Pentax K20D Preview

Having risked being left behind by the speed at which the 'affordable' DSLR market developed, Pentax showed how serious its intentions were with the K10D, a semi-pro-level DSLR with a features list to humble the competition at a very attractive price. Having added so many bells and whistles to the K10D, it's not much of a surprise to find that its successor, the K20D, is essentially a refinement of the same design. But, even though it can't quite boast the same novel-feature-count as its predecessor, the K20D still finds room for some interesting changes.

The stand-out feature of the K20D is undoubtedly its 14.6MP CMOS sensor, co-developed with the giant South-Korean conglomerate Samsung. The companies claim the design reduces the amount of circuitry around each photosite, offering a similar light-sensitive area, per pixel, to a 12MP chip of conventional design. The other major change is the addition of a live-view mode that provides a zoomable, live preview directly from the imaging sensor.

Pentax has also tweaked the default settings of the camera's JPEG output (our biggest gripe about the K10D), so does the K20D offer enough to play with the big boys?

Key feature changes

The feature changes between the K10D and K20D are subtle but this is mainly because there was little that the K10D needed adding to its pretty formidable features list. The changes that have been made are:

• 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Live view mode
• 2.7 inch 230,000 dot LCD (up from 2.5 in. 210,000)
• Burst mode, allows 21fps shooting at 1.6MP resolution (up to 115 frames)
• Dynamic range expansion mode
• X-sync flash socket
• Image parameter settings (Custom image), enhanced
• Color adjustable LCD monitor
• Compare mode in playback
• 32x zoom in playback
• Adjustable levels of High ISO noise reduction
• Up to ISO 3200 (extendable to 6400), rather than ISO 1600
• Dust alert for locating particles on the sensor
• Pixel mapping to identify and correct for dead pixels
• AF fine-tuning (for all lenses or up to 20 chosen lenses)
• Additional shooting modes (interval shooting and focus trap modes)

source dpreview

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 Review

Sony's first two DSLRs, the A100 and A700 showed clear signs of their Konica Minolta lineage - sharing a lot of DNA with the Maxxum (Dynax) 5D and 7D respectively. Its latest, the A350, still shows signs of that ancestry but also hints at the influences of a company with rather different intentions.

The recently introduced A200, A300 and A350 represent an aggressive assault on the entry level market. All three models are extremely close in terms of price and features (The A300 is a A200 with Live view or an A350 with a less pixel-dense sensor, depending on how you look at it). And, with the A300, Sony has introduced the first single-retailer "exclusive" DSLR: a product only sold through a single outlet, allowing that retailer to maintain a stronger level of influence over selling price.

These baby Alphas, the 200, 300 and 350, are more similar than any group of cameras in any other manufacturer's lineup, complicating the market but also offering a greater degree of choice than ever. Some existing Sony and Konica Minolta owners have been upset by the perceived reduction in features from the A100 but the new Alphas should perhaps be considered the first real Sony products, reflecting a different interpretation of how people choose entry level cameras, rather than the A100's continuation of the assumptions that underpinned the KM 5D.

Sony may be confident in its application of marketing theory, but do those theories result in cameras that will satisfy photographers as well as sales projections?

What's inside?

Bionz Image Processor
The slightly odd Bionz name is again applied to the image processor in the A350, though presumably not the same one that was optimized for the A700's CMOS sensor.

14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD
Rather than making use of the 'Exmor' CMOS sensor from the A700, the A350 is instead built around a CCD chip crammed with a staggering 14.2 million photosites.

The Super SteadyShot system moves the sensor to compensate for user shake. The appearance of the mechanism suggests it may be the unit from the A700.

Other new / upgraded features of note:

• Live view with dedicated sensor
• Larger, articulated LCD
• 14.2 MP sensor
• New software bundle with all-new raw converter
• Creative Styles (expansion of color modes function on A100)
• ISO 3200
• Optional high ISO noise reduction
• RGB histograms
• Digital Teleconverter function

source dpreview.com

Pentax unveils its new Optio W60, a waterproof Digital Camera
Pentax has announced a new Waterproof digital camera, the Optio W60. Our device features a 10Megapixel sensor, a 5x optical zoom and a 28mm wide-angle lens.

In addition to this, our Optio W60a sensitivity up to ISO 6400, and can record HD video (720p). Finally this pentax bear the pressure under water until 4 meters.

