Category: Digital SLR Cameras
Canon have released a new firmware update, v1.0.5, for the EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi in the USA) DSLR, which offers the following improvements:
1. Fixes the printing of lens names when using PictBridge.
Corrects the printing of the lens name for shots taken with the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens and Life-Size Converter EF.
2. [Redeye 1] can now be selected when connecting with specific printers.
[Redeye 1] can now be selected when using the PIXMA iP6310D / iP6320D / iP6700D Photo Inkjet Printer.
3. Improves the reliability of communication with the Speedlite 380EX.
Improves reliability of the communication with the optical Speedlite 380EX clip-on flash.
Website: Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi v1.0.5 Firmware Update
Canon have released a new firmware update, v1.0.5, for the EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi in the USA) DSLR, which offers the following improvements: 1. Fixes the printing of lens names when using PictBridge. Corrects the printing of the lens name for shots taken with the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact…
Shutterbug have reviewed the Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera, which has a 10 megapixel sensor, focal factor of 1.33x and an ISO range of 160-2500.
“Overall, we judge the imaging performance of the Leica M8 to be outstanding. As expected, the well-proven rangefinder provided swift and precise manual focusing even in low light and with low-contrast subjects, and we found the image quality to be on a par with a high-end D-SLR. As with previous Leica M’s, camera-induced vibration was low, allowing us to shoot sharp pictures at slower shutter speeds than usual. “
Website: Shutterbug - Leica M8 Review
Shutterbug have reviewed the Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera, which has a 10 megapixel sensor, focal factor of 1.33x and an ISO range of 160-2500. “Overall, we judge the imaging performance of the Leica M8 to be outstanding. As expected, the well-proven rangefinder provided swift and precise manual focusing even…
Sigma have released a new firmware update, v1.01, for the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. Improvements include:
1. Sensor cleaning can now be done by powering the camera from the battery.
Originally, sensor cleaning was only available through the dedicated AC adapter.
If the voltage level of the battery becomes lower than a certain level, the camera will emit a warning beep and will close the cleaning mode. We strongly recommend using a fully charged battery for the sensor cleaning.
2. If using the camera in ‘A’ mode with flash photography, the selected shutter speed would either be 1/60 or 1/180sec depending on the focal length.
Now, the optimum shutter speed is selected from the range of 1/60 to 1/180sec.
3. A slow sync mode has now been added if using the camera in ‘A’ mode with flash photography. The optimum shutter speed is selected from a range of 30sec to 1/180sec.
4. Improved image quality when reviewing images on the rear LCD.
5. Corrects the overexposure issue when using flash with high ISO setting under certain conditions.
Sigma have released a new firmware update, v1.01, for the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. Improvements include: 1. Sensor cleaning can now be done by powering the camera from the battery. Originally, sensor cleaning was only available through the dedicated AC adapter. If the voltage level of the battery becomes lower…
SigmaUser have started a diary-based review of the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera.
“Focus locks on a nearby object with a quiet beep and I press the shutter. Now if you have ever used the SD9/10 cameras, you, as I was, would be expecting a noisy clacking sound as the shutter operated. Instead, once I realised that the shutter had really actuated, the grin got wider. This camera has one of the quietest SLR shutters available. It is little more than a whisper.”
Website: SigmaUser - Sigma SD14 Review
SigmaUser have started a diary-based review of the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. “Focus locks on a nearby object with a quiet beep and I press the shutter. Now if you have ever used the SD9/10 cameras, you, as I was, would be expecting a noisy clacking sound as the shutter…
DCResource have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera.
“Since the Samsung GX-10 and Pentax K10D are 99% identical, is there any reason to buy one over the other? Not particularly. Yeah, the K10D is the only one with a battery grip, but that should change shortly according to Samsung. My advice is to buy the one you can get the best deal on. Right now, that’s the K10D, but since the GX-10 is just now hitting the market, that may change.”
Website: DCResource - Samsung GX-10 Review
DCResource have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera. “Since the Samsung GX-10 and Pentax K10D are 99% identical, is there any reason to buy one over the other? Not particularly. Yeah, the K10D is the only one with a battery grip, but that should change shortly according to…
DPReview have published their review of the Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera.
“Nobody can doubt the quality of the kit Panasonic / Leica lens, contrasty and sharp with a very usable zoom range and excellent image stabilization. However it does add considerably to the cost of the DMC-L1 (in our estimations about half of its asking price), so at the point of sale it’s a double edged sword.”
Website: DPReview - Panasonic DMC-L1 Review
DPReview have published their review of the Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera. “Nobody can doubt the quality of the kit Panasonic / Leica lens, contrasty and sharp with a very usable zoom range and excellent image stabilization. However it does add considerably to the cost of the DMC-L1 (in our estimations…
TrustedReviews have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera.
“The Adobe DNG RAW files that the GX-10 uses average just over 16MB each, which is quite large for a 10MP camera, almost twice the size of the RAW files recorded by the Nikon D80 or Canon EOS 30D, and even larger than those of the Nikon D200. JPEG files however are surprisingly small, averaging only around 3MB for a typical scene. This indicates quite a lot of JPEG compression, so using RAW mode is obviously essential for maximum quality.”
