The Canon photo printer giveaway winner was chose by random selection among eligible entrants. Forum user DoublyDan was the winner with his review of the Rebel XTi. Congrats DoublyDan.
Canon 5D Mark II Review at MacWorld
MacWorld has posted a review of the Canon 5D Mark II.
For users who’ve been wanting a full-frame SLR, there’s no doubt that the EOS 5D Mark II is a great option. Kudos to Canon for taking a great camera and finding ways to make it better.
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.
Nikon D5000 Reviews and Resources
The Nikon D5000 is a 12.3 megapixel DSLR, which features HD video-capture abilities and a 2.7″ articulating LCD screen.
Check availability of the Nikon D5000 at the following trusted retailers:
Amazon.com
Nikon D5000 w/ 18-55mm VR lens
Ritz Camera
Nikon D5000 w/ 18-55mm VR lens
Wolf Camera
Nikon D5000 w/ 18-55mm VR lens
Camera World
Nikon D5000 w/ 18-55mm VR lens
Nikon D5000 Key Features
- 12.3 megapixels
- ISO 100-6400
- HD video capture
- 11-point autofocus
- 100,000-cycle shutter
Photography Bay Resources
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 – ISO Comparison
Canon Rebel T1i vs. Nikon D5000 – Video Comparison
Nikon D5000 Reviews
As easy to use as any entry-level DSLR in auto modes, the D5000 provides greater speed, reliability and versatility plus advanced amenities.
The Nikon D5000 successfully fills the needs of both enthusiast photographers moving up from previous models or looking for an affordable DSLR camera, while at the same time being a more than adequate offering for consumers stepping into their first DSLR camera.
The Nikon D5000 is an impressive camera that falls between two stools in terms of its price
Those who require dual control wheels, more dedicated buttons, a large viewfinder and greater compatibility with older AF lenses will still be better served by a D90 and are therefore advised to save up for the higher specified model. For everybody else, the Nikon D5000 provides much the same functionality and image quality in a smaller, lighter and quieter edition.
The Nikon D5000 cranked out the best image performance in its class, and we can safely deliver this news after putting a good flogging to the Pentax K2000, Canon Eos 500D and Olympus E-620.
Overall, D5000 photographs appear clear and crisp with only a slight decrease in sharpness at full zoom and colours seem to reproduce well across the board and are especially vibrant outdoors.
In practice, image files held up quite well through ISO 1600 before noise and breakdowns of tonal gradations started becoming noticeable.
The technical tests of the body also reveal that Nikon managed to maintain the quality and even improved it. The Nikon D5000 benefits from this technical progress and this makes it more than logical that we consider the Nikon D5000 an excellent performing DSLR camera if we look solely at image quality.
The D5000 is the latest in a long line of impressive DSLRs from Nikon, delivering great image quality and a powerful feature-set that represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the D60.
All in all, the D5000 is honest about its heritage and intentions: It’s a mighty fine camera for people who are in need of a solid performer at a reasonable price.
There’s no doubting the abilities of this camera to produce stunning still images – and moving images – but it does sit against some tough competitors, including some of Nikon’s own models.
The studio shots from the D5000 look unsurprisingly like the D90 and D300 – low ISO noise through ISO 800 with obvious detail loss at the expense of noise at ISO 1600 and 3200.
Exposures were well-positioned, colours looked natural and saturation was slightly elevated but not to the extent that pictures looked excessively colour-rich with the default standard Picture Control setting.
DP Review (hands-on preview)
The hand grip is one of the best examples in this class of camera and the rear dial is easily accessible, making it very quick and easy to use.
Nikon D5000 Press Release
MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 14, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D5000, a digital SLR camera with a host of features and capabilities that deliver superior performance and image quality along with amazing versatility for photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography. Leveraging Nikon’s expertise and innovative technologies found in its pro-level D-SLRs, the 12.3-megapixel D5000 enables users to capture exceptionally stunning images and High Definition video with remarkable ease.
Whether consumers are progressing from a point-and-shoot digital camera or looking to upgrade their current digital SLR and elevate their photographic expression, the D5000 serves as an ideal solution. First time D-SLR photographers will appreciate logical and easy-to-use controls, while creative enthusiasts will appreciate the D5000’s robust combination of features, technologies and performance. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that encourages shooting with a fresh perspective, Nikon’s revolutionary D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes, delivering superior Nikon innovation in a compact, user-friendly design.
“The Nikon D5000 represents a cornerstone in Nikon’s D-SLR line, marrying simplicity and instructive features with superior technology and HD video, allowing the user’s ability and creativity to grow—with the camera,” said Edward Fasano, General Manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “While its easy-to-use design will attract first-time D-SLR photographers, the D5000’s rich feature set and high performance will also appeal immediately to more experienced enthusiasts. The D5000 is sure to inspire creativity and originality.”
