Fujifilm X100S

Review: Fujifilm X100S is a camera for the experts

Someone at FujiFilm really likes the retro look, so much so that the company is dishing out one Rangefinder lookalike after the other. But here is a disclaimer before you read any further: the FujiFilm X100S is an enthusiast camera and certainly not an expensive replacement for a point-and-shoot.

This camera has a single focal length lens which makes it great for portraiture, street photography and maybe some macro, but this camera has absolutely no zoom that amateurs relish so much.

Thanks to the retro design, the X100S is a sturdy piece of equipment like its predecessor, the X100.

There are dials on the top for shutter speed and exposure and a lens ring to shift aperture between F2 and F16. There is a 2.8-inch LCD, but no touch screen.

The X100S is quite easy to use. Set both the shutter speed and aperture to A and you have a full auto mode. For more manual control you can change one of the two or both.

The viewfinder shifts to electronic as soon as you squeeze the trigger. And just before the actual click you get a flashing preview of what your image will look like. You can also change the modes to use just the viewfinder, the electronic viewfinder or the LCD.

The USP of this camera and its differentiator from the X100 is its 16.3MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor with on-sensor phase detection auto-focus. Well, this is supposed to be much faster and we could feel it, quite literally. You can actually feel a whirring within the camera when it is trying to lock on to a subject. But this AF lacks a bit in macro mode and we often had to shift to manual focus to get really close to some tiny subjects.

But all this effort is not wasted as the results are stunning, with the colour reproduction being among the best we have seen in a while.

If you are one of those with a fascination for clicking flowers and faces, then this is just the camera for you. There is film simulation and other custom settings that let you make the best in both these scenarios.

But the sad part about this camera is its low-light performance and this is despite the F2 aperture and fixed focal length. Take this indoors and you might not get anything registered unless you go beyond ISO800. We clicked some indoor pictures in natural light at a shutter speed of 30 and aperture of F2. However, the picture started showing only after ISO400. Thankfully, the flash has many modes and option.

The video quality is good and the colour reproduction is really subtle here too. The only issue here is the lack of a dedicated video mode button. You need to go down the drive menu to select FullHD video, which can be a bit frustrating at times.

The X100S is a niche camera and it excels when asked to do some specific things. However, we don't recommend this to someone who does not understand the nuances of how to use a fixed lens camera. On the other hand, if you are an advanced user looking for a compact option then this is a good option.

 Fujifilm X100S Rs 74,999

Zen Ultrafone 701 HD

Rivals Micromax’s flagship with a better price proposition

The high-definition Canvas phone seems to be feeling the heat right now, with Zen having launched its Ultrafone 701 HD in India, slapped with a price tag of Rs. 11,999. This quad core Android-based smartphone has features that are almost identical to those of Micromax’s current flagship, and to top it off, its maker has granted it a retail value that’s much less than that of the Canvas handset. And with the latter dealing with frequent supply issues, the new phone has a good chance to gain some ground.
No e-retailer apart from Snapdeal has a listing up for it as of now. The said portal is offering it through pre-orders that can be acquired for as less as Rs. 101. Those who decide to do so shall be granted vouchers on their email ids. These customers will then be immediately notified when the phone becomes available, for them to be able to snap it up quickly. Incentives have also been declared for pre-ordering consumers. These include a flip cover, a back panel and a screen guard.


As far as its specifications are concerned, they will be of no newness to those who know about the Micromax’s high-definition Canvas offering. With a 5-inch capacitive touchscreen placed on its front panel, it boasts of a 720p resolution for its visuals. It scores a point over its adversary in the OS department, as the 4.2 version of Android Jelly Bean can be found in it, instead of the 4.1 variant which its rival houses.


Its internal aspects are dominated by a 1.2GHz quad core processor and 1GB worth of RAM. 3G, Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth are all in place, apart from a dual SIM functionally that has become a customary aspect for most of the smartphones being launched in the nation nowadays. An 8MP primary camera and a 3.2MP secondary snapper aside, potential buyers will also be able to spot 4GB of internal hoarding capacity and a microSD card slot compatible with 32GB worth of added storage.


As mentioned above, the Zen Ultrafone 701 HD has been slapped with a competitive tag of Rs. 11,999, and can be pre-ordered now through Snapdeal. A proper release date for the device is still unknown.

 

Kawasaki Ninja 300

Launched in India @ INR 3.5 lakhs

The much hyped Kawasaki Ninja 300 has finally been launched in India! We are reporting LIVE from the launch event at Pune and the new Ninja 300 has been launched at a price of INR 3.5 lakhs (ex showroom, Delhi).

