Photo&Cameras

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR review : Since Kodak’s disappearance from the market, Canon held the luxurious position of being the only manufacturer with a full-frame digital SLR in their program for a long time. The large amount of pixels in a firm professional housing made the 1Ds the perfect replacement for an analogue middle format camera for many professional photographers. After the introduction of the EOS-1D Mark III everybody eagerly awaited the successor to the 1DS Mark II. And that’s when the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III appeared.

Prism house of the Canon 1Ds Mark III
As we expected, the Canon 1Ds Mark III is based on its predecessor; the Canon EOS-1D Mark III. It was redesigned from scratch. It might take some time for Mark II users to get acquainted with the new lad, but I am positive that it will happen flawless. Besides the type tag on the front, the 1Ds is furthermore distinguishable from its faster brother by the lump on the prism house. To enable correct reproduction of the AF points in the viewfinder, the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III uses a second prism. And of course that takes up more space than the mirrors inside the 1D camera.

3-inch LCD monitor with Live View
Naturally the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has been equipped with a large 3 inch LCD monitor on the back of the camera. This size has become standard for these cameras nowadays and to be honest, there is no turning back; 3 inch and more please! The large monitor also enables Live View. A feature that is starting to become normality on a D-SLR. And until recently it wasn’t even an issue but at present the availability of Live View or the lack of it is almost reason for a camera to be a success or a failure. Whether or not this is also the case for the professional segment, remains unknown for now. Live View does have its advantages. For example when you mount the camera on a tripod and place it on a high level. Action photography with Live View is still not perfect, but that will undoubtedly change too in the near future.

Full-frame 21 Megapixel image sensor
Besides upgrading to the concept of the 1D Mark II, naturally the image sensor is the main improvement of the 1Ds Mark III. It’s a full-frame sensor again but this time it offers the impressive amount of 21 Megapixels. Canon tiptoed into the resolution class where currently middle format cameras rule. Therefore Canon is still leader in the 35mm D-SLR cameras. But not for long since Sony announced a 24 Megapixel full-frame sensor. And Nikon will definitely not stay behind….

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark 3 review
The signals of the CMOS sensor are being processed by two DIGIC III processors. In total some five pictures per second can be taken in the highest resolution. The two processors are capable of processing a 100 Megapixels per second, which fits with the 10 fps with 10 Megapixels of the EOS 1D Mark III. The specifications are impressive and to get the assignment to use this camera in practice is very appealing to a photographer like me. We have used the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III once before on the EOS Safari in Kenya but now it’s time for a full Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III review.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Trusted Reviews has posted their review of the Casio Exilim EX-S10 where they write - ‘As a small snapshooter the Casio may not suit everyone, even though it offers something for everyone. The handling is down to taste and personal physiology, so we can’t expect the perfect camera, but the small form is quite fiddly. In terms of images the camera is also hit and miss, with reasonable but not great results. A stand out feature is the dynamic range but other than that the camera produces too many blurred, noisy and distorted images. Most snappers won’t notice, but there are so many cameras available that are better that it would be a shame to miss out just through ignorance.’

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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Imaging Resource reviews the Nikon Coolpix S700 and writes - “Small, compact, and very capable, the Nikon Coolpix S700 will please many consumers with its good color, exposure, and resolution. The Nikon S700 captures great images under a variety of conditions, thanks to its range of preset Scene modes and useful tools such as D-Lighting and Distortion Control. Face-Priority AF technology helps get the best focus on portraits, even of large groups. The 12.1-megapixel CCD captures excellent resolution and detail in good light an at low ISO, and the 3x optical zoom lens is sharp and clear. High ISOs extend the camera’s low-light shooting capabilities, though strong image noise becomes a factor. Printed results show that ISO 800 is capable of getting a good 5×7. ”

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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DP review has posted their review of the Sony DSC T300 and gives it a rating of ‘above average’. They write - ‘The question this camera raises is: if the extra megapixels added are too mushed-up by noise reduction to allow for large prints or cropping-in on images, then what are they good for? It’s a question that we believe a lot of new cameras will have to answer, and needs to be considered by a potential T300 buyer.’

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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Sony CyberShot DSC-W200 underwater review : I am in Dahab, Egypt and I am taking the Sony DSC-W200 to the seaside in an exclusive manner: on a camel. The diving spots near Ras Abu Galum are only accessible by camel from Dahab. The trip will take approximately an hour and a half. This is a good opportunity to try the Sony W200 camera on land before taking it underwater.

