DIGITAL CAMERA And PHOTO

Pentax K-7 Preview, May 2009 by Richard Butler

2009-06-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Pentax K-7 Preview, May 2009
by Richard Butler

Pentax is a name that will evoke fond memories for many photographers whose first SLR experience would have been with a Spotmatic, KM, K1000 or ME Super. Although the company's market position isn't as well entrenched as it was during the halcyon days of 35mm film, it continues to attract a devoted following of enthusiasts. And that following isn't just based on nostalgia - Pentax is alone in having developed a comprehensive range of prime lenses for the APS-C format that dominates modern DSLR photography, while most of its competitors concentrate on offering a selection of zooms.

Pentax's cameras have also catered well for this market in the shape of the competitively-priced K20D, a very likeable, solid upgrade to the K10D. Both cameras offered robust semi-pro build quality and a fairly advanced degree of environmental sealing, combined with a good level of customizability and well worked-out handling. But it's now been over two-and-a-half years since the K10D appeared and, as it tends to, the market has moved on. The K20D's live view system was not exactly class leading, and the camera was starting to look a little long-in-the-tooth when compared to the video-shooting Canons and Nikons that have started to appear, with their VGA screens and polished interfaces.

So here we have the K-7, Pentax's latest enthusiast/semi-pro level DSLR. And a handsome creature it is, too - gone is the K20D's slightly pudgy utilitarianism, to be replaced by a sleek, pared-down elegance. But it's not just on the outside that things have changed: although the megapixel count remains the same, just about everything that matters has been replaced, revised or spruced-up.

Its spec isn't quite what the rumors might have suggested, but it still manages to look an awful lot like the wish-list of most enthusiast photographers (though one based in reality, rather than the increasingly surreal suggestions being churned out by the rumor mill).

The headline changes:

720p/1080i HD video recording
Smaller magnesium/steel alloy body
Revised viewfinder (less magnified but with greater coverage)
Updated sensor with four-channel readout
3.0" VGA (920,000 dot) LCD
New shutter mechanism with 1/8000th shutter speed
Faster continuous shooting (up to 5.2 fps)
77 segment exposure metering sensor
Revised autofocus algorithms
AF illumination lamp
New dust removal system
HDMI output

And that's just the big stuff. The implications of some of these changes are almost as significant as their obvious effects - as well as allowing faster frame rates and video, the reworked, four-channel sensor promises to generate less noise than the version used in the K20D. There are also lots of more subtle additions that show just how fundamental a change this camera is from its predecessor.

New dedicated ISO button
Distortion and chromatic aberration correction for DA and DFA lenses (also available in RAW conversion)
Adjustable dynamic range highlight and shadow correction
Three-shot in-camera HDR capture
Electronic level indicator
Composition adjustment (Uses the SR system to reposition the sensor to fine-tune composition)

However you look at it, it's a well-specified camera.

Sony DSC-HX1 Review

2009-04-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

Sony DSC-HX1 Review, April 2009
Don Wan

2009 is already shaping up to be another bumper year for the superzoom 'bridge' camera. Since the publication of our superzoom test at the start of this year there have been a number of new models released with new features such as bigger zooms, better video and fast burst modes. Sony's entry in this category, the HX1, features a 20x lens (that extends from 28mm at the wide end all the way to 560mm at the telephoto end), HD video recording, a large 3' tilting LCD screen, up to 10 frames per second continuous shooting speeds, and special shooting modes that help you get better pictures easier. All this built around an all-new CMOS sensor.

Until recently, almost all compact (small sensored) cameras were built around CCD sensors. This is because CMOS sensors have more circuitry built into the chip than CCD sensors and, with less room for actually capturing light, noise and noise reduction issues will have a detrimental effect on image quality.

Manufacturers have been working on these problems with CMOS sensors for a number of years in DSLR cameras, where all but the cheapest models feature CMOS sensors. Canon, which has been at the forefront of this CMOS sensor development, released the CMOS-sensored SX1 IS which we reviewed last month. Given Sony's heavy involvement in the sensor design and fabrication industry it is not surprising that it has followed suit with the CMOS based HX1.

While the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS utilizes its CMOS sensor to record 1080p (30fps) HD video, a fast 4fps continuous shooting speed, and offers RAW file recording, the HX1 uses its CMOS technology in some less conventional ways. The first of these is a super fast (as fast as the top end professional sports cameras) 10 fps continuous shooting. This relies not only on the sensor's speedy processing but also on a fast physical shutter, which in turn enables three unique shooting modes: Sweeping panorama (which stitches panoramas together as you shoot), Anti Motion Blur (which takes 6 images, and combines them to try and minimise the amount of blur in an image) and Twilight mode (which uses 6 stacked images to reduce the noise produced in images shot in low light situations).

While the HX1 may not feature RAW file recording, there are many manual settings such as three noise reduction settings, many white balance settings, a full range of manual modes, and many others for the photographer who wants ultimate control. Does this combine to make a compelling package that should command your money? Lets find out in our review.

Sony DSC-HX1 vs DSC-H50- key changes

New 28 - 560 mm equiv 'G' lens
Ultra fast 10 fps continuous shooting speed
HD movie recording at up to 1440x1080 at 30 fps
Intelligent Auto mode
Unique sweeping panorama, twilight, and anti-shake modes
A revised menu system (Home menu is gone)
HDMI port

Nikon D3X In-depth Review

2009-03-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

Nikon D3X In-depth Review

Ever since the simultaneous announcement of the Nikon D1H and D1X back in 2001 Nikon's professional D 'single digit' series has been split into two - the X series designed for high resolution applications such as fashion or landscape photography and the H series for high speed sports type photography (lower resolution but faster continuous shooting). When the Nikon D3 was announced in August 2007 it did not carry an 'H' in its name but was clearly designed for speed. So the question wasn't if, but when, Nikon would launch a high-resolution counterpart. It arrived, after more than a year of eager anticipation, in the shape of the Nikon D3X in December 2008.

Superficially, the new flagship is the D3's identical twin. The body, controls, user interface and also a large proportion of the camera's electronic and mechanical innards have been carried over directly from the D3. The camera's core component, however, is brand new. The 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor provides a resolution of 24.5 megapixels, and while this is - compared to the D3 - a massive jump in resolution, D3X users have to accept a smaller range of sensitivity (ISO 100 to 1600, extendable to ISO 50 to 6400) and slower continuous shooting of five frames per second (7 fps in DX mode) in return.

While the only other piece of news - the 'Extra High' setting for Active D-Lighting - won't make much difference for most users, the premium that Nikon is charging for the extra resolution most certainly will. For $8000 retail price you can bag yourself almost two D3s. The D3X is also roughly $1500 more expensive than its only real competitor in terms of specification and features, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III. This won't make the professionals who this cameras is targeted at contemplate changing systems, but can a camera be worth the equivalent amount of a small car? Read on and find out in our in-depth review of the Nikon D3X.

Nikon D3X Key Features

24.5 megapixel Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
ISO 100 - 1600 (ISO 50 - 6400 in Boost mode)
Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (10.5 megapixels with DX lens)
14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
Gapless micro lens array and on-chip noise reduction
Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, optimized for D3X, lower power)
Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)
Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability
Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
Seven frames per second in continuous and DX mode
Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, copy)
Compact Flash UDMA support
3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
HDMI HD video output
'Active D-Lighting' with new 'Extra High' setting (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
Buttons sealed against moisture
Dual battery charger as standard

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3x/

Olympus E-620 Preview

2009-02-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Olympus E-620

Lars Rehm and Richard Butler

Olympus has established a tradition of offering very well specified cameras in the entry-level, and was one of the first to offer two cameras in this bracket - the little E-410 and its image-stabilized big brother, the E-510 (later upgraded to the 420 and 520 respectively). Now it has introduced the E-620, a model that will 'sell alongside' the E-420 and E-520 (in the sense that we suspect it will eventually replace the E-520) as the company's attempt at a '450D-killer'.

And, even by Olympus's standards of entry-level generosity, it's not short on toys - including an articulated screen to make full use of its live view system, which itself is one of the better implementations of this feature (from the company that got there first). It's also got 'Art' modes and the ability to shoot in four different aspect ratios - adapted from the features of the recently announced E-30. There's also in-body Image Stabilization and a level of configurability that is unparalleled in this class. In fact it's astonishing how much Olympus has crammed into its small dimensions - it's nearer to the size of the E-4X0 than the E-5X0 series (due in part to use of the small BLS-1 battery), and the E-420 was famously the smallest DSLR in the world.

More importantly, perhaps, the E-620 seems to address some of the main shortcomings of the E-520 - the viewfinder is slightly larger and has been reworked so that the information panel appears below the view screen, rather than tucked-away off to the right. It also moves on from the old three-point AF system with the introduction of a seven-point version, which includes five cross-type sensors. In fact, the specification of the E-620 is so high that it makes as much sense for us to compare it to Olympus's recently introduced semi-pro body, the E-30, as to the company's existing entry-level models.

Compared to E-30 - key differences

When the E-30 was launched, we commented that it sailed remarkably close to E-3 territory, but with a smaller viewfinder and less grand claims made about environmental sealing and image stabilization. The E-620 comes close to pulling the same trick on the E-30; again the size of the viewfinder is smaller, but the cameras share the same 12 megapixel sensor, Truepix III+ processing and a great many other features. The differences between the two cameras are easier to list than the similarities:

E-620 is smaller (by around 1cm in each dimension) and around 180g lighter (body only)
Slightly smaller viewfinder with reduced frame coverage (0.96x, 95%, vs. 1.02x, 98%)
7-point AF (5 cross-type) vs. 11-point (all cross-type)
Improved LCD (Hypercrystal III, vs. E-30s' version II unit)
Only one control dial (vs. E-30's two)
Slower continuous shooting rate (4fps for 5 RAW frames, vs. 5fps for 12)
Fewer aspect ratio crops (3 vs. 8)
No built-in digital level gauge
Only allows two exposures to be overlaid in multi-exposure mode (vs. 4)
No PC flash sync or DC-in sockets
Slower x-sync (1/180 sec vs. 1/250 sec) and max shutter speed (1/4000 sec vs. 1/8000 sec)
Lower capacity BLS-1 battery (7.2V 1150 mAh) vs. BLM-1 (7.2V 1500 mAh)

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/olympuse620/

Pentax K2000 / K-m Review

2009-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Pentax K2000 / K-m Review, January 2009,
Richard Butler & Lars Rehm

Preview based on a production Pentax K-m with firmware 1.0

The fastest-growing part of the camera market is currently being powered by photographers moving from compact cameras to DSLRs. Unfortunately for manufacturers, the added competition this has attracted has seen the prices they can charge being eroded (although it could be argued that the lower prices are spurring some of that growth). Rather than trying to slash the prices on their existing, highly-featured cameras, there has been a trend towards designing simplified cameras that can be made and sold more cheaply, offering only the features that first-time DSLR users will want without appearing too intimidating.

For many years, Pentax was often in the position of offering the least-expensive DSLR on the market with some keenly-priced entry-level offerings. However, the latest generation of down-specced and aggressively-priced models from Nikon and Sony have dramatically changed the price-conscious end of the market. Pentax has clearly been watching these developments closely and has responded with this, the Pentax K2000 (K-m in Europe).

The K2000 follows many of the trends we've previously seen in camera-downsizing, with Pentax finally giving-in to the trend of removing the top-panel LCD. It uses the K200D's sensor but comes with a simplified control layout (geared towards users coming from compact cameras) and a less sophisticated AF-system (5 points vs 11 on the K200D). The K-m also lacks the K200D's weather-sealing but in turn you get an ISO 3200 setting and slightly quicker continuous shooting.

