Archive for October 18th, 2007
Canon Point and Shoot and Non-DSLR
Canon PowerShot A720 IS Digital Camera Review
DigitalCameraInfo, MO
Canon launched the PowerShot A720 IS with optical image stabilization in August 2007 as a full-featured camera at an economic price. As the sophomore version to Canon’s first entry-level A-series camera with image stabilization, the PowerShot A710 IS, the A720 IS continues to include a blur-reduction feature normally reserved for pricier cameras. In addition to increasing the resolution to 8-megapixels, the camera features a 6x optical zoom and an updated Digic III processor with upgraded face detection technology. The Canon PowerShot A720 IS retails for $249.99.
Physical Tour
Front (7.5)
The 6x optical zoom lens takes up most of the front face. Separated from the rest of the plastic body, the extending lens is surrounded by silver metal rings with the inscribed text: “Canon Zoom Lens 6x IS” and the focal length and aperture specifications “5.8-34.8mm 1:2.8-4.8.”
A variety of features are crowded above the lens. From left to right, they are the autofocus-assist beam lamp with embossed Canon logo underneath, optical viewfinder window, and rectangular flash with the text “6x Optical Zoom” lining the curved edge of the camera. Underneath the self-timer lamp are three small microphone holes to record audio from the subject or atmosphere. To either side of bottom of the lens are the “8.0 Mega Pixel” text and ring release button. The ring release button allows users to add optional lens converter accessories to the lens.
To the left is a hand grip for the right hand. It is designed with two-toned colors and the camera’s model name – “PowerShot A720″ in white text and “IS,” or Image Stabilization, in red font. Also visible from the front is the shutter button, encircled by the zoom lever.
Back (7.5)
Most of the backside is taken up by the 2.5-inch LCD screen. The screen has a black border and silver Canon tagline. Above the LCD is the rare point-and-shoot optical viewfinder, which is surrounded by a slightly raised surface. To the right of the viewfinder are two operation lamps, one to indicate when the camera is ready to shoot and the other when the lens is properly focused.
To the right of the monitor is a seam that divides the LCD from the control panel. The controls include the strangely-placed Record/Playback mode switch, situated where the right thumb naturally rests. Below the mode switch is a central four-way controller which controls flash and focus. The multi-selector is surrounded by four equally-sized circular functions for EV compensation, Print, Display, and Menu.
Right Side (7.5)
The right side of the Canon point-and-shoot is a smooth, flat surface with rounded edges. Near the edge of the camera is the plate seam, the wrist strap eyelet, and two tiny screws.
Left Side (7.5)
The left side of the Canon PowerShot A720 IS houses three ports: DC in, USB, and A/V out, hidden safely under a labeled rubber cover. The port cover overlays the dual silver colors, accented by two screws and a silver highlight band that wraps to the top of the camera.
Top (7.5)
On the front edge of the right hand grip is the shutter button, encapsulated by the circular zoom lever. The zoom lever is labeled with icons that indicate its multiple functions. Below the shutter button are 13 tiny audio ports.
Located off the center axis is the giant mode dial, labeled with gray icons except for the green Auto setting label. The power on/off button and power lamp, which turns on when the camera is in operation, are located at the top center of the camera.
The left side is labeled with the important specifications, including “AiAF” in small text, indicating the camera’s updated face detection algorithm, “Image Stabilizer,” and the model name “PowerShot A720 IS.”
Bottom (3.0)
The bottom of the Canon PowerShot A720 IS is standard. On the left is the plastic tripod socket, set off axis from the lens. In the center is the serial number plate, and to the right is the sturdy battery/memory card compartment door with a textured release button.
October 18th, 2007
Digital camera packs a lot into small frame
Computerworld, MA
October 17, 2007 (Macworld) — A new contender in the bantamweight division of the digicam market, Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FX100 packs a lot of power into a compact package that’s easy to carry and use. Its resolution of 12.2 megapixels seemed like overkill at first, yet the camera produced clear, well-exposed images at every setting. Image stabilization was consistently effective, and those who love to shoot landscapes will appreciate that the 3.6x zoom Leica lens starts at a wide-angle 28mm.
Serious shutterbugs may be disappointed at the lack of manual exposure controls, but in our Macworld Lab tests, there was little reason to second-guess the camera’s calculations. The DMC-FX100 achieved Good scores for image and flash quality, and Very Good marks for color quality.
The camera’s menus and controls are well thought out, with most important settings just a click or two away. Travelers will also appreciate the compact battery recharger, which they’ll be using given the decidedly average battery life of 530 shots per charge. (Out of the point-and-shoot cameras we’ve tested, the Nikon S50c holds the lowest score in this category, with 347 shots per charge; Samsung’s NV11 performed best, achieving 1,233.)
