Archive for April, 2008
A complete guide to buying a digital camera
By Staff writer
TECH.BLORGE.com, Australia
Upgrading your digital camera? Thinking perhaps of getting something a little better? Here are some points to consider before buying your next digital camera.
How many pixels is it?
This common question is at the heart of what most people think is important about buying or upgrading their digital camera. Buying a digital camera is par for the course these days. At the same time, however, the simple truth is that there appears to be a veritable labyrinth of technologies that you need to understand if you are going to get it right.
But is that really the case? What is it you really need to know? How do you buy the camera that is right for you and your family? A New Resolution
These days, cameras are not divided into the pixel count categories they used to be. Some of the smallest compact cameras have higher pixel counts than the larger cameras do.
For the sake of this article, lets divide our cameras into three common categories – Digital Single lens Reflex cameras (DSLRs), Prosumer cameras and digital compacts. Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras are those used by most professionals, the prosumer range are the all-in-ones, while compact cameras are those typically used by family snap shooters. Let’s start with the digital compacts. These little beauties are marvels of technology and the quality of image they achieve is quite remarkable. It only takes about 200 to 250 pixels per inch to achieve high resolution, so a 6 megapixel camera of 2000 x 3000 pixels can produce an enlargement 10×15 inches without any problem. These days, 6 megapixels or more is common for a compact camera. Some, like the Casio EX-Z1200, have 12 MP resolution!
So there must be more to the choice than just resolution. If pixel count was the only denominator, camera companies would simply increase their sensor resolutions and win the race. But it’s not that simple. The answer is in camera style, quality, features and control.
Cool Features
Photographers should want some control over their cameras. The kind of control and how much will vary depending on what kind of photographer you are. While technological advancements in metering and focusing have made our lives easier, they have not removed the fact that photography is an art as well as a science and control is a necessary part of the creative process. For this reason it is wise to first of all assess your needs as a photographer and analyse the kind of photographs you want to take.
Advancements in digital compacts however have been remarkable, giving the photographer much more than just improvement in image quality. Modern digital compacts are now offering the photographer a host of benefits and features. Functions like optical and digital zooms, manual focus options, close focusing, various picture modes and flash functions are becoming the norm among digital cameras. To add to this, there are also face and smile recognition modes, anti shake and much more.
Whether you need these features is up to you. Remember they will cost you a little more and so your purchase requires a certain amount of forethought and research. You need to ask yourself a few questions before you even enter the store.
What do I want this camera for?
What kind of photographs will I be taking?
What lighting conditions will I be taking pictures in?
Will I just rely on automatic or do I want to learn more about photography? • What am I like with technology and cameras generally? • What kind of features do I want and why? Do I need them, or do I just think they’re cool?
Does it matter to me what size and shape the camera is?
What can I afford?
These questions are a better basis for your decision than “How many pixels is it?†While this question is often the first one asked with reference to any digital camera, it is by no means the most important one. Not these days anyway. In fact, there is a point where pixel count can actually begin to negate quality rather than enhance it. This is because of something called ‘image noise’. This is the equivalent of grain in a film image. The sensors in compact digital cameras are very small, and the more photosites (the things that make pixels) there are crammed on to the sensor, the more potential noise the images can contain. So, pixels aren’t everything.
Other quality issues are important. Things like lens quality, colour, purple fringing, exposure accuracy, and sensor noise – all of these play a vital role in producing a quality image. You don’t need to don the white coat to sort this out. The real guys in the white coats have done most of that for you. But the attitude that pixels are everything is no longer correct. Actually, it never was.
Having it all
The next range of cameras up from there is what is commonly referred to in the industry as ‘prosumerâ€. They are called this because they fall somewhere between the consumer camera and the professional DSLR. These cameras are still relatively compact, but they view through the lens and usually have substantial optical zooms. The Fuji S8000fd is a classic example of this, sporting an 18x optical zoom that takes you from the 35mm equivalent of around 28mm wide angle through to an incredible 500mm telephoto! This is the kind of zooming power we used to dream of!