	Pentax K2000	Pentax K200D
Body material	Plastic, stainless steel chassis	Plastic, stainless steel chassis, weather-sealed
Sensor	• 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • 10.75 million total pixels • 10.2 million effective pixels	• 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • 10.7 million total pixels • 10.2 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3872 x 2592 pixels • 3008 x 2000 pixels • 1824 x 1216 pixels	• 3872 x 2592 pixels • 3008 x 2000 pixels • 1824 x 1216 pixels
Dust reduction	CCD-shake	CCD-shake
Image stabilization	CCD-shift	CCD-shift
Flash	• Built-in P-TTL pop-up flash • Guide no. approx 11 (ISO 100/m) • Angle of coverage 28 mm (35 mm equiv.) • Flash sync 1/180 sec • Wireless flash capability	• Built-in P-TTL pop-up flash • Guide no. approx. 13 (ISO100/m) • Angle of view coverage: 28mm (35mm equiv) • Flash sync 1/180 sec • Wireless flash capability
AF-System	• 5-area AF (SAFOX VIII) • TTL Phase matching AF system	• 11-area AF (SAFOX VIII) • TTL Phase matching AF system • Focus point selectable
ISO	• Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • 3200 • D-Range	• Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • D-Range
Shadow compensation	• Yes	• No
Continuous shooting	• 3.5fps for 5 frames JPEG or 4 RAW • 1.1fps JPEG until card is full or 7 RAW frames	• 2.8fps for 4 frames JPEG or RAW • 1.1fps JPEG until card is full or 4 RAW frames
LCD monitor	• 2.7" TFT LCD • 230,000 dots	• 2.7" TFT LCD • 230,000 dots
Dimensions	122.5 x 91.5 x 67.5mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)	133.5 x 95 x 74mm (5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in)
Weight	625g (22.0oz.) With and alkaline batteries SD card	690g (24.3oz.) With lithium batteries and SD card

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk2000/

Pentax K2000

2008-10-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

Pentax K2000

Preview based on a pre-production Pentax K-m

The K-m follows many of the trends we've previously seen in camera-downsizing, with Pentax finally giving-in to the trend of removing the top-panel LCD. It uses the K200D's sensor but comes with a simplified control layout (geared towards users coming from compact cameras) and a less sophisticated AF-system (5 points vs 11 on the K200D). The K-m also lacks the K200D's weather-sealing but in turn you get an ISO 3200 setting and slightly quicker continuous shooting.

Lightweight lenses

In addition to the smaller body, Pentax has re-engineered two of its consumer zooms to further reduce the weight of the overall package. The new versions of the the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 and the 50-200mm F4.0-5.6 are designated DA L (for lightweight, on our scales the 18-55mm L measured 24g lighter than its standard counterpart), and can be distinguished by the silver, rather than green ring encircling them.


The new DA L lenses	The 18-55 new DA L next to its DA counterpart

Compared to K200D - key differences

	Pentax K-m	Pentax K200D
Body material	Plastic, stainless steel chassis	Plastic, stainless steel chassis, weather-sealed
Sensor	• 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • 10.75 million total pixels • 10.2 million effective pixels	• 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • 10.7 million total pixels • 10.2 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3872 x 2592 pixels • 3008 x 2000 pixels • 1824 x 1216 pixels	• 3872 x 2592 pixels • 3008 x 2000 pixels • 1824 x 1216 pixels
Dust reduction	CCD-shake	CCD-shake
Image stabilization	CCD-shift	CCD-shift
Flash	• Built-in P-TTL pop-up flash • Guide no. approx 11 (ISO 100/m) • Angle of coverage 28 mm (35 mm equiv.) • Flash sync 1/180 sec • Wireless flash capability	• Built-in P-TTL pop-up flash • Guide no. approx. 13 (ISO100/m) • Angle of view coverage: 28mm (35mm equiv) • Flash sync 1/180 sec • Wireless flash capability
AF-System	• 5-area AF (SAFOX VIII) • TTL Phase matching AF system	• 11-area AF (SAFOX VIII) • TTL Phase matching AF system • Focus point selectable
ISO	• Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • 3200 • D-Range	• Auto • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 • D-Range
Shadow compensation	• Yes	• No
Continuous shooting	• 3.5fps for 5 frames JPEG or 4 RAW • 1.1fps JPEG until card is full or 7 RAW frames	• 2.8fps for 4 frames JPEG or RAW • 1.1fps JPEG until card is full or 4 RAW frames
LCD monitor	• 2.7" TFT LCD • 230,000 dots	• 2.7" TFT LCD • 230,000 dots
Dimensions	122.5 x 91.5 x 67.5mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)	133.5 x 95 x 74mm (5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in)
Weight	625g (22.0oz.) With and alkaline batteries SD card	690g (24.3oz.) With lithium batteries and SD card

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.

from:http://www.dpreview.com/previews/pentaxkm/

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Preview, Simon Joinson

2008-09-30T02:27:00.001-07:00

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Preview, Simon Joinson

Key features

24.6 MP 35mm format full-frame CMOS sensor (highest res in class)
SteadyShot INSIDE full frame image sensor shift stabilization (world first)
High Speed Dual Bionz processors
Eye-level glass Penta-prism OVF, 100% coverage, 0.74x magnification
9 point AF with 10 assist points, center dual-cross AF w/2.8 sensor
5 frames per second burst, newly developed mirror box
Intelligent Preview Function
3 User programmable custom memory modes on mode dial
Advanced Dynamic Range Optimizer (5 step selectable)
40 segment honeycomb metering
3.0" 921K pixel Photo Quality (270 dpi) LCD display, 100% coverage
Direct HDMI output
ISO 200-3200 (ISO 100-6400 expanded range)
User interchangeable focusing screens (3 options)
CF Type I/II and MS slots, LI-ION battery, STAMINA 880 shots
Weight 850g (without battery, card, accs)
New Image Data Converter SR software (includes vignetting control)
New Vertical Grip
Supplied with wireless remote control
Magnesium Alloy body and rubber seals for dust and moisture resistance
AF micro adjustment

Olympus E-520 Review

2008-08-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

Olympus E-520 Review

The Olympus E-520 is a refreshed version of Olympus's upper-entry-level camera, the E-510. As such it's a slightly bulked-up E-420 with image stabilization, which makes it one of the most feature-packed and customizable cameras available for under £500/$800. It loses some of its sibling's compact chic but offers a bigger, longer-lasting battery and a more familiar grip shape to those people familiar with contemporary DSLRs.

Its Four-Thirds sensor (2.43cm2) offers 10 million pixel output and a Live view system that has become commonplace since Olympus pioneered the idea a few years back. It's clearly a camera that comes from a company with a strong heritage of making products for photographers, with useful features such as highlight and shadow spot metering modes sitting alongside a plethora of beginner-friendly point-and-shoot modes.

The whole market has become a much more competitive place since the E-510 first hit the market in March 2007, so has the the newest version done enough to stand out against the increasingly slick APS-C offerings?

New features (compared to the E-510)
-Larger, 2.7" LCD display (versus 2.5" on the E-510)
-Contrast detect autofocus (with select lenses)
-Face detection in live view mode
-Auto Gradation (Dynamic Range enhancement)
-Faster continuous shooting speeds (3.5 vs 3.0 fps)
-Wireless flash control (Up to three groups)
-Additional Image Stabilization mode for panning

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse520/

Canon EOS 1000D

2008-08-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS / Kiss F) ReviewJuly 2008, Richard Butler

When Canon launched the EOS 300D back in 2003 it was widely regarded as the first affordable digital SLR and secured Canon a seemingly indomitable number-one spot in the market. Since then the 'small' Canon has gone through three further iterations and the current model - the EOS 450D - offers a feature set and image quality that could only have been dreamed about five years ago (and at a price point well below the 300D's). However, the competition haven't been idle spectators and have recently launched a number of de-spec'ed cameras that have redefined the entry level segment and undercut the EOS 450D in the DSLR hierarchy.
Canon has now responded to this mounting pressure by launching a new model one tier below the 450D in its current lineup - the EOS 1000D. It shares bits and pieces with Rebels gone by and, depending from which angle you look at it, the new model is either a stripped down 450D or a 'reheated' 400D. It's a lower specification camera than the 450D, by every measure you might see listed on the shop shelf, but is not the huge step down that its market positioning might lead you to expect.
On the next page of this review you'll find a detailed comparison between the 1000D, 450D and 400D but the headlines are; a 10MP sensor, 2.5 in LCD monitor, 7-point AF system and no spot-metering (like the 400D) but gaining Live View with both phase- and contrast-detect AF, SD/SDHC for storage and a control and menu layout that is pretty much identical to the EOS 450D's. In fact, because it's based around the same Digic III processor, it shares an interface with almost every current Canon DSLR all the way up to the 1DsMkIII.
Note that throughout this preview we will refer to the EOS 1000D by its European name; if you live in other parts of the world you'll know the camera by Rebel XS or Kiss F Digital, but they're all essentially the same camera. BY When Canon launched the EOS 300D back in 2003 it was widely regarded as the first affordable digital SLR and secured Canon a seemingly indomitable number-one spot in the market. Since then the 'small' Canon has gone through three further iterations and the current model - the EOS 450D - offers a feature set and image quality that could only have been dreamed about five years ago (and at a price point well below the 300D's). However, the competition haven't been idle spectators and have recently launched a number of de-spec'ed cameras that have redefined the entry level segment and undercut the EOS 450D in the DSLR hierarchy.
Canon has now responded to this mounting pressure by launching a new model one tier below the 450D in its current lineup - the EOS 1000D. It shares bits and pieces with Rebels gone by and, depending from which angle you look at it, the new model is either a stripped down 450D or a 'reheated' 400D. It's a lower specification camera than the 450D, by every measure you might see listed on the shop shelf, but is not the huge step down that its market positioning might lead you to expect.
On the next page of this review you'll find a detailed comparison between the 1000D, 450D and 400D but the headlines are; a 10MP sensor, 2.5 in LCD monitor, 7-point AF system and no spot-metering (like the 400D) but gaining Live View with both phase- and contrast-detect AF, SD/SDHC for storage and a control and menu layout that is pretty much identical to the EOS 450D's. In fact, because it's based around the same Digic III processor, it shares an interface with almost every current Canon DSLR all the way up to the 1DsMkIII.
Note that throughout this preview we will refer to the EOS 1000D by its European name; if you live in other parts of the world you'll know the camera by Rebel XS or Kiss F Digital, but they're all essentially the same camera. By http://www.dpreview.com

Nikon D700

2008-07-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Nikon D700

Nikon D700 Hands-on PreviewSimon Joinson & Lars Rehm,

The introduction of Nikon's new D700 may been one of the worst kept secrets in an industry with more leaks than the Titanic, but it was still something of a surprise coming so hot on the heels of the D3 and D300. Essentially a D3 shrunk down and squeezed into a body roughly the same size as a D300, the D700 is Nikon's first 'compact' professional SLR, and seems designed to go head-to-head with whatever Canon has up its inscrutable sleeve to replace the EOS 5D.

The imaging side of the D700 is pretty much the same as the D3; it shares the acclaimed 12.1MP full frame ('FX') sensor and has the same processing engine, so we would presume output to be almost identical. The main differences (aside from being considerably smaller) are physical; there's a different shutter (good for 150,000 exposures rather than 300,000 on the D3), different viewfinder prism (with 95% coverage) and a slower burst rate. You also lose the rear LCD info panel (there's no room for it) and one of the D3's two CF card slots, but you do get a couple of extra features to soften the blow slightly; most notably a self-cleaning sensor and a built-in flash. We'll look a little more in-depth at the differences between the D3 and D700 in a moment.

