Olympus E-1 successor

The Olympus E-1 is due for a replacement this year and it could not come any later as the competition is really moving ahead.
So far the only information found is from the forum section within www.dpreview.com. According to one of its member, rovingtim he says this is the exchange he had with an Olympus representative:
"The E-1 replacement will be a Professional level camera in both functionality and image quality, and as you mentioned, in a smaller package with super bright aperture lenses. These features along with digitally designed lenses that provide sharpness from edge to edge, even in extreme wide angle situations, will provide photographers with a tool that is superior in many aspects when compared to any full frame solution currently available"
Although we expect the E-1 replacement to include some of the latest technology in a DSLR rumors has it that the E-1 replacement, the Olympus E-3 will have a 10.2 megapixel sensor with image quality comparable to a full frame sensor (low noise). The expected announcement date is sometime during September 2006.

The shelf-life of a DSLR camera

Did you know that DSLR camera have an expected shutter-life on their camera? This is the number of times the shutter is activated (actuations) before the mechanism fails. Although it is not an absolute figure, it does exit.

You see, on a good days shooting, a normal film SLR camera could use up 10 rolls of film (200 - 300 shots) compared to thousands on a DSLR camera where multiple shots are standard. With this type of increased usage there is a limit before failure sets in and in reality it's probably a good time to sell your camera. A good indication is when the shutter gets stuck.

So what is the expected shutter-life. Well from what I've been reading it ranges from 50,000 actuations for an amateur DSLR to 225,000 for the high models.

Here is a comment by Chuck Westfall, Director of Media and Customer Relationship Camera Division - Canon U.S.A., Inc:

"EOS-1N Service Life: Canon Factory Service has established a repair policy for the EOS-1N, EOS-3 and EOS-1V 35mm SLRs that basically considers these cameras Beyond Economical Repair when the number of shutter actuations exceeds a certain limit. In the case of the EOS-1N, that limit is 140,000 actuations. For the EOS-3 and EOS-1V, it's 225,000 actuations. Incidentally, the advertised shutter life expectancy for the EOS-1N was 100,000 actuations, not 150,000. The advertised shutter life expectancy for EOS-3 and EOS-1V is 150,000 actuations. "

Considering the high number of shots taken by a DSLR camera these days, the rated shutter-life is not that long.

So for sellers, the best time to sell your DSLR camera is between 50,000 - 150,000 actuations with the higher range applying to the higher spec cameras. On the other hand when you consider the advances in new technology with new models appearing every 18 months it may not be an issue if you decide to update your camera regularly.

For buyers best to buy a second hand DSLR with under 50,000 actuations.

Panasonic releases their new DSLR camera next month

Panasonic (otherwise known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co) says it would launch its first DSLR camera in July 2006. This will really spark competition as Sony will also be releasing their first DSLR called the Alpha around the same time. Both are aiming to chip away market share from the two dominant players, Nikon at 28.3% and Canon at 53.3%.

The camera will have a suggested retail price of $1,999 which is considerably higher than the Sony Alpha; however Panasonic claims it will be their flagship model.

The camera will be equipped with a LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT lens with the industry's first optical image stabilization system - MEGA O.I.S - designed specifically for the Leica lens.

Director of the Imaging Group for Panasonic, Rich Campbell has this to say "With the DMC-L1, we confirm Panasonic's position as a leader in the imaging category. In this camera, we have incorporated today's most advanced digital technologies while maintaining the attractive look and operating feel of the traditional film camera. The DMC-L1 is the flagship model in our digital camera line. It delivers clear, detailed, beautiful imaging, free of unwanted digital characteristics, and allows advanced photographers and hobbyists alike satisfying, intuitive shooting from a digital SLR.""

Overall, the Panasonic DMC-L1 will feature a magnesium-alloy body which will closely resemble the body design of a rangefinder camera. It will be constructed from an aluminum- alloy lens section that offers both high rigidity and a high-grade appearance.

When combined with the shutter speed dial on the camera top and the aperture ring on the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens, the user will receive an easy, intuitive control of the exposure, rendering superior images. The DMC-L1 ensures picture quality through incorporation of a Live MOS image sensor (Same as the Olympus E-330) and a lens mount system that conforms to the Four Thirds (TM) Standard. A full-time Live View function uses a signal output directly from the Live MOS sensor, allowing users to view the same image on the LCD screen as seen by the sensor and to compose shots with greater ease and accuracy. This is the second DSLR camera in the world to have this feature.

The camera also offers a dust reduction system that eliminates digital SLR cameras' long-standing problem of dust adhering to the sensor. Panasonic has solved this problem by equipping the DMC-L1 with a Supersonic Wave Filter system that uses supersonic vibration to shake off any dust clinging to the sensor. This simplifies camera maintenance and eliminates worries about dust entering the camera body when lenses are being changed. By incorporating advanced imaging and power management with its Venus Engine LSI, optical image stabilization, and Leica lenses, Panasonic has created a premium line of digital cameras, now led by the DMC-L1.








Source

Features of the Panasonic DMC-L1

A pleasure to hold and use
The DMC-L1 design reflects Panasonic's diligent pursuit of more than just high functionality. A shutter speed dial on the camera top enhances the user's sense of control. An aperture ring, along with a focus ring and zoom ring, is provided on the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8 ASPH lens. These rings and the shutter dial combine to give the user quick, intuitive camera control for comfortable shooting in a range of situations. With the DMC-L1, users experience the responsive, satisfying performance that one would expect in a finely crafted camera.

