Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1
Posted on July 17, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
To say the 6MP Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 ($999, street) is a breakthrough is an understatement. As we’ve said before (April 2008), and the Pop Photo Lab confirms, the F1 is a far-reaching achievement on several fronts:
• It’s an impressive 12X zoom (36-432mm f/2.7-4.6 equivalent) electronic-viewfinder (EVF) still camera with optical stabilization and Excellent image quality.
• It’s the camera equivalent of a machine gun, packing a breathtaking 60 frames-per-second burst rate (7 fps with flash) and 1/4 0,000 sec top shutter speed.
• It’s a full-HD (1920×1080 pixels at 60 fps) video camera with stereo audio, zoom while recording, and HDMI output.
• It’s a high-speed/low-resolution video camera, shooting up to a blistering 1200 frames per second.
That last quality — high-speed video — means 1 sec of real time equals up to 40 sec of ultra-slow-motion video. Scientists and sports trainers will find practical uses for this, but the “Wow!” factor is universal. Check out our high-speed videos at www.PopPhoto.com/EX-F1.
In HD mode, the F1 serves up crisp, sharp, full-HD videos on an HDTV (connect it using your own HDMI cable).
AA Battery Test
Posted on July 9, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
We all use them; from camera flashes to television remotes, AA batteries find their way into every home. But just like other energy sources, batteries can be very costly as well. With a wide range of prices from store to store, a bit of comparison shopping may be necessary to find a good deal. Need a 4-pack of alkaline batteries at a tourist trap? Forget about it — that’ll be 10 dollars please.
With plenty of time to plan ahead, we shopped around for the best prices, dropping two Franklins at Wal-Mart. $200 bought seven sets of rechargeable and seven sets of single-use batteries — 84 batteries in total. With individual single-use batteries ranging in price from 50-cents to upwards of four dollars (purchased in packs of four or eight), our objective was simple: Calculate cost per shot for each battery.
Each set of batteries was put through a series of three tests. Batteries were tested twice using the 8-megapixel Canon PowerShot SX100IS, once with and once without using the built-in flash. The camera was tethered to a computer and fired using Canon’s Remote Capture software, with each and every setting carefully matched before each test to ensure consistency. The camera continued firing until each pair of batteries was depleted, with shot intervals of five seconds for the flash off test and 15 seconds while the flash was on. This portion of the battery test often ran overnight.
D3 and D300 get firmware fixes
Posted on July 7, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
In addition to the announcement of the D700, Nikon has revised the firmware of the D3 and D300. The latest D3 firmware adds new function button customization options though not the ones featured on the D700. In addition to these and a virtual horizon in live view mode, Nikon has also addressed the problem that some users experienced in which the battery indicator would incorrectly register an empty battery.
This problem, which has come to be known as ‘Dead Battery Syndrome,’ has also been addressed in new firmware for the D300.
D3 firmware makes improvements to AF and Auto White Balance mode, as well as correcting for the battery indicator errors. Many of the other changes are subtle tweaks to menus and behavior, such as the decision to only all auto-rotate of images in playback mode, not in the review image that appears after shooting (as the camera must already be in the correct orientation to have taken the shot).
The only D700 feature to appear is the addition of a visualization of the virtual horizon function to live view mode. Other than this, the new function button customization options are not as extensive as its new baby brother. The D3 changes add three more options that can be assigned to the Function, Preview or AE-L/AF-L buttons. The only completely original option is the ability to scroll between shooting menu banks (user-defined presets) with a button press and turn of the control dial. The firmware also separates the image area (FX/DX/5:4) option into two, so that you can choose to either scroll between all three image sizes or just between FX and DX.
D3 firmware v2.00 can be downloaded from the following links:
Mac
PC
D300 firmware v1.03 can be downloaded from the following links:
Mac
PC
More details about the D3 changes can be found by clicking here.
Nikon SB-900 Speedlight
Posted on July 6, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment
This week Nikon have announced the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight to go with their new Nikon D700 DSLR .
It is a top of the range flash and will be available in August 2008 with a retail price of $499.95 USD.
Learn more about the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight in the promotional material from Nikon below.
