Category: Digital SLR Cameras

Tuesday, December 7, 2004

Canon EOS 20DAnother new firmware update has just been released for the Canon EOS 20D DSLR.

This firmware update (version 1.1.0) incorporates the following additions and improvements:

Three new languages (Russian, Korean, and Traditional Chinese) have been added to the camera menus.
The phenomenon of horizontal line noise appearing in images taken at high ISO settings while using the internal flash has been fixed.

Website: Canon EOS 20D Firmware Version 1.1.0

Another new firmware update has just been released for the Canon EOS 20D DSLR. This firmware update (version 1.1.0) incorporates the following additions and improvements: Three new languages (Russian, Korean, and Traditional Chinese) have been added to the camera menus. The phenomenon of horizontal line noise appearing in images taken…

Saturday, December 4, 2004

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DA member of the Photohobby.net forums has posted an extensive review of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR.

“I’ve asked for printing for 2 size with Lambda machine, 30 and 50 inches. Of course, the software come with the machine taken care of the interpolation. After inpect closely with the shop owner, we conclude that Extra Fine from 7D can blow up to 30 inches very nicely. While the 50 inches may beyond its limit a bit but view from the proper distance the image still look acceptable. The good thing is 7D file seem to have the best color while compare with other DSLR, almost no need to touch up any color of the file straight from camera. KM has nicely done indeed with their image processing algorithm, CxProcess III, which take quality of the file to the next level in DSLR market.”

Thanks to songsin sungkhawaetai for letting me know!

Website: Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

A member of the Photohobby.net forums has posted an extensive review of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR. “I’ve asked for printing for 2 size with Lambda machine, 30 and 50 inches. Of course, the software come with the machine taken care of the interpolation. After inpect closely with…

Friday, December 3, 2004

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DThe Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR, with lots of sample images to look at if your Slovenian is a bit rusty.

Website: e-fotografija - Konica Minolta 7D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR, with lots of sample images to look at if your Slovenian is a bit rusty. Website: e-fotografija - Konica Minolta 7D Review Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Thursday, December 2, 2004

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLRMichael Reichmann over at the Luminous Landscape website has published his thoughts on the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR and the Phase One P25 digital back.

“OK. Let’s cut to the chase. Which is the better camera system - the Canon 1Ds Mark II, or the Phase One P25 on a medium format camera like the Contax 645?

Once again, I’m afraid that I’ll have to disappoint. There’s no absolute winner. Each one has its strengths and weaknessess, and based on this, as I’ve detailed above, if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford one or the other, you’ll have to make your own decision based on your particular photographic needs.

If you’re looking for the finest absolute image quality then the P25 gets the nod. There are more pixels, the photosites are bigger, and therefore the images are a bit crisper and capable of being printed larger. There is a bit more dynamic range, and at low ISOs the shadows have more detail and “depth”.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon 1Ds MKII Vs. Phase One P25

Michael Reichmann over at the Luminous Landscape website has published his thoughts on the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR and the Phase One P25 digital back. “OK. Let’s cut to the chase. Which is the better camera system - the Canon 1Ds Mark II, or the Phase One P2…

Sigma SD10 Digital SLRCNET have posted their review of the Sigma SD10 digital SLR.

“Sigma’s SD10 is the follow-up to the company’s flawed but interesting SD9 digital SLR, which made exceptionally sharp photos in good light. The SD10 incorporates an upgraded Foveon X3 sensor, a three-layered imager with 3.4 million pixels and 10.3 million photodetectors. The new sensor partially overcomes the SD9’s biggest weakness, which was its lack of high ISO sensitivities for low-light photography. But Sigma failed to correct most of the SD9’s design and performance flaws, and the SD10 remains substantially less versatile and well rounded than competing dSLRs.”

Website: CNET - Sigma SD10 Review

CNET have posted their review of the Sigma SD10 digital SLR. “Sigma’s SD10 is the follow-up to the company’s flawed but interesting SD9 digital SLR, which made exceptionally sharp photos in good light. The SD10 incorporates an upgraded Foveon X3 sensor, a three-layered imager with 3.4 million pixels and 10.…

Wednesday, December 1, 2004

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DIf you were on the email notification list for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR, you will have received an email today for the Shake Your Body promotion. From now until December 31st, get $150 check back by mail toward your next purchase of a Konica Minolta Maxxum AutoFocus camera lens when you purchase the Maxxum 7D digital SLR camera. If you weren’t on the list, here’s the link that you need:

Website: Konica Minolta 7D Promotion

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

If you were on the email notification list for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR, you will have received an email today for the Shake Your Body promotion. From now until December 31st, get $150 check back by mail toward your next purchase of a Konica Minolta Maxxum AutoFocus camera lens…

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DThe Estonian website Fotodiip have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR.

Website: Fotodiip - Konica Minolta 7D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

The Estonian website Fotodiip have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR. Website: Fotodiip - Konica Minolta 7D Review Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Olympus E-300I completely missed this last week - DPNow spotted an extensive selection of sample images taken with the new Olympus E-300 DSLR, published on the Japanese website DCWatch.