The DMC-L1 also offers a high-grade appearance and high reliability and durability thanks to the use of a lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy for the camera body. The body periphery and grip are covered with textured, simulated leather that helps ensure a secure, slip-free hold.

Superb image rendering
The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT lens, the first interchangeable lens designed specifically for digital cameras to bear the Leica name, is a standard zoom lens developed jointly by and combining the optical technologies of Leica Camera AG and Panasonic. A new set of quality standards were created specifically for this lens, to ensure that it would bring out the best performance of the camera it is coupled with.

With a focal length range equivalent to 28mm (wide) to 100mm (medium telescopic) on a 35mm film camera, the Leica D lens provides exceptional results with everything from portraits to landscapes. This bright F2.8-3.5 lens allows maximum use of the out-of-focus techniques possible only with an SLR camera.

The lens also provides outstanding macro shooting, thanks to a 29 cm minimum shooting distance (0.32x maximum magnification, 35mm equivalent) across the entire zoom range. From landscapes to portraits to macro close-ups, the Leica D zoom lens excels in a wide variety of shooting situations.

The lens system comprises 16 elements in 12 groups and features two large-diameter glass-molded aspherical lenses. Meeting the Leica D lens lofty quality standards, this lens unit provides a superior optical performance and matches perfectly with the digital SLR camera body. The result is exquisite rendering, with images that offer clarity, depth, and rich expression from corner to corner, even at a fully open aperture.

The optical image stabilization system – MEGA O.I.S – provided in the lens unit helps minimize blurring to ensure that photos are sharp even in situations when hand-movement is typically a problem, such as when taking macro close-ups, indoor shots, or night portrait shots. Thanks to the gyrosensors and Venus Engine Plus LSI built into the lens, the system detects camera movement at a rate of 4,000 times per second, so hand-movement compensation is extremely precise.

There are two image stabilization modes. In Mode 1 the hand-movement compensation function remains active at all times, so the image in the LCD and viewfinder is clear, which makes shots easier to compose. In Mode 2 the system activates only when the shutter button is pressed; this provides a more precise compensation performance. Users can select whichever mode they prefer in a specific situation.

*The image stabilization system may not prevent blurring in all situations, such as when the shutter speed is extremely slow or there is excessive hand-movement or camera vibration.

Full-time Live View
Panasonic has developed a full-time Live View function that lets users accurately compose photos while viewing the high-resolution 2.5" LCD screen. In previous digital SLR cameras, a "live" image could be seen only through the viewfinder. The new full-time Live View function thus represents a dramatic change in digital SLR photography, giving users new ways to shoot.

Full-time Live View provides a 100 percent view field coverage (that is, the same image seen by the image sensor) on the DMC-L1's large, 2.5" LCD monitor. Users can compose a shot easily and accurately while viewing the screen. The screen also displays critical information such as a live histogram and white balance, which users can easily check prior to snapping the shot. When a tripod is used, full-time Live View lets users compose the image without bending to peer through the viewfinder. In these ways, users will find that full-time Live View gives them both more shooting flexibility and greater convenience.

The Live MOS image sensor must remain ON when full-time Live View is in use. The Live MOS sensor has a full-time image output function that sends a signal directly to the LCD, allowing high-quality display on the LCD screen of the same image seen in the sensor. Note that when the full-time Live View function is active, the internal mirror is in the raised position, which means that there will be no image visible in the optical viewfinder.

Users can take advantage of the revolutionary full-time Live View function in both Auto Focus and Manual Focus modes. When using Manual Focus, users can select a particular area within the frame and enlarge it up to 10x. Then, viewing the DMC-L1's 2.5" 207,000-pixel LCD screen, it is easy to check the focus. It is also possible, by pressing the aperture preview button, to check the depth of field. When the aperture is being adjusted, the DMC-L1 automatically adjusts the brightness of the full-time Live View image on the LCD screen to prevent it from becoming too dark to see. This makes it easier to check the depth of field.

4/3-type 7.5-megapixel, high-resolution, energy-saving Live MOS sensor
The Live MOS sensor used in the DMC-L1 provides beautiful images with delicate gradation and wide dynamic range that only a CCD image sensor can provide. To this it adds the low energy consumption only a CMOS sensor can offer. The use of dedicated processing technology enables operation at a low voltage of 5 V, minimizing noise in darker parts of an image. Also, photodiodes embedded deeply in the silicon layer create a structure that suppresses noise generated on the substrate surface. As a result, the white-spot pixel defects and textural roughness that often characterize images captured in dim lighting are minimized, so photos are crisp and clear.

Dust reduction system
One of the most critical issues with digital SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses is the possibility of dust entering the camera body during lens changes. This dust can adhere to the image sensor and show up as spots on photos taken. Panasonic has solved this problem by equipping the DMC-L1 with a Supersonic Wave Filter system that uses supersonic vibration to shake off any dust clinging to the sensor. This simplifies camera maintenance and eliminates worries about dust entering the camera body when lenses are being changed outdoors, so users can enjoy themselves and just concentrate on shooting.

Venus Engine III image processing LSI
The Venus Engine III is an image processing LSI developed by Panasonic to maximize the performance of the Leica D lens and Live MOS sensor. This advanced LSI not only helps reproduce images with outstanding resolution, superior color and detailed gradation, it also distinguishes chromatic noise from luminance noise and selectively reduces the chromatic noise, one of the chief sources of image quality problems. This helps the DMC-L1 deliver the superb image rendering one expects from a quality SLR camera. The Venus Engine III also works swiftly, helping give the DMC-L1 a quick startup time of 0.8 seconds, shorter shutter interval, and improved consecutive shooting performance.

