Canon Cyber shot Digital Camera Digital SLR Camera FujiFilm Kodak NikonForbes magazine, just published a list of the top deals on digital cameras which included two of our own recommendations, the Fujifilm FinePix S700, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55, and the Nikon D40 as well as Canon’s A720 IS. In fact the Canon was their first pick with “above-average features like image stabilization and a long, 6x optical zoom.” Note that the Fujifilm FinePix S700 has a 10x optical zoom. The fact that the Canon A720 IS has faced detection is noted but that also doesn’t set the camera apart from the others.
About the Fujifilm FinePix S700 they said: “The S700 is a great camera for beginners keen to take their photography seriously. This model offers superior image quality from the get-go and doesn’t leave you in the lurch if you want to do something fancy.”
The digital SLR camera that they suggested was the Nikon D40: “Though it’s been updated slightly over the past year with the release of the D40x, the original model is still a fantastic camera with a remarkably low price. For around $500, consumers can have a robust, powerful digital camera that serves as an excellent bridge between casual picture-taking and true photography that you could hang in a gallery or see in a magazine. Furthermore, the D40’s body is relatively small, making it easy to carry and a pleasure to use.”
And finally the cameras they want you to avoid are the Kodak V803and V1003 ultra-compact models and Kodak’s point-and-shoot C743 none of which we’ve recommended either.
December 14th, 2007
Digital SLR Camera NikonUntil Sunday, December 17 if you buy one of the following Nikon cameras from Ritz Camera you’ll get a free digital frame (I got this offer from Amazon.com).
Nikon D40 digital SLR or Nikon D40x digital SLR either with Nikon 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Lens or Two-Lens Bonus Outfit w/Nikkor 18-55 & 55-200 Zoom Lenses,
or
Nikon D80 Digital SLR with Nikkor 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Lens.
December 14th, 2007
Digital SLR Camera NikonNikon’s D300 professional digital SLR was announced back in August but was finally released late last month. The DX-format 12.3 (effective) megapixel D300 is an improvement on the D3 and a major step up from the otherwise very successful D200 (commercially and otherwise). Loads of new features have been added, a bunch just waiting for you behind the menus like the new Picture Control System, and then stuff like Scene Recognition System which tweaks autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance settings. Here’s what Scott Kelby has to say about that:
“bigger LCD screen on the back.. The 51-point (and 21-point) autofocus rocks, much better, faster, and more accurate than the D200’s, [makes] the D200’s focus seem clunky by comparison.. you can scroll through the different settings and see how different white balance settings look in real time…. you can change Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and actually see the settings big and bright (really handy when you’re shooting on a tripod, which I do most of the time)…
Not low noise; but lower (don’t confuse the D300 with the D3. It’s the D3 that’s the low noise miracle machine)… built-in sensor cleaning… Auto White balance seems much improved…
The color is outstanding (better than any Nikon I’ve ever used, and the color rendering is nearly on par with the D3’s). This camera just produces beautiful images, plain and simple, and if you want really saturated colors, you can pump up the saturation with some amazing results (perfect for the Velvia freak deep inside us all).”
There are also some things he didn’t like but it still a huge improvement from the Nikon D200. “So, is my D300 actually replacing my D2Xs? Absolutely!”
December 14th, 2007
Sanyo Video Camera XactiSanyo Xacti HD1000 (full name Sanyo Xacti HD1000 4MP MPEG4 High Definition 1080i Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom) came out before the Sanyo Xacti HD700 7MP with the HD1000 going for around $700 and HD700 selling for about $150 less. But neither is just an improved and updated model of the other. There are some reasons to buy the HD1000 such as 10x zoom compared to 5x, image stabilization, the ability to simultaneously record video and still images by pressing the shutter button to snap a photo while recording video. Video is shot in HD (1920 x 1080 full 1080i image quality ) in MPEG-4 format which you can also record directly to your computer’s hard drive using the docking station. On the other hand the HD700 is a 7 megapixel digital camera whereas the Xacti HD1000 records only 4 megapixel still images and the HD700 shoots at 720p. Both cameras feature 2.7 inch LCD which flips out and rotates up to 285° for widescreen viewing and they have the same basic dimensions and ergonomic design. That said these cameras are bulky and though it may fit in your pocket without breaking it may require larger hands or both hands. On the plus side they record directly to 8 gigabyte SD cards so there’s no moving parts to break.
