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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH

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The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH is a 8.0 megapixel, 3x optical zoom, compact point & shoot camera. The SD1100 is available in five different colors at a price of about $250 street.


Reviews

Steve’s Digicams

The overall image quality from the SD1100 was good. When shooting outside on a nice sunny day, the camera’s performance was excellent. The images were very well exposed, and the colors very vivid and bright.

Digital Camera Review

The SD1100 IS is an impressive digicam when compared to the competition, but it doesn’t fare quite as well when compared to the original SD1000.

Cnet

Canon’s SD1100 IS adds optical image stabilization to last year’s hit SD1000, while delivering just as impressive image quality.

DP Review

The SD1100 always feels snappy and responsive, thanks to Canon’s latest generation DIGIC imaging processor. Flash recycling times are decent (which is useful when shooting at a party or in the pub) although flash power is fairly limited.

PC Mag

While I can’t give the SD1100 IS our Editors’ Choice over the SD1000, I will say that it’s a capable camera that’s sure to please snapshooters who don’t need manual control or an extreme wide-angle lens.

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.

Press Release

Personalized, Colorized and Optically Image Stabilized: CANON U.S.A.’S SLEEK AND STYLISH NEW POWERSHOT SD1100 IS DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS COMPLEMENT THEIR CUTTING EDGE CAPABILITIES WITH A DISTINCTIVE, COLORFUL LOOK

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 – The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera -the newest entry in Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s ever-fashionable line of catwalk-worthy ELPH cameras – adds another dimension to the line’s active lifestyle eye appeal: color. Whether the activity du jour involves painting the town red, dancing ’til dawn, soaking up golden rays as the sun rises over a coral-colored beach or getting lost in a loved ones’ baby blues, these petite and colorfully clad cameras make the scene and capture it, for the magic of the moment or for more enduring memories.

The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera is offered in five lyrically named designer shades that suit the style, present the personality and express their user’s taste and tempo. From the eclectic mix of antique elegance and au courant accessorizing of Bohemian Brown; the shimmering chic and subtle heat of Pink Melody; the wistful and occasionally wild stirrings of Rhythm and Blue, and of course, the exquisite refinement and enduring appeal of precious metals conveyed by the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera dressed only in its Golden Tone skin or catching the array of light – both brilliant and soft–as it plays on the camera body’s Swing Silver sheen, these cameras capture the images at hand while conveying a picture of their users worth at least a thousand words.

Still, the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera is not just another pretty face. This feature-rich, pocket-sized, 8.0 megapixel, optically image stabilized digital camera is firmly rooted in the traditions of photo excellence and imaging innovation that Canon is known for.

“We recognize that many Digital ELPH camera users view their cameras as statements of personal style, valued as much for the image they convey as the images they capture,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The color choices of the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera create additional opportunities for personalization and individual expression.”

A Sharp Zoom Lens with Image Stabilization
Adding to the new camera’s versatility and optical excellence is its sharp and fast 3X optical zoom lens (38-114mm equivalent opening up to f/2.8 at wide-angle settings and f/4.9 at telephoto settings). The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera also features Canon’s advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system that significantly reduces the image-blurring effects of camera shake by shifting the lens to compensate for the movement. Available for the first time in an entry level Digital ELPH, Canon’s OIS technology is proven effective for extended telephoto shots as well as low-light shooting conditions and helps users get the best possible picture quality every time.

Genuine Face Detection Technology
Beyond their appeal on the social scene, the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH cameras feature the latest and most advanced generation of Canon’s Genuine Face Detection technology, thus ensuring that up to nine forward-looking faces in the frame – whether posed for a family portrait, candidly capturing friends and fun, or spontaneously snapping a toddler’s expression of triumphant glee as two halting steps – are in focus and properly exposed, with or without flash. In addition to focus and exposure control, the SD1100 IS camera’s Face Detection feature captures truer, more accurately lit skin tones (and hence more beautifully rendered pictures) thanks to Canon’s improved face detection white balance.

Face Selection and Motion Detection Technology
While the face detection algorithm automatically prioritizes up to nine human faces in a scene, it can also be instructed via the Face Select and Track function to lock on to a single face in the crowd, ensuring that the chosen countenance is finely focused, no matter where it appears in the frame. Additionally, a new Motion Detection function linked to the camera’s High ISO Auto mode improves image clarity by raising ISO speeds (and shutter speeds) for fast-moving subjects or lowering ISO speeds to reduce noise when the subject is stationary. These automatic advances provide even more ways for the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH cameras to optimize picture quality with seamless ease.

DIGIC III
The “brain” in every new Canon digital camera is Canon’s proprietary DIGIC III imaging processor. This exclusive chip is responsible for the cameras’ higher performance levels including faster start up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times that leave long lag competitors far behind. What’s more, DIGIC III improves both the image quality and the cameras’ power consumption, extending the battery life under typical shooting conditions.

See and be Scene
The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera offers users a choice of 18 shooting modes including a fully automatic mode that makes these cameras a true point-and-shoot affair; a semi-automatic “Camera M” mode which allows access to features such as Exposure Compensation and White Balance adjustments that Full Auto mode does not, as well as a plethora of scene selection modes – including Canon’s new Sunset mode – that optimize image results under a variety of shooting conditions.

These scene modes put the power of Canon’s collective photo expertise into the hands of even the most rookie shooter, ensuring that in the end, the shots are the best that they can be, whether indoors or out; in day or night light (and now, with the Sunset setting, in between too); through an aquarium glass; across stark snowy vistas or bleached sandy beaches; into lush, colorful foliage or at a brilliant burst of fireworks against a black satin sky.

The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH cameras feature Canon’s precise 9-point Autofocus system along with the new AF-Point Zoom feature that work together with Face Detection Technology to allow users to double check the facial expressions of their subjects, when shooting under more challenging conditions. After activating the feature in the camera’s menu, the AF-Point Zoom can be engaged simply by pressing the shutter button halfway.

Streamlining the image review process, Canon’s Intelligent Orientation Sensor determines whether a scene is being shot as a vertical or horizontal image and automatically adjusts it for quick and easy review on the camera’s bright, sharp and easy-to-read, 230,000-pixel 2.5 inch Pure Color LCD II screen. The Image Inspection Tool feature zooms in on faces automatically during playback to make it even easier to check facial expressions. The new cameras also feature Canon’s newly developed Automatic Red Eye Correction that engages in the shooting mode, minimizing the need for correction before printing or sharing images. In-Camera Trimming is yet another new advancement that allows users to adjust and save cropped versions of their images without using a computer. As an added convenience, the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH cameras are compatible with MMC, MMC+ and HC MMC+ memory cards as well as standard SD and SDHC memory cards.

In the Box
Scheduled to be in stores beginning in March 2008, the five color versions of the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera kit each include a battery pack and charger, a 32MB SD Memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a wrist strap, and Canon’s software suite. Each kit carries an estimated retail price of $249.99*

Optional accessories include a waterproof case rated for depths up to 130 feet, a wireless flash unit, an AC Adapter Kit, and much more including a full line of compatible Canon PIXMA and SELPHY compact photo printers.

