It's a week short of two years since I reviewed the Nikon D80, at the time Nikon's top consumer digital SLR. I was very impressed by its superb build quality, creative versatility and excellent image quality, giving it 9/10 and a Recommended award. However all good things must come to an end, and the D80 has now been superseded by Nikon's new consumer DSLR, named with mathematical predictability the D90.
The new camera builds upon the D80's outstanding design, with a virtually identical body and control layout. The overall dimensions are exactly the same at 132 x 103 x 77 mm, but the D90 is significantly heavier, weighing 620g body-only against the D80's 585g. Although it has many similarities to its predecessor, the D90 adds a number of new features including some from Nikon's professional DLSRs, and others that are currently unique. The sensor is upgraded to a newly-designed 23.6 x 15.8mm DX format CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12.3 megapixels and built-in sensor cleaning, the LCD monitor is the same incredibly sharp 3.0-inch, 920k unit from the D3 and D300, and it has a new viewfinder with 96 percent frame coverage.
As you're probably aware if you've read this far, the D90's main claim to fame is that it is the world's first digital SLR to feature video shooting capability, in high-definition 1280 x 720 pixel resolution at 24 frames a second with mono audio. However this isn't the D90's only unique feature, beacuse it also has GPS location logging via an optional external satellite receiver which slots onto the flash hot-shoe. I'm hoping to take a look at this gadget when it is launched next week.
The D90 is available in a kit with another new product, the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED zoom lens, and it is this kit that I'm reviewing today. As a kit the camera and lens are currently selling for around £720, or around £585 body only, which makes it quite an expensive camera for most hobby photographers. For comparison, you can get a Sony Alpha A350 in a two-lens kit with an 18-70mm and a 55-200mm for around £540, the Canon EOS 450D with both an 18-55mm and a 55-250mm zoom lens for around £620, the Olympus E-520 with a 14-42mm and 70-300mm lens for around £680, or a Pentax K20D with 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses for just under £700.
Cliff Smith
more : trustedreviews
New M8 and M-Lens Promotion
Leica Camera Inc. is offering a $1,500.00 mail-in rebate for the LEICA M8 (excluding special editions) and a $300 mail-in rebate for a new M-Lens*.
The customer will receive the mail-in rebate check after the M8 or M-Lens* is registered. Leica Camera Inc. will take 6 to 8 weeks to process the mail-in rebate check after the M8 or M-Lens* is registered.
Both promotions are only valid for brand new products imported by Leica Camera Inc. and sold by authorized Leica dealers. Both promotions are only valid in the US and Canada and will end on January 1, 2009.
Contact your local authorized Leica dealer for more information.
(*The following lenses are excluded from the promotion: 50mm/f0.95, 21mm/f1.4, 24mm/f1.4 & 24mm/f3.8)
The customer will receive the mail-in rebate check after the M8 or M-Lens* is registered. Leica Camera Inc. will take 6 to 8 weeks to process the mail-in rebate check after the M8 or M-Lens* is registered.
Both promotions are only valid for brand new products imported by Leica Camera Inc. and sold by authorized Leica dealers. Both promotions are only valid in the US and Canada and will end on January 1, 2009.
Contact your local authorized Leica dealer for more information.
(*The following lenses are excluded from the promotion: 50mm/f0.95, 21mm/f1.4, 24mm/f1.4 & 24mm/f3.8)
EM-140 DG Macro Flash available next week for Sony
Multifunctional Macro Flash designed to work with Digital & 35mm Film SLR cameras (2004.9.10)
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG. ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras of all-popular manufactures. The EM-140 DG Macro Flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used, and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates modeling, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100. The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. A wireless flash function is also available, where the EM-140 DG is used as master and the EF-530 DG SUPER as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details. High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography. 55mm and 58mm adapter rings are included with the flash. 52mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm and 77mm adapters are sold separately.
Specifications
Guide number:46 ft, 14m ISO100 (full power)
Power source: 4 "AA" type Ni-MH, NiCd or Alkaline batteries
Angle of coverage: Vertical / Horizontal 80 degrees
Dimensions (Controller): 73.0 x 5.4 x 3.2 in.
6.7 x 136.2 x 82.4mm
Dimensions (Flash unit): 5.0 x 5.1 x 1.2 in.
126.6 x 128.8 x 30.5mm
For Sony
Weight: 430g /15.2 oz. (without batteries)
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG. ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras of all-popular manufactures. The EM-140 DG Macro Flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used, and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates modeling, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100. The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. A wireless flash function is also available, where the EM-140 DG is used as master and the EF-530 DG SUPER as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details. High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography. 55mm and 58mm adapter rings are included with the flash. 52mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm and 77mm adapters are sold separately.
Specifications
Guide number:46 ft, 14m ISO100 (full power)
Power source: 4 "AA" type Ni-MH, NiCd or Alkaline batteries
Angle of coverage: Vertical / Horizontal 80 degrees
Dimensions (Controller): 73.0 x 5.4 x 3.2 in.
6.7 x 136.2 x 82.4mm
Dimensions (Flash unit): 5.0 x 5.1 x 1.2 in.
