Archive for April, 2008
Nikon D300 Digital Camera Review
Washington Post, United States
The Nikon D300 updates Nikon’s DSLR line with more resolution on a new CMOS sensor, which promises improved noise reduction. The D300 has many features found on Nikon’s pricier professional model, the D3, including a 51-point autofocus system, Live View, and an EXPEED processor. It’s also the first of Nikon’s SLRs to feature in-camera dust reduction. The 12.3-megapixel SLR retails for $1,799.95 for the body only, putting it between the $999 D80 and $3,499 D2Hs.
The D300 features a huge 3-inch LCD screen with great resolution – 921,000 pixels, more than tripling the typical 270,000 pixels found on most modern DSLR LCDs. It’s meant for the semi-pro or experienced photographer – it doesn’t have the ease of use point-and-shooters stepping up to a DSLR might be looking for. Overall, however, it’s a great model, improving on the earlier D200 with advanced specs and excellent image quality.
The shining gem in this model is the autofocus system – it’s the same one found on the D3, and we like it a lot. With 51 focus points, it’s the fastest we’ve seen, which makes this camera great for sports and action shooting. It has a 6 to 8 frames-per-second Burst mode and its predictive autofocus tracking is speedy.
We put cameras through a battery of image quality testing, and the D300 performed well. Colors are accurate, and the resolution scores were some of the highest we’ve seen on an SLR, meaning the D300 captures an excellent level of detail. The noise reduction also does a good job of supressign the noise in images, even at high ISO sensitivities of ISO 3200.
The camera’s excellent LCD has live view, meaning users can frame their shots on the LCD instead of relying solely on the optical viewfinder. The live view has its quirks, which it does on most DSLRs with this feature, because the mirror in the camera has to flip down to engage the autofocus system, cutting off the LCD in the moment before an image is captured. This leads to some lag, but it’s a common occurrence and shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. For users who prefer framing shots with the LCD, the option is there.
The optical viewfinder is clear and bright with 100-percent view of the recorded image. The D300 features a pop-up flash unit above the lens mount, which can be activated manually using a small flash button on the side of the camera. A hot shoe atop the camera allows for external flashes.
There’s no Movie mode on the D300, but this is typical for DSLRs. The Auto mode automates shooting, but still allows for control over all options except shutter speed and aperture.
ISO settings range from 200 to 3200, and white balance options are more than plentiful (with seven options for fluorescent lighting alone). Shutter speed has a good range of 30 to 1/8000 of a second.
Unfortunately, one flaw of the D300 is that it doesn’t include in-camera image stabilization, which many other manufacturers are now featuring on their newest models. You’ll have to buy a lens that has its own image stabilization, which is often pricier. In addition, the software is inadequate for such a sophisticated camera – users will need to purchase something more substantial, like Photoshop, if they want to do serious editing with their images.
Overall, the D300 is an excellent offering from Nikon, and is a bargain considering the features and excellent image quality. Although it has a few drawbacks, these are more than outweighed by the perks this camera offers. It’s absolutely worth considering if your budget will stretch to the sizeable price.
April 28th, 2008
Panasonic offering two-for-one Mother’s Day special on photography courses
Digital Camera Reviews, OH
In a special promotion in honor of the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday, Panasonic is offering special two-for-one pricing on digital photography class through its Digital Photo Academy program.
Panasonic’s Digital Photo Academy program offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced photography courses year-round in 20 major U.S. cities. Regular prices for the hands-on courses range from $50 for the three-hour, point-and-shoot focused beginner course to $150 for the full-day advanced “Digital Vision” class. The courses, which focus both on photographic and post-processing techniques, are open to all photographers, regardless of whether or not they shoot a Panasonic camera.
According to Panasonic, two-for-one promotion pricing, which runs through May 12, 2008, is designed to let Mother’s Day gift givers share in the course experience with their moms. To learn more or go ahead and knock out Mother’s Day shopping for your photographically inclined mom, head on over to www.digitalphotoacademy.com.
