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Olympus E_620 review

2010-03-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Olympus' latest entry-level camera combines a diminutive body, similar in size to the E-420, with key features taken form the E-30.
Billed as the smallest DSLR with buil-in image stabilisation, the E-620 packs a 2.7" tilt and swivel Live View LCD, 12.3 megapixel sensor end enticing E-30 techonology such as a range of Art Filters, Mutiple Exposure mode and a choice of four aspect rations, into one far from bulky shell, it only weghs a shade under 19 ounces.
On-body features such as the familiar Dust Reduction System using Supersonic Wave Filter and three blur- reducing Image Stabilisation modes(one for general shooting, two for tracking moving subjects, for when the camera's held either horizontally or vertically) improve the chances of getting clean, sharp images.
The aforementioned Art Filters, activated using the mode dial on the left of top-plate, can be viewed using the camera in Live View or during image playback. The Multiple Exposure function is equally as flexible, enabling you to shoot one image, the the other, or to shoot each frame separately and combine them in- camera later. Offering this level of crative control in a camera body certainly goes some way to making photography a fun experience for newcomers who may be intimidated by the idea of working up shots on a PC.
Needless to say a range of accessories are on their way too, including a new HLD-5 power Batterry Holder which holds two Lithium lon BLS-1 batteries to extend the shooting time. while it may add a little bulk to a package that's being pushed on its portability, the vertical grip it offers does improve handling.
Olympus will also release the PT-E06 underwater housing, which will protect the camera down to depth of 130 feet.

E-620 Art Filters explained
POP ART
enhances colours, making them more saturated and vivid, evoking the Pop Art style of the 1960s
SOFT FOCUS
Creates an ethereal atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details.
PALE & LIGHT COLOUR
Encloses the foreground of an image in flat gentle light and pastel colours reminiscent of a flashback scene in a movie
LIGHT TONE
Renders shade and highlight areas softly to lend an elegant air to the subject.

GRAINY FILM
Evokes the feeling of documentary footage shot in monochrome with grainy, high-contrast film.

PIN HOLE
Reduces the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole

Sony HX1 review

2010-03-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

The headline-grabbing feature of Sony's new 9 megapixel superzoom compact is its ' sweep panorama' mode. Simply press the shutter and pan the camera to create a 224 degree horizontal or 154 degree vertivcal panorama where all the frames are stitched for you as you go. It's quick and simple.
In practice, we found it had a few wobbles, with a few stuttering stitches and elongated blends, but we were testing a pre-production model handheld without any guidance from a user manual. It's very enjoyable and accessible for all though. the maximum resolution for an horizontal panoramic image is 7152x1080.

The DSC-HX1 is also capable of capture bursts of up to ten frames per second using its 1/2.4 inch EXmor CMOS sensor and high-speed mechanical shutter. Each frame is at full 9.1MP resolution of the sensor, so there was some processing time from capture to on screen display in our brief test, but it does provide a very flexible system. Sony also claims that compared to images ' shot with traditional sensors', the HX1 model ' takes clearer images with about 50 percent less noise when in handheld twillight or anti blur modes'.
Other notable features include a 28 - 560 mm (35mm equivalent) 20x zoom and 1080 high definition movie capture, with stereo sound capture via a built in microphone. Optical SteadyShot comes as standard, while a 3" LCD monitor, face-detection modes and nose-reduction technology that uses the high speed shutter to capture six shots within a fraction of a second and superimposes them into one picture in order to improve sharpness and clarity, should ensure it appeals to gadget fans and photographers alike.

What's in the Box?