The D700 joins the D3 as a fully-fledged 'professional' model; it has the same tank-like build quality (though we're sure the pop-up flash will cause a few raised eyebrows), and gets you the full pro service from Nikon. And the pricing (around $2999) reflects this; anyone hoping for an 'affordable' semi-pro full frame Nikon SLR will have to wait until the cost of producing such large sensors falls considerably.

Nikon D700 Key Features
-12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
-Image Sensor Cleaning (vibration) *
-ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 100)
-Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
-14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
-Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D3
-Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
-New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 150,000 exposure durability *
-Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
-Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
-95% coverage, 0.72x magnification viewfinder *
-Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning), fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings
-Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
-Picture Control image parameter presets
-5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking*
-Optional MB-D10 Battery Pack (same as D300), increases burst rate to 8 fps *
-UDMA compatible single CF card slot *
-3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
-Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
-Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
-HDMI HD video output
'-Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
-Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
-Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture
-Improved Info display on main screen

DATA by www.dpreview.com

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 Review

2008-06-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 Review,Richard Butler

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?

Canon EOS 450D Review

2008-06-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Canon EOS 450D (Digital Rebel XSi / Kiss X2 Digital) Review

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 today's 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 in an increasingly crowded market.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 Concise Review

2008-05-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 Concise Review

Headline features:

-1/2.5" CCD sensor, 8.1 million effective pixels
-10x (38-380mm equiv.) Carl Zeiss branded optical zoom
-3.0" LCD screen
-HDTV video output (requires optional cable or dock)
-Super Steady Shot image stabilization
-2cm macro
-ISO 100-3200
-Face Detection
-Dynamic Range Optimizer

Sony DSC-H10 specification:

Street price
• US: $300

• UK: £200
Body Material:Plastic
Sensor
• 1/2.5" Type CCD

• 8.3 million pixels total

• 8.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 3264 x 2448

• 2592 x 1944

• 2048 x 1536

• 640 x 480

• 3264 x 2176 (3:2)

• 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
Movie clips
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps

• 640 x 480 @ 16.6fps

• 320 x 240 @ 30fps

• 320 x 240 @ 8.3fps
File formats
• JPEG Exif v2.21

• DPOF• MPEG1
Lens
• 10x optical zoom

• 6.3 - 63.0mm

• 38 - 380mm (35mm equiv.)

• f/ 3.5 - 14.4• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar

• 10 elements in 9 groups (including 1 aspheric element)
Image stabilization
Super Steady Shot (optical image stabilization)
Conversion lenses
• Wide: VCL-DH0758

• Tele: VCL-DH1758

• Close-up: VCL-M3358
Digital zoom :up to 2.0x
Focus
• Single AF• Monitor AF• Macro
AF area modes
• 9-point AF• Center Weighted AF• Spot area AF• Focus preset
AF assist lamp
Yes
Focus distance
• Normal: 50 cm-infinity (wide), 90 cm-infinity (tele)

• Macro: 2 cm - infinity (wide), 90 cm - infinity (tele)
Metering
• Face Detection

• Multi-Pattern

• Center-weighted

• Spot
ISO sensitivity
• Auto• ISO 100• ISO 200

• ISO 400• ISO 800• ISO 1600• ISO 3200
Exposure compensation:+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing :+/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV
Shutter speed
• Auto: 1/4 - 1/2000 sec

• Program Auto: 1 sec- 1/1000 sec

• Manual: 30 sec - 1/2000 sec
Aperture
• Auto: F3.5/8.0 (w)

• Program Auto: F3.5/F8.0 (w)
Modes
• Auto

• Program auto

• Manual

• Movie

• SCN
Scene modes
• High Sensitivity

• Extra High Sensitivity

• Extra High-speed Burst

• Twilight • Twilight Portrait • Portrait • Soft Snap

• Landscape • Beach • Snow • Fireworks

• Hi-speed Shutter• Advanced Sports Shooting
White balance
• Auto• Daylight• Cloudy• Fluorescent 1 (White Fluorescent Lighting)

• Fluorescent 2 (Natural White Fluorescent Lighting)

• Fluorescent 3 (Day White Fluorescent Lighting)

• Incandescent • Flash
White balance fine tune :no
Self timer:2 or 10sec
Continuous shooting:Approx 2fps
Image parameters
• Normal• Vivid• Natural• Real• Sepia• B&W

• DRO (Dynamic Range Optimizer): Standard, Plus, off
Retouch
• Trimming• Red Eye Correction

• Soft Focus• Partial Color

• Fisheye Lens• Cross Filter
Flash
• Auto• Flash On• Slow Syncro

• Flash Off• Red-Eye Reduction

• Range: 0.2 - 7.0m (w), 0.9 - 5.6m (t) (ISO Auto)

• Range: Up to 14m (w), 11.2m (t) (ISO 3200)
Viewfinder:No
LCD monitor
• 3.0 in (7.5cm) Hybrid TFT LCD

• Aspect Ratio: 4:3

• 230,000 dots

• Approx. 100% coverage
Connectivity
• AV out (Composite, 1080i component with optional cable)

• USB 2.0 High Speed

• DC input

• All in/out via Multi Use Terminal
Print compliance
• Pictbridge

• DPOF

• Print Image Matching III

• EXIF Print
Storage
• Memory Stick Duo

• Memory Stick Pro Duo

• Memory Stick Pro Duo (High Speed)

• Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo

• Internal memory (31 MB)
Power
• Li-ion battery pack NP-BG1

• BC-CSGB / CSGC Charger included

• Optional AC adaptor
Weight (no battery) :265 g (9.3 oz)
Dimensions:106 x 68.5 x 47.5 mm (4.2 x 2.7 x 1.9 in)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5

2008-05-05T03:44:00.001-07:00

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5

headline specification:

-9.1 million effective pixel / 10.7 million pixels total 1/2.33" CCD
-10x (28-280mm equiv.) Leica DC Vario-Elmarit optical zoom
-MEGA OIS image stabilization
-4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratios
-Venus IV Engine processor
-High Resolution (460,000 pixel) 3.0-inch LCD
-Movies up to 1280 x 720 pixels (HD) @ 30 fps
-22 scene modes plus a 'clipboard' mode for travelers

DMC-TZ5 specifications:

Street price
• US: $300

• UK: £245
Body Material:Metal
Sensor
• 1/2.33" Type CCD

• 10.7 million pixels total

• 9.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 3456 x 2592, 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640x480

• 3:2 Aspect Ratio: 3552 x 2368, 3072 x 2048, 2560 x 1712, 2048 x 1360 pixels

• 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 3712 x 2088, 3072 x 1728, 2560 x 1440, 1920 x 1080
Movie clips
• 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps

• 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps, 10 fps

• HD （16:9 Aspect Ratio）: 1280x720 30fps, 15fps
File formats
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21)

• QuickTime (Motion JPEG)
Lens
• 10x optical zoom

• 28 - 280mm (35mm equiv.)

• 4.7 - 47mm

• F3.3 - 4.9

• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR

• 11 elements in 9 groups (3 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces / 1 ED lens)
Image stabilization:MEGA O.I.S lens-shift stabilization
Conversion lenses:None
Digital zoom :Yes, up to 4x
Focus
• Normal

• Macro

• Continuous AF
AF area modes
• Face• 9-point

• 3-point high speed

• 1-point high speed

• 1-point• Spot
AF assist lamp :Yes
Focus distance
• Normal: Wide 50cm/ Tele 200cm - infinity

• Macro / Intelligent AUTO / Clipboard : Wide 5cm / Max 200cm / Tele 100cm - infinity
Metering
• Intelligent Multiple

• Center-Weighted

• Spot
ISO sensitivity
• Auto• 100• 200• 400• 800• 1600

• High Sensitivity Mode : Auto (1600 - 6400)
Exposure compensation
• +/- 2EV

• 1/3 EV steps
Exposure bracketing
• +/- 1/3EV -1EV

• 3 frames
Shutter speed
• 8-1/2000 sec

• Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec
Aperture
• Wide: F3.3 / F8.0 (2 steps) Tele: F4.9 / F11 (2 steps)
Modes
• Intelligent AUTO

• Normal Picture

• Motion Picture

• Clipboard

• Scene 1

• Scene 2
Scene modes
• Portrait • Soft Skin• Scenery• Sports• Night Portrait• Night Scenery• Self-Portrait• Food• Party• Candle Light• Baby1• Baby2• Pet• Sunset• High sensitivity• Hi-Speed Burst• Starry Sky• Fireworks• Beach• Snow• Aerial photo• Underwater
White balance
• Auto• Daylight

• Cloudy• Shade• Halogen

• White Set

• Fine tune: ± 10steps, except for auto set
Self timer
• 10 or 2 secs
Continuous shooting
• Full-Resolution Image: 2.5 fps Max. 5 images (Standard mode), Max 3 images (Fine Mode)

• High-speed Burst Mode: Approx. 6 fps (recorded in 2M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)
Image parameters
• Standard

• Natural

• Vivid

• Black & White

• Sepia

• Cool

• Warm
Flash
• Auto • Auto/Red-eye Reduction

• Forced On

• Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction

• Forced Off

• Range: 0.6 - 5.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.6m (Tele/ISO Auto)
Viewfinder:None
LCD monitor
• 3.0 " TFT LCD Display

• 460K dots• Field of View : approx. 100%

• AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High angle mode
Connectivity
• USB2.0 High speed

• AV Output (NTSC/PAL)

• HD AV Output (component)

• DC Input
Print compliance
• PictBridge

• DPOF
Storage
• SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard (Still image only)

• approx. 27MB internal memory
Power
• Li-ion battery

• Charger included

• AC adaptor (optional)

• Battery life up to 300 pictures (CIPA Standard)
Weight (excl batt)
214 g (7.5 oz)
Dimensions
103.3 x 59.3 x 36.5 mm (4.07 x 2.33 x 1.44 in)

Fujifilm Finepix S100FS

2008-05-05T03:32:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm Finepix S100FS Review

Headline features

-14.3X optical zoom (28-400mm equivalent)
-2/3" sensor with 11.1 million effective pixels
-Eighth generation Super CCD HR sensor
-2.5" tiltable LCD screen
-Film simulation modes (imitate the behavior of Fuji films)
-Dynamic range expansion mode
-Exposure, dynamic range and film simulation bracketing

S100FS Key specifications

Street price

• US: $750

• UK: £400
Body Material: Plastic
Sensor
• 2/3" Super Type CCD• 11.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 3840 x 2880

• 4032 x 2688 (3:2)

• 2816 x 2112

• 2048 x 1536

• 1600 x 1200

• 640 x 480
Movie clips
• 640 x 480 @ 30 fps

• 320 x 240 @ 30 fps

• AVI Motion JPEG with WAVE monaural audio
Lens
• 28 - 400 mm (35 mm equiv)

• F2.8 - F5.3

• 14.3x optical zoom
Focus
• TTL contrast-type autofocus

• Single / Continuous AF

• Manual focus

• Center / Moveable area / Multi
Focus distance
• Normal: 50 cm (wide) / 2.5 m (tele) - Infinity

• Macro: 10 cm (wide) / 90 cm (tele) - 3.0m

• Super macro (28mm equiv. only) 1 cm - 1.0 m
Metering
• TTL 256-zone metering

• Multi-area• Average• Spot
Shutter speed
• 30-1/4000 sec (extremes depending on exposure mode)
Aperture
• F2.8-F8 (wide)