Nikon SB-900 Speedlight News Release
New Nikon SB-900 Speedlight Advances Flash Technology At The Speed Of Light With Expansive Zoom And Intelligent Features
Nikon’s Newest Flagship Speedlight Offers a Powerful Addition to the Versatile Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
Nikon, Inc. today introduced the SB-900 Speedlight to provide Nikon digital SLR photographers with a flash capable of a wide zoom range, increased versatility, faster recycling time, and a wealth of intelligent features to enhance the already vast functionality of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Building on the success of the popular SB-800 Speedlight, the SB-900 provides users with extensive creative lighting possibilities with a simplified interface and the ability to stay up to date with future technologies through user-applied firmware updates.*
The SB-900 offers unprecedented zoom range coverage from 17 to 200mm, to increase flexibility in a variety of shooting conditions, while automatically adapting itself to Nikon’s FX or DX-format cameras. Additionally, light output has been increased to a maximum guide number of 48/157.5 (ISO 200, meters/feet at 35mm FX-format and Standard). Photographers can now also select from three light patterns; “Center-weighted” provides the highest guide number and is suitable for images such as portraits, where light falloff at the image edges is of less importance. “Standard” provides a familiar pattern, similar to the SB-800, and is ideal for general photography and “Even” which delivers the most consistent edge-to-edge coverage, making it ideal for situations such as group photography. Additionally, Nikon’s newest flagship Speedlight provides photographers with advanced wireless i-TTL capabilities allowing the utilization of multiple Speedlights with ease and confidence on location or in the studio.
“Nikon is proud that its innovative leadership in flash technologies has been praised by photographers who have realized the versatility and power that the Nikon Creative Lighting System contributes to their photography,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “The SB-900 Speedlight now provides photographers with a new level of portable lighting functionality, with performance and intelligent features that adapt to an even wider scope of lighting challenges.”
The SB-900 Speedlight is engineered to address the creative lighting challenges faced by today’s photographers including a need for fast, on-demand performance, and the ability to adapt seamlessly to nearly any lighting scenario. The SB-900’s innovative design has the Xenon flash tube and reflector system moving independently – allowing for a wider zoom range from an extreme wide angle of 17mm (FX) to the telephoto setting which reaches 200mm without the aid of accessories or as wide as 12mm in DX mode with the built-in wide-angle panel engaged.
The SB-900 offers a quick recycle time of 4.0 seconds (at full power) with four Alkaline AA batteries which drops to a mere 2.3 seconds (at full power) while using four rechargeable NiMH batteries—about 25 percent faster than the SB-800 with its fifth battery attachment.
While ease of use has always been a defining hallmark of the Nikon CLS System, the user interface has been even further refined to simplify control and offer faster operation. Controls for setting the wireless Master and Remote have been relocated to the outside of the unit for easier access and frequently used functions are easily adjusted with a new Rotary Select Dial. A larger LCD screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and photographers can assign “My Menu” hotkeys for quicker access to commonly used functions. A new thermal cut-out protection system monitors conditions when the flash might overheat due to excessive rapid bursts. Helpful operating temperature information is provided to the photographer with an innovative temperature gauge displayed on the LCD screen.
For the first time, Nikon SB-900 Speedlight users will have the ability to take advantage of future performance advancements, by way of user-uploadable firmware. The user will be able to download the firmware onto a flash media card and upload it to the flash through select digital SLR cameras.*
The SB-900 Speedlight is Nikon’s most intelligent Speedlight ever, created in response to the needs of today’s digital photographic professionals. When using the included fluorescent or incandescent filters and adaptor, the flash automatically recognizes what filter is being used and automatically adjusts white balance accordingly on the latest Nikon D-SLRs.* Additionally, the SB-900 aids auto focus with a broader AF assist beam that covers a wide 20-105mm that is matched to all of the D3, D700 and D300’s 51 focus points. The bounce and swivel capability of the SB-900 has been expanded to include: tilt up to 90 degrees, down minus 11 degrees, and a full 180-degree swivel left or right, allowing more creativity for on or off camera use, or as a remote Speedlight.
The SB-900 serves as the new core for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with Nikon SLRs, and supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a master or a remote Speedlight, inviting photographers to discover endless creative possibilities. While using one or more Nikon Speedlights wirelessly, photographers can artistically use shadows, highlight details, and light complicated angles with ease. Along with the SB-900, the Nikon Creative Lighting System features a comprehensive assortment of personal lighting tools that include the agile SB-600 and SB-400, and the remarkable R1 and R1C1 Wireless Close-up Speedlight systems.
