Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
This futuristic concept camera is on display at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Features and specs include a wide to tele lens capable of reaching out to 5000mm focal length. Additionally, the concept suggest the ability to capture images with everything in focus. Canon suggest that a similar spec’d camera will be available for consumer purchase within a couple of decades. Hit up the video below for a little narrated sneak peek of the concept courtesy of Gizmag. [Read more…]
One of the most crippling features in many DSLR cameras (like the Canon Rebel T2i above) is the poor autofocus performance in both live view and video modes. While mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GH1 and Samsung NX10 do a decent job of using contrast-detection AF methods, DSLR manufacturers like Canon and Nikon have done a poor job in making it work. Sony, to its credit, has implemented an effective live view design with fast autofocus by placing a secondary live view sensor in the viewfinder, which allows the standard phase difference AF sensor to function normally. But, still, it’s not a true “live view” of what the sensor will produce. Plus, Sony’s design won’t work with video.
Of course, most pros and serious amateurs understand the benefit and efficiency of using the fast, phase difference AF method that results from using the viewfinder. However, that doesn’t stop entry-level and enthusiast photographers from complaining about the poor live view and lack of video autofocus in their sub-$1000 DSLRs. Additionally, there are certainly situations where an accurate and quick live view or video autofocus mode are desired among photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds.
Canon may very well have the answer: Put the fast, phase difference AF sensors in pixels on the main image sensor.
Amazon is currently listing the Rebel T2i “In Stock.” But there are only 4 left (at the time of this post) according to the product page, and it’s just the (body only) that’s in stock. Here’s the link:
Also, Adorama currently has a number of Rebel T2i kits in stock as well. Here are those links:
It doesn’t look like B&H has any Rebel T2i kits in stock at the time of this post. Of course, that could change soon, so here’s the link to B&H’s various Rebel T2i kits that you can keep checking back on:
This camera has been tough to find since day one, so I wouldn’t wait around too long if it’s on your list – or you’ll be waiting a while longer.
I’ve been digging into Lightroom 3 for a couple of days now. I’m a big fan of the improvements – happy to see my video files, love the tethered shooting capability, as well as the improved speed. Last night, however, I decided to dig up some of my photos from the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s ISO comparisons and take a closer look at the improved noise control that we’ve all heard so much about.
While I experienced a taste of what was to come in the Lightroom 3 beta, I was not prepared for the magnitude of improvement that I saw in the images as I wiped my Lightroom 2 adjustments and made new adjustments in Lightroom 3’s noise control panel.
I could go on and on about it, but you really need to see for yourself. [Read more…]
Talk about changing the way HDR is done . . . .
A recently published Canon patent application (see USPTO Appl. No. 12/630,594) reveals a method for altering exposure values at the pixel level, which would allow Canon to produce a camera that captures a much wider dynamic range with a single image.
The lengthy patent application spells out a process whereby the camera captures a preliminary image with normal exposure values and then evaluates the exposure level across the entire image. After creating an exposure map of the scene, the camera alters the exposure amount at the pixel level for the primary HDR image capture. [Read more…]
Buy.com has got the Canon 7D for a good $100 to $150 less than any other legitimate sites have right now. At $1425, this is a heck of a deal on the Canon 7D right now. Free shipping is included. The deal ends next week . . . or whenever it sells out.
You can find the 7D here on Buy.com.
DNA India has published an interesting article on Canon’s attempt to break into and, in many ways, create a digital camera market in India. In order to get Canon cameras into the hands of Indian consumers, Canon is taking a grass roots approach by going on a 38 city tour with all sorts of Canon cameras, lenses and accessories and simply letting people try them out. [Read more…]
We’ve got menus, buttons and touch screens to help use operate our cameras. However, imagine telling your subjects to “say cheese” and the camera listens to your command as well, waits for people to smile and handles the shutter button for you. The latter portion of those operations is are already available on today’s cameras with features like SmileShot and ShutterSmile, which wait for smiles before releasing the shutter. And, if one of Canon’s latest patents comes to life, we could have the voice recognition features on our cameras in the near future. [Read more…]
Leave Me is a short film that centers around a broken Canon DSLR and the images within. While the human element makes the film, it’s a very cool use of a camera to tie it all together.
The film was shot with a Panasonic HVX200 with a Brevis35 lens adapter and Nikon primes.
Extra credit if you can identify the camera in the film.
Canon has launched a new Shooter’s Insight video series in the Canon Digital Learning Center featuring the 1D Mark IV with Vincent Laforet. A number of episodes appear to be in the works and “coming soon” that will focus on Laforet’s use of the 1D Mark IV in a recent VW spec commercial.
More on this series can be found online at the Canon Digital Learning Center.