• F5.3-F8 (tele)
Shooting mode
• Auto• Program

• Aperture Priority

• Shutter Priority

• Manual

• Film simulation bracketing

• Movie• 2 custom modes

• Scene modes
Scene modes
• Nature

• Nature soft

• Nature vivid

• Flowers• Portrait

• Portrait soft

• Baby mode

• Portrait enhancer

• Night

• Sunset

• Snow

• Beach

• Sport

• Fireworks
Sensitivity
• Auto

• Auto (Max ISO 400)

• Auto (Max ISO 800)

• Auto (Max ISO 1600)

• ISO 100

• ISO 200

• ISO 400• ISO 800• ISO 1600• ISO 3200• ISO 6400 (up to 6MP)• ISO 10000 (up to 3MP)
White Balance
• Auto

• Fine

• Shade

• Fluorescent (daylight)

• Fluorescent (warm white)

• Fluorescent (cool white)

• Incandescent• Custom
Image parameters
• Film simulation modes: Provia, Velvia, Soft, Portrait

• Color, Tone and Sharpness controls

• Dynamic range expansion
Continuous
• 3 fps, max 7 JPEG, 3 RAW (Top-3 or Final-3)

• 7 fps, 50 shots at 3MP• 1 fps until card is full
Flash
• Built-in pop-up• Range (Auto ISO): 7.2 m (w), 3.8 m (t)

• Modes: Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync, all with Red-eye reduction option.
Storage
• 25 MB internal memory• SD/SDHC memory card (not included)

• xD-Picture Card (not included)
Viewfinder
• 0.2" electronic viewfinder (EVF)

• 200,000 pixels (each pixel shows R,G and B consecutively)

• Approx.100% coverage
LCD monitor
• 2.5" TFT LCD

• 230,000 dots

• Approx. 100% coverage
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 High speed

• A/V out (NTSC/PAL switchable)
Power
• NP-140 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery

• Charger included
Other features
• DPOF

• PictBridge

• Index view

• Histogram

• 2 and 10 sec self-timer

• Hardware-based Face Detection AF/AE
Optional accessories
• Leather case

• Compact AC Power Adapter AC-84V

• RR-80 Remote Release cable
Weight (no batt)
968 g (34 oz) inc memory card and batteries, 918g without.
Dimensions
133 x 94 x 150 mm (5.3 x 3.7 x 5.9 in)

Canon PowerShot SD750

2008-03-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

Canon PowerShot SD750 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

SD750 Features and Technical Details:
SD750Features :
7.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
3x optical zoom; ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto, 3.0” PureColor LCD
DIGIC III Image Processor; Face Detection AF/AE
Selectable shooting modes and special scene modes
Print/Share button makes direct printing simple
SD750Technical Details:
Model: SD750 Digital ELPH
Optical Sensor Resolution: 7.1 MP
optical_sensor_technology: CCD Unknown modifier
Optical zoom: 3 x
maximum_aperture_range: F/2.8-4.9 Unknown modifier
Minimum focal length: 5.8 millimeters
Maximum focal length: 17.4 millimeters
Lens Type: Zoom lens
optical_sensor_size: 1/2.5" Unknown modifier
Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
Red-eye reduction: Y
form_factor: SD Memory Card Unknown modifier, Built-in Unknown modifier
Display: LCD display
Display Technology: TFT active matrix
Display Size: 3 inches
light_sensitivity: ISO 100 Unknown modifier, ISO 800 Unknown modifier, ISO 400 Unknown modifier, ISO 200 Unknown modifier, ISO 80 Unknown modifier, ISO auto Unknown modifier, ISO 1600 Unknown modifier
video_input_format: AVI Unknown modifier
Image types: JPEG
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
video_input_special_effects: Lighter Skin Tone Unknown modifier, Darker Skin Tone Unknown modifier, Vivid Green Unknown modifier, Vivid Blue Unknown modifier, Vivid Red Unknown modifier, Black & White Unknown modifier, Sepia Unknown modifier, Positive Film Unknown modifier, Neutral Unknown modifier, Vivid Unknown modifier, Custom Effect Unknown modifier
Exposure Control Type: Beach, Kids & pets, Digital macro, Night snapshot, Snow, Portrait mode, Color swap, Color accent, Aquarium, Stitch assist, Fireworks, Underwater, Indoor, Foliage
Viewfinder Type: None
Audio Input: Microphone
Width: 3.6 inches
Depth: 0.8 inches
Height: 2.2 inches
Weight: 0.31 pounds

SD750Details:
Product Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches ; 4.6 ounces
Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
ASIN: B000NK6J6Q
Item model number: SD750 Digital ELPH

Nikon SLR D60

2008-03-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

Technical Details:
-Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality
-Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens
-2.5-inch LCD screen; horizontal and vertical orientation are detected automatically
-Continuous shooting at 3 fps; Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control
-Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Product Details:
-Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 6.6 x 12 inches ; 1.6 pounds
-Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
-Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
-ASIN: B0012OGF6Q
-Item model number: 25438
Product Description:
Manufacturer Description
Are you looking for a real digital SLR that’s easy to use? Do you want mobility without sacrificing capability? Would you like simple operation and enough features to step forward creatively? If so, then get to know the Nikon D60. Now you can experience the best of both worlds: enjoy one-button simplicity with Auto, or try many exciting levels of creative control. There is room for everyone to explore the thrill and magic of photography. Have fun, and don’t worry -- it’s a Nikon
Built on 90 years of optical expertise and decades of award-winning camera designs, the Nikon family of cameras covers every type of picture-taker -- from seasoned professionals to travelers on vacation. The D60 is the latest example of Nikon innovation, transforming complex technology into a fun, powerful and easy-to-use camera. Nikon delivers the cutting-edge technologies you would expect from a digital SLR -- fast response, creative versatility, and breathtaking image quality -- while eliminating complications and frustrations so that taking pictures is enjoyable and stress-free. With 10.2 megapixels, the D60’s image sensor delivers high-resolution pictures with rich, faithful color and detail that are ready for stunning enlargements. It also gives you the freedom to crop pictures exactly as you want them. And with Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II, you can expect beautifully exposed pictures under almost any lighting condition, with Nikon’s original digital image processing concept, EXPEED, comprehensively optimizing your pictures, shot after shot.
Nikon D60 Digital SLR Highlights
Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System Dust in front of your camera sensor can mean distracting spots on your pictures. That’s why Nikon does everything to ensure clear pictures, including minimizing the build-up and appearance of dust. Nikon’s exclusive Airflow Control System is one of the two main protections against dust. It leads air within the mirror box towards small ducts near the base, preventing internal dust from settling in front of the image sensor. The D60’s second form of defense is the Imaging Sensor Cleaning function, which was originally built for the D300. Every time you turn the camera on or off, this function uses vibrations to steer dust away from the optical low-pass filter in front of the sensor (deactivation and manual activation are also possible). Nikon engineers have also dealt with dust and other tiny particles in many other ways to prevent such image degrading material from attaching to the filter or being seen by the sensor when you are taking pictures. With all these measures in place, you can concentrate on getting the shot while exploring the wide array of Nikkor interchangeable lenses that a Nikon digital SLR opens up to you.

Rich, Smooth Detail with Active D-Lighting Sometimes, even a perfectly exposed scene will not render an ideal photograph. With difficult lighting conditions, important details can be lost in the highlights and shadows. But with Nikon’s Active D-Lighting, the D60 can correct these exposure issues instantly and automatically, while you shoot. Simply set Active D-Lighting before you start shooting. Active D-Lighting is available when "Matrix" is selected for metering.

Eye Sensor The Eye Sensor activates every time you look through the viewfinder, turning off the information display on the LCD for comfortable shooting.

Compact, Light and Comfortable The D60 is compact, light and ready to go wherever life takes you. The D60’s size is not the only factor to consider; its shape is ergonomically designed to fit in your hand naturally and comfortably. Nikon’s experienced engineers know that operating a camera shouldn’t distract you. That’s why each button and texture on the camera’s exterior has been carefully considered for the most efficient and fluid operation possible.

Nikon’s Intelligent Built-in Flash -- Simply Brilliant Proper flash lighting used to require skill, time and patience. With the D60, however, flash photography is simple, instant and accurate. Thanks to Nikon’s cutting-edge i-TTL flash technology, all the complicated calculations happen automatically, giving you balanced flash illumination under almost any conditions, even difficult lighting situations such as backlit subjects. With Auto mode, you just point, shoot and let the camera do the rest. It’s that simple.

Display Format Options The information display in the 2.5-inch LCD monitor lets you check essential camera information quickly and easily. Choose whatever display format fits your taste best: each of the Graphic and Classic formats have three color variations to suit your preferences, while Wallpaper uses one of your own pictures as the background. Graphic format uses visual displays to show shutter speed and aperture, as well as the mode dial every time you turn it to a new setting. The D60 even recognizes whether you are holding the camera horizontally or vertically, and then automatically displays camera information on the LCD monitor accordingly.

Product Description:
18-55mm AFS DX Nikkor / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Focusing screen - Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR - All functions supported; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except autofocus; Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF - Not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR - All functions supported except some shooting modes; AI-P NIKKOR - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; Non-CPU - Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster - Electronic rangefinder can be used Frame advance up to 3 fps Self-timer - Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration Metering method - Matrix - 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted - Weight of 75 percent given to 8mm circle in center of frame; Spot - Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 degrees C/68 degrees F); Matrix, Center-weighted, and Spot metering Dimensions (W x H x D) - 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 inch)/ 1.1 lb

Epson Stylus Photo RX610 มาตรฐานมัลติฟังก์ชันมีระดับ

2008-03-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

หน้าตาของ Epson Stylus Photo RX610 บ่งบอกชัดเจนมากว่า “ข้านี่แหละเป็นพรินเตอร์มัลติฟังก์ชัน” ตัวเครื่องขนาดใหญ่โต ดูแข็งแรง ออกโทนสีเทา/ดำ ดูเรียบง่าย มีหน้าจอแสดงผลการทำงานขนาด 2.5 นิ้ว และปุ่มควบคุมการทำงานต่างๆ อยู่ด้านหน้าชัดเจน (มากมายหลายปุ่ม) ฟังก์ชันการทำงานครอบคลุมทั้งงานพิมพ์ ถ่ายเอกสารและสแกนความเร็วในการพิมพ์ตัวอักษรสีดำอยู่ที่ 37 หน้าต่อนาที (กระดาษ A4 ปกติ ความละเอียดการพิมพ์แบบ Draft) และ 38 หน้าต่อนาที สำหรับการพิมพ์ตัวอักษรสี ในกระดาษ A4 ปกติเช่นกัน พิมพ์ภาพขนาด 4x6 นิ้ว ด้วยความเร็ว 11 วินาที ความละเอียด 5,760x1,440 จุดต่อนิ้วถ่ายสำเนาด้วยความเร็ว 37 หน้าต่อนาที ทั้งสีและขาวดำ มีให้เลือก 5 โหมด ได้แก่ Standard, BorderFree Repeat (Auto,4) 2-up และ CD Copy ย่อขยายได 25-400 เปอร์เซ็นต์ โหมดสแกนภาพ สามารถสแกนเอกสารต้นฉบับสีได้ ความละเอียดสูงสุดแบบ Optical 1,200x2,400 จุดต่อนิ้ว CCD แบบ Alternative 1 lines Mono CIS With Online Microlens

หมึกแยกสี 6 ตลับ Black, Cyon, Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyon และ Light Magenta สีไหนหมดก็แยกซื้อได้ต่างหากไม่ต้องโละทิ้งหมด

