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Archive for the 'Digital Overview' Category

Samsung NV24 HD review

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

Samsung NV24HD digital camera review : At the beginning of last year, Samsung made itself heard by introducing a whole new series of digital compact cameras. However, the second half of last year proved to be the opposite. Everybody expected to hear from Samsung at the Photokina show where the brand was attending alright, but no camera introductions were actually made. This was quite remarkable indeed, since an event like the 2-yearly Photokina show, the world’s biggest event in the field of imaging, is simply the place to show your abilities as a camera manufacturer.

Samsung digital camera division
This year, Samsung started off with the introduction of several new compact cameras. Perhaps in February 2009, if the division and transfer of the camera department to an entirely independent department are realized along with a different strategy, the Korean company will again show its power. For this test, we selected the Samsung NV24HD. Although introduced last year, still a very current camera.

10 Megapixel Samsung NV24 HD
The Samsung NV24HD features a 10 Megapixel image sensor and a Schneider-Kreuznach Varioplan 3.6x optical zoom. The camera also boosts a 2.5 inch monitor and is able to capture videos in a higher resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. This is where the name, NV24HD, stems from. As for its features; the Samsung NV24HD is quite a standard compact camera, at which design and an innovative way of operation should make the difference.

Samsung NV24HD review including a DIWA Labs test
The Samsung NV24HD belongs to the NV series, ranked somewhat higher in the compact camera segment where design plays a slightly bigger role. Samsung reaches its market share in the entry-level segment with ease, and is able to obtain excellent sales numbers. The higher and somewhat more expensive segment seems to cause the Korean electronics giant some problems. Of course, it is a crowded segment and Samsung battles many renowned camera brands with lots of experience. Whether the Samsung NV24HD is able to make the difference can be read in the following


Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Panasonic updates firmware for DMC-G1

Friday, February 13th, 2009

Panasonic has released a firmware update for the DMC-G1 digital camera. Version 1.2 promises to improve color reproduction and the performance of Auto White Balance. It also enables writing files from PCs to the camera for models shipped in Europe. Furthermore, with the latest update, the built-in flash operates better in low temperatures.


By: www.dpreview.com

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Nikon Unveil New Coolpix Range

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

Nikon today have announced a range of 7 new digital cameras. They range from the budget through to more expensive and feature rich models.

  • Nikon Coolpix P90 - a super-zoom camera with a 24x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix L100 (another super-zoom camera).
  • Nikon Coolpix S630 - 12MP with a 7x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix S620 - 12MP, 4x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix S230 - 10MP with a 3x optical zoom lens.
  • Nikon Coolpix S220 - 10MP with 3x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix L19 and Nikon Coolpix L20 - 8 and 10MP respectively - both with 3.6x optical zoom - budget cameras.

All of these Nikon Coolpix cameras come with a range of scene modes and features including smile and blink detection and Motion detection.


Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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Nikon unveils Coolpix P90 24X superzoom

Monday, February 9th, 2009

Pre-PMA 2009: Nikon has unveiled the Coolpix P90 superzoom with 24x optical zoom. With 26mm - 624mm (35mm equiv.) zoom range this superzoom camera sports a 12.1 MP sensor, 3.0 inch tilting LCD and includes manual and auto features such as Scene Auto Selector, Smile Mode, Blink warning and P/A/S/M exposure modes. In addition, continuous shooting mode can deliver 45 images at 15 fps, with images being recorded before pressing the shutter button.

Press Release:

Nikon’s Ultra-Zoom Bridge Camera


Nikon introduces 24x zoom compact camera

Nikon UK is proud to announce the P90 compact camera that boasts an impressive 24x wide angle optical zoom. Its high-performance super-telephoto zoom, wide-angle capabilities and other powerful features are combined in an easy-to-use camera, making it ideal for users looking for the famous Nikon quality, in a camera that’s compact and portable.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V: “This camera demonstrates Nikon’s devotion to camera enthusiasts. The amazingly powerful 24x zoom, 3.0-inch LCD screen with vari-angle tilt function, vibration reduction, and high sensitivity make the P90 a no-compromise bridge between a compact camera and a D-SLR.”  

