DPReview.com has officially confirmed that Olympus plans on unveiling the flagship E-3 on October 17, 2007.
I’ll follow the latest updates on this post.
[tags]olympus, e-3, news, rumor, announcement[/tags]
Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
By Eric Reagan
DPReview.com has officially confirmed that Olympus plans on unveiling the flagship E-3 on October 17, 2007.
I’ll follow the latest updates on this post.
[tags]olympus, e-3, news, rumor, announcement[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
It’s inevitable. It’s the next camera in Canon’s DSLR lineup due for replacement. The Canon 5D was announced on August 22, 2005. That’s 2+ years already. My guess is that the Canon 5D is a prime candidate for replacement at PMA 2008 (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) – that would make a 2 1/2 year life span for the 5D. Of course, it could also show up at Photokina 2008 (Sept. 23-28) instead, making it a 3 year ordeal.
The Canon Rebel and 10D-40D series have been on a consistent 18 month replacement schedule. The pro-level 1D and 1Ds series have been subject to longer replacement schedules overall. Being a first generation camera in its class, the Canon 5D has no precedent to follow. It is really more of a high-amateur/semi-pro level body. The 5D remains in a class of its own, although Nikon has began to apply a little pressure by finally entering the full-frame market with the Nikon D3. However, the 5D’s current price point at around $2500 is significantly less than the Nikon’s MSRP of $5000.
That said, 2 1/2 or 3 years is a long time in DSLR world. The Canon 5D is missing some features that are “standard” on the current generation of Canon’s other DSLRs:
I expect to see these features as a gimme and maybe a 2MP or so boost, up to 14-15MP. I imagine that there would be a few other tweaks along the way; however, I don’t really expect the current “form” to change a great deal. It’s most likely to be an evolution of the current generation 5D (e.g., 30D to 40D).
I imagine now that all the buzz of the Canon 40D and Nikon’s new cameras have died down, we’ll start to hear rumblings, rumors and speculations of the Canon 5D Mark II, 6D or whatever it’s called. I’ll update this post as word comes along. Stay tuned.
Follow the rumors for the Canon 5D Mark II on this page.
[tags]canon, 5d, mark ii, 6D, 4D, 3D, news, rumors, speculation[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
No, that’s not a typo. Five digits: ISO 25,600. Images below are 100% crops captured in jpeg fine. Here’s the links to the pics:
It looks like ISO 6400 and below is going to be great for the Nikon D3. I’m looking forward to seeing more shots between ISO 6400 and 25600 to see if this sample is really representative of the quality to expect.
More Nikon D3 ISO 25600 samples have been posted for viewing in the DPReview.com forums.
Follow all the Nikon D3 updates on this page.
[tags]nikon, d3, iso, 6400, 25600, sample, photos, images, pics[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
Check out 52 ways to monetize your photos.
If you’re thinking about buying some pro-level photo gear, consider these 5 traps of such equipment.
The never-ending debate – prime vs. zoom lenses.
Here’s 60 advanced Photoshop tutorials.
Strobist gives a great introduction to Simply Well Lit with Joe McNally (download link for the brochure provided as well).
If you’ve not seen some Canon 40D sample photos yet, then you’ve not been looking. Anyway, here’s some more at various ISO settings. You can keep up with the latest and greatest on the Canon 40D here.
Check out the Nikon Digital Learning Center on flickr.
Some perspective on succeeding as a pro photographer.
Oh yeah, “Most of your pictures suck.”
[tags]photography, digital, camera, prime, zoom, photoshop, joe mcnally, canon, 40D, Nikon, learning center[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
Calumet Photo’s Gerry Oher interviews Lindsay Silverman, Nikon’s Senior Technical Manager, about the new Nikon D3.
For more Nikon D3 news and reviews, stay tuned to this page.
[tags]nikon, d3, news, review, features, video[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
Here’s some links to samples images taken by the Nikon D300 – all at ISO 6400:
Shot 1 @ f/2.8 and 1/320s
Shot 2 @ f/2.8 and 1/640s
Shot 3 @ f/2.8 and 1/250s
I’m impressed! Follow the latest Nikon D300 news and reviews on this page.
[tags]nikon, d300, sample, image, test[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
Panasonic is finally releasing a more reasonably priced DSLR. I can’t imaging that the former DMC-L1 has faired that well in light of competition like the Nikon D200 and Canon 30D; however, the L1 has dropped to about $1200 from its original $2000. Right, I know, it’s special because of the Leica glass. Ok, but that’s not much a selling point to the masses. A $1299 price point and a more ergodynamic body will be more appealing though.
If you don’t already know what the deal is with Panasonic DSLRs, here’s a little primer. Panasonic introduced the DMC-L1 back at PMA 2006. The L1 (and now the L10) is based on the Olympus four-thirds system. In fact, the L1 is based heavily on Olympus E-330 and the L10 appears to be based on the E-410 and E-510. The advantage of joining the four-thirds system is a huge base of lenses to rely on immediately. Maybe Panasonic can capitalize on this advantage with their newest entry.
Reviews
Thanks to an outstanding lens, by far the best “kit” lens on the market, the L10 delivers excellent image quality in RAW, but its JPEG processing is unable to maintain this high quality level. Although the L10 can shoot continuous JPEGs with 3 fps, it has a disappointing buffer memory of merely three RAW images. Despite its flaws, the L10 offers one of the best packages available for serious photo enthusiasts. When considering the L10 against the competitors, fair performance and a hefty price tag should be weighted against outstanding image quality potential, many practical features and user friendly ergonomics.
