Category: Digital SLR Cameras
Shutterbug have published a review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
“Although there is much that is new and improved in the features and performance controls in this new 5D digital SLR, like the EOS lens mount, there is much that has become standard over the years. This makes this Canon EOS familiar, and easy to learn and use. Probably the most striking feature is its size and weight, much closer to that of an EOS 20D. I found the feel of the camera similar to the Canon EOS A2 35mm SLR I enjoyed using for a number of years. About the only thing that’s bigger rather than smaller than the big brother Canon EOS-1Ds is the 5D’s 2.5” LCD display on the back of the camera.”
Website: Shutterbug - Canon EOS 5D Review
Shutterbug have published a review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR. “Although there is much that is new and improved in the features and performance controls in this new 5D digital SLR, like the EOS lens mount, there is much that has become standard over the years…
Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.
Website: Akam.no - Olympus E-500 Review
Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design. Website: Akam.no - Olympus E-500 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have the first online review of the 7.5 megapixel, live preview Olympus E-330 DSLR camera.
Website: Fotopolis - Olympus E-330 Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have the first online review of the 7.5 megapixel, live preview Olympus E-330 DSLR camera. Website: Fotopolis - Olympus E-330 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
Bob Atkins has published his review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
“The EOS 5D will likely be regarded as something of a landmark camera and shows how much digital technology has advanced in only a few years. The first “affordable” DSLR was the Canon EOS D30, a 3MP APS-C sensor camera which sold for $3000+ in October 2000 (Original price 380,000 yen). In only 5 years (October 2005) we now have a 12.7 MP full frame camera selling for about the same price ($3000). In another 5 years I would not be surprised to see a 15MP full frame camera selling for under $1500. However the 5D will be seen as the “full frame” breakthrough camera, just as the D30 is seen as the first really practical and affordable DSLR.”
Website: Bob Atkins - Canon EOS 5D Review
Bob Atkins has published his review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR. “The EOS 5D will likely be regarded as something of a landmark camera and shows how much digital technology has advanced in only a few years. The first “affordable” DSLR was the Canon EOS D30…
Photo.net compare the image quality of the new full-frame, 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR with the cheaper, APS-C sixed Canon EOS 20D.
“It’s a win, but not a total “slam dunk” for the full frame sensor, at least as far as the EOS 5D vs. EOS 20D goes. With good lenses the results from the EOS 5D are better, though with noticeably higher vignetting when lenses are used wide open. Of course you can mostly compensate for vignetting in software, but still you may lose something. With low cost lenses shot wide open, the full frame advantage disappears, and in situations where you have your longest lens in use on an APS-C camera, switching to a lower pixel density full frame camera and cropping will lead to lower resolution images.”
Photo.net compare the image quality of the new full-frame, 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR with the cheaper, APS-C sixed Canon EOS 20D. “It’s a win, but not a total “slam dunk” for the full frame sensor, at least as far as the EOS 5D vs. EOS 20D goes…
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.
Website: e-fotografija - Nikon D200 Review
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera. Website: e-fotografija - Nikon D200 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
CNET have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.
“A well-designed compact 8-megapixel digital SLR camera, the Olympus Evolt E-500 offers a notably broad set of features for its class, including Olympus’s signature dust-reduction system. Every time you turn on the E-500, its supersonic wave filter vibrates 35,000 times per second to shimmy dust off the CCD. With more fine-tuning tools than you might expect for the price, not to mention compatibility with Olympus’s sharp Zuiko Digital lenses, this affordable model offers an appealing alternative to competitors such as the Nikon D50, the Canon EOS Rebel XT, and the Pentax *ist DL.”
Website: CNET - Olympus E-500 Review
CNET have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design. “A well-designed compact 8-megapixel digital SLR camera, the Olympus Evolt E-500 offers a notably broad set of features for its class, including Olympus’s signature dust-reduction system…
Pro photographer and Nikon user Thom Hogan has published his predictions about digital SLR cameras for 2006. Yes, I know it’s February already, but at least you can see if some of them have already come true!
“But 2006 is the year of new entrants. Sony (piggybacking off KonicaMinolta), Panasonic (ditto with Olympus), and Samsung (ditto with Pentax) are all greedily eyeing the DSLR market growth and plan to introduce new DSLRs. I expect to see a few of those at PMA in February, with more showing up at Photokina in the fall. But let me just say up front: it’s going to be brutal.”
Brutal is certainly right, as Konica Minolta have already withdrawn from the battle.
Website: Thom Hogan - 2006 DSLR Predictions
Pro photographer and Nikon user Thom Hogan has published his predictions about digital SLR cameras for 2006. Yes, I know it’s February already, but at least you can see if some of them have already come true! “But 2006 is the year of new entrants. Sony (piggybacking off KonicaMinolta), Panasonic…
The Pentax *ist DL with kit lens is now available for just $599, making it the cheapest DSLR on the market.
