Digital Photo Camera Reviews

Canon releases 15 megapixel EOS 50D digital SLR camera

Written on September 30, 2008 – 11:12 am | by admin |

Canon expands its EOS digital SLR series with the EOS 50D. The new SLR has been built upon the EOS 40D - which will remain in Canon’s line - and features a 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor that uses newly designed gapless micro lenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The camera’s new DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 fps continuous shooting capability. The Canon 50D SLR is scheduled for October and sells in a body-only configuration for $1399.00…

PRESS SUMMARY

Canon’s New DIGIC 4 Image Processor Fuels the 15.1 Megapixel Resolution, Expanded ISO Range and Enhanced Noise Reduction of the New EOS 50D Digital SLR

With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon’s professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.

Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model - which will remain in Canon’s line - with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports.

“Advanced amateur photographers blur the line between the hobbyist and the professional, looking for professional features and capabilities in their equipment that will allow them to capture that awe-inspiring image. Canon is constantly striving to provide these shooters with the most advanced imaging technology, like the new EOS 50D Digital SLR camera, to fuel their passion for photography, and help them achieve their creative potential,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Improved Image Quality

The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera’s DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.

The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings - H1 and H2 - of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and color. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings- Standard/Weak/Strong/None - to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.

As part of the camera’s internal image processing, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge.

Helping to ensure each picture’s subject is clearly visible, Canon’s enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimize images while they are being taken, but can also optimize images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer.

A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera’s screen, for better clarity and color. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognizes the needs of today’s photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files.

The camera is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal center cross-type AF point that’s effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision.

Canon Gets Creative For Advancing Amateurs

Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new “CA” Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image.” These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera’s drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera’s LCD screen.

Better Live View

For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera’s 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include “Quick Mode AF,” “Live Mode AF,” and “Face Detection Live Mode AF” that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera’s Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera’s CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition.

Two Small RAW Formats
In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera’s flexibility.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 50D has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon’s DPP software.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company’s ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00*. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00*.

Additional information: All about the new Canon 50D digital SLR camera

New Sony Cyber-shot T500 offers HD video clips

Written on September 30, 2008 – 10:47 am | by admin |

Sony unveils the 10.1 megapixel Cyber-shot T500 digital camera, allowing you to capture your favorite moments as stills or HD movie clips. The new HD movie mode allows continuous shooting time of up to 10 minutes per clip. In total up to 60 mins  of video content can be stored on the supplied 4GB Memory Stick. Movie files are recorded in MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. The results can be viewed on the extra-large wide 3.5-inch touch screen LCD. The Cyber-shot T500 will be available from October in piano black, silver and red finishes…

PRESS SUMMARY

Everyone’s spoiled for choice with the camera that thinks it’s a camcorder. Now it’s easy to capture your favourite moments as sumptuous stills or HD movie clips with the slim, stylish new Cyber-shot™ T500 from Sony.

Available in a choice of eye-catching piano black, silver and red finishes, the chic T500 is packed with Sony technology to help everyone take better-looking pictures.

Alongside sparkling 10.1 effective megapixel still image quality, it’s the first Cyber-shot™ that captures crisp, clear HD movie clips with stereo sound. New HD movie mode allows continuous shooting time of up to 10 minutes per clip. In total up to 60 mins (approx) of video content can be stored on the supplied 4GB Memory Stick™. Movie files are recorded in ‘PC-friendly’ MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. This offers great HD picture quality while keeping files down to a minimum size for convenient saving, sharing and viewing via the web or email.

Not sure whether that special moment deserves a photo or a video clip? It’s easy to switch instantly between still and movie modes at the touch of a comfortably placed button on top of the camera. You can even grab crisp still images (1280×720 pixels) without interrupting video shooting.

The superb Carl Zeiss lens features a new ring-type Zoom button, allowing easy adjustment throughout the 5x range while you’re shooting movies.

Detail-packed stills and video clips can be viewed on the extra-large wide 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD. As well as giving a beautiful view of your images, the touchscreen also makes operation of camera functions beautifully simple. Touching anywhere on the screen while you’re composing a shot locks focus on that part of the scene.

