News
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A430, which offers 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens.
“Like its predecessor, the A430’s ergonomics are great. The various controls are well placed and easily accessed by your fingertips. It still has the same Zoom control that we disliked on past models, but it works just fine. The Menu system is logically organized and changing settings quickly is very easy with the FUNCtion menu. I was happy to see that Canon did away with the tiny 1.5-inch LCD display. The 1.8-inch LCD offers a better viewing surface and the text is more legible; something that is very important for those with less than perfect eyesight. “
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A430, which offers 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens. “Like its predecessor, the A430’s ergonomics are great. The various controls are well placed and easily accessed by your fingertips. It still has the…
DigitalCameraInfo have published a comparative review of the new Nikon D200 and Canon EOS 5D digital SLR cameras.
”...the D200 and the 5D are the latest cameras from the leading DSLR manufacturers, and are the results of big R&D efforts. As such, they ought to show where the two companies are going, and what they’re capable of. Second, they are Canon and Nikon’s step-down models to their flagship DSLRs – both the EOS 5D and D200 represent more affordable, scaled-down versions of their top of the line cousins, with the full-frame 5D a smaller iteration of the 1Ds Mark II, and the D200 a mid-level D2X.”
Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Nikon D200 vs Canon EOS 5D Review
DigitalCameraInfo have published a comparative review of the new Nikon D200 and Canon EOS 5D digital SLR cameras. ”...the D200 and the 5D are the latest cameras from the leading DSLR manufacturers, and are the results of big R&D efforts. As such, they ought to show where the two companies…
CNET have just reviewed the Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor.
“The picture quality is generally solid, with minimal noise at typical settings and nearly no chromatic aberration. A minor weakness is the DS2’s erratic automatic white balance, but overall, the DS2 is a hearty, well-performing, intuitive, and easy-to-handle camera. For those approaching the dSLR market with a bag of Pentax lenses—or no lenses at all—it’s a camera to consider.”
Website: CNET - Pentax *ist DS2 Review
CNET have just reviewed the Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor. “The picture quality is generally solid, with minimal noise at typical settings and nearly no chromatic aberration. A minor…
Earthbound Light have just reviewed version 2.1 of a Photoshop plugin called Curvemeister (PC only), which adds some missing functionality to Photoshop’s Curves feature.
“As the title of this article says, Curvemeister is Curves on steroids. The main Curvemeister Curves window shows a combination histogram and curves display that can be configured to show any one channel or be split into displays for all channels simultaneously. It can be freely toggled between RGB, wide-gamut CMYK, Lab, and HSB (Hue-Saturation-Brightness) color models at any point while working on a curve so you can use whichever seems best for the task at hand. And it works the same in Photoshop Elements as it does in the full version of Photoshop. Sure would be nice if Adobe would take a cue from Curvemeister in this regard, now wouldn’t it?”
Earthbound Light have just reviewed version 2.1 of a Photoshop plugin called Curvemeister (PC only), which adds some missing functionality to Photoshop’s Curves feature. “As the title of this article says, Curvemeister is Curves on steroids. The main Curvemeister Curves window shows a combination histogram and curves display that can…
ePhotoZine have just reviewed version 1.0 of Apple’s Aperture software.
“Aperture from Apple is one of the first of a new generation of all-in-one RAW workflow solutions that incorporate both image management features and RAW image processing in one package. In this review, professional social photographer, Mike French takes a look at the main features of Aperture version 1.0. The review will be updated with a comprehensive look at Aperture’s RAW processing abilities upon release of Aperture 1.1, due out by the end of March.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Apple Aperture Review
ePhotoZine have just reviewed version 1.0 of Apple’s Aperture software. “Aperture from Apple is one of the first of a new generation of all-in-one RAW workflow solutions that incorporate both image management features and RAW image processing in one package. In this review, professional social photographer, Mike French takes a…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels.
