SanDisk launches ExpressCard adapter
Posted on September 6, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
SanDisk today launched a speedy card reader for ExpressCard-equipped notebook computers. The SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard™ Adapter, to give it its full name, is compatible with SD and Memory Stick Duo form-factors (and all current variants of these) but omits full-size Memory Sticks. It should reach North American stores sometime in Sept 2007 for around $29.99. European pricing is yet to be announced.
Press release:
SanDisk Launches Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter for Fast and Easy Data Transfer in Notebook Computers
Compact Plug-And-Play Adapter, Compatible with Many Popular
Memory Card Formats, Works in Notebook Computers with ExpressCard Slots
BERLIN, GERMANY, August 31, 2007 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today launched the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard™ Adapter, offering fast transfer speeds from memory cards to notebook computers without the need to carry cables or external card readers. The announcement was made at IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 130, in Hall 15.1 of Messe Berlin, through Sept. 5.
The new adapter fits into the ExpressCard slot now found in most new notebook computers, and accepts six card formats: SD™, SDHC™, MultiMediaCard™, MMCplus™, Memory Stick Duo™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™. Many competing ExpressCard adapters only accept the full size Memory Stick format, running counter to the swing in market momentum toward the smaller Duo form factor.
“With the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter, we’re supporting the rise of the ExpressCard slot in notebook computers,” said Matthijs Hutten, Senior Product Marketing Manager at SanDisk. “We expect ExpressCard to completely replace the PC Card standard in the near future, so offering an ExpressCard adapter which integrates many popular card formats is a natural move for SanDisk.”
For notebook computers without embedded memory card slots, the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter is an easy system upgrade. Users only need to pop the card into the ExpressCard slot – there is no software to install, with no external cables or hardware required. To transfer data, users simply take a memory card out of a device such as a digital still or video camera, an MP3 player, a portable game player or a mobile phone and insert the card into the adapter.
Even for notebook computers with embedded memory card slots, the SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter can be useful. Embedded slots today don’t always support the new SD High Capacity (SDHC) format or the Memory Stick PRO Duo form factor, requiring users to carry an external reader. SanDisk’s new adapter offers native SDHC and Memory Stick PRO Duo support.
Pricing and Availability
The SanDisk Multi Card ExpressCard Adapter is expected to available in North America and Europe in September, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $29.99 in the United States. Suggested retail pricing in Europe is yet to be announced.
Starting Young
Posted on September 6, 2007 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
A shot from the first Bogen Cafe in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., by Dan Christiansen, who was awarded the workshop scholarship.
A professor of photography at Ringling College of Art and Design, Katzman helped formulate the Café and kicks off each workshop with a slideshow presentation about his vision and inspiration. At the inaugural workshop (held at the Art Institute of Florida from August 23 to 25), his photos and stories drew tears from the standing-room-only crowd.
“One of the main reasons people have that reaction to his imagery is that Steven’s presentation spans every kind of photography,” explains Evan Parker, Bogen’s technical representative. “Everyone was able to connect with what was being shown and able to go into the workshop feeling a bit inspired.”
After Katzman’s presentation, which is open to the whole university, the true workshop part of the Café follows the next day with two classes, usually including 30 star students that the coordinating professor has hand-picked. The schools can choose from a “menu” of classes addressing special topics in lighting, printing, and editing. So far most schools have followed the typical workshop schedule of a hands-on shooting class in the morning and an editing/post-processing session in the evening. While shooting, students are instructed in the use of an array of equipment from the sponsors, including Hewlett-Packard, Hahnemuhle USA, Datacolor, Lensbabies, Adobe, Wacom Technology, and Rangefinder.
“This is their opportunity to play with all the latest and greatest toys,” Mougis says. But as Katzman points out, the café organizers were also determined to have the students create new images during the workshops. During the first Café in Florida, they were sent to shoot at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Katzman started the day with a demonstration and talk about portraiture, then continued to help individual students throughout the day.
“I think it’s important for them to meet with a professional and see how that professional conducts himself on set,” Katzman said.
