Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Canon has announced two new tilt-shift lenses for landscape and architectural photographers, the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II and TS-E 17mm f/4L. The TS-E 24mm lens is priced at $2199. The TS-E 17mm lens is priced at $2499. Check availability for each:
Get more details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Canon has finally brought the much-desired SX1 IS to the US, along with an SX200 IS. For those not familiar with the SX1 IS, it was previously released in non-US markets and subsequently followed by many bitter US consumers asking where their powerful point and shoot camera was at. Canon has answered those requests and by bringing the SX1 IS to American soil.
The SX1 IS should be available in April. Check availability at Amazon.com.
Photography Bay (Hands-On at PMA)
The zoom range, RAW capture, hotshoe and 1080p video recording all add up to make this camera an excellent choice for anyone looking to move up a notch or three from a basic point and shoot camera. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the features of this camera and, I’m sure, will find a way to stretch it to new limits.
The 20X optical zoom range is rather impressive with relatively low distortion except at wide-angle and a good amount of details retention across the zoom range.
Canon’s PowerShot SX1 IS is certainly on the upper end of the compact camera market both in terms of performance and therefore price. As a result however, it delivers good quality images and fantastic high definition movies – a combination likely to suit certain photographers and hobbyists to a tee.
We have some minor gripes with the Canon PowerShot SX1-including its high price-but it’s one of the best superzoom cameras you can buy.
The SX1 IS produced generally good results and is a pleasant camera to use. The ability to jump into movie mode with a one button push is a handy feature for folks who shoot video.
A top megazoom option, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS offers a 20x zoom lens and HD video, which you can’t get in a similarly priced dSLR, and delivers more features and slightly better performance and photo quality than the cheaper SX10 IS.
. . . the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is an excellent ultra-zoom camera (one of the best out there) which is very capable in both still shooting and movie recording.
The SX1 IS is a nicely designed, easy to use camera with a very useful zoom range and an effective image stabilization system.
If you want all the bells and whistles, very good picture quality and plenty of zoom power then the Canon Powershot SX1 IS is hard to beat.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
It is a highly recommendable unit that would make a great travel companion or gift for somebody who enjoys compact photography
The Canon PowerShot SX200 is a versatile photo companion, packing a 12x zoom that gets to 336mm, an image processor that can track faces in motion, a wide selection of recording modes including Manual, HD video with an HDMI port, and more.
Canon’s PowerShot SX200 IS is a very good camera with plenty of features for everyone: novices will make good use of the easy mode, while experienced photographers will appreciate the manual features. It’s a comfortable camera to hold and it has the ability to take some good looking shots – even in dim light.
Overall performance may not win blue ribbons in any given category, but the SX200 IS does most things very well, with an approachable interface, enough controls for enthusiasts to be happy with, a competent lens, and yes, it even takes great pictures.
The DIGIC-4 processor with its algorithms is able to keep the high ISO values free from disastrous noise ratios, and thus enables using high ISO values.
I am impressed by the Powershot SX200 IS. You are unlikely to achieve much better picture quality unless you are prepared to pay a lot more for your camera.
It’s a solid, better-than-average performer in most respects, with great zoom range, wide-ranging control options to please everyone from novices to enthusiasts, a lucid interface, 720p video capture, and decent construction.
Image quality was pleasing both indoors about out. Our outdoor samples show the camera has the ability to capture excellent exposures that show good color balance, and are tac sharp.
The SX200 IS does lead the way in the megapixel wars, with a 12 megapixel sensor that produces the usual quality images that we’ve come to expect from Canon.
More details from Canon’s press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
The SX series cameras are designed for tech-savvy consumers looking for a little gusto in their camera with affordable high-power zoom performance. Packed with features sure to please, the new PowerShot SX1 IS and SX200 IS Digital Cameras offer an array of shooting options enabling the user to choose a product that is customized to fit their needs and enhance their overall shooting experience.
The Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera is a 10.0-Megapixel powerhouse incorporating a CMOS image sensor and 1080p Full HD Movie mode, both first-in-class features for a PowerShot camera, resulting in superb image quality and enhanced flexibility. Still images can be captured easily with a 20x wide-angle Optical Zoom lens (equivalent to 28-560 mm) with Optical Image Stabilization and a 2.8-inch vari-angle wide-format LCD for great on-camera viewing and editing. What’s more, this camera offers a full range of shooting and recording modes, including RAW + JPEG for ultimate creative control. While the camera is in Movie Mode, the PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera can easily play back video and view photos on an HDTV, via a built-in HDMI connector. With all these great features and now Full HD Movie Mode, the PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera is the perfect complement to a DSLR. The PowerShot SX1 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in April for an estimated retail price of $599.99.
