Category Archives: Digital Cameras

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

Read more about the Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS

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

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

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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

Get a price from Amazon for the Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

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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

Get a price from Amazon for the Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

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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

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.

Fujifilm Finepix A850

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.