Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

PMA Buzz: Nikon Announces New Coolpix L Series Cameras

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PRESS RELEASE:

MELVILLE, NY (February 19, 2007) — Nikon is pleased to introduce three new L or “Life” Series cameras to the award winning COOLPIX family. Designed with the casual snap-shooter in mind, the Nikon COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 combine high-quality design and construction with user-friendly features at affordable prices. All three cameras sport a sharp 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, a big, bright LCD and a lightweight, ultra-portable body style. Additionally, each of the new L series cameras boast impressive battery life, and a higher light sensitivity, which makes it easy to produce better pictures in low light situations.

“Nikon’s new L-series cameras represent an exceptional value to the consumer, as they are full-featured, easy-to-use and affordable,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “With the introduction of these L-Series cameras, Nikon is making it extremely easy for consumers, who might be new to digital photography, to capture great pictures easily, right out of the box.”

COOLPIX L10 & L11

Nikon Coolpix L10Designed for the entry-level digital photographer, the L10 and L11 boast 5.0 megapixels and 6.0 megapixels respectively, allowing the consumer to generate high-quality prints in a variety of sizes. Each camera features a sharp 3x Zoom- Nikkor glass lens, ensuring creative freedom and a high light sensitivity up to ISO 800, which makes it easy to produce better pictures in low light situations. Nikon Coolpix L11Both cameras feature large LCD monitors which facilitate the composition and sharing of images; the L10’s LCD measures 2.0 inches across while the L11 has a 2.4-inch LCD, ample dimensions for easily viewing and sharing images with friends and family.

COOLPIX L12

Nikon Coolpix L12In addition to 7.1 megapixels, a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD, the COOLPIX L12 also features Optical VR Image Stabilization, which overcomes camera shake to produce clearer, sharper images. This camera also has ISO capabilities up to 1600, which enables the consumer to take sharper pictures in low light situations and facilitates a faster shutter speed, essential for capturing images of fast-moving subjects. Adding to this camera’s ease of use is a new Anti-Shake button, which simultaneously activates VR, High ISO and Best Shot Selector, assuring that pictures will be steady, sharp, and stunning.

Memories Made Easy

In addition to the camera-specific features listed above, Nikon has incorporated user-friendly Imaging Innovations into the entire line of COOLPIX cameras, designed to ease the picture-taking process for the consumer. On the L12, these features are activated by pressing the convenient One-Touch portrait button on top of the camera and can be easily located in the menu systems of the L10 and L11. These technologies, dubbed “Nikon In-Camera Innovations” include:

• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography.

• Face-Priority AF*: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.

• D-Lighting: in playback mode, the user selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.

Additionally, the L Series cameras include handy features such as scene modes, which set the camera for optimum performance in a variety of shooting locations, and a TV Quality Movie Mode for recording video with sound.

The COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 feature a sleek, stylish finish and a curved grip that contributes to both design elegance and shooting stability. Adding to the cameras’ convenient portability, all of L-series models are AA-size battery and SDHC memory card compatible, with 7MB of internal memory for the L10 and L11 and 21MB for the L12. Each camera is packaged with a complimentary copy of Nikon’s PictureProject Software, which makes it a snap to transfer, organize, edit, and share photos with family and friends.

The COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 will be available beginning March 2007 at an MSRP of $119.95, $149.95, and $199.95, respectively.

 

Don’t Buy a Knock-Off SanDisk CF Card: An ebay Experience of Yours Truly

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Have you bought a memory card on ebay lately? Maybe you’ve been here too. Thinking about buying one? Think carefully about that one.

The story that follows is my recent experience of shopping for, purchasing, complaining about, and ultimately returning and receiving a refund for a knock-off SanDisk Ultra II Compact Flash memory card. More than 60 days after my original purchase, Paypal was kind enough to “decide” in my favor (please detect sarcasm here). Through the experience, I have lost trust in ebay, PayPal, Wolf/Ritz Camera, Best Buy, Circuit City and, of course, the seller brainydeal (aka, Brainydeal.com, Ying Liu, Kin Chau, among others), all the while, finding the trust I should have always had in my local mom and pop photo store. Before you buy another memory card (certainly from an ebay seller), read on. [Read more…]

Splash in a Glass

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…………….I took this shot earlier tonight on my kitchen stove. Lots of trial and error. Perhaps I’ll explain it later. However, I’m working a rather large post regarding knock-off memory cards right now. So, no how-to until that post is finished. As always, questions comments and derogatory comments are more than welcomed.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Lens Reviews

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The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM is an ultra-wide-angle zoom that offers a broader view, fast aperture, and closer focusing down to 11 in. (.28m). The first EF wide-angle zoom to combine three Aspherical elements and Canon’s UD glass, the lens remains compact while providing superior image quality across its range. Constructed to pro standards, it’s also highly resistant to dust and moisture. (Canon)

Reviews

The Digital Picture

At 16mm, the 16-35 L is very sharp in the center even wide open (f/2.8) and improves little when stopped down. The 16mm full-frame corners are soft wide open (with a flat target – because of field curvature) and improve noticeably at f/5.6. At 16mm with a close subject distance, strong barrel distortion is noticeable even on a FOVCF body.

