Olympus has introduced their first Micro Four Thirds camera - the Olympus PEN E-P1.
The compact new Olympus PEN E-P1 has a 12.3-megapixel sensor and it’s Olympus’ first changeable lens camera to offer a movie mode (720p HD).
The Micro Four Thirds format was announced last August and since then we’ve been anxiously waiting to find out what Olympus would do with it. Panasonic has introduced two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Lumix G1 and the GH1 with HD video. But until now, the only Micro Four Thirds action we’ve seen from Olympus was behind glass at tradeshows. But now there’s an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera we can bank on - and it’s not just a list of specs and features, either.
The Olympus PEN E-P1 was named in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the Olympus Pen half-frame film camera. The lines of the E-P1’s sleek metal body are an obvious nod to that heritage. And like the Olympus Pen-Series, the Micro Four Thirds format E-P1 offers high-performance in a smaller camera body. Basically, the Micro Four Thirds format eliminates the SLR mirror so the camera and lenses can be smaller and lighter (for more on the Micro Four Thirds format, read our Micro Four Thirds Introduction article).The Olympus PEN E-P1’s stainless steel and aluminum body is comparable in size to a 35mm rangefinder and has a solid, metallic feel that traditionalists will love. Unlike the Panasonic Lumix G-Series Micro Four Thirds cameras, which have electronic viewfinders (EVF), the Olympus E-P1 only uses only a 3-inch, 230k-pixel LCD for viewing and composing, allowing them to make the camera even smaller. That allowed Olympus to make the E-P1 the smallest 12-megapixel digital camera with changeable lenses. It’s as if you chopped the top off one of the smallest digital SLRs and then squished the body front to back (see below). Lens diameters are also smaller and less glass makes the camera even lighter. The Olympus PEN E-P1’s size feels closer to high-end compacts like the Canon G10 than a digital SLR. But the EP-1’s 12-megapixel Four Thirds sensor is much larger than the G10’s and can deliver far better image quality.
There is one detail to note about image quality – the new True Pic V image processor is supposed to have a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio and that should mean better high-ISO image quality (the E-P1 maxes out at ISO 6400). Since the Four Thirds sensor is smaller than APS-C sensors in most DSLRs, it’s a bit much to expect the E-P1 (as well as Four Thirds digital SLRs) to match their image quality. The E-P1 has an image-stabilized sensor so image stabilization is available regardless of the lens you use.
If you’ve got Leica M-rangefinder lenses you can get a Micro Four Thirds M-mount adapter and you’ll be able to shoot image-stabilized photos with Leica glass on the E-P1.
Excellent reference to the Olympus E-P1 can be found here:
Pentax has launched its latest waterproof camera promising to let you “go boldly where none have gone before.”
Called the Pentax Optio W80, the update to the Optio W60 will be more adventure-proof than ever, according to Pentax, and be waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than 3 feet (1 metre), as it plays catch up to Olympus’ successful tough series of cameras.
On the tough specs, the Pentax Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 5 metres, letting you shoot photos and video for up to 2 hours underwater. On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 1m. That coldproof badge means the camera can to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).
On the camera specs you get 12.1 megapixels, a 5x internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim body and a wide angle 28mm lens. There’s also a 2.5-inch LCD screen and HD movie capture capabilities that record resolutions up to 1280 x 720 pixels at full-speed 30fps.
There is also fast face detection that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with smile capture and blink detection, for perfect portrait shots.
Available in cardinal red, azure blue and gunmetal grey, the Pentax Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for US $299.95 in the US with an expected UK price of around £170 and is available now for pre-order.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is the newest generation of ‘point and snap’ camera, a perfect travel mate!
Roughly the same size (though twice as thick) as the revolutionary iPhone, the appearance and ergonomics of Nikon’s Coolpix S60 will be reassuringly familiar to Apple aficionados.
While the S60 comes equipped with a somewhat standard feature set, what makes it an easy, fun camera to shoot and show is its intuitive and responsive 3.5-inch touchscreen viewfinder.
