Digital Camera

Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Mon, 14 Dec 2009

2009-12-19T05:44:00.000-08:00

Deluge of reviews

Well, as promised, we've been trying to bring you as many reviews as possible before Christmas - three in the last week, in fact. Sadly we haven't had a chance to repeat last year's popular compact camera group tests but we promise there will be more compact coverage in the New Year (and I don't just mean the inevitable swarm of new products that'll come from the CES show in early January). Still, our output should rise with the arrival of new (to dpreview.com) reviewer Barnaby Britton. He gave Nikon's D3000 a thorough going-over to see whether the latest in Nikon's line of stripped-down but seemingly well-targeted DSLRs can continue the tradition of infuriating other brands' forum members and delighting owners. There's still a little more to come, though - lens man Andy has also been working on a camera review so he's been testing away to determine whether X really does mark the spot. (Or should that be dot?)

Canon PowerShot G11 and Sony Alpha 550 reviewed

I published my review of the Canon PowerShot G11. It's the latest in a long line of enthusiasts' compacts from Canon and one that offers a lower-resolution, 'high-sensitivity' sensor in an attempt to offer a more rounded offering than the G10 which offered DSLR-troubling resolution at low ISOs but came a little unstuck as the light fell. So how did the flippy-screen, 10 megapixel variant perform?

Sony's DSLR-A550 is the latest in the company's Alpha range of DSLRs. The Alpha range has been an interesting one - including some interesting features but not always pulled together in as polished a package as the competition seem to manage. Its specification seems impressive, so is this the camera with which Sony will win us over? Read Simon's review to see what he thought.

DxO Labs launches DxO Optics v6.1 for Windows

Wed, 9 Dec

DxO Labs has updated its DxO Optics Pro raw converter to version 6.1 for Windows. New features include support for the Nikon D3000 and Canon Powershot G11 and EOS 7D, plus a full screen display mode. The software is available for immediate download from the company's website. (more)

Just posted - Sony Alpha 550 review

Wed, 9 Dec

Just posted! Our in-depth review of Sony's mid-range SLR, the Alpha DSLR-A550. The A550 is part of a new range that sits between the A200/A300 and the high end A700, and offers an interesting combination of features (including in-camera automatic HDR, 7 fps continuous shooting and Sony's excellent live view system) whilst retaining the Alpha line's emphasis on friendly ease of use. Find out how we got on with the Alpha 550 after the link... (more)

Pentax releases weather-resistant 100mm F2.8 Macro

Wed, 9 Dec

Pentax has launched a weather resistant 100mm F2.8 Macro lens. The lens, which is designed to work with both digital and film SLRs, features weather-resistant construction to match the company's environmentally-sealed K-7 mid-level DSLR. It also features an aluminium body in the style of the company's 'Limited' prime lenses and offers full-time manual focus override. (more)

European offer: free flash with Olympus E-P1

Thu, 10 Dec

Olympus is offering European customers a free FL-14 flashgun if you buy one of its E-P1 mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras before the end of January 2010. The offer is valid for both body-only and kit purchases and starts on December 12th in the UK and 15th in mainland Europe. We've added this offer to our list of holiday season promotions. (more)

Nikon releases TC-20E III 2x teleconverter

Thu, 10 Dec

Nikon has released a new 2x AF-S teleconverter, the world's first to include an aspherical lens element. The AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III is a completely new optical design designed to minimise its impact on image quality. When used with the 300mm F2.8 VR II lens launched today it would offer an effective 600mm reach at up to F5.6. (more)

Nikon launches revised 300mm F/2.8 VR lens

Thu, 10 Dec

Nikon has launched a new 300mm F2.8 VR lens featuring the company's latest image stabilization system. The AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 ED VR II is designed to be small and light enough to hand-hold while the company says the VR II system can offer 'four or more' stops of compensation for lens shake. It also includes nano-crystal coating and is dust and moisture sealed. Recommended retail prices will be $ 5899 / €6050 / £5099.99. (more)

The picture is mightier? Kevin Spacey ponders the PEN

Fri, 11 Dec

Olympus UK has been doing something we found quite interesting. How do you promote a new class of camera to a mainstream audience without confusing them with talk of mirrors and sensor sizes? Its solution appears to be to not talk about cameras at all - instead it's got Kevin Spacey to talk about pictures and memories. (more)

