Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2008

Carl Zeiss Launches New Distagon T* 2.8/21 Lens

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The legendary Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2.8/21Carl Zeiss has launched a new 21mm super wide angle lens: the Distagon T* 2.8/21. The lens is suitable for both digital and analog full-format SLR cameras with EF (ZE), F (ZF) and K (ZK) bayonets. It’s a modernized version of the the Contax system. The Distagon T* 2.8/21 is scheduled for delivery by the end of this year with the ZF and ZK versions. The expected selling price will be 1,399 euros.

The lens is ideal for architectural, journalistic and landscape photography, according to Carl Zeiss’ press release. The shortest possible distance setting of 0.22 m promises great perspectives.

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Canon 5D Mark II Announced

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II

After a three year life, the Canon 5D has finally been replaced.  Canon has, after much anticipation and rumors, announced the Canon 5D Mark II.  The 5D Mark II follows in the formidable foot steps of its predecessor with a full frame sensor, which packs in 21.1 megapixels and features sensitivity settings up to ISO 25,600.

Key Features

  • New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.)
  • New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
  • 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
  • High performance DIGIC 4 providing superb image quality
  • Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card
  • 3.0″ VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD
  • ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600)
  • 9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points

For the full feature list and additional info, check out the press release below.  For the latest news, reviews and pre-order information, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 5D Mark II Reviews and Resources. [Read more…]

Canon PowerShot G10 Reviews and Resources

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The Canon PowerShot G10 is the successor the popular PowerShot G9.  The G10 entered the arena at a $499 retail price.  It can be found at slight discounts now at the following trusted online retailers:

Amazon

Adorama

B&H Photo

Canon G10 Key Features

  • 14.7 megapixels
  • 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent)
  • DIGIC 4 image processor
  • 3″ LCD 460,000 pixel resolution
  • RAW capture  (for Canon Digital Photo Pro)
  • ISO 1600 (w/ ISO 3200 at low res setting)

Canon G10 Reviews

Photocrati

Buy it. It’s easy to carry and will always come in handy.

Neocamera

At the lowest ISO settings (80 and 100), the G10 resolves details well and shows little image noise. Color and focus accuracy are also quite good, although overexposure is sometimes a problem.

Imaging Resource

Print quality is quite excellent from the Canon G10’s images, with good color. Conservatively, the ISO 80 JPEG images look great at 16×20 inches, and are usable at 20×30 straight out of the camera; sharpening and processing from RAW can sharpen things up considerably at all ISO settings.

CrunchGear

On the whole, however, I would recommend this camera for the amateur who wants to take some serious outdoor or posed/still shots.

Canon Professional Network

First off, sensor resolution has been increased from 12.1 to 14.7 megapixels. Before anyone groans, the addition of the latest DIGIC 4 processor has made those pixels genuinely useful and image quality has been upped, even at higher ISO settings.

Photo Induced

Solid, beautiful digital files, even as the Canon RAW format has been incorporated into the most popular photo editing software.

Digital Photography School

Each day I became more and more enamored with the quality and accessibility of this little camera.

Cameras.co.uk

If you are serious about photography and would like a camera with SLR features, but without the bulk then take a very close look at this camera.

DC Resource

The Canon PowerShot G10 is a very capable fixed-lens camera that does just about everything right.

DP Review

The G10 is a camera you don’t want to put down once you have picked it up. It encourages users to take pictures, and turn the dials: to experiment and have fun.

Photo Review

Somehow Canon has managed to extract not only superior JPEG resolution from the G10’s image files – but also provided raw files that rate higher in Photo Review’s Imatest test than many of the DSLR cameras we’ve tested this year.

Ken Rockwell

The G10 is the best compact digital camera I’ve ever used. The gotcha words are “digital” and “compact.” Maddeningly, like all other compact (non-interchangable lens) cameras, the G10 still takes too darn long to adjust or change anything.