Eye-Fi users pass one million image upload mark
Wireless SD card maker Eye-Fi released a statement this week announcing that its users have now uploaded more than a million photos directly to the web from their cameras using the company’s product
April 28th, 2008
Nikon’s newest cameras make photos a snap
SunHerald.com, MS
McClatchy Newspapers
Nikon’s D60 is a 10.2 megapixel single-lens reflex (SLR) camera packed with great features for entry-level photographers or advanced amateurs.
In addition to producing excellent quality images, a digital SLR typically gives photographers many more functions than pocket digital cameras and the option to use (and purchase) a wide range of accessories, such as lenses and flashes. The D60 doesn’t cost much more than some of the advanced pocket cameras but the features make it worth the investment.
This one includes a 2.5-inch LCD monitor to view images at angles up to 170 degrees, along with a three-point autofocus system and Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II. All this adds up to correctly exposed photos in a variety of light, resulting in excellent color-rich prints.
One feature that I found unique and fun was the Stop Motion Movie mode. This lets users take a series of JPG images and turn them into a movie – and this is done all in the camera with ease!
If you have 20 photos of your dog running around the yard, view the images on the LCD; select the images you want in the movie, including the order from first to last. Then preview the movie before the camera converts it to an AVI movie at a rate of 15 frames-per-second and download it.
The camera has a fast startup speed as well as very little shutter lag (the time it takes to actually take a photo once you press the button).
All the menus are easy to navigate for functions such as formatting media cards, retouching images and quality controls for camera settings.
Many of today’s pocket digital cameras do not have a viewfinder to allow space for other features but a digital SLR has both. When using the SLR viewfinder, the photographer sees the image the same as the camera does through the lens.
While many digital photographers use only the LCD to take photos, the D60 Nikon has a handy feature where a sensor detects the user looking through the viewfinder and then shuts off the LCD monitor. This helps greatly when photographing in dark situations and saves on battery life.
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers the camera. A built-in flash is helpful for situations where the flash would have enough reach.
Information: www.nikonusa.com, the camera is $749 and includes an 18-55mm Vibration Reduction stabilized lens.
Nikon also has some new compact digital cameras due out this spring.
The popular COOLPIX line has added the P80, a 10.1 megapixel camera, with an 18x optical zoom-Nikkor lens, which covers focal lengths from 27-486mm (35mm format equivalent).
The camera has Optical Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization to help keep photos in focus along with program modes of auto, shutter-priority, aperture-priority and manual. The P80 has a new choice with the Sport Continuous Mode, to give users the ability to take as many as 30 consecutive pictures at four, six or a quick 13 frames per second with an ISO up to 6400.
The camera has an eye-level viewfinder along with a 2.7-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating.
Nikon features in the P80 include; in-camera Red-Eye Fix to automatically detect and corrects red eye, D-Lighting to compensate for excessive back-light or insufficient flash in images and Face-Priority AF to automatically find and focus on one person’s face or up to 12 people’s faces within one frame.
The SD/SDHC compatible camera should be available this month with a MSRP of $299.95.
Also new are the COOLPIX S52 and S52c.
The cameras have 9.0, a 3x, 38-114mm Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization to compensate for camera shake and ISO up to 3200.
They include Nikon modes including Face-Priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting.
The S52c is Wi-Fi enabled, so users can send images directly via e-mail through its Wi-Fi connection, and to other picture sharing sites.
Both cameras have the Pictmotion function to let users combine their photos and movies to create in-camera slide shows, which can also include music.
They will be available in May 2008. The S52 has an MSRP of $249.95, and the S52c has an MSRP of $299.95.
Information: www.nikonusa.com
April 25th, 2008
Kodak brings smart digital technology in V series camera with the Easyshare V1073
TECH.BLORGE.com, Australia
The Kodak EasyShare V1073 is a touch screen digital camera designed for camera enthusiasts who want ease-of-use especially when post processing the photos they have taken.
