Photo&Cameras

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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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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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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Sony Alpha 900 SLR camera review : We all know Sony as the huge electronics giant, active in the world of photography for many years now. If you have been around for a while, you probably remember the Mavica digital cameras. Large and bulky, however, the way of storing was very innovative for that time, namely; on a diskette. At that time, the cheapest and most frequently used storage medium for the consumer, and partly also for the industry. When the digital camera became smaller and more compact, Sony bid farewell to the Mavica concept and fully focused on the compact camera market. The Cybershot compact camera has been around for several generations now and was a real success. Sony moves on in 2006 and enters the digital consumer market; the Alpha DSLR camera is born.

Sony Alpha SLR cameras
Although being the only model in the DSLR assortment of Sony, the Alpha 100 was an amazing success. Simply ruling out all prejudice which sprung mainly from the more traditional world of photography. The consumer was ‘ready’ for a Sony digital SLR camera and its successor in 2007, the Alpha 700, that was introduced as a middle segment DSLR camera. Six months later, Sony launched a threesome new Alpha DSLR cameras (Alpha 200/300/350) with which Sony was able to deliver an entirely new line of Alpha cameras. Only one DSLR was missing in the line-up; a high resolution DSLR camera that would establish Sony as a serious DSLR manufacturer belonging to the top 3 ranking.

24 megapixel Sony A900 camera
Some weeks before the Photokina 2008 kicked off, the beginning of September to be precise, Sony introduced its top model of the Alpha assortment: the Sony Alpha 900. The Sony Alpha 900 features 24.6 megapixels of resolution, a dual BIONZ processor, 5 frames per second and a built-in SteadyShot module that make the A900 a serious candidate to demand its market share in a segment that is currently dominated by Nikon and Canon.

Sony A900 review including a DIWA Labs test
During the Photokina 2008 event, the new Sony A900 attracted a fair amount of attention. Sony offered the possibility to experience working with an A900 body and lens, with a large choice of available ZEISS lenses, to actually feel how a racing monster like this works in practice. We had the Sony DSLR-A900 in the office for a while and were able to test the camera thoroughly. In addition, a test sample of the Alpha 900 was technically extensively tested in our DIWA test lab. The results from these tests and the test in practice came together in a final conclusion that can be read in the following

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Nikon Coolpix P80 review : Many people consider a small model with a large optical zoom range the ideal digital camera. This type of easy-to-carry camera enables you to take every picture you like. The so-called Megazoom cameras are therefore still extremely popular, even though reflex cameras are gradually becoming smaller and cheaper. Nikon may have bid the Megazoom concept farewell just a tad too soon, as they rushed into their undeniably successful line of DSLR cameras. With the availability of the Nikon Coolpix P80, Nikon meet the demands of consumers; a demand that still exists in spite of the success of the digital SLR camera.

Nikon Coolpix P80 digital camera
The specifications of the Nikon Coolpix P80 are extremely promising. 10 Megapixels, 18x optical zoom, ISO range up to 6400 and an in-house produced EXPEED processor also found in the latest generation of DSLR cameras of Nikon, and all of this in a body with dimensions of only 110×79x78 mm. The Nikon P80 weighs a mere 365 grams without its battery and this is a lot less than a standard DSLR. The optical zoom range is large, starting at 27 mm which offers you a true wide angle. Thankfully, manufacturers are slowly but surely starting to recognize the benefits of a wide angle.

Optical image stabilizer on the Nikon P80
At maximum telephoto mode a focal length of 486 mm is obtained compared to a 35mm camera, and that is not bad. In order to obtain a sharp picture, you do need an optical image stabilizer. Nikon chose for the Coolpix P80 to apply a moveable sensor; which is a true image stabilization system that should guarantee carefree use of the large optical range in practice.

Edit pictures on the Nikon Coolpix P80
Nikon do not limit to picture-taking alone, also editing afterwards is taken into account. Like most Nikon cameras, the Nikon P80 has also been equipped with D-lighting. Dark areas in a picture are brightened, resulting in a more natural contrast. Naturally, this is done without overwriting the original. This is a very convenient functionality that can be frequently used in practice.