There are some problems with the HD700. For one you will have to stand far from large subjects to capture them in the camera’s field of vision. The camera simply does not capture as wide as it should for anything up close such as inside even with wide-angle. This is less of an issue if you’re doing most of your shooting outside. The other issue is that image quality is grainy in low light conditions on both the Sanyo Xacti HD1000 and the HD700. This is less of an issue for the still images compared to the video. And unlike the HD1000 the HD700 lacks image stabilization. Also the camera lacks external mic input. All that said if you can get this camera for under $300 or even $399 and you’re willing to learn how to use it properly it’s still a good deal.
Sanyo Xacti HD1000
Sanyo Xacti HD700 7MP
December 13th, 2007
Digital SLR Camera EVOLT OlympusLike the Olympus EVOLT E-410 digital SLR the Olympus EVOLT E-510 digital SLR is “a great camera to help you evolve as a photographer” in a hard plastic body, a little bulkier than the E-410 while remaining a compact digital SLR. Featuring Olympus’ 2.5″ HyperCrystal™ Live View LCD technology which works even in the sunlight and has proven very popular despite not being quite point and shoot, proven Dust Reduction System with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter and powerful, 10-megapixel LiveMOS imager, sensor-shift image stabilization (which works using a gyroscope inside), two memory slots that hold Compact Flash Type I and Type II, Microdrive and xD picture cards, Zuiko “digital” lenses (the camera also comes as body only), three selectable AF points, and redeye reduction and manually assisted removal.
The E410 lets you shoot in RAW mode and edit although the default settings are not up to par. You can then use Olympus Studio 2 or other software (the included software is not so great and trial only) on the RAW image. Otherwise you can expect pretty good image quality even under low light conditions particularly up to ISO 1600.
On the plus side you can expect long battery life and great prices right now, under $1000 with lenses, making this one of the best DSLRs for this Christmas season. Processing speed is fast and the camera support the Four Thirds Standard lens mount. There are 29 exposure modes.
Product type: Single-lens reflex Live View digital camera with interchangeable lens system
Dimensions: 5.35 in.(W) x 3.6 in. (W) x 2.67in. (D) / 136 mm (W) x 91.5 mm (H) x 68 mm (D) (excluding protrusions);
Weight 16.2 oz. / 460 g (body only).
RAW:3648 x 2736 compressed Approx. 11MB
SHQ: 3648 x 2736 Approx. 1/2.7 compressed Approx. 6.8MB
AF system: TTL phase-difference detection system
Sequential shooting speed: approximately 3 frames per second
December 13th, 2007
Casio Digital Camera ExilimCasio’s 0.7 inch thin Exilim EX-S880 is at the top of Wired’s and many others’ list for ultraslim digital cameras this year.
Small frame and brushed metal design make for a solid camera that won’t get banged up in your pocket which is highly recommended for casual photographers and photographers in need of something small. The downside is that image quality suffers with soft pictures. Not necessarily an upgrade from the EX-S770.
“My EX-S880 never weighs me down.” That’s some marketing for you. You can take the camera anywhere and be prepared to capture some of those Kodak moments or rather YouTube moments. Casio make this even easier with a special YouTube Capture Mode which is exclusive to Casio Exilims. With this feature you record in a YouTube friendly format when recording video and after you set it up, once you connect the camera to your computer it will automatically upload your latest videos to your YouTube account. The YouTube feature is actually quite useful although the format doesn’t bring out the camera’s best qualities. Other features? The camera like other Exilims has automatic face detection and auto tracking AF but lacks continuous autofocus. The camera also features Movie Stabilizer technology and Anti-Shake DSP for making video and still images look better when the camera is moving around. And not only is there a YouTube feature there is also an eBay mode for taking better photos of your products to put online.
