Digital SLR camera information

Nikons Forcast Lowers Sales in 2009

2008-12-20T03:33:00.000-08:00

It looks like Nikon is expecting a slowdown in camera sales in 2009 with lower prices coming from their competator. Again with all companies around the world - there will be cost cutting, let's hope it's not in innovation.

Here''s what they say in their first half finanical report ending 30th Sep 08
"In the market of digital cameras the increasing adverse effects of the global recession on personal consumption cannot be disregarded, and the market growth is expected to slow with intensifying price competition."

For the purpose of realizing "Strong Nikon" and a "Truly Excellent Company" able to make a continuous growth even under the severe market conditions as currently imminent, the Nikon Group is aware of a crisis and try to be prompt and precise in management and, at the same time, promote the enhancement of product competitiveness and cost reduction and try to realize our new vision formulated last year, "Our Aspiration: Meeting needs. Exceeding Expectations."

The New Nikon D90!!

2008-08-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Finally,

The new Nikon D90 has been announced and it definately looks like a camera on my shopping list. Here's what Nikon has to say:

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of its newest DX-format digital SLR, the D90. More than just a new camera, the D90 represents a new era of digital SLR fun and creativity.

The first thing that will amaze photographers about the D90 is its stunning image quality, which takes its inspiration from Nikon’s flagship DX-format digital SLR, the D300. The D90’s image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels combine with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image processing to deliver outstanding images featuring fine details, smooth tones, rich colors and low noise across a wide ISO sensitivity range.

The D90 is the world’s first* digital SLR camera with a movie shooting function that delivers genuinely cinematic results, enhanced by the creatively shallow depth of field made possible by the DX-format sensor. This is further refined by the optical quality and broad selection of NIKKOR lenses — the same lenses relied upon by professional photographers the world over. Thanks to the D90’s large image sensor, D-Movie images exhibit less noise than those of a typical camcorder, most notably in low-light situations.

The D90 also provides remarkable performance and operability, featuring Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System that advances precision in auto focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance in diverse shooting situations. Live View mode allows shooting while confirming the subject on the large 3-in., approx. 920k-dot high-density color LCD and offers three contrast-detect AF modes to allow photographers to focus on any point in the frame, enabling a greater variety of composition. In addition to wide and normal area AF, the D90 offers face priority AF in Live View mode for even sharper pictures of people.

All of these powerful features and more are housed in a compact, comfortable-to-hold body, with intuitive controls. In other words, the D90 is a camera that will satisfy the requirements of passionate photographers who demand superior image quality and crave exciting new photographic possibilities.

Nikon D90 Feature Highlights
Newly designed Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with wide ISO sensitivity range with low noise

D90’s 12.3 effective megapixels provides outstanding resolution, delivering images with extraordinarily defined detail and expanded enlargement capacity. The extremely wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200 delivers incredibly low-noise characteristics throughout. Furthermore, sensitivity can be increased to Hi 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) and decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) to expand shooting versatility. The camera also employs the Image Sensor Cleaning function that works to free image-degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter.

EXPEED for smooth tones, rich colors and fine details
Nikon’s comprehensive digital image-processing EXPEED technology is optimized for the D90 to realize the high-quality, high-speed image processing capability. EXPEED also contributes to the outstanding performance of other powerful features such as Live View and the new Face Detection System.

D-Movie: the world’s first* D-SLR movie mode
In a world first* for D-SLRs, the D90 offers a movie function, allowing you to shoot 320 x 216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels or HD720p (1,280 x 720 pixels) movies at the professional smoothness of 24 frames per second in motion JPEG format. The D90’s sensor, which is much larger than the sensor of a typical camcorder, ensures higher image quality and exceptional low-noise, high ISO sensitivity performance, even during movie shooting. Capturing creative movie clips or the drama of life’s moving moments is further enhanced by the wide selection of incredibly sharp NIKKOR interchangeable lenses that are available, from fisheye to wide-angle to super-telephoto. And Micro NIKKOR lenses bring the magic of extreme close-up imagery to movie making.

*As of August 27, 2008, according to research conducted by Nikon CorporationNote: Autofocus and some other functions are not available when recording movies.
Scene Recognition System integrated with Face Detection System
The D90 precisely reads the color and brightness information of each scene from the 420-pixel RGB sensor, and applies this to auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance. The D90 also recognizes human faces using the new Face Detection System, data which is incorporated during calculation, resulting in faces with newfound definition and accuracy as well as enabling face priority AF in Live View mode and immediate zoom into people’s faces in playback zoom.

Easy-to-use Live View mode
One press of the Live View button activates the D90’s Live View mode, delivering a bright, crisp image to the 3-in., approx. 920k-dot color LCD and allowing comfortable shooting without looking through the viewfinder. There are three contrast-detect AF modes that let you focus on any point in the frame: Face priority AF automatically detects up to five faces and focuses on that calculated to be the closest. Wide area AF offers a large AF area suitable for handheld shooting, and normal area AF provides focus with pinpoint accuracy when using a tripod. And when Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) lenses are in use, photographers will enjoy the benefit of a VR-smoothed image, even in Live View mode.

Picture Control System: Customize the visual style of your images
Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to customize the look and mood of images. Six original setting options are available — Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape — for easy customization of image preferences.

Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast lighting
The D90’s Active D-Lighting accurately restores details in the shadows and highlighted areas, which are often lost in high-contrast lighting situations, by localizing tone control while shooting. There are four levels, including the new “Extra High.” Active D-Lighting can be used manually or set to Auto mode. It is also possible to bracket your pictures, allowing the capture of one image with Active D-Lighting and one without.

Versatile, practical 11-point AF system
Thanks to the Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module, the D90’s 11-point AF system offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame with the most sensitive AF sensor operating from the center. In addition, the D90 features versatile AF-area modes to handle most shooting situations: Single-point AF is recommended for stationary subjects, dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for when you want to change the composition after focusing on your subject.

Bright pentaprism viewfinder featuring frame coverage of approx. 96%
The D90 has a precise eye-level pentaprism viewfinder with approx. 96% (centered) frame coverage and an easy-to-view 19.5 mm eyepoint (at -1.0 m-1). The built-in 16-frame superimposed grid display can be activated to assist in the creation of better-balanced compositions.

Advanced Scene Modes for superior image quality
The D90 features Advanced Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports and Night Portrait. These modes not only adjust exposure and image processing, but also judge the optimum Active D-Lighting and Picture Control settings to obtain the best results. The D90 also recognizes if VR (Vibration Reduction) is on or off and minimizes noise even in dimly lit scenes.
Extensive palette of in-camera Retouch Menus

The D90’s designers incorporated a wide variety of image editing functions, making it easy for users to enhance images within the camera. The D90 introduces several new retouch options: Distortion Control adjusts lens aberration, Straighten corrects inclination of the image, while Fisheye produces optical effects similar to a fisheye lens.
Engineered for precision and durability

Accurate exposures rely on precise shutters and the D90’s electronically timed shutter mechanism was specifically engineered for long, accurate service. To ensure this, D90 shutters, assembled in D90 bodies, underwent exhaustive 100,000 shutter-release cycle testing.

Nikon D90 Other Features
Gives you quick response, with 0.15-second start-up, 65 ms shutter release time lag (CIPA standard) and 4.5 fps continuous shooting.

3-in., approx. 920-k dot high-resolution LCD monitor with wide viewing angle that lets you change composition of the frame during shooting from various angles and easily confirm your image during playback.

Built-in flash with 18mm lens coverage, guide number of approx. 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft., 20°C/68°F) and Nikon’s original i-TTL flash control; works as a commander; controlling up to two groups of remote Speedlights.

Highly efficient energy-saving design allows approx. 850 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e. (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, with 50% of pictures taken with flash)

Extensive playback functions offer ample options for viewing and selecting the right shot, including 72-frame playback, calendar playback and histogram display for magnified portion of the image.

Versatile Pictmotion menu creates slideshows combining five choices of both background music and image effects.

Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output.
Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 Speedlight, or Wireless Close-up Speedlight System R1C1; ensures accurate exposures via i-TTL flash control.

Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 (Optional, in common with the D80) gives you the choice of using one or two Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL3e or six R6/AA-size batteries to extend battery life.

New optional Remote Cord MC-DC2 enables shutter release and long time exposures (bulb) remotely.

With the new optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time is automatically recorded to each image’s EXIF data.
Included Nikon ViewNX image browsing and editing software lets you organize, label and select images as well as perform RAW (NEF) image editing adjustments and conversions.
Optional Capture NX 2 photo-editing software features patented U Point™ technology and powerful tools for quick and easy photo editing including enhanced RAW (NEF) Editing.

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D90 Specifications
Type
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount
Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
Effective picture angle
Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length (Nikon DX format)
Effective pixels
12.3 million
Image sensor
23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels
12.9 million
Dust-reduction system
Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 required)
Image size (pixels)
4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
File format
• NEF (RAW) • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression • NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System
Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls
Media
SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
File system
DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge
Viewfinder
Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage
Approx. 96% horizontal and 96% vertical
Magnification
Approx. 0.94 x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)
Eyepoint
19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Diopter adjustment
-2 to +1 m-1
Focusing screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with focus frame (framing grid can be displayed)
Reflex mirror
Quick-return type
Depth-of-field preview
When depth-of-field preview button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (other modes)
Lens aperture
Instant return, electronically controlled
Compatible lenses
• DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported • Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported (PC Micro-Nikkor does not support some functions). IX-Nikkor lenses not supported. • Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.• AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and auto focus. • Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Shutter type
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed
1/4,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, Bulb
Flash sync speed
X = 1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200s or slower
Release modes
Single-frame, continuous low speed, continuous high speed, self-timer, delayed remote, quick-response
Frame advance rate
Continuous high speed: up to 4.5 fps, continuous low speed: 1-4 fps
Self-timer
Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 s duration
Exposure metering
TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor
Exposure method
• Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6-, 8- or 10-mm circle in center of frame • Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Exposure range (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
• Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV • Spot metering: 2-20 EV
Exposure meter coupling
CPU
Exposure modes
Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
Exposure compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Exposure bracketing
2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Exposure lock
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)
ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV, can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available
Active D-Lighting
Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low or off
Active D-Lighting bracketing
2 frames
Autofocus
Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in.)
Detection range
-1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 equivalent, 20°C /68°F)
Lens servo
• Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Auto-servo AF (A), Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in single- and continuous-servo AF• Manual (M): Electronic rangefinder supported
Focus point
Can be selected from 11 focus points
AF-area modes
Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points) AF
Focus lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (Single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Built-in flash
Auto, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait modes: Auto flash with auto pop-up P, S, A, M: Manual pop-up with button release
Guide number (m/ft.) at 20°C/68°F
• At ISO 200: Approx. 17/56, 18/59 with manual flash • At ISO 100 equivalent: Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash
Flash control
• TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400 • Auto aperture: Available with SB-900, SB-800 and CPU lenses • Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27 or SB-22s • Range-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800
Flash modes
Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, or 1/2 EV
Flash bracketing
2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Flash-ready indicator
Lights when built-in flash or SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, or SB-50DX is fully charged; blinks for 3 s after flash is fired at full output in i-TTL or auto aperture modes
Accessory shoe
Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
White balance
Auto (TTL white-balance with main image sensor and 420-pixel RGB sensor); 12 manual modes with fine-tuning; color temperature setting; preset manual white balance
White balance bracketing
2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3
Live View AF modes
Face priority AF, wide area AF, normal area AF
Live View focus
Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face priority AF is selected)
Movie image size (pixels)
1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps
Movie file format
AVI
Movie compression format
Motion-JPEG, with monaural sound
LCD monitor
3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Playback function
Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, Pictmotion, slide show, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
USB
Hi-Speed USB
Audio video output
Can be selected from NTSC and PAL; simultaneous playback from both the audio video output and on the LCD monitor available
HDMI output
HDMI Mini connector; camera monitor turns off when HDMI cable is connected
Accessory terminal
• Remote Cord MC-DC2 (Optional) • GPS Unit GP-1 (Optional)
Supported languages
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Battery
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
Battery pack
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 (optional) with one or two Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e or six R6/AA-size alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium or nickel-manganese batteries (Battery Holder MS-D200 is required when using R6/AA-size batteries.)
AC adapter
AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)
Tripod socket
1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 132 x 103 x 77 mm/5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.
Weight
Approx. 620 g/1 lb. 6 oz. without battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover
Temperature
0-40°C/32-104°F
Humidity
Less than 85% (no condensation)
Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area)
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-DC1, LCD Monitor Cover BM-10, Body Cap, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, Software Suite CD-ROM

Canon 50D specifications leaked!

2008-08-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, the specification on the new Canon 50D has been leaked from a chinese site and boy does it look good.

Here's what you get:

Sensor: 15 megapixels (大：约1510万像素（4752 x 3168） means: big, 15.1 MP （4752 x 3168）中：约800万像素（3456 x 2304） means: "middle" 8 MP （3456 x 2304）小：约370万像素（2352 x 1568） i.e.: small, 3.7 MP, （2352 x 1568）)

Crop factor: 1.6X

LCD screen: 3 inch VGA Scree (920,000 pixels)

Processor: New DIGIC 4 Phantom Processor

Sensor: CMOS (22.3 x 14.9mm)

Size: APS C

ISO: 100 – 12800

Shutter speed: 6.3 fps (high) and 3 fps (slow)

Shutter life: 150,000

Dust reduction

Auto Brightness Processing

95% viewfinder with 0.97 magnification

Autofocus: 9 point (All Cross Type)

Metering: 35 meter area equipped with high-precision sensors

AF Fine Tuning

Buffer: 16 RAW - 60 JPG - 10 RAW+JPG

Rugged magnesium alloy body

Built-in flash: Recoverable, auto-flash

Battery: Battery BP-511A (1) * AC adapter can be packaged using the AC ACK-E2
* Installation of the battery box and handle BG-E2N or BG-E2, you can use on the 5th (AA/LR6) batterySize and weight Size (Width x x high-thick): 145.5×107.8×73.5 mm / 5.7 x4.2×2.9 inches Weight: About 730 grams / 25.7 ounces (body only) Operating Environment

Here's the translation if you can make sense of it:

"EOS 50D, to satisfy the high-end numerical code list counter-camera user to live to the high picture archery target demand. Please heartily understand condenses the Canon unique technology and the rich experience, has the remarkable expressive force high fine image. Uses the Canon independent development production the CMOS image sensor, has approximately 15,100,000 effective picture element Gao Huazhi. The high sensitivity luminosity high clear beautiful image, the nature reappearance is absorbed the object the detail. Provides the new generation DIGIC 4 digit phantom processor, brings exquisitely, the lifelike color performance! The DIGIC technical performance further enhances. Is absorbed from the detail faithful reappearance the object the tone, the shadow. The lens built-in against shake the function, reduces blurring which, because the hand shakes creates, brings the more photography pleasure! Against hand shakes easily, to focus, lays out satisfaction picture EOS synthesis dust removal system, further reduces the dust to the phantom the influence. Unique dust removal countermeasure. On the effective reduced sensor the dust adsorption with accumulates.
Provides approximately 15,100,000 effective picture element APS-C size CMOS the image sensor, the lens focal distance conversion ratio approximately is 1.6. 22.3×14.9 millimeter CMOS size, single picture element size approximately for 4.7μm, not can only present the splendid phantom which exquisitely the lens catch, may realize the beckoning background empty effect.
The performance remarkable DIGIC 4 digit phantom processor brings ISO100~ISO3200 the superelevation photosensitiveness commonly used establishment scope, when night photography may also expand to ISO6400 and 12800. At the same time, has the splendid signal-to-noise ratio, has suppressed when largely the high sensitivity luminosity particularly dark spot noise spot (C.Fn II-2), as well as when long time to make public photography produces noise spot (C.Fn II-1). May divide 4 scales according to the noise reduction degree (standard/weak/strong/closure) to carry on the establishment, “strong” outside three establishments, will not reduce the camera to pat the performance.

Regardless of being the highlight, the shadow may clear gorgeous present. May carry on the high light tone first to photograph, presents splendidly from the shadow to the highlight color transition, suppresses the high light part effectively the detail loss. Through (C.Fn II-3) carries on the menu establishment from the definition function, in the high light tone first photographs in the process, in the liquid crystal monitoring device and the viewfinder will demonstrate

Has the approximately 15,100,000 effective picture elements, the approximately 6.3/second high speed companies to pat the performance. While realizes high speed Lian Pai, guarantees the high resolution, and in instantaneous completes high accuracy focusing! Provides the high accuracy 35 area light measuring sensor, may act according to the photography environment, through 4 kind of light measuring patterns, grasps the optical fiber the subtle difference, photographs a more splendid phantom. Performance remarkable 9 spot wide area cruciform type automatic focusing (AF) system.

Uses magnesium alloy fuselage which firm reliable, is worth trusting; Classical contour design, stimulation photography phantom creativity. The shutter service life achieves the approximately 150,000 times! Splendid dustproof, against water-drop performance, lets the photographic amateur deal with the severe photography environment calmly.

Uses the brand-new 920,000 VGA3.0 inch liquid crystal monitoring device, suppresses the reflection, even if may also with ease glance over under the bright optical fiber. In photography process, but direct-viewing adjusts the photography establishment on the liquid crystal monitoring device, simple convenient. The lens built-in against shake the function, reduces blurring which, because the hand shakes creates, brings the more photography pleasure! Carries on the photography intuitively through the liquid crystal monitoring device “the real time display photography” the function."

Latest Rumor on Nikon D90

2008-06-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

So far, the latest rumor is an announcement by Nikon Finland on the 1st July 2008. Here's some news floating around:

The rumor is that Nikon is going to announce 5 new products on July 1, 2008. Of the 3 products are sure to be announced. The rest 2 are not clear. Here are some possibilities:

For sure these will be announced on July 1, 2008:
1. Nikon D700 FX - a 12.1 megapixel full-frame based on Nikon D300 body
2. Nikon 45mm f/2.8D PC-E ED
3. Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC-E Micro ED

Option 1
4. Nikon D90 - 12 megapixel DX replacement for Nikon D80
5. SB-900 speedlight

Option 2
4. SB-900 speedlight
5. Nikon 200mm f/4 Micro AF-S VR Nano

Option 3
4. Nikon D90 - 12 megapixel DX replacement for Nikon D80
5. Nikon 200mm f/4 Micro AF-S VR Nano

The much anticipated Nikon 24 megapixel Nikon D3x will be announced in September 2008.

Source

Nikon D90 in June 2008?

2008-06-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

It looks like the rumours are flying again and this time its the Nikon D90 and the D3X. My interest is the D90 and it looks like a June date.

Will it have more features than Canon Rebel / 450D Xsi in specifications? I'm sure it will.

Canon 450D Xsi

2008-01-24T02:58:00.000-08:00

As predicted, CANON has annouced the replacement for their successful 400D Rebel Xti with the Canon 450D Xsi. Although it is an entry model, the 450D Xsi has incorporated some high end features found in their professional range.

Here's what they say in the press release.

Canon EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras – the cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an "entry level" digital SLR – have now redefined the gateway prowess and "pro-ness" of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line's new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon's professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit – or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag.

"This new EOS Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who have been waiting to make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an older SLR to the latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the creative controls their old camera afforded them," states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Luxury Feel and Function
At first glance, one notices the Rebel XSi's large, 3-inch LCD monitor, enhanced from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger 230,000 pixel screen makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the Rebel XSi camera's menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger font size for menu text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new screen also features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy viewing under a variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all directions.

The EOS Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined profile, with curved edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and comfortably constructed rubber grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand fit. The camera body is constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a durable ABS and Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black finishes.

Improved Image Quality
At the heart of the new EOS Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for high-quality images in low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length conversion factor compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras.

Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. This is ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or foliage can really add to an image.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an entry level Canon digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically. Introduced last year in the EOS 40D camera, this valuable optional feature now works in all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent underexposure with backlit faces.

DIGIC III Image Processor
If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the camera, then Canon's DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III processor also manages the camera's efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. The EOS Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series to incorporate DIGIC III.

Enhanced Live View
Introduced in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes its debut in an entry level Canon DSLR with the EOS Rebel XSi camera. Live View allows users to frame shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond the manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier EOS models with Live View, the EOS Rebel XSi camera adds a new "Live Mode" contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.

Improved Autofocus and Framing Rate
The EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system featuring a newly developed AF sensor that improves the camera's subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Rebel XSi DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that's effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera's ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. The EOS Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing Rebel model to date, capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates and finer focusing capabilities of the Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst rate will help photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split second sports action at just the right moment.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The new Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning system, first introduced on the EOS Rebel XTi camera. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually through the "clean now" function.

The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Here the camera maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete Data and subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.

Back to the Basics
In keeping with its EOS system heritage, the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera is equipped with a host of useful creative controls, including shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. plus Bulb, a choice of four metering patterns including 4% spot metering (another first for the Rebel series), a wide range of exposure modes from fully automatic to fully manual, depth of field preview, mirror lock and much more. The new camera is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as EX-series Speedlites, an optional Battery Grip, and remote control and viewfinder accessories.

A departure from previous EOS Digital Rebel models, which accommodated CF type memory cards, the new EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes SD and SDHC memory cards including those with capacities higher than 2GB, making it the perfect upgrade for users already equipped with SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras. Additionally, the EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes Canon's new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50% more exposures per charge than earlier models with virtually no increase in size or weight.

In the Box
Expected to ship in April 2008 the Canon Rebel XSi camera is available in body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera will also be available in a lens kit version which includes everything in the body-only kit plus the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. The two versions carry estimated retail prices of $799.99 and $899.99, respectively.

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer Lens
First introduced in August of 2007, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is Canon's answer to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens and is included as the standard lens in the Rebel XSi kit configuration. The lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor with the significant advantage of Canon's true optical, lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-55.6 IS zoom lens sells separately for $199.99*, but when customers purchase the lens kit version of the Rebel XSi the difference in price is only $100* from the price of the body-only kit. Canon is offering the lens kit at this discount so that more customers can enjoy the benefit of a lens based image stabilizer system.

The higher performance provided by Canon's lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera body sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What's more, the photographer can see the optical image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady in the viewfinder or on the screen through the Rebel XSi Live View function, better framing and composition is possible allowing the photographer to concentrate on the best shot more comfortably.

EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
Like the standard kit lens, the optional EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers users of Canon EOS Digital SLRs with APS-C type CMOS sensors an affordable, lightweight, high-performance lens with tremendous range and flexibility. Given the 1.6x conversion factor inherent in the APS-C sized sensor, the high zoom ratio of this EF-S 55-250mm lens actually achieves the equivalent focal length of 88-400mm (in 35mm format).

Canon's true optical, lens shift image stabilizer offers users an equivalent shutter speed that is approximately 4 settings faster, making hand-held lower light or long zoom photos easier to capture without blurring. What's more, the lens can automatically distinguish between normal shooting and panning shots and select the optimum Image Stabilizer mode for each.

In stores now, both the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS zoom lenses are manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS Rebel XSi , EOS 40D and every other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including earlier Digital Rebel cameras and the EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, and EOS 30D models. Though standard in the EOS Rebel XSi kit, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is also available as a stand alone purchase and carries an estimated retail price of $199.99. The optional EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens is available at an estimated retail price of $299.99.

Canon 450D Rumors

2008-01-01T04:29:00.001-08:00

It seems Canon may announce the successor to the Canon 400D soon. According to all the rumors; thanks to Mr Robert Westin. He states that it may be the 24th January 2008 to be more precise.

The new model? Who knows? Most likely it will be the Canon 450D with a 12 mega pixel CMOS sensor and of course a 3 inch LCD screen. It seems everyone is moving towards the larger size these days.

The other rumor is the replacement for the Canon 5D and according to Tech.sina.com, it mentions the Canon 70D and even a 320D? on the UPC. Check it out!

Source

Canon's next model annouced by the 24th Jan 2008?

2007-12-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

If all the rumors are true, then maybe Canon's replacement for the 400D or the 5D could be announced by the 24th January 2008, a week before the 2008 PMA. Apparently this information came from one of Canon's international executive, Robert Westin who leaked the news in this Swedish aticle. A rough English translation of the article can be viewed below. Good on ya Westin!!

More news from Canon during 2008 than this year
Canon will skruva up the rate next year and assures to release more products during 2008 than during 2007. We know when the first new products for 2008 släpps.

Trots flera helt nya kameramodeller är 2007 inget höjdarår för Canon. Start of
Translation

- 2007 blev ett mediokert år, säger Robert Westin som är vd för Canon Svenska AB. He does not blame on the products without means that it depends on that Canon introduced a new business system pursues the whole Europe.

The new system means that an acting area on Iceland sheep to pay equally a lot as one handlare in Portugal. With the new system, it goes then to send cameras and other products over the whole Europe there demand is high.
- I do not want to to claim that our new systems were received with some bigger blessing. But they will introduce similar system, and we are first out within this sector. About three - four years come our competitors to do same thing. Good luck taking H afternoon then! , Robert says Westin.
- our board chairman comforted me with that we in all cases the increased volume this year.

News January 24
Canons Swedish CEO tell also for camera&picture that next big product lance ring comes January 24, some week before PMA in Las Vegas hits up your gates.

Of: Magnus Fröderberg

Out 2007-12-14 16:22
Canon has good products no chat about it, but it is very remarkable that it meagre be some Canonprodukter with in those Christma dispatches from supermarket unite, type competent, OnOff, Elgiganten, osv. It learns to be noticed substantially in Canons cash carton. Does it have become for complicated with the the new business system for handlarna or for Canon alone or for both perhaps?

/Kalle

Replies: Out 2007-12-14 16:28
Interesting question. The suppliers have often a finger with in the playing about which products that will campaign carcasses, it sow should last a choice that Canon done. But why they do that choice is of course more difficult that sia about. I will try few forward a reply from Canon.

/Magnus Fröderberg

As vendors… 2007-12-14 17:00
... holds I with to 100%. In my case that shop vendor states the office that the margins for canonprodukter entirely simple is for low…

/Experten

Canon 2007-12-14 23:06
Is it pursue difficult for Canon to release one “amateur camera” in 1Ds execution? Most amateurs that buy cameras buy nevertheless a battery grip, but it becomes never same thing that to amuse it 1Ds: a? Call these D50 or anything, but it is rotten nice….

we may well see 2007-12-15 01:01
Canon invests still on MP, begins to compare tradera-kameror as. Others produce as nikon has invested with on iso what canon seems faith that judgement joints but ikke.