Just posted - Nikon D3000 review

Fri, 11 Dec

Just posted! Our in-depth review of the Nikon D3000, which replaces the popular D60 as Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR. A new guide mode and revamped AF system make the D3000 a compelling upgrade for D60 and D40X users, but the lack of a Live View function will not go unnoticed in the feature-hungry entry-level sector. Does the D3000 have what it takes to become king of the beginners' DSLRs? Click to read our in-depth 27 page review. (more)

Digital Camera - How to Choose One

2008-11-22T02:56:00.000-08:00

More and more people today are choosing digital cameras over film cameras because of the many advantages that they offer. Some of these advantages include the ability to view your pictures right after you take them, and having the choice of whether or not you want to keep them. You can also record videos with the touch of a button with many models, and store much more photos on a memory card compare to a roll of film.

Though with newer and better features on digital cameras coming out every year, sometimes it can be confusing finding which features are most important to you, and which features you might not even use.

Below you will find a few things that our product specialists recommend our customers to look for before buying a digital camera.

Megapixels (MP): Generally the higher the megapixel count is the higher the picture quality will be. Keep in mind that the difference in picture quality isn't noticeable on a normal sized 4x6 print. You will usually only be able to see the difference when a picture is blown up to a much larger size, such as a poster.

Image Stabilization (IS): If you want a digital camera that won't take blurry pictures due to shaky hands or moving objects, this is definitely a feature you should look for. Manufacturers of digital cameras with image stabilization technology will either place stabilizing hardware in the camera or will increase camera sensitivity and shutter speed (which takes the picture faster) to prevent pictures from coming out blurry due to movement.

Face Recognition: Many digital cameras are coming out with face recognition technology that finds the faces in a frame, and auto-focuses on those areas. This makes it so that the faces in your pictures come out clear and less blurred.

LCD Screen Size: If the LCD screen size is too small, it can be difficult for you to see what is in the frame while you take the picture. Also, it might make it difficult for you to review the photo after you take the picture. Because of this, make sure you are comfortable with the screen size on the camera before making your purchase.

Optical Zoom: Most digital cameras today have at least a 3x optical zoom, which is fine for your day-to-day shots. But if you plan on taking pictures of distant objects (such as a animal in a tree) you should consider a camera that features a higher optical zoom. Note the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom, as optical zoom is the amount by which the lens adjusts while digital zoom is a mere magnification of the already present image.

Portability and Comfort: It is important to make sure that the camera fits comfortably in your hand. Also, if you want a camera that you can easily take around with you so you never miss out on a great picture, you should consider the slimmer types of digital cameras so they can fit nicely into a pocket or purse.

Shooting and Scene Modes: There are many types of shooting modes on digital cameras today, with almost all of them having the automatic mode. You may want a cam that has shooting modes such as the continuous/burst mode, which will take a series of pictures as you hold down the shutter button. In addition to shooting modes, you should consider the scene modes a digital camera has. The types of scene modes available include portrait mode, landscape mode, night scene mode, etc. These scene modes will give you the best picture settings for the situation it is made for.

Battery: The type of batteries a digital camera takes can range from AA Alkaline to Li-Ion rechargeable batteries. Make sure to think about the kind of batteries a camera takes before purchasing. Some people prefer a digital camera with rechargeable battery pack, while others may prefer a camera that uses disposable batteries. The main advantage of a rechargeable battery pack is that you don't have constantly buy new batteries for your camera, you just need to recharge it every once in a while. The only disadvantage to this type of battery is that if it runs out, say during a wedding, you won't be able to easily go to a local store and buy more. Of course, there is always an option to buying more than one rechargeable battery if you want the best of both worlds.

Included Accessories: If you plan on editing the pictures you take, you will probably want a digital camera that comes with picture-editing software. Other accessories might include things such as Batteries, Battery Charger, USB Wire (to connect to a computer), Cases, Memory Cards, AV Cables, etc.

Additional Items: Most digital cameras come with a small amount of built-in memory or a low capacity memory card, so buying a memory card that has enough space for your pictures and videos is almost a necessity. Also, you might want to get a case for your new camera so that you protect it from possible damage.

Definitions:

Megapixels: A unit equal to one million pixels. The higher the resolution is the more pixels in an image, and therefore the greater the image quality.

Face Recognition: A camera with face recognition technology finds faces in a frame, then the camera adjusts the focus and the exposure on those faces giving the clearest possible portrait.

