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Canon PowerShot SD40 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 2.4x Optical Zoom
Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:04:00 +0000
Canon PowerShot SD40 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 2.4x Optical Zoom (Precious Rose)
- 7.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
- 2.4x optical zoom; 1.8-inch LCD display
- 9-point AiAF, single point AF, and Face-priority AF, which detects faces and focuses on them
- Stores images on SD cards; powered by Lithium-ion rechargeable battery NB-4L
- Now supports SDHC cards (Secure Digital cards with over 2 GB capacity)
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
A joy to use and a joy to posses, the Canon PowerShot SD40 digital camera takes its design cues directly from its predecessor, the SD 30. This new SD40 Digital Elph is compact and luxurious, and is available in Precious Rose, Twilight Sepia, Noble Blue, and Olive Grey color schemes.
7.1 Million Pixels
The PowerShot SD40 features a 7.1-million-pixel CCD sensor. This high-resolution imager ensures every picture will have excellent detail, even when printed large or cropped.
DIGIC III Image Processor
Takes the performance and speed of DIGIC II to even higher levels of processing power including new face-detection function, up to 1600 speed ISO, high-ISO noise reduction, lower power consumption, increased speed for SD media cards, and higher resolution image processing for enhanced LCD viewing.
Face-Priority AF/AE
Intelligent Face-Priority AF mode reliably detects faces and focuses on them. It detects three faces when shooting in standby, and up to nine when shutter button is pressed halfway. When faces are detected the exposure is also biased for proper facial illumination while maintaining overall scene brightness.
3:2 Guide and Widescreen Mode
Helpful 3:2 guide masks the LCD screen to reveal the printable area of a standard 4 x 6-inch print. Also, capture still images in a 16:9 aspect ratio to view on widescreen computer monitors and televisions.
Camera Station
Bundled with the SD40, the Camera Station enables several useful functions including battery charging, image downloading to PC, printing, and viewing on a television. The bundle even comes with a wireless remote controller for viewing pictures on a television set.
My Category
Improves playback experience by allowing user to put images into seven categories: People, Scenery, Events, Category 1-3, or To Do. With My Category deleting and protecting images has never been easier.
Direct Printing
Features Direct Print button and exclusive printing menu for simplified printing with any PictBridge-enabled printer.
Product Description
The PowerShot SD40 Digital ELPH is so stylish it could make it on looks alone. But it doesn't have to. This sleek, little beauty is loaded with the some of the best features Canon has to offer. You've got a 7.1 megapixel CCD, a DIGIC III Image Processor, a high quality Zoom and a stylishly convenient Camera Station with Wireless Controller. A USB port for image transfer to PC or Macintosh An A/V connector to NTSC or PAL TV Video device Available in your choice of attractive colors - Twilight Sepia, Olive Gray, Precious Rose, and Noble Blue. This is Precious Rose Exclusive DIGIC III Image Processor with Face Detection technology for superior image quality, fast operation and low power consumption Fashionable camera station with wireless controller for easy charging, image transfer and printing anywhere 1.8 inch LCD monitor enables you to view your images on camera with ease Ip to ISO 1600 to reduce image blur and expand low-light shooting capability Improved Movie Mode with Fast Frame Rate at 60 fps QVGA (320 x 240) or 30 fps VGA (640 x 480) Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with Canon CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers Monaural sound output Shooting Capacity per fully charged battery - Still Image - about 190 shots (NB-4L/LCD) per CIPA Direct connect to Canon CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Photo Printers and PictBridge printers Dimensions (W x H x D) - 3.78 x 1.78 x 0.94 in.; 3.7 oz
Read customer reviewsnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Olympus Stylus 820
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:29:00 +0000
The Olympus Stylus 820 squeezes 8.0 Megapixels, a healthy 5x 36-180mm equivalent zoom lens and a 2.7" LCD into it's sleek, weatherproof* frame. We have Face Detection with Smile Shot to trip the shutter only after your subject cracks a grin and Shadow Adjustment Technology to pull a little more detail from murky areas.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 820: Zoom with a view
London, 23 August 2007 – This autumn, Olympus introduces a camera that boasts both elegance and power. The Olympus µ [mju:] 820 is a dream come true with an impressive 5x optical zoom and stylish, weatherproof* body in midnight black, starry silver, ruby red or crystal blue. Exciting colours and more magnification power are only the beginning: A giant 6.9cm HyperCrystal LCD makes this camera ideal for framing and reviewing shots with friends. The µ [mju:] 820 also lets you say goodbye to blurry or poorly-exposed faces in photos: The integrated Face Detection Technology scans compositions for faces and then optimally adjusts exposure and focus settings for the best results. And, 8.0 Megapixels ensure not a precious bit of image detail goes missing.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 820 will be available from September 2007 at around £180. For further information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.
Beat the rain and overcome distances
With a slim, weatherproof* metal body in midnight black, starry silver, ruby red or crystal blue, the µ [mju:] 820 is the essential combination of form and function. From its attractive, slim-line exterior to its handy splash resistance – this camera is perfect for a hike in the rainforest or to simply have with you at all times, since you never know what life may bring. A 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm) and 5.6x digital zoom combine to provide magnification power that takes you right into the heart of the action. And with a total of 8.0 Megapixels, every shot gets captured in the finest detail.
More power inside
Several innovations work together to ensure great results. For the most accurate and sharpest depiction of human faces possible, Face Detection Technology has been incorporated which sets optimum exposure and focus values for the faces in compositions. Shadow Adjustment Technology, meanwhile, ensures that shadowy areas in the background are packed with detail. BrightCapture Technology enhances images further by increasing sensitivity in low-light conditions. Additionally, the integration of the powerful TruePic III image processing engine improves colour and noise performance while also boosting camera speed. Matched with a giant 6.9cm HyperCrystal LCD, framing, shooting and reviewing pictures is both extremely comfortable and fun.
A picture of ease
20 scene modes including Portrait, Night Scene, and Sports let the user quickly adjust to a wide variety of different shooting situations. The Smile Shot scene mode can even detect when the subject smiles and automatically releases the shutter just at the right moment. On-board editing functions add extra practicality and fun to the mix: There’s Red-eye Fix which lets users correct unsightly red eyes; Expression Edit allows for the amusing distortion of faces; and Face Focus gradually blurs shots outward from the face in a starburst-formation. Furthermore, a total of 25 languages on board mean menu navigation is a piece of cake for virtually anyone. And internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot make it easy to expand storage space for additional photos at any time.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 820 – main features:
- 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm on a 35mm camera), 1:3.3-5.0 – for capturing great scenes and exciting close-ups – plus 5.6x digital zoom
- Large 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal LCD (230, 000 pixel resolution) with bright display even in brilliant sunlight
- Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces
- Shadow Adjustment Technology to brighten shadowy areas in a composition
- Best companion rain or shine with weatherproof* metal body in midnight black, starry silver, ruby red or crystal blue
- 8.0 Megapixels to make poster-sized prints
- High ISO setting for less blur
- Better low-light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
- 20 scene modes (e.g. Smile Shot, Night Scene, Sports) for the best results in different situations
- Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound
- TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
- Super Macro mode (as close a 3cm)
- Editing functions (e.g. Expression Edit or Face Focus)
- Perfect Fix function for correction of e.g. backlight and red-eye
- Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card and slot
- 25 languages on board
- Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 including Muvee Pack trial version and LI-42B battery
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Olympus Stylus 830
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:24:00 +0000
Next we have the Stylus 830 which shares most of it's features with the 820 but adds Dual Image Stabilization - a combination of optical stabilization and ISO boost. Available in silver or black, the casing is weatherproofed as a Stylus (or mju as they are known outside the US) should be.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 830: Style & performance
London, 23 August 2007 – A premium combination of design and features lend the Olympus µ [mju:] 830 irresistible qualities. With the luxury of a 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm on a 35mm camera), photographers can get closer to subjects without having to move an inch. Double protection against blur caused by camera shake, which is more likely at high magnifications, is provided by Dual Image Stabilisation – a combination of high ISO setting and a mechanical image stabiliser. Furthermore, a smart, weatherproof*, aluminium exterior, finished in silver or black, serves as a stylish defence against all kinds of unexpected weather. This means that the picture-taking doesn’t have to stop when the sunshine does. And an 8 Megapixel CCD combined with innovative Face Detection Technology ensures that photos featuring faces are virtually guaranteed to come out perfectly sharp and exposed.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 830 will be available from October 2007 at around £250. For further information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.
Shoot where, when and how you want
With a sleek, weatherproof* aluminium body in silver or black, the µ [mju:] 830 need not shy away from poor weather. Whether exposed to light showers on the hiking trail, or a splash from the pool, this model keeps on shooting through it all. 8.0 Megapixels ensure that even the tiniest of details are captured, while the 5x optical zoom (equiv. to 36-180mm) means more shooting flexibility – especially when it’s a challenge for the photographer to get close to their subject.