Another nice touch is the video record button which is separate from the regular snap button. No more switching from still picture to video mode.
Basics:
2.4 x 3.7 x 0.7 inches, 8 ounces
2.8 inch super bright LCD
8.1 Megapixel CCD
3x optical zoom
MPEG-4 H.264 16:9 format video
Estimated price of $249
Previous Casio Exilim reviews:
Casio Exilim EX Z1200 Review…
Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z75 Review …
Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 Review…
Casio Exilim EX-V7 Review
December 12th, 2007
Dell LCDAre you considering purchasing a new monitor and thinking of getting a Dell? Dell has made a name for itself in bringing real value in their LCD screens compared to other LCD manufacturers and Apple. Depending on your needs and budget you could go with the massive 30 inch Dell 3007 widescreen or you could save some dough and get maybe a pair of Dell 20 inch or 24 inch monitors. Be aware that if you do get the 30 inch display, whether Dell or Apple, you’ll need a dual -link DVI card.
So first consider the smallest and cheapest of the lot. Dell recently announced a new 20 inch LCD, the SP2008WFP with webcam, 1680 x 1050 resolution at
2ms, 300cd/m2 brightness, 2000:1 contrast ratio, DVI with HDCP, VGA, (4) USB 2.0.
The next step up would be the Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP which is a popular and well reviewed monitor, much more than the Philips Brilliance 230WP7 and the Samsung SyncMaster 244T which are nearly equivalent but much more expensive. The UltraSharp is able to swivel into portrait mode and at 1920 x 1200 the text “dark and easily legible, and grayscale tests looked terrific, showing only slight pink tints in the mid and light sections. Colors looked accurate and vivid across the board.” according to CNet.
The Dell 3007WFP matched Apple’s largest display in size as the largest consumer computer screen when it came out last year. It has 56% more screen area than the 2407 and 77% higher resolution. The old 3007WFP was lacking in video inputs but that’s been fixed in the newer model as well as HDCP support which was better in the 2407. Some people also experienced lag and banding in the 2407 which was fixed later. Dell 3007WFPHC features over 90% color gamut whereas color gamut in typical LCDs runs around 70%. The Dell 3007WFPHC also has a 1000:1 contrast ratio (the 30 inch Apple display is only 700:1). But to use this LCD you need to have a dual link DVI connection to get the maximum resolution of 2560×1600.
Further brightness and contrast ratio comparison between the Dell 2407WFP and the Dell 3007WFP can be found at AnandTech.
There are also rumors flying around the web of a 27 inch Dell LCD. If this turns out to be the case it could be a nice cold demise to have a single 27 inch rather than to 24 inches or a 30 inch.
So which way should you go? The 30 inch Dell may now have everything you need with improved video inputs but you’d technically have more pixels and screen real estate by pairing up to 24 inch LCDs like the Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP and you’d save some money even though the 30 inch is almost at half the price it was when it came out, $2200. And then there’s the third route which is to wait for the 27 inch to come out.
December 10th, 2007
Digital Camera DXGA 10 megapixel digital camera for under $200? That’s what the DXG-110 has: 10 Megapixel CCD sensor (with up to 12 Megapixel image resolution), a 2.5″ high-resolution TFT screen, 3X optical/4X digital zoom, 30 FPS of VGA video with sound, digital voice recording function, and of 32MB of built-in internal flash memory which won’t store many of your 10 megapixel photos. The camera also features AutoFocus tracking, Focus Illuminator, and Face Detection. DXG proprietary technology, including Automatic Contrast Management, Advanced Flash Controls, ISO 1600/Antishake, and Dynamic Fill Light
All of this in a small palm-sized camera. Without actually seeing the camera I can’t comment on image quality. But I do know that DXG is not a high quality camera company and nobody expects this product to be any different (from the DXG-538 or DXG-711 digicam). The megapixels is a gimmick and by having more of these you are surely going to lose out on other aspects.
What good is any pixel that isn’t going to record an accurate color? What good is 10 megapixels of noise?
December 10th, 2007
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