126.6 x 128.8 x 30.5mm
For Sony
Weight: 430g /15.2 oz. (without batteries)
Review : Nikon D90 and 18-105mm VR kit lens
The D90 is a trophy of a middleweight camera, with the D-movie HD video mode tagging on an extra medal or two. No other DSLR in the world has a video feature to match; which no doubt opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
As an upgrade from the D80, the Nikon D90 positively flies; adding a chunkier new sensor, improved speed and picture quality, plus a bundle of modes and features. From a usability point of view, the informative visual information and display features from the D60 have also been adopted - making for ultimate ease of use.
The D90's 18-105mm kit lens, whilst sluggish to focus and rather shy of close-up subjects, covers a very adaptable range that will prove of use to many photographers. Pop on a different lens though and autofocus speed is improved, just not to the speedier heights of the D300. Though, all in all, the Nikon D90 even makes the likes of the D200 look tired; it really is that good.
Mike Lowe
more : thinkcamera
As an upgrade from the D80, the Nikon D90 positively flies; adding a chunkier new sensor, improved speed and picture quality, plus a bundle of modes and features. From a usability point of view, the informative visual information and display features from the D60 have also been adopted - making for ultimate ease of use.
The D90's 18-105mm kit lens, whilst sluggish to focus and rather shy of close-up subjects, covers a very adaptable range that will prove of use to many photographers. Pop on a different lens though and autofocus speed is improved, just not to the speedier heights of the D300. Though, all in all, the Nikon D90 even makes the likes of the D200 look tired; it really is that good.
Mike Lowe
more : thinkcamera
Olympus E-520 Review
The Olympus E-520 fits a special niche for me. It’s my favorite camera for outdoor photography, where a smaller, lighter rig means always having the camera with you and getting more photos. I had a lot of cameras available this summer, including some very expensive digital SLRs that deliver noticeably better image quality than the E-520. But the camera I used the most was the E-520. Photography isn’t all about image quality. The bottom line for me is the E-520’s unique balance of size and performance. Nothing packs as well as the E-520 - especially when you consider the compact size and 2x converted focal length of the excellent Olympus Zuiko Digital lenses. I am a huge fan of the 70-300mm ED lens - comparable to a 600mm zoom on a 35mm SLR. Combine the E-520’s minimal size and built-in image stabilization and you’ve got what I believe is one of the best backpacking cameras available.
Who Should Buy It
The Olympus E-520 is an excellent choice for:
* Travel and outdoor photographers who want a light, compact digital SLR system
* Olympus E-System owners who want to upgrade from the E-510 or other older Olympus DSLRs - it’s a worthy upgrade.
* Olympus E-3 owners who want a small, light backup camera.
* First-time digital SLR buyers who want a lot of value for their camera dollar.
This camera is not the best choice for:
* Professional sports photographers or photojournalists for whom speed and accuracy are top priorities.
* Studio and landscape photographers who need maximum resolution, detail, and image quality.
* People who are uncomfortable with small cameras - try it on for size before you buy.
Photo-John
more : photographyreview
Who Should Buy It
The Olympus E-520 is an excellent choice for:
* Travel and outdoor photographers who want a light, compact digital SLR system
* Olympus E-System owners who want to upgrade from the E-510 or other older Olympus DSLRs - it’s a worthy upgrade.
* Olympus E-3 owners who want a small, light backup camera.
* First-time digital SLR buyers who want a lot of value for their camera dollar.
This camera is not the best choice for:
* Professional sports photographers or photojournalists for whom speed and accuracy are top priorities.
* Studio and landscape photographers who need maximum resolution, detail, and image quality.
* People who are uncomfortable with small cameras - try it on for size before you buy.
Photo-John
more : photographyreview
Nikon double gold medalist at DIWA awards
Nikon is delighted to have picked up two DIWA gold awards for its Nikon D60 and Nikon D300 cameras; an accolade that underpins Nikon’s leadership position in this area and recognises the company’s continued pursuit of excellence.
DIWA, or Digital Imaging Websites Association, is an international network of independent websites focusing on digital imaging. Its awards are chosen by professional photography websites and are based on unique test samples and evaluations of more than 200 functions and features in a standardised testing scoreboard. Nikon was awarded Gold in the categories Semi-Professional D-SLR (Nikon D300) and Consumer D-SLR (Nikon D60).
Birgitta Wetterlind, Marketing Communications Manager at Nikon Europe comments: “This has been another superb year for Nikon. With awards from TIPA, EISA and now DIWA, these additional Gold Awards confirm that our commitment to providing the best imaging and optical technologies in the photography business is paying off. ”
Best Consumer D-SLR: the Nikon D60
“The Nikon D60 receives its gold award for excellent image quality, ergonomic design and useful features. Its 10MP high-quality image sensor, outstanding image processing performance and an innovative and effective anti-dust system delivers a powerful combination and makes the D60 a striking consumer system camera. In addition, the camera is equipped with active D-Lighting and Nikon's exclusive EXPEED processor technology, enabling image processing on a high level for optimum results,” said DIWA.
Best Semi-Professional D-SLR: the Nikon D300
DIWA: “Thanks to excellent ergonomics, top specified functions, and high-quality innovative technologies, the Nikon D300 meets the demands of both professionals and serious amateurs. A first class 12MP CMOS sensor is supported by a powerful EXPEED processor, a new CAM3500DX AF sensor, 14-bit A/D converter, wide sensitivity range including ISO 6400, all working in perfect harmony for unsurpassed image quality and camera performance. To complete the package, the Nikon D300 is equipped with a high resolution 3-inch Live View monitor.”