At each school that the Café visits, professors will also choose one top student to receive a scholarship including a $1,000 gift certificate toward Bogen products, a copy of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CS3, a ColorVision Spyder2PRO colorimeter, packs of Hahnemuhle photo paper, a Lensbabies 3G, and a Wacom Intuos3 tablet. The student’s work will also be featured on the Web site Bogen hosts at bogencafe.com. After each cafe, students will find their images from the workshops on this site, which Bogen hopes will become a meeting place for students and educators.
Bogen has scheduled Cafés through December and is working to organize the final ten from December through May. Universities and especially retailers are eager to participate, and Mougis says from the positive reaction of faculty the Art Institute, they are already thinking of ways to do a follow-up program. For information on how to get involved with Bogen Café, e-mail bogencafe@bogenimaging.com.
Nikon Coolpix S51c
Posted on September 6, 2007 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Nikon Coolpix S51c : Another member of the Coolpix Style series is the Nikon Coolpix S51c. It offers style-conscious and demanding users ultra slim wave-surface design and many innovative features. Available in black, the Nikon S51c camera has a huge 3.0-inch LCD monitor with a 160 degrees wide viewing angle and an anti-reflection coating for easy viewing even in bright sunlight. The Nikon Coolpix S51c digital camera offers 8.1 effective Megapixels of resolution and is highly light sensitive, with an ISO of up to 1600, excellent for reducing blur from moving subjects or for use in low-light conditions. The new Nikon Coolpix S51c digital compact camera comes in black and bears a €299 estimated street price.
The Nikon Coolpix S51c camera, which offers a built-in “right-angle
Book Review: The Photoshop Channels Book by Scott Kelby
Posted on September 6, 2007 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
The Photoshop Channels Book is not a new release. Cory Barker’s training video, Adobe Photoshop CS3: Channels, made a couple of references to it, and I thought that now may be a good time to revisit this book.
This book was published early in 2006, but, by nature, is not a book that will go out of date anytime soon. Since it focuses on a standard feature of Photoshop, it is also something that does not change with every version. It is an important feature within Photoshop that it deserves its own book. Since this is not about a specific version of Photoshop, these techniques should work on any recent and probably any future version of Photoshop as well as on any platform that it runs on.
Chapter 1, “Channel Basics,” begins at the beginning with the basics of what channels are and how there are three of them. You will see how to separate the channels and then you will create your first channel. At the end of the chapter is a set of channel short cuts as well as some questions and answers. This Q&A appears at the end of each chapter.
Chapter 2, “Using Masking Channel,” will explain to you what a mask is; the ability to protect a part of your image and how it can be used in conjunction with your channels create Channel Masks. You will combine Channel Masks, work with hard to mask images, use Quick Masks, and learn about soft edges. You will even learn how to get the same type of blending with Channels that you get with Layers.
Chapter 3, “Layer Masks and Adjustments,” will explore Layer Mask essentials and how you can use them to make non-destructive editing changes to your images. You will also composite images, use Adjustment Layer Masks, and learn how to use Spot-Color Channels.
Chapter 4, “From Color to Black & White,” examines how to get the best Black and White images from your color images by using Channels. One method is the Lab Lightness method; this where you convert your image to Lab color-space to remove the noise and then revert it back again. You will also work with the Calculations and Channel mixer methods.
Chapter 5, “Channels and Better Color,” will show you how to add detail to your portraits and create vibrant color by using the Lab color-space once again. You will Blend Channels to combine two images with different exposures to get one great image. You will learn to tone down highlights and fix red-eye as well.
Chapter 6, “Sharpening with Channels,” is used to avoid noise and this can be done by using several different channel techniques. One is to apply sharpening, another is to use two-pass Lab sharpening and another is Alpha Channel Edge Mask. You can also reduce channel noise by reducing the blue channel.
Chapter 7, “Channels and Web Optimization,” shows how Weighted Optimization uses an Alpha Channel to get the smallest file size. You can also use an Alpha Channel to make sure that the most important colors in an image remain.
Chapter 8, “Special Effects Using Channels,” will explain how you can use Channels to add additional effects such as beams of light, an infrared affect, mapping one image to another and the use of Texture Channels to create lighting effects.
I think that The Photoshop Channels Book is one of those few books that is a classic book and a classic “must have.” It is really geared for the user who has a level of comfort with Photoshop and now wants to go in deep on a specific subject such as Channels. Written by Scott Kelby, the Editor and Publisher of Photoshop User Magazine, it contains his well known humor “Channeled” throughout the book.
