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All posts tagged "DSLR"


Wednesday, December 3, 2008

DXOMark.com: Useful Guide in Testing Camera Sensors

Posted by John Lane in "Digital Home Articles & Resources" @ 06:00 PM

http://www.dxomark.com/

DXOMark.com is a new site that does only one thing but does it well - it evaluates camera sensors in RAW mode. It looks at three areas: color depth, dynamic range and low light ISO. It evaluates each category plus it gives you an overall DXOMark rating. The site makes it easy for you to compare multiple cameras side by side. I find it very useful, especially when used in conjunction with written reviews from other sites. It helps me flesh out the comments other reviewers make. Check it out!

Tags: , DSLR, Cameras, Raw, ratings

Nikon D3X: The Budget Buster!

Posted by John Lane in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 05:00 PM

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0812/0...201nikond3x.asp

"Nikon has announced the D3X, its latest high-resolution professional DSLR. Sporting an imaging sensor with double the number of photosites of the popular D3, the 24.5 megapixel D3x includes similar features such as a 3.0", 920,000 dot LCD monitor with Live View, 51-point autofocus, EXPEED image processing and HDMI output. To keep up with the demands of stock photography the camera produces 50MB 14-bit RAW files that can be processed to produce 140MB TIFFs. It also supports Nikon’s wireless system and is compatible with Nikon’s new GP-1 GPS unit."

The 24.5 megapixel Nikon D3X is not a replacement for, but a sibling to the award winning 12 megapixel Nikon D3. To double the megapixels, Nikon incorporated a new full frame sensor built by Sony. However, there is a serious drawback to the D3X - the price. At USD $7,999, the list price is $3,000 more than the Nikon D3, forcing pros to pay a lot for those 12 additional megapixels. It is also $5,000 more than the 24.6 megapixel Sony A900, which uses a very similar sensor. I think with our current world economy, this is going to be one tough sale for Nikon. Nonetheless, for those who want it and can afford it, it is truly an outstanding camera.


Canon 50D: The Newest Canon Prosumer DSLR

Posted by John Lane in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 04:00 PM

http://www.bobatkins.com/photograph...D_review_1.html

"Canon added much more to the Canon EOS 50D than just another 5MP. Improvements over the EOS 40D include: A 15.1 MP CMOS sensor with a "gapless microlens" design for higher efficiency, a 920,000 dot, 3" 640x480 pixel VGA resolution LCD with enhanced anti-reflection coating, a microfocus adjustment which can be applied on a fixed or lens by lens basis, an ISO range from 100-3200, plus expansion to 6400(H1) and 12800(H2)..."

In the 50D, not only were enhancements made, Canon also added new features not seen before on their mid-level digital SLRs. The best enhancement to the 50D is the upgraded 640x480 920,000 pixel screen on the back of the camera. As a current owner of Canon's predecessor, the 40D, its 320x240 screen is the one flaw I found on the otherwise excellent camera it as it is hard to judge your photos. The best new features are the micro focus adjustment and the two higher ISO settings. The only drawback is that Canon once again pushed the number of megapixels to the maximum. In doing so, the 50D photos show noise that is equal to or slightly higher than the 40D. For this reason, I think the 50D is a minor upgrade for a 40D owner, but a significant upgrade for owners of earlier versions of Canon DSLRs.

Tags: Camera, DSLR, Canon, D50

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Nikon USA's Black Friday Sale

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Events" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.nikonusa.com/blackfriday/

Nikon has published their Black Friday Savings page, and there are some nice discounts, especially if you go for a DSLR + lens combo. Worth a look!


Monday, November 10, 2008

The "Super-Secret Spy Lens" for DSLRs

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 07:00 PM

http://photojojo.com/store/awesomen...-spy-lens/email

"Remember that very first time you went out with your shiny new SLR, determined to shoot some Pulitzer-worthy people shots? You know, real stuff. Candid shots of people just living their lives and doing real things completely unaware that they were on camera. It's hard. People have a sixth sense for knowing when someone's taking their photo. Especially so when you've got an SLR and a big lens pointed right at 'em. Our Super-Secret Spy Lens is the answer."

I'm not entirely sure on the ethics of something like this - taking photos of people without their permission - but I have to admire the cleverness of it. I've heard of devices like this before, but haven't purchased one. I'm somewhat tempted to buy one, because I really like candid photography, but suffer from SPS (Shy Photographer Syndrome) and can count the number of times I've asked strangers if I could take their picture (here's one example). I also wonder what it does to the quality of the image captured. Anyone used something like this before?