“Panasonic is somewhat unique in this area, offering stabilization on camera models that offer as little as 3x optical zoom, where other manufacturers until recently have restricted the feature to their long-zoom cameras. While stabilization on a 3x zoom camera like the Panasonic Lumix FX9 may not be as much of a necessity as it would be on a long-zoom digicam, it does make a useful difference in the photos you’ll be able to shoot in available light—without flash and, therefore, without red-eye. You’ll also need a tripod much less often, and those times when a tripod just isn’t an option, you won’t have to resort to boosting the ISO sensitivity (and noise levels) as much as you might have with a non-stabilized camera. If you’re in the market for an affordable digital camera with the advantages of optical image stabilization, the Lumix FX9 could be the camera for you.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels. “Panasonic is somewhat unique in this area, offering stabilization on camera models that offer as little as 3x optical zoom, where other manufacturers…
Olympus Europe Press Release
The innovative Olympus E-330 digital SLR available in a choice of six kits for specific applications
Hamburg, March 2006 – Whether for travel, medical, macro, nature, architectural or underwater photography – and just about anything in between – Olympus will introduce six kits to accompany the sales start of the E-330 digital SLR, and thereby provide customised, professional solutions for virtually any photographic situation. Key element in each of the kits is, of course, the Olympus E-330 body – a remarkable feat of technology. It is the world’s first digital SLR to provide continuous Live Previews. Now, instead of being forced to frame compositions by looking through the viewfinder, photographers have the freedom of framing while looking at the Live Preview on the camera’s large 6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD. Extending usability even further, the screen can be tilted up 90° and down 45° to provide unparalleled shooting and framing ease. Image quality, speed and sensitivity are second to none thanks to the incorporation of a latest-generation Live MOS sensor with 7.5 million pixels. Naturally, as with all cameras in the Olympus E-System range, the E-330 is equipped with the Olympus-exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter which eliminates the danger of dust entering the camera body and settling on the image sensor. Compatibility with the full range of E-System accessories makes the E-330 ideal for a multitude of applications. And the availability of these six new kits makes this surprisingly affordable.
Olympus Europe Press Release The innovative Olympus E-330 digital SLR available in a choice of six kits for specific applications Hamburg, March 2006 – Whether for travel, medical, macro, nature, architectural or underwater photography – and just about anything in between – Olympus will introduce six kits to accompany the…
ePhotoZine have the first online review of the new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S5 digital camera.
“ISO50 and 100 both produce clean results, with ISO200 being slightly noisier, but still very usable. At ISO400 the noise level increases dramatically, but it retains a random, film-like pattern which is still suitable for printing up to around 7x5 inches. Compact digital cameras have been steadily improving there ability to shoot at high ISO settings, many have sensitivity settings up to ISO1600 now. For this camera to be so noisy at its maximum ISO400 setting is a disappointment. I expected better from a newly released camera.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Nikon Coolpix S5 Review
ePhotoZine have the first online review of the new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S5 digital camera. “ISO50 and 100 both produce clean results, with ISO200 being slightly noisier, but still very usable. At ISO400 the noise level increases dramatically, but it retains a random, film-like pattern which is still suitable…
Pentax USA Press Release
(GOLDEN, CO) March 25, 2006…Nothing screams “take me with you” quite like the line of PENTAX Optio waterproof digital cameras. So, that is exactly what world-class surf champion Kelly Slater and his friends did when they convened recently for the second annual Kelly Slater Invitational (KSI) surfing event on the beautiful coast of Kona, Hawaii in February 2006. Every year, KSI brings together pro surfers, Hollywood celebrities and musical guests for a weekend of surf, sand and sun. Equipped with PENTAX waterproof Optio W10 digital cameras, the official camera of the event, professional photographers and celebrities alike snapped images of the activities. With the capability to capture images up to five feet underwater for up to 30 minutes, the Optio W10 is the perfect camera for use in and around water.
Pentax USA Press Release (GOLDEN, CO) March 25, 2006…Nothing screams “take me with you” quite like the line of PENTAX Optio waterproof digital cameras. So, that is exactly what world-class surf champion Kelly Slater and his friends did when they convened recently for the second annual Kelly Slater Invitational (KSI)…
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body.
