Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for June 2007

More Nikon D3 Photos Surface

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Fake 1

Originally uploaded by paulshkodrani.


A posting of a couple photos in the DPReview.com forums really stirred the pot today. Some are convinced that the photos are the real deal and that the Nikon D3 is finally upon us. Others, however, remain skeptical (or downright rebellious) of the authenticity of the shots. Regardless, the rumor mill seems to be picking up steam again.

You can read the ongoing debate and view the other photos of the purported D3 on the DPReview.com forums here.

As always, I’ll keep you posted on the latest and greatest on the Nikon D3 rumor mill.

[tags]nikon, d3, d3x, rumors, news, photos[/tags]

 

More Nikon D3 News

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Here’s a couple o’ snippets from the rumor world (i.e., DPReview.com forums):

Actually met with the guy today. Got quite a lot more info, so perhaps his tight lips before was ’cause someone else was in the room when I was on the phone.

HERE’S WHAT I KNOW after my chat today:

The product is definitely a new professional DSLR

It is hardware final. Firmware is under testing and still in flux.

Production is scheduled to begin in July, in Japan, at a rate of 8-10,000 per month.

It has a revolutionary feature. I don’t know what it is, nor do I know whether it is revolutionary ‘across the board’ or just for Nikon.

It WILL NOT be announced this month.

It will be announced and demonstrated internally at Nikon Japan around the 10th of July.

It will now be publicly announced around late July/early August.

It will still be available for purchase late August.

HERE’S WHAT I DON’T KNOW:

Model name

Specs

‘The Feature’

Price

(Source)

And Thom Hogan chimed in as well:

stupormundi wrote:

> Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t that a really high production

> volume for a Pro-Camera?

Yes and no. The initial D2x quantity was 25k/mo according to Nikon (though it’s unclear whether or not that included built-up inventory that was released to shipment as well as the current production). Long-term production of the high-end pro models has generally been modest in number (1k-10k, depending upon the model).

Given the product Nikon is going to announce (remember, I used the words “big surprise” way back at the start of this year ;~), I’d say that 10k/mo is too low a volume to satisfy demand in 2007. And if the reports of hardware design freeze and initial production has begun with an August launch are true, that would mean that there would still be fewer D3 available at launch than D2x units were available at its launch.

Keep in mind that this comes from the former postings about a special NPS event in Japan that went up last month:

Just heard from a very reliable [ie, he has never been wrong] senior Nikon employee that Nikon are hosting a “pro product” prerelease information and demo session in Japan in the 2nd week of June 07. He will be there along with other worldwide Nikon-agency NPS managers, and Nikon in-house NPS managers. Invite only.

He would not tell me whether the product was lenses or body or both, just that it’s pro.

Unknown announcement date, ~August ship.

So, maybe we won’t see an announcement this week, eh? Keep tabs on the latest Nikon D3 developments here.

[tags]nikon, d3, d3x, rumors, news, 2007, july, august[/tags]

Canon Rebel XT Reviews

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Canon Rebel XTThe Canon EOS Rebel XT is an 8.0-megapixel entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera. The Rebel XT is an upgraded version of the popular Canon EOS Digital Rebel, which was the first sub-$1000 digital SLR, introduced in 2003. The differences between the Rebel XT and the original Digital Rebel are significant and are present in almost all aspects of the camera. Many of the features ‘locked out’ by Canon in the original Digital Rebel were unlocked in this camera, so it has been subject to less unofficial ‘hacking’ to release the locked features. In addition to these unlocked features, a number of other improvements have been made. Some of the most significant upgrades include:

  • 8.0 megapixels (up from 6.3)
  • DIGIC II image processor—the same processor used by Canon’s top-range EOS-1Ds Mark II professional level digital SLR
  • Near instantaneous turn on and wake up times (0.2 seconds)
  • Compact Flash type II capability (includes microdrives)
  • 14 (JPEG) or 4 (RAW) frames continuous shooting buffer
  • Smaller and lighter body
  • Vastly increased function customizability
  • E-TTL II flash algorithm (improvement over the old E-TTL flash algorithm)
  • Mirror lock-up
  • Selectable AF and metering modes
  • USB 2.0 interface (improved from the slower USB 1.1 interface on the original Digital Rebel)

The Rebel XT was my first digtal SLR camera. I bought it shortly after it became available in 2005 for $1000 (a Rebel XT is $499 with a lens as of Nov. ’07). I still use it on almost a daily basis. I’ve shot somewhere around 25,000 – 30,000 shots now. No hiccups yet. Anyway, I can personally vouch for the reliability and image quality that this camera packs. My gripes over the past 2+ years are few.