Features to write home about
The P90 has an immensely powerful 24x optical zoom that offers the 35mm-equivalent of a 26mm wide-angle to a 624mm telephoto and is capable of shooting pictures as close up as 1cm. High-speed continuous shooting up to 45 shots at 15 fps means it is an ideal camera for sports photography and can even record images before you’ve pressed the button. Add to this its 12.1 effective megapixels and sensitivity up to ISO 6400, and it is clear why it excels in almost any shooting situation. Users can set it to full automatic or various manual settings using the camera’s four exposure modes (PSAM) and compose their ideal picture using the electronic viewfinder. The camera offers many other Nikon-quality features such as four Anti-blur technologies, Auto Scene and Face Priority AF, recognising up to twelve faces. It also includes the latest features, such as Smile Mode and Blink Warning, Nikon’s proprietary D-Lighting for optimising contrast and Quick Retouch. The camera can also record movies, including time-lapse movies and its 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen makes taking pictures easy even in challenging situations.

The P90 comes supplied with a USB cable, audio/video cable, strap and a software suite for COOLPIX CD-ROM. It will be available in Black All Nikon cameras come with 2GB free online image storage at Nikon’s my Picturetown service on mypicturetown.com.

Nikon Coolpix P90 specifications

Sensor

• 1/2.33 " Type CCD
• 12.1 million effective pixels
• 12.7 million effective pixels

Lens • 24x Zoom-Nikkor (26 - 624 mm equiv.)
• F2.8- F5.0
Image dimensions

• 4000 x 3000 (12M)
• 3264 x 2448 (8M)
• 2592 x 1944 (5M)
• 2048 x 1536 (3M)
• 1600 x 1200 (2M)
• 1280 x 960 (1M)
• 1024×768 (PC)
• 640 x 480 (TV)
• 3984 x 2656 (3:2)
• 3968 x 2232 (16:9)
• 2992 x 2992 (1:1)

Movie Modes

• 640 x 480
• 320 x 240

Image stabilization Optical
Digital zoom Up to 4x
Focus Contrast-detect TTL AF
Focus distance • 10 cm to infinity (∞)
• Macro close-up mode: 1 cm to infinity (∞)
ISO sensitivity • Full res: ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
Scene Modes • Portrait
• Panorama Assist
• Close Up
• Sunset
• Night Landscape
• Fireworks Show
• Night Portrait
• Copy
• Beach/Snow
• Dusk/Dawn
• Museum
• Landscape
• Back Light
• Food
• Party
LCD monitor • 3.0-in tilting LCD
• 230,000-dot
Other features

• Smile Timer
• Blink Warning

Storage • SD / SDHC card (optional)
• Approx 50 MB internal memory
Power • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5
• Approx 230 shots
• AC Adapter EH-62A
Supplied Software Software Suite CD-ROM
Supplied Accessories • Li-ion Rechargeable Battery EN-EL5
• Battery Charge MH-61
• USB Cable UC-E6
• Audio/Video Cable EG-CP14
• Strap AN-CP18
• Lens Cap LC-CP19
• Software Suite for COOLPIX CD-ROM
Weight (no batt) Approx. 400 g
Dimensions Approx.83 x 114 x 99 mm (3.3 x 4.5 x 3.9 in)


By: www.dpreview.com

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Just posted! Canon 50mm F1.8 II lens review

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

Lens reviews on DPReview are one year old today, and we’re celebrating this auspicious anniversary with appropriate aplomb. Our 25th review features the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II, a bargain offering that sells for less than $100, yet features an optical design refined over decades of service as the standard lens supplied with 35mm film SLRs. So how does it measure up against F1.4 lenses costing three times as much?