Fully-equipped
Face Detection Technology ensures that subjects’ faces come out stunningly sharp and optimally-exposed. Meanwhile, Shadow Adjustment Technology automatically adjusts the exposure settings for shadowy parts of the image so that results are significantly more detailed and realistic. This model also bids farewell to unwanted blur as it incorporates Dual Image Stabilisation: a high ISO setting and mechanical image stabiliser combine to provide double insurance against the effects of camera shake.
A large 6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD makes framing and reviewing shots a piece of cake – even in direct sunlight, with BrightCapture Technology working to improve the brightness of both still images and movies, as well as previews displayed on the LCD. And the inclusion of the new TruePic III image processor means more faithful colour reproduction, reduced image noise and a boost in overall camera speed.
So easy
With 22 scene modes including Night Scene and Candle, it’s no problem to quickly adjust to virtually any shooting situation. And an internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot mean that the user can expand storage at any time. Additionally, the Olympus Master software allows for the organisation and archiving of photos once they’re on a computer – and the trial version of Muvee Pack included can be used to create photo “movies” from images.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 830 – main features:
- 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 36-180mm on a 35mm camera), 1:3.3-5.0 for exciting close-ups
- Avoid blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
- Weatherproof*, aluminium body
- Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces
- 8.0 Megapixels to make poster-sized prints
- 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD (230, 000 pixel resolution) with a bright display even in brilliant sunlight
- Better low-light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
- 22 scene modes for the best results in different situations
- Shadow Adjustment Technology to brighten shadowy areas in a composition
- Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound
- TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
- Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
- Hi-Speed USB
- 25 languages on board
- Illuminated buttons
- Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 and Muvee Pack trial version plus LI-42B battery
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Olympus Stylus 1200
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:16:00 +0000
The Stylus 1200 tops off that particular range - known as mju in markets beyond the US. Combining 12 Megapixels with the latest and greatest innovations including Face-Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and the new TruePic III image processor. The 3x 35-105mm equivalent zoom is a little tame but you can't deny it's one cool-looking little digicam.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1200: Elegance meets ingenuity
London, 23 August 2007 – Introducing the brilliant Olympus µ [mju:] 1200. It packs an incredible 12 Megapixels and boasts a number of cutting-edge innovations including Face Detection Technology for the proper exposure and focusing of faces. In addition, Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to detect the shadow areas in a composition and corrects the exposure for a more detailed, realistic image. This powerful addition to the stylish µ [mju:] range comes in a weatherproof* metal body in Midnight Black, which protects it against the elements. A giant 6.9cm HyperCrystal LCD makes the framing and reviewing of shots fun and easy – even in direct sunlight. And the incorporation of the new TruePic III image processor ensures faithful reproduction of image colours, excellent noise performance and quicker processing speeds.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1200 will be available from October 2007 at around £270. For further information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.
Built like a champ
A weatherproof* metal body in Midnight Black oozes style, and makes the µ [mju:] 1200 the ideal companion. Capture you and your friends at the poolside, and don’t miss a thing with a stunning 12 Megapixels of detail-capturing power. Also preview and review shots with ease thanks to a giant 6.9cm HyperCrystal LCD.
Olympus’ BrightCapture Technology brightens shots in low-light conditions, while a 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 35-105mm on a 35mm camera) combines with a 5x digital zoom to get you closer still without having to budge an inch. Super Macro mode expands the creative possibilities even more by getting you as close as 10cm to subjects! And the powerful new TruePic III image processor is the icing on the cake. Its realistic colour reproduction, improved noise performance and quicker overall processing speeds make photography with the µ [mju:] 1200 even more rewarding.
Special technologies
Only the brightest innovations have been incorporated into this elegant and powerful compact model: A high ISO setting increases sensitivity so that images come out more brilliant, even in low-light situations. Shadow Adjustment Technology works by detecting the shadowy parts of a composition and automatically optimising exposure for these areas – resulting in more realistic, detailed images no matter what the lighting conditions. In addition, Face Detection Technology scans for faces, which it then automatically focuses and properly exposes to significantly improve the depiction of family and friends.
In control
20 scene modes including Night Scene or Sports make it easy for novices and experts alike to quickly adjust settings for almost any shooting situation. In addition, the Smile Shot scene mode automatically fires the shutter when it detects that the subject is smiling, and integrated Perfect Fix lets you retroactively correct blur and red-eye directly on the camera’s LCD. An internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot means that running out of storage space needs never to be an issue. Included are an LI-42B battery and the Olympus Master software plus a trial version of Muvee Pack – which make it especially easy to organise, archive and share your shots.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1200 – main features:
- Maximum detail with 12 Megapixel resolution
- Large 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal LCD with a bright display even in brilliant sunlight
- Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
- Weatherproof* metal body in Midnight Black
- 3x optical zoom (equiv. to 35 – 105mm on a 35mm camera) 1:2.8- - 4.7 for stunning portraits plus 5x digital zoom
- High ISO setting for less blur
- Better low-light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
- 20 scene modes for the best result in different situations
- Liven up your memories with movie recording plus sound
- TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
- Shadow Adjustment Technology to brighten shadowy areas in a composition
- Guide Function
- Perfect Fix function for correction of image blur, backlight and red-eye
- Internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
- 25 languages on board
- Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 and Muvee Pack trial version plus LI-42B battery
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Olympus SP-560 UZ
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:08:00 +0000
Olympus today announced its SP-560 UZ - successor to the SP-550 UZ which caused quite a stir on announcement with its unprecedented 18x zoom. It's still here but the move to a slightly larger sensor has shifted the range toward the wide. The specs now read 27- 486 mm rather than topping out on the far side of 500 mm. Olympus has fitted this camera out with all it's latest technology so let's hope the slightly disappointing image quality we encountered with the 550 is a thing of the past.
The Olympus SP-560 UZ: 18x closer, 18x wilder
London, 23 August 2007 – The extremely powerful and ergonomically designed Olympus SP-560 UZ continues where it’s award-winning predecessor, the SP-550 UZ, left off. Boasting an astounding 18x wide optical zoom (equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm camera), photographers have virtually all options open to locate and frame their subjects, both far and wide. This versatile camera incorporates Dual Image Stabilisation to provide double protection against blur caused by camera shake – which becomes more likely as the level of zoom increases. Furthermore, Face Detection Technology has now been included to guarantee the capture of sharper, more accurately exposed faces. This model also upgrades the resolution to 8.0 Megapixels, ensuring no detail goes missing. Get ready for the Olympus SP-560 UZ to take you where you’ve always wanted to go.
The Olympus SP-560 UZ will be available from October 2007 at around £350. For further information call 0800 0720070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk
Zoom in or get wide
Experience a new kind of photographic freedom. With a tremendous 18x wide optical zoom (equiv. to 27- 486mm), the SP-560 UZ truly delivers incredible wide and telephoto capabilities. Whether snapping graduates from the back row of an auditorium or capturing the charm of a bird in its natural habitat, this model’s exceptional magnification power takes you further. The teleconverter lens TCON-017 and adapter ring CLA-10 are optionally available for extending the focal range to an astounding 826mm – or touch the sky when used in conjunction with the digital zoom at 4626mm (35mm equivalents). See more at once with a wide-angle view (equiv. to 27mm): Get everybody in the family photo at the next gathering, or finally do those scenic landscapes justice with a broader perspective.
Sharper shots
Count on Dual Image Stabilisation – combining a mechanical image stabiliser with high ISO – to provide protection against blur caused by camera shake. Meanwhile, by integrating Face Detection Technology, the camera can recognise the faces in a scene and adjust for optimal exposure and sharpness. And to ensure that shadowy areas in compositions are brightened, the SP-560 UZ also features Shadow Adjustment Technology.
Capture the action
Sequence shooting at up to 15fps*, makes it easy to capture that split-second play on the football field and other action-rich situations. Furthermore, the clever pre-capture mode means five frames* are snapped and captured even before the shutter is released – so you will never again have just missed that big moment!
A closer, brighter view
Go for the details with the Super Macro mode, with distances as close as 1cm to subjects. Capture the unique beauty of a flower or the delicate fibres of a spider’s web: Take liberties when choosing a subject, as the SP-560 UZ brings you closer to one of nature’s most fascinating photographic genres. A large 6.4cm LCD makes it easy to compose and review macro shots, while Olympus’ own BrightCapture Technology works to brighten both images and movies you capture. What’s more, brighter images relayed on the LCD make it easier to quickly and confidently frame all kinds of compositions, even in dimly-lit conditions.