Since Photoshop is so complex, there are certain topics that sometimes put fear in to users and so they never explore the concepts any more than they need to. Channels is one. Put that fear to rest. With The Photoshop Channels Book, your imaging will never look the same.
Video Training Review: Adobe Photoshop CS3: Channels With Cory Barker From NAPP
Posted on September 3, 2007 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Released in June 2007, Adobe Photoshop CS3: Channels with Cory Barker is the new video training DVD for those who have experience with a recent version of Photoshop and want to learn how to unlock the power of Channels in CS3. It is hosted by Cory Barker, one of the education and curriculum developers for the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, or NAPP. If you are not familiar with NAPP, please read my review on Photoshop User magazine to gain more insight on what NAPP is all about and why you might want to join.
Adobe Photoshop CS3: Channels is contained on a single DVD that runs 152 minutes and can only be used on a computer-based system. It is aimed at users new to Photoshop as well as those who have basic intermediate skills and want to move to the next level. The author goes over the material in 24 lessons which are divided into three sessions that will have you unlocking the world of Channels within Photoshop like a pro.
Session 1:
Lesson 1 explains what Channels are and how they work within Photoshop. For this video, the RGB color space is used and it is from this perspective that this introduction proceeds.
Lessons 2-3 cover Selections and how they relate to Channels. You will learn how, when you make a selection and save it to a Channel, Photoshop views it and why you should think in grayscale. Then you will learn how to use the new Quick Selection tool and how it works almost like a Magic Wand on a brush.
Lessons 4-7 cover Masking and the use of Layer Masks. First you will learn about using the Quick Mask Mode that allows you to paint on your selection. You will also learn the concepts of "White Reveals" and "Black Conceals" as well as what happens with gray. From there you will learn to mask complex things like hair as well as masking multiple channels at once.
Your bonus video focuses on a less used type of mask called a Vector Mask. These are great when you are working with clean edges and they are also resizable as well as re-editable.
Session 2:
Lessons 8-11 explores techniques for image correction beginning with the use of Adjustment Layers. These work to allow you to make adjustments to a layer without affecting the image itself. You will learn tricks to make changes not only a breeze, but quite flexible. Then Apply Image is used show you how you can bring back detail to an image by using a channel. Blending Channels are used to show an alternate mode for blending with more control by using the Blend-If sliders. You will also learn about Spot Color Channels to assign Pantone Colors Channels within Photoshop
Lesson 12 shows you how to work within the LAB color space and explains the difference between LAB and RGB. It then shows you how you can switch to LAB, make some changes and convert back with out the loss of data.
Lessons 13-14 explain Black and White Conversion and how B&W conversions are made. Here you will work with Channel Mixer to make a much more dynamic image and the Black and White Mixer to have even more control. You will also learn how to work the Calculations command to create Black and White images.
Your bonus lesson is about how to use Placement Maps to distort the pixels of any particular layer you assign it to, and then use it to create a reflection on water.
Session 3:
Lesson 15 examines Noise Reduction through channels to remove noise by color selection. This is done using Surface blur on the individual channels.
Lessons 16-18 dive into Special Effects explaining filters such as Lighting Effects and Alpha Channels to create raised lettering that looks embossed in a texture. You will also use channels to enhance an image as well as creating a sidelight effect by using Calculations Command
Lessons 19-20, cover Sharpening techniques that are a little more involved by way of sharpening specific areas of an image using color channels. You will also use an Edge Mask to increase the contrast of an image.
Lesson 21 looks at Weighted Optimization for creating web images. You will be using an alpha channel to isolate the optimization of an image's lossy setting which results in a smaller file size. The final bonus lesson is on how to use a High Pass Sharpening to sharpen an image.
Once again there is a lot of quality content in this highly focused video! Cory Barker has put together a lot of powerful information within Adobe Photoshop CS3: Channels that will take your skills to the next level and have you really working like a pro.
The retail price of Adobe Photoshop CS3: Channels is $69.99 USD. You can get it from PhotoshopTraining for $62.99 USD, an 11% discount, but for NAPP members it is only $54.99 a savings of 22%. There is an online version as well available from PhotoshopVideos, again $69.95 USD Retail and $49.95 USD for NAPP members.
