Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Nikon 70-200mm VR II and 18-200mm VR II Announced

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Nikon 70-200mm VR II

Nikon has refreshed two of its most popular lenses.  The AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II lens gets an upgrade in optics and moves up to the VR II image stabilization.

The new AF-S 18-200mm VR II lens gets a zoom lock switch to prevent the lens from creeping out while hanging from your neck.  Additionally, the new superzoom lens gets Super Integrated Coating to help reducing ghosting and lens flare.

Nikon 18-200mm VR II

The AF-S 18-200mm VR II should be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $849.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.

The AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II should be available in November 2009 at an initial retail price of $2399.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.

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

 

Kodak Easyshare Z950 Reviews and Resources

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Kodak Easyshare Z950

The Kodak Easyshare Z950 is a 12-megapixel point and shoot camera, which features a 10x optical zoom lens.  Additionally, the Z950 features a 3-inch LCD and HD video capture.

The Kodak Easyshare Z950 should be available in August 2009 at an initial retail price of $279.99.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

Kodak Easyshare Z950 Reviews

PhotographyBLOG

The Kodak EasyShare Z950 is that rarest of beasts, a beginner friendly digital camera with a budget price that nevertheless provides a fair amount of room to grow courtesy of a regular complement of manual controls and tweak-able settings.

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

Kodak Easyshare M381 and M341

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Kodak Easyshare M381

The Kodak Easyshare M381 is a 12-megapixel point and shoot camera with a 5x optical zoom.  The M381 offers a 3-inch LCD and face detection autofocus.

The Kodak Easyshare M381 should be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $179.99.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details on the M381 and the lower-end M341 in the press release below. [Read more…]

Ricoh GR Digital III Reviews and Resources

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Ricoh GR Digital III

The Ricoh GR Digital III is a 10-megapixel compact camera with a 1/1.7-inch image sensor.  The GR Digital III features a fixed 28mm equivalent lens with a f/1.9 aperture, as well as a high resolution 920,000 dot LCD.

Ricoh GR Digital III Availability

Amazon.com

Adorama

Ricoh GR Digital III Reviews

Buy-n-Shoot

For its relatively minimal size and weight, the GR Digital III is a fairly comprehensive unit that packs a long list of features and capabilities into a discreet little body capable of delivering quality images across an array of shooting conditions and scenes.

AlphaMountWorld

I’ll gladly give the GRD III compact a 9.5 out of 10 in total.

Ricoh GR Digital III Press Release

Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2009—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of the GR DIGITAL III camera. Successor model to the GR DIGITAL II, it achieves a whole new level of image quality.

Representing the further evolution of concepts introduced with the GR DIGITAL model (October 2005), the GR DIGITAL II (November 2007) achieved superb image quality by packing superior resolution, low noise, and low color aberration performance into a thin, compact body. In the 20 months since its release, it has been very popular with a wide range of customers, especially professional photographers and experienced amateurs.

The new GR DIGITAL III takes the GR line’s traditional high image quality to an even higher level with a new image processing engine, a new CCD, and the newly developed 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens. Performance has also been enhanced in areas such as quick shooting, operability, and power of expression.

In order to fully respond to the needs of our customers, for the GR DIGITAL III Ricoh will continue to offer the customization services (fine tuning of shutter release button sensitivity, AE/AWB, etc.) that we have provided since the introduction of the GR DIGITAL.

Main features of the GR DIGITAL III

1. Newly developed large-aperture lens.
?The adoption of the new F1.9, f-6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm film cameras) lens for the GR DIGITAL III takes compact-body cameras into a new realm of images. This lens makes it possible to shoot with a faster shutter speed than could be used on previous models, or to shoot with the same shutter speed but at a lower setting for ISO sensitivity.
?Despite the large F1.9 aperture, the new lens achieves a resolution level equivalent to that of the F2.4 GR Lens.
?The use of a newly developed lens drive system has made it possible to achieve greater image quality in macro photography.