Test Manager of DIWA Labs, Kai Thon, comments: “For many years, Nikon have been an industry leader in technological developments, but in recent months they have displayed elevations larger than ever, most of them included in models like the D60 and the D300. Computer-based analytic test results from our sophisticated DIWA Labs and expert reviews from DIWA member websites unanimously conclude that both models are highly competitive in either market segment.”
DIWA, or Digital Imaging Websites Association, is an international network of independent websites focusing on digital imaging. Its awards are chosen by professional photography websites and are based on unique test samples and evaluations of more than 200 functions and features in a standardised testing scoreboard. Nikon was awarded Gold in the categories Semi-Professional D-SLR (Nikon D300) and Consumer D-SLR (Nikon D60).
Birgitta Wetterlind, Marketing Communications Manager at Nikon Europe comments: “This has been another superb year for Nikon. With awards from TIPA, EISA and now DIWA, these additional Gold Awards confirm that our commitment to providing the best imaging and optical technologies in the photography business is paying off. ”
Best Consumer D-SLR: the Nikon D60
“The Nikon D60 receives its gold award for excellent image quality, ergonomic design and useful features. Its 10MP high-quality image sensor, outstanding image processing performance and an innovative and effective anti-dust system delivers a powerful combination and makes the D60 a striking consumer system camera. In addition, the camera is equipped with active D-Lighting and Nikon's exclusive EXPEED processor technology, enabling image processing on a high level for optimum results,” said DIWA.
Best Semi-Professional D-SLR: the Nikon D300
DIWA: “Thanks to excellent ergonomics, top specified functions, and high-quality innovative technologies, the Nikon D300 meets the demands of both professionals and serious amateurs. A first class 12MP CMOS sensor is supported by a powerful EXPEED processor, a new CAM3500DX AF sensor, 14-bit A/D converter, wide sensitivity range including ISO 6400, all working in perfect harmony for unsurpassed image quality and camera performance. To complete the package, the Nikon D300 is equipped with a high resolution 3-inch Live View monitor.”
Test Manager of DIWA Labs, Kai Thon, comments: “For many years, Nikon have been an industry leader in technological developments, but in recent months they have displayed elevations larger than ever, most of them included in models like the D60 and the D300. Computer-based analytic test results from our sophisticated DIWA Labs and expert reviews from DIWA member websites unanimously conclude that both models are highly competitive in either market segment.”
Nikon announces winter cashback offer
Nikon UK is pleased to announce a new cashback promotion offering customers up to £50 back on purchases of Nikon D60 digital SLR camera kits.
The cash back offer is available on all lens combinations purchased between 17th November and 18th January 2009 (inclusive). Details about kit combinations and cashback values are outlined below.
D60 single lens kit - £30 / €40
D60 twin lens kit - £50 / €65
More information about the cashback offer and details about how to submit a claim can be found at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.
All claims must be made by 2nd March 2008 in order to qualify. Terms and conditions apply.
The cash back offer is available on all lens combinations purchased between 17th November and 18th January 2009 (inclusive). Details about kit combinations and cashback values are outlined below.
D60 single lens kit - £30 / €40
D60 twin lens kit - £50 / €65
More information about the cashback offer and details about how to submit a claim can be found at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.
All claims must be made by 2nd March 2008 in order to qualify. Terms and conditions apply.
Nikon D700 Review
It's hard not to like the Nikon D700. It offers a full frame sensor, stunning photo quality, and blazing fast performance -- just like the much more expensive D3 -- all in a body not much larger than the D300. There's very little to complain about here -- the camera has a slight tendency to overexpose, it's not terribly easy to use, and the software bundle isn't the greatest. And that's about it. If you'll allow just this one baseball metaphor: Nikon has hit one out of the park with the D700.
The D700 is a midsize, heavy digital SLR that feels like it was cut from a solid block of metal. It's larger than the D300, but not nearly as bulky as the D3. The camera is exceedingly well built, with numerous weather and dust seals, though the one over the side I/O ports doesn't like to stay shut. The camera has a large, secure right hand grip. The D700 is a bit of a poster child for "button clutter" -- it's loaded with buttons, dials, and switches. In other words, it's not for the faint of heart. The camera features a full frame 12.1 Megapixel FX-format sensor, which offers superior photo quality and no focal length conversion ratio! Well, that last part isn't completely true: if you attach a DX-format lens, a 1.5X crop factor comes into play, and the resolution drops to just 5 Megapixel (though you can turn this off). The D700 features an ultrasonic dust reduction system, to minimize what can be a very annoying problem.
