Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon Powershot A650 IS and A720 IS

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CANON U.S.A.’S NEW FEATURE-RICH POWERSHOT A-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS HELP USERS UNLEASH THE PHOTOGRAPHER WITHIN, WHILE ALSO APPEALING TO SAVVY SHOPPERS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced two new PowerShot A-Series digital cameras, including one with the highest resolution in the series to-date – the show-stopping 12.1-megapixel PowerShot A650 IS digital camera – and the powerful 8.0-megapixel PowerShot A720 IS digital camera. These new cameras continue the promise of the PowerShot A-Series by delivering superior image quality at a great price.

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Canon Powershot SX100 IS

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WHO’S ZOOMING WHO – CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES NEW ULTRA-ZOOM LINE IN ITS EVER-POPULAR POWERSHOT FAMILY OF COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS

PowerShot SX100 IS Offers All the Zooming Power Consumers Could Ever Want

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. today introduced a brand new PowerShot line – the SX series – and the first camera in that line-up, the ultra-zoom PowerShot SX100 IS digital camera. The PowerShot SX100 IS digital camera features a 10x optical zoom, an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) and an extended grip, making this light and small shooter capable of capturing magnificent images clearly, even at long range. [Read more…]

Canon PowerShot SD870 and SD950

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ELPH ELEGANCE REIGNS SUPREME: CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES TWO NEW DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS THAT ARE THE EPITOME OF SUBSTANCE WITH STYLE, BACKED BY A PLETHORA OF POWERFUL FEATURES

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. today introduced two new compact PowerShot Digital ELPH Cameras – the top-of-the line 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and the status-setting 8.0-megapixel resolution PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH. Both cameras still have the alluring charm and color that keep them ahead of the aesthetic curve, but now they are also loaded with advanced features and functions, making them perfect for the trend-setting techie. For the consumer attending a sunny backyard soiree, a relaxing respite getaway or an electrifying night on the town, these two Digital ELPH cameras continue to hold court as the perfect combination of beauty and brains. Canon’s PowerShot Digital ELPH cameras verify the adage that you can never be too (feature) rich or too stylishly thin. [Read more…]

Canon Powershot G9 Reviews and Resources

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The Canon Powershot G9 was announced on August 20, 2007 along with the Canon 40D. The G9 ups the ante to 12 megapixels (up from 10MP on the G7) and adds a very desirable feature for serious photographers – the ability to capture photos in RAW format.

Reviews

Think Camera

If you compare it with a good 12 megapixel DSLR, it comes up short, but that’s like criticising a Mini for not being a Mercedes. The point is, it’s good enough to stand scrutiny against the best DSLR. As for the rest of the compact world, it’s bettered by none and matched by only a handful.

Digital Outback Photo

In my opinion the camera works quite well for professional work, provided you use a low ISO (80 or 100, preferably 80 since there’s hardly anything to gain by going to 100), that you compose with the LCD screen, and that you control the exposure carefully through over or under exposure. In practice, I almost always use the Aperture Priority mode and control the exposure through the over and under exposure adjustment.

Mushly.com

This camera is excellent throughout. However, it does have its weakness. One of which is in the area of chromatic aberration. It shows some halo effect in areas of high contrast. There is also some distortion along the horizontal axis.

Trusted Reviews

With superb build quality, a huge range of features and options, fast performance and – at its best – outstanding image quality, the Canon PowerShot G9 is certainly one of the best compact cameras on the market, and a very good creative tool for the enthusiast photographer. However it does suffer from the usual limited dynamic range and noise problems of super-powerful compacts, and considering it is nearly the price of an entry-level DSLR, one has to ask if it’s really worth the money.

DC Views

There are plenty of functions to try out and the G9 enables you to use your creativity to the full. This Canon Powershot G9 really is a camera that grows on you. Its strong points are definitely its wide range of specifications, strong built quality and responsiveness. On top of this we feel it would be ideally suited to act as a handy addition to your DSLR kit with all the control of a DSLR, without the discomfort of its size and weight.

Let’s Go Digital

Despite the fact that I think the image quality could have been better, the Canon G9 has convinced me. It is simply one of the best compact cameras at this moment, but you have to know very well what you are doing and you have to get used to the camera. The camera is not friends with everybody and an inexperienced photographer will not be able to apply the camera to the fullest.

