Did you know that our Photolaunch on-line photo finishing site can now print photos from Facebook?

Photolaunch just added the option of either uploading photo files from your computer or from your Facebook albums! Just follow the prompts when you click the Facebook icon and get that great photo that you were only able to see online as a print.! You can order your prints online & pick them up in an hour or have them mailed directly to you…or someone else. Please note that Facebook photos are usually uploaded (unless it was done in HQ) in a fairly low resolution so we suggest that you make prints no larger than 4×6 unless you know it was uploaded in HQ. Please call or email us if you have any questions. One question to you; Have you Photolaunched yet? Try it today!

Our thanks to the 13 students who came out to our “DSLR Basics” class last night. Great fun and hopefully some great photos as a result (One student bought in a photo book that he produced with images he shot with the D5100 he bought over the holidays! Such excitement is infectious and can be produced just by taking pics with your new DSLR!) We’ll change it up a bit next week and give our “HD Video with Your DSLR & Camcorder” class that we offer quarterly. That’s next Thursday (1/26) at 7PM. Come join us!

One of the newly introduced cameras we’re eager to see when it arrives is Canon’s new PowerShot ELPH 520 HS. Showcasing Canon’s advanced lens innovation, the ELPH 520 HS packs an impressive 12x optical zoom into a tiny, 19.2 mm body, making it the slimmest camera of its type in the world. Available in four sophisticated colors ( red, blue, black & silver as shown), the ELPH 520 HS epitomizes the PowerShot line with a futuristic, metallic finish and minimalist design. It features a host of Canon’s advanced imaging technologies to help achieve the best shot in all conditions – from dimly-lit restaurants to the tropical sun. The 520HS features Canon’s HS System, combining the 10.1 MP sensor with their latest DIGIC 5 image processor, capturing detailed, flattering shots without needing to use the flash, even in low light.

Getting closer to the action is now even easier thanks to the incredible wide-angle, 12x optical zoom, which fully retracts into the glossy, futuristic, metal body – paying homage to the minimalist design heritage of the ELPH series. Canon’s ZoomPlus technology lets users zoom in even more, with more visible detail and sharpness than conventional digital zoom, extending the cameras’ zoom range beyond the maximum focal length of the lens. With ZoomPlus, the ELPH 520 HS can reach up to 21x magnification!

High-speed shooting features allow users to capture the moment in a different way. Freeze fast-paced action with High-speed Burst mode or capture the perfect dive or dramatic race finish-line with Super Slow Motion Movie mode to slow down the action.For those moving moments that are perfect for video, both models are equipped with the ability to capture Full HD (1080p) video using the optical zoom, the ELPH 520 HS also records sound in stereo, movies can also be enjoyed on a larger screen thanks to the integrated HDMI-CEC port. Canon’s Movie Digest feature has also been improved. When Movie Digest mode has been selected, the four seconds preceding each image will be captured in a 720p HD video clip. Then all the clips from one day are combined into a movie bonus reel to tell the story behind a day’s or evening’s photos.

We teased you in our last post of the camera having “age recognition”; It’s part of their Face ID program & the gist of it is that  Face ID works with Smart Auto to ensure that those who matter most to you always look their best in photos. By registering a person along with their age in the camera’s memory, the face will then be recognised and Smart Auto will automatically apply the most appropriate settings to capture a great shot, based on their age and activity, as well as the ambient scene. For example, after identifying a sleeping baby as the subject, the camera will disable the flash and any camera sounds and brighten the image to achieve a more flattering, beautiful image. If the subjects are recognised as children of more than two years of age, playing in bright sunlight, the camera will anticipate movement and engage continuous shooting and Servo AF to help you capture crisp shots with clear detail. We’ll have to try this out when it comes in…

The ELPH 520HS and it’s little brother, the 5x zoom ELPH 110 will be available sometime in February for a suggested retail price of $299 & $199, respectably. If you’re intrigued enough to want one, call or email us to preorder.  More camera intros coming later in the week and a reminder that our photo class of the week is “Digital SLR Basics” on Thursday (1/19) at 7PM.