Kodak Z812 IS
Posted on September 3, 2007 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
The high-zoom Kodak Z812 IS camera has an impressive feature set and intuitive controls, perfect for the aspiring photographer who wants an easy-to-use camera that delivers great pictures with every shot. With 8MP resolution and an incredible SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH 12x optical zoom lens, the Z812 IS captures HD still images (16:9 aspect ratio) and video (720p at 30fps), as well as the ability to extract still images from videos. The Kodak Z812’s click-to-capture (.23), auto-focus accuracy, Optical Image Stabilization and High ISO settings (up to 3200) allow consumers to capture brighter, clearer shots in low-light or fast-action situations. The Kodak Z812 IS also features Face Detection Technology, and its Smart Scene Mode will automatically adjust the camera’s settings depending on the type of scene it detects. For consumers who wish to have more control over the composition of their shots, aperture and shutter speed can be manually selected and the electronic viewfinder can be activated instead of the 2.5-inch LCD screen. The Z812 IS Camera features Kodak Perfect Touch technology so every image can look its best. The Kodak Z812 IS is priced at €299 and will be available from September 2007.
Olympus mju 820
Posted on September 3, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
This autumn, Olympus introduces a camera that boasts both elegance and power. The Olympus µ 820 is a dream come true with an impressive 5x optical zoom and stylish, weatherproof* body in Midnight Black, Starry Silver, Ruby Red or Crystal Blue. Exciting colours and more magnification power are only the beginning: A giant 6.9cm HyperCrystal LCD makes this camera ideal for framing and reviewing shots with friends. The µ 820 also lets you say goodbye to blurry or poorly-exposed faces in photos: The integrated Face Detection Technology scans compositions for faces and then optimally adjusts exposure and focus settings to return the best results. Furthermore, 8.0 Megapixels ensure not a precious bit of image detail goes missing.
Beat the rain and overcome distances
With a slim, weatherproof* metal body in Midnight Black, Starry Silver, Ruby Red or Crystal Blue, the µ 820 is the essential combination of form and function. From its attractive, slim-line exterior to its handy splash resistance – this camera is perfect for a hike in the rainforest or to simply have with you at all times, since you never know what life may bring. A 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm) and 5.6x digital zoom combine to provide magnification power that takes you right to the heart of the action. And with a total of 8.0 Megapixels, every shot gets captured in the finest detail.
More power inside
Several innovations work together to ensure great results. For the most accurate and sharpest depiction of human faces possible, Face Detection Technology has been incorporated which sets optimum exposure and focus values for the faces in compositions. Shadow Adjustment Technology, meanwhile, ensures depictions of shadowy areas in the background stand out with their realism. BrightCapture Technology enhances images further by increasing sensitivity in low-light conditions. Additionally, the integration of the powerful TruePic III image processing engine improves colour and noise performance while also boosting camera speed. Matched with a giant 6.9cm HyperCrystal LCD, framing, shooting and reviewing pictures is both extremely comfortable and fun.
Olympus mju 820
A picture of ease
20 scene modes including Portrait, Night Scene, and Sports let the user quickly adjust to a number of different shooting situations. The Smile Shot scene mode can even determine when the subject smiles and automatically releases the shutter just at the right moment. On-board editing functions add extra practicality and fun to the mix: There’s Red-eye Fix which lets users correct this phenomenon right on the LCD; Expression Edit allows for the amusing distortion of faces; and Face Focus gradually blurs shots outward from the face in a starburst-formation. Furthermore, a total of 25 languages on board mean menu navigation is a piece of cake for virtually anyone. And internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot make it easy to expand storage space for additional photos at any time.
The fun and stylish Olympus µ 820 will be available from August 2007.