The DSC-HX1 has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

The 9.1 effective Megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 camera
NP-FH50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery charger
Lens cap w/retaining strap
Shoulder strap
USB + A/V cable
HDMI adapter
CD-ROM featuring Picture Motion Browser software, Cyber-shot handbook and Step-up Guide
74 page basic manual (printed) plus 176 page full manual (on CD-ROM)

CANON 1DS MK III

2009-12-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

CANON'S FLAGSHIP DSLR PACKS A PUNCH WITH ITS RESOLUTION AND ERGONOMICS F4490 BODY ONLY 21 MP FULL FRAME SENSOR. LIVE VIEW. DUST CONTROL

At around f4,490 the EOS 1DS Mark III is out of reach for most consumers, but nevertheless people are always interested in the top-end desirable but unaffordable gear. Affer all,what comes from the top eventually filters to the bottom into the enthusiast and entry leve offerings. This is a big camera with a big feature set. The magnesium alloy body alone weighs 1,210g without a lens and and battery. Whithin the body lies a pair of DIGIC III processors, required to transform the large files that are generated by the hefty 36 x 24mm ful-frame sensor. That sensor is a CMOS type with 21.1 million effective pixels, and features built-in dust reduction courtesy of the EOS integrated Cleaning Sytem. With a frame rate of 5fps it's not the fastest, but it's still fast and doubling the processing power at least keeps the camera's sped at a working level. As a professional camera, there are no scene modes, but within the menu are Canon's Picture Styles that are standerd on all current EOS models. As for the camera's focus system of the MK II, but now includes 19 cross-type points instead of the seven on the older model. Similarly the new model has an improved metering system upping the evaluative stakes with 45 zones, over the previous 21 all of which are linked to the AF system. Finally, Canon has added live view to the 3in monitor. Disappointingly, this feature works only in manual focus mode, though a 10x zoom view is availble fo critical focus checks. The viewfinder matches the size of the sensor, noticeably larger than that of an APS-C type DSLR, and is bright and clean with a clear green LED readout and red projected LED AF points. The AF points Can be selected LED AF points. The AF points can be selected individually using the front command dial and the AF is both quick and quiet. The shutter release button is responsive, too, and though the monitor is a useful size, its resolution and clarity really fail to match that of the ultra-high resolution of models from Nikon and Sony. What is impressive, though, is that large files can pass through the system so quickly, thanks to the dual processor inside the camera. With a SAnDisk Extreme III card, For instance, a sustained burst of 60 jPEGs may be captured. VERDICT: Canon has certainly done it again with the 1DS MK III, nd I expect that studios across the globe will be ordering them as a matter of course, just for the hing resolution. In use this DSLR is a workhorse, and what it lacks in grace and beauty is made up fo with its strength and results - and body what results

NIKON D3X

2009-12-05T05:40:00.000-08:00

Nikon's high-resolution full-frame model isn't cheap, but perfomance is impeccable
F4790 body only 24.5MP sensor* full-frame fx format
when Nikon reaealed its first full-frame DSLR, the D3 , a few eyebrows were raised at its 12 MB sensor. But the unprecedented levels of noise control and supperb image quality of the D3 soon silenced the doubters, and even led some to question the need to ever cram more than 12 MP on a sensor a gain.
However, there some professionals who do demand the extra resolution that can only be achieved by having more pixels such as studio, commercial, landscape and stock photographers who need large image files and who rarely shoot handheld or above ISO 100. The D3x is Nikon's attempt to court these resolution junkies with a 24MP version of the D3.

The D3x is identical in almost every way to the D3 except for the sensor, a more restricted ISO range and a slower burst speed. Not to mention the whopping f6,000 RRP price of the D3 and f1,000 more than its direct rival, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mk III. It's also three times the curent price of the 24MP Sony Alpha 900, upon whose Sony-made sensor the D3x chip is based.
Housed inside a magnesium alloy body, the D3x is comprehensively protected against the element. It has a 100% viewfinder along with a 920k-dot 3in LCD screen with two live view modes: TTL phase-detection AF(for trippod-based work) and contrast -detect AF.
Exposure is controlled via Nikon's 3D color Matrix Metering II and internal Scene Recognition technology that identifies the type of subject being photographed to provide information to the focus, exposure and white balance systems, while Active D-Lighting controls highlight and shadow detail.

Focusing is handled via Nikon's 51 point MultiCam 3500FX AF module, with 15 cross-type sensors. The camera is compatible with both FX and DX lenses, though the latter results in a smaller image and a 10.4MP file. Like the D3 the D3x lacks a built-in flash and dust reduction.
In use the D3x handles identically to the D3, which is to say exceptionally well. Despite its weight it's comfortable to use even for extended periods. All of the camera's key controls are easily accessible and the D3x offers a tremendous degree of customisation from within the menu.Metering is as sure-footed as the focusing, and performs impeccable. If resolution is everything and you can afford the asking price, then the D3x is probably the camera for you.