On the back of the camera you'll find a large 3-inch LCD with a stunning resolution of 920,000 pixels -- just like the D300 and D3. The LCD isn't just used for menus and reviewing photos, though. You can also compose your photos on it, with your choice of two focus modes. While the handheld mode focuses quickly, the tripod mode (which uses contrast detect AF) does not. Other handy tools in live view include a composition grid, virtual horizon (for keeping shots level), and the ability to zoom in and verify proper focus. One thing missing here is a live histogram. Most people will probably be using the optical viewfinder instead of the LCD for shooting, and the one on the D700 is pretty nice. It's a large viewfinder, with a magnification of 0.72X, though its 95% frame coverage is the lowest in the trio of midrange, full frame cameras that I've been mentioning throughout this review. The D700 is expandable with a capital "E": there are three ways to use an external flash (hot shoe, flash sync port, or wireless), it supports numerous remote shutter releases, and GPS connectivity is just an expensive accessory away.
Jeff Keller
more : dcresource
The D700 is a midsize, heavy digital SLR that feels like it was cut from a solid block of metal. It's larger than the D300, but not nearly as bulky as the D3. The camera is exceedingly well built, with numerous weather and dust seals, though the one over the side I/O ports doesn't like to stay shut. The camera has a large, secure right hand grip. The D700 is a bit of a poster child for "button clutter" -- it's loaded with buttons, dials, and switches. In other words, it's not for the faint of heart. The camera features a full frame 12.1 Megapixel FX-format sensor, which offers superior photo quality and no focal length conversion ratio! Well, that last part isn't completely true: if you attach a DX-format lens, a 1.5X crop factor comes into play, and the resolution drops to just 5 Megapixel (though you can turn this off). The D700 features an ultrasonic dust reduction system, to minimize what can be a very annoying problem.
On the back of the camera you'll find a large 3-inch LCD with a stunning resolution of 920,000 pixels -- just like the D300 and D3. The LCD isn't just used for menus and reviewing photos, though. You can also compose your photos on it, with your choice of two focus modes. While the handheld mode focuses quickly, the tripod mode (which uses contrast detect AF) does not. Other handy tools in live view include a composition grid, virtual horizon (for keeping shots level), and the ability to zoom in and verify proper focus. One thing missing here is a live histogram. Most people will probably be using the optical viewfinder instead of the LCD for shooting, and the one on the D700 is pretty nice. It's a large viewfinder, with a magnification of 0.72X, though its 95% frame coverage is the lowest in the trio of midrange, full frame cameras that I've been mentioning throughout this review. The D700 is expandable with a capital "E": there are three ways to use an external flash (hot shoe, flash sync port, or wireless), it supports numerous remote shutter releases, and GPS connectivity is just an expensive accessory away.
Jeff Keller
more : dcresource
Pentax smc FA 50mm 1:1.4 review
If you've already read our reviews of either the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM or the Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm F1.4D, then our findings for the Pentax equivalent won't come as much of a surprise. Clearly the conclusions are a little abbreviated in comparison, as Pentax currently only offer APS-C format DSLRs, but the lens's properties are extremely similar. This simply reflects the quality and maturity of the 7 element 6 group, all-spherical 50mm F1.4 general design; the three lenses show individual strengths and weaknesses, but overall are more similar than they are different.
The standout characteristic of the Pentax is arguably it's extremely low distortion, which is the lowest of the 50mm F1.4s we've tested. And when the aperture is stopped down to F2.2 or smaller, it's impressively sharp corner-to-corner, right across the APS-C frame. It's important to understand here that the 50mm F1.4 is much sharper than typical consumer zooms; even at F2.8 it surpasses both the DA 16-45mm 1:4 ED AL and the DA 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 AL shot at 45mm and their optimum apertures around F8.
However this excellent showing when stopped down does come at the cost of an unconvincing performance at large apertures; the lens is very soft indeed at F1.4, and while we described the Canon 50mm F1.4 as 'dreamy', the Pentax renders scenes more as though you're looking through a fine veil of mist. This is accompanied by a distinctly problematic rendition of out-of-focus backgrounds, to which it imparts a jarringly hard-edged appearance and substantial levels of green/magenta chromatic aberration. This in turn slightly limits the lens's usefulness for shallow depth of field portrait use, an application for which the (much more expensive) Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is rather better suited. Indeed it will be interesting to see how Pentax have chosen to design the recently-announced DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM, which is described as being particularly suitable for portraiture.
So in summary, this is a lens that you buy for its stellar performance when stopped down a bit, and for the fact that it can be opened up to F1.4 when necessary rather than the imagery it creates when it gets there. This makes it an excellent complement to zooms, offering additional capabilities for when light levels drop or shallow depth of field is desired. It may no longer quite be state-of-the-art as far as fast primes are concerned, but still it offers a lot of value for a relatively low price.
Andy Westlake
more : dpreview
The standout characteristic of the Pentax is arguably it's extremely low distortion, which is the lowest of the 50mm F1.4s we've tested. And when the aperture is stopped down to F2.2 or smaller, it's impressively sharp corner-to-corner, right across the APS-C frame. It's important to understand here that the 50mm F1.4 is much sharper than typical consumer zooms; even at F2.8 it surpasses both the DA 16-45mm 1:4 ED AL and the DA 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 AL shot at 45mm and their optimum apertures around F8.