Olympus mju 820
The Olympus µ 820 – main features:
* 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm on a 35mm camera), 1:3.3-5.0 – for capturing great scenes and exciting close-ups – plus 5.6x digital zoom
* Large 6.9cm/2.7
Canon EOS 5D review
Posted on September 3, 2007 - Filed Under Cameras, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Canon EOS 5D SLR review : Since Kodak is no longer producing Pro SLRs, Canon is the only manufacturer with a digital reflex camera (D-SLR) featuring a full-sized image sensor. Until shortly the EOS-1Ds Mark II was the only camera containing such a sensor. A beautifully professional D-SLR camera but an enormous investment and possibly too big to handle for a large group of consumers. Moreover the demand for a compacter and lighter version seemed to grow and presently there was gab in between the EOS 20D and the professional Canon D-SLRs. Both gabs are now solved with the Canon EOS 5D. The Canon 5D is a professional, quite compact D-SLR camera with impressive specifications.
Canon EOS 5D SLR – Large image sensor
The main sales argument for the Canon EOS 5D is of course the large sensor. It’s a full-size image sensor meaning that the dimensions equal the 35mm format. And this means you don’t suffer from focal length multiplier anymore, and this is especially ideal for wide angle lovers. Producing a full-size sensor is extremely expensive, more so because there is a lot of remainder of the wafers that the sensors are made from. You’d expect Canon to use the same sensor they’ve used for the EOS 1Ds Mark II, because the higher the production numbers, the lower the price will be per unit. But Canon decided to put an entirely new 12 Megapixel CMOS into the EOS 5D. It has a pixel pitch of 0.082 mm which equals the pixel pitch of speed monster; Eos-1D Mark II N. It is therefore well possible that the EOS 5D features a larger type than the one used in the EOS-1D Mark II N. Some image characteristics seem to prove this thought.
Canon 5D SLR camera – DIGIC II processor
A 12 Megapixel sensor delivers large files. To enable speedy processing the DIGIC II processor is used; the strong Canon trump. The DIGIC 2 processor is able to process a large amount of data in a short time. In combination with the huge internal memory it’s possible to write many large sized files very quickly onto the memory card. The maximum image speed is three frames per second. That is one image less than the EOS 1Ds Mark II can handle, that is also capable of producing larger files because of its 16 Megapixels. It seems that Canon sort of went a bit skimpy on speed with the 5D D-SLR otherwise this camera might become a too big competitor for the Canon 1Ds Mark II. The DIGIC II processor also places the images extremely fast into the buffer and it knows how to empty the buffer quickly too. On paper 60 JPEG images will fit in the buffer or 20 RAW images. The amount however depends on the sensitivity used; the higher the sensitivity the smaller the buffer. Nevertheless; the amount of 60 JPEG images fitting in the buffer is enormous! Even the EOS-1D Mark II N stores fewer images. These staggering numbers make the Canon EOS 5D very suitable for the photo journalist who has to do reportages.
Canon EOS 5D – Built-in flash and viewfinder
Not only does the camera perform professionally, the camera itself is also of a high quality. The Canon EOS 5D is lacking the finishing touch of the EOS 1D line, but the 5D can still stand a mild rain shower. The resemblance with the EOS 20D is striking. Canon wants to make clear that the EOS 5D belongs to the Canon 1D series. The built-in flash is sacrificed for the sake of the enormous viewfinder. And I don’t think there will be many photographers who will miss a flash on a camera like the EOS 5D. Fortunately it also sunk in with Canon that photographers are very happy to have a large size monitor to be able to judge the images correctly and easily. The Canon EOS 5D features a monitor with a diameter of 2.5-inches.
Canon 5D digital reflex camera – AA size batteries
A very smart move of Canon is the fact that the renown BP-511 battery is also used on the EOS 5D. It’s already being used often in Canon models, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find an extra (spare) set of batteries for a reasonable price. A second battery can be placed in the optional grip or you can choose for six AA size batteries. The grip is one of many accessories that can be used on the Canon 5D. Besides that the photographer has a vast choice from lenses, only the EF-S lenses don’t go together with the EOS 5D. At the same time when the Canon EOS 5D was introduced, Canon also introduced a new lens in the f/4.0 series; the Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM lens. Especially on the 5D it offers an outstanding range and thanks to the image stabilisation, you can shoot holding the camera in your hand, even in difficult light circumstances.
Canon EOS 5D reflex camera review
It seems beforehand that the EOS 5D will become a gigantic hit. It meets the demand for a compacter professional camera; one that can fill up the gap between the EOS 20D and the 1D Mark II N. The grand surprise is that it turned out to be a full size model. Canon lent us the Canon EOS 5D with the EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM for a short period of time. The results of our test can be read in the Canon EOS 5D digital camera review.