Luminous Landscape (G10 vs. P6000 Comparison)

The net of this comparison is that while the Nikon P6000 is a fine little camera, it finds itself in the unfortunate position of being released at the same time as the Canon G10, which it would appear is an attempt by Canon to produce a full-featured pocket camera with the highest quality that they are capable of.

Cnet

The Canon PowerShot G10 is a solid enthusiast digital camera for those who want something compact to complement a dSLR.

PhotographyBLOG

The G10 is undoubtedly the best ever Canon G-Series camera, and is a serious alternative to both an entry-level DSLR and other similar compacts (most notably the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and the Nikon Coolpix P6000).

Canon G10 Press Release

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to its top-of-the line PowerShot G-series digital cameras. The PowerShot G10 digital camera offers serious amateur shooters and professional photographers several essential ingredients for a flagship model, including Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, 28mm Optical Image Stabilized lens and RAW mode. This trilogy of style, performance and image quality is an ideal professional complement for anyone seeking the photo quality of a DSLR, combined with the convenient size of a point-and-shoot.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to its top-of-the line PowerShot G-series digital cameras. The PowerShot G10 digital camera offers serious amateur shooters and professional photographers several essential ingredients for a flagship model, including Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, 28mm Optical Image Stabilized lens and RAW mode. This trilogy of style, performance and image quality is an ideal professional complement for anyone seeking the photo quality of a DSLR, combined with the convenient size of a point-and-shoot.

As the successor model to the popular PowerShot G9 digital camera, the PowerShot G10 digital camera is loaded with Canon’s latest technologies, including a long-anticipated 28 mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom, 14.7 megapixels and 3.0-inch Pure Color LCD II screen.

“With exquisite image quality, the latest image processor and advanced functionality, the Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera brings an elevated level of performance and usability to the PowerShot line,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “By enhancing key technologies in this camera, including our proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor, Canon has merged the functions typically found in a DSLR with a smaller body form to provide affordable and portable options to photo enthusiasts of all types.”

Control Options
The controller wheel is equipped with a dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial, which allows quick and intuitive adjustment of exposure compensation and the “My Menu” function for registering five user-selected options from the shooting menu, as well as 26 shooting modes. Additionally, the Custom Mode better allows the user to record two types of shooting parameter settings, thus offering the ability to arrange their most often used settings on their LCD display. A host of accessory options are offered, including the remote switch, Macro Ring Lite and Macro Twin Lite (when used with an additional attachment, available in January 2009). Now consumers can utilize similar accessories found in the Canon EOS line, therefore expanding a user’s ability to customize.

Canon DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, a proprietary technology, accounts for the camera’s higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality.

One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor’s high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction function automatically improves image quality in high-contrast shooting situations.

The Genuine Canon Face Detection technology has evolved even further, thanks to DIGIC 4. Improved features include the ability to recognize human faces at most angles. Another innovation is the Face Detection Self-Timer, which automatically takes a photo two seconds after a new face enters the scene.

Availability and Pricing
Scheduled to be available in October, the PowerShot G10 digital camera will have an estimated selling price of $499.99*. Kit contents will include a battery, charger, neck strap, USB and A/V interface cables, Canon Digital Solutions Software CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and SX10 IS

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The new Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and SX10 IS jointly replace the S5IS.  The new SX1 IS features a 20x zoom lense with built-in image stabilization and is not available in the US (Update March 2009: the SX1 IS has been released in the US, you can read more about it on Photography Bay’s Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Reviews and Resources).  You’ll need the stabilizer too, because the lens is the 35mm equivalent of 28-520mm.

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS Reviews

DP Interface

Don’t underestimate the PowerShot SX10 – it’s a great and very capable camera. If you like the SX1 a lot but don’t need its full HD 1080p movie mode and 4 FPS burst mode, then you can get the very similar Canon PowerShot SX10 for a lot less money.

Cnet

A nice evolution of the megazoom, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS delivers some improvements over its predecessor and provides an attractive option for megazoom shooters.

Trusted Reviews

The PowerShot SX10 IS is an expensive and quite complex camera, and not really suited for the beginner, however in capable hands it is capable of producing excellent results, and has enough creative versatility to do so in a wide range of situations.

