Author Archives: jonathanb

Sony Alpha A200 Review at LetsGoDigital

LetsGoDigital has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

They write: “As far as ISO sensitivity is concerned you will achieve the best results with this sensor using ISO sensitivity up to ISO 800. Higher ISO than this will influence the image quality due to noise even with the improved noise reduction trying hard. The higher the ISO setting the more the quality drops. To prevent using high ISO you can activate the SuperSteady Shot mode.… The Sony Alpha 200 is a joy to work with and the camera performs really well. So if you can’t wait any longer and you want to get going shooting away, the choice for the Alpha 200 is an excellent one!”

Sony Alpha A200

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Pentax K20D Video Review by CameraLabs

A brief video review of the Pentax K20D by Camera Labs.

The Pentax K20 is a mid priced DSLR featuring a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor, live view (for framing images through the LCD), built in shake reduction, Custom image modes with 6 preset options, and an ISO range of up to 6400 (extended). It also features the high speed PRIME imaging engine with expanded dynamic range function.

The Pentax K20D has a weather and dust resistant body, Dust Reduction and Dust Alert, advanced 16-segment metering and 11-point AF, with 9 cross sensors, and a 2.7 inch high resolution, wide view LCD monitor.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P6fNjlJNK4 331 276]

 

Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS Preview at DP Review

DP Review has previewed the Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS a 10.1 megapixel entry level digital SLR, featuring 7-point wide area AF system. 2.5 inch LCD display, and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting. The EOS 1000D also includes the DIGIC III image processor, Live View mode, and EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

They write: “The 1000D is designed to fit into Canon’s model range beneath the 450D, which explains much of why the 450D was such a step up from its predecessor, the 400D. In many respects, the 1000D is still a step up from that model, with remarkably few compromises made to keep the costs down… It shares bits and pieces with Rebels gone by and, depending from which angle you look at it, the new model is either a stripped down 450D or a ‘reheated’ 400D. It’s a lower specification camera than the 450D, by every measure you might see listed on the shop shelf, but is not the huge step down that its market positioning might lead you to expect.”

Canon Rebel XS

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Canon EOS 40D Review at Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams has reviewed the Canon EOS 40D a 10.1 megapixel (CMOS sensor) DSLR with 6.5 frames per second shooting, a new Autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, DIGIC III image processor, EOS integrated cleaning system, Spot Metering, and a larger, brighter view finder and quieter mechanism than it’s predecessor.

They write – “there’s a lot to like about the 40D. If you’re looking for a 10-megapixel camera that can fire long bursts, is compatible with a mature system of professional accessories, and creates superb images in almost any light, look no further. This lightweight (26.1oz) camera, with it’s comfortable molded grip, is small and tough enough to travel easily with active users. Certainly, the 40D is the best performance-cost value that Canon has ever offered, with a street price of just US$1299 or less (Body only). While the 40D is perfect for advanced amateurs, it will appeal to entry-level professional photographers too. The large LCD and improved menu structure make this camera a breeze to use. Canon fans will find the EOS 40D to be a wonderful camera and an excellent choice compared to most of the dSLRs in its price class.”

Canon EOS 40D

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Sony Alpha A200 Review at Photo Review

PhotoReview.au has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

They write: “Image noise was generally low at high ISO settings, even with the in-camera noise-reduction processing turned off. At ISO 3200, both pattern and colour noise could be discerned but we found no evidence of stuck pixels and the noise pattern was not overly intrusive. Shots taken at ISO 1600 were of printable quality…The DSLR-A200 represents excellent value for money and provides all the adjustable controls a keen photographer requires in a compact, affordable body. It also offers slightly better continuous shooting capabilities than its higher-resolution rival.”

Sony Alpha A200

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Canon Launches EOS 1000D / Rebel XS

Canon has just launched the EOS 1000D, a new entry level D-SLR which slides into the model line up just below the EOS 450D. The EOS 1000D (Digital Rebel XS in the US) features a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 7-point wide area AF system. 2.5 inch LCD display, and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting. With the lightest body of any digital EOS camera, the EOS 1000D also incorporates many of the new features found in its big brother, including the DIGIC III image processor, and Live View mode, and presents them in a less expensive package.