อินเตอร์เฟส Hi-Speed USB2.0 (รองรับ Bluetooth) ระบบปฏิบัติการที่รองรับ Windows 98SE/ME/2000 / XP/ XP-x64 Edition / Vista, Mac OSX 10.2.8 หรือมากกว่า

ติดตั้ง Built-In Card Slot มาในตัวทั้งแบบ CF Type II, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro/SD/MMC, xD-Picture รองรับการ์ดหลากหลายรูปแบบไม่ว่าจะเป็น CompactFlash, Micro Drive, Memory Stick, Magicgate Memory Stick, Magicgate Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Duo, Mini SD, Micro SD, SD/SDHC, Micro SDHC, Mini SDHC, Memory Stick Micro, MMC และ xDPicture สามารถสั่งพิมพ์งานได้ทันทีโดยไม่ต้องผ่านคอมพิวเตอร์ (รองรับ PictBridge พิมพ์งานโดยตรงจากกล้องดิจิทัล และเทคโนโลยี Print Image Matching, Exif Print) ถาดใส่กระดาษรองรับกระดาษหลายรูปแบบ สามารถพริ้นท์สื่อพิเศษ ประเภทต่างๆ ได้ไม่ว่าจะเป็นกระดาษบาง กระดาษแข็ง กระดาษรีไซเคิล ซองจดหมาย แผ่นใส ฉลาก ไปรษณียบัตร การ์ด และธนบัตร (หนาสุด 0.33 มิลลิเมตร) ถาดกระดาษแบบมาตรฐาน ใช้ได้กับกระดาษหลายขนาด อาทิ A4, A5, A6, B5 เป็นต้น รองรับกระดาษได้สูงสุด 120 แผ่น นอกจากนี้ยังสามารถพิมพ์บน CD หรือ DVD ได้อีกด้วยการติดตั้งก็เฉกเช่นเครื่องพิมพ์ทั่วไป ไม่มีอะไรยุ่งยากซับซ้อนพูดถึงซอฟต์แวร์ที่มากับแผ่นไดรเวอร์สักนิด มีฟังก์ชันที่น่าสนใจได้แก่ Easy Photo Fix2 สำหรับแก้ไขภาพ Color Restoration แก้ไขสี และ Dust Removal ไว้ลบรอยฝุ่น ทำงานได้ดีไม่แพ้โปรแกรมชื่อดังทีเดียว ทำงานโดยรวมได้ดี คุณภาพงานพิมพ์อยู่ในเกณฑ์ดี ความคมชัดและความเร็วทำได้ตามที่ระบุ และทำได้ดีในการพิมพ์ไฟล์รูปภาพ ส่วนงานสแกนและถ่ายสำเนาคมชัดดี

TECH ความเร็วในการพิมพ์ตัวอักษรสี กระดาษขนาด A4 สูงสุด 38 หน้า/นาที (ความละเอียดแบบ Draft) พิมพ์ภาพขนาด 4x6 นิ้ว ด้วยความเร็ว 11 วินาที ความละเอียดสูงสุด 5,760x1,440 จุดต่อนิ้ว ความเร็วในการถ่ายสำเนา 37 หน้าต่อนาที ทั้งสีและขาวดำ (ความละเอียดแบบ Draft) ย่อขยายได้ 25-400 เปอร์เซ็นต์โหมดสแกนภาพ ความละเอียดสูงสุด แบบ Optical 1,200x2,400 จุดต่อนิ้ว หมึกสีแยก 6 ตลับ Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyan, Light Magenta อินเตอร์เฟส Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Bluetooth, Built-In Card Slot รองรับ PictBridge, Print Image Matching, Exif Print ระบบปฏิบัติการที่รองรับ Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP/ XP-x64 Edition/ Vista, Mac OSX 10.2.8 หรือมากกว่า รองรับกระดาษได้สูงสุด 120 แผ่น

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

2008-02-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features
-10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
-Large 2.5-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 zoom lens
-New self-cleaning dust function, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
-DIGIC II Image Processor provides fast, accurate image processing; Picture Style settings for added creative control
-Stores images on Compact Flash (CF) memory cards; powered by battery pack NB-2LH

Technical Details

Type: Digital AF/AE SLR with built-in flash
Recording medium: CompactFlash (CF) Card Type I and II
Image format: 0.87 x 0.58 inches/22.2 x 14.8 millimeters (APS-C size sensor)
Compatible lenses: Canon EF and EF-S lenses
Lens mount: Canon EF mount
Lens focal length conversion factor: 1.6x
Image sensor type: High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor
Pixels: Approximately 10.1 megapixels
Total pixels: Approximately 10.5 megapixels
Aspect ratio: 3:2 (horizontal : vertical)
Color filter system: RGB primary color filters
Low-pass filter: Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Recording format: JPEG, RAW, and RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording provided. The RAW and JPEG images are saved as separate files in the CF card.
Image format: JPEG, RAW (Canon .CR2)
File size: Large/Fine: approximately 3.8MB (3,888 x 2,592); Large/Normal: approximately 2.0MB (3,888 x 2,592); Medium/Fine: approximately 2.3MB (2,816 x 1,880); Medium/Normal: approximately 1.2MB (2,816 x 1,880); Small/Fine: approximately 1.3MB (1,936 x 1,288); Small/Normal: Approximately 0.7MB (1,936 x 1,288); RAW: approximately 9.8MB (3,888 x 2,592)
Folders: Automatic folder creation; up to 9,999 images per folder (new folder created when the file number reaches 9999)
File numbering: Continuous numbering, auto reset, manual reset (the image numbering is reset to 0001, a new folder is created where subsequent images are saved)
Color Space: Selectable between sRGB and Adobe RGB
Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini-B port. NTSC/PAL for video output
White Balance settings: Auto, Preset (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash), Manual (Custom or user-set Color Temperature)
Auto White Balance: Auto white balance with the image sensor inches
Color temperature compensation: White balance bracketing: +/- stops in 1-stop increments; white balance correction: blue/amber bias +/- 9 levels, magenta/green bias +/- 9 levels inches
Viewfinder type: Eye-level SLR with pentamirror inches
Coverage: Approximately 95% horizontally and vertically pounds
Magnification: 0.8x (-1 dpt with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint: Approximately 21mm
Dioptric adjustment correction: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Mirror: Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60)
Viewfinder information: AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure (shutter speed, aperture, exposure level, AE lock, exposure compensation, AEB level, bulb), flash (flash ready, red-eye reduction lamp on, high-speed sync, FE lock, FEB shooting, flash exposure compensation, insufficient flash warning during FE lock), white balance correction, maximum burst, CF card full warning, CF card error warning, no CF card warning

Depth-of-field preview: Enabled with depth-of-field preview button (with Speedlite 580EX, 430EX, MR-14EX or MT-24EX; pressing the depth-of-field preview button fires a modeling flash)
Eyepiece shutter: None (eyepiece cover provided on strap)
Autofocus type: TTL-CT-SIR with CMOS sensor
AF points: 9 AF points
AF working range: EV -0.5 to 18 (ISO 100 at 73 degrees F/23 degrees C)
Focusing modes: Autofocus: One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF (automatic switching between One-Shot/Predictive AI Servo AF); Manual Focus (MF)
AF point selection: Automatic selection, Manual AF point selection
Selected AF point display: Superimposed on viewfinder and LCD monitor
AF-assist beam: Intermittent firing of built-in flash (emitted automatically when necessary under low light, and linked to all 9 AF points; not emitted in the Landscape, Sports, and Flash OFF modes)
Metering modes: Maximum aperture TTL metering with 35-zone SPC; evaluative metering (linked to all AF points), partial metering (approximately 9% at center of viewfinder), center-weighted average metering
Metering range: EV 1-20 (ISO 100 at 73 degrees F/23 degrees C with EF 50mm f1.4 USM lens)
Exposure control systems: Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Auto Depth-of-field AE (non-shiftable), Full auto (Program AE, non-shiftable), Programmed image control modes, Manual exposure (including bulb), E-TTL II autoflash program AE
ISO speed range: Basic Zone: automatically set by the camera; Creative Zone: equivalent to ISO 100-1,600
Exposure compensation: User-set with multi-controller, AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing); bracketing range: +/- 2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
AE lock: Auto: applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved; user-set: applied with AE lock button
Shutter type: Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 second to 30 seconds (1/3- and 1/2-stop increments), X-sync at 1/200 second; shutter durability: approximately 100,000 exposures
Shutter release: Soft-touch electomangetic release; shutter "lag time" approximately 100 microseconds inches
Self-timer: 10 seconds delay, 2 seconds delay with C.Fn-7-1 (mirror lockup) inches
Remote control: Remote control with Remote Switch RS-60E3 or Wireless Remote Controllers RC-1/RC-5 inches
Built-in flash type: Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism pounds
Guide number: 43 feet/13 meters (ISO 100)
Recycling time: Approximately 3 seconds
Flash-ready indicator: Flash-ready indicator lights in viewfinder
Flash coverage: 17mm lens focal length (equivalent to 27mm in 135 format)
Flash metering system: E-TTL II autoflash
Flash exposure compensation: +/-2 stops in 1/3- and 1/2-stop increments
External Speedlite: EOS external flash or dedicated Speedlites, E-TTL II autoflash with EX-Series Speedlites
PC terminal: Provided; not sensitive to flash polarity
Drive modes: Single, Continuous, Self-timer/Remote control
Continuous shooting speed: Approximately 3 frames per second (fps) (at shutter speed of 1/250 seconds or faster)
Maximum burst during continuous shooting: JPEG: approximately 27 frames (Large/Fine); RAW: approximately 10 frames; RAW+JPEG: approximately 8 frames (Large/Fine)
LCD monitor type: TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Monitor size: 2.5-inch diagonal with a viewing angle of approximately 160 degrees vertically and horizontally
Pixels: Approximately 230,000 pixels
Coverage: Approximately 100%
Brightness control: 7 levels provided
Image display format: Single image, 9-image index, magnified zoom (approximately 1.5x to 10x), auto play, auto review right after shooting, histogram, rotate, jump
Highlight alert: In the single image (INFO) display mode, the highlight portions containing no image information will blink
Image protection and erase protection: A single image can be protected or unprotected
Erase: A single image or all images stored in a CF card can be erased if they are unprotected
Direct printing from the camera: Enabled with the Print/Share button
Compatible printers: CP and Selphy Compact Photo Printers, Pixma Photo Printers, and PictBridge compatible printers (via USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU) inches
Settings: Print quantity, style (image, paper size, borders, date), trimming inches
New features: Dust Delete Feature: Auto Sensor Cleaning, Dust Delete Data, Manual Sensor Cleaning inches
Picture Style: Six preset Picture Style settings plus three user-defined custom Picture style settings with individual adjustments for sharpness, contrast, color saturation, 2nd color tone; filter effect, toning effect for black and white images pounds
Menu categories: Shooting menu: red; playback menu: blue; setup menu: yellow
LCD monitor language: 15 languages provided (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
Firmware update: Enabled by the user
Power source: One Battery Pack NB-2LH
Number of shots: Approximately 500 (73 degrees F/23 degrees C, flash off), approximately 370 (32 degrees F/0 degrees C, flash off) (CIPA testing standards)
Battery check: Automatic
Power saving: provided; power turns off after set time of 30 seconds, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 minutes or off
Back-up battery: One CR2016 Lithium Battery
Dimensions (W x H x D): 4.98 x 3.71 x 2.56 inches/126.5 x 94.2 x 65 millimeters
Weight: 18 ounces/510 grams (body only)
Operating temperature range: 32-104 degrees F/0-40 degrees C
Operating humidity range: 85% or less
Lens focal length and maximum aperture: 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6
Lens construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
Lens diagonal angle of view: 75 degrees 20 minutes to 27 degrees 50 minutes
Lens focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with Micro USM
Closest focusing distance (included 18-55mm lens): 0.28 meters / 0.92 feet to infinity
Lens zoom system: Rotating type
Lens filter size: 58mm
Maximum diameter x length: 2.7 x 2.6 inches / 69 x 66.2 millimeters
Lens weight: 6.07 ounces, 190 grams