[tags]Canon, PowerShot, SD1100 IS, Digital ELPH[/tags]

 

Sony A350 Reviews & Resources

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The 14.2 megapixel A350 features a flip-out 2.7-inch screen and live preview that retains the ability to autofocus. The A350 sensitivity goes up to ISO 3200 and features a burst mode of 2.5fps. The A350 will be available in April for $900 in a kit or an $800 body-only package. The Sony A350 is available through Amazon via the following product page links:

Sony A350 (body only)

Sony A350 w/ 18-70mm lens

Sony A350 w/ 18-70mm & 55-200mm lens

Photography Bay Resources

Sony A350 Full Review

The intuitive controls and menus make the camera a strong competitor to other entry-level cameras.  The fast focusing Live View and tilting LCD panel, however, sets the A350 apart from the pack.  If you are in the market for a DSLR, then I can highly recommend the Sony A350.

Sony A350 Sample Images

All in all, the white foam tricked the camera’s meter, which resulted in underexposed images for the most part. Nothing was really too far off. A few of the high contrast scenes had some highlights blown out or overly dark areas in the shade; however, I was pretty satisfied with what I got out of in-camera JPEGs from the Sony A350.

Sony A350 First Impressions Review

Sony has truly revolutionized the use of Live View with the fast and accurate phase difference autofocus . . . . I had high hopes for this feature and, based on my short hands-on time, I can say that Sony delivered on those hopes.

Sony A350 Reviews

PhotographyBLOG

If you have no investment in a DSLR system and you’re looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot or cheaper DSLR, the Sony A350 is the logical choice, and it’ll also attract some admiring glances from Canon and Nikon owners too.

PC Mag

With some handy innovative features, the A350 is an easy-to-use, entry-level D-SLR that takes great pictures.

Photoclub Alpha

Sony uses that slogan – ‘like.no.other’. Dead right. You can not call the Alpha 350 ‘recommended’ or ‘best buy’ or anything else like that. It is unique at the price, it offers performance features entirely out of line with the expected aims of a new DSLR at £399, and it can do half a dozen things which no competitor can match.

DP Review

It’s certainly a competitively-priced, well-specified camera and one that feels better-constructed than many of its rivals. It’s also one that smoothes down the learning curve and will totally satisfy users who aren’t familiar with what the best modern DSLRs are capable of.

DC Resource

Camera performance was excellent in most areas. The DSLR-A350 is ready to start taking pictures as soon as you flip the power switch. The camera focuses very quickly, except in low light, where things were a little sluggish. Shutter lag wasn’t an issue (even when using live view), and shot-to-shot delays were minimal.

Pocket-lint

Excellent performance and great image quality combine neatly within in an easy to use body and good price that make the Sony Alpha 350 worthy of serious consideration.

What Digital Camera

The standard of images from the A350 is generally very high. Even when the camera may struggle, features such as the Dynamic Range Optimiser and adjusting parameters of white balance presets make tweaks easy to carry out.

PopPhoto

Based on our DxO Analyzer 3.1 Blur tests of A350 images shot using a 100-300mm zoom set to 200mm, this sensor-shift system delivered between 2.5 and 3 stops of improvement, similar to the A100 and slightly less than the A700.

Let’s Go Digital

My first impression of the Sony A350 is an excellent one. It is a pleasant camera, quite well-organized and beautifully designed. On top of that it is a solid camera and with the abundance of accessories in the back of my mind, it is also a camera that could be the start of a long relationship with Sony.

Imaging Resource

Having reviewed several digital SLRs in the past few months, I can summarize the Sony A200 and A350 in two sentences: They’re simple to use and take good pictures, and you don’t have to wade through complicated menus to use them. It’s refreshing.

Anandtech

Most of the recent DSLR cameras feature Live View that was pioneered by Olympus, but Sony takes the feature from checklist novelty to a truly useful viewing alternative. This makes the transition easier for point-and-shoot users accustomed to Live View composing with the LCD screen.

Photoclub Alpha

It [Live View] is one of the best compromises yet in terms of user friendly functions and suitability for full-time use. While failure to preview sharpness or focus well enough is a failing, previewing manual or over-ride exposure and white balance without entering a special ‘disable auto gain’ mode is an equal strength.

Photo Review Australia

Low-light performance was very good, with accurate colours in long exposures (up to 30 seconds) and no apparent noise in exposures up to ISO 800. Colour noise became evident at ISO 3200 but at a relatively low level, although some shadow detail was lost with this setting. Neither of the noise reduction processing settings produced visible image softening but they did provide an obvious reduction in both colour and pattern noise.

Imaging Resource Hands-On Preview

Having reviewed several digital SLRs in the past few months, I can summarize the Sony A200, A300 and A350 in two sentences: They’re simple to use and take good pictures, and you don’t have to wade through complicated menus to use them. It’s refreshing.

DP Review Hands-On Preview

The A300 is essentially an A200 with the tilting screen and live view, while the A350 is an A300 with a more pixel-dense sensor. In addition to the live view mode switch that mechanically blocks off the optical viewfinder, the A3XX cameras get a button to zoom in on the live view image.

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.

Press Release

SONY INTRODUCES TWO MAINSTREAM DSLR CAMERAS WITH UNIQUE “QUICK AF LIVE” VIEW SYSTEM

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony is bringing live-view shooting to its digital SLR camera line with today’s (alpha) DSLR-A350 camera and 10.2-megapixel?introduction of a 14.2-megapixel ? (alpha) DSLR-A300 model. Both cameras feature new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.

Quick AF Live View System

They both offer Sony’s new “Quick AF Live View” technology so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD without sacrificing auto-focusing speed common to other live-view systems.

Sony’s innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism directs light to a dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view.

Eliminating the focus delay of other systems, the new models are equally responsive whether using live view or optical viewfinder.

With its two sensor design, Quick AF Live View can even continuously focus-track the subject and provide live view during burst shooting, helping you capture that special moment.

Taking further advantage of Quick AF Live View is the models’ variable angle 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD ™ screen. This makes it easy to frame scenes from high or low positions difficult to reach when using an eye-level viewfinder.

With Live View and an adjustable LCD, the cameras do not need to be in front of the user’s face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children.

“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in speed or performance” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Quick AF Live View gives these new models a familiar shooting style without compromising speed – ideal for the growing market of first-time SLR users.”

Exceptional Image Quality

The new models produce images with fine detail, rich tonality and vibrant color due to their APS-C CCD image sensors and BIONZ® processing engine. To aid shooting in low light, Super SteadyShot® image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, with every compatible Minolta Maxxum® and Sony ? (alpha) lens (sold separately) attached to the camera.

High sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 and very low noise are made possible by the user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction features. Sony’s D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.

Powerful Performance, Easy to Use

The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUMTM battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life – up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.

Both models feature lighter, slimmer bodies for easy handling; an improved user interface; an automatic pop-up flash; a comfortable camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial; an anti-dust system to keep the CCD image sensor clean for spot-free pictures; and JPEG and RAW file format support. Both have a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards.

An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is also available for the cameras and sold separately.

The new DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350 cameras are compatible with a range of accessories, including the ergonomic Sony VG-B30AM vertical grip. Also available as an option is the new Sony HVL-F42AM flash unit. It offers advanced features such as automatic white balance adjustment with color temperature information, adjustable bounce angles, ADI metering and wireless remote operation to suit the needs of most photographers.

Price and Availability
The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800. The DSLR-A350 camera body will be available in March for about $800, and the DSLR-A350 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens will be available for about $900 at the same time. Both models will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail ), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.

