Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
A couple of updates on the Nikon D300s.
Nikon rumors reports they have confirmed the July 30th announcement for the Nikon D300s (and the D3000).
The above image is purported to be a spy shot of the Nikon D300s, captured by a Pinoyphotography.org forum poster. [Nikon Rumors via Neutral Day]
Expect more as the week goes by…
The Fuji FinePix Z37 is a stylish 10-megapixel point and shoot camera with 3x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch rear LCD. The Fuji Z37 will be available in August 2009 at a retail price of $149.95.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Olympus has updated its FE series with 3 new cameras the Olympus FE-5020, FE-4000 and FE-46. The cameras offer 12-megapixels and a number of other features. The FE-5020 has a 5x zoom lens with an equivalent focal length of 24-120mm. Olympus has also included its Pop Art filters for in-camera effects on the FE-5020.
More details on these cameras in the press release below. [Read more…]
Above is a possible leaked picture of the Nikon D300s, which we pretty much know is a sure thing. Whether the image is real or not, however, is still up in the air. [Read more…]
Canon Rumors is claiming to have word on the final specs for the upcoming Canon Rebel T1 / 2000D, which will succeed the Canon Rebel XS / 1000D and be situated at the bottom of Canon’s DSLR lineup just below the Canon Rebel T1i / 500D. [Read more…]
According to PDN Pulse, there will be no Fuji DSLRs released in 2009.
“Fuji is not manufacturing a pro camera for this year,” Diane Rainey, Group Manager for Fujifilm’s Corporate Communications said at a press event last night. “However, we are continuing to support whatever’s out there right now.”
[PDN Pulse via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
June 30 could see the next Canon EOS DSLR in the Rebel T1 / 2000D, which would presumably replace the Rebel XS / 1000D and fill the gap as a lower-spec’d version of the recently released Rebel T1i / 500D.
Stay tuned.
[via Canon Rumors]
The Nikon D300s is a refreshed version of the Nikon D300 that offers video capabilities and other tweaks to the previous model.
The Nikon D300s was available in August 2009 at an initial retail price of $1799.95.
International Availability:
Nikon D300s ISO Test and Sample Images
Nikon D300s vs. Canon 7D ISO Comparison – Part 1 (NR on)
Nikon D300s vs. Canon 7D ISO Comparison – Part 2 (NR off)
PDN Gear Guide (hands-on)
MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon announced the D300s digital SLR, combining professional-level performance with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies, including a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 51-point autofocus system; the addition of HD video capture; and faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting, the Nikon D300s balances form factor, performance, versatility and reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals.
The D300s retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed D300, while enhancing speed, versatility, and agility of the DX-format for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts, wedding shooters and photojournalists. The D300s can record HD video clips and high fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input, offering users a D-SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one CompactFlash™ (CF) and one Secure Digital™ (SD) card separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode and Active D-Lighting bracketing help users to capture stunning images like never before.
“Today’s photographer demands excellence and value from high-performance digital SLRs – and the Nikon D300s delivers,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “It’s no secret that more photographers need to gather multimedia content. In addition to proven technologies, such as the 51-point autofocus (AF) system and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, we are more than confident that the D300s’ HD movie mode, along with a host of additional performance enhancements, will broaden the appeal of the camera to those seeking exceptional still image quality and video versatility.”
Whether on the front lines of spot news or behind the scenes at a spring wedding, users of the D300s can record HD video clips at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps rate. In addition, the D300s also records high fidelity audio—either with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo microphone input. Photographers can trim video length on the fly and apply Picture Controls to video, modifying the tone and color. Additionally, users can autofocus while recording video, using contrast detect AF, and do so while composing on the D300s’ bright three-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen.
Nikon’s applauded AF system, with 51 high density focus points, performs even faster and more accurately on the new D300s. The Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module uses 15 cross type sensors to provide unparalleled focus performance across the frame. The D300s offers multiple focus modes, including single-point AF mode, and a dynamic-area AF mode, where users can select from nine, 21 or 51 AF points with 3D tracking. Additionally, the added Face Detection System lets users instantly zoom in on a human face in playback mode on the high-resolution LCD monitor to check critical focus.