Available in 2 colors: Money and Blue Ocean.
source akihabaranews

Olympus E-520 with built-in image stabilisation for razor-sharp results

The perfect moment doesn’t wait. That’s why serious photographers need serious equipment so that they are ready for whatever comes. With its pro features and top image quality, the new Olympus E-520 D-SLR fits the bill perfectly. The successor to the EISA Award-winning E-500 series incorporates a built-in image stabiliser to ensure blur-free shots irrespective of the lens attached – no matter if wide-angle or ultra-tele and without the need for a tripod. Matched with the Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system and improved Live View capabilities, the freedom to frame and take great, crystal-clear photos is virtually limitless. Based upon the forward-looking “designed for digital” Four Thirds Standard, the 10.0 Megapixel E-520 with Live View ensures uncompromising D-SLR quality. It will become available in June 2008 and retail for £479.99 for body only.

Flexibility is the name of the game
The E-520 relegates blurred photos to a thing of the past. Its built-in image stabiliser ensures subjects are captured in ultimate sharpness, shot after shot – no matter if shooting from the back of a motorbike on rough terrain or capturing a spontaneous “stolen moment” out of the hand in a market square. Because the stabiliser is located in the camera body and not in individual lenses, photographers can shoot with confidence regardless of which lens is attached: from wide-angle models like the soon-to-be-released ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 to high-performance zooms such as the new ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 140-600mm in a 35mm format).

Sequential shooting at 3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer captures every moment. Matched with fast processing speeds and the exceptionally low noise performance that’s attributable to the TruePic III image processor, high-speed action becomes your friend. Broad-ranging sensitivity from ISO 100-1600 adds versatility, and the bracketing function let series of shots to be taken with varying adjustments of exposure, focus or white balance, allowing the best of the shots to be selected.

For low-light shooting situations photographers can select the built-in flash or choose an optional external unit. Wireless flash control is also possible with this model, making customised lighting set ups an easy reality.

As with all cameras in the Olympus E-System line-up, the E-520 incorporates the Supersonic Wave Filter to protect against the effects of dust, which can enter the camera during lens changes or otherwise result from normal operation. Photographers therefore enjoy blemish-free pictures at all times.

Complex features – designed for easy usage
Despite being the powerhouse it is, the Four Thirds System-based E-520 remains a pleasure to use. Its ergonomic body houses the capabilities that not only advance image quality but also enrich the complete photo-taking experience. Live View has been enhanced to boost user friendliness. In addition to allowing depth of field previews, providing the facility to control exposure compensation and white balance on-screen, it is also possible to see the effects of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology in real time on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD. In addition, autofocus changes can now also be seen directly on the display. This has been made possible by implementing a contrast AF system* in addition to the customary phase difference detection AF system, which means that the mirror needn’t move to the down position for AF measurements to be made and previewed in Live View.

The LCD boasts viewing angles of 176° and has a field of view that covers 100% of the frame. Live View is also ideal to support the needs of macro photographers wishing to focus visually, as sections of the subject can be enlarged by a factor 7 or 10 to aid manual focus adjustments.

The E-520 includes a total of 32 user-friendly shooting modes to make shooting easy no matter the situation: whether at a candlelight dinner, taking a portrait or shooting under water. Operabilition is a cinch too: users can choose on-screen menus in up to 10 languages – and many more are also available for download. A long-life rechargeable battery ensures extended shooting. Dual CompactFlash and xD-Picture Card slots enable excellent storage flexibility, and the downloading of files is fast thanks to USB Hi-Speed 2.0.

A complete system for photographic creativity
As part of the Olympus E-System, the E-520 is compatible with virtually all system accessories. This embraces numerous flash units including the wireless FL-36R and FL-50R to take advantage of the camera’s remote flash control capabilities. More than 20 ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses – all featuring near telecentric construction – are available, covering a focal length range of 14-600mm (35mm equivalents). Among the latest ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are the ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 (18-36mm), ED 14-35mm 1:2.0 SWD (28-70mm), ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 (140-600mm), and 25mm 1:2.8 (50mm) Pancake lens. Beyond this, thanks to the one-of-a-kind compatibility the Four Thirds System provides, photographers can also use lenses from other manufacturers adhering to the standard.

Further enhancing shooting opportunities, a special underwater case will also become available for the E-520. Waterproof to a depth of up to 40m, it opens up an entirely new realm of creative photography.