DP Review

IQ-wise the G9 is about as good as it gets in a compact camera (at low ISO – once you get to ISO 400 the gap between most decent cameras is very narrow), and physically it puts virtually everything else to shame.

Digital Camera Resource Page

The PowerShot G9 is a solid high-end camera, though it won’t be replacing your digital SLR anytime soon. It offers a full set of features, both automatic and manual, and throws them into a well-built, expandable body. If you keep the ISO as low as possible you’ll get some nice photos out of the camera, though a D-SLR will wipe the floor with the G9 at higher sensitivities. Though I still miss the fast lens and rotating LCD of the older G-series models, I can still recommend the PowerShot G9 to anyone who wants a high-end camera without stepping up to a digital SLR.

Photography Blog

The Canon Powershot G9 is the kind of camera that not only makes you feel like a better photographer, but helps you become one too, mixing both comprehensive and happily reliable hand-holding features with a plethora of real photographic controls that, along with build quality, at times exceeds that offered by many – if not most – budget DSLRs.

Photo Review

Robustly built, comprehensively feature-packed and small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, the PowerShot G9 has a lot in its favour. Because it offers many of the same shooting controls and supports raw file capture, it would make an excellent compact back-up camera for DSLR users. It would also provide some useful features that are not provided in DSLRs. You get good range of video formats (including widescreen) and facilities for adding sound bites to pictures or making audio recordings.

Digital Camera Review

As recently as two years ago many digital camera industry insiders were predicting the imminent demise of top of the line (read expensive) prosumer/enthusiast digital cameras due to the introduction of affordable entry-level digital SLRs – those dire prophecies clearly haven’t come to pass. The G9 has a few warts, but at this point in time and when compared to the other cameras in its class – the G9 is as good as it gets. If that’s not enough, RAW is back, the G9 is more powerful, it has more features, and it’s cheaper (MSRP) than its predecessor.

The Online Photographer

It’s an exceptional little camera whose specs and performance would have been hard to imagine just a few years ago, particularly for $500. If you’re looking for a go-anywhere pocketable camera in this price range you owe it to yourself to look at Canon’s G9. I believe that it truly represents today’s gold standard for point & shoot camera performance and specifications.

Digital Camera Info

Our tests prove the G9 has significantly better resolution, better than most cameras released this year. Noise levels are high, but not any higher than the G7, which is commendable. Color accuracy is fantastic, as is the Movie mode, both of which have become consistent successes for high-end Canon PowerShots.

Popular Photography

But all the bells and whistles mean nothing if image quality isn’t there. Fortunately, it is much better on the PowerShot G9 than it was in the PowerShot G7. So much so that we’d recommend against buying a PowerShot G7 on closeout prices. Instead, spend the extra cash for the PowerShot G9. Our Certified Test results show marked improvements in noise, especially at low and middle ISOs, and with Adaptive Noise cranked way up.

Cnet

The Canon PowerShot G9 is a solid enthusiast camera for those who want something compact to complement a dSLR.

Comparison with Powershot G7 at Strobist

Samples Gallery at DPReview.com

Official Canon Resources

Official Canon Powershot G9 Product Page

 

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.

Press Release

CANON U.S.A.’S NEW POWERSHOT G9 CAMERA COMBINES CREATIVE CONTROL WITH COMPACT CONVENIENCE

New G-Series Camera Gives Serious Photo Enthusiasts the Power of a Professional Digital SLR in a Point-and-Shoot Package