Touching a face turns on Face Detection, ensuring that people’s faces in the scene are in sharp focus and with perfect exposure for fewer spoiled shots. Up to eight faces can be tracked at a time, making the T500 ideal for capturing large groups of friends and family.

Shooting handheld without flash can mean blurred pictures, especially when light levels are low or with telephoto shots. Optical SteadyShot is teamed with an improved High Sensitivity mode to allow faster shutter speeds. This ‘Dual Anti-blur’ solution is complemented by Clear RAW Noise Reduction for clean, natural images, even in low-light conditions like parties or twilight.

After you’ve finished shooting, HD Slide Shows add an extra dimension of enjoyment to your collection of photos and videos. Pick from a choice of musical accompaniments, or import your favourite music track from a connected PC.

If you want an even bigger picture, still images and HD movie clips can be experienced with extra impact on your HD Ready television. Connected via HDMI™ to your Sony HD TV, BRAVIA™ Sync allows on-screen control of Cyber-shot™ playback functions using the TV’s remote control.

Supplied Picture Motion Browser software makes it easy to browse and manage pictures and HD movie files on your PC, upload your favourite moments to image sharing sites – or email them to friends and family.

The Cyber-shot™ T500 will be available from October 2008.

Additional information: All about the new Sony Cyber-shot T500 digital camera

Canon unveils PowerShot A1000 IS, A2000 IS and SX110 IS

Written on September 30, 2008 – 10:45 am | by admin |

Canon announces two new additions to its A-series line, and one new ultra-zoom digital camera to its SX-series of ultra-zoom cameras. Sporting a new look, the PowerShot A1000 IS and A2000 IS digital cameras combine the robust feature-set, with a sleek design, giving a slimmer, lighter and more compact body to this camera line. The new PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera offers the benefits of a point-and-shoot camera, but with the ultra-zoom range. The cameras will sell  199.99,  249.99 and 299.99 dollar respectively…

PRESS SUMMARY

New Models Feature Slimmer, Compact Body and Easy-To-Use Features

Canon, a leader in digital imaging, is expanding its PowerShot line of digital cameras with the announcement of two new additions to its affordable A-series line, and one new ultra-zoom digital camera to its SX-series of ultra-zoom cameras. Sporting a new look, the PowerShot A1000 IS and PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras combine the robust feature-set consumers have come to expect from Canon’s point-and-shoot digital cameras, coupled with a sleek design, giving a slimmer, lighter and more compact body to this camera line. The new PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera offers users all the benefits of a point-and-shoot camera, but with the ultra-zoom optical range needed to capture shots from the orchestra when seated in the balcony.

The Canon PowerShot A1000 IS digital camera features a 10-megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom lens, DIGIC III Image Processor and comes in four stylish, two-toned colors. The PowerShot A2000 IS digital camera also has a 10-megapixel resolution, as well as DIGIC III Image Processor and is equipped with a 6x Optical Zoom lens, and a 3-inch LCD screen. The PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera features a 9-megapixel resolution, DIGIC III Image Processor, 3-inch LCD screen and 10x Optical Zoom lens. All cameras allow for close-up shots for those important occasions where you can’t be right on top of the action and a zoom may be required - all with the ease of popping in two AA batteries so a shot is never missed. Each camera is equipped with an optical image stabilized lens to help reduce camera shake, and High ISO Auto which takes into account the subject’s movement, which helps to provide crisp and clear images regardless of how far the zoom extends.

Building upon the user-friendly reputation of the PowerShot family, all three cameras feature Easy Mode, which limits camera functions to the basics for simplified operation, creating ease-of-use for even the most entry-level camera owner. Additionally, the cameras are equipped with PictBridge and Canon Direct Print, enabling consumers to print photos anywhere.