Optical Zoom: Magnifying an image with an adjustment of the lens without reducing the quality or resolution.

Digital Zoom: Magnifying the center of an image by enlarging the already present information (from the picture) resulting in a loss of resolution.

Shooting Modes/Scene Modes: Preset image settings made for certain types of conditions available on camcorders and digital cameras.

Li-Ion Battery: A high-capacity rechargeable battery used in portable electronic devices such as cell phones, notebook computers, PDAs and digital cameras.

AV Cable: Audio and Video Cable, which transfers the audio and video information from one electronic device to another.

Image Stabilization: Technology that reduces shakiness in motion pictures or blur in still pictures in Camcorders and Cameras.

USB (Universal Serial Bus): Connection port on a computer that is universally compatible with many types of electronic devices.

Built-in Memory: Memory an electronic device has within it to save certain types of data without the need of a memory card.

DirSelect.com is a retailer of electronics and related accessories. We provide low prices, fast shipping, and great customer service. Visit our store and choose from a large selection of Digital Cameras and find the camera that is right for you! To go directly to the Digital Camera category go to http://www.dirselect.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=95

Digital Camera's Rock

2008-11-22T01:16:00.001-08:00

Do you like to take pictures? Do you like to take pictures with a digital camera? Or do you still use the film camera? Read on.

I find taking pictures with a digital camera much easier and less expensive then using my camera that takes film.

When my kids were little I have pictures of them but not like I have pictures of my grandkids now. Why? Because back 30-40 years ago they didn't have digital cameras. I didn't like taking pictures because I would cut off peoples heads and other parts of their anatomy.

I gave that job to my husband who was not always around since he was in the Navy and off on a ship somewhere for months on end.

Now with my digital camera I love to take pictures. I have a camera almost attached to my hand. I love to take pictures of my grandkids. Of flowers or anything I can think of.

I write a newsletter for a Singles Group I belong to and I am the official photographer for any social outing we do. What a switch from hating to take pictures to loving to take pictures. After I have taken my pictures I download them into my computer by a cord or by a card. I can make individual files for each of projects.

I do have pictures of my kids with gaps. I had placed them in albums and forgot about them. I was looking for a picture to use on a specific project when I discovered that most of the pictures were turning brown. I immediately started pulling all the pictures out of the albums and decided on a long project of scanning them into my computer.

Wow! This is really time consuming. But was it worth the effort? What do you think? I now have my kid's baby pictures in a place where I can access them immediately. I have my baby pictures, my parent's pictures with immediate access.

I was looking at pictures of family and friends who have been deceased for years. What a walk down memory lane. I even remembered when and where some pictures were taken.

I had taken pictures of my daughter when she was days old but I had used the wrong film. The pictures turned out brown. I almost didn't scan them into the computer but I am glad I did. I found that wherever you have picture software there is a way to edit the pictures. I edited her baby pictures and for the first time in 30 years you can actually see her face. To my delight and my daughters delight.

Before digital cameras when a parent passed away the pictures were the first thing siblings fought over. These were at times bitter battles. Even in my family my sister told me a story of my cousin walking off with a bunch of old pictures of our parents. She just took them. I hope she has the sense to scan them so we can all have copies of these pictures.

With scanning everyone can have copies of the pictures. The family pictures are the most precious things we own. When there is a fire or flood or for any reason all we have is destroyed, pictures is the things we go looking for first.

The pictures can be emailed, backed up on a CD or on a blue tooth. A copy can be put in a safe deposit box. There your family history will be saved for future generations. I like to compare my kid's baby pictures with their kids now. The same face. Amazing. I know it is a lot of work but I really believe it was well worth it.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any article I have written on various subjects.

Linda is the author of her first published book, "Ghost Kids Trilogy. "Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 move into an old house and meet Ghost Kids. Adventures keep you mystified until the hunt for Pirates' Treasure.

Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages.