Let’s Go Digital

From a technical viewpoint, the Canon SX10 IS finds itself on a high level. The camera does prove itself and delivers sharp pictures with natural colors, all of which with extensive users ease.

Digital Camera Review

The camera offers good shutter and AF performance, good image color and quality, and a simple and easy to use movie capability for those who are so inclined.

PhotographyBLOG

A sturdy plastic brick of a camera, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS builds on its S5 predecessor chiefly with that bigger and better lens range, though ease of use has also been improved.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Key Features

  • 10mp CMOS sensor
  • 20x Zoom (28-560mm equivalent)
  • Articulating LCD
  • Hotshoe (for external flash)
  • DIGIC 4

For further details on the SX1 IS and SX10S, see the press release below.

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and SX10 IS Press Release

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 17 September 2008: Canon today supercharges its PowerShot digital compact camera range with two powerful new models: the 10 Megapixel PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS, which jointly replace the PowerShot S5 IS.

Both raise the benchmark for compact zooms with an outstanding 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom, with USM and VCM for fast, silent, zooming. The  PowerShot SX1 IS offers a revolutionary series of features never seen before on a Canon compact camera – a 10 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, 4 frames per second continuous shooting, and full HD movie capture – while both cameras use Canon’s new DIGIC 4 processor for fast performance and richly detailed, clean images in a wide range of shooting situations.

Unbeatable reach
 With a Canon 20x wide-angle (28mm) optical zoom lens, the PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS tackle everything from long-range telephoto shots to sweeping landscapes. Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) combines with Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology for near-silent operation and the speed for sports or wildlife subjects. And thanks to Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer – which now offers a 4-stop advantage – camera shake blur is avoided even with the zoom fully extended.

10 Megapixel power
 The PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS feature resolutions of 10 Megapixels, capturing all the necessary detail for poster-size prints or creative cropping in post processing. A Canon CMOS sensor allows the PowerShot SX1 IS to shoot full-resolution JPEGs at speeds of up to 4fps – making it a powerful, pocket-sized tool ideal for capturing fast-paced action sequences.

High Definition moviemaking
For the ultimate in visual quality, the PowerShot SX1 IS delivers 1080p (30fps) High Definition video – ready for instant playback on any HDTV via a built-in HDMI connection. The PowerShot SX10 IS offers fun, spontaneous VGA movie shooting. Movies on both cameras are enhanced with CD quality stereo sound, optical zooming and Face Detection Technology; and if extra reach is required, the PowerShot SX1 IS includes Canon’s Advanced Tele-Converter for an extra 2x zoom with no loss in movie quality.

DIGIC 4: intelligent processing for better photos
 The PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS both feature Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. As well as ensuring ultra-fast operation and superb, low-noise images, DIGIC 4 drives several intelligent technologies that make great photos easier than ever.

People shots benefit from improved Face Detection Technology, which even detects faces positioned at an angle to the camera, or in profile. Face Select & Track tracks a specific subject even more accurately, while a new FaceSelf-timer function – which automatically triggers the shutter shortly after a new face enters the frame – makes group shots and self-portraits easy.

Canon’s improved Motion Detection Technology delivers fantastic, sharp results by registering camera and subject movement, then automatically adjusting ISO to prevent image blur. Blur is further guarded against by new Servo AF, which continuously adjusts focus on subjects moving towards or away from the camera.

DIGIC 4 also powers Canon’s new i-Contrast feature, which brings out great, natural-looking detail in dark areas of pictures – without blowing out lighter areas.

Total Control
For the ultimate creative precision, the PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS offer full manual control over both aperture and shutter speed. A Multi Control Dial offers fingertip access to all key settings. Plus, compatibility with a range of accessories – including Canon’s professional Speedlite EX flash units – extends creative potential even further.

Also included with the PowerShot SX1 IS is Canon’s WC-DC300 controller, which allows wireless control of shooting and playback. This is ideal for tripod shots at slow shutter speeds, or any situation where keeping a distance from the camera is preferable.