Nikon Coolpix P80 camera review
The Nikon Coolpix P80 is ranked in Nikon’s top class which makes the expectations rise sky-high. We expect a high performance when we look at the impressive specifications, although we are aware of the fact that Nikon place the bar really high for themselves. We had the camera in our possession for quite a while and have submitted it to some extensive tests. Whether or not Nikon have had to compromise can be read in the following Nikon Coolpix P80 camera review.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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This week Nikon have announced the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight to go with their new Nikon D700 DSLR .

It is a top of the range flash and will be available in August 2008 with a retail price of $499.95 USD.

Learn more about the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight in the promotional material from Nikon below.

Nikon SB-900 Speedlight News Release

New Nikon SB-900 Speedlight Advances Flash Technology At The Speed Of Light With Expansive Zoom And Intelligent Features

Nikon’s Newest Flagship Speedlight Offers a Powerful Addition to the Versatile Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)

Nikon, Inc. today introduced the SB-900 Speedlight to provide Nikon digital SLR photographers with a flash capable of a wide zoom range, increased versatility, faster recycling time, and a wealth of intelligent features to enhance the already vast functionality of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Building on the success of the popular SB-800 Speedlight, the SB-900 provides users with extensive creative lighting possibilities with a simplified interface and the ability to stay up to date with future technologies through user-applied firmware updates.*

The SB-900 offers unprecedented zoom range coverage from 17 to 200mm, to increase flexibility in a variety of shooting conditions, while automatically adapting itself to Nikon’s FX or DX-format cameras. Additionally, light output has been increased to a maximum guide number of 48/157.5 (ISO 200, meters/feet at 35mm FX-format and Standard). Photographers can now also select from three light patterns; “Center-weighted” provides the highest guide number and is suitable for images such as portraits, where light falloff at the image edges is of less importance. “Standard” provides a familiar pattern, similar to the SB-800, and is ideal for general photography and “Even” which delivers the most consistent edge-to-edge coverage, making it ideal for situations such as group photography. Additionally, Nikon’s newest flagship Speedlight provides photographers with advanced wireless i-TTL capabilities allowing the utilization of multiple Speedlights with ease and confidence on location or in the studio.

“Nikon is proud that its innovative leadership in flash technologies has been praised by photographers who have realized the versatility and power that the Nikon Creative Lighting System contributes to their photography,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “The SB-900 Speedlight now provides photographers with a new level of portable lighting functionality, with performance and intelligent features that adapt to an even wider scope of lighting challenges.”

The SB-900 Speedlight is engineered to address the creative lighting challenges faced by today’s photographers including a need for fast, on-demand performance, and the ability to adapt seamlessly to nearly any lighting scenario. The SB-900’s innovative design has the Xenon flash tube and reflector system moving independently – allowing for a wider zoom range from an extreme wide angle of 17mm (FX) to the telephoto setting which reaches 200mm without the aid of accessories or as wide as 12mm in DX mode with the built-in wide-angle panel engaged.

The SB-900 offers a quick recycle time of 4.0 seconds (at full power) with four Alkaline AA batteries which drops to a mere 2.3 seconds (at full power) while using four rechargeable NiMH batteries—about 25 percent faster than the SB-800 with its fifth battery attachment.

While ease of use has always been a defining hallmark of the Nikon CLS System, the user interface has been even further refined to simplify control and offer faster operation. Controls for setting the wireless Master and Remote have been relocated to the outside of the unit for easier access and frequently used functions are easily adjusted with a new Rotary Select Dial. A larger LCD screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and photographers can assign “My Menu” hotkeys for quicker access to commonly used functions. A new thermal cut-out protection system monitors conditions when the flash might overheat due to excessive rapid bursts. Helpful operating temperature information is provided to the photographer with an innovative temperature gauge displayed on the LCD screen.

For the first time, Nikon SB-900 Speedlight users will have the ability to take advantage of future performance advancements, by way of user-uploadable firmware. The user will be able to download the firmware onto a flash media card and upload it to the flash through select digital SLR cameras.*

The SB-900 Speedlight is Nikon’s most intelligent Speedlight ever, created in response to the needs of today’s digital photographic professionals. When using the included fluorescent or incandescent filters and adaptor, the flash automatically recognizes what filter is being used and automatically adjusts white balance accordingly on the latest Nikon D-SLRs.* Additionally, the SB-900 aids auto focus with a broader AF assist beam that covers a wide 20-105mm that is matched to all of the D3, D700 and D300’s 51 focus points. The bounce and swivel capability of the SB-900 has been expanded to include: tilt up to 90 degrees, down minus 11 degrees, and a full 180-degree swivel left or right, allowing more creativity for on or off camera use, or as a remote Speedlight.