Thursday, October 9, 2008

BlackRapid's Rapid-R Camera Strap

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:06 AM

http://www.blackrapid.com/

"The R-Strap is the most innovative camera strap ever to hit the market. This patent-pending equipment offers unparalleled peace of mind and ease of access to your camera. The R-Strap is worn diagonally across the torso from shoulder to hip and is adjustable to fit most photographers. The pad has a mesh underside for comfort and breathability. Our locking FastenR connects the R-Strap to the tripod socket located on either the camera body or the lens. Once connected, the camera hangs upside down, resting securely at your side or in the small of your back, with the lens pointing behind you. With the camera at your hip or behind your back, you can maneuver easily through a crowd, carry a tripod or other gear, or simply have both hands free."

I'm always interested in new camera straps, and the Rapid-R strap looks like it could be a useful tool. This video shows the strap in action, and it looks pretty cool, although it's a bit hard to see - someone should have told this guy that you don't demonstrate a black strap while wearing a black shirt.


Friday, September 26, 2008

New Camera From Leica S2 with 56% Larger Sensor Than Full Frame

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 09:14 AM

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/0...a_s2.asp#images

"Leica has today unveiled a brand new autofocus DSLR system designed for professional users, which is configured around a 30x45mm sensor (i.e. 56% larger than 35mm full-frame). The S-system will utilize an advanced new dual shutter, with both an in-body focal plane shutter for fast lenses, and in-lens leaf shutters for high flash sync speeds. The first camera, the S-2, will feature a 37.5 megapixel CCD sensor in a weatherproof body which is similar in size and handling to conventional 35mm-type DSLRs. The new ‘Maestro' image processing system provides twice the operating speed of current medium-format backs, significantly reduced power consumption, and allows production of in-camera JPEGs. The company has also developed a range of nine new lenses, including macro, ultra-wideangle, and tilt-and-shift designs."

That's some serious hardware - I can't wait to see what kind of images it will be able to capture. With a sensor that big, it should have exceedingly low noise at a broad range of ISOs. 37.5 megapixels? Wow!


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Canon 5D MkII HD Video: Wow!

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Articles & Resources" @ 11:00 AM

http://blogs.smugmug.com/don/2008/0...-video-footage/

"Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Vincent Laforet got his hands on a Canon 5D MkII for a weekend. Rather than shoot some quick stills, he rounded up an entire film crew and put them to work using the amazing 1080p video capture it offers - in helicopters, no less! When SmugMug heard about this, we went bananas and offered to host both the short film itself, Reverie, as well as the Behind the Scenes footage."

Seeing is believing, so the best thing I can say is to watch the video: there's a Quicktime version of the video over on Canon's site, or there's the h.264 Flash-based version on Smugmug. They both look great! Vincent Laforet's blog has a bunch of info about the video, how hit was shot, etc. I really have to hand it to Canon, they've created a whole new generation of DSLRs with shockingly impressive video capabilities. I want to see this type of technology trickle down to Canon's point and shoot line - it's ridiculous that the best Canon has done with their small cameras is 640 x 480 resolution video, though with one camera they've finally moved to h.264. I wouldn't expect the same quality of video on a small $400 point and shoot camera, but at the very least I hope Canon gives us h.264 720p video (and no, the TX1 doesn't count).


Friday, September 19, 2008

Nikon D90 Reviewed by Digital Camera Resource Page

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Articles & Resources" @ 03:00 AM

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/n...iew/index.shtml

"The Nikon D90 ($999, body only) is the long-awaited replacement to the popular D80 digital SLR. The D90 sits between the D60 and D300 in Nikon's D-SLR lineup, though many of its features come from its more expensive sibling. While it may look a lot like its predecessor, the D90 is essentially an all-new camera on the inside. The D90's most talked-about feature isn't its sensor, continuous shooting performance, or anything like that. Rather, it's the fact that it's the first D-SLR with a movie mode -- and in HD, no less."

The Nikon D90 is perhaps one of the best bang for your buck cameras under $1000 USD - it packs a lot of great features into a reasonably-sized frame, and offers 720p video capture as well. This review is very detailed and well worth the read if you're interested in this camera.