Printer Test: Canon PIXMA Pro9000 and Epson Stylus Photo 1400
Posted on September 3, 2007 - Filed Under Cameras, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Great photos deserve to be admired — and not as tiny snapshots. They should be at least 13×19 inches. Pigment printers can be pricey, so check out two dye-based alternatives from Canon and Epson.
Canon PIXMA Pro9000
This new eight-ink model ($420, street), which makes borderless prints up to 13×23 inches, replaces the six-ink PIXMA i9900 and performs better with ChromaLife100 dye inks. It sets a speed record in this category, producing colorful 13×19-inch borderless prints (on Canon’s new Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss) in just 2 minutes, 27 seconds, and borderless 8.5×11-inch prints in a blazing 1 minute 5 seconds. Canon attributes this speed increase to the high-performance, 6144-nozzle FINE print head that’s capable of producing 2-picoliter ink droplets.
Canon Pixma Pro9000 Test Results
Image quality: Excellent for color and b&w prints on Canon Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss. Color accuracy: Excellent (5.6 Avg. Delta E). Color gamut: Large, with some saturated yellows and dark purple-reds outside the Adobe RGB color space (transparent blue area in graph). Max. black density: Extremely High (5.7 L). Print speed: Color: Extremely fast. 13×19-inch borderless, 2 min 27 sec; 8.5×11 borderless, 1 min 16 sec. Black-and-white (using grayscale control): Extremely slow. 8×10 bordered print, 16 min 45 sec.
Canon Pixma Pro9000 Gamut
Unlike the i9900, there’s an advanced grayscale control in the print driver that lets you produce very pleasing black-and-white prints, in a variety of tones, directly from color images. Unfortunately, b&w printing takes more than four times as long (over 16 minutes for an 8×10). The Pro9000 can print on thick matte papers, canvas, and fine-art cut sheets (up to 14×17 inches) using a second paper path. The printer has built-in wheels so it can roll forward for the required 15.7-inch clearance. Nice touch.
The printer comes with Canon’s Easy-PhotoPrint Pro software and Digital Photo Professional version 2.1. The supplied color profiles work very well with Easy-PhotoPrint Pro, producing stunning prints with high color saturation, excellent color accuracy, and decent blacks. Pure reds were on the reddish-orange side, but sky blue, dark purples, yellows, and greens were among the most accurate and saturated from any printer that we’ve tested.
Canon also includes a useful manual that details print-driver settings for a variety of papers in programs such as Adobe Photoshop. But the supplied profiles didn’t work well in Photoshop CS3, and we recommend the Easy-PhotoPrint Pro plug-in to get accurate color.
Canon claims that prints on its Photo Paper Pro and Plus will last up to 100 years in an archival photo album and up to 30 years on display. That’s longer than most silver-halide prints, but not as long as those from Canon’s PIXMA Pro9500 or Epson’s Stylus Photo 1400.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a super-fast printer with a wide color gamut and fine-art paper compatibility, this is a great choice.
Nikon Unveils Coolpix P5100
Posted on September 2, 2007 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Nikon has introduced a new advanced point-and-shoot to update the existing Coolpix P5000. The 12.1-megapixel Coolpix P5100 sports an optically stabilized f/2.7-5.3, 35mm-123mm (35mm camera equivalent) 3.5x zoom lens; a 230,000-pixel, 2.5-inch LCD with an antireflective coating; an optical viewfinder; and a rounded grip. The lens takes wide and telephoto converters, and there’s a hotshoe on the P5100, with support for Nikon’s i-TTL external flash control system. The camera also provides face-detection technology, and Nikon says its performance has been improved over that of the system used in the P5000. Aside from the resolution boost and updated face-detection system, the P5100 remains very similar to its predecessor.
The P5100 offers a good range of exposure controls, including manual and priority modes, a top light-sensitivity setting of ISO 3200, and a live histogram. Like Nikon’s less advanced Coolpix models, it also has 16 automatic shooting modes, in-camera cropping and redeye removal, and Nikon’s D-Lighting feature, which automatically opens up dark shadow areas in playback mode. The camera records smooth video with sound, as well as audio-only files.
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