Sony Alpha A200 digital SLR video review by What Digital Camera [youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=HhqGAZ5g60s 331 276]
Sony Alpha A200 Digital SLR Video Review
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Pentax Optio W60
The Pentax Optio W60 is a compact, lightweight, fully waterproof digital camera featuring 10 megapixels, a 5x optical wide angle zoom lens (28 – 140mm equivalent), and a 2.5 inch high resolution LCD monitor.
The Optio W60 can operate underwater up to 13 feet (4 metres) for as long as two hours and in temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). Waterproofed to the JIS Class 8 standard, the camera is dustproof to JIS Class 5 against sand and dust. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor winter activities such as skiing as well as for water sports including boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling.
The Pentax W60 also features Face Recognition function, 7 auto picture modes, HDTV movie capture capabilities, ISO up to 6400 and 36 megabytes of internal memory. The Optio W60 is available in a choice of two colours: ocean blue and silver.
Pentax Optio W60 Press Release
WATERPROOF PENTAX OPTIO W60 SHOOTS DEEPER, WIDER AND AT COLDER TEMPS
GOLDEN, CO — May 22, 2008 — PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio W60 compact digital camera. 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 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 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).
Other important features and modes of the PENTAX Optio W60 include a High-Quality Movie mode with HD resolution up to 1280 x 720 pixels (comparable to a 720p HDTV at 15fps) as well as Auto Picture mode, fast Face Recognition, Smile Capture, Blink Detection, an Underwater Movie mode, High Sensitivity Digital SR mode that automatically adjusts the sensitivity up to ISO 6400, and an LCD monitor with a 170 degree wide-angle view and Anti-Reflection coating to reduce glare.
A perfect companion for indoor and outdoor enthusiasts, the PENTAX Optio W60 performs well during winter and summer activities as well as in and around water and sand. The PENTAX Optio W60 will be available in July 2008 for US $329.95 in a choice of two colors: Ocean Blue and Silver.
PENTAX Optio W60 FACT SHEET
10 Megapixel Resolution
With 10 effective megapixels, the PENTAX Optio W60 delivers highly detailed photos.
5X Zoom Lens
The PENTAX Optio W60 features an internal 5X zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (approximately 28mm to 140mm in 35mm format) and a refraction lens that never protrudes from the camera while zooming. This system allows the camera to capture a variety of scenes including expansive landscapes, architecture, and group photos in confined spaces as well as close-up telephoto shots of subjects. When combined with the intelligent digital zoom function (up to 5.7X) zoom magnification may be increased to 28.5X.
Enhanced Waterproof And Extreme Weather Performance
The Optio W60 operates underwater up to 13 feet (four meters) for up to two hours, which is an increase of 30 percent over the performance of previous PENTAX models that were limited to 10 feet. This performance is the result of improved construction of the shutter button and other controls and reinforced, airtight external joints. Waterproofed to the JIS Class 8 standard, the camera is dustproof to JIS Class 5 against sand and dust and operates in temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius). This makes it a perfect choice for outdoor winter activities such as skiing as well as for water sports including boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, etc.
Bright, Wide-angle LCD Monitor
The 2.5 inch high-resolution (approximately 230,000 dots) LCD monitor features an Anti-Reflection coating to reduce reflective glare and be easily viewed even in bright sunlight. The monitor’s wide viewing angle (about 170 degrees both horizontally and vertically) allows users to view images from nearly any angle.
High-Quality Movies With Shake Reduction And HD Resolution
The Optio W60 captures movies at resolutions as high as 1280 x 720 pixels, which is comparable to HDTV resolution at 720p (15 fps). The camera also features Movie Shake Reduction to automatically correct camera shake and an Underwater Movie mode that optimizes color settings for recording underwater.
Auto Picture Mode
Featuring scene-recognition technology, the camera’s Auto Picture mode determines the subject’s shooting conditions and automatically selects the optimal scene mode. Optio W60 photographers also may select from seven capture modes including Flower, Sport, Night Scene Portrait, Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Standard modes.
Face Recognition Function
Face Recognition AF & AE function on the Optio W60 delivers beautiful portrait shots with a single setting. This convenient function automatically sets the focus and exposure detecting up to 32 faces at one time in 0.03 seconds. The camera also features Smile Capture mode that automatically captures images when subjects smile and Blink Detection, which warns the photographer if any subject’s eyes are closed during exposure.
