Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs.
With the 4th fast approaching (that’s Wednesday folks), everybody wants to get that great shot of the fireworks that has always turned out lame in years past. To get the most out of your 4th of July fireworks photographic experience, check out this post and send your fireworks shots in to be posted here.
[tags]photos, fireworks, howto, learn, diy[/tags]
The Canon EOS 20D is an 8.2-megapixel semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera, initially announced on August 19, 2004 at a recommended retail price of US$1,499. It is the successor of the EOS 10D, and is succeeded by the EOS 30D. Major changes over the 10D, aside from the new sensor and increased resolution, include almost instant power-on (0.2 seconds instead of the 10D’s 2.5 seconds), support for Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and support for the EF-S lens mount. Despite the resolution change, the sensor remains the same physical size as per its predecessor; all lenses still have an angle of view crop of 1.6 compared to the same focal length lens on 135 film. At the cost of a much noisier shutter than its predecessor shutter frame rate was improved, (5 frames per second), a larger 23 frame JPEG buffer but a smaller 6 frame RAW buffer, a new E-TTL II flash metering system, new DIGIC II image processor, a black and white mode as well as a brand-new nine-point autofocus system which is more responsive. The central cross-sensor has a high-precision mode which is activated by use of a lens of f/2.8 or faster.
Reviews
With 8-megapixel resolution, excellent image quality, reduced noise at high ISO settings, robust shooting performance, accurate AF, responsive Continuous AF, and improved ergonomics, there’s a lot to like about the 20D. Canon has certainly set a new benchmark for what an enthusiast dSLR should be, and the under-$1500 20D even encroaches on the performance envelope of the professional camera’s produced by some of Canon’s competitors!
Despite a two megapixel increase in pixel count (and hence a reduction in photosite size) the EOS 20D manages to deliver lower noise with better sharpness at higher sensitivities than the EOS 10D.
The Canon 20D is an excellent picture taking machine. Given its 8 Megapixel sensor, 5 frames / second shooting capability, instant turn-on, large buffer, extremely low noise, and excellent battery life, it’s hard not to give this camera an A. I might have even been tempted to give it an A+ if it weren’t for the missing ISO setting in the viewfinder and stupid mirror lock up sequence. The smaller dimmer viewfinder also knocks it down a peg.
The noise behavior of the 20D is just amazing and matches that of the excellent Canon 1D Mark II.
Despite the smaller pixels of the 20D, the noise levels have not increased over those of the 10D. In fact at high ISO settings, the 20D displays less noise than the 10D.
I’ll be blunt: the Canon EOS-20D is the best reasonably priced digital SLR that I’ve tested. And by reasonably priced I meant under $2000. There’s so much to like about the 20D, I don’t know where to start. Photo quality is excellent, with photos having an ultra smooth look to them. Color and exposure were both accurate. Personally I’d crank the sharpness up another notch, but that’s just me. Noise levels are very low, even at ISO 1600 — try that with your fixed-lens camera!
The camera performs superbly in every respect. Color is accurate, image noise very low, resolution excellent, and the camera is very responsive, both to the shutter button, and from shot to shot. Particularly impressive is the extent to which Canon managed to decrease high-ISO image noise, while at the same time going to a sensor layout with physically smaller pixels.
The Canon 20D digital SLR camera is a fantastic tool for sports and action photographers who like to make large prints. The camera is geared toward professional photographers, but priced with consumers in mind.
Not lost in the Canon EOS 20D upgrade is excellent image quality. Results from the 20D are impressive. All of the “Auto”s are excellent including Auto White Balance, Auto Exposure and as I mentioned already, Auto Focus.
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.
[tags]canon, 20d, eos, review, specs, info[/tags]
The Olympus E-3, which is Olympus’ flagship DSLR, was announced October 16, 2007 in the US. The E-3 has a 10.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor along with Olympus’ TruePic III™ digital processing engine. Additionally, Olympus touts the new autofocus system as the fastest AF speed in the world with the new ZUIKO SWD lenses.
As noted, Olympus has 3 new ZUIKO lenses:
If you don’t mind the smaller Four Thirds sensor or being limited by 10.1 MP resolution (little room to crop), this is definitely a camera to own and use.
The system works perfectly okay for static subjects, and for some things—notably macro photography of non-moving subjects, especially close to the ground—it can work a lot better than the regular optical viewfinder.
The viewfinder and AF are two usual scapegoats, but with the E-3, Olympus has significantly improved both. The tunnel-vision of earlier Four Thirds viewfinders has been upgraded to a large and bright experience that inspires you to use the 4:3 aspect ratio. The older basic 3-point AF system has been replaced by a new 11-point system which with the right lens and conditions can perform extremely quickly.