2. Taking the GR DIGITAL concepts another step forward, the GR DIGITAL III achieves even greater image quality.
?The new image processing engine GR Engine III is installed. Using newly developed noise reduction technology, it enables highly sophisticated noise processing to be done while maintaining superior resolution, tone characteristics, and saturation.
?The new high-sensitivity CCD (1/1.7 inch, approx. 10 megapixels) achieves high-sensitivity properties through the use of a new process. The combination of the newly developed GR Lens and GR Engine III significantly increases shooting performance in low-light scenes.

3. Even faster shooting capabilities for capturing fleeting shutter opportunities.
?Algorithm improvements have reduced focusing time in low-light scenes. With the Pre-AF function, focusing speed is further accelerated by adjusting the focus to match the movement of the subject.
?The new “full-press snap” function shoots at a preset distance for a one-push full-press of the shutter button.
?Up to five RAW images can be recorded in consecutive shooting* and bracketing.
*When noise reduction is OFF. When it is Weak or Strong, the maximum is four images.

4. Enhanced expression capabilities make good use of GR Lens performance.
?Shutter speed priority AE is now available in addition to aperture priority AE.
?A more extensive range of image settings enables the photographer to control hue and saturation. This makes it easy to create images with a wide variety of coloration.
?When photographing subjects with mixed color temperatures, the multi-pattern auto white balance function makes it possible to achieve optimum color reproduction.

5. Large, high-visibility 3.0-inch VGA LCD monitor.
?The 3.0-inch, 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor provides high resolution, a wide viewing angle, excellent color reproduction, good visibility outdoors, and a surface that resists soiling. The sRGB comparison for color reproduction range is 100%.
?The micro-thumbnail display function displays 81 thumbnail images on a single screen.

6. Operability further enhanced.
?The My Settings on the mode dial have been expanded to three sets. The number of Fn (function) buttons on the back of the camera body has been expanded to two.
?A function has been added for assigning names to My Settings sets and storing and retrieving them. A maximum of six sets can be defined and stored.

7. Expandability further enhanced with addition of new options.
?The 21 mm wide conversion lens GW-2 and hood and adapter GH-2 will be sold.
?The available soft cases are the GC-3 for the body only and the GC-4 quick-shooting case type compatible with the GV-2 viewfinder.
? There are also plans to introduce the GF-1 external flash, which can handle TTL flash using auxiliary flash, in the autumn of 2009.

8. Function to be expanded using firmware.
? Even after the GR DIGITAL III is introduced, we will continue to add new functions through the release of new firmware. By updating their firmware, GR DIGITAL III owners can continue to utilize the latest functions.

Customization service

(1) Shutter release button adjustment service (suggested retail price: 3,000 yen, consumption tax included: 3,150 yen)
?We fine tune shutter release button sensitivity.

(2) AE/AWB adjustment service (suggested retail price: 4,000 yen, consumption tax included: 4,200 yen)
?For customers with two or more GR DIGITAL III cameras, we fine tune AE/AWB to reduce individual differences.
*It is not possible to adjust differences between a GR DIGITAL III and a GR DIGITAL or GR DIGITAL II model.

(3) Lens name ring replacement service (suggested retail price: 2,000 yen, consumption tax included: 2,100 yen)
?We replace the “GR LENS f=6.0mm 1:1.9” ring on the lens barrel, with one finished all black.
* For customization services, cameras must be brought directly to the Ricoh Ginza Camera Service Center (Ginza), the Digital Camera Service Center (Shin-Yokohama), or the Ricoh Osaka Camera Service Center (Esaka).

GR DIGITAL III Option Table

Product Model
?Hood and adapter GH-2 *1
?Wide conversion lens *2 GW-2 *1
?External TTL flash GF-1 *3
?External viewfinder GV-1
?External mini viewfinder GV-2
?Cable switch CA-1
?Soft case GC-3 *1
?Soft case (GV-2 compatible) GC-4 *1
?Neck strap (GR DIGITAL logo) GS-1
?Neck strap (Ricoh logo) ST-2
?AC adapter AC-4c
?Rechargeable battery DB-65 *1
?Battery charger BJ-6

GR DIGITAL/GR DIGITAL II options GH-1, GW-1, GT-1, GC-1, and GC-2 cannot be used.
*1 Newly introduced option.
*2 Hood and adapter GH-2 is required when using wide conversion lens GW-2.
*3 This option is to go on sale in autumn 2009.