High Sensitivity Digital Shake Reduction
The Optio W60 features Digital Shake Reduction, which compensates for camera shake and subject blurring during still-image photography. This mode automatically adjusts sensitivity up to a maximum of ISO 6400 based on ambient lighting, which permits a faster shutter speed to capture sharp, clear images. In addition, Digital Shake Reduction for playback corrects blurring in images post-capture.
Additional Features
- Macro focusing can focus on subjects as close as a centimeter (less than one inch) for stunning close-up shots
- PENTAX proprietary SP (Super Protect) coating adds superior water repellency and scratch resistance to the lens’s front protective glass to prevent water droplets from forming
- Panorama mode stitches a series of up to three shots into one wide photo
- Intelligent zoom function extends the zoom range without compromising the optical zoom’s image quality
- Supports SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards
- Approximately 36.4 MB of built-in memory
- Frame composite function allows photographers to shoot and create images with decorative frames; 80 styles to choose from
- Date and Time imprint function for easy image categorizing
- Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software, that supports Windows VistaTM
- Supports PictBridge, DPOF printing, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching
Fujifilm Finepix A850
The Fujifilm FinePix A850 (announced 22 May 2008) is an affordable entry level point and shoot digital camera featuring a 3x optical zoom lens (36-108mm equivalent), 8.1 megapixels, and 2.5 inch LCD monitor.
The Fujifilm A850 also features selectable sensitivity up to 800 ISO, 14 selectable scene modes, 24 megabytes of internal memory and Picture Stabilisation to reduce image blur dur to camera movement.
Press Release
The Fujifilm A850 is the new addition to Fujifilm’s A-Team
Fujifilm is pleased to announce the launch of the new Fujifilm A850. The stylish new camera will offer high-end technology to every-day users who want point-and-shot simplicity at an affordable price point, but are not prepared to compromise on image quality. The Fujifilm A850 features a sharp Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, an 8.1 Megapixel CCD sensor and ISO 800 sensitivity at full resolution.
The Fujifilm A850 features Image Intelligence processing combined with a 3x Fujinon lens to deliver images of unrivalled quality. Fujifilm has employed decades of imaging know-how to ensure that each image, no matter how challenging the shooting conditions, is optimised for colour, tone, exposure and colour balance. This makes the A850 the perfect camera for beginners, because the combination of a sharp lens and cutting-edge image processing means that quality images, without overdue effort, will be produced time after time. Despite its modest credentials, Fujifilm employs its Picture Stabilisation (usually found on higher-priced models) to ensure that image blurring, caused by subject movement or camera shake, is kept to an absolute minimum.
In addition to this, the Fujifilm A850 offers handy features such as selectable scene modes and movie recording with sound, for versatility and ease of use.
An intuitive, icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) and simple button layout make it easy for users to navigate through menus and switch between shooting modes and scene positions.
The 14 selectable scene modes simplify shooting even further. With options including Beach, Snow, Sports and even Museum mode, users can be creative with their picture taking, regardless of the situation or their experience behind the lens.
The Fujifilm A850 features 24MB of internal memory, which is a great fallback storage option, so users can continue to shoot and save pictures even when the media card is full. What’s more, the camera’s low power consumption (operating on two standard AA batteries) means users will never miss out on capturing the action.
Lastly, looks are everything for modern electronic products. Consumers demand elegant styling, beautiful curves, and simple ergonomics. They demand a product to be proud of. The A850 does not disappoint in any respect. It has the feel of a high-end camera, with a sculpted grip and metallic finish, and mimics models sold for more than twice the price.
Fujifilm has designed three key features into this model: excellent image quality, simple operation and amazingly good looks. The A850 is likely to be the hit camera for this summer’s key selling season.
Fujifilm A850 features at a glance:
- 8.1 Megapixels
- 3x optical zoom
- 2.5-inch LCD monitor
- Selectable sensitivity up to ISO 800
- 24MB internal memory permits shooting without a media card
- Power source 2x AA-size alkaline (included),2x AA-size Ni-MH (optional) and AC Power Adapter AC-3V (optional)
- Movie mode, 30 frames/ second with monaural sound
- Picture stabilisation
- 14 selectable scene positions
Availability & pricing
The Fujifilm A850 will be available from retailers from July. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of the launch.