[tags]sony, a350, review[/tags]

Sony A300 Reviews & Resources

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The 10.2 megapixel Sony A300 features a flip-out 2.7-inch swivel screen and live preview that retains the ability to autofocus with speed. The A300 features sensitivity up to ISO 3200 and feature burst modes of 3fps. The A300 was made available in April 2008 for $800 with a 18-70mm kit lens (now substantially less).

You can order the Sony A300 through Amazon via the following links to the product pages:

Sony A300 w/ 18-70mm lens

Sony A300 w/ 18-70mm & 55-200mm lenses

Reviews

Trusted Reviews

Image quality is pretty much identical to the A200, so no surprises there. The same 10.2-megapixel APS-C sensor has been used in the A100 and A200, as well as the Nikon D60 and D80, and it is a well-proven piece of kit.

PhotographyBLOG

The Sony A300 is certainly a fun camera to use, owing to its zippy Live View performance, tilting screen and advanced feature set. While plastic, it is well made, looking and feeling like it was built to last.

Photo Review

Despite some evidence of edge softening, resolution was retained right up to ISO 1600 and only declined slightly at ISO 3200, as shown in the graph below. Flare was negligible with the supplied lens and the test camera’s spot metering system provided correct exposures with strong backlighting.

Camera Labs

The Sony Alpha A300 is a feature-packed DSLR with a compelling price tag. With built-in stabilisation, Live View and a flip-out screen, it ticks the boxes of most new DSLR buyers. Sony’s fuss-free Live View is also arguably the best implementation yet for general consumers. It’s quick, quiet and offers uncompromised auto-focusing performance.

New York Times

The camera focuses quickly as you aim the lens, without ever blacking out the screen. When you press the shutter, the screen doesn’t go on-off-on, there’s no loud clacking, and there’s no baffling exhibition of mirror calisthenics inside the camera.

Engadget Hands-On Preview

. . . we’re here with a plethora of hands-on shots to prove that they’re the real deal. Since you already know the specs by now — 10.2 megapixel (a300) or 14.2 megapixel (a350) sensors, 2.7-inch screen, ISO up to 3200, and traditional CF slots — we’ll just let you get right to the eye candy below.

Press Release

SONY INTRODUCES TWO MAINSTREAM DSLR CAMERAS WITH UNIQUE “QUICK AF LIVE” VIEW SYSTEM

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony is bringing live-view shooting to its digital SLR camera line with today’s (alpha) DSLR-A350 camera and 10.2-megapixel?introduction of a 14.2-megapixel ? (alpha) DSLR-A300 model. Both cameras feature new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.

Quick AF Live View System

They both offer Sony’s new “Quick AF Live View” technology so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD without sacrificing auto-focusing speed common to other live-view systems.

Sony’s innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism directs light to a dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view.

____________________________

Eliminating the focus delay of other systems, the new models are equally responsive whether using live view or optical viewfinder.

With its two sensor design, Quick AF Live View can even continuously focus-track the subject and provide live view during burst shooting, helping you capture that special moment.

Taking further advantage of Quick AF Live View is the models’ variable angle 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD ™ screen. This makes it easy to frame scenes from high or low positions difficult to reach when using an eye-level viewfinder.

With Live View and an adjustable LCD, the cameras do not need to be in front of the user’s face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children.

“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in speed or performance” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Quick AF Live View gives these new models a familiar shooting style without compromising speed – ideal for the growing market of first-time SLR users.”

_____________________________________

Exceptional Image Quality

The new models produce images with fine detail, rich tonality and vibrant color due to their APS-C CCD image sensors and BIONZ® processing engine. To aid shooting in low light, Super SteadyShot® image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, with every compatible Minolta Maxxum® and Sony ? (alpha) lens (sold separately) attached to the camera.

High sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 and very low noise are made possible by the user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction features. Sony’s D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.

Powerful Performance, Easy to Use

The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUMTM battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life – up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.

Both models feature lighter, slimmer bodies for easy handling; an improved user interface; an automatic pop-up flash; a comfortable camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial; an anti-dust system to keep the CCD image sensor clean for spot-free pictures; and JPEG and RAW file format support. Both have a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards.

An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is also available for the cameras and sold separately.

The new DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350 cameras are compatible with a range of accessories, including the ergonomic Sony VG-B30AM vertical grip. Also available as an option is the new Sony HVL-F42AM flash unit. It offers advanced features such as automatic white balance adjustment with color temperature information, adjustable bounce angles, ADI metering and wireless remote operation to suit the needs of most photographers.

Price and Availability
The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800. The DSLR-A350 camera body will be available in March for about $800, and the DSLR-A350 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens will be available for about $900 at the same time. Both models will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail ), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.

[tags]sony, a300, review[/tags]

Samsung NV24 HD Reviews and Resources

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Samsung’s NV24 HD was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. The NV24 HD features an 8.1 megapixel image sensor with an ultra-wide, 24mm Schneider lens and 3.6x optical zoom. The NV24 HD also features Dual Image Stabilization, which combines both Samsung’s improved and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS). When selected, OIS and DIS work simultaneously to help curb shake-induced blur in your photos.

The NV24 HD gives shooters the ability to record video in 720p high-definition at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of a movie stabilizer and optical zoom while recording video and with Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files. Additionally, the NV24 HD utilizes H.264 compression, a codec for high definition video that has become an industry standard and iPod compatible. To enjoy the NV24 HD’s high-definition video on an HDTV television, users have to dock the camera into a proprietary Samsung HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) cradle (sold separately). When the HDMI CEC cradle is connected to a high-definition Samsung digital television, users can navigate the NV24 HD’s menu using their TV’s remote control.

The NV24 HD features face detection autofocus and a special Self Portrait mode. The new Self Portrait mode is a unique functionality that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. By utilizing Face Detection technology, the NV24 HD automatically detects the user’s face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame.

Situated on the back of the NV24 HD’s brushed black, stainless steel body is Samsung’s Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the camera’s comprehensive feature set by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the camera’s 2.5″ LCD screen, which will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation. For reviewing and sharing images with others, the NV24 HD also features an intuitive Multi-Slide Show. With Mutli-Slide Show, end users can playback their images using five different slide transitions and can also have their images set to scroll to the camera’s preloaded music or their own favorite MP3 files.

Samsung NV24 HD Reviews

Let’s Go Digital

The serious photographer will appreciate the focal range and will perhaps be attracted to the 24mm wide-angle. As for sharpness, the lens center offers superb sharpness, whereas the edges suffer from blur which needs improvement.

PhotographyBLOG

At the point and shoot level there are more reliable alternatives for its price and headline specification. However, the Samsung NV24HD’s more esoteric features – including the funky photo styles, placed right at the fore of its operation – are indeed fun and less run-of-the-mill than many, meaning it feels churlish to bash this model with too large a stick.

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.

Sony A200 Reviews and Resources

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Somewhat unexpectedly, Sony has announced the A200 at CES (rather than PMA), the follow up to the aging A100. Opting out of the megapixel race, Sony has kept the A200 at the same 10.2 megapixels that the A100 had. Instead, Sony has introduced more subtle upgrades/updates and made the A200 more of a Sony product – as opposed to a rebadged Konica Minolta. In hindsight, the CES announcement may be more fitting because of Sony’s desire to market this as more of a “consumer” camera than to the budding amateur photographer.


The A200 is available with a 18-70mm kit lens or a two-lens kit with an additional 75-300mm lens. For all the details, see the Press Release below.