Fuji F100fd

2008-07-19T00:58:00.000-07:00

	5.00x zoom
	12.00 Megapixels
	2.7 inch LCD

Basic Specifications
Resolution:	12.00 Megapixels
Lens:	5.00x zoom (28-140mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
LCD Size:	2.7 inch
ISO:	100-12800
Shutter:	8-1/1500
Max Aperture:	3.3
Mem Type:	SDHC / SD / xD
Battery:	Custom LiIon
Dimensions:	3.8x2.3x0.9in (98x59x23mm)
Weight:	6.7 oz (190 g)
MSRP:	$380
Availability:	03/2008

Fuji F100fd
Overview

by Stephanie Boozer
Review Date: 06/24/08

It seems like digital cameras these days can do just about anything. Smile detection, face detection, image stabilization, intelligent preset scene modes...you name it and most digital cameras can at least attempt to handle it. The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd definitely aims to be a crowd-pleaser, featuring a nice bevy of options and modes to compensate for just about any shooting problem or complexity. The Fujifilm F100fd boasts sensitivities as high as 12,800 ISO, an extremely useful Dynamic Range adjustment tool, a smart Face Detection system that recognizes moving faces at any angle, well-thought-out Scene modes, Dual Image Stabilization (CCD-shift to reduce camera shake, high ISO for subject motion), and even technology so new (IrSimple wireless connectivity) that there are few devices out there to complement it. It's also small, pocketable, and nice to look at.

With so many advanced features, Fujifilm didn't neglect the basics. The FinePix F100fd has a 12-megapixel CCD that captures very high resolution images with excellent detail. There's also a 5x optical zoom lens with a maximum wide angle of 28mm–a good deal wider than average. The FinePix F100fd's images are sharp and well-defined, with good overall color and exposure. There's a healthy selection of preset Scene modes that address common shooting concerns, and Auto and Manual (Program AE) modes as well. The FinePix F100fd is perfect for novices, as its useful Scene modes let the camera do all the work (such as Portrait Enhancer mode for more flattering portraits and Night mode with exposures as long as 8 seconds). You can also switch over to "Manual", which keeps the camera in charge of the exposure but lets you adjust exposure compensation, metering mode, white balance, ISO, etc. With its capable features and great performance, the FinePix F100fd is sure to win over novices and more advanced users alike–read on for all the details.

2008-05-23T17:12:00.001-07:00

Top 20 cameras of the last five days

Camera		Click share	Clicks (of 393,690)
1.	Canon EOS 450D	2.4%	9,639
2.	Canon EOS 40D	2.0%	7,930
3.	Nikon Coolpix P80	1.9%	7,639
4.	Canon PowerShot G9	1.5%	5,767
5.	Canon PowerShot SD890 IS	1.4%	5,511
6.	Nikon D60	1.3%	5,276
7.	Canon PowerShot S5 IS	1.3%	5,235
8.	Canon EOS 400D	1.3%	5,037
9.	Nikon D80	1.2%	4,632
10.	Nikon D300	1.2%	4,593
11.	Canon EOS 5D	1.1%	4,482
12.	Sony DSLR-A350	1.1%	4,349
13.	Olympus E-420	1.1%	4,225
14.	Olympus SP-570UZ	1.0%	3,924
15.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18	1.0%	3,917
16.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500	1.0%	3,829
17.	Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III	1.0%	3,780
18.	Fujifilm FinePix F100fd	0.9%	3,641
19.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5	0.9%	3,565
20.	Canon PowerShot A650 IS	0.9%	3,482

Top brands of the last five days

Brand		Click share	Clicks (of 393,690)
1.	Canon	30.5%	119,968
2.	Nikon	15.8%	62,070
3.	Sony	10.0%	39,434
4.	Panasonic	9.0%	35,616
5.	Olympus	8.5%	33,339
6.	Fujifilm	7.6%	29,923
7.	Pentax	3.7%	14,589
8.	Kodak	3.1%	12,018
9.	Casio	2.8%	10,889
10.	Samsung	2.2%	8,507
11.	Leica	1.7%	6,702
12.	Ricoh	1.3%	5,225
13.	Sigma	0.7%	2,863
14.	Konica Minolta	0.7%	2,750
15.	HP	0.6%	2,475
16.	Minolta	0.5%	1,881
17.	Epson	0.3%	1,052
18.	Contax	0.2%	789
19.	Kyocera	0.2%	773
20.	Agfa	0.2%	768
21.	Toshiba	0.2%	752
22.	Sanyo	0.2%	713
23.	Konica	0.1%	312
24.	Jvc	0.1%	231

The figures you see above are calculated based on "click throughs" to the specifications database from various places throughout the site. The percentages shown are based on a five day running total (the last five days). Note that we use special statistical analysis to ensure that these figures can not be artificially manipulated.