“Both of these cameras offer exceptional imaging possibilities,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “In particular, the PowerShot SX1 IS genuinely redefines what a compact digital camera can do. This kind of power and versatility must be experienced to be believed.”

Pricing & Availability
 The PowerShot SX1 IS is available from December priced at £519.99 / €679.99 RRP inc VAT
The PowerShot SX10 IS is available from October priced at £359.99 / €469.99 RRP inc VAT

Features at a glance:

  • 20x wide-angle (28mm, f/2.8) optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer
  • 10.0 Megapixels
  • Canon CMOS sensor for full resolution continuous 4fps shooting (PowerShot SX1 IS)
  • Full HD (1080p, 30fps) movies plus HDMI output (PowerShot SX1 IS)
  • DIGIC 4 for outstanding images and fast response times
  • Shooting modes include full manual control
  • Great people shots with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB plus Face Select & Track and FaceSelf-Timer
  • Targets every possible cause of blur with High ISO Auto, optical Image Stabilizer, Motion Detection Technology and Servo AF
  • Auto Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback
  • i-Contrast boosts brightness and retains detail in dark areas
  • 2.5” vari-angle LCD II with wide viewing angle plus electronic viewfinder (PowerShot SX10 IS)
  • 2.8” widescreen vari-angle LCD II with wide viewing angle (PowerShot SX1 IS)
  • Multi Control Dial and customizable My Menu
  • Smooth, 30fps VGA movies (PowerShot SX10 IS)

Canon EF 24mm f1.4L II USM

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United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland, 17 September, 2008: Canon today strengthens its line-up of EF-series lenses with the introduction of a new fast aperture prime lens: the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM. Replacing the EF 24mm f/1.4L USM, the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM has been completely redesigned to provide an exacting partner lens to Canon’s new EOS digital SLRs, the EOS 50D and the EOS 5D MKII.

The EF 24mm f1.4L II USM offers:

  • Fast f/1.4 aperture
  • Aspherical and UD lens elements for correction of chromatic aberration
  • Sub Wavelength structure Coating (SWC) to dramatically reduce ghosting and flare
  • Circular aperture for creative blurred highlights
  • USM for full-time manual focus
  • Lead-free glass (RoHS compliance)
  • Lens hood and pouch supplied

Superior image performance
Featuring a 13-element, 10-group lens, the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM is designed to achieve the highest standards of image quality. Two high-precision GMo aspheric lenses are employed to correct various forms of aberration such as curvature of field and distortion, with a floating mechanism ensuring crisp corner-to-corner detail throughout the focal range. In addition, two UD lenses reduce the chromatic aberration common in wide-angle lenses. [Read more…]

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS and SD880 IS

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The Canon PowerShot SD990 IS features a 14.7 megapixel sensor and is powered by the DIGIC 4 image processor.  The SD990 IS has a 3.7x zoom lens with image stabilization.  It will be available in October at a retail price of $399.99.

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Reviews

Imaging Resource

Despite our quibbles about image quality from its 14.7-megapixel sensor, the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS is a good quality digital camera overall.

PC Mag

Performance was terrific indoors, too. In a dim restaurant, pictures taken with flash looked great. Subjects looked sharp, and images were noise-free at ISO 80 and 100.

The Canon PowerShot SD880 IS features a 10 megapixel sensor and is powered by the DIGIC 4 image processor.  The SD880 IS has a 4x zoom lens with image stabilization.  It will be available in October at a retail price of $299.99.

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS Reviews

Imaging Resource

The Canon SD880’s image quality minimizes the issues common to this format while delivering a sharp image in low light thanks to Canon’s optical image stabilization.

NeoCamera

The Canon Powershot SD880 IS is a digital camera that gets a lot of things right. Speed of operation is great and so are ergonomics with one minor exception, the lack of a hand-gripping surface on the front.

For more info, see Canon’s press release below.