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced today that its acclaimed G-series has a new top-of-the line model – the PowerShot G9 digital camera. The PowerShot G9 digital camera offers serious shooters and value-minded professionals a feature-packed camera with many of the advanced photographic capabilities of a high-end Digital SLR camera, in a lightweight, compact package at an affordable price.The PowerShot G9 digital camera features the same matte black, retro-hip design that G-series fans have come to appreciate, with a simplified control layout that is versatile yet easy to understand. This camera is loaded with Canon’s latest and most advanced technologies, while raising the bar with the addition of RAW Mode, usually reserved for larger and more expensive SLR cameras. Advanced photographers also have the option of using RAW+JPEG simultaneous capture functionality, giving photographers the best of both worlds – JPEGs for immediate use and RAW images for faithful image reproduction, and extensive, non-destructive image editing capability.The PowerShot G9 digital camera features class-leading 12.1-megapixel resolution for stunning, deeply detailed images that allow enlargements up to poster size with cropping. A 6x optical zoom lens brings the photographer right into the action, and by incorporating Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), excellent-quality images are assured in situations prone to camera shake and image blurring. So, whether you are shooting outdoors at dusk or inside without a flash, camera shake is detected and effectively canceled. Photographers will find it quick and easy to review and compare photos for printing with Canon’s Image Inspection Tool. And, because Image Inspection is now linked with Advanced Face Detection technology, they can save considerable time while reviewing, because the main subject is automatically detected and enlarged, eliminating the need to zoom and scroll manually, while at the same time making it simple to determine if facial expressions are pleasing before moving on to the next photo.More…”The PowerShot G9 digital camera brings our highest levels of performance and usability to the G-series,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “By combining RAW Mode with our other key technologies in this camera, we’re providing a high-performing and affordable option to advanced photo enthusiasts who want the creative power of a Digital SLR in a smaller body form.”

The PowerShot G9 digital camera comes equipped with 23 shooting modes, allowing for a myriad of different photo preferences and conditions including Automatic, Manual, Shutter-speed-Priority, Aperture-Priority, and two Custom modes as well as special scene modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Sports, Indoor, Beach and Snow, offering users Digital SLR-like capability in a compact digital camera. The PowerShot G9 also features Canon’s powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, delivering superior image quality, ultra-responsive performance, extended battery life and advanced Face Detection technology, so users can be confident that the face they want, is the face that they capture. And, with a new large, three-inch PureColor LCD II screen and easy-to-access ISO and manual mode dials, customized shooting, reviewing and menu adjustments are especially convenient. The PowerShot G9 digital camera is also compatible with optional high-quality Canon wide-angle, telephoto and macro supplementary lenses, as well as EOS Speedlite flashes and a waterproof case rated to a depth of 40 meters/130 feet, giving photographers more robust photographic capabilities that are in line with professional and expensive SLRs.

True to Canon’s industry leadership position, the PowerShot G9 digital camera gives consumers interested in the ease of a compact camera many of the technological advancements that are the result of Canon’s 70-year heritage as an imaging innovator, differentiating it from competitive products.

New Canon PowerShot Product Lines’ Standard Advanced Technologies

DIGIC III

The “brain” of this new PowerShot camera is DIGIC III, the gold standard on all new Canon digital cameras. The DIGIC III image processor accounts for the camera’s higher performance levels, including faster start-up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long-lag competitors in the dust. The DIGIC III chip design improves image quality and offers more efficient power consumption, resulting in extended battery life under typical shooting conditions.

ADVANCED FACE DETECTION

With Canon’s new Genuine Face Detection technology, the camera can detect, lock-on and track up to nine forward-looking human faces in a scene. The Face Detection algorithm automatically prioritizes and selects faces and not simply the closest object (based on Canon’s Intelligent Scene Analysis/iSAPS technology). It will then optimize the focus, exposure and flash to ensure the best possible results. Using Canon’s Face Detection, photographers can keep up to nine faces in focus at any one time no matter where they are within the image. The PowerShot G9 camera also introduces an exclusive new function called Face Select and Track. With this feature, when multiple faces are detected, photographers can select any individual face they want the camera to specifically track and be a primary focus. This feature is ideal for many shooting situations such as birthday parties or graduation ceremonies, where many people are present, but the photographer is primarily interested in just one of them. Working in concert with Face Detection, the G9’s “Red-Eye Correction” feature helps to detect and correct red-eye during playback mode. Images can be corrected automatically or manually while viewing photos on the LCD screen. All in all, Canon’s new Face Detection Technology makes for even easier picture-taking moments, helping users ensure in-focus smiles, and assisting in the elimination of over-exposed faces.

OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATION (OIS)

The extended zoom range of the PowerShot G9 camera makes optical image stabilization (OIS) essential. Canon’s lens shift OIS provides an effective antidote to camera shake, particularly at longer zoom lengths or during long exposures when even the slightest hand-held shake is magnified to picture-blurring proportions. Superior to electronic image stabilization systems that simply use software to mask movement, OIS actually shifts the lens proportionately to compensate for unwanted motion, making it easier to snap great images. The OIS found in Canon PowerShot digital cameras is based on technology developed for Canon’s renowned high-end professional SLR cameras.

