Holiday Photographer's Gift Guide, $500 or Less

Holiday Photographer's Gift Guide $500 or Less | http://photorec.tvPut together a wish list of fantastic photography gear for the upcoming holidays that won't break the bank for your family and friends! 

Prime lenses

Prime lenses are a fantastic value for any photographer, regardless of your budget. If you're brand new to shooting with prime lenses, the 50mm f/1.8 (Canon | Nikon) is a terrific place to start. 50mm is a versatile focal length for portraits, street photography, styled shoots, and much more. If you already own the 50mm 1/.8 or are more interested in other focal lengths, the 40mm f/2.8, 60mm f/2.8, and 85mm f/1.8 are also great options for Canon shooters. Nikon has the 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8. For Sony shooters, Sigma offers a selection of prime lenses for under $500, including the 19mm f/2.8, 30mm f/1.4, and 60mm f/2.8.

Filters

Many photographers are intimated to purchase filters. High-end filters are expensive, and numerous professionals bash budget filters, discouraging photographers from using them. While you can skip the cheap UV filters, budget CPL and neutral density filters are quality products. Purchasing budget filters also allows you to test the gear at a low price point. You can always upgrade later. Tiffen and Altura are both great budget filter brands for CPL filters. I own the Altura neutral density filter set, which is an ideal starter set for experimenting with different filter numbers.

Speedlites

The holidays are the perfect opportunity to ask for smaller camera gear, such as speedlites, tripods, and straps, to fill out your photography gear without asking for items that are too expensive. When you're in the market for a budget flash, your best place to start is YONGNUO. The YN-560 IV is just $65 and has an impressive range of features including supporting wireless master and slave functioning and multiple trigger synchronous mode.

Tripods

There are a wide range of sturdy tripods that will keep your equipment safe without breaking the bank. When in doubt, choose a well-known tripod manufacturer, such as Dolica, Benro, or Mefoto, and then browse their budget or travel tripods. I use the Dolica TX570B150SL Ultra Compact Tripod, which currently retails for under $70. I purchased it for travel but love the convenient, compact design so much that it's become my standard tripod. When purchasing a tripod, don't skimp on durability just to save a few bucks. The tripod you purchase should be sturdy and well-equipped for your photography needs.PhotoRec tripod reviews: Dolica TRX570 vs Mefoto Travel Tripod, Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod, and Ball Head, Benro Aero 2 & 4, Feisol CT-3442 Tripod, and Mefoto Globetrotter Air.

Straps

A strap is a must-have for every photographer. Ditch the uncomfortable, awkward strap that comes with your camera, and invest in a better strap. My go-to recommendation for hobbyist and professional photographers alike is the Altura Photo Rapid Fire Camera Neck Strap. I've been using a similar BlackRapid model for several years, and the Altura is just as durable and considerably cheaper. Short of shooting weddings full-time, the Altura is ideal for all of your photography needs.If you're looking for a more stylish strap, check out Envy Scarf Straps, which are extremely versatile and come in a wide range of styles. You can also find a wealth of camera straps on Etsy. Check out ten8e, theBLUEcoopDOOR, and LiVeCameraStraps.

Bags

Personally, I'm a huge fan of ThinkTank camera bags. Most recently, I purchased the SubUrban Disguise 10, which is a great bag for traveling with a lightweight system or taking day trips (full review). I also highly recommend the SubUrban Disguise 20 and the Urban Disguise 40 Classic, both of which are very similar to the now discounted CityWalker 20, which I've been using as my main camera bag for several years. Tenba is another fantastic camera bag company with a wide range of products for $200 or less (full review: Tenba 14L ActionPack Camera Bag).I also cannot say enough good things about the LowePro Fastpack 250 DSLR Camera Backpack. It is one of the first items I ever purchased for my DSLR and has held up beautifully through numerous travel. For less than $100, you'll be hard pressed to find a DSLR backpack that holds as much gear and is versatile enough to serve as a primary carry-on travel bag as well.Are you looking for a stylish camera bag on a budget? Consider Jo Totes or Grafea.