Available accessoriesThe SD9 Battery Pack boosts flash recycle time to a mere one second (at full power). For faster recycling or all-day shooting it accepts up to eight AA batteries. To enhance the weatherproof ability of Nikon D-SLRs, optional Water Guards will be available for select cameras to protect the connection between the flash and camera, allowing users to utilize the flash when weather conditions are less than ideal.
Price and availabilityThe new Nikon SB-900 Speedlight is scheduled to be available in August 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $499.95.** The SB-900 will come packaged with the Speedlight Stand, Bounce Adapter, Color Filter Holder, Intelligent Color Filter Kit, Diffuser Dome and the Soft Case. The SD9 Battery Pack is also scheduled to be available in August 2008 with an estimated selling price of $230.00.
Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 review
Posted on July 2, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Casio Exilim Pro F1 digital camera review : Casio have been active on the digital camera market for several years now. Although the majority of the people know Casio because of their watches and pocket calculators, many are unaware of the fact that Casio is a real pioneer in the camera world. When the camera market started to rise, Casio were the first to introduce a consumer digital camera; the QV10, which set the ball rolling. Surprisingly enough it took quite a while before renowned photo manufactures caught up. Nowadays, many manufacturers have been forced to adjust their strategy; they either merged or abandoned the photo market. Casio, on the other hand, have proven to be a pioneer and for a reason; they are still very much present in the game.
Casio Exilim EX-F1 Megazoom camera
Striking is the least you can say about a manufacturer as Casio. Their past has made it clear that Casio were always innovative; various innovations started by Casio were later on adopted as similar versions or a derivative version by their competitors. Still, not all is home-made. One example is the new Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 camera. A Megazoom camera as we know from the competition, however, with one great difference; the camera has an on-board ultra-fast CMOS image sensor that is able to achieve unparalleled speed performance.
Casio EX-F1 features ultra-fast CMOS image sensor
The Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is a camera belonging to the Pro-series of Casio. This series never convinced us of a Pro status, however; with their new flagship, Casio try to establish their status as innovative camera manufacturer once again. The Casio F1 is equipped with a special CMOS image sensor that is developed by Sony. We call it special since it is a sensor able to manage data at an extremely high speed, resulting in a camera with a capacity of working with a frame speed of 1200 fps, incredible! The 1/1.8 inch CMOS sensor features ‘only’ 6 Megapixels which is not many compared to current resolution ratios, but in any case, it suffices to print photo realistic enlargements.
Casio Exilim Pro EX F1 camera review
The camera features a 12x optical zoom lens and uses image stabilization to be able to guarantee a sharp picture. The Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 looks a lot like a LUMIX Megazoom camera, as far as model goes, of the Panasonic stable. The surplus value of the Casio EXILIM Pro F1 is, naturally, found in the frame speed specification. It will offer access to a world of action photography, which until now was inaccessible to amateur photographers, for a consumer price. I had the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 in the office for a while. The camera was tested in practice and a sample was technically tested in our DIWA Lab in Norway, where extensive tests on techniques are carried out in lab circumstances. The results can be read in the following 
Nikon Capture NX 2
Posted on July 1, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
When Nikon’s Capture NX software came out in the summer of 2006, it was a boon to Nikon shooters who wanted to make selective edits to their pictures without the time and trouble of making Photoshop-esque masks and selections. The new version takes selective editing to a new level – allowing you to use NX’s control points to do more than ever before.
Now, it’s possible to use the control points to choose which areas you sharpen, reduce noise, add blur, and do just about anything else the program offers. The interface has been redesigned and is now customizable, and there’s a smooth new retouch brush, as well.
Nikon shooters will get the most out of the software, because they can use NX 2′s full functionality as a RAW converter. However, if you don’t shoot Nikon but have lots of TIFFs and JPEGs, you can use this program, too. Starting in late June, anyone can try it free from www.nikonusa.com. It will cost $180 for the full version, and $110 for the upgrade.
Here are a few of the coolest new features:
Auto Retouch Brush
To get rid of blemishes or dust, wipe the area with the new Auto Retouch Brush. You can change its size according to what you want to get rid of.
Color Control Point
As before, add color control points to manipulate color, contrast, brightness, and saturation of the areas that need it. On the right, your changes appear as steps. Toggle them on and off or get rid of them all together. All of the edits are nondestructive.
Selection Control Points
With the new Selection Control Points, you can choose an effect, then pick the area where you want it to land. Here, I added sharpness to her eyes. To do it, I told the control point roughly the radius of the area I wanted to affect. The software’s algorithms determined, based on the color of the spot where I placed the point, that I was going for her eyes. By choosing Show Overlay, I can check out the area that I’m affecting.