Pentax USA Press Release
GOLDEN, CO (February 1, 2006)...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a significant price adjustment on the *ist DL digital SLR camera with 18-55 DA lens kit. The price reduction from $799.95 US to $599.95 US takes effect February 1, 2006.
“Digital single lens reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses are gaining in popularity as products have become easier-to-use and prices have fallen,” said Ed Lee, Director, Consumer Services and Digital Photography Trends Service InfoTrends, Inc. “Consumers wavering between a higher-end compact digital and a digital SLR will take note of this new PENTAX pricing as will consumers who have been considering an upgrade to a digital SLR,” added Lee.
The Pentax *ist DL with kit lens is now available for just $599, making it the cheapest DSLR on the market. Pentax USA Press Release GOLDEN, CO (February 1, 2006)...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a significant price adjustment on the *ist DL digital SLR camera with 18-55 DA lens kit…
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR.
“Striking is the fact that Nikon made the choice to use a Sony sensor for the D2X and not one of their own JFET-LBCAST sensors. Officially Nikon chose the Sony sensor because Nikon couldn’t meet the demand for JFET-LBCAST. Other than the D1X, the D2X does feature a CMOS sensor. Of course the focal length multiplier remains 1.5. Nikon sticks to a certain factor and that really has its advantages. The specially designed DX lenses form a perfect combination and there are no mutual differences as far as crop factor is concerned within the assortment of Nikon digital reflex bodies.”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon D2X Review
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR. “Striking is the fact that Nikon made the choice to use a Sony sensor for the D2X and not one of their own JFET-LBCAST sensors. Officially Nikon chose the Sony sensor because Nikon couldn’t…
PMA 2006: The Pentax *ist DL2 digital SLR camera is announced today. New features include 8 scene modes, 5 point wide-area AF system, and a new digital preview function which allows confirmation of depth of field, exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor.
Pentax Press Release
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the PENTAX *ist DL2 lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera to offer the fun and excitement of high-quality digital SLR photography to many levels of photographers — especially first-time digital SLR users. Developed as a proud successor to the popular *ist DL, this new digital SLR inherits many of its predecessor’s popular features, including a compact, lightweight and easy-to-hold body and a simple, accessible operation system. At the same time, it provides several improvements and additions, such as an increased number of AF sensor points and eight user-friendly Scene Modes. As a result, it delivers greatly enhanced overall cost performance to its users. PENTAX believes that the new *ist DL2 is an ideal starter camera for many different users around the globe, ranging from photographic novices and family snapshot enthusiasts to current digital-compact and film-SLR users who want to take up digital SLR photography.
PMA 2006: The Pentax *ist DL2 digital SLR camera is announced today. New features include 8 scene modes, 5 point wide-area AF system, and a new digital preview function which allows confirmation of depth of field, exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor. Pentax Press…
A number of websites have previews, interviews and, well, just views, about the new Olympus E-330 with its, ermm, live preview functionality. Here’s a roundup…
E330 Interviews
Website: Quesabesde
Website: DigitalCameraInfo
E330 Previews
Website: Quesabesde
Website: DPReview
Website: Imaging Resource
A number of websites have previews, interviews and, well, just views, about the new Olympus E-330 with its, ermm, live preview functionality. Here’s a roundup… E330 InterviewsWebsite: QuesabesdeWebsite: DigitalCameraInfo E330 PreviewsWebsite: QuesabesdeWebsite: DPReviewWebsite: Imaging Resource
PMA 2006: The Olympus E-330 with live preview is announced today. 7.5 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, Supersonic Wave Filter, £900 in the UK, available in March.
Olympus UK Press Release
World’s first digital SLR with continuous live view*
London, 26 January 2006 – With its new E-330, Olympus introduces the fourth SLR body in the award winning Olympus E-System and expands the horizons of photography by including live view on the LCD screen of a digital SLR for the first time*. This ground-breaking innovation enables framing of shots without the need to look through the viewfinder, allowing users of the Olympus E-330 to remain aware of what’s going on around them while they shoot – a significant advantage for reportage or sports photographers. As the image is relayed live on a large bright LCD screen measuring 2.5”/ 6.4cm framing the subject is made much easier in situations when using a conventional viewfinder is too awkward, such as when photographing underwater. And as the large LCD on the Olympus E-330 can be tilted or swivelled to virtually any angle, the versatility of the Olympus E-330 is extended even further.
PMA 2006: The Olympus E-330 with live preview is announced today. 7.5 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, Supersonic Wave Filter, £900 in the UK, available in March. Olympus UK Press Release World’s first digital SLR with continuous live view* London, 26 January 2006 – With its new E-330, Olympus introduces the…
Rob Galbraith has a fascinating article about using the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR underwater.
“There’s no way to be sure, but Alex Mustard could well have been the first person to jump in the ocean with a Nikon D2X. He got his camera in late February 2005, on the first day they were available in Britain. More surprisingly, he was able to get an underwater housing for it almost simultaneously. The Austrian housing manufacturer, Subal, had used the nearly identical body and controls of Nikon’s D2H to develop a housing for the D2X before it had even shipped. A plane ticket to the environs of the Red Sea completed the recipe, and a week after taking delivery on Nikon’s flagship digital SLR, in early March 2005, Mustard had it submerged in seawater, just where he wanted it.”