Further, the Venus Engine III consumes 20% less power than its predecessor, the Venus Engine II. This combines with the Live MOS sensor's low energy consumption to give the DMC-L1 longer battery life. Users can take around 450 shots (CIPA standard) on a single battery charge.

Film mode
In film cameras, the brand of film used affects the color characteristics, gradation and color saturation of the photos taken. This gives photographers the option of choosing a particular brand of film to attain a particular desired effect. The DMC-L1 provides a similar option by giving the user a total of seven "film" modes to choose from, including four color settings (Standard, Dynamic, Natural and Smooth) and three monochrome settings (Standard, Dynamic and Smooth). Just as photographers can switch film brands to change the imaging characteristics, DMC-L1 users can switch modes to achieve a similar effect.

Two-axis white balance adjustment
In addition to the conventional white balance setting, the DMC-L1 features a two-axis setting system that allows even finer white balance adjustment. Making adjustments along a horizontal amber-blue axis and a vertical green-magenta axis, users can set the camera for detailed color cast compensation over virtually the entire color space.

Extra Optical Zoom*
When the camera is set to record at less than the maximum number of pixels, users can take advantage of an Extra Optical Zoom function*. This function alters the 7.5-megapixel Live MOS sensor's operating area, to vary the angle of view and increase the maximum zoom ratio.

Unlike a digital zoom, the Extra Optical Zoom function extends the focal length 1.5 times** (when shooting at 3-megapixel or a lower-resolution mode) without degrading the image. Users enjoy extra zoom power without loss of picture quality.
*Only applicable in using full-time Live View function.
**When the DMC-L1 is used with the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens provided.

Other features and functions
* Supports SDHC format
* Compatible with external TTL flash units (models DMW-FL500, DMW-FL360)
* Auto bracket function - shoots three or five photos at exposures changing in steps of +1/3 to 1 EV
* Equipped with a shutter-speed Bulb setting (8 minutes max.)

Variety of accessories
Leather Bag DMW-BAL1
Shoulder Strap DMW-SSTL1
Battery Pack CGR-S603
Remote Shutter DMW-RSL1
MC Protector DMW-LMCH72
PL Filter DMW-LPL72
External Flash (GN50) DMW-FL500
External Flash (GN36) DMW-FL360

111 Megapixel sensor

DALSA Semiconductor has announced today that it has successfully fabricated and delivered the world’s highest resolution image sensor chip to its customer, Semiconductor Technology Associates (“STA”) of San Juan Capistrano, California.

The sensor is a CCD type and has over 111 megapixels measuring 10,560 pixels x 10,560 pixels at 9µm. It is over 4 inches wide, so forget about seeing this is a DSLR. It was developed for the Astrometry Department of the U.S. Naval Observatory (“USNO”), funded by the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research Program. The device will assist USNO in the determination of the positions and motions of stars, solar system objects and the establishment of celestial reference frames.

DALSA Semiconductor manufactured the device for STA at its wafer fabrication facility in Bromont, Quebec.

"As with past custom image sensor projects, I'm very satisfied with the versatility and capability of DALSA Semiconductor's foundry to collaborate on new process enhancements and to manufacture challenging custom CCD image sensor products such as this," commented STA President, Richard Bredthauer.

"I'm very pleased that we were able to deliver, ahead of schedule, this custom CCD image sensor to our long time DALSA foundry customer, STA," added Ralf Brooks, President of DALSA Semiconductor. "Completing this challenging, yet successful, project once again illustrates our strong process technology portfolio and our ability to work closely with our customers to create truly unique products."



Source: DALSA

www.infodigitalcamera.com

Sony Alpha Reviewed by TrustedReview

Although the Sony Alpha has not has not been released, it has been reviewed by www.trustedreview.com. I assume its a pre-production model.

They conclude with:
"An extremely impressive debut from a new player in the digital SLR market, the Sony Alpha α100 is pitched at the consumer end of the market, but is actually a better camera than most of its mid-range rivals too. It bristles with clever technology, but is very easy to use and produces consistently excellent results. It would be a good camera for a newcomer to SLRs, but more experienced users will also find it very satisfying to use "

Interestingly, the noise level at ISO 1600 is high and writes "At 1600 ISO the image is quite noisy despite the very fast shutter speed. It’s no worse than most of its rivals though". That is, in terms of noise it's on par with the Nikon D200.



Source: Trusted Review

Ambitious plans by Sony to take over Nikon in DSLR within 4 years

According to Samuel Andreo, the director of photographic products for Sony Spain, Sony plans to become the number 3 in the DSLR market within 18 to 24 months and has ambitious plans to take Nikons number 2 spot within 3 to 4 years.

This is an english translation of what Samuel Andreo has to say to a representative from www.QUESABESDE.COM

Many users have the general perception that Sony have arrived late in the digital reflex market.

"Yes, the present market has matured. It was back in 2005 when the digital reflex market experienced a large increase, which in Spain, was as much as 60% in units. What is happening now is we are expecting an increase of 40%, although it's true that the ideal moment was last year".

In this case, maybe the strategy would have been different if we had entered the top of the range market. But as the market is already vast and massive in terms of units, the ideal situation was to enter the mid-range sector. That's to say, tackle the section where there is rotation right now".

Sony isn't the only new brand that has just landed in the SLR market. Is so much competition viable?

"The ideal situation for all the companies and for the market is that the entrance by such companies as Sony, Panasonic or Samsung will increase the amount of digital reflex cameras, attracting people that until now wouldn't have thought about buying these products.