Late thinks I nikon has come with a part smart (perhaps oanvändabara things) as lodfunktionen in the camera osv.

Sony are well on g with one fullfromatare, then can well canon sit there with the beard in the mailbox

1D mkIII, 40D, 5D mkII… 2007-12-15 01:13
I that Canon-användare is most smalest said little worried over that they will draw in in one MP-race. Cannot unfortunately claim annat. With the said, it be very in t.ex. 40D that would can to be pursued over to one 450D, t.ex.

Source

Could the future of camera chips be based on light?

2007-12-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

Could the future of camera chips be based on light? Scientist has discovered that light can be slowed down so that a beam of sunlight can travel at a leisurely stroll and be brought to a standstill, or even stored for later use in the form of a rainbow.

The details of an exotic kind of material that can slow light from its top speed of around one million million metres per hour so that it can be trapped as a crescent of colour is published by a team that suggests if could mark a revolution in computing.

This remarkable feat could allow "broadband storage" for "broadband computing" capable of much greater power than conventional silicon chips because it can process information in the form of many light beams simultaneously, just as optical fibres can carry lots of conversations simultaneously. And it could also mark an advance in quantum computing, named after the strange quantum properties of matter at the atomic level, that could enhance the power of computers millions of times beyond anything available today.

The extraordinary feat of optical sorcery is described today in the journal Nature by Professor Ortwin Hess and Kosmas Tsakmakidis at the University of Surrey, working with Professor Alan Boardman from Salford University.

Once theory is turned into reality, the technique will allow the use of light rather than electrons to store memory in devices such as computers and cameras. The team predicts an increase in operating capacity of 1,000% over the use of conventional electronics by exploiting light's broad spectrum to lay down lots of different information simultaneously in the first "optical capacitor."

Slow light could also, paradoxically, be used to increase the speed of optical networks, such as the Internet. At major interconnection points, where billions of parcels of information from myriad phone calls arrive simultaneously, these materials could be used to slow, divert and allow through information, working in the same way as traffic congestion calming schemes do on motorways, when a reduction in the speed limit can lead to a swifter overall flow of traffic.

Previous attempts to slow and capture light have until now required extremely low temperatures, have been extremely costly, and have only worked with one specific frequency of light at a time. The new technique proposed by Prof Hess and Kosmas Tsakmakidis involves the use of exotic "metamaterials" with extraordinary optical properties.

These materials, which consist of carefully-designed shards of metal a billionth of a metre across (nanometres), have the strange property of negative refraction, which means that light bends in the opposite direction to the way it shifts when passing from one ordinary material into another (think of how a straight stick in water looks bent.) This means that, in theory at least, a metamaterial could be designed so that light would curve around it, making the object invisible, an idea already under serious study for cloaking devices. When combined with the "Goos Hänchen effect," where light can even go backwards, Prof Hess's team has shown it is possible to use metamaterials to halt a light beam in its tracks.

As different component 'colours' of white light have different frequencies (colours) each individual frequency be stopped at a different stage of a wedge of such material, he said, likening the way the light slows down to walking on shingle. At the point that every step of the light beam forward leads to an equivalent slip backwards in the metamaterial, an effect that depends on the colour of the light.

The result is a 'trapped rainbow'. "The key to understanding the trapping of the rainbow," he says, "is that every frequency of a white light wave packet has in a tapered shape of metamaterial its own particular width where it eventually stops – the result is the spatial spread of stopped/trapped light – the trapped rainbow." Prof Hess said that an onlooker could in an appropriate arrangement of metamaterial layers (as shown here) see the rainbow of trapped light.

This ability to store light will conceivably provide a powerful new tool to control optical information, even harness the quantum properties of atoms, and so exploit the possibilities of quantum computers that, in theory, will be able solve problems millions of times faster than current machines.

The extraordinary properties of quantum computers were first explored by theorists such as the late Richard Feynman at Caltech and David Deutsch of Oxford University. While a conventional PC shuffles information in the form of binary numbers, those containing only the digits 1 and 0, which it remembers as the "on" and "off" positions of tiny switches, or "bits."

By contrast, the switches in a quantum computer can be both "on" and "off" at the same time. A "qubit" could do two calculations at once, two qubits would do four and so on. Thus, it was theoretically possible to use quantum computers to explore vast numbers of potential solutions to a problem simultaneously. The new work, which suggests a way to create optical qubits, adds to a range of recent advances that make scientists confident that quantum computers will be feasible within a few years.

An artist's impression depicting how the trapped rainbow is displayed below.

Source

Nikon Increases Market Share, Profits and Efficiencies

2007-12-03T02:15:00.000-08:00

According to Nikons Quaterly report, it looks like they will have a great year in 2008. So far they have grown market share, exceeded their forecast and are now trying to increase production to meet dermand.

Here are three supporting questions and answers mentioned in their financial results for the first half of the year ending March 31, 2008.

Question: What is the outlook for the digital camera market?

Answer: Nikon's digital SLRs led the market during the first half of the year ending March 2008 in Japan. And they sold in other regions as well. October sales in the US exceeded our forecast, and while we as yet do not see any slowdown in consumer spending due to the subprime mortgage problem, we are paying close attention to how the Christmas selling season is going. Next fiscal year our competitors will develop their marketing to full extent in the digital SLR market, and we expect this will stimulate market growth and contribute to sales.

Question: What is the profit outlook for Imaging Products Business?

Answer: Robust digital SLR and interchangeable lens sales are being boosted by the appreciation of the exchange rate. We forecast an operating profit rate of 13.5%, higher than the 10.2% of the previous fiscal year. Currently, we are moving ahead with our manufacturing reform projects with the aim of achieving profit margins and cost efficiencies that rival our competitors.

Question: How are the new digital SLRs, D3 and D300, performing?

Answer: They have been extremely well received on the market since their announcement and we receive a great number of orders. In response, we are preparing to increase production of both models.

Fujifilm Moves Operations to China

2007-10-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's interesting to see how Fujifilm words the transfer of its operation to China. They say:

"Fujifilm Reinforces the Foundation of its Digital Camera Business Promoting cost competitiveness and increasing the pace of product development by optimizing its manufacturing and R&D business bases"

Really - what they are saying is that it's cheaper to produce digital cameras in China.

Here's the full blurb:

"FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO Shigetaka Komori, hereafter “FUJIFILM”) has been leading the digital camera industry by supplying worldwide the FinePix series of digital cameras featuring unique advanced technologies such as “high-sensitivity and high-image quality” and the world first “Face Detection Technology.” Toward further business expansion in the future, FUJIFILM has decided to concentrate its manufacturing and R&D bases, as more detailed below. The change is to create a solid business structure optimized for the digital camera market amidst intensifying competition

1. Full transfer of digital camera production operation to China and reinforcement of cost competitiveness through external subcontracting of the CCD production.

Digital camera production operation will be fully transferred to our Chinese factory (Suzhou), which has been increasingly shifted by now. A preliminary agreement has been reached to subcontract the CCD’s pre-process production (wafer process) to Toshiba Corporation, which has a broad semiconductor production technology. The move will combine FUJIFILM’s cutting-edge R&D capacity and the specialized manufacturer’s advanced technological capacity to further enhance FUJIFILM’s proprietary Super CCD’s performance and functions speedily. FUJIFILM Photonix Co., Ltd., based in Taiwa-cho, Kurokawa-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, will be disbanded in response to the transfer of digital camera production operations (scheduled for August 2008). Also a preliminary agreement has been reached to sell the related land and buildings in Izumi-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi Prefecture to Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd, due to the above mentioned external subcontracting of CCD’s pre-process production.

2. Increasing efficiency and pace of product development by concentration of business bases and promoting function reinforcement.

The functions of R&D, procurement and quality assurance will be concentrated at the business base in Taiwa-cho, Kurokawa-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, which currently serves the function of developing production technologies. The concentration of business bases will reinforce each function and streamlining process, while increasing the pace of product development. A new company (FUJIFILM Digital Techno Co., Ltd.) will be set up in the same base to serve the functions of centrally controlling after-sales services, reinforcing production technologies and undertaking CCD post-process production (assembly & testing) of digital cameras.

In October last year, FUJIFILM launched the “Slim&Strong” drive to create a more brawny, more robust company. All processes of the photographic film business and other business areas are being reviewed to deliver faster speed, stronger functionality and improved efficiency. In anticipation of intensified competition in the digital camera business, the existing approach of enhancing product strength and worldwide sales operations will be combined with efforts to streamline the organizational structure / workforce / facilities. In addition, the concentration of operation bases and the establishment a new company for added functionality will contribute to the building of a business foundation with greater strength and flexibility.

There will be further acceleration in the development of digital cameras with distinctive features, combining FUJIFILM’s proprietary Super CCD technology, superior image processing technology, and the advanced lens technology of the Group company, Fujinon Corporation. This will demonstrate our commitment to contributing to further nurturing the “Culture of Photography.”

Source

A Positive Canon 40D Review by e-fotografija

2007-09-26T05:39:00.001-07:00

Here is a positive review of the Canon 40D by www.e-fotografija.si with some of the pictures taken in a nightclub by Žiga Intihar as the reviewer. The low light performance was taken in a nightclub and looks like everyone was having a great time.

His writes: "To summarize – Canon made a big step forward in just about every area - image quality, usability, ergonomics and features. The only thing that's lacking, compared to the Canon EOS 5D, is a full frame sensor. In every other respect, the 40D is as good or better than the 5D."

For the full review click here.

Canon 40D Interactive Review by Prophotohome

2007-09-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting review by Prophotohome.com where the review is interactive based. They review different features of the camera with each entry.

The first entry is the AI Servo Autofocus performance where they write:

“From the very first time we saw the specs for this camera we were impressed by what was being offered for the money. Just a few years ago 6.5 fps would have been considered more than enough for serious sports photography. It is weather sealed to boot. Could we really have a serious sports camera for $1,299? It immediately occurred to us that we would indeed have to do the running test on this camera to see how it compares to the 1D MKIII and 1D MKII."

For the full review, it can be found here

Sony Alpha A700

2007-09-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

Finally Sony has announced their mid range Alpha model called the A700. Actually the replacement for the Konica Minolta 7D and it will be interesting if it the new A700 puts Sony up there with the big boys. How will this camera compete against competition such as the Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Pentax K10D and the yet to be release Olympus E-P1?

Well after looking at the specifications, it seems they've done their homework. This new model is a path for those wanting to upgrade from the A100 or hopefully for Sony, those wanting a switch brands – Canon?, Nikon?....

Sony is a great marketing company and I'm sure the new A700 will increase its market share; the big question is which one of the big names will lose it. Let's wait and see in 6 months time.

The specifications can be view here in pdf form.

Canon 40D review by Roland Lim

2007-09-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

Although reviews of the Canon 40D are still in development - Roland Lim in his blog called "The World According to Roland" has already published his.

In his review, he compares the new Canon 40D to his old Canon 20D. The Canon 20D is almost identical to the 30D and does give a fair comparison.

He writes: "Personally, I think Canon has done a good job with the 40D and has upgraded and added many new useful features. Image quality wise, I don’t think there is any significant differences between the 40D and 30D/20D. There is little difference in real resolution between a 10MP and 8MP sensor. In my opinion, Canon has managed to maintain the high ISO noise level while increasing the mega pixel count. However, there was no major breakthrough in technology and the 40D is not lower in high ISO noise than the 20D or 30D. I have previously done some high ISO test comparing the 40D to 20D.

Overall, I think the 40D provide a nice feature upgrade over the 20D and 30D and at an attractive price. Whether it is worthwhile for you to upgrade to the 40D is something only you can decide for yourself. For me, I am really happy with the 40D. However, my 20D is still working fine and can still take great photos. So I will be keeping my 20D as a 2nd and spare body."

In summary, the Canon 40D is a great camera and has maintained its silky smooth noise free high ISO images whilst increasing its resolution from 8 to 10 mega pixel.

Source

Olympus E-3

2007-08-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

Looks like Olympus will be joining Canon and Nikon by releasing their new DSLR this year. This time it's the new professional 10 mega pixels Olympus E-3 due to be announced on the 17th October 2007. The new swivel LCD screen looks great. The E-3 replaces the ageing Olympus E-1 announced in 2003.

So far, the recent releases have been Canon with its Canon 40D, Nikon with the Nikon D3 and the D300 and now we are just waiting for the official announcement by Olympus and also Sony.

What a competitive market and I can’t wait to see who comes out with the highest market share towards the later part of the year.

Source

Nikon D3 - ISO 5000 image

2007-08-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a very interesting image taken with the Nikon D3 at ISO 5000 (Osaka games). As you can see, the high sensitivity images are quite usable which gives you an indication of the sensitivity of this new camera. It's good to see Nikon competing head on with one of the major strengths that Canon has in its DSLR - the silky smooth low noise CMOS sensor.

The gap is now closing for what use to be a major advantage and competitive edge for Canon DSLR. The constant patriotic salute to the high ISO sensor in almost every digital photography forum is slowly being eroded away. Horary for competition.

Source

Canon 40D - ISO3200 images

2007-08-24T06:29:00.002-07:00

Although the Canon 40D has not been released yet, Japanese website (www.photo-cafe.jp) somehow has pictures of images taken at different ISO ratings. As expected the high ISO images taken at ISO 3200 from the Canon 40D seems pretty impressive. Images were taken with the Noise reduction turned on and off.

Noise Reduction - OFF ---------------------------- Noise Reduction - ON

For more pictures click here

Source

Nikon D3

2007-08-24T06:29:00.001-07:00

Nikon is really taking the challenge to Canon with its first professional DSLR to have a full framed sensor. Although it only has 12 mega pixels sensor, it does make it up with high sensitivity and speed. With boost, it can go as high as ISO 25,600!

Here are the specifications:

Type of Camera - Single-lens reflex digital camera

Effective Pixels - 12.1 million

Image Sensor - CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format

Image Size (pixels) - Image area L M S

- FX format (36 x 24) 4,256 x 2,832 3,184 x 2,120 2,128 x 1,416
- 5:4 (30 x 24) 3,552 x 2,832 2,656 x 2,120 1,776 x 1,416
- DX format (24 x 16) 2,784 x 1,848 2,080 x 1,384 1,392 x 920

Sensitivity - ISO 200 to 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; sensitivity decreases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, and increases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6,400

File System - Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21

Storage System

- Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80%
- Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60%
- PEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal quality

Storage Media - CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives

Release Modes 1) Single-frame [S] mode, 2) Continuous low-speed [CL] mode: 1-9 frames per second*, 3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 9 fps (9-11 fps with DX format)*, 4) Liveview [LV] mode, 5) Self-timer [ ] mode, 6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode

*With Continuous-servo AF, S or M exposure mode, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster; other settings are set at "Default".

White Balance

- Auto (TTL white balance with main image sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor);
- Seven manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting; white balance bracketing: 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2 or 3

Liveview Handheld mode:

- TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors)
- Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area

LCD Monitor

- 3 inch with approximately 920,000 pixels (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Playback Function

1) Full frame, 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments), 3) Zoom, 4) Slideshow, 5) Histogram indication, 6) Shooting data, 7) Highlight point display, 8) Auto image rotation

Video Output

NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available
HDMI Output Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available

Interface - Hi-speed USB

Lens Mount - Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts

Compatible Lenses*1

1) Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported
2) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size
3) AF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data
*1. IX NIKKOR lenses cannot be used
*2. Excluding lenses for F3AF

Picture Angle - Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected)

Viewfinder - SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1 m-1)

Eyepoint - 18 mm (-1.0 m-1)

Focusing Screen Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen

Viewfinder Frame Coverage Approx. 100% (vertical/horizontal)

Viewfinder Magnification - Approx. 0.7x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)

Reflex Mirror - Quick-return type

Lens Aperture - Instant-return type, with depth-of-field preview button

Autofocus

- TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module; Detection: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible
- Focal-plane contrast [in Liveview (Tripod) mode]

Lens Servo

1) Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); Continuous-servo AF (C); Focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status,
2) Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder

Focus Point - Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points

AF-Area Mode

1) Single-point AF
2) Dynamic AF [number of AF areas: 9, 21, 51, 51 (3D-tracking)]
3) Automatic-area AF

Focus Lock - Focus can be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or by pressing shutter-release button half-way (single-point AF in AF-S)

Exposure Metering System

- TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data)
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 15- or 20-mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)

Metering Range

1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20°C/68°F)

Exposure Meter Coupling - Combined CPU and AI

Exposure Modes

1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program,
2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A), 4) Manual (M)

Exposure Compensation

±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Exposure Lock - Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Bracketing - Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV)

Picture Control System

- Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted

Shutter

- Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter; 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; Bulb

Sync Contact - X = 1/250 s; flash synchronization at up to 1/250 s

Flash Control

1) TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-800, 600 or 400
2) Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-800 and CPU lens
3) Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-800, 28, 27 or 22s
4) Range-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-800

Flash Sync Modes

1) Front-curtain sync (normal), 2) Slow sync, 3) Rear-curtain sync, 4) Red-eye reduction, 5) Red-eye reduction with slow sync

Accessory Shoe - Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock

Sync Terminal - ISO 519 standard terminal

Creative Lighting System

- With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock

Self-timer - Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 3, 10 or 20 s

Depth-of-field - When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user

Preview Button (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)

10-pin Terminal

1) GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
2) Remote control: via 10-pin terminal

Supported Languages

Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish

Power Source

One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger MH-22, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)

Tripod Socket 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.)

Weight Approx. 1,240 g (2.7 lb.) without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover

Operating Environment Temperature: 0-40°C/32-104°F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation)

Supplied Accessories* Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, Quick Charger MH-22, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-D3, Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe Cap BS-2, Eyepiece DK-17, Battery Chamber Cover BL-4, USB Cable Clip, Software Suite CD-ROM

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area

Main Optional Accessories Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M, AC Adapter EH-6, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software

Click here for the D3 pdf file

Nikon D300

2007-08-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

Just as soon as the Canon 40D was announced, Nikon has announced the release of the new Nikon D300 and from the specifications; the Nikon seems to come out on top.

Here are the specifications

Type of Camera - Single-lens reflex digital camera

Effective Pixels - 12.3 million

Image Sensor - CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million; Nikon DX format

Image Size (pixels) - 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]

Dust-reduction System - Clean image sensor, image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)

Sensitivity - ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200

File System - Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21

Storage System

-NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW)
-TIFF (RGB)
-JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant

Storage Media - CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), Microdrive

Release Modes - 1) Single frame [S] mode 2) Continuous low speed [CL] mode: 1 to 7*1 frames per second 3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 8 frames per second*1, 6 frames per second*2 4) Liveview [LV] mode 5) Self-timer [] mode 6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode

*1. When using AC Adaptor EH-5a/EH-5 or Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*2. When using Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e

(When shooting in Continuous-servo AF (C), Shutter-Priority Auto [S] or Manual [M] exposure modes, at a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster with other settings at default)

White Balance - Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), seven manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1~3)

Liveview - Hand-held mode, Tripod mode

LCD Monitor - 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Playback Function - 1) Full frame 2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments) 3) Zoom 4) Slideshow 5) RGB histogram indication 6) Shooting data 7) Highlight point display 8) Auto image rotation

Delete Function -Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete

Video Output - NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available

HDMI Output - Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available

Interface - Hi-Speed USB

Text Input - Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header

Lens Mount - Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts

Compatible Lenses

1) DX AF Nikkor: All functions possible
2) D-/G-type AF Nikkor (excluding IX Nikkor lenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- Nikkor)
3) AF Nikkor other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible
4) AI-P Nikkor: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible
5) Non-CPU AI Nikkor: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Picture Angle - Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length

Viewfinder - SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)

Eyepoint - 19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)

Focusing Screen - Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines

Viewfinder Frame Coverage - Approx. 100% (vertical and horizontal)

Viewfinder Magnification - Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1

Autofocus - TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible

Focal plane contrast [in Liveview (Tripod) mode]

Lens Servo - Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); manual (M); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF

Focus Point - Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points

Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point within entire frame

AF Area Mode - 1) Single point AF 2) Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] 3) Automatic-area AF

Focus Lock - Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Metering System - TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor

1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used)
3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)

Exposure Metering Range - 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering) (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C)

Exposure Meter Coupling - Combined CPU and AI

Exposure Modes - 1) Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program 2) Shutter-Priority Auto [S] 3) Aperture Priority Auto [A] 4) Manual [M]

Exposure Compensation - ±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Auto Exposure Lock - Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Auto Exposure Bracketing - Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV)

Picture Control System - Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted

Shutter - Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb

Sync Contact - X=1/250 s; flash synchronization at up to 1/320 s (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN)

Flash Control

1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, built-in Speedlight, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash
2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S
4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800

Flash Sync Mode

1) Front-curtain Sync (normal) 2) Red-eye Reduction 3) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync 4) Slow Sync 5) Rear-curtain Sync

Built-in Speedlight - Manual pop-up with button release

Guide number - (ISO 200, m): approx. 17 (manual 18)

(ISO 100 equivalent, m): approx. 12 (manual 13)

Flash Compensation - -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Accessory Shoe - ISO 518 Standard hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided

Sync Terminal - ISO 519 standard terminal

Creative Lighting System - With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock

Self-timer - 2 to 20 seconds duration

Depth of Field Preview - When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode)

Remote Control - Via 10-pin terminal or Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional)

GPS - NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)

Supported Languages - Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish

Power Source - One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)

Tripod Socket - 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

Custom Settings - 48 settings available

Dimensions (W x H x D) - Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)

Weight - Approx. 825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

Operating Environment - Temperature: 0-40°C/32-104°F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation)

Supplied Accessories (may differ by country or area) - Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Strap AN-D300, LCD monitor cover BM-8, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-23, Software Suite CD-ROM

Main Optional Accessories - Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2

Canon 40D released

2007-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

After a long and exhausting wait, the Canon 40D has finally been released and here are the final specifications:

Specifications

Type - Digital AF/AE SLR

Recording Medium - CF Card Type I and II and external media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A)

Image Format - 0.87 x 0.58 in./22.2 x 14.8mm (APS-C size sensor)

Compatible Lenses - Canon EF, EF-S, TS-E, and MP-E lenses

Lens Mount - Canon EF mount

Lens Focal Length Conversion Factor* - 1.6x

Image Sensor - High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor

Pixels - Approx. 10.10 mega pixels

Total Pixels - Approx. 10.50 mega pixels

Aspect Ratio - 3:2 (Horizontal : Vertical)

Color Filter System - RGB primary color filters

Low-pass Filter - Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor

Recording System - Recording Format - DCF 2.0 (Exif 2.21): JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording possible. Multiple options for recording images on a memory card.

Image Format - JPEG, RAW (Canon CR2)

File Size

- JPEG/Large: Approx. 3.5MB (3,888 x 2,592)
- JPEG/Medium: Approx. 2.1MB (2,816 x 1,880)
- JPEG/Small: Approx. 1.2MB (1,936 x 1,288)
- RAW: Approx. 12.4MB (3,888 x 2,592)
- sRAW: Approx. 7.1MB (1,936 x 1,288)

Folders - Automatically created by camera; can be user-created with "Manual Reset" file naming setting

File Numbering - Continuous numbering

Auto reset - Manual reset (the image numbering is reset to 0001, a new folder is created automatically)

Color Space - Selectable between sRGB and Adobe RGB

Interface - USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini-B port. NTSC/PAL for video output

White Balance - Settings

- Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom WB setting, user-set Color Temperature (2,500~10,000K)

Auto White Balance - Auto white balance, taken from imaging sensor

Personal White Balance - White balance bracketing: Three consecutive images written to CF card for each firing of shutter; Up to +/- 3 levels in 1-step increments

White balance shift: blue/amber bias and/or magenta/green bias +/- up to 9 levels; manually set by user

Viewfinder - Type (Eye-level SLR with solid glass pentaprism)

Coverage - Approx. 95% horizontally and vertically

Magnification - 0.95x (-1 dpt with 50mm lens at infinity)

Eyepoint - Approx. 22mm

Dioptric Adjustment Correction: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter

Mirror - Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60)

Viewfinder Information - AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle, exposure warning), Flash (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, high-speed sync, FE lock, red-eye reduction light), Image (monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information)

Depth-of-Field Preview - Enabled with depth-of-field preview button; possible in Live View Function

Eyepiece Shutter - None

Autofocus - Type

- TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor

AF Points - 9 cross-type AF points, including center AF point; fully functional with f/5.6 or faster lenses

Additional high-precision, diagonal cross-type sensor at Center AF point, used with lenses f/2.8 or faster

AF Working Range - EV -0.5 ~18 (ISO 100 at 73°F/23°C)

Focusing Modes - Autofocus (One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF), Manual Focus (MF)

AF Point Selection - Automatic selection, Manual AF point selection

Selected AF Point Display - Superimposed red illumination in viewfinder; also visible on top or rear LCD panel when AF point select button is pressed

AF-assist Beam - Intermittent firing of built-in flash

Exposure Control - Metering Modes

- 35-zone TTL full aperture metering
- Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points)
- Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder)
- Spot metering (approx. 3.8% of viewfinder)
- Center-weighted average metering
- Metering Range
EV 0-20 (ISO 100 at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)

- Exposure Control Systems
Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Auto Depth-of-field AE (non-shiftable), Full auto (non-shiftable), Programmed image control modes, Manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE

ISO Speed Range - Equivalent to ISO 100-1600* (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), ISO speed can be expanded to ISO 3200

* Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index.

Exposure Compensation - Exposure Compensation (user-set): +/-3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-half increments

AE Lock - Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual (user-set): By AE lock button in all metering modes

Shutter - Type - Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled

Shutter Speeds - 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-stop increments), X-sync at 1/250 sec.

Shutter Release - Soft-touch electromagnetic release

Self-timer - 10 sec. delay, 2 sec. delay

Remote Control - Canon N3 type terminal

Built-in Flash - Type - Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism

Guide Number - 13/43 (ISO 100 in meters/feet)

Recycling Time - Approx. 3 sec.