Verdict: The D3x is a stunning camera the pushes the boundaries of DSLR perfomance to a new level. It isn't perfect, though-the omission of any form of built in dust control is a major disappointment. However, if you want the finest image quaility at the hightest possible resolution, the D3x is now the best camera of its kind.

RICOH GHR WORLD'S SMALLEST SYSTEM CAMEREA

2009-12-02T00:56:00.000-08:00

Ricoh has launched the world's smallest compact-style camera with interchangeable lenses. The GXR untiliss a unique modular system in wich the lens, sensor and processor are combined in an interchangeable sealed unit that attaches to the body using a sliding rail mount. there is no sensor in the body itself.
The GXR's product manager susumi katagiri told WDC that Ricoh's innovation enables the sensor, lens and processor to always be perfectly matched for optimum result. It also means that the sensor is not exposed to the risk of dust getting onto it.
Two lens units are available: a 24-72 mm(equiv) f/2.5-4.4 VC 3x Zoom lens with a 10.4MB image-stabilised CCD sensor; and a fixed 50mm (equiv) f/2.5 macro lens with a 12.3MB APS-C sized CMOS sensor will be added next year, with others set to follow.
The camera itself is built from die-cast magnesium and offers the full range of PASM control setting, in addition to five scene modes and movie mode (720p HD movies in the case of the macro lens unit). Image viewing is via a high definition 3in, 920k-dot LCD screeen, with an option 920k-dot electronic viewfinder also available that fits into the hotshoe and has a hinged eyepiece that can pivot 90⁰

. the GXR has an internal flash and is also compatible with the GF-1 flashgun.
The GXR goes on sale this month. Prices are: GXR Body:f419
50mm f/2 macro:f600
24-72mm f/2.8-4.4 zoom : f330
electronic Viewfinder: f219
for more information visit www.ricoh.co.uk

Review: Nikon D300s DSLR

2009-11-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

Short version: If you are familiar with the Nikon D300, then you can just expect more of the same. The D300s doesn’t do anything ground breaking, but what it does is add some nice features to an already excellent DSLR — most importantly, HD video and SD card support.

The D300s is the latest version of Nikon’s award-winning D300, which was released in August of 2007. The D300s features a 12.3 megapixel, DX-format sensor, and supports an ISO range of 200 to 3200. Nikon also gave the D300s their 51 point auto-focus system, which makes it exceptionally easy to get a crisp image while shooting. The D300s also has the same 3 inch LCD display as the D300 on the back of the body, which is great for reviewing your shots or when you are using the “Live View” mode. At $1800, it’s firmly in the “prosumer” price range.

There are a few major differences from the D300, which I own. The biggest change is the inclusion of video. The D300s allows you to capture video at 24fps, at either 720p (for a 5-minute continuous shot), 640×424 (for 20 minutes), or 320×216 (also 20 minutes). The D300s also has a “quiet shutter” mode, which is perfect for wildlife photography, and they added the ability to use an SD card as well as a CF card, the previous standard. It is possible to use both cards at once, and there are a couple of ways to do that. You can specify that you want video on one, and pictures on the other, use one as overflow for the other, or manually shuffle them between the two cards as you see fit. I actually prefer to use the backup mode, which writes the picture to both cards at the same time.

Ergonomics: Not much has changed, really: the D300s uses the same magnesium alloy body as the D300, with the same textured rubber that most cameras use. The controls are a bit more intuitive, and the memory card cover release has been replaced with some more function buttons.

Picture Quality: Outstanding. Nikon used a faster processor in the D300s, and it shows. The autofocus (one of the things that didn’t work *quite* right on D300) is fast and intelligent, the picture controls are intuitive, and the end results are outstanding. Nikon’s inclusion of custom picture control settings makes it easy to get everything exactly how you want it, consistently. I use a couple of custom settings that allow me to duplicate the look of some of the most famous types of film, like Fuji Velvia and Agfa Optima.