Satisfying demands for pro results and remaining surprisingly compact, the Olympus E-520 makes sure every photo comes out razor-sharp thanks to its built-in image stabiliser. It will go on sale from June 2008.

The Olympus E-520 digital SLR – main features:

• Built-in image stabiliser for all lenses
• Autofocus Live View
• Excellent dust reduction system
• 100% D-SLR quality
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• 3.5fps with up to 8 images in RAW buffer
• Built-in flash and wireless flash control
• 32 shooting modes
• Optional underwater case available
• Four Thirds Standard
• Compact and ergonomic design
• Bracketing functions
• ISO 100-1600
• AF/ AE lock functionality
• Depth of field preview
• Anti-shock (mirror lock) function
• One-touch white balance
• Perfect Shot Preview
• 100% field of view via LCD
• TruePic III image processor
• Detailed playback info screen with histogram
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0

Glossary

Built-in image stabiliser
A type of image stabiliser that is built directly into the camera. This enables the photo-enhancing effects of image stabilisation to be enjoyed irrespective of the attached lens. In Olympus E-System cameras with built-in image stabilisation, a gyro sensor detects the precise direction of the shake. Using the on-board SWD, the shake is then compensated for by shifting the image sensor according to the movement data. For quick response at long focal lengths, cameras are equipped with two dedicated microprocessors: One to control the two supersonic motors that shift the unit vertically and horizontally, and one to provide high-precision control.

Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed.

HyperCrystal
A high-grade, fully-transmissive technology used in LCDs, which employs an additional layer at the bottom of the LCD to reflect light from external light sources. This enhances the brightness of the LCD, so even in direct sunlight images are displayed sharply and improved contrast compared to that of conventional displays. Also, it provides for particularly wide viewing angles without glare or shadow, so images can be framed from a variety of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Live View
Provides an alternative to framing shots through the viewfinder on a digital SLR camera. The image sent through the lens to the image sensor is displayed directly on the camera’s LCD. Whereas most compact digital cameras have been equipped with Live View functionality for many years, this feature has only recently become available on D-SLRs. The world’s first D-SLR to feature continuous Live View capabilities was the Olympus E-330.

RC Wireless Flash Control
The user can control wireless flash units remotely – eliminating the need for extra cables – by using the built-in flash as the system’s master unit. Control options include the ability to independently regulate flash mode and compensation settings for up to three groups of flashes, four channel settings to avoid interference as well as a wide range of brightness levels.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Supersonic Wave Filter
Dust entering digital SLRs, for example during lens changes, can cause damage to photos – unless it is removed. With the Supersonic Wave Filter, the potential for dust to ruin photos is eliminated. A transparent filter is located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It makes sure no dust is able to land on the sensor. Instead, the particles settle on the filter and are then shaken off by a series of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the filter when activated. Olympus was the first manufacturer to incorporate dust protection in D-SLRs.

TruePic III image processor
Olympus’ latest-generation image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality including: Colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness), picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds.

source dpreview.com

Eye-Fi Works in Hotspots

Back when we reviewed Eye-Fi, the SD card that allows any digital camera with that slot to wirelessly upload pictures using a home router, we were impressed by its speed and ingenuity, but wished we could use it while on the go. Looks like the folks over at Eye-Fi heard our complaints (and others’). Today, Eye-Fi announced that it will sell its popular card in three forms, starting June 6th (sorry, no upgrades for early adopters).

Eye-Fi Home ($79) costs less than the current version, but offers less features; it syncs with your PC, but not the usual host of Web services. I’m not sure this is different enough from a regular SD card to warrant the $79 price.

Eye-Fi Share ($99) is essentially the current model with a new name; it syncs with both your PC and photo sharing sites, such as Facebook and Flickr.

Eye-Fi Explore ($129) is the real news. Thanks to a partnership with Wayport, users can upload photos at more than 10,000 hotspots nationwide. The Explore also has geotagging capabilities, using Skyhook’s Wi-Fi triangulation.