Adding and Removing Selection
By adding lots of control points, I used a slight Gaussian blur to smooth out her skin while protecting her features.
Here’s what the mask looks like.
And here’s the result.
Ricoh Caplio GX-200
Posted on June 28, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Ricoh has today announced the GX200 digital compact camera. The new model is replacing the GX100 and inherits the old model’s 24 to 72 mm (equiv.) lens, manual controls and a removable (optional) tilting electronic viewfinder. Resolution has been increased to 12 megapixels, the screen now measures 2.7 inches and the camera is controlled by the latest version of Ricoh’s imaging processor – the Smooth Imaging Engine III. The GX200 will be available in the UK from the beginning of July.
Press release:
A high-end, 24 mm super-wide-angle, optical zoom, digital compact featuring high resolution 12 megapixel CCD coupled with the latest imaging engine SIE III
Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200. The GX200 is able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007.
The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm (35 mm film equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic viewfinder. The new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III.
Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further configured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution.
With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs.
This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic viewfinder.
*The lens focal lengths used in this document are the equivalent focal length for a 35 mm camera.
Main features of the new Ricoh GX200
1. Greater image quality through use of a 12 megapixel CCD, a new image processing engine and continuous RAW mode capture.
- An effective 12 megapixel high-performance 1/1.7-inch CCD has been newly installed, with each pixel comes increased resolution.
- The adoption of a new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III allows for greater control over the noise reduction process by the photographer without sacrificing resolution or saturation.
- High image quality combined with a lens with greater backlight capability*.
- *This is the 24 to 72 mm equivalent wide-angle zoom lens mounted on the previous model (Caplio GX100). It features a generous configuration of 11 elements in 7 groups, including superior aspheric surface lenses and high-refractive-index, low-dispersion lenses. This optimal configuration restricts distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff at edges for wide-angle operation while delivering aperture light settings from F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (tele-photo). In addition, ghosting has been further reduced through the improvements made to the lens unit.
2. Large, high-resolution 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots HVGA LCD.
- The new 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots high-resolution LCD has a wide viewing angle and high contrast for distinct, easy viewing even outdoors. When thumbnail images are displayed, even the small 1/20 size images are clearly reproduced.
3. Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor to help keep the camera body horizontally or vertically level.
- If the level setting is set on, when the camera is level, the level indicator becomes green in the picture display. Being able to check whether the image is level while looking at the display can be useful for keeping the camera level when composing pictures of landscapes, buildings, and other scenes where the horizon is visible.
- It is possible to check whether the camera is level using the level sound setting.
- The electronic level can also be utilized while using the viewfinder.
4. Extensive shooting functions and high operability.
- Expanding buffer memory has made continuous shooting of up to five images possible in RAW mode, and it is also now possible to use the bracketing function to automatically change exposure settings when shooting in RAW mode. Other expanded RAW shooting capabilities include the ability to shoot 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) format photography in RAW mode.
- The number of mode dial “My Settings” options for defining your own shooting settings has increased to three. (There were two on the Caplio GX100.)
- There are now one-push mode change function buttons both on the top surface and as one of the rear-surface cross keys. These buttons can be used for customized settings to, for example, to switch from JPEG to RAW or from colour to B&W. You can switch quickly to your preferred shooting mode when confronted with a sudden photo opportunity.
- The AF target shift function, which before could only be used in macro shooting, is now also available in normal shooting. Without moving the camera, it is possible to shift the target for AF or AE or both.
- The flash is manually raised by sliding the open switch. Flash functions on the GX200 have been further expanded with a light intensity adjustment function (-2.0 EV to +2.0 EV), a manual flash function in which intensity can be set, and a flash synchro setting where flash timing can be set as „1st Curtain“ or „2nd Curtain.“
- An auto rotate function makes it easier to view images on the picture display.
- Even when shooting in high-contrast situations, the camera can use an auto level correction function to achieve an appropriate level of brightness while reducing areas that are overly bright or dark.
- There is a distortion correction function (on/off selection possible) to automatically correct image distortion during shooting also usable with 19 mm conversion lens.
- When in aperture priority mode, an auto aperture shift function will automatically adjust the aperture setting to prevent overexposure.