The SB-900 serves as the new core for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with Nikon SLRs, and supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a master or a remote Speedlight, inviting photographers to discover endless creative possibilities. While using one or more Nikon Speedlights wirelessly, photographers can artistically use shadows, highlight details, and light complicated angles with ease. Along with the SB-900, the Nikon Creative Lighting System features a comprehensive assortment of personal lighting tools that include the agile SB-600 and SB-400, and the remarkable R1 and R1C1 Wireless Close-up Speedlight systems.

Available accessoriesThe SD9 Battery Pack boosts flash recycle time to a mere one second (at full power). For faster recycling or all-day shooting it accepts up to eight AA batteries. To enhance the weatherproof ability of Nikon D-SLRs, optional Water Guards will be available for select cameras to protect the connection between the flash and camera, allowing users to utilize the flash when weather conditions are less than ideal.

Price and availabilityThe new Nikon SB-900 Speedlight is scheduled to be available in August 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $499.95.** The SB-900 will come packaged with the Speedlight Stand, Bounce Adapter, Color Filter Holder, Intelligent Color Filter Kit, Diffuser Dome and the Soft Case. The SD9 Battery Pack is also scheduled to be available in August 2008 with an estimated selling price of $230.00.

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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The Nikon D700 is a 12.1 megapixel full frame (FX), professional DSLR. It’s bundled up in a body that is virtually the same as the Nikon D300. In essence it’s the Nikon D3 feature wise (with a few modifications) in a smaller magnesium alloy body.

The Nikon D700 features five frames per second shooting, image sensor cleaning (vibration cleaning) and the first professional DSLR to come with an in built flash. It has an ISO range of 200-6400 (boostable up to 25600 and down to 100), support for DX lenses, a viewfinder with 95% coverage and a 3.0 inch LCD.

The Nikon D700 will have a retail price of $2999 USD when it goes on sale in July (body only).

Learn more about the Nikon D700 in the following promotional material from Nikon. We’ll post reviews of the camera below as they come to hand.

Nikon D700 News Release

Nikon broadens FX-format DSLR camera range with the new D700

Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of an all-new FX-format digital SLR: the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D700, designed to enable many more photographers to enjoy the acclaimed image quality of the Nikon D3, but in a smaller form factor.

”The Nikon D3 has taken the action photography industry by storm, motivating many pros to change brands and we expect the D700 to contin5ue that trend,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. He added: “The D700 excels in the extreme low-light and high-contrast conditions under which today’s cameras are judged and affirms Nikon’s ongoing commitment to meeting tomorrows imaging needs too.”

D3 DNA

The D700 inherits the ‘must have’ image quality of the D3. Using the same core technologies such as the highly-sensitive 12.1 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor with large pixel pitch and gapless micro lens array that affords bright, clean files across a broad ISO range. The D700 also features the same innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline to provide the detail and smooth gradation necessary for outstanding print enlargement and reproduction.

FX on the move

The D700 is ideal for those seeking a perfectly-balanced DSLR on the move, without compromising durability or environmental resistance to moisture and dust. The D700 incorporates an image sensor cleaning system that uses high frequency vibrations to reduce the accumulation of dust on the image sensor surface. A responsive 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery, with up to 8 fps possible by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack to use the powerful 2500mAh EN-EL4a battery if desired. This offers complete power supply integration for those already using the D3 and D300. Another first is the practical i-TTL built-in pop up flash with 24mm lens coverage, ideal for discrete flash lighting when a full size Speedlight might be too cumbersome.