“With the new A-Series cameras, users don’t have to sacrifice cutting-edge technology for innovative style, or ease-of-use” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “These cameras include the best technology Canon has to offer, along with colorful and unique designs that pack today’s lifestyle trends into an affordable, compact digital camera. Additionally, the new SX camera is the ultimate in compact functionality. This camera will meet the technology needs of beginners and photo enthusiasts alike.”

Advancing the A - PowerShot A1000 IS and A2000 IS Digital Cameras

The new PowerShot A-Series cameras remain perfect for families purchasing their first digital camera, travelers who don’t want to worry about charging their batteries while “on-the-go” and new parents looking for an affordable, family-friendly camera that perfectly captures special moments. At the same time, a revamped design also makes these cameras the ultimate choice for the style-conscious consumer. The PowerShot A1000 IS digital camera evokes elegance with its gentle curved grip, and offers the opportunity for individual expression via its four color choices; gray, blue, gold and purple. The two-tone silver PowerShot A2000 IS digital camera features a clean, modern silhouette and a matte finish around key controls for a high-end look and feel.

Ultra Zoom - PowerShot SX110 IS Digital Camera

The new PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera is perfect for the parent trying to capture the winning goal or the outdoorsman trying to capture the perfect sunset. At the same time, this modern-looking and elegant form, available in both black and silver , is easy to hold and fits snuggly in the palm of your hand. What’s more, the 3-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use control dial make capturing and viewing images seamless.

Availability and Pricing

Scheduled to be available in September, the PowerShot A1000 IS and the PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras will have suggested selling prices of $199.99* and $249.99*, respectively. Also, available at the end of August, the PowerShot SX110 IS digital camera will have a suggested selling price of $299.99*. All cameras include two AA batteries, 32MB SD memory card, USB interface cable, AV cable, wrist strap and Canon’s software suite.

Additional information: All about the new Canon PowerShot SX110 IS

Canon announces the PowerShot E1 digital camera

Written on September 30, 2008 – 10:42 am | by admin |

Canon introduces the new PowerShot E-Series, with the first member being the PowerShot E1. This new camera incorporates 10-megapixel resolution, a 4x optical zoom lens; with Optical Image Stabilization, Canon’s Face Detection Technology and Easy Mode to capture every “OMG moment”. This new E1 will be available in white, pink or blue, and is targeted - in the US that is - to the teen and tween markets, whereas in the UK the E1 is designed by women for women. Available in September, the E1 will be selling from $199.99…

PRESS SUMMARY

First Offering in New Line of Canon PowerShot E-Series Cameras Targeted to Youth Market

Canon, a leader in digital imaging, is expanding its iconic PowerShot digital camera line with the introduction of its new, stylish and easy-to-use PowerShot E1 digital camera, targeted to the teen and tween markets. Whether taking photos with a “BFF” at a slumber party, snapping shots while watching a hot band perform or capturing cap-and-gown moments for a scrapbook or brag book, the PowerShot E1 digital camera offers just the right combination of intuition and style. Sporting a rounded and curvy, yet trendy form factor, the camera comes packed with the features and technology consumers have come to expect from Canon, but with a friendly price-point of $199*. This camera incorporates a 10-megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom-lens; with Optical Image Stabilization, Canon’s Face Detection Technology and Easy Mode.

Ideal for the on-the-go, fashion-conscious teen who relishes being a trendsetter, the PowerShot E1 digital camera is available in three new eye-catching colors including white, blue and pink. Teens and tweens can now capture every “OMG moment,” with the option of 17 shooting modes, including Easy Mode and Scene Mode. In Easy Mode, the camera limits the shooting and playback functions to the basics for easy operation, creating ease-of-use for even the most entry-level camera owner. What’s more, consumers will never miss a shot, either home or away, because the camera uses readily available AA batteries.

“Canon keeps photography fun and inspiring for memory-seekers of all ages by producing a camera that is relevant to a younger market,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “With our new E-series line of products, Canon is offering the opportunity to experience the joy of digital photography, with the style, quality and price-point they can afford.”