Some of the features include a massive 10 mega pixel resolution which will enable you to print fantastic quality pictures of up to 16 x 20 inches as well as a 5x optical zoom lens with ‘VR image stabilization’. It has a 3.5 inch high resolution touch panel LCD screen and automatically adjusts the ISO up to 3200. One of the other great things is that you can save to an expandable memory slot in the form of SD/SDHC.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is small enough to slip into a pocket and has a slightly longer than standard 5x zoom lens for this type of camera.
This is a very good looking camera and has obviously been built for easy usage with the 20MB of internal memory, SD card expansion slot and JPEG, AVI and WAV formats.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 has VR image stabilization which reduces camera shake as well as smile shutter and blink warning which will let you know when a subjects eyes are closed so you can retake the picture.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is inline with a lot of other smaller digital cameras when you increase the ISO rating. The noise levels at ISO 400 are noticeable, but if it’s the only way to get a picture, then it levels are acceptable.
We like the macro shot. It is very clear and has great definition.
Off we go again for high-quality Canon lenses featuring the best specs along with the best price!
In Canon lenses roundup part #1 we featured a 100-400mm , 16-35mm and the gorgeus 50mm f/1.2.
In round #2, we feature three different lenses each one with distinctive winning points, high quality but with an eye on huge savings!
28-105 mm
A general purpose lens, the Canon EF 28-105mm spans wide-angle upto basic tele focal length in a very compact package - and a rugged one too.
The Canon EF 28-105mm standard zoom lens retains the optical capability of Canon’s previous EF 28-105mm USM lens but with a refined exterior design.
The lens is distinguished by a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) drive that provides silent, high-speed autofocusing, along with full-time manual focusing.
The 1.6-foot (about 48 cm) close-focusing distance, meanwhile, lets you take great close-up portraits and nature shots.
It’s a great lens for all-around use and does a great job without getting deep in your pocket.
THe Canon EF 28-105mm now retails for US $ 209.95 (a 46% saving over regular price)
60 mm Macro
The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is compact, well built and shoot images that you would only expect from Canon L-series glass.
The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is an excellent lens with 35mm comparable focal length of about 96 mm.
Who needs this lens after all?
Creative photographers willing to explore fixed-length lens and more prone to try out Macro photography, be it to discover nature’s secret or simply looking at the world from a different - yet enlarging, point of view.
Autofocus shows its technologically modern performance - it is fast, quiet and accurate.
The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens incorporates Canon’s excellent USM (Ultrasonic Motor) with FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing. An internal focusing design is used. The lens does not change length while focusing nor does the front element rotate - a big plus when using the compatible Canon MR-14ex and Canon MT-24EX Macro Flashes.
Optically, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens performs very well. It is very sharp wide open (even in the corners) and slightly sharper stopped down. It is at least as sharp as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens and the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM lens. It is at least as sharp as the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens at equivalent apertures.
Canon’s true macro lenses (the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is one) yield a magnification of up to 1x or 1:1 which means the subject can appear lifesize on the sensor.
Lifesize on the sensor means output size is significantly larger than the sensor unless you are viewing it as a thumbnail or as a smaller-than-wallet-sized print.
Canon includes a magnification ratio scale in the 60mm Macro’s ft/m distance window (if knowing the exact magnification is important to you). Something that is not as readily apparent is the loss of light at high magnification values. The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens loses 1/2 stop at 1:5, 1 stop at 1:3, 1.5 stops at 1:1.5 and 2 stops at 1:1 (lifesize). You need a shutter speed twice as long for a 1 stop loss and four times longer with a 2 stop loss. The camera’s autoexposure (or E-TTL if using a flash) will automatically compensate for this light loss. This loss of light is a common trait of macro lenses - not something unique about the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens.
Now available with a 43% saving at US $ 362.59!
70-200 mm
Almost any photographer has had a 70-200 mm general-purpose lens in its weaponry.
This Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom is a true pleasure since it comes from the -L family of lenses therefore ensuring high image quality standards - and a rugged body too!
Combining a very popular and very useful focal length range with excellent image quality, professional build quality, superb autofocus performance, a fast aperture and one of users’ favorite features - Canon’s valuable 3-stop Image Stabilization - makes the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L one of Canon’s most desired lenses.
Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. This high-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens is distinguished by such features as an f/4 maximum aperture, an inner focusing system, and a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM). The last two features combine to deliver quick and quiet autofocusing–a priority for many amateur and professional photographers
Weighing 3.24 lbs (1470g) and measuring 3.4″ x 7.8″ (86.2mm x 197mm), the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L will not be mistaken for a light or small lens. However, I can carry this lens for long periods of time without feeling it is a burden. This is a weather sealed lens that is ready to take professional use.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens balances out great build quality with excellent image quality. Images are sharp wide open (f/2.8) - corner performance is remarkable even with a Full Frame body. Stopping down to f/4 delivers even sharper results with better contrast.
Bargain-priced at US $ 600.00 , the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L it’s now 38% off regular price!
The ultra-compact PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH: get ready for a cool tech summer!
Loaded with a host of advanced features, such as Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, the SD990 IS is ideal for the trendsetting techie looking for functionality and style.
The Canon Powershot SD990IS showcases enhanced specifications such as 14.7-megapixel resolution, 3.7x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new Quick Shot Mode for even faster shutter speeds. Reminiscent of a sporty race car, this new model is available in black or silver.
In addition, to commemorate the 100 millionth compact digital camera manufactured, Canon created a limited-edition Canon Powershot SD990IS Digital ELPH camera in red.
The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, accounts for the Canon Powershot SD990IS camera’s higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality. One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor’s high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction (aka i-Contrast) function automatically improves image quality in high contrast shooting situations.
We love high-quality lenses so here we go with a two-part survey of hard-to-beat Canon lenses with hard-to-resist savings and discounts!
You may find it helpful since savings are in the 30-40% range and since these lenses are not exactly cheap, these offers make them a lot more affordable by pro-amateur photographers!
100-400 mm
Meet Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 USM L IS which is Canon´s long range zoom lens primarily meant for sports-, wildlife- and press photography. Due to its rather small max. aperture it isn´t quite suitable for portraits.
On an APS-C DSLR the field-of-view resembles a whopping 160-640mm lens on classic (full-frame) SLRs.
The lens has a very good build quality - no wobbling whatsoever inc. smooth focusing action. It has a push-pull zoom mechanism which has both pros and cons. You can zoom very fast if necessary but at cost of accuracy. The amount of zoom friction can be adjusted using a dedicated control ring. It´s also possible to lock the lens at a certain zoom position so zoom creeping is not an issue.
True inner focus 4x or 5x zooms in this range aren´t overly likely to emerge in this range due to the physical size requirements for the 400mm setting.
One of the primary and still strong selling argument is the IS (Image Stabilizer).
The lens features a ring-type USM drive resulting in a very fast and virtually silent AF operation. Full-time manual focusing is possible in one-shot AF mode. To avoid unnecessary hunting there’s a focus limiter where you can choose between 1.8m-infinity or 6.5m-infinity.
Price for the Canon EF 100-400mm is US $ 1.400.00 (and that’s 42% off its regular price!)
16-35 mm
On the other side, let’s look at a ultra wide-angle lens from Canon: the Canon EF 16-35mm ultra-wide-angle zoom lens.
Taking over the ultra-wide angle position of the available professional grade f/2.8 zoom lenses from the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM Lens, the 16-35 L II becomes the new standard for professional and serious amateur photographers alike.
Specifically designed for improved edge-to-edge image quality that meets the strict requirements of professional and high-end amateur photographers alike, the lens lets you bring more area into focus while providing greater depth of field. The lens features three high-precision aspherical lens elements–ground, replica, and GMo–that produce even better image quality than the original Canon EF 16-35mm USM lens. The circular aperture, meanwhile, produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other details include internal focusing, a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing.