Sony W200 - Camel trip
To be honest, I find myself really stupid to agree with the guide on going to Ras Abu Galum. The diving areas closer to Dahab are spectacular enough and we would be able to go to them in a comfortable jeep. Why on earth would I go on a camel trip? I don’t even dare to sit on a donkey, let alone on a camel.

Diving spot Blue Hole
We meet the camels at a famous diving spot; the Blue Hole. That’s also the spot where the road ends and if you want to continue…. The camels are still having their meal as we arrive and they react somewhat irritated when I get closer to take pictures of them. They pull ugly faces at me, so I give up and retreat.

Sony CyberShot W200 Diving gear
When they finish their meal, the diving gear is loaded onto them. And thankfully the camels are laying down so we don’t have to lift the diving gear to a great height. Some camels get to carry four aqualungs and other camels receive two bags and the remaining diving equipment. This way you need as many camels as divers and it is possible to dive twice. Next, it is my turn to ascend a camel.

Text and Photography by Karin Brussaard  

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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The Nikon D60 is a 10.2 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD (230,000 pixels). It features an ISO rane of 100 to 1600 (extendable to 3200), image stabilization and dual dust reduction technology. The Nikon D60 measures 126.0 x 94.0 x 64.0mm and weights 495 grams. It boasts a fast start up time of 0.18 seconds.

The Nikon D60 is being bundled with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. There’s no word yet on price for the Nikon D60 - or availability for that matter but it’s sure to be announced soon enough by Nikon.

Nikon D60 News Release New Nikon D60 Digital Slr Camera Makes Capturing Beautiful Pictures Fun And Easy

Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new D60 digital SLR camera, which provides consumers with stunning picture quality and versatility in an easy-to-use, compact camera design. The D60 joins Nikon’s award-winning line of D-series digital SLR cameras and shares a form factor similar to the D40 - Nikon’s smallest D-SLR camera ever. With 10.2 effective megapixels and a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, the D60 enables both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before.

“The Nikon D60 makes stepping up to digital SLR photography easy for anyone, but is also a wonderful choice for photo enthusiasts looking for remarkable performance in a compact package,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “This model, like the wildly popular Nikon D40, greatly simplifies use and builds confidence in the user. With a host of innovative features, such as a visually intuitive LCD information display, Nikon’s highly regarded EXPEED image processing concept, new dual dust reduction countermeasures, in-camera editing tools and exciting creative options, the D60 enhances the picture-taking experience for picture-takers of all skill levels.”

Users will immediately appreciate the D60’s fast 0.18-second start-up time and split-second shutter response, which combine to eliminate the frustration of shooting lag - a common issue with many point-and-shoot digital cameras. With a fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures-per-second, the D60 faithfully captures pictures that other cameras often miss. The D60 does all this while delivering extraordinarily vivid and detailed pictures, ensuring that fleeting expressions, special moments and memorable events are captured beautifully.

Packaged with Nikon’s new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, the D60 camera and lens outfit delivers striking image sharpness. What’s more, Nikon’s proprietary VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization technology also dramatically reduces blur caused when shooting handheld pictures, especially in low light.

The camera’s 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor delivers crisp, high-resolution images with astounding color and clarity, while Nikon’s advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II ensures that images are exposed beautifully and automatically, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, Nikon’s new digital image processing concept, EXPEED, delivers smooth tones and accurate color for vibrant pictures and flattering portraits.

The D60 also offers consumers comprehensive in-camera functionality, such as Active D-lighting. Through this innovative Nikon feature, the camera can, with the option selected, further optimize shadow and highlight detail–as pictures are taken. Shots that once required adjustment with photo editing software can now go straight to the printer, bypassing the computer altogether.

For added fun and creativity while reducing or helping to eliminate time spent manipulating pictures later, the D60’s In-camera Retouch Menu enables users to accomplish a wide variety of tasks without a computer. The D60 offers new in-camera editing capabilities, including adjustable cross-screen star effects, color-intensifying filters as well as D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Image Trim and more. The D60’s Stop-Motion Movie mode is a D-SLR first that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files. More experienced photographers will also enjoy shooting in the lossless NEF (RAW) format, and then adjusting image parameters, such as size, format, and white balance, all within the camera.