We are all for it. It's true that the market has similar numbers to the maximum achieved by the film reflexes. If this happens, the same cake will be shared amongst many, and there won't be a revolution. What we are aiming for is to bring the world of photography closer to more people."

And if in the end it turns out that there isn't enough for everybody, will there be more brands that fall, or form new alliances?

"Yes, I think that in the end these type of agreements will happen, such as Samsung and Pentax, Panasonic and Olympus or Konica Minolta with ourselves. We believe however, that at the moment, there is room for everybody

The digital reflex market is a sector in which there is still a long way to go and I don't believe that anyone will have to withdraw. It remains to be seen if changing the actual SLR podium can be acheived in the the next two or three years. At the moment the market is all Canon, Nikon and Olympus, we will see if another brand, be it Sony or Panasonic, can take third place, at least.".

Canon, Nikon and Olympus. Sony are going for third place, but... is Nikon's second place or even a face off with Canon one of Sony's long term objectives ?

"Catching up with Canon is a possibility, but very remote, in the distant future. At the moment we are concentrating on third place for the next 18 or 24 months, and in 3 or 4 years, which is when we will aspire to second place, we will tackle Nikon. But we see Canon as far off in the distance and we are in no way competing against them, because there is a strong fidelity".

Along those lines, it is deduced that Olympus are going to be the most affected by the arrival of Sony.

"Maybe Nikon more. With Olympus there are more features and various similar points, such as the sensor cleaner. The quota we gain at the the beginning won't be taken away by Olympus whose share is small, nor will the same happen as when Olympus entered the market and took some of Nikon's share.

Now it will be Sony that will also take the market from Nikon, and in the end we will have Olympus and Sony with similar participation, being able to begin to compete against Nikon within two years. Second place will be four years time."

While the rumours about this reflex were unravelling, Sony was talking about CMOS sensors that could shoot 60 frames per second, about high resolution shots from video sequences… Perhaps the Alpha DSLR-A100 could turn out to be disappointing to those who had high hopes.

" At the moment, at least for a year, this will be the only model. But it's clear that in the forseeable future what we do with the market in 1 year to 18 months time, we have to begin to think about the professional user who, at the moment, will remain a little distanced from this model which is aimed at the larger market and in no way at the professional, not even for features or speed.

The reason we have tackled this segment is as we have said: it's better to create a new platform of users, of an advanced level, and from there tackle the top. Meaning, the opposite to Olympus who began with the E-1 and started from the top. It was already too late for us to do it. "

Does this mean that at Photokina there won't be a second digital reflex from Sony?

"No, there will be nothing new as for reflex cameras".

Nevertheless, some of the lenses presented, including Carl Zeiss, appear to be aimed at a more professional camera.

"These lenses were made thinking of the future. Because of this there are lenses that now appear to be a little disproportionate, with prices around 3.000 euros or more in the case of the G series. It's certain that for this area it's too much, comparitively, but we are thinking about future areas".

Are we talking about the PMA fair coming next year?

"We still don't know when it will be, but for sure in 2007".

Source: Quesabesde

The Best Compact Digital Camera

There are numerous point and shoot digital cameras on the market with huge differences in price and features. If I had a choice between a DSLR camera and a high end point and shoot, the DSLR wins hands down. However, point and shoot digital cameras do have their advantages and it is their compactness, portability and the ability to take limited video images which gets me interested.

After reviewing all the point and shoot digital cameras currently on the market, my recommendation would be the new Fujifilm FinePix F30. As with the previous Fujifilm models, the revolutionary Fujifilm F10 and F11 which has a high ISO range of up to 1600, the Fujifilm F30 continues further with a range of up to 3200 and also includes a new anti-shake and flash systems. The high ISO results in higher light sensitivities and allow the FinePix F30 to shoot with faster shutter speeds. This is a tried and true photographic technique that reduces blurring not only due to camera shake, but subject movement as well.

In addition, the Fujifilm Finepix F30 has a new high resolution 2.5 inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. This is almost twice the resolution of its competitors. (The Fujifilm Finepix F10 has 115,000 pixels and the F11 has 153,000 pixels on their screen and both lack the anti-shake function).

The Fujifilm Finepix F30 has also won two international awards:



1. The Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe 2006 – FinePix F30 (2006 European TIPA awards)

The Fujifilm FinePix F30 is the world’s first digital compact camera to deliver ISO 3200 sensitivity at full resolution. This means that it can give sharp images, even at nighttime, or with fast-moving subjects. Users are able to produce sharp images with minimal noise, no subject
blurring and atmospheric lighting in dark conditions. In addition, the FinePix F30 has 15 new scene modes from underwater, beach and snow, to sunset, party and fireworks. These make it easier than ever for users to experiment with photography in a range of different lighting
conditions.

2. The 2006 DIMA award

The Fujifilm F30 won due their unique use of technology or applications that result in a significant user benefit. DIMA's selection of both capture and output products from Fujifilm demonstrates the company's wide-ranging expertise in digital imaging while reinforcing Fujifilm's status as one of the most innovative companies in photography. here’s what they say:

"The 6.3 MegaPixel FinePix F30 is the world's first compact, point-and-shoot digital camera for consumers with full-resolution ISO equivalency speeds as high as 3200 - a setting previously reserved for professional and advanced amateur digital camera models. It can do so thanks to the second generation of Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology, which minimizes the graininess or "noise" often associated with digital photos, resulting in sharper pictures".

The different types of DSLR formats

Here is an interesting article by www.photoreporter.com that summarizes the differnces in digital camera formats between the different manufacturers. The formats includes Full Frame 24 x 36mm, Four Thirds 17.3 x 13mm and the common APS-C 22 x15mm.