Video: The 720p looks very impressive. I’ve always been somewhat skeptical of those cameras that try to do two things, because they rarely do them well. Camcorders rarely shoot good still pictures, and still cameras just don’t do video that well. The bad news is, that’s still the case here. Yes, the picture quality is great because the D300s uses great lenses, and a huge (comparatively) sensor. However, the auto-focus is pretty sketchy, and you can REALLY hear the focus motors when you are recording. Also, if you’re not using a tripod, you’re going to have a video that looks like it was filmed by Matt after his energy drink post.

Battery life: The EN-EL3e Li-on battery takes up 950 shots on a single charge, depending on how much time you spending viewing and editing your pictures in camera. I recently went on a trip to Yosemite (the sample pictures you see are from that trip) and shot the entire weekend on one charge. One. That’s pretty damn impressive, and I wasn’t even trying to stretch the battery life out.

Pros: The D300s is a great camera. This is the second version of this model, and Nikon has done a great job improving it. The quiet shutter mode is nice, the auto-focus is faster now, the dual memory slots are nice, if not particularly necessary (SD memory cards are cheaper than CF card though). Also, adding the new dedicated “Info” button was a really good idea.

Cons: Video isn’t quite there yet. Yes, the image quality is much better then what you’ll get from a camcorder, and the HD video is crisp and clear, but that auto-focus noise is just too much (plus it’s slow). I also noticed that the auto ISO and auto WB aren’t accurate all of the time. This could be my personal bias, but I typically end up adjusting those items myself.

Now, in the interest of comparison, I mentioned that I own a D300. I bought one a few months after it came out after much research and reading, and I’m a fan of the original. As such, I was very interested when I heard that Nikon was going to be releasing an update to my much loved D300. Will I be upgrading? Probably not. The video feature isn’t enough to make me switch, and I think I’ll be waiting to go to full frame for my next upgrade. If I didn’t already own D300, would I buy a D300s? Absolutely. No question about it. The Nikon D300s is still the best “prosumer” level DSLR on the market today.

To be fair, there is another possible contender for the crown that is ~~not on the market today~~ just arriving on the market. That would be the Canon 7D. It’s around the same price point (MSRP is actually a bit cheaper, at $1699), and if the published information is to be believed, the Canon’s video modes will be better then the D300s (though likely have the same problems). Canon has stated that their camera will capture HD video at 30, 25, and 24 FPS, and will also allow more manual control then the Nikon. As for the rest, well, the eternal Nikon vs. Canon conflict goes on. We’ll just have to wait and see who exactly rules the roost after the Canon is released.

The D300s has an MSRP of $1799.95, for the body only.

Samsung announces new Android-powered Galaxy Spica (i5700)

2009-11-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

The newest soldier in the ever-growing ‘droid army features a 800MHz processor (just like its Momen sibling) and is the first Android smartphone to include native DivX support (so you won’t have to convert your downloaded collection of BSG to watch on the go!). Along with the improved codec support, the Galaxy Spica (GS) also touts other improved multimedia-centric features like the inclusion of DNSe 2.0 for “better sound quality” and 3.5 mm jack for use with your favorite headphones.

All that media jazz aside, the 13.2mm thick Galaxy Spica includes 3.2″ 320 x 480 touch screen display, 3MP camera with autofocus, microSD slot (up to 32GB), 1500mAh battery, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Wi-Fi, GPS, and quad-band GSM/EDGE with support for the 900/2100MHz bands. Disappointingly, Sammy’s new ‘droid is shipping with the now antiquated Android v1.5 (not even 1.6, what gives?!). No matter, the Galaxy Spica is available now in select Asian and European markets as of today (with no mention of any future US launch).

Nokia N900 now available in the US

2009-11-18T22:51:00.000-08:00

We’ve got news, both good and bad. What do you want first? We’ll start with the bad news first. It’s easier that way, you know?

Bad news: We were supposed to have an N900 review — or at least a first look — up by now. Nokia assures us a review unit has been sent, but it’s M.I.A. As we see it, there are only a two options: it either got stolen by bears, or Nokia’s messing with us because we totally owned the N900 story way back in May.

