, which is a great concern for advanced amateurs with pros likely to focus manually nonetheless. Separate movie clips that are captured by the Canon EOS 7D are limited to twelve minutes in the high definition 1080p and 720p modes, or 24 minutes in the standard definition VGA mode, depending on what Compact Flash Card is being used. Larger memory cards make for longer video lengths and are available in multiple sizes for the camera.^[6]
  The Canon 7D has acquired significance in the independent filmmaking world as an affordable alternative to digital cinema cameras. The camera was used on the feature film

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HTC One A9

The HTC One A9 is an Android smartphone manufactured and marketed by HTC. It was officially announced on October 20, 2015.^[2][3] It is the successor to the One M9 in the United States; but in global markets, it was sold alongside the One M9 as a mid-range offering.^[4] It was launched as an effort to improve the revenue of HTC's smartphone business after the failure of the One M9.^[5]

It features a unibody aluminum frame with a Super AMOLED HD display and Dolby Surround sound for headphones. It also features a fingerprint sensor which can be used to unlock the phone. It is the first non-Nexus device to be pre-installed with Android Marshmallow and the first non-CDMA phone that is compatible to work with the Verizon network in the United States.^[6][7]

It received mixed reviews following its release. While many critics lent specific praise to its construction and fingerprint scanner, other aspects have generally received indifferent or mixed reception. Some thought that its price point was too high, while others thought it was a clone of the iPhone 6. In November 2015, HTC reported a 15 percent increase in overall revenue

Software[edit]

The device is pre-installed with a customized version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow along with a lighter version of the Sense 7 as the user interface utilizing stock android experience which is known as Sense 7G.^[25] Unlike the Sense 6 and 7 used on other devices, the Sense 7G utilizes the material design as the default color scheme, the stock notification and recent apps menu are used instead of the HTC's own design of notification and recent apps menu.^[25] The color schemes, icons, sounds, and fonts throughout the operating system can be customized by using HTC Themes where the users can create their own themes or download additional themes.^[26] It is also the first non-Nexus device to come pre-installed with Android Marshmallow.^[27]

Pre-loaded applications on the A9 provide access to Google’s various services, including Google Play, which can be used to download and purchase apps, music, movies, and e-books. The phone also features HTC's software suite such as BlinkFeed, Gallery which supports to display and edit images in RAW format and Zoe which allows users to collaborate on highlight reels but it no longer features the HTC's Music app and instead comes pre-installed with Google Play Music.^[25][28] The phone utilizes the Marshmallow features such as Google Now on Tap which allows users to perform searches within the context of information currently being displayed in an app, a new power management system that reduces background activity when a device is not being physically handled which is known as "Doze", native support for fingerprint recognition and the ability to migrate data to a microSD card and use it as primary storage, as well as other internal changes.^[25]

HTC has committed to provide software updates for the unlocked variant of the phone within 15 days after the software update for the Nexus devices released byGoogle.^[a][29][30] They have also mentioned that the users of the unlocked variant of the device can unlock the bootloader without voiding the warranty of the phone

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Samsung Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is an Android smartphone produced by Samsung Electronics and was first shown publicly on March 14, 2013 at Samsung Mobile Unpacked in New York City. It is the successor to the Galaxy S III which maintains a similar design, but with upgraded hardware and an increased focus on software features that take advantage of its hardware capabilities—such as the ability to detect when a finger is hovered over the screen, and expanded eye tracking functionality.^[8][9] A hardware variant of the S4 became the first smartphone to support the emerging LTE Advanced mobile network standard.^[11]

The S4 was made available in late April 2013 on 327 carriers in 155 countries.^[12] It became Samsung's fastest selling smartphone, with 20 million sold worldwide in the first two months,^[13] and 40 million in the first six months

Hardware[edit]