Fun items

I couldn't write a holiday gift guide without including a few purely fun camera items. Camera lens cups are always a popular choice. If you have a lot of social gatherings at home or love to take candid pictures of your family and friends, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the best polaroid or instant camera on the market right now. Finally, add a couple of nerdy photography shirts to your wish list.

What budget camera gear is on your holiday wish list this year?Is there anything else you'd like to see in this holiday gift guide?

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Wide Angle Prime Lenses for Canon & Nikon

https://youtu.be/8An3dzcgCWE Download Full Raw Images from All three lenses. Sigma 14mm ART Samples, Irix 15mm Blackstone Samples and Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8 Sample RAW Images. (images for personal comparison only)Buy the IRIX 15mm LensBuy the SIgma 14mm LensBuy the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm LensEdited Sample Images[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Sigma 14mm Sample Images" ids="15953,15954,15955,15956"]Additional Sigma 14mm Samples Shot by Steve Scurich Photography[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="15959,15960,15961,15962,15963,15964,15965,15966"]IRIX Blackstone 15mm Sample Shots[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="15967,15968,15969,15970"]

 

Yellowstone National Park with the Canon T6i

My daughter and I just returned from a great camping trip to Yellowstone National Park - She used the Canon T6i with an old  Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 and a refurbished 55-250 STM Lens - here are a few of her favorite photos from the trip.   This entire package is affordable and capable of great results. Honestly it is more about going someplace interesting than the gear you use. 

Yongnuo 100mm Lens Coming Soon

It looks like the next big item to come out from Yongnuo is a 100mm lens after the decent 50mm F/1.8 and 35mm F/2 lenses that have came out recently. Photo Rumors doing a bit of hunting managed to find a gallery of new 100mm lens product images from Yongnuo and a new sales listing so consider this an unofficial leak with an official announcement expected soon. As of now we know that it's a 100mm Prime similar to Canon's lens priced at $170 for Canon EF mount and Nikon mount expected to follow later. It's a speedy F/2 lens with auto focus and similarly sized to Canon's model. With the release of their two prior lenses it's an interesting option for sure considering the estimated low price.Specifications:

Aperture: F/2-F/22Blades: 9 BladesFocus mode: Af, MfMaximum Magnification: 0.140 timesFocal length: 100mmLens size: 76.6 * 122mmType: Fixed focal length lensFull frame: YesFocus Type: PrimeModel Number: YN100mm F2.0 CLens Type: AutomaticFilter Size: 58mmWeight: 401g-500g
 

Rokinon 14mm - Best Budget Lens for Astrophotography!

Hands-on review with the budget-friendly Rokinon 14mm full frame lens - Is this the BEST budget lens for shooting the night sky full of stars? And you all have suggested some great alternatives I listed below.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TSrFKLzsrQUPDATE SEPT- 2017 The IRIX Firefly is sharper with better features for Full Frame astrophotographers and is now my pick for budget astrophotography lens.Watch this updated video and learn more Buy the IRIX Firefly from B&H Photo $400.00Using my links for purchase or shopping of ANYTHING helps support the work we do here.

 Alternative options

Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 (manual focus)  $429 - Buy from B&H Photo

Good

  • Faster Aperture
  • Full Frame compatible
  • Takes Filters
  • Lovely walk around focal length for general photography

Bad

  • On crop 24 = 36mm, less exciting for wide starry skies

Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS Lens $429 - Buy from B&H Photo (best option for crop DSLRS)

Good

  • 16mm on Crop - nice and wide

Bad

  • Crop Only
  • Still no filter threads

Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 HD Fisheye Lens with Removable Hood - $232 - $299 - Buy from B&H Photo

Good

  • WIDEEEEEE!
  • CHEAP!!!!

Bad

  • Crop Only
  • No filters
  • f/3.5
  • Fish eye even more limited in use.

Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS $299  - $399 - Buy from B&H Photo (my pick for MIRRORLESS crop alternative)

Good

  • Very portable
  • Takes filters
  • Fast f/2.0

Bad

  • Not available for DSLRS- only mirrorless

Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 $351 - $380 - Buy from B&H Photo (decent alternative - just not very wide)

Good

  • Takes filters
  • Fast f/2.0

Bad

  • Crop only
  • Barely wider than kit lens

 Learn more about the Tokina 11-16 vs the Canon 10-18 and Canon 10-22Learn more about the more expensive full frame wide angle lens options- Canon 16-35, Tamron 15-30 

Lensbaby 8.5mm Circular Fisheye

Screenshot 2015-02-16 21.20.16Screenshot 2015-02-16 21.20.07Buy from Adorama | B&H Photo ($229.95 after instant $70 Savings)Lenses are manual focus and manual aperture. Manual Aperture is great for time lapse, less chance of flicker issues.Note: Compatible with Crop and Full frame cameras but will produce a circular image on BOTH types of camera. Example images shown below.Screenshot 2015-02-16 21.21.56 Alternative Option for budget Fisheye -

  • Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 HD Fisheye Lens - Buy from Adorama | B&H Photo ($239 to $259 depending on mount)
    • No circular image on crop sensor cameras
    • No interior metal for reflections like the lens baby
  • Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 lens - Buy from Amazon ($179!)
    • No circular image on crop sensor cameras
    • No interior metal for reflections like the lens baby
    • Less fisheye more wide angle

New Canon Cameras - Canon T5 and GX1 Mark II

CP+ photo show is happening in Japan and as I mentioned in last weeks podcast This is traditionally a time when the camera makers announce new P&S cameras and low end DSLRs- very consumer orientated products. And last night Canon did announce a new entry level DSLR, the Canon EOS T5 and a pretty serious P&S the GX1 Mark II - which is the sequel surprisingly to the GX1 ;)

Canon T5

[gallery ids="4348,4351,4353"]Pretty disappointed in this release and I don't see any reason you would pick this over the cheaper SL1.

  • 18MP sensor - same that has been used for several years now.
  • Digic 4 Processor- this will not be a speedy camera 3fps which is slightly slower than the SL1
  • 1080p HD Video but not capable of continuous autofocus and bundled with 18-55 NON-STM confirms that. This older kit lens is OK but certainly not as good as the newer 18-55 STM Lens.
  • 3" LCD But it is not articulating.
  • Compatible with the little GPS-EP2 GPS is nifty addition but really I don't see a large market for budget DSLR paired with an expensive GPS logger.

The Canon T5 will be available in March for $549.00.   The SL1 currently sells for $539.00Full Canon Marketing Blitz below.   The Canon EOS SL1 offers the same quality with continuous AF and the STM lens that is improved at a slightly cheaper price.

Canon GX1 Mark II

[gallery ids="4350,4349,4347"]Slightly more interesting is the GX1 Mark II - A larger than average sensor size P&S with some nice features

  • 12.8MP- 1.5" - this is almost the size of the sensor in the Canon Rebels and larger than the sensor in the micro 4/3 P&S cameras
  • 5x Optical Zoom f/2.0 - f/3.9
  • Optical Stabilization built in.
  • WiFi and NFC for quick pairing with smartphones.
  • 1080p Full HD Video with stereo sound
  • Digic 6 Processor for snappy response and the handing the full HD files.
  • 3.0" LCD Articulating - Remote shooting is also possible via the WiFi

The Canon GX1 has sold OK - it is a crowded marketplace in the space between traditional P&S and your DSLRS - we have lots of options with these smaller format cameras that are wrapped around larger sensors.  This latest offering from Canon with the GX1 Mark II looks strong.  The feature set is nice and the sensor should provide good low light capabilities all packaged into something that can almost fit in your pocket.The Canon GX1 Mark II will be available at the end of April for $799 - Preorder from AmazonFull Product Info