5. Enhanced image editing functions enable images to be manipulated in the camera.
(1) Image colour tone correction (white balance compensation).
- By adjusting green, magenta, blue, and amber tones, still image colour tone can be corrected, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera.
(2) Image brightness and contrast correction (level compensation).
- Still image brightness and contrast can be corrected with either auto or manual modes, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. With manual correction, the image is corrected by adjusting the histogram.
(3) Wide range of creative monochrome possibilities.
- Colour, colour density, contrast, and sharpness can each be defined on a five-level scale.
- Sepia, red, green, blue, and purple colour selections are possible.
6. Additional options further expand possibilities for camera use.
- Lens cap (LC-1) opens and closes automatically in sync with lens movement.
- 135 mm equivalent tele conversion lens (TC-1) with built-in hood. Filter attachment possible.
When the tele conversion lens is attached, vignetting will occur when the zoom is not set to full telephoto. *The above two options can also be used on the Caplio GX100.
7. Removable electronic viewfinder can be attached.
- A removable and tiltable electronic viewfinder can be attached (included in GX200 VF KIT).
- The field of view provides 100% coverage without parallax and can display the same information as on the LCD picture display.
- It is convenient for shooting in bright outdoor environments and enables shooting to be done in a conventional film camera style.
List of GX200 Options:
|
Ricoh code |
Description |
RRP |
|
|
|
|
|
TC-1 |
Teleconverter lens |
£99.99 |
|
DW-6 |
19 mm Wide angle lens |
£99.99 |
|
LC-1 |
Tri-Lens Cap |
£19.99 |
|
HA-2 |
Hood and Adapter set for DW-6 and TC-1 |
£34.99 |
|
VF-1 |
Electronic Viewfinder |
£79.99 |
|
SC-45 |
Soft Leather case |
£29.99 |
|
ST-2 |
Ricoh GX Neck strap |
£14.99 |
|
AC-4c |
Mains adaptor |
£34.99 |
|
CA-1 |
Cable release |
£29.99 |
*1 The VF-1 LCD view finder is included in „GX200 VF KIT“.
*2 The HA-2 hood and adapter is required when using the wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens. When the wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens is attached; the internal flash cannot be used because vignetting may occur.
*3 The ST-1 neck strap for the GX/GX8 cannot be used.
Ricoh Caplio GX200 Specifications
 |
|
|---|---|
| List price (EU) |
• GX200 £349.99 |
| Sensor | • 12.1 million effective pixels • 12.4 million total pixels • 1/1.7-inch primary-colour CCD |
| Image stabilization | CCD-shift |
| Image sizes |
• 4000×3000 [4:3] |
| Movie: 640×480 Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format Compliant) |
|
| Output formats | • JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.21) • RAW (DNG) |
| Image processor | Smooth Imaging Engine III |
| Lens | • 3x zoom • Focal length: f=5.1 to 15.3 mm (24 to 72 mm equiv.) • Step Zoom: 24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 72 mm) • Aperture: F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (telephoto) • 11 glass elements in 7 groups |
| Focus modes | • Multi AF (CCD method) • Spot AF (CCD method) • Manual Focus • Snap • Infinity (with focus lock and AF aux. light) |
| AF assist lamp | Yes |
| Shooting modes | • Auto • Program Shift Mode • Aperture Priority Mode • Manual Exposure Mode • Scene Mode • My Settings Mode |
| Scene modes | • Movie • Portrait • Sports • Landscape • Nightscape • Zoom Macro • Skew Correct Mode • Text Mode |
| Metering | • Multi Light Metering (256 segments) • Centre-weighted • Spot (TTL-CCD metering, AE lock available) |
| AE Lock | Yes |
| AE Bracketing | +/- 0.3/0.5 EV |
| Exposure compen. |
• +/- 2.0 EV |
| Sensitivity |
• AUTO |
| Shutter speed |
180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 1 to 1/2000 sec |
| Aperture values | • F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (telephoto) |
| White balance | • Auto • Outdoors • Cloudy • Incandescent Lamp • Fluorescent Lamp • Manual Settings • Detail White balance bracket function |
| Drive modes |
• Single |
| Self-timer | Operation time: approx. 10 sec. / 2 sec. |
| LCD monitor | • 2.7 inch Transparent Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD • approx. 460,000 dots |
| Flash | • Auto • Red-eye Flash • Flash On • Flash Synchro • Manual Flash • Flash Off • Range (wide): Approx. 20 cm to 5.0 m (ISO AUTO) • Range (tele): Approx. 15 cm to 3.0 m (ISO AUTO) • Flash Compensation: ±2.0 EV (1/3 EV steps) |
| Connectivity |
• USB 2.0 High-Speed (mini B cable) |
| Storage | • SD memory card • SDHC memory card (up to 16 GB) • Internal Memory (approx. 54 MB) |
| Power | • Rechargeable Battery (DB60) ×1 • AAA Dry Alkaline Battery ×2 • AAA Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery ×2 • AC Adapter (Optional) |
| Dimensions | 111.6 mm (W) × 58.0 mm (H) × 25.0 mm (D) excluding protruding parts |
| Weight (with battery) | Approx. 238 g |
Olympus SP 570 UZ review
Posted on June 27, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Olympus SP-570 UZ digital camera review : In August 2005, Olympus introduced the very first camera from the new SP-5 series; the SP-500 UZ camera. At the time it was a Megazoom camera that certainly featured high specifications; six Megapixels, a maximum ISO of 400 and an optical zoom with a 38-380mm range. Three years later, the fifth model of the SP-5 series lays before me; the Olympus SP-570 UZ, the most recent Megazoom model by Olympus.