After checking out the press release below, head on over to DPReview.com for their rather thorough preview of the L10.
PRESS RELEASE:
PANASONIC EXPANDS LUMIX SLR LINE WITH FIRST SLR MODEL FEATURING FACE DETECTION, ADVANCED INTUITIVE FEATURES
LUMIX DMC-L10 Features 270-Degree Rotating Live View LCD,
and Advanced Dust-Prevention System
SECAUCUS, N.J. (August 30, 2007) – Panasonic today introduced the newest member of its digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera line, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10, the company’s first SLR with Face Detection. The DMC-L10 also offers an advanced 2.5 inch Live View LCD which can rotate 270 degrees, enabling versatile shooting options, and making it easy and convenient to shoot from high or low angles. Complete with a 10.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor, the DMC-L10 includes an advanced, Supersonic Wave Filter system that prevents dust from collecting on the sensor and degrading photo quality.
“Panasonic’s advanced digital imaging technologies, including Optical Image Stabilization and Intelligent ISO control settings, are helping LUMIX compact digital cameras make a name for themselves in this industry, “said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Now, we expand our SLR line with the LUMIX DMC-L10, which is especially designed for the consumer who is familiar with compact digital cameras, but also wants to further experience the enjoyment of digital SLR photography.”
The DMC-L10 is Panasonic’s first digital SLR with Face Detection, which will focus, set auto exposure and can detect up to 15 human faces simultaneously, capturing the subjects clearly and brightly. Combining Face Detection with Panasonic’s Intelligent ISO Control settings, which measures the movement of the subject and sets the ISO level accordingly, helps give consumers crisp, blur-free images.
The Live View LCD lets users check the image on the camera after making exposure compensation adjustments, but before taking the shot. The LCD also features an Intelligent LCD function that offers an automatic brightness level control function, making the screen visible regardless of a bright sunlit or dark environment. In addition, the DMC-L10 adopts advanced hybrid-type AF system, which gives users the option to choose either the phase difference AF system or the contrast AF to suit the preferred shooting style. While in manual mode, the user can enlarge part of the subject on LCD and also freely move the magnified area for easy framing.
A common concern among digital SLR camera users is the potential of dust entering the camera’s body when adjusting interchangeable lenses. To combat this, Panasonic has equipped the DMC-L10 with a Supersonic Wave Filter system that uses supersonic vibrations to shake off dust clinging to the sensor, which also simplifies the maintenance process.
The DMC-L10 incorporates a variety of functions that build a bridge for those transitioning from a compact digital camera to a digital SLR, helping them to take high-quality digital photos. For instance, the Mode Dial on top of the camera provides easy access to the most frequently used settings including Auto mode, each P/A/S/M mode, and five scene modes (Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Sports and Night Portrait) and one custom mode that can be set per the user’s preference.
The DMC-L10 comes equipped with a LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. lens, which has a focal length from 14mm to 50mm, and offers a more compact and light-weight body than its predecessor (LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/ F2.8 -3.5 ASPH).
Other advanced features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10 include:
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10 will be available in October 2007 for a MSRP of $1,299.95.
[tags]panasonic, lumix, dmc-l10, news, release, price[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
Amazon.com has updated the Canon 40D page today. They’ve changed the availability information to note an August 30 “release” as opposed to the September 20 date that was previously on there. I’m still trying to verify, but, presumably, this means that your pre-ordered Canon 40D will ship tomorrow (free shipping and no sales tax). This means we can all be shooting with Canon 40D this weekend.
UPDATE 8/30/07: The Canon 40D is “now shipping” as of 6:52 a.m. ET.
If you haven’t ordered your Canon 40D yet, you can order it via the following direct links:
Canon 40D (body only) – $1299.99
Canon 40D w/ 28-135mm IS lens – $1499.99
Amazon has also made the following caveat regarding the Canon 40D’s availability:
Note on Availability: This item is in high demand and supplies from the manufacturer are limited. Its availability fluctuates, and if the item is not currently in stock, we cannot guarantee that we will receive additional quantities in a timely manner. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
That means: Order NOW if you want to be shooting a new Canon 40D anytime soon.
[tags]canon, 40d, available, price, shipping[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
The Olympus E-3 made its appearance at a Korean photoshow. Images of the new camera can be found on Koh Kho King. More images and discussion here.
[tags]olympus, e-3, e-p1, release, news, rumor, photos, korea[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
Photoclub Alpha reports:
INSIDE sources – mainly people who have been invited to press launch events – confirm that Sony is to show its new Advanced Amateur camera, thought to be called the Alpha 300, on Tuesday September 4th. A press conference is being held in Italy, and journalists from European mainland countries have been invited to attend. As yet, I am unaware of any British journalists attending, and have not received an invitation myself.
. . . .
It is almost certainly APS-C format, 12.x megapixels CMOS, 5.5 frames per second, ISO to 3200, improved AF, 3 inch screen or very much improved 2.5 inch, 95 per cent view 90 per cent scale (or vice-versa) optical glass prism viewfinder, AF assist on the body, improved flash, same basic shutter speed range as A100, slightly altered mirror/shutter action, very fast card writing, some water and weatherproofing upgrades, generally better response, altered user interface; much better high ISO noise, further enhancements to SSS. . . . (read more)
[tags]sony, alpha, a100, a200, a300, a400, a500, news, rumors[/tags]