Here is all the ‘text’ you might wish to go though before heading to the nearest Bajaj-Probiking dealership with your cheque book.

The bookings for the Kawasaki Ninja 300 have been open since some days now and the booking amount for the bike is INR 40,000. It is being said that the deliveries of the bike would start within 3 weeks. In India, the bike has been launched in two colours- white and Ninja green.

 

The new Ninja 300 looks similar to the latest generation of the Ninja 250 and is definitely more stylish and modern than the earlier generation of Ninja 250 that is on sale in our country. The Ninja 300 has a more sculpted look and comes with a wider front fascia that sports a twin headlight setup instead of the old 250’s single headlamp unit. Other big change that is quick to catch attention is the part digital instrument panel instead of the old 250’s all analogue setup that missed out on a fuel gauge but came with a lot of memories of the 80s.

The new Kawasaki Ninja 300 has a definite power advantage over both the new and the earlier generation of the 250cc variant. The new Ninja 300 comes with a slipper clutch setup that makes the bike the first low capacity sportsbike in India to boast of such an arrangement. The new Kawasaki Ninja 300 has a maximum power output of 38.45 bhp @ 11,000 rpm and a peak torque figure of 27 Nm @ 10,000 rpm. The makers of the new Kawasaki Ninja 300 claim that the new bike has been endowed with enough low end torque for comfortable city riding.

We are pretty sure that the new bike will open gates to a new segment in Indian performance bike market. The new bike would also tickle the taste buds and satisfy the hunger of all those Indian performance bike aficionados who have been wishing more from entry level 250cc sportsbikes.

India spec



Kawasaki Ninja 300 Technical Specifications

Engine type – Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement – 296 cm3
Bore x stroke – 62.0 x 49.0 mm
Compression ratio – 10.6:1
Valve/Induction system – DOHC, 8 valves

Maximum power – 29.0 kW {39 PS} / 11,000 rpm
Maximum torque – 27.0 N.m {2.8 kgf.m} / 10,000 rpm

Fuel system – Fuel injection: ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
Ignition – Digital
Starting – Electric
Lubrication – Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission – 6-speed, return

Frame type – Tube diamond, steel
Rake/Trail – 27° / 93 mm
Wheel travel, front – 120 mm
Wheel travel, rear – 132 mm

Tyre, front – 110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tyre, rear – 140/70-17 M/C 66S

Steering angle, left / right – 35° / 35°
Suspension, front – 37 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear – Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload

Brakes, front – Single 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Brakes, rear – Single 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-piston

Dimensions (L x W x H) – 2,015 mm x 715 mm x 1,110 mm
Wheelbase – 1,405 mm
Ground Clearance – 140 mm
Seat height – 785 mm

Fuel capacity – 17 litres
Final Drive – Sealed chain

Primary reduction ratio – 3.087 (71/23)
Gear ratios: 1st – 2.714 (38/14)
Gear ratios: 2nd – 1.789 (34/19)
Gear ratios: 3rd – 1.409 (31/22)
Gear ratios: 4th – 1.160 (29/25)
Gear ratios: 5th – 1.000 (27/27)
Gear ratios: 6th – 0.857 (24/28)
Final reduction ratio – 3.000 (42/14)

Clutch – Wet multi-disc, manual

Curb Mass – 172 kg / 174 kg (ABS)

KTM 390 Duke

India launch in 30-45 days

The upcoming KTM 390 Duke ceases not to go out of news! Only a couple of hours back, we reported that the the KTM 390 Duke would come to us with a price tag that would be in vicinity of INR 2 lakhs and now it has emerged that the new bike would be launched in 30-45 days. What’s more? It is being said that the deliveries of the bike would commence in June. The launch of the upcoming KTM 390 Duke is easily among the most anticipated bike launches in India today and the upcoming 375cc variant of the Duke will not just cater to the naked street bike loving crowd but will also appeal to those who want maximum bang for their buck.

Regulars here would have already seen a video which gives us a hint about the 390 Duke’s performance. The video shows the bike hitting a speedo indicated 100kmph in less than six seconds and reaching 130kmph in around 10 seconds.

Going by the rave reviews from international media, the KTM 390 Duke benefits from a well sorted out handling package and is one really nimble bike. Combined with a peak power of 44 bhp, the new KTM 390 Duke should be one really fun to ride bike. This is not all as there are enough reports suggesting that the bike would have a really decent fuel efficiency figure.

The production of the new bike has already started at the Chakan manufacturing facility of Bajaj Auto Ltd, the India partner of KTM. The aggressive price tag at which the bike would come is courtesy heavy localization.