CANON T5

18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) SensorThe EOS Rebel T5 has an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers more than enough resolution for big enlargements or crops - your photos can be printed and framed without having to worry about quality. This first-class sensor is APS-C sized for an effective 1.6x field of view (compared to 35mm format) and features many of the same new technologies as used by professional Canon cameras to maximize each pixel's light gathering, helping to ensure images are captured beautifully and brilliantly.DIGIC 4 Image ProcessorThe DIGIC 4 Image Processor on the EOS Rebel T5 dramatically speeds up camera operations, offering an intuitive shooting experience and providing images full of detail and natural color reproduction. It works in concert with the camera's 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor to achieve phenomenal levels of performance in virtually every situation, so you can shoot without having to worry about camera processes.EOS Full HD MovieThe EOS Rebel T5 offers easy-to-use video capture with breathtaking Full HD quality that is difficult for a smartphone to match. Capable of shooting in a number of recording sizes and frame rates, the EOS Rebel T5 offers outstanding video capturing performance, quality and simplicity -simply press the dedicated Live View/Movie Recording button to get started shooting. Additionally, the EOS Rebel T5 enables easy manual control of exposure, focus and Live View features and even allows for in-camera editing. And with a wealth of over 60 interchangeable lenses available to choose from, your video has plenty of creative options.Plus, with the Video Snapshot feature, the EOS Rebel T5 will capture short video clips (of 2, 4 or 8 seconds) then combine them automatically into one video file as a snapshot or highlights "album." With no editing needed after shooting, the compiled video is perfect for sharing online or displaying directly on an HDTV via the camera's HDMI port.Scene Intelligent Auto modeThe EOS Rebel T5 features Scene Intelligent Auto mode, which incorporates a number of Canon technologies to deliver the best possible exposure, simply. Joining Picture Style Auto, Automatic Lighting Optimizer, Automatic White Balance, Autofocus, and Automatic Exposure, Scene Intelligent Auto mode analyzes the image, accounting for faces, colors, brightness, moving objects, contrast, and whether the camera is handheld or on a tripod. It then chooses the exposure and enhancements that bring out the best in any scene or situation. Users without extensive photography knowledge or experience will not need to puzzle over settings; the Scene Intelligent Auto mode simplifies DSLR image capture so photographers can simply concentrate on composing images.Feature GuideTo help explain the specific function of features found on the EOS Rebel T5, the Feature Guide displays a simple description helpful in determining the applicability for the situation at hand. It is displayed in each shooting mode, during mode dial operations, and for Quick Control screen functions. It appears automatically when a function is selected - a lifesaver when trying to determine the best mode or function for the next picture. The feature guide works automatically by default, and can be disabled easily through the camera's menu.Up to 3.0 fps Continuous ShootingThe EOS Rebel T5 is a fast camera, capturing up to 3.0 fps (frames per second) for up to approximately 69 JPEGs or approximately 6 RAW files. Whether capturing the action on the soccer field or waiting for that perfect expression, the EOS Rebel T5 delivers intuitive, speedy operation for the best shot. With instant startup, speedy AF and virtually no shutter lag, the EOS Rebel T5 will help you capture the action, every time.Large 3.0-inch LCD MonitorThe EOS Rebel T5 has a huge, bright 3.0-inch LCD monitor that is ideal for composing and capturing amazing images, as well as showing them off to friends and family. The large display has high resolution with 460,000 pixels and a wide viewing angle of 170°. It's perfect for Live View composition or viewing camera settings like AF, ISO, Metering, AF Point selection and flash options.ISO 100-6400 (Expandable to H: 12800)With a broad range of light sensitivity ratings from ISO 100-6400 (expandable to H: 12800), the EOS Rebel T5 is ready to go no matter the light, capturing the finest detail with ease. Thanks to this expanded ISO range, the EOS Rebel T5 can capture more subjects in more situations, handheld, without the need for flash. This means more natural and detailed looking pictures and movies that can be shot discreetly, with ease.9-point AF System and AI Servo AFThe EOS Rebel T5 has exceptional autofocus with a 9-point AF system including a center cross-type AF point, delivering accurate focus whether the camera is oriented in portrait or landscape position. The system intelligently uses both normal and high-precision focus, depending on the aperture and available light, so your images are in crisp focus. An AI Servo AF system achieves and maintains consistent focus with an exceptional degree of reliability.Creative FiltersThe EOS Rebel T5 allows you to capture images with a new perspective without any need for extra accessories. The camera features five different, creative filters for still images: Grainy B/W, Soft Focus, Fisheye Effect, Miniature Effect and Toy Camera Effect. Each filter alters the mood and feel of any particular scene, allowing you to create photos with a fun, distinctive flair.Basic+ and Creative AutoThe EOS Rebel T5 is always ready to take beautiful pictures automatically. For photographers looking to experiment with more advanced settings, the EOS Rebel T5 is loaded with features to take you to the next level. Basic+ makes it easy to create the image effects you want, changing ambience or scene type according to simple choices made on the camera's Quick Control Screen. And ideal for beginners looking to expand their photographic horizons is Creative Auto mode where basic settings are based on full automatic operation, but shooting guides on the LCD screen explain how to make changes to exposure, tone, sharpness and more, and how those changes will affect the final image. In essence, with Creative Auto mode, you can experiment and learn more about photography while still taking stunning photographs.Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lensesThe EOS Rebel T5 is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses. Canon lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process. Numerous lenses feature Canon's sophisticated Optical Image Stabilizer technology to minimize the effect of camera shake. Through Canon lenses, photographers can truly maximize the quality and liberating performance of the EOS Rebel T5.Compatible with GPS Receiver GP-E2With the optional GPS Receiver GP-E2 attached to the hot shoe or the digital terminal, the EOS Rebel T5 can record location, including latitude, longitude and altitude, and has the ability to track the trajectory of movement with its logging function. An electric compass records the camera's orientation during each shot, and world time information is recorded through GPS syncing. With GPS information, you can always remember where and when your images were taken, perfect for tagging vacation photos or organizing albums. 