Up next on our Eye-Fi wish list: More hotspot partnerships, and the ability to upload video clips.

source laptopmag.com

Canon EOS 450D (Digital Rebel XSi)

Four and a half years have passed since the first affordable digital SLR from Canon; the EOS 300D (Digital Rebel). In that time we have witnessed two further iterations (the EOS 350D and EOS 400D) leading up to todays fourth generation EOS 450D, with twice the megapixel count of the original (twelve versus six) in a smaller body with a far wider range of functionality and features and a $200 lower list price. Since those heady days in 2004 when the EOS 300D was the only kid on the block we've seen Nikon, Pentax and Olympus all attempt to hit the same sweet spot of size, features and price at the 'lower end' of the DSLR market, with varying degrees of success. Without a doubt the EOS 450D will have to do more today to prove itself against the popular Nikon D40 / D40X / D60 and to a lesser degree the Pentax K200D and Olympus E-420.

On the third page of this review you'll find a detailed breakdown of all of the changes and updates compared to the EOS 400D but the headlines are; a larger 3.0" LCD monitor, Live View with both passive and contrast detect AF, Spot metering, improved auto-focus, 3.5 fps continuous shooting a larger viewfinder and a switch SD/SDHC for storage (all previous cameras in this range were Compact Flash). Other features appear to be inherited from the EOS 40D; 14-bit image pipeline, Highlight Tone priority, optional High ISO noise reduction, 'My Menu' and display of the ISO sensitivity on the viewfinder status line.

A brief history; Canon entry level digital SLR series

• 20/08/03: Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel (6 mp)
• 17/02/05: Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT (8 mp)
• 24/08/06: Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi (10 mp)
• 24/01/08: Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi (12 mp)

Foreword / notes

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read some of our Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / recommendation / ratings are based on the opinion of the author, we recommend that you read the entire review before making any decision. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of them, click to display a larger image in a new window.

To navigate this article simply use the next / previous page buttons or jump to a specific page by using the drop-down list in the navigation bar at the top of the page. You can support this site by ordering through the affiliate links shown at the bottom of each page (where available).

This article is protected by Copyright and may not be reproduced in part or as a whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.

Dpreview use calibrated monitors at the PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally also A, B and C.

specification

source dpreview.com

Sony Cybershot T300 Concise Review

The Cybershot DSC-T300 is the second generation of touch-screen ultra compacts from electronics colossus Sony. Because it is built around a very small 1/2.3" sensor, Sony has been able to cram a 5x zoom into the slimline body without it ever having occasion to protrude. It's also packed full of the latest special modes and functions, including 'smile shutter,' that only takes a photo once your subject is smiling. The real stand-out feature of this camera is the huge, 16:9 aspect ratio touch screen that covers the entire reverse of the body. So is this beginning of the revolution that will free us from the the hegemony of the four-way controller, or is there a good reason that most cameras are covered in buttons?

Before getting on to that question, let's start with the headline features:

• 10.1 Megapixels and 5x zoom
• Super Steady Shot image stabilization
• Dynamic range optimization
• 3.5" touch-screen control system

Key differences compared to T200

In a shocking sequence of events, the biggest difference between the T300 and its predecessor is that the new model is built around a more pixel-dense sensor. The lens range also changes, with the wide end getting a tiny bit wider (though we're not about to hold a street party for a 33mm wide angle camera). This is a side-effect of adding a larger, 1/2.3" sensor in the same position as the old 1/2.5" one.

source dpreview.com

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

For travelers who don’t want to handle their digicam with kid gloves, Olympus offers the 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW, a waterproof, freeze-proof, crush-proof, and dust-proof camera that promises to be the “toughest point-and-shoot in the world.” With its durable build, rich selection of scene modes, and speedy performance, this camera has almost everything an active photographer could want. But given its price—and active audience—we wish it had optical image stabilization for taking blur-free shots.

Built for Abuse

The 1030 SW’s metal body pulls double duty as rugged armor and a chic accessory. At 6.4 ounces, this camera is about as heavy as most point-and-shoots, despite its metal casing. It can handle dust and dirt, thanks to the covered port holes and three small screws holding down the front plate, which comes in black, silver, and green.

We had our work cut out for us when it came to putting the 1030 SW through its paces: It can withstand 6.6-foot drops, immersion in up to 33 feet of water, temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 220 pounds of pressure. For those who do their own testing, the camera has an on-screen manometer for gauging altitude and pressure.

1030 SW Design and Interface

To the right of the 2.7-inch LCD are two zoom buttons; a scroll wheel containing eight modes; a four-way navigational pad whose buttons double as flash, brightness, Macro, and self-timer buttons; and dedicated menu, playback, delete, and settings display buttons. The power and shutter buttons lie next to each other on top of the chassis. In addition to being scratch-resistant, the LCD is bright, even outdoors. Overall, if it weren’t for its chunky 0.8-inch thick shape, this camera would look like any other point-and-shoot.