Photography Bay Resources

Sony A200 Sample Images

Reviews

Digital Camera Review

Image and color quality are good and there’s a host of inputs available to customize image parameters if the default shots don’t suit your fancy. The shutter is “DSLR quick” and auto focus performance is good in normal to marginal light, and acceptable in dim light.

Neocamera

The Sony Alpha A200 is a compelling entry-level DSLR due to its high image quality and excellent speed of operation. In many ways, this is what new DSLR buyers are looking for. Beginners often want to improve image quality and speed of operation without getting something significantly more complicated then they are used to. The A200 fulfills this role very well as well.

ePhotozine

Having a dedicated processor like Sony’s BIONZ certainly helps with noise. It’s not until ISO400 that any kind of alteration starts to appear in the image at full size and all that happens is a slight discolouration of the grey card.

Steve’s Digicams

The Sony Alpha 200/DSLR-A200 is a worthy competitor in the entry-level market, offering awesome image quality, robust performance, great ergonomics and loads of useful exposure options. One feature that stands out is the Super SteadyShot option.

Photography BLOG

If you have no investment in a DSLR system and you’re looking for an entry-level model, the Sony A200 is a real alternative to the likes of the Nikon D60, Canon EOS 450D and Olympus E-510. It may not be the most exciting camera on paper, with no Live View and “only” a 10 megapixel sensor, but in practice it’s an easy-to-use, solid proposition from which you can confidently upgrade in the future to a more feature-rich model.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Overall, the A200’s photo quality was very good, but the difference between RAW and JPEG images is disconcerting. JPEG images are considerably softer than those taken in RAW format, with noticeable noise reduction artifacting starting at ISO 200 in low light, and ISO 800 in good light.

Cnet

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 is a solid entry-level dSLR that doesn’t really stand out in its very competitive field.

Imaging Resource

I’m happy to report that Sony has shipped a digital SLR that I find easy to recommend to anyone, a position previously held mainly by the Nikon D40/D40x and Canon Rebel XT/XTi.

Alpha Mount World

For first time DSLR users, it should make transitioning from a point and shoot camera to a DSLR as painless as possible. The A200 has plenty of manual features to keep a new user busy and to encourage advancement, and plenty of auto features just in case the manual features get tiring from time to time or, there simply isn’t enough time to make adjustments on the fly.

Digital Trends

This entry-level D-SLR has a lot of things going for it: quick focusing, fast shutter speed, lots of tweaks for those who want them plus it captures good 10MP stills with accurate colors and nice contrast.

Trusted Reviews

In terms of overall performance the A200 is a definite improvement over the A100. As with most DSLRs the A200 starts up in well under a second, and shuts down again almost instantly on power-off. The AF system is now much faster and more accurate, and is noticeably better at locking on quickly to low-contrast or poorly lit subjects, something that was a bit of a problem for the A100.

PhotoReview

Pictures from the test camera were similar to our test shots from the A700, with natural-looking colours and an attractive tonal balance that minimised the need for post-capture processing. Raw files were clean and easily adjustable and the DRO control allowed us to take usable shots in contrasty lighting that would overwhelm a less-capable camera.

Let’s Go Digital

The new Alpha camera is Sony’s entry-level model and offers a stack of setting possibilities for a very attractive price. When we look back at the moment the Alpha 100 got introduced, and after that the Alpha 700 with on top of that Sony’s promise to introduce a professional DSLR in 2008, and we look at the A200 now, we can say that Sony are definitely branding their name on the DSLR market.

Camera Labs

Well it may not have much beyond its predecessor (and indeed a couple of the A100’s features have gone missing), but for the money it’s still a great entry-level DSLR which stands-up well against the competition. Its predecessor’s old rival, the Canon 400D / XTi is likely to become the A200’s new nemesis, especially with its superior high ISO performance, but with built-in stabilisation at a similar RRP, the Sony still looks strong. It’s also looking good against Nikon’s new entry-level D60.

e-Photographia Pre-Production Hands-On

Images straight out of the camera look good, and the camera isn’t too intimidating for a beginner. Also, metering works really well, making it easy to get images that are sure to astound anyone who just jumped from point-and-shoot digicams to a DSLR.

Popular Photography First Look

You get a camera capable of Excellent image quality (with resolution right around 2,000 lines), useful image controls such as DRO, a fine-performing lens, and image stabilization that will work with virtually any lens that fits on the camera.

Sample Images

Master Chong: Several samples showing off the ISO range 100-3200

Resources

A200 User Manual

PDF Spec Sheet

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.

Specifications

A200 Key Features

Camera type: Digital SLR with built-in flash and interchangeable lenses

Lens mount: Compatible with Sony lenses and Konica Minolta/Minolta MAXXUM/DYNAX lenses

Image sensor: APS-C size CCD with anti-dust system

Sensor resolution: 10.2 effective megapixels

Image processor: Sony BIONZ engine

Image stabilization: Super SteadyShot with approx. 2.5 – 3.5 EV decrease in shutter speed (actual stabilization depends on shooting conditions and lens)

Noise reduction: Long exp. & High ISO NR at ISO1600 / 3200

Creative Styles: Preset modes: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B/W, Adobe RGB. Adjustable parameters: Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness

D-Range Optimizer: operating modes: Off, Standard, Advanced

Scene Selection modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait / Night View

Viewfinder: Field of view: 95% / Magnification: 0.83x

AF system: TTL phase detection, centre-cross 9-point

Sensitivity: ISO100 – 3200 equivalent (Recommended Exposure Index)

Light metering: 40-segment honeycomb with multi-segment, spot and centre weighted modes

Flash modes: Auto, Fill-in, Wireless, Rear, High Speed Synchro and Slow Synchro (Wireless and High Speed Synchro modes require optional accessory flash HVL-F56AM or HVL-F36AM)

Built-in flash system: Auto popup (GN 12) with manual popup button

Shutter speed range: 1/4000 sec. – 30 sec., bulb (Flash sync speed 1/160 sec.)

Continuous shooting rate: Up to approx. 3 fps

Max no. of frames: JPEG Fine/Std: unlimited (until memory card is full), RAW+JPEG: 3, RAW: 6 recordable (continuous)

Monitor screen: Transparent TFT / 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD (230k dots) with AR coating

Histogram display: Brightness, RGB

Function menu: Camera Function Display with direct control of Flash Mode, AF Mode, WB, Metering Mode, AF Area, DRO

Battery type: NP-FM500H with InfoLITHIUM % power remaining display on screen

Battery life: Approx. 750 shots (CIPA measurement)

Vertical control grip: VG-B30AM (optional) accepts up to 2x NP-FM500H batteries

Recording media: CompactFlash card: Type I, Type II (Microdrive), Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo with optional adaptor.

Dimensions: (WxHxD) Approx. 130.8 x 98.5 x 71.3 mm (excl. protrusions)

Weight: Approx. 532 g (w/o batteries or memory card)

PRESS RELEASE:

SONY UNVEILS NEW MAINSTREAM DSLR CAMERA

LAS VEGAS(CES BOOTH 14200), Jan. 6, 2008 – Sony is advancing the digital SLR category for mainstream photographers with today’s introduction of the new ? (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera.

The DSLR-A200 model features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony’s first in the DSLR class.