Here's what they say about each format.

Full-Frame Format

The full-frame digital format was pioneered by Canon in the EOS-1D of 2002, and they’ve been using it for all their EOS-1–series professional DSLRs, including the current top-of-the-line EOS-1Ds Mark II and, more recently, the extremely successful prosumer EOS 5D. Essentially what makes it possible is Canon’s CMOS sensor technology—a 24x36mm CCD would still be prohibitively expensive at this point, and that’s the main reason why only Kodak and, very briefly, Contax, were the only other companies to field DSLRs using this format.

The advantages of full-frame digital sensors include:

1. The ability to use 35mm SLR lenses, particularly wide angles and ultra wides, without curtailing their angle of view. It does however exposes poor quality optics.

2. Better ability to control depth of field with aperture selection.

3. Larger pixels able to capture more color information and deliver better imaging performance at high ISOs and thus producing less noise. This is more so in low light situations.

The downsides of full-frame DSLRs can be stated as: They tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than models with smaller sensors. And their lenses have to be larger and heavier as well to cover the larger, oblong 24x36mm format, which doesn’t match standard enlargement sizes like 8x10 and 16x20. Clearly a full-frame DSLR makes a lot of sense for a pro or anyone else with a big investment in wide- and ultra-wide-angle 35mm lenses, and few will quibble with the outstanding image quality provided by the Canon DSLR models cited above.

The question raised by the introduction of the red-hot Canon EOS 5D is therefore not so much a technical question as a marketing question: namely, will Canon or anyone else bring out a consumer full-frame DSLR for, say, $1,000 and blow everything else into the weeds? Answer: Not bloody likely. Canon, in the interest of profitability, seems determined to maintain a two-format policy, remaining steadfastly committed to APS-C–format DSLRs like the new prosumer EOS 30D and the consumer/mass market EOS Rebel XT on the one hand, and the full-frame EOS-1 series and 5D on the other. The twain will not meet in the foreseeable future, and prices for full-format DSLRs will be maintained at the $2,000+ level going forward.





Four Thirds Format

When Olympus unveiled the Olympus E-1 on June 24, 2003, they extolled it as the first DSLR system designed for digital from the ground up. Using a 4/3-type CCD sensor measuring 17.3x13mm with a diagonal of 22.5mm, its aspect ratio is 4:3 (hence Four Thirds,) with a lens mount twice the diameter of the image circle of the lens.

The system is claimed to provide less fall off and superior image quality, especially with wide-angle lenses, by allowing the incoming light to strike the sensor directly rather than at oblique angles. Other advantages of the FT system are: 1. Improved optical efficiency due to a less-oblong format requiring a smaller image circle. 2. Smaller, lighter, easier-to-design lenses, and potentially smaller, lighter camera bodies. 3. The format enlarges directly to popular enlargement sizes like 8x10 and 16x20 with no wasted image area.

While the pro-aimed Olympus E-1 had a tough time going up against such well-entrenched competitors as Nikon and Canon, the FT system has really come into its own with successful consumer DSLR models like the Olympus EVOLT E-300 and the new EVOLT E-330. And the FT system clearly received its biggest shot in the arm yet at PMA 2006 with the announcement of cooperation between Olympus and consumer electronics giant Panasonic, the introduction of Panasonic’s high-end Lumix DMC-L1 using the FT system and a new Leica FT-mount lens, and Sigma’s adding of five new FT-system lenses to the existing line of Olympus and Sigma FT-mount optics.

To say that advocates of the Four Thirds system are ecstatic about these recent developments is an understatement. Many claim that Panasonic and Olympus are now poised to capture a significant market share. Most skeptics acknowledge that the FT system is technically viable, but they question whether those still in the process of moving from 35mm to DSLRs can be persuaded to switch to the FT mount, and whether sufficient numbers of new consumer DSLR buyers will go for an alternative to the still-dominant APS-C format. However, with the marketing and technical prowess of Panasonic behind it, the FT format stands a good chance of success, particularly if Olympus and Panasonic continue to introduce attractive, stylish and compact new DSLR cameras and lenses at competitive price points.





APS-C Format

APS-C is the format that really ignited the DSLR revolution, beginning with pro-aimed models from Nikon and Canon. Eventually, as prices came down and the market broadened, enthusiast and consumer models were offered by every major SLR maker, notably Pentax and Konica Minolta, and now Samsung and Sony. With a 2:3 aspect ratio like 35mm, APS-C enabled 35mm SLR owners to make a reasonably seamless transition to digital, and as the top models from Nikon, Canon and Pentax prove, this format is certainly capable of delivering professional quality images.

Actually APS-C is only a nominal format designation. Most DSLRs using it have CCD or CMOS sensors measuring 22.5x15mm, giving a multiplication factor of 1.6 when calculating 35mm-equivalent focal lengths. Nikon uses the DX system with slightly larger CCD sensors measuring 23.6x15.8mm, which works out to a multiplication factor of 1.5.

Telephoto fans are thrilled with APS-C because their tele lenses are “longer” thanks to the “cropping factor,” but wide-angle fans generally have to buy new wide-angle lenses and wide zooms specifically designed for APS-C–format cameras. Lens makers have been very happy to oblige, creating many outstanding new lenses that will only work on APS-C DSLRs. And while APS-C does not enlarge directly to 8x10 without cropping, it sure provides full-frame 4x6s that are vastly more popular among amateurs.