“The selection includes day and night, plus indoor shots taken using ISO settings from 100 right up to 1600. It appears that all the images were taken with the new ‘budget price’ 14-45mm (28-90 equiv) Digital Zuiko standard zoom.

There is also some indication on the same page that the E-300 will start to ship in Japan on 3rd December. Our information is that small numbers will be on sale in the UK towards the end of December.”

Website: DPNow - Olympus E300/Evolt Sample Images

I completely missed this last week - DPNow spotted an extensive selection of sample images taken with the new Olympus E-300 DSLR, published on the Japanese website DCWatch. “The selection includes day and night, plus indoor shots taken using ISO settings from 100 right up to 1600. It appears that…

Pentax *ist DSSteves Digicams have posted a first look at the new 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.

“PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography again with the *ist DS digital SLR. Even smaller than last year’s *ist D SLR, the *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, it has a durable stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and delivers superior image quality in a very compact design. Despite its size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 million effective pixels of resolution and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is compatible with most existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax *ist DS Preview

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax *ist DS

Steves Digicams have posted a first look at the new 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR. “PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography again with the *ist DS digital SLR. Even smaller than last year’s *ist D SLR, the *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras…

Canon EOS 20DBob Atkins has published a great overview of compact flash cards from a Canon DSLR point of view, including the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D (pictured).

“As you can see, it really doesn’t matter much what speed CF card you use with the Digital Rebel or EOS 10D. The camera really can’t write faster than about 1.4MB/s no matter what the CF card speed is. Faster cards do give slightly better performance, but the difference is small. On the other hand, the EOS 20D and EOS 1Ds mark II can write much faster and can take more advantage of high speed cards. With these cameras the use of faster CF cards makes much more difference.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Compact Flash Cards

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

Bob Atkins has published a great overview of compact flash cards from a Canon DSLR point of view, including the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D (pictured). “As you can see, it really doesn’t matter much what speed CF card you use with the Digital Rebel or EOS 10D. The camera…

Monday, November 29, 2004

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DImaging Resource have posted their first impressions of the new Konica Minolta 7D DSLR.

“Feeling about as heavy as it looks, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D is a handful. The grip is nicely shaped with a rubbery finish, but it doesn’t quite go deep enough. To get a good purchase on it, you have to press your fingertips into the body. The problem isn’t really the grip, though. The length from front to back is just about right for most palms. The body is just very thick and takes up much of the finger space. Otherwise, Konica Minolta has made a nice looking, quality digital camera with a magnesium underbody. All body panels fit tightly and the feel is extremely solid.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Konica Minolta 7D First Impressions

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Imaging Resource have posted their first impressions of the new Konica Minolta 7D DSLR. “Feeling about as heavy as it looks, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D is a handful. The grip is nicely shaped with a rubbery finish, but it doesn’t quite go deep enough. To get a good purchase…

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Canon EOS 20DBob Atkins has published his review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.

“Probably the most obvious change from the point of view of camera specifications is the change from a 6.3 MP sensor in the EOS 10D to an 8.1 MP sensor in the 20D. This means that the maximum image size of 3072 x 2048 of the 10D has increased to 3045 x 2336 pixels in the 20D. What people really want to know is what does this translate to in practice.

Well, it’s not a “night and day” difference. Casually viewing an 8x10 print you might not even notice it. However if you make a large print, or if you significantly crop an image (of if you view the image at 100% magnification on a monitor!) the higher resolution is more noticeable.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Canon EOS 20D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

Bob Atkins has published his review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “Probably the most obvious change from the point of view of camera specifications is the change from a 6.3 MP sensor in the EOS 10D to an 8.1 MP sensor in the 20D. This means that…

Olympus E-300Olympus America Press Release 23/11/04

Olympus Announces Prices For EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR Camera, Digital Specific Consumer Lenses, And Accessories  
 
100% “Designed-for-Digital” SLR Comes with Lens for Under $1000 for World-Class Image Quality; Camera Packs Dust Protection and an 8-Megapixel Imaging Sensor into Innovative Compact, Low-Profile Body

Melville, NY, November 23, 2004 - Today Olympus officially announced that the 8.0-megapixel EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR, the first 100 percent “digital-from-the-ground-up” consumer SLR system with interchangeable digital specific lenses, will be sold with a lens for $999.99. Incorporating a newly designed compact body featuring the Dust Reduction system pioneered on the professional E-1 SLR body, the EVOLT delivers the versatility, durability and reliable performance of an SLR that isn’t just for the pros - now it’s for photographers of all skill levels at a price they can afford.

Camera, Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses, and Accessories Prices:
EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR: $999.99 estimated street price including the 14-45mm lens ($1399 MSRP)
14-45mm f3.5 - f5.6 Lens: $249.95 estimated street when purchased separate from EVOLT ($299 MSRP)
40-150mm f3.5 - f4.5 Lens: $279.95 estimated street ($349 MSRP).
HLD-3 Battery Holder: $99.99 estimated street price ($119.95 MSRP).
Semi Hard Case CS3-SH (for EVOLT E-300 and 14.45mm or 14-54mm zooms): $49.95 estimated street price ($59.95 MSRP).