Primed to shoot the way you want
Performance and ease of use go hand in hand with the ergonomically-designed SP-560 UZ. Photographers not only benefit from scene modes that can be selected for use in a diverse range of shooting conditions, various automatic and manual (P/A/S/M) settings are also available. This gives users a handy choice between point-and-shoot ease and full creative control. Furthermore, the Smile Shot scene mode ensures well-timed pictures, since it can detect when a subject smiles and automatically releases the shutter at just the right moment. Dioptric correction makes it possible for those who wear glasses to use the viewfinder, and an optional underwater case PT-037 is available for added fun up to 40m below the water’s surface.
The Olympus SP-560 UZ – main features:
- 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm camera) 1:2.8-4.5 – for extreme close ups to stunning scenes plus 5.6x digital zoom
- Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
- Don’t miss the moment with high-speed sequence shooting (15fps*) and pre-capture mode*
- Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
- Great for shots of flowers & detail as close as 1cm with Super Macro mode
- P/A/S/M exposure modes for creative freedom
- 24 scene modes (e.g. Smile Shot, Underwater Wide and Macro) for best results in different situations
- 8.0 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
- See and share images on the 6.4cm/2.5” LCD (230, 000 pixel resolution)
- Shadow Adjustment Technology to brighten shadowy areas in a composition
- Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
- Liven up memories with movie recording with sound
- TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
- Underwater shooting up to water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-037
- 25 languages on board
- Dioptric correction
- Internal memory and xD-Picture Card slot
- Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 including Muvee Pack trial version plus four AA batteries
- TCON-017 teleconversion lens and CLA-10 adapter ring optionally available for maximum focal length of 826mm (or 4626mm when combined with digital zoom)
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro Review
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:57:00 +0000
The successor to Fuji's FinePix S3 Pro made its first, fleeting appearence at Photokina in September 2006, though it didn't start shipping until the spring of 2007 - keeping in line with Fuji's approx two-year gap between SLR models. The S5 Pro may have the same sensor (well, almost - more about that later) as the S3 Pro, but as a camera it is a quantum leap forward over the models that preceded it, being based on the highly-regarded Nikon D200 (all the previous models were based on consumer level Nikon film cameras).
Being essentially a D200 with a Super CCD sensor and Fuji processor means the S5 Pro enjoys all the benefits of Nikon's superb 'semi pro' body; weather-sealed body with a magnesium alloy chassis, latest generation focus, flash and metering systems, better shutter, better viewfinder and expansive lens compatibility. It is also the first Fuji SLR to be a truly 'integrated' digital camera; previous models were based on film cameras (supplied by Nikon) which forced Fuji to use a clunky 'camera of two halves' design, complicating control (and in the early models meaning the 'digital' and 'camera' parts had separate batteries). Finally there are some changes under the hood, including a tweaked sensor, new processor and a host of minor (and a few major) feature upgrades.
The S3 Pro - despite a hefty price tag - carved out a niche for itself amongst wedding and portrait photographers willing to sacrifice speed and durability in order to take advantage of the extra dynamic range offered by the SR sensor. On paper the S5 Pro (which has a smaller $400 price premium over the Nikon D200) seems to address most of the issues we - and many potential purchasers - had with the S3 Pro, so let's find out if it delivers...
Improvements of FinePix S5 Pro over FinePix S3 Pro
Where the original S1 Pro and S2 Pro did well because they offered high resolution at a low price (the S1 was the first 'affordable' digital SLR in the days before the consumer DSLR even existed), by the time the S3 Pro surfaced it looked expensive and under-powered. This was due in no small part to Fuji's reliance on Nikon for the 'photographic' part of the camera, and Nikon's obvious reluctance to give them anything too good. That's all changed with the S5 Pro, which is the most significant upgrade the FinePix Pro series has ever seen. Based on a Nikon D200 it really is a totally different kettle of fish. The key improvements (adapted from Fuji's press release) are listed below:
- Improved Super CCD SR Pro features an optimised low-pass filter to reduce moiré
- Newly developed RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction with a claimed reduction in noise at higher sensitivities (camera now allows shooting at ISO 3200)
- Users can now choose from up to six preset Dynamic Range settings between 100% and 400%
- Three new variations of the original film simulation mode (F1) have been added (five modes in total
- Improved Nikon lens compatability (including manual focus AI lenses)
- RAW+ jpeg (4, 256 x 2, 848 pixels, 3, 024 x 2, 016 pixels, 2, 304 x 1, 536 pixels) dual-save mode
- Robust lightweight magnesium-alloy body with moisture- and dust-proof seals
- Durable shutter unit stands up to approximately 100, 000 cycles
- Adoption of high-precision i-TTL flash control
- 11-point AF sensor with faster autofocusing than the FinePix S3 Pro
- Supports 1/3, 1/2, and 1 stop lens aperture control
- Shutter speed 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec, maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
- 3 levels of custom function locking with password protection
- 2.5 inch LCD with 235, 000 pixels, gives 100% frame coverage.
- Colour and monochromatic 30 seconds live view function to check focusing
- Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Face Detection Technology for post image verification
Compared to Nikon D200
Unlike its predecessors the S5 Pro isn't just 'based on' a Nikon body, it is essentially the same camera with Fujifilm innards. It's got a different sensor and a different processor (at the very least), and it doesn't have Nikon's 4-channel readout or amazing buffering capabilities (so the continuous shooting is a lot less impressive), but there's no doubting the S5 Pro's pedigree - it's as close to a Nikon as you'll get without actually buying one. Feature-wise there are some minor differences:
- Separate 'setup' menu for custom functions (and no shooting banks to store custom settings)
- No White Balance bracketing
- No interval timer
- No 'Shade' white balance setting but extra Fluorescent presets
- S5 Pro's ISO and flash compensation can only be changed in 1/3 EV steps
- No 'basic' JPEG mode, missing D200's JPEG compression options
- No Raw compression option
- The two cameras have totally different menu system
- Several buttons on the rear have different functions
- Face Detection (playback mode)
- Film simulation modes and D-range options
- There are slight differences in image parameters and only one Adobe RGB option
- Slower continuous shooting speed, smaller buffer
- Slightly different (and incompatible) battery
- Not compatible with WT-3 wireless transmitter (and no Fujifilm alternative)
- S5 Pro has option to attach a barcode reader (inserts data into EXIF)
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:44:00 +0000
Almost exactly 12 months after the launch of the Cyber-shot DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 Sony announced the replacement cameras; the DSC-H7 (reviewed here) and the top-of-the-range mode the DSC-H9 (reviewed at the end of May). That Sony chose to increase the pixel count (to 8MP) and to include this year's 'must have' features (face detection and ludicrously high maximum ISO) can't have surprised many, but there are a few less predictable new features, and a few welcome changes. The former include a 15x zoom and HDTV (well, 1080i) output. The latter include an improved focus system, faster performance and a new (in the box) remote control. The H7 and H9 appear to be internally pretty much identical, though there are some feature differences that explain the $80 price difference (chiefly, the H9's screen and NightShot mode) - the H7 is basically the 'budget' model.
Cyber-shot DSC-H7 vs DSC-H2 - key changes
- New sensor (8MP versus 6MP)
- longer lens range (15x up from 12x)
- Higher maximum sensitivity (ISO 3200)
- Larger screen (2.5-inch vs 2.0 inch)
- Lithium Ion battery
- Control dial has moved to rear of camera
- 9-point AF (was 3-point)
- New Sports mode
- HDTV (1080i) video output (via optional component cable)
- Face detection
- D-Range optimization (auto contrast)
- In-camera retouching
- Remote control included
- Entirely new user interface
DSC H-7 specifications
Street price
• US: $380
• UK: £245
Body Material
Plastic
Sensor
• 1/2.5 " Type CCD
• 8.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 3264 x 2448
• 2592 x 1944
• 2048 x 1536
• 640 x 480
• 3264 x 2176 (3:2)
• 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
Movie clips
• MPEG VX Fine / Standard (640 x 480 @ 30 / 16 fps MPEG-1 with audio)
File formats
• Still: JPEG
• Movie: MPEG VX (MPEG-1)
Lens
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
• 31-465mm (35mm equiv)
• 15x optical zoom
• F2.7-4.5
Image stabilization
Super SteadyShot®
Conversion lenses
Yes
Digital zoom
• 2x (24x total)
• Up to 30x Smart Zoom (dependent on selected resolution)
Focus
• Auto
• Macro
• Single
• Monitoring
AF area modes
• 9 Area Multi-Point AF
• Center AF
• Flexible spot AF
• Contrast detect
AF assist lamp
Yes
Focus distance
• Normal: 50cm (19.7 in) minimum (W), 120cm (47.25 in) minimum (T)
• Macro: 1cm (0.4 in) wide only
Metering
• Multi-pattern (49 zone)
• Center weighted
• Spot
ISO sensitivity
• Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
• ISO 3200
Exposure compensation
• +/-2EV
• 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing
+/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV
Shutter speed
• Auto: 1/4-1/4000sec
• P: 1"-1/4000sec
• S: 30"-1/4000sec
• A: 8"-1/2000sec
• M: 30"-1/4000sec
Aperture
F2.7-5.6 (w) F4.5-8 (t)
Modes
• Program
• Aperture priority
• Shutter priority
• Manual
• 9-preset select scene modes
Scene modes
• Twilight
• Twilight Portrait
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Beach
• Snow
• Fireworks
• High Sensitivity
• Advanced Sports Shooting
White balance
• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Fluorescent 1, 2, 3
• Incandescent
• Flash WB
• Manual
Self timer
• 10 or 2 secs
Continuous shooting
100 shots, 2.2fps, 8MP (max)
Image parameters
Natural, Vivid, Sepia, B&W, Sharpness, Contrast
Flash
• Auto
• On
• Slow Synch
• Off
• Red-eye reduction
• Front/rear synch
• Auto/Daylight synch
• Range: 0.2 - 9.8m (wide) 1.2 - 6m (tele)
Viewfinder
• 0.2" EVF
• 201K pixels
LCD monitor
• 2.5" TFT
• 115K pixels
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 high speed
• HD
• AV w/multi-jack
• DC in
Print compliance
PictBridge, DPOF
Storage
• Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo compatible
• 31MB internal memory
Power
• Lithium-ion NP-BG1 battery
• BC-CSG Charger
Weight (excl batt)
514 g (1lb 2.1 oz) - incl. strap, adaptor ring, lens hood, cap etc.
