Sony’s Latest DSLRs Take Aim at Photographers on a Budget
It’s generally true that you get what you pay for, but when it comes to DSLRs, you no longer have to pay through the nose to graduate out of point-n-shoot territory. Take Sony, for example, which has gone and released a pair of entry-level DSLR cameras, the DSLR-A290 and DSLR-A390.
Priced at $500 (A290) and $600 (A390), you’re not going to find a ton of high-end features like you would if you spent over $1,000 on a DSLR, but that doesn’t mean these are merely glorified point-n-shoots. Both cameras sport the same 14.2 megapixel CCD sensor, while the A390 adds Sony’s quick AF live view function in combination with a 2.7-inch tilting LCD. Both also share ISO sensitivity up to 3200, 9-point autofucos, sensor shake system, static-free anti-dust coating, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI mini-connector.
There aren’t a ton of differences between the two modes. Other than what was already mentioned, the A390 offers a slightly better viewfinder magnification and is ever-so-slightly larger and heavier.
Get a full rundown here.
Image Credit: Sony
Pentax Releases ‘Affordable’ Medium Format DSLR
Pining away for a medium format DSLR camera but can’t bring yourself to drop 20 large for Mamiya’s DM40? Maybe Pentax has your number, who just introduced its 645D camera for the comparatively bargain-bin price of $9,400.
It’s the company’s first medium format DSLR, which comes with a high-performance CCD image sensor produced by Kodak. The sensor measures 44mm by 33mm and boasts 40MP shots.
Other features include a 14-bit A/D converter, lightweight body, dual SD/SDHC memory card slots, the company’s DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, 11-point wide-frame AF sensor, 77-segment multi-pattern metering, 3.0-inch color LCD, HDR function, HDMI output, and whole host of other goodies.
Get the full scoop here.
Image Credit: Pentax
Mamiya Announces $20,000 DM40 Medium Format Camera
It takes a true passion for photography and a deep wallet to plunk down $20,000 for a digital camera, and if you have both, Mamiya will happily oblige with its newly announced DM40 medium format DSLR camera
As evidenced by the price tag ($19,990 for the digital back, or $21,990 for the camera and 80mm f/2.8 lens), the DM40 fits into Mamiya’s lineup of professional large-sensor DSLRs. What you get in return is a 40 megapixel camera capable of shooting 60 frames per minutes (yes, minute), which makes it the fastest in this class of sensor.
You’ll also find CompactFlash storage support, FireWire, 3.5-inch touchscreen, 80-800 ISO sensitivity, a user-selectable shutter system (leaf or focal plane), high-speed flash synchronization, and other odds and ends.
Image Credit: Mamiya
Samsung’s TL350 Flirts with DSLR Capabilities
It used to be that if you wanted to run with the big dogs in photography, you needed a DSLR. And while some would argue that’s still the case, point-and-shoot cameras continue to blur the line between the two market segments. Enter Samsung’s new TL350, a 10 megapixel point-and-shoot with a few tricks up its sleeve.
Samsung’s latest entry to the point-and-shoot market comes with a 24mm ultra wide-angle Schneider Keuznach lens, five levels of optical zoom, and a 3-inch AMOLED display. Budding photographers benefit from both smart and manual controls, but that’s not all.
Video buffs will appreciate the TL350’s ability to capture 1080p HD video. And with Samsung’s Dual Capture Mode, users can shoot videos and stills at the same time.
Of course, we need to see its performance before making any kind of judgment, but as far as spec sheets go, Samsung’s off to a good start, and a decent price point. This one will carry an MSRP of $350 when it ships this Spring.
Image Credit: Samsung
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds Prematurely Available
It was bound to happen–digital cameras would be redesigned as digital devices, rather than optical devices with digital components press-ganged into service. The new Micro Four Thirds standard, created by Olympus and Kodak does just that for digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR), not only blurring the feature line between point-and-shoots and DSLRs, but also allowing for interchangeable ‘smart’ lenses. Pretty neat.
And Olympus’s new PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds camera, promised for March, is now available to eager adopters. The PEN E-PL1 has a 12.3 megapixel high speed MOS sensor, with a 4:3 aspect ratio, and the TruePic V Image processor. It saves images in JPEG and RAW (12-bit lossless compression) formats, in images up to 4032 x 3024 pixels. It can record video in 1280 x 720 HD, and 640 x 480 SD (with file size limited to 2GB). Images are stored to an SD or SDHC card.
Other features include high speed auto focus, image stabilization, shutter speeds from 2 to 1/2000 second (and a bulb option). The LCD is 2.7-inches and 230,000 pixels. (No optical viewfinder.) Flash is built-in. There’s also a full complement of auto features, and for the serious amateur manual control.
