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November 2009

 
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{ Friday, November 20, 2009 }
  Friday photo galleries
I have three galleries for you on this Friday, two of which are new:

Canon EOS-7D
Canon PowerShot G11 (review coming very soon!)
Fuji FinePix F70EXR

 
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  Forum registration amnesty week
All this week, those of you with e-mail domains that are normally blocked (yahoo, hotmail, gmail) will be able to register for our forums without any trouble. Don't wait, sign up now!
Friday is the last day!
 
{ Wednesday, November 18, 2009 }
  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:

Exilim EX-G1 [specs to come]

  • 12.1 Megapixel CCD
  • F3.9-5.4, 3X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 38 - 114 mm
  • Ultra-compact body is waterproof to 10 feet, dustproof, freezeproof (to 14F/-10C), and shockproof (from roughly 7 feet);
    • Body is actually two layers: outer body is stainless steel with a polycarbonate cover, inner body is fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate
    • Includes two detachable protectors to absorb shocks
    • LCD panel is 1.5X thicker than on traditional cameras and has a resin mount to reduce shock
    • Available in black and red
  • 2.5" LCD display with 230,400 pixels
  • Point-and-shoot operation; only manual controls are for white balance and focus
  • Tons of Best Shot (scene) modes, including a a new interval shooting (time-lapse) option
  • Dynamic Photo lets you "blue screen" your subject onto a different background
  • Records movies at 848 x 480 (30 fps) with sound
  • 35.7MB onboard memory + microSD/microSDHC card slot (not thrilled about that one)
  • Uses NP-80 lithium-ion battery; 300 shots per charge
  • Ships in December for $299
continue reading »
 
{ Monday, November 16, 2009 }
  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
continue reading »
 
{ Thursday, November 5, 2009 }
  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:

Olympus E-P2 [specs]

  • 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
  • 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
  • Ships in December 2009 with the camera body, the EVF, and your choice of the 17 mm or 14 - 42 mm lens for $1099
    >> Read our preview for more details <<

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.

continue reading »
 
{ Sunday, November 1, 2009 }
  Still alive
I made it back safe and sound from Asia and am currently working on a preview of something new. After that I'll be getting to the cameras that you wanted to see reviewed the most.

Oh, and I made a few updates to my Panasonic GF1 review based on my experiences with the camera on my vacation.

 
{ Wednesday, October 21, 2009 }
  Canon introduces EOS-1D Mark IV professional D-SLR
Canon has introduced the new EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital SLR. The Mk IV doesn't just take photos -- it takes HD videos too, at a variety of resolutions and frame rates. Here are the highlights:

EOS-1D Mark IV

  • 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor
  • Supports all Canon EF-mount lenses with a 1.3X crop factor
  • Sealed, weather resistant magnesium alloy body ; shutter rated to 300,000 cycles
  • Dual DIGIC 4 image processors with 14-bit A/D conversion
  • 3-inch LCD display with 920,000 pixels and live view support (with both contrast detect and phase difference AF)
  • Optical viewfinder has 0.76X magnification and 100% coverage
  • New 45-point AF system, with 39 cross-type focus points; new AI Servo II AF mode improves focusing performance when your subject is moving
  • Continuous shooting at up to 10 frames/second (28 RAW, 121 JPEGs when using a UDMA-enabled CF card)
  • Full manual controls (obviously)
    • Shutter speed range of 30 - 1/8000 sec, plus bulb mode
    • Standard ISO range of 100 - 12,800, expandable to 50 - 102,400 (!)
    • Three RAW sizes to choose from
  • Hot shoe and flash sync port for using an external flash; X-sync speed is 1/300 sec
  • Auto Lighting Optimizer improves contrast, Peripheral Illumination Correction reduces vignetting, Highlight Tone Priority protects highlight detail
  • Records Full HD video (1920 x 1080) at 24p, 25p, or 30p
    • Can also record 720p or VGA movies at 50p or 60p
    • Full manual control available
    • Records monaural sound, with support for an optional external mic
  • Dust reduction system
  • Dual memory card slots: CompactFlash Type I/II and SD/SDHC
  • HDMI output
  • New Wireless File Transmitter (price TBA) supports numerous Wi-Fi protocols, Ethernet, and can be connected to a GPS; User can control up to ten other cameras, access the camera remotely, and more
  • Uses LP-E4 lithium-ion battery; 1500 shots per charge using viewfinder
  • Ships in late December for $4999 body only
continue reading »
 
{ Wednesday, October 14, 2009 }
  Nikon announces D3S digital SLR
Nikon has announced their new D3S digital SLR, which is an update to the popular D3. While the D3S uses a newer FX-format CMOS sensor than its predecessor, the 12.1 Megapixel resolution remains the same (interesting, huh?). This new sensor allows you to increase the ISO as high as an incredible ISO 102,400 -- and the results are usable, believe it or not (I've seen them myself). The D3S also adds HD movie recording, just like on Nikon's other D-SLRs. Here's more:

Nikon D3S

  • New 12.1 Megapixel, FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor
  • Supports all Nikkor F-mount lenses with no focal length conversion ratio to deal with; if you're using a DX-format lens, the resolution will drop to 5MP and there will be a 1.5X crop factor
  • Very rugged, weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body; shutter rated to 300,000 cycles
  • 3-inch LCD display with 921,000 pixels
    • Live view (now activated by one button) with two AF modes and frame enlargement in manual focus mode
  • Optical viewfinder has 100% coverage (97% with DX-format lenses) and 0.70X magnification
  • Same 51-point autofocus system as the D3
  • Full manual controls (obviously)
    • ISO range of 200 - 12,800, expandable to an incredible 100 - 102,400
    • Shutter speed range of 30 - 1/8000 sec, plus a bulb mode
    • Six different RAW options to choose from: 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed
    • User can bracket for exposure, white balance, and Active D-Lighting
  • Can take up to 36 RAW or 82 JPEGs at a whopping 9 frames/second with FX lenses and 11 fps with DX lenses
  • New 1.2X crop mode gives you a small telephoto boost with a modest decrease in resolution (drops to 8.4MP)
  • Dust reduction system (which the D3 did not have)
  • Hot shoe + flash sync port
  • Same virtual horizon feature as D3
  • Records HD movies at 1280 x 720 (24 fps) with monaural sound
    • 5 minute recording limit
    • New algorithm "severely reduces the phenomenon of rolling shutter while panning"
    • Stereo microphone input allows for better sound quality
    • High sensitivity movie mode allows video recording in near-darkness
  • Dual CompactFlash card slots with overflow, backup, and file format separation options
  • HDMI output
  • Compatible with Nikon GP-1 GPS unit and WT-4A wireless transmitter
  • Uses EN-EL4a li-ion battery; 4200 shots per charge (!)
  • Ships in November for $5200, body only
continue reading »
 
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