Digital Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10K

2008-06-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

DMC-L10K Lumix® 10.1-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera with Full-Time Live View, Face Detection, 2.5" Free-Angle LCD Screen and Four Thirds® Standard
Full-Time Live View Redefines Digital SLR Photography
With conventional digital SLR cameras, you never know exactly how the photo is composed until after you shoot. The Lumix^® DMC-L10 changes all that with full-time Live View. When you look at the LCD screen, you see what the camera sees, making it easy to adjust and compose your shot just the way you want it.
Face Detection Ensures That No One Gets Lost in the Crowd
This function, the first on a digital SLR camera and made possible by full-time Live View, recognizes up to 15 faces in the frame and optimizes the focus and exposure settings to capture them clearly and correctly.
Four Thirds™ Standard Designed Especially for the Digital Camera
Panasonic adopted the Four Thirds™ standard for the DMC-L10's lens system, which means you can use lenses made by other manufacturers, providing you with an extensive range of interchangeable lenses.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

2008-06-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Introduction

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 is the successor to the highly popular FZ30. The FZ30 justifiably earned itself many loyal owners thanks to its huge 12x optically-stabilised zoom in a relatively compact package with plenty of manual control. It was - and continues to be - a compelling alternative to an entry-level DSLR, with the additional benefits of a live flip-out screen and movie mode.
The major selling point of the FZ50 is of course its 12x optically-stabilised Leica zoom lens, which is identical to the earlier FZ30. It delivers an impressive range equivalent to 35-420mm with an optically fast focal ratio of f2.8-3.7; the actual focal length is 7.4-88.8mm. The zoom itself is operated by a tactile mechanically-linked ring, and unlike many of its rivals, the actual barrel doesn’t extend during this process. A lens hood is supplied and the front lens element doesn’t rotate during focussing, allowing easy use of polarising filters.

The 12x optical range is truly impressive in practice, with the telephoto end really pulling in distant detail, or throwing backgrounds out of focus on portraits. The wide-angle end is usable at 35mm, although many may prefer sacrificing the extreme long end for something wider, such as the 28-300mm range of the Fujifilm S9600 / S9100. Setting the lens to manual focus temporarily enlarges the central area.

To illustrate the FZ50’s coverage, we mounted it on a tripod and took photos of the same scene with the lens zoomed out to wide angle and all the way in to telephoto. These are taken from exactly the same position (albeit on different days) to the examples in our recent reviews, so are comparable in terms of coverage. For other examples, see the Canon 400D / XTi and Panasonic Lumix TZ1 coverage pages.

www.cameralabs.com

Olympus E-520

2008-06-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

The E-520 is the follow-up to Olympus' popular EVOLT E-510 digital SLR, which was introduced in March of 2007. The E-510 featured a 10 Megapixel CCD, sensor-shift image stabilization, dust reduction, full manual controls, and live view on its 2.5" LCD.

What's new on the E-520 Pretty much the same stuff that you'll find on the recently announced E-420. Those items include:

Larger, 2.7" LCD display (versus 2.5")
Contrast detect autofocus (with select lenses) and face detection with live view
Faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps)
New vertical and horizontal panning IS modes
Shadow Adjustment Technology brightens dark areas of your photos
Perfect Shot Preview lets you see the effects of exposure compensation and white balance settings on your subject before you take a photo
Wireless flash control

As you can see, the E-520 is more of an evolution of the E-510, rather than something radically different. Olympus has dropped the EVOLT moniker from their D-SLRs, as well.

www.dcresource.com

Olympus SP-560 UZ

2008-06-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

The SP-560 UZ is an elegant, compact digital camera — it's ideal for intermediate and advanced digital photography fans who crave power and versatility. Its superior optics, 18x optical zoom and lightweight, portable design make it the perfect point-and-shoot camera for sports, outdoor and travel photography. The SP-560 UZ's Dual Image Stabilization technology provides an effortless 2-in-1 anti-blur solution for crisp, clear images in any situation. As if all that wasn't enough, the SP-560 UZ also sports the new Face Detection technology, which recognizes and tracks faces within the frame to help you capture sharp, brilliant portrait photos. Get superior image quality with a high-resolution 8-megapixel CCD. Make large prints without ever losing any detail.