Flash-ready Indicator - Flash-ready indicator lights in viewfinder

Flash Coverage - 17mm lens focal length (equivalent to 27mm in 35mm format)

Flash Metering System - E-TTL II autoflash

Flash Exposure Compensation : +/-2 stops in 1/3- and 1/2-stop increments;

Can be set on EOS 40D body or with most EX-series speedlites

LCD Monitor - TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor

Screen Monitor size - 3.0 Inch.

Pixels - Approx. 230,000 pixels

Coverage - Approx. 100%

Brightness Control - 7 levels provided

Playback - Image Display Format

Single image, 4-image index, 9-image index, Jump, Magnified zoom (approx. 1.5x to 10x), Histogram, AF point display, Auto rotate, Rotate
Live View: View image before shooting on LCD monitor; live histogram and live simulation of exposure level possible with C.Fn IV-7-1

Highlight Alert - In the single image display and (INFO) display, over-exposed highlight areas will blink

Image Protection and Erase - Protection

Single image or all images in the memory card can be protected or cancel the image protection

Erase - Single image, select images, all images in a CF card or unprotected images

Direct Printing from the Camera - Enabled with the Print/Share button

Compatible Printers - CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Photo Printers and PictBridge compatible printers (via USB Interface Cable IFC-200U, included with camera kit)

Settings - Print quantity, style (image, paper size, paper type, printing effects, layout), trimming, tilt correction (compatibility varies, depending upon printer in use)

Menus - Menu Categories

- Shooting
-Playback
-Setup
-Custom function/My Menu

LCD Monitor Language - 18 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)

Power Source - Battery

- One dedicated Battery Pack BP-511A

AC power can be supplied via the optional AC Adapter Kit ACK-E2

Number of Shots - Normal shooting, at 73°F/23°C:

-No flash: approx. 1100 images
-50% flash use: approx. 800 images

at 32°F/0°C:
No flash: approx. 950 images
50% flash use: approx. 700 images

(tests comply with CIPA industry test standards)

The above figures apply when one fully-charged Battery Pack BP-511A is used

Battery Check - Automatic

Power Saving - Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 min.

Back-up Battery - One CR2016 coin-type lithium battery. Battery life approx. 5 years

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions (W x H x D) - 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in./145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5mm

Weight - 26.1 oz./740g

Operating Environment - Operating Temperature Range
32-104°F/0-40°C

Operating Humidity Range - 85% or less

Source

Nikon D3 Teaser

2007-08-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

More and more material on the Nikon D3 have started to re-surface again and this time it's from Japan. It's a teaser showing the outline of the new Nikon D3 with some Japanese (Kanji) character saying the following:

Highly accurate 51 points Autofocus system

9 Frame per second (fps)

Wide view angle - 3 inch TFT LCD with a screen resolution of 920,000 pixels.

So far the rumored teaser on the Nikon D3 sounds pretty impressive. The screen resolution is much higher than Canon's top of the range 10 mega pixel EOS 1D Mark III which has a total of 230,000 pixels in their 3 inch screen. The 51 point autofocus is also impressive compared to Canon with 19 cross-type auto focus plus 26 assist autofocus point.

The only comparable feature is the fps speed which is 9 fps for Nikon compared to 10 fps for Canon.

This is going to be a great year in DSLR with the impending release of the Canon 40D, Olympus E-P1, Sony Alphas and the Nikon D300 and D3.

The new Canon 40D is being shipped

2007-08-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

It seems the Canon 40D may have started to ship across the country judging by the photo of an apparent invoice or purchase order from a certain retailer. I’m sure the corporate watchdogs at Canon are conducting their own investigations into this leak. It lists the price as $1599.99, however I'm not sure if the lens is included.

Interestingly, if you enter the UPC code into the UPC database, you get the description as "Canon EOS 40D D-SLR W". Again, I have no idea what the W stands for in the Canon 40D D-SLR W, but it does make me wonder what it could be? Wireless ? Who knows?

Nikon D300

2007-08-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some speculation that the Nikon D200 successor could be called either the Nikon D200x or the Nikon D300.

After recently reviewing the leaked pdf file on the Olympus professional camera called the E-P1 (yet to be announced), I have to say, the Nikon D300 seems the most appropriate choice.

You see, Olympus have somehow named the Nikon D200 successor as the Nikon D300 which is clearly indicated in the pdf file. Olympus has also provided us with some interesting inside information on how they view their future competition; namely the Canon 40D and the Nikon D300.

As you can see in the attached diagram (page 10 of 27), it indirectly points out the Nikon D300 will have a larger LCD screen (?3 inch), faster start-up time and higher mega pixels than the E-P1. There’s also other information you can gather from this diagram such as the absence of dust reduction and live view.

I’m sure more will be revealed soon. Once again, the 18 month product cycle is due again in September this year and it'll be interesting to see how things develop.

More Canon 40D rumors

2007-08-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here we go again. The date for the release 0f the Canon 40D is getting closer and closer as more rumors and materials are starting to pop up. Even digital camera websites selling cameras are anticipating a change - many are now preparing for the addition or the coming of the new model.

The run-out sales are appearing and stores are trying to empty their stocks of the Canon 30D with huge discounts. ? Should I buy the 30D at a great price or should I wait for the new 40D???? Many are torn between and unable to make the decision.

Well let me tell you, the new model is coming and it won't be long.

Rumored specifications

Sensor - 10 mega pixels self cleaning sensor

1.6x crop factor

3 inch LCD with LiveView

Formats JPG, RAW and sRAW

ISO 100 to 1600 in incremental steps of 1/3

Shooting speed 6.25 fps

Buffer 75 JPG or 17 RAW

Available grip BG-E2

18-55mm lens renewed

No weather sealing

Possible DIGIC3

Nikon beats Canon in DSLR Market Share

2007-07-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article from www.asahi.com about Nikon surpassing Canon with a larger market share in Digital SLR cameras within Japan during January to June 2007. This came about by a strong push mainly with the release of the Nikon D40.

It is interesting to see how strong Nikon is these days and it must be concerning to Canon, especially in light of all the issues with the Canon Mark III. This would have to have some professional user worried about the stability of their platform.

The comment about Sony being in third place is a bit misleading though. Sony only have one DSLR model, the A100 and although it is about a year old, it's an excellent result considering they're still coming in with similar numbers to Pentax and Olympus I'm sure when the two new Sony models (A100 replacement plus a professional model) comes out sometime this year, Sony market share will rise even further.

Anyhow here's what they write:

" Nikon Corp., buoyed by the popularity of its D40 model, sold more digital single-lens reflex cameras than rival Canon Inc. in the first half of 2007.

Nikon clinched a 47.5-percent share of the domestic market from January to June, surpassing Canon's 36.5 percent, according to Tokyo-based market research firm BCN Inc.

It was the first time that Nikon has held the top spot over a half-year term, although it had done so on a monthly basis before.

Nikon and Canon have long been the dominant players in the domestic SLR camera market, but Nikon appeared stuck in second place for digital SLR camera body sales.

In the first half of 2006, Canon led at 46.4 percent to Nikon's 31.9 percent, and at 42.9 percent to Nikon's 35.5 percent in the second half.

Nikon's low-priced D40 series was released in December 2006. The introductory D40 model initially sold for slightly less than 60,000 yen at retail stores, about 30,000 yen lower than comparable models by other makers.

SLR cameras are sold with open pricing and with lenses sold separately.

The D40X model, boasting superior picture quality at 10.2 megapixels, hit the market in March at less than 80,000 yen.

Nikon cut costs by adjusting details such as leaving off a liquid crystal display panel on top to show operational status and other data.

Both models weigh less than 500 grams.

Having seen its market share drop since late last year, Canon in June recovered some lost ground with a "cash back" campaign. Purchasers of an EOS Kiss Digital X, for example, received a 10,000 yen rebate.

Canon's popular EOS Kiss model, first introduced in 2003 and now in its third generation, has been selling well.

Competition for third place has also been fierce.

In the first half of this year, Pentax Corp. came in third at 6.7 percent, followed by Sony Corp. at 4.5 percent and Olympus Corp. at 4.3 percent.

In May and June, however, Olympus moved up to third, led by its E-410 model, which it claims is the world's "smallest, slimmest and lightest" digital SLR camera.

The model, released in April, weighs 375 grams.(IHT/Asahi: July 19,2007) "

Canon 40D - Latest Rumors

2007-07-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

It looks like the latest rumors is that the Canon 40D will be release on the 23rd August 2007. So far the trend has been:
Canon 10D to the Canon 20D = 18 months
Canon 20D to the Canon 30D = 18 months
Canon 30D to the Canon 40D = 18 months = August 2007

Based on a Japanese forum and translated to English, the following specifications have appeared.

EOS-40D

12,000,000 pixel 5 scene/second 40 shot buffer -

12 megapixel, 5fps, 40 shot buffer

Iso 100 - 3200 (Hi 6400 expansion)

Digic3 dust reduction

Live view photographing

3 inch liquid crystal display

Highlight brightness priority setting loading

I'm not sure if these are true, however if you merge these figures with the leaked PDF file of the new Olympus E-P1 (page 11) some assumptions start to appear. Olympus have conducted their own internal survey and constructed their own SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat) analysis of their E-P1 against the new Canon 40D (see diagram shown below). As indicated you can extrapolate the following information.

The Canon 40D will have the following:

Larger LCD screen

so 3 inch sounds correct

Larger megapixels - so 12 megapixels sounds correct

No anti-shake mechanism

Not splash proof (ie no weather sealing)

Live preview

(but not as good as the Olympus E-P1 which has patented shadow adjustment technology as well as swivel and hyper crystal LCD screen.

Anyhow, have a look and judge for yourself.

Nikon D3 Rumors

2007-06-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

It seems the emergence of the Nikon D3 could be happening soon with the numbers of rumors surfacing in the past month. The latest rumors come from the Nikon Italian forum group via dpreview and writes:

Camera Model: Nikon D3
Effective Pixels: 12 mega pixels +
Date Of Release: 05 Jul 2007
Body Make: Magnesium Alloy
Image Size: 4288 x 2848
File Formats: RAW, JPEG (3 types)
Frames Per Second: 8 - 10 FPS

Description

****THE RELEASE DATE ABOVE IS AN ESTIMATE ONLY **** (based on dealings within the distributor network)

All the hype surrounding the new D3 series may well be pointing to a summer 2007 release

Below are some of the potential updates we can find on this most sought after camera.

Modular body (interchangeable finder, back, and storage modules); the body is the host camera brains and control system, power source, lens mount, mirror box, shutter, and support system while everything else gets added on:

10-12mp APS High Speed Back (10 fps DX crop, 12 fps HS crop)
24mm FF Low Speed Back (3 fps FF, 5 fps DX crop)
12mp Black and White Back
Prism finder with real time displays (e.g. histograms)
Card storage module (2x Compact Flash or 2x Secure Digital)
Drive storage module (40, 80, 120GB hard drive)
Wireless module (1x Compact Flash for backup, Wi-Fi)

Also during May 2007, another rumor that writes

"In France the magazine "Reponses Photo" declares in the new june issue of their popular magazine th New D3...

They inform us that it will be a 18,7 Mpix with a 1.1 frame ( near full frame) and it allows to maintain the Nikon F mount. As the D2X this DSRL has 8 im/sec with a DX frame and 5 im/sec with the 1.1 frame.

DX lenses won't suit the 1.1 frame and will be maintaint for the actual DSRL's and the future amateur Nikon DSRL's.

The 18,7 Mpix chip will come from Sony and will be exclusif for Nikon dor the 12 months after the launching of the camera (as it was always done in the past ...)

Nikon director and spokesman in France Benoit de Dieuleveult declares that he can't give any comments on this proposals, but he states : " Nikon don't want to reduce their Pro Market. On the contrary, our intention is to increase our parts in this market. We have developed very nice new pro products that will make us take back the lost parts and increase our position in the Pro market. Actuelly i can't say more but you want be disappointed ..."

--

Stop talking megapixels, a good shot even with a D1 is better than a bad shot with a D2X. All is in the picture and pictures will make you live. The gear won't pay your food.

So we'll have to wait, maybe end of June ???? Previously in

Now I don't know who's correct so we'll just wait and see.

Source

Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC (Nikon) Review

2007-06-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

Photozone.de has an excellent review on the Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC lens which is one of many standard zooms available for Nikon DSLR users. Compared to the rest of the gang it offers a relatively long zoom range (~ 4 x ratios) combined with a relatively large max. aperture at 17mm.

They write: "The Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC is a very good standard zoom and a viable alternative to the Nikon offerings in this range. Generally it is capable to produce very sharp results although the corner performance leaves a bit to be desired at 17mm at large aperture settings. The vignetting level could also be a bit better here but most competitors don't offer an f/2.8 settings anyway and from f/4 it follows the mainstream. The level of distortions is about typical for a standard zoom whereas chromatic aberrations (color shadows) are comparatively low. The build quality is very fine for a lens in this price league."

Source

Robust Growth for Canon

2007-06-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

According to the latest financial report, it looks like Canon has forcast ROBUST growth in their camera division and thus maintain their number 1 ranking.

Here's what they say:

"As for the global economic outlook in the second quarter and thereafter, although uncertainty surrounds such factors as the future direction of crude-oil and raw-material prices and a slowdown in the U.S. economy, the global economy is expected to continue growing steadily.

In the businesses in which Canon is involved, demand for both compact digital cameras and digital SLR cameras is expected to continue enjoying robust growth."

160 Megapixel camera

2007-06-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right a 160 mega pixel in a digital camera. Although not the most portable camera, the Seitz photo Seitz 6x17 Digital takes a massive 160 mega pixels.

Here are some of the features

Create a high-resolution (160 million pixel) 6 x17 digital scan in just one second

Capture action thanks to a minimum exposure speed of 1/2000 sec. (per pixel) - images full of speed, motion and life!

Benefit from an outstanding image quality in virtually all light situations:

- 16-bit per channel (48-bit RGB) color depth
- Anti-blooming
- Low noise
- Dynamic range of 1:2,600 (11 f-stops)
- Seitz image optimization algorithms

Use world-class large format Schneider or Rodenstock lenses - or reuse your existing set of lenses

Process a high-definition high dynamic range panorama directly in the RAM of the computer (single-pass, multi-pass)

Take advantage of the latest technology in tablet PCs for image control, display and storage

Remove the Seitz D3 digital scan back and use it with the Round shot D3, the Alpa family of medium format cameras
(Alpa 12 SWA, WA, TC, XY) or with other medium or large format cameras (in the future)

Click here for the price list

High ISO Modes in Compact Digital Cameras

2007-06-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting summary on various ISO modes in compact digital cameras by Dpreview.

There is a lot of variation in the appearance high ISO output of different cameras, but they're all crippled by the same small sensors / lack of sensitivity. (except for the 6megapixels Fujifilm models)

Do not expect to be able to produce large prints from compact camera high ISO modes.

Subject matter matters: portraits are a lot more forgiving of noise reduction than landscapes.

Once you get over ISO 400 any advantage of higher mega pixel counts is usually lost.

There is no compact camera on the market that can produce acceptable full size results at ISO 3200, and only a handful that can at ISO 800 or ISO 1600. Again the exception is the Fujifilm F30 model

Even viewed full screen on a large monitor you will see the loss of quality.

Optical image stabilization is not a replacement for high ISO - it can combat camera shake, but it doesn't allow you to increase the shutter speed and therefore cannot do anything about blur due to movement of the subject in low light.

If you intend to buy a compact for use in low light look for a fast lens (wide maximum aperture) - it's worth a lot more than a pointless ISO 1600 mode.

For small social snaps (friends in a bar, for example) high ISO modes may well produce acceptable results as long as you are aware of the quality limitations and stick with small prints.

Source

Sony poor performance yet high share price

2007-06-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

According to Reuters, the Sony Play Station 3 (PS3) and the recall of laptop batteries has been blamed for Sony not hitting forecast profits; however the company does claim that the future is looking good. Although it may add to the bottom line, the launch of the new Sony DSLR's may help help push up profits.

Here's what they say:

Sony has reported a profit downturn due to losses in its game unit, but it has forecast a sharp rise in profits this year as it boosts sales of its PlayStation 3 video game machine and LCD TVs.

The Japanese electronics and entertainment conglomerate was hit hard last year by massive costs to launch the PS3 and recalled 9.6 million units of its laptop PC batteries, which in rare cases could catch fire from overheating.

But it is taking steps to cut production costs for the PS3 and is starting up an advanced liquid crystal display (LCD) panel plant with Samsung Electronics this year, which should help it make TVs more efficiently.

Sony, which is locked in a battle with Microsoft and Nintendo for dominance in the $30 billion video game industry, forecasts an operating profit of $3.66 billion for the year to March 2008.

The estimate represents a six-fold gain on 2006/07 and beats the consensus of 377.8 billion yen in a poll of 20 analysts by Reuters Estimates, though it includes a 59 billion yen profit from a sale of land not likely reflected in the consensus.

Sony expects sales to grow 5.8 percent to 8.78 trillion yen. Analysts said Sony's forecasts looked strong.

"The forecast looks really good. It will be a matter of whether the company can actually achieve that goal," said Tomomi Yamashita, senior fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management.

"Investors think highly of Sony's efforts to turn around its struggling electronics business. Now its game business is underperforming, and whether it can fix that too will be closely watched."

For January-March, the fourth quarter of the past business year, Sony booked an operating loss of 113.4 billion yen, against a loss of 51.9 billion yen a year earlier and the consensus of a 94.5 billion yen loss according to five analysts. Operating profit at Sony came to 71.75 billion yen in the year ended March 31, down from 226.42 billion yen a year earlier.

Sales rose 10.5 percent to 8.295 trillion yen while net profit rose 2.2 percent to 126.3 billion yen, boosted by the strong performance by Sony Ericsson, the world's fourth-largest mobile phone maker owned jointly by Sony and Ericsson .

Sony, which offers Bravia LCD TVs, Cyber-shot digital cameras and Vaio PCs, has packed its cutting-edge technology such as a Blu-ray high-definition DVD player into the PS3, enabling lifelike graphics but driving up its manufacturing costs. The basic version of the PS3 is priced at twice as much as Nintendo's new console, the Wii, which has been outselling the Sony machine in Japan and the United States since the devices were launched late last year.

Sony said it would aim to nearly double shipments of the PS3 to 11 million units in 2007/08, but it warned that it would be difficult to bring its game division into the black following an operating loss of 232 billion yen in the past year.

It is banking on a better showing for the PlayStation Portable. Shipments of the handheld game player fell 41 percent in 2006/07 amid competition with Nintendo's popular DS device.

Howard Stringer, who became the company's first non-Japanese chief executive in 2005, has pledged to put Sony on the right track by selling non-core assets and pouring resources into its electronics segment that makes up two-thirds of overall sales.

The electronics unit improved to an operating profit of 157 billion yen in 2006/07 from a 7 billion yen profit in the prior year as it enjoyed robust demand for digital cameras, high-end camcorders and benefited from a weaker yen.

Sony also more than doubled sales of LCD TVs to 6.3 million units and predicted a further surge to 10 million this year.

"We expect profits from TVs to get a boost this year, led by LCDs. We had a huge cost for the battery recall, but we won't have such expenses this year," Sony Chief Financial Officer Nobuyuki Oneda told a news conference.

The upbeat forecast will likely underpin the perception among investors that Sony is on a recovery path, even if it is still playing catch-up with Apple Inc. in the portable music player market and faces cut-throat competition with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. in flat screen TVs.

Prior to the announcement, shares in Sony closed up 1.3 percent at 6,460 yen, having gained about 27 percent since the start of the year. The stock is now up about 70 percent since Stringer took the helm in June 2005.

"I think investors will be positive about the results. It won't be a case of the stock taking off, but there should be some gains. It would not be strange to see Sony's stock go as high as 7,000 yen," said Shigemi Nonaka, adviser at Polestar Investment Management".

Source

The consequences of the Dpreview / Amazon takeover

2007-05-26T23:41:00.001-07:00

Amazon.com has purchased Dpreview.com on the 14th May 2007 and it will be interesting to see if the reviews by Phil and his team are NOT biased and are editorially independent from AMAZON. Imagine after a few month of Dpreview under the CONTROL of Amazon management. Who is really in control? Who controls what can be said? Who controls the final content? Who controls what can be reviewed? AMAZON that's who. Amazon will use the creditability of Phil Askey to promote or demote products according to who pays the biggest advertising dollars.

Is Phil still able to write a genuine negative review on a new camera when the manufacturer pays Amazon.com big advertising dollars? I do not think so. The big corporations have taken over the site so that more profits can be made. Phil is just an employee with a JOB. His job description is to write in-depth reviews for Dpreview.com unless otherwise instructed by Amazon.

I do not see big changes for the first 6 months, however by the end of the year when Christmas shopping begins, there will be changes.

Bye bye Dpreview.

Canon Excel in 2007 First Quarter

2007-05-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

The first quarter financial results in 2007 looks very healthy for Canon and this was expected. Here's what they say in the first Quarter report for 2007.

“Looking back at the global economy in the first quarter of 2007, economic expansion was fairly steady despite brief concern over the economic impact of such factors as the global downturn in stock prices. The U.S. economy continued to display growth, supported by healthy employment conditions and healthy consumer spending, despite a decrease in housing investment and a moderate slowdown in corporate capital investment.

In Europe, while exports appeared somewhat sluggish due to the appreciation of the euro, the region indicated a trend toward moderate recovery as domestic demand expanded in major European countries, boosted by such factors as increased consumer spending owing to improvements in the employment environment. Within Asia, the Chinese economy maintained a high growth rate while other economies in the region also enjoyed generally favorable conditions. In Japan, the economy maintained a trend toward recovery thanks to such factors as increased capital spending fueled by strong corporate performances and gradual improvements in consumer spending.

As for the markets in which the Canon Group operates, within the camera segment demand for digital single-lens-reflex (SLR) cameras and compact digital cameras continued to realize healthy growth during the quarter.”

" Within the camera segment, demand for digital SLR cameras fueled growth, with the EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi model, launched in September 2006, selling particularly well which, in turn, led to expanded sales of interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras. Sales of compact digital cameras also continued to expand steadily with healthy demand for the PowerShot SD800 IS model launched in October 2006, which features the DIGIC III image processor. The company strengthened its lineup of compact digital cameras with 6 new models in 2007, including two stylish ELPH-series models and four PowerShot-series models that cater to a diverse range of shooting styles."

Source

Phantom Miro 3 - 2200 frames per second

2007-05-08T04:53:00.000-07:00

Now here is a rugged camera, the Phantom Miro 3. Although it has a low resolution of 0.26 mega pixels, it has a super quick frame rate of 2200 frames per second!

The camera was revealed by Vision Research, their first member in a new line of Phantom high-speed digital cameras at the NAB in Las Vegas, Nevada, (16 - 19 April 2007) and SAE World Congress in Detroit, Michigan (16-19 April 2007), .

The Phantom® Miro line is a compact, light-weight, rugged family of cameras targeted at industrial applications ranging from biometric research to automotive crash testing.

The first member of the family, the Phantom Miro 3, is optimized for applications such as Hydraulically Controlled, Gas Energized (HYGE) crash simulations used in the automotive industry. Rated to survive 100g acceleration (WOW!) this rugged camera can take 512 x 512 images at up to 2200 frames-per-second (fps).

Reduce the resolution to 32 x 32 and achieve frame rates greater than 95,000 fps. With an ISO rating of 4800 (monochrome, saturation-based ISO 12232), the camera has the light sensitivity for the most demanding applications. With shutter speeds as low as 2 microseconds, the user can freeze objects in motion, eliminate blur, and bring out the image detail needed for successful motion analysis.

The camera accepts any standard 1" C-mount lens.Selectable 8-, 10- or 12-bit pixel depth allows the user to choose the dynamic range that best meets the demands of the application.

The Miro 3 has a number of external control signals allowing for external triggering, camera synchronization, and time-stamping. The camera has both dynamic RAM and internal flash memory for non-volatile storage. Internal battery power allows the camera to be used in an un-tethered mode and ensures data survivability in case of loss of power.

The camera ships with a trial version of Image Systems' TEMA Starter for Phantom motion analysis software.

Specifications

Key Features :
Resolution: 512 x 512
Frame rate: 2200 fps at 512x512 (0.26 mega pixels), >95,000 fps at 32x32
Minimum exposure: 2 microseconds
Sensitivity: 4800 ISO monochrome, 1200 ISO color (ISO 12232)
Built-in memory: 1GB or 2GB (optional)
Integrated flash memory: 2GB or 4GB (optional)
Pixel bit-depth: 8-bits standard, 10- & 12-bits optional
Record time: (max resolution, standard configuration) 16.3 seconds at 500 fps
Camera control: 10/100 Ethernet
Camera signals: Trigger, Strobe/IRIG out, Ready, Sync, IRIG in
Video out: PAL & NTSC
Lensing: 1" C-mount
Size: 4.3" x 2.6" x 3.2" (W x D x H); 11cm x 6.5cm x 8 cm
Weight: 2.0 lbs, 0.9 kg
Power: 20-32VDC, 12W
Battery: Poly-Lithium

Source

New Sony Alpha's

2007-05-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how long before Sony will announce the release of the next generation Alphas'. That's right, there seems to be two new upcoming models. Does this mean Double the Trouble for Canon and Nikon?

Anyhow, the two new models will be categorized as follows:

1. A High End Amateur Model - This model is marketed to advanced amateurs seeking higher performance and more specifications than the A100. It has a newly developed image sensor, BIONZ processor and integrated Super SteadyShot.

When you look at the pictures below, this model will not have a spring loaded flash and has to be raised manually like Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D/7D series. As it is based on the Minolta maxxum range, it will be very similar in size to Minolta 7D. It appears to have electronic wireless remote capability, spot/area/center weighted metering selector (focus area selector is not present on the multifunction joystick/pad). As for memory, it takes both CF and memory stick cards. Other buttons present includes DOF, AEL, AF/MF, Super-Steady-Shot, Function, C, 2 multifunction dials, 1 multifunction thumb dial, viewfinder diopter adjustment dial, S/A/C/MF focus selector, IR sensor, Mode dial, ISO button, WB button; LCD buttons - menu, LCD mode, delete, play; and some others.

