DigiCamReview have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

“Announced on the 15th of July, the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D / Maxxum 5D is Konica Minolta’s “budget” digital SLR - it’s 22% smaller than the Dynax 7D / Maxxum 7D, and retains the anti-shake CCD sensor enabling image stabilisation for all lenses attached to the camera, this should allow blur free low-light / long zoom photography. The 7D and 5D will take all Dynax / Maxxum AF lenses, past, present and future. The Dynax / Maxxum 5D is available for £500 excluding lens, and £550 including 18-70 kit lens, this makes it excellent value for money as one of the lowest priced DSLR’s currently available. The Konica Minolta AF DT 18-70 kit lens is equivelant to 27 – 105mm on a 35mm camera, giving the lens a useful 3.8x optical zoom. The camera is enclosed in a black plastic body. As will all digital SLRs, the camera does not record videos! The camera seems fairly compact for a DSLR.” “

Website: DigiCamReview - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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CNET have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.

“Canon maintains its industry-leading position with the 16.7-megapixel EOS 1Ds Mark II, the highest-resolution small-format digital SLR. Intended for studio and landscape photographers who prefer the size and flexibility of 35mm-style cameras, the 1Ds Mark II sets a new benchmark for performance and image quality. With a wealth of upgrades, this camera succeeds and surpasses Canon’s original EOS 1Ds, introduced two years earlier.”

Website: CNET - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review

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DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

“Following our period of evaluation with the Canon EOS 5D, we can fully confirm that the camera is indeed all it’s slated to be. Images produced with the camera’s 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor were sharp and contained low noise. While the camera is not meant for speed, its 4-channel readout and DIGIC II processor handled volumes of large files with ease – processing 15 RAW images in under 22 seconds. However, the biggest surprise was the effectiveness of the newly implemented Picture Style settings. While it is slightly deceiving at first (since “0’s” are not equal to other “0” settings), the amount of control provided by the parameters was enlightening. Colors can be made to accurately reproduce the scene or slightly embellish the look and saturate the tones nicely, adding vibrancy. The design of the camera made it easy to handle and it fit my hands better than any Canon DSLR released to date. Other than a disappointing LCD screen and limited x-sync, the EOS 5D is about all consumers can ask for at a retail price of $3299. Currently, the 5D is truly without competition.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon EOS 5D Review

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PHOTOgraphic Magazine have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

” I loved the 7D’s Anti-Shake system—my “dream D-SLR” would certainly include this feature—and it’s equally effective in the 5D, enabling the user to get sharp hand-held shots at much slower shutter speeds than is possible without, especially handy when shooting in dim light, with long lenses or in close-up work. And that huge LCD monitor is a delight—I can set everything without my reading glasses, and it’s easy to evaluate just-shot images for sharpness and highlight/shadow detail with the one-touch 5X zoom feature.”

Website: PHOTOgraphic Magazine - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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Samsung Press Release

Samsung announces agreement with Pentax to co-operate and jointly develop new digital camera products. This will broaden the product range to offer consumers greater choice

Seoul, Korea - October 12th, 2005: Samsung (CEO Lee Joong-Koo, www.samsungcamera.com) announces an agreement with Pentax to jointly develop Digital-SLR cameras.

The partnership between Samsung and Pentax will be based on sharing their respective competencies to enhance competitiveness in digital cameras.

Samsung holds superb digital image processing technologies, digital convergence technologies and world-wide brand recognition in digital appliance markets. Its partner, Pentax, has developed SLR cameras using Penta Prism technology. Pentax possesses a wide range of high-performance interchangeable lenses as well as cutting edge technologies for high precision cameras.

Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.2.4) for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.

This firmware update (version 1.2.4) includes the following additional functons and improvements:

1. Fixes the phenomenon of file number errors that occurred when shooting bulb exposures.
Fixes the phenomenon of file numbers not being sequential even if the file number setting is for sequential numbers if when a CF card is replaced while the power of the camera is switched on.

