Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II Lens

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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II Lens

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens is an update to the former 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens, one of Canon’s most popular professional lenses.  In the updated lens, the internal elements have been redesigned and a flourite and fifth UD element have been incorporated to the lens.  According to Canon, a new autofocusing algorithm should increase AF acquisition speed.  Additionally, the minimum focus distance has been reduced to under 4 feet.  Finally, the Image Stabilization system has been upgraded to a claimed shake-correction of 4-stops, which is a 1-stop improvement over the previous model.

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens comes with a tripod collar, lens hood and pouch.  It should be available in April 2010.  Canon has yet to disclose the initial retail price; however, I would speculate the price to be around $2000 or more given Canon’s recent trend of increasing prices.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

 

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS, A3000 IS, A490 and A495 Reviews and Resources

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Canon A3100 IS

Canon’s A-series lineup has been refreshed at CES 2010 with the A3100 IS, A3000 IS, A490 and A495.

The A3100 IS features a 12.1MP sensor, while the A3000 IS offers a 10MP sensor.  Both cameras feature a 4x optical zoom lens with image stabilization built in.  The A3100 IS and A3000 IS should be available in February 2010 at initial retail prices of $179.99 and $149.99, respectively.  Check out the Canon A3100 IS Review.

Canon A495

The A490 and A495 cameras feature a 10MP sensor, 3.3x optical zoom and a 2.5″ LCD.  The A495 offers a number of auto shooting modes for different effects to images, as well as the ability to upload videos to YouTube. The A495 and A490 should be available in February 2010 at an initial retail price of $129.99 and $109.99, respectively.

Check availability for these PowerShot models on Amazon.com:

Canon A3100 IS

Canon A3000 IS

Canon A495

Canon A490

Canon A3100 IS Reviews

Imaging Resource

Cameras.co.uk

PhotographyBLOG

Canon A495 Reviews

Camera Labs

PhotographyBLOG

Canon A490 Reviews

Camera Labs

Canon Press Release

Lake Success, N.Y., January 5, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today unveiled four new PowerShot A-Series digital cameras offering entry-level consumers the opportunity to step-up their shooting experience with exciting new creative effects. In addition, for the first time, Canon offers a new rechargeable lithium-ion battery in two A-Series models, extending the battery lives of the cameras. The A-Series lineup, comprised of the PowerShot A3100 IS, A3000 IS, A495 and A490 Digital cameras, offer consumers enhanced photo-taking capabilities through an array of creative modes to help shape one’s personal photographic style.

“With the introduction of the new PowerShot A-Series cameras, Canon brings a new aesthetic design to our entry-level line and new features that enhance the camera’s overall performance and functionality,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The new creative modes are designed to offer consumers the ability to customize their captured images and add personalization to the time-honored art of photography.”

Creativity at its Best:

Whether creating a holiday card to share with friends and family or updating a Facebook page in a fun and unique way, the new PowerShot cameras will help expand a user’s imagination with the introduction of two creative scene modes – Poster Effect and Super Vivid. The Poster Effect scene mode alters the look of a captured image by changing the contrast of the image. Similarly, the Super Vivid Mode creates an enhanced color effect by increasing the hue and saturation of the captured image.

Enhanced Performance:

Achieving a clear shot in low-light situations, such as when a child blows out birthday candles, is no easy task. With Canon’s Low-Light Mode, the A-Series line now provides a wider ISO range (up to 3200), allowing more light to be captured creating sharper, more vivid images. For situations that require a flash, but where one cannot be used, such as a night game or concert, Canon’s Low-Light Mode will help improve the captured image. The A-Series also includes Canon’s Smart FE (Flash Exposure) which improves image quality by automatically adding the optimum level of flash illumination, aperture, shutter speed and ISO.

Supporting Features:

Canon has made it even easier to upload images and videos to YouTube, via CameraWindow. What’s more, starting this year, all new compact digital cameras will support the high-spec SDXC memory cards with a maximum storage capacity of two terabytes (TB) in SDA standard, making it even easier to capture additional images and videos with PowerShot cameras.

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS and A3000 IS Digital Cameras:

The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Digital camera is available in vibrant red, blue and silver colors while the PowerShot A3000 IS is offered in a stunning, two-toned black and silver casing, ideal for the color-conscious consumer. Both cameras boast features such as 12.1-Megapixel and 10-Megapixel resolution, respectfully; a 4x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization; a large 2.7-inch LCD screen; and Smart AUTO mode, which takes the guesswork out of shooting. New modes such as Low-Light, Super Vivid and Poster Effect mode are also available, as well as Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube. The PowerShot A3100 IS and A3000 IS Digital Cameras are scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $179.99 and $149.99, respectively.