These cameras are simply incredible in their performance and their versatility. They are the kind of camera you could load into a back pack, travel the world with and never miss an image. They hover much closer to the $1000 mark than compacts do, but there is good reason for it. For more information on the three most popular models of this kind of camera, read Franco Darioli’s article “Three Way Race†in this issue.
Going Pro
The next range of digital camera to consider is the digital SLR. These are the ‘through the lens’ camera with the interchangeable lenses. Prosumer cameras see through the lens but by means of an LCD screen. Digital SLR cameras use an optical viewfinder which is not only easier on the eye but also more accurate. At
present, these cameras range from around 6 megapixels through to 21 megapixels and have a range of features that pit them so competitively against each other that it can be difficult to choose between them. Their price range is equally as varied, with cameras starting from around $800. From there, you can spend anything up to $10 000 or more. The advantage of these cameras is that their control and their readiness of operation. For professional and enthusiast photographers, these cameras are the natural choice. And, while they may appear frightening, they are actually as easy to use as any point and shoot camera you might buy. For this reason they are actually a better family camera than the traditional ‘family camera’ – the digital compact. But, the real advantage is that these cameras grow with you. Their ability to become professional picture taking
machines is all in your hands. They are more responsive, feel comfortable in your hands, and usually produce a higher quality image. Their sensors are not only laden with pixels, but are larger, and better engineered to produce images with less noise and less “purple fringingâ€.
If you are the kind of person who wants to make photography a serious hobby, a part time or full time profession or who simply wants the joy of a responsive, quality picture taking machine, these are the cameras for you. When you start out in photography you often don’t know what you will need – until you need it. If you have purchased a camera with limited ability to grow, then you may have to start again. This costs you time, money and photographs. Think carefully about this if the idea of photography as a hobby or profession seriously interests you.
Getting Real
In terms of visible quality in the average print, it is often impossible to tell the difference between images taken with compact digital cameras, prosumer models and DSLRs. That naturally depends on who is behind the camera and how well each photograph is taken. Each of the kinds of cameras we’ve discussed is capable of producing very high quality images. Your choice then has much to do with your personal needs, the nature of your photography, your desired growth (or not) as a photographer and of course, your budget. Before buying your next digital, think about these things first. Forget the ‘how many pixels is it†approach and think in terms of your photography. We buy these machines not because they are technological marvels. We buy them because they preserve our lives in little time capsules we call photographs. Think about that, and you will buy right.
April 14th, 2008
Digital Camera Follows a Face and Retouches Using Software
New York Times, United States
Kodak is coming out with the Z1085 IS, a slim six-ounce camera with a 5X optical zoom and several built-in features to make snapshots look more professional.
In automatic mode the camera uses face detection and shake reduction to ensure that each shot is in focus. The face-tracking system displays a green animated box that follows faces in the frame. Once a shot is taken, software cleans up the image and reduces the effects of backlighting, which can darken images, or overexposure, which can wash them out
There are other scene modes for night shooting or taking pictures of fireworks or sunsets.
The Z1085 IS also takes high-definition video at 1280 by 720 pixels. Video can be recorded to the memory card and edited on a PC or watched on an HD television using an optional HD dock. The camera has a 2.5-inch liquid-crystal-display monitor and 32 megabytes of internal memory. It supports SD cards for memory expansion. It costs $250 online and in stores.
While the average Kodak user does not care about ISO or shutter speed, at least someone is thinking about — and tweaking — these functions using built-in software. JOHN BIGGS
April 11th, 2008
Digital Camer’s To Get Cheaper As Market Grows
By David Richards | Sunday | 06/04/2008
GfK is forcasting 20% growth for the digital camera market in Asia Pacific in 2008 the predictions come as tradional CE brands like Samsung, Sony and Panasonic launch new digital camera products up against traditioinal camera brands such as Nikon, Canon and Pentax.
