The good: Very good photo quality; fast; video capture; articulated LCD; nice kit lens.
The bad: Small, dim viewfinder; middling video quality; too easy to accidentally change focus points.
The bottom line: Though it falls short in its design, the Nikon D5000 delivers a nice feature set, speedy performance, and great photo quality for the money.
Review:
Editor's note: We mistakenly wrote that the D5000 included a wireless flash controller in this review's summary. We have removed this information.
Photos:
Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens)
The Nikon D80 lasted a long time at the top of our entry-level dSLR list, and the D5000 has been an eagerly awaited replacement for that just-under-$1,000 kit segment. And there are plenty of significant changes in this model. Nikon switches to a CMOS sensor instead of the CCD it's been using in its entry-level models, in this case, the same 12.3-megapixel version.
Showing posts with label Camera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camera. Show all posts
Friday, October 15, 2010
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Review
Three years is a long time for any product to hang around, especially when the technology changes as rapidly as it does for digital cameras. Though it's always had a big fan base, Canon EOS 5D users have nonetheless been itching for more. The successor Canon delivers: the EOS 5D Mark II is in many ways a must-have upgrade, especially for the wedding photography crowd for whom the 5D is a workhorse. And with many of the imaging components of the 1Ds Mark III (including a later ... Expand full review
The good: Excellent performance and photo quality; good video capture capabilities and quality.
The bad: No built-in wireless controller; large spot meter; no built-in flash; more direct controls would be nice; AF system could use an update.
The bottom line: A great follow-up to the 5D and top-flight full-frame camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II delivers the fluid shooting experience and fine photos you expect from a professional model.
The good: Excellent performance and photo quality; good video capture capabilities and quality.
The bad: No built-in wireless controller; large spot meter; no built-in flash; more direct controls would be nice; AF system could use an update.
The bottom line: A great follow-up to the 5D and top-flight full-frame camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II delivers the fluid shooting experience and fine photos you expect from a professional model.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 is a sub-$180 compact camera featuring a wide-angle lens with an 8x zoom and HD movie capture and really that's all. That might sound like a complaint, but it's not. It does what it does well, and though there's room for improvement on shooting performance and photo quality, all in all its speed is OK and the results are pleasing. This camera is about value, though, and if you're expecting more features (for example, a Mini-HDMI output) or anything much beyond a reliable auto mode and nice-looking snapshots for your money, this camera isn't for you. It's a simple camera with a flexible lens at a reasonable price.
Canon PowerShot S95
The good: Attractive and well-designed; capable of producing very nice photos; complete set of manual controls; solid 720p video.
The bad: On the slow side, with subpar battery life; no low-compression JPEG option.
The bottom line: Though we'd like it to perform better, dSLR shooters looking for a sidekick camera will find the Canon PowerShot S95's top-flight photos and a full manual feature set worth the tradeoff of its compact size.
The bad: On the slow side, with subpar battery life; no low-compression JPEG option.
The bottom line: Though we'd like it to perform better, dSLR shooters looking for a sidekick camera will find the Canon PowerShot S95's top-flight photos and a full manual feature set worth the tradeoff of its compact size.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sony enhances the NEX-5/NEX-3 through new firmware
Sony releases a firmware update for the Alpha NEX-5 / NEX-3 digital cameras that adds several performance enhancements. Autofocus is now supported when using the NEX-5/NEX-3 with 14 lenses from the full range of A-mount optics. Aperture settings can be maintained during HD movie recording, and system menu operation has been streamlined alongside a number of other usability improvements. If you are a registered owner of a NEX-5 or NEX-3 you will be advised on the availabilty of the update via email...
A new firmware upgrade adds further operating refinements to the NEX-5/NEX-3 compact system cameras from Sony.
Available now for download with versions available for Windows and Mac OS2, the free upgrade adds several performance enhancements. Autofocus is now supported when using the NEX-5/NEX-3 with 14 lenses from the full range of A-mount optics by Sony and Carl Zeiss that includes telephotos, primes and zooms. Aperture settings can be maintained during HD movie recording, and system menu operation has been streamlined alongside other usability improvements. Registered NEX-5/NEX-3 owners will be advised of the free update via email.
Autofocus with A-mount lenses
Single-shot autofocus is supported with 14 optional A-mount SAM and SSM lens models3 when used with the optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor. Single-shot AF is also possible while in movie recording mode by pressing the shutter button halfway down. Support for AF operation with A-mount lenses also requires a separate firmware upgrade for the LA-EA1.
Aperture priority with video recording
HD video can be shot while maintaining constant aperture, either in A (aperture priority) mode or in iAuto mode with background defocus activated. This aids the simple creation of beautiful background defocus effects during movie recording.