The Nikon exclusive and newly-accelerated Scene Recognition System (SRS) further refines Nikon’s AF performance and light metering. In conjunction with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II system, the SRS uses precise color and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to propel AF, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to unprecedented accuracy.
The renowned 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor in the D300s delivers extraordinary image quality and low noise throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range from 200 to 3200 (Lo-1 at 100 and 6400 at Hi-1). The D300s captures image data using 14 bit A/D conversion, processed through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal performance, resulting in images with sharp details and smooth tonal gradations.
The D300s also incorporates Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing. EXPEED image processing uses an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption. When using the included EN-EL3e Li-Ion rechargeable battery, photographers can achieve as many as 950 shots under normal shooting conditions. The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting comfort and supports three types of batteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon’s Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and the EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. It combines added stability with extended shooting of up to 2,950 shots*1 per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to 8 fps*2.
The reinforced magnesium alloy body is lightweight, ruggedly constructed and comprehensively sealed and gasketed against the elements at key points, and the shutter has been proven to a demanding 150,000 cycles. Additionally, the D300s employs the Integrated Dust Reduction System countermeasures that combat the accumulation of image-degrading particles on the optical low-pass filter.
With the D300s, Nikon introduces the ability to bracket Active D-Lighting (ADL). By localizing tone control, ADL restores shadow and highlight detail typically lost in high contrast situations, such as backlit subjects or while outdoors with strong sunlight. ADL bracketing provides users with the ability to bracket up to five frames of ADL strength to help ensure perfect contrast throughout the frame, putting an end to the guesswork behind the shot with a bride’s intricate white dress and a groom’s tuxedo in the same frame, for example.
Additionally, the D300s features two memory card slots—one CF and one SD, used simultaneously in a variety of configurations to match users’ preferences. Among the many options available, stills and video can record to separate cards or slots can be assigned for JPEG and RAW recording. The D300s offers “overflow” or “backup” modes, and when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity. Users can also copy and paste files between cards.
Also added to the D300s is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting “Q” on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive.
To further expand versatility, users have the ability to fine tune their images using Nikon’s Picture Controls to adjust sharpening, brightness, contrast and color hue. The D300s offers users four presets including Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome; while Landscape and Portrait settings can be downloaded from the Nikon website. While the D300s offers a versatile built-in flash with wider coverage for a 16mm lens, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and is capable of controlling up to two groups of remote units as a master / commander for Advanced Wireless Lighting.
In addition to compatibility with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses and a broad array of system accessories, the D300s will also perform well with the recently announced AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8G ED VR II and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lenses.
The Nikon D300s camera body will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $1799.95.
I’m sticking to my guns on a release of the Sony A230, A330 and A380 for next week.
Of course all of the cameras will feature SteadyShot (i.e., the internal sensor-based image stabilizer). As was the case with the A300 and A350, their respective replacements, the A330 and the A380 will offer the tilting LCD screen. Unfortunately, it appears that the LCD tilt function is pretty much the same as it was last generation – so there’s no adjustment to aid with portrait-oriented shots. Of course, the solid Live View function also remains intact.
It also appears that the new Alpha DSLRs will feature the same megapixel quantities as their respective predecessors – A230 = 10.1 megapixels, A330 = 10.1 megapixels, and A380 at 14.2 megapixels. We also know that senstivity will only reach ISO 3200 (at least on the A380).
Clearly aiming toward the consumer crowd, Sony has freshened up the graphical display to more clearly convey the effect that shutter and aperture choices have on the exposure. Also featured is a directory to explain what different shooting modes do. These are both things that Nikon or Canon has done in one form or the other over the past generation or two of entry-level DSLRs.
Other bells and whistles include an HDMI port, Dynamic Range Optimizer, 40-segment exposure meter, and Smart Teleconverter (aka digital zoom).
Here’s the major leak screen capture from Sony.ru, as translated via Google translator. [Read more…]
The three new DSLR Alpha models from Sony now appear to be all-but-official with leaked images on the Sony Style sites now making their rounds on blogs and forums accross the Interwebs. Again, the models appear to be the Sony A380, Sony A330 and Sony A230, which would obviously replace the existing Sony A350, Sony A300 and Sony A200, respectively. [Read more…]