Photozone

All-in-all it is a very good lens but if you don’t need the f/2.8 setting and that extra mm at the wide end you may as well save quite some bucks by preferring the EF 17-40mm f/4 USM L which performs basically just as good.

Luminous Landscape

If you are in the market for a new wide-angle lens, I definitely recommend spending the extra $250 and getting the new 16-35L. In terms of sharpness, contrast, and extra features, you will get your monies worth.

Ken Rockwell

This is your lens if you need the absolute widest zoom available from a top-drawer manufacturer for a full-frame camera.

WL Castleman

The greater widefield capabilities of the EF 16-35 L (108° diagonal field of view compared to 74° diagonal field of view for the 17-40L) make the relatively minor differences in corner sharpness and chromatic aberration a small price to pay for those seek the widest possible ultrawide zoom performance.

Fred Miranda Forum User Reviews

Overall I would rate this lens 9 out of 10. I got it back in November 2006 and after a year I can say that 16-35L Mark I is an excellent wide angle lens. I shoot with FF bodies and I guess this is pretty much the reason why I went for it. 16mm is quite wide on my 5D and 1Ds.

Photography Review User Reviews

this lens is an excellent choice for your line-up of quality lenses. i am slowly converting to an all L-series line-up, all f/2.8 lenses. i cannot stress enough how amazingly beautiful this lens is, as well as all of the other L series.

PBase Sample Images

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 gear through these links helps support this site.

[tags]Canon, EF, 16-35mm, f/2.8L, USM, lens, review[/tags]

Canon EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 II USM

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The Canon EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 II USM lens is one of the former kit lenses of the Rebel series film SLRs.  The image quality is generally not regarded as all that great.  Additionally, the zoom range is ill-suited for the newer 1.6x crop-sensor DSLRs.  As an update from the prior non-USM version, it is a lightweight lens (only 6.7 oz./190g) and also has a revised exterior appearance, highlighted by a rubber zoom ring.

Reviews

The Digital Picture

The Canon EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 II USM Lens is sharper at the wide end rapidly progressing to soft at 90mm. Wide open sharpness is not bad at 28mm, but the corners are soft until the lens is stopped down to f/8. The 28-90 II is very soft wide open over most of the balance of the focal length range.

Fred Miranda Forum User Reviews

I got this lense as a gift with my Elan 7 – my first SLR in 20 years. I shot a couple of dozen rolls with this lense and loved many of the pictures I got with it. It was only after getting my 10D and reading up on lenses that I realized this was a very cheap entry level zoom. After comparing it to a 50mm 1.4 and a few other L lenses I realized that pictures could be much better than lense was capable of capturing.

Photography Review User Reviews

Nice lens despite of the very cheap look. Sharpness and distortion are ok for the price tag, after all it’s an under $100 3x zoom range lens. Focusing is not lightning fast but ok for amateur use.

PhotoSig User Reviews

As a general purpose lense it is fine. I am a travel photographer and tend to take this lense on the road because of its light weight, near silent and extremely fast auto focus system.

SLR Gear User Reviews

This lens usually comes as part of a kit (along with an entry level film SLR). It’s lightweight, which pretty much sums up the good stuff I can say about it. Oh, plus at least this version come with USM.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store. 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.

[tags]Canon, EF, 28-90mm, f/4-5.6, II, USM, lens, review[/tags]

Canon 10D Reviews

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The Canon EOS 10D is a discontinued 6.3-megapixel semi-professional digital SLR camera, initially announced on February 27, 2003 at a price point of $1,999 without lens ($1,599 street price). As of early 2007, factory refurbished units are about $600. The 10D replaced the Canon EOS D60, which is also a 6.3-megapixel digital SLR camera. Additionally, the 10D does not accept EF-S lenses.

Reviews

Steve’s Digicams

The 10D’s images are excellent, the resolution is the same as the D60 but there’s less noise and artifacts visible. Even the higher ISO 400 and 800 shots are noticeably “cleaner” and I was surprised to see very useable ISO 1600 images.

DPReview.com

I have no concerns in stating that as things stand (at the time of writing this review) the EOS-10D is the absolute best in class, with the best image quality, lowest high sensitivity noise, superb build quality and excellent price (not to mention the huge choice of lenses).

Digital Camera Resource Page

The Canon EOS-10D is the best deal out there for a digital SLR camera.

Luminous Landscape

There are two new features found in the 10D that don’t even exist in the 1D and 1Ds. The first is an automatic orientation sensor that tells the camera if a shot has been taken vertically or horizontally and then tags the image so that it shows up with the correct orientation on screen. The second is a feature which I’ve been asking Canon for for a couple of years; a mode which automatically switches from single shot focus to focus tracking if the subject starts moving. Hooray!

Cnet

Though not without its quirks, the 10D is a great candidate for a first digital SLR.