Soft key settings
It's possible to customise functions of two of the three soft keys on the camera's rear panel. Functions that can be assigned include Shooting Mode, Shooting Tips, Precision Digital Zoom, ISO, White Balance, Metering Mode, Flash Compensation, DRO, Auto HDR, Creative Style, MF Assist and AF Area.
Menu start
When ‘Menu' is selected, there's now the option to display either the main menu screen or the last parameter set. This simplifies quick readjustment of recently-selected functions and settings.
MF Assist
An enlarged image portion can be displayed on screen with user-selectable duration while in MF (Manual Focus) Assist mode. MF Assist operation has also been improved. The previously-chosen magnified image portion can now be maintained when MF Assist is re-selected, making repeated checks of fine focus quicker and more convenient.
A new firmware upgrade adds further operating refinements to the NEX-5/NEX-3 compact system cameras from Sony.
Available now for download with versions available for Windows and Mac OS2, the free upgrade adds several performance enhancements. Autofocus is now supported when using the NEX-5/NEX-3 with 14 lenses from the full range of A-mount optics by Sony and Carl Zeiss that includes telephotos, primes and zooms. Aperture settings can be maintained during HD movie recording, and system menu operation has been streamlined alongside other usability improvements. Registered NEX-5/NEX-3 owners will be advised of the free update via email.
Autofocus with A-mount lenses
Single-shot autofocus is supported with 14 optional A-mount SAM and SSM lens models3 when used with the optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor. Single-shot AF is also possible while in movie recording mode by pressing the shutter button halfway down. Support for AF operation with A-mount lenses also requires a separate firmware upgrade for the LA-EA1.
Aperture priority with video recording
HD video can be shot while maintaining constant aperture, either in A (aperture priority) mode or in iAuto mode with background defocus activated. This aids the simple creation of beautiful background defocus effects during movie recording.
Soft key settings
It's possible to customise functions of two of the three soft keys on the camera's rear panel. Functions that can be assigned include Shooting Mode, Shooting Tips, Precision Digital Zoom, ISO, White Balance, Metering Mode, Flash Compensation, DRO, Auto HDR, Creative Style, MF Assist and AF Area.
Menu start
When ‘Menu' is selected, there's now the option to display either the main menu screen or the last parameter set. This simplifies quick readjustment of recently-selected functions and settings.
MF Assist
An enlarged image portion can be displayed on screen with user-selectable duration while in MF (Manual Focus) Assist mode. MF Assist operation has also been improved. The previously-chosen magnified image portion can now be maintained when MF Assist is re-selected, making repeated checks of fine focus quicker and more convenient.
14Mp Pentax Optio LS1000 digital compact camera
Hoya has announced the 14 Mp Pentax Optio LS1000 digital compact camera. The LS1000 features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and a high-performance 4x optical zoom lens covering 27.5mm wide angle. The camera features the new-generation Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions. You can record movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels) with the Movie Shake Reduction mode...
PRESS SUMMARY
HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio LS1000 digital compact camera. In a very compact and lightweight body, this entry-level camera offers very comprehensive features and performances at a reasonable price.
Not only does the Optio LS1000 deliver high-resolution images produced by 14 effective megapixels, it also features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor, a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering 27.5mm wide angle, a simple, user-friendly operation, and a HD video function. Encased in a lightweight, credit-card-sized body, it is compact enough to carry
Major Features
1. Exceptional image quality
Featuring 14 effective megapixels assuring exceptional image resolution, a state-of-the-art imaging engine with superior noise reduction and the high-performance smc PENTAX optical zoom lens, the Optio LS1000 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.
2. Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor
Despite its compact body, the Optio LS1000 features a large 3.0-inch high-brightness color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots. Since this monitor provides large, detailed images and menus, the user can check them with just a quick glance, and easily and instantly make the desired settings and adjustments.
3. Optical 4X zoom lens with 27.5mm wide-angle coverage
The Optio LS1000 comes equipped with a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 4.9mm to 19.6mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to 27.5mm wide angle to 110mm telephoto). Thanks to this wide zoom range, the Optio LS1000 can be used for a wide variety of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes, majestic architecture and group shots within confined spaces, to tightly cropped snapshots from a distance. When coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows for even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range can be extended to approximately 26.8 times.
4. Auto Picture mode for hands-off selection of the most appropriate shooting mode
The Optio LS1000 features the new-generation Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions. This user-friendly mode instantly and unfailingly selects one of the 15 shooting modes (eight conventional modes, plus seven new modes including Blue Sky and Sunset) and optimizes various camera settings, including sensitivity and shutter speed, to assure the best results with minimal effort by the photographer.
5. Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots
The Optio LS1000 features the sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE function, which instantly and accurately detects human faces within the image field, then optimizes focus and exposure settings — all automatically. The Optio LS1000 also comes equipped with other convenient features to assist the photographer in capturing beautiful, lively snapshots, including the Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject's smile, and the Natural Skin mode that captures subjects with smooth, healthy skin tone.