What the Olympus E3 brings to the table is excellent images, a great build quality, and a lovely user experience, but fails to match the innovation of the E-1, or even other models from the Olympus range. Instead it’s taken the best bits, refined them and put them all into a very usable camera.
All in all the Olympus E-3 impressed greatly. It is a very well thought-out camera with emphasis on the user. That doesn’t go for many other camera brands.
Because of its great reliability, comprehensive feature set, and great image quality, the Olympus model should certainly appeal to the most advanced photo enthusiast. More importantly perhaps, the price is right! In fact, in the professional category, this one deserves my “Best Value” award. It’s not only the most affordable but offers excellent return on the investment, making Olympus competitive in the high-end category.
If you need a tough, durable and very capable camera to endure harsh conditions the E3 would be near the top of my list for any camera category. I shoot in many of these situations, can see the utility of the E3 in these circumstances, and would welcome being able to use it. The camera is just not very quick on its feet for general purpose photos or when a quick capture of an elusive moment is called for. And this so perfectly mirrors the DSLR scene in general.
It makes sense given that Olympus has pinned its hopes on the E-3 as its most serious digital contender to date. Still, the amount of time you’ll spend penitently wading through the manual will reward you with some seriously good images. Colours are lovely and true-to-nature, and although Olympus may not have quite cracked the old white balance conundrum when faced with tricky conditions, at least you can work around it.
Photographing with the Olympus E-3 is a bit like driving a sports sedan. You may not need the speed and power most of the time, but you’re sure glad it’s there when you do. Plus, you get comfort and style with your scoot. The E-3 is more than competent for everyday shooting, and its speed and burst depth handle demanding moments with ease. Then, when you’re pushing pixels, the E-3’s files help you get back to pushing shutters sooner.
Robert Watcher posted some thoughts and sample images from his in-store shooting spree with the E-3. Check his site out for more:
It’s pretty cool when you can see the white balance change on the screen before you take the shot. Made it very easy to select the right setting for the light, just by scrolling through the presets and stopping at the one that looked best.
Biofos.com: The excerpt below does not do this series of several hands-on reviews justice. Click through for a ton of information on the new E-3. (Thanks to John Begin for pointing this resource out.)
I’m glad Olympus set about improving the various processing algorithms with their conservative hat on. From colour to noise reduction it seems just about a perfect balance. I’m relieved as I was expecting some pretty aggressive non-selectable Noise Reduction.
Photogaphy Review (Hands-On Preview)
The first thing I noticed was how fast the new auto focus is. Olympus is claiming that the E-3 combined with their new Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 SWD lens has the fastest auto focus currently available. It certainly feels like it could be the fastest, although controlled testing needs to be done. The camera is noticeably larger than the E-510 and has the sturdy solid build and professional feel that the E-1 had. It really feels and behaves like a professional digital SLR body.
Popular Photography (Hands-On Preview)
The autofocus system is highly sensitive and significantly faster, with selectable 11 AF zones. Olympus says that the AF’s unique design uses a layered, slightly offset, CMOS sensor array to improve accuracy and low-light sensitivity. As a result, all 11 AF zones should be active cross-sensor types with any aperture lens. This may be the best AF system we’ve ever seen on an Olympus DSLR.
Imaging Resource (Hands-On Preview)
The Olympus E-3 is by far the most advanced Olympus digital camera I’ve used, very satisfying to shoot with, and one of the more compelling SLRs launched this season. Its design, though big, is ergonomically pleasing and handsome, and it gives you a feel of confidence and control. The E-3’s build matches the sturdy feel of Olympus’s high-end lenses, which are some of the tightest we’ve seen.
Olympus RAW codec for Vista
Free HLD-4 grip and backpack for Olympus UK customers.
The Official Olympus America E-3 Page
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.
We knew it was coming. Yahoo has finally incorporated flickr into the Yahoo Image Search function. This is a big darn deal. Thomas Hawk tells us why.
[tags]flickr, yahoo, image, search, google, bigdangdeal[/tags]
UPDATES 10/16/07:
The Olympus announcement letter is here.
Here’s an E-3 brochure in the wild. Click on it for a larger version. Unfortunately, much of it is unreadable due to scan quality.
Looks like the E-3 will arrive at 6:00 p.m. ET. See the Countdown.