Priced at US$249 the EasyShare V1073 offers new Touch Screen Technology, simplifying picture taking, reviewing and editing.
According to Kodak, the EasyShare V1073 combines the power of 10 megapixels with a 3X zoom lens with optical image stabilization for crisp, clear pictures.
Key features include:
* 11.4 Megapixels, 1/ 1.73†CCD
* Macro allows photography from wide: 0.13–0.7 m, tele: 0.5–0.7 m
* 3x optical zoom
* Focal length f/3.1–5.7 mm (35mm equivalent 37–111 mm)
* 64-8000 ISO (sensitivity)
* 3.0 LCD screen (230,000 pixels)
* Takes SD/SDHC MEDIA
* 148 grams
* Dimensions of 93.3 mm x 57.9 mm x 21.0 mm (W x H x D) 21.0
* SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON lens, image stabilization
April 24th, 2008
Nikon D300 Digital Camera Review
DigitalCameraInfo, MO -
The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D300 updates the older D200 with more resolution on a new CMOS sensor that promises improved noise control. The D300 is the first DSLR in Nikon’s line to include dust reduction, and sits between the $999 D80 and the $3,499 D2Hs. It has an awesome 3-inch live view LCD screen, as does the pro model D3, with some of the best resolution on the market – 921,000 pixels
Overall, the D300 is an excellent camera for the serious or semi-pro photographer who doesn’t mind getting involved in the minutae of photography. Point and shoot users won’t want to need the features it offers, but it’s a excellent camera for the serious (and well-heeled) shooter.
The D300 is $1799 for the body only; we reviewed it with a $1199 Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm lens. The total cost for this combination is about $3,000.
April 23rd, 2008
Ricoh releases G600 outdoor digital camera
Electronista, CA -
Ricoh on Tuesday announced its newest digital camera, the G600, which is water- and dust-resistant. The camera is meant for outdoor sports use and as such, is rugged enough to withstand a near five-foot drop. To earn a MIL Standard 810F rating, the 5x optical zoom lens is all internal so it never protrudes from the body, making it invulnerable to damage when dropped. The 10-megapixel G600 is otherwise optimized for harsh conditions, with big buttons that can be operated with gloved hands and a rating for use in temperatures ranging from 14F to 104F.
The new camera is also able to shoot movies and take photos at under up to 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
The G600 takes SD or Multi-Media memory cards in addition to 52MB of internal capacity. A large and clear 2.7-inch LCD provides a clear image of the subject and, thanks to a light sensor, has an automatic brightness setting. For dark environments, a maximum 3200 ISO setting can be set when the flash is not effective or needed.
A 25-foot effective flash range is reduced to just over 21 feet in telephoto mode, but a hotshoe allows an external flash to be fitted. Up close, the Macro setting allows objects just 0.4 inches away to be captured as clear images.
The included rechargeable battery’s life is rated at 360 shots, but two AAA batteries can alternately power the camera when a wall outlet isn’t available for recharging.
The G600 will be sold in the UK and Ireland starting in May, for an equivalent of nearly $700. Ricoh made no announcements as to a US release date and pricing.
April 23rd, 2008
Panasonic introduces first Wi-Fi Lumix digital camera
ZDNet
Like the TZ5, the TZ50 is a 9.1 megapixel megazoom, with a 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, 10x optical zoom, and the ability to record HD video at resolutions of up to 1,280×720 at 30 frames per second. Unlike the TZ5, the TZ50 will let you connect to your wireless home router or a T-Mobile hotspot to upload one or more photos directly to Picasa. Unfortunately, Panasonic only lets you register one e-mail account with the TZ50, so after you upload your photos to Picasa, you can have the album’s URL sent only to that registered account.
This means that unless you have a laptop, smartphone, or other e-mail-enabled device with you at the T-Mobile hotspot, you won’t be able to forward your uploaded photos to friends and family on the fly. You can, however, browse your albums and delete uploaded photos directly on the camera.