Dimensions
109.5 x 83.4 x 85.7 mm (4.6 x 3.3 x 3.7 in)
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Canon Powershot S5is Review
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:28:00 +0000
The enduring popularity of Canon's 'big zoom' range began on the day the original PowerShot S1 IS was announced back at the start of 2004, heralding a return to a sector of the market many believed the photo giant had abandoned when the Pro 90 IS was discontinued a few years earlier. Since then it has been rare for there not to be an S series big zoom PowerShot in our top 10 most popular cameras (measured by clicks) despite stiff competition from Panasonic (responsible for the reinvigoration of the whole 'superzoom' sector), Sony and a handful of other players. Perhaps this is why Canon has been loathe to tinker too much with the formula established in the original model for subsequent generations. Sure, the S2 IS was a much-needed upgrade (bigger lens, big performance boost), but since then Canon has pretty much left well alone with fairly predictable upgrades to the sensor and screen, and minor feature tweaks.
And so we arrive at the camera on test here, the PowerShot S5 IS, another incremental upgrade to its predecessor that adds a couple of welcome (and some would say long overdue) features but, for the most part, doesn't mess too much with what made its predecessors some of the most appealing cameras in their class. The extra two million pixels and bigger, better screen were inevitable, the flash hot shoe a welcome surprise. Surprising too is that Canon avoided the temptation to go for a longer zoom range (now that 15x and 18x optics are becoming commonplace) - the S5 IS has exactly the same lens as the S3 IS and S2 IS before it, meaning you still don't get a true wideangle unless you attach the large optional lens converter. There is also still no raw mode (perhaps the most requested feature from serious S3 IS users) - it would now seem certain that Canon has abandoned raw capture in non-SLR models.
Powershot S5IS vs Powershot S3IS - key changes
- Higher resolution sensor (8MP vs 6MP)
- Digic III processor (S3 IS was Digic II)
- Larger, higher resolution LCD screen (2.5 inches vs 2.0 inches)
- Hot shoe flash connector
- Higher top ISO sensitivity (1600 vs 800)
- Increased movie clip limit (was 1.0 GB, now 4.0 GB)
- Couple of new features (including red-eye removal, face detection AF)
- Reduced continuous shooting (burst) speed
- Slightly heavier
Canon Powershot S5is specifications
Street price
- US: $471
- UK: £285
Body Material
- Plastic & Metal
Sensor
- 1/2.5 " Type CCD
- 8.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 3264 x 2448
• 2592 x 1944
• 2048 x1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips
• 640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps
• 320 x 240 @ 60 / 30 / 15fps
• WAVE (stereo)
• Up to 4GB / 60 mins
File formats
• Still: JPEG (Exif 2.2)
• Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG compression)
Lens
• 36 - 432 mm equiv
• 12x Optical zoom
• F2.7 - F3.5 (max)
• 11 elements in 9 groups (1 aspherical element, 1 UD element)
Image stabilization
- Yes (Lens shift-type)
Conversion lenses
- Yes
Digital zoom
- up to 4x (48x total)
Focus
• AF: Single, Continuous
• Manual
• Focus bracket
AF area modes
• AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point)
• 1-point AF (Fixed center)
AF assist lamp
- Yes
Focus distance
• Normal: 50cm (19.7 in) minimum (W), 90cm (35.4 in) minimum (T)
• Macro: 10cm (4 in) wide only
• Super Macro: 0cm (0 in) wide only
Metering
• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF)
• Center-weighted average
• Spot
ISO sensitivity
• Auto
• High ISO Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
Exposure compensation
• +/-2EV
• 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing
• 1/3-2EV
• 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed
- 15-1/3200 sec. (selectable in Tv and M)
Aperture
- F2.7-8.0 (W) F3.5-8 (T)
Modes
• Auto
• Program AE
• Shutter Priority AE
• Aperture Priority AE
• Manual
• Custom
Scene modes
• Indoor
• Night Scene
• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Aquarium
• Fireworks
• Color Accent
• Color Swap
White balance
• Auto
• Daylight
• Coudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Flash
• Custom
Self timer
• 10 or 2 secs
• Custom
Continuous shooting
- Approx. 1.5 fps until card fills (0.9 fps with AF / Liveview)
Image parameters
- My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Flash
• Auto
• Manual Flash On / Off
• Slow Sync
• Red eye reduction
• Flash exposure lock
• Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments
• Manual Power adjustment
• Second Curtain Sync
• Range: 50 cm - 5.2 m (wide) / 90 cm - 4.0 m (tele)
Hot-shoe
• Canon Speedlites (220EX, 430EX, 580EX)
• E-TTL with EX series Speedlites, Canon's High Power Flash HF-DC1
Viewfinder
• 0.33" EVF
• 115, 000 pixels
LCD monitor
• Vari-angle 2.5-inch Low Temp P-Si TFT
• 207, 000 pixels
• Adjustable Brightness
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• AV out (NTSC/PAL switchable, stereo audio)
Print compliance
• PictBridge
• DPOF 1.1
• EXIF 2.2
• Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Fixed Size Print and Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP & ES printers only)
Storage
• SD / SDHC / MMC compatible
• 32 MB card supplied
Power
• 4x AA Alkaline battery supplied or NiMH batteries
• Optional AC adapter
Weight (inc batt)
- 450 g (15.9 oz)
Dimensions
117 x 80 x 78 mm (4.6 x 3.1 x 3.1 in)
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Leica M8 Review
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 06:49:00 +0000
In 1954, at Photokina (or 'Foto Kina'), Leica introduced the first M series camera, the M3, the first Leica rangefinder body with a bayonet interchangeable lens mount, it was the beginning of a legendary series of cameras and lenses, the latest of which, the M7 is one of the only 35 mm rangefinder cameras still in production. For over half a century Leica has resisted the temptation to change the essential simple design established with the original M3 (it wasn't until 2002 that an electronically-controlled shutter was introduced allowing aperture priority automatic exposure). With an average 10 years between major upgrades and many of the original M3s still in regular use, the M platform is felt by its legion of fans to be the purest photographic tool available, and a welcome antidote to the mass of plastic feature-laden models that make up the rest of the market. Owning a Leica M camera has always been something people do with their hearts as much as their heads - and some of the 20th century's greatest photographers and most famous images were taken using them. It is no surprise then, that - despite talking about it for at least five years - Leica felt no need to rush into things when they decided it was time to bring the M into the digital age.
And so, fifty-two years after the M3, and just in time for Photokina, Leica has made another historical introduction, the first digital M series, the M8. This new rangefinder digital camera has the classic design, build and function of the M series but utilizes a completely digital imaging system. The M8 has a specially designed ten megapixel CCD sensor which being slightly smaller than a film negative introduces a 1.33x field of view crop. This ratio conveniently converts several standard M lenses to sort-of equivalent steps (so 21 mm to approx. 28 mm, 28 mm to approx. 35 mm).
The M8 is not an adapted M7, it is a totally new camera with a new body (albeit one that bears all the usual M trademarks), a new viewfinder and a new sensor. Nor is it necessarily the end of the line for M film cameras; Leica is leaving that door open, for the moment at least.
