The Digital Camera Store

February 10, 2009

 

Fuji Gets Serious About Image Quality With the FinePix F200EXR

 

Compact digital cameras have been treated rather poorly by camera manufacturers over the past few years by stuffing endless features into them with marketing being the forefront of concerns. These "features" have lead to a ridiculous number of pixels on a tiny sensor, which results in very grainy images for users. Fuji has just announced a potential powerhouse of a compact digital camera. The F200EXR offers a 12 megapixel sensor that operates in a number of image capture modes. Normally, I would scoff at a 12 megapixel sensor as too much for such a small sensor; however, Fuji's shooting options may make this camera work those pixels more effectively. The key to this camera's potential lies in the 3 modes in which the image sensor operates, which Fuji described in its press release as follows:

Fine Capture Mode (High Resolution) , which deploys all twelve million pixels, and is designed to offer the finest detail of intricate subjects when light is full and even; Pixel Fusion Mode (High Sensitivity and Low Noise) , which caps two adjacent pixels together to produce six million large photodiodes, which are big enough to absorb light in the darkest of conditions, to produce low-light shots of extraordinary quality with minimal noise and grain; and Dual Capture (Wide Dynamic Range), which captures different exposures with two sets of six million pixels, which, when combined, gives an excellent level of detail in highlights and low lights that would otherwise be lost.

While there is nothing truly fancy about the Fine Capture Mode, the Pixel Fusion Mode and the Dual Capture could give consumers what they need in a compact camera. We'll know more once this camera hits the market and real world sample images make their way online from the hands of users. It just might be the next big thing.

Eric is a guest author the Wize blog covering digital cameras. He is the Editor of Photography Bay, which covers digital camera reviews, rumors and news

 

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January 31, 2009

 

Nikon D700 vs. Canon 5D Mark II

The Nikon D700 and Canon 5D Mark II are two of the latest, cutting edge DSLRs offered by the top camera manufactures. The key attraction to each of these cameras is the use of a "full frame" sensor. The term "full frame" references the dimensions of the old 35mm film that those of us born in the 80s (or earlier) still remember using. Digital camera sensors have typically been very small over the past several years, even most DSLRs have been smaller than full frame. The sensor size of compact cameras are tiny (about the size of a pencil eraser) compared to full frame sensors. The full frame sensors in the Nikon D700 and Canon 5D Mark II allow the cameras to take full advantage of light, which is crucial for smooth images. The Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D700 have another thing in common - a hefty price tag. Both ring in at around $2700, though the Nikon D700 is starting to see a bit of a discount at some retailers. These cameras are not for the faint of heart, or the light of wallet. If you are shopping for one of these, then you should have a good understanding of photography and understand the difference that a $2700 camera can make in your images. There are pros and cons to each of these cameras when evaluated against the other.

 

Image Size and Quality

The Canon 5D Mark II, for instance, has a 21.1 megapixel sensor, which means you can make 20x30" prints all day long and not worry about needing more resolution. The Nikon D700 has a 12.2 megapixel sensor, which is plenty for all but the select few who do huge prints.

 

Low Light Sensitivity / Noise

Both cameras produce stellar images in low light. You can boost the ISO (sensitivity to light) all the way up to 25600, which was unheard of prior to the introduction of the Nikon D700's predecessor (the profession grade Nikon D3). Both cameras perform excellent up to ISO 6400 and then the images start to look noisy in both. I have successfully shot with each camera at night handheld and gotten relatively clean images. Indoor shooting without a flash is now possible in just about any light with the D700 and 5D Mark II.

 

Autofocus

I give Nikon the edge in autofocus capability. It has 51 autofocus points, whereas the Canon only has 9 AF points. Having shot with both of them, the Nikon is simply more sensitive in autofocusing, particularly in low light.

Conclusion

I hate to do it, but I have to say that it depends on you and your shooting style as to which one should win out the battle between these full framed beasts. If you are looking for speedy autofocus and don't need the huge files, go with the Nikon. If you want to print big, it's a no brainer, go with Canon. Obviously, if you are tied to a system with a bag full of Canon or Nikon lenses, then you have to keep it in the family. I don't think you would be too disappointed with either one. Me? I'm a Canon kind of guy, so I went with the Canon 5D Mark II - and I love it!