The DMC-TZ50 will be available in May for $449.95, which means you’re paying about $100 over the TZ5 for the Wi-Fi capabilities. If you like the TZ5 and want the flexibility of uploading at T-Mobile hotspots (and can live with the inflexibility of only being able to upload to Picasa), it’s a decent deal. Otherwise, you might want to consider spending the $100 on the Eye-Fi wireless-enabled SD card, which will let you use any SD-compatible camera to upload to any of 20 popular photo-sharing, social networking, or blogging sites (including Facebook, TypePad, and more), but doesn’t work well at public hotspots.
Janice Chen has been covering technology for almost two decades. She got her hands on a Nikon Coolpix 900 back in 1998 and has been a digital camera enthusiast ever since. See her full profile and
April 18th, 2008
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Camera
Sleek design, superb image capability and intuitive controls make the SD1100 a solid buy.
Washington Post, United States
Danny Palmerlee, PC World
PC World
Wednesday, April 16, 2008; 12:19 AM
Like its Digital Elph predecessors, Canon’s new PowerShot SD1100 IS looks and feels great. Its price tag of about $249 puts squarely in the realm of midrange point-and-shoots, but its robust features–including Canon’s fast DIGIC III processor, a maximum aperture of f2.8, and outstanding image quality–allow it to compete with cameras that cost significantly more.
Although the SD1100 features a number of improvements on the older SD1000, the new model has a few minor drawbacks. First, Canon shaved 3mm off the wide-angle end of the 3X optical zoom, giving it a 38-114mm focal length–which means ciao, wide-angle shots. The SD1100 also shoots a hair slower than its predecessor (though faster than its lower-priced competitors), with a burst capability of 1.3 frames per second. Finally, Canon softened up the Elph’s formerly square edges, which I find detracts from its sleek design and, surprisingly, its comfort in the hand.
Still, the SD1100 is an outstanding little camera. Not only does its streamlined chassis make for one of the most striking and seemingly durable point-and-shoots around, the model is perfect for the pocket and downright fun to use. The SD1100′s buttons are logically placed, and its menu items–except for some of the more esoteric settings–are easy to find. Video is standard, and movie lengths are limited only by your memory card’s size.
Although the SD1100 lacks true manual functionality–it has no aperture or shutter priority, per se–its shooting modes and “manual” settings are stellar. It offers nine scene modes, including an excellent Macro mode, a Kids & Pets mode, and a new Sunset mode (infinitely more practical than the Aquarium and Fireworks modes). Both the Night Snapshot mode and the Slow Syncro flash setting produced well-lit night shots (in the bar and on the street). For more control, the Long Shutter setting slows shutter speed to as much as 15 seconds.
As for white balance, I rarely had to rely on anything but the SD1100′s Automatic setting, although the camera has six white-balance modes, plus a custom mode. However, I found Canon’s new ‘Face Detection Technology’ and ‘Face Selection & Motion Selection’ modes cumbersome and ineffective, and relied instead on the handy Focus and AF (autofocus) Locks and its excellent spot metering mode. (Call me old school.)
In our lab tests, the SD1100 scored higher on overall image quality than nearly all of its competitors. On the sharpness scale, only a handful of the cameras we tested beat the SD1100 (including Kodak’s EasyShare V1253, Fuji’s FinePix F50fd, and Casio’s EX-Z1080), but they all cost more. To combat camera shake in low-light situations, Canon added its Optical Image Stabilizer feature, but I found its presence pretty unnoticeable–as it likely would be on most point-and-shoots.
Despite a few minor issues, the SD1100 IS is a joy to use, and it produces superb photos for its class. If you can get by without a truly wide-angle lens, you’ll be more than happy with the SD1100 IS. And, man, does it look cool.
Visit our Digital Cameras Info Centerfor our comparison charts, news and reviews of the latest models, and shooting and shopping tips.
–Danny Palmerlee
April 17th, 2008
Altek announces GPS digital camera
DigiTimes, Taiwan
Altek, a Taiwan-based ODM/OEM maker of digital cameras, unveiled a digital camera with built-in GPS function with shipments expected to begin as early as the second quarter of 2008.