While many cameras now feature a dust cleaning function, the D60 takes this idea one step further. In addition to offering an Image Sensor Cleaning function that quickly and silently shakes off specks of image degrading dust, the camera also minimizes the dust that can come into contact with the sensor through a unique Airflow Control System. This design works to channel particles away from the sensor with every click of the shutter, resulting in even further reduction of dust particles and the spots they can leave on pictures.

Ergonomically designed with intuitively placed controls, the D60 is a camera that’s compact and ready to go wherever life leads. It also features a new power conserving Eye Sensor that turns the big 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on and off automatically when the user alternates between taking pictures and reviewing camera settings.

A customizable LCD monitor user interface rounds out the D60’s convenient features, as users can create their own wallpapers and adjust color settings to adapt to their preferences. The D60’s design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D60 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.

The D60 will be packaged with the 3x zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens and will be available throughout the United States beginning in February 2008. Pricing information will be available approximately 30 days prior to sales availability.

The D60, along with Nikon’s entire line of photography, optics and digital imaging solutions, will be on display at the PMA 2008 International Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at exhibitor booth # G220.

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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The Sony Cybershot DSC-S750 is a 7 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD. It is aimed at the entry level market.

It features face detection, ISO of up to 1250, seven scene modes and 22 megabytes of internal memory.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-S750 will have a retail price of $150 USD when it ships in March.

Sony Cybershot DSC-S750 News Release SONY ADDS PERFORMANCE AND REFINES DESIGN ON ENTRY-LEVEL CYBER-SHOT CAMERAS

Sony has enhanced the features and updated the design of its new Cyber-shot® DSC-S750 and DSC-S780 digital still camera models….

Both of the new entry-level digital still cameras feature Sony’s face detection technology, which identifies up to three faces in the camera’s LCD frame and automatically adjusts focus and exposure for well-exposed, natural-looking photos.

Sony has also upgraded the two models’ power source to Lithium Ion batteries, instead of AA batteries, to extend battery life and allow for a body design that is just 1-inch slim. The DSC-S780 and DSC-S750 cameras can capture up to 270 and 280 shots on a single full charge, respectively.

“Face detection is just one of the technologies we’re introducing to help customers take better photos more easily,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics.

The 8.1-megapixel DSC-S780 and the 7.2-megapixel DSC-S750 models incorporate CCD imagers, 3x optical zoom lenses, and 2.5-inch LCD screens for easy framing and viewing of photos.

Higher sensitivity settings up to IS01250 have been added to both models to help reduce the risk of blurry photos when shooting in low-light conditions.

Seven convenient scene selections, including twilight, twilight portrait, landscape, soft snap, beach, snow and high sensitivity, allow you to adjust quickly for specific shooting conditions.

The cameras’ five-point autofocus system helps take the guesswork out of picture taking by intelligently selecting the best focus for the subject. This helps to ensure that the subject is in focus, even if they are not in the center of the frame.

The cameras are equipped with 22MB of internal memory so you can start shooting as soon as the camera is out of the box. Their capacities can be expanded easily with an optional Memory Stick Duo™ or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media card, now available in capacities up to 16 gigabytes.

Price and Availability Available in classic silver, the DSC-S750 model ships in March for about $150, and the DSC-S780 will be available in April for about $180. Options will include travel chargers, batteries, carrying cases, sports packs and other accessories, all sold separately.

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

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Canon PowerShot A610 digital camera review : The second half of the year 2005 was dominated by a massive Canon introduction of printers and cameras, among which the Canon PowerShot A610 digital camera. This new PowerShot camera succeeds the Canon PowerShot A510 camera and enhances the resolution from 3 to 5.0 Megapixels. The PowerShot A series digital cameras of Canon are well-known for their high quality features that are borrowed from the advanced Canon digital cameras like the PowerShot G-series and S-series. In fact, the Canon A610 is a combination of the best of two worlds: refined advanced features and entry-level user-friendliness. A digital camera from the PowerShot A-line always offers remarkable features and combines comprehensive functionality with low entry level.

Canon A610 - DIGIC II processor
The difference between the Canon A510 and A610 is the size and flexibility of the monitor on the back of the camera; it is enlarged from 1.8 to 2.0 inch and is able to tilt. The effective resolution has also made a huge step forward from 3.2 to 5.0 Megapixels. This resolution of 5 Megapixels suffices to print a beautiful A4 picture. Another important feature is the integrated fast DIGIC II processor. This is Canon’s strongest trump compared to the competing brands. The DIGIC II processor is also used in other Canon models, among them the professional EOS 1DS Mark II digital SLR camera. The powerful DIGIC II enables the Canon A610 to start up fast, to realise a short release lag and to process the images quickly. Various digital camera tests have proven the value of this processor. It’s admirable that Canon is capable of rapidly integrating innovative developments from the professional digital world in the amateur line of digital cameras. The consumer benefits from it!