Canon EOS 1000D

Key Features:

  • 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning System
  • 7-point wide-area AF system
  • Up to 3 frames per second
  • 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
  • DIGIC III image processor
  • Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
  • Compact and lightweight body
  • Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
  • Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Canon EOS 1000D Press Release

The EOS 1000D: gateway to full EOS power

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 10 June 2008: Canon today announces its latest D-SLR, the EOS 1000D. Featuring a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 7-point wide area AF system and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting until the memory card is full, the EOS 1000D represents a more affordable entry point to the world of EOS cameras – whilst taking full advantage of over 70 years of imaging expertise.
 
With the lightest body of any digital EOS camera, the EOS 1000D incorporates a range of technologies used in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor, and Live View mode. For straight-from-the-box shooting, the EOS 1000D is available with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens – which includes 4-stop image stabilisation, ensuring superb performance even in low-light conditions.
 
“The EOS 1000D is a small camera with a big idea: the supreme adaptability and image quality of the EOS system, in an accessible, affordable package,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “For anyone ready to take the next step in creative photography, it offers the perfect entry point to the world of D-SLR.”
 
Features at a glance:
  • 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning System
  • 7-point wide-area AF system with f/5.6 cross-type centre point
  • Up to 3 frames per second
  • 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
  • DIGIC III image processor
  • Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
  • Compact and lightweight body
  • Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
  • Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Designed to deliver more

As with all EOS models, key components for the EOS 1000D are designed and manufactured in-house to work with each other for the ultimate image quality. A 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor – with larger pixels for smooth, low-noise images – offers sufficient resolution to produce prints in sizes up to A4, even when cropping your image. To protect images against the effects of sensor dust, the EOS 1000D includes the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which combats dust in three separate ways: reducing, removing and repelling.

The EOS 1000D also features a DIGIC III image processor, as used in Canon’s professional D-SLR models. This allows continuous shooting until the SD or SDHC memory card is full, at speeds of up to 3fps – with the number of shots limited only by the size of the card. DIGIC III also delivers superior image rendering, rapid operation and virtually instant start-up times.
Intelligent focus and flash

For shots where fast focusing is needed, the EOS 1000D features a 7-point wide area Auto Focus system, capable of locking onto a subject in a fraction of a second. A cross-type central focus point continues to operate effectively even when used in lower-light and lower-contrast settings. Also included is E-TTL II, Canon’s distance-linked flash exposure system found in professional EOS models.

Effortless ease

Weighing just 450g, the EOS 1000D is Canon’s lightest D-SLR to date, with a compact, ergonomic body designed for comfortable handling. A bright 2.5” LCD screen lets users instantly review images for composition, sharpness and focus – or, thanks to a wide viewing angle, instantly share shots with friends. The LCD also provides access to a fast, easy-to-read menu system, which uses tabs to avoid unnecessary scrolling. Inherited from the latest EOS models, the menu system includes direct control over external devices such as Speedlite flash units.

Photo quality in every situation is aided by 12 custom functions, including Auto Lighting Optimizer – which corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.

Live view

For shooting situations where using the viewfinder is impractical – or where a tripod is used – users can switch to Live View mode, which displays the scene as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the LCD. An optional grid line and histogram display can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. Two AF modes are available for use with Live View: Quick AF, which momentarily flips the camera’s mirror to engage the AF sensor, and Live AF, which uses contrast information for compact camera-style focusing.

Software

The EOS 1000D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides all the necessary tools for managing and processing images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

EOS 1000d Front

EOS 1000d Rear

EOS 1000D Top

Canon EOS XS

Canon EOS 40D Review at Camera Labs

CameraLabs have reviewed the Canon EOS 40D a 10.1 megapixel (CMOS sensor) DSLR with 6.5 frames per second shooting, a new Autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, DIGIC III image processor, EOS integrated cleaning system, Spot Metering, and a larger, brighter view finder and quieter mechanism than it’s predecessor.

They write: “Canon’s EOS 40D features many improvements over its predecessor and finally shows the pesky Nikon D80 who’s boss – albeit one which costs almost half as much again. Canon’s delivered a superb DSLR which handles beautifully, is packed with useful features and delivers great-looking images.”

Canon EOS 40D

Get a price at Amazon for the Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

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Sony Alpha A200 Review at Imaging Resource

ImagingResource has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

They writes: “Sony has shipped a digital SLR that I find easy to recommend to anyone, a position previously held mainly by the Nikon D40/D40x and Canon Rebel XT/XTi. The Sony A200’s handsome, compact body fits well in most hands, and it is easy to learn and use on a daily basis… The Sony A200 delivers. It works very well, is easy to understand and use, and most importantly it produces great images.”

Sony Alpha A200

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