TrustedReviews have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera. “The Adobe DNG RAW files that the GX-10 uses average just over 16MB each, which is quite large for a 10MP camera, almost twice the size of the RAW files recorded by the Nikon D80 or Canon EOS 30D, and…
PixInfo have reviewed the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever.
“The Nikon D40X has got the same 10 megapixel imaging sensor as the Nikon D80. The advantage of this is definitely the higher resolution and the wider sensitivity range. The sensitivity can be set from ISO 100, while it was ISO 200 at the Nikon D40. While the smaller brother gave a nice, clean image on that sensitivity as well, the higher starting has a disadvantage when we want to reach long exposure in bright sunlight (e.g. a waterfall, where we want to express motion). The D40X will be able to take that shot without the ND filter, too.”
Website: PixInfo - Nikon D40x Review
Website: Read our Nikon D40x Review
PixInfo have reviewed the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever. “The Nikon D40X has got the same 10 megapixel imaging sensor as…
DPNow have reviewed the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera.
“The camera we have been supplied with for review is labelled ‘pre-production’ by Olympus . However, it was supplied in a store-ready box, in twin-lens kit form (bundled with the 14-42 standard kit lens and the 40-150 kit telephoto zoom) and have been assured by Olympus that the camera is representative of final production models, and image quality can be safely judged with this camera. However, we note that the camera’s firmware version number is ‘0.0’ and we expect final shipping versions to have version 1.0 installed.”
Website: DPNow - Olympus E-410 Review
Website: Read our Olympus E-410 Review
DPNow have reviewed the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera. “The camera we have been supplied with for review is labelled ‘pre-production’ by Olympus . However, it was supplied in a store-ready box, in twin-lens kit form (bundled with the 14-42 standard kit lens and the 40-150 kit telephoto zoom) and…
CameraLabs have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing.
“The Pentax K10D is certainly a feature-packed DSLR and one which offers a lot of bang for the buck at current online prices. You get 10 Megapixel resolution, built-in Shake and Dust Reduction, environmental sealing, two unique exposure modes and a wealth of RAW options which put other mid-range cameras to shame. Indeed in some respects these features elevate the K10D beyond mid-range DSLRs to compete against semi-pro models, and that’s impressive considering the price point.”
Website: CameraLabs - Pentax K10D Review
CameraLabs have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing. “The Pentax K10D is certainly a feature-packed DSLR and one which offers a lot of bang for the buck at current online…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing.
“It’s astonishing that you can get a 10-megapixel SLR with the build of a Canon 30D for under $900. That you can get it with a lens is even better; and the bundled 18-55mm lens is built very nicely, made of metal, and quite handsome. Its performance is decent, just a little above most kit lenses; but serious photographers will want to check out Pentax’s tough-to-find prime lenses.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing. “It’s astonishing that you can get a 10-megapixel SLR with the build of a Canon 30D for under $900. That you…
Panasonic have released a new firmware update, v2.0, for the DMC-L1 DSLR camera.
Improvements:
1. Added a multiple exposure function.
2. Added “panning mode”(MODE3) to the optical image stabilizer.
3. Added a “low-angle” viewing mode that makes it easier to view the LCD display when the camera is held below eye level.
4. Added feature that simplifies setting the aperture when using a lens without an aperture ring.
5. Added two manual white balance settings to GUI. GUI design uses navigational cursor to easily select, and set, white balance (WB) to change the color temperature, or set the ISO sensitivity or flash.
Time restriction for making changes was removed.
Panasonic have released a new firmware update, v2.0, for the DMC-L1 DSLR camera. Improvements: 1. Added a multiple exposure function. 2. Added “panning mode”(MODE3) to the optical image stabilizer. 3. Added a “low-angle” viewing mode that makes it easier to view the LCD display when the camera is held below…
LetsGoDigital have published 18 sample photos taken with the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera.
“Like the Nikon D40x we have used last week for shooting test images at the same location, the Olympus E410’ compact size is ideal to take it with you all the time. The weight of the Olympus E-410 SLR is only 375 g (body only) and in combination with the standard zoom lens 565 g of total weight. Compared to the Olympus E-330, weighing 550 g (body only), the Olympus E-410 kit weighs more or less the same as an E-330 body only. What does this mean in practice? Well, it is just very convenient to take a small high resolution DSLR like the Olympus E410 with you and enjoy the day.”
LetsGoDigital have published 18 sample photos taken with the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera. “Like the Nikon D40x we have used last week for shooting test images at the same location, the Olympus E410’ compact size is ideal to take it with you all the time. The weight of the…
Samsung have released a new firmware update, v1.11, for the Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera.
Details of added functions:
1) A built-in flash function in wireless mode has been added.
2) A function that shifts the AF point from “SELECT” to the centre has been added.
3) A function for changing the ISO setting using the e-dials in Tv/Av modes has been added.
4) A function that can change the ISO sensitivity displayed on the upper LCD panel by using the front e-dial has been added.