The launch is close. This blurb appears in the search results for E-3 on Olympus Australia’s site:
The new range-topping Olympus E-3 is designed for the professional photographer and advanced enthusiasts requiring super fast auto-focus and responsiveness in a camera that delivers professional lev. . .
UPDATE 10/15/07: While we’re waiting on more news of the Olympus E-3, take a stroll over to the Olympus E-System: Passion for the Best site to discover some of the features and buzz that Olympus is promoting for it’s new E-3.
UPDATE 10/12/07: News on the Olympus E-3 launch event in New York.
UPDATE 8/29/07: More info on the E-3 at the Korean photo show.
UPDATE 8/28/07: The E-3 has shown up at a photo show in Korea. More images and discussion here. Stay tuned for more.
UPDATE 7/13/07: Apparently, Olympus has caught wind of their .PDF (discussed below) surfacing on the internet:
I have been asked to remove the PDF from public sight while the leak is being investigated. Too bad that my first and only phonecall from Olympus was so negative. But we will know in a few days, at least it looks like the camera is going to hit the shelves very soon now. I’m am already putting money aside for it myself.
If anything, it sounds like this adds some legitimacy to the .PDF that some folks were originally skeptical of.
ORIGINAL POST: Olympus E-P1 has left the building. It appears that the goods on the Olympus E-P1 (apparently, that is the going name) has made its way to the Internet from a European Business Meeting presentation in .PDF form. The .PDF file has popped up on a number of sites. It looks like the source points back to a post by forum user “noone” over at fourthirdsphoto.com. (via 4-3system.com). Here’s a direct link to the .pdf file *it’s 14MB. (via fourththirdsphoto.com). I’ll try to keep current with the developments on this page.
Now for the good stuff from the presentation:
E-1 customers’ are expecting:
More pixels and less noise
Fastest AF and more AF points
More accurate AE
Larger LCD monitor
Faster burst rate
Higher shutter speed and flash sync. speed
Built-in flash
Wireless flash control capability
Live View capability with swivel monitor
Image stabilization
Nikon D200 / 30D customers are not satisfied with:
95% coverage finder
No sensor dust solution
Expensive images stabilized VR / IS lenses
No built-in wireless flash control (30D)
No splash-proof body (30D)
Main Specifications
World most effective anti-shake system (Max. 5 Steps)
10 MP High Speed Live MOS (5fps)
Live View with multi angel LCD
(SAT, White Balance & Exposure Compensation)
Dust reduction (SSWF)
Splash proof body
Wireless flash control in 3 groups
High speed shooting capability
(5fps, 1/8000, X=1/250
Big Viewfinder image with 100% coverage
Bigger finder magnification (x1.15) with full coverage ratio (100%)
AF performance
Quicker and more accurate World
quickest with SWD lenses
11 points
All cross sensor (D200/30D just
Center point)
Better low light performance –
2EV@ISO100 (D200 -1EV, 30D, –
0.5 EV)
Better continuous AF
Nikon D200 / 30D customers are not satisfied with:
95% coverage finder
- Olympus provides 100% coverage and bigger finder
No sensor dust solution
- Olympus provides the most effective dust reduction system
Expensive image stabilized VR / IS lenses
- Olympus provides the body built-in image stabilizer available for all lenses
No built-in wireless flash control (30D)
Canon customers have to buy a bulky hot-shoe clipping wireless controller unit for wireless applications
No splash-proof body (30D)
E-P1 – “Capture qualified Images under any situations”
“World most effective Anti-Shake performance”
- Photographers can take sharp images with slower shutter speed, or under darker situation, they have not taken before.
World quickest precise AF performance
- Sharply captured every moment.
Live View
- New shooting style also thanks to multi angle LCD.
“Dust Reduction System and Splash & Dust Proof Body
- …performance is proved by E-1
“Big VF & Wireless Flash Control
- For perfect control
E-P1, a camera made for professionals!
Perfect product, with a lot benefits to competition.
“Let’s promote and enjoy top down effect to E-410 & E-510 and accessory sales.”