This simply represent a "level of interest" in a particular camera at any point in time. Obviously when a new camera is introduced it rolls to the top of the top ten, but there are other cameras which consistently produce a high level of interest.

Olympus Product

2008-05-23T17:10:00.001-07:00

Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4 - 5.6

Olympus has launched a consumer-level wide angle lens for the Four Thirds system: the Zuiko Digital 9-18mm f/4-5.6. The lens, that offers fields of view equivalent to 18 - 36mm in 35mm terms, makes extreme wide-angle zoom more accessible to users of the Olympus E-System, Panasonic DSLRs and selected Leica Digilux cameras.

Olympus launches E-520

Olympus has launched the E-520, an update of its E-510 DSLR. The E-520 represents continuity, rather than revolution within the E-System camp. This process of orderly transistion sees the arrival of contrast detection AF at the E-5XX level of camera. This feature does not represent all the camera's new talents, however, with a larger LCD and Face Detection doing their utmost to add buyer appea

Adobe And Lens Camera

2008-05-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

Adobe seeks International recognition for DNG

Adobe is submitting its DNG 'universal RAW' format to the International Standard's Organization (ISO), in a move aimed at increasing acceptance and usage. The format is being proposed as part of ISO's TIFF/EP (electronic photography), standard. We spoke to Adobe about the move.

Tamron 28-300mm VC for Nikon

As well as adding motors to its existing lenses, Tamron has also started building motors into its new Nikon-compatible lenses. The 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 VC lens offers a 10.7x zoom range with the company's proprietary optical stabilization system. DX-format users get fields of view equivalent to 43-465mm (in FX terms).

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 gains motor for Nikons

Tamron has continued its process of adding in-lens motors to its Nikon-mount lenses, with its 28-75mm f/2.8 being the latest recipient. This makes the lens fully compatible with the Nikon D40, D40x and D60, offering their owners fields of view equivalent to a 42-112.5mm lens (in FX/35mm terms). The magnificently named 'SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO' can focus as close as 33cm throughout its zoom range.

Canon 70-20mm

2008-05-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Just posted! Canon 70-200mm F2.8 IS lens review

Just posted! Our new lens review of Canon's top-end fast telezoom, the EF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM. This is Part Two in our planned tetralogy of reviews featuring 70-200mm F2.8 lenses tested on both APS-C and 35mm full frame cameras (coming soon! 'The Tamron Menace' and 'Revenge of the Sigma'). In our last review we found the Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR performing superbly on DX but struggling on the 35mm full-frame FX format, so how does Canon's equivalent stand up to our exacting tests?

News and Info

2008-05-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm launches Finepix Z200fd

Fujifilm has today announced the Finepix Z200fd, a new addition to its range of ultra compact digital cameras. The Z200fd features 10 megapixels resolution and a 5x (33-165mm equiv.) zoom lens. It also brings us exciting new features such as the 'couple' and 'group' self timer modes, all wrapped up in an attractive metal body.

Sigma lens availability and Photoshop Express Updates

News updates: We've followed up some of our recent news stories to bring you up-to-date. Sigma gives updated details on lens availability for Sony and Pentax, and Adobe's Photoshop Express updates Flickr into life.

FujiFilm

2008-05-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm launches FinePix A850

Fujifilm has added another model to its popular 'A' series of competitively-priced compact digital cameras. The 8MP FinePix A850 is based around a 1/2.5" sensor and has a 3X zoom. There are 14 scene modes, including museum mode for those pictures in which you actually want artifacts to appear.

Just posted! Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi review

2008-05-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Just posted! Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi review

Just posted! Our in-depth review of the latest in the popular 'Rebel' line of digital SLR cameras from Canon (rather later than we planned, it took a little longer to complete than we expected). The EOS 450D (Rebel XSi) builds on the success of the EOS 400D (Rebel XTi), adding live view, a new 12MP CMOS sensor and a smattering of new features (including boosted continuous shooting and spot metering). So does the EOS 450D have what it takes to stand out in the increasingly crowded (and competitive) entry-level digital SLR market? Read the in-depth review after the link to find out...

