Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Sony NEX-5 Review

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The Sony NEX-5 is a 14.2MP mirrorless camera in an ultra-compact form-factor.  If not for the DSLR-sized kit lens that attaches to the NEX-5, this camera would rival some of the consumer pocket cameras in size.  And with the available 16mm lens (shown above), you could make a good argument that it does.

In addition to the great still images the NEX-5 produces with its large, APS-C format sensor, the camera can also capture 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at 60i.  What’s more is the budget-friendly price tag that slides the kit under the $700 mark.

To get the full rundown on the Sony NEX-5, read on. [Read more…]

Panasonic G10 Review

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The Panasonic G10 is a 12.1MP Micro Four Third camera.  As you may know, Micro Four Thirds cameras like the G10 operate without the bulky mirror between the image sensor and lens.

Unlike the Panasonic GF1, the G10 features a traditional hand grip and body styling similar to what you see on DSLR cameras (like the Canon Rebel T2i and Nikon D5000).  Don’t be fooled though, the G10 is no brick.  To the contrary, it is light, nimble and easy to carry.

Packaged with a 14-42mm kit lens, the Panasonic G10 delivers a lot of power at a sub-par price of under $600.  (Note: At the time of this review, the G10 is well under that mark from B&H Photo thanks to a $100 instant rebate.) [Read more…]

Sony A55 and A33 Overheating Problems

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Sony has issued a statement concerning an overheating issue with the new Sony A55 and A33 translucent mirror cameras.

The problem arises from the CMOS sensor overheating in certain temperature ranges.  Sony has put together a chart that provides an idea of max recording times under certain environmental conditions.  You can check it out below. [Read more…]

Hasselblad H4D-31

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Hasselblad announced the H4D-31 this week at Photokina 2010 as a solution for high-end 35mm photographers and medium format film shooters looking to make a more affordable switch to digital.  The H4D-31 is packaged with an 80mm lens for €9,995, and is also available with a CF-lens adapter in place of the kit lens for those who already shoot medium format film.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Sigma EF-610 DG Super and EF-610 DG ST Flashes

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At Photokina 2010 this week, Sigma announced a pair of new hotshoe flashes, the EF-610 DG Super and EF-610 DG ST.

Both new flashes feature a Guide Number of 61, manual flash mode and a TTL auto flash exposure with all popular DLSR systems.

The EF-610 DG ST gives you manual power control down to 1/16 power, while the EF-610 DG Super covers an 8-stop range that (assuming my finger counting is correct) gets you down to 1/128 power in manual mode.  Additionally, the EF-610 DG Super features a modeling flash function, multi-pulse flash, TTL wireless flash, high speed sync and rear curtain sync.

For those reading between the lines, the EF-610 DG Super competes with the likes of the Canon 580EX II and Nikon SB-900, while the EF-610 DG ST matches up more with the Canon 430EX II and Nikon SB-600.

No word yet on price or availability for this new pair of flashes, but considering where they fit in the market, you can probably expect them to be priced a little below the first-party products noted above.

More details in the press releases below. [Read more…]

Leica X1 in Black

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Leica announced at Photokina 2010 the availability of the X1 in all black, starting in October 2010.

The Leica X1 is an APS-C format camera, which has a 1.5x crop factor, and features a 2.7″ display and a fixed 24mm f/2.8 lens.  The all-black X1 will carry an initial retail price of $1995.00.  Check availability on Amazon.com.