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Press Release

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced, the PowerShot SD990 IS and PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH cameras. Loaded with a host of advanced features, such as Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, these cameras are ideal for the trendsetting techie looking for functionality or style-conscious photo enthusiasts who want their gadgets to keep pace with their style. In addition, to commemorate the 100 millionth compact digital camera manufactured, Canon created a limited-edition PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera in red.

“The introduction of DIGIC 4 imaging processing and a variety of color creations, continues to build on Canon’s mantra of incorporating substance and style into everything we create,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “We recognize that if we continue to make digital cameras easy to use and easy to take along wherever one goes, people will carry them, not just for their style and compactness, but because of the image quality.”

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH Camera
The PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera showcases enhanced specifications such as 14.7-megapixel resolution, 3.7x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new Quick Shot Mode for even faster shutter speed.

Reminiscent of a sporty race car, with its curved design and brilliant metallic topcoat, the PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera is available in black or silver. Still small enough to fit in a shirt pocket or suit jacket, this compact, cutting-edge camera is an anytime, anyplace must-have.

Limited-Edition Red Digital ELPH Camera
To help commemorate the manufacture of the 100 millionth PowerShot camera,, Canon has produced a limited-edition red PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH camera. This camera can be exclusively purchased on the Canon U.S.A. eStore at www.canonestore.com while supplies last.

Canon PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH Camera
The successor to Canon’s widely popular PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH camera, the PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH camera boasts improved specifications such as 10.0-megapixel resolution and 4x wide-angle Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization. In combination with the latest DIGIC 4 image processor and Motion Detection Technology, the wide-angle zoom lens has been improved, enabling consumers to capture large and small group shots with ease, while on vacation or attending social gatherings.

Available in stylish two-toned body colors of black and silver or gold and brown, the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH camera functions as a fashion statement, as well as a feature-rich powerhouse. Additionally, four large and distinctive convex buttons are positioned to the right side of the large 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen to make camera operation and menu navigation even easier. The LCD screen’s contrast ratio has been greatly improved as well, offering more accurate color and viewing from any angle.

Canon DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, a proprietary technology, accounts for the camera’s higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality.

One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor’s high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction function automatically improves image quality in high contrast shooting situations.

The Genuine Canon Face Detection technology has evolved even further, thanks to DIGIC 4. Improved features include the ability to recognize human faces at most angles. Another innovation is the Face Detection Self-Timer, which automatically takes a photo two seconds after a new face enters the scene.

Availability and Pricing
Scheduled to be available in October, the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH and PowerShot SD880 IS Digital ELPH cameras will have estimated selling prices of $399.99* and $299.99*, respectively. Kit contents will include a memory card, battery, charger, wrist strap, USB and A/V interface cables, Canon Digital Solutions Software CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty.

3 Days Left for a Chance to Win

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials

You’ve got until midnight (EDT) on Friday, September 19th to get in on your chance at 1 of 5 copies of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Photography Essentials that Photography Bay is giving away.

All you have to enter is be an active Photography Bay forum member.

Existing active members are already eligible to win.  If you are not a member, head on over, register and join in the discussions.

See the full details on how to enter and win here.

DrPic Offers Fast Photo-Editing

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Editing photos in your web browser usually require Flash, Java or some other heavy-duty plug-in. But DrPic is an online image editor entirely based on Javascript. With DrPic, you can open an image and make your edits in less time than it takes a Flash-based site to finish loading.

DrPic is a free tool and, although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some photo-editing applications, it does have the most useful. If you simply need to make a few quick edits, DrPic is a great option — no application to load or software to open. It won’t replace other photo-editing options, but DrPic can be a useful tool.

Sony A700 Firmware Version 4

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Sony A700 firmware version is available here.

Improvements and solved issues:

  • The choice to select auto exposure bracketing (single & continuous) with 3 shots in 2 EV steps has been added.
  • The choice to turn [Off] the High ISO NR feature has been added.
  • Improvement of the image quality in high ISO setting.
  • Improvement of the auto white balance and D-Range Optimizer performance.
  • Improvement of reliability for communication between camera body and vertical grip.