The steady effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with the new “Auto ISO Shift” feature which, at the touch of a button, can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as required to maintain fast shutter speeds when shooting in low light conditions without a flash.

PRINTING MADE EASY

All Canon PowerShot digital cameras work seamlessly with Canon’s compact photo printers to deliver stunning high-quality borderless prints. Consumers simply connect their PowerShot digital camera to a Canon compact photo printer, press the Print/Share button, and moments later a brilliant, borderless 4″ x 6″ print begins to emerge; it’s that simple. Canon’s compact photo printers are PictBridge compatible, so they work with PictBridge enabled digital cameras to provide users with excellent image quality and ease-of-use, especially when paired with a Canon digital camera.

HIGH-CAPACITY MEMORY CARD CAPABILITY

As an added convenience, Canon PowerShot digital cameras also accommodate MultiMedia MMC memory cards, as well as standard SD memory cards and the new, high-capacity SDHC memory cards. This way, consumers do not have to carry around multiple memory cards in order to be able to continue to save those special moments during extended vacations or high-photo-taking adventures. Canon PowerShot owners can travel in sleek style.

Powerful Software

The PowerShot G9 is bundled with the latest versions of Canon’s powerful digital imaging software, including ZoomBrowser EX 6.0 and ImageBrowser 6.0 for easy downloading, viewing and printing. RAW Image Task software is also supplied to facilitate high-quality processing of the PowerShot G9’s new RAW images.

In stores in October, the PowerShot G9 camera kit includes a lithium-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger, a 32MB MMC plus memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a neck strap, and Canon’s software suite at an estimated selling price of $499.99*.

[tags]canon, powershot, g9, raw, digital, camera, photos, review, price[/tags]

Canon 30D Reviews and Resources

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The Canon EOS 30D is an 8.2-megapixel semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera, initially announced on February 20, 2006. It is the successor of the Canon EOS 20D, and is succeeded by the EOS 40D. Changes over the 20D include a bigger 2.5-inch LCD rear screen, improved shutter mechanism rated for 100,000 actuations, improved frame capacity, 1/3 stop increments for sensor speed and an added spot meter. The camera retains the same sensor as its predecessor; all lenses still have an angle of view crop of 1.6. Other changes include a larger 11 frame RAW / 30 frame JPEG buffer, and slightly faster 0.15 second startup. The maximum frame rate is the same (5 fps), but a lower-speed 3 fps option has been added. The 30D uses the same number of autofocus points as the 20D (nine), but has improved algorithms. The 30D can record in both JPEG and RAW .CR2 files. The camera shows the ISO in the view finder while changing the ISO.

The EOS 30D can also accept the Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1/E1A for fast file transfer to a remote file server, either through an ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi network. This capability expands the EOS 30D’s range of applications to sports and studio set ups where real-time transfer of the images is crucial.

Reviews

DPReview.com

Compare it to the competition and it’s clear that the 30D really can hold its own. The primary competition coming from Nikon’s excellent D200, a camera which in many ways betters the EOS 30D, user interface, features and flexibility are all a step up.

Digital Camera Resource Page

The Canon EOS-30D is an excellent midrange digital SLR. While its new features aren’t exciting enough to get this 20D owner to run out and upgrade, those who are moving up from point-and-shoot or entry-level D-SLRs should definitely give the 30D a look.

Photo.net

Overall I think the EOS 30D is a great camera and I’d have no hesitation at all in recommending it to any serious photographer.

Imaging Resource

There’s no other word for it, the Canon 30D’s images made just fantastic looking prints, with excellent detail and sharpness at 13×19 inches.

Let’s Go Digital

Even though the Canon 30D may not exactly be a revolutionary digital SLR camera, and the expectations were somewhat subdued, it is still a truly fantastic camera. The concept was already solid as could be, but with the introduction of the Canon EOS 30D, Canon have once again clearly asserted and strengthened its roots and their position.

Popular Photography

With a SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash card in a 30D, we were able to fire off as many as 46 highest-quality JPEGs at 5 fps, and continued shooting at 1 fps or faster until the card yelled “Uncle!” That’s impressive. (With the same card in a 20D, we got 32 JPEGs at 5 fps.) The 30D’s burst rate for RAW capture isn’t quite as dramatic—Canon states 11 frames at 5 fps, and we could sometimes shoot 12 with a fast card—but the speed is still way ahead of other cameras in this class.