“The large 2.5inch screen on the back is clear and satisfyingly bright when used indoors or in dim light. Dim light is where this display excels, the process of brightening the on-screen image that is termed ‘BrightCapture Technology’ by Olympus, really does help with composing shot in low light conditions.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Olympus mju 700 Review
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body. “The large 2.5inch screen on the back is clear and satisfyingly bright when used indoors or in dim…
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera.
Website: Fotopolis - Sony DSC-H2 Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera. Website: Fotopolis - Sony DSC-H2 Review Website: Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
DIWA member Photoxels have published their review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.
“The Canon PowerShot SD550 produces very good to excellent image quality—and that is the main criteria that users would (should) be mostly concerned with. Add in fast operations with no practical shutter lag, fast and precise AF that works in low-light, accurate exposure metering, and one of the most elegant and beautifully designed body on a digital camera—and you can’t go wrong if you are looking for a take-anywhere ultra compact digital camera.”
Website: Photoxels - Canon IXUS 750 Review
DIWA member Photoxels have published their review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. “The Canon PowerShot SD550 produces very good to excellent image quality—and that is the main criteria…
Luminous Landscape have reviewed the 22 megapixel Mamiya ZD digital SLR camera.
“The real question that remains is of course that of the image quality. My impression is that it is quite good, but it is not equal to that of the competition. An H1D with either a Hasselblad, Leaf, Sinar or PhaseOne digital back costs quite a bit more, but the images are of a higher quality. That will likely be because the lenses are better, and maybe because of the way the software does its job. The Mamiya software can be used, but the latest version of Adobe Camera RAW will also convert the files to standard digital photos. I found the Adobe software the better choice, but heard other photographers say the opposite.”
Luminous Landscape have reviewed the 22 megapixel Mamiya ZD digital SLR camera. “The real question that remains is of course that of the image quality. My impression is that it is quite good, but it is not equal to that of the competition. An H1D with either a Hasselblad, Leaf…
DPNow have reviewed the ColorVision Spyder2 Express, an entry-level on-screen color management tool for digital imagers and enthusiasts.
“I also compared the Spyder2express to its chief rival, the Pantone huey. The two basically do the same job, but the huey hardware is a newer design and much more compact. The software is also prettier, but I found its brightness and contrast aids less easy to use than the Spyder2express software. But where the huey trounces the Spyder2express is in its speed. The colour measurement and priofile building phase takes just a minute or so with the huey, compared to over seven minutes with the Spyder2express.”
DPNow have reviewed the ColorVision Spyder2 Express, an entry-level on-screen color management tool for digital imagers and enthusiasts. “I also compared the Spyder2express to its chief rival, the Pantone huey. The two basically do the same job, but the huey hardware is a newer design and much more compact. The…
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. That’s No Problem, It’s A Nikon D50 Feature
2. Red-eye Guaranteed, Or Your Money Back
3. Who Was That Unsharp Masked Man?
4. AAA Battery Compatible Cameras
5. Effect Of Scene Modes On Image Quality / Resolution
6. New CMOS Image Sensor To Achieve ISO 6.4 MILLION (!!!)
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing for display with your question. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email. Emails selected for publication may also be edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are: 1. That’s No Problem, It’s A Nikon D50 Feature 2. Red-eye Guaranteed, Or Your Money Back 3. Who Was That Unsharp Masked Man? 4. AAA Battery Compatible Cameras 5. Effect Of Scene Modes On Image Quality / Resolution 6. New CMOS Image Sensor To…
I’ve just finished reading “The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers” by Peter Krogh (available for $22.02 in the US, £16.46 in the UK, full review coming next week) and it’s highlighted a LOT of shortcomings in the way that I archive my photographs (or rather in the way that I don’t archive them). Before I try and work out my own system, I want to find out how you all store, organise and manage your photo collections? What techniques and software do you use? How do you backup your images? What naming system do you use? Shout out now..