First, I didn’t like the grip size from day one. It’s just too small for my hands (it works fine for my wife though). My solution? I bought the BG-E3 battery grip, which ads some functionality as well. The Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip is designed specially for the EOS Digital Rebel XT and Rebel XTi cameras. The BG-E3 holds up to two NB-2LH battery packs or six AA batteries to offer double-length shooting time. The vertical shutter release makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. This grip provides additional controls for easier vertical shooting including shutter release, AE lock/FE lock, index/reduce button, main dial, AF-frame-select button, and the aperture/exposure compensation button.

Next, I think the 1.8″ LCD screen is just too small. Nowadays, a 3″ LCD is almost standard industry wide. I’m a little envious of those big LCD screens when I’m squinting through the images. Not much of a way to solve this problem other than upgrading to a new camera. That’s not worth it it alone, but I’ve got my eyes on a Canon 40D. Ok, enough with the fluff; here’s the reviews you’re looking for:

Reviews

DPReview.com

So it’s clear, the EOS 350D is a great successor to the EOS 300D, it puts right many user complaints, it delivers a smaller and lighter camera which feels better put together and delivers an increase in resolution. Image quality is just as good as the more expensive EOS 20D, if you can live with the differences between the two the money saved could buy you a very nice lens.

Luminous Landscape

This is a sweet little camera that could well be the best DSLR camera value on the market today (March, 2005). Newcomers will find the price to be right and the camera to be feature rich. Experienced photographers will be frustrated by some of the interface problems, but none of these are really show-stoppers.

PC Magazine

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is a superbly crafted camera that will please nearly anyone with any interest in photography—from those who want to set their camera on auto to those who want to experiment. And by keeping the price under $1,000, Canon ensures the continued popularity of its Digital Rebel line. This camera provides a truly excellent value, and we wholeheartedly recommend it.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Camera performance is just you’d expect from a camera equipped with Canon’s latest DIGIC II image processor: excellent. There’s no more startup wait, focusing speeds are great (even in low light), and shot-to-shot and shutter lag times are nonexistent. The Rebel XT can take about fourteen shots in a row at just under 3 frames/second, which is the best you’ll find in this class (save for the more expensive 20D). Photo quality is excellent for the most part, though images are on the soft side, as is the case with all D-SLRs. Something else that factors into this is your choice of lens: the kit lens is especially soft at small apertures, so you need to keep an eye on things when using it to ensure the best photo quality. As you’d expect from a camera like this, high ISO performance is top-notch: shooting at ISO 1600 results in totally usable pictures. The Rebel XT offers shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds or longer if you use the bulb mode, making it great for long exposures. While there’s a noise reduction feature, you might as well keep it off — noise levels are that low.

Digital Outback Photo

Honestly we get excited about this little camera. With the right lenses the XT is a very, very serious player.

Imaging Resource

In almost every parameter, the Canon Rebel XT offers significant enhancements beyond the original model, while maintaining the same (original) list price. Despite its advanced feature set, the Canon Rebel XT manages to span the full range of user needs, from the pure point & shoot user interested only in “green zone” operation to the professional looking for an inexpensive second body. As such, it’s a nearly ideal option for families or other situations in which users of greatly varying experience levels need to share the same camera. My one biggest gripe with the camera will be some users’ favorite feature: The small (tiny) hand grip. While I found shooting with the camera an infuriating exercise in frustration and crunched fingertips, women who picked up the camera immediately loved how it felt in their hands.

Steve’s Digicams

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR takes everything found in the original Digital Rebel and improves the resolution to 8-megapixels, speeds up all of the camera operations, adds more creative control and put it all into a smaller and lighter body. This easy to use digital SLR is compatible with all Canon EF lenses including the EF-S lenses and still retains the sub-$1,000 price point for entry-level digital SLR consumers.