The large 82mm filter size is a first for Canon EF Lenses. High quality filters of this size are expensive and at this point, not shareable on other Canon lenses without a stepping ring. The larger objective end of the barrel reduces the handling comfort of this lens only slightly, but the improved image quality is definitely worth the change. Focus and zoom rings are well-positioned, nicely sized, smooth and well-damped.
Price for the Canon EF 16-35mm is US $ 1.399.00 (a 39% cut-off from list price tag).
50 mm
Last but not least a super-classic lens we all started with: a 50 mm.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens is a peerless standard lens for Canon digital SLR cameras.
The lens is suitable for any shooting situation, with a lens coating and construction type that are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM also offers an ultra-large aperture ( f/1.2 !!!) that produces a narrow depth of field and the type of soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere.
The high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series lens.
What we really love about it: picture quality - from f1.2 thru f2.8, the lens works superbly. AF is fast & faster compared to 50mm 1.4.
List price for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is now $1,499.00 (which is some 35% cut-off from its regular price).
Made Products custom designs each of their Camera Armor cases to fit the camera like a glove.
All controls and access points are still accessible and you can use your camera just like you’re used to!
No more missed photographs trying to get your camera out of its case.
Rugged, custom fit Camera Armor cases that provide protection from impact and abrasion while allowing full access to all features of the camera.
Great for outdoor use (currently being used for nature photography, climbing, cycling, bungee jumping, canyoning, aerial photography, forensics, photo journalism, etc), working with multiple cameras (wedding photography, industrial applications), or other activities where full-time protection is required without a lot of additional bulk or weight.
Camera Armor is made up of 4 part system that includes Lens Armor, Body Armor, LCD shield, and lens cap lanyard.
Camera Armor even works with most tripods, optional battery grips, flash guns, L-brackets, and other accessories.
Proprietary silicone material is heat stable to 420 degrees, provides protection from heat or cold, and gives the camera a secure, grippy feel.
Does not trap condensation under the armor, and will not deform or lose its shape over time.
Tough and rough yet pretty nice: this is what the Pentax Optio W60 it’s all about!
Lightweight and fully waterproof, the Optio W60 features 10 megapixels and a 5x zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle capability. The enhanced design of the Optio W60 allows the camera to operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing.
Perfect for photography in adventurous as well as everyday settings, the 5x optical zoom refraction lens never protrudes from the Pentax Optio W60, yet it covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format). This range allows the camera to capture a wide variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. A Digital Wide function merges two shots into one image for ultra-wide-angle image capture (equivalent to a focal length of 21mm in 35mm format).
The Pentax Optio W60 also accompanies users to new aquatic depths. With improved design and construction of the shutter button and controls, as well as reinforced, airtight joints, the Optio W60 allows underwater photography up to 30 percent deeper than previous Pentax waterproof models. In addition to the JIS Class 8 waterproofing standard, the camera is JIS Class 5 dustproof against dirt, sand and dust and operates in extreme temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius).
The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 features 10.1-megapixels, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, meaning it has added 2x optical zoom to the award-winning TZ-series camera, yet reduced its size. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 also features a Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens and High Definition (HD) video recording ability, known as AVCHD Lite.
It’s not often that we see a whole new video format being introduced on a digital camera, but that’s what Panasonic has done with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3; as well as being a well specified 10-megapixel still camera, it’s the first digital camera to shoot high definition video in the new AVCHD Lite format.
Camcorder fans may recognize the first part of the name (AVCHD is the format that many high def camcorders shoot in), but the Lite part is new.
AVCHD lite is a subset of the full AVCHD standard, which means that the ZS3 shoots 720p video (which is lower in resolution than the 1080i that most dedicated camcorders shoot) that can be watched on a HDTV and edited in many video editing programs, such as Apple’s iMovie.
In fact the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is the world’s first digital camera to feature HD video recording in “AVCHD Lite”.
Compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format, AVCHD Lite allows longer recordings with breathtaking HD visual and audio quality.
This combined with a well-considered control interface, which includes a dedicated movie recording button on the camera’s back panel, makes the ZS3 a hybrid model that performs admirably for both still and motion image capture.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 packs a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 12x optical zoom into a compact body.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 also expands Panasonic’s popular Intelligent Auto (iA) mode with the addition of Face Recognition–a feature that “remembers” faces from previous shots. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt the users to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.
A great camera and it’s waterproof!
For sure when you think of waterproof digital cameras you wouldn’t think of such a small compact camera. The POLAROID CTA-00833W is small enough to fit easily into your pocket or purse for easy access.
It’s a great camera for summer too, you can take it to the pool, beach, even out in the rain. Also the waterproofing will protect it against other things like sand and food (which happen to meet happily in everyday life).
This is not just a simple point and shoot waterproof camera either, like most are. You get a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, 24 different shooting modes and you can even shoot video with it.
Ultrazoom compact cameras have come a long way, really long if you consider that two out of three of these sport a 24x zoom lens.
This means, in 35mm jargon, an equivalent 26-624mm zoom. The Olympus SP-590UZ, goes even further, up to 26x (676mm equiv.)!
All three have image stabilization and vibration reduction features; they all reach the 12 megapixel peak and may give you something to think about when choosing your next camera: an ultrazoom compact with DSLR-level features.
Which is the best? Fair bet… each one has its own strong points, so check out for yourself!
The Olympus SP-590UZ: with a 26x optical zoom lens covering a remarkable 26-676mm focal length range, 10fps sequential shooting, and a 12 Megapixel CCD, nothing can escape the scrutiny of the SP-590UZ.
Photographers using the latest Olympus Ultra Zoom can further increase the power of its lens to 130x using the optional TCON-17N Teleconverter.
Luckily, Dual Image Stabilisation is on hand to protect photos from blur caused by camera shake, and Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to bring out details hidden in darker areas of the picture.
So when photographers view their results on the camera’s 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD, they know that they’ll be picture perfect.
The Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD is an all-purpose digital compact camera featuring a high-magnification optical 24x zoom and 6.25x digital zoom lens.
The camera has approximately 12 effective megapixels and utilizes a 1/2.33-inch CCD image sensor.
Its lens focusing distance is 4.6 - 110.4mm (approx. 26-624mm in 35mm format) with an aperture range of F2.8(W)-F5.0(T). The X70 is able to record up to 1280 resolution video and has an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400.
It has Motion Blur Reduction, Hi-sensitivity anti-shake mode (Digital SR), and Movie shake reduction mode (Movie SR).
The camera has a 33.6 MB built-in memory with support for SD/SDHC Memory Card expandibility.
The Pentax X70 has a 2.7-inch 230K AR coating LCD display and an electronic viewfinder (200K dots) and auto and manual focus, macro shots, exposure control, exposure compensation, scene mode, playback mode, shutter speed of 1/4000-1/4 seconds, built-in flash and “Red-eye” reduction. The Pentax X70 is powered by a rechargeable D-LI92 lithium-ion battery, measures 110.5×82.5×89.5mm and weighs 390g (without battery and SD memory card).
The Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3 inch Tilt LCD is among the first Nikon models to advertise the manufacturer’s “four-way” Vibration Reduction image stabilization concept. In addition to optical/mechanical image stabilization, the Nikon P90 utilizes motion detection (which detects subject motion and adjusts shutter speed and/or ISO accordingly), reduced-res high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 6400, and Nikon’s Best Shot Selector (which “automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image”).
Shooting Modes for All
Two new shooting modes on the P90 seek to expand the camera’s utility for different user groups. Aimed at soccer moms and serious shooters alike, the Nikon P90’s Sport Continuous mode captures up to 45 reduced-resolution shots at an outrageously fast 15 fps. Family photographers are also served by a new Smart Portrait System, grouping several auto exposure technologies (including blink detection, smile detection, face detection, and red-eye reduction) for easier access when taking shots of friends and family.