Thursday, September 18, 2008

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Hands-on Preview

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 06:59 PM

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos5dmarkII/

"Back in August 2005 Canon 'defined a new DSLR category' (their words) with the EOS 5D. Unlike any previous 'full frame' sensor camera, the 5D was the first with a compact body (i.e. not having an integral vertical grip) and has since then proved to be very popular, perhaps because if you wanted a full frame DSLR to use with your Canon lenses and you didn't want the chunky EOS-1D style body then the EOS 5D has been your only choice. Three years on and two competitors have turned up in the shape of the Nikon D700 and Sony DSLR-A900, and Canon clearly believes it's time for a refresh. So here is the 5D Mark II, which punches high in terms of both resolution and features, headlining: 21 megapixels, 1080p video, 3.0" VGA LCD, Live view, higher capacity battery. In other words, a camera that aims to leapfrog both its direct rivals, either in terms of resolution (in the case of the D700) or features (in the case of the DSLR-A900)."

If you're one of those people who have been patiently waiting three full years for an upgrade to the Canon 5D, your wait is over. And, from what I can tell, the wait is worth it: this is one bad-ass camera. 1080p h.264 video capture? Nice. Canon has stepped up with this camera and it gives the Nikon D700 a serious run for it's money - and surpasses it in some ways. The body-only list price of $2699 USD is even $200 less than the D700! So who's interested in this camera? Come on, raise your hand...


Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Nikon D90 Officially Released Today

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 08:00 AM

http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon.../25446/D90.html


As was suspected, the Nikon D90 went public this week - this morning actually. All the specs and details are up on Nikon USA's site, but let me give you the breakdown on what's interesting. First, I was wrong about it being a CCD sensor: it has the same size DX-format sensor (15.8 x 23.6mm) as the Nikon D300, with the same number of effective pixels. So that right there is a bit shocking: you can get the same sensor in a camera that's basically half as much. Same ISO as well: 3200, or 6400 ISO in "high" mode. So from the sensor point of view, the D90 matches the D300, and it should produce fantastic photos, even in low light. I've been blown away by how great my D300 is in low light. The D90 also has the same amazing three-inch LCD screen as the D300, which I've found to be incredibly useful for seeing which photos really turned out. Read more...


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

dpreview.com's Canon EOS 50D Preview

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Articles & Resources" @ 10:30 AM

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos50d/

"Almost exactly a year after the arrival of the EOS 40D, Canon has announced the 50D, which we're assured will be a sister-model, rather than a replacement. Recent history has seen Canon release new models every 18 months-or-so but it's been a busy year with newcomers such as the Nikon D300 getting a lot of attention in the 40D's keen amateur/professional segment. The 50D puts essentially a 40D body wrapped around a newly-developed 15 megapixel sensor that finally rectifies the situation in which Canon's x0D range trailed the company's entry-level line, in pixel terms....The other big change is the inclusion of a new, high-resolution LCD screen. 920,000 dots mean that it can convey 640 x 480 RGB pixels, making it effectively a VGA standard monitor. Three anti-reflection layers built into the screen do their best to keep it useable in bright conditions, too."

If you've got your eye on the new Canon EOS 50D, this preview article has a wealth of detailed information worth checking out.


Nikon's D90 To Be Announced Tomorrow

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 08:03 AM

http://nikonrumors.com/2008/08/25/e...0-pictures.aspx

Those of you who have been waiting for this camera, your time is almost over - Nikon is expected to officially announce it tomorrow. The specs? A 12.3 megapixel sensor (I presume CCD, there's no mention of CMOS) capable of ISO 200 to 3200, with a Low (ISO 100) and Hi (ISO 6400) setting. A three inch, 900,000 pixel screen (similar to the D300 I believe), 11 AF points, Live View, face detection, Matrix metering, and...video capture! Yes, Nikon is finally going there with a DSLR. The camera is going to have video capture, and has a built-in speaker for playback, but there's no mention of the resolution or format of the video capture. I really hope Nikon doesn't use their lame 640 x 480 video capture here; I hope to see 720p video, hopefully in h.264 format. Now that would be impressive! If the pricing makes sense, this looks like it could be a real winner for Nikon (and Nikon shooters).


Monday, August 25, 2008

Canon 50D with EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 03:00 AM

http://www.photographybay.com/2008/...mm-is-kit-lens/

15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor? Check. DIGIC 4 series processor? Check. Dust reduction and auto brightness processing? Check. 95% viewfinder, .97 magnification? Check. ISO 100 to 12,800? Check. 6.3 FPS burst mode? Check. Three inch VGA-resolution screen? Check. Magnesium alloy body? Check. Canon fans, is this your next camera?