We’re also taking this opportunity to publish our studio test data for Nikon’s equivalent lens, the AF-Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8D on the D300 and D3. You can view this in the lens widget by clicking here; a full review will follow… sometime.


By: www.dpreview.com

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Canon and Nikon update firmware

Saturday, January 24th, 2009

Canon and Nikon have released firmware updates for the 40D, D3 and D700 DSLRS. All three updates correct rare errors and make minor changes to camera behavior. The 40D is updated to firmware v1.1.1. The Nikon D3 moves to v2.01 and the D700 to V1.01. Full details of all the issues resolved are made on the relevant company’s websites.


By: www.dpreview.com

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Challenges Beta - now available

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

Labs beta: As revealed last Thursday (our tenth anniversary) today we are flicking the switch on our latest (and potentially biggest) new site feature. Our Challenges system provides a mechanism by which photographic challenges can be both created and entered by any member of our community. The initial beta has a few limitations (see inside for details). That said we’re excited to make this new feature available today and hope you will enjoy testing it, we would actively encourage feedback using the special link available at the bottom of all challenges pages.

 

Phil: We’re excited (and naturally a little nervous) but hope you’ll enjoy trying out this new site feature (remember it’s in beta), please remember that this is a taster of what will be available in the final version.

Challenges beta limitations

  • Challenges can only be entered, not created (first challenges available have been created by us) *
  • Only voting system available is stars (out of five), only one voting phase
  • Phase periods are currently fixed at a week (one week for submissions, one week for votes)

A taste of some future Challenges features

  • User created challenges
  • User challenge profiles (images submitted, challenges won, etc.)
  • Support for series of challenges
  • Forums integration with forum specific challenges
  • Commenting
  • Multiple voting types (including various points systems, short listing)
  • "Pass the baton" style Challenge creation (winner creates the next Challenge)
  • Additional display modes for challenge page
  • Challenges widget on front page of the site

* Volunteers to become Series / Challenge hosts please contact us via this link, please note we will only consider you for this position if you can demonstrate some experience of challenge creation / series management

(to get going to just click on a Challenge that interests you and then the button)


By: www.dpreview.com

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Over the last few weeks we’ve started to see a range of new cameras released. We’re updating many of those that capture our interest at the Digital Camera and Gear blog at Digital Photography School.

Here are a few new ones to hit the market:

  • Canon Powershot A480 - 10MP, 3.3x Optical Zoom
  • Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-G3 - 10.1MP, 4x Optical Zoom and with WiFi
  • Olympus SP-590UZ - 12MP and with a 26x Optical Zoom
  • Pentax Optio E70 and P70 - two compact digital cameras


Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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Labs beta: Challenges

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Labs beta: As part of our ten years celebration we’ve been working hard to bring you a beta of our next big site feature; Challenges. Anyone who has been on the dpreview forums will be more than aware of the popularity of photographic challenges. Until now these have been created primarily by a single challenge host creating a new thread in the forums to promote their challenge idea and others following up with entries. We decided to take this concept and develop a fully integrated challenge system for dpreview which will allow series of challenges to run, with a flexible range of rule sets, voting options and winner concepts. The public beta of our Challenges system will begin this coming Monday 29th December with the opening of five initial challenges created by ourselves which any registered dpreview member can enter. After this we’ll be looking for challenge hosts to continue the next phase of the beta.

We’ll provide more information on Challenges and rules around the public beta on Monday.

Those observant among you will also have noticed our fancy labs logo, this is a new section to the site which is a placeholder for all of the projects currently in beta (available / soon to be available for testing) as well as recently completed development projects.


By: www.dpreview.com

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Software maker Breeze Systems has launched remote capture software for the Nikon D90 and Nikon D300 DSLRs. Both enable users to control focus from a PC, shoot time-lapse sequences and display live images. They incorporate the company’s Photobooth shoot and print feature designed for event photographers. The packages are the first time Breeze Systems has supported remote capture for Nikon cameras, having covered Canon DSLRs since 2001, and trial versions are now available.


By: www.dpreview.com

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