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

As seen in all ? (alpha) camera bodies, the DSLR-A200 camera incorporates Super SteadyShot® image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible – a benefit realized with every compatible lens attached to the camera. Compatible lenses encompass all Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses, in addition to Sony a (alpha) lens lineup – including Carl Zeiss® lenses.

“With the DSLR-A200, we are helping consumers capture high-quality images with advanced technology that’s practical and easy to use,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “This model is an ideal step-up for point-and-shoot users who are looking for a camera that can capture virtually all of the photographs they want.”

High-Quality Images

With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A200 camera continues to offer high-quality images by allowing more light to pass through to each pixel – increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing greater detail.

Clean, reduced-noise signals are sent from the image sensor to Sony’s BIONZ™ processing engine, which processes data-rich picture information at high speeds and reduces picture noise in the RAW data stage before image JPEG conversion. The results are high-resolution, detailed images with rich tonal reproduction.

The DSLR-A200 model supports JPEG and RAW file format support. It has a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards. An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is sold separately as an accessory.

Get The Photo Results You Want

In addition to Super SteadyShot image stabilization for virtually blur-free photos, the new model incorporates Sony’s D-Range Optimizer (DRO). It helps you capture well-exposed images, especially when shooting high-contrast or backlit scenes that often lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail. Sony’s DRO modifies the range from highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through its in-camera hardware processing to produce more natural, evenly exposed pictures. The camera’s image analysis technology studies the captured image data and instantly determines the best exposure and color tonality for the image before JPEG compression.

The BIONZ image processing engine powers the camera up immediately and the eye-start autofocus starts the focusing system before you even press the shutter. The camera can shoot up to three continuous frames per second at 10.2-megapixels at the finest JPEG compression level.

As seen in previous ? (alpha) models, the new model carries a static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter which is gently vibrated to dislodge any dust that might have collected each time the camera is powered off.

Additionally, the DSLR-A200 camera’s supplied lithium ion battery offers up to 750 shots per full charge.

Bright and Easy Playback

The camera’s smaller, more compact body along with its wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD TM screen and a new on-screen navigation interface make it easier to carry and to use. The vibrant, easy-to-view screen features 230K-pixel resolution, an anti-reflection coating and glare-reducing layer assures vivid, accurate colors with a wide viewing angle, even in daylight. The on-screen navigation display shows camera settings and key shooting information in large, easy-to-read text. The display’s orientation automatically switches from landscape to portrait position when the camera is turned on its side.

Accessories Expand Creative Possibilities

Sony is providing a full line of accessories for the model, including flashes, rechargeable battery packs and several carrying cases. An interesting addition is the VG-B30AM ergonomic vertical grip equipped with the most essential controls for portrait orientation shooting. It also allows for the use of two InfoLITHIUM® batteries (sold separately) for up to 1,500 shots on a single, full charge.

The DSLR-A200K kit includes the camera body and a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens for about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT 18-70mm lens and a 75–300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900. Both will ship in February and will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online on Jan. 7 at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.

[tags]sony, a200, announcement, release, specs, review[/tags]


Nikon D60 Reviews and Resources

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Nikon announced the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D60 on January 29, 2008. Rather than creating an entirely new DSLR that’s a true “step up” from the Nikon D40x, Nikon settled on the solid 10.2 megapixel sensor that has made the D40x such a great camera and “upgraded” the rest of the camera to include next generation features like built-in sensor cleaning, built-in filter effects, Active D-Lighting (featured in the Nikon D3/D300) and 3D Color Matrix Metering II (also from the D3/D300). For more info, check out the reviews, resources and other info below.

Stay tuned to this page for the latest reviews, news and other resources for the Nikon D60.

Photography Bay Resources

Nikon D60 Review

Nikon D60 Sample Images

Nikon D60 Reviews

Megapixel.net

What’s nice about the D60 is that Nikon didn’t change things about the D40 that worked. The same solid construction is here. The economy of design and outstanding ergonomics are still here, too.

Imaging Resource

Like the D40x before it, the Nikon D60 is a real gem. Consumers should want one, intermediate photographers should want one, and pros would do well to carry one too. The Nikon D60 is one of the finest “family” cameras on the market, easily upholding the standards of its predecessors, which is a tall order.

Digital Camera Info

Imaging performance shines when it comes to noise, and the responsiveness while shooting is exceptional for a camera in this class. However, the D60 also lagged in several equally important areas, including white balance and dynamic range.

PopPhoto

With an Excellent rating on JPEGs from ISO 100 to 1600, the D60’s image quality tested slightly better than the D40x’s. That’s impressive, since the D40x also had Excellent image quality up to ISO 1600.

Think Camera

Those looking to make a first class entry level DSLR purchase need only know that the Nikon D60 is an excellent choice – it’s small, light, affordable, easy to use and has enough solid and fun features to get any enthusiast going. Although current Nikon D40x users will probably not feel the need to upgrade, taken on its own merit, Nikon D60 is up there with the best entry level DSLR, if not the best.

Steve’s Digicams

The new Nikon D60 is quite impressive for an entry-level dSLR, offering superb performance, great image quality, and multiple exposure options. The 3fps continuous drive mode (or 3.5fps in our testing), Sensor Cleaning system and onboard HELP Menu are distinct improvements for this soon to be popular camera.

Digital Outback Photo

We think that image quality is key and here we like what we see. Once we got over the missing AEB feature :-) we started to like the D60 a lot. For us the natural sharpness of this camera can produce counts more than any missing feature.

Cnet

Despite modest improvements in performance and a couple of new features, Nikon’s D60 fails to impress and costs more than some competing models.

DP Review

There’s a few nice new features, and bundling the new ‘VR’ (stabilized) version of the kit lens is a smart move that makes the whole package a lot more appealing, but it’s fair to say that the D60 is a subtle upgrade rather than a wholescale reinvention of Nikon’s entry-level best-seller.

Camera Labs

It’s very easy to use, handles well and produces great looking – if slightly over-saturated – images in its fully automatic modes. As such it’s an ideal model for first-time DSLR buyers who are perhaps upgrading from a point and shoot.

PhotographyBLOG

Ultimately the new Nikon D60 remains an intuitive camera that clearly meets the main needs of its target audience, whilst still retaining enough complexity to allow your photography to grow and improve in the future.

Trusted Reviews

Pictures from the D60 impress, with a lovely smooth tonality and crisp punchy colours. Contrast is generally good, while the Active D-Lighting quickly takes care of those that need a little help to achieve their best. Exposures are generally good, though occasionally the camera underexposes by a quarter to half a stop, especially if there’s a lot of brightness in the image such as a bright sky.

ePhotozine

The new EXPEED processor has worked a treat on the lower ISO ratings with super smooth results on ISO100 and 200. A very very faint sharpening begins to appear on ISO400 but only at full size enlargement. Their is still plenty of detail in the petals even at ISO800, even though the noise has started to show.

Let’s Go Digital

Apart from quality, price will also play a big role in your decision as to which camera to buy. In my opinion the Nikon D60 is absolutely a recommendable camera. The facts prove it; convincing image quality, a great deal of user’s ease and an excellent price/quality ratio. I think it makes the D60 a highly attractive combination.

Pocket-Lint

Because handling and ergonomics are so good and the camera is very simple to use – left on Auto, it is as simple to use as point and shoot compact – it’s sure to appeal to those wanting that bit more from their hobby than mere snaps. And it will offer a helping hand to those trading up from, say a compact camera.

