Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Nikon D3x Features Sony-Manufactured Sensor

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Nikon has been dodging a direct answer to the question of sensor origins of its D3x since the camera was announced.  Nikon has finally admitted that Sony manufactured the sensor; however, Nikon points out that it designed the sensor.  Here’s Nikon’s own words:

The Nikon D3X’s 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor was developed expressly for the D3X in accordance with Nikon’s stringent engineering requirements and performance standards, with final production executed by Sony. Featuring refined low-noise characteristics, 12 and 14 bit output, Live View capability and more, the D3X’s unique sensor design was carefully blueprinted to perform in perfect concert with proprietary Nikon technologies including EXPEED Image Processing and the Scene Recognition System. Meticulous efforts allowed the sensor to become one of the many essential components and technologies which contribute to the D3X’s superior image fidelity.

[via Rob Galbraith]

So, is Nikon saying that this sensor is a different one than the one found in the Sony A900?

Stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D3x Reviews and Resources for the latest news and reviews.

 

Panasonic Lumix G1 Review at Let’s Go Digital

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Let’s Go Digital has published a review of the Panasonic Lumix G1.

It’s very pleasant to shoot with the Panasonic LUMIX G1 in practice. The camera responds fast and is very user-friendly. The menu is well-structured enabling fast navigation.

For more news and reviews, visit Photography Bay’s Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Reviews and Resources.

Canon 5D Mark II Review by Phil Holland

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Phil Holland has posted a thorough review of the Canon 5D Mark II.  The review is packed full of samples at a variety of ISOs for all you pixel peepers out there.  You can even cash in by downloading the RAW files to tinker with.

The body and autofocus alone make it my camera of choice. However, if I shot more street work, shot weddings, or just needed to finally get rid of that pesky Canon D30 finally (you guys know you’re out there) I’d say the 5D Mark II is a great buy.

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.

Samsung S860 Review at Buy-n-Shoot

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Buy-n-Shoot has published a review of the Samsung S860.

For a compact camera within this highly affordable price range, the S860 packs a powerful little punch. High resolution images are created using what Samsung call a ‘true-colour filtered’ 8.1 mega pixel CCD (charge-coupled device), which allows users to print their images any size up to that of a standard poster without loss of quality.

For the more news and reviews, visit Photography Bay’s Samsung S860 Reviews and Resources.

Pentax Optio W60 Review at Camera Labs

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Camera Labs has published a review of the Pentax Optio W60.

The waterproof capabilities of these cameras have been pretty good from day-one. So long as you stay within the specified depths and times, and realise the AF may be relatively slow, the screen sometimes tricky to see and the flash only illuminate a short distance, then you’ll be fine.

14 Days With a 5D Mark II

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In this article, guest blogger and stock photographer, Rich Legg of LeggNet.com, provides his impressions of the first two weeks with the Canon 5D Mark II. You can learn more about Rich and how to connect with him at the end of this article.

I have been living with my 5D Mark II for two weeks now, and while I will leave the detailed reviews to the professional reviewers, I thought I’d share my thoughts so far.

I make my living as a stock photographer shooting exclusively for iStockphoto and Getty Images.  In addition, I supplement this income with freelance work.  My workhorse camera body for the past couple years has been the original 5D, and it has served me well.   When Canon introduced the new 5D Mark II in September, I jumped at the chance to upgrade my production camera to this 21 megapixel beauty.  Shooting primarily stock photography, I didn’t need all the features of the 1DS Mark III (focus points, weather sealing, etc.) but I really wanted to up the resolution of my images.  The new 5D fit my needs perfectly.

I placed my pre-order the morning of the announcement in September and waited.  Thankfully, my local dealer (Pictureline) was one of the first retailers in the US to receive stock.  With my early pre-order, I was able to walk out of the store with the camera on the morning of November 25th.

My initial thoughts on holding the camera after un-boxing was that the body felt more rugged than its predecessor.  After further inspection, I believe the main reason for this is the combination of the improved rubber gripping and the rougher finish on the magnesium body.  In a side-by-side comparison with my original 5D, the older camera is extremely smooth in contrast to the new textured surface of the Mark II.  I do wonder though if the smoothness of the original 5D has been enhanced by wear.  Otherwise, with the exception of the larger LCD and a couple new or repositioned buttons, the camera handles just like it predecessor. [Read more…]

Olympus E-30 Review at Digital Camera Review

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Digital Camera Review has published a first impressions review of the Olympus E-30.

Some initial questions aside, the E-30 is coming off as expected thus far, and with so much technology from the E-3 coming down into this more size-aware platform, it stands a strong chance of vying for a spot as my favorite Olympus DSLR to date.

For more news and reviews, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Olympus E-30 Reviews and Resources.