Solving the corner vignetting problem
Because a rangefinder camera doesn't have a mirror box doesn't need to use retrofocus lenses, meaning they sit much closer to the film (or in this case the sensor). The problem with this comes with wide angle lenses (which are pretty much the main staple of the rangefinder camera). Towards the corner of the frame the angle of incidence of light coming from the rear of the lens is so severely off-perpendicular that they would not pass equally through the microlenses above the sensor leading to fairly strong vignetting. Even a modest wide angle lens at this kind of distance could produce a difference of a stop or two between the center of the frame and the edges using a standard CCD sensor.
Leica, obviously keen to solve this problem, took a three pronged approach with the M8:
- Don't use a full frame sensor - at this time it would be cost prohibitive and too complex to produce a sensor which can cover the entire 36x24 mm frame and still work with rangefinder lenses. For this reason the M8's sensor measures 27x18 mm (or 1.33x crop).
- Use offset microlenses - instead of placing all microlenses directly over the photodiode they are gradually offset as you get closer to the edge of the frame (see below).
- Know which lens is being used and apply some software correction - all new M series lenses now carry a six-bit code which allows the M8 to identify which lens is used and (optionally) apply a 'final stage' software based vignetting correction (for RAW images the lens used is simply recorded, no change is made).
Tri Elmar M 16-18-21 mm F4 ASPH lens
In conjunction with (and ideally suited for) the M8, Leica has also announced the Tri Elmar M 16-18-21 mm F4 Aspherical lens. Tri Elmar lenses are not zoom lenses but are instead specially designed to provide optimum performance at their selectable focal lengths. On the M8 this lens will provide an equivalent field of view of 21-24-28 mm. This is a normal M series lens and is not in any way specially optimized for the M8 (and so will work just as well on a traditional M series camera).
Rangefinder advantages / disadvantages (for the uninitiated)
- Fewer moving parts (no mirror or diaphragm) means slower shutter speeds possible (-2 EV)
- More compact, discrete and quieter than an SLR
- Shorter shutter lag
- Lenses are considerably smaller than an equivalent SLR lens
- No auto-focus makes them less suitable for action shots (or at least doing so requires a lot more skill)
- Many users claim rangefinder focusing is faster than using a focusing screen
- Rangefinder
- You are not looking through the lens itself and do not have a focusing screen hence it is more difficult to get a sense of depth-of-field
- Framelines indicate the field of view of different lenses
- Because there is no mirror you have no mirror black-out
- Brighter than any SLR viewfinder, and not affected by lens maximum aperture
- Not as accurate as an SLR viewfinder, especially with longer lenses (or close subjects)
- Longer minimum focus distances compared to an SLR
- Virtually no telephoto lenses beyond 135mm
- Very wide angle or telephoto lenses require an accessory viewfinder, meaning focus and framing are separated
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Ricoh Caplio GX100 Review
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 06:22:00 +0000
Announced back in March the Ricoh Caplio GX100 is officially the successor to the GX8, but it could equally well be described as a zoom version of the flagship GR-D, as it shares a very similar design, feature set and interface. The GX100 has several features to set it apart from the majority of 10MP compacts, most interestingly a 3x zoom lens with an unparalleled wideangle capability, covering a range equivalent to 24-72mm on a 35mm camera. This equates to an increase in the diagonal field of view of around 20 degrees field of view compared to the 35 or 36mm short end of most compact camera zooms - that's a huge difference if you're shooting interiors or landscapes. The GX100 is also the world's first digital compact to offer an (optional) removable electronic viewfinder, which slips into the flash hot shoe and tilts upwards through 90 degrees.
Like the GR-D the GX100 offers 'SLR like' control thanks to twin control dials, raw capture (using the 'universal' DNG format) and a high level of customization options. All this, combined with the somber design and finish, is designed to leave potential purchasers in no doubt that this is a serious camera for serious users wanting an alternative to an SLR that they can slip into a jacket pocket. On paper the GX100 offers a uniquely appealing mix of features, so let's find out how well it does in practice, starting as ever with the headline features:
- 24 to 72 mm high-performance wide zoom lens in a compact body (25mm thick)
- CCD-shift image stabilization (Vibration Correction function)
- 10.01 MP CCD
- Smooth Imaging Engine II Processor
- 7 blade iris aperture
- Tilted and removable electronic viewfinder
- 2.5-inch 230, 000 LCD panel with a wide 170° view angle.
- Twin-dial control system
- Raw & JPEG capture
- Optional 19mm equivalent wide converter
- Manual, Program, Program shift AE and Aperture Priority modes
- 1 cm macro mode
- Rechargeable Li-Ion battery or AAA cells
- 4:3, 3:2 and 1:1 aspect ratio options
24mm lens
As mentioned above the GX100 is one of the only digital compact cameras to ever sport a 24mm equivalent wideangle zoom, and this brings huge practical as well as creative benefits for many kinds of photography. In the example below the 24mm equiv. lens on the GX100 has allowed me to capture the full height of the church from a fairly short distance, whereas the 36mm widest setting on the Fujifilm F40fd I was also carrying simply isn't wide enough. From interiors to large groups to architectural and landscape photography, the versatility offered by such a wide zoom cannot be overstated.
Ricoh GX100 specifications
noreply@blogger.com (Admin)Nikon D300
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 06:17:00 +0000
Just under two years since the D200 Nikon reveals the D300, the range of changes is so significant that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call it a 'compact D3' (less the full-frame sensor of course). From the top there's a new CMOS sensor with twelve megapixels, a new auto-focus sensor with 51-points (15 of which are cross-type sensitive), there's focus tracking by color, scene recognition, Picture Control presets, six frames per second continuous shooting (or eight frames per second with a battery pack), Compact Flash UDMA support, Live View (with contrast detect AF) and the mighty impressive 3.0" 922, 000 pixel LCD monitor (oh and HDMI video output). It's an impressive list, the D200 was a fair step up from the D100, the D300 can be seen as just as big a step, certainly more than enough to make the competition sweat.
Nikon D300 Key Features
- 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
- Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
- ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
- 14-bit A/D conversion
- Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
- Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
- Shutter life 150, 000 exposures
- New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
- Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
- Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
- Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
- Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
- Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
- Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
- Compact Flash UDMA support
- 3.0" 922, 000 pixel LCD monitor
- Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
- HDMI HD video output
- 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
- Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
- New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
- Buttons sealed against moisture
Available November 2007
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Nikon D3
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 06:13:00 +0000
The professional Nikon D 'single digit' series of digital SLR's started life back in June 1999 with the groundbreaking D1. Groundbreaking because it was the digital SLR which broke Kodak's stranglehold on the digital SLR market and fundamentally brought prices down to a level which most professionals could afford (around the US$5, 500 mark). Since then we have seen a steady progression of this line of cameras, while the core values of a high quality full size body with integrated grip have remained the line split into two halves, one targeted at high resolution photography the other high speed sports type photography (lower resolution but faster continuous shooting); the X and H suffixes. It's been almost three years since Nikon introduced a completely new digital SLR with a new sensor (the D2X) and there has been much anticipation that Nikon's next move would be a full-frame chip.
This predictions have come true with the introduction of the 'FX format' (new moniker created by Nikon) D3 which features a 36 x 23.9 mm 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor as well as a vast array of new features which absolutely raise it another notch above previous single digit Nikon DSLRs. Important headline improvements include high sensitivity support by default, up to ISO 6400 with 25600 available as a boost option, 14-bit A/D conversion, a new standard image processor, a new shutter, new auto focus sensor, focus tracking by color, nine frames per second continuous, dual compact flash support, DX lens support (albeit at lower resolution) and a 3.0" 922, 000 pixel LCD monitor (which it has to be said is lovely).
Some will undoubtedly question Nikon for 'only' delivering twelve megapixels on their first full frame digital SLR, all we can presume by looking at past model line history is that this camera is designed for speed (both in sensitivity, auto-focus and continuous shooting).
Nikon D3 Key Features
- First ever Nikon DSLR with a Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor (coined FX format)
- 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
- ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25, 600)
- Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
- 5:4 ratio crop mode (10 megapixels, up to 9 fps, viewfinder masked)
- 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
- Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
- Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)
- New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300, 000 exposure durability
- New Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
- Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
- Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
- Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
- Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
- Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
- Nine frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking
- Eleven frames per second continuous without auto-focus tracking
- Ten / eleven frames per second continuous in DX-crop mode (AF / no-AF)
- Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, copy)
- Compact Flash UDMA support
- 3.0" 922, 000 pixel LCD monitor
- Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
- Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
- HDMI HD video output
- 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
- Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
- New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
- Buttons sealed against moisture
- Dual battery charger as standard
Available November 2007
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Nikon D300, previewed
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 06:07:00 +0000
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D300 digital single lens reflex (D-SLR), a camera that sets new standards of compact professional performance. The easy-to-use DX-format D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. With class-leading 12.3 megapixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance, self-cleaning sensor unit and high definition 3” VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.