The PMA/CES Show in Las Vegas ends today and with that, we have a glimpse of the direction that the photo and video manufacturers will taking the market in 2012. There were so many introductions,  it’s best we refer you to c/net’s blog post on the best photo/video products of CES 2012: http://ces.cnet.com/ces-photo-video/?tag=rtcol;contentAux.1. We’ll cover some of the other new items that have been introduced next week, including a series of Canon point & shoots that have “age detection technology”! Hmmmmm…

Thanks to our 25 students who came out last night to our 2 basic photo classes. Our “Mirrorless Camera Basics” class was particually informative and lots of fun as students found out what you can actually do with cameras like the Nikon 1 and Sony NEX! We’ll have another mirrorless class in the spring;. Meanwhile, we’ll be going back to our normal one class per week schedule next week with “Digital SLR Basics” next Thursday (1/19) at 7PM.

FYI: As I was tweeting this info, I ran across a very informative article from BBC News called ” 5 Ways The Digital Camera Changed Us “. We briefly discuss in each photo class how digital photography has evolved and this article affirms what we’ve discussed and more. Here it is: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16483509

Leave it to Canon to go in a totally new direction in camera introductions in 2012. While it was rumored that they would join the ranks of mirrorless camera manufacturers (and they still may), they instead introduced a whole new animal in the PowerShot G line. May we present you the G1X…

Introduced this morning at CES in Las Vegas, The Canon PowerShot G1X is a revolutionary new compact camera with a large CMOS sensor, designed to produce DSLR levels of image quality and control in a highly portable metal body. Created for professional and serious photographers, the PowerShot G1 X creates a prestigious new category at the top of Canon’s legendary G-series line-up, and redefines the performance achievable from a compact camera. Incorporating Canon-developed technologies and expertise trusted by professionals worldwide, the PowerShot G1 X offers a level of image quality previously only possible with a Canon DSLR. It’s Canon’s first compact camera to feature a large, 4:3 aspect, 14.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor measuring 18.7mm x 14mm – similar in height to the APS-C sensors used within EOS DSLR models. Featuring the same pixel size and structure as the EOS T3I, and a surface area approximately 6.3 times larger than the sensor in the acclaimed PowerShot G12, it provides DSLR image quality in a body small enough to carry anywhere.

The increased sensor size allows photographers to have greater control over the depth of field, with increased potential to creatively and artistically isolate a subject from its background. Improved dynamic range enables users to accurately capture shadows and highlights within the same frame, while the 14.3 Megapixel resolution allows for the output of large-sized prints, or permits images to be cropped for more powerful compositions. The PowerShot G1 X supports Full HD (1080p) movie capture instantly at 24fps, via a dedicated movie button. Taking advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor, users can experience high quality movies, even in low light conditions, with the shallow depth of field associated with a larger sensor. Additionally, the 4x optical zoom can be used while filming, offering versatility, while stereo sound is also captured. Key features include:

• Large 14.3 MP CMOS, DIGIC 5, HS System
• Compact 4x zoom; Intelligent IS
• 7.5 cm (3.0″) vari-angle LCD; OVF
• Full Manual, RAW, DPP
• Full HD, HDMI
• High-speed Burst HQ
• Smart Auto
• Extensive accessories
• HDR mode and ND filter
• Optional waterproof case

The G1 X  will begin shipping sometime in February 2012 with a suggested selling price of $799.95. Please call or e-mail us if you wish to pre-order.  With all the different types of cameras out there, we understand that you may be a tad confused and need a little help. We’re here to give a hand and on Thursday, we’ll have our 2nd week of 2 basic classes; Our 1st “Mirrorless Camera Basics ” class for those who bought or have an Olympus PEN, Sony NEX or Nikon 1 camera from 6-7 PM followed by “Digital Point & Shoot Basics” from 7to 8 PM. Come join us on Thursday, or check our schedule for classes through the 1st week of March. (Canon G1X photo courtesy of  Canon)

After months of rumors, Nikon finally introduced last night the long awaited replacement to their top of the line Nikon D3S – The Nikon D4!

