Celebrating 12 years of the DCRP It's hard for even me to believe, but this holiday weekend marks the 12th anniversary of this website. Back when I started this site in 1997, a typical digital camera was at least $500 and had a resolution of 640 x 480 (or less!) and a 1.8" LCD display. How times have changed!
The lousy economy hasn't made for a great year, and I admit that I haven't been as productive as I would've liked. Regardless, I just wanted to thank the loyal visitors of this site for your support and patience over the last dozen years!
- Jeff
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{ Wednesday, November 25, 2009 }
Panasonic firmware update bonanza Panasonic released a half dozen firmware updates today, all related to the Micro Four Thirds system. The first is for the Lumix DMC-GF1 camera body, which makes the following changes:
Enables MF assist operation via the rear command dial when using a lens that is MF only
Improved AF performance in movie mode
Improved high ISO photo quality
Improved auto white balance
Improved the "representation" in several people-related scene modes, and also changed the AE program in scenery-related scene modes
They also updated the firmware for five Micro Four Thirds lenses, with the big change being better AF performance in movie mode. For three of the lenses (7-14, 14-45, 45-200) you can now use autofocus with the Full HD quality setting, as well.
Olympus owners who use these Panasonic lenses can update the firmware via Olympus Master or Studio.
Canon PowerShot G11 review posted Today I've posted my review of the Canon PowerShot G11. Has Canon's flagship compact camera returned to the glory days of old, and brought great low light shooting along with it? Find out in the review!
I'll probably be re-shooting the night photos this week, as they weren't as tight as I would've liked.
{ Friday, November 20, 2009 }
Friday photo galleries I have three galleries for you on this Friday, two of which are new:
Casio introduces everything-proof Exilim EX-G1 Casio today entered the "everything-proof" market with their introduction
of the Exilim EX-G1. This new G-series camera (yes, like the G-Shock watches
they've made for years) is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, so it should
be able to handle whatever life throws at you. Here's more:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 finally reviewed I know it seems like a million years since I posted a review, and that's pretty close to accurate. Let's just say that getting back to work after 3 weeks of vacation has been harder than I thought! Anyhow, today I've posted my review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. This ultra-compact camera uses Sony's new Exmor R CMOS sensor, which promises double the sensitivity of traditional CCDs. Does it live up to the hype? Check out the review to find out.
{ Tuesday, November 10, 2009 }
Ricoh announces unique GXR camera system Ricoh today introduced a totally new system camera, known as the GRX. The big
thing here is that you buy the camera body, and the lens and sensor module are
a separate unit. This isn't an entirely new concept -- it was first
done by Minolta
over a decade ago.
Initially there are two modules available: one with an APS-C CMOS sensor and
F2.5, 50 mm macro lens, and another with a 1/1.7" CCD
and a 3X, 24 - 72 mm zoom lens.
While an interesting concept, the skeptic in me thinks that it's a bit too much
of a niche product. Only time will tell, though! Now, on with the details!
Ricoh GRX[specs to come]
Compact magnesium body uses modules (Ricoh calls them units) that contain a
lens, sensor, and image processor
Main benefits (according to Ricoh): compact
size, no dust issues, image quality can be optimized by matching the
sensor with the lens
GR lens A12 unit features an F2.5, 33 mm macro lens (equivalent to 50 mm)
and a 12.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Shutter speed range of 180 - 1/3200 sec, ISO range of 200 - 3200
Continuous shooting at 3 fps
Video recording at 1280 x 720 (24 fps) with sound
Ricoh lens S10 unit has an F2.5-4.4, 24 - 72 mm lens and a 10 Megapixel,
1/1.7" CCD sensor (compact camera size)
Sensor-shift
image stabilization
Shutter speed range of 180 - 1/2000 sec; ISO range of 100 - 3200
Continuous shooting at 1.6 fps
Video recording at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound
Optional wide and telephoto conversion lenses; a self-retaining lens
cap (see pictures on following page) is also available
3-inch LCD display with 920,000 pixels and scratch/anti-reflection coatings
Live view (your only option) uses contrast detect AF and has all the usual
bells and whistles
Optional electronic viewfinder can tilt up to 90 degrees and has 920,000
pixels
Full manual controls, RAW (DNG) image format supported
Electronic level
Built in-flash + hot shoe for external flash
Optional remote shutter release cable
HDMI output
86MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC slot
Uses DB-90 lithium-ion battery; 320 shots per charge with A12 unit, 410
shots with S10 unit
Pricing is as follows: body is $549, A12 unit is $830, S10 unit is $440,
electronic viewfinder is $257; not sure about ship dates
Olympus announces E-P2 interchangeable lens camera Olympus today introduced their E-P2 interchangeable lens camera. This camera is what I'd call an evolutionary update to the E-P1 (introduced less than six months ago), which adds a detachable electronic viewfinder (which uses a new accessory port), subject tracking AF, two new art filters, full manual controls in movie mode, and a couple of other minor items.
For those of you hoping for a sharper LCD, faster autofocus, or a built-in flash... well, you'll be disappointed. Some may also balk at the price -- the E-P2 will sell for $1099, which is $300 more than the E-P1 (which is not being discontinued, I might add).
For more details on the E-P2, check out my preview of the camera. If you want the short version, just check out these highlights:
Micro Four Thirds lens mount, with a 2X crop factor
Can use "classic" Four Thirds lenses with optional adapter; adapters for really classic OM lenses also available
Sensor-shift image stabilization
Same compact design as the E-P1, now in a new glossy black color
3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels
Live view with contrast detect AF, face detection, subject tracking (new), Perfect Shot Preview, a live histogram, and more
Bundle includes a new articulating electronic viewfinder which attaches to the hot shoe and plugs into a new accessory port on the back of the camera (just like on the Panasonic GF1); EVF has 1.44 million pixels, a magnification of 1.15X, and 100% coverage
Dust reduction system
Full manual controls, plus an "intelligent" auto mode for beginners
No built-in flash, so you'll need to mount something on the hot shoe for that
Two-axis electronic level
11-point autofocus system
Two new art filters: diorama (miniature) and cross process, plus a new iEnhance Picture Mode
HD movie mode with full manual controls, continuous AF with subject tracking, and stereo sound
New external microphone adapter lets you record better sound with your movies; adapter attaches to the hot shoe and uses the new accessory port; price not available
HDMI port; camera can be controlled from your remote control if you're connected via HDMI and your TV supports the CEC protocol
Uses BLS-1 lithium-ion battery; 300 shots per charge
Olympus also dropped some hints about what Micro Four Thirds lenses they're working on for the first half of 2010. They include an F4.0-5.6, 9 - 18 mm wide-angle, as well as an F4.0-5.6, 14 - 150 mm zoom. Pricing is not available at this time.