Amazon says it has the slate blue and champagne gold versions in stock. If you want the black it looks like you’ll have to wait. Price is $599.99, which includes a 14-42mm f/3.5-4.6 Zuiko digital zoom lens.
Image Credit: Engadget
Canon’s New EOS 7D: Bigger, Faster, Smarter, Stronger
Canon fired the latest salvo in the hotter-than-ever digital SLR wars this week, introducing its new EOS 7D. The $1699 (body-only) EOS 7D includes some now-familiar features, such as APS-C image sensor size (1.6x crop factor), 3-inch LCD with Live View, and Full HD Video.
The $1699 (body-only) EOS 7D includes some now-familiar features, such as the APS-C image sensor size (1.6x crop factor), 3-inch LCD with Live View, and Full HD Video. Here’s what’s new and different.
Bigger - The EOS 7D cranks up the size of several subsystems, including
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18MP image sensor
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Two DIGIC 4 image processors for faster image processing and better low-light performance
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ISO expandable to 12,800
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100% viewfinder coverage
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19-point autofocus
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63 zone dual-layer metering that uses AF and color information for better exposure and image quality
Faster - Shoot faster with the EOS 7D, thanks to
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8 fps burst shooting (up to 126 large JPEG or up to 15 RAW; requires Ultra DMA Compact Flash Card)
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1080HD video mode now offers frame rates up to 30 fps and includes adjustable frame rates for all supported video resolutions
Smarter - The EOS 7D provides a smarter viewfinder and AF system for better information and composition
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New toggleable LCD overlay for better framing and focusing even in total darkness
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New Spot AF mode for focusing on tiny areas of a scene
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AF Point expansion (borrowed from the EOS 1D series) automatically shifts to adjacent focus points if the selected manual focus point loses focus
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Improved automatic AF point selection and Zone AF
Stronger - The EOS 7D is designed to stand up to protracted use:
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Magnesium body with dust and weather resistant features
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Shutter rated for up to 150,000 cycles
Lens Options, Accessories and More Information
The EOS 7D will also be bundled with Canon’s 28-135mm EF IS lens, which provides framing comparable to a 45-215mm lens on a full-frame 35mm camera. The kit will sell for an estimated $1,899.
Wide-angle fans will want to consider Canon’s new 15-85mm EF-S IS (24-135 35mm equivalent) and 18-135mm EF-S IS (28-215mm 35mm equivalent) lenses.
Canon’s new optional WFT-E5A Wireless File Transmitter ($699.99) provides a variety of storage and backup options for the EOS 7D, including the ability to record to a USB external hard disk and an Ultra DMA Compact Flash card inside the camera at the same time, and it also supports geotagging through Bluetooth. Learn more about the EOS 7D and WFT-E5A here.
Learn more about the EOS 7D’s new AF features here.
Are you excited about the new features in the 7D? Wishing it had a different mix of goodies? Click Comment and sound off.
Photo courtesy Canon USA.
Sony Cyber-shot W300
The Sony Cyber-shot W300 is one of the best looking compact digital camera we have reviewed recently. It offers great performance and is very easy to operate although as with any electronic products there are a few minor flaws.
The one thing that really stands out with this camera is its handsome looks, the camera is finished in a metalic dark grey with a black and silver flash. Of all the digital cameras we have reviewed recently this camera really stands out.
The cameras controls can take a bit of getting use to but are pretty simple to use. The controls consist of a D-pad, four buttons and a forward facing rocker. The two buttons are difficult to use with your right hand but a good feature is the ‘home button’, which allows you to quickly navigate to the start of the menu.
The photo quality from the camera is of a high standard, and the W300’s 13.6 megapixel sensor produces some great images with great depth and colour. Another great feature of the camera is its ‘SuperSteadyShot stabilization system which is great for those of us with shakey hands.
The W300 offers you the chance to take images in ‘manual mode’ which can help take great images, although there are no aperture or shutter controls, although if you are interested in this type of functionality you really should be looking for a slr digital camera.
The main downside with this camera is the fact that it does’nt use SD Card Media for storage but instead uses its own version, which are more expensive.
Pros - amazing looks and style, good picture output, good value for money
Cons - does’nt use the industry standard SD Card for storage
For more digital slr reviews and information view our parent site
Nikon D5000 Swivel screen dSLR
Nikon Inc. today introduced the new Nikon D5000, a digital SLR camera with a host of features and capabilities that deliver superior performance and image quality along with amazing versatility for photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography. Leveraging Nikon’s expertise and innovative technologies found in its pro-level D-SLRs, the 12.3-megapixel Nikon D5000 enables users to capture exceptionally stunning images and High Definition video with remarkable ease.