Digital Outback Photo

Canon has now with the 10D (excellent price/feature/quality ratio), 1D (the action champion) and 1Ds (defining digital state of the art) a very strong offering of digital SLRs. We hope that this will keep Nikon and Fuji busy to follow up.

Imaging Resource

The EOS-10D will immediately dispel any longing for the D60 though, as it’s a genuinely more capable camera in almost every respect. While the image sensor still has the same ~6 megapixel resolution, the numerous upgrades in nearly all other aspects of the cameras operation (most notably in the AF performance) really makes the 10D a whole new camera.

Mac Dev Center

When Canon started shipping the EOS 10D in March 2003, digital photography took a turn for the better. From the first grip of the magnesium body, this SLR feels right at home. Better yet, it shoots like a real camera.

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. You can still find some used a refurbished 10D bodies popping up on these sites.
[tags]canon, eos, 10d, reviews, price, availability, order[/tags]

Cellblock – A New Tool for Photographers

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Cellblock is a cool new tool that makes adding a slideshow to your site about as simple as can be (note the handy slideshow in the right sidebar now – click in the bottom right corner of it to go to full screen or just click here). Now, you can login to your cellblock account and upload a few photos (3MB limit). Better yet, you can email your photos to a particular email address that you set up for your individual cellblocks. What’s more is that you can shoot those images that you can’t wait to show everyone directly from your cell phone / camera phone to your cellblock and instantly publish them to the rest of the world! Pretty darn cool if you ask me! It embeds into your site just like a YouTube or MySpace video.

Want to give a try on Photography Bay? Just send your image (your image) to photographybay@cellblock.com. No need to stick anything in the subject line. Just attach an image and shoot it to me. I’m still learning my way around this thing and am having trouble with portrait-oriented photos at the moment. If you figure out the problem before I do, then pass it along. In the mean time, stick with horizontals.

Control freak? Don’t worry, you can opt not to publish photos until you’ve had a chance to review them, which I do (so no funny stuff). Thanks to the Trademark Blog for turning me on to this!

UPDATE: Regarding my problem with portrait-oriented (vertical) photos – One of the development guys at Cellblock posted a comment stating that this issue is being addressed and will be fixed soon.

We will be exposing a rotate function over the next couple of weeks that will take care of portrait/landscape issues.

Stay up to date on the Cellblog (the Cheat Sheet is worth a read anyway) or I’ll keep you updated when groovy stuff happens.

You? A Famous Photographer?

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It doesn’t take much these days to gain notoriety with your photographs.  More than anything (especially in the “breaking news” world), it’s being in the right place at the right time.  Chances are that if you read a blog like this one you’ve probably got a digital camera of some form on you for most of the day.  Check out the Washington Post’s recent article, Regular Folks, Shooting History.  The power of the Internet has changed photography forever.  It continues to evolve and makes it all the more possible for even the most amateur point and shooters to become famous photographers.

Canon 1Ds Mark II Reviews

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The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II is a top model in the Canon EOS DSLR line, with a full-frame 16.7 MP CMOS sensor. A professional grade camera body, the EOS 1Ds Mark II is large, ruggedly built, and is dust/weather-resistant. The Mark II is the successor to the 11.4 MP Canon EOS 1Ds and has been replaced by the 21.1 MP Canon 1Ds Mark III.


Reviews

DPReview

Performance is another area which impresses, of course we all expect a professional digital SLR (especially one with this price tag) to operate quickly and be instantly responsive to our every request. But when you consider that this camera wasn’t designed for the fast-shooting sports market it’s equally amazing to use it and realize that in many ways it is just as capable at continuous shooting as it is at delivering superb resolution. Four sixteen megapixel frames per second for 41 frames without stopping is something mighty.

Luminous Landscape

In the end, the 1Ds Mark II stands alone, (for the moment at least), as the camera with the combination of highest image quality and fastest handling available. There are faster cameras and there are higher resolution digital solutions (various 22 Megapixel backs, and soon the Mamiya ZD 22 MP camera). But for the money, the size, the versatility, and the performance, the Canon 1Ds Mark II is currently king of the hill.

Digital Outback Photo

Very clean files up to ISO 400. Even ISO 800 looks excellent and ISO 1600 is very useable too. This seconds the findings we had with some real world nature shots in Sedona that behaved very well at ISO 400. This excellent ISO behavior is more important to us than even the extra resolution.

The Digital Picture

Is the Canon EOS 1D Mark II for professionals only? Definitely not. Having excellent quality in-focus images appeals to a large number of non-professional enthusiasts as well. Keep in mind – all of us are capable of taking bad pictures with the best camera available. The Canon EOS 1D Mark II has the ability take your photography to a very high quality level.

Steve’s Digicams

The Mark II is an excellent value for the pro who needs its increased resolution and improved performance, and to the extent that the Mark II enables them to earn more income, they will buy it. But to the rest of us mere mortals, justifying an $8000 camera plus the necessary upgrades in computer and memory resources is a big stretch, one not many enthusiasts and semi-pro’s will make.

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.