Canon PowerShot A590 IS

2008-02-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

Canon PowerShot A590 IS

CAMERA SPECS:

Manufacturer:Canon USA, Inc.
Model name:PowerShot A590 IS
Date announced:2008-01-23
MSRP:$179
Official site:PowerShot A590 IS Homepage
Max resolution:3264 x 2448 (8 Megapixel)
Sensor size (type):1/2.5" (CCD)
Zoom capability:4X optical + 4X digital
Focal length (35mm equiv.):35mm - 140mm
Max. Aperture:F2.6 - F5.5
Supports conversion lenses:Yes
Auto focus:Yes
AF-assist lamp:Yes
Optical image stabilization:Yes
Macro (min. distance):Yes (5 cm)
Built-in flash:Yes
External flash support:No

LCD display:Yes/2.5"
LCD resolution:
LCD position:
Viewfinder:Optical

Manual controls:
Exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, focus
ISO sensitivity:80/100/200/400/800/1600
Movie mode (format):Yes (AVI)
Movie resolutions (recording limit):640 x 480
Sound recording:Yes
RAW/TIFF mode:No
PictBridge support:Yes

Storage method:SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus (32MB card included)
Storage capacity (w/included card):8-278
Batteries used:AA (2)

Video out:Yes
USB support:Yes (2.0)
Computer supported:Mac/PC
Dimensions (W x H x D):94.0 x 66.0 x 40.6 mm / 3.7 x 2.6 x 1.6 in
Weight (empty):175 g / 6.2 oz
Bundled software:Canon Digital Camera Solution

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Review

2008-02-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Review based on a production Alpha DSLR-A700 with firmware version 2.0

It's been almost two years since Konica Minolta pulled out of the photo business and transferred its entire camera division to Sony, and well over a year since the first Sony DSLR (the DSLR-A100) was announced. Two years is a long time in the digital SLR market, but the three years Minolta (latterly Konica Minolta, now Sony) SLR users have been waiting for a high end model to replace the innovative Maxxum (Dynax) 7D must have felt like a lifetime. But, finally, it's here, and it looks very much like the mockup shown earlier in the year

Like the A100, the new camera still wears its Konica Minolta heritage very much on its sleeve, and when you start to look a little more closely at the specification it's obvious that there's still an awful lot of Konica Minolta DNA in the A700. This is hardly surprising given that the circumstances behind its development.

And, just as the A100 was obviously based on - and designed to be a successor to - the KM 5D, the A700 follows on from the 7D, and - despite lots of Sony touches and an attractive new design - 7D users are likely to find using the new model reassuringly familiar.

But of course Sony doesn't only have existing system users in its cross hairs; the A700 is designed to go head to head with the latest 'prosumer' models from Nikon, Canon and Pentax. Whether the A700 offers enough to really put Sony on the DSLR map will be decided when we get to look properly at the image quality, but on specification, features and handling it certainly seems to have what it takes to play with the big boys.

Interestingly the one thing the A700 doesn't have is any form of live view; when we spoke to Sony about this the answer was simple; they believe that the compromises involved in current systems are satisfactory, and they won't implement live view until they can 'get it right'. Whether the lack of live view has any real relevance in a camera at this level remains to be seen; we doubt it.

The A700 shares many technologies with earlier Konica Minolta models (including, naturally, the lens mount), plus all those introduced in the A100 - though virtually all have been uprated or upgraded in one way or another (we've been told the A100 and A700 share virtually no components). From the sensor to the construction of the body to the GUI to the extensive feature set, this is a very different camera to the entry-level A100 (more of which later in this review). We'll start by looking at what's specifically new to this model:

DATA FROM:http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra700/

Canon SD870 IS Digital ELPH (IXUS 860 IS) Review

2008-02-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

The SD870 IS (known in Europe as the IXUS 860 IS and in Japan as the IXY Digital 910IS), announced in August, is a replacement for the SD 800 IS (IXUS 850 IS), one of last year's most popular ultra compacts. It retains the SD800's optically stabilized 28-105mm (equiv.) zoom lens, making it one of the only cameras in this sector of the market with this useful wideangle capability, and throws a few new or upgraded features into the mix, including improved Face Detection AF and red-eye reduction in playback mode, and Auto ISO shift. The other changes are fairly predictable, with a larger screen and just under one million extra pixels. The highlights of the specification are as follows:

-8.0 Megapixels and 3.8x zoom
-Wide angle 28mm lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
-DIGIC III with Advanced Noise Reduction and Face Detection AF/AE
-Safety Zoom (limits digital zoom to avoid interpolation)
-ISO 1600
-High resolution 3.0" LCD
-17 shooting modes including VGA movies (30 fps) with sound
-Optional accessories available, including Underwater Case

Key differences compared to SD 800 IS

The SD 870 IS is a distinctly gentle revision of the SD800 IS, launched around a year ago. It offers a larger screen than its predecessor but it loses the optical viewfinder to keep the overall body size virtually unchanged. It also gains a higher resolution sensor but loses out in terms of continuous shooting speed, with the frame rate dropping from 1.7fps to 1.3, suggesting the buffer has not been increased. Other noticeable gains include a useful user-definable function button, a touch control wheel and Auto ISO-shift function.

-More pixels (8.0 vs 7.4)
-Larger screen (3.0" vs 2.5")

SD870 IS / IXUS 860 IS specifications

Street price:
• $370• £230
Naming:
• US name: Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Digital ELPH• European name: Canon Digital IXUS 860 IS• Japanese name: IXY Digital 910 IS
Body Material:
Metal and plastic
Sensor:
• 1/2.5 " Type CCD• 8.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes:
• 3264 x 2448• 2592 x 1944• 2048 x 1536• 1600 x 1200• 640 x 480• 3264 x 1832
Movie clips:
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps• 640 x 480 @ 30fps (Long play)• 320 x 240 @ 30fps• 160 x 120 @ 15fps (Compact mode)
File formats:
• JPEG Exif 2.2• DCF• DPOF 1.1• AVI Motion JPEG with WAVE monaural
Lens
• 4.6-17.3mm (28-105mm equiv)• F2.8-5.8• 3.8x optical zoom
Image stabilization:
Yes (lens shift-type)
Conversion lenses:
None
Digital zoom :
up to 4x
Focus:
TTL
AF area modes :
• AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point)• 1-point AF (fixed center)
AF assist lamp :
Yes
Focus distance:
Closest 3cm
Metering:
• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame)• Center-weighted average• Spot
ISO sensitivity:
• Auto• High ISO Auto• ISO 80• ISO 100• ISO 200• ISO 400• ISO 800• ISO 1600
Exposure compensation:
• +/- 2EV• in 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed:
15-1/1600 sec
Aperture:
F2.8-5.8
Modes:
• Auto• Manual • Digital Macro• Color Accent• Color Swap • Stitch Assist• Movie• Special Scene
Scene modes :
• Portrait• Night Snapshot• Kids & Pets• Indoor• Foliage• Snow• Beach• Fireworks• Aquarium• Underwater
White balance:
• Auto• Daylight• Cloudy• Tungsten• Fluorescent• Fluorescent H• Custom
Self timer
• 2 or 10secs• Custom
Continuous shooting:
approx 1.3fps until card is full
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)
Flash:
• Auto• Manual Flash on / off• Slow sync• Red-eye reduction• Range: 30cm-4.0m (wide) / 2.0m (tele)
Viewfinder:
None
LCD monitor:
• 3.0-inch P-Si TFT• 230,000 pixels
Connectivity:
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed• AV out
Print compliance:
• PictBridge• Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP printers only)
Storage
• SD / SDHC / MMC card compatible • 32 MB card supplied
Power
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery NB-5L• Charger included• Optional AC adapter kit
Other features :
• Optional High Power Flash HF-DC1• Optional Waterproof Case (WP-DC17)
Weight (No batt)
155 g (5.5 oz)
Dimensions:
92.6 x 58.8 x 25.9 mm (3.7 x 2.3 x 1.0 inch)

Canon EOS 40D Review

2008-02-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

The EOS 40D becomes the sixth Canon 'prosumer' digital SLR, a line which started back in 2000 with the EOS D30, and how far we've come. It's been eighteen months since the EOS 30D and although on the surface the 40D looks like a fairly subtle upgrade there's a lot that makes this an even better camera. Of course we expect a step up in megapixels, and so the 40D comes with a ten million pixel CMOS sensor with the same sort of dust reduction as the EOS 400D, an ultrasonic platform which shakes the low pass filter. Other improvements bring the EOS 40D closer into line with the EOS-1D series, these include a move to the same page-by-page menu system, both RAW and sRAW (2.5 MP), 14-bit A/D converter and 14-bit RAW, cross-type AF points for F5.6 or faster lenses, a larger and brighter viewfinder, interchangeable focusing screens, a larger LCD monitor (3.0") and faster continuous shooting (6.5 fps).

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos40d/

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS 8.0 MP

2008-02-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

Product Description:
Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH camera has an impressive array of top-tier photo features including an advanced ultra-compact zoom lens and optical viewfinder to easily capture, record and share brilliant images under a full range of shooting conditions, all within a curvaceous, eye-catching compact design. It is a digital camera that will really get your creative juices flowing. It starts with a high resolution 8.0 Megapixel CCD, a 4x Optical Zoom with Canon's exclusive UA Lens and an Optical Image Stabilizer for steady zooming. There's also a DIGIC III Image Processor with Face Detection and Red-eye correction, an ISO 1600 setting for sharper images in low light, 5 Movie Modes and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD with scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating for easy viewing. Still Resolution - Up to 3,264 x 2,448 (Large), 3,264 x 1,832 (Widescreen) - 16 - 9 Movie modes - 640 x 480 / 320 x 240 (30 fps/15 fps) available up to 4GB or 60 minutes, 640 x 480 (2 hours at 0.5 fps/1 fps), 320 x 240 (1 min. at 60 fps), 160 x 120 (3 min. at 15 fps) On camera editing Windows and Macintosh capable Computer Interface - USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B jack); Video Out - NTSC/PAL (connect cables included); Audio Out - Monaural Power Source - 1. Battery Pack NB-5L; 2. AC Adapter Kit ACK-DC30 (both included) Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - 3.56 x 2.22 x 1.04 in./90.4 x 56.5 x 26.4mm; Weight - Approx. 5.82 oz./165g (camera body only)
function registerNamespace(ns)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Product Details:
Model: 2047B001
Released on: 2007-06-05
Dimensions: 2.22" h x 1.04" w x 3.60" l, .75 pounds
Display size: 2.5
Included Software: Yes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Features:

8.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
4x Optical Image Stabilized zoom for steady, long zoom shooting
High-resolution 2.5-inch PureColor LCD with scratch-resistant, anti-reflection coating
Sensitivity range to ISO 1600 for sharper photos in low light
Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canon PowerShot SX100 IS Full Review