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Dpreview Reviews the Canon EOS 1000D

Posted by Suhit Gupta in "Digital Home Articles & Resources" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1000d/

"When Canon launched the EOS 300D back in 2003 it was widely regarded as the first affordable digital SLR and secured Canon a seemingly indomitable number-one spot in the market. Since then the 'small' Canon has gone through three further iterations and the current model - the EOS 450D - offers a feature set and image quality that could only have been dreamed about five years ago (and at a price point well below the 300D's). However, the competition haven't been idle spectators and have recently launched a number of de-spec'ed cameras that have redefined the entry level segment and undercut the EOS 450D in the DSLR hierarchy. Canon has now responded to this mounting pressure by launching a new model one tier below the 450D in its current lineup - the EOS 1000D. It shares bits and pieces with Rebels gone by and, depending from which angle you look at it, the new model is either a stripped down 450D or a 'reheated' 400D. It's a lower specification camera than the 450D, by every measure you might see listed on the shop shelf, but is not the huge step down that its market positioning might lead you to expect. ...the headlines are: a 10MP sensor, 2.5 in LCD monitor, 7-point AF system and no spot-metering (like the 400D) but gaining Live View with both phase- and contrast-detect AF, SD/SDHC for storage and a control and menu layout that is pretty much identical to the EOS 450D's."

While I can clearly tell from the review about what the differences are between the 450D and the 1000D, I am not entirely sure whether the 1000D is anything more than a refresh. I wonder if Canon is simply reacting to pressure rather than creating unique and superior products that will help it corner the market, as I feel Nikon is doing. By itself the 1000D is a solid camera that gets a great review, I just hope that the new higher end camera (5D Mark II) that is expected from Canon in the next month or two wows us a little more.


Friday, July 18, 2008

DSLR Shootout: Five Entry-Level Cameras Compared

Posted by Suhit Gupta in "Digital Home Articles & Resources" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/542...s-compared.html

"Five affordable DSLRs vie for honors in the "step-up" class. If you're a serious shooter looking to move on up to a better DSLR -- with more resolution, faster firing, advanced features like in-camera image fixes and live view -- but have been scared off by the $1,000 price barrier, fear no more. An entire class of DSLRs has appeared at this intermediate level, none of them more than $900, street -- with a kit lens. And every one of these five comes with image stabilization right out of the box, through either a shifting image sensor or moving elements in the included lens. These models, whose resolution ranges from 10MP to 14.2MP, are also ideal for the first-time DSLR buyer who wants more camera than you get in entry-level 6MP or 8MP cameras. And, for those weaned on digital compacts, three models have live view. They're not perfect, to be sure: All have plastic bodies, not designed for really heavy-duty use, and they rely on menus for many controls. Still, on balance they are excellent values."

The article compares the Canon EOS Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Olympus E-520, Pentax K200D, and Sony Alpha 350 in a relatively rigorous and objective head-to-head comparison. The new Canon XSi comes out on top, but it is interesting to see some of the excellent value the other cameras bring as well.

Tags: DSLR

Friday, July 4, 2008

SLR Viewfinders: An Overlooked Feature

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Talk" @ 01:35 PM

http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f30...html#post687847

"Ever since photography went digital, the popularity of photography has soared. In the past I'd maybe bump into no more than three random people holding a SLR camera even in an area considered to be "photogenic". Now, it's common to see someone proudly slinging a DSLR over their hip even on public transport. With such popular appeal it's also no wonder the Internet is now full of all kinds of sites discussing digital photography, and all new DSLR camera releases scrutinised heavily. Still, one feature that's rarely bought up on the Internet chatter of these hardware discussions is a simple and not very alluring sounding specification: The camera's viewfinder. Now, while it's not quite as sexy to talk about compared to ISO 204,800 (a favourite topic of many discussions) or 5 gigapixels, it's still something that's important. Like a computer monitor, it's one of the main interfaces (I like to think of it as the metaphorical “window” to the camera’s “soul”) of the hardware, and how good or bad the experience is can make a difference in the photograph taking process. A small, dim viewfinder is not the most joyous of things to use, and can make composing more difficult than needed. Large viewfinders present details present in the scene better, and if one didn't notice that signpost sticking out of your subject's head from behind, well, a large viewfinder can help."