2. Improves reliability in communication when using some CF cards.

Website: Firmware Update Version 1.2.4

Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.1.4) for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.

This firmware update (version 1.1.4) includes the following improvements:

1. Fixes the phenomenon of horizontal line noise appearing when P.Fn-21 is set to ON.
Fixes the phenomenon of horizontal line noise appearing occasionally in shots taken with P.Fn-21 set to ON at high ISO setting, depending on the shutter release timing.

2. Fixes the phenomenon of file number errors that occurred when shooting bulb exposures.
Fixes the phenomenon of file numbers not being sequential even if the file number setting is for sequential numbers if a CF card is replaced while the power of the camera is switched on.

3. Improves reliability in communication when using some CF cards.

Note for users of the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1/E1A:
The camers’s WFT-E1/E1A settings will be initialized after the firmware is updated. Please re-set them after the update.

Website: Firmware Update Version 1.1.4

Luminous Landscape have published news about a design flaw with the Canon EOS 5D’s new custom function.

“Let’s say that my custom setting is for AV mode at f/10 with +2/3EV. I put the camera to C mode and the settings appear as stored. As I continue to shoot, I decide to change the aperture to f8 and change the EV to +1/3. Because the 5D has almost instant power-on, and high battery usage, unlike previous Canon cameras where I would set the power saver to 8 minutes or more, on the 5D I set it to 2 or 4 minutes, so in fact the camera power will time out from time to time when I am idle in relation to shooting. So, I am waiting for the next shot. I see it coming, the camera springs to life almost instantly, but rather than have my new f/8 and +1/3EV setting where I left off minutes ago, the camera apparently says, “OK we are now powering up in the Custom mode, so we will make sure that all the settings are as stored”. GOTCHA!”

Website: Luminous Landscape - The Canon 5D “C” Mode Gotcha

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Pro photographer Thom Hogan has published a review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.

“Overall, the D50 produces better out-of-camera JPEGs than the D70s in most situations I’ve tried it in. There simply aren’t any specific image quality faults that are omnipresent or overbearing, even at ISO 1600, as long as you don’t underexpose. This makes the D50 a great print-from-camera DSLR, which I think is partially what Nikon intended. But it also makes it a pretty good all-around backup body for JPEG shooters, like wedding and other event photographers.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikon D50 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

“The Konica Minolta Dynax 5D is a camera that is easy operable for anybody. It might look complicated because of the extensive amount of buttons. But you will learn to appreciate this abundance and soon you wonder why everybody has to start searching in the menu. Also adding to the user-friendliness is the huge 2.5-inch monitor that offers the user enhanced information, in large characters that are easy to read. The Dynax 5D camera may have a plastic touch to it, it doesn’t make it less solid. And the material makes the Dynax 5D light-weighted so it’s no problem at all carrying the camera with you wherever you go.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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Trusted Reviews have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

“Handling and performance are outstanding. The 5D has a tough reinforced glass fiber body over an alloy chassis, making it strong but light. Although its chunky design gives an impression of bulk it is actually quite a small camera, just 5mm wider and 25g heavier than the Pentax *ist DL, with which it is in direct competition. It has a big comfortable rubberised handgrip, large clear viewfinder with optical correction, and a superbly ergonomic control layout. The camera starts up in under a second, and in continuous mode can shoot at three frames a second, although the number of frames that can be shot before the camera needs to stop and write to the card depends on the image quality setting. In Standard mode it is 13 frames, but in the superior RAW+JPEG mode it is just three frames.”

Website: Trusted Reviews - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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DPReview have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.

“The EOS-1Ds was the first digital SLR released with a full frame 35 mm size sensor and the first digital SLR with double-digit megapixel count. Two years later and the new EOS-1Ds Mark II raises the megapixel count by 5.6 million pixels, which equates to a 23% increase in horizontal and vertical pixel count. It shows too, the EOS-1Ds Mark II delivers a level of detail unmatched by any other current digital SLR (excluding the more ‘exotic’ medium format backs). The 1Ds Mark II also demonstrates a level of per-pixel sharpness which is often so difficult to achieve with Bayer pattern sensors.”