Cnet

The 8-megapixel Canon EOS 30D should be on your short list for a semipro dSLR camera.

Where to Buy

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.

Canon Rebel XTi Reviews

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Canon Rebel XTiThe Canon Rebel XTi is an entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera introduced by Canon August 24, 2006. The Rebel XTi is the successor of the popular Canon Rebel XT, upgrading to a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, a larger continuous shooting buffer, an integrated image sensor vibrating cleaning system, a more precise 9-point auto focus system from the EOS 30D, improved grip, and a bigger 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels and a larger viewing angle which replaces the top status screen.


Reviews

DPReview.com’s In-Depth Review

The EOS 400D (Rebel XTi) turned out to be everything we expected it to be; a progressive upgrade to the already hugely successful EOS 350D (Rebel XT). Image quality was just as good, with plenty of detail, low noise and sophisticated noise reduction at higher sensitivities an well balanced, and thanks to PictureStyles predictable, color and tone. It also has a significantly improved user interface, dust reduction system, 9 point auto-focus, larger LCD monitor and combined status display / setting change system. All this in a camera which is just as small and light as the camera it replaces.

Camera Labs

While noise levels and image preview times are fractionally impacted by the higher resolution sensor, neither are cause for concern. The 400D / XTi still delivers silky smooth images, is usable at its highest sensitivities and feels very responsive overall. And while our outdoor results show there isn’t a great deal of difference between 8 and 10 Megapixel images, the 400D / XTi resolved measurably greater detail in our labs tests to become the highest resolution Canon digital SLR with an EF-S lens mount.

Imaging Resource

The Canon Digital Rebel XTi is an excellent take-anywhere all-purpose digital SLR, that can serve as a second camera for owners of Rebel XT, 20D, 30D, and 5D cameras who want to keep a second body with a different focal length strapped around their neck. I think serious photographers would do better with an EOS 30D for its stronger build and greater manual adaptability, but for just about everyone else, the Rebel XTi offers everything you need and more.

Digital Camera Resource Page

While most owners of the Rebel XT probably won’t run out to upgrade, the Canon Digital Rebel XTi (EOS-400D) is a most impressive entry-level digital SLR. It offers great photo quality and performance, plenty of features (most notably, a dust reduction system), a large LCD, and plenty of accessories. The main downside is its design: it’s pretty small, not terribly easy to hold, and more “plasticky” than other D-SLRs. Despite that, the Rebel XTi earns my recommendation.

Digital Outback Photo

The Canon 400D is a very fine camera and will likely serve us as a great travel camera in the future. We hope to get soon the new Canon 70-200 f/4 IS zoom. Combined with the Rebel XTi/400D this could be a killer combination.

Cnet

The Canon EOS Rebel XTi remains a very good first dSLR, but ultimately a disappointing followup to the XT, which cedes its lead to the Nikon D80.

Photo.net

Is it worth considering, say, a Nikon D80, as an alternative to the Canon Rebel XTi? No. It might be worth comparing the Nikon system to the Canon system, but given that you’re going to spend a lot more money over the years on lenses, it doesn’t make sense to look at minor difference among the bodies that the various companies happen to make in 2007.

Canon Rebel XTi Accessories

Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip

Canon RC-1 Wireless Remote

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

The Digital Rebel XTi Field Guide

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, eos, rebel, xti, 400d, review, features[/tags]

Canon 5D Reviews and Resources

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The Canon 5D offers advanced photographers a lightweight, robust digital SLR that uses Canon’s superlative EF lenses without a conversion factor. Its full-frame 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor combines with Canon’s DIGIC II Image Processor, a high-precision 9-point AF system with 6 assist points, and “Picture Style” color control to deliver images of superior quality with enough resolution for any application.

Canon 5D Reviews

DPReview.com

Canon’s press material for the EOS 5D states that it ‘defines (a) new D-SLR category’, while we’re not typically too concerned with marketing talk this particular statement is clearly pretty accurate. The EOS 5D is unlike any previous digital SLR in that it combines a full-frame (35 mm sized) high resolution sensor (12.8 megapixels) with a relatively compact body (slightly larger than the EOS 20D, although in your hand it feels noticeably ‘chunkier’). The EOS 5D is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR’s, an important difference when compared to the latter is that the EOS 5D doesn’t have any environmental seals. While Canon don’t specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a ‘professional’ digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

Luminous Landscape

The bottom line then is this – the Canon 5D is an immensely satisfying camera. In a physical size, weight and form factor it is little different than the mainstream of 5 – 8 Megapixel APS sized cameras. But Canon has, with the 5D, provided photographers with a full-frame 35mm of sufficient resolution – 12.8 Megapixel – to meet the print and reproduction size needs of the vast majority of serious photographers. Image quality, whether at normal or at high ISO, is as good as it currently gets.

