Nikon D300s announced This shouldn't come as a surprise to those who keep up with camera rumors,
but today Nikon introduced two new digital SLRs. One is an enhanced version
of the D300, while the other replaces the entry-level D40. First, let's talk
about the new D300, which is an evolutionary upgrade of the venerable D300. The
biggest new features are faster continuous shooting and an HD movie mode, but
there are quite a few other changes as well. Here's the full list:
New Nikon 18-200 and 70-200 lenses announced Nikon also announced two new Nikkor lenses today, both of which
are updates to existing lenses.
First up is the F3.5-5.6, 18 - 200 mm
AF-S VR II DX Nikkor lens, which offers a 11X zoom range. New features include
improved Vibration Reduction (which gives you a four-stop advantage), a
zoom lock switch, and a SWM lens motor.
The 18-200 will be available in September
for $849. The second lens is the F2.8, 70 - 200 mm AF-S VR II, which also
offers the improved Vibration Reduction and SWM motor of the 18-200, and adds
seven ED lens elements and a Nano Crystal Coat, which reduces lens flare and
ghosting. This lens will be shipping in November for $2399.
I'm still working on getting those night shots for the Nikon D5000, Olympus SP-590UZ, and Sony Cyber-shot W290!
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 super zoom announced Panasonic took the wraps off of three new digital cameras today, with the first being the long-awaited replacement to the DMC-FZ28. The new DMC-FZ35 still has an 18X zoom, but adds improved image stabilization, HD movie recording, a new image processor, and more. Here are all the details:
F2.8-4.4, 18X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 27 - 486 mm
New Power Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) promises double the shake reduction of the "Mega" OIS on previous models; it is also supposed to help with camera shake caused by pressing the shutter release button
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 Next up is an ultra-thin camera with a super wide 8X optical zoom lens. Panasonic says that the new DMC-ZR1 has the world's thinnest aspherical lens, at just 0.3 mm. Here's what else it can do:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 Last, but certainly not least, is the Lumix DMC-FP8. This compact camera has as 28 - 128 mm lens that uses a folded optics design, which allows it to have a body just 0.8 inches thick. Here are the rest of the specs:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 review posted, night shot to come I've posted my review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290, but there's still some work to be done. It's been really foggy lately (ahh, summer in San Francisco), so I've been unable to take any night photos. So, I'm posting this review without a night shot, and as soon as the fog clears, I'll take the photo and add it to the review. Thanks for your patience!
{ Wednesday, July 22, 2009 }
Fuji FinePix S200EXR announced Fuji has announced a whole bunch of new cameras, with the two most interesting using their SuperCCD EXR sensor. This sensor, first seen on the FinePix F200EXR, excels at high resolution, high sensitivity, and high dynamic range, though not all at the same time. The first of the new EXR cameras is the gigantic FinePix S200EXR, which is a follow-up to the FinePix S100FS. Here are the details:
Fuji FinePix A170/A220 The last two Fuji cameras for the day are entry-level models that use AA batteries. Here are the specs on the two new A-series models:
Olympus introduces Stylus 7010 Olympus today introduced four new cameras, with the Stylus 7010 being the highlight. Here are the specs on this ultra-compact camera that features a nice 7X wide-angle zoom lens:
Super zoom comparative review posted! After two weeks of hard work, I've posted my 2009 Super Zoom Shootout! This four-way comparative review looks at the Kodak EasyShare Z980, Nikon Coolpix P90, Olympus SP-590 Ultra Zoom, and Pentax X70. Which one is best? You'll have to read it to find out!
I have a few things I want to fix in the next few days. They include reshooting the SP-590's night shots, and taking new movies for the Olympus and Pentax cameras.
I'd also like to get your feedback about this new style of review. What did you like? What didn't you like? Share your thoughts in this thread in our forums. Thanks!
7/21 update: The Pentax and Olympus movies were replaced with better ones.
{ Thursday, July 16, 2009 }
Four super zoom galleries posted I'm still working on my overly ambitious combo-review of four Super Zoom cameras, but while you're waiting, here are the photo galleries. The Chinatown and Stanford photos were taken within seconds of each other, so they're easy to compare.
Nikon posts D5000 service advisory Nikon lets us know that some of their D5000 digital SLRs may be affected by a power problem that can prevent the camera from turning on, even with a fully charged battery or the AC adapter attached. Nikon will post a serial number lookup tool next week, and if your camera is included, Nikon will repair it free of charge (including shipping).
{ Tuesday, July 14, 2009 }
Samsung introduces SL502 and SL720 cameras Samsung today introduced two compact, inxpensive cameras. Here are the details on the new SL502 and SL720:
Samsung SL502
12.2 Megapixel CCD
F3.5-5.5, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 35 - 175 mm
2.7" LCD display
Smart Auto mode selects a scene mode for you
Smile, blink, and face detection; new Face Recognition feature stores up to 20 faces -- when these faces show up in a scene, they are given priority
Smart Album feature automatically organizes photos by date, color tone, faces, file type, and more
VGA movie mode, with optical zoom available during recording
Ships in August for $150
Samsung SL720 - changes:
F3.5-5.6, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 - 140 mm
Canon EOS Rebel T1i reviewed I've posted my review of
the Canon EOS Rebel T1i, also known as the EOS-500D.
This entry-level digital SLR not only takes still photos -- it records HD movies,
as well. Find out how it performs in our review!
I'm done with D-SLRs for a little while... time for some compacts and some
fun comparative reviews!