However this excellent showing when stopped down does come at the cost of an unconvincing performance at large apertures; the lens is very soft indeed at F1.4, and while we described the Canon 50mm F1.4 as 'dreamy', the Pentax renders scenes more as though you're looking through a fine veil of mist. This is accompanied by a distinctly problematic rendition of out-of-focus backgrounds, to which it imparts a jarringly hard-edged appearance and substantial levels of green/magenta chromatic aberration. This in turn slightly limits the lens's usefulness for shallow depth of field portrait use, an application for which the (much more expensive) Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is rather better suited. Indeed it will be interesting to see how Pentax have chosen to design the recently-announced DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM, which is described as being particularly suitable for portraiture.
So in summary, this is a lens that you buy for its stellar performance when stopped down a bit, and for the fact that it can be opened up to F1.4 when necessary rather than the imagery it creates when it gets there. This makes it an excellent complement to zooms, offering additional capabilities for when light levels drop or shallow depth of field is desired. It may no longer quite be state-of-the-art as far as fast primes are concerned, but still it offers a lot of value for a relatively low price.
Andy Westlake
more : dpreview
Eye-Fi Unveils the 4GB Eye-Fi Anniversary Edition
Eye-Fi Celebrates First Anniversary with 4GB Limited Edition
Anniversary Card and the Win of Popular Science's Best of What's New Award
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Eye-Fi Inc.
(http://www.eye.fi) announced a new, limited edition card -- the Eye-Fi
Anniversary Edition -- to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its first
wireless SD memory card for digital cameras. Eye-Fi also announced it has
been chosen as one of Popular Science's 2008 "Best of What's New" award
recipients.
"For the past year, we've been reinventing the way people save and
share their digital memories," said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. "From
automatic uploading to geotagging to sharing on the go, we've aimed to help
everyday photographers save their memories more often, share them more
quickly, and add more context to their collections."
Available immediately, the new Eye-Fi Anniversary Edition doubles
storage capacity to 4GB and features faster memory speeds. Coupled with the
recently announced wireless performance upgrade, the Anniversary Edition is
designed to meet the needs of the demanding photo enthusiast. Like the
Eye-Fi Share, the Anniversary Edition wirelessly sends photos from a
digital camera to a computer and to one of more than 25 online photo
sharing sites.
The card comes in Eye-Fi's celebrated, original slide-out package and
is available only at Costco.com for $99 to club members, or on http://www.eye.fi
for $129, while supplies last. The card can be upgraded post purchase to
include additional features, such as automatic geotagging and hotspot
access.
Since the Eye-Fi card launched one year ago, millions of photos have
been uploaded to the Web, and users report that they upload and share
photos with family and friends more frequently.
"With the introduction of the digital camera, the photography industry
faced a real challenge - photos trapped on cameras that were never shared
or printed because of the work involved," said Alan Bullock, associate
director of InfoTrends. "The industry needs pioneers like Eye-Fi who
recognize the bottlenecks and build innovative solutions that move the
market forward."
Over the past year, Eye-Fi has given more and more people the ability
to effortlessly share their digital memories and offered a rich, meaningful
experience for users. Eye-Fi has:
-- Helped Take Geotagging Mainstream: Geotagging is a fast growing trend,
and through a partnership with Skyhook Wireless, Eye-Fi has automated
the process to make it easier and more compelling for all consumers.
Using the Wi-Fi embedded in its cards, Eye-Fi uses Wi-Fi positioning to
determine where an image was captured and adds a geographic tag to each
photo.
-- Pioneered Uploads-on-the-Go to the Top Photo Sharing Destinations: Now
users can upload photos away from home at more than 10,000 Wayport
hotspots with their Eye-Fi cards - even without a computer.
-- Introduced the "Eye-Fi Connected" Program: Eye-Fi has launched
the "Eye-Fi Connected" program to help other manufacturers tap
into the benefits of Eye-Fi's wireless photo sharing ecosystem.
Nikon has released two Eye-Fi connected cameras, the Nikon D60 and D90,
both optimized for Eye-Fi cards. Lexar introduced the co-branded
Shoot-n-Sync Wi-Fi(R) Memory Card that uses Eye-Fi's patent-pending
technology and online service.
-- Integrated Social Networking: Eye-Fi announced integration with Twitter
and the availability of RSS feeds so users can notify their networks in
real time about recent photo uploads, and photos can be viewed
instantly.
-- International Expansion: Due to high demand, Eye-Fi plans to expand into
Japan and Canada by the end of the year. Now more people worldwide will
have the ability to enjoy the benefits of Eye-Fi's products and
services.
Also announced today, the Eye-Fi Explore card was chosen as one of
Popular Science's "Best of What's New Award" recipients in the gadgets
category. Each year since 1987, the editors of Popular Science review
thousands of products in search of the top 100 technology innovations of
the year. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step
forward in its category.
Eye-Fi's family of products include the Eye-Fi Home, Share, Anniversary
Edition and Explore cards with MSRPs ranging from $79-$129 USD. Eye-Fi
cards can be purchased at Apple Retail Stores, Best Buy, Circuit City and
Ritz Camera Center locations nationwide, and at major online retailers such
as Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Costco.com. Eye-Fi has garnered numerous
awards, including PC World's "The 100 Best Products of 2008" and Yahoo!
Tech's "Last Gadget Standing 2008." For more information, please visit
http://www.eye.fi.