Broadened Creativity and Adaptability
Photographers can easily compose stunning images on the Vari-angle LCD monitor that they can view in a normal position fitting securely within the camera back, or swung out to be rotated or tilted. The monitor can also be stowed with the LCD panel tucked against the camera back to protect the screen when not in use. This tremendous freedom of movement, along with four Live View autofocus shooting modes, affords users the opportunity to shoot from a multitude of imaginative angles. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving children and pets. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, which offers a large AF area for optimal hand-held shooting; and Normal Area AF, which provides pinpoint accuracy when shooting with a tripod.
The D5000’s D-Movie Mode allows users the exciting ability to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. Photographers will appreciate the quality produced whether creating vacation clips or intertwining still photographs and movies in a post-production creative montage. Additionally, the D5000 is compatible with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses to provide users with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000’s performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.
Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000’s 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.
The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified. With Nikon’s exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user’s personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.
Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.
Proven Image Excellence
Consumers will immediately appreciate the benefits of the D5000’s 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for superior shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000’s ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.
Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure—even when conditions are extreme. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot Metering for added personal control.
Smooth, Swift and Quiet Operation
The D5000’s 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon’s 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.
Paired with Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon’s VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*
The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.
System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D5000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.
The D5000 also works seamlessly with Nikon’s powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software (available for purchase separately), for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.
Price and Availability
The D5000 outfit, which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late April 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95.** For consumers who want to configure their D5000 system or for photographers who need an additional D-SLR body for an existing system, the D5000 will also be offered as a body only for an estimated selling price of $729.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
*As determined in Nikon performance tests
**Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Canon Printer Giveaway Ends Soon
Just a reminder that your chance to win a Canon iP2600 photo printer ends tonight, February 20 at midnight ET.
Details on how to win can be found here.
Few entries so far, so your chances are good.
Photographer Websites: What Buyers Want Now
Photoshelter has been doing their homework. They’ve also been doing your homework for you. Photoshelter conducted a survey of image buyers and figured out what they want to see from your photography site and what makes it easier for customers to buy your images.
Additionally, Photoshelter has made it easier for you to take action and give buyers what they want with their photography website templates.
Some of the survey results are eye-openers. And others . . . well, if you are using autoplay music on your website, stop. Seriously, stop now.
Get the lowdown on the survey and Photoshelter’s plan in the press release below.
RocketLife Touch
RocketLife Touch is a photo kiosk or touch screen solution that can be used in retail photo environments or at home with compatible PCs. More details in the press release. [Read more…]
Digital Foci Photo Book
This new Photo Book from Digital Foci is not so much of a book as it is a digital photo browser with a nice pleather binder. It has an 8″ screen and is set to be available in May for $189. More info in the press release below.
A couple of questions for you wedding photographers:
1. Is this something you would use to show proofs to clients or would you rather use a laptop?
2. Would you consider adding this as part of a package or an extra (i.e., clients take the digital album home loaded with their photos)?
Add your thoughts in the comments below.
Ricoh CX1 Reviews and Resources
The Ricoh CX1 is a 9.29 megapixel point and shoot camera for those who are a little more serious about their point and shooting. It features a 28-200mm zoom equivalent lens and allows you to capture what is essentially HDR images through a double shot mode.
The CX1 also features a 3″ LCD with 920,000 dot resolution, which is generally something reserved for pricier DSLRs. The CX1 has a lot of potential – hopefully, it will live up to it. Check availability on Amazon.com.
Ricoh CX1 Reviews
The Ricoh CX1 is a very accomplished camera from one of the veteran names in the industry.
Image quality is generally very good – with good colour, saturation and contrast. Noise is noticable but photos come out quite smooth with few hot pixels, compared to the competition, and detail is generally good (until ISO800 and above).
Within it’s price range, the Ricoh CX1 is a solid unit both literally and performance-wise that ought to be considered as a contender for your business.
Ricoh CX1 Press Release
Tokyo, Japan, February 19, 2009—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of the CX1, a new digital camera with a 7.1x optical wide-angle zoom lens (28-200 mm in 35 mm film equivalent focal length). The CX1’s expanded dynamic range of 12 EV equivalent makes it possible to capture high-contrast scenes in a way not possible with earlier models.
With new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a new high-speed image processing CMOS sensor installed, the CX1 achieves greater image quality while at the same time expanding dynamic range with its dynamic range double shot mode.
In addition, functions such as multi-pattern auto white balance (sets white balance based on the light sources of segregated areas of the image) and multi-target AF (shoots consecutive images at seven focal distances automatically defined by the camera) enable the new CX1 to create beautiful images giving an almost naked-eye impression.
The CX1 has a large 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA monitor and high-speed continuous shooting functions at approximately 4 frames/second that make it even easier to enjoy photography. This is a digital camera that takes the design concept “A tool you will want to use every day” to a new level of perfection.