Taking customization and expression to the max, the PowerShot E1 digital camera includes exclusive options, such as customizable shutter, start-up and operation sounds. Start-up screens and menus can be perfectly coordinated with the camera’s body color, bringing an additional level of personalization to the camera. And if still images just aren’t enough to capture an unpredictable moment, the PowerShot E1 digital camera has video recording capabilities with long-play mode, which allows longer recording times at the same recording pixel and frame rate.

Availability and Pricing
Scheduled to be available in mid-September, the PowerShot E1 digital camera will have a suggested selling price of $199.99*.

Additional information: All about the new Canon PowerShot E1 digital camera

Olympus 1040 offers 10 megapixels in a stylish package

Written on September 30, 2008 – 10:36 am | by admin |

Olympus launches the Stylus / µ 1040, uniting powerful features in a completely redesigned super-slim metal body. Measuring a depth of just 16.5mm at its thin end, it combines a precision 3x zoom (38-114mm*) with features such as Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology. A 6.9cm / 2.7-inch LCD helps you frame and review your shots. In addition to its internal memory, photos can be stored on xD-Picture or -  thanks to an xD adapter - on microSD cards. The Olympus 1040 will hit stores in September…

PRESS SUMMARY

Precision optics in an all-new super-slim metal body

Uniting powerful features in a completely redesigned super-slim metal body, the Olympus µ 1040 is an extremely elegant performer. Measuring in at a depth of just 16.5mm at its thin end, it combines a precision 3x zoom (38-114mm*) with such cutting-edge features as Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology. Furthermore, the new Intelligent Auto mode can detect the five most commonly-used scenes and then automatically adjust camera settings including focus and exposure. A large (6.9cm/2.7”) HyperCrystal LCD helps users frame and review their shots. In addition to the camera’s internal memory, photos can be stored on xD-Picture Card or – thanks to a bundled attachment – on microSD Card. The 10 Megapixel µ 1040 will hit stores from September 2008.

Style meets innovation
The Olympus µ 1040 represents a new generation of style. Its sleek, thin metal body really makes a statement and comes in a dazzling array of colours. These include Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, with a sliding lens cover that enhances the µ 1040’s streamlined appearance. Rather than being cluttered with many buttons, a flat control panel serves to access most functions. This ensures easy navigation while simultaneously getting the hearts of minimal design enthusiasts racing.

High-tech features
The innovations incorporated in the Olympus µ 1040 make capturing picture-perfect images a breeze. New is the Intelligent Auto mode. It identifies the most commonly-used scenes and then applies the settings to subsequent photos. Advanced Face Detection Technology lets up to 16 faces be recognised by the camera. Matched with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which cleverly optimises shadowy areas in picture, you can be sure that your human subjects are always caught in the right light.

Thanks to Digital Image Stabilisation which boosts ISO values, crisp and sharp photos are assured – even in low-light situations. Meanwhile, the powerful TruePic III image processor enhances colour reproduction and image quality as well as boosting speed.
Take charge
With the Olympus µ 1040, you are in control. Perfect Shot Preview lets adjustments to the image be shown on the LCD in real time. This makes it easy to choose the right settings to achieve the best effects. In cases where further assistance might be required, the in-camera help guide puts solutions at your fingertips. Users also have a choice of up to 39 languages for the camera menu. In addition to internal memory, pictures can be stored to xD Picture Card, or – thanks to a bundled attachment – to microSD Card. And to ensure easy handling of photos on a computer, the multifaceted Olympus Master software is also included.

Available in Starry Silver, Midnight Black, Magma Red and Melon Yellow, the sleek and ultra-slim µ 1040 becomes available in September 2008.

The Olympus µ 1040 – main features:
• Miniature 3x optical zoom (38-114mm*) in super slim metal body (just 16.5mm at its thin end) to capture everything from great scenes to exciting close-ups
• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• The easy way to perfect images - Intelligent Auto mode detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces, plus correct exposure of other image areas
• 6.9cm/2.7″ HyperCrystal LCD for excellent previews even in brilliant sunlight
• Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur even in low light
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30 fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

*  Equivalent to a 35mm camera

Additional information: All about the new Olympus Stylus / µ 1040 digital camera