With an 8-megapixel resolution and a 3-inch touch screen, the camera features built-in GPS functionality which can automatically record the longitude and latitude of where a picture is taken, noted Altek.
The information can then be displayed on services like Google Earth, Google Map or Flickr, according to Altek, adding that after downloading a photo containing coordinate data, the camera is capable of providing directions to where its was taken.
The camera is expected to meet a large demand due to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and Altek is negotiating orders with potential clients in the US and Europe, Altek president Alex Hsia noted.
Altek recorded a gross margin of 10.8%, pre-tax profits of NT$307 million, net profits of NT$255 million and net earnings per share of NT$0.84 for the first quarter of 2008, Hsia indicated. This year, 8-10 megapixels will be the mainstream resolution for Altek’s shipments of digital cameras, Hsia pointed out.
April 16th, 2008
Adobe Rolls Camera on New Digital Cinema Standard
TechNewsWorld, CA
Adobe (Nasdaq: ADBE) Latest News about Adobe on Monday announced what it hopes will become a new industry standard for digital cinema files, CinemaDNG, in Las Vegas at the National Association of Broadcasters Show. Latest News about National Association of Broadcasters Defining an industry-wide open file format will streamline workflows and serve to ensure easy archiving and exchange for video editing professionals, according to Adobe.
The prospective standard is based on Adobe’s Digital Negative (DNG) format for raw digital still images.
Joining Adobe in the initiative are camera manufacturers, including Panavision, Silicon Imaging, Dalsa, Weisscam and ARRI, as well as software vendors Iridas and The Foundry. CineForm, a codec provider, rounds out the partnerships, all of which will work to define the requirements for the open standard, which will be available to manufacturers at no charge.
“To ensure broad adoption, CinemaDNG will be a product of open discussions with manufacturers and customers throughout the industry. We also expect this collaboration to speed adoption,” said Michael Coleman, product manager for after effects at Adobe.
So Many Cameras, So Many Formats
As filmmakers opt for digital cinema cameras and workflows due to their greater flexibility and lower cost over traditional film, new problems have emerged, according to Adobe. The new workflows come with complex hardware and software for projects that pass through multiple vendors during the production process.
CinemaDNG is intended as a solution for the “proliferation of disparate, vendor-specific raw file formats,” which have the potential to erode certain benefits associated with digital cinema, the company said.
“CinemaDNG will allow the open exchange of RAW camera data and can eliminate the workflow constraints of proprietary formats. The goal is to simplify these workflows and make it easier to incorporate pristine original camera data into creative workflows,” Coleman explained.
CinemaDNG creates advantages for flimmakers, according to Adobe. CinemaDNG could help them avoid roadblocks resulting from incompatibilities in workflows involving multiple devices, vendors and file formats. It will also lead to improved resolution.
It may also minimize the risk associated with making the switch to digital cinema cameras because it would replace the proprietary or camera-specific file formats that may not be supported across brands. The initiative could also give filmmakers peace of mind that they will have access to an archival standard for the latest generation of raw-capable digital cinema cameras.
Crowded Environment
The open standard in aimed at benefiting manufacturers, which have often seen adoption of digital cinema cameras stymied by obstacles. With CinemaDNG, these new products will provide greater reliability as well as instant compatibility with existing workflows, Adobe said. It could also help camera makers reduce development costs by eliminating the need to develop a proprietary format and conversion utilities. Adobe also plans to provide support for proprietary metadata to assist manufacturers to “differentiate their product offerings from competitors.”
While CinemaDNG is intended for professional cameras initially, Coleman told TechNewsWorld the company anticipates that the new standard will eventually migrate to consumer-related markets.
“The cameras that support RAW data today are professional cameras, but we expect this capability to move into other markets over time. By leading this effort now, Adobe is building a foundation for our customers’ future workflows,” he said.
April 15th, 2008
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