Canon PowerShot A495 and A490 Digital Cameras:

Offering a broad array of consumer-friendly features and 10.0-Megapixel resolution, 3.3x Optical Zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, the Canon PowerShot A495 and A490 Digital cameras are ideal for the budget-conscious consumer. Available in two-tone colors, such as red, blue and silver, the PowerShot A495 Digital camera offers a multitude of new modes such as Low-Light, Super Vivid and Poster Effect mode, as well as Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube. Available in a metallic two-toned silver and black, the PowerShot A490 Digital camera comes equipped with scene modes such as Low-Light Mode, Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube. The PowerShot A495 and A490 Digital Cameras are scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $129.99 and $109.99, respectively.

Sony A450

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Sony A450

The Sony A450, introduced as part of Sony’s CES 2010 offerings, is another sub-$1000 DSLR that is situated near the A500 and A550 cameras in terms of feature set.  The Sony A450 is equipped with a 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, presumably the same one as the A550. Unlike the A500 and A550 though, the A450 does not include a fast Live View display with a tilting LCD.

The Sony A450 is a somewhat peculiar introduction in the Alpha lineup.  The camera is essentially a Sony A550 (read PB’s A550 review) without the tilting LCD and fast Live View, which are arguably the best features on the A550.  However, for those of you who hate Live View and wiggly LCDs, the A450 may be right down your alley.

The other great feature in the spotlight from the A500 and A550 is Auto HDR, which seamlessly blends exposures in-camera to create an expanded dynamic range in your JPEG files straight out of the camera.  Thankfully, that’s one killer feature that the A450 ended up with.

[Read more…]

Camera Phones Get 14MP and 1080p HD

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While these specs aren’t out of the ordinary for point and shoot cameras, you might raise an eyebrow at a 14MP camera phone that captures 1080p video as well.  Well, expect them soon.

Omnivision has developed a 14MP HD sensor to be used in cell phones, as well as a sibling sensor with the same pixel count for use in compact cameras.  Given the noisy images produced by much lower MP-count sensors of the same size, you have to be concerned about what kind of grain a 14MP sensor on a mobile phone camera is going to produce.  Maybe the backside illumination of the sensors will help ease the noise.

According to Omnivision, the new sensors are capable of producing 1080p video at 60 frames per second.  These new sensors go into mass production in the second quarter of 2010.

More details on the new sensors in the press release below. [Read more…]

Samsung NX10 Announced

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Samsung NX10

Samsung has officially announced the NX10, which is a 14.6-megapixel hybrid, interchangeable lens camera and uses an APS-C format CMOS sensor.  The Samsung NX10 features a 3-inch AMOLED screen, HD video capture at a resolution of 720p, sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200, and a built-in electronic viewfinder.

The lens mount is new and proprietary to the NX series.  At launch, there will be 3 NX lenses available for the new Samsung NX10: a 30mm pancake lens, an 18-55mm normal zoom lens, and a 50-200mm telephoto zoom lens.

No word yet on price, but the Samsung NX10 should be available in Spring 2010.  Check availability at Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Top Photo Gear of 2009

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At the end of every year, a lot of people reflect back and give their opinions as to what was the camera or other product of the year.  I decided to take a look in the statistics I receive from Amazon.com to see the products that were hot with Photography Bay readers last year.  Below you’ll find a list of the cameras, lenses and more that were the most popular items among PB readers in 2009.  [Read more…]

Canon 1D Mark IV Availability

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It looks like the Canon 1D Mark IV has commenced shipping in the US and Canada.  I’ve seen several user reports of folks taking delivery across the photo forums and blogosphere.  Rob Galbraith has posted the same news today as well.

Some of the biggest camera retailers have yet to update their stock status for the 1D Mark IV, which suggests that the shipments are still rolling out.

You can continue to check availability at the following trusted retailers:

B&H Photo

Amazon

Adorama

Stay tuned over the next few days, as we should see the stock continue to update at US retailers.

eStarling TouchConnect Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame

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I’ve tried a number of digital photo frames; however, I’ve always hated the process of updating the photos by putting files on an SD card and then having to transfer them over to the internal memory of the frame. eStarling may have a solution with their new TouchConnect Wi-Fi photo frame.  This new frame allows you to update your frame wirelessly and automatically through a variety of online services.

The eStarling TouchConnect boasts integration with Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, RSS Feeds and Gmail. With an easy, one-time set up an eStarling TouchConnect can receive photos (and videos up to 20MB in size if e-mailed to the corresponding Gmail address) from all these places as they are posted. And with 802.11n WiFi, a touch-sensitive screen and automatic over-the-air firmware updates, the eStarling TouchConnect is one of the most user friendly frames on the market. -eStarling

The eStarling TouchConnect is available from Adorama at a current price of $200.

Canon G11 Review at Photocrati

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Canon G11

Photocrati has published a review of the popular Canon G11 point and shoot camera.

In my estimation, this 10MP PowerShot model will be as successful as its predecessor in attracting long-time photographers due to its classic styling and controls, high resolution articulated LCD and a feature set that targets the experienced shooter.

You can check out Photocrati’s full review here.

Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check out Photography Bay’s Canon G11 review and the Canon G11 Reviews and Resources for more info on this powerful little camera.