2008-02-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

The PowerShot SX100 IS is the first model in Canon's new SX series of budget super zoom compact cameras, and in the Powershot line-up slots in somewhere between the tried and tested A-Series and the more upmarket S5 IS. Canon's engineers combined the materials and build quality of the former with the long lens, some features and design of the latter to merge them into a brand new camera that goes head to head with Panasonic's popular TZ series (and the new Sony H3). The SX100 IS comes with a 8.0MP sensor, a 10x zoom, optical image stabilization and a comprehensive range of manual photographic controls, all nicely wrapped up in a compact silver or black plastic body. Canon says the SX series offers exceptional performance in the hands of any member of the family, so let's find out how it performed in our capable hands, starting, as ever, with the headline features:
8.0 Megapixels
10x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (36-360mm equiv.)
Comprehensive range of photographic controls with P, Av, Tv and M modes
DIGIC III imaging processor
Face Detection
Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
2.5” LCD with 100% coverage
19 shooting modes
PowerShot SX100 IS specifications
Street price:
• US: $300• UK: £200
Body Material:
• Plastic
Sensor:
• 1/2.5 " Type CCD• 8.0 million effective pixels
Image processor:
DIGIC III
Image sizes:
• 3264 x 2448 • 2592 x 1944• 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200• 640 x 480• 3264 x 1832
Movie clips:
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps• 320 x 240 @ 30fps• 160 x 120 @ 15fps
Lens:
• 36-360mm (35mm equiv)• 10x optical zoom• F2.8-4.3
Optical Stabilization :
Yes (lens-shift)
Focus:
TTL autofocus
Metering:
• Evaluative• Center-weighted average • Spot
Shooting modes:
• Auto• Program AE• Shutter Priority AE• Aperture Priority AE• Manual• Portrait• Landscape• Night Snapshot• Kids & Pets• Special Scene• Stitch Assist• Movie
Scenes modes:
• Portrait• Landscape• Night Snapshot• Kids & Pets• Night Scene• Indoor• Foliage• Snow• Beach• Fireworks• Aquarium
Shutter speeds :
15-1/2500 sec
Apertures:
F2.8-4.3
Exposure compensation :
+/-2EV in 1/3EV stop increments
ISO 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• Custom
Image parameters:
My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Custom Color)
Continuous:
• Approx 0.8fps until card is full (AF / LiveView)• Approx 1.3fps until card is full (LCD monitor off)
Flash:
• Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Slow Sync, Red-eye reduction• +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments• Face Detection FE compensation• Safety FE• Flash exposure lock• Manual Power Adjustment (3 levels)• Range (Auto ISO): 50cm - 3.0m (wide) / 2.0m (tele)
Storage
• SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus , HC MMCplus compatible • 16 MB card supplied
Viewfinder:
No
LCD monitor:
• 2.5-inch P-Si TFT• 172,000 pixels• 100% coverage• 15 levels of brightness adjustment
Connectivity:
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed• AV out (PAL / NTSC switchable)
Power:
• 2x AA Alkaline or NiMH batteries• Optional AC adapter ACK800
In the box*
• PowerShot SX100 IS Body• AA-size Alkaline Battery (x2)• 16MB SD Memory Card • Wrist Strap• AV cable• USB interface cable• Software CD-ROM
Other features:
• Histogram• 2,10 sec or custom self timer• Face Detection• Optional High Power Flash (HF-DC1)
Weight (no batts) :
266g (9.4 oz)
Dimensions:
108.7 x 71.4 x 46.7 mm (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.8 in)

Canon PowerShot A720 IS Concise Review

2008-02-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

Review based on a production Canon PowerShot A720 IS
The PowerShot A720 IS is a minor update to the A710 IS and is the latest in Canon's popular 'A-series' of cameras offering a strong feature set and good degree of user control at a competitive price. It isn't the smallest or most powerful camera in the World, (or even in the Canon range), but it does a little bit of everything and gives a good degree of control over what the camera is doing, if you want it. This focus on making small cameras that do their job well has seen Canon dominate this sector of the market for some time so it will be interesting to see if the A720 IS does anything to upset this situation.

The specification highlights are:
8.0 Megapixels and 6x zoom
Optical Image Stabilizer
DIGIC III processor with Face Detection AF/AE
ISO 1600
17 shooting modes including VGA movies (30 fps) with sound
Optional accessories available, including Underwater Case
Key differences compared to A 710 IS
As mentioned above the A720 IS is an incredibly subtle revision of the A710 IS. The full extent of those changes reads something like:
More pixels (8.0 vs 7.1 million)
Face detection AE/AF
ISO range extends to 1600
PowerShot A720 IS specifications

Street price
• $210• £145
Body Material:Plastic
Sensor:
• 1/2.5 " Type CCD• 8.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes:
• 3264 x 2448• 2592 x 1944• 2048 x 1536• 1600 x 1200• 640 x 480• 3264 x 1832
Movie clips:
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps• 640 x 480 @ 30fps (Long play)• 320 x 240 @ 30fps• 160 x 120 @ 15fps (Compact mode)
File formats
• JPEG Exif 2.2• DCF• DPOF 1.1• AVI Motion JPEG with WAVE monaural
Lens:
• 5.8-34.8mm (35-210mm equiv)• F2.8-4.8• 6x optical zoom
Image stabilization:
Yes (lens shift-type)
Conversion lenses:
None
Digital zoom :
up to 4x
Focus:
TTL
AF area modes:
• AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point)• 1-point AF (fixed center/FlexiZone)
AF assist lamp:
Yes
Focus distance:
Closest 1cm
Metering:
• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame)• Center-weighted average• Spot
ISO sensitivity:
• Auto• High ISO Auto• ISO 80• ISO 100• ISO 200• ISO 400• ISO 800• ISO 1600
Exposure compensation:
• +/- 2EV• in 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed:
15-1/2000 sec (With noise reduction for exposures over 1.3 seconds)
Aperture:
F2.8-4.8
Modes:
• Auto• Manual • Digital Macro• Color Accent• Color Swap • Stitch Assist• Movie• Special Scene
Scene modes :
• Portrait• Landscape• Night Snapshot• Kids & Pets• Indoor• Foliage• Snow• Beach• Fireworks• Aquarium• Underwater• Night scene
White balance:
• Auto• Daylight• Cloudy• Tungsten• Fluorescent• Fluorescent H• Underwater• Custom
Self timer:
• 2 or 10secs• Custom
Continuous shooting:
approx 1.3fps until card is full
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)
Flash:
• Auto• Manual Flash on / off• Slow sync• 2nd-curtain• Red-eye reduction• Range: 30cm-3.5m (wide) / 55cm-2.0m (tele)
Viewfinder:
"Real-image" zoom viewfinder
LCD monitor:
• 2.5-inch P-Si TFT• 115,000 pixels
Connectivity:
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed• AV out
Print compliance :
• PictBridge• Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP printers only)
Storage:
• SD / SDHC / MMC card compatible • 32 MB card supplied
Power:
• AA batteries• Optional AC adapter kit ACK800
Other features :
• Optional High Power Flash HF-DC1• Conversion lens adapter LA-DC58G• Wide-angle converter WC-DC58N (requires LA-DC58G)• Tele-converter TC-DC58N (requires LA-DC58G)• Close-up Lens 250D (requires LA-DC58G)• Optional Waterproof Case (WP-DC16)
Weight (No batt) :
200 g (7.05 oz)
Dimensions:
97.3 x 67.0 x 41.9 mm (3.83 x 2.64 x 1.65 inch)

How to print quality photo like having a new printer.

2008-02-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

Many printers seem to give you the same problem no matter what brands or what model. As soon as you tell you PC to print a photo, it counters with a warning, telling you that image is larger than the printing area of your paper. After you see the result. you go cursing your printer.

In fact, It isn't your printer's fault. It is the software setting's fault. Many digital cameras can produce imagesat a default 72 ppi (pixel per inch) which is the same as your computer monitor. For example, a 2megapixel camera cn produce a 1,600-by-1,200-pixel image at 72 ppi or about 22x17 inch image. On the other hand a 5 megapixel camera may produce a 2,560x1,920 pixel image at 72 ppi or 36x27 inch image.

But to get a decent photo print, your image needs to be at least 200 ppi. Here's how to do it:

1. Size's matter - open you photo from your favourite photo editng software and it should be in the Editmenu/ and find Scale (resize) and change the scale x and y resolution to pixel per inch scale then change setting to 200 or up. (most magazine print can live with 266 ppi). but that isn't all

[Once you change the resolution you notice some changes from Width and Height mesurements to reflect the calculation. You have just tripled the resolution meaning you reducing your photo about one-third from original size. These new dimensions represent the maximum size at which you can print the image and still retain photo-realism for the most part, 2-megapixel photo file will yield a maximum 5x7 inch photo print.]

The higher the ppi resolution, the better the print quality. in most cases 200 ppi up for printing would be fine.

2. Limits- now you can upsize Width and Hight just a bit to interpolate pixels but don't do it too big! you will lose quality.

3. Perfect the size before print - If the measurements are larger than the paper size in printer, Type the target print size's width or hight (now the app will reconfigure the opposite side in propotion and beef up the resolution) in the corresponding field. If you get a warning from printer about image too big, down size it a bit.

4. Print- Go to page setup and choose how you print but dpi setiting should be as high as possible for best quality. And don't forget to use photo paper that's optimized for you printer.

Thanks MacAddict for the idea.

The Difference Between DPI and PPI

2008-02-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

Most people heard the term DPI. In most cases the term is used in the wrong context to express the number of pixels in a photo, the number of dots in a print or the maximum dots per inch a printer can output. A relatively new term PPI was introduced in order to resolve this wrong usage of the term DPI. In this article we will try to explain in simple words what is DPI and what is PPI and should each be used.

PPI: stands for Pixels per Inch. PPI describes the number of pixels per inch in a photo. PPI is a function of the number of pixels the camera’s sensor supports (also known as megapixels) and the size of the photo. To calculate a photo’s PPI simply multiply the page length by its width in inches. The result is the number of square inches on the page. Now divide the number of pixels the sensor supports by the number of square inches. The result is the number of pixels per square inch. All that is left to do is to find the square root of this number. Following is a table that shows the PPI for various page sizes for a 5 megapixel camera.

page size 4X6 - 456 PPI
page size 5X7 - 377 PPI
page size 8X10 - 250 PPI
page size 11X14 - 180 PPI
page size 16X20 - 125 PPI
page size 20X30 - 91 PPI

DPI: stands for Dots per Inch. DPI is really a physical characteristic of a printer. Every printer prints dots that when put next to each other comprise a photo. Each dot has a physical size. DPI is also known as the maximum resolution that a printer is capable of. Low-end printers have lower DPI while high-end printers have higher DPI. DPI is defined as the number of dots a printer can print per inch. For example if a printer supports 1200 DPI it means that the printer can print 1200 dots per inch (on both X or Y axis). When printing it is important to make sure that the DPI is higher or equal to the PPI. If the DPI is lower than the PPI the printer will not be able to fully display the high resolution of the photo. When printing a photo that has a lower PPI than DPI the printer will use multiple dots to represent one pixel. As opposed to PPI, DPI is not relative to the page size. DPI is a fixed number for a given printer.

Ziv Haparnas is a technology veteran and writes about practical technology and science issues. This article can be reprinted and used as long as the resource box including the backlink is included. You can find more information about photo album printing and photography in general on http://www.printrates.com - a site dedicated to digital photo printing.

how to choose a digital camera.

2008-02-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes. Which one is right for you? Would you like one to slip into a pocket or would you prefer something larger with a wide range of features. Deciding which type is right for you is the first step on the road to choosing your perfect digital camera.

I have divided up the types of digital cameras available into six different categories.

Simple Point and Shoot

These are the most basic and easy to use digital camera. They are also the cheapest. To get up and running with this type of digital camera all you really need to do is load the battery and memory card. Once you have done that it is simply a case of turning the camera on and taking pictures.