I’ve just finished reading “The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers” by Peter Krogh (available for $22.02 in the US, £16.46 in the UK, full review coming next week) and it’s highlighted a LOT of shortcomings in the way that I archive my photographs (or rather in the way…
First announced in the Autumn of 2005, the Canon IXUS 55 is an ultra-compact, lifestyle digital camera that offers a lot more than just good looks. The IXUS 55 features a 3x optical zoom lens, 5 megapixel sensor, Canon’s DIGIC II image processor (as used on their high-end digital SLRs) and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor. So is the Canon IXUS 55 still a good buy today? Read on to find out.
Website: Canon Digital IXUS 55 Review
First announced in the Autumn of 2005, the Canon IXUS 55 is an ultra-compact, lifestyle digital camera that offers a lot more than just good looks. The IXUS 55 features a 3x optical zoom lens, 5 megapixel sensor, Canon’s DIGIC II image processor (as used on their high-end digital SLRs)…
Breeze Systems
BreezeBrowser Pro v1.4.2 adds support for the Canon EOS 30D and has improved color management when printing. New in BreezeBrowser Pro v1.4.2:
* Support for the new Canon EOS 30D including: raw conversion (requires Canon ZoomBrowser EX 5.6), focus point overlay and detailed display of shooting data
* Improved color management when printing images
* Fixes problems with PSD and NEF thumbnails
BreezeBrowser Pro runs on Windows and is available on a 15 day free trial from Breeze Systems’ website. BreezeBrowser Pro v1.4.2 is a free upgrade for all registered users who purchased a license within the last year. BreezeBrowser users and users who purchased a license for BreezeBrowser Pro before 23 March 2005 please see the upgrade page for details on upgrading.
http://www.breezesys.com/BreezeBrowser/index.htm
Breeze Systems BreezeBrowser Pro v1.4.2 adds support for the Canon EOS 30D and has improved color management when printing. New in BreezeBrowser Pro v1.4.2: * Support for the new Canon EOS 30D including: raw conversion (requires Canon ZoomBrowser EX 5.6), focus point overlay and detailed display of shooting data *…
REALVIZ Press Release
Introductory Discount Offer of up to 40% Until 15. April 2006
Sophia Antipolis, France (March 23, 2006) - REALVIZ, a leader in image processing software development, is pleased to announce that VTour, the latest addition to their software portfolio for content creation, is now available. The product, which was unveiled at the recent IMAGINA show in Monaco, draws on the award-winning technology of Stitcher and ImageModeler and offers users of all levels an innovative and effective solution for the creation of photo-real 3D environments from 2D pictures or panoramas. Starting directly from digital photographs, or from full 360-degree panoramas (created using Stitcher, for example), VTour facilitates the creation of 3D scenes such as interiors, or urban areas using polygonal photo-textured primitives. The results can be exported/published as either a 3D movie, or as an interactive application using 3D viewers such as Spi-V3d viewer (based on Shockwave).
REALVIZ Press Release Introductory Discount Offer of up to 40% Until 15. April 2006 Sophia Antipolis, France (March 23, 2006) - REALVIZ, a leader in image processing software development, is pleased to announce that VTour, the latest addition to their software portfolio for content creation, is now available. The product…
ePhotoZine have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.
“The first thing that strikes me about the EOS 350D is just how small it is, measuring just 9.5cm tall, 12.5cm wide and 13.5cm deep, with the lens it really is tiny for an SLR camera. In fact, some people may find the camera too small. I found the tiny finger grip comfortable, even though there is only room for two of my fingers, leaving my little finger with nothing to grab hold of. When the camera has the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S lens attached, the camera is well balanced. This is not the case with heavier lenses from Canon’s extensive EF lens range. A battery grip is available which helps give a bit more camera to grab hold of.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review
ePhotoZine have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR. “The first thing that strikes me about the EOS 350D is just how small it is, measuring just 9.5cm tall, 12.5cm wide and 13.5cm deep, with the lens it really is tiny for…