With a continuing strong commitment from the likes of Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony, APS-C in its slight variations certainly seems destined to be the dominant DSLR format for years to come. Though it is possible that full-frame DSLRs at one end and FT-format cameras on the other will nibble at its market share. But unless something dramatic and unexpected happens, like an entirely new DSLR form factor or a radical world-beating design, it sure looks like all three formats will be around for years to come. I’m not normally a wagering man, but I’d bet on it.




Source

Sony new Alpha DSLR and their future plans

Now that the Sony Alpha has finally been announced, can Sony really make a dent into the DSLR market currently dominated by Canon, Nikon and other established brands? The Alpha does have great specifications behind it, however the brand Sony name is not strong in DSLR.

Here is an interesting article by businessweek on the Alpha.

The announcement marks Sony's first foray into the lucrative high-end segment since the company spent $180 million for Konica Minolta's 100-year-old camera business in January. "We think the camera will be popular with entry-level users," JP Morgan's Hiroshi Takada wrote in a June 7 report.

For Sony, it's a giant step toward becoming a bona fide camera maker. Sony's strength lies in image-processing chips, which it has spent billions developing for its compact digital cameras. Before the deal with Konica Minolta, Sony had almost no lens-making expertise. Its compact digital cameras, for instance, came with custom-ordered Carl Zeiss lenses. (Carl Zeiss also supplies lenses for Sony video cameras.)

CROWDED HOUSE. But now that Sony will have its own lenses -- 21 will be rolled out over the next year -- it can go toe-to-toe with the likes of lens specialists Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Leica. And Sony is trying to elbow its way into a very lucrative market segment. SLRs offer profit margins in the 20%-30% range vs. 5%-10% on compact digital cameras. A sizable chunk of SLR profits comes from making and selling lenses, says Standard & Poor's John Yang.

Still, it's not easy to stand out in the crowd in this business. About 30 digital camera makers are competing globally, and some Japanese makers -- such as Konica Minolta and Kyocera -- have had no choice but to throw in the towel. The shakeout is occurring because many consumers already own a digital camera and sales gains are slowing. According to Japan's Camera & Imaging Products Assn., shipments of digital cameras from Japan are expected to rise by just 4% this year, down from 8.4% growth last year. With so many competitors in the field, last year camera makers had to slash prices by 10% to 20% in Japan, and that trend shows no signs of letting up.

SHAKE STOPPING. Besides Sony, others are gearing up to enter the SLR market. Matsushita Electric Industrial, maker of the Panasonic brand, will build on the success of its Lumix lineup with the DMC-L1, which it developed jointly with Germany's Leica Camera and plans to launch this year. Meanwhile, Canon and Nikon, which control more than 81% of the SLR market, are adding new tech features and rushing out their own models. Canon is broadening its EOS single-lens reflex series, while Nikon has incorporated wireless technology into its latest models.

Sony's Alpha100 won't be for everyone. At around $1,000 for the body and a standard lens (or $900 for the body alone), the SLR will attract only the least cost-conscious of amateur shutterbugs. They'll have to shell out a premium over comparable models offered by Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Pentax.

Sony thinks it can attract former Konica Minolta users, whose old lenses -- 16 million have been sold to date -- will be compatible with the Alpha100. One nifty feature that could help the Alpha100's chances is its antishake mechanism, which prevents blurry photos when shooting in dim lighting.

GOOD CONNECTIONS. Sony execs aim to sell 500,000 Alpha100s in Japan, the U.S., and Europe in the first year. They're hoping for 10% of the SLR segment -- and 20% of the overall digital camera market -- vs. around 15% last year. That's bad news for rivals such as Canon, which had 17% of the camera market, according to market research firm IDC.

But Canon still has the manufacturing edge and a more widely recognized brand. A recent Nomura Securities report estimated that Canon could adjust its factories to eke out a profit even if SLR camera prices fell more than 40%. Sony's best hope of success may be to stress the SLR's easy connectivity with other Sony gizmos. But it's too early to say whether Sony can market itself as a serious camera maker. The company will probably have to sell the brand as much as the product.

Source

The new Nikon D2Xs

Nikon has given the their flagship D2X a minor upgrade with the new Nikon D2Xs. The new Nikon D2Xs has new revised features that make the operation significantly more responsive. They include a refined viewfinder performance that makes for easier composition when shooting in Nikon's exclusive High-Speed Crop mode, a new high resolution 2.5 inch LCD with a 170-degree wide viewing angle calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity. In addtion, the battery life is significantly increased giving 3800 shots per charge as well as better and a wide range of firmware enhancements.

Here what they say in their press release today:

The digital SLR blending 12.4 effective megapixels and high precision with high speed for greatly refined professional performance.
Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new D2Xs professional digital SLR camera. A camera that not only maintains the same stellar position and performance of the D2X, the D2Xs also offers an impressive range of refinements that improve overall camera performance and enhance the user experience.

D2Xs shares many performance and design innovations with the D2X. It also offers Nikon’s acclaimed DX-format CMOS image sensor capturing 12.4 million effective pixels per image, producing 4,288 x 2,848-pixel images with the high resolution and sharp detail needed for demanding professional assignments. The D2Xs, however, also introduces a range of revised features that make operation significantly more responsive – including refined viewfinder performance that makes for easier composition when shooting in Nikon's exclusive High-Speed Crop mode, a new 2.5 inch LCD with a 170-degree wide viewing angle calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity, significantly increased battery life and a wide range of firmware enhancements.
Delivering familiar versatility, the D2Xs employs the Nikon DX-Format sensor and legendary Nikon F lens mount design shared by all Nikon SLR cameras for seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses as well as the expanding family of high-quality DX Nikkor lenses.