Getting the shot right

Despite its attractive price tag, the D700 makes no compromises in its comprehensive feature array with a highly responsive shutter release time lag of just 40ms, the acclaimed accuracy of the 51-point MultiCAM3500 AF system, DX Crop Mode and Live View with contrast-detect AF displayed on the same high-definition 3-inch TFT monitor used on the D3 and D300. One of the most important advantages of FX format cameras is the viewfinder experience and the D700 features an outstanding solid glass pentaprism, 95% coverage and adjustable AF point LED illumination for a bright, uninterrupted view. A clever new feature is the ability to display the Virtual Horizon level indicator during Live View mode to determine camera orientation at arms length.

What NIKKORS have been waiting for

The D700 is designed for the future without ignoring the past. As Nikon celebrates the 75th anniversary of the very first NIKKOR lens, and with well over 40 million sold, intelligent image processing technologies to control peripheral illumination (Vignette) and chromatic aberration enable photographers to rediscover the creative possibilities of their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses. For newcomers, the ever-expanding Nikon Total Imaging System provides lenses, Speedlights, Software and accessories for every photographic challenge both now and in the future.

The D700 is supplied with battery EN-EL3e, charger, and Nikon Software Suite and will go on sale from 25 July 2008 with a MSRP guide price of €2599.

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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Casio Exilim Pro F1 digital camera review : Casio have been active on the digital camera market for several years now. Although the majority of the people know Casio because of their watches and pocket calculators, many are unaware of the fact that Casio is a real pioneer in the camera world. When the camera market started to rise, Casio were the first to introduce a consumer digital camera; the QV10, which set the ball rolling. Surprisingly enough it took quite a while before renowned photo manufactures caught up. Nowadays, many manufacturers have been forced to adjust their strategy; they either merged or abandoned the photo market. Casio, on the other hand, have proven to be a pioneer and for a reason; they are still very much present in the game.

Casio Exilim EX-F1 Megazoom camera
Striking is the least you can say about a manufacturer as Casio. Their past has made it clear that Casio were always innovative; various innovations started by Casio were later on adopted as similar versions or a derivative version by their competitors. Still, not all is home-made. One example is the new Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 camera. A Megazoom camera as we know from the competition, however, with one great difference; the camera has an on-board ultra-fast CMOS image sensor that is able to achieve unparalleled speed performance.

Casio EX-F1 features ultra-fast CMOS image sensor
The Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 is a camera belonging to the Pro-series of Casio. This series never convinced us of a Pro status, however; with their new flagship, Casio try to establish their status as innovative camera manufacturer once again. The Casio F1 is equipped with a special CMOS image sensor that is developed by Sony. We call it special since it is a sensor able to manage data at an extremely high speed, resulting in a camera with a capacity of working with a frame speed of 1200 fps, incredible! The 1/1.8 inch CMOS sensor features ‘only’ 6 Megapixels which is not many compared to current resolution ratios, but in any case, it suffices to print photo realistic enlargements.

Casio Exilim Pro EX F1 camera review
The camera features a 12x optical zoom lens and uses image stabilization to be able to guarantee a sharp picture. The Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 looks a lot like a LUMIX Megazoom camera, as far as model goes, of the Panasonic stable. The surplus value of the Casio EXILIM Pro F1 is, naturally, found in the frame speed specification. It will offer access to a world of action photography, which until now was inaccessible to amateur photographers, for a consumer price. I had the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 in the office for a while. The camera was tested in practice and a sample was technically tested in our DIWA Lab in Norway, where extensive tests on techniques are carried out in lab circumstances. The results can be read in the following

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Olympus SP-570 UZ digital camera review : In August 2005, Olympus introduced the very first camera from the new SP-5 series; the SP-500 UZ camera. At the time it was a Megazoom camera that certainly featured high specifications; six Megapixels, a maximum ISO of 400 and an optical zoom with a 38-380mm range. Three years later, the fifth model of the SP-5 series lays before me; the Olympus SP-570 UZ, the most recent Megazoom model by Olympus.

Evolution of the Olympus SP-570 UZ
Looking at the specifications, we clearly see the evolution this model underwent. Instead of six, there’s now room for ten Megapixels on the small image sensor, and the sensitivity of 6400, albeit with a limited resolution, surpasses the ‘high’ 400 ISO setting of that of its predecessor. The optical zoom lens also went through a real change; now offering a 20x optical zoom, resulting in a huge focal range (26-520mm) which is a powerful magnification factor even for the enhanced photographer.