GR DIGITAL III – Major Specifications

No. of Effective Pixels (Camera):
Approximately 10.00 million pixels

Image Sensor:
1/1.7-inch CCD (total pixels: approx. 10.40 million pixels)

Lens:
Focal length: f=6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm ?lm cameras)
F-aperture: F1.9 – F9 (exposure control with both aperture and ND filter when F8.0-F11 displays in auto shooting mode)
Shooting Distance (from the front of the lens): Approx. 30 cm – infinity; Macro (from the front of the lens): Approx. 1 cm – infinity
Lens Construction: 8 elements in 6 groups (aspheric lens: 2 elements and 2 surfaces)

Digital Zoom Magni?cation:
Digital Zoom: Approx. 4.0x; Auto Resize Zoom: Approx. 5.7x (VGA images)

Focus Mode:
Multi AF (CCD method) / Spot AF (CCD method) / Manual Focus / Snap / Infinity (Focus lock and AF auxiliary light available. For Multi AF and Spot AF, full-press snap and pre-AF are possible.)

Shutter Speed: *1
Still image: 180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3.2, 2.5, 2, 1.6, 1.3, 1 – 1/2000 sec. (maximum and minimum shutter speeds vary depending on shooting mode and flash mode)
Movie: 1/30 – 1/2000 sec.

Exposure Control:
Exposure Metering Mode: Multi (256 segments), Centre Weighted Light Metering, Spot Metering (TTL-CCD metering method, AE lock possible)
Exposure Modes: Program shift AE/Aperture priority AE/Shutter priority AE/Manual exposure
Exposure Compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps), Auto Bracket Function (-0.5EV, ±0, +0.5EV / -0.3EV, ±0, +0.3EV)

ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):
AUTO, AUTO-HI, ISO64 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600

White Balance Mode:
AUTO / Multi-Pattern AUTO / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent / Fluorescent / Manual / Detail, White Balance Bracket Function

Flash:
Built-in ?ash mode: Auto (during low light and when the subject is backlit), Red-eye-Reduction, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Manual Flash, Flash Off
Built-in ?ash range: Approx. 20 cm – 3.0 m (ISO Auto)
Flash compensation: +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps)
Monitor:
3.0-inch Transparent LCD (approx. 920,000 dots)

Shooting Mode:
Auto Shooting Mode / Program Shift Mode / Aperture Priority Mode / Shutter Speed Priority Mode / Manual Exposure Mode / Scene Modes (Text / Movie / Skew Correction / Dynamic Range Double Shot) / My Settings Mode

Picture Quality Mode: *2
F (Fine) / N (Normal) / RAW (DNG file format) *3
No. of Pixels Recorded:
Still image: [4:3]3648×2736, 3264×2448, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1280×960, 640×480
[3:2] 3648×2432 [1:1] 2736×2736
Movie: 640×480, 320×240
Text: 3648×2736, 2048×1536

Recording Media:
SD memory card, SDHC memory card, Internal memory (approx. 88MB)

Storage Capacity (Pictures/Time):*4 (internal memory 88MB)
Still image: 3648×2736 (RAW: 4, F: 22, N: 38) / 3648×2432 (RAW: 5, F: 25, N: 43) / 2736×2736 (RAW: 6, F: 29, N: 50) / 3264×2448 (N: 47) / 2592×1944 (N: 72) / 2048×1536 (N: 109) / 1280×960 (N:175) / 640×480 (N: 705) / Text: 3648×2736 (38), 2048×1536 (109)
Movie*5: 640×480: 30 frames/sec. (51 sec.), 640×480: 15 frames/sec. (1 min. 42 sec.), 320×240: 30 frames/sec. (2 min. 12 sec.), 320×240: 15 frames/sec. (4 min. 19 sec.)