The downsides of this type of camera are often small LCD screens, fast use of batteries, shutter delay and low build quality

Suggested cameras: Canon Powershot A430, Sony DSC S600 and Panasonic DMC LS2.

High Quality Point and Shoot

The first thing that is noticeable with this type of digital camera is a big step up in build quality and a very stylish design. In terms of features it may not have any more than a simple point and shoot model. Picture quality is normally an improvement from the more basic cameras. This type of camera still remains easy to use.

These cameras tend to be considerably more expensive than the simple point and shoot models.

Suggested cameras: Canon Powershot SD700 IS (European name: IXUS 800 IS), Casio Exilim EX-Z850 and Panasonic DMC FX01.

Point and Shoot with Extra Features

In terms of build quality and design these cameras tend to resemble the simple point and shoot models with one or two improvements such as larger LCD screens. They offer manual exposure features that are likely to appeal to people who are more serious about their photography. These cameras also retain a fairly compact body size.

Suggested cameras: Canon Powershot A700, Canon Powershot A610 and
Sony DSCW100.

Pocket SizedPocket sized

digital cameras tend to be more or less slim versions of the high quality point and shoot models. This is the most convenient type of digital camera as it is easy to slip into a pocket and take anywhere with you.In terms of picture quality they are usually not quite as good as either the high quality point and shoot models or the point and shoot with extra features cameras.

Suggested cameras: Canon Powershot SD600 (European name: IXUS 60), Sony DSC T9 and Sony DSC T30.

Super ZoomSuper zoom digital cameras are quite different. These are larger cameras with features similar to those you would expect to find on a traditional 35mm SLR camera. In terms of style and design they also have a resemblance to those cameras too. These are aimed more at people who are serious about photography. The longer zoom lens can make them far heavier than the smaller compacts.Obviously these cameras are too big for a pocket so you need to consider how you are going to carry them around with you. A good quality camera bag is well worth considering.

Suggested cameras: Canon Powershot S3 IS, Sony DSC H2, Fuji Finepix S9000 (European name: S9500) and Fuji Finepix S5200 (European name: S5600).

Digital SLRIf you are looking for the best quality and also a high degree of flexibility then you are likely to find Digital SLR cameras rather tempting. Prices have fallen dramatically over the past couple years making them affordable to photo enthusiasts as well as professionals. Once you add on the cost of a couple of high quality lenses buying one is still a considerable investment. Therefore I would only suggest buying one if you are serious about photography or intend to spend plenty of time getting to know your camera.Suggested entry level Digital SLR cameras: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (European name: EOS 350D) and Nikon D50

This article was provided by Andy Needham of http://www.cameras.co.uk/. Cameras.co.uk provides digital camera reviews, price comparisons and general help for buying digital cameras. There is also a special section where you can ask a question if you would like further help.

How to take screen shot of a web page.

2008-02-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

I just found out how to capture web page to high resolution image files (not using usual low quality screen capture software) for my new book, and i think it would be useful since there is none of the topic to be found on Google. Believe me it took me 1 week on and off try to find it. And guess what?.......That's it. Just download it and try it out. Besides, this software can do much more but i'm still figuring that out right now.

Print Screen and resize the right way!

2008-02-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Ever tried to output a screenshot at 300dpi? It can sure be a challenge to make a software product look appealing when the screenshot looks so fuzzy. With the following technique, you can maintain the integrity of your screenshot- enough for 300dpi brochures or even billboard displays. Here's how...Step 1. Capture it!To make a screenshot or print screen, hold CTRL and press the 'print screen' button on your keyboard. To only capture the size of the active window just press CTRL, ALT, and the 'print screen' button. Or you can use any screencapture software at this point if you need mouse arrow as well.Step 2. PhotoshopIn Photoshop, go to File menu or press CTRL-N to make a new document, then click OK. Photoshop will automatically size the document to the screen capture. (don't resize or do anything yet)
Now Press CTRL-V to paste your screen capture.
Step 3. Chane color modeFrom the menu, choose Image > Mode > Indexed Color...If it asks to flatten layers, choose YES. Choose the default settings by clicking OK on the dialog box. 256 colors OK!
Step 4. Resize to get ready for print in high quality 244 or 288 DPIWith an index color mode you may scale in multiples without altering the integrity of the screen capture.Choose Image > Image Size...Have Constrain Proportions checked, and Resample Image: Bicubic checked.
Change the resolution from 72 to 144, 216, 288, or any multiple of 72. If you choose 300dpi, for instance, it may skew the type. Now reenter the Image Size dialog box and uncheck the Resample Image box. You may now choose your output resolution, for example, 300dpi, or 600dpi, while maintaining the integrity of the image.
Step 5. DONE!Now change the color mode back to RGB (or CMYK if printing), by choosing Image > Mode > RGB Color. You may now merge your higher resolution screenshot with a boxshot, or keep it as an independent higher resolution file.and i recommend saving file to TIFF format for best quality.
That's it. thanks to http://www.turbophoto.com/Photoshop-Tricks

Digital Printing vs. Press Printing - What's Different

2008-02-01T06:34:00.001-08:00

When it comes time to print your brand identity materials, there's one overarching question for you to consider — whether to print the resulting materials on a digital printer or traditional press. There are many differences between the two processes, some of which are outlined below.
Digital Printing
Less expensive — Digital printing is a direct-to-paper printing process. As a result, it often runs about one-half of the cost of press printing.
Lose color accuracy — Digital printing is a four-color printing process. Four colors — cyan, magenta, yellow, and black — are printed in tiny dots that when visually mixed together, create various colors. This, in addition to the different set-ups and settings on the machines from press-to-press, batch-to-batch and printer-to- printer, can produce a wide range of different color results. You can never be certain what you'll get.
Lose color range — Four-color printing has limitations on the brightness, saturation, and range of colors available — when mixing colors in this way. To produce bright reds, oranges, blues, and purples, especially, press printing is a better choice.
Cost of proofing — Proofing is one way to produce accurate color. Proofing can be costly, especially when compared to the overall cost of the job. But, since the proof is created on the same equipment that the final job is printed on, it is often quite accurate.
Can be faster — Since no pre-press work or press setup is needed, running your job on a digital press can be faster, depending on how many jobs the printer has in the queue before yours. Some printers can even offer same-day service. Three days is a standard turnaround time for many of the web-based digital printing companies.
Limited paper choice — Digital presses can only accommodate a limited paper thickness, and many digital printing companies only offer smooth, white papers. Thus, if a thick business card is important to you, then digital printing is not your right choice.
Limited finishing choices — Foil stamping, metallic inks, and embossing services are usually not offered by digital printing houses. Some digital printers also do not offer die-cutting or special folding services.
Limited choice of material sizes, styles, and formats — Digital printers will offer a very specific "menu" or range of products. If you want to create innovative marketing materials, such as the brochure-style business cards that we create at elf design, then digital printing is not a choice for your project. Large formats are also not available with many digital printers, as the largest paper size they can accommodate is 11" x 17".
Press Printing
More costly — The difference in costs is mainly due to setup costs. For press printing, films must be produced, and plates may have to be produced as well, which are additional items that add to the overall cost. Additional time is involved in setting up and aligning the press, as well as washing the press. Also, there are more overruns from traditional printing, since you cannot program in a specific number of pages to be printed as you can with a digital printer. Most printers consider overruns to be billable, or they add an additional cost for that into the initial estimate. Jobs done on a press will typically run about twice the cost of digital printing.
Excellent color accuracy — The Pantone Matching System (PMS) offers great color accuracy. Pantone colors are mixed to precise, pre-set specifications, which are printed each year in their color matching guides. You can consult these books to see exactly what the final color will look like in advance. It's a lot like going to the paint store and specifying colors for your home on the paint chips they offer — you know what you'll get. So, if color accuracy is important to you, then press printing may be the best choice.
Brighter colors are available — Since the Pantone colors are mixed using inks, they can be created to be much brighter and more intense. So, if lively colors are important to your brand image, then press printing may be the way to go.
Cost of proofing — For four-color press jobs, proofing is often not too expensive when compared to the overall cost of the job. However, it can be inaccurate, depending on the type of proof run and the type of press on which your final job will be printed.
For two- or three- color jobs printed using the Pantone system, complete color proofing is often not available. However, samples of the colors are available in the Pantone books. And, inexpensive laser prints or inkjet prints can be created to view the positioning of the elements of the page. With a little imagination, you can visualize how the final job will look.
Press printing can take longer than digital — There are several additional steps involved in press printing, which are taken care of using direct-to-press, digital technology. Films and plates must be made, the press set up, run the job and then tune us needed for drying. Then cutting, folding, and other finishing must take place.
Types of paper — Choose from an entire rainbow of paper colors — fire-engine red to deep blue, sunflower yellow to pitch black. There is also a wide range of thicknesses and textures from which to choose, including specialty papers, such as vellum and metallic papers. If you are considering using nontraditional paper your card or materials, press printing is the best way to go.
Fine line screens are available — The result of this is that even under close inspection, the color will look smooth and seamless. It will also appear brighter and more intense.
Wide range of finishing techniques — All finishing options are possible with press printing. Metallic inks can be run through the press as easily as can a nonmetallic ink. Embossing, die cutting, and foil stamping can be done in traditional printing houses. You can create materials that really stand out using these techniques.
Innovative formats, shapes, and sizes are possible — Traditional press printing can accommodate a wide range of paper sizes and can result in innovative and creative finished projects. This is largely due to the "have-it-your-way" range of options, where you can specify special sizes and finishing techniques.
We hope that the above primer on the pros and cons of both digital printing and press printing helps you to decide which you will choose to produce your materials.
article by: http://www.elf-design.com

DIGITAL CAMERA And PHOTO

Pentax K-7 Preview, May 2009 by Richard Butler

Pentax K-7 Preview, May 2009 by Richard Butler

Sony DSC-HX1 Review

Sony DSC-HX1 Review, April 2009 Don Wan

Sony DSC-HX1 vs DSC-H50- key changes

Nikon D3X In-depth Review

Nikon D3X In-depth Review

Nikon D3X Key Features

Olympus E-620 Preview

Lars Rehm and Richard Butler

Compared to E-30 - key differences

Pentax K2000 / K-m Review

Pentax K2000 / K-m Review, January 2009, Richard Butler & Lars Rehm

Pentax K2000 / K-m Review, January 2009, Richard Butler & Lars Rehm

Pentax K2000

Pentax K2000

Lightweight lenses

Compared to K200D - key differences

Foreword / notes

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Preview, Simon Joinson

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Preview, Simon Joinson

Olympus E-520 Review

Canon EOS 1000D

Nikon D700

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 Review

Canon EOS 450D Review

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 Concise Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5

Fujifilm Finepix S100FS

Canon PowerShot SD750

Nikon SLR D60

Epson Stylus Photo RX610 มาตรฐานมัลติฟังก์ชันมีระดับ

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Review

Canon SD870 IS Digital ELPH (IXUS 860 IS) Review

Canon EOS 40D Review

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS 8.0 MP

Canon PowerShot SX100 IS Full Review

Canon PowerShot A720 IS Concise Review

How to print quality photo like having a new printer.

The Difference Between DPI and PPI

how to choose a digital camera.

How to take screen shot of a web page.

Print Screen and resize the right way!

Digital Printing vs. Press Printing - What's Different

Pentax K-7 Preview, May 2009
by Richard Butler

Sony DSC-HX1 Review, April 2009
Don Wan

Pentax K2000 / K-m Review, January 2009,
Richard Butler & Lars Rehm

Pentax K2000 / K-m Review, January 2009,
Richard Butler & Lars Rehm