Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Ricoh GR Digital II is not your usual run-of-the-mill compact digital camera. The fast 28mm fixed focal length lens, Adobe DNG RAW format, external hotshoe and 1:1 aspect ratio for square format photos all point to a serious camera for the seriously keen photographer. As does the £399 / $699 price-tag, which could alternatively buy you a DSLR camera with kit lens. The Ricoh GR Digital II is also not the only compact with a fixed 28mm lens, being recently joined by the much-delayed Sigma DP1, which offers a much larger APS-C sized sensor. Mark Goldstein found out if the Ricoh GR Digital II is a worthy addition to Ricoh’s extensive line-up of digital compacts for the professional.

Website: Ricoh GR Digital II Review

Canon has released a new firmware update, v1.1.2, for the 1Ds Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements:

1. Includes the following new features that were frequently requested by customers to the new firmware.
- Direct selection of AF points by the Multi-controller is added to C.Fn III-9.
- Alternate access to Exposure compensation is added to C.Fn IV-3.
2. Improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.

Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware Update 1.1.2

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Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.2.3, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements:

1. Includes the following new features that were frequently requested by customers to the new firmware.
- Direct selection of AF points by the Multi-controller is added to C.Fn III-9.
- Alternate access to Exposure compensation is added to C.Fn IV-3.
- With the camera’s External Speedlite control menu, Flash function settings can be used to set the Wireless setting and Zoom.
2. Improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.

Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.2.3 Firmware Update

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The SeaLife DC800 is a new 8 megapixel digital camera that can be used down to 200 feet underwater. The DC800 features a wide-angle optical lens with 4x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen, auto focus up to 2 inches (5 cm) and a video mode for capturing high-resolution digital video with sound. “With its new features and upgrade in technology geared towards the scuba diver and underwater enthusiast, the DC800 is sure to add a new dimension of fun in and out of water.” said Joe Ifi, SeaLife’s director of sales and marketing. The SeaLife DC800 is available now at a suggested list price of $549.95.

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AKVIS Sketch 7 converts photos to realistic pencil and watercolor drawings. Version 7 offers special effects that make the final photo more impressive, including creating a blend of the final drawing and the original image. AKVIS Sketch 7 is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor. AKVIS Sketch 7 Home License costs $72 USD / 55 Euros.

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Ilford Photo has announced a special initiative in support of ultra large format (ULF) film photographers as part of their “Defend the Darkroom” campaign. Taking place from mid-April to 30th June 2008, this window allows photographers to order ILFORD PHOTO ULF sheet film products from a select group of dealers without the worry of meeting minimum order quantities. Susan Harlin (work pictured) commented: “ULF may be a fairly specialist method of black and white photography but its practitioners are highly passionate and the medium is enjoying a resurgence with a new generation of photographers now being drawn to its benefits.”

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Photoxels have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 camera, which offers a 4x, 30-120mm lens and 10.1 megapixel, 1/2.33-inch sensor.

“Image quality is good at ISO 100, with low noise and good image detail. As is often the case for models in this category, images tend to suffer from noise and loss of detail at the higher ISOs. The Intelligent Auto (iA) mode really works well, selecting the appropriate scene mode, ISO and shutter speed to minimize blur and optimize correct exposure.”

Website: Photoxels - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Review

Website: Read Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Review

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Kodak ESP 3 All-in-One Printer, which claims to save up to 50 percent on everything you print.

“The ESP3 does its job well, but with an asking price of £70, you have to compare it with other all-in-one in the same price bracket. If you look at the HP Photosmart C5280 or Epson Stylus DX8400F, both costing much the same as the ESP 3, they both have colour LCD displays, which makes standalone photo prints easier. The HP also has twin, covered paper trays for plain and photo paper and can print CDs, too. You do, of course, save money on ink with the Kodak machine, but the savings aren’t that spectacular, unless you’re printing photos on Kodak’s standard photo paper, bought in its special media pack. In the end you have to assess what you want from a £70 all-in-one: photo economy or feature-set.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Kodak ESP 3 Review

PopPhoto have just reviewed the Sony A350, a new 14.2 megapixel DSLR camera with a variable angle LCD screen.

“The Sony’s real AF advantage becomes obvious in live view. In addition to the imaging sensor, a second, lower-resolution sensor sends a live signal to the LCD. While this two-chip system is similar in concept to that of the groundbreaking Olympus Evolt E-300, the Sony has a unique two-mirror design that lets light hit both the imaging sensor for live view and the AF array simultaneously. That means AF occurs at nearly the same speed when you use live view as when you use the optical viewfinder—there’s no delay while the mirror swings up and down as with the live-view AF systems on competing DSLRs.”

Website: PopPhoto - Sony A350 Review

Website: Read our Sony A350 Review

Megapixel.net have just reviewed the Fujifilm S8000fd digital compact camera, which offers an 18x zoom lens equivalent to 27mm-486mm.

“The Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd is a very versatile camera. For shutterbugs interested in a large zoom but not in a lot of photographic rigmarole, the snapper will take fine pictures without leaving the auto mode. On the other hand, the unit has plenty of flexibility for lenseslingers who demand more control over what they’re shooting.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Fujifilm S8000fd Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm S8000fd Review