Photo.net

It looks very much like the image quality of the Canon Rebel XT is up to that of the EOS 20D. It’s also evident from using the Rebel XT, that it’s a Rebel, i.e. a camera aimed at the consumer entry level, while the Canon 20D is clearly aimed at the more experienced and serious photographer. Ultimately in many respects the cameras will be capable of yielding almost identical results, it’s just that doing it with the 20D will be a little easier.

Cnet

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is an exceptionally small and lightweight camera designed for amateur digital SLR photographers, but it delivers the responsiveness and image quality you’d expect from a semipro model.

Canon Rebel XT Accessories

Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip

Canon RC-1 Wireless Remote

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

Rebel XT Magic Lantern Guide

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Guide to Digital SLR Photography

Introduction to the Canon Digital Rebel XT DVD

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

[tags]canon, rebel, xt, 350d, kiss, digital, camera, review[/tags]

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm Announced

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ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm super telephoto lens: Zooming power with the Four Thirds advantage

Hamburg, 26 June 2007 – This autumn, Olympus introduces the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6. Designed for the specific demands of digital photography, this extreme telephoto lens delivers 4.28x zoom power – up to a phenomenal focal length of 300mm (600mm on a 35mm camera system). Despite such high-performance attributes, this ultra-compact model only weighs in at around half as much as its competition. This makes it the ideal travel lens to accompany any Four Thirds Standard digital SLR.

With magnification muscle extending to 300mm (600mm in 35mm equivalent terms), the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 is remarkably powerful yet remains astoundingly portable: The lens measures a mere 127mm and weighs just 620g. Naturally, being based on the Four Thirds Standard, image quality is never compromised.

Three ED lens elements are integrated to ensure razor-sharp results across the entire zoom range by minimising chromatic aberration that can otherwise occur at long focal lengths. Furthermore, multicoated lenses have also been incorporated to reduce ghosting and flaring against backlight, while a circular iris helps to achieve smooth, soft background defocusing.

Telephoto macro shots from a minimum distance of 96cm in manual mode and 1.2m in autofocus are possible across the entire breadth of the focal range, giving the photographer plenty of working space for close-ups of difficult subjects. Moreover, full-on macro shooting with maximum magnification of 0.5x (equivalent to 1x on a conventional 35mm camera system) is possible, while the zoom range gives the photographer control over framing and composition without the need to change position.

The ultra-compact, lightweight super telephoto lens is a perfect complement for the recently-launched Olympus E-510. Thanks to an image stabiliser built directly into the camera itself, it protects shots against the effects of camera shake – even at the extreme zoom levels this remarkable lens enables.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 will be available from late October 2007.

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 – main features:

• Extreme telephoto capabilities from 70-300mm (140-600mm*)

• Ultra-compact dimensions (127mm) and low weight (620g)

• Based on the Four Thirds Standard

• 3 ED lens elements

• Excellent telephoto macro performance

• Compatible with all Four Thirds Standard cameras including Olympus’ recently introduced E-510 and E-410

* 35mm camera equivalent

Canon USA Urges America to Get Outside and Release its Inner Shutterbug

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PRESS RELEASE

A Summer of Free Workshops at Three of America’s Most Popular National Parks and Canon’s Second Annual Photography in the Parks Photo Contest Return For a Season Filled With Photo Fun

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., June 20, 2007 – From the beaches of the eastern seaboard to the Great Plains, and from the wetlands of the south, to the towering sequoias of the west, America and its pristine parks have always been hailed as top destination sites for photography enthusiasts and their families. Canon U.S.A., Inc. and the American Park Network continue to help define the relationship between photography and the great outdoors with the introduction of a free photography workshop program on select dates throughout the summer in Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks. These programs will be artfully hosted and instructed by a select few of the world renowned Canon Explorer of Light photographers including Adam Jones and Lewis Kemper, along with other Canon-selected photographers such as Rob and Ann Simpson. What’s more, the Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest* returns this year to offer photographers the chance to display their work and win prizes in the categories of landscape and wildlife photography in the parks.