In the interest of enthusiast appeal, the P90 also packs in the typical P/A/S/M manual exposure modes, as well as an electronic viewfinder.
The Nikon P90 weighs in at just over a pound so it didn’t feel like we were shackled to a mid-level DSLR. The weight reduction can be attributed to the Nikon P90’s plastic body. It was obvious that Nikon sacrificed a little structural integrity in exchange for additional controls and features.
Articulating Screen: in this case, though, the big news is that the P90’s screen is articulating (Nikon calls it “Vari-Angle”), allowing the display to be tilted “as much as 90 degrees upward or 45 degrees downward,” according to the manufacturer.
The best three ultrazoom compact cameras around: now it’s up to you to choose!
15MP sensor - similar, but not the same as the 50D (slower readout for one thing)
Video - 1080p, but only at 20 FPS
Anti reflection coated display
Digic IV - menu layout similar to 50D/5D2
Auto lighting optimiser - now adjustable
Quick control setting mode
ISO to 12800
Variable high ISO noise setting adjustment
Face detect in Liveview
Peripheral Illumination Correction - brighten the corners of images to correct for lens vignetting
Sensors under viewfinder to blank screen when the camera is raised to the eye.
The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i becomes the third (as of writing) camera to be able to shoot full HD video and, right now the very first in its not-so-entry-level class.
What’s inside? What comes from 50D/5D MkII?
Fast processing, fast focusing, and the Digic 4 Processor.
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor drives continuous shooting speeds of up to 3.4 fps in bursts of up to 170 JPEGs . Using Canon’s wide area AF system – which features 9 individual sensors, including a central cross type point with a high precision sensor for f/2.8 or faster lenses– makes capturing split-second action sequences possible.
DIGIC 4 works in conjunction with the CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional noise reduction and 14-bit image processing for smooth gradation of tones and natural-looking colours. In addition, DIGIC 4 enables the ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting that photographers demand.
Why we like it?
The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i it’s as compact and lightweight as the previous Canon Digital Rebel XSi but has far more features - not only megapixel-addiction, take a look at the VGA display - and grabs parts from higher-level Canon cameras.
It’s a serious (and price-aware) competitor to the widely-acclaimed Nikon D90 and to many of the new crop of over-12-mp-with-full-hd-video 2009 DSLR cameras.
Along with the Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i comes the Speedlite 270EX, the successor to the 220EX Speedlite model: a new compact flash gun with a maximum guide number of 27 m and silent recycling that becomes a lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select Canon PowerShot models.
The new Speedlite 270EX uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.
Like Canon’s high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor.
There’s no doubt: the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 12 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) may be considered Bruce Willis camera of choice!
The Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 is a compact digital camera sporting 12 MP resolution along with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and great 2.7″ display.
There’s really only one word to describe the new shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof Stylus Tough-8000 camera from Olympus: Tough.
Unbelievable?
Olympus says the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure, and laugh at freezing temperatures. Tap Control makes it easy for skiers, divers and snowmen makers to control key settings without removing their gloves.
Tech specs, for people in a hurry:
12-megapixel resolution for photo-quality, poster-size prints
Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof
Compatible with xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards
Some of the features we like the most.
The new “OR” (Olympus Recommended) button makes it easy to activate Olympus’ unique features, including In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment and Perfect Shot Preview. Simply press the new OR button to easily access these commonly used features.
The new Beauty Mode: it enables you to soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face–all in the camera and as you capture the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using the Beauty Fix mode. Choose “Clear Skin” to smooth a person’s complexion, “Dramatic Eye” to slightly emphasize the eyes, and “Sparkle Eye” to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.
Tap Control: the Stylus Tough series cameras can be controlled with a simple tap on their top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to their internal 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. To turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, all that is required is a couple of taps on the camera’s sides and top. In adverse climates Tap Control ensures fast adjustment of settings even if you are fighting frostbite wearing large gloves that make pressing traditional buttons nearly impossible.