Pentax K100D Super

2008-06-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

PENTAX takes entry-level SLR users to the next level with the new K100D Super Digital SLR. Adding a Dust Removal system to help keep the CCD surface dust-free and full compatibility with SDM lenses, PENTAX has upgraded an already fully-featured set to bring you a technologically advanced SLR at a very affordable price. Compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced* and featuring Shake Reduction, the affordable PENTAX K100D Super offers a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial featuring Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. The 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD, 11-point auto focus mechanism, and sophisticated 16 segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision Penta mirror viewfinder features a 96% field of view and 0.85X magnification. All these features and more combine in a compact design with a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis that is built to last.

www.pentaxslr.com

Pentax K10D

2008-06-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

The PENTAX K10D offers advanced photo enthusiasts an array of innovations in image capture technology and camera functionality. These include a 10.2 megapixel CCD contained within the PENTAX developed Shake Reduction system that offers 2.5 to 4 stops of compensation for shooting in low light or with telephoto lenses. The new PRIME image processing engine is supported by 22-bit A/D conversion for truer color tones with richer gradation, and an improved buffer memory that increases capture speed and allows for in camera image processing. All this is housed within a rugged weather and dust resistant body that incorporates CCD Dust Removal system. The unique PENTAX exposure modes adjust for any shooting situation and the 11-point autofocus system and 16-segment meter will give sharp, perfectly exposed images even in the most difficult lighting conditions.

www.pentaxslr.com

Pentax K200D

2008-06-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

The PENTAX K200D, perfect for developing digital SLR users, offers an easy-to-use interface and incorporates award winning PENTAX imaging technology. With 10.2 megapixels, this DSLR features many of the advancements that are incorporated in the PENTAX K20D, including a 2.7 inch LCD monitor, Custom Image functions for perfect control over how images are developed, and the Expanded Dynamic Range function. Compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced and featuring Shake Reduction, the PENTAX K200D offers a high quality image sensor with the sophisticated PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine), a user-friendly Dust Removal system including the new Dust Alert feature, 11-point SAFOX VIII auto focus system, sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering and auto sensitivity control up to ISO 1600, all in a weather and dust resistant body.

www.pentaxslr.com

Pentax K20D

2008-06-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

The PENTAX K20D digital SLR offers advanced photo enthusiasts an array of exciting PENTAX innovations. The newly developed CMOS image sensor brings out optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Featuring 14.6 effective megapixels (highest in its class) and the latest noise-reduction technology, the sensor assures superb image quality. This SLR will make you feel in control with its Live View function that allows the photographer to see the image on the camera’s back panel LCD monitor while shooting. Customizable features ideal for shooters who demand complete control include the Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast/detail in bright settings and a new Custom Image function to select/adjust finishing touches to an image. An improved Dust Reduction system features prevention, removal and alerting devices. Combine these new innovations with the renowned PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system, Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) and incorporate them in a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body – you’ve now got a superb camera that allows photographers to shoot anytime, anywhere, even in dusty or rainy environments.

www.pentaxslr.com

Olympus SP-570

2008-06-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Adding to its stellar Extended Zoom lineage, Olympus has another hit with the SP-570 UZ. The camera lends users creative power with its manual control options, but with dual image stabilization and face detection technology, the SP-570 UZ takes pristine photographs. And the 20x optical zoom of the SP-570 gives the camera more range than many of its competitors. Excellent performance coupled with creative flexibility makes the SP-570 UZ a model to seriously consider.
Quick Specs: 10 Megapixels, 20x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, AA Batteries

Fuji FinePix S100FS

2008-06-05T22:04:00.001-07:00

The Fuji FinePix S100FS

Quick Specs: 11.1 Megapixels, 14.3x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, Lithium-ion Battery retains the comforts of a point-and-shoot while offering the features that advanced photographers crave. Both manual and automatic controls make the camera approachable, and a tremendous 10000 ISO (low-light) capability is just one of its many highlights. While it doesn't have the longest zoom among Extended Zoom cameras, the S100FS, nevertheless, has impressive features and is a fine choice for users who are not yet ready for SLR photography.

Canon Powershot S5 IS

2008-06-05T22:01:00.001-07:00

The Canon Powershot S5 IS is an excellent extended zoom/advanced camera, capable of capturing spectacular imagery with its 8MP sensor and 12x optical zoom. Sure, it's not as long-range as some of the newer 18x models, but that just means it's more compact and portable. 12x will get you plenty far, as will Canon's reputation for reliability and quality. Even on such a powerful camera, Canon manages to maintain a user-friendly, approachable feel that will satisfy photographers of every skill level.