Recording File Format:
Still Image: JPEG (Exif ver. 2.21) *6 , RAW (DNG)
Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format compliant)

Other Major Shooting Functions:
Continuous / S-Cont / M-Cont, Self-Timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / approx. 2 sec.), Interval Timer (shooting interval: 5 sec. – 1 hour (5 sec. steps) *7, Color Bracket function, B&W (TE), Color Space Setting, Noise Reduction, Histogram, Grid Guide, Depth of Field, Electronic Level, Hot Shoe

Other Major Playback Functions:
Auto Rotate, Grid View, Enlarged Display (maximum 16x), Resize

Interface:
USB 2.0 (High-Speed USB) Mini-B, Mass storage*8 / Audio Out 1.0Vp-p (75?)

Video Signal Format:
NTSC, PAL switchable

Power Supply:
Rechargeable Battery: DB-65 (3.7V) x1, AAA Dry Alkaline Battery x2, AAA Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery x 2, AC adapter (AC-4c option) 3.8V

Battery Consumption: *9
Based on CIPA Standard: Using the DB-65, approx. 370 pictures / Using AAA Dry Alkaline Battery x2, approx. 25 pictures*10

External Dimensions:
108.6 mm (W) x 59.8 mm (H) x 25.5 mm (D) (excluding projecting parts)

Weight:
Approx. 188 g (excluding battery, SD memory card, strap), Accessories approx. 30 g (battery, strap)

Operating Temperature Range:
0ºC-40ºC
*1. Shutter speed upper and lower limits vary depending on Shooting Mode and Flash Mode.
*2. The picture quality modes which can be set vary depending on the image size.
*3. A JPEG file in Normal 640 or Fine/Normal mode with the same size as the RAW file is recorded at the same time. The DNG file format is a RAW image file format and is the standard format of Adobe Systems.
*4. Estimated number of still images it is possible to record and estimated amount of movie recording time.
*5. The maximum length for one instance of movie recording is 90 minutes or the ?le size upper limit of 4GB.
*6. Compatible with DCF and DPOF. DCF is the abbreviation of the JEITA standard “Design rule for Camera
File system.” (Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.)
*7. With ?ash off.
*8. Mass storage driver is compatible with Windows (R) 2000, XP, and Vista; Mac OS9.0-9.2.2 and Mac
OSX10.1.2-10.5.6.
*9. Shooting capacity was measured using CIPA-standard parameters. This is only an estimate, and
performance may vary according to usage conditions.
*10. Using Panasonic AAA alkaline batteries.

Tips For Shooting Sunsets

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The Sunset in Queens

Shooting sunsets is something that isn’t as easy as one would think. Keep in mind that you can’t always be in the right spot at the right time to consistently be able to get those dreamy, beautiful shots. Also remember that sunsets only last for a little while at a time and that the sun continues to go down into the horizon until it isn’t visible anymore. With all this going against you, here are some tips for photographing those beautiful sunsets.

Shoot Wide, Crop Later

Shooting wide allows you to get a view of the entire sky. Depending on the timing, it can also show how the light is hitting the surrounding areas. If you shoot wide first, you’ll be able to fix the shot later in post-production where you can recompose how to wanted it to look. Most consumer zoom lenses close the aperture up as you zoom in. This can create an unbalanced shot depending on how you are metering what’s in front of you. In my experience, primes do the best in this situation.

Part of this also depends on your own positioning to take the shot. Similarly in shooting fireworks, your position to accomplish the type of shot that you want is critical because the sunset happens quicker than you’d think.

The New York City Skyline

Set Your Depth of Field Correctly, Use Neutral Density Filters

While shooting your picture, keep in mind your vision. Do you want the entire sky in focus such as in the picture above? Or perhaps you’d like the sunset to be nothing else but blurry and beautiful bokeh like the first shot in this posting. Either way, figure that all out is worth it in order to save time and getting your shot perfect.

Additionally, you may want to try a neutral density filter. ND filters allow for a shallower depth of field. If the sunset is above water, the ND filter will allow for a slower shutter speed in order to achieve a really slow and milky water effect. Other ideas could be perhaps setting your camera to take the picture at different temperature or exposure brackets. When it’s all done with, you can combine the photos in Photoshop to look exactly the way you want it to. While ND filters will slow down your shutter-speed, generally try to keep it fast enough to not get an overexposed picture or the sun trailing. Additionally, shoot at the widest aperture that you can.