Photo.net

The Canon EOS 5D is the essential camera for everything that photographers used to do with 35mm film. It is more than good enough for most professional photojournalism applications, but still simple enough that a yuppie can get one to throw in the glovebox of his BMW SUV and take pictures at the school soccer game.

Digital Outback Photo

Pictures from ISO 100-400 are very low noise, ISO 800 is still very good. The shots at ISO 1600 and 3200 are just amazing at this level.

The 5D noise behaviour is likely the best we ever have seen. Canon raised the bar quite a bit here.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Overall the EOS-5D’s photo quality was excellent. The camera took well-exposed photos with accurate color and low purple fringing levels. As for noise? Well, there isn’t much, as you’ve hopefully seen in these tests. I took many photos at the big SF Auto Show back in November at ISO 1000 and above, and all of the pictures could be printed at 8 x 10 or larger. As is the case with all D-SLRs, Canon has the in-camera sharpening turned way down, and if you want things to be sharper you can either increase that, or just post-process in Photoshop.

Cnet

A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.

Steve’s Digicams

The bottom line is always image quality, and the 5D does not disappoint with its combination of 12.8-megapixel resolution, full-frame image sensor and low image noise. The 5D is capable of producing images rivalling the quality of the professional 1DS Mark II. Most pro’s will opt to shoot in RAW mode, using software tools to adjust for the desired degree of sharpness, saturation and contrast. But the 5D also produces high-quality finished JPEG images courtesy of its Picture Styles. While image noise is noticeable in midtone and shadow areas at sensitivities over ISO 800, ISO 1600 and 3200 produce very usable images.

Imaging Resource

Following in the impressive footsteps laid down by earlier members of the highly-acclaimed Canon EOS line of digital SLRs, the new 5D definitely upholds its EOS lineage. While a truly excellent photographic tool though, it doesn’t automatically represent a slam-dunk choice between it and a sub-frame camera — or even between it and the much more expensive EOS-1Ds Mark II. The 5D struck us as an odd mixture of consumer and professional aesthetics, a slightly uncomfortable fit in the current world of d-SLRs. For people addicted to ultrawide angle photography with a substantial investment in full-frame wide angle lenses, it will probably be a no-brainer. But for someone not already invested in wide-angle glass, you could buy an EOS 30D and Canon’s excellent little 10-22mm EF-S wide-angle lens and have more than just change to spare relative to the cost of the 5D body alone.

Let’s Go Digital

Impressive is the Canon EOS 5D certainly where image quality is concerned in combination with the new EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM lens. The sharpness is outstandingly high and the colour reproduction especially accurate. Picture Style lets you adjust it to your own taste. What’s more is the fact that the new Canon EOS 5D excels on noise and dynamic range. Moreover, ISO 3200 can be used perfectly for high quality prints and in light as well as dark areas the detail remains clearly visible. This is really impressive; you have to see it to believe it.

Canon 5D Accessories

Canon BG-E4 Battery Grip

Canon BP511A Rechargeable Battery

Canon Ee-D Focusing Screen

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

Canon RS-80N3 Remote

Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote

Introduction to Canon 5D DVD

Canon 5D Magic Lantern Guide

Where to Buy?

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.

Canon 1D Mark IIn Reviews

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The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N features the same 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC II image processor and 8.5 frames per second shooting speed of its predecessor, the Canon 1D Mark II. The primary changes are a new 2.5″ LCD screen, improved buffering characteristics, new Picture Style image parameters and the ability to write different formats simultaneously to SD and CF cards.


Reviews

Steve’s Digicams

The bottom line is always image quality, and the Mark II N does not disappoint. Most pro’s will opt to shoot in RAW mode, using software tools to adjust for the desired degree of sharpness, saturation and contrast. But the Mark II also produces high-quality finished JPEG images courtesy of its Picture Styles. While image noise is noticeable at sensitivities over ISO 800, ISO 1600 and 3200 produce quite usable images.