Main features of the new CX1
1. | Greater image quality from a new image processing engine and new image sensor. | ||
• | The CX1 has the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV and a new high-speed image processing CMOS sensor. In high-sensitivity shooting conditions, these enhancements result in greater resolution than previous models and also reduce noise without compromising color reproduction. | ||
• | The addition of a customized circuit to the image processing engine has made it possible to include a pixel output interpolation algorithm that expands the CX1’s dynamic range by up to 1 EV compared to conventional methods. This reduces whiteout in high-contrast situations and recreates the beauty seen by the eye. | ||
2. | Dynamic range double shot mode for excellent reproduction of both light and dark areas. | ||
• | The transformation of the image processing engine and the image sensor has enabled the CX1 to do high-speed continuous shooting. This, in turn, has made it possible to create dynamic range double shot mode, which takes high-speed consecutive shots of two still images with different exposures and then records an image that combines the properly exposed portions of each. Expanding the dynamic range up to a maximum equivalent to 12 EV, this mode makes it possible to record images that give an almost naked-eye impression. | ||
• | It is possible to also record a normal image in addition to the expanded-dynamic-range image so you can check the results immediately after shooting. | ||
3. | The multi-pattern auto white balance function gives the optimum color reproduction when shooting subjects mixing different color temperatures. | ||
• | For scenes with both shadow and sunlight and scenes mixing flash and natural light (or fluorescent light, etc.) during flash photography, this function can define white balance to fit the light source of each segregated area of the image. This enhances image quality in people-photography situations that were difficult to shoot with the old auto white balance function. | ||
4. | High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA monitor. | ||
• | The large, high-resolution LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give greater visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine. | ||
• | The optimum fonts are used for high visibility on the VGA monitor, and greater camera operability is achieved with an enhanced setting-screen design easily readable at a glance. There is also an 81-image playback screen display function useful when checking images during playback. | ||
• | Image framing during shooting is now easier as a result of the addition of a shooting information display frame which does not superimpose shooting information over the image itself. | ||
5. | With the multi-target AF function, the camera automatically finds seven focal distances and shoots at each one in succession. | ||
• | The camera automatically decides seven focus points and does high-speed consecutive shooting of seven images while shifting the focus to each point. After shooting, you can select the image with the preferred focus. This function is effective for scenes (such as flowers) where there is a narrow range for a sharp focus. | ||
* | The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file). | ||
6. | Enhanced high-speed continuous shooting functions catch the decisive movement of moving subjects. | ||
• | In continuous shooting mode, it is possible to do high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4 frames/second for still images with the maximum number of pixels. | ||
* | Continuous shooting speed will vary depending on shooting conditions, card type, card condition, etc. | ||
• | The M-continuous plus shooting function does continuous shooting that saves the 30 images (30 frames/sec.) taken during the one second or so before the finger is removed from the shutter release button or the 30 images (15 frames/sec.) taken during the two seconds before. By taking your finger from the shutter release just after the decisive moment has passed, you can be sure that you caught it. | ||
* | Image size is fixed at N1728 (2M). | ||
* | The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file). | ||
• | With ultra-high-speed continuous shooting, the CX1 shoots 120 images (120 frames/sec.) during an interval of about one second after the shutter release button is pushed, or 120 images (60 frames/sec.) during an interval of about two seconds. | ||
* | Image size is fixed at N640 (VGA). | ||
* | The consecutively shot images are recorded as a single MP file (a file format with multiple still images in a single file). | ||
7. | A 7.1x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 28-200 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras) in a body optimized for ease of use as a photographic tool. | ||
• | Ricoh’s original double retracting lens system has made it possible to fit a 7.1x optical wide-angle zoom lens in a body that is both easy to carry and easy to operate. | ||
• | This lens can handle a wide range of shooting situations, including powerful telephoto shots as well as wide-angle shooting of both expansive landscapes and interior scenes with limited distance between camera and subject. | ||
8. | Popular macro photography functions. | ||
• | With the macro photography functions you can get as close to the subject as 1 cm for wide-angle* and 25 cm for telephoto. *Equivalent to 32 mm focal length for 35 mm cameras | ||
• | When shooting up close in easy shooting mode, the camera will automatically switch to macro mode so you can enjoy macro photography without the inconvenience of mode switching. | ||
9. | A wide range of functions inspired by the “A tool you will want to use every day” concept. | ||
• | Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor. | ||
• | Image sensor shift blur reduction function to reduce hand-motion blurring. | ||
• | Face mode that automatically identifies subject faces and optimizes face focus, exposure, and white balance. | ||
• | Easy shooting mode for photographic fun with simple operations. | ||
• | Minimum shooting distance display function that shows on the monitor the minimum shooting distance, which changes depending on the zoom setting. | ||
• | Aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) 1:1 square format photography function. | ||
• | Image flag function to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. | ||
• | The ability to switch from frame to frame with the still image display remaining enlarged in playback mode. |
|
* | The “dynamic range” of a digital camera is range of light intensity that the camera is able to process. |
* | The term “MP file” used in this document refers to “Extended MP files” conforming to the “multi-picture format” standardized by the CIPA. (The file extension is MPO.) With MP file images recorded by the CX1, a selected frame can be extracted and saved as an individual JPEG image within the camera. |
Photoshop CS4 Photographer’s Handbook
The Photoshop CS4 Photographer’s Handbook is a new book from Stephen Laskevitch which focuses on workflow with Photoshop CS4. The book retails for $39.95; however, it can be found for about $26 on Amazon.com.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Novatron M150 Monolight
See the following press release for a new 150 watt monolight priced at $240 from Novatron. [Read more…]
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