E-P1 based on Four Thirds
Main benefits
Specifically designed for digital photography
Maximises the performance of image sensors and lenses
Flange back ratio allows thinner construction of the body
As of today the widest real digital lens line up exist on the market
Allows use of smaller, lighter lenses with same angle of view as 35mm lenses
Full wide-angle capacity because of newly developed standard
Dust reduction system planned into design
Secure investment due to future-oriented technology
Open standard ensures cross-manufacturer inter-changeability Olympus, Panasonic, Leica & Sigma with products
OPR
Latest status of local sales start in November
OPR & Press event planned around Mid October
Final confirmation from OT by end June
NEW Zuiko Digital Lenses
Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f2,8-4,0 SWD (Equiv. 24-120mm)
- Faster Autofocus
- Pro Lens
- October 2007
Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm f2,0 SWD (Equiv. 28-70mm)
- Top Pro Lens
- Spring 2008
Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f2,8-3,5 SWD (Equiv. 100-400mm)
- Faster Autofocus
- Pro Lens
- Nocember 2007
________________________________
Tele converter EC-20 for double telepower
- October 2007
______________________________________
Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f4,0-5,6 (Equiv. 140-600mm)
- Faster Autofocus
- Standard Lens
- October 2007
In short, I’m impressed and will certainly be thinking a little more about Olympus as a real contender in the future.
As always, I’ll keep you posted when more word comes down the line.
UPDATE 7/17/07: Via 1001 Noisy Cameras:
ImagingInsider reports that Olympus is officially denying releasing the presentation of what became the “leaked E-P1 files”. Of course if you parse the sentence of the Olympus rep, he is only denying that Olympus (officially) released the presentation, which is true.
[tags]olympus, e-3, e-1, p-1, e-p1, four thirds, 4/3, system, e, dslr, digital camera[/tags]
Originally uploaded by Levanchik.
Shot with a Canon Powershot A700; 1/100s; f/4; Photoshop CS.
[tags]canon, powershot, a700, photo of the day, photoshop, pic, photo, portrait, draganize, dragan[/tags]
Originally uploaded by paulshkodrani.
A posting of a couple photos in the DPReview.com forums really stirred the pot today. Some are convinced that the photos are the real deal and that the Nikon D3 is finally upon us. Others, however, remain skeptical (or downright rebellious) of the authenticity of the shots. Regardless, the rumor mill seems to be picking up steam again.
You can read the ongoing debate and view the other photos of the purported D3 on the DPReview.com forums here.
As always, I’ll keep you posted on the latest and greatest on the Nikon D3 rumor mill.
[tags]nikon, d3, d3x, rumors, news, photos[/tags]
Here’s a couple o’ snippets from the rumor world (i.e., DPReview.com forums):
Actually met with the guy today. Got quite a lot more info, so perhaps his tight lips before was ’cause someone else was in the room when I was on the phone.
HERE’S WHAT I KNOW after my chat today:
The product is definitely a new professional DSLR
It is hardware final. Firmware is under testing and still in flux.
Production is scheduled to begin in July, in Japan, at a rate of 8-10,000 per month.
It has a revolutionary feature. I don’t know what it is, nor do I know whether it is revolutionary ‘across the board’ or just for Nikon.
It WILL NOT be announced this month.
It will be announced and demonstrated internally at Nikon Japan around the 10th of July.
It will now be publicly announced around late July/early August.
It will still be available for purchase late August.
HERE’S WHAT I DON’T KNOW:
Model name
Specs
‘The Feature’
Price
And Thom Hogan chimed in as well:
stupormundi wrote:
> Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t that a really high production
> volume for a Pro-Camera?
Yes and no. The initial D2x quantity was 25k/mo according to Nikon (though it’s unclear whether or not that included built-up inventory that was released to shipment as well as the current production). Long-term production of the high-end pro models has generally been modest in number (1k-10k, depending upon the model).
Given the product Nikon is going to announce (remember, I used the words “big surprise” way back at the start of this year ;~), I’d say that 10k/mo is too low a volume to satisfy demand in 2007. And if the reports of hardware design freeze and initial production has begun with an August launch are true, that would mean that there would still be fewer D3 available at launch than D2x units were available at its launch.
Keep in mind that this comes from the former postings about a special NPS event in Japan that went up last month:
Just heard from a very reliable [ie, he has never been wrong] senior Nikon employee that Nikon are hosting a “pro product” prerelease information and demo session in Japan in the 2nd week of June 07. He will be there along with other worldwide Nikon-agency NPS managers, and Nikon in-house NPS managers. Invite only.
He would not tell me whether the product was lenses or body or both, just that it’s pro.
Unknown announcement date, ~August ship.
So, maybe we won’t see an announcement this week, eh? Keep tabs on the latest Nikon D3 developments here.
[tags]nikon, d3, d3x, rumors, news, 2007, july, august[/tags]
Want to add colour to my life?
Originally uploaded by Goutham Shetlur.
Shot with a Sony DSC-H2; 1/500s; f/4; ISO 80.
[tags]photo of the day, sony, h2, rainbow, landscape, color, pic, photo[/tags]