2. A Flagship Model for Professional Photographer - This professional model is marketed to meet the performance and specification requirements of professional photographer. Again it has a newly developed image sensor, BIONZ processor and integrated Super SteadyShot

It has very similar controls to the high end amateur model except for a couple of extra buttons such as Drive which goes through single, bracket, continuous), no picture modes except for standard M/S/A/P (free space on the dial is likely to be replaced by programmable "memory" modes). Based on the analysis of the pictures, Sony has made only minor changes to the exterior and it looks closer to the Minolta 7000. I'm sure the internals will be awesome. Some say Full frame? We'll see.

Source

Film versus Digital Resolution

2007-05-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting diagram by ClarkVision which depicts his research on the correlation in mega pixels between the different 35mm films at variable ISO levels.

He says:

"While my research is preliminary, it does seem to agree with what people are saying, and because people look at different things (image smoothness versus spatial detail), it shows there is a lot of room for interpretation."

It is the second diagram (see below) that's really interesting as he tries to correlate film resolution against the different DSLR on the market. Based on his diagram, the sensors in some DSLR camera, notably the Canon 1Ds mark II have already exceeded the resolution in film.

Source: ClarkVision

The Worst Camera Review

2007-04-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

A review by CNET in the UK about a camera combat between the Camera phones, a digital compact camera and a digital DSLR has to be the worst review I have ever read. In fact the review is more like a primary school project and I think this is where it is aimed.

In this review they compare the picture quality between the camera phones: the Nokia 6300, Sony Ericsson K810i, Nokia N95 against the digital compact camera; the Canon IXUS 70 against a DSLR camera; the Canon 400D. Both normal and low light were compared for visual appearance only.

Although the conclusion was that the Canon 400D came out on top, the Nokia N95 was not that far behind. I hope people do not use this as a true review but as a negative control on what NOT to read.

Have a laugh at these quotes:

"colours came out fairly balanced if not a little yellow, but that's probably due to the lighting in the room."

".. but the shot came out a little blurry, which may have been due to moving our hands slightly when we took the shot."

Source

Stop Fungus from Damaging your Lens

2007-04-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

Do you have fungus growing inside your lens? Have you ever looked through your camera lens recently? With the aperture wide open, and you see tiny growth which is the mycelium or structure of the fungi.

You see fungi grow in all condition but thrive in areas where there is particularly low water activity where bacterial microorganisms cannot compete. Over time, the fungi excrete secondary metabolites which etched the surface of the lens rendering it useless.

The best remedy is keeping the lens in a cool dry place. Here are some further recommendations to further reduce the risks:

Keep your lenses in a dry, cool place.

If you use your equipment in damp or humid environments, let it dry as soon as you return into a drier room.

Never leave your equipment in a closed (splash proof) camera bag when it need not be there. Leather lens cases are known to be especially bad, because leather is a natural product where fungi can grow before they proceed on to the lens. Synthetic materials are better, however there is no guarantee that it will be free of fungus.

As the majority of lens changes its length when focusing or zooming, outside air is sucked in and out during usage. In humid or moist environment, the insides of the lens may experience an increase in moisture or high water activity which is enough for any potential moulds spore to germinate given the right conditions. To ensure the optimum condition is created, an ideal way is to zoom the lens back and forth several times in a dry room or a room with very low moisture such as an air conditioned room prior to putting the lens or camera away. This is to replace moist air with dry air thereby creating an environment unfavorable for moulds to grow.

If you store your equipment in a sealed airtight case, adding a small bag of silica gel or other water absorbent material may help reduce moisture. You will need to monitor its status which is usually indicated by change color of the silica gel) regularly. As soon as the gel shows signs of saturation with water, it should be replaced or re-activated (heating to remove excess moisture) dried.

The ideal relative humidity to keep their lenses is roughly below 55%. Note, if you go below 30%, the lubricants in the lenses (diaphragm, focus, and zoom mechanisms) might dry out faster than you like. The ideal temperature would probably be around 20 – 25 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit (Room temperature)

The Digital Camera Market in 2006

2007-04-06T05:25:00.001-07:00

Here are some interesting facts for 2006 for digital cameras. According to Reuters, Canon has topped the market share in global digital camera shipments in 2006, however South Korea's Samsung Electronics jumped up the ranks to 5th place from 9th a year ago. Nikon is ranked 6th in the world.

Tokyo-based Canon shipped 19.7 million digital cameras in 2006 which accounted for 18.7 percent of the overall market. Canon's shipments jumped 23.3 percent from 2005.

In total, the Industry wide digital camera shipments in 2006 rose 14.5 percent to 106 million units from a year earlier. This was driven by the strong popularity of Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras. DSLR shipments grew 39 percent to 5 million units last year.

Sony Corp was No. 2 in the market with a 15.8 percent share, up from 15.2 percent in 2005. This was helped with the introduction into the DSLR market with the Alpha A100.

Eastman Kodak which is the only U.S. Company among the top five digital camera makers, ranked third with 10 percent, a drop from its 14.2 percent share a year earlier. This could be due to their exit of the DSLR market a few years ago.

Olympus Corporation came in fourth with a market share of 8.6 percent, down 9.8 percent in 2005.

The big winner in 2006 was Samsung, who displaced Nikon and became the fifth-largest seller of digital cameras in the world. Samsung has expanded its market share to 7.8 percent in 2006 which is a huge jump from the 3.8 percent it had a year earlier.

Nikon Corporation, the world’s second-biggest maker of professional cameras (DSLR) after Canon, ranked No. 6 in the overall digital camera market with a 7.6 percent market share in 2006.

Digital SLR Market
Canon also dominated the booming DSLR market, securing a 46.7 percent share in 2006, with its shipments rising 30.7 percent from a year earlier. But its share was trimmed from the 49.5 percent it had in 2006 amid increased competition from rivals.

Nikon cemented the No. 2 position in DSLRs with a 33 percent market share. Its shipments jumped 35.9 percent with the introduction of successful models such as the Nikon D50, D70s, D80 and the D200.

Sony, which purchased the DSLR unit of Konica Minolta Holdings, shipped 326,240 DSLRs in 2006, accounting for 6.2 percent of the market. A great result after being in the market for under a year.

Nikon Reliance on China Increases

2007-04-03T04:29:00.000-07:00

It looks like Nikon will be sourcing more parts from China for its current and future digital cameras. By establishing Nikon International Trading (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd in China in March 2007, China will become a major supplier of parts and components for imaging products, including digital cameras, with improved quality control and more timely delivery. Operations will commence on April 1, 2007.

The International Procurement Office, established as a part of Nikon Hong Kong Ltd. in 1998, has played a role in Nikon's procurement strategy to expand its business steadily. Nikon foresees the need for improved management of an increasing number of parts procured in China, as well as increased quality assurance and improved delivery times as part of their imaging business production strategy.

It is for these reasons that Nikon has established this wholly owned international procurement subsidiary as a base for procurement operations in China.

According to Nikon management, the establishment of the local Chinese subsidiary will help to advance their production strategy, allowing them to provide high-quality products that respond even better to the users' needs, thus enhancing Nikon's already significant market presence.

Company Overview

Name Nikon International Trading (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Address 7th Floor, Tower A, Shenzhen Zhongtianyuan Logistics Centre
Taohua Rd., Futian Free Trade Zone, Shenzhen 518038, China

Capital US$500,000 (approx. ¥55,000,000; 100% from Nikon Corporation)

Representative Yasuaki Ishiguro, Director & General Manager

Employees Approximately 35 at outset

Primary operations Procurement and wholesale of parts and components for imaging products, testing and inspection of products, parts, and components, and technical guidance

New Image-Processing LSI Chip for High-Resolution Digital Cameras

2007-03-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

Fujitsu Limited has announced the release of its new LSI image-processing chip MB91680A-T, for use with cutting edge Foveon X3 image sensors and 3CCD technology, as a new addition to Fujitsu's Milbeaut™ line of advanced image processing LSI chips for digital cameras, which includes the flagship model MB91680. The new chip enables sharp, high-quality images to be processed in cameras in real time with low energy efficient power consumption.

Fujitsu's Milbeaut line of advanced image processing LSI chips combines functions necessary for image processing in digital cameras, such as image compression and noise reduction all in a single chip. The product line is widely implemented in digital cameras and mobile phones.

In addition to being compatible with conventional single layer Bayer pattern(1) image sensors, the MB91680A-T model is also compatible with the cutting-edge Foveon X3 CMOS sensor developed by US-based Foveon Inc. and 3CCD technology found in high performance digital video cameras. This enables sharp, high-quality image processing in digital single-lens reflex cameras and other high image quality digital cameras in real-time and with low power consumption. These features, combined with the functions found in previous models, deliver the highest performance standards in the industry.

Additionally, the validated TRUE™ (2) image processing system LSI chip jointly developed with Sigma Corporation is used for interconnect to the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor. The MB91680A-T chip was developed in co-operation with Fujitsu VLSI Limited and Fujitsu Micro Solutions Limited.

Sample Pricing and Availability

Product : MB91680A-T

Sample price : 4,000 yen

Availability : From March 9, 2007

Sales Targets

300,000 chips/month

Product Features
1. Compatible with cutting-edge image sensors
Compared to conventional single-layer Bayer pattern image sensors, Foveon X3 sensors have unique color and readout characteristics that pose different challenges for camera system developers. The newly released Fujitsu processor enables seamless connection to the Foveon sensor through the use of sophisticated image processing functions, including various noise reduction methods and new multi-axis color transformation(3) technology embedded into the circuitry.

The result is low noise and high color reproductivity, enabling high-resolution images that take full advantage of the Foveon X3 sensor's features.

2. Utilizes state-of-the-art algorithm that enables beautiful, detailed images
Utilizes the latest image processing algorithm for high performance digital cameras:

Enables beautiful, detailed, high resolution images
Controls reflected noise(4) and color noise that occur when CCDs and other imaging devices reach maximum resolution

Equipped with a color conversion function: able to convert colors into other desired colors

3. Faster speed made possible with cutting-edge FR80 CPU core
Fujitsu's FR series high-performance 32 bit RISC microcontrollers are embedded in Fujitsu's Milbeaut series. The MB91680A-T model employs the FR80, enabling it to execute internal data transfers at approximately four times the efficiency of earlier models, as well as high-speed data transfer of large volumes of data.

Foveon X3 Sensor
Unlike conventional Bayer pattern image sensors, which detect red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light through mosaic patterned filters and detect one color per pixel location, the Foveon X3 sensor (see Figure 1) detects all three colors at each pixel location, avoiding the discoloration that occurs with Bayer filters. Furthermore, it is an ideal sensor in that it eliminates the need for a low-pass filter(5), resulting in a clearer image.

Source

Effectiveness of self-cleaning sensors

2007-03-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

Pixinfo.com has a very good review on the effectiveness of different sensor cleaning system in digital SLR cameras. They devised a test method that compares each of the different dust removal systems to remove dust from the sensor under standard conditions . The four manufacturers were Canon (400D / Rebel Xti), Pentax (K10D), Olympus (E-300) and Sony (A100).

The results are startling and conclude with:

Olympus: good

Canon: poor (we are disappointed)

Pentax and Sony: useless (we are very disappointed)

If you are looking for a camera, have the dust removal as an expectation only at the end of your list. If sensor cleaning / dust removal is a must, the choices are limited to Olympus and Panasonic cameras.

We guess that theoretically it is possible to get better results with Canon cameras when the CMOS sensor is not charged, but Canon must find a way to discharge the sensor first (if this is really the problem). If the system is so unreliable, the EOS-ICS is not much more than a good marketing name.

In case of Sony, Pentax and Samsung cameras, the dust removal function should be considered as almost non-existent.

The final conclusion: keep your air blower handy, it is still your best tool against dust.

Full Review

Nikon Increases Production at the Thailand Manufacturing Plant

2007-03-21T02:26:00.000-07:00

It looks like Nikon is really pumping out DSLR cameras from their Thailand manufacturing plant. Judging by the 70% increase in labor from 9000 to 15000 at the end of February 2007, the company is expanding its workforce to meet world-wide demand.

The Thailand factory builds Nikon's amateur and semi-professional digital SLR cameras such as the Nikon D80, D40 and the new D40x. Its total monthly production output amounts to approximately 100,000 D80 cameras, 80,000 D40 cameras, 90,000 D40x cameras as well as 230,000 lenses.

Although Canon remains as the number DSLR camera manufacturer in the world with the highest market share, Nikon is slowly chipping away.

Nikon DSLR cameras are widely acknowledged as being of superior quality and reliability. By constantly building on these technologies, Nikon is in a strong position to maintain and expand on its current position. By 2008 Nikon aim to grab over 40% of the DSLR market.

Canon much anticipated 40D should be out later this year and this should help Canon maintain its number 1 ranking.

Canon growth strategy

2007-03-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

In its corporate strategy program, Canon is about to enter Phase III of its Global plan to achieve net sales of 5.5 Trillion yen with over 550 Billion yen in profit by 2010. It also plans to be the top 100 Global Company.

Here is their step by step plan:

􀂄 Achieving the overwhelming No. 1 position worldwide in all current core businesses
􀂄 Expanding business operations through diversification
􀂄 Identifying new business domains and accumulating required technologies
􀂄 Establishing new production systems to sustain international competitiveness
􀂄 Nurturing truly autonomous and strong individuals promoting everlasting corporate reform

As for Digital cameras, they have developed key components in devices such as their CMOS sensors and imaging engines (DigiC III). In 2006, the Canon 400D/ Rebel XTi helped push their market share from 20% in 2005 to 22% in 2006.

New Nikon website to promote Vibation Reduction (VR) Lens

2007-03-08T04:01:00.000-08:00

It seems the marketing department at Nikon has put enormous effort into its "Vibration Reduction" lenses by creating a new dedicated website. The website has some great videos that goes through a step by step process of the blurring problems associated with normal lenses, followed by the benefits of its new Vibration Reduction lenses such as clearer viewfinder, clearer pictures, the mechanism on how its technology and systems work and finally the range of lenses which has this VR incorporated into it.

The main point they left out is the high prices for buying these great lens. I guess that's why they needed a whole website to explain the benefits.

Click here for the website.

The Nikon D40X

2007-03-07T03:28:00.000-08:00

It looks like Nikon is going after the market leader, Canon 400D / Rebel XTi with the surprise release of the new 10 mega pixels Nikon D40X. With a recommended retail price of $799 for the kit lens, it is $100 lower than the Canon 400D/ Rebel XTi. Normally it is Canon which has the lower price.

Here's what they write in the press release.

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the D40X, a new digital SLR incorporating a 10.2-megapixel CCD. The D40X is scheduled to launch worldwide at March 29, 2007 and is a sister model to the D40, which has a 6.1-megapixel CCD.

While maintaining the compact size and portability of the D40 camera body, the D40X produces even more outstanding, detailed pictures thanks to its 10.2-megapixel CCD and cutting-edge digital technologies. Its resolution power makes it easy for users to print up very large sizes or crop aggressively without losing any fine details. The D40X is loaded with everything you need for truly amazing images: a 10.2-megapixel CCD, Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, an improved Image Processing Engine and superb Auto White Balance. Together with a world-famous Nikkor lens, these features combine to ensure perfect exposure, refined details and natural, vivid colors.

The D40X shares the D40’s ergonomic design and streamlined interface, which means the same intuitive operation that’s simple and fun – even for entry-level users. The bright and clear viewfinder ensures precise composition, while the 2.5-inch large LCD monitor utilizes an easy-to-use menu system and a wide viewing angle so that everyone can navigate their settings and view their images with ease. There is also a handy built-in Help menu: simply press a button and useful information on key features is displayed on the LCD monitor.

The D40X is fast. Its near-instant power-up (0.18 second) and fast, reliable responses help photographers act on the moment, while the continuous shooting mode lets photographers easily capture up to 100 JPEG images of action as fast as 3 frames* per second. The camera’s razor-sharp auto focus ensures crisp images for a wide variety of photographic scenes.
*The fastest frame rates can be achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings.

Flash photography is simple with the D40X because the camera employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control, which evaluates ideal flash exposure automatically and accurately, even in difficult lighting situations.

Eight Digital Vari-Program modes offer creative shooting options that are optimized for common shooting situations. Fun, fast and simple, they are as easy to use as rotating the mode dial. For further control over aperture and shutter speed, P/S/A/M modes are available.

Exclusive in-camera image editing features are available in the Retouch menu. One of the main features is Nikon’s exceptional D-lighting, which brings out details usually lost in underexposed areas of an image while retaining the proper exposure in brighter areas. Photographers can also correct red-eye easily, or use Monochrome effects to change an image to Black-and-white, Sepia tone or Cyanotype.

Some of the D40X’s major improvements include an even longer-lasting battery that allows up to 520 images* per charge (470 images* for the D40), faster continuous shooting at 3 frames per second (2.5 fps for the D40) and a wider ISO sensitivity of 100 to 1600, plus HI 1 (200 to 1600 plus HI 1 for the D40).

* CIPA standards

While it inherits many advanced digital and optical technologies from professional models, the D40X and its sister model, the D40, are Nikon’s smallest, most compact digital SLR cameras. By offering everyone mobility, ease-of-use and incredible pictures with great resolution, the D40X welcomes everyone to the world of Nikon digital SLR photography.

Major features

Intuitive, simple and trouble-free operation
The most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and ergonomics designed for everyone
A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with easy-to-view menus, large fonts and careful color schemes for easy preview and setting changes
Bright and clear viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition
Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows up to 520 images* on a single charge (*CIPA standards)
Handy assist images that help photographers select the right camera settings
Optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 for easy remote shutter release

Superior image quality and resolution
10.2-effective-megapixel
Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images
High-precision digital image processing algorithms for natural-looking pictures with faithful color and tone reproduction
Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition
Variable Center-weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area
Auto White Balance for natural colors, plus six different manual white balance settings and user-defined preset white balance

Fast and precise responses
Quick 0.18 second power-up to respond to every photographic opportunity
Fast continuous shooting mode enables up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller) at 3 frames* per second
*The fastest frame rates can be achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings.
Advanced three-area AF system and refined algorithms for fast, efficient and precise auto focus
Versatile shutter speed control ranging from 30 to 1/4000 s., plus bulb

Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results
Eight Digital Vari-Programs that adjust camera settings automatically for incredible scene-specific pictures. Selections include Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait
Manual controls over shutter and aperture: P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-priority Auto), A (Aperture-priority Auto) and M (Manual)
Automatic and manual control over ISO sensitivity from ISO 100 to 1600, as well as HI 1 (manual only)
Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG basic data for the same image
Built-in Flash with Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control, supporting Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync and Flash exposure compensation

Retouch Menu for creative in-camera image edits and effects
Selections include D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, and Cyanotype), Filter effects (Skylight, Warm filter, and Color balance), Small picture and Image overlay

Seamless integration with Nikon Total Digital Imaging System
Fully compatible (auto focus is supported) with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, which are equipped with an auto focus motor (Also compatible with most of the world-famous F-mount Nikkor lenses when in manual focus mode)
Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speed light system for accurate exposures via i-TTL flash and versatile wireless operation
Nikon’s Picture Project software to share, organize and edit pictures with ease.
Capture NX software (available separately) for creative photo editing with NEF (RAW), JPEG and TIFF images. Thanks to U Point™ technology, by Nik Software Inc., radical and subtle image enhancements are as easy as a few clicks

For detailed specifications click here

ISO 3200 - Nikon D80 versus the Fujifilm S5 Pro

2007-02-13T02:18:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting comparison of the high ISO between the Fujifilm S5Pro and the Nikon D80. The pictures were from a Korean website called SLRClub.com. Considering the noise on the Nikon D80 rated very well in many reviews says alot about the Fujifilm S5Pro.

At ISO 3200, the Fujifilm S5 Pro is extremely good.

Source: SLR Club - English translated version

Canon 40D Rumors

2007-02-06T04:31:00.001-08:00

Due to increased competition from Nikon with the popular Nikon D80 and the Nikon D40, Canon needs to release the Canon 30D successor soon. The rumors so far are that the Canon 30D successor will be the Canon 40D with the following specifications:

10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (28.7 x 19.1mm)

2.5 inch widescreen (250,000 pixels)

Self-cleaning sensor unit

Memory -Compact flash cards.

ISO 100 -3200 with a possibility of a high mode ISO 6400?)

Processor - DIGIC III

Dimensions 14,8 x 10,9 mm, 720 grams

Only time will tell.

Here are the links to the Canon Hong Kong and English websites where a alleged leaked information appeared briefly.

Digital Camera Sales Slows in the US

2007-02-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

According to Reuters, fewer shoppers reached for digital cameras as a gift during the holiday season, leading to the first-ever quarterly decline in U.S. shipments, according to an industry report issued on Thursday.

In a clear sign the U.S. market has matured, shipments of digital cameras fell 3 percent in the fourth quarter to 12.1 million units from 12.4 million units a year ago, research firm IDC said in its "U.S. Digital Camera Market Share Review" report.

That was a sharp contrast from double-digit gains in previous years, when the attraction of film-less cameras swelled as consumers replaced their traditional film devices.

"Demand has definitely cooled," IDC analyst Christopher Chute said. "There was (also) a move away from giving an inexpensive camera as a gift and about 85 percent of those sold were to people buying another camera, maybe as upgrade."

Canon Inc. (7751.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) led the market with 2.5 million units shipped in the quarter, followed by Eastman Kodak Co. (EK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) at 2.4 million and Sony Corp. (6758.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) at 2.2 million.

Kodak, which bowed out of the low-end camera market in an effort to sell more profitable models, surrendered its top ranking to Canon for the full 2006 year. Canon had a 20 percent market share, followed by Sony with 17 percent and Kodak at 16 percent, IDC said.

For the whole of 2006, U.S. shipments of digital still cameras, including digital SLRs - or single-lens-reflex - models, reached 29.8 million units, driven by price drops and rebate programs. This represents only 5 percent growth over 2005.

Shipments to the United States are expected to rise, but only slightly in 2007, to about 30 million units, Chute said, as consumers continue to replace older models in order to get more powerful features.

IDC added that Samsung Electronics (005930.KS: Quote, Profile, Research) and Matsushita's (6752.T: Quote, NEWS, Research) Panasonic (6752.T: Quote, NEWS, Research), which has large marketing strategies in place, may be threats to top tier players.

Digital cameras have been around since the 1980s, but only became a mass-market item in the 1990s.

What is interesting is that that the hottest selling items are now LCD TV. According to CNet, LCD televisions beat out digital cameras to become the top-selling gadget during the 2006 holiday season.

From 2003 to 2005, digital cameras generated the most revenue when it came to U.S. holiday spending on consumer electronics, computers and cameras, NPD analyst Steve Baker said. But this year, the $925 million spent on televisions with liquid-crystal displays topped the $825 million spent on digital cameras.

"Clearly, price was a huge driver this year, and availability," Baker said of the LCD TV surge. In addition, LCD TVs spread to the more lucrative 30-inch-and-larger category, which plasma and rear-projection TVs previously had had largely to themselves, he said. A total of 1.3 million LCD TVs shipped in the holiday season, he said.

Faster Chip Technology from Intel could end up in Digital Cameras

2007-02-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

Here is some interesting news that Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, has overhauled the basic building block of the information age, paving the way for a new generation of faster and more energy-efficient processors.

According to the New York Times, company researchers said the advance represented the most significant change in the materials used to manufacture silicon chips since Intel pioneered the modern integrated-circuit transistor more than four decades ago.

The microprocessor chips, which Intel plans to begin making in the second half of this year, are designed for computers but they could also have applications in consumer devices. Their combination of processing power and energy efficiency could make it possible, for example, Digital cameras and for cell phones to play video at length — a demanding digital task — with less battery drain.

The work by Intel overcomes a potentially crippling technical obstacle that has arisen as a transistor’s tiny switches are made ever smaller: their tendency to leak current as the insulating material gets thinner. The Intel advance uses new metallic alloys in the insulation itself and in adjacent components.

Word of the announcement, which is planned for Monday, touched off a war of dueling statements as I.B.M. rushed to announce that it was on the verge of a similar advance. I.B.M. executives said their company was planning to introduce a comparable type of transistor in the first quarter of 2008.

Many industry analysts say that Intel retains a six-month to nine-month lead over the rest of the industry, but I.B.M. executives disputed the claim and said the two companies were focused on different markets in the computing industry.

The I.B.M. technology has been developed in partnership with Advanced Micro Devices, Intel’s main rival. Modern microprocessor and memory chips are created from an interconnected fabric of hundreds of millions and even billions of the tiny switches that process the ones and zeros that are the foundation of digital computing.

They are made using a manufacturing process that has been constantly improving for more than four decades. Today transistors, for example, are made with systems that can create wires and other features that are finer than the resolving power of a single wavelength of light.

The Intel announcement is new evidence that the chip maker is maintaining the pace of Moore’s Law, the technology axiom that states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles roughly every two years, giving rise to a constant escalation of computing power at lower costs.
“This is evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary, but it will generate a big sigh of relief,” said Vivek Subramanian, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences at the University of California, Berkeley.

For several decades there have been repeated warnings about the impending end of the Moore’s Law pace for chip makers. In response the semiconductor industry has repeatedly found its way around fundamental technical obstacles, inventing techniques that at times seem to defy basic laws of physics.

The chip industry measures its progress by manufacturing standards defined by a width of one of the smallest features of a transistor for each generation. Currently much of the industry is building chips in what is known as 90-nanometer technology. At that scale, about 1,000 transistors would fit in the width of a human hair. Intel began making chips at 65 nanometers in 2005, about nine months before its closest competitors.

Now the company is moving on to the next stage of refinement, defined by a minimum feature size of 45 nanometers. Other researchers have recently reported progress on molecular computing technologies that could reduce the scale even further by the end of the decade.

Intel’s imminent advance to 45 nanometers will have a huge impact on the industry, Mr. Subramanian said. “People have been working on it for over a decade, and this is tremendously significant that Intel has made it work,” he said.

Intel’s advance was in part in finding a new insulator composed of an alloy of hafnium, a metallic element that has previously been used in filaments and electrodes and as a neutron absorber in nuclear power plants. They will replace the use of silicon dioxide — essentially the material that window glass is made of, but only several atoms thick.