Our very own yslee has published a great article in our forums that talks about one of the most overlooked specifications on DSLR cameras: the viewfinder. Compared to my original first-gen Canon Digital Rebel, that was one of the things I loved about the D200: when I picked it up and looked through the viewfinder, it was like looking at "real life": big and bright. Conversely, when I was in Japan in March, a friend there had a Sony DSLR (no clue which model, it might have been one of those "fake" SLRs without a removable lens). At any rate, when I looked through the viewfinder, I was appalled at the tiny, dim view I had on the world looking through it. I couldn't imagine how much harder that viewfinder would make it to visualize the photos I wanted to take. Viewfinders matter! Check out the article and share your comments in the article thread.

Tags: DSLR, viewfinder

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Digicam Reviews Olympus EVOLT E-420

Posted by Suhit Gupta in "Digital Home Articles & Resources" @ 07:00 AM

http://www.digicamreview.com/olympu...dslr_review.htm

"Announced on the 5th of March 2008, the Olympus EVOLT E-420 is Olympus' latest compact 10 megapixel Digital SLR - an update to the E-410 - it features a new live view auto focus mode, face detection focus, a new 2.7" screen, and is the world's most compact Digital SLR, especially when used with the new f2.8 25mm pancake lens. The Olympus EVOLT E-420 is available for £404 with kit lens (as tested here), £485 with twin kit lens, or £500 with 25mm/50mm pancake lens, which makes it great value for money. The camera measures approx. 129.5 x 91 x 53 mm (excluding protrusions), and weighs 380 g (body only)."

The Olympus EVOLT E-420 is available for £404 with kit lens, £485 with twin kit lens, or £500 with 25mm/50mm pancake lens, this makes it very competitively priced compared to the competition, especially as the Olympus E-420 feels like a fully featured Digital SLR. However, the article claims that if you want to move into the world of Digital SLRs and don't know where to start then the Olympus EVOLT E-420 is probably one of the best cameras to choose, and I somewhat disagree. I don't see anything in tis camera that would make me want to recommend it to someone over the Canon XSi, or even the 40D, or the Nikon D40x or D60. And I say this because of the fact that if you are new and don't quite know what to get then getting something that is more widely used with a potentially larger support base is what I would gravitate to. Beginners would have access to more articles and more accessories. Of course, this makes things harder for a company like Olympus to make a dent in the budget camera market but that's how things are IMHO.

Tags: DSLR, Olympus

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Casio EX-F1: The Best Prosumer Camera on the Market?

Posted by Jeremy Charette in "Digital Home Talk" @ 07:00 AM


So my girlfriend tells me I'm working too much, and that I need a hobby. Why not photography? Currently I shoot by numbers. As in, if I take hundreds of photos, statistically speaking, at least a couple will be good. Probably not the best approach.

I've been looking at DSLRs, but I keep coming back to the Casio EX-F1. It's not a DSLR in the strictest sense of the word (there's no movable mirror or optical though the lens viewfinder), but it does so much more than a pure DSLR ever will. HD video, ultra high speed video (up to 1200 fps), 60 fps stills, auto exposure bracketing (useful for HDR), 7 fps flash photos...it seems like there's nothing it can't do. It has a hotshoe for an external flash, and can accept standard 62mm lens filters and attachments. The price tag is a little steep at around $1000 USD, but that's comparable to what an entry level DSLR and some good glass would cost.

So, is the EX-F1 the best prosumer camera on the market...or not?

Tags: casio, DSLR, ex-f1, hdr, HD

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The Question of Point and Shoot Cameras

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Talk" @ 06:00 AM

My friend Ed Hansberry made a post to the Mobius mailing list, where we were discussing digital SLR cameras, asking whether or not he was the only one that liked point and shoot (P&S) cameras. This was my reply.

Ed,

I think everyone that has a DSLR also has a P&S - the two technologies are not mutually exclusive in any way. I never leave my P&S behind, even if I'm bringing my DSLR, but I will sometimes leave my DSLR behind and only use my P&S. P&S cameras are great, but there are some things they're not so good at:
  • fast shutter release (for getting that picture right away - even the worst DSLR is faster than the fastest P&S)
  • flexible lens choices (though there are some P&S cameras with amazing zoom)
  • low-light photography (noise free, focusing without much light)
  • super-sharp images (I love my Canon SD 870, but the image quality it has pales in comparison to any DSLR)
On the other hand, P&S cameras have video while "real" DSLRs do not. The best camera you have is the one you have on you - so there have been many instances where my P&S camera got great pictures that my DSLR did not simply because I have my P&S on me. Read more...


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