Quick Specs: 8 Megapixels, 12x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, AA Batteries

Nikon D60 SLR

2008-06-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Nikon's new D60 SLR is a step up from the popular D40X model. With improved features and user-friendly functionality, the D60 is an inviting camera for first-time SLR users. If you are looking for a high-end camera without paying a hefty price, the Nikon D60 is an attractive option.
Quick Specs: 10.2 Megapixels, Nikon F lens mount, Secure Digital Memory Cards

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18

2008-01-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

Barely half a year after the introduction of the DMC-FZ8, Panasonic added another model to its popular range of compact 'super zoom' Lumix cameras in the shape of the FZ18. Although obviously based on the FZ8 (they are externally almost identical), the FZ18 doesn't replace it; it's a sort of 'big brother' with a bigger zoom, more pixels and a smattering of new features.
The biggest news is the optically stabilized lens, which has 'grown' at both ends and now sports a whopping 18x (28-504mm equiv.) zoom, putting the FZ18 into direct competition with Olympus' SP-550UZ (now updated to the SP-560UZ) and Fujifilm's recently announced FinePix S8000fd.
Almost inevitably the FZ18 squeezes even more pixels onto its 1/2.5-inch sensor, although the increase has been fairly moderate from 7.3 to 8.3 megapixels. Other new features include a dedicated AF/AE button, Face Detection and a new Intelligent Auto mode which integrates Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection and Scene Detection into a 'Super' Auto Mode.

www.dpreview.com

Olympus E-3 SLR

2008-01-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

In Oct. 16, 2007, Olympus today launched the 10.1 megapixel E-3 digital SLR, the follow-up to the E-1. Olympus claims its new 11-point biaxial cross type autofocus system focuses faster than any other camera currently on the market. Other features include dust reduction, weatherproofing, mechanical image stabilization, a large magnification optical viewfinder, and a swiveling 2.5-inch Live View LCD screen. The Olympus E-3 body will retail for $1,699 when it is available next month.
The Olympus E-3’s autofocus system is its most touted feature. The twin cross type (fully biaxial) 11-point autofocus system is based on proprietary Olympus technology that uses a tooth-pattern phase detection sensor. Each of the 11 sensors has two data points, combining for a total of 22 data points to focus on both the horizontal and vertical axis. A second layer has 11 more cross focus points for an additional 22 data points, totaling 44 autofocus points readable by the sensor.

www.digitalcamerainfo.com

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

2008-01-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

The new update popular Digital Rebel XTi SLR: the EOS Rebel XSi. The XSi ups the resolution to 12.2 megapixels and includes improved autofocus, live view, an enlarged 3-inch LCD screen, and an optical image stabilized kit lens. The storage medium also changes to SD and SDHC memory cards; previous models used CompactFlash cards. The Digital Rebel XSi will cost $799 for the body and $899 for the kit with the 18-55mm lens, and will be available in April. As well as upping the resolution to 12.2 megapixels (from from the 10.1 megapixels of the Digital Rebel XTi), the XSi has a new and improved analog-to-digital converter. Canon claims it allows recording of up to 16,384 colors per channel, leading to better, more subtle colors. In addition, Canon has added micro-lenses over every pixel that focus the light, which Canon claims will lead to better low light performance. Although the resolution has increased, the size of the image sensor has not, so the lens conversion factor remains at 1.6. The Rebel XSi also includes a new DIGIC III image processor, previously seen on higher-end EOS models such as the 1Ds Mark III.

Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1

2008-01-28T16:25:00.001-08:00

Digital Camera from Casio with superfast burst and movies in 12x digital zoom. It has 6-megapixel camera. Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 is the fastest burst shooting performance in the world with up to 60 frames per second in full resolution burst mode, and up to 1,200 frames per second in high speed-movies. The casio Exilim Pro Ex-F1, introduced in Januari of 2008, looks like no other Casio camera before, and it can do thing no other digital camera available to consumer can do.

Nikon D300

2008-01-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

The Nikon D300 digital camera with main features 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and the increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output, Nikon's original Scene Recognition System greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performancem, new 51-point autofocus system features 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6, viewfinder with approx.100% frame coverage and large approx.0.94 magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0 m^-1), rapid 8 fps^*1 or 6 fps^*2 continuous shooting for up to 100 shots^*3^*4,new Picture Control System for image finishing optimized to match individual preferences, quick response of 0.13 sec. power-up and 0.045 sec. shutter release time lag^*5,two liveview modes enable shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor, magnesium alloy body for light weight and rugged durability, 3-inch LCD with 920,000-dot (VGA) resolution and a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle, active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights, shutter speeds ranging from 1/8,000 to 30 s for full creative control, optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting capability, enhances stability, and provides the further shooting potential of added controls, built-in Speedlight with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System, support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional) enables direct cable-free image transfer to a compatible computer, includes Nikon’s Software Suite software for easy control over image adjustment and management.

www.nikon.com

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

2008-01-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

The new model from Sony D-SLR cameras.Like Sony’s mainstream DSLR-A100 model, the new A700 unit incorporates Super SteadyShot® Inside image stabilization in the camera body and is compatible with most Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses in addition to Sony lenses.

“Discerning photo enthusiasts will be impressed with the rugged construction and outstanding performance of the A700, said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “We also expect that this new camera will re-define the post-capture experience with HDMI™ output for high-quality playback of images on high-definition televisions.”