“Photography affords an entirely new perspective of the natural world that surrounds us every day, both in our national parks, and in our own backyards,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “As a global organization, Canon understands its responsibility for the impact it makes on society and the environment. Canon is guided by the philosophy of Kyosei – ‘all people regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living together and working into the future.’ Through our involvement in the parks, we hope to strengthen Canon’s commitment to conservation.”

The Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest

From June 1st to September 29th, photographic enthusiasts are encouraged to submit their favorite photographs from an American park to the Canon Digital Learning Center. Winning photographs in the categories of landscape and wildlife will win a trip to the participating parks of their choice, along with a full suite of Canon photographic equipment. By logging onto the Canon Digital Learning Center at www.usa.canon.com/dlc, potential winners will not only have the opportunity to submit their photos, but can also peruse the Web site to explore the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike.

Photography in the Parks Workshops

With the help of the Canon Explorer of Light program, Canon’s elite roster of the most influential photographers in the world, park visitors will have the opportunity to participate in free daily guided visual photographic journeys. Additionally, Canon will loan participants top-tier digital camera equipment to capture those awe-inspiring sights at no additional cost. Aspiring photographers will learn the tips and tricks to taking great outdoor photos and experience hands-on training using some of the same equipment that professional photographers use. Evening programs are also offered, providing visitors the rare opportunity to spend time with the Explorers of Light, view stunning imagery, ask questions, and receive prints and a CD of their own photos.

“It’s rare that we get the chance to share our passion for photography with people that are so eager to learn,” stated Adam Jones, professional photographer and Canon Explorer of Light. “As far as wildlife and landscape photography goes, these three parks are among the best locations the Earth has to offer. I look forward to teaching the tips and tricks I’ve used that will help to create photographs that can compete in the Canon in the Parks Photo Contest.”

Schedule of Seminars

Yosemite National Park: June 15-29, 2007

– Workshops: 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. except Tuesdays – Location: Ansel Adams Gallery

– Evening program: 8:30 p.m. except Tuesdays – Location: Curry Village Amphitheatre

Grand Canyon National Park: July 9 – 29, 2007

– Workshops: 9 a.m. and 2p.m. except Tuesdays – Location: Flagpole at the rim side of the El Tovar Hotel

– Evening program: 6 p.m., except Tuesdays and on Friday, July 20, 2007 – Location: Shrine of Ages auditorium (Parking lot A, next to Park Headquarters)

Yellowstone National Park: August 6 – 12, 2007

– Workshops: Daily, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., except Tuesdays – Location: Old Faithful Inn

– Evening program: 6 p.m., except Tuesdays – Location: Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Additional Programs and Sponsored Events

The workshops and photo contest are just a small part of the sponsored education and activities that Canon offers. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a wide variety of classes across the country with renowned photographers. There are also tutorials available on-line for beginners to learn their way around a digital SLR camera to unlock the creative control that SLR photography affords.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

About Canon U.S.A.’s Environmental Programs and Alliances

An educational and research program, Eyes on Yellowstone, made possible by Canon, assists with scientific research and breaks new ground in conservation, endangered species protection and the application of cutting-edge technology essential to managing park wildlife and ecosystems. www.ypf.org and www.windowsintowonderland.org and www.greateryellowstonescience.org

The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program develops the next generation of scientists in the fields of conservation, environmental science, and park management, and is the first and only program of its kind to encourage doctoral students to conduct innovative research on scientific problems critical to national parks. www.canonscholars.org

Canon Envirothon is North America’s largest high school environmental education competition in which more than 500,000 teenagers are involved in a year-long learning process that combines in-class curriculum with hands-on field experiences. www.envirothon.org

About American Park Network

American Park Network is the leading publisher of visitor guide magazines for national and state parks for more than two decades. With more than 20 editions, reaching 20 million people, American Park Network guides are the definitive information source for anyone planning a national park vacation. Through a carbon offset partnership with the National Forest Foundation, this year American Park Network became the world1s first carbon-free publisher. www.AmericanParkNetwork.com.

[tags]canon, contest, national, parks, digital camera[/tags]