Evolution of the Olympus SP-570 UZ
Looking at the specifications, we clearly see the evolution this model underwent. Instead of six, there’s now room for ten Megapixels on the small image sensor, and the sensitivity of 6400, albeit with a limited resolution, surpasses the ‘high’ 400 ISO setting of that of its predecessor. The optical zoom lens also went through a real change; now offering a 20x optical zoom, resulting in a huge focal range (26-520mm) which is a powerful magnification factor even for the enhanced photographer.
Digital camera developments
In only a few years time the digital camera has undergone considerable changes and is, in fact, still going through this process. It looks like this trend will continue for a while. We are not always happy with the changes, but all in all it is a logical evolution. As long as the quality is ensured and improvements are visible, there is no reason to moan. Though it is a good motivation to keep a finger on the pulse, since a manufacturer’s marketing department sometimes tends to overdo it. One example that goes for nearly every brand is the race for the highest ISO setting possible. The latter is hardly ever useful in practice and only looks good on paper. Although Megazoom cameras tend to lean towards the features of digital SLRs, they are in fact compact cameras with the smaller sensors that come with these.
Olympus SP-570UZ Megazoom digital camera
The Megazoom digital camera market remains interesting to the manufacturer. While a number of manufacturers have left this concept alone in order to focus fully on their DSLR cameras, a considerable group of consumers really seemed to appreciate this Megazoom camera. The features; compact, lightweight and super zoom, form a powerful combination to give cameras like the Olympus SP-570UZ the right to exist.
Olympus SP-570 UZ camera review
The Olympus SP-570 was introduced in January of this year, just before the PMA 2008 in Las Vegas kicked off, and only recently became available to the consumer. Thanks to all its setting possibilities and all-round capacities, the Olympus SP-570 UZ camera seems to be the perfect alternative to a D-SLR camera. It’s a camera that is easy to take with you at all times. Read the following 
Just posted: Early Canon EOS 1000D sample images
Posted on June 26, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Just posted: Early samples gallery from the new Canon EOS 1000D / Digital Rebel XS. Canon’s new entry-level DSLR has generated a lot of interest, racing to the top of our most-clicked-on cameras list, so we’ve gone out and shot a samples gallery to give you some idea of what to expect. We must stress, however, that these are beta-standard images from a pre-production camera.
 |
|
Canon EOS 1000D Samples Gallery – Posted 13 June 2008 |
|---|
There are 30 images in the samples gallery. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don’t abuse it.
Unless otherwise noted images taken with no particular settings at full resolution. A reduced size image (within 1024 x 1024 bounds) is provided to be more easily viewed in your browser. As always the original untouched image is available by clicking on this reduced image.
Images marked DPP have been processed using Digital Photo Professional to make minor adjustments to white balance.
Just Posted: Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 review
Posted on June 14, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Just Posted: Our review of the Sony Alpha 350. The A350 shows a much greater Sony influence than its Konica-Minolta-based predecessor, the A100. Its radical live view system uses a secondary sensor to provide a real-time preview image without slowing down the shooting process, promising the speed and quality of a DSLR with the familiar behavior of a compact. So what’s the biggest of the baby Alphas like to use and can it live up to that promise?