Fred Miranda Forum Users

The major benefit that sets this apart from any other camera… 8.5 FPS. When reading that number, you don’t understand the impact until you actually have it in your hand and you hold down the shutter button… it’s awesome.

Digital Camera Info

Overall, the EOS-1D Mark II n is an excellent tool. Its size, weight, and cost are justified not only by its speed and resolution, but by the fact that it is built to deliver those specs over the course of a long working life.

Cnet

In a league by itself, the Mark II offers professional photographers extensive customization, excellent photo quality, and market-leading speed.

Digital Outback Photo

The 2.5″ LCD allows clearly a better view on images and histogram data. But overall we think that Canon could improve the organization of their histogram views. In our view the Nikon D2x allows a better inspection on the LCD while using a LCD of about the same size. We would propose to show the histograms as an overlay with both the luminance and the RGB channel histograms. The histograms have to be very bright and also the clipping indicators easy visible. But as said the LCD size is very nice.

PDN Online

I use an EOS 1D Mark II every day and love it and was fully prepared not to like this “N” model although the big LCD screen is obviously a cool touch. After using it under lots of real world conditions, I am convinced this is a significant enough upgrade to be worthwhile for anybody who wants to add a second camera body to their EOS digital system or a shooter who wants to move up from the 20D.

Rob Galbraith

At a glance, the changes in the EOS-1D Mark II N, relative to the camera it replaces, should make what was already a really fine camera that much better. Canon deserves credit for implementing so many refinements to an existing product, some of which will make the camera a better tool for the photographer but which may not automatically help Canon sell more units. In other words, this upgrade to the EOS-1D Mark II seems to be more about adding truly useful features and refinements than it is about adding stuff that can be marketed easily.

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, 1d, mark IIn, review, features, specs, info[/tags]

Canon 20D Reviews

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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

Steve’s Digicams

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!

DPReview.com

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.

Luminous Landscape

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.

Digital Outback Photo

The noise behavior of the 20D is just amazing and matches that of the excellent Canon 1D Mark II.

Photo.net

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.

Digital Camera Resource Page

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!

Imaging Resource

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.

About.com

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.

The Digital Picture

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]

Canon Rebel XT Reviews

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Canon Rebel XTThe Canon EOS Rebel XT is an 8.0-megapixel entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera. The Rebel XT is an upgraded version of the popular Canon EOS Digital Rebel, which was the first sub-$1000 digital SLR, introduced in 2003. The differences between the Rebel XT and the original Digital Rebel are significant and are present in almost all aspects of the camera. Many of the features ‘locked out’ by Canon in the original Digital Rebel were unlocked in this camera, so it has been subject to less unofficial ‘hacking’ to release the locked features. In addition to these unlocked features, a number of other improvements have been made. Some of the most significant upgrades include:

  • 8.0 megapixels (up from 6.3)
  • DIGIC II image processor—the same processor used by Canon’s top-range EOS-1Ds Mark II professional level digital SLR
  • Near instantaneous turn on and wake up times (0.2 seconds)
  • Compact Flash type II capability (includes microdrives)
  • 14 (JPEG) or 4 (RAW) frames continuous shooting buffer
  • Smaller and lighter body
  • Vastly increased function customizability
  • E-TTL II flash algorithm (improvement over the old E-TTL flash algorithm)
  • Mirror lock-up
  • Selectable AF and metering modes
  • USB 2.0 interface (improved from the slower USB 1.1 interface on the original Digital Rebel)

The Rebel XT was my first digtal SLR camera. I bought it shortly after it became available in 2005 for $1000 (a Rebel XT is $499 with a lens as of Nov. ’07). I still use it on almost a daily basis. I’ve shot somewhere around 25,000 – 30,000 shots now. No hiccups yet. Anyway, I can personally vouch for the reliability and image quality that this camera packs. My gripes over the past 2+ years are few.

First, I didn’t like the grip size from day one. It’s just too small for my hands (it works fine for my wife though). My solution? I bought the BG-E3 battery grip, which ads some functionality as well. The Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip is designed specially for the EOS Digital Rebel XT and Rebel XTi cameras. The BG-E3 holds up to two NB-2LH battery packs or six AA batteries to offer double-length shooting time. The vertical shutter release makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. This grip provides additional controls for easier vertical shooting including shutter release, AE lock/FE lock, index/reduce button, main dial, AF-frame-select button, and the aperture/exposure compensation button.