Guide price: D300 body only £1299.99 / €1980*
*full list pricing, including lens, accessories and bundles will be available in September
“Packed with the latest technologies and Nikon’s renowned ergonomics, the D300 sets a new standard for professionals on a budget, ” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “The D300 is a true ‘go-anywhere’ camera, delivering fast response, high performance and ease of use that will appeal to anyone serious about their photography.”
Speed and Performance
The D300 is loaded with the latest professional technologies designed to produce images of the highest quality. The high-resolution 12.3 MP DX format CMOS sensor generates image files suitable for almost every type of output, combined with a fast standard frame advance rate of 6fps (up to 8 fps with optional Multi Power Battery Pack). The D300 offers fast power-up, quick response and outstanding flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments. The D300 powers-up in just 0.13 seconds, with an almost imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter lag.
Accuracy
The D300 boasts a self-cleaning sensor unit, which vibrates at high frequencies to remove any loose dust on the surface of the sensor’s optical low pass filter. The camera has a broad ISO range from 200-3200 plus Lo 1 (the equivalent of an ISO 100) and Hi (ISO 6400 equivalent). Image accuracy is also enhanced by the new Nikon Scene Recognition System, which uses the acclaimed Nikon 1005-pixel RGB colour sensor modified to recognise subjects’ shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the new 51-Point Autofocus system in tracking subjects by their colour, while enhancing the accuracy of exposure and white balance metering. The D300 also offers Live View, which presents photographers with a live image on the LCD screen, with two modes suited to either hand held or tripod shooting. Autofocus is possible in both Live View modes.
Enhanced Images with EXPEED
The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the D300’s ability to capture and process high definition image data so quickly. The EXPEED system includes both hardware and years of Nikon image processing expertise. The D300 EXPEED system features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon’s signature ‘look and feel’ of rich accurate colours, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.
Ready for tomorrow
The D300 is completely high definition. From the 3-inch VGA LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle, to the HDMI interface for HD ready displays, the D300 is ready for tomorrow’s imaging environment. The controls of the D300 were designed for ease of use, with an easy-to-view top LCD panel and an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change colour according to the ambient lighting conditions.
The totally intuitive 8-directional multi-area selector makes selecting any of the 51-Point autofocus settings simplicity itself.
Durable and Dependable
The D300 continues Nikon’s long tradition of sturdiness and durability. The camera body is built from a magnesium alloy, while the camera’s shutter has been tested for 150, 000-release cycles. The D300 is also designed for a high level of dust and water resistance.
Total Imaging System
Like the D3, the D300 isn’t just a camera, but part of a complete Nikon system to help photographers create great images. The D300 is compatible with the Nikon Total Imaging System of NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights, accessories and software that provides a complete solution for any photographic challenge.
One accessory that can extend shooting life, add ergonomic vertical shooting practicality and increase frame rate to up to 8 fps* is the MB-D10 optional Multi-Power Battery Pack. The compact MB-D10 simply attaches to the base of the camera. Unlike other grips, the MB-D10 does not occupy the camera’s battery space, so one can shoot with two EN-EL3e batteries, or add a powerful EN-EL4a battery into the mix. The D300 and MB-D10 can also be powered by AA size batteries as well. *Requires EN-EL4a.
Wireless Networking
Nikon pioneered wireless image transmission. Now, with the new Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-43, the era of the multi camera network has arrived. Not only can one transmit (‘push’) images to servers and remotely control the camera from afar, the WT-4 also enables remote browsing of the camera’s image thumbnails as well. In a wireless environment, networks of up to 5 D300 cameras can be established and image thumbnails from all connected cameras browsed simultaneously and relevant image files ‘pulled’, while the photographers continue shooting.
The D300 body measures 147.2 (W) ×112.8 (H) × 74(D) mm and weighs just 795 grams.
Available in November 2007.
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)http://the-digitalcamera-reviews.blogspot.com/2007/08/pentax-also-announced-stylish-pentax.html
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 06:01:00 +0000
PENTAX also announced the stylish PENTAX Optio S10 compact digital camera with 10.0 effective megapixels. This latest model in the popular PENTAX Optio S series offers digital Shake Reduction and a high-speed Face Recognition AF&AE function for fast, high quality portraits. The Optio S10 is the seventh DivX Certified® digital camera from PENTAX. Now enhanced with digital Shake Reduction, the DivX format enables users to create high-quality video files that may be played back on a wide-variety of DivX DVD players and other devices. The PENTAX Optio S10 digital camera is one of the smallest, lightest 10 megapixel digital cameras in the world.
PENTAX OPTIO S10 FACT SHEET
Ultra compact body with a stylish design
The PENTAX Optio S10 design is stylish and convenient to carry for travel and business, and the aluminum alloy exterior with a glossy spindle finish gives the camera an elegant appearance. With a 3X optical zoom lens and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor, this latest 10 megapixel model in the Optio S series is still one of the smallest and the lightest ultra compact camera bodies in the world. The innovative PENTAX camera incorporates a miniaturized circuit board featuring high-density compact mounting technology.
10.0 effective megapixels with high resolution
With 10.0 effective megapixels, the Optio S10 ensures high resolution and delivers clear and crisp images even when enlarged to 11 x 17 inches. The new 1/1.8 inch CCD image sensor with a larger sensing area provides excellent performance for tone reproduction, texture delineation and noise reduction.
Digital Shake Reduction
The Digital Shake Reduction mode* helps reduce camera shake and blurring of the subject when photographing still images. The sensitivity is adjusted automatically, to as high as the ultra-high sensitivity of ISO 3200, to match the brightness of the subjects. This enables photography with faster shutter speeds and images with less blur.
*Recording image is fixed at 5MB (2592x1944pixels) when “Digital SR” mode is selected
Face Recognition AF&AE function captures portraits more beautifully with simple operation
The Optio S10 is equipped with a Face Recognition AF&AE function* that automatically detects and focuses on faces. In addition, the Optio S10 also offers a new function that applies face recognition technology such as Natural Skin Tone mode to enhance skin texture and a Half-length Portrait mode** which automatically captures close-up photographs of the upper body by cropping images of people from the waist up within the photo frame.
* Available when the picture mode is Portrait, Natural Skin Tone, Kids, or Half-length Portrait and the camera is directed at people directly from the front.
** Recording size is fixed at 3MB (2048x1536 pixels) when Half–length Portrait mode is selected. This camera's Face Recognition AF & AE function uses Face Tracker face-recognition technology from FotoNation.
Bright and easy-to-view LCD monitor
The high sensitivity LCD monitor is equipped with an LCD booster that adjusts the brightness of the screen so users may easily check the screen even outdoors. At 2.5 inches and featuring a high resolution of 232, 000 pixels, the LCD makes it easy to confirm picture composition and focus. With a wide viewing angle, the screen can also be easily viewed even from a side angle.
Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions
For ease in shooting, the Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determine shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Normal mode and choose the optimal settings for each subject.
Video recording function enabling high-quality recording for long period of time
The Optio S10 captures movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640x480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders. With the DivX®* (MPEG-4) movie format, the Optio S10 records high-quality movies with Movie Shake Reduction and helps correct blurred images with software.
*The Optio S10 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating systems.
Additional features
- A “Green button” that enables you to assign functions that are frequently used, and recall them in just one touch
- An “Intelligent zoom” function which enables images to be magnified even larger and stored, while maintaining the image quality of optical zoom
- Mode palette provides quick access to 18 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
- Data imprint function for easier image categorizing
- Approximately 22.0 MB of built-in-memory
- Compatible with SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards
- FotoNation's red-eye compensation function for flash shots
- Includes the ACDsee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
- Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III
Source : http://www.dpreview.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Pentax announces Optio Z10
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 05:46:00 +0000
The PENTAX Optio Z10 is equipped with a 7X optical zoom lens, the highest magnification among current PENTAX compact digital camera models. Designed with a refraction lens system so the lens never protrudes from the camera while zooming, the 7X optical zoom covers a broad range, from wide-angle to telephoto zoom, and offers an ultra high-magnification of up to approximately 35.7X when combined with digital zoom. With 8.0 megapixels, the Optio Z10 also features high speed detection time Face Recognition for improved portraits and digital Shake Reduction that allows ISO to 3200 to capture sharper images even in low light settings. The sleek, stylish PENTAX Optio Z10 body design also features a sliding lens cover for extra protection that also operates the on/off camera setting.
Priced at US $249.95 each, both cameras will ship in September. The PENTAX Optio S10 will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart Stores in the United States.