Digital Review Hands-On & Sample Images

From our quick hands on with the Nikon D60, we have no doubt that this camera will deliver as promised and bring a whole new legion of fans. We are especially impressed with the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens that comes bundled with the Nikon D60 kit package, delivering excellent sharpness and colour detail overall for a lens in this price range.

DP Review Hands-On Preview

D60 adds active d-lighting that helps maximize dynamic range by adjusting exposure to retain highlights then boosting shadows. It also adds a digital rangefinder that indicates subject distance when manually focusing lenses. A stop-motion mode lets the camera clump individual frames together as an animation – the first time we’ve seen this feature on a DSLR.

Nikon D60 Videos

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.

Press Release

With 10.2 megapixels and remarkable compactness, the D60 offers incredible picture quality, extensive built-in dust reduction technologies and a comprehensive set of creative options.

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the D60, one of the smallest Nikon digital SLRs ever. The D60 makes it fun and easy to take breathtaking pictures while also offering plenty of features for those who want to deepen their interest in creative shooting.

With a split-second shutter response, the D60 captures pictures that cameras with longer time lags miss. Ease of use and creative options both come standard with the D60, whose exclusive Nikon technologies help deliver high-quality pictures with vibrant color and stunning, edge-to-edge detail. Such superior results are achieved through a high-resolution image sensor utilizing 10.2 megapixels, world-famous NIKKOR lenses delivering razor-sharp pictures, and many cutting-edge Nikon features to further enhance your picture-taking experience. Nikon’s advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures consistently balanced exposures for images with natural color and contrast, while Nikon’s new digital image processing concept, EXPEED, makes it possible to deliver smoother tones and more accurate colors. Nikon’s fast, quiet and precise autofocus system adds significantly to the performance of the D60, capturing exact moments with astounding clarity.

Such clarity is reinforced by Nikon’s dust reduction countermeasures. To avoid picture-degrading dust particles accumulating near the imaging sensor, the D60 comes equipped with the innovative Image Sensor Cleaning function and Nikon’s exclusive Airflow Control System. These functions both reduce dust accumulation to give you even better picture quality.

In addition to new dust reduction features, the D60 offers a variety of ways to experience more fun and creativity when taking pictures. Users can easily capture dynamic images in different shooting situations with a simple turn of the mode dial. The Retouch Menu offers even more creative excitement, letting you change your pictures into even more striking images – all fast, all simple and all without the need for a computer.

Compact and comfortable, the D60 has so much to offer: amazing picture quality, simple operation, an Integrated Dust Reduction System for clearer pictures and an extensive selection of creative features. The result: fun, fantastic and inspired pictures. The world of stunning photography is just a step away, with the Nikon D60.

Nikon D60 Feature Highlights

Superior image quality and resolution
The D60’s image sensor utilizes 10.2 megapixels to produce superb, high-quality images with incredible resolution, allowing you to make large prints, even if you only use part of an image. And thanks to EXPEED, Nikon’s unique digital image processing concept, your pictures will contain fine detail and smooth, natural tonal reproduction.

Integrated Dust Reduction System
The Airflow Control System used in the D60 leads air within the mirror box towards small ducts near the base, directing dust away from the image sensor. The Image Sensor Cleaning function also reduces dust accumulation near the sensor using specifically determined vibrations, which activate automatically or whenever the user chooses. This team of dust reduction countermeasures lets the user switch lenses confidently, taking advantage of the extensive lineup of NIKKOR interchangeable optics while worrying less about the effects of dust in the camera.

Active D-Lighting for smoother gradation
The D60’s new Active D-Lighting feature can adjust the look of the final image while you shoot. This automatic process works in the highlight and shadow areas, compensating for difficult lighting conditions and producing optimized exposures with rich, smooth detail.

Intuitive, simple operation within a compact body
The D60 is not just compact; its shape is ergonomically designed to fit in your hand naturally and comfortably. The body design is inherited from the highly regarded Nikon D40 series. The bright and clear viewfinder ensures precise composition, while the large, 2.5-in. LCD monitor displays an easy-to-use menu system with a wide viewing angle so that anyone can navigate the settings and view images with ease. The new Eye Sensor function turns off the LCD monitor when the viewfinder is used. When the user moves away from the viewfinder, the LCD monitor turns on again automatically.

Retouch Menu
The D60’s Retouch Menu offers many exclusive in-camera editing features to choose from. Use the Filter Effects option to intensify a color (Red/Green/Blue) of your choice, or try the Cross Screen feature to produce star-like lines radiating from brightly lit objects in the image. In-camera NEF (RAW) processing is also available. RAW format images are “developed” within the camera after shooting, allowing you to control specific aspects of your pictures, such as image quality, image size and white balance. With the new Stop-motion feature, a stop-motion animation (the consecutive playback of still images) can be created from a sequence of images (in JPEG format). Also included is a convenient Quick Retouch option, which enhances contrast and saturation, to improve images without using a computer. The D60’s extensive Retouch Menu increases the fun and creative freedom of using a digital SLR.

Nikon D60 Other Features

  • Fast, 0.19-second power-up to respond to every photographic opportunity
  • Split-second shutter response eliminates the annoyance of shooting lag
  • Fast continuous shooting mode enables up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller) at 3 frames* per second
  • Fastest frame rates achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings
  • Advanced three-point AF system offers fast, efficient and precise autofocus
  • Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting situation
  • Bright and clear viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition
  • Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows up to 500 images* with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR on a single charge (*CIPA standards)
  • Digital Vari-Programs that adjust camera settings automatically for scene-specific pictures – selections include Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait
  • Manual control over shutter speed and aperture: P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-priority Auto), A (Aperture-priority Auto) and M (Manual)
  • Built-in flash with Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control, supporting Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync and Flash exposure compensation
  • Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG basic data of the same image
  • Camera setting menus can be customized to suit individual preferences
  • Imprint date function prints the date of capture directly on the picture
  • Electronic rangefinder display indicates the deviation from the in-focus point when using manual focus mode
  • Fully compatible with AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses, that are equipped with an autofocus motor (Autofocus supported. Also compatible with most F-mount NIKKOR lenses when using manual focus mode)
  • Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the Wireless Close-Up Speedlight system R1C1. Offers accurate exposures via i-TTL flash
  • Optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 for easy remote shutter release
  • Included Nikon ViewNX software lets you share, organize and edit pictures with ease

Nikon D60 Specifications

Type Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Effective picture angle Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length (Nikon DX format)
Effective pixels 10.2 million
Image sensor 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD sensor
Total pixels 10.75 million
Dust Reduction System Image Sensor Cleaning System, Airflow Control System, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX software required)
Image size (pixels) 3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
File format

  • NEF (RAW): 12-bit compressed
  • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression
  • NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats

Media SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
File system DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge
Text input Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available
Date imprint Date, Date and time, Date Counter, or none (selectable)
Viewfinder Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage Approx. 95 % horizontal and 95 % vertical
Magnification Approx. 0.8 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)
Eyepoint 18 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Diopter adjustment -1.7 to +0.5 m-1
Focusing screen Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V
Reflex mirror Quick return
Lens aperture Instant-return, electronically controlled
Compatible lenses

  • AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR: All functions supported
  • Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus
  • Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus
  • IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF: Not supported
  • Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except some shooting modes
  • AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
  • Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function
  • Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster: Electronic rangefinder can be used