BenQ T850
The BenQ T850 (announced 28 May, 2008) is a super slim touch screen digital camera featuring 8 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens (38-112mm equivalent) and a 3.0 inch TFT LCD touch screen.
With the 3 inch touch screen almost all camera functions can be accessed and engaged by using one of three simple finger movements: tap, circle, swipe. At only 14.9 mm thick and weighing just 120 grams the BenQ T850 also features a Super Shake-Free setting, Auto Face Tracking and up to ISO 1600.
Wrapped in a stainless steel casing the BenQ T850 is available is black or red.
BenQ T850 Press Release
BenQ’s New T850 8M Digital Camera Has Users Smiling
EUROPE, May 28, 2008 – BenQ announced the launch of the world’s slimmest 8-mega-pixel digital camera, the T850 with 1600 ISO, 3x optical zoom and smc PENTAX lens. Sleek and compact at 14.9mm thick, the T850’s chic stainless steel casing (available in black or red) reflects the minimalist operating ease of the camera. Exceptional efficiency and user-friendliness are made possible by the highly intuitive photo taking and photo editing functions, which center around smartly organized circular touch buttons on the 3” TFT LCD screen. Furthermore, almost all camera functions can be accessed and engaged by using one of three simple finger movements: tap, circle, swipe. In fact, the T850 standouts among touch screen cameras as the only one employing a natural “swipe” gesture for viewing photos and video. A comprehensive selection of options including “Smile Catch”, Auto Face Tracking, Z Lighting, advanced photo art, scribble & scrawl and Quick Bar make the T850 a fabulously fun companion for bringing enjoyment and quality to today’s digital life.
Photo Taking So Simple, It’s Second Nature!
Spontaneous, quick, spur-of-the-moment. Such is what defines that special moment so precious to capture in a photo. And that’s exactly what defines the T850: controls and menus so simple and second nature that capturing a spontaneous moment is a snap. No pressing button after button to navigate through multiple menus. The T850 has pared down complex camera operations to a minimalist, logical approach. Circular touch buttons (just the size of the fingertip), which can be pulled up instantly on the extra-large screen, get users to the right setting fast so the moment isn’t just a memory. Plus, the T850 features a Quick Bar that gives users even faster access to 80% of all photo taking needs. For customized convenience, users can add three of their favorite functions to the Quick Bar. Intelligently designed touch-screen icons that clearly represent their functions further eliminate the confusion typical of other complicated camera menus.
Tap, Circle, Swipe for Easy Navigation and Photo Editing
Once pictures are taken, users can easily view and enhance photos via three types of finger motions on the screen. To reset the focal point, simply tap the preferred spot on the screen, and the T850 will re-center and automatically refocus the image. To enlarge a specific portion of the image, simply draw a circle around the location with your fingertip. The T850 will instantly perform a 12x zoom to the circled area. Plus, by using the picture cropping mode, users can save the enlarged image as a new image. Playback is no longer a pain with the T850’s ingenious functionality, which includes “swipe” recognizing ability – it’s the only camera currently available to perform functions with a simple finger swipe across the screen. While reviewing pictures, swipe a finger right to left across the screen to see the next picture; swipe left to right to see the previous image. When playing video or audio content, users can tap the playback bar forward (advance) thus eliminating the hassles of restarting the content from the beginning every time. The T850 is also equipped with advanced photo art functions. Touch screen capability lets users free-hand scribble and scrawl fun captions and drawings to photos. In addition, users can select from a numerous callout balloons and photo backgrounds/frames.
User-Friendly Conveniences
Despite a minimalist approach for operational ease, the T850 is packed with an array of thoughtful features for picture-perfect results. A high ISO 1600 lets users take pictures in dim lighting without artificial flash. “Z Lighting” enables users to adjust the image’s lighting after the photo has already been taken. The T850’s brilliant “Smile Catch” mode captures every elusive smile by automatically shooting in rapid succession, stopping only when the shutter button is pressed again. Competitors’ similar function can only shoot up to six times in succession. And for capturing life in fractions of second – such as for action shots – a “12 Burst” feature snaps 12 pictures in one second! Crisp, clear, well-defined pictures are guaranteed with a Super Shake-Free setting and Auto Face Tracking, which can fine-tune up to nine faces in one frame – perfect for scenes with many people. The T850’s 30 preset modes range from standard auto and video to more exact settings such as “Museum,” “Party,” “Beach” and “Fireworks.”
