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
FujiFilm Z700EXR Digital Camera Perfect for Pet Owners
FujiFilm’s Z700EXR digital camera was first announced about a month ago, but one feature that has been overlooked is its animal face recognition. Looking to give the feature its due, FujiFilm has been demonstrating the camera’s canine (and feline) facial recognition at this week’s Camera and Photo Image Show in Yokohama, Japan.
FujiFilm used stuffed toy dogs and cats to show off the camera’s capabilities, which works just like face detection for humans. It can detect up to 10 faces of dogs or cats and automatically optimize the focus, but as it turns out, recognizing the real deal is a bit harder than stuffed animals. With that in mind, FujiFilm has put together a list of cat and dog breeds that are easier to identify than others.
There are other pitfalls, primarily "dogs or cats that are constantly in motion cannot be recognized." But the technology also gets confuzzled with dark coats, large patches of fur around the eyes, or a wrinkly nose.
Still, if you’re a pet owner intent on filling up your Flickr account with pictures of Fido, the $280 FijiFilm Z700EXR might be the best game in town.
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
Pentax Reveals Optio X90 (Beauty) and Optio W90 (Beast)
If you’re familiar with commercial jingles, then you’ve heard Timex boast it can take a licking and keep on ticking. Well, Pentax just released a new digital camera that can take abusing and keep on shooting.
We’re talking about the rugged Optio W90, a 12.1 megapixel digicam Pentax claims can withstand up to 20 feet of water, is shockproof up to 4 feet, and has no trouble with sub-freezing temperatures. When you’re not abusing the W90, you can preview pics on its 2.7-inch LCD with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, capture movies in 720p HD at 30fps, and hook it up to living room display with its HDMI output.
Pentax also announced a more traditional Optio X90. This too comes with a 12.1MP sensor, as well as a 2.7-inch LCD with an anti-reflection coating, Triple Shake Reduction technology, high speed continuous shooting up to 11fps, and a 26X megazoom, super-telephoto lens (26-676mm equivalent).
Both the W90 and X90 will be available in April for $330 and $400, respectively.
Image Credit: Pentax
Leaked Samsung DigiCam Trumps Ashton Kutcher’s Nikon Point-n-Shoot
Touchscreen digital cameras are all the rage (just ask any teenage girl who’s seen Ashton Kutcher pimping a Nikon Coolpix), and while that isn’t new territory for Samsung, the company’s upcoming CL80 boasts a few new tricks.
Electronista describes the CL80 as "Samusng’s first real connected camera," which points to the model’s Wi-Fi connectivity to upload photos to Facebook, Flickr, Photobox, and Picasa without having to sync up with a PC.
The CL80 will also sport a 3.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen display with haptic feedback, a 14MP sensor, a 7X wide-angle lens, and hardware image stabilization. And of course it will come ready to take H.264 videos at up to 720p.
No word yet on price or a projected release date, both of which are likely to be revealed during CES next month.
Image Credit: electronista.com
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj First Digital Camera with a Projector?
Is that a projector in your pocket, or a Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digital camera? Perhaps both, if the latest rumor turns out to be true.
According to NikonRumors.com, the Coolpix S1000jp will be the first digital camera with a built-in projector that allows users to project photos or movie clips onto any flat surface at up to 40 inches in size. In addition to an LED projector, the Coolpix will also include a projector stand, a multi-function remote control, and other goodies.
Other details remain sparse, although preliminary specs show the new digicam sporting an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels, a 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, and a 28mm (equivalent) wide-angle coverage.
Look for availability sometime this September at an as-yet unannounced price.
Image Credit: NikonRumors.com