Intel is also shifting to new metallic alloy materials — it is not identifying them specifically — in transistor components known as gates, which sit directly on top of the insulator. These are ordinarily made from a particular form of silicon called polysilicon.

The new approach to insulation appears at least temporarily to conquer one of the most significant obstacles confronting the semiconductor industry: the tendency of tiny switches to leak electricity as they are reduced in size. The leakage makes chips run hotter and consume more power.

Source: NY Times

Canon powers ahead in 2007

2007-01-31T04:41:00.000-08:00

Canon continues to power ahead in 2006. In their latest financial results for the 4th quarter 2006, total sales from cameras were over 1 trillion Yen with an operating profit from 25.8%. Although DSLR made up 12% of all cameras sold, it made up 35% of the value.

These are very impressive numbers by any standards, but particularly so for a multinational manufacturing company. Particularly impressive is the huge decrease in debt over the last 4 years while increasing cash flow. An extremely well-run company. With access to all this cash, they will have no problem channeling funds back into Research and Development.

Here what they write for their digital camera section in 2006:

"Within the camera segment, strong demand for digital SLR cameras has fueled continued growth with particularly strong sales for the advanced-amateur-model EOS 30D, launched in the first half of 2006, and the EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi, launched in the second half. This, in turn, led to expanded sales of interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras. Sales of compact digital cameras also continued to expand steadily with the introduction of 16 new models in 2006, including six stylish ELPH-series models and 10 Power Shot-series models that cater to a diverse range of shooting styles. As a result, unit sales of digital cameras for the year increased by more than 20% from the year-ago period"

In 2007 they plan to maintain their top brand position with a 7% projected increase in digital camera sales.

Full financial results for the 4th Quarter 2006 (pdf).

Nikon gets No.1 position in Japans DSLR Market

2007-01-28T04:13:00.000-08:00

According to the latest report by BCN which is market research firm constantly monitoring POS data from 2,680 stores operated by 23 contracted major retailing companies. Nikon has the number 1 market share in Japan.

Nikon has claimed 47% of the DSLR market in Japan during December 2006. The increased market share was attributed to strong sales of the popular Nikon D80 and the price competitive Nikon D40.

Canon came in with a market share of 35 percent. Pentax and Sony followed with a market share of 10 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

Canon has always been the constant leader in the Japanese DSLR market, for example with a market share of 45 percent in July and 48 percent in September last year, followed by Nikon (37 percent in July and 33 percent in September) and Pentax (10 percent in July and 8 percent in September).

In terms of by-model share, however, Canon's Digital Kiss X (digital Rebel XTi) kept the top spot for 13 weeks consecutively with a 27.3 percent market share in December, followed by Nikon's D80 (16.3 percent), D40 (15.5 percent) and D200 (9.1 percent), reports JPEA International PEN News Weekly.

Many industry watchers were skeptical when Nikon announced the D40, saying it would be difficult for Nikon to sell as it hoped in the market where DSLRs featuring 10-megapixel or more pixel counts are the mainstream. Contrary to the popular belief, however, the Nikon D40 apparently made a good start in the Japanese market, reports PEN News Weekly.

In addition, the release of the Canon 30D which in reality was just a facelift by keeping the same 8 mega pixel sensor did not really push Canon higher.

Source

New Olympus Cameras with high ISO

2007-01-25T05:15:00.000-08:00

Olympus has been busy this year with the announcement of seven different cameras.
They are as follows:

FE 210 – A 7.1 mega pixel, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an ISO of up to 640

FE230 – A 7.1 mega pixel, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an ISO of up to 1250

FE240 – A 7.1 mega pixel, 5x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an ISO of up to 1000

FE250 – A 8 mega pixel, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an ISO of up to 3200 or 6400 and 10,000 in 3 mega pixel

u770SW - A 7.1 mega pixel 8 mega pixel, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an ISO of up to 1600

SP-550UZ - A 7.1 mega pixel, 18x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an ISO of up to 5000

U760 – A 7.1megapixel, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an ISO of up to 1600

Only two of these cameras sound interesting and they are the FE250 with a massive high ISO of 6400 and 10,000 in 3 mega pixel mode and the SP-550UZ with an 18x optical zoom and a high ISO of 5000.

It seems marketers are now using high ISO as another way of standing out in the crowd and compromising picture quality for higher and nosier sensitivity. It will be interesting to see if any of these high ISO settings are even usable or just predictability noisy. Even the top DSLR from Canon or Nikon do not claim to go that high.

What I would like to see is bigger sensors in cameras rather using pixel binning to increase the sensitivity as in the FE-250. Pixel binning does not increase the size of the actual photosites; it just combines the results of several photosites into a single pixel.

Digital Camera Source

New method to clean your DSLR Sensor

2007-01-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

Now here is an interesting alternative method to cleaning your DSLR sensor. It is an adhesive-based DSLR sensor clearer called DUST-AID™ that will offer a unique solution for DSLR camera photographers seeking a safe and easy way of cleaning their dusty sensors.

It was developed and tested for contamination using extremely sensitive Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the same technology used in scientific instrument such as the Foss Milkoscan FT-120 which is used to measure low levels of different components in milk. The DUST-AID was invented by a landscape photographer who primarily works with film but needed digital capabilities for advertising / contract shoots. It seems more like an advance version of the 3M Post it Notes and I'm surprised 3M aren't involved.

“I wanted a fast way to remove dust that didn't use flammable liquid or canned air,” says Ross Wordhouse, DUST-AID inventor. “I travel extensively on airlines for my photo business so many of the methods just didn't work for me. I knew there had to be a better answer that works quickly, easy and can pass airport security.”

Born out of frustration and a desire for a high-performance solution, DUST-AID employs a unique combination of three main elements – an ultra low-adhesive foam tape, pad and a re-usable wand. The patent-pending DUST-AID cleaning device is a blend of three different tape and foam layers, tested and designed to protect the sensor filter during dust removal. The final layer, which actually touches the sensor filter, includes an adhesive specifically designed for glass applications with one of the lightest tack levels available. This glass cleaning adhesive has been FTIR tested, which showed no residue contamination after 100 applications. Dust-Aid will have a suggested retail price of $39.95.

Nikon and Canon's supply chain unable to meet demand!

2007-01-14T03:51:00.000-08:00

According to Chris Chessman from Amateur Photographer, the massive demand for the Nikon D80 / D40 and Canon's popular 400D / Rebel XTi digital SLRs has meant their supply chain could not cope with the huge orders. The upsurge occurred during the 2006 Christmas break.

All three cameras are price competitive entry to amateur DSLR cameras that were released last year and had extremely positive reviews.

A Canon spokesman told Amateur Photographer that all models in Canon's range of Digital SLR cameras are in good supply with the exception of the new Canon EOS 400D. This is a result of extremely high demand, not only in the UK and European market but worldwide. He added that they are in constant communication with the Canon EOS 400D production facility to push capacity so that all their customers' orders are fulfilled as quickly as possible.

Nikon UK's group marketing manager Jeremy Gilbert said the demand for digital SLRs 'outstripped industry forecasts' - affecting 'popular models' including the Nikon D80 and the Nikon D40.

In an interview with Amateur Photographer, he said this reflected a "huge resurgence" in DSLR photography and the positive state of the market.
Pointing out that Nikon UK supplied more DSLRs to the market than the year before Gilbert added: 'Capacity hasn't enabled us to deliver to the volume that is really required… There are more customers than there is product.'

Speaking in general terms Gilbert told us: "The DSLR market growth is currently tracking at 80% over the same period last year, exceeding industry forecasts. As a consequence, there has been some product shortage."

A shortage of top-selling models was believed to be a key factor behind lower than expected sales figures at high street chain Jessops over Christmas, where like-for-like sales fell 6.9% for the six weeks to 5 January 2007, compared to the same period the year before.

In a statement announcing its Christmas trading results Jessops said: 'While demand for digital SLR cameras remained strong over Christmas, disappointingly we were unable to satisfy all of this demand due to major worldwide supply shortages on the most popular digital SLR models from the two leading camera manufacturers.'

Jessops claimed: 'This compounded the like-for-like sales decline in the period and has impacted profits.'

A Jessops spokesman declined to discuss the extent of the digital SLR shortfall or tell us exactly which models affected its profits.
Canon launched the 400D last September, telling us that - in the following month - it was reported to be the second-best selling digital camera according to figures it received from market analyst GfK.

Jessops said its Christmas trading results were also affected by the market for digital compact cameras which, it reports, 'continues to be soft'.

Source: Infodigital camera

Fujifilm FinePix F40fd

2007-01-07T03:28:00.000-08:00

Fujifilm has announced another addition to their popular F series digital compact camera with the 8 mega pixel Fujifilm Finepix F40fd. The main difference between the Fujifilm F40fd and the F31d is the higher resolution of 8 mega pixel versus 6 mega pixel in the F31, lower ISO of 2000 against a top of 3200, larger viewing angle on the LCD screen of up to 25' and the use of the popular SD memory cards in addition to the current xD. Refer to the comparison chart between the F41fd, F31fd, F30 and the F20 for more detail.

Although the increase in mega pixel is expected, I believe it is the incorporation of a dual use SD/xD memory slot that will add value to this camera. The SD memory card is very popular and Fujifilm finally has a way to grab more customers.

Here are the specifications:

Specifications
• Effective pixels - 8.3 million
• CCD - 1/1.6" Super CCD HR
• Number of recorded pixels - 3,296 x 2,472
• 3,054 x 2,336 (3:2)
• 2,304 x 1,728
• 1,600 x 1,200
• 640 x 480
• File format - JPEG (Exif)
• Storage media - Internal memory (approx. 25MB)
• xD-Picture Card™ (16MB - 2GB) /
• SD memory card (512MB, 1GB, 2GB)
• Lens - 36 -108 mm
• Sensitivity - AUTO/Equivalent to ISO 100/200/400/800/1600
• (standard output sensitivity)/
• (up to ISO2000 on Picture stabilization/
• Natural Light mode)
• LCD - 2.5" TFT 230,000 pixels
• Movie Recording - 640x480 / 320x240 pixels
• 30 frames / sec.
• with monaural sound
• Voice memo - Yes
• Video output - NTSC & PAL
• Digital interface - USB 2.0(High-speed)
• Power source - NP-70 Lithium-ion battery
• AC Power Adapter
• Dimensions (W x H x D) - 95.7 x 59.0 x 23.3 mm
• Weight - (approximately excluding battery and memory card) 155 g

Below is a comparison between the F40fd, F31fd, F30 and the F20

An interview with the developers of the Pentax K10D

2006-12-31T04:14:00.001-08:00

Now here is a very interesting article by OK1000 Pentax Blog which has translated a Japanese interview at ASCII with the major engineers involved with the development of the Pentax K10D. Questions posed includes the challenges involved in choosing a 10 mega pixel CCD sensor, sticking to tight schedule, the development of the new circuit board design and so forth.

Here part of the interview in English:

Interview with the K10D development engineers

What's the challenge involved in employing a 10MP CCD which is not particularly advantageous in sensitivity control? The first hurdle is to actually produce an image.

ASCII 24: The K10D finally adopted a 10MP sensor, but wasn’t it difficult to follow-up the previous successful image processing using a new CCD?

Pentax Team (Mr. I. Hirai, Imaging System Division, and Development Department): The pixel pitch is smaller and the sensitivity has a one stop disadvantage (ISO 100 to 1600). This means a higher degree of noise, of which we were fully aware, so we strived for “film-like quality,” which was always our goal. It’s true that noise increases as sensitivity increases, but we wanted to make the noise look more natural. A special concern was not to create a “digital-like” image due to unnatural suppression of noise by image processing. In order to achieve more natural looking images, we conducted various fine tunings.

ASCII 24: The K100D employed the same 6MP CCD as the *ist D, DS2 and DL2. If over-emphasis on spec figures can be set aside, there seems to be more advantage in continuing to use the same CCD to obtain consistent and stable images. A brand new CCD was adopted this time around, but was this approach really necessary?

Pentax Team: Trial and error continued until the last minute, to the point people began to worry if the schedule could be maintained. But this is the same for our competition.

With a new CCD, the first difficulty is to produce any images. It doesn’t take long to produce an acceptable level of quality images at the base sensitivity (ISO 100), however, as the sensitivity increases step by step, at some point, terrible images will be produced. The real effort starts from this point, trying to pin point possible reasons, mainly by trial and error, often having to make new Cbs (circuit boards). At the same time, firmware is developing along and each group has to closely coordinate in order to slowly improve image quality. Fine tuning can only commence after this point.

The frequency of designing new circuit boards might be hardest hurdle in the whole K10D project.

ASCII 24: What was the most difficult task in properly tuning images?

Pentax Team: It must be measured against noise. Homogeneous noise across the whole image could often be permitted, but countermeasures against localized noise is difficult to achieve.

ASCII 24: What would be the main reason for such localized noise?

Pentax Team: If we knew that, life would be so much easier. Of course, each case is closely analyzed and dealt with, but there are a number of cases of localized noise and it is really time consuming to solve these. Changing Cb’s is one measure, but that has to be repeated many times.

We were fully aware that we were going to face very critical eyes on the noise issue because of increased resolution. In addition, the base sensitivity of the sensor was lower, which made tuning to the acceptable level for production very difficult.

ASCII 24: Does this mean that measures at the analogue signal stage might be important, since noise tends to come into a path between the CCD and A/D converter?

Pentax Team >>(by Mr. T. Hotta who was in charge of firmware design): Indeed. Recent Cbs might look at one piece, but there are actually layers to this and a slight change in wiring alone significantly changes how noise appears. In a dig cam, DDR2 memory that functions at a very high frequency and many other parts all produce radio waves. A TV tuner portion of a video card for PC, for example, is tightly shielded in order to avoid the interference between the digital circuit and analog circuit. If noise enters before signal’s digitization, the digital image output would almost be unusable. When increasing the gain for sensitivity, at ISO1600 for example (4 stops over base sensitivity), just a slight voltage variation in the order of a few milli-volts will impose a huge impact on image quality.

ASCII 24: Images produced by a digital camera are naturally recorded in digital form, but it sounds like effort to achieve the required quality is accumulation of “analog” work.

Pentax Team: Yes, work on the analog portion is critical, without which the later stages cannot be accomplished. It is usually a schedule-critical task and affects overall performance.

ASCII 24: The issue of interference between analog and digital circuits was raised, but I can see the importance of skillfully separating the two.

Pentax Team: Separating grounding circuits is one way, but it is not simply a matter of separation. Sometimes, good results could be obtained by a larger grounding area. This is another area requiring the trial and error method.

Merits of a 2 channel readout

ASCII 24: Readout from the CCD is in 2 channels, but isn’t that a bottleneck for burst rate?

Pentax Team: It’s sufficient to obtain the nominal performance of 3fps. With regard to the back end, bus control has sufficient room and can accommodate faster sensors. The maximum speed works best for post-processing, and this performance can be maintained with faster sensors.

ASCII 24: So it may have been better to use a 4 channel readout for faster signal acquisition, but isn’t 3 fps the limit with 2 channel readout?

Pentax Team: The maximum frame rate via 2 channel readout is indeed limited, and if a faster frame rate is required the sensor itself becomes a bottleneck. However, 2 ch R/O has merits over 4 ch R/O, namely lower power consumption and the ease to obtain higher resolution.

ASCII 24: More specifically?

Pentax Team: As you know, a single layer type CCD has Bayer type filter arrangement (R & G, G & B filters are arranged alternately). In a 4 channel readout, R, Gr, Gb and B are each read into separate channels. There is concern about the errors between Gr (G filter in red row) and Gb (G filter in blue row). In the case of 4ch R/O, each is read by a separate path, creating errors by different paths. These errors should be corrected in later processing, but if it’s not done properly, the resolution would have to be lowered, or banding shows up. On the other hand, in 2ch R/O, since one channel reads R & B, and another reads Gr & Gb, Gr and Gb signals can be processed equally in hardware. If the speed is of utmost importance, a 4ch might be appropriate, but we believe that, from the viewpoint of overall balanced performance, 2ch would be best.

ASCII 24: The image processing engine is named “PRIME.”

Pentax Team:Overall imaging performance has been much improved. The key is the “image processing engine” that has been renewed and produces very high performance. We thought we should make this appeal to users and put an name on it for the first time. We are, of course, trying to please with other portions such as the A/D converter, DDR2 and other upgrades as well.

ASCII 24: Reason for using DDR2 memory?

Pentax Team: Because of its overwhelming breadth at the bus. When considering fast framing of 10MP images, ordinary memory bandwidth cannot respond to the speed without some kind of stress. When we calculated the required memory bandwidth required to clear this problem, DDR2 was found to be most optimum under the current technology. Price is coming down and quality has been improving.

ASCII 24: I understand that the bus speed is faster now. What about the clock speed of main Cb?

Pentax Team: DDR2 was used in order to increase frame rate, but the data bus bandwidth is also broadened for faster media writing.

ASCII 24: By how much?

Pentax TeamMore than twice than before. But the writing speed depends on the performance of the media too. You should consider that sufficient bandwidth is required there as well.:

ASCII 24: Wasn’t it difficult to develop firmware because of the number of new hardware pieces?

Pentax Team: With regard to firmware, it had to be developed from scratch partly because of the newly developed PRIME engine. It is a complete different one from those used in other models. In order to improve the “quality’ of firmware, UML (Unified Modeling Language) was utilized. So, we have used a new approach and methods not found in this industry beforehand.
ASCII 24: What is UML?

Pentax Team:It’s an object oriented analysis method. Demand analysis (i.e., evaluation of required functions in this camera) was conducted before we started development of the firmware. There only very few manufacturers who introduced UML into assembly.

ASCII 24: We understand that Pentax determines target users very clearly before starting development of products. What sort of user demographic have you targeted for the K10D?

Pentax Team: The K10D is a step up from the K100D and it was Pentax’s first attempt to separate lower and upper models, forming a lineup. The K100D mainly targeted entry level but with the K10D, the target is those who have a good understanding of photography, and love photography. It could be what is called “advanced amateur,” in the 40’s to 50’s age bracket.

ASCII 24: What have you emphasized in targeting advanced amateurs?

Pentax Team: We discussed the addition and deletion of each function, suitable for the target users. For example, Auto Picture mode was eliminated, and two wheels would be necessary for a quick change of shutter speed and aperture, etc. To be an higher end model of K100D, a 10MP sensor would be suitable, and as resolution increases, the SR had to be beefed up. Weather/dust proofing is also demanded by this target user group.
ASCII 24: Pentax and Samsung are supposed to be co-operating each other. Is any Samsung technology incorporated in the K10D?

Pentax Team: We announced the collaboration with SamsungTech last year, but the development of the K10D commenced before that. Basic developments regarding the K10D are all supplied by Pentax. The GX-10 as sold in Korea has their own original GUI, which is different from K10D.

ASCII 24: Any shared parts between the K100D and K10D?

Pentax Team (by Mr. S. Morishita in charge of mechanism/body design): A portion of the mechanics is shared, but the K10D is mostly a brand new design.

ASCII 24: The K10D body became larger than previous models.

Pentax Team: Pentax cameras have been traditionally compact. But the body ended up becoming larger because of larger SR unit and the incorporation of weather proofing. We did not put priority into making the body compact, nevertheless, there was a size limit which we tried not to exceed.

It is true that design staff was debating if this size was acceptable when laying out the body design, obviously because Pentax has always stuck to the concept of compact size and light weight. However, the marketing department responded that performance should not be compromised in order to aim at a higher-model in the lineup. They also said that the size should still be attractive with weather proofing incorporated. The K10D is indeed bigger compared with the usual size of our traditional models, but it is not big compared with competition in same price and performance range.

ASCII 24: Why did SR unit become bigger?

Pentax Team: The magnet and coils were beefed up in order to secure stronger actuation of sensor. As resolution increases from 6MP to 10MP, pixel pitch decreases. This required beefing up of SR unit with some margin.

ASCII 24: What would be the benefits of a beefed up actuator?

Pentax Team: Response and braking accuracy have been improved. The mechanism has been further refined from that used for the K100D. Consequently, the correction improved by another 0.5 stop (2 to 3.5 stops in the K100D and 2.5 to 4 stops in the K10D).

ASCII 24: What’s the degree of weather proofing?

Pentax Team: In an SLR, it is rather difficult to apply the JIS (Japan Industrial Standard) classification because lenses have to be changed. We set our own in-house standard for weather/dust proofing, anticipating actual environments users might encounter, and exceeded those standards.

In the case of an SLR, the body is made of so many parts and cannot avoid complicated seams. All seams had to be sealed, then the weather proofing of moving control parts has to be evaluated beginning from the selection of material. For waterproofing, because just one missing or loose sealing will allow water or dust entering into body, we had be extremely careful. It is ultimately a choice of either “doing” it or “not doing” it altogether, and there is no in-between. In order to obtain perfect weather/dust proofing, every detail had to be plugged, taking a lot of time and cost. However, we believe we plugged all seams.

ASCII 24: When opening and closing the battery cover, I could feel a tight closure, but not so much on the memory card flap.

Pentax Team: For the memory card cover, a sealing material is pasted on body side and water/dust tightness is obtained by the cover being pressed on it. Perhaps that’s why you might have felt that way. In order to secure the seal tightness, the form of cap was so designed that it won’t be loosened by just one action.

ASCII 24: Hyper Program was resurrected. It was incorporated in the *ist D but not for the *ist DS and thereafter.

Pentax Team: Hyper Program was employed for the first time in the Z-1 that was released 15 years ago. It is the same thing in K10D.

ASCII 24: It’s hard to describe but it’s a very useful function in actual use. This time, exposure modes Sv and Tav have been added, too, which feels very refreshing.

Pentax Team: In retrospect, the installation of Hyper Program the on Z-1 was too ahead of its time. But we believe that this exposure mode, which is very intuitive, has now become suitable and is finally appreciated in digital era. This function is hard to describe in words and just getting used to it is the best way to use this mode.

ASCII 24: While many makers are now employing a pentamirror finder, Pentax are using costly glass prism.

Pentax Team:The prism itself is the same as that used for the *ist D, but a brighter screen is used.

ASCII 24: The default setting for the K100D was “bright” but it’s “natural” for the K10D.

Pentax Team: We decided on “natural” because of target users being advanced amateurs who we thought would rather prefer “natural” setting. However, by seeing it “bright”, you can obtain the same taste of color as the K100D.

ASCII 24: AF response seems improved. I felt a stronger torque on focusing ring during AF.

Pentax Team: It is probably due to the change of power source. It was changed from AA batteries to a dedicated Li-ion battery. As it can apply 7.2V consistently, the AF motor can take advantage of the higher voltage.

ASCII 24: Any other advantages in changing to Li-Ion battery?

Pentax Team:In using AA batteries, we found varying degrees of quality in offshore made ones, which required quite a bit of built-in margin in designing the camera, and could have made a negative impact on response time etc. We believe it was advantageous that we eventually adopted Li-Ion batteries which allowed us designing more tight and precise power supply.

With regard to the change of power source, this has been contentious since the beginning of product planning. On the one hand, we have been singing the praise on convenience of using AA batteries, and if we abandoned it, we were concerned if users wouldn’t accept it. On the other hand, from the development side, opinions were presented that more advantages could be enjoyed by switching to Li-Ion batteries. In the end, we believe switching to Li-Ion batteries was the right decision.

ASCII 24: Don’t you have any concerns over third party copies of batteries?

Pentax Team:Pentax have been using proprietary batteries for P&S digicams. We have been constantly watching low quality third party copies, but it is essentially a cat and mouse game. At present, there is no effective measure against poor quality copies. We do not believe it is beneficial to users by raising our cost incurred from this measure.

ASCII 24: So, there is no effective measure for this?

Pentax Team:In Japan, any copies are regarded something “dark”. Of course, we recommend using our genuine batteries. However, in the U.S., for example, third party copies are much more popular than in Japan. Among copies, of course there are poor quality ones, or even ones using questionable brand/logo design. However, there seems to be little perception that copies are necessarily of poor quality. There is this subtle difference between Japan and there.

ASCII 24: The battery grip option is available and this looks pretty good.

Pentax Team: The battery grip is often called a vertical grip and there has always been a strong demand for it by users who frequently shoot portraits. Also, some of the overseas users complained that the grip of K100D was still a bit too small and we enlarged the K10D grip.

ASCII 24: Batteries are inserted in both the body and grip. Which batteries get consumed first, from the body or the grip?

Pentax Team: It can be set by menu, but, basically, the larger remaining capacity takes priority. If only for more secure holding, you do not have to insert batteries into the grip. But it would be a waste of space, so we created a space for a remote and a card within the grip, which are protected from water/dust as the grip is also weather proof.

ASCII 24: Finally, please give us some last words from each of you regarding the attractions of the K10D from the viewpoint of design/development.

Pentax Team: We adopted a brighter screen which enables easier focusing. Please enjoy the Hyper Program and Sv/TAv modes. In terms of image quality, the priority is placed on depiction of detail. It is indeed different from 6MP images. Enjoy it.

We believe the basic specifications are excellent but please enjoy the user-friendly handling too. The “image magnification” with one-handed operation, and fine WB adjustments are unique to the K10D and not found in the competition.

As a designer for mechanical components, I would like to emphasize the beefed up SR and DR, etc. that are “supporting” features for shooting. Of course, complete weather-proofing, not found in the comparable competition, is also an important feature.

We can finally offer a product which appeals to those who “love photography”. We will continue to offer a lens line up with an emphasis on image quality.

Source: OK1000 Pentax Blog and ASCII

Hoya Gobbles Pentax

2006-12-21T04:19:00.001-08:00

In Tokyo today, HOYA and PENTAX Corporation announced that they have reached a basic understanding aimed at a management integration of the two companies, expected to be completed on October 1, 2007. In reality, Hoya (more than twice the size of Pentax) takes over Pentax.

The new company’s name will be HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation. Under a corporate center with strategic planning functions, the new company will realign the business areas of HOYA and PENTAX. HOYA and PENTAX have recognized that they are the best possible business partners to establish a solid business structure that draws on their respective strengths. Through this management integration, the planned new structure will allow the new company to swiftly allocate significant management resources to develop strategic business areas, aiming at accelerating future growth.