Website: DPReview - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review

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DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have published their review of the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR.

Website: Fotopolis - Nikon D2X Review

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Fujifilm U.S.A. Press Release

A good thing is now even better. Fujifilm’s FinePix S3 Pro, the wedding and portrait photographers’ camera of choice, is now available at a reduced price of $1999.

In addition, professional photographers purchasing a FinePix S3 Pro* between October 1, 2005 and November 30, 2005, can also receive a FinePix S3 Pro Power Promotion package worth $400.

The highlight of this free package is Stitcher 4.0 from RealViz, a software program for the PC that gives professional photographers the power to create panoramas from individual photos in just a few mouse clicks. Other items in the FinePix S3 Pro Power Promotion package include an extra FinePix S3 Pro battery tray, a battery charger and a flexible, white balance card for easy and accurate camera calibration.

Promotion details can be found at http://www.Fujifilm.com/S3PowerPromo .

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

“Konica Minolta lowered the cost of the 5D in part by replacing some of the 7D’s switches and control dials with menu choices. Gone are the 7D’s metering, continuous/single AF, exposure compensation, flash compensation and AF area selection controls, all replaced by a menu called-up by depressing the Fn button. While some may miss the 7D’s plentiful switches and dials, the 5D’s function menu is well-organized and very effective, consolidating functions that are scattered around the 7D’s body.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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French website Zone Numerique have just reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

Website: Zone Numerique - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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Nikon Europe Press Release

Amsterdam, 5 October 2005 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Nikon Europe launches a new website today dedicated to its highly sophisticated D2x professional digital SLR camera, celebrating its amazing attributes and images taken using the D2x by leading professional photographers from around the world.

‘The Grand Total’ website – which can be found at www.nikond2xpro.com – features interviews, anecdotes and images from professional photographers in the US, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK. The professionals featured address an exciting variety of disciplines, including sports, automotive, lifestyle, nature, wildlife and fashion photography.

Digital Outback Photo have started an Experience Report on the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

“The 1Ds Mk II has 16.7MP and the 5D 12.8MP. This means that the 1Ds Mk. II has 30% more pixels or 14% more in each dimension. We leave the detail analysis to other people but think that in reality these 2 cameras are pretty close in terms of absolute resolution. Add the noise performance of the 5D (see below) and you have a $3300 camera challenging a camera that costs more than $7000.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon EOS 5D Experience Report

Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

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Foto Imagen Digital have a great interview with Toshiyuki Terada, Olympus Product Manager, about the new Olympus E-500 digital SLR camera.

“In our tests we have found that the focus accuracy and reliability in Olympus reflex is very good, better than some of the competition, but the Olympus auto focus are still slow…

This is true. Olympus has not a long run in auto focus making, as other brands have. We know that we must work fast and hard in this respect. We are proud of our auto focus accuracy, and probably it is better than other brands ones, because accuracy mainly remains in the work and integration of the system: lens, mount, sensors… And we have created an all-new integrated system. Other brands don’t. But focus speed remains mainly in the firmware, in the algorithms, and we are improving this. I ask my designers for more speed too! But, always keeping accuracy. We try to improve the speed while keeping the accuracy.”

Website: Foto Imagen Digital - Interview With Toshiyuki Terada

The Olympus E-500 digital SLR camera is announced today. The Olympus E500 is an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design. A unique Supersonic Wave Filter eliminates dust problems and the E-500 also offers improved metering from a 49 area sensor. The Olympus E-500 will be available at the end of October, with the standard kit costing around £600 and the double zoom lens kit costing around £650.

Olympus UK Press Release

Classic design with a futuristic edge - Olympus announce the E-500

London, 26 September 2005, Digital SLR photography is gaining in popularity as more and more people become hooked on the higher quality and flexibility that only an SLR camera can offer. Olympus today announces the E-500 - its impressive new addition to the E-System SLR range.The Olympus E-500 will be available by the end of October.