The Seaport at sunset

You Don’t Always Need the Sun To Make a Nice Shot

Yes, despite the fact that you are shooting a sunset your viewers can know that you are doing it without shooting the sun. In the above two shots you don’t see the sun at all but you can easily tell that the sun is going down. Instead, the focusing is on different areas that work for the shot because of positioning and saturation of colors. Everyone that looks at those shots always says, “Nice sunset.” or something else along the lines.

The Colors of The Wind

If You Can’t Get the Sun, Get the Surrounding Sky

A great example of this is what you may have seen in the news recently with the clouds. Every now and then, the sky will literally turn into a pinkish color that is very saturated and almost orangish-red. We get this every now and then in New York City and it’s quite lovely but also very scary too because you sometimes don’t know what is really going on. But if you just shoot the sky with buildings in front or trees of some sort you can achieve a very lovely shot.

What About Your Tips?

Do you have some sunset tips to add?  Let us know in the comments or feel free to share your shots in the forum.

Capturing Your Dog on Camera

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Hannah the Dog

For the dog lovers out there, you’ve got to be able to appreciate some of the expressions your dog makes and just how much dog photos make you smile. I consider my friend Geoff Fox, the meteorologist over at WNTH-TV to be an expert on the subject. Here are some tips from Geoff that I’ve learned and some tips that I’ve incorporated in from my own experience. [Read more…]

Panasonic Lumix FZ35 Reviews and Resources

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The Panasonic Lumix FZ35 is a super-zoom point and shoot camera, featuring an 18x optical zoom Leica lens.  The zoom range is equivalent to a 27-486mm zoom on a full frame camera.  The FZ35 records HD video at 720p resolution in the AVCHD Lite format (MPEG-4/H.264).  Additionally, the FZ35 offers a stereo mic for better sound quality to go along with your HD video.

The FZ35 will carry an initial retail price of $399.99 and will be available in September 2009.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

Panasonic Lumix FZ35 Reviews

Buy-n-Shoot

Aside from its portability, the FZ35 has an expansive zoom range that will easily cover a variety of scenes you come across in your travels without having to carry and fiddle with multiple lenses.

Panasonic Lumix FZ35 Press Release

Secaucus, NJ (July 27, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-FZ35, a digital camera featuring AVCHD Lite, High Definition (HD) video recording capability, combined with a powerful 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom LEICA DC lens. A successor to the popular FZ28, the FZ35 packs enhanced creative features combined with the power to shoot HD videos, including motion zoom capabilities to take full advantage of the 18x zoom. The operational layout of the FZ35 includes a dedicated video record button, making it a true hybrid – a single model that performs seamlessly at capturing both still and motion images – while still providing smooth and easy operation in either mode.

“The LUMIX FZ35 is truly unique as it includes advanced features like HD video recording, but still resembles and functions like an intuitive point-and-shoot with the ability to capture beautiful photos and video,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “This model’s versatility makes it a great choice for a new or advanced user who wants a hybrid device that shoots high-quality still and motion images.”

For users looking for increased creativity while shooting both video and still images, the LUMIX FZ35 delivers. New manual controls and creative options, include:

– Creative Movie Mode – Allows the user to set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances.

– My Color Mode – This special option gives free reign to the user’s creativity. The color, brightness and saturation parameters can be freely adjusted while seeing how the adjustments affect the picture, live on the monitor.

– High Dynamic Mode – Helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure even though the scene may contain both bright and dark areas.

The 12.1 mega pixel-FZ35 features the upgraded POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), which allows for double the repression power compared to the conventional image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S., and ultra high-speed Auto Focus (AF) for capturing action scenes as they happen. Additionally, with the super-powerful 18x optical zoom lens, it is easy to capture subjects that are far away or take dramatic close-ups.

With the enhanced energy-efficient image processing LSI – the Venus Engine HD* – the FZ35 has an extended battery life of approximately 470 pictures, making it the ideal choice for active photo enthusiasts. As with all Panasonic LUMIX cameras, the FZ35 features Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode, a suite of intuitive technologies including Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure and Face Recognition. With the improved Face Recognition, the FZ35 recognizes up to three faces simultaneously while taking photos** and allows users to specify the age of the registered subject. When babies under 3 years-old are registered, the camera will automatically switch to Baby mode if the baby appears to be in the frame.

