Pentax K-x review, Olympus E-PL1 gallery updated I've updated the Pentax K-x review with examples of the highlight and chromatic aberration correction features. I also added a few more photos to the Olympus E-PL1 photo gallery. The E-PL1 review will be posted in the next couple of days.
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{ Tuesday, March 16, 2010 }
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 reviewed I've posted my review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7,
a GPS-equipped compact ultra zoom camera. This is one of the most requested reviews of the year, so
have at it!
Canon releases EOS-5D Mark II firmware update Canon has released version 2.0.3 of the firmware for their EOS-5D Mark II digital
SLR, which I first mentioned about
two weeks ago. Click
here to download this update, which further
enhances the
movie recording feature on the camera.
Update: Apparently version 2.0.3 had a bug, so Canon pulled it and
subsequently released version 2.0.4, which you can get from here.
{ Tuesday, March 9, 2010 }
Two Tuesday galleries I've got two new photo galleries for you today:
Expect more samples to come for both of those soon-to-popular models!
{ Sunday, March 7, 2010 }
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 / DMC-G10 announced Panasonic today announced two new Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens cameras,
both of which serve as replacements to the Lumix DMC-G1. The entry-level model
is the DMC-G10, while the fancier model is known as the DMC-G2. Both bring
notable improvements to the G1 (which was the first Micro Four Thirds camera),
including a new image processor, enhancements in image sharpening, easier access
to the Intelligent Auto Mode, 720p video recording, and -- in the case of the
DMC-G2 -- a touchscreen LCD display.
Both cameras will be bundled with a new, lighter 14 - 42 mm kit lens.
I'll start with the entry-level DMC-G10, and then tell you about what makes
the G2 different (and thus more expensive). Here we go:
New Venus Engine HD II processor brings Intelligent Resolution (sharpening)
feature
Uses Micro Four Thirds lens mount, with 2X focal length conversion ratio
Backward compatible with classic Four Thirds lenses via optional adapter; adapters
for nearly every other lens format also available
3-inch LCD display with 460,000 pixels and 100% coverage
Electronic viewfinder with 202,000 pixels, 100% coverage, and a magnification
of 1.04X
Live view with super-fast contrast detect AF
Full manual controls, with ISO range of 100 - 6400; RAW image format supported
Intelligent Auto mode (now easier to access with a backlit button on the
top of the camera) selects a scene mode, detects and recognizes faces, reduces blur,
tracks
movement, brightens shadows, and more
Twenty-six scene modes to choose from
Continuous shooting at up to 3.2 frames/second
Dust reduction system
Hot shoe for external flash
Records movies at 1280 x 720 (30 fps) using M-JPEG codec
Camera can focus continuously with most Micro Four Thirds lenses
SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
HDMI output
Uses DMW-BLB13 lithium-ion battery; 380 shots per charge with kit lens
Flip-out, rotating 3-inch touchscreen LCD display with 460,000 pixels
Touchscreen features include customizable on-screen menus, touch focus
and shutter, and iPhone-style image playback; I had the chance to try
it out at CES and while it's well-implemented, it seems like more of
a novelty
than anything (thankfully, everything can still be operated with the
four-way controller and command dial)
Electronic viewfinder has 1.44 million pixels and magnification of 1.4X
(same as on the original G1); eye sensor detects when EVF is in use
Records movies at 1280 x 720 (files play at 60 fps, sensor outputs 30 fps)
using AVCHD Lite codec
Unlimited recording time when using AVCHD Lite, except in Europe
Dedicated movie recording button
Records monaural sound, though an optional stereo mic is available
360 shots per charge
Available in black, blue, and red
Ship date, price TBA
As I mentioned, there's a new kit lens that goes with both of these cameras.
The new F3.5-5.6, 14 - 42 mm Lumix G Vario lens is lightweight, and is equivalent
to 28 - 84 mm when attached to either of the cameras above. It also supports
Panasonic's MEGA OIS (optical image stabilization) to reduce the risk of blurry
photos. No word on if this lens will be available separately.
Pentax K-x reviewed I've posted my review of the Pentax K-x digital SLR. Does the entry-level
K-x have what it takes to keep up with some tough competition? Find out in our
review!
{ Tuesday, March 2, 2010 }
Canon to improve EOS-5D Mk II video recording (again) Canon has tipped us off to a new firmware update for the EOS-5D Mark II, mostly related to HD movie recording. This latest update, version 2.0.3, will add 24p video acquisition and also lowers the frame rate in 30p mode to 29.97 fps. You also get manual audio control, a higher sampling frequency, a live histogram, plus the ability to record movies in shutter and aperture priority modes. The firmware update will be available later this month.
{ Friday, February 26, 2010 }
PMA catch-up: Sigma SD15 Three cameras shown at PMA that I am yet to mention are from Sigma. The first
is the SD15, which is a digital SLR that uses the unique Foveon X3 sensor,
which has three layers, one for each color (red, green, and blue). This sensor
design promises better color and resolution than traditional sensors. Here
are the details on the SD15:
Sigma SD15[specs to come]
14.1 total Megapixel Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (2652 x 1768 x 3 layers)
Sigma SA lens mount, with 1.7X focal length conversion ratio
New TRUE II image processor
3-inch LCD display with 460,000 pixels
Camera does not support live view
Optical viewfinder has 98% coverage and 0.90X
Removable "dust protector" aims to keep dust off of sensor
5-point autofocus and 77-segment metering systems
Full manual controls, with RAW image format support
ISO range of 100 - 1600, expandable to 50 - 3200
Can take up to 21 RAW images sequentially at 3 frames/second
Refined user interface
Optional wired and wireless remotes, plus a battery grip
SD/SDHC/MMC card slot
Uses BP-21 lithium-ion battery, 500 shots per charge
Sigma DP1x / DP2s The other two Sigma cameras are updates to their DP1 and DP2 fixed-lens compacts. The
changes to both of these cameras involve improving the AF performance and image
processing (including noise reduction), with just about everything else remaining
unchanged. Here's the scoop on this pair:
Sigma DP1x[specs to come]
Same 14 total Megapixel Foveon X3 sensor as the SD15
Sensor is 7X - 12X larger than those found in traditional compact cameras
F4.0, 28 mm lens
TRUE II image processor
Improved AF system (9-point), adjustable noise reduction system, and reduced
image processing time
2.5" LCD display with 230,000 pixels
Full manual controls, with support for the RAW image format
ISO range of 50 - 3200, with the two highest sensitivities reserved for
RAW mode only
Built-in flash + hot shoe for an external one
Adds the Quick Set button and refined interface found on the DP2
Records movies at 320 x 240 (30 fps) with sound for up to 30 minutes --
come on Sigma, at least give us VGA!
Available optical viewfinder, lens hood, and close-up lens