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 with Built-in AF Motor for Nikon
The Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model A001N II) is a lightweight and fast F/2.8 tele-zoom lens designed for full-size SLR cameras with a built-in AF motor for use with Nikon cameras.
Tamron’s SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model A001N II) was developed under the same concept as the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) a lens highly evaluated by many users around the world as a compact and fast zoom lens boasting a high cost/performance ratio. The 70-200mm is a fast F/2.8 zoom lens that is compatible with full-size SLR cameras and covering an extended telephoto range.
While preventing the lens from becoming bulky, Tamron successfully realized the minimum focus distance of 0.95m over the entire zoom range for a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at 200mm. Combined with the advantage of an internal focusing system, this lens enables the user to enjoy stress-free close-up photography.
The SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 zoom lens covers a focal length range from 70mm medium telephoto to 200mm real telephoto when mounted on a full-size SLR camera while covering a 35mm-equivalent focal length range from 109mm to 310mm ultra telephoto* (diagonal angle of view of 7°59’) when used with a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C sized image sensor.
*35mm format equivalent (Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x)
Main Features
1. Minimum focus distance of 0.95m (in.) over the entire zoom range for 1:3.1 maximum magnification ratio
Tamron has realized the minimum focus distance of 0.95m (in.) over the entire zoom range for the first time in the class of F/2.8 fast tele-zoom lens compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras. The maximum magnification ratio at its 200mm tele end is 1:3.1. As a result of the thorough pursuit of ideal power distribution within the whole optical system, the lens accepts popular 77mm filters.
2. Innovative optical design striking balance between soft out-of-focus effects and sharpness
In order to strike a balance between the capability to derive soft out-of-focus effects and sharpness for acknowledging Tamron’s tradition, the lens makes lavish use of as many as three LD (low dispersion) glass elements for minimizing on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations which become major image degradation factors. Thanks to this innovative optical design, the lens realizes high definition and high contrast performance as well as optimum flatness of field, providing outstanding optical performance in all photographic situations and over the entire zoom range.
3. Lightweight tele-zoom boasting F/2.8 constant maximum aperture
Tamron has realized the light weight of 1,150g ( oz.) for the F/2.8 fast tele zoom lens by using in its barrel parts made from engineering plastic materials having superior dimensional stability and strength even sufficing conditions for industrial applications.
4. Thoroughgoing countermeasures against ghosting and flare, including internal surface coatings
Tamron employed multi-layer coatings in order to reduce reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on cemented surfaces of lens elements) in order to minimize reflections from the imager itself within the mirror box, a problem inherent to digital SLR cameras.
5. "Focus ring switchover mechanismA allowing AF/MF switchover in a single action (for Nikon and Canon AF cameras only)
The lens in mount for Nikon or Canon AF cameras is designed to allow the user to change the focus mode mechanically and electrically by simply sliding the focus control ring to and fro, for switching from the AF mode to the MF mode or vice versa in one single action. (In case of the lens in mount for Sony and Pentax cameras, AF/MF switchover operations on both the lens and camera sides are required, same as before.)
Since the lens employs an internal focusing system, the focus control ring of the lens (in all mounts for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony AF SLR cameras) does not rotate at time of focusing or zooming, providing good holding and balance in all photographic conditions in the AF mode, while focusing can be smooth and accurate in the MF mode just like a manual focus lens.
6. A lightweight, detachable and durable tripod grip ring made of aluminum is supplied as a standard accessory.
7. Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.
Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd
The Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd (announced 22 May, 2008) is a stylish, ultra compact 10 mega pixel point and shoot digital camera. The FinePix Z200fd is ultra slim at just 19.8mm thick and features a 5x optical zoom lens (33-165mm equivalent), dual images stabilization, and a wide 2.7 inch high resolution screen.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd also features Face Detection Technology, 52 megabytes of internal memory, VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second, two brand new self-timer modes: Couple Timer and Group Timer, intelligent red-eye removal, and ISO 100-1600 sensitivity at full resolution.