Wide-Angle Optical Zoom: the Stylus Tough-8000 features a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot–perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it is further protected from harsh conditions.
Versatile Memory: all Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media, they now also accept microSD memory cards to capture images.
In-Camera Panorama: the places you can take Stylus Tough series cameras are locations where you want to capture as much of the scene as you can.
In-Camera Panorama mode makes it possible by capturing three images and stitching them together to create one amazing panoramic picture.
Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene.
The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image–resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture.
To create the ultimate panoramic picture, just use the Olympus Master Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.
35-140mm 35mm-equivalent lens with 4x Optical image-stabilized zoom and up to 4x Digital Zoom,
2.5-inch LCD screen; Face DetectionWhat’s more, compared to other (even newer) cameras:
sensitivity up to 1600
Face Detection AF
13 shooting modes, 7 scene modes including Easy Mode
Program, Shutter-Priority and Aperture-Priority Exposure Modes
32MB internal memory
DIGIC III Image Processor
5cm macro (!)Last but not least, Canon offers optional accessories for the A590 IS, including Selphy Photo Printer and converter lenses!Why we do love it?
Besides high-ISO ability, the Canon A590IS is one of the very few compact cameras featuring true photographic controls hidden within the 13 shooting modes: Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, the one that really give any amateur photographer the right tools to take control over photo shooting the good ol’ way and right the same way as DSLRs do.
Don’t dismiss the Canon A590IS and give it a second look: it’s now even more affordable than ever at US$ 109.00!
Sanho HyperDrive ColorSpace is a color LCD equipped hard drive that allows you to backup, store, view photos/data from memory cards on the go without the need for computers or external power. COLORSPACE comes with Built-in Battery, AC adapter, Car Charger, Carrying Case & USB cable.
It has been some time since we’ve seen a new competitor in the photo backup realm, so it’s with a great sigh of relief that we pass along word of Sanho HyperDrive ColorSpace photo backup device. The unit is capable of sucking down 2GB of data per minute and claims to be “the only storage device in the market that can decode and display true RAW images from any camera on its 3.2-inch (QVGA) color LCD screen.”
Furthermore, it orientates images automatically depending on how it’s held, and the included data synchronization functionality enables the drive to sync information with another external HDD or your main rig. Oh, and it can understand 14 different types of memory card, so you’re probably fine on that front. Check it out next month for between $339 (80GB) and $599 (500GB), depending on capacity.
Sanho HyperDrive ColorSpace features a 3.2-inch LCD display, USB 2.0 connectivity, support for S.M.A.R.T., and support for RAW image. It comes with a memory card slots that supports almost all kind of memory cards, including CF Type I/II, MD, SD, SDHC, MMC, MS, MS MagicGate, MS Select, MS PRO, MS PRO MagicGate, xD, xD Type-M/H.
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Called the 
will be more adventure-proof than ever, according to Pentax, and be waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than 3 feet (1 metre), as it plays catch up to Olympus’ successful tough series of cameras. 
is the newest generation of ‘point and snap’ camera, a perfect travel mate!
A general purpose lens, the 
The 
This 
The ultra-compact PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH: get ready for a cool tech summer!
Meet 
ultra-wide-angle zoom lens.
Actually, this is the 
cases to fit the camera like a glove.
, 
, Canon EOS 400, 
, 
and a lot more: 
.
features 10.1-megapixels, a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom, meaning it has added 2x optical zoom to the award-winning TZ-series camera, yet reduced its size. The 
The 
The 
The 
is among the first Nikon models to advertise the manufacturer’s “four-way” Vibration Reduction image stabilization concept. In addition to optical/mechanical image stabilization, the 
looks like the 
, shoots much like the 50D.
if you’re budget-conscious.
and to many of the new crop of over-12-mp-with-full-hd-video 2009 DSLR cameras.
There’s no doubt: the 
is still one of the very best compact cameras around.