Macworld’s buying advice
The Panasonic DMC-FX100 is streamlined enough not to baffle novice users, but even seasoned shutterbugs ought to consider this as a backup to their SLR or DSLR. Especially as a vacation take-along, this lightweight camera will produce consistently pleasing images.
David Becker is a writer and photographer based in San Francisco who regularly writes about personal technology, gadgets and travel.
October 18th, 2007
Olympus unveils powerful new SLR camera
Steve Makris , edmontonjournal.com
Published: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Canada.com, Canada
New York — Digital cameras are getting so good, they are doing away with tripods, good light and don’t even care how wet or dusty it is.
The new Olympus E-3 digital SLR, unveiled at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on Tuesday was able to boast that and more.
Ice sculptors, ballerinas and the museum’s lush courtyard became the subjects of photography as the Japanese camera maker showed off its new flagship camera in a private North American showing.
At 10 megapixels, the camera is competing in a crowded field of consumer enthusiast digital SLRs ranging in price between $800 and $2,000.
But its professional features, matching that of cameras costing thousands more, make it a right fit for second and third generation photographers.
Like competitors, the E-3 looks and works like traditional 35 mm cameras with interchangeable lenses.
Digital technology makes it possible to shoot in ways not even dreamed about in film cameras.
The Live-MOS view sensor chip for example, not only shows how a picture will look before you take it on a swivel LCD screen, but instantly shows what exposure or colour-balance changes look like too.
The built-in image stabilization is extended to five f-stops for taking shake-free photos in dark places or with long telephoto lenses. This means you can shoot five times slower and still get sharp pictures. And because its included in the body, all Olympus lenses work with it.
“I don’t think about using a tripod or monopod anymore,” said world renowned wildlife and nature photographer John Isaac,” who was the United Nations’ official photographer for 30 years.
The E-3 currently boasts the fastest auto-focus technology of any production camera of any level. I tried it at a private showing and can attest to its quickness as well as overall solid engineering.
The optical viewfinder is exceptional with large magnification making it easier to compose photos under any might conditions.
“It’s as fast as the blink of an eye,” said Canadian professional travel photographer Bary Cralle who tried the camera a week before its release. “I took pictures in very low light and was amazed at the quality of image,” he said.
Olympus camera engineers stressed the importance of smart technology removing obstacles between photographer and picture, making the art of photography more accessible to users.
“It’s like an extension of your heart and mind,” said Pulitzer prize-winner and National Geographic photographer Jay Dickman.
Olympus has several generations of digital SLR models using its own four-thirds digital chip technology, about half the size of a 35 mm frame. Unlike competitors, its cameras where built from the ground up as digital taking up less space and running efficiently on batteries.
German lens maker Leica and electronics giant Panasonic are using the same technology making lenses and camera bodies interchangeable from one brand to another.
When connected to the Internet via USB cable, camera, lens and flash can be upgraded with improvements and new features from the Olympus site.
Will the E-3 foray into professional cameras take a bite out of established Canon and Nikon digital SLR sales?
“The buzz word in digital SLRs is image stabilization and quality pictures in dark situations,” said Michael Williams, digital sales manager for Edmonton-based camera specialty story McBain Camera. “If the E-3 has those it should do well.”
The E-3 will be available in Canadian outlets in late November, for under $2,000 with two separate new lenses, the e ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD (24-120mm equivalent); ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD. Older Olympus lenses have full functionality with the E-3 but the new pricier models, feature faster focusing.
For more information go to: www.olympusamerica.com, www.myfourthirds.com
smakris@thejournal.canwest.com
October 18th, 2007
Best buy: Fuji FinePix S5700 digital camera
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom
Price: £105.40
From: www.pixmania.co.uk
Fuji’s FinePix S5700 feels reassuringly solid and substantial and takes brilliant pictures.
It’s a 7-megapixel camera with 10x optical zoom and 4.8x digital zoom, a 2in LCD screen for composing and reviewing pictures, and an optical viewfinder.
The S5700 uses xD and SD memory cards of up to 2GB, and has a built-in flash with a range of just over 6m.
It’s compatible with PCs and Macs and also uses PictBridge technology, so you can print straight from the camera to a compatible printer without the need for a computer.
It goes up to ISO 1600, which denotes the camera’s sensitivity, meaning it can still take crisp, sharp pictures in poor lighting conditions and without a flash.
It has a shutter speed that ranges from 1/1000th of a second up to 4 seconds, making it perfect for taking action shots.
An excellent purchase for those looking to take a step up from digital compact cameras but who don’t want the added complication of changing lenses on a digital SLR camera.
October 18th, 2007