Canon G1X Mark II

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II raises performance and quality to new heights in a compact, brilliant design. Featuring a huge, 1.5-inch 12.8 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, a powerful DIGIC 6 Image Processor and an all-new 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer and a circular, 9-blade aperture for stunning blurred backgrounds, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II delivers the outstanding image quality you would expect with a digital SLR camera but in a portable, Wi-Fi and NFC enabled package.It can capture 14-bit RAW plus JPEG images, features a staggering 31 focus points for speedy and accurate AF, a capacitive 3.0-inch tilt-type touch panel LCD and has newly developed Dual Control Rings on the lens barrel for fast control of exposure and focus. An optional high-resolution electronic viewfinder adds to the camera's professional feel and functionality. Whether being used as a companion to an EOS digital SLR or as a standalone camera, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II has the power to handle most any photographic situation it encounters.Canon 1.5-inch, 12.8 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor Almost as large as the APS-C CMOS sensor found in many EOS digital SLRs, and bigger than those found in 4/3 system cameras, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II's sensor sets the standard for sensitivity and resolving power in compact cameras. Each cell area is 4.5x the size of those found in 1/1.7 type sensors and is thus able to capture more light at the pixel level. This means better detail, even at higher ISOs, with minimal noise and distortion and, thanks to the sensor's wide cell pitch, breathtaking dynamic range. The PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera natively captures images in the 3:2 aspect ratio, which is the same as Canon EOS SLR cameras. The PowerShot G1 X Mark II also features a new Aspect Ratio function, enabling RAW image capturein both 3:2 and 4:3 aspect ratios while maintaining the same angle of view.Canon DIGIC 6 Image Processor The PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera is equipped with the very latest Canon proprietary processor, the DIGIC 6 Image Processor, which makes several important advancements to image quality both in stills and video. Improved light sensitivity allows for higher resolution with less noise when shooting in dark conditions, and Dynamic IS now detects and compensates for tilt and parallel movement (shift blur) to create video that's exceptionally free of distortion. The DIGIC 6 Image Processor also enhances the performance capabilities of the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, powering full resolution high-speed continuous still shooting and the advanced Star shooting modes. Video recording has also been improved with MP4 recording for better compatibility with mobile devices and tablets. Highly compressed MP4 video not only preserves space on your memory card but also improves playback on mobile devices. Plus, with MF Peaking possible thanks to the new processor, you'll have a pro-level focusing tool at your disposal.Canon HS SYSTEM The Canon HS SYSTEM lets you take bright, clear photos in an even wider range of shooting situations. Beautiful low-light shots are possible with minimal noise and maximum detail in highlight and shadow areas. The system is the result of two technologies in the PowerShot G1 X Mark II: the amazing 1.5-inch High-Sensitivity CMOS imaging sensor, which is able to capture more light; and the DIGIC 6 Image Processor, which actively reduces noise at high ISO speeds and processes images at high speed, even at full resolution. Thus, the Canon HS SYSTEM allows you to use higher shutter speeds to capture clearer images with reduced noise and blur in more situations.5x Optical Zoom plus a new f/2.0 - f/3.9, 24mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilizer Developed specifically for the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, this large aperture lens offers the highest specifications for any camera in this class, and incorporates dramatic improvements on all fronts based upon the feedback of PowerShot G1 X users. It offers a 5x zoom factor with a 24-120mm equivalent range that's perfect for any number of shooting scenarios, and it has an incredibly bright aperture value of f/2.0 at wide angle and f/3.9 fully zoomed. It has a newly designed inner focusing system which enables fast AF speed with minimal lens movement, a reduced focusing distance of 5cm, features 14 elements in 11 groups and has a 9-blade aperture diaphragm for beautiful background blur. Engineered to perform and deliver gorgeous images every time, it's the perfect lens for the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera's amazing sensor. And, in response to the overwhelming requests from PowerShot G1 X users, it has an integral lens cap.Optical Image Stabilizer Handheld shooting can often lead to camera shake, making photos and videos blurry. Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer is a sophisticated system that uses lens-shift technology to correct for unwanted camera movement. It makes handheld photography more practical in more shooting situations, providing excellent image quality in many difficult situations: outdoors at dusk, inside without a flash, and even at the telephoto end of the zoom range without a tripod. For still photos, it enables shooting at slower shutter speeds, accommodating more low-light shooting situations than ever before without having to boost ISO sensitivity. With camera shake and vibration reduced, you get a sharper, steadier image. And because it is an optical system, there is none of the image degradation typical with electronic image stabilizers.Built-in Wi-Fi The PowerShot G1 X Mark II is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi® technology for convenient sharing and transferring of your still images and video. Easily post your images to social networking and media sites - Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and now Google Drive - through CANON iMAGE GA TEWAY# directly from your PowerShot camera, or save them to the online photo album to share anytime, anywhere. The camera can also connect directly to both iOS® and Android devices, and upload images via the free Canon CameraWindow app without a computer. You can control the destination of your uploads to share with everyone or to selected groups, and even add comments. Sharing video is also easy with the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, which records video using the MP4 format with minimal file size. Enhanced Wi-Fi makes posting in real time possible, so you can keep everyone up to date with amazing photos and video even as events unfold. The built-in Wi-Fi technology on the PowerShot G1 X Mark II also allows you to transfer images to other Wi-Fi equipped PowerShot cameras or print your photos directly to a PictBridge (Wireless LAN) certified printer.One-touch connection to your mobile device or computer is also made possible on the PowerShot G1 X Mark II with the camera's dedicated Mobile Device Connect Button. You can choose to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for immediate sharing with the CameraWindow app**, or to your computer on the same network with Image Sync to make saving and organizing your images easier. When the camera finds a linked computer on the same wireless network, images are sent directly to it. Otherwise, images are temporarily stored on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY# then transferred once a connection is made, eliminating the need for cables.Remote Shooting With the built-in Wi-Fi® on the PowerShot G1 X Mark II, you can use your smartphone or tablet to remotely control the camera. Simply connect wirelessly to your device and access the free Canon CameraWindow app. Your device will show a live image of the camera's capture for easy composition - perfect for wildlife and nighttime shots, group photos and all kinds of situations. The camera's versatile zoom, flash, self-timer and shutter are all under your control, with images being saved to your camera as usual.Built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) The PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera supports NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, eliminating the need to find and open the Canon CameraWindow app* on your mobile device. Simply touch the NFC icon on your camera to your compatible Android device**, and the CameraWindow app will launch automatically for remote shooting and quick, easy sharing of your images. Built-in NFC technology also makes it simpler to install the app. If the app hasn't been installed yet, once you touch the devices together for the first time, the download screen will display automatically.Canon Full HD Video Advantage Preserving your important memories and creative film clips in stunning quality is easy with Full HD recording on the PowerShot G1 X Mark II camera and its dedicated movie button. With the camera's advanced DIGIC 6 Image Processor, the camera records Full HD video in MP4 that is breathtaking even when played back on a large-screen HDTV via the camera's HDMI output. Video is recorded at 30 frames per second* with stereo sound and because clips are recorded in MP4, you can fit more on a single memory card. The smaller file size also makes it easier to download to a computer and share with family and friends.