With a new sleek and sophisticated package, the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS Digital Camera offers consumers a great compact camera with DSLR-like features. The PowerShot SX200 IS Digital Camera comes loaded with a powerful 12x Optical Zoom lens and wide-angle lens (28-336 mm equivalent), and Optical Image Stabilization. This long-range seeker can get up close to subjects or capture more in the frame. Available in three colors – black, blue and red – consumers can now choose to personalize their camera according to their lifestyle. High-resolution, 12.1-Megapixels, 720p HD Movie Mode and a large 3-inch LCD screen with wide-angle viewing round out the feature set. The PowerShot SX200 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available at the end of March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.
The Canon SELPHY CP780 is a new compact printer that tries to carry on the stylish nature of the SELPHY line. Obviously, it is a consumer grade printer that can be had for a retail price of $99.95. Check availability on Amazon.com
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
The Canon PowerShot D10 is Canon’s take on the latest trend in digital cameras – rugged and waterproof bodies. The key feature of the D10 is that it can swim with you as deep as 33 feet. It carries a price tag of $329.99 and should be available in May just in time for the beach.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
The somewhat playfully styled camera is is a bit on the bulky side, but is also well equipped to handle most of the abuse it may encounter outdoors.
If you would like a robust digital camera that will stand out from the crown take a good look at the Powershot D10. It takes a good snapshot and is easy enough to use.
More details from Canon’s press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
Consumers looking for an all-around waterproof, freeze proof and shockproof camera should look no further. The Canon PowerShot D10 Digital Camera, a first of its kind for Canon, comes equipped with a 12.1-Megapixel resolution and 3x Optically Stabilized Zoom lens, making it an ideal companion for thrill-seekers of all types. This uniquely styled camera is amazing for capturing high-resolution images and off-camera editing. The PowerShot D10 Digital Camera can withstand depths up-to-33-feet deep, is freeze proof from 14 degrees Fahrenheit and shockproof up-to-four feet. To add a little fun and funky style to this great camera, an optional accessory kit is available containing distinctive accessories, such as a customized strap, cool face plates and a carabineer hook (attached to a strap). The PowerShot D10 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in early May for an estimated retail price of $329.99.
Canon offers no rest for the weary with its line up of no less than 4 new PowerShot SD-series cameras (making it 10, yes 10, new point and shoot camera models from Canon). Packed with every bell and whistle you can put in a pocket-sized camera, Canon is refreshing a line of cameras that’s still plenty fresh.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
The Canon PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH is a very good camera for those seeking a compact camera with a large, ultra-sharp LCD, extra zoom power, and lots of point-and-shoot features.
The Canon PowerShot SD970 Digital ELPH takes good, vivid photos up to ISO 200 and there’s some detail smudging from ISO 400 onwards (something that’s common as compact cameras increase noise reduction levels).
Check availability at Amazon.com.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
Small, very user-friendly and capable in most situations, the Canon SD1200 upholds the ELPH reputation for style and quality.
Simple and stylish, the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS is a fine back-pocket camera as long as your photo-quality expectations are reasonable.
More details from Canon’s press release below.
Whether the activity du jour involves dancing ’til dawn, attending a black-tie gala or a quiet evening for two, Canon’s colorfully clad Digital ELPH Cameras are there to capture the magic of the moment and preserve the memory for years to come. Their substantive and stylish box and circle design, and striking colors, are the perfect complement to any situation and offer both the fashion-forward and feature-hungry photographer an all-in-one must-have camera.
The Canon PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH Camera offers consumers the “ultimate” in design and feature-set. The camera comes fully loaded with 12.1-Megapixels for amazing resolution and editing, plus a 5x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, all with easy viewing on a large 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen. Additional features found on the PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH Camera include Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, Active Display and 720p HD Movie Mode with built-in HDMI connector to view photos and videos on an HDTV. What’s more, the PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH Camera uses advanced features such as Zoom Blur and Creative Light Effect to produce fun and original effects with the camera. Zoom Blur allows the user to zoom during exposure, thus providing a haze-like effect to the image, while Creative Light Effect allows the user to shoot pictures by converting the light from light bulbs and sparks from fireworks into various shapes, such as stars and hearts. The PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH Camera is scheduled to be available in mid-April for an estimated retail price of $379.99.
The elegance and beauty of the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH Camera epitomizes the ELPH series persona. The camera comes in four subtle hues, including silver, blue, pink and gold, and is equipped with a simple button layout, wide-screen 2.8-inch PureColor LCD II screen, new Active Display and an improved user interface which will intrigue both new and experienced consumers alike. Additional features include Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, 12.1-Megapixel resolution, wide-angle lens (28-112 mm equivalent) and 4x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization. Like the SD970 IS Digital ELPH model, the PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH Camera can shoot 720p HD video and it has an on-camera HDMI connector for easy playback of video and photos on an HDTV. The PowerShot SD960 IS Digital ELPH Camera is scheduled to be available in early March for an estimated retail price of $329.99.
The Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH Camera is for the “fashionista” or “fashionisto” who craves the refined design of a Digital ELPH Camera. The ultra-slim, modern look combined with a choice of four colors – black, red, silver or gold – defines a person’s right to choose a color that truly represents them. However, while color and personalization is top-of-mind, so is substance and feature-set. Compact yet feature-rich, the PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH Camera is equipped with 12.1-Megapixels of high-resolution image capture and 3x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization. For on-camera viewing, the camera features a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II screen with optical viewfinder. Additional features found on the PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH Camera include Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology and 720p HD Movie Mode with built-in HDMI connector for viewing video and photos on an HDTV. The PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH Camera is scheduled to be available in mid-March for an estimated retail price of $279.99.
The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH Camera is a great entry-level ELPH camera and comes in six bright colors, including dark gray, blue, pink, green, light gray and orange. With features such as Smart AUTO and 10.0-Megapixels of resolution, printing large-size images with clarity and detail is a breeze. The PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH Camera is scheduled to be available in mid-March for an estimated retail price of $229.99.
Canon has updated its PowerShot A-series with three additional camers that come in 12.1 megapixel and 10 megapixel flavors. Geared toward the budget shopper, prices range from $129.99 to $249.99.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
Canon’s PowerShot A2100 IS is a good value compact with a longer than average zoom range, excellent image quality and very effective image stabilisation.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
Aside from a couple performance quibbles, the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS provides a good point-and-shoot experience with great pictures as a result.
Check availability at Amazon.com.
More details from Canon’s press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
From the tentative first-timer to the passionate photographer, the PowerShot A-Series product line provides the ever-present convenience and cost-effectiveness of being power driven by two AA batteries. With bright, bold, new colors, no wonder the A-Series line is a convenient must-have among consumers.
Now the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS Digital Camera design has evolved to be smaller in size and higher in performance, but has maintained the essence of the A-Series persona with a mode dial for more creative control. Features such as 12.1-Megapixel resolution, 6x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, large 3.0-inch LCD screen and new Smart AUTO enables this camera to be a go-everywhere and shoot anywhere product. The PowerShot A2100 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in early-April for an estimated retail price of $249.99.
The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS Digital Camera is ideal for the color-conscious consumer. The camera comes in four captivating shades, including gray, blue, pink and green, and the fun doesn’t stop at colors. Features such as 12.1-Megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, large 2.5-inch LCD screen with Optical Viewfinder and the new Smart AUTO enables this camera to also be a go-anywhere and match any lifestyle accessory. The PowerShot A1100 IS Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $199.99.
The Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera is designed for the person on a budget, while offering the perfect balance of features for anyone who just wants to take the camera out of the box and start taking pictures. The new A480 Digital Camera is packed with Canon imaging technology features, such as a 10.0-Megapixel sensor and 3.3x Optical Zoom, with Canon’s DIGIC III imaging processor and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. Enveloped in color, the new model gives consumers four color options to fit their style, including red, blue, silver and black. The PowerShot A480 Digital Camera is sure to be a hit as a starter camera for younger photographers and people looking to upgrade from a traditional film camera. The PowerShot A480 Digital Camera is scheduled to be available in March for an estimated retail price of $129.99.
Canon has released a new professional software package called Studio Solution, which is geared toward photographers working in a studio environment.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
DP Review has posted a review of the Canon 5D Mark II.
We have always placed a heavy emphasis on image quality, and all other things aside this means the 5D Mark II has to receive our highest rating.
For the latest news and reviews on the 5D Mark II, be sure to stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 5D Mark II Reviews and Resources.
Canon has a new short-term (through 3/1/09) rebate program that takes $200 off the purchase of certain Canon DSLRs + a lens + a 580EX II flash.
Eligible DSLRs are:
EOS 1Ds Mark III
EOS 1D Mark III
EOS 5D Mark II
EOS 50D
EOS 40D
Eligible DSLR kits are:
EOS 5D Mark II EF 24-105mm IS Kit
EOS 50D EF 28-135mm IS Kit
EOS 50D EF 18-200m IS PS Kit
EOS 40D EF 28-135mm IS Kit
Note: If you buy a DSLR kit along with the flash, you still have to buy one of the eligible lenses to meet the rebate requirement.
Eligible lenses are:
EF 24-70mm F/2.8L USM
EF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM
EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM
EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM
Plus the Speedlite 580EX II flash.
Thanks to Adorama for the news.
Photography Bay is giving away a new Canon PIXMA iP2600 photo printer to one lucky reader. The iP2600 is an entry-level photo printer that prints photos with borderless edges, from credit-card size, up to 8.5″ x 11″, and with resolution up to 4800 x 1200 color dpi.
If you’re not a member of the forum, you can register here.
The product review can be positive or negative. It can be anything related to photography – such as cameras, lenses, tripods, software, or prints from a particular vendor. Spammy posts will not be considered – quality counts. Among the quality reviews that are posted, a winner will be randomly selected.
Deadline for Entries
February 20, 2009
This contest is limited to the Continental US. Shipping is covered by Photography Bay. Winner will be contacted by the email he or she used to register for the Photography Bay forum. If selected winner does not respond within 72 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.