Saturday, May 30, 2009

Olympus E-450 compact DSLR gets reviewed: entry-level through and through

Olympus E-450 compact DSLR gets reviewed: entry-level through and through



Momma always said you couldn't have your cake and eat it to, and we suppose it's just about time we stop resisting and just believed. Olympus' decidedly compact E-450 was recently reviewed over at PhotographyBLOG, and while image quality was satisfactory for a camera of its stature, it was indubitably missing a few key ingredients. Most notably, the inexplicable lack of image stabilization and the inability to handle video were lamented, and the rudimentary 3-point AutoFocus was called 'frankly obsolete for a 2009 model.' Indeed, critics pointed out that the E-620 would likely be a far superior choice for those who didn't mind the additional weight and cost, but even if the E-450 was at the top of your budget, we didn't really get the impression that it was a surefire winner. Check the read link for the full spill.

(Via Engadget.)

Friday, May 29, 2009

Pentax K7 Digital SLR Announced

Pentax K7 Digital SLR Announced

'
New Pentax K7 Digital SLR It’s been over a year since Pentax introduced the K20D, their current top-of-the-line digital SLR body. Even though they did make a lot of announcements in 2008, my impression has been that things have been a little on the quiet side for Pentax in the past year. They need something big to bring the buzz back. The new 14.6-megapixel Pentax K7 DSLR should do that. Pentax system owners should be very happy and other digital SLR owners might be a little jealous. It may have taken a while for Pentax to produce a new camera. But in July, $1299 will buy you a whole lot of Pentax-badged digital SLR. And yeah - it’s got video.



Pentax K7 Digital SLR


In 2006, Pentax set themselves apart from other digital SLR makers with the introduction of the K10D, a compact, rugged, weatherproof camera featuring their in-camera Shake Reduction system. It got great reviews and offered a real alternative for photographers who wanted a high-performance digital SLR that could take some abuse and didn’t cost a fortune. The K20D followed about a year later. The new Pentax K7 inherits the design philosophy of the K10D and K20D and packs a whole lot of new features and improved performance into the smallest body in its class. It’s built around a brand new 14.6-megapixel, APS-sized CMOS sensor with Live View and 720p video capture at 30 frames-per-second. Pentax’s new PRIME II image processing engine allows a 5.2 frames-per-second capture rate and as well as improved color and smoother tonal gradations.


The new 14.6-megapixel Pentax K7 CMOS sensor


Other new features include a 77-segment exposure metering system, an electronic level, auto focus assist lamp, in-camera lens distortion and chromatic aberration correction, mirror lock-up, an in-camera HDR mode that brackets and combines three images, image composition adjustment using the Shake Reduction feature, HDMI output, and the ability to record copyright information in the camera. A new 3-inch 920k-dot LCD will be better for Live View and video shooting. The K7 has an 11-point auto focus system with improved algorithms for faster focusing and a bright, 100% viewfinder will help photographers track their subjects and compose more accurately. The built-in Shake Reduction system now detects rotational as well as X and Y-axis movement to compensate for a claimed 2.5-4 stops slower shutter speed. The camera also has a Dynamic Range setting that adjusts shadows and highlights and 16 in-camera digital filters. A new, improved battery addresses the need for more power when using Live View and shooting video.


The Pentax K7 is aimed at the Canon EOS 50D, Nikon D90, Olympus E30, and Sony Alpha A700. Competitive resolution, HD video, a 3-inch LCD, Shake Reduction and weatherproofing in the smallest body of the bunch should get people’s attention. Add the electronic level, HDR mode, 100% viewfinder and the rest of the new features and it starts to look really serious. The K10D and K20D were especially appealing to outdoor photographers who needed a compact, rugged camera they could use in any environment. The new K7 is a more than worthy follow-up and I’m pleased to see Pentax continuing what they started with the K10D. The Pentax K7 will be available in July for $1299.95 (body only). Pentax is also introducing two new weather-resistant DA lenses and a battery grip to go with the new camera. The Pentax smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR and the smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR will also be available in July for $199.95 and $249.95, respectively. The D-BG4 battery grip will be available at the same time for $229.95.




(Via Photography Review Blog.)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Vacations......

Dear Readers,

mala



I'm going out for vacations.....I will return on May 22nd.
Please, stay tuned for more news, reviews and photos....


See you soon....

Mavilonus

Sunday, May 3, 2009

ZOOM Q3 Mini Camcorder

ZOOM Q3 Mini Camcorder

ZOOM Q3 Mini Camcorder


ZOOM has showed off its Q3 mini camcorder during Musikmesse 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany. The video camera adopts a 2.4-inch LCD display and can record up to 60 minutes of video onto a built-in 2GB SD card. No info on pricing or availability at this time, Stay tuned for more updates. [AVING]


Friday, May 1, 2009

Canon EOS Rebel T1i impressions, head-to-head with Nikon D5000

Canon EOS Rebel T1i impressions, head-to-head with Nikon D5000



Make no mistake about it, the low / mid-range DSLR battle of early 2009 is on. Just over a month ago, Canon shook up the entry-level DSLR game with a shooter that packed a 1080p video mode, a 15.1 megapixel sensor and a price tag well below the magical $1,000 mark. Right around a fortnight later, Nikon not-at-all-coincidentally issued a new shooter in its own range, one that was no doubt built to rival the previously mentioned EOS Rebel T1i. Just this week, both of these bad boys showed up on our doorstep, and we've spent every waking minute since mashing buttons and capturing memories in order to give you our take on the pair. Care to hear more? Jump on past the break... and be sure to leave your fanboy suit at the door.

Continue reading Canon EOS Rebel T1i impressions, head-to-head with Nikon D5000



(Via Engadget.)