The purpose of management integration is to enhance customer and shareholder value. The parties aim to achieve this through the establishment of a solid management foundation that will draw on the complementary managerial resources of the two companies to create synergies and accelerate business growth.

The common core technological platform for HOYA and PENTAX is grounded in optics, imaging and materials. Using this core platform, the two companies aim to optimize their business portfolios, focusing on the life care, optics, information technology, eye care and imaging systems areas. Expected stable revenue from the information technology and eye care areas will support the life care area to achieve strategic growth. In addition, vertical integration of the optics areas will lead to qualitative structural reform and further strengthen competitiveness.

In the optics areas (Major products include: optical glass and lenses, digital camera modules, micro-lenses, etc.) HOYA and PENTAX will vertically integrate the design, materials, lenses, processing and module groups in the optics area, which is expected to lead to qualitative structural reform and further strengthen competitiveness. HOYA and PENTAX will mutually utilize their respective manufacturing sites and customer bases, in order to secure a competitive edge against newly emerging Asian players and strongly position themselves for sustainable growth in the face of structural change in the optics industry.

Source

Famous European Photographer Switches from Canon to Nikon

2006-12-19T03:59:00.000-08:00

Now here is an interesting article by click press that mentions a famous European photographer switching from the popular Canon Brand to Nikon. Here what they say:

Famed European photographer Domen Lombergar has made the switch from Canon camera equipment to Nikon camera equipment. The decision was made last week in an effort by the photographer to keep up with the latest technological advancements in digital camera technology. Canon and Nikon have been rivals in the camera industry and although Canon may have a larger percentage of the total market share, this move is just one of the many examples which demonstrate Nikon’s rapidly growing customer base.

"Canon's slower development speeds in the professional DSLR market have been a major factor in my choice to switch the gear for my work," states Lombergar, pointing to Canon's constant rebranding of the same models under new names. Lombergar has been taking photos for many years now and has become one of the most recognized surreal and fantasy photographers. In the past he has always used Canon equipment.

When asked why he made the change he said, “My main concern is always the final image's quality. Most of my fine art prints get blown up to fairly big sizes and it is of utmost importance to me that the camera is not the weakest link in my artwork. Tests under laboratory conditions really don't mean a lot to me. I like to see what the image quality is in the field and in my studio. So far I am only more convinced that my change was the right choice.”

His works, done both with Canon and Nikon equipment are available at his web site at http://www.lombergar.com

FujiFilm S5 Pro goes on sale in Japan towards end of January 2007

2006-12-14T01:36:00.000-08:00

The much awaited Fujifilm S5 Pro has been confirmed for sale towards the end of January 2007 (Japan only) with a tentative release date scheduled in the USA towards February 2007. Here's an English translation of the Fujifilm Japanese site.

Compact digital Cameras - Nikon 2007 plans

2006-12-03T04:17:00.000-08:00

It's interesting to see where Nikon will be focusing their energy in the Digital Compact Camera market during 2007. According to the Questions and Answer of financial results for first half of the year ending March 31, 2007, they write:

"This fiscal year also saw the entry of major consumer electronics firms into the market for digital SLR cameras, with business operations focusing on digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses. Estimated shipment units of compact digital cameras have been revised with a view to focusing on profits, and we will work to achieve expansions in sales by ensuring that the Face-priority AF and wireless LAN(Wi-Fi) technologies that we pioneered become firmly established in the market."

Nikons Face-Priority Autofocus (AF) is similar the Fujifilm Face Detection technology and uses the latest digital technology to automatically detect a person’s face at typical portrait taking distances, then, operating based on real photographic techniques, activates autofocus to focus upon the face area.

Predicitng Canon's next DSLR

2006-11-26T02:50:00.000-08:00

Now here is an interesting chart by Presscorr.com that places existing Canon DSLR models on a grid of mega pixels versus the size (k/mm2) of a photosite in each crop factor category. By logically extrapolating the two parameters, it forms a linear relationship and this leads it nicely to predicting future DSLR models.

As indicated in the table below, it predicts (in red font) a 10 mega pixel limit for 1.6x crop cameras with possible (blue font) extension to 13 mega pixels (due to competition, etc.), 13 mega pixels for 1.3x models with possible extension to 17 and 21 mega pixels, and 21 mega pixels limit for full frame with possible extension to 26 and 33 mega pixels.

In other words, the 5.7-µm based sensor already exists and may or may not extend into the professional cameras. The next proportional step is 5.1 µm that may or may not happen at all. Whatever models are eventually released, their mega pixel count is predicted in the table based on the information supplied.

The table also implies that the mega pixel increase will not happen too soon. For example, the sensor of the Canon EOS 400D / rebel XTi will not change in the consequent models for at least 3 years. Similarly, Canon EOS 40D, hopefully upcoming in the spring, will stay at around 10 mega pixels also for the following 3 years.

Anyway, the table shows in red font the predictions of Canons new DSLR models for the foreseeable future. They should be on the mega pixel grid defined by the photosite size with no intermediate steps. In addition, the market pressure and technological development in time may push Canon to extend into an even higher mega pixel count listed in the table in blue font.
Lastly, Canon's current entry level offering is EOS 350D. Time has moved it there from the amateur/enthusiast position now held by EOS 400D. The supposedly upcoming EOS 3000D (or whatever name Canon decides upon) will be modeled after and will replace EOS 350D. It will also be the model to compete against Nikon's new and low cost entry model DSLR, the Nikon D40.

Nikon establishes Nikon Australia

2006-11-16T04:01:00.000-08:00

In Australia, Maxwell Optical Industries Pty. Ltd was responsible for the distribution of Nikon products in Australia. Unfortunately, Nikon wasn't marketed properly and suffered with expensive prices for their products.

I'm finally glad that Nikon Corporation made the right decision and has announced the establishment of NIKON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, a wholly owned sales and service subsidiary, in Sydney, Australia. This new company has been launched to fortify sales of imaging products, beginning with digital cameras, and to enhance after-sales service in Australia. Operations will commence on November 1, 2006 and is still located in the same building opposite the Dairy Farmers manufacturing site.

Sales of Nikon imaging products began in Australia in 1959 with distribution through Maxwell Photo Optics. Maxwell Optical Industries Pty. Ltd., has continued with sales and service of our products up to the present. In response to the continued digitization of imaging products, we have established this wholly owned sales subsidiary based on our determination that a stronger marketing, sales, and service presence is required to further expand our business in Australia.

Our primary goals in establishing this subsidiary are to strengthen and expand our presence in the Australian market and to improve customer service with a system integrating all aspects of our business in Australia, from marketing to sales, customer support, and after-sales service. In addition, we believe that strategic marketing and effective advertising will lead to increased sales and greater permeation of the Nikon brand, further increasing Nikon’s presence in Australia.

Corporate Profile

Name
NIKON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Address
Headquarters in Sydney suburb
Unit F1, Lidcombe Business Park
3-29 Birnie Avenue,
Lidcombe NSW 2141 Australia

Capital
AUD $4 million (approx. ¥350 million; 100% from Nikon Corporation)

Representative Director
Kyoichi Hagimori, Managing Director

No. of employees
Approximately 40

Primary activities
Purchase, import, wholesale distribution, and after-sales service of imaging products in Australia

Start of operations
November 1, 2006

Nikon D40 now officially released! Finally

2006-11-16T03:59:00.000-08:00

Two weeks after all the information was unofficially released, Nikon has finally announced the release of the new Nikon D40 DSLR. This is another step by Nikon to bring in a budget DSLR for those wanting to upgrade from their compacts or those DSLR like cameras. Now it's only time before Canon announces their budget model (3000D).

Anyhow, with the release of the new D40, there are two other new products from Nikon that compliments the new DSLR. They are:

1. A new lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II. The major features are:

*Offers the popular focal range of 18-55mm (picture angle equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 35mm format) for use in a variety of situations
*Compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet and smooth auto focusing
*An ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, and a hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes astigmatism and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast
*Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry
*Optical performance highly complements Nikon digital SLR cameras
*Ideally complements the D40 kit
*The seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
Click here for more info

2. A new flash, the Nikon Speedlight SB-400. The major features of the SB-400 are as follows:

*Compatible with i-TTL and D40’s M mode
*Flash head can be tilted in 4 steps; horizontal, 60, 75 and 90 degrees
*Flash shooting distance range: 0.6m - 20m (depends on the ISO setting)
*Guide number: 30 [ISO 200, m, 20°C]
*Angle of coverage: 18mm (with Nikon-DX format cameras), 27mm (with Nikon F6)
8Depending on the camera in use, the following flash modes are available: Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, *Rear-curtain Sync, FV Lock, exposure compensation, M (manual, only with D40 camera)
*Power source: two AA-size 1.5V batteries (also compatible with lower voltage batteries)

Unfortunately, the SB-400 cannot be used with cameras not compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System and is not compatible with Advanced Wireless Lighting. Click here for more info

Nikon D40

2006-11-06T02:54:00.000-08:00

Looks like Nikon is ready to tackle the entry model DSLR with the new smaller Nikon D40. With 6 mega pixels, it seems like a stripped down version of the Nikon D50. I assume it will compete head-on with Canons 3000D.

So far the specifications are as follows:

Sensor - 6.1 mega pixel CCD (same as the Nikon D50)
LCD - 2.5 inch with 230,000 pixels
Size - 94mm x 126mm x 64mm
Price - $599 Euro with in the kit form with a new zoom AF-S DX ED 18-55 f/3,5-5,6 G-II
Weight - 475g
Battery - ENEL9
Sensitivity - up to 3200 ISO (mode "push"), 1600 ISO in "normal"
Memory - SD
Auto focus - 3 point auto focus
- mode RAW available
- Battery Lithium-Ion EN-EL9
- Announcement - 16th November 2006

Canon pulls out of film cameras

2006-11-01T01:44:00.000-08:00

According to the English translation of a Spanish website, DSLRmagazine.com, Canon plans to pull out of film camera. This seems to be the natural progression of most camera manufacturers.

If you look at the latest sales results from Canon you can see the huge growth in digital cameras against the stagnant growth in film cameras. Digital cameras are projected to grow 17.6% in the 4th quarter compared to a small growth of 0.3% for film cameras. It seems odd that any viable business will still continue in this path and it was only a matter of time. The question is how quiet Canon has been.

Source

Canon Powers On

2006-10-31T03:12:00.000-08:00

The 3rd quarter financial results for Canon have been released and it seems that Canon is getting stronger and stronger with a huge 29% growth in Digital camera sales. Interestingly, 34% of the market was for DSLR and this is projected to increase to 37% in the 4th Quarter. I’m sure the Canon 400D / Rebel XTi (EOS Kiss Digital N) has a lot to do with this increase. I can't wait to see how Nikon is going.

Here's what they say about DSLR:

"In digital cameras, the small, light-weight, portable and mobile “EOS Kiss Digital N” continued to enjoy a favorable response in the single lens reflex (SLR) market, which is experiencing extremely growing demand. We also released the “EOS 30D,” a high-end amateur model offering great mobility and image quality, and worked to increase sales together with the “EOS 5D,” a high-end amateur model that was introduced last year and is equipped with a full-size 35mm, approximately 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, and our flagship “EOS-1D Mark II N.” Sales increased significantly as a result. Our EF lens series of interchangeable lenses products also enjoyed higher sales as a consequence."

Here's what they say about compact digital cameras:

"In the area of compact digital cameras, we introduced three new products, including the “IXY DIGITAL 800 IS” equipped with an image stabilizer function and the “IXY DIGITAL 80” equipped with a 3.0 inch LCD monitor, in our compact and stylish “IXY DIGITAL series.” We also introduced six new products, including the “PowerShot A700” and “PowerShot A540,” in our “PowerShot series,” which features steady handhold. We enjoyed strong sales growth as a result."

Source

Nikon D80 versus the Canon 400D / Rebel XTi

2006-10-29T04:19:00.000-08:00

After reading a few reviews on the two cameras, I have to admit it's a close contests. Judging by the recent review by Dcview.com, it makes the same conclusion.

Canon has a slightly better image quality with better value for money. Nikon has more a better build, features, ergonomics and flash performance.

Here what they say:

"If you want the highest image quality, user friendly operation and sensor cleaning the Canon EOS Rebel XTi is your camera. In addition the price is $200 lower than of the D80. The EOS Rebel XTi comes standard with good RAW-software, which is optional for the D80 at extra cost. In case you want a camera with a robust body, extra features and better flash performance, the Nikon D80 is a very good choice. But, as said before, none of these two cameras will disappoint their user."

Click here for the full review

Kodak's new full frame sensor - 16 megapixels!

2006-10-25T03:42:00.000-07:00

Eastman Kodak Company continues its leadership position in image sensor technology with the release of the KODAK KAI-16000 Image Sensor, offering the highest resolution interline transfer CCD image sensor.

The only problem for DSLR manufacturers is that the sensor is only available for commercial and industrial markets. It builds on Kodaks robust CCD technology, which already includes the highest resolution sensors for the digital photography marketplace, the KAI-16000 is a 35mm optical format (full frame) 16 megapixel CCD targeted at the industrial, scientific, aerial, and security markets. The sensor allows camera manufacturers to improve system throughput by utilizing a wider field of view while also enhancing image quality.

The KODAK KAI-16000 image sensor is designed for manufacturers of cameras serving the machine vision, aerial imaging, and security industries. KAI-16000 allows these companies to build advanced imaging systems that capture a wider field of view without sacrificing image quality. This wider field of view improves overall system throughput allowing automated optical inspection systems to increase the number of parts inspected per hour. For aerial or security applications, the sensor?s high resolution helps ensure that images achieve unsurpassed image quality. Other key features in the KAI-16000 include electronic shutter, progressive scan readout, two 30MHz high-speed outputs allowing for 3 frames per second and a combination of low noise and high sensitivity for excellent dynamic range.

"For industrial, scientific, aerial and security applications, there are two main requirements - image quality and speed - that can impact a companys bottom line", said Terry Guy, Market Segment Manager, Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company. "The new KODAK KAI-16000 meets both these requirements. Its the highest resolution interline transfer CCD for these markets and offers performance advantages required by our customers. This demonstrates our ability to understand our customers? needs and deliver products that provide them with a competitive edge."

The KAI-16000 is the latest sensor in Kodaks Interline Transfer family to leverage the same timing and control circuitry already used by other KODAK sensors. As a result, Kodaks customers can integrate this sensor easily into new camera designs ensuring short product development cycles.

The KAI-16000 extends Kodaks position as a leading supplier of high performance image sensors and includes the core technology that drives the most advanced developments in digital imaging applications. A pioneer in image sensors, Kodak develops, manufactures, and markets both CCD and CMOS sensor technology for applications ranging from satellite and medical imaging to digital cameras and machine vision products.

Source

Canon pushes the advantages of a full frame sensor

2006-10-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

It seems that Canon is the only camera manufacturer to really push the advantages of a full framed sensor. They have two DSLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark II and the EOS 5D which incorporates the full-frame CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors. As Nikon and other top camera manufacturers have yet to enter the full frame market, Canon has really started to push the advantages with the release of the 30 pages White Paper on their Full Frame CMOS sensor. Interestingly they also explain why it is more expensive which in their own terms, is their justification to charge more for these camera. Here what they say:

.. "For now, appreciate that a full-frame sensor costs not three or four times, but ten, twenty or more times as much as an APS-C sensor. Here, then, is the greatest disadvantage of full-frame sensors and the greatest advantage of small sensors. Regardless of future technological developments, cameras with full frame sensors will always cost much more than cameras with smaller sensors. That’s why the EOS Digital Rebel XT, EOS 20D and EOS 30D are such excellent values, and it is also why the EOS 5D and the EOS-1Ds Mark II must come with a substantial price differential. (Interestingly, the APS-H sensor of the EOS-1D Mark II N is the largest size that can be imaged in one shot onto a wafer. Extended through the whole sensor production process, the difference in price between the 1D Mark II N and the 1Ds Mark II can be readily understood.)"

The White Paper on Canon Full frame CMOS sensor can be download here.

Is Nikon going to develop a full frame sensor?

2006-10-22T01:37:00.000-07:00

According to an interview with the Assistant Manager, Product Planning and R&D Department for Nikon, Charles- André Wamberque, full frame sensor may become a reality when the cost decreases.

Here's what he says:

"We never said we abandoned the full frame. But then again, we never said when we will introduce a camera with a full frame sensor. As you might have read in the Canon white paper – full frame sensor is still six times the price of an APS-C one. That has a big impact on the retail price. 5D costs 3500€ and it’s not easy to sell such an expensive product. We have to be careful not to make the full frame idea too popular. We’re definitely still thinking and working on it but I cannot tell you when it might happen.

DX lenses are only four years old and they are still very popular. The quality is still very good and the users know it. But sometimes the full frame is necessary."

Click here for the full interview.

S5 Pro and Dynamic Range

2006-10-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

There have been a few DSLR announcements in the past few months such as the Nikon D80, the Pentax K10D and even the Olympus E-400. All of these DSLR have one common theme; a sensor with higher megapixels.

It's interesting that the much awaited Fujifilm S5 Pro with a Nikon D200 cloned body has decided to go against this trend and stick with the same size 6 megapixel sensor as the previous model. Although the S3 Pro (6 megapixel) was a great camera with it's extended Dynamic Range, it's price was much higher than the competition and this is where the Fujifilm strategy went wrong. For those who do not know what dynamic range is, it is as follows according to Dpreview, "Dynamic range of a sensor is defined by the largest possible signal divided by the smallest possible signal it can generate. The largest possible signal is directly proportional to the full well capacity of the pixel. The lowest signal is the noise level when the sensor is not exposed to any light, also called the noise floor." Click here for more information.

The great thing about the new Fujifilm S5 Pro is that it has even greater creative control over the dynamic range and you can now choose from up to six preset ranges between 100% and 400%. In addition, three new variations of the original film simulation mode (F1) have been added (five modes in total) to give an improved reproduction of natural skin tones.

Although the "development” of the S5 pro has been announced with the release date in 2007!, it's interesting the price has not and I hope the pricing will be much better this time round. Let's wait and see.

Fujifilm S5 Pro

2006-09-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm has finally announced the development release of the much awaited S5 Pro. The only problem is that you cannot get one until next year which is why the press release says it's an announcement of the development of the Fujifilm S5 Pro.

Here's what they say in the press release:

Confirming the company’s commitment to professional photographers, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. today announces the development of the much anticipated FinePix S5 Pro digital SLR camera. The new FinePix S5 Pro is further affirmation of Fujifilm’s goal to achieve professional D-SLR image quality consistent with Fujifilm’s professional film heritage.

The FinePix S5 Pro carries a number of attributes that made its predecessor, the FinePix S3 Pro, so popular with wedding, portrait and studio photographers. One of them is increased dynamic range from the Super CCD SR double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels). The new FinePix S5 Pro continues this tradition of expanded dynamic range and goes a step further by coupling the new Super CCD SR Pro sensor with Fujifilm’s new RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro for even more outstanding, film-like results. Moreover, the FinePix S5 Pro will house the two technologies in a fully digital and durable metal alloy body frame. This opens the door for Fujifilm’s digital imaging technologies to expand into other applications such as outdoor and high endurance commercial photography.

Highlight features of the FinePix S5 Pro include:
Image Processing and Quality
- Real Photo Technology Pro, which combines the Super CCD SR Pro sensor and the RP Processor Pro, allows for the wide dynamic range with smoother tonality from brightest light to darkest shadow. The re-designed new Super CCD SR Pro features an optimized
low-pass filter will reduce the noise and minimize moiré. The newly developed RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction so photographers can snap pictures light sensitivities as high as ISO 3200 with less noise. Digital Camera FinePix S5 Pro 2/3

Increased Color and Dynamic Range Control
- Photographers can choose from six preset ranges for greater creative control over the FinePix S5 Pro’s expanded dynamic range between 100% and 400%.
- Three new variations of the original film simulation mode have been added (five modes in total) for improved reproduction of natural skin tones.

Face Detection Technology for post image verification
- At the push of a button, the FinePix S5 Pro’s Face Detection Technology detects up to ten faces in a scene immediately after each image is captured. Photographers can zoom in and confirm facial detail, whether eyes are open or closed, focus and exposure on the FinePix S5 Pro’s LCD monitor.

Other camera functions and features
- Nikon F-mount compatibility with all Nikkor AF-D/G and the latest AF-S optics
- RAW+JPEG (4,256 x 2,848 pixels, 3,024 x 2,016 pixels, 2,304 x 1,536 pixels) dual-save mode
- MAC and PC supported tethered shooting mode via USB 2.0 port and optional Hyper Utility software
- Robust, lightweight magnesium-alloy body
- Durable shutter unit stands up to approximately 100,000 releases
- Adoption of high-precision i-TTL flash control
- 11-point AF sensor for consistent, fast and precise focusing. This is an improvement from the FinePix S3 Pro’s 5-point AF sensor.
- Supports 1/3, ½, and 1 stop lens aperture control
- Shutter speed 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec., maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
- Remark function enables addition of comments to an image file by connecting a special bar code reader to the camera body.
- 3 levels of custom Function Locking with password protection Digital Camera FinePix S5 Pro 3/3
- 2.5 inch LCD with 235,000 pixels with 100% frame coverage featuring color or monochromatic 30 seconds, live view function to check the focusing
- Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Compact Flash ™ (CF) Card (Type I /II) and Microdrive ™ compatible

Optional Accessories
- LAN Adapter for wireless, high-speed image transfer.
- New Hyper Utility Software for precise editing control of images taken in CCD-RAW 14-bit format. Software also enables PC control of the FinePix S5 Pro.
- Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger
- AC Power Adapter

Leica M8 uses Kodak sensor

2006-09-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Leica has release the Digital Rangefinder M8 and is using a 10 megapixel CCD sensor specially developed by Kodak. This is what has been said about the new sensor:

"The notably low-noise CCD image sensor has been rigorously optimized for the special features of the Leica M lens system and offers a resolution of 10.3 million pixels.

CCD technology generates less noise than any other type of sensor and was therefore chosen as the image sensor for the LEICA M8. The speed settings of ISO 160 through to 2500 permit pictures with a greater wealth of detail than can be achieved with analog film.

The special design of the viewfinder camera with no mirror box allows the typically compact and flat shape of the LEICA M to be retained, but leads to a higher angle for entry of light beams into the sensor. Comprehensive measures have been taken so that the picture quality demanded by Leica is nevertheless achieved. The special modification of the image sensor with a micro-lens offset avoids any annoying vignetting in the corners of the picture. A particularly thin cover glass, reduced to only 0.5mm, prevents the usual undesirable refraction of light when light rays strike at an angle. High-contrast, sharp and exactly true color reproduction right into the corners of the picture is the result of these efforts.

Leica deliberately rejected a Moiré filter, which filters out fine details of the picture, so as to fully exploit the high resolution of the Leica M lens. Any Moiré fringes that occur are instead eliminated during digital signal processing within the camera.

“Whilst a focal length extension factor of 1.5 is normal for many manufacturers, the LEICA M8 uses a CCD image sensor with 18 x 27 mm recording area“says Rainer Bültert, Product Manager for the M System at Leica Camera AG: “The small focal length extension factor of 1.33 enables creative freedom even in digital Leica M photography by using selective image sharpness with an open aperture“.

The factor of 1.33 means that the equivalent focal length of the lens is shifted slightly by about one focal length step towards a telescopic focal length. So a 21 mm lens has an equivalent focal length of 28 mm. The lens range of the Leica M system is extended with the introduction of the LEICA M8 by two wide-angle lenses in the range from 16 to 28 mm focal length; these lenses are available for use on both analog and digital cameras. The new lenses are characterized by the typical Leica exceptionally high optical performance, even at fully open aperture."

Olympus E-400 DSLR

2006-09-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

Olympus has announced the release of their smallest 10 megapixel DSLR camera, the E-400. Shown below is a side by side comparison of the size between the E-400 and the E-330. As with all E-System cameras, the E-400 is protected by a Supersonic Wave Filter which prevents dust and dirt from sticking to the CCD.

The Olympus E-400 is based on the Four Thirds Standard.

Olympus is also introducing two new ultra-compact ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses: the ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm on a 35mm camera), which is perfect for standard use and, for more magnification power, the ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 80-300mm on a 35mm camera).

Features of the camera are as follows:

E-400 Features
10.0 million pixel
6.4cm/2.5” LCD
Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and Compact Flash)
31 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 7 creative & 19 scene modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
3fps with up to five images in RAW buffer
One touch white balance
TruePic TURBO image processor
AE/AF lock functionality
Depth of field preview function
Improved 49 segment digital ESP and spot metering
Exposure Bracketing function
Large beginners and advanced info screen
Detailed playback info screen with histogram
Exceptional ease of use with intuitive GUI and buttons that provide immediate access to frequently used features
JPEG & RAW recording
Based on Four Thirds Standard
Underwater Case available (PT-E03) waterproof to 40m

Contents
E-400 Body:
BLS-1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery
BCS-1 battery charger
EP-4 eyepiece cover
Shoulder Strap
USB Cable
Video cable
Olympus Master (Software CD-ROM)
Basic Manual
Advanced Manual (CD-ROM)
Warranty Card

E-400 Kit:
E-400 Body
ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens

E-400 Double Zoom Kit:
E-400 Body
ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens
ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens

Specifications of the camera are as follows:

E-400 Specifications

Image Sensor
Image Sensor 10.8 Million Pixels CCD sensor
17.3 x 13.0 mm

Effective pixels
10 Million Pixels

Aspect ratio
4:3
Filter array primary colour filter (RGB)

LCD
HyperCrystal LCD
Pixel number 215,000 pixels
Monitor size 6.4 cm / 2.5 ''
Brightness adjustment +/- 7 steps

Viewfinder
Viewfinder type Eye-level single-lens view finder
Field of view Approx. 95 %
Magnification Approx. 0.92 x with a 50mm lens set to infinity at -1 dioptres
Depth of field preview Available
Eye point 14 mm at -1 dioptres
Diopter adjustment +1.0 -3.0 diopter built-in type
Focusing Screen Fixed type (Neo Lumi-Micron Mat Screen)
Mirror Quick return mirror
Viewfinder Information AF frame (super impose), AE/AF lock, AF confirmation mark, metering mode, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture value, white balance, exposure compensation value indicator, flash, battery check
Eye piece shutter Eye-piece cap EP-4 supplied

Focusing System
Focusing system TTL phase difference detection system
Focus areas 3 points
AF illuminator Built-in flash (external flash available)
AE/AF lock Locked by first position of shutter release button in single AF mode, AE/AF lock button (customised)
Detection range 0 EV 19 EV (ISO 100)
Focus area selection Automatic and manual selection
Focus tracking Available in continuous AF mode
Focus aid Available
Manual focus Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised)
AF modes Single AF
Single AF + MF
Continuous AF
Continuous AF + MF

Light metering
TTL open aperture light metering 49 zones Multi-pattern Sensing System
Detection range EV 1 to 20 (50mm 1:2, ISO 100)
Metering Modes ESP light metering
Spot metering
Centre weighted metering
Highlight based Spot Metering
Shadow based Spot Metering

Exposure modes
Auto
Programme automatic with Programme Shift
Aperture priority
Shutter priority
Manual
Scene modes

Scene modes
Portrait
Landscape
Landscape with Portrait
Night scene
Night scene with portrait
Children
Sports
High key
Low key
Image Stabilisation Mode
Macro
Nature Macro
Candle
Sunset
Fireworks
Documents
Beach and Snow
Underwater Wide
Underwater Macro

Exposure System
Exposure compensation +/-5 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Bracketing 3 frames in +/- 1, 2/3, 1/3 EV steps

Sensitivity
Auto ISO 100-1600 100 and 1600
Manual ISO 100-1600 (in each 1/3 EV steps possible).