About Eye-Fi
Founded in 2005, the company is dedicated to building products and
services that help consumers navigate, nurture and share their visual
memories. Eye-Fi's patent-pending technology works with Wi-Fi networks to
automatically send photos from a digital camera to online, in-home and
retail destinations. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., the company's
investors include LMS Capital, Opus Capital, Shasta Ventures and TransLink
Capital. More information is available at http://www.eye.fi.
Anniversary Card and the Win of Popular Science's Best of What's New Award
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Eye-Fi Inc.
(http://www.eye.fi) announced a new, limited edition card -- the Eye-Fi
Anniversary Edition -- to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its first
wireless SD memory card for digital cameras. Eye-Fi also announced it has
been chosen as one of Popular Science's 2008 "Best of What's New" award
recipients.
"For the past year, we've been reinventing the way people save and
share their digital memories," said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. "From
automatic uploading to geotagging to sharing on the go, we've aimed to help
everyday photographers save their memories more often, share them more
quickly, and add more context to their collections."
Available immediately, the new Eye-Fi Anniversary Edition doubles
storage capacity to 4GB and features faster memory speeds. Coupled with the
recently announced wireless performance upgrade, the Anniversary Edition is
designed to meet the needs of the demanding photo enthusiast. Like the
Eye-Fi Share, the Anniversary Edition wirelessly sends photos from a
digital camera to a computer and to one of more than 25 online photo
sharing sites.
The card comes in Eye-Fi's celebrated, original slide-out package and
is available only at Costco.com for $99 to club members, or on http://www.eye.fi
for $129, while supplies last. The card can be upgraded post purchase to
include additional features, such as automatic geotagging and hotspot
access.
Since the Eye-Fi card launched one year ago, millions of photos have
been uploaded to the Web, and users report that they upload and share
photos with family and friends more frequently.
"With the introduction of the digital camera, the photography industry
faced a real challenge - photos trapped on cameras that were never shared
or printed because of the work involved," said Alan Bullock, associate
director of InfoTrends. "The industry needs pioneers like Eye-Fi who
recognize the bottlenecks and build innovative solutions that move the
market forward."
Over the past year, Eye-Fi has given more and more people the ability
to effortlessly share their digital memories and offered a rich, meaningful
experience for users. Eye-Fi has:
-- Helped Take Geotagging Mainstream: Geotagging is a fast growing trend,
and through a partnership with Skyhook Wireless, Eye-Fi has automated
the process to make it easier and more compelling for all consumers.
Using the Wi-Fi embedded in its cards, Eye-Fi uses Wi-Fi positioning to
determine where an image was captured and adds a geographic tag to each
photo.
-- Pioneered Uploads-on-the-Go to the Top Photo Sharing Destinations: Now
users can upload photos away from home at more than 10,000 Wayport
hotspots with their Eye-Fi cards - even without a computer.
-- Introduced the "Eye-Fi Connected" Program: Eye-Fi has launched
the "Eye-Fi Connected" program to help other manufacturers tap
into the benefits of Eye-Fi's wireless photo sharing ecosystem.
Nikon has released two Eye-Fi connected cameras, the Nikon D60 and D90,
both optimized for Eye-Fi cards. Lexar introduced the co-branded
Shoot-n-Sync Wi-Fi(R) Memory Card that uses Eye-Fi's patent-pending
technology and online service.
-- Integrated Social Networking: Eye-Fi announced integration with Twitter
and the availability of RSS feeds so users can notify their networks in
real time about recent photo uploads, and photos can be viewed
instantly.
-- International Expansion: Due to high demand, Eye-Fi plans to expand into
Japan and Canada by the end of the year. Now more people worldwide will
have the ability to enjoy the benefits of Eye-Fi's products and
services.
Also announced today, the Eye-Fi Explore card was chosen as one of
Popular Science's "Best of What's New Award" recipients in the gadgets
category. Each year since 1987, the editors of Popular Science review
thousands of products in search of the top 100 technology innovations of
the year. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step
forward in its category.
Eye-Fi's family of products include the Eye-Fi Home, Share, Anniversary
Edition and Explore cards with MSRPs ranging from $79-$129 USD. Eye-Fi
cards can be purchased at Apple Retail Stores, Best Buy, Circuit City and
Ritz Camera Center locations nationwide, and at major online retailers such
as Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Costco.com. Eye-Fi has garnered numerous
awards, including PC World's "The 100 Best Products of 2008" and Yahoo!
Tech's "Last Gadget Standing 2008." For more information, please visit
http://www.eye.fi.
About Eye-Fi
Founded in 2005, the company is dedicated to building products and
services that help consumers navigate, nurture and share their visual
memories. Eye-Fi's patent-pending technology works with Wi-Fi networks to
automatically send photos from a digital camera to online, in-home and
retail destinations. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., the company's
investors include LMS Capital, Opus Capital, Shasta Ventures and TransLink
Capital. More information is available at http://www.eye.fi.
Panasonic Lumix G1 Digital Camera Review
As the very first camera in a substantially new and different format, we're impressed with the Panasonic Lumix G1. The company has successfully conquered the nagging problem of delivering an effective Live View system in an interchangeable-lens camera, and done so in a design that's both compact and comfortable. Image quality results from the lab also earned our respect: not flawless certainly, particularly when it comes to image noise, but competitive with the traditional SLRs we benchmarked it against and, in several cases, superior.