Next, I think the 1.8″ LCD screen is just too small. Nowadays, a 3″ LCD is almost standard industry wide. I’m a little envious of those big LCD screens when I’m squinting through the images. Not much of a way to solve this problem other than upgrading to a new camera. That’s not worth it it alone, but I’ve got my eyes on a Canon 40D. Ok, enough with the fluff; here’s the reviews you’re looking for:

Reviews

DPReview.com

So it’s clear, the EOS 350D is a great successor to the EOS 300D, it puts right many user complaints, it delivers a smaller and lighter camera which feels better put together and delivers an increase in resolution. Image quality is just as good as the more expensive EOS 20D, if you can live with the differences between the two the money saved could buy you a very nice lens.

Luminous Landscape

This is a sweet little camera that could well be the best DSLR camera value on the market today (March, 2005). Newcomers will find the price to be right and the camera to be feature rich. Experienced photographers will be frustrated by some of the interface problems, but none of these are really show-stoppers.

PC Magazine

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is a superbly crafted camera that will please nearly anyone with any interest in photography—from those who want to set their camera on auto to those who want to experiment. And by keeping the price under $1,000, Canon ensures the continued popularity of its Digital Rebel line. This camera provides a truly excellent value, and we wholeheartedly recommend it.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Camera performance is just you’d expect from a camera equipped with Canon’s latest DIGIC II image processor: excellent. There’s no more startup wait, focusing speeds are great (even in low light), and shot-to-shot and shutter lag times are nonexistent. The Rebel XT can take about fourteen shots in a row at just under 3 frames/second, which is the best you’ll find in this class (save for the more expensive 20D). Photo quality is excellent for the most part, though images are on the soft side, as is the case with all D-SLRs. Something else that factors into this is your choice of lens: the kit lens is especially soft at small apertures, so you need to keep an eye on things when using it to ensure the best photo quality. As you’d expect from a camera like this, high ISO performance is top-notch: shooting at ISO 1600 results in totally usable pictures. The Rebel XT offers shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds or longer if you use the bulb mode, making it great for long exposures. While there’s a noise reduction feature, you might as well keep it off — noise levels are that low.

Digital Outback Photo

Honestly we get excited about this little camera. With the right lenses the XT is a very, very serious player.

Imaging Resource

In almost every parameter, the Canon Rebel XT offers significant enhancements beyond the original model, while maintaining the same (original) list price. Despite its advanced feature set, the Canon Rebel XT manages to span the full range of user needs, from the pure point & shoot user interested only in “green zone” operation to the professional looking for an inexpensive second body. As such, it’s a nearly ideal option for families or other situations in which users of greatly varying experience levels need to share the same camera. My one biggest gripe with the camera will be some users’ favorite feature: The small (tiny) hand grip. While I found shooting with the camera an infuriating exercise in frustration and crunched fingertips, women who picked up the camera immediately loved how it felt in their hands.

Steve’s Digicams

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR takes everything found in the original Digital Rebel and improves the resolution to 8-megapixels, speeds up all of the camera operations, adds more creative control and put it all into a smaller and lighter body. This easy to use digital SLR is compatible with all Canon EF lenses including the EF-S lenses and still retains the sub-$1,000 price point for entry-level digital SLR consumers.

Photo.net

It looks very much like the image quality of the Canon Rebel XT is up to that of the EOS 20D. It’s also evident from using the Rebel XT, that it’s a Rebel, i.e. a camera aimed at the consumer entry level, while the Canon 20D is clearly aimed at the more experienced and serious photographer. Ultimately in many respects the cameras will be capable of yielding almost identical results, it’s just that doing it with the 20D will be a little easier.

Cnet

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is an exceptionally small and lightweight camera designed for amateur digital SLR photographers, but it delivers the responsiveness and image quality you’d expect from a semipro model.

Canon Rebel XT Accessories

Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip

Canon RC-1 Wireless Remote

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

Rebel XT Magic Lantern Guide

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Guide to Digital SLR Photography

Introduction to the Canon Digital Rebel XT DVD

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, rebel, xt, 350d, kiss, digital, camera, review[/tags]