 

Eric is a guest author for the Wize blog covering digital cameras. He is the Editor of Photography Bay, which covers digital camera reviews, rumors and news.

 

September 16, 2008

 

All Eyes are on Photokina

Will Pentax be coming out with a new dSLR? Is that new "Destined Evolution" Web site ad put out by Canon an intro to a new model of the 5D as Engadget prognosticates? Just where is digital photography's new technology headed? Many answers to these questions will be provided during Photokina from Sept 23 to 28 in Cologne, Germany.

 

Photokina is a big deal. It happens only once every two years and it's the place where many new products are staged and introduced. How important is it? Well, 6000 journalists join 160,000 visitors to review everything there is to know about image capture, storage, processing, transmission and output.

 

The range of imaging products and services displayed at Photokina is dizzying--cameras, camcorders, digital storage media, printers, kiosk system, home cinema, digital frames and albums, lighting systems, studio equipment, publishing, labs, interactive presentation systems, networks and video/audio technology. For more about Photokina 2008, there's a daily, updated report on the fair with interesting product entries such as the LG KC910, the only 8 megapixel multimedia phone with a full touchscreen interface, the Nikon D90 and the Sony DSLR-A900.

 

September 02, 2008

 

Canon 50D Due Out in October

At $1399 the new Canon EOS 50D has a whooping 15 MP of resolution. Compare that to the 10 MP of the model it replaces, the 40D, and you've got some notable improvement. What's most remarkable about the camera is that its ISO speed goes up to 12,800. It used to be that the highest ISO speed a camera would go to would be 3200. CNET has pointed out ISO 3200 is "now part of the ordinary range."

 

What you do have to remember is that like the 40D, the 50D does not have a full-sized sensor (the 5D has). It's sensor is 22.3×14.9 mm (a full-sized sensor is 36×24 mm). InfoSync has reported that the sensor has been improved. It uses "newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise." Canon's also touting the fact that the camera has 14-bit conversion for smoother color tones and gradations.

 

Other notable features of the camera include: faster image processing, a 3-inch LCD screen with "smudge protection," automatic brightness correction, updated sensor cleaning system (the camera self-cleans its sensor using vibration), an auto lighting optimizer that makes dark subjects lighter.

 

The camera comes out in October.

 

August 18, 2008

 

Printer for Laptop: Canon Pixma iP100

If you've ever thought about making prints with your laptop while you're on the run, there's a new 4.4-pound portable printer from Canon that might be just the device you need. The Canon Pixma iP100 has a slew of features that will give you picture perfect photos at high resolutions on the spot.

 

The device has a 5-color ink system that can print out photo-lab quality photos (4"x6" borderless print) in 50 seconds. That's faster than previous models of the printer. For about $50, you can get a bluetooth adapter (Canon BU-30) to print your photos wirelessly. The printer is PictBridge compatible, which means you can also print directly from your digital camera with a USB cord connection from your camera to the iP100.

 

Cost of Printing

Just about everyone knows that its not the printers that cost so much money, it's the accessories such as ink cartridges and paper. The iP100 itself is not all that expensive. It costs $250 when you buy it at the Canon web site, but you can get it for $175 at newegg.com. The printer takes two ink cartridges--color and black. Color ink (CLI-36) is $17 and black (PGI-35) is $12, or nearly $30 a pop for ink. The printer has a compartment for a rechargeable battery, but the battery is extra. It's $100.

 

The printer and accessories are probably worth the price as the printer gets high ratings. Newegg.com gave it a 5/5. CNET rated it a 8/10, saying that the device has the "highest resolution available in the mobile printer market." PCmag notes that the printer is fast, but you don't get much bang for your buck with regard to how many copies you get per ink cartridge.

 

August 12, 2008

 

Sony Introduces Cyber-shot with Built-In Memory

Sony’s new T700 camera is making news. It’s thin—less than 5/8-inch thick--the thinnest model Sony makes. It has 10MP of resolution and, most interesting, it has 4GB of internal memory. The memory can hold up to 1,000 full resolution images or up to 40,000 VGA-quality photos (VGA means Video Graphic Quality, or images you’d use on the Internet that are about 640x480 pixels). The camera offers sorting and search functions to make finding images easy. If you need more memory, the camera takes a Memory Stick media card.