Good news: We may not have one yet, but you can get one! It’s available immediately at either of Nokia’s flagship stores (located in New York and Chicago), or NokiaUSA.com (though the site seems to only offer pre-orders, at the moment). It’ll set you back a hefty $650 – and while we can’t say its worth it before we give it the customary run-through, it’s definitely worth stopping by a store to check it out.

from /www.mobilecrunch.com

Nikon announces D3000 and D300s, as expected

2009-11-18T22:29:00.000-08:00

We got a call from Nikon earlier, and they laid out for us what we know was coming: the new entry-level D3000 and prosumer D300s. We’ve known these were coming for months now, and as it turns out, the specs that were leaked a while ago were exactly on target. You’re leaking, Nikon!

So what do these things have to offer?

D3000

Let’s start with the D3000, which is the one may people will be going for. It comes as a kit for $600, including an AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IS lens. I trust Nikon’s kit lens way more than Canon’s (also an 18-55), so I’d advise getting the kit if you’re just starting out. Remember, though: the D3000 can only use AF-S lenses, not AF. If you’re new to the SLR world, that shouldn’t be a problem, but if you have a couple lenses your dad used to use or something, don’t expect them to work on this. Here are the D3000’s vital statistics:

10.2-megapixel CCD sensor
3″ LCD screen (230,000 pixels, about 600×400)
ISO 100-1600 (boostable to 3200, but don’t do it)
11-point autofocus (diamond pattern I believe)
3FPS burst mode
Integrated Dust Reduction System
Heavy-duty shutter (100,000 shots, very nice)

And the less critical inclusions:

Active D-lighting system
3D Color Matrix Metering II (this and the above thing are replacements for post-processing, which is both fun and rewarding, so no need for ‘em)
Stop-motion movie mode (probably fun)

It also includes a “guide mode,” which I think is good. First time users of SLR cameras will find this helpful as it walks you through taking a good picture. I’m just afraid it’s going to make users rely on onboard editing of photos, which is always a bad idea. Do yourself a favor if you get this camera, shoot in RAW and play around with your own pictures, you’ll find it way better than Nikon’s (or any other camera-maker’s) built-in software.

D300s

This is the prosumer option. At $1800 it replaces the D300, adding a few really worthwhile features, chief among them being a usable video mode. Let’s see here:

12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor
3″ LCD (920,000 pixels, about 1280×720)
7FPS burst mode (8 with battery pack)
Video mode at 720p/24FPS (excellent)
ISO 200-3200 (expandable to 100-6400)
14-bit A/D conversion (good)
Dual card slots: SDHC and CF
51-point autofocus

All in all it sounds great. We knew these specs way back in May, but it’s good to know that none of them were made up. The dual card slots, video mode, and increased frames in burst mode are what really set it off. I know I trash DSLR movie modes because they use crappy interpolation, but at least they’re headed in the right direction. 720p is nice, and real 24p is also great to have. Note that I don’t think you can shoot at 30 frames per second even if you wanted to. It’s also got a line-in so you can have a separate sound collection device, or “microphone,” if you don’t trust the one that’s built in.

Looks like Nikon has a couple real winners here. The D3000 is a good competitor with Canon’s XSi — I don’t include the T1i because its movie mode is garbage and I don’t like the name.

The D300s is almost closing in on 5D territory at $1800, but really it’s competing with the 40D. It’s hard to make a comparison there, because it’s significantly more expensive, but I’d say if you’re going to spend over a grand on a camera, the D300s is probably more for your money. That’s just a snap judgment, though.

From /www.crunchgear.com

The Best smartphone Around is still a Pearl

2009-11-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

Iphone 3G and T-Mobile Android-based G1 are among the hottest smart-phone on the market, but Reseach in Motion's various BlacBerry model continue to dominate our Top 10 list. Altogether, BlacBerry smartphones captured half of the available slots including first place, which goes to the handsome and versatile Pearl 8120.

Still competition is lively.In second place this month is the Motorola Motozine ZN5 wich comes equipped with one of the best cameras we've ever seen on a mobile phone. the Samsung Omnia follows the ZN5 in third place. Though the Omnia's gorgeous 3.2 inch touch scree and sophisticated design impressed us, this model in encumbered by a slow user interface.

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2009-11-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

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