Canon PowerShot A610 - 4x optical zoom
Besides the 5 Megapixels and the DIGIC II processor the Canon PowerShot is equipped with a 4x optical zoom (focal range of 35-140mm equivalent of a 35mm camera). This lens lets you take close-ups as well as portraits. The lens features eight elements in seven groups and is equipped with two aspherical elements. The focus performance at low light conditions is improved to 2 steps which should ultimately result in extra photographic freedom when shooting with low light intensity.

Canon A610 digital camera review
The Canon PowerShot A610 nicely fills up the successful A-line of Canon. This line is quite popular and offers the novices among us an entry-level camera combined with attractive and creative functions. The Canon A610 had to prove in practice that not only its specifications are interesting so we tested it thoroughly during some time to find out how the camera performed in practice. Our experiences can be read in the following Canon PowerShot A610 digital camera review.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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Fujifilm FinePix F700 digital camera review : Fujifilm introduced the FinePix F700 during the PMA 2003, beginning of February this year. In January 2003 they already announced the 4th generation Super CCD sensor designed by Fujifilm itself, world-wide. However, the availability of the Fujifilm FinePix F700 was somewhat delayed, but recently the camera can be admired at the dealer shops. The story of the Super CCD sensor does need some explanation. This feature offers a specific contribution to the final image quality and in fact the application of this new generation Super CCD makes the Fujifilm FinePix F700 an exception in camera land.

Fujifilm FinePix F700 - Super CCD SR
The Super CCD SR sensor that the Fujifilm F700 is equipped with was introduced in January of this year, by Fujifilm. The Super CCD SR sensor is designed by Fujifilm. The strength of the operation of the Super CCD shows to full advantage at a high contrast rate. Over the past years, Fujifilm can boast of an impressive status of service among other things on the field of digital photography. The Super CCD technique is completely developed by Fujifilm and has grown to become a 4th generation technique since its introduction. At first sight the technique seems confusing because there is talk about two different sorts of pixels. Plainly explained this technique consists of large high sensitive S-pixels as well as the smaller R-pixels (together SR). By combining the information of both sorts of pixels two very important features, a large dynamic range and high sensitivity, are possible in just one composition. Therefore the resolution of 6.2 million pixels exists of 3.1 million S- and 3.1 million R-pixels.

Fujifilm FinePix F700 - Quality appearance
The compact design of the Fujifilm F700 and the nice aluminium workmanship give the FinePix F700 a quality appearance. The camera offers convenience and user friendliness as well as many settings for the photographer. This new model is available on the Dutch market since a few months, so it is time to try out this Fujifilm FinePix F700 in the field. Read about our experiences with this digital camera in the following review.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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HP Photosmart R937 digital camera review : During HP labs event in Lisbon every participant received a digital compact camera to play with for one week. Of course this is an ideal way to get acquainted with the latest top model of the American brand. Certainly an experience that asked for more, so right after this we requested a model to put to the test and to offer you an extensive HP Photosmart R937 review.

HP Photosmart R937 - Huge touch screen
One of the extraordinary features on the HP R937 camera is its touch screen. Of course HP are not the first to apply a touch screen but it being such a huge screen is a unique experience. It should not surprise anyone that HP is offering a touch screen. The brand is aiming at the consumer. And the consumer wants an easy to operate camera that has not too many buttons and settings. HP is getting better and better at it. The user’s needs are met; he or she can take pictures without having to think too much. This is excellent for the target group the camera is aiming at.

HP R937 - 8.15 Megapixel camera resolution
The resolution of 8.15 Megapixels is sufficient to offer good enlargements. Most pictures will not even be printed in a size that big. Naturally HP’s adaptive exposure is available. It is one of the most sensible functions HP has been integrating in cameras. Furthermore a 3x optical zoom, clear program settings, ISO 1600 and a large 3.6-inch screen enable photographing in most circumstances. The way of sharing a picture with friends or family is quite remarkable too. The R937 is a unique camera in its class so it is time to put the HP Photosmart R937 to the test.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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