Add-on lens for Sigma DP1 draws close

Sigma has announced a close-up lens that can be mounted to its DP1 large-sensor compact. The AML-1 attached to the optional hood adapter (HA-11), and offers closer minimum focusing distances. The lens will be available from June 2008.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1K Black 8.4 Megapixel Digital Camera

2007-11-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

The DMC-LX1 features a 4x optical zoom with a 28 to 112mm wide-angle capability (35mm equivalent). This and a 1/1.65" diagonal CCD with 8.4 million effective pixels give you superb image quality over a wide shooting range. The extended optical zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with digital zooming, gives you up to 5x zooming power. Plus, the 4x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom can be used together to produce a maximum of 16x zooming power.

Manufacturer: Panasonic
Mfg Part#: DMCLX1K
Buy.com Sales Rank: 33563

Price: $475.99
http://www.buy.com

Features

	Batteries		1 x Li-Ion 1150 mAh Included
	Display Screen		2.5" Active Matrix TFT Color LCD 207 Kilopixels p-Si (PolySilicon)
	Lens Type		Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens: Focal Length: 6.3 - 25.2mm (35mm equivalent: 28-112mm)Lens Construction: 9 Elements in 8 Groups (3 Aspherical lenses/3 Aspherical surfaces)
	Interfaces/Ports		1 x USB 1 x DC Power Input 1 x Audio/Video Output
	Manufacturer		Panasonic
	Flash Modes		Auto Flash Auto Flash - With Red-eye reduction Slow Sync - With Red-eye reduction Forced On/Off
	Color		Black
	Optical Zoom		4x
	Effective Resolution		8.4 Megapixels
	Manufacturer Part Number		DMC-LX1K
	Standard Warranty		1 Year(s) Limited
	Viewfinder Type		LCD
	Total Resolution		8.61 Megapixels
	Digital Zoom		4x
	Storage Media		1 x 32MB Secure Digital (SD) Card Included 1 x MultiMediaCard (MMC) Supported
	Dimensions		2.20" Height x 4.16" Width x 1.01" Depth
	Product Name		Lumix DMC-LX1K Digital Camera
	Image Stabilization		Optical
	Weight		0.48 lb
	Focus Mode		Auto Focus Auto Focus (Normal Mode) Auto Focus (Macro Mode) Continuous Auto Focus - On/Off Manual Focus
	Product Type		Digital Camera

How to Get the Best Digital Camera

2007-11-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Canon PowerShot G9

2007-11-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

Until the arrival of the G7 last September the majority of observers had written off Canon's 'prosumer' G range, presuming that the arrival of affordable digital SLRs had effectively killed the market for high-end compacts such as this. Barely a year later the G7 has been replaced by the G9, a relatively minor update that increases the pixel count from 10MP to 12MP and the screen size from 2.5 to 3.0 inches and - more importantly given the outcry caused by its omission from the G7 - the return of raw shooting capabilities. Other minor tweaks include a better grip and the addition of wireless flash capabilities. Everything else; the 6x stabilized zoom, flash hot shoe, classic all-metal design and solid build, expansive feature set and extensive manual control system is carried over from the G7.

The G7 receive very mixed responses upon its arrival last year, though as we noted at the time, much of this was because it suffered in comparison to its predecessors (such as the G6) - the lack of defining features such as raw mode, remote control, info panel and rotating LCD made the G7 feel very much like a glorified A series model rather than the flagship it was obviously intended to be. Although there's still no vari-angle screen Canon has addressed a couple of the main complaints about the G7 (the lack of raw and difficulty of shooting single-handed due to lack of grip), and the price - around $500 - has stayed the same. So is it enough to return the G series to its former glory? Let's find out.

Note that some sections of this review (feature descriptions where nothing has changed) are reproduced from the G7 review.

Headline features

12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction
Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

The G9 is an incremental upgrade in the truest sense; externally the body is almost identical, and there are only three really key changes; the raw mode, the screen and the sensor.

Higher resolution (12MP vs 10MP)
Slightly larger sensor (1/1.7 as opposed to 1/1.8 inch)
Redesigned front grip and rear thumb rest
Enhanced Face Detection technology
Red-eye correction in playback
Auto ISO shift
Compatibility with ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter
Marginally better battery life (240 shots vs 220 shots, CIPA standard)
Two custom White Balance settings (as opposed to one)