6. High-quality HD-proportioned movie recording
The Optio LS1000 captures beautiful, high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels).* It also comes equipped with the sophisticated Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,** which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting with the help of exclusive software, making it possible for everyone to enjoy high-quality movie shooting with minimal effort.
* When the Optio LS1000's AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal-image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.
7. An assortment of digital filters for creative expression
The Optio LS1000 offers nine different digital filters, including Toy Camera, Retro and Sepia, to add various visual effects to recorded images without requiring a computer. The user can even apply multiple filters to a single image for more inventive visual effects.
8. Other features
(1) Digital Blur Removal function to effectively compensate for camera shake during still-image shooting
(2) Burst Shooting at a speed of 16 images in two seconds (fixed at 640 x 480 pixels)
(3) Auto-tracking AF mode to keep constant focus on a moving subject
(4) Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
(5) Green mode to automatically optimize exposure and sensitivity settings for a given subject or scene
(6) Frame Composite function (with 20 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
(7) MediaImpression 2.0 for PENTAX software for image viewing, editing and filing applications (compatible with the latest operating systems, including Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6)
The Optio LS1000 will be available from Mid-October 2010
PRESS SUMMARY
HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio LS1000 digital compact camera. In a very compact and lightweight body, this entry-level camera offers very comprehensive features and performances at a reasonable price.
Not only does the Optio LS1000 deliver high-resolution images produced by 14 effective megapixels, it also features a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor, a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering 27.5mm wide angle, a simple, user-friendly operation, and a HD video function. Encased in a lightweight, credit-card-sized body, it is compact enough to carry
Major Features
1. Exceptional image quality
Featuring 14 effective megapixels assuring exceptional image resolution, a state-of-the-art imaging engine with superior noise reduction and the high-performance smc PENTAX optical zoom lens, the Optio LS1000 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are enlarged to large sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.
2. Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor
Despite its compact body, the Optio LS1000 features a large 3.0-inch high-brightness color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots. Since this monitor provides large, detailed images and menus, the user can check them with just a quick glance, and easily and instantly make the desired settings and adjustments.
3. Optical 4X zoom lens with 27.5mm wide-angle coverage
The Optio LS1000 comes equipped with a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths from 4.9mm to 19.6mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to 27.5mm wide angle to 110mm telephoto). Thanks to this wide zoom range, the Optio LS1000 can be used for a wide variety of subjects and scenes — from spectacular landscapes, majestic architecture and group shots within confined spaces, to tightly cropped snapshots from a distance. When coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows for even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range can be extended to approximately 26.8 times.
4. Auto Picture mode for hands-off selection of the most appropriate shooting mode
The Optio LS1000 features the new-generation Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions. This user-friendly mode instantly and unfailingly selects one of the 15 shooting modes (eight conventional modes, plus seven new modes including Blue Sky and Sunset) and optimizes various camera settings, including sensitivity and shutter speed, to assure the best results with minimal effort by the photographer.
5. Automatic face detection for beautiful, lively snapshots
The Optio LS1000 features the sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE function, which instantly and accurately detects human faces within the image field, then optimizes focus and exposure settings — all automatically. The Optio LS1000 also comes equipped with other convenient features to assist the photographer in capturing beautiful, lively snapshots, including the Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject's smile, and the Natural Skin mode that captures subjects with smooth, healthy skin tone.
6. High-quality HD-proportioned movie recording
The Optio LS1000 captures beautiful, high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels).* It also comes equipped with the sophisticated Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode,** which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting with the help of exclusive software, making it possible for everyone to enjoy high-quality movie shooting with minimal effort.
* When the Optio LS1000's AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output as normal-image-size data. If the user wishes to play back movie clips at high-definition-TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels), the data must be transferred to a personal computer for playback.
** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.
7. An assortment of digital filters for creative expression
The Optio LS1000 offers nine different digital filters, including Toy Camera, Retro and Sepia, to add various visual effects to recorded images without requiring a computer. The user can even apply multiple filters to a single image for more inventive visual effects.
8. Other features
(1) Digital Blur Removal function to effectively compensate for camera shake during still-image shooting
(2) Burst Shooting at a speed of 16 images in two seconds (fixed at 640 x 480 pixels)
(3) Auto-tracking AF mode to keep constant focus on a moving subject
(4) Digital Panorama mode to effortlessly create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images
(5) Green mode to automatically optimize exposure and sensitivity settings for a given subject or scene
(6) Frame Composite function (with 20 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
(7) MediaImpression 2.0 for PENTAX software for image viewing, editing and filing applications (compatible with the latest operating systems, including Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6)
The Optio LS1000 will be available from Mid-October 2010
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