PENTAX Optio Z10 FACT SHEET
High magnification 7X optical zoom
The Optio Z10 features a 7X optical zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 6.3 to 44.1mm (equivalent to 38-266mm for 35mm format) and features a refraction lens system so the lens never protrudes from the camera while zooming. This optical zoom covers a broad range, from wide-angle to telephoto zoom, and offers ultra-high magnification of up to approximately 35.7X when combined with digital zoom.
8.0 effective megapixels produces exceptionally fine-detailed photos
With 8.0 effective megapixels and a high performance PENTAX lens, the Optio Z10 delivers high resolution photos. Compatible with SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards, the Optio Z10 offers a generous 52 MB of built-in-memory.
High-speed Face Recognition AF&AE function of approximately 0.03 seconds
The Optio Z10 is equipped with a Face Recognition AF&AE function* that automatically adjusts the focus and sets the exposure so users may capture photos of people easily. In addition, this function can detect the faces of up to 15 people at once, and the detection time has been reduced to approximately 0.03 seconds at minimum.
*Available when the picture mode is Natural Skin Tone, Portrait, or Kid, and the camera is directed at people from the front.
Digital Shake Reduction
The Digital Shake Reduction mode reduces camera shake and blurring of the subject when photographing still images. The sensitivity is adjusted automatically, to as high a sensitivity as ISO 3200, to match the brightness of the subjects. This enables photography with fast shutter speeds and images with less blurring. In addition, an electronic Shake Reduction function corrects blurring in images during image playback.
Easily viewable LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle
The Optio Z10 comes with a high resolution 2.5 inch LCD monitor with approximately 230, 000 pixels that enables images and text to be clearly displayed. The LCD monitor offers a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees from all directions, making it easy to confirm images, even when looking at the screen from a side angle.
Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best setting for the shooting conditions
The Auto Picture mode sets the camera automatically for various shooting conditions such as Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Normal mode and choose the optimal settings for each subject.
Additional features
- Digital wide function converts two images into approximately 28mm wide angle expression (equivalent to 35mm format)
- Mode palette provides quick access to 15 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
- Data imprint function for easier image categorizing
- FotoNation's red-eye compensation function for flash shots
- Includes the ACDsee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that supports Windows Vista
- Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching IIInoreply@blogger.com (Admin)The Criteria To Look For In A Good Digital Camera Review
Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:34:00 +0000Potential buyers use a digital camera review because they want to be able to make an informed choice about their purchase. They are created by a team of people made up of experts and general users, and tested over a period of time to give an informed opinion. Therefore, any review of it should be thorough and clear, with the buyer`s best interests in mind.
For simplicity, the digital camera review is usually in a summarized table format, with stars or numbered ratings beside each make. The reason for this is that this format makes it very clear for the reader to understand. However, the criteria assessed are not always made clear and may leave the reader wondering what exactly the ratings for the product was based on and whether it is reliable.
A good digital camera review should have a wide reaching outlook and consider as many aspects as possible. It should have the requirements of a variety of buyer`s covered, considering the possible uses and realistic price ranges that may be required.
The good digital camera review should also offer insightful opinions in terms of features, portability, performance and cost. It should be easy to follow but also informative, with a balanced argument and also a more in depth description available for any interested buyer. It should compare one product to another, to provide the consumer with the best possible choice. The good digital camera review should also be honest; to make sure the consumer truly gets what suits their needs and expectations.
Firstly, the cost should be considered and clearly stated. This is a necessity as all potential buyers have a budget in mind when purchasing a digital camera. The review should explain whether the product is good value for the price bracket that it covers, and if so, in what way. There should be reviews of several types or make of digital camera for each price range so that the consumer can understand what is fully available. The review should also try and alert any buyers of possible available discounts and deals that are realistically obtainable.
Performance is central to any review. The digital camera is bought for a reason, and potential buyers want to know whether what they are purchasing will meet their specific requirements.
Performance includes the lens and sensor quality, the range of zoom, additional special features, compactness, weight, picture quality and reliability. These are all factors which will affect the quality of the image taken and also the type of photography that the digital camera is designed for.
Clear reasons behind why each feature is considered to be of high or low quality needs to be backed up with clear and justifiable arguments. There should be comparisons made between digital cameras, and a range of makes covered.
An excellent review will also go one step further and investigate the product a little further to give the reader the best possible service. This may include testing out any available accessories, or assessing the level of support from the manufacturers or the time taken to deal with repairs. These added extras can make the choice much more informed, and help the potential buyer from making possible mistakes.
Most importantly, the best digital camera review should be user friendly, with technical information either explained in layman terms or kept to a minimum unless it is a review specifically aimed at professional photographers. It should appeal to its market and provide the information required.
This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.
Article Source: http://www.myarticlemall.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Getting The Best Out Of Your Digital Camera
Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:33:00 +0000Any digital camera has an array of functions and uses that enable the handler to take excellent pictures. However, many of the functions are not fully understood and the pictures are not of the best possible quality. Understanding these features enable the user to have complete control over their machine, and therefore get the best possible images.
Firstly the quality of the image that can be produced relies upon the resolution of the digital camera. This is made up of mega pixels. The number of mega pixels determines the level of detail in the picture. The pixels are the tiny dots of colour that make up image. These look fine on the computer or screen. However, once transferred to the computer and enlarged, images containing a lower number of pixels show these dots and so the image is flawed. Therefore, for good quality images the best digital camera to choose is one that has a high number of mega pixels.
The quality of the digital camera lens will also affect your picture quality. The lens should have a zoom feature, which enables you to zoom both in and out to create the perfect composition for your image. Each device will differ, but the concept is the same. The lens should be labeled with two zoom numbers; the smallest states the shortest possible zoom distance and the biggest number shows the longest possible distance. Consider the type of photographs that you are going to take when choosing your digital camera. If the pictures will mainly be indoors, then a lower number is required to be able to zoom out in enclosed areas.
The average digital camera will have an inbuilt auto focus function which will serve most amateur photographer`s needs. However, for more effects or for advanced photography, select a camera that has a manual focus option also. The auto focus can be turned off in some devices, which is an exceptional feature as the photographer can choose which option is best for the photograph being taken.
Another consideration is the shutter delay on the digital camera. The shutter delay affects the quality of focus and composition. The delay means that the picture is actually taken some time after the button is pressed on the camera. This means that the subject of the composition may have moved, clouds may shadow the expected lighting effects, or that your hand may shake and so the image is distorted and blurred. A good way to combat this is to only half press the button when you are composing the picture. This activates the auto focus and prepares the device for the shot. When the button is pressed, the photograph will be taken much more quickly, and will help combat any distortions.
Memory space is important if you want to take good photographs with your digital camera. Not only does this enable lots of storage, it also gives you the opportunity to take several photographs, in search of that one perfect shot.
Any digital camera will have inbuilt storage but this is minimal, averaging around 16 megabytes in total. The memory space can be added to with the use of a memory card or stick. The type chosen will depend upon what is compatible with your camera. Any memory card or stick is good, and they go up to 2GB in size. It is important that the type chosen is compatible with your home computer so that the images can be transferred and stored, giving you access to more photographic opportunities.
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Article Source: http://www.myarticlemall.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)The Inside Picture Of A Digital Camera
Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:32:00 +0000Electronics greatest technological breakthrough in this modern age is the digitization of analog signals. Digital information, which is represented by 1s and 0s, is formed upon successful conversion of analog information, which is represented by a fluctuating wave. This conversion of analog to digital has made the world of science and technology make great advances into the field of computers, Internet, satellites, and space research.
On the consumer domain, the benefits of this technological breakthrough can be witnessed in consumer electronic products like TVs, computers, cameras, camcorders, CDs, DVDs, etc. Digitization gave rise to microchips, which could be programmed to perform any task. With the utilization of the microchip, the digital camera was born.
In a digital camera, the lens focuses the image, the shutter allows the entry of light reflecting from that image into the camera, for a fraction of a second, and the aperture determines the quantity of light allowed inside the camera. When the light enters the camera, it does not fall on a photographic film as it does in a conventional camera, rather it falls on an image sensor.
The image sensor is an electronic device, a semiconductor, made up of photosites that measures the light intensity. The photosite can only measure the intensity of light and cannot recognize any color. To overcome this, each photosite is covered with a color filter of red, or a green, or a blue color according to a pattern known as the Bayer pattern. Since the human eye is twice sensitive to the green color, the number of photosites having green color is twice the number of photosites having red or blue color. Millions of photosites are covered by this Bayer pattern. Each color occupies a single photosite, which is known as a pixel.
The more the number of pixels, the greater is the amount of detail that can be captured. The detail of the image is called as resolution, which is determined by the quality of the lens and the number of pixels in the image sensor. High-end digital cameras have about 12 million pixels, whereas professional digital cameras have about 20 million pixels.