Professional high speed performance is realized through the D2Xs’s ability to capture 12.4 megapixel JPEG images or RAW images at a rate of up to 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, while continuous shooting at a rate of up to 8 frames per second is made possible through use of the High-Speed Crop mode that captures a more specific, central area of the frame at 6.8 megapixel resolution.

Professional photographers will also appreciate the ability to select Adobe RGB in any of the three color modes – making it possible to work with a wider range of colors to match highly diverse assignments and workflow environments, while ideally complementing the NEF file. What’s more, in-camera creative possibilities are extended even further through the addition of a new Black & White (sRGB) color mode.

RAW and JPEG images taken using the D2Xs can be trimmed within the camera to produce images of reduced display sizes ranging from 640 x 480 to 2,560 x 1,920 pixels. The smaller files that result can help improve workflow efficiency by eliminating the time required to download and perform software editing within a computer.

With a combination of powerful image-processing technologies and 1,005 pixel 3D-Color Matrix Metering II, the D2Xs makes it possible to capture beautiful 12.4-megapixel images that will satisfy photographers’ needs for larger files that are rich in detail, color and smooth tonal range. The D2Xs has also been refined so demanding photographers can take advantage of 3D-Color Matrix Metering II even in the High-speed Crop mode.

Manageability and convenience have been improved upon in the D2Xs through developments such as refinement to the viewfinder featuring an automatic viewfinder mask within the High-Speed Crop mode for faster and easier and more confident composition, the use of a new color scheme for menu displays for easier viewing, and new custom settings options and refinements, to name but a few. And many of the capabilities that made the D2X such a success have been retained, such as outstanding high-speed shooting performance, rapid start-up, the world's fastest shutter release time lag of just 37ms, a viewfinder blackout time of just 105 milliseconds, and the 11-area autofocus system – all of which enable the user to concentrate on shooting. By allowing photographers to dispense with many of the time-consuming distractions of seeking out the most suitable settings for the best possible results, the D2Xs becomes an even more valuable tool for discerning professionals. Subject acquisition and tracking capability are improved for the D2XS, while new options for controlling the timing of the focus tracking lock-on make it easier to adjust for shooting different types of scenes and action.

Sensitivity can be manually set between ISO-equivalent 100 and 800 in increments of 1/3 EV, or boosted using HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 or HI-2 settings when high sensitivity is a priority. The 3 settings between 800 and HI-1 are newly added to give the D2Xs finer control over sensitivity. An updated AUTO ISO feature provides improved functionality for photographers who work under changing lighting conditions such as weddings. AUTO ISO helps achieve optimum exposure while freeing the photographer to concentrate on composition. Offering greater control over the range within which AUTO ISO operates, the D2Xs provides settings to specify the maximum value to which the function can increase sensitivity and the minimum shutter speed at which AUTO ISO will operate.

As part of the Nikon Total Imaging System, the D2Xs is compatible with Nikon’s DX Nikkor lenses, engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX-format D-SLRs, as well as Nikon’s famous AF Nikkor lenses, designed for use with Nikon 35mm and /D-SLRs. The D2Xs also maximizes the potential of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System when used with the SB-800, SB-600 or the Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB-R200 Speedlights, delivering the utmost in high-precision flash performance and versatility.

The newly developed high-energy EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with significantly increased capacity delivers enough power to support the shooting of up to 3,800 images* on a single charge. It can be recharged at any time and it also features a remarkable fuel gauge system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of shots since last charge and overall battery status.

Compatibility with Nikon’s Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A provides fast image transmission with improved security and compatibility with the latest protocols, while wireless LAN remote D2Xs control can be achieved through the use of a computer with Camera Control Pro (optional) software installed.

Rounding out D2Xs is Nikon’s highly versatile, elegantly simple photo editing solution, Capture NX, featuring a new interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools. Nikon’s Capture NX software helps photographers to tap the full potential of D2Xs’s NEF images. And, its powerful photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

Nikon’s ongoing attention to excellence extends to ergonomic good looks. Featuring exterior styling adopted from a design created by famed industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro**, the D2Xs is instantly recognizable as a new-generation Nikon camera.
*Based on Nikon test conditions.
**GIUGIARO

Major features
Image sensor with 12.4 effective megapixels
The CMOS image sensor provides both high image quality and high-speed performance. And despite the extremely high resolution achieved by 12.4 effective megapixels, image data is recorded at exceptionally high speed through use of a 4-channel output method.

Image-processing algorithm designed to produce high-quality images
The D2Xs provides Nikon photographers with the advanced opportunity to produce the significantly larger image files demanded by today's photographers. But with Nikon, high image quality is so much more than a matter of megapixels. In fact, a plethora of other high-level technologies are required to achieve the outstandingly high level of performance that today’s photographer’s need, and these are exactly what the D2Xs provides.

Continuous shooting at 5fps at 12.4 megapixels, 8fps at 6.8 megapixels
With high resolution 12.4 megapixel performance, one might expect a slow moving camera; not with D2Xs. Within all of its high performance is picture taking speed up to 5 frames per second at 12.4 megapixel resolution, and an astounding 8 frames per second at 6.8 megapixels.

High-Speed Crop function
Continuous shooting rate up to 8 frames per second is possible when using of Nikon's exclusive High-Speed Crop function that records the central portion of the frame at 6.8 megapixel resolution. What’s more, the viewfinder has been enhanced with an automatic viewfinder mask that activates when the High-speed Crop mode is selected for much more accurate and confident composition.