The LUMIX DMC-FZ35 will have a suggested retail price of $399.99 and will be available in September 2009 in black.

*Based on a CIPA standard.

**Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance.

Panasonic Lumix ZR1

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The Panasonic Lumix ZR1 is an compact point and shoot digital camera featuring a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a Leica 8x optical zoom lens.  The ZR1 offers a full frame equivalent 25-200mm zoom.  The ZR1 will initially retail for $279.95 and should be available in September 2009.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

Panasonic Lumix ZR1 Reviews

PC World

It’s easy to use, has excellent focusing, and can take vibrant and reasonably clear photos.

Panasonic Lumix ZR1 Press Release

Secaucus, NJ (July 27, 2009) – Today, Panasonic introduced the new LUMIX DMC-ZR1 digital camera, featuring the world’s first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens*, allowing for a compact body that still features a powerful, 25mm-ultra-wide-angle, 8x optical zoom** LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. Known for its long-zoom, yet compact digital cameras, Panasonic’s newest ZR1 compact digital camera gives consumers increased flexibility.

“The ZR1 answers the call of consumers looking for a truly pocketable digital camera, while still featuring a zoom more powerful than typical compact cameras,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We know consumers want to catch every shooting opportunity, and with the ZR1, this is possible through unique features such as the ultra-wide-angle lens and Panasonic’s popular iA Mode.”

With a zoom range of 25-200mm, the ZR1 allows for both expansive scenery photos as well as close-ups. This powerful zoom also works during video recording. The 12.1-megapixel resolution allows photos to be greatly enlarged while still retaining outstanding detail.

Another key feature of the ZR1 is its fast, high-speed Auto Focus (AF). This, combined with a high-speed start-up of only 1.1 second, helps the ZR1 to catch even the quick action shots. Making this camera even more versatile and easy-to-use, the ZR1 has a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD, and a powerful battery life with the highly energy-efficient image processing LSI – Venus Engine V*** – which takes approximately 330 pictures during a single charge. As found in all Panasonic LUMIX cameras, the ZR1 features Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode, now with POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), which features double the repression power, compared to MEGA O.I.S., the previous image stabilization system, to help capture blur-free images.

Other features of the DMC-ZR1 include:

– Additional Intelligent Auto (iA) Mode Features

– Hand-Shake Component – Answers the problem of natural hand-shaking that goes along with pressing the shutter button.

– Face Recognition – Up to six faces can be registered, and up to three can be simultaneously recognized to show their names once registered.

– Travel Mode – Users can quickly organize information related to travel, including destination, date and time. Playback of these photos is just as easy, by designating the date or period of travel on the calendar menu interface.

– High Dynamic Mode – Helps to capture a scene with moderate exposure even when the scene may contain both bright and dark areas.

– PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 – Included software allows the user to view, edit and archive captured photos and videos. It features dramatic speed-up of operation and also allows users to store and sort photos by a specific, recognized face in the image.

The LUMIX DMC-ZR1 will have a suggested retail price of $279.95 and will be available in September 2009 in black, red, blue, and silver.

* For digital still cameras

**35mm film camera equivalent: 25-200mm

***Based on a CIPA standard

Sony A330 vs. A300 vs. A700 Review – ISO Comparison

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The Sony A330 is one of the new entry-level Sony Alpha DSLRs, replacing the revolutionary A300.  The standout feature in the A300 and A330 is the fast-autofocus Live View display.  One step behind this awesome feature is the fact that the screen articulates.  These features are solid and, frankly speaking, put Nikon and Canon’s efforts of Live View in a DSLR to shame.

However, fancy features mean nothing if image quality is not up to snuff.  In today’s digital imaging world, a big component of overall image quality focuses on low light performance – and that means clean images at high ISO.  The Sony A330 and A300’s max sensitivity setting is at ISO 3200, while the Canon Rebel T1i and Nikon D5000 cover the sensitivity range up to ISO 12800 and ISO 6400, respectively.  Sony’s A700 has a max sensitivity up to ISO 6400. [Read more…]