 

Other features of the camera include a 5X optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens with image stabilization (35-140 mm, 35 mm equiv); 8 scene modes;  movie mode (mpeg format); 5 different auto-focus modes including 9-point autofocus; 3 light metering modes (multi-pattern, center-weighted and spot);  up to 3200 ISO; EV compensation; 1 to 1/1000 second shutter speed; self-timer; rapid-fire shooting mode and a 3-inch touch-panel LCD screen. Clearly, this camera is mostly for snapshots, as its lens isn’t wide enough and its shutter speed isn’t slow enough to take professional photos.

 

The camera’s predecessor, the T300, didn’t get very good reviews so that buyers should proceed with caution before purchasing the T700. CNET.com reported that the T300 didn’t take very good pictures. They didn’t like the “soft, noisy photos.” They rated the camera a 7.6.  Some reviews from Wize.com reported that a similar model, the T70, didn’t take very good pictures either, although it rated 4.5/5 overall. Even a few reports of “soft,” or blurry photos and bad picture quality can cause concerns. The press release put out by Sony said, “Both cameras feature updated intelligent scene recognition technology that can now select up to eight different scene modes, including macro, portrait and landscape modes.” Perhaps this model’s updated technology will clear up the problems with unclear images of other models. Reviews will be out soon.

 

July 08, 2008

 

The Slik Sprint Pro GM Tripod Good for Hiking

 

The Slik Sprint Pro GM is described with satisfaction on the photography-on-the-net message boards. You can pick one up for about $75 on Amazon.com. Just about everyone who buys it rates it a 5/5.

 

“A maximum height of 64 inches reaches eye level yet the SPRINT PRO folds to an impressively compact 18.9 inches and weighs in at just 31.4 ounces (a fraction less than 2 pounds) for easy travel,” says the product description on Amazon.

 

One reviewer describes the tripod as “doing just fine” with a full-size dSLR and heavy lens.

 

June 27, 2008

 

GPS Digital Camera from Ricoh

When you fit a SE-3 module that provides both position and direction to the Ricoh 500SE camera, it can tell you exactly where you are and record it with your image.

 

Without the module, images from the 500SE are just points on a map without an indication of which direction the camera is facing.

 

Ricoh also has two models of the Caplio 500SE, a model W and a model B. You can transfer photo data to PCs and other devices supporting Bluetooth and/or wireless LAN with both models.

 

You can also connect the Caplio 500SE wirelessly with a Bluetooth compatible GPS device to add location information to your photo data.

 

The cameras also have an antiblur function and a flash range of 10 meters.

 

June 26, 2008

 

Samsung L100 Reviewed

Infosyncworld.com has come out with a full review of the Samsung L100 camera, which it calls an "8MP camera in a 10MP world."

 

The camera has a lot going for it. First, it's cheap--only $130. Next, is it has a manual mode (M on the mode dial, but no Av nor Tv setting on the dial). Last, the camera takes good pictures (but not great ones).

 

The camera has no optical image stabilization.

 

Other features include: face detection, 3X optical zoom; digital image stabilization (not optical, not as good as optical); in-camera sharpness; contrast and saturation adjustments; exposure bracketing; ISO up to 1600; movie mode.

 

June 24, 2008

 

Motorola and Kodak Take on Camera Phone

Motorola has joined forces with Kodak to bring a new camera phone--Motozine ZN5--to market.

 

As a promotion for the phone the two companies had eight photographers take photographs of their city with the phone. Then the two companies collaborated to put a video together with the resulting photographs.

 

The camera phone was unveiled at a gallery event in Beijing. The camera is an ultra-fast 5 megapixel model with auto-focus, a Xenon flash, 4GB of optional external memory3 and settings for low-light environments.

 

The phone has ZN5 features Motorola’s patented CrystalTalkTM technology to help callers hear and be heard, even in noisy environments. With dual compatibility for GSM and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), users can connect in more areas around the world2 and enjoy high-speed wireless connections to surf the Web via a full HTML browser2. ZN5 also supports SMS, MMS, IM and personal e-mail2.

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