Olympus America Press Release 23/11/04 Olympus Announces Prices For EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR Camera, Digital Specific Consumer Lenses, And Accessories 100% “Designed-for-Digital” SLR Comes with Lens for Under $1000 for World-Class Image Quality; Camera Packs Dust Protection and an 8-Megapixel Imaging Sensor into Innovative Compact, Low-Profile Body Melville, NY, November…

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DePhotoZine have have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR by member Gary Wolstenholme.

“As you can see from these images and their respective exposure times, the Anti-Shake system can produce some stunning results in difficult situations, the last two images were taken a full 4 stops below what is considered safe. All this makes impressive reading, although each one of these images took 3-4 attempts on average, which is fine if critical timing isn?t an issue. Much of the softness in the images can be attributed to the cheap plastic zoom lenses available to me at the time. No amount of technology can redeem images taken with poor lenses.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Konica Minolta 7D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

ePhotoZine have have posted a review of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR by member Gary Wolstenholme. “As you can see from these images and their respective exposure times, the Anti-Shake system can produce some stunning results in difficult situations, the last two images were taken a full 4 stops below…

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DDP-Now have posted an initial report on the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR - full review to follow soon…

“Up to 1/15th sec. I was able to get consistently steady shots. From 1/8th onwards, I was getting softer results and the occasional obviously blurred frame. It could be that the softness has something to do with the very small aperture (f/18) necessitated to force the shutter speed down, but certainly with the lens I had, 1/15th sec. was probably the practical limit for dependable anti-shake performance. That said, the 1/8th second image could be sharpened with some care and be printed with acceptable quality. The full review will explore this feature in a lot more detail. “

Website: DP-Now - Konica Minolta 7D Initial Report

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

DP-Now have posted an initial report on the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR - full review to follow soon… “Up to 1/15th sec. I was able to get consistently steady shots. From 1/8th onwards, I was getting softer results and the occasional obviously blurred frame. It could be that the softness…

Monday, November 22, 2004

Kodak DCS Pro SLR/cKodak USA have just announced a new promotion for their 14 megapixel Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c digital SLR camera, offering a massive $1,000 off the usual retail price between 11/15/04 and 12/31/04. The only requirement is you must purchase the camera from an authorised dealer of KODAK products (found via DCViews

Website: Kodak - $1000 Discount Voucher (PDF)

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c

Kodak USA have just announced a new promotion for their 14 megapixel Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c digital SLR camera, offering a massive $1,000 off the usual retail price between 11/15/04 and 12/31/04. The only requirement is you must purchase the camera from an authorised dealer of KODAK products (found via…

Saturday, November 20, 2004

Konica Minolta Dynax 7DThe manual for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR is now available on KM’s USA website as two separate downloadable files (2.75 MB and 2.98 MB). Thanks to Cameron Hill for the tip-off.

Website: Konica Minolta 7D Manual

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

The manual for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR is now available on KM’s USA website as two separate downloadable files (2.75 MB and 2.98 MB). Thanks to Cameron Hill for the tip-off. Website: Konica Minolta 7D Manual Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

FujiFilm FinePix S3 ProFujiFilm have just released 4 sample images taken with their long-delayed DSLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. The 4 images have been saved as JPEGs in Photoshop CS.

Website: FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Sample Images

Check the Latest Prices for the FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro

FujiFilm have just released 4 sample images taken with their long-delayed DSLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. The 4 images have been saved as JPEGs in Photoshop CS. Website: FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Sample Images Check the Latest Prices for the FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro

Canon EOS 20DImaging Resource have published their usual comprehensive review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.

“Low image noise is one of the real standout features of the EOS-20D, particularly at very high ISOs (1600 and 3200). The chart above compares the 20D’s image noise levels against those of other d-SLRs, but as I’ve noted in the past, graphs like this tell only part of the story, because they don’t reveal what the image noise actually looks like. In the case of the 20D, its noise pattern is particularly fine and tight-grained, which makes it much less visually apparent and objectionable than that of many cameras. At the same time, the 20D’s noise-suppression technology does an excellent job of holding noise in check, without losing subject detail in areas of subtle contrast.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon EOS 20D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

Imaging Resource have published their usual comprehensive review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “Low image noise is one of the real standout features of the EOS-20D, particularly at very high ISOs (1600 and 3200). The chart above compares the 20D’s image noise levels against those of other…

Friday, November 19, 2004

Canon EOS 20DCNET have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.

“Canon has produced a worthy successor to the EOS 10D with this model, endowing it with class-leading 8-megapixel resolution, excellent image quality across a broad range of ISO settings, and fast performance. With a sturdy, well-designed body and an intuitive control layout, the EOS 20D is a pleasure to shoot with.”

Website: CNET - Canon EOS 20D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

CNET have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “Canon has produced a worthy successor to the EOS 10D with this model, endowing it with class-leading 8-megapixel resolution, excellent image quality across a broad range of ISO settings, and fast performance. With a sturdy, well-designed body…