5) The green button function available in M mode has been added to Tv/Av modes.
6) A function for switching the Av/Tv settings between the front and rear e-dials has been added.
7) A function that sets the strobe light compensation to its default value, using the green button, has been added.
8) A function that displays the memory size when a memory card is formatted has been added.
Website: Samsung GX-10 v1.11 Firmware Update
Samsung have released a new firmware update, v1.11, for the Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera. Details of added functions: 1) A built-in flash function in wireless mode has been added. 2) A function that shifts the AF point from “SELECT” to the centre has been added. 3) A function for changing…
Sigma have announced the imminent release of new software for the Sigma SD10 and SD9 digital SLR cameras (which already ships with the new SD14 model).
“The download of SIGMA Photo Pro v3.0 RAW image processing software for Windows and Sigma Photo Pro 2.2 for Macintosh is planned for SD9 and SD10 users on April 2nd. This latest version of Sigma Photo Pro software has an improved image-processing algorithm and it is already packaged with the SD14 Digital SLR camera.”
Sigma have announced the imminent release of new software for the Sigma SD10 and SD9 digital SLR cameras (which already ships with the new SD14 model). “The download of SIGMA Photo Pro v3.0 RAW image processing software for Windows and Sigma Photo Pro 2.2 for Macintosh is planned for SD…
LetsGoDigital have just published sample test images taken with the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever.
“The compact size of the Nikon D40x digital SLR camera is ideal to take it with you all the time. The weight of the Nikon 55-200 mm AF-S DX VR zoom lens is approximately 335 g which brings the combination to a total weight of approximately 850 g (Nikon D40x + AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED + battery). Compared to the Nikon D100, weighing 700 g (body only) and one of the first consumer Nikon DSLR cameras in 2002, the difference in weight of the body is already approximately 200 g. The Nikon D40x image samples are taken by a full production model camera and should be judged accordingly.”
LetsGoDigital have just published sample test images taken with the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever. “The compact size of the Nikon…
PopPhoto have the first review of the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever.
“The Nikon D40x ($799, estimated street with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX Nikkor; $729, body only) may be small, but its shooting capacity is big. It’s a great camera for first-time DSLR buyers set on a 10MP model and Nikon system users who want a lightweight body that’s not lightweight in performance. It returned Excellent Image Quality in tests in the Pop Photo Lab and out in the world, with excellent resolution through ISO 3200, stellar noise control (Extremely Low through ISO 400, Very Low through ISO 1600), and Excellent color accuracy.”
Website: PopPhoto - Nikon D40x Review
Website: Read our Nikon D40x Review
PopPhoto have the first review of the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever. “The Nikon D40x ($799, estimated street with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.…
Pixinfo.com have reviewed the dust removal systems of 4 recent DSLR cameras - the Canon EOS 400D, Sony A100, Olympus E-300 and Pentax K10D.
“Our goal was to set up a controlled environment to get the image sensors of digital cameras dirty and test how effective the different cameras’ sensor cleaning technologies are. It is well known fact (and it is a bit over dramatized) that digital SLR cameras are very sensitive to the dust particles found in the air. These particles can settle on the image sensor, and will show up on the images as dark spots when the image is taken with a small aperture (high F number).”
Website: Pixinfo.com - Dust removal systems / sensor cleaning
Pixinfo.com have reviewed the dust removal systems of 4 recent DSLR cameras - the Canon EOS 400D, Sony A100, Olympus E-300 and Pentax K10D. “Our goal was to set up a controlled environment to get the image sensors of digital cameras dirty and test how effective the different cameras’ sensor…
FujiFilm have released a new firmware update, v1.04, for the S5 Pro DSLR.
The firmware update v1.04 incorporates the following issues.
1. Better white balance when setting FLASH-mode for the WHITE BLANCE.
2. Better white balance when setting AUTO-mode for the WHITE BLANCE and using Nikon non-CPU lenses.
*It requires to set the maximum aperture according to the FinePix S5 Pro Owener’s Manual(p.121-p.124).
FujiFilm have released a new firmware update, v1.04, for the S5 Pro DSLR. The firmware update v1.04 incorporates the following issues. 1. Better white balance when setting FLASH-mode for the WHITE BLANCE. 2. Better white balance when setting AUTO-mode for the WHITE BLANCE and using Nikon non-CPU lenses. *It requires…
Steves Digicams have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing.
“The Shake Reduction (SR) feature found in the K100D has been further improved, Pentax now claims a 2.5 - 4 stop advantage. We did see a slight improvement but noticeably sharp, blur- free images were more consistently seen within a maximum of 2.5 stops. The SR feature is effective for still subjects and is quite cost effective when compared to the expense of the lens-integral blur reduction solutions offered by Canon and Nikon. The downside is that the SR does not function well when you are panning with a moving subject. Pentax recommends turning the SR off for panning shots as well as whenever the camera is mounted on a tripod.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax K10D Review
Steves Digicams have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing. “The Shake Reduction (SR) feature found in the K100D has been further improved, Pentax now claims a 2.5 - 4 stop…