The Nikon D4 will use a 16.2-megapixel FX-format (aka full-frame) CMOS sensor that can shoot at up to 11 frames per second and capture full 1080p HD video. Here’s a rundown of the specs on this camera:

• 16.2MP Full-Frame (FX-format) sensor, sized at 36 x 23.9mm

• 91,000-pixel sensor dedicated for 3D Color Matrix metering to assist with autofocus and scene recognition

• EXPEED 3 image processor

• Back-illuminated buttons

• 51-point AF System which is same as in previous model but with new cross-type sensors

• ISO range from 50 to 204,800 (WHAT!?!)

• 10 frames per second still shooting for up to 200 JPEGs; 11 fps shooting but focus and exposure are locked at the first frame

• Full 1080p HD video at 30p; 720p shooting at 60p for slow motion

• 0.012 second start time; shutter lag rate at 0.0042 second (same as previous model)

• Two memory card slots: one for CompactFlash cards, the other for new XQD memory cards

• 3.2-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen on back

The Nikon D4 is slated to ship in late February 2012 and will have a suggested selling price of $5999.95.  Availabilty will be very limited at first, so if you wish to pre-order to the first on the block to have it, come in or call us ASAP! For more information on the camera, please go to Nikon’s webpage on the camera: http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d4/

Our many thanks to the 40+ folks who joined us last night for our first photo basics classes of the year! It was BY FAR our best turnout and a good time was had by all, along with some enthusiastic students ready to take better pictures! We’ll have 2 classes again next Thursday: Our new ” Mirrorless Camera Basics“  class from 6 to 7 PM followed by “Digital Point & Shoot Basics” from 7 to 8 PM. Check out our schedule to the right of this blog post for classes up to the 1st week of March 2012 (Nikon D4 image courtesy of Nikon USA).

We hope everyone had a good holiday and are back in the swing of things for 2012. And if part of that is getting to know that new camera you got for the holidays, then we’re ready to help!

Camera Wholesalers’ basic photo classes for 2012 will resume tomorrow night (1/5) with 2 classes;  Our first class will be Digital Point & Shoot Basics from 6 to 7PM,  followed by Digital SLR Basics from 7 to 8 PM. We guarantee that within an hour, you’ll know the basics of using your camera to get your best pictures ever! If you’ve bought a camera or lens from us during the 2011 calender year (or the first days of 2012), the the class for you and a guest is FREE! If you haven’t, then the fee for the class is $25.00, which will be collected before you join the class in the front of the store (we’ll be meeting in the rear of the store by the large video screen). Many who have taken the class before say that the lesson is well worth the $25  in quality & content and that classes elsewhere are charging much more!

If you can’t make make it tomorrow night, don’t worry! Take a look at our schedule to the right of this blog post and you’ll see that these classes will be given again in the near future and our classes go on year-round (except for the month of December). So come join us if you can tomorrow night – Hope to see you then!

We wonder as 2011 comes to an end, what memory or event will come to mind years from now when we think of this soon ending year. Will it be the earthquake in Japan or the devastation of Joplin, Missouri? The Royal Wedding, The uprisings in Egypt & Libya or our solemn rememberances of September 11th? Just like last year, we share with you Yahoo’s Year in Review 2011 which capsulates the major events of this turbulent year in just over 4 minutes!  Click & enjoy! http://yearinreview.yahoo.com/2011/blog/7055/2011-a-choronological-look-back/

For us at Camera Wholesalers, it’s the end of our 32nd year serving the Fairfield County community and we’re pleased to start another with our sincere thanks to each one of you. Again, we realize that you have any number of choices, both online and off to purchase your photographic equiptment & processing. We are grateful you’ve chosen us and we pledge to continue to serve you with the personalized attention and respect you deserve. We hope to offer more classes & services to assist you in 2012 and we still have some great holiday deals on cameras, lenses & more so come on in!

From the Smith family, Brian, Tim, Richard, Kim, Erik, Fred, Todd, Sofia, Lise and our canine family members Indiana & Blu, our sincere wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012! We’ll be closed on New Year’s Day & Monday January 2nd. We’ll reopen on Tuesday January 3rd at 10 AM.

PS- Thanks to the kind folks who filled our huge Toys for Tots box several times over the holiday season and to George Ducanic & the great folks at Toys for Tots’ Lower Fairfield County Chapter for a job well done!!!