News Release
Fujifilm introduces a stylish new snapper: the FinePix Z200fd
Fujifilm today announced the launch of the 10 Megapixel FinePix Z200fd, the latest addition to its popular range of ultra-slim, metal-bodied, high performance ccompact digital cameras.
Despite being only 19.8mm thick the FinePix Z200fd is packed with state-of-the-art technology including a 5x Fujinon optical zoom lens, Fujifilm’s acclaimed Face Detection technology, intelligent red-eye removal and Dual Image Stabilisation, as well as two brand new self-timer modes: Couple Timer and Group Timer.
It’s all about the timing
The FinePix Z200fd features two brand new self-timer modes: Couple Timer and Group Timer. Working in combination with Face Detection technology, the self-timer automatically sets off after the camera has detected faces in a frame. The camera won’t take the photo if one of the faces is out the frame, so there’s no need to worry about someone being missed out of the shot!
Cheek-to-cheek
The Couple Timer mode cleverly detects two faces in a frame and will automatically release the shutter button as the two faces come closer together. The Couple Timer mode has three settings so users can set the timer to detect faces at various distances, whether they are standing side by side, or cheek-to-cheek.
The more the merrier
Group shots have never been so easy. The FinePix Z200fd’s Group Timer mode can detect up to four faces in a frame and automatically sets the timer to take that precious shot. Using the Face Detection button, the user can select the number of faces in the frame, from one to four, and the camera will only take the shot once all the specified number of faces are in the frame.
Cutting edge design and packed with features
The FinePix Z200fd houses powerful features in an elegant, metal body. This stylish camera comes in four attractive colours – a black and red combination, pink, silver and black – and has a unique diagonally sliding lens cover with a snazzy ‘Z’ logo that illuminates when the camera is switched on. Its slim design means that it can fit easily into a cluttered handbag or jean pocket so your camera is always to the ready.
Beneath its trendy exterior, the FinePix Z200fd boasts an impressive Fujinon 5x zoom lens (33-165mm equivalent), Dual Image Stabilisation, which combines CCD-shift and high ISO to combat the problem of camera shake and blurry images, and ISO sensitivity up to 1600. There’s also Fujifilm’s Intelligent Flash system, which sets the power output to achieve natural foreground illumination with balanced background exposure for more natural looking photos. For users who cannot decide whether to use a flash or not, Natural Light plus Flash mode takes two photos in quick succession, one with flash and one without. Both photos are then displayed side by side for quick comparison allowing users to decide which one they prefer.
The FinePix Z200fd makes perfect portraits simple with Fujifilm’s Face Detection technology. Face Detection works by triangulating eyes and mouth, using an algorithm to optimise focus, white balance and exposure for up to ten faces in a single frame, and is not confused by spectacles. In addition, the automatic red-eye removal feature can find and instantly correct any red eye from every face in the frame, saving the user the time consuming process of doing it afterwards on the computer.
To share and share-alike
The FinePix Z200fd is a perfect social camera. In addition to the Face Detection technology and people-friendly self-timers modes, the FinePix Z200fd features a Blog mode, which resizes images for easy upload to social networking sites such as Facebook™, and an Auction mode, which combines up to four photos in one frame – ideal for eBay™ users. What’s more, the FinePix Z200fd’s IrSimple™ function allows consumers to share photos from one IrSimple™ device to another.
Real Photo Technology
Driving the FinePix Z200fd is Fujifilm’s unique Real Photo Technology (RPT). The guiding principles behind RPT are simple; to set the highest possible standards for overall image quality, to expand digital photography opportunities and to give users fewer wasted shots.
With the human eye as the ideal, Real Photo Technology cameras are designed from the ground up to capture ‘real’ photographs with stunning quality – giving users the power to capture the moment exactly as the eye sees it, no matter how challenging the shooting conditions.
Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Photo Products, said: "The FinePix Z200fd is the perfect ‘social’ camera for the user looking for a combination of classic styling and cutting edge features. We believe that consumers wanting a super-slim camera shouldn’t have to make compromises on image quality or features, and with the FinePix Z200fd they don’t."