White Balance
White balance adjustment -7 / +7 in each R-B / G-M axis (in Auto WB and preset WB mode)
AUTO WB system Advanced detection system with CCD imager
Manual White balance (One-Touch) Available (customised via function button Fn)
Selectable steps in Kelvin 7 steps (3000 - 7500 K)
Preset WB Overcast
Shade
Tungsten
Sunlight
Flourescent 1
Flourescent 2
Flourescent 3

Internal Flash
Guide number 10
Flash compensation +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
AUTO AUTO
Flash modes Red-eye reduction
Slow synchronisation
Slow synchronisation 2nd curtain
Fill in
Slow synchronisation with red-eye reduction
Off

Sequence Shooting
Sequential shooting mode 3 fps 10 frames (approx.) in HQ JPEG mode
Sequential shooting mode RAW 3 fps 5 frames

Image Processing
Colour space sRGB / AdobeRGB
Image processing TruePic TURBO
Sharpness + Contrast 5 levels in each picture mode
Saturation 5 levels in each picture mode
Contrast 5 levels in each picture mode
Black & White Filter Yellow, Orange, Red, Green
Black & White toning Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green in Black & White mode
Picture Mode Vivid, Natural, Muted, Black & White
Gradation 3 levels

Image Editing
RAW data edit
Red-eye reduction
Sepia
Black & White
Resize
Correction of saturation

View images
Histogram in playback mode
Zoom 2-14 x
Index 4, 9, 16, 25 frames
Slide show
Calendar
Shooting Information Exposure mode, metering mode, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure compensation level, ISO, colour space, white balance mode, white balance compensation level, focal length, focus area, file type, picture mode, file name, image size, recorded card type.
Exposure level view Histogram (R,G,B available), High light point warning, Shadow point warning.

Still image recording
EXIF 2.2
PIM III
DPOF
JPEG
JPEG compression 1/2.7 SHQ 1/8 HQ 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8 or 1/12 SQ

Image size
3648 x 2736
3200 x 2400
2560 x 1920 SQ
1600 x 1200 SQ
1280 x 960 SQ
1024 x 768 SQ
640 x 480 SQ

Interface
USB 1.1
Combined V & USB output NTSC or PAL selectable

Size
Dimensions 129.5 mm (W) x 91 mm (H) x 53 mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight 375 g (body only)

Pentax K10D

2006-09-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

The new 10 mega pixel Pentax K10D has been released and here are some of the features:

• 10.2 megapixel sensor (APS-C sized)
• Hardware noise-killing processing
• Dust removal function
• 3 fps JPEG streaming
• RAW + JPEG possible
• 22 bit image processing and built-in RAW-JPEG converter (SilkyPix algorithms?)
• SDHC compatible card slot
• Li Ion battery pack, AA batteries also possible
• Li Ion battery/hand grip, AA batteries possible
• Dust and weather sealed body and battery/hand grip
• Full metal body
• KAF3 lens mount with USM motors support
• New DA 16-50 f/2.8 AL ED and 50-135 f/2.8 ED with USM motors.
• Interchangeable focusing screens
• Pentaprism viewfinder
• 11 point AF with 9 cross sensor points (same layout as the current bodies).

Further information are as follows:

1. 22-bit ADC
The K10D incorporates a high-performance A/D converter, which faithfully converts the analog data collected by the CCD image sensor into digital data. With the highest resolving power (22 bits, or 4.2 million gradations) among all existing digital cameras, it offers a digital-conversion capacity 1,024 times greater than conventional 12-bit, 4,096-gradation A/D converters.

D-BG2 Battery Grip
Developed for exclusive use with the PENTAX K10D, this battery grip can be used in combination with the camera's rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to greatly extend the battery life. With an extra shutter-release button, preview lever, electronic dial, AE-lock button and green button, it makes vertical-position shooting simple and effortless. It also features the same dust-proof, water-resistant construction as the K10D camera body.

Marketing date
(tentative): Mid October, 2006 (at the launch of the K10D)

Power source:
Exclusive lithium-ion battery (D-LI50 type)

Dimensions:
140 (W) x 43 (H) x 73.5 (D) mm (excluding protrusions)

Weight:
235g (without battery)

Compatibility with supersonic motor-driven lenses
The K10D is designed to be compatible with supersonic motor-driven autofocus lenses (currently under development), which are expected to provide smoother, quieter autofocus operation than conventional lenses.

Newly designed PRIME imaging engine:
The K10D incorporates the new PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, this new imaging engine produces well-balanced, true-to-life images through efficient control of CCD signals, saturation, brightness, white balance, sharpness and contrast. Its new memory (DDR2: Double Data Rate 2) also serves to enhance speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K10D boasts a reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 72 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and switches/levers/dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K10D in the rain or at dusty locations without worries.

Powerful rechargeable batteries for extended shooting
The K10D features new, large-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 730 images** when fully recharged.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by the CIPA standards (flash illumination used in 50% of images).

Dust Removal system to keep dust off the CCD surface
The K10D features the new Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CCD image sensor (or low-pass filter). Applied to the CCD surface through a vapor deposition process of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original Special Protect (SP) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust that is shaken off the CCD will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface. See diagram below.

Sensitivity-Priority mode:
The K10D features a new Sensitivity-Priority AE (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly (in 1/2 or 1/3 steps) by turning the electronic dial. Since this mode eliminates the need to recall a menu screen for sensitivity changes, the photographer can react more quickly to changing photographic conditions.

Lets wait and see if these are true.

Source 1, 2, 3

AGFA to enter the Digital Camera Age (DC-735)

2006-09-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

AGFA, the giant and well respected German camera film manufacturer is about to enter the digital age. According to the press release, AGFA has an 83% brand awareness and is a well respected brand. As for manufacturing and marketing, it will outsource and licensed to the playa group, the same manufacturer for Polaroid Digital Cameras.

One such camera is the new 7 megapixel AGFA DC-735. Interestingly, it seems to have the same body as the existing 5 megapixel Polaroid M536 which is also manufactured and marketed by Plawa.

Here what they say in the press release:

"The digital camera specialist plawa has been granted an exclusive license for AGFAPHOTO digital cameras effective today, when the agreement came into force. The license was granted by Cologne-based AgfaPhoto Holding GmbH. Agfa has been one of the most prominent names in the
photography industry for over a century. According to a digital camera survey conducted by Stern magazine in 2004, Agfa has an 83 percent brand awareness, making it the second best known camera brand.

AgfaPhoto Holding CEO Dr. Frank Nellissen noted the following: “In plawa we’ve found a licensee that has the product and marketing acumen in this key product sector that is needed for success in this aggressive and fast moving market. The AGFAPHOTO brand is all about providing photo retailers with quality cameras at good prices. plawa has decades of marketing and manufacturing experience with cameras and is a known quantity in the industry, making them the perfect partner for us”.

“Market success will be decided in the high volume price segment ranging from 99 to 199 euros for five to ten megapixel digital cameras. We will be launching a line of cameras with features of varying scope in September. We will also be unveiling the first AGFAPHOTO digital cameras
for partners and industry professionals at photokina in Cologne,” noted Michael Roessler, CEO of plawafeinwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
plawa hopes to gain a five percent market share in the medium term on the basis of outstanding products, the robust AGFAPHOTO brand and an enticing warranty and technical support package. plawa will be marketing AGFAPHOTO digital cameras in Germany, while the other European markets will be serviced by distributors. When it comes to product development, plawa has extensive experience with leading Asian production and technology partners such as Flextronics, which is already on board as the partner for the new product line. "

The Fujifilm S4 Pro must be due soon

2006-09-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

According to Amateur Photographer, the Fujifilm S3 Pro has ceased production leading to the speculation that the much awaited S4 Pro is due to be announced soon.

They write "Fujifilm has axed production of its FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR but insists that it is not pulling out of the digital SLR market.

'We will follow it up. We are absolutely not out of the digital SLR arena,' a Fujifilm UK spokesperson told us this morning. Launched amid a blaze of publicity in 2004 the S3 Pro features a Nikon F-mount and was the first digital SLR to feature Fuji's Super CCD SR technology. It uses 6.17m pairs of photodiodes – called S and R pixels.

Fujifilm UK has confirmed to AP that it is planning to launch a replacement camera, having ceased production of the S3 earlier this year. 'There are not many around now,' the spokesperson added.

However, at the time of writing, Fujifilm UK was staying tight-lipped over details of its replacement model.

The company was not even able to confirm whether it will be unveiled at the upcoming Photokina trade show which takes place in Cologne, Germany from the end of next month.

'Watch this space,' said the spokesperson. "

Source

Nikon D80 - ISO 3200 sample

2006-09-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting site by Teru Rinshou that has numerous images taken from the Nikon D80 at various ISO levels using an AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens. Of real interest is the high ISO 3200 samples with the noise reduction turned on as shown below. The first is the full image whilst the second is the cropped image. It's good to see Nikon making gains in improving the noise levels in their latest DSLR.

ISO 3200

ISO 3200 Cropped.

Click here for more images

Sigma SD14

2006-09-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

After a long 3 years, Sigma will be releasing a new DSLR called the SD14 on the 26th September 2006. The new Sigma SD14 replaces the Sigma SD10 which is the only DSLR in the world to incorporate the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor.

Rumors has it that the new Sigma SD14 will have a 14 megapixel sensor. I have always admired the Foveon X3 sensor and I'm a bit surprised it has not been used in other DSLR.

The Foveon X3 sensor is different in that it captures all RGB colours at each and every pixel. The sensor features three silicon-embedded layers of pixel sensors, stacked to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green, and blue light at different respective depths. This results in more accurate colours, sharper resolution, pixel for pixel than any conventional image sensor without the need for interpolation.

Conventional image sensors feature just a single layer of pixel sensors in a tiled mosaic pattern. Each pixel detects only one colour of light, which has been filtered through a single red or green or blue colour filter. As a result, two thirds of the colour information at each pixel is blocked out. Therefore to compensate for this, colour interpolation is used. Unfortunately, this leads to colour errors, colour artifacts and loss of image detail.

It will be really interesting to see the new specification of the SD14 and whether the new sensor can improve on the poor night performance mentioned in reviews of the SD10.

Preview of the Canon 400D/ Rebel Xti by Luminous Landscape

2006-08-29T04:53:00.000-07:00

Although it has just been announced, Luminous Landscape has a preview of the new Canon 400D / Rebel Xti. Here's what they write:

"With the Rebel XTi Canon's entry level DSLR has gown up, and in some ways even surpassed its older sibling the 30D. Try as I might, given the feature set, implementation and price point, I find it really hard to find fault with the XTi. Within the current Canon paradigm I find that the XTi has an easy to learn and use interface. Few of the camera's controls are problematic, and image quality is about as good as it gets from a non-full frame DSLR. Many pros will likely find themselves buying an XTi or two as their backup camera, and even find themselves using it more than their big guns when light weight and small size are paramount.

By way of an observation – it has always been Canon's MO to put new technology into their lower end cameras first, then migrating the things that work to their pro level cameras on the next generation. I am assuming that this will be the case with both their new dust elimination capabilities and their higher resolution sensor. A bit of quick math shows that with the small photo sites and greater fill factor found in the XTi, a full frame sensor using this technology would yield between 22–24 Megapixels. The issue likely will be, can the Digic II processor support high enough frame rates at this data volume to meet the demand of pro users? Likely not, and so a Digic III is said to be just around the corner. This issue may even be the reason behind our likely not seeing a new 1 Series body for another half year or so, as noted below. "

Click here for the full preview.

Sony Alpha takes 20% market share in Japan

2006-08-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

According to Bloomberg, Sony Corporation has taken more than a fifth of Japan's digital single-lens reflex camera market in its debut month. Considering that the only other 10 megapixel DSLR on the market within the same range was the more expensive Nikon D200, I'm not surprised.

What will be interesting is if the Sony Alpha can maintain this momentum when the similar spec Nikon D80 and the Canon 400D / Rebel Xti goes on sale.

Bloomberg write : ".. Sony, which began selling its ``alpha DSLR-A100'' on July 21, had a 21.6 percent share in the month and a 19 percent share in the three weeks to Aug. 20, compared with the Tokyo-based company's target for 10 percent of the global market this year, according to data compiled by BCN.

The camera is one of the "champion products'' Sony Chief Executive Officer Howard Stringer has said the company will focus on to revitalize profit. Stringer's strategy is to concentrate investment on fewer devices, including flat-screen televisions and digital cameras, after cutting jobs and shutting factories.

Sony's first SLR can shoot photos at 10.2 megapixels and sells for about $900 without a lens and $1,000 with one. The camera is compatible with older lenses made by Konica Minolta Holdings Inc., whose SLR business Sony bought this year.

"On top of having a powerful brand name for digital cameras, Sony sent out a clear message with the $1,000 pricing for a 10.2 megapixel camera, which led to the high market share,'' said Shigehiro Tanaka, BCN weekly publication's editorial director. "Sony successfully used Minolta's assets, as many consumers bought only the body,'' he said.

Taking From Canon
"It seems like Minolta camera fans, who had been waiting for a new product for years, are rushing to buy'' Sony's camera, said Koji Ashizawa, senior managing director at Canon Marketing Japan Inc., the domestic sales unit for Tokyo-based Canon. After the initial jump in sales, they "should settle'' at around Sony's target of a 10 percent market share, he said after a press conference unveiling Canon's new digital SLR today." Canon's market share fell to 33.3 percent in July from 51.6 percent in the previous month. Nikon's dropped to 27.4 percent, from 32.6 percent, partly because the dominant camera makers did not have new models. Canon's "EOS Kiss Digital N,'' was the best-seller in July, and Nikon's "D70s'' came in third. Both models were introduced in the first half of 2005.

Highest-Margin Segment
Single-lens reflex cameras have become the most profitable part of the digital camera market, as price competition has driven margins lower for compact cameras. The models have interchangeable lenses and appeal to professionals and hobbyists.

Canon today unveiled its new "EOS Kiss Digital X'' model with a 10.1 megapixel sensor, which will go on sale on Sept. 8 for an estimated retail price of 90,000 yen ($770) without a lens. The company plans to make 180,000 units per month.

Canon Marketing's Ashizawa said the company is aiming for a 45 percent market share with the new model alone in the first four months of its launch to Dec. 31. "Normally, you would think it's impossible, but we can do it,'' he said.

"The digital SLR market is still small and Sony is still new in this area. It is unclear how long Sony will be able to maintain the high share at this point,'' said BCN's Tanaka. "Canon and Nikon are expected to fight back, so Sony's 20 percent share is not concrete,'' he said.

Digital camera shipments are forecast to rise to 67.3 million units in 2006, up 4 percent from last year, according to the Camera & Imaging Products Association. Digital SLR shipments are expected to lead the gain, with a 23 percent increase from a year earlier, and reach 4.7 million units.

Panasonic Struggles
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which entered the fastest growing part of the digital camera market a day after rival Sony, had a 0.8 percent share in July and 0.9 percent in August. The company's 7.5 megapixel "LUMIX DMC-L1'' models are sold for about $2,000 with a Leica lens.

Matsushita, the world's biggest consumer electronics maker, plans to sell about 50,000 units in the eight months or so to March 31, or the end of the Osaka-based company's fiscal year. The maker of Panasonic brand electronics allied with Olympus Corp. to jointly develop digital SLRs in January 2005.

"The price difference with Sony is more than 100,000 yen,'' BCN's Tanaka said. "It is their challenge to appeal to high-end amateurs,'' he said.

Sony and Panasonic's entry into the digital SLR market, ``is much welcomed, as this will raise consumer awareness and accelerate the growth of the overall digital SLR market,'' said Canon Marketing's Ashizawa. Canon expects the domestic digital SLR market to grow to more than 1 million units by 2010 from the estimated 660,000 units this year.

Source: Bloomberg

Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel Xti (29 page pdf file)

2006-08-25T04:11:00.000-07:00

If you want more detailed information on the Canon 400D / Rebel Xti then here is a 29 page pdf file hosted by Rob Galbraith with permission from Canon. It is an excellent piece of information for those who can't get enough of it. It's called the Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti white paper and it can be downloaded here

Canon EOS 400D / Rebel Xti Press Release

2006-08-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

At last, the Canon EOS 400D / Rebel Xti has finally been release and this is what they say in the Press release:

Aug. 24, 2006--Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XT model - the camera that set all time sales records for digital SLRs of any persuasion (supplanting the original Digital Rebel's claim to that title) - now takes its place alongside of the newest member of the irrepressible Rebel clan: the 10.1 megapixel EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR camera. For 16 years, the Rebel brand has stood for advanced, sophisticated and easy-to-use. The new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera continues that legacy, taking discriminating photo hobbyists, enthusiasts, advanced amateurs and SLR aficionados to places digital dreams are made of...and more economically than ever before.

"The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera continues to lead the way with impressive innovations and an array of advancements simply not found on other digital SLRs in the sub-$1,000 price-range," stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon USA, Inc. "Canon technology is born of inspiration, imagination and our passion to help photographers make the best pictures possible. Nowhere is the combination of undeniable quality and value more evident than on this new EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera."

In stores mid-September, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera is offered in both sleek brushed silver patina and "pro" matte black finishes. It is available in two kit configurations: with and without Canon's high quality EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens. The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera will be available for an estimated selling price $899* with the zoom lens kit, while the body only kit will carry and estimated selling price of $799*. In order to maintain an appropriate pricing structure, the Digital Rebel XT model will carry an adjusted estimated selling price of $799* with the zoom lens kit and $699* for the body only kit.

No mere intermediate upgrade, this new EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR continues Canon's combination of imaging excellence, intuitive ease of use and affordability. Indeed the EOS XTi Digital SLR camera now leads the Digital Rebel revolution with such marquee features as its higher 10.1 megapixel resolution; refined and redesigned Canon CMOS sensor; larger, easier to read 2.5 inch display screen (along with simplified and streamlined menu navigation), and the remarkable EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a self-cleaning image sensor unit/dust removal system that is available on no other camera of any make, at any price.

Despite the addition of these and other imaging improvements - including Canon's fast, high-precision 9-point autofocus system and a new maximum burst rate in large/fine and raw quality modes that - at three frames per second - is double the capability of the Digital Rebel XT SLR, The EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR makes its debut at a price point that is $100 less than its top-selling sibling was at its introduction and hundreds of dollars less than other SLR cameras and camera kits in its class.

CMOS Sensor-tivity
At the heart of the Rebel XTi SLR's high-resolution image capability is its large, single plate, CMOS color image sensor. Designed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the Rebel XTi SLR, this highly responsive sensor's 10.1 million pixels are fractionally smaller than the pixels in the 8 megapixel Rebel XT model, yet deliver markedly improved resolution, enabling the sensor to capture more image information. This results not simply in the ability to generate larger images, but also permits details from cropped images to be rendered with higher image quality than cropped images from lower resolution sensors. At 22.2 x 14.8 mm in size, this new CMOS sensor maintains the 1.6x conversion ratio found on many other members of the EOS Digital SLR line including the Rebel XT and the EOS 30D models.

Inherently more efficient than CCD type image sensors, Canon CMOS sensors significantly reduce image noise levels by converting light values to electrical signals on the chip rather than having them converted elsewhere in the camera. The Rebel XTi SLR's CMOS sensor goes further still, maintaining an exceptional dynamic range while reducing the noise level that one might typically expect for a pixel size delivering such high resolution. Canon engineers and designers achieved this breakthrough in sensor design by reducing the space between the chip's microlenses while at the same time increasing the sensitivity of each photodiode. As a result, the camera achieves 20 percent greater resolution than an eight-megapixel sensor with comparable noise reduction and dynamic range.

The Digital Rebel XTi SLR also continues the long-standing tradition of featuring a wide range of ISO settings (100 -1600) with the ability to "float" to any intermediate step along that range in fully automatic modes while allowing the user to set the ISO manually at full step intervals in the camera's creative modes.

The Dust Free Zone
Beautiful, high-res images marred by the presence of ugly high-res dust spots can be cause for painstaking, time consuming photo retouching (with varying degrees of success). Canon takes the quest for imaging excellence and easier camera maintenance a unified giant step forward with its new, two-tiered dust removal technology called the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, available only on the EOS Rebel XTi camera.

While real world shooting rarely achieves "clean-room" standards, Canon has gone out of its way to design the XTi model to first create or attract no dust. Canon begins by minimizing the dust and particles created by the camera itself, by reformulating the materials used in the body cap and shutter to materials more resistant to particle "fall out" due to normal use and wear. Canon also treats the camera's low pass filter with an anti-static charge to prevent static-charged dust from adhering to it.

Still, recognizing that humidity and a variety of real world conditions can cause dust to enter and adhere to the sensor or low pass filter despite the most scrupulous of efforts, Canon created the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low pass filter on the front of the CMOS sensor is attached to an ultrasonic vibrating unit that literally shakes the loose dust particles off of the surface. The newly liberated dust is then captured by an adhesive material that keeps the particles from becoming airborne again once the camera moves.

The self cleaning sensor unit's ultrasonic anti-dust shake activates automatically for one second whenever the camera is powered on or off, ensuring that the camera will be as relatively dust free as possible and can be activated at other times through a simple menu selection.

Despite the ingenuity behind the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit there are occasions when dust particles of a stickier nature are not vibrated free of the low pass filter. In these situations, the Dust Delete Data function can be engaged. Simply put, by aiming the camera at a white wall or even a white piece of paper (or, in a pinch, removing the lens from the camera) the Dust Delete Data function will map the size and position of the dust particles remaining on the low pass filter. Once the dust is "mapped", that information is attached as metadata to all subsequently shot images regardless of recording format, RAW or JPEG. When the images and appended dust data map are transferred to a computer using the Rebel XTi's new Digital Photo Professional software, the dust information can be subtracted from the images simply by selecting the "apply dust delete data" option. Users can update the Dust Delete Data at any time via controls found in the Rebel XTi's LCD menu.

Bigger and Brighter: XTi Model's Brilliant LCD Monitor
Among the decidedly user-friendly enhancements built in to the new Digital Rebel XTi is the 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel color TFT LCD monitor with its wide, 160 degree viewing angle. The envy of the EOS digital SLR line, this new screen features a viewing area that is nearly twice as large as the Rebel XT model's 1.8 -inch monitor, and offers six brightness settings for easy viewing of images and menu options in a wide range of lighting conditions. Indeed, this brilliant monitor is approximately 40% brighter at its maximum setting than screens found on the top-tier EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D and EOS 30D digital SLRs. The monitor is also the new home for all camera settings information. This was previously housed on a separate LCD. This new configuration allows for more information and larger font & icons in one easy-to-view area.

The monitor is even intuitive enough to automatically (and temporarily) turn the display off when the camera is raised up to the user's eye. This feature not only saves valuable battery life but also avoid subjecting the user to distracting screen brightness when looking through the viewfinder. For maximum battery life, the LCD display can be shut off manually as well.

Picture Style Optimizes Images
In keeping with this new, bigger, brighter monitor is the Rebel XTi SLR's redesigned menu, made bolder, easier to read and easier to navigate. Notable among the expanded info screen menu features offered for the first time on a Digital Rebel camera are the RGB histogram and the Picture Style functions first introduced on the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D cameras and most recently added to the EOS 30D's imaging arsenal. With Picture Style, users can more easily select presets for sharpening, contrast, saturation, and color tone that most closely reflect their needs and intent for a particular picture. Similar to selecting the film type in order to achieve a desired result, the Picture Style feature offers six setting choices--Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome--with an additional three user defined settings available.

Fast Focus
Also migrating to the Rebel XTi camera from the upper reaches of the EOS Digital SLR line is Canon's flexible folder management system with capability to store 9,999 images in a folder as well as manual creation of new folders and perhaps most importantly, the same high precision 9-point Autofocus sensor and AF unit found on the EOS 30D SLR.

Like its Digital Rebel predecessors, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera is equipped with Canon's standard EOS EF lens mount making it compatible with Canon's complete line of EF lenses as well as the EF-S line of lenses created specifically for the EOS 20D, and EOS 30D prosumer digital SLRs, and the EOS Digital Rebel models.

While the Digital Rebel XTi offers the same fast 3 frames per second as the Digital Rebel XT model, the burst rate in Large/Fine JPEG and Raw settings has nearly doubled, from 14 eight- megapixel JPEG images and five eight- megapixel RAW images on the Rebel XT model to 27 10.1 megapixel JPEGS and ten 10.1 megapixel RAW images on the new Rebel XTi camera.