Broad color modes
The Adobe RGB profile provides a broader range of colors than the sRGB profile, making it a more suitable choice for professional photographers. The D2Xs has also been optimized for post-processing of images with the ability to select Adobe RGB from either Mode I or Mode III in camera. There’s also an additional new Black & White color mode available to further expand the photographer’s creative possibilities.

11-area AF system with 9 cross-type AF sensors
Updated to perform even faster and with greater precision in the D2Xs, the 11-area AF system employs Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 2000 AF Sensor Module. Of these 11 widely spread AF sensors, 9 are cross-type sensors positioned in the logical rule-of-thirds array. All 9 cross-type sensors remain active when using High-speed Crop mode.

Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II
Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure/Color Matrix Metering Sensor instantly achieves optimum exposure, even in complex lighting situations.

Creative in-camera trimming, Image Overlay and Multiple Exposure
A newly added feature, in-camera trimming, allows RAW, TIFF and JPEG images taken using the D2Xs to be trimmed within the camera to produce images of reduced display sizes ranging from 640 x 480 to 2,560 x 1,920 pixels. The Multiple Exposure function creates a single image from up to 10 exposures. The D2Xs also offers an Image Overlay function that merges selected RAW (NEF) files already stored on the CF card to create a new image file within the camera.

2.5-inch LCD monitor with a wide-viewing angle
Large enough to display various settings and information for easy recognition, the D2Xs incorporates a large 2.5-inch 230,000-pixel high-resolution LCD monitor display with an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle for clearer viewing. It also offers larger type fonts that improve access to color-coded menus. Further evolution of the Recent Settings menus adds the ability to delete current settings or lock them to prevent accidental changes. And the D2Xs also offers RGB Histogram display enabling images to be more accurately assessed in the large LCD monitor. Furthermore, it is also possible to display channel-specific ([R] red, [G] green or [B] blue) histograms for immediate and more detailed image verification.

Excellent response with the same quick power up and world's fastest 37ms shutter release time lag as the D2X
Instant startup and a class-leading shutter release time lag of a mere 37 milliseconds combine with optimized systems throughout to maximize all-around performance and deliver the response needed to handle even the most challenging professional assignments.

A body designed to heighten ease of operation, moisture and dust resistance, and overall durability
The size, layout and operation of the buttons, controls and functions have all been assigned for optimal operation and feedback – minimizing the need to remove the eye from the viewfinder. This combines with a lightweight, yet highly durable precision magnesium alloy body to offer reliable performance under tough professional working conditions.

The D2Xs supports full integration into Nikon’s Creative Lighting System
When used in combination with SB-800, SB-600 or Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Systems, the D2Xs supports the Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with high-precision flash photography using i-TTL flash control, unlimited creativity through Advanced Wireless Lighting, and functions such as FV Lock and Auto FP High-Speed Sync. With Speedlights such as the SB-80DX and SB-50DX mounted, the D2Xs also supports D-TTL flash control.

Compatible with an extensive selection of Nikkor lenses
In addition to the expanding line of DX Nikkor lenses designed specifically for Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, photographers can choose from a comprehensive selection of world-renowned AF Nikkor lenses designed for use with Nikon 35mm and Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Fast read/write speed for the memory card and a USB 2.0 interface for fast image transfer
The D2Xs has fast read/write times and uses the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface fast image transfer from the camera.
GPS support for the recording of location information with shooting data

With the optionally available GPS Adapter Cord MC-35
Location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and heading (direction) can be transferred from a GPS device and recorded with the shooting data for each image.

Wireless support with the Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A for direct image transfer to the D2Xs via wireless LAN
The D2Xs supports the new high-speed, IEEE802.11b/g compatible Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A with enhanced image transfer protocols and increased security. The WT-2/2A additionally supports the new PTP/IP protocol. And when used with Camera Control Pro software, wireless camera control from a computer is also possible.

Increased digital image enjoyment with Nikon’s PictureProject software, designed for use with the D2Xs
PictureProject is an intuitive software application offering versatile functions for image transfer, image organization, simple image editing (NEF plug-in included), and print layout.

Support for Nikon Capture NX: A software application with an array of tools to assist the photographer
Nikon Capture NX offers exciting potential for Nikon Electronic Format (NEF) files, as well as JPEG and TIFF images. Refined through revolutionary U-Point technology, it greatly simplifies the selection of objects, colors or areas – supporting highly accurate alterations to myriad image elements, while preserving the integrity of the original image data.

Image Authentication to protect the integrity of valuable data
Available separately, Nikon’s new Image Authentication function offers image authentication for digital image files. Indication whether the actual image has been tampered with is provided as well as if any changes have been made to date and GPS information.

Fujifilm FinePix Z3

Fujifilm has just announced another addition to the FinePix Z series, the new 5 mega pixels Z3. The FinePix Z3 has the same size sensor as the Z1 and Z2 with all models having high ISO range of up to 1600. The is an excellent compact camera considering the competition normally has an ISO range up to 400.

There is very little difference between the new Fine Pix Z3 and the previous model; the FinePix Z2. Both having a high resolution 2.5 inch LCD screen with the newer Z3 having 2000 less pixels.

The new Z3 does have a new feature and that is the anti-shake function called picture stabilization. In addition to the high ISO range, the picture stablization eliminates blurring in low light.

One interesting function is the dual shot mode where you only press the shutter button once and it takes two shots. The first picture is taken without the flash (under normal light) and the second shot is taken with the flash. This will allow at least one picture to be eliminated with dark areas. (close up of cause)

This is definitely a gimmick and I see this as a great marketing tool for women. The high ISO makes this a winner.



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