Nikon D5000 Swivel Screen dSLR
Whether consumers are progressing from a point-and-shoot digital camera or looking to upgrade their current digital SLR and elevate their photographic expression, the Nikon D5000 serves as an ideal solution. First time D-SLR photographers will appreciate logical and easy-to-use controls, while creative enthusiasts will appreciate the D5000’s robust combination of features, technologies and performance. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that encourages shooting with a fresh perspective, Nikon’s revolutionary D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes, delivering superior Nikon innovation in a compact, user-friendly design….
Check out the Nikon D5000 at Amazon.
“The Nikon D5000 represents a cornerstone in Nikon’s D-SLR line, marrying simplicity and instructive features with superior technology and HD video, allowing the user’s ability and creativity to grow—with the camera,” said Edward Fasano, General Manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “While its easy-to-use design will attract first-time D-SLR photographers, the D5000’s rich feature set and high performance will also appeal immediately to more experienced enthusiasts. The D5000 is sure to inspire creativity and originality.”
Nikon D5000 Swivel Screen dSLR
Broadened Creativity and Adaptability
Photographers can easily compose stunning images on the Vari-angle LCD monitor that they can view in a normal position fitting securely within the camera back, or swung out to be rotated or tilted. The monitor can also be stowed with the LCD panel tucked against the camera back to protect the screen when not in use. This tremendous freedom of movement, along with four Live View autofocus shooting modes, affords users the opportunity to shoot from a multitude of imaginative angles. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving children and pets. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, which offers a large AF area for optimal hand-held shooting; and Normal Area AF, which provides pinpoint accuracy when shooting with a tripod.
The D5000’s D-Movie Mode allows users the exciting ability to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. Photographers will appreciate the quality produced whether creating vacation clips or intertwining still photographs and movies in a post-production creative montage. Additionally, the D5000 is compatible with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses to provide users with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000’s performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.
Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000’s 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.
The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified. With Nikon’s exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user’s personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.
Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.
Proven Image Excellence
Consumers will immediately appreciate the benefits of the D5000’s 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for superior shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000’s ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.
Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure—even when conditions are extreme. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot Metering for added personal control.
Smooth, Swift and Quiet Operation
The D5000’s 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon’s 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.
Paired with Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon’s VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*
The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.
System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D5000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.
The D5000 also works seamlessly with Nikon’s powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software (available for purchase separately), for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.
Price and Availability
The D5000 outfit, which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late April 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95. For consumers who want to configure their D5000 system or for photographers who need an additional D-SLR body for an existing system, the D5000 will also be offered as a body only for an estimated selling price of $729.95. Check out the Nikon D5000 at Amazon.
Tags: dSLR, Nikon D5000
Post from: Digital Photography School - Photography Tips.
Nikon D5000 Swivel screen dSLR
Nikon D200 Digital SLR Review
Digital Photography School have published their review of the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 Digital SLR, it features a 2.5″ screen, and high speed shooting. The Nikon D200 is available from Amazon UK:
“The Nikon D200 made its debut just over 3 years ago and has since been replaced by the D300. However, this doesn’t mean the D200 is completely out of the picture. We’ve been using the Nikon D200 as one of our primary workhorses in the studio for almost 2 years and I can safely say it has proven itself to be a powerful asset.”
More Nikon D200 DSLR Reviews: Ken Rockwell, Photoxels, Photo.net, Imaging Resource, Pocket-Lint, Trusted Reviews
Sony Alpha A900 Digital SLR Review
Photography BLOG have reviewed the new 24.6 megapixel full frame Digital SLR the Sony Alpha A900 - it has an optical viewfinder with 100% coverage, SteadyShot INSIDEâ„¢, dual BIONZâ„¢ image processor, 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD, and 5fps continuous shooting at full resolution. The camera is available from Amazon.
“The Sony A900 is not simply the highest-resolution DSLR out there – it’s much more than that. If you’ve read through the Ease of Use and Image Quality sections of this review, you will know that I liked working with this camera a lot. Its viewfinder is the best you’ll find south of medium format, the build is incredibly robust, the controls are intuitive, with some of them – such as the dedicated Histogram button, the metering mode knob or the well-implemented rear joystick – being close to pure genius.”
Read more Sony Alpha A900 Reviews: Luminous Landscape, Luminous Landscape, DPExpert, The Online Photographer, DPReview, Cameralabs.com, Sony Alpha A900 at Photokina.