CANON Software $avings: Bundled and In the Box
Purchasers of the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera or any of Canon's digital SLRs are never faced with extra-cost software to make the camera perform to its full capabilities. Rather, Canon continues its long-standing tradition of including "in the box", a comprehensive software bundle that includes both the camera's utility programs and Canon's Digital Photo Professional software (presently in version 2.2). Compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows XP operating systems** formats, the Digital Photo Pro software assists users with everything from image transfer and viewing, image enhancement and editing, RGB image editing functions, image noise reduction, viewing, processing and editing of RAW images, Direct Print functions and Canon's groundbreaking new Dust Delete Data functions.

The EOS Technological Legacy
The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera maintains the top-tier technologies that have helped power the EOS line of digital SLRs to the forefront of the industry and the marketplace. These include Canon's power efficient DIGIC II Image Processor and E-TTL II, Canon's evaluative-through the lens exposure control that ensures optimal exposure even in difficult lighting conditions.

Specifications of the new Canon 400D / Rebel Xti is revealed on their official Japanese and Australian website. Here are the links

Canon Japan

Canon Australia

Canon 400D / Rebel Xti

2006-08-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

Canon has released the successor to the 350D, the 400D / Rebel Xti. According to the Canon website in China (no longer working), the new Canon 400D / Rebel Xti has a 10 mega pixel CMOS sensor and now competes directly with the Nikon D80. This is great completion and it will be interesting if it will hurt the sales on the current 30D which only has an 8 mega pixels sensor.

Here's a screen dump of the website before it was removed. (Translated to English)

Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review by Popphoto

2006-08-22T03:48:00.000-07:00

The Fujifilm Finepix F30 has been reviewed by Popphoto.com and writes:

"The Fujifilm Finepix posted impressive numbers in the lab, keeping noise at bay all the way up to ISO 3200, which scored a 2.45 (Moderate) in our noise test, with just about a 20% drop in resolution (1310-Very High) over the resolution results for ISO 100 (1655-Extremely High.) Fujifilm is doing a lot of things right with their in-camera processing and noise suppression algorithms to post results such as these. Color accuracy is excellent (Average Delta E: 7.94 ISO 100 Auto White Balance.) The 3x zoom shows slight barrel distortion at 38mm (17%), imperceptible barrel at 78mm (.07%) and imperceptible pin cushioning at 108mm (.02%.)"

In terms of ISO performance it concludes with:

"This camera has a truly usable ISO range of ISO 100 to ISO 800, and makes images at the extreme ISOs of 1600 and 3200 that can hold up to comparison with ISO 400 and 800 results from some of its competitors.

The world is not made entirely of perfectly lit bright sunny days calling for ISO 100 -- and Fujifilm deserves praise for pushing camera performance technology towards much more usable high ISOs in the compact market"

So far all the reviews I've read have been quite favorable of the F30; it is definitely on my shopping list.

Click here for the full review.

Nikon D80 review by Hardwarezone

2006-08-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

The Nikon D80 has been reviewed by Hardwarezone and although the camera is yet to be released for sale, a review was performed and was recommened favourably.

It writes: "The Nikon D80 is a fantastic camera for its price. It is definitely better than its predecessor D70s but not quite the level as the mid-range D200 even though they share some similar features. And this is rightly so, because that's exactly how Nikon has positioned the D80 - the upper rung of budget DSLR cameras. However that doesn't deny the D80 from sharing certain attributes as its dearer D200 brother. For instance, besides some of the key specs, you can expect the same good quality build and a generous rubber cushioning on the grips for extra comfort.

For those of you willing to wait out no matter the availability concerns, the D80 will put a smile on your face when you lay your hands on it. With the D80, Nikon offers a complete DSLR lineup where there's something for almost every segment and price category, with this excellent newcomer taking a favorable spot between the low and midrange DSLR categories of the D70s and the D200. The D80 is definitely the best Nikon camera yet for its entry-level class and is strongly recommended for beginners migrating to the DSLR scene.

"
For the full review click here.

Nikon D80 User manual

2006-08-14T04:09:00.000-07:00

For those who wants to find out more about the Nikon D80, you can download the user manuals here. Please beware, the pdf file is a massive 9.39 MB and it's actually called "The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography with the D80 Digital Camera".

Pre-order your Nikon D80

2006-08-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

D80 DSLR Camera w/Nikon 18-55mm F/3.5-4.5G AF-S DXS Lens - Pre-Order Now!

Highly Anticipated - The Nikon D80 DSLR Announcement Is Here!Building on the extraordinary success of the D70 and D70s, Nikon introduces the new D80(TM) digital SLR camera -- an impressively featured, high performance camera that incorporates Nikon's latest digital and photographic technologies, and offers advanced features as well as automated operation to satisfy any photographer with the passion to create beautiful photographs and preserve special moments. With a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor and an exclusive high-resolution color processing engine inherited from Nikon's latest professional digital SLR cameras, the D80 can render images with incredible resolution, sharp detail and vibrant color that is unmatched in this class of cameras. And it can shoot these images fast - at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, for up to 100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode), ensuring that the camera's always ready for the next fleeting moment. Paired with the 18-55MM f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens providing an 18-55mm focal length range, the lens can be conveniently used to photograph everything from wide angle landscapes to portraits and is well suited for use at parties, on vacation, and other occasions. 10.2 Megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD Imaging Sensor New High-resolution Nikon image-processing engine Instant 0.18 sec. start-up with fast 80ms shutter response Continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second and up to 100 consecutive JPEG images Up to 2,700 images per battery charge Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II, plus Variable Center-Weighted and Spot Metering In-Camera Image Retouching Built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group Wireless Commander 2.5-inch LCD color monitor with 170 degree wide-angle viewing 11-area AF system with Wide-area Center Segment and Auto-area AF functions Seven Digital Vari-Programs plus Programmed Auto with Flexible Program, Shutter-Priority Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto and Manual Image Optimization Functions Large, bright 0.94x viewfinder Built-in Slideshow function with Pictmotion The D80 works with the efficiency and grace of a fine-tuned instrument, powering up in only 0.18 seconds and capturing a picture with an imperceptible shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds). A new 11-area auto- focus system detects focus with superb precision and can even track a moving subject across the frame, shifting focus instantly and automatically to any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject. The D80's large, bright 0.94x viewfinder affords a remarkable view not found in many digital SLRs, making critical composition easier and more pleasing. The camera's rechargeable battery can last up to 2700 shots on a single charge, while also providing a real-time Fuel Gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the battery at all times. And like all Nikon digital SLR cameras, the D80 feels solid and substantial while being both compact and comfortable

The Nikon D80 is ready

2006-08-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated Nikon D80 has been revealed and this camera is sure to expand Nikons dominance in the DSLR market. The new Nikon D80 does have some impressive features in addition to the 10 megapixel sensor. They include a 2.5 inch LCD screen, a 2700 shot battery!, 0.08 seconds start-up and an 11 area Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor just to name a few. The only disappointing thing about the camera is the use of SD cards rather than compact flash as D70/D70s up graders will need to purchase new cards. Why couldn't Nikon developed a slot for both cards!

Anyhow, it will be interesting to see if the Sony Alpha A100 can make an impact on Nikons sales in the coming months.

Here what they say about the new Nikon in their press release.

- 10.2 Megapixel D80 Offers Outstanding Performance, Ease Of Use, Versatile Personal Control and Exciting In-Camera Editing Tools
- All New 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens Included with the D80 Outfit Creates a Compelling Option for Photo Enthusiasts

Building on the extraordinary success of the D70 and D70s, Nikon today introduced the new D80(TM) digital SLR camera -- an impressively featured, high performance camera that incorporates Nikon's latest digital and photographic technologies, and offers advanced features as well as automated operation to satisfy any photographer with the passion to create beautiful photographs and preserve special moments. With a new 10.2
effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor and an exclusive high-resolution color processing engine inherited from Nikon's latest professional digital SLR cameras, the D80 can render images with incredible resolution, sharp detail and vibrant color that is unmatched in this class of cameras. And it can shoot these images fast - at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, for up to 100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode), ensuring that the camera's always ready for the next fleeting moment. The D80 works with the efficiency and grace of a fine-tuned instrument, powering up in only 0.18 seconds and capturing a picture with an imperceptible shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds). A new 11-area auto- focus system detects focus with superb precision and can even track a moving subject across the frame, shifting focus instantly and automatically to any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject.

The D80's large, bright 0.94x viewfinder affords a remarkable view not found in many digital SLRs, making critical composition easier and more pleasing. The camera's rechargeable battery can last up to 2700 shots on a single charge, while also providing a real-time Fuel Gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the battery at all times. And like all Nikon digital SLR cameras, the D80 feels solid and substantial while being
both compact and comfortable. But more experienced photo enthusiasts will admire the D80 most for its bevy of creative controls and features that make photography with the camera so much more enjoyable and rewarding. Its new Optimize image menu, for instance, offers complete control over the look and feel of your pictures, allowing you to boost saturation and create pictures with vivid color, or shoot black-and- white pictures with a choice of four filtration effects, or even create your own custom look that expresses personal style and creativity. Other creative tools include an all-new image Retouch menu for in-camera image editing, built-in i-TTL flash control with the ability to control up to two remote groups of Speedlights, as well as over 32 Custom settings to customize several attributes of the camera's performance.

"The Nikon D70 and D70s cameras proved to be extraordinarily successful due to the excellent value they offered to passionate photo enthusiasts
when each was introduced. They offered an ideal balance of features, performance, innovation and price, making them appealing to a very broad
range of photographers. With the introduction of the D80, Nikon is significantly raising the bar for a camera in this class," said Edward
Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc.

"By bringing high- end features and technologies inherited from our professional line of cameras to the passionate photo enthusiast, while
making the camera simpler and more enjoyable to use, we believe the D80 will represent the 'sweet spot' for anyone looking for a new level of
digital SLR camera performance and value. Paired with the new 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, the D80's performance and versatility becomes even more compelling for consumers," he added.

Unrivaled Image Quality
At the heart of any digital camera lies its image processing engine - a sophisticated processor that determines, among other things, the overall
color rendering and image quality of pictures taken with the camera. One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon's own high-resolution image processing engine that inherits best-of-breed technologies from Nikon's latest professional digital SLR cameras, including color independent analog pre- conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. A new dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power consumption, assuring more pictures per battery charge.

The D80 also benefits from Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting
conditions. Evaluating, rather than merely measuring or averaging the true content of each scene, input from the system's frame-wide 420-pixel sensor is automatically referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photography to calculate final exposure value.

Variable Center- Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated exposure automation combined with options for complete user control help to make the D80 an ideal high-performance digital SLR for passionate photography enthusiasts.

Speed to Burn
One of the hallmarks of Nikon's digital SLR cameras is how fast they operate, not only when capturing images, but also when processing them. The
D80 proudly carries this tradition forward. Not only is the camera powered
up and ready to shoot in only 0.18 seconds, it also reacts at blazing speeds when the shutter button is pressed. With a minimal shutter lag time
of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds), and the ability to shoot 3 frames per second up to 100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode), the camera is ready to shoot whenever that priceless expression or special moment presents itself. Images shot are processed instantly and recorded rapidly to the inserted SD memory card. Preview images are also displayed near instantly.

The D80's new 11-area auto-focus system also fulfills its role in the overall speed of the camera, delivering fast and precise focus under
varying shooting conditions. Adopting a refined version of Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system with center area wide-frame operation adds effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. An all-new
Auto-Area AF mode measures all eleven focus areas and automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject.

Creativity Comes Standard
The Nikon D80 is designed to inspire creativity at every level. For this reason, the camera includes a wide assortment of features and tools to
empower all kinds of users, ranging from the novice to the seasoned pro, to pursue their creative vision, instantly and right from within the camera. D80 photographers will enjoy the camera's built-in Multiple Exposure mode for unique composite image effects, or the Optimize menu options that closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of an image or to a custom preference of the photographer. Optimization of sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and- White. The black-and-white mode can be customized using red, green, yellow and orange filter effects as well as image sharpening and tone compensation.

The D80 also features an all-new image Retouch menu, with exclusive in- camera editing functions that will certainly keep D80 users engaged when
they're not busy shooting. Options within the Retouch menu include:

* D-Lighting: Automatically balances underexposed portions of an image to enhance detail in these areas, without affecting the highlights of the
picture.

* In-camera Red-eye Correction: Automatically removes the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.

* Trim: Images can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller files with reduced display sizes for easy sharing or greater efficiency for
specific end purposes.

* Image Overlay: Merges a pair of selected RAW files taken with the D80 to create a composite image within the camera as a RAW or JPEG file. This
feature is especially useful when trying to create a soft-focus effect with two similar images.

* Monochrome settings: Monochrome settings can be applied to any color image in the camera, to convert it to a pleasing monochromatic picture,
either in black-and-white, sepia or cyanotype.

* Filter Effects: Can be used to emulate and apply the effects of a Skylight filter or a Warming filter to any image stored on the inserted SD card. A Customized Color menu within filter effects can also be used to make subtle shifts in color to any image in the camera. For anyone just beginning to enjoy the added performance and versatility of digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Digital Vari-Program mode dial on the camera. The D80 has seven preconfigured program modes to optimize the camera for specific shooting conditions and greatly increase the chances of taking a great photograph. In "Portrait" Mode, for example, the camera automatically optimizes the color, hue, and saturation levels to capture the most flattering skin tones, softens the focus of the background images to emphasize the face and applies a milder form of in-camera sharpening. Users can choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close- Up, Sports, Night, Landscape or Night Portrait.

The D80 also offers creative ways to share pictures, with its built-in Pictmotion slideshow feature, which includes style selections that control
transitions and background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.

Creature Comfort
The D80 features refined ergonomics and design, borne from Nikon's extensive experience designing successful SLR cameras for over 50 years. As
a result, the camera is incredibly comfortable to use and handle, and incorporates several new features that enhance its usability. The D80
features a large and bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise composition. Included is a
built-in diopter adjustment control knob that also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The viewfinder's integrated grid display
can also be turned on to assist with composition.

A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. Navigating the spacious preview of your images is easy with a new dedicated Zoom button, magnifying images on screen up to 25 times their original size. A new RGB histogram display aids in evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and highlight point display. A new menu interface featuring refinements to the carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. Menus can be customized to display only selected items using the new "My Menu" set.

The D80 is slimmer and more compact than its predecessors, and remains true to Nikon's commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.

System Strength
With the D80, users also have complete and seamless compatibility with Nikon's extensive Total Digital Imaging System, and the camera is designed to take advantage of many of the technologies built into Nikon accessories.

The D80's powerful built-in Speedlight is compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full TTL mode, taking the guesswork out of multiple flash photography. Compatible Speedlights within the Creative Lighting System include the SB-800, SB-600 and Nikon's Wireless Close-up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB- R200.

The D80 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikon's extensive selection of AF Nikkor lenses as well as new DX Nikkor lenses, which are designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. Nikkor lenses, famous for optical superiority, add to the D80's ability to deliver outstanding images.

The D80 will also have an optional MB-D80 battery pack available, extending the shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e rechargeable batteries or six AA-size batteries, the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical shooting more comfortable.

The D80 is also fully compatible with Capture NX software (available for purchase separately), Nikon's highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX's 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.

The D80 will be available beginning September 2006 for an estimated selling price of $999.95 for body only and $1299.95 for body and lens outfit, including the new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens.

Source

The current DSLR Market

2006-08-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article by TWICE on the digital camera market. As indicated by the huge growth and profit of the top two digital SLR camera manufacturers Canon and Nikon, the growth of the digital SLR market is set to continue. Here are some interesting supporting quotes:

"Some categories that were hot in 2005, such as camera/printer bundles, have cooled considerably, while others, such as compact models and digital SLRs have continued to burn, said Liz Cutting, NPD imaging analyst. "

“Overall, growth is starting to slow,” said Fred Lerner, Ritz Interactive president. “But the growth in digital SLRs has taken everyone by surprise — it's still at double digits, driven by some really spectacular products.”

"Through May, digital cameras (including SLRs) were up 17.5 percent in units and 12.1 percent in dollars vs. the same period in 2005, Cutting said. The category has also come off its single best week during the run-up to Mother's Day, suggesting that the gloomier forecasts may be a bit too pessimistic — at least for 2006. “We don't see a downturn until 2008,” Cutting predicted."

One bright spot, predicted to weather the slowdown in compact camera sales and provide a healthy dollar volume, is digital SLRs. “We don't see d-SLR sales slowing until past 2009,” Cutting said.

Will more consumers embrace pricier digital SLRs than film consumers of old snapped up 35mm SLRs? Delis think they might. In their heyday, film SLR cameras rarely broke the 2 million unit mark. NPD predicts close to 2 million d-SLRs will be sold this year, at a time when d-SLRs are still relatively expensive. All firms predict the strong growth in this category to continue long after compact digital camera sales slow.

Inexpensive d-SLRs have spurred more use of photography in business, Delis said. “During the film era, 3 percent of all cameras purchased were used for business. Today it's 10 percent.”

“There is a very high satisfaction level with digital cameras in general and that has helped drive d-SLR sales” as consumers look to upgrade, Lerner said.

There are an estimated 308 camera models on store shelves from over a dozen manufacturers. The strong growth in d-SLRs has tempted other manufacturers to forge partnerships to get a piece of the action. How long can the market bear the competition?

“There will be a shake-out. We can't continue to support all these manufacturers,” Lerner said.

“There's no room for the old and new entrants,” said Chris Chute, imaging research manager, IDC. The consumer electronics brands have to prove themselves in the d-SLR category where strong photo brands dominate, Chute added. “The real question is whether they take share away from Canon.”

Source: TWICE

Canon 350D / Rebel XT Successor

2006-08-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

Does Canon have a successor to the successful 350D/XT Rebel? It seems something must be happening as I cannot see Canon sitting still whilst the competition grows and increase by releasing new models such as the Sony Alpha A100. In addition, Canons long time rival, Nikon is announcing their "yet to be formally announced" Nikon D80 this month.

Judging by the rumors, an interesting pdf file has emerged depicting the rumored successor to the Canon 350D / Rebel XT as the Canon 370D with only 8 mega pixels. If this is true, it seems to follow the same small incremental path as the Canon 30D was to the Canon 20D. In reality, the Canon 30D should have been called the Canon 20Da or Mark II as the gains, although greatly needed was just an upgrade.

Although this is just a rumor, I think the next Canon may be called the 400D as this seems more like the next progression. If the sensor is still 8 mega pixels in size, it may be a move by Canon to ensure the low noise remains low as this is one of Canons main advantages. Only time will tell.

source: www.infodigitalcamera.com

Nikon getting stronger

2006-08-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

With increasing competition Nikon continues to grow stronger and expand steadily in the digital SLR camera market. This is despite increasing sophisticated functionality and a downward trend in prices.

With the latest financial figures indicating a steadily increase in net sales and profit it looks like Nikon will only go higher in the future. According to the business model shown below, Nikon aims to expand its DSLR camera market by more than 40%. I'm sure the Nikon D80 will help push this further.

It seeks to do this by:

1. Seeking to maintain its position as the leading pioneer in the digital SLR camera market. By going forward, it will combine various outstanding features with other elements that win the hearts of customers and ensure long-lasting loyalty. The Nikon D80 is one of many to come.

2. Continue the timely introduction of new products is imperative to secure profitability in the digital compact camera market. Achieving this requires the swift development of products that directly satisfy customer needs. Besides strengthening marketing capabilities, Nikon will bolster ties between product development, production, advertising and sales to facilitate sharp response to market trends.

3. Investing heavily in fast-advancing digital technology with the aim of releasing appealing and unique products.

Nikon D80 revealed!

2006-07-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

It looks like the new Nikon DSLR due out in August 2006 will be called the Nikon D80. Although the sensor size will be the same, the body will be based on an upgrade of the Nikon D70s. Check it out and decide for yourself.

Nikons new DSLR

2006-07-25T01:09:00.000-07:00

The DSLR environment has dramatically changed with the introduction of new competitors in the market. They include the Sony Alpha, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L1, Olympus E-330 and the yet to be announced Fujifilm S4 Pro and the Olympus E-3. In response, Nikon will announce a new DSLR camera on the 9th August 2006.

The new camera has a 10.2 mega pixel sensor and is the successor to the Nikon D70s. It has everyone guessing but it definitely fits in between a D70s and the D200 with the body being based on a consumer grade body, the D70s.

I've searched through the US Trademark and Patent site and could not find any application for the rumored names such as the D20, D80 or even D90. Although the D20 is a commonly rumored name for the replacement, I believe the D20 most likely is reserved for a much lower spec camera as the numbers doesn't make any sense, unless Nikon is totally revamping its naming conventions. Under the current Nikon naming arrangement, a D20 would be a very, VERY low spec camera. If Nikon does come out with such a low spec camera (something below the D50), it definitely won't have a 10 mega pixel sensor. That would totally undercut the Nikon D50, which I don't think Nikon will do. However, while I don't think the new 10.2 mega pixels will be a D20, that doesn't mean Nikon isn't also coming out with a new low end camera. But why D20? All other consumer grade bodies have had odd numbers. So that would suggest a new low spec body would be a D30. Again, this all assumes Nikon isn't totally revamping its naming conventions. This leaves the most logical name to be the either the Nikon D80 or D90. Again both are not registered under the US Trademark and patent site, however this may change.

Interestingly, the D200 name has been updated on the US Trademark and Patent site. Could it be called the Nikon D200L as was rumored a few weeks ago?

Who knows, only time will tell?

Fujifilm Finepix F30 review by Steves-Digicams

2006-07-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

The Fujifilm Finepix F30 has been reviewed by Steves digicams and writes:

"Like its predecessor, the F30 relies on its high sensitivity to help you capture images in lighting conditions that other consumer camera's find difficult. While the F10 had a maximum ISO settings of 1600, the F30 raises the bar with a sensitivity of 3200; something only more advanced dSLRs use to offer. The "Picture stabilization" mode, which uses this ability to offer faster shutter speeds in lower lighting conditions, reducing camera shake and motion blur. I was very surprised at how low noise levels were, even at ISO 800. Both ISO 1600 and 3200 are also quite low for a camera in this class, due to the in-camera noise reduction processing. Image detail, however, does suffer a bit, making pictures look a bit "fuzzy" when being viewed at 100%. However, the usefulness of this feature greatly out weighs the negative effects."

He concludes with ".. The FujiFilm Finepix F30 is an awesome digital package. With its unmatched ISO capabilities, great image quality, robust performance, durable metal body, and loads of useful exposure modes, the F30 is tuff to beat in the 6-megapixel category. While its retail price of US$399 is a bit more expensive than many of the other 6-megapxiel models, we feel that its versatility and advanced features allow it to still offer a great value."

I tend to agree that althought it's more expensive than the competition, the high ISO makes up for it and it's surely worth the extra dollars.

Click here for the full review.

New innovative method of making low cost semi-conductors

2006-07-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

According to the press release by EurekAlert, researchers at the University of Toronto have created a semiconductor device that outperforms today's conventional chips. This is made it simply by process similar to painting a liquid onto a piece of glass.

The finding, which represents the first time a so-called "wet" semiconductor device has bested traditional, more costly grown-crystal semiconductor devices, is reported in the July 13 issue of the journal Nature.

"Traditional ways of making computer chips, fibre-optic lasers, digital camera image sensors – the building blocks of the information age – are costly in time, money, and energy," says Professor Ted Sargent of the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and leader of the research group. Conventional semiconductors have produced spectacular results such as the personal computer, the Internet, digital photography, however they rely on growing atomically-perfect crystals at 1,000 degrees Celsius and above, he explains.

The Toronto team instead cooked up semiconductor particles in a flask containing extra-pure oleic acid (The main fatty acid in olive oil). The particles are just a few nanometres (one billionth of a metre) across. The team then placed a drop of solution on a glass slide patterned with gold electrodes and forced the drop to spread out into a smooth, continuous semiconductor film using a process called spin-coating. They then gave their film a two-hour bath in methanol to dissolve the fatty acid. Once the solvent evaporated, it left behind an 800 nanometre-thick layer of the light-sensitive nanoparticles.

At room temperature, the paint-on photodetectors were about ten times more sensitive to infrared rays than the sensors that are currently used in military night-vision and biomedical imaging. "These are exquisitely sensitive detectors of light," says Sargent, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Nanotechnology. "It's now clear that solution-processed electronics can combine outstanding performance with low cost."

The U of T development could be of critical importance to both research and industry, according to John D. Joannopoulos, a Professor at MIT. "The ability to realize low-cost, paintable, high-performance designer semiconductors for use as short-wavelength infrared detectors and emitters is of enormous value for a wide range of communications, imaging and monitoring applications," says Joannopoulos, the Francis Wright Davis Professor of Physics and director of the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"The key to our success was controlled engineering at the nanometre lengthscale: tailoring colloidal nanocrystal size and surfaces to achieve exceptional device performance," says lead author Gerasimos Konstantatos, a doctoral researcher at UofT. "With this finding, we now know that simple, convenient, low-cost wet chemistry can produce devices with performance that is superior compared to that of conventional grown-crystal devices."

Lets hope digital photography can benefit further in the future with this new technology.

Source

Will the Sony brand name help push the A100 DSLR ?

2006-07-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article by Harris Interactive which according to their annual nationwide online poll rates which brands are the best. Interestingly, the electronic section took out 5 of the top 10 brands with Sony being number 1. With such strong brand recognition, will the sales of the Sony A100 DSLR increase? Maybe, however only time will tell.

Here's what they say:

"Sony tops the list in the annual Harris Poll of "best brands" for an impressive seventh consecutive year. Dell retains its No. 2 spot, while Coca-Cola, previously in the fourth position, moves up to No. 3.

These are some of the results of a nationwide Harris Poll of 2,351 U.S. adults surveyed online by Harris Interactive® between June 7 and 13, 2006. Survey responses were unaided and a list of brand names was not presented to respondents. The results from this survey cannot be compared to results of the Harris Interactive 2006 EquiTrend Brand Study results, as the methodologies for the surveys differ.

The other places on the top-10 list of best brands are taken by Ford (No. 5), Honda (No. 6), Hewlett Packard (No. 7), General Electric (No.8), Kraft Foods (No. 9) and Apple (No. 10). Two brands dropped out of this list this year, General Motors and Microsoft.

Other brands that receive a substantial number of mentions but not enough to make the top-10 list include Chevrolet, Panasonic, Pepsi Cola, Nike and Maytag."

Infodigitalcamera