Street price	• US: $480 • UK: £330
Body Material	Metal/Plastic
Sensor	• 1/1.7" Type CCD • 12.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 4000 x 3000 • 3264 x 2448 • 2592 x 1944 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480 • 4000 x 2248 (16:9)
Movie clips	• 1024 x 768 @ 15fps • 640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps • 320 x 240 @ 30 / 15fps • 160 x 120 @ 15fps • AVI Motion JPEG with WAVE monaural audio
Lens	• 35-210mm (35mm equiv) • F2.8-4.8 • 6x optical zoom
Focus	• TTL autofocus • AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point) • Single / Continuous AF • Manual focus • Focus lock • 1-point AF (center or flexizone) • 1 cm minimum focus range (macro)
Metering	• Evaluative • Center-weighted average • Spot (Linked to center or selected AF point)
Shutter speed	• 15-1/2000 sec
Aperture	• F2.8-F8.0 (wide) • F4.8-F8.0 (tele)
Shooting mode	• Auto • Program AE • Shutter Priority AE • Aperture Priority AE • Manual • Custom (2 modes) • Stitch Assist • Movie • Special Scene
Sensitivity	• Auto • High ISO Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600
White Balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Fluorescent H • Flash • Underwater • Custom
Image parameters	My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Continuous	• Normal: approx 2fps • AF: approx 0.8fps
Flash	• Auto, Manual Flash On / Off, Slow Sync, Red-eye reduction • Second curtain sync • Range: 30cm - 4.0m (wide) / 2.5m (tele) • Hot shoe
Storage	• SD / SDHC / MMC card compatible • 32 MB card supplied
Viewfinder	• Real-image zoom • Dioptre correction
LCD monitor	• 2.5-inch P-Si TFT • 207,000 pixels • Adjustable Brightness • 100% coverage
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 High speed • A/V out (NTSC/PAL switchable)
Power	• Rechargeable Li-ion battery NB-2LH/NB-2L • Charger included • Optional AC adapter kit
Other features	• Orientation sensor • DPOF • PictBridge • Index view • Histogram • 4x digital zoom • Sound memo • Direct print (Canon & PictBridge) • 2 and 10 sec self-timer (plus custom) • 25 languages
Optional accessories	• Speedlite 220EX/ 430EX/ 580EX • Tele-converter (2.0x) TC-DC58C • Wide-converter (0.75x) WC-DC58B • Lens adapter/Hood set LA-DC58H • Waterproof Case WP-DC11 • Waterproof Case Weight WW-DC1 • Soft Case DCC-600 • High Power Flash HF-DC1 • AC Adapter Kit ACK-DC20 • Rechargeable Li-ION battery pack NB-2LH • Car Battery Charger CBC-NB2
Weight (no batt)	320 g (11.3 oz)
Dimensions	106.4 x 71.9 x 42.5 mm (4.2 x 2.8 x 1.7 in) http://www.dpreview.com

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18

2007-11-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Barely half a year after the introduction of the DMC-FZ8, Panasonic added another model to its popular range of compact 'super zoom' Lumix cameras in the shape of the FZ18. Although obviously based on the FZ8 (they are externally almost identical), the FZ18 doesn't replace it; it's a sort of 'big brother' with a bigger zoom, more pixels and a smattering of new features.

The biggest news is the optically stabilized lens, which has 'grown' at both ends and now sports a whopping 18x (28-504mm equiv.) zoom, putting the FZ18 into direct competition with Olympus' SP-550UZ (now updated to the SP-560UZ) and Fujifilm's recently announced FinePix S8000fd.

Almost inevitably the FZ18 squeezes even more pixels onto its 1/2.5-inch sensor, although the increase has been fairly moderate from 7.3 to 8.3 megapixels. Other new features include a dedicated AF/AE button, Face Detection and a new Intelligent Auto mode which integrates Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection and Scene Detection into a 'Super' Auto Mode.

Despite the usual noise issues you would expect from a tiny sensor/big zoom camera (and our dislike of Panasonic's approach to noise reduction), overall we were pretty impressed with the FZ8 when we reviewed it a few months ago. This was to a large degree due to the superb LEICA lens.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 specifications