Website: Rob Galbraith - Beneath the waves with the Nikon D2X
Rob Galbraith has a fascinating article about using the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR underwater. “There’s no way to be sure, but Alex Mustard could well have been the first person to jump in the ocean with a Nikon D2X. He got his camera in late February 2005…
DCViews have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.
“But despite all the extra functions and gadgets does the E-500 deliver the goods? After our complaints about the exposure system of the E-300 in February, we were really curious to see if the new camera possessed the same erratic behaviour with dark or light areas in the central area of the frame. We are pleased to say that the E-500 showed none of these characteristics and delivered constant and well balanced exposures all the time. The 49-segment ESP metering system worked as it should do. And also centre weighted and spot metering delivered consistent results as could be expected from a class camera like this one.”
Website: DCViews - Olympus E-500 Review
DCViews have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design. “But despite all the extra functions and gadgets does the E-500 deliver the goods? After our complaints about the exposure system of the E-300 in February…
DCResource have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.
“While it’s not the perfect digital SLR, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D is an excellent value—and the only entry-level D-SLR with image stabilization built right into the body. Even with a couple of flaws it’s still easy to recommend the 5D. The Maxxum 5D is a midsized digital SLR with a plastic body and metal frame underneath. It feels nice and solid in your hands—and it’s actually a little heavy compared to some of the competition. Build quality is very good, and I found the camera easy to hold.”
Website: DCResource - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
DCResource have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera. “While it’s not the perfect digital SLR, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D is an excellent value—and the only entry-level D-SLR with image stabilization built right into the body. Even with a couple of flaws it’s still easy…
Sony have announced plans to release their first digital SLR camera in Japan in the summer of this year, following Konica Minolta’s withdrawal from the camera market last week and the transfer of their DSLR technology to Sony. In a report on Macworld of all places, Sony executive vice president Yutaka Nakagawa stated that Sony were aiming to capture 20% of the DSLR market, although he didn’t give any kind of timeframe in which that would happen. A worldwide release of the Sony DSLR will follow shortly after. Sony are one of the top 3 manufactuers in the compact digital camera sector and recently released the innovative DSC-R1 camera (pictured). It will be very interesting to see if they can repeat that kind of success in an area that Canon and Nikon currently dominate.
Website: Macworld - Sony plans digital SLR launch in mid-year
Sony have announced plans to release their first digital SLR camera in Japan in the summer of this year, following Konica Minolta’s withdrawal from the camera market last week and the transfer of their DSLR technology to Sony. In a report on Macworld of all places, Sony executive vice president…
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount.
Website: Fotopolis - Samsung GX-1S Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount. Website: Fotopolis - Samsung GX-1S Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
DCResource have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
“As you’d expect, the 5D starts up almost instantanelously. As soon as you flip the power switch you’re ready to go. Autofocus speeds will vary a bit depending on yoru choice of lens, but on the lenses I used the most (16-35 and 50 mm), the cmaera focused very quickly. Straight out of the box the 5D isn’t very good at low light focusing, and that’s becuase there’s no AF-assist of any sort (either with the flash or a dedicated lamp). Instead, you’ll need to use the AF-assist beam on whatever external flash you’re using with the camera. I didn’t have a Canon flash to test this with (believe it or not), so I can’t say how well the camera performed with one.”
Website: DCResource - Canon EOS 5D Review
DCResource have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR. “As you’d expect, the 5D starts up almost instantanelously. As soon as you flip the power switch you’re ready to go. Autofocus speeds will vary a bit depending on yoru choice of lens, but on the…
Nature photographer Bjørn Rørslett has just published a detailed review of the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.
“The Nikon D200 establishes itself firmly as the much longed-for “digital” F100. Alternatively, it can be seen as a wolf in lamb’s clothing. You get an image quality within a hair’s width of the D2X, Nikon’s current digital flagship. In some aspects the D200 performs even better, for example, ISO noise is slightly lower over much of the range and the risk of blown highlights is subtly reduced when the camera is run on automatic metering modes. On the other hand, D2X excels in terms of sheer ruggedness, better auto white balance, faster shooting speeds, HSC (High-Speed Crop) feature, and handling, although consideration of the latter surely is up to the end user. You get a very decent viewfinder, excellent AF performance, GPS support just like the professional big brothers (D1H, D1X, D2Hs, D2X), and a metering system that you can rely on. Plus the opportunity to switch from having a small, neat camera for long hikes to a bigger unit with the bolt-on MB-D200 power grip.”
Website: Bjørn Rørslett - Nikon D200 Review
Nature photographer Bjørn Rørslett has just published a detailed review of the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera. “The Nikon D200 establishes itself firmly as the much longed-for “digital” F100. Alternatively, it can be seen as a wolf in lamb’s clothing. You get an image quality within a…