We have three points of hesitation, though. The first is largely tied to the very new-ness of the format: there aren't a lot of Micro Four Thirds lenses available (in fact, only two so far), and while an adapter will allow mounting existing Four Thirds lenses to the camera, only a small number will allow auto focus. This is the perpetual early adopter's dilemma, of course, but it bears careful consideration when the ability to change lenses is a key product benefit.
Our second concern involves portability, another major promise of the new format. The Lumix G1 is smaller and lighter than the SLR competition, but not by a whole lot in many cases. And given the size and shape, the functional difference in the way you carry the camera from place to place and use it out in the field is not very substantial. The size isn't a problem -- we still found the G1 easy to handle -- but it's not a great benefit either.
Finally, we wonder if Panasonic didn't overcomplicate matters for a camera that's presumably designed for point-and-shooters looking to upgrade their photographic experience. There is a lot to like for this audience, but there are also a baffling array of choices staring them in the face, with a level of complexity that's inevitably going to be intimidating. The Film Mode notion is clever, for example, but it's also kind of obscure for someone who may never have shot with film and certainly isn't thinking about it now. What's more, it's not a capability buried in a menu for the cognoscenti to find: it has its own button on top of the camera. And Film Mode isn't the only way to tweak imaging performance: there's also My Color settings available on the mode dial, right next to the relatively newbie-friendly image preset selections. This pattern continues throughout the camera design: a generous selection of customization options that may well prove overly generous and put off the most likely G1 buyer.
Steve Morgenstern
more : digitalcamerainfo
We have three points of hesitation, though. The first is largely tied to the very new-ness of the format: there aren't a lot of Micro Four Thirds lenses available (in fact, only two so far), and while an adapter will allow mounting existing Four Thirds lenses to the camera, only a small number will allow auto focus. This is the perpetual early adopter's dilemma, of course, but it bears careful consideration when the ability to change lenses is a key product benefit.
Our second concern involves portability, another major promise of the new format. The Lumix G1 is smaller and lighter than the SLR competition, but not by a whole lot in many cases. And given the size and shape, the functional difference in the way you carry the camera from place to place and use it out in the field is not very substantial. The size isn't a problem -- we still found the G1 easy to handle -- but it's not a great benefit either.
Finally, we wonder if Panasonic didn't overcomplicate matters for a camera that's presumably designed for point-and-shooters looking to upgrade their photographic experience. There is a lot to like for this audience, but there are also a baffling array of choices staring them in the face, with a level of complexity that's inevitably going to be intimidating. The Film Mode notion is clever, for example, but it's also kind of obscure for someone who may never have shot with film and certainly isn't thinking about it now. What's more, it's not a capability buried in a menu for the cognoscenti to find: it has its own button on top of the camera. And Film Mode isn't the only way to tweak imaging performance: there's also My Color settings available on the mode dial, right next to the relatively newbie-friendly image preset selections. This pattern continues throughout the camera design: a generous selection of customization options that may well prove overly generous and put off the most likely G1 buyer.
Steve Morgenstern
more : digitalcamerainfo
Canon EOS 50D Review
My personal expectations for the 50D were a mixture of highs and lows; experience has taught me that Canon's updates to their mid-range DSLRs usually tend to be evolutionary, but I honestly expected to see some significant improvements over the old Canon 20D that I used several years ago. As it turns out, I was both pleasantly surprised and a little disappointed by what I experienced with the 50D.
The 50D continues to prove that Canon has one of the fastest (if not the fastest) AF systems, extremely high-resolution CMOS sensors with very impressive high ISO performance, and now offers (for some users, at least) a functional live view system. Where the 50D disappoints is in the areas of default image processing (bland), menu bloat (way too difficult to figure out basic controls), and auto white balance performance that hasn't really improved much (if at all) in several generations of cameras. Of course, it's easy to overlook these frustrations when you consider that amazing lens selection, flash options, and available accessories for Canon DSLRs, making the Canon EOS system one of the most versatile advanced camera systems on the planet.
For advanced amateur photographers, issues like flat default image processing, heavy camera weight, and overly complicated menus may indeed make the 50D a less-than-ideal choice. Professional photographers might find those issues frustrating, but working pros will probably find auto white balance quirks and inconsistent AF with various lenses in terms of critical focus more frustrating. Still, the rugged built quality, overall range of features, and solid performance of the 50D make it a powerful photographic tool. Combine that with Canon's very complete and very versatile system of lenses, accessories, and other camera bodies, and it makes perfect sense to buy into the Canon EOS system with this very solid camera.
As with previous Canon releases, the 50D is a fairly conservative upgrade, but this camera still sits at or near the top in its category.
JerryJ
more : digitalcamerareview
The 50D continues to prove that Canon has one of the fastest (if not the fastest) AF systems, extremely high-resolution CMOS sensors with very impressive high ISO performance, and now offers (for some users, at least) a functional live view system. Where the 50D disappoints is in the areas of default image processing (bland), menu bloat (way too difficult to figure out basic controls), and auto white balance performance that hasn't really improved much (if at all) in several generations of cameras. Of course, it's easy to overlook these frustrations when you consider that amazing lens selection, flash options, and available accessories for Canon DSLRs, making the Canon EOS system one of the most versatile advanced camera systems on the planet.