The information of the pixels is recorded as electrical analog signals, is amplified, and then is fed into a converter, which converts the amplified analog signals into digital binary numbers, with respect to the color information of each pixel. These digital binary numbers are then fed into a computer chip residing inside the camera. The computer chip analyzes the digital binary numbers that have been made as per the color of individual pixels. This information is known as RAW data. For analysis, the computer chip subjects this RAW data using a technique known as demosaicing.
In this technique (demosaicing), the pixel color is determined as per the color of the neighboring pixels. For example, if a red color pixel is surrounded by blue and green pixels, then that red color pixel is treated as white color, since the color white is a combination of the colors, red, blue, and green. After demosaicing is complete, the image is further subjected to the photographer`s settings of the camera, like adjustments made for brightness, color saturation, contrast, etc.
High-end digital cameras usually do not do anything more to the image thus produced. However, professional digital cameras have a sharpening algorithm, which heighten the sharpness and clarity of the demosaiced and settings adjusted image. Professional digital cameras also have the option of saving the image in its RAW data before any demosaicing or adjustments are made by the computer chip. This is to give control to the professional photographers to make changes to the RAW data as per their own choices.
The image can be saved in an uncompressed format like TIFF or a compressed format like JPEG. Uncompressed formats preserve greater information; thus, the detail of the photograph is much more than a compressed format, where detail is less, as lesser information is stored. Hence, compressed formats are also known as lossy formats, since details are lost. An uncompressed format increases the file size, whereas a compressed format reduces the file size. Depending upon the need, the image can be saved either in an uncompressed or a compressed image format, as bits and bytes in a memory card. The stored image can be viewed on the digital camera`s display screen as a digital photo.
This digital photo can then be transferred from the digital camera to the computer`s hard disk via the serial port or USB port or FireWire port or Bluetooth wireless using Wi-Fi connectivity. RAW data and uncompressed data like TIFF take a longer time to transfer than compressed data like JPEG or GIF.
Once the data has been transferred to the computer`s hard disk, any photo editing software can manipulate and adjust it, as per the individual tastes and requirements of the photographer. The digital photo can then be printed on photographic paper, specially coated paper, or any other paper via a color inkjet or laser printer. Utilizing a plotter, it can be printed in larger sizes, in any other medium like canvas, acrylic, vinyl, etc. The digital photo can be saved on a hard disk, pen drive or a CD, for archival purposes.
With passing time, more and more features are being introduced in a digital camera. Nowadays, audio-video recording is also fused with the still image capturing capability of the digital camera, making them small camcorders (camera + recorders).
This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author´s name and all the URL´s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.
Article Source: http://www.myarticlemall.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Few Facts Of Digital Cameras
Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:31:00 +0000A digital camera captures images in a digital format, unlike a conventional camera, which captures images using a photographic film.
History:
Using a mosaic photosensor, Eugene F. Lally of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory first showed how still photos could be produced in a digital domain. An engineer at Eastman Kodak, Steve Sasson, used solid-state CCD chips to build a prototype digital camera having a resolution of 0.01 megapixel, and recorded black and white digital images to a magnetic cassette tape. With this prototype model, Steve took the first image in December of 1975 taking 23 seconds to capture it.
In 1988, Fuji DS-1P became the first digital camera that captured images as a computerized file. However, the camera never entered the U.S. market. In 1991, Kodak DCS-100 was the first commercially available digital camera, which used a 1.3 megapixel sensor. With the advancement of technology, modern digital cameras have become multifunctional and are now capable of capturing audio/video and still photographs.
Benefits:
1 - You get superior image quality. Digital cameras can offer good to excellent image resolution.
2 - You get a fair price. A digital camera is reasonably priced and is affordable.
3 - You can transfer the pictures to your laptop. You can easily connect the digital camera to your laptop and transfer the pictures in your hard disk.
4 - You can print in large sizes. Due to its high resolution, pictures can be printed in large sizes by any plotter.
5 - You can email the pictures to your friends. You can send the pictures by email to your loved ones.
6 - You can store the images in CDs or hard disk. Once the pictures are transferred from digital camera to the computer, permanent storage on a CD or hard disk is possible.
7 - You can take the camera in your pocket while you travel. The small size of the digital camera makes traveling with it easy and a pleasure.
8 - You can move in close to your subject. Zoom lenses offer close-ups of your subject with sharp focus. You can take very good close-ups of flowers, bugs, stamps, coins, etc.
9 - You can rework the image in a computer. Any photo editing software can rework the images taken.
10 - You can take good pictures even in low-light situations. Due to flexible over sensitivity or ISO equivalents, digital cameras can easily take detailed pictures even in low-light conditions.
11 - You can take quality still photos of moving objects. Sports and fashion photography can be easily accomplished due to the fast burst rate of digital cameras.
12 - You save money. There is no need of buying photographic films, developing them into negatives and positives. Moreover, the batteries are usually rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which last a long time.
13 - You can choose as per your needs and fancy. Many models are available like standard digital camera, underwater digital camera, waterproof digital camera, compact digital camera, and the professional digital camera.
Storage Media:
Digital cameras use memory to capture and store images. Some of the storages media used are onboard flash memory, 3.5" floppy disks, video floppy disk, PCMCIA hard drives, CD or DVD, CompactFlash memory cards, Microdrives, Memory Stick, SD/MMC, MiniSD Card, MicroSD Card, XD-Picture Card, SmartMedia, and FP Memory.
Power:
Digital cameras consume a lot of power, which is supplied by powerful, small in size batteries. Batteries are broadly divided into two groups, namely, off-the-shelf and proprietary. Off-the-shelf batteries are like AA, CR2, CR-V3, AAA, and RCR-V3. They are lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Standard AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries either do not work or work for only a very short time in most cameras.
Proprietary batteries are built as per the manufacturer`s custom specifications and are usually available as aftermarket replacement parts. Generally, lithium ion batteries are widely used as proprietary batteries for digital cameras.
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Article Source: http://www.myarticlemall.comnoreply@blogger.com (Admin)Understanding Digital Cameras
Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:30:00 +0000Capturing beautiful moments and making them accessible quickly is no longer a rich man's forte. Most of us have access to our memorable moments in just a click away. Digital cameras save you a lot of time. Once the photo has been taken, you can just download those images in a computer and make them accessible on the net in various ways. Digital cameras record and store photographic images in digital format. Capturing pictures is usually accomplished by use of a photo sensor, using a charged couple device (CCD.) After transferring the pictures to your computer, you can edit and save them in a compact disc or hard drive.
With digital cameras you can instantly seize the picture you would love to keep forever. Delete unwanted pictures easily. No hassle of buying films. You don't have to print every picture; you have complete control of the final print after editing on computer. No worries of negatives getting spoiled or lost. You can store many images without having to change or buy films.
There are many brands of digital cameras available in the market today. These include: Sony, Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Kodak, Minolta and Fuji. These are a few famous brands worldwide. Even basic digital camera models have plenty of features, levels and menus. This makes it difficult for beginners to select the right camera meeting their needs. Digital cameras are available in all price ranges depending on the amount of features they have. Before you start comparing the features you should decide for what purpose you would like to use your digital camera. The best way to start your search is to log on to the net and visit all the sites that offer feature and price comparisons for different types and brands of digital cameras.
Almost all digital cameras today have live-preview functionality, where a screen is provided in the camera to see the preview of the image that you just clicked. The most commonly compared feature in digital cameras is the “mega pixel.” This means the amount of pixels in millions. Therefore, a four mega pixel camera would have four million pixels. The other important features to compare include optical and digital zoom capacity; connectivity with other devices such as computer, printer, etc.; the internal storage space as well as compatibility with external storage devices; memory cards; batteries; and image file formats.
Many digital cameras offer connectivity through USB port, FireWire port, USB PTP mode, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. These days, many cameras are offering PictBridge mode that allows direct printing from the digital camera without the mediation of a computer. Though all cameras have some amount of internal memory, external memory cards are required to save more pictures. These include Micro Drives or Compact Flash memory cards that are generally used for high-end professional cameras. Memory Stick by Sony is a proprietary flash memory card. SD/MMC, Mini SD and Micro SD cards are the ones used mostly for commercial digital cameras.
If you are an amateur photographer, then you should select a camera with automatic settings and features. This will help you in getting the right pictures based on the amount of light and scenes without too much effort. But if you are looking for a professional camera then you should pick the one that allows you to select all shooting modes manually. There are many shooting modes available in the latest models of digital cameras including landscape, portrait, panorama, action settings, night mode, beach mode, snow mode, and sunset/sunrise modes.
The common formats in which you can take out the image output include JPEG, TIFF, DNG, etc. For videos, the most common formats are AVI, DV, MPEG, MOV, WMV, ASF, and MP4.
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