Nikon D3 Review at DP Review

DP Review reviews the Nikon D3 DSLR which features a full frame ‘FX’ 12.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor, high speed continuous shooting at 9 fps at full resolution (up to 11 fps in DX crop mode), a staggering ISO range of 100 – 25,600, 51 point autofocus system, and a 3.0 inch high resolution LCD monitor with Live View.

They give the Nikon D3 a highly recommended rating and write: "anyone even close to considering a D3 will be more than capable of making an informed decision without a technical review such as this (in fact they’ve probably already bought one), but we can confirm that from an image quality and performance point of view the D3 raises the bar by a fair degree. For a sports camera it’s also a surprisingly good studio and landscape camera, and if there’s a better DSLR out there for photojournalists and red carpet paps we’ve yet to meet it. Image quality (especially at higher ISOs) is stunning, the camera a joy to use and the speed and responsiveness breathtaking. If there is an EOS-1Ds Mark III – bating ‘D3X’ coming this year it will have quite a job to do to better the D3; possibly the most compelling, capable and well-rounded professional digital SLR ever made.”

Nikon D3

Get a price at Amazon for the Nikon D3 12.1MP FX Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Nikon D3

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Zeiss Lens Review at Pop Photo

Sony 24-70mm f2.8 lensPop Photo have reviewed the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens, a full frame zoom lens and write: “not surprisingly for a Zeiss, sharpness and contrast scored in the SQF Excellent range. In DxO Analyzer 3.1 assessments of distortion control, we found only Slight barrel at 24mm (0.30%) and Imperceptible pincushion distortion at 50mm and 70mm (0.05 and 0.08%, respectively)… the lens’ superior sharpness, extremely rugged construction, and satisfying macro performance all add up to an undeniable best-in-class showing for this impressive offspring of German and Japanese manufacturing know-how.”

Nikon D3 Firmware Version 1.10 Problems

Nikon D3A couple of days ago Nikon announced the release of firmware update version 1.10 for the D3. However it has been confirmed that when certain settings are applied with the updated firmware, image data may, in some rare cases become corrupted. Therefore Nikon have terminated this firmware update download, and a new update is expected in late April. See the press release below for more details.

Continue reading

Sony Alpha A350 Review at PhotoReview

Photo Review has reviewed the Sony Alpha A350 a 14.2 megapixel (CCD) DSLR with a 2.7 inch tilting LCD and live view.

They write: "Low-light performance was very good, with accurate colours in long exposures (up to 30 seconds) and no apparent noise in exposures up to ISO 800. Colour noise became evident at ISO 3200 but at a relatively low level, although some shadow detail was lost with this setting…. Sony’s A350 DSLR has something to offer to both digicam upgraders who are looking to buy a more sophisticated camera and photo enthusiasts who want a high-resolution camera with all the latest shooting controls. It’s a definite step up from the A200 model in both features and performance and represents very good value for money. However, for enthusiasts who want to get the best from this camera, we’d recommend buying the body alone and pairing it with a more sophisticated lens.”

Sony A350

Get a price at Amazon for the Sony Alpha 350 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Sony Alpha A350

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW Review at Trusted Reviews

Olympus Stlyus 1030 SWTrusted Reviews has reviewed the Olympus Stlus 1030 SW, a rugged little camera with 10.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3.6x wide angle optical zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD monitor. The 1030 SW is shockproof, waterproof, freeze proof, crushproof and dustproof.

They write: “For those possessed of an adventurous spirit, such as skiers, gap year backpackers or snorkelling enthusiasts, the Olympus mju 1030 SW could be the answer to their dreams. The build of this camera is fantastic and a remarkable feat of engineering in what is usually a delicate electronic instrument…. Images from the Olympus mju 1030 SW, don’t quite match up to more generic cameras, with some lens problems coming from the folded optical array. There’s a tendency to lose definition at the edges of the frame, and some minor fringing, though nothing too serious….Noise is more of a problem, especially at sensitivities higher than ISO 400. Certainly by ISO 1600, although nice to have that high ISO, the images are frankly terrible, so I’d recommend using lower settings whenever possible.”

Get a price at Amazon for the Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera

Read more about the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 is a new 9.0 megapixel compact digital camera featuring a 28mm wide angle lens with 10x optical zoom (28 – 280mm equivalent), 3.0 inch LCD screen with 460,000 dot resolution, HD video recording capability and built in Wi-Fi capability.

Panasonic DMC-TZ50The LUMIX DMC-TZ50 can connect to a standard 802.11b/g wireless LAN network, access the T-Mobile HotSpot service in the USA and upload digital photos taken with the TZ50 directly to Googles Picasa Web Albums. Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company explains. “Active users will appreciate the TZ50’s Wi-Fi capabilitilies so they can share photos while on-the-go, but they will also benefit from HD video recording, a 10x optical zoom and a 28mm wide-angle lens, so capturing images, whether far or wide; moving or still – is all possible with this compact camera.”

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ50 will be available in silver in May 2008 for around $449.

Continue reading

Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi Review at Camera Labs

Camera Labs has reviewed the Canon Digital Rebel XSi / EOS 450D which features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, DIGIC III Image Processor, 3.5 fps continous shooting, 9-point AF system, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, and optical image stabilization.

They write “with the new 450D / XSi you get a number of worthwhile upgrades over its predecessor beyond the inevitable increase in resolution and screen size. You get Live View, a kit lens with Image Stabilisation, a bigger optical viewfinder which shows the ISO value at all times, slightly quicker continuous shooting, spot metering, a new battery with longer life, a dedicated ISO button, and a raft of processing options inherited from the higher-end EOS-40D including 14-bit A-D conversion and Highlight Tone Priority… the 450D / XSi’s combination of new features adds-up to a highly desirable DSLR which we can Highly Recommend without hesitation. If its feature-set suits your style of photography, you will not be disappointed.”

Canon EOS 450D

Get a price at Amazon for the Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Canon Digital Rebel XSi / Canon EOS 450D

Canon EOS 40D Review at PhotoNet

PhotoNet 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: “The crop sensor combined with state-of-the-art systems makes the Canon 40D the best digital SLR body for budget-conscious wildlife photographers. Adding the 6.5 frames per second capture rate makes the 40D the best digital SLR body for sports photographers who don’t want to buy the Canon EOS 1D Mark III, $4500 (review). Within the Canon system, the 40D makes sense for people who leave the house on a specifically photographic mission and don’t mind carrying the extra weight and bulk in exchange for the ruggedness and two-wheel user interface.”

Canon EOS 40D

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

Read more about the Canon EOS 40D