The Samsung Galaxy S4 uses a refined version of the hardware design introduced by the Samsung Galaxy S III, with a rounded, polycarbonate chassis and a removable rear cover. It is slightly lighter and narrower than the Samsung Galaxy S III, with a length of 136.6 mm (5.38 in), a width of 69.8 mm (2.75 in), and a thickness of 7.9 mm (0.31 in). At the bottom of the device is a microphone and a microUSB port for data connections and charging; it also supportsUSB-OTG and MHL 2.0. Near the top of the device are a front-facing camera, infrared, proximity, and ambient light sensors, and a notification LED. In particular, the infrared sensor is used for the device's "Air View" features. Aheadphone jack, secondary microphone and infrared blaster are located at the top.^[15] The S4 is widely available in black and white color finishes; in selected regions, Samsung also introduced versions in red, purple, pink, brown with gold trim, and light pink with gold trim.^{[16][17][18][19]} In late-January 2014, Samsung's Russian website briefly listed a new black model with a plastic leather backing, similar to the Galaxy Note 3.^[20] The S4's display is larger than its predecessor, with a 5-inch (130 mm), 1080p PenTile RGBG Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 441 PPI, andCorning Gorilla Glass 3.^[15] Unlike previous models, the S4 does not contain FM radio support, citing the increased use of online media outlets for content consumption on mobile devices.^[21]

Galaxy S4 models use one of two processors, depending on the region and network compatibility. The S4 version for North America, most of Europe, parts of Asia, and other countries contains Qualcomm's Snapdragon 600 system-on-chip, containing a quad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300 CPU and an Adreno 320 GPU. The chip also contains a modem which supports LTE.^[22][23] Other models include Samsung's Exynos 5 Octa system-on-chip with a heterogeneous CPU. Theocta-core CPU comprises a 1.6 GHz quad-core Cortex-A15 cluster and a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 cluster.^[12][24]The chip can dynamically switch between the two clusters of cores based on CPU usage; the chip switches to the A15 cores when more processing power is needed, and stays on the A7 cores to conserve energy on lighter loads. Only one of the clusters is used at any particular moment, and software sees the processor as a single quad-core CPU.^[22][24][25] The SoC also contains an IT tri-core PowerVR SGX 544 graphics processing unit (GPU). Regional models of the S4 vary in support for LTE; for Exynos 5-based models, while the E300K/L/S versions support LTE, with the Cortex-A15 also clocked at 1.6 GHz.^[26][27][28] the GT-I9500 model does not.^[29] The S4 GT-I9505 includes a multiband LTE transceiver.^[8]

On 24 June 2013, a variant supporting LTE Advanced, the first commercially available device to do so, was announced for South Korea.^[11]

The S4 comes with either 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage, which can be supplemented with up to an additional 64 GB with a microSD card slot.^[30] The S4 contains a 2600 mAh, NFC-enabled battery

The S4 was originally released with Android 4.2.2 and Samsung's TouchWiz Nature UX 2interface. Head tracking features have been extended on the S4; the new "Smart Scroll" feature can be used to scroll while looking at the screen by slightly tilting head or phone forward or backward,^[31] and "Smart Pause" allows the video player to pause videos if the user is not looking at the screen. "Air View" and "Air Gestures" implement gestures and other functionality (such as previewing images or messages) by holding or swiping a hand or finger slightly above the screen, similarly to Samsung's Galaxy Note series, and adds a feature known as "Quick Glance", which uses the proximity sensor to wake the phone so it can display notifications. The "Group Play" feature allows ad hoc sharing of files between Galaxy phones, along with multiplayer games and music streaming between S4 phones. The S4 also introduces Knox in the Android 4.3 update, a suite of features which implements a sandbox for enterprise environments that can co-exist with a user's "personal" data. Knox incorporates use of the ARM TrustZone extensions and security enhancements to the Android platform.^[32]

The camera app implements numerous new features (some of which were first seen on the Galaxy Camera), including an updated interface, and new modes such as "Drama" (which composes a moving element from multiple shots into a single photo), "Eraser" (which takes multiple shots and allows the user to remove unnecessary elements from a picture), "Dual Shot" (which uses the front-facing camera for a picture-in-picture effect), "Sound and Shot" (which allows the user to record a voice clip alongside a photo), "Animated Photo", and "Story Album" among others. The S4 also supports High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), a next-generation video codec.^[8][9][33] Other new pre-loaded apps include WatchOn (anelectronic program guide that can utilize the S4's infrared transmitter to be a remote control), S Translator, the workout tracker S Health, S Voice Drive, S Memo, TripAdvisor, and an optical character recognition app.^[34] The previous "Hub" apps from past Samsung devices were replaced by a single Samsung Hub app, with access to music, e-books, and games that can be purchased by users.^[15] To take a screenshot a user can can simply swipe their hand on the screen from one end to other horizontally

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