Best cameras
Sigma announces DP2 large sensor compact
Tuesday, 23 September 2008 06:00 GMT
Photokina 2008: Sigma has announced the DP2, a large sensor compact camera that will sell alongside the DP1. The new model's specifications are largely identical to the DP1's but it comes with a 41mm (35mm equiv.) lens, rather than the 28mm equiv. lens of its sister model; the new lens is also a stop faster at F2.8 as opposed to F4. The DP2 additionally includes the True II image processing engine that appears in the new SD15 DSLR, which the company says offers improved processing speed, operation and performance.Read More
Sigma announces SD15 DSLR
Tuesday, 23 September 2008 06:00 GMT
Photokina 2008: Sigma has today announced the SD15 digital SLR as a successor to the SD14, which was originally announced in Photokina 2006. The SD15 uses a 14Mp Foveon X3 sensor, and incorporates a new True II processor for improved image processing speed, operation and performance. This camera also features a larger 3.0” LCD than its predecessor.Read More
Leica S2 with 56% larger sensor than full frame
Tuesday, 23 September 2008 00:00 GMT
Photokina 2008: Leica has today unveiled a brand new autofocus DSLR system designed for professional users, which is configured around a 30x45mm sensor (i.e. 56% larger than 35mm full-frame). The S-system will utilize an advanced new dual shutter, with both an in-body focal plane shutter for fast lenses, and in-lens leaf shutters for high flash sync speeds. The first camera, the S-2, will feature a 37.5 megapixel CCD sensor in a weatherproof body which is similar in size and handling to conventional 35mm-type DSLRs. The new ‘Maestro’ image processing system provides twice the operating speed of current medium-format backs, significantly reduced power consumption, and allows production of in-camera JPEGs. The company has also developed a range of nine new lenses, including macro, ultra-wideangle, and tilt-and-shift designs.Read More
Olympus develops Micro Four Thirds camera
Monday, 22 September 2008 11:10 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Olympus has announced the development of its first Micro Four Thirds digital camera that will be compatible with the Four Thirds standard, and which will 'bring dramatic reductions in size and weight to the E-system'. A mock-up of the new camera will be shown at Photokina in Cologne, Germany today.Read More
Olympus announces development of Four-Thirds DSLR
Monday, 22 September 2008 09:10 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Olympus has today announced the development of a new Four Thirds system DSLR aimed at advanced amateur photographers. The fabled ‘tweener’ is an addition to the range positioned between the E-3 and the E-520 models, and inherits a number of the E-3’s professional-level features including its advanced high-speed 11-point autofocus system, built-in image stabilization system with up to 5 stops correction, and somewhat cryptically ‘a new and updated feature to replace the current splash- and dust-proof function’. Olympus will be exhibiting the camera at Photokina, and it is due to for release in the first quarter of 2009.Read More
Pentax K-m announced and previewed
Monday, 22 September 2008 06:50 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Pentax has announced the Km, a new DSLR that will compete in the entry-level market. The camera, which is built around an image stabilized 10 megapixel sensor has been designed to be small, light and easy-to-use. The two lenses available in kits with the camera have also been re-engineered to be lighter. We've had a chance to use an early example and have prepared an in-depth, ten page preview of the new camera.Read More
Pentax introduces AF160FC Macro flash
Monday, 22 September 2008 06:55 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Pentax has launched the AF160FC dedicated auto macro flash for shadowless macro flash photography. It is designed to work with the P-TTL, TTL and Manual flash modes of PENTAX DSLRs and includes features like contrast-control auto flash, ISO range of 100-6400 and guide number of 16 at 100 ISO.Read More
Leica M8 firmware 2.00
Saturday, 20 September 2008 14:25 GMT
Leica has today posted firmware 2.00 for the M8 digital rangefinder. This update adds support for SDHC cards (up to 32 GB) as well as adding an Auto-ISO option (a new feature touted for the M8.2). Installation is carried out by dropping the file onto an SD card.Read More
Ricoh introduces GRDII and accessories bundle
Thursday, 18 September 2008 14:40 GMT
Ricoh has launched an accessory bundle based around the GR Digital II compact camera. The 'Creative Set' includes the cameras, a 0.75x wide angle converter, lens hood with adapter, external viewfinder and a leather camera case to use with attached viewfinder and neck strap. The Creative Set is available now in the UK for £599.99.Read More
Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS
Wednesday, 17 September 2008 04:00 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Canon has launched the Digital IXUS 980 IS and Digital IXUS 870 IS, which replace the Digital IXUS 960 IS and Digital IXUS 860 IS respectively. The 14.7MP IXUS 980 features 3.7x (36 - 133mm equiv) optical zoom, 2.5” LCD and is the first IXUS model to offer manual controls. The 10MP IXUS 870 IS features a 4.0x (28-112mm equiv) optical zoom and a larger 3.0” LCD. Both cameras use Canon’s new DIGIC 4 processor for faster image processing.Read More
Canon PowerShot G10: 15MP & 28mm wide
Wednesday, 17 September 2008 04:00 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Canon's PowerShot range has a new flagship in the form of the much anticipated G10, successor to the G9. Key changes include a new 14.7 megapixel CCD sensor and, more usefully, a new 28-140mm wide zoom and increased screen resolution - plus a DIGIC IV processor. A new top panel layout adds a dedicated AE compensation dial and there's an improved grip, but overall externally the changes are subtle.Read More
Two new Canon Superzooms including first CMOS PowerShot
Wednesday, 17 September 2008 04:00 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Canon has announced a pair of 10 megapixel successors to its PowerShot S5IS 'super zoom' compact digital camera. Both the PowerShot SX10 IS and PowerShot SX1 IS feature 28-560mm (equivalent) 20x zoom lenses, DIGIC IV processors, improved image stabilization system and wealth of new features. The SX1 IS is particularly interesting as it is the first PowerShot to feature a Canon CMOS sensor, which allows the camera to offer 4.0 fps (full resolution) continuous shooting and true 1080p HDTV movie capture at 30fpsRead More
Canon EOS 5D Mark II: 21MP and HD movies
Wednesday, 17 September 2008 04:00 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: After a week or so of teaser ads Canon has finally unveiled the successor to the venerable EOS 5D, the world's first 'compact' full frame digital SLR. The EOS 5D Mark II boasts a new 21MP CMOS sensor, an expanded ISO range of 50-25,600 and a wealth of improvements and new features including full 1080p HD movie recording, live view, 3.0" 920k dot LCD, DIGIC IV processor, increased battery capacity and sensor dust reduction. UPDATE: Body-only prices: US: $ 2,699, EU: € 2,499, UK: £ 2,299.Read More
Sony updates A700 firmware and processing software
Tuesday, 16 September 2008 12:15 GMT
Sony has issued a firmware update for its A700 DSLR. The firmware, widely distributed having been posted on the company's Japanese site, makes a number of changes, including a noise-reduction 'off' setting that may address some of the criticisms originally leveled at the camera. Other modifications include changes to bracketing, white balance and dynamic range optimization. Related updates have also been made to Sony's processing software.Read More
Casio announces Exilim EX-FH20 high speed camera
Tuesday, 16 September 2008 00:00 GMT
Casio has launched the Exilim EX-FH20 high speed digital compact camera. Building on the interest in its EX-F1 model, the FH20 offers a burst rate of up to 40fps and movies at 1000fps. The camera is built around a 9.1MP, 1/2.3” CMOS sensor and 20x zoom lens (26-520mm equiv) Priced at £399, the EX-FH20 is considerably less expensive than the EX-F1 and will be available from October.Read More
Leica announces M8.2 rangefinder update
Monday, 15 September 2008 12:40 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Leica has launched an updated version of its M8 digital rangefinder camera. The M8.2 features the same body as the M8, but includes the previously optional upgrades announced at PMA in January 2008. These include a low vibration, extra quiet focal plane shutter with the option to re-cock the shutter at a more convenient moment. The camera body also sports a new vulcanite finish and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal cover glass for LCD protection.Read More
Leica announces D-Lux 4 and C-Lux 3
Monday, 15 September 2008 12:20 GMT
Pre-Photokina 2008: Leica has announced the D-Lux 4 and C-Lux 3 digital compact cameras. D-Lux 4 features a 1/1.63” CCD image sensor, 3.0”, 460,000 dot LCD monitor and a 24 to 60mm (equiv) lens. Compared to D-Lux-4, C-Lux 3 has a smaller 1/2.33” CCD sensor, 2.5”, 230,000 dots LCD monitor and zoom range of 24 to 125mm (equiv). Both include 50MB internal storage, support SD/SDHC storage and video recording.Read More
Pentax K200D review
Monday, 1 September 2008 16:10 GMT
Just Posted! We've just posted our in-depth review of the Pentax K200D entry-level digital SLR. The new model replaces the K100D and comes with a higher sensor resolution, a larger screen and a dust reduction system. Are these upgrades enough to let the K200D stand its ground in a fiercely competitive segment of the market? Find out after the link.Read More
Just Posted! Nikon D90 Sample Gallery
Monday, 1 September 2008 12:00 GMT
Just posted! We've spent a couple of days with a full production Nikon D90 and have put together a gallery of samples shots taken with the new camera and its new kit lens, the 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR. There are also a few short sample movies after the click..Read More