FinePix Z200fd features at a glance
- Ultra slim (19.8mm thick) styling with two-tone all metal body
- 5x optical zoom lens (33-165mm equivalent)
- Dual Image Stabilisation
- Face Detection Technology and automatic intelligent red-eye removal
- 52MB internal memory plus xD-Picture card, SD and SDHC compatibility
- ISO 100-1600 sensitivity at full resolution
- Wide view 2.7-inch high resolution screen
- Playback features including Face Zoom and Micro Thumbnail (100 shot) view
- IR Communication (IR simple™)
- Blog mode and Auction mode
- VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound
- New modes including Folder Select (categorise your photos using handy preset folders) and Illustration Mode.
- PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC
Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 with Built-in AF Motor for Nikon SLR Cameras
The Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model A20N II) is a high power zoom lens compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras from Nikon with a built-in AF motor and featuring Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism.
Tamron’s AF28-300mm VC zoom lens has been highly evaluated by many photographers the world over since the introduction of the lens in October 2007, as a compact and high power zoom lens providing stabilized viewfinder images. The lens covers an angle of view equivalent to that of a 465mm ultra telephoto lens when mounted on a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C size image sensor. The ultra telephoto range is one where Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism exhibits its compensation performance to the maximum extent. The lens enables the user to enjoy ultra telephotography with amazingly stabilized viewfinder images. The lens covers an angle of view equivalent to 43mm at its wideangle end, allowing the user to respond to a wider variety of scenes than tele-zoom lenses in the 70-300mm class do.
The AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC (IF) MACRO (Model A20N II) is a compact and high power zoom lens that can be used as a standard zoom lens. It allows not only the users of conventional 35mm film SLR cameras but also owners of digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C sized image sensors to enjoy comfortable SLR photography of up to 465mm-equivalent ultra telephoto without hand shake.
Main Features:
1. High-power zoom lens allowing comfortable ultra telephotography with stabilized viewfinder images
The lens covers everything from 28mm wideangle to 300mm ultra telephoto when mounted on a 35mm full-size film SLR camera and a range of angles of view equivalent to 43mm wideangle to 465mm ultra telephoto* (diagonal angle of view of 5°20’) when used with a digital SLR camera. Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism exhibits its power particularly in ultra telephotography, allowing the user to expand his/her photographic creativity while enjoying the world of ultra telephotography.
* When mounted on a digital SLR camera equipped an APS-C sized image sensor, converted to 35mm format (Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x)
2. Tamron’s VC mechanism compensates for hand shake
Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism employs a "three-coil" system that is designed to let three coils drive a compensator lens electromagnetically via three steel balls built in the mechanism. Since the compensator lens is supported with rolling frictions of the steel balls, follow-up performance is enhanced while the simple construction realizes the compactness of the mechanism itself. A highly accurate gyro sensor built in the mechanism to detect hand shake delivers comfortable hand-shake compensation performance in combination with a 32-bit RISC CPU.
3. High power, yet features the VC mechanism and outstanding optical design
The AF28-300mm Di VC zoom lens is a product Tamron has developed by integrating advanced optical design technology Tamron has accumulated as the pioneer in high power zoom lenses, in order to strike an ideal balance between a vibration compensation mechanism and compactness. The optical system uses XR (high refractive index) glass elements, a GM (glass molded aspherical) element, hybrid aspherical elements, an LD (low dispersion) glass element and an AD (abnormal dispersion) glass element. The optical design designed to provide high definition and contrast performance as well as flatness of the field enables you to respond a wide variety of photographic scenes, as a lens designed by eyeing characteristics of digital SLR cameras.
4. Minimum focus distance of 0.49m over the entire zoom range for 1:3 maximum magnification ratio
The AF28-300mm Di VC sports the minimum focus distance of 0.49m over the entire zoom range, the top class capability among high power zoom lenses compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3 at the 300mm telephoto end is also the top class capability.
5. Internal surface coatings for thoroughly suppressing ghosting and flare
Tamron employed multi-layer coatings on lens elements for reducing reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on cemented surfaces of lens elements) in order to minimize reflections from the imager itself within the mirror box, a problem inherent to digital SLR cameras.
6. High power, yet lightweight and compact, thanks to inventive mechanical design
In designing the lens, Tamron thoroughly reviewed roles of respective barrel components in order to make it as compact as possible. As a result, the increase in the overall length of the new model is confined to 17.8mm and 5mm in the maximum diameter compared to the conventional AF28-300mm (Model A061), despite the VC mechanism now incorporated.
7. Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent sliding fall of its barrel when the outfit is carried around.
8. Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.