Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
The Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS features a 10MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and a bright f/2.0 lens. The SD4000 IS also features a 3.8x optical zoom with optical image stabilization and a 3-inch LCD. The SD4000 IS can capture 720p HD video, as well as slow motion video at 240 fps.
The Canon SD4000 is should be available around the end of May 2010 at an initial retail price of $349.99.
In a story at Amateur Photographer, Sony UK’s Paul Genge is attributed with the above quote. Not that any of this is surprising, considering recent developments.
The Olympus E-PL1 is the latest in the line of PEN cameras, which prior models include the original E-P1 and the E-P2. The E-PL1 is the first PEN camera targeted at and priced toward the consumer market. As with the other PEN models, the E-PL1 is a Micro Four Thirds format camera and features a 2x crop factor over traditional 35mm sensors. That means that the 14-42mm lens feels like a 28-84mm lens on a full frame camera.
One of the biggest problems I experienced with the first generation PEN, the E-P1, was slow autofocus tracking, which spoiled the solid image quality the camera otherwise delivered. Overall, I gave the E-P1 rather poor marks in usability for all but a rather niche group. Time heals all wounds though – and the new E-PL1 provides a better overall experience even if it still has less-than-perfect autofocus.
To see where the Olympus E-PL1 shines and shames, read on. [Read more…]
The Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 are the next evolution in the Sony digital imaging world. Leaning heavily on a mix of technologies from Sony’s Alpha and Cyber-shot lines the NEX-5 and NEX-3 appear to be one of the more true hybrid cameras among the various mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. [Read more…]
DxO Labs has announced the release of DxO Optics Pro 6.2, which adds support for the Canon Rebel T2i / 550D and Sony A450. Additionally, the Elite addition adds support for the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s. A number of new optics models were also added.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Canon has announced its lineup of lenses and flashes eligible for instant rebate savings for Spring / Summer 2010.
This is an instant rebate program too – no mailing receipts and UPC codes and then waiting 6-8 weeks. The rebate applies for purchases on qualifying Canon gear made between May 9 and July 10, 2010.
The specific items are listed below, along with links to product pages for each lens or flash at Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo. [Read more…]
Lights, Camera, Capture is a book by Bob Davis that discusses creative lighting techniques. While Davis discusses many lighting equipment options, his primary focus is on Canon Speedlites using TTL metering. And, while the techniques that apply to Canon Speedlites are prevalent throughout the book, the info will easily translate to Nikon shooters using the Nikon Creative Lighting System as well. [Read more…]
B&H Photo is featuring mail-in rebates on several Tamron lenses, including a $100 rebate on the Tamron 18-270mm superzoom lens. The rebates are valid through May 10, 2010.
See all the lenses here on B&H Photo.
DIY DSLR Wooden Shoulder Rig from Jonathan Clifford Bergqvist on Vimeo.
I’ve seen some clever DIY setups for HDDSLR rigs and focus pullers; however, Jonathan Bergqvist’s wooden rendition for his Canon 7D in the above video takes the cake. The integrated focus puller on the left handle is really a nice touch.
[Vimeo via Crunchgear]
The Manfrotto 501HDV is a dedicated video fluid head. As camera manufacturers add more and more DSLRs with HD video capture, photographers’ interest in video seems to be growing at an exponential rate. I know my interest has been piqued since I picked up a 5D Mark II roughly a year and a half ago. One thing we’re learning though, is that good photo equipment doesn’t necessarily make good video equipment as well. [Read more…]