We can’t stop day dreaming about the day we will get to have a rendezvous with the upcoming bike. Stay tuned for more details.

KTM 390 Duke Technical Specifications:

Engine: 4 stroke water-cooled single cylinder

Engine capacity: 373.2cc

Torque: 35Nm at 7,250rpm

Power: 44HP at 9,500rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Dry Weight: 139Kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 316.5PS/Tonne

Clutch: Hydraulic operated

Fuel system: Bosch EFI

Ignition system: Bosch EMS83

 

 

Panasonic launches ToughPad

 

Windows 8, Android tablets 

Panasonic India today unveiled four new rugged mobile computing devices for the Indian enterprise market. The company showcased tablets based on Windows 8 as well as Android platforms, as well as handheld computers for logistics industry. These devices are aimed at industries like automotive, aviation, telecom, utility, retail, manufacturing etc and will not be retailed to consumers. 

These are latest additions to the Panasonic ToughPad series, which was launched in India in October last year with the unveiling of ToughPad A1 model. The manufacturer aims to give mobile workers reliable and secure access to their data and applications in challenging environments. 

Toughpad FZ-G1 is powered by Windows 8 operating system and combines the functionality of a personal computer in a rugged package. This device comes with a 10.1-inch screen with 1920x1200p resolution. It supports 10-finger multitouch as well as a digitiser (stylus). It runs on a 2.9GHz Intel i5 processor and packs 4GB RAM (maximum up to 8GB). 

The all-new FZ-G1 has HDMI, USB and 3.5mm earphone jacks, all secured under a flap, and the company says that it can add more ports, depending on the needs of clients. This model is IP65 certified (water and dust resistant) and can withstand being dropped from a height of 120cm. Priced at Rs 1.75lakh, this tablet weighs 1.1kg, supports 3G and offers battery life of 8hours. 

Panasonic ToughPad JT-B1 is the Android tablet that boasts of IP65 certification and can survive a fall from 150cm height. The device is powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and will not be upgraded to later versions of the OS. Under the hood is a 1.5GHz dual-core TI OMAP chipset, with 1GB RAM. On the back, Panasonic ToughPad JT-B1 touts a 13MP camera with LED flash, while a 1.3MP unit is used in the front. The device offers battery life of up to 8 hours and costs Rs 69,000. 

The company also announced two handheld computers that find application in logistics industry. Both the devices run on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Professional operating system and are suitable for one-hand operations. The ToughPad JT-H300HT is an IP64 certified model that can withstand a drop from 2metre height and costs Rs 45,000. Model JT-H320HT is semi-rugged and boasts of IP54 certification, with 2metre drop specification; it is priced at Rs 16,000. 

With its ToughPad and ToughBook line-up, Panasonic aims to capture 40% of the country's rugged devices market, currently valued at $5 million.

 

Audi R8

2014 Audi R8 US Pricing Released 

 

Audi has finally confirmed that the 2014 Audi R8 model range is now available in the United States and along with that news, the prices have been announced.
Prices will begin at just $114,900 for the basic Audi R8 V8 Coupe when fitted with a manual transmission. The Spyder variant then carries a slight premium over the V8 coupe bringing its price up to $128,400 when purhcased as a manual and $137,500 with the optional S tronic gearbox.
Both of these V8 powered Audi R8’s then produce 430hp and 316lb-ft of torque. As a result, both hit 100km/h in under 4.5 seconds.
Next up in the range is the Audi R8 V10 which starts at $151,200 for the manual coupe and $164,700 for the manual Audi R8 V10 Spyder.
Topping out the current Audi R8 range is then the Audi R8 V10 Plus, which as this article title states, costs $170,545 for the manual and an extra $9,100 with the S Tronic transmission.

Royal Enfield Bullet 500

Overdrive2013 

 

Royal Enfield has dipped deep into their existing parts bin and has come up with a new Bullet 500. Powering the motorcycle is a 500cc twin-spark carburetted 4-stroke UCE engine which makes 26.4PS of power and a meaty 40.9Nm of torque. A 5-speed gearbox on the left side helps put all this power to the ground.

As far as styling goes, it looks a traditional Bullet and Royal Enfield is offering it with a new Frost Green colour. The round headlamp unit now houses what the company calls as Tiger Lamps. On the tank now there is silver and gold livery for the RE logo. The pillion gets cushion-finished grab-rail while the tail lamp is the traditional RE rounded unit. The tyre size is similar to the fuel injected 500 , 19-inchers with the front wheel getting a 280mm disc brake.

Prices for the new Royal Enfield Bullet 500 are expected to be announced next week and we will keep you posted.