Shutter type Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed 1/4,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3 EV; Bulb, Time (optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 required)
Flash sync speed X=1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 s or slower
Release mode Single frame, Continuous, Self-timer, Remote control (optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 required)
Frame advance rate Up to 3 fps (by selecting manual focus mode, rotating the mode dial to S or M, selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, and using defaults for all other settings).
Self-timer Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 s duration
Metering TTL exposure metering using 420-segment RGB sensor
Metering method

  • Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses)
  • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center of frame
  • Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5 % of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
  • Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) • Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0 – 20 EV
  • Spot metering: 2 – 20 EV

Exposure meter coupling Combined CPU
Exposure modes Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [flash off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait), Programmed auto (P) with flexible program, Shutter-priority auto (S), Aperture-priority auto (A), Manual (M)
Exposure compensation -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Exposure lock Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) ISO 100 – 1,600 in steps of 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 1 EV (ISO 3200 equivalent) above ISO 1600
Active D-Lighting Can be selected from on (auto) or off
Autofocus Nikon Multi-CAM 530 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 3 focus points and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in.)
Detection range -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
Lens servo

  • Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Auto-servo AF (A), Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in single- and continuous-servo AF
  • Manual focus: Electronic rangefinder can be used

Focus point Selectable from three focus points
AF-area mode Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, Closest subject AF
Focus lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Built-in flash

  • Guide number of 12/39 (m/ft, ISO 100, 20°C/68°F) or 13/43 in manual mode (m/ft, ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
  • Auto, Portrait, Child, Close up, Night portrait modes: Auto flash with auto pop-up
  • P, S, A, M: manual pop-up with button release

Flash control

  • TTL for digital SLR using 420-segment RGB sensor: i-TTL balanced fill-flash (with metering other than spot) and standard i-TTL flash (with spot metering) are available with built-in flash, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-400, and CPU lenses.
  • Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 and CPU lenses.
  • Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-800, SB-28, SB-27, SB-22S, SB-80DX, and SB-28DX
  • Range-priority manual: Available with SB-800

Flash modes Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync.
Flash compensation -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Flash-ready indicator Lights when built-in flash or Speedlight such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400 is fully charged, blinks after flash is fired at full output
Accessory shoe Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)

  • Flash Color Information Communication supported with built-in flash and CLS-compatible Speedlight
  • Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-800, or SU-800 as commander

Sync terminal Hot Shoe Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15 (Optional)
White balance 8 modes (when Auto is selected, TTL white-balance with main image sensor and 420-segment RGB sensor is available), fine-tuning possible
Monitor 2.5-in., approx. 230k-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD, brightness adjustment and with automatic defeat via Eye Sensor
Playback Full frame and thumbnail (four or nine images) playback with playback zoom, stop-motion movies created with the D60, slide show, histogram display, highlights, and auto image rotation
USB interface Hi-Speed USB
Data transfer protocol: MTP, PTP
Video output Can be selected from NTSC and PAL
Supported languages Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Battery One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9
AC adapter AC Adapter EH-5a (optional, used with optional Power Connector EP-5)
Tripod socket 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 126 x 94 x 64 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in.)
Weight Approx. 495 g (1 lb. 1 oz.) without battery, memory card or body cap
Temperature 0-40°C (32-104°F)
Humidity Less than 85% (non condensing)
Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area) Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, Quick Charger MH-23, USB Cable UC-E4, Rubber Eyecup DK-20, Camera Strap AN-DC1, Body Cap BF-1A, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional Accessories Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro 2, AC Adcapter Connector EP-5, AC Adapter EH-5a, Video Cable EG-D100, Semi-Soft Case CF-DC1, Speedlight SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, R1C1

Pentax K20D and K200D Reviews and Resources

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Pentax has announced the K20D and K200D, which are the successors the previous generation K10D and K100D, respectively. The K20D has 14.6 megapixels and the K200D gets 10.2 megapixels and they are priced at $1299 and$799, respectively.

K20D Reviews

Think Camera

All in all, the Pentax K20D is a decent camera with enough features to keep top-end enthusiasts, travel photographers and possibly even some pros happy. It’s not the 14.6megapixel sensor that makes this the camera what it is, that almost doesn’t matter – it’s the combination of intuitive layout, functions and relative ease of use.

Cnet

Pentax’s 14MP K20D is a great choice for a midlevel SLR and offers a lot of bang for the buck.

Camera Labs

It really does capture a great deal of detail and unlike Sony’s 14 Megapixel sensor and processing engine, this detail remains at higher sensitivities.

PhotographyBLOG

If you have a collection of Pentax lenses, you’ll love the new AF Adjustment custom function, which allows you to precisely calibrate each one to the K20D, and the Dust Alert feature shows you exactly where the dust is on the sensor. Studio photographers can now seriously consider the K20D because of the welcome addition of an X-sync socket, and the camera still offers dust and water-resistance and effective anti-shake and dust-removal systems.

Trusted Reviews

With the launch of the K20D Pentax is taking on the top players in the semi-pro DSLR market. It has a class-leading specification, with build quality, handling and performance to match, and has exactly the sort of features that will appeal to advanced amateurs and semi-professionals.

Dale Cotton

Steady, well-exposed landscapes at ISOs from 100 to 400 are stunning at 16″ x 24″ (A2) print sizes.

Neocamera

The bottom line is that the K20D has one of the most complete feature set of any DSLR. It brings some unique features and exposure modes into a very thoughtful and ergonomic design. Plus, since image quality and performance are great, there is no doubt the K20D is a worthy digital SLR.

Photo Review

Resolution remained high at all ISO settings up to (and including) ISO 1600 but declined sharply thereafter. . . .  Image noise became visible at ISO 1600 when shots were enlarged to 100% but was increasingly obvious as sensitivity was increased.

PopPhoto (full test)

Impressive specs? Yes, but the K20D produced impressive results in the Pop Photo Lab, especially in resolution and detail at most ISOs. At 2350 lines of resolution at ISO 100-400, the K20D delivers slightly higher resolution than the Nikon D300.

PopPhoto First Look

We’ve just begun our full lab test with an early production Pentax K20D and out initial findings show that the Pentax K20D is very class competitive (particularly at ISOs 100-1600) against other cameras in this category including the Canon EOS 40D, Sony Alpha 700, and the Nikon D300.

ePhotozine First Look

Some of the upgrades and additions are good and will be useful, but there are some that seem to be hardly worth the effort. Would it have been too difficult to fit a 3in screen? Then they could have given it a better pixel count than 230,000 keeping it in line with the newer DSLRs from other manufacturers.

DPReview Hands-On

Pentax has been kind enough to let us soend a little time with an early sample of its latest DLSR, the K20D. It’ll be familiar to anyone who’s held a K10D but has a number of added features to keep it competitive in its increasingly crowded market segment.

K20D Sample Images

Pre-Production Samples at PhotographyBLOG

Other K20D Resources

K20D Video Walkthrough

K200D Reviews

Imaging Resource

The Pentax K200D is a capable digital SLR, a very good choice for consumers who are starting to chafe against the limitations of a point-and-shoot digital camera and want to work with a more advanced camera.

Megapixel.net

With its agreeable mix of automatic and customizable features and its top-shelf image quality, the Pentax K200D is an excellent camera for DSLR newcomers and more sophisticated lensslingers who want robust performance in a compact interchangeable lens format.