Street Price	• US: $360 • UK: £270
Body Material	Metal and plastic
Sensor	1/2.5" Type CCD • 8.3 million pixels total • 8.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3264 x 2448 • 2560 x 1920 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 640 x 480 • 3264 x 2176 (3:2) • 2560 x 1712 (3:2) • 2048 x 1360 (3:2) • 3264 x 1840 (16:9) • 2560 x 1440 (16:9) • 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 30 / 10fps • 320 x 240 @ 30 / 10fps • 848 x 480 @ 30 / 10fps (16:9)
File formats	• JPEG Exif v2.2 • DPOF • QuickTime Motion JPEG
Lens	• 18x optical zoom • 28 - 504 mm (35 mm equiv) • LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT • F2.8 - F4.2
Image stabilization	MEGA O.I.S. (Mode1 / Mode2)
Conversion lenses	Yes
Digital zoom	up to 4x
Focus	AF-Macro On/Off, AF/MF Switchable, Manual Focus(Joystick), One Shot AF, Continuous AF On/Off
AF area modes	Face / 1-point / 1-point high speed / 3-point high speed / Multi-point / Spot
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 30 cm-infinity (wide) 200 cm - infinity (tele) • Macro: 1 cm-infinity (wide) 200 cm - infinity (tele 6-11x) • Tele Macro (at 12-18x) : 100cm - infinity
Metering	• Intelligent Multiple • Center-weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1250 • ISO 1600 • High Sensitivity mode Auto (ISO 1600 - 6400)
Exposure compensation	+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing	+/- 1/3 EV -1EV step, 3 frames
Shutter speed	• Program AE: 1-1/2000 sec • Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE: 8-1/2000 sec • Manual: 60-1/2000sec. • Starry Sky Mode: 15, 30, 60sec
Aperture	F2.8 - 8 (wide) F4.8 - 8 (tele)
Modes	• Intelligent AUTO • Program AE • Aperture Priority AE • Shutter Priority AE • Manual • Custom • Portrait mode • Scenery mode • Sports mode • Night portrait mode • Scene • Motion picture • Print • Playback
Scene modes	• Food • Party • Candle Light • Sunset • High Sensitivity • Baby1 • Baby2 • Pet • Panning • Starry Sky • Fireworks • Beach • Snow • Aerial photo
Advanced scene mode	• Portrait mode : Normal, Soft Skin, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative • Scenery mode : Normal, Nature, Architecture, Creative • Sports mode : Normal, Outdoor, Indoor, Creative • Night Portrait : Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illuminations, Creative
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Shade • Halogen • Flash • White Set 1/2
White balance fine tune	2-axis adjustable, ±9steps each, Blue/Amber and Magenta/Green bias
Self timer	2 or 10sec, 10sec / 3 images
Continuous shooting	Full-Resolution: 3 frames/sec or 2 frames/sec max. 7 images (Standard mode), Max. 5 images (Fine Mode)
Image parameters	• Contrast • Sharpness • Saturation • Noise Reduction • 5 levels (-2 to +2)
Flash	• Auto • Auto / Red-eye reduction • Forced On • Forced On / Red-eye Reduction • Slow Sync / Red-eye reduction • Forced Off • Flash output adjustment 1/3EV step, +/-2 EV • Range: 0.3 - 6.0 m (wide) 1.0 - 4.0 m (tele)
Viewfinder	0.44" Color EVF (188K Pixels), Field of View : approx. 100%
LCD monitor	• 2.5-inch Polycrystalline TFT • 207,000 pixels • Auto Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High angle mode
Connectivity	• DC in • AV out • USB
Print compliance	PictBridge
Storage	• SD / SDHC / MMC • 27 MB built-in memory
Power	• Li-ion battery pack • Optional AC adapter
Weight (no batt)	360 g (12.7 oz)
Dimensions	117.6 x 75.3 x 88.2 mm (4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in) http://www.dpreview.com/

What is a Camera

2007-11-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

A Camera is a device used to capture images, as still photographs or as sequences of moving images (movies or videos). The term as well as the modern-day camera evolved from the camera obscura, Latin for "dark chamber", an early mechanism for projecting images, in which an entire room functioned as a real-time imaging system. The camera obscura was first invented by the Iraqi scientist Alhazen and described in his Book of Optics (1011-1021).^[1] English scientists Robert Boyle and Robert Hooke later invented a portable camera obscura in 1665-1666.^[2]

Cameras may work with the light of the visible spectrum or with other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. A camera generally consists of some kind of enclosed hollow, with an opening or aperture at one end for light to enter, and a recording or viewing surface for capturing the light at the other end. Most cameras have a lens positioned in front of the camera's opening to gather the incoming light and to focus the image, or part of the image, on the recording surface. The diameter of the aperture is often controlled by a diaphragm mechanism, but some cameras have a fixed-size aperture.

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