For advanced amateur photographers, issues like flat default image processing, heavy camera weight, and overly complicated menus may indeed make the 50D a less-than-ideal choice. Professional photographers might find those issues frustrating, but working pros will probably find auto white balance quirks and inconsistent AF with various lenses in terms of critical focus more frustrating. Still, the rugged built quality, overall range of features, and solid performance of the 50D make it a powerful photographic tool. Combine that with Canon's very complete and very versatile system of lenses, accessories, and other camera bodies, and it makes perfect sense to buy into the Canon EOS system with this very solid camera.
As with previous Canon releases, the 50D is a fairly conservative upgrade, but this camera still sits at or near the top in its category.
JerryJ
more : digitalcamerareview
Sigma Corporation Acquires Three-layer Image Sensor Developer Foveon, Inc.
Kawasaki, Japan, November 11th, 2008 - Sigma Corporation (Location: Kawasaki, Japan) has acquired 100% of the stock of the company that developed the original three-layer image sensor, Foveon Inc. Foveon will continue its sensor development operations in San Jose, CA, USA.
Foveon made history when it developed and patented the world's first three-layer image capture technology, placing a stack of RGB pixels in each pixel location. As a result, Foveon sensors detect all three primary colors in every pixel location, producing images that are sharper and have significantly reduced image artifacts compared to competing image sensor technologies.
Since Sigma first worked with Foveon in 2000, both companies have enjoyed a cooperative working relationship directed toward developing highly-efficient DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras and compact digital cameras which take the best advantage of the X3 sensor technology. Sigma Corporation has employed Foveon's technology in its entire digital camera line, producing images which are acclaimed by both amateur and professional photographers all over the world for their high resolution and for their three-dimensional look. Both the latest DLSR, the SD14, and the compact DP1 camera - which packs the full spec of a DSLR into a compact camera - have met with similar acclaim. Two additional Sigma camera products based on Foveon's image sensor technology have been announced for 2009.
The acquisition of Foveon will not only enhance the development of new types of image sensors for high quality digital cameras, but will also create a synergistic effect with Sigma's camera and lens business by improving the integration between the camera and sensor. This will result in camera products which will uniquely meet the widely ranging functional and image quality needs of demanding photographers.
As the digital camera market continues to expand, Foveon and Sigma will continuously evolve and improve the X3 sensor technology, thus expanding the company's photography-related business. In addition, Sigma remains firmly committed to preserving and nurturing the culture of photography.
More information
More information about Foveon, Inc. can be found at www.foveon.com.
Foveon made history when it developed and patented the world's first three-layer image capture technology, placing a stack of RGB pixels in each pixel location. As a result, Foveon sensors detect all three primary colors in every pixel location, producing images that are sharper and have significantly reduced image artifacts compared to competing image sensor technologies.
Since Sigma first worked with Foveon in 2000, both companies have enjoyed a cooperative working relationship directed toward developing highly-efficient DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras and compact digital cameras which take the best advantage of the X3 sensor technology. Sigma Corporation has employed Foveon's technology in its entire digital camera line, producing images which are acclaimed by both amateur and professional photographers all over the world for their high resolution and for their three-dimensional look. Both the latest DLSR, the SD14, and the compact DP1 camera - which packs the full spec of a DSLR into a compact camera - have met with similar acclaim. Two additional Sigma camera products based on Foveon's image sensor technology have been announced for 2009.
The acquisition of Foveon will not only enhance the development of new types of image sensors for high quality digital cameras, but will also create a synergistic effect with Sigma's camera and lens business by improving the integration between the camera and sensor. This will result in camera products which will uniquely meet the widely ranging functional and image quality needs of demanding photographers.
As the digital camera market continues to expand, Foveon and Sigma will continuously evolve and improve the X3 sensor technology, thus expanding the company's photography-related business. In addition, Sigma remains firmly committed to preserving and nurturing the culture of photography.
More information
More information about Foveon, Inc. can be found at www.foveon.com.
Fujifilm U.S.A. Inc. Reduces Price of FinePix S5 Pro Digital Camera
Fujifilm has reduced the price of the FinePix S5 Pro Digital Camera from $1,699.95 to $899.95, effective November 1, 2008.
At the heart of the FinePix S5 Pro is Real Photo Technology Pro, which combines the Super CCD SR Pro sensor and the new RP Processor Pro, and allows for the wide dynamic range with smoother tonality from brightest light to darkest shadow. The S5 Pro offers six preset dynamic range settings for expanded dynamic range between 100% and 400% and three new variations of the original film simulation modes pioneered in the FinePix S3 Pro have been added (five modes in total).
For more information on the FinePix S5 Pro, visit www.fujifilmusa.com.
At the heart of the FinePix S5 Pro is Real Photo Technology Pro, which combines the Super CCD SR Pro sensor and the new RP Processor Pro, and allows for the wide dynamic range with smoother tonality from brightest light to darkest shadow. The S5 Pro offers six preset dynamic range settings for expanded dynamic range between 100% and 400% and three new variations of the original film simulation modes pioneered in the FinePix S3 Pro have been added (five modes in total).
For more information on the FinePix S5 Pro, visit www.fujifilmusa.com.
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