GFK Analyst Marion Knoche claims that there has been an unexpected growth in Digital Camera markets around the globe. 126 million DSCs were sold in 2007, representing 18% growth. The largest market was the US, followed by Japan and China. The most dynamic markets were in countries such as Russia and Latin America (Brazil, Chile and Argentina) as well as Australia with 54% growth.
The continuing flurry of new models entering the market combined with the ever increasing affordability of camcorders has led to a modest rise in global volume sales in recent months. February 2008 saw sales 5.9 % when compared to the same period last year.
From March 2007 to February 2008, sales units grew by 2.6% on the previous year according to GfK Retail and Technology. However value sales did not fare so well, falling by 9.4% over the same period.
Whilst falling average prices and the continuing popularity of competitively priced Mini DV models underline the reasons for this decline, two key catalysts capable of delivering value growth to this market still exist claim GFK.
GfK is forcasting 20% growth for the digital camera market in Asia Pacific in 2008 the predictions come as tradional CE brands like Samsung, Sony and Panasonic launch new digital camera products up against traditioinal camera brands such as Nikon, Canon and Pentax.
GFK Analyst Marion Knoche claims that there has been an unexpected growth in Digital Camera markets around the globe. 126 million DSCs were sold in 2007, representing 18% growth. The largest market was the US, followed by Japan and China. The most dynamic markets were in countries such as Russia and Latin America (Brazil, Chile and Argentina) as well as Australia with 54% growth.
The continuing flurry of new models entering the market combined with the ever increasing affordability of camcorders has led to a modest rise in global volume sales in recent months. February 2008 saw sales 5.9 % when compared to the same period last year.
From March 2007 to February 2008, sales units grew by 2.6% on the previous year according to GfK Retail and Technology. However value sales did not fare so well, falling by 9.4% over the same period.
Whilst falling average prices and the continuing popularity of competitively priced Mini DV models underline the reasons for this decline, two key ca
April 7th, 2008
Library offers digital camera program
The Reporter, WIÂ
For The Reporter
A free program about the use of digital cameras will be offered at the Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan St., from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15.
A representative from Best Buy stores will provide tips on how to use and handle a digital camera. Basic camera features, accessories and printers will also be discussed.
People are encouraged to bring questions to the class.
Registration is not necessary. For more information, call 929-7080.
April 7th, 2008
Canon Crank Up Digital Camera Market
Smart House, AustraliaÂ
By David Richards | Wednesday | 02/04/2008
At a gala Sydney function complete with models makeup artists and props including a pure white dog skis a London telephone box and snow Canon last night rolled out their new IXUS digital camera.
With 40 million IXUS camera’s already sold this new compact shooter sets a new standard for digital camera design and is set to keep Canon at the top of the market. Under attack from brands like Sony, Samsung and Panasonic, as well as their traditional photo market rival Nikon Canon has turned to design to give them a competitive edge.
The new range is sleek with very few protruding parts other than a very stylish click button which also incorporates a zoom slider.
The IXUS 80IS is an 8.0-megapixel CCD camera with 3 xs Optical Zoom Lens. It comes in blue, camel, pink, and brown or silver and includes in-camera red-eye correction as well as has face detection technology.
Stuart Poignant Marketing Manager at Canon said” The Canon design team has worked hard to deliver a truly outstanding compact camera. In today’s market design and functionality are critical and our new range which is being rolled out behind a $2M marketing campaign is one of the best in the market today”.
Facing a hostile market with new competitors like Samsung snapping at their heels Canon are wary of the battle ahead particularly as consumers are transitioning from compact camera’s to a new generation of digital SLR cameras.
He recently said “The CE brands are licking their lips at the opportunities and the potential profits from the digital still camera market. Right now Canon and Nikon have around 80% of this market and the CE Vendors are going to have to lift their brand credibility to compete in this market. In 2008 the market will grow at around 30% to around 150,000 units and what we are witnessing is consumer upgrading from a compact camera to a digital SLR. They want a better picture and more creative control”.