Digital camera developments
In only a few years time the digital camera has undergone considerable changes and is, in fact, still going through this process. It looks like this trend will continue for a while. We are not always happy with the changes, but all in all it is a logical evolution. As long as the quality is ensured and improvements are visible, there is no reason to moan. Though it is a good motivation to keep a finger on the pulse, since a manufacturer’s marketing department sometimes tends to overdo it. One example that goes for nearly every brand is the race for the highest ISO setting possible. The latter is hardly ever useful in practice and only looks good on paper. Although Megazoom cameras tend to lean towards the features of digital SLRs, they are in fact compact cameras with the smaller sensors that come with these.

Olympus SP-570UZ Megazoom digital camera
The Megazoom digital camera market remains interesting to the manufacturer. While a number of manufacturers have left this concept alone in order to focus fully on their DSLR cameras, a considerable group of consumers really seemed to appreciate this Megazoom camera. The features; compact, lightweight and super zoom, form a powerful combination to give cameras like the Olympus SP-570UZ the right to exist.

Olympus SP-570 UZ camera review
The Olympus SP-570 was introduced in January of this year, just before the PMA 2008 in Las Vegas kicked off, and only recently became available to the consumer. Thanks to all its setting possibilities and all-round capacities, the Olympus SP-570 UZ camera seems to be the perfect alternative to a D-SLR camera. It’s a camera that is easy to take with you at all times. Read the following

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Canon EOS 450D digital SLR camera review : The Canon EOS 450D is Canon’s fourth entry-level model, launched right after Canon set the world on fire with the EOS 300D that was responsible for a price breakthrough. And although we talk about a period of five years, which may be considered as quite a long period of time in the digital photo world, a lot of things have changed. Not only the camera in itself has changed; the amount of people using a D-SLR has also increased hugely. Sometimes it’s like you are left out as a photographer if you don’t use D-SLR tools. And if someone spots a photographer with a professional EOS, he will proudly proclaim: “I am also shooting with an EOS”. Canon truly stirred up the market with the EOS 300D, which developed the amateur market. The types launched after the EOS 300D have been equally successful.

Canon 450D SLR – EF-S lenses
The latest Canon DSLR is called Canon EOS 450D, and will be put on the market beside the 400D. The cameras look like twins. Canon have kept all the good things of the 400D, whilst adding new ones to it. Naturally the Canon 450D works seamlessly with the EF-S lenses. These were developed especially for the APS-C format of the image sensor, resulting in a cheaper and more compact lens. Together with the compact housing, the Canon EOS 450D is the ideal set to use on holiday where usually lots of pictures are taken.

Canon EOS 450D offers Live View
Keeping pace with the trend, the Canon 450D features a 3 inch screen on its back. Whereas the monitor of the 400D only allowed you to view pictures, the Canon EOS 450D also lets you also use the LCD monitor for shooting. This is because the latest Canon offers Live View. This doesn’t come as a surprise though; all the new Canon models are being equipped with this technique. Photographing using Live View undoubtedly has its advantages. And since many EOS 450D users are likely to have switched from a compact camera to this DSLR, it will give them a trusty feeling.

Canon EOS Integral Cleaning system
The resolution of the camera has once again been increased. The Canon EOS 450D features a CMOS sensor with 12 Megapixels, offering two million photosensitive elements more than the EOS 400D. Not a vast difference perhaps, but it does ensure the camera keeps pace with competitive models of competing brands. And it is even ahead of the actual model of Canon’s biggest rival, the Nikon D60. Just like the other new models, the Canon EOS 450D features the EOS Integral Cleaning System. This system is more than just a filter that shakes in order to get rid of dust. The mirror house inside has been made of materials that make it impossible for dust to stick to it. Moreover, the sensor surface is anti-static, which means dust will not stick to the sensor easily. If these precautions and the filter are not sufficient, you can map the dust by taking a picture of it. With the aid of the Canon software the dust will be retouched.

Canon EOS 450D SLR review
The Canon EOS 450D was Canon’s flagship during the last PMA show in Las Vegas. The interest for Canon’s answer to the steps the competition takes is vast and decides the partition of the important market share that manufactures continue to fight for every day. High time for us to test the Canon 450D in practice. Our findings can be read in the following Canon EOS 450D review.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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