Camera Labs

While there are a number of aspects to weigh-up, the choice between the K200D and rival DSLRs really boils down to how much you value build quality and Live View. If you want a tough, weatherproof DSLR at a low price, then buy the K200D. If however you’d prefer a smaller, lighter DSLR with Live View capabilities, then go for one of its rivals.

Photography Review

The Pentax K200D is a great digital SLR for beginner, amateur or casual photographers. It’s a very well built camera that reaches out to the beginner crowd. But there are also plenty of “pro” level features that a photographer can grow into.

PhotographyBLOG

Just like the Pentax K100D Super, the K200D ticks very nearly all of the boxes for those wanting an easy to use DSLR that delivers images you’ll want to keep straight out of the camera, and with the minimum of user input and effort to boot.

Cnet

Pentax’s K200D entry-level SLR gives a lot of bang for the buck and has better performance than last year’s model. Despite low noise and pleasingly detailed images, technically inaccurate colors keep it from capturing the gold medal for image quality.

Trusted Reviews

The handling of the K200D is very simple yet it maintains a reassuring, more professional build quality. Images are sure to please even the most critical photographer, with few serious problems bar slight underexposure on rare occaisions.

Photo Review

Pictures from the test camera had a superficial resemblance to our test shots from the K20D, particularly with respect to the extended dynamic range provided by both cameras. However, the K200D showed less inclination to bias exposures slightly in favour of recording highlight details and the yellow-brown cast we found in test shots taken with the K20D shots was much less evident.

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.

Pentax K20D Amazon

Pentax K200D Amazon

Press Release

PENTAX Announces K20D with 14.6 Megapixels, K200D with Advanced Technologies and Five Digital Lenses

GOLDEN, Colo. –(Business Wire)– Jan. 23, 2008 PENTAX Imaging Company announced today two new digital SLR camera models including the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels and the PENTAX K200D digital SLR with 10.2 megapixels. Both cameras are equipped with advanced features including dust-proof and weather-resistant bodies, an improved PRIME image processor, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 24 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured. [Read more…]

Canon Rebel XSi Reviews and Resources

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Canon has announced the new EOS Rebel XSi, which is a 12.2 megapixel consumer level DSLR that packs a ton of “pro” upgrades. At the Rebel XSi’s initial introduction it was available in a body-only configuration for $799 and a kit configuration with the new EF-S 18-55mm IS lens for $899. It is now substantially less.  You can order each of these configurations at Amazon via the following links.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi (body only)

Canon EOS Rebel XSi w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS lens

See the reviews and other info below for further details on this impressive new camera.

Canon Rebel XSi Key Features

  • 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
  • Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
  • 3.5 frames per second
  • 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
  • 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type center point
  • Picture Style image processing parameters
  • DIGIC III image processor
  • Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
  • Compact and Lightweight body
  • Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlights

Photography Bay Resources

Canon Rebel XSi Full Review

Canon Rebel XSi Sample Images

Canon Rebel XSi Reviews

Bob Atkins

The image quality is surprisingly close to that the the EOS 40D and EOS 50D, but the cost is significantly lower. Of course it has fewer features too, such as a smaller ISO range, no rear Quick Control Dial, a slower continuous drive rate, a smaller buffer etc.

NeoCamera

The Canon Rebel XSi is finally a more complete camera than any Rebel before it.

DigiCamReview.com

Image quality is good – with excellent colour, with high levels of saturation and contrast. Noise is acceptable higher than average compared to the competition, but is low up to ISO400 and detail is good.

PhotographyBLOG

Image quality is on a par with the EOS 400D, with noise-free images up to ISO 800 and a very usable fastest speed of 1600, so usable that I don’t understand why the EOS 450D doesn’t also offer ISO 3200.

DP Review

The EOS 450D feels like a mature product, it is capable of superb results (even if it’s actually now good enough to reveal the limitations of the cheaper EF-S lenses) and it has a feature set that offers an excellent balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and the manual control / customization demanded by those wanting something a little more serious.

PopPhoto

It scored Excellent image quality throughout its ISO 100-1600 range, based on Excellent resolution (2265 lines average), Excellent color accuracy, and noise levels that ranged from Very Low at ISO 100 to Moderately Low at ISO 1600.

Digital Trends

. . . it’s very easy to recommend the Canon Rebel XSi. It’s a fast-focusing, speedy D-SLR that delivers excellent photos both indoors and outside. At 12.2-megapixels, the camera also has more than enough resolution for huge prints, and you can just shoot in auto or tweak images as much as you’d like.

Let’s Go Digital

After testing the Canon EOS 450D I am really satisfied with the camera. It is a perfect camera for everybody. If you are just starting with (digital) photography or if you are a bit more experienced, and whether or not you switch from a compact camera, the Canon 450D enables you to take excellent pictures.

The Digital Picture

I’m very pleased (actually somewhat surprised) with the improvements delivered by the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D. It will be a worthwhile upgrade for many XTi / 400D owners – it is a lot of camera for the money for anyone purchasing it.

Steve’s Digicams

The XSi’s image quality is excellent, and has improved at high ISO settings over the former model. Images were consistently well exposed with natural color saturation and accurate white balance. When shooting portrait style photos, skin tones were also very pleasant. Noise is absent from test images shot at ISO 100 and ISO 200, barely detectable in shadow areas at ISO 400 and 800, and noticeable in shadow areas at ISO 1600, but these images are still very usable.

Camera Labs

In use, the 450D / XSi feels very responsive and quicker than its predecessor. The viewfinder is visibly a little bigger than the 400D / XTi, which itself is bigger than the Sony A350’s. The continuous shooting may only be half a frame per second faster than the 400D / XTi, but you really do get 3.5fps in practice and it’s much quicker than the 2.35fps reality of the A350.

Cnet

It doesn’t stand out for its feature set or design, but the Canon EOS Rebel XSi delivers on performance and photo quality.

Gizmodo Hands-On

Shooting produced a more satisfying click than than the XTi as well and the autofocus was definitely snappy. We obviously couldn’t subject it to lotsa photo tests right here, but if the specs and our bit of time add up correctly, this is the new entry-level DSLR king.

Bob Atkins (Features Compared to XTi & 40D)

I’d say the new XSi looks like a real improvement over the XTi in terms of features and usability. Image quality will probably be quite similar. For someone upgrading from a P&S digicam it looks like a very good camera, and that fact that it uses SD cards (which most P&S digicams also do these days) could be a plus.

DP Review Hands-On Preview

Although you can’t really see it when looking from above the EOS 450D’s grip has been redesigned slightly, and it’s a big improvement, though we’d still rather use the camera with the optional battery grip attached. The overall handling and ergonomics have been improved slightly, though again, this isn’t a major redesign.

Do you see a review somewhere that should be added? Drop a line in the comments or an email and I’ll get it on here.

Canon Rebel XSi Sample Images

DP Review Samples

Canon Japan (low-res)

Canon Japan (full size 1)

Canon Japan (full size 2)

Other Canon Rebel XSi Resources

Canon USA Rebel XSi Home

Canon Rebel XSi Videos

Where to Buy Canon Rebel XSi

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 Rebel XSi Press Release

Canon ‘Beefs Up’ the New Rebel With Optically Image Stabilized Lens Kit and ‘Pro’ Features

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LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras – the cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an “entry level” digital SLR – have now redefined the gateway prowess and “pro-ness” of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line’s new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon’s professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit – or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag. [Read more…]

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.

[Read more…]

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…]