The 1030 SW’s menus are dead-simple to navigate: Press Menu to display and exit menus and OK to select new options. Although it took some getting used to, we like that changing scene modes entails selecting SCN on the scroll wheel rather than getting lost in the settings menu.

Torture Testing the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW

To begin, we tested the 1030 SW’s underwater performance by dropping it in a bathtub. We were easily able to select Underwater Snapshot mode and adjust the settings while immersed. When we took it out, the camera dried quickly and continued to function normally.

Next, we dropped the camera from almost 6.5 feet onto hard linoleum. The impact left nary a scratch on the metal chassis or LCD, and we were able to use it normally afterward.

Since we couldn’t summon an avalanche with the snap of our fingers, the next best way to test the 1030 SW’s pressure limits was to stand on it. When we had a 215-pound man stand on the 6.4-ounce camera, we heard a disconcerting crack. Not to worry: the LCD remained pristine, and we were able to power it on without a problem.

After making sure our freezer wasn’t colder than 14 degrees, we put the camera in for 30 minutes (Olympus says there’s no limit to how long the camera can stay in a 14-degree environment). Again, we were able to power on the 1030 SW once we returned it to room temperature. Moreover, the condensation that had developed on the chassis quickly disappeared. The camera was still uncomfortably cold to the touch half an hour after sitting at room temperature, though.

Mostly Good Image Quality

Our test shots all showed crisp detail and good lighting. Faces, in particular, looked bright against dimmer backgrounds. While most of our shots showed accurate color, shades of red and pink sometimes looked paler or grayer on the big screen than they did in person. More often than not, though, we were pleased.

The 1030 SW performed respectably in low light: From ISO levels 80 to 400, our pictures exhibited a decent amount of detail, including the shine in hardwood furniture and the texture of dust-covered tchotchkes. Beginning at level 800, however, the flash started to overwhelm our delicately lit shots. Using the camera’s Shadow Adjustment mode also improves low-light photos: A dim shot taken of someone in a wrinkly outfit looked brighter and smoother after we enabled this feature.

Digital Stabilization Issues

Although some of our shots of moving subjects taken in Auto mode were clear, others showed motion blur. Selecting Digital Image Stabilization mode from the scroll wheel helped us compensate for movement; our images of moving subjects looked sharp, as did those taken while walking. In a camera this expensive, however—and one that’s designed for active use—we expected optical image stabilization. Unfortunately, you can’t simultaneously select Digital Image Stabilization mode in unison with a more specific scene mode, such as candlelight.

Built-in Guide

One of our favorite features of the 1030 SW is Guide mode, which lists common things amateur photographers would like to do better—reduce red eye, brighten subjects, and blur the background. Click on one of these options, and the camera automatically adjusts its settings. Moreover, the 1030 SW makes manually adjusting the exposure easy. When you press the dedicated exposure button, you’ll see a live view grid, previewing the kind of shot each setting will deliver.

The camera also has 24 scene modes, and each has an on-screen explanation and preloaded sample pictures, showing the kinds of shots you’d take with each. First, we tried Underwater Snapshot mode, which is ideal for pools or shallower bodies of water. Although our bathtub appeared a hazy yellow in Live View mode, our underwater shots of bath toys were bright and accurately lit—not to mention crisp. We were also pleased with Sport mode: Our pictures of speeding traffic went from blurry to frozen.

1030 SW Video Quality

Finally, the camera records smooth AVI video at up to 30 frames per second. While the volume might not be loud enough for a YouTube audience, the video was fluid, and the sound clear: We could hear both a friend singing and the stereo playing in the background. We only wish it were possible to use the zoom controls while filming.

Speedy Performance, Long Battery Life

Even after we had taken 30 10-MP shots, the 1030 SW continued to perform speedily. It took the camera 1 second to turn on and off and 5 seconds to ready itself for consecutive shots, which is respectable but not impressive. We were also happy with the battery life; a single charge allowed for several days of light use.

Olympus 1030 SW Verdict

You don’t have to climb Mt. Olympus to appreciate the 1030 SW. Its durability and ability to capture sharp photos in a wide variety of shooting conditions makes it a versatile camera for travelers and thrill-seekers alike.

source www.laptopmag.com