He added” Going forward the market is going to get competitive and other brands have either got to increase share or get out. Currently the mass retailers are selling 29% of DSLR camera’s the specialist 50% and the rest are the traditional CE channel”.
The new Canon IXUS 80IS sells for (RRP $379)
April 4th, 2008
Coolpix L15 Digital Camera (Silver)
Description:
Features
Easy Auto Mode for Great Pictures – Anytime!
8.0 Megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches!
Optical VR Image Stabilization minimizes the effect of camera shake
Incredible, Bright 2.8-inch LCD makes it easy to view and share pictures
Adjusts up to ISO 1000 to keep shooting even in lower light
Nikon In-Camera Innovations:
In-camera Red-Eye Fixâ„¢ automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera. You may never see red eyes again.
Face-Priority AF Nikon’s face-finding technology that automatically focuses on faces.
D-Lighting rescues dark or backlit pictures by improving brightness and detail where needed.
The Nikon Coolpix L15 combines high performance with operating ease and the support of advanced features, including optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization. Built on a custom application of Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the Coolpix L15 is built to realize optimum performance and maximum image quality.
Offering the full imaging potential of 8.0 effective megapixels, the Coolpix L15 captures true-to-life color with enough fine details to leave plenty of creative freedom to crop or produce beautiful enlargements. This pairs with the precision optics of a 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens that covers the highly practical range of 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) to ably capture everything from panoramic vistas to close-up portraits.
Optical lens shift VR image stabilization counteracts the effects of camera shake in lower light or when shooting unsteady subjects to help achieve sharper results. Active full time, VR also stabilizes images displayed on the 2.8-inch high-resolution LCD monitor for easier framing and more reassured shooting.
Intuitive operation and dedicated controls ensure faultless command over the performance features of the Coolpix L15. This includes the dedicated buttons on the top of the body for switching between shooting and playback modes. The expansive 2.8-inch high-resolution LCD monitor offers a bright and large image that makes it a pleasure to view, even out in the sun. And the no-nonsense design of the body itself assures a solid grip while pleasing the eyes with an inviting balance of flowing surfaces contrasted by sharp edge lines.
Nikon COOLPIX L15 Feature Highlights
Proven optical lens shift VR image stabilization
Field proven technology originally developed for interchangeable lenses used in Nikon SLR camera systems, optical lens shift VR image stabilization provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as much as three steps slower without blurring the image, while also realizing a smoother image when shooting.
New Easy Auto mode and scene modes for carefree shooting
Easy Auto mode makes it easier to turn on the camera and shoot without worrying about settings. Easy access to 15 different scene modes and three movie modes also ensures shooting that is tuned to give the best results to match the moment.
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
The Coolpix L15 features a selection of three innovative functions that provide the ability to actually improve the quality of images within the camera. Face-priority AF* automatically finds, then focuses on people’s faces for crisp, clear results time after time. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically compensates to help eradicate traces of the annoying red-eye effect that can sometimes be encountered during flash photography. And D-Lighting can be applied to improve underexposed images or shots taken with too much backlight. D-Lighting automatically creates a copy of the image with detail added where necessary, but with well-exposed areas left completely untouched.
* Face recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.
AA-size batteries for carefree shooting, anywhere
The Coolpix L15 runs on AA-size batteries, a standard battery size available in virtually every corner of the world. This means carefree shooting anywhere, free of any worries about running out of power or needing to recharge when that special shutter chance arises.
ISO 1000 capability for better pictures in lower light
Making it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions, or to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity, the Coolpix L15 accurately measures available light to automatically select the optimal sensitivity setting for the shot between the range of ISO 64 to as high as ISO 1000.
Nikon COOLPIX L15 Other Features
Light weight with highly compact dimensions
Macro shooting from as close as 15 cm (5.9 in.)
4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
Improved Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Improved menu interface, available in a choice of 23 languages
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
Approx. 23 MB of internal memory
SDHC card compatibility
USB connectivity
PictBridge and ImageLink compatibility
April 3rd, 2008
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