THE CANON EOS XSi / 450D TAKES EXCELLENT PICTURES and lives up to its reputation of being a model that entry-level as well as advanced photographers will find attractive. It has a large and bright viewfinder, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD screen with Live View. Image quality is excellent with low noise throughout the sensitivity range and superb colour reproduction. At an extremely affordable price, including kit lens, the EOS XSi / 450D is a bargain and perfect for everybody.
LetsGoDigital highly recommends the Canon EOS XSi/450D [Specs]:
- 12.2MP, APS CMOS with Anti-Dust Technology
- 3.0-in. (230K) contrast-detect Live Preview LCD monitor
- AUTO, PASM, plus Scene Modes
- Auto Lighting Optimizer technology
- RAW, RAW+JPEG
- B, 30-1/4000 sec.
- 3.5fps Continuous
- Lithium ion battery 600 shots per full charge
- SD/SDHC memory cards
THE SAMSUNG NEW VIEW NV40 IS FEATURE-RICH with a unique Smart Touch user interface which does away with the traditional menu system. Useful features includes Auto Exposure Bracketing, Auto Contrast Balance and a handy Self Portrait mode that lets you know that the camera has identified and locked focus on your face (see, you have the camera in your hand and arm is extended in front of you). Noise is pretty low at lowest ISOs of 80 and 100, and images are sharp straight out of the camera. The optical image stabilization works very well.
PhotographyBLOG rates the Samsung NV40 as Above Average:
- 10.5MP, 1/2.3in. CCD
- 3x optical zoom (37-111mm equiv.) with optical Image Stabilization
- 2.5-in. (230K) LCD monitor with automatic adjustment of brightness based on ambient light condition
- Smart Touch UI uses touch sensitive "buttons"
- Auto, P, M, plus 14 Scene Modes
- Movie 640x480 @ 30fps with Sound, optical zoom available
- AEB, Auto Contrast Balance, Advanced Shake Reduction, Face Recognition AF & AE, Self Portrait, Slide Show with music
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Sharpness, contrast, saturation adjustments
- SD/SDHC Memory Card
THE SONY S750 IS HANDSOME, AFFORDABLE AND HAS GOOD SHUTTER RESPONSE TIMES. It is small, compact and easy to hold. It has a large 2.5-in. LCD. Noise is pretty high and colours may be too vibrant for some, limiting prints to 5x7 in. and for Web display only. A beginner or novice user will find the Sony S750 easy and straightforward to use to update a blog.
Imaging Resource reviews the Sony DSC-S750 Cyber-shot:
- 7.2MP, 1/2.5 in. CCD
- 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equiv.)
- 2.5-in. (153K) LCD monitor
- AUTO, P, plus Scene Modes
- Movie 320x240 @ 30fps
- Memory Stick® DUO,
Memory Stick PRO DUO™. Memory Stick PRO DUO™ (High Speed), Memory Stick PRO-HG DUO™
THE FUJIFILM F100fd BOASTS IMPROVED WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE of 100-400% using technology originally developed for the S5Pro DSLR. Because the dynamic range boost is effected in the sensor instead of software, images look really natural with no disintegration of the mid tone. Colour is very nice and natural as we've come to expect from Fujifilm. As expected, the Super CCD HR sensor also delivers low noise at high ISOs, including excellent results at ISO 3200. Boosted ISOs of 6,400 and 12,800 are also available at 3MP resolution. Face Detection optimises exposure on the faces and adds automatic Red-Eye removal.
TrustedReviews recommends the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd [Specs]:
- 12.0MP, 1/1.6 in. Super CCD HR
- 5x wide-angle optical zoom (28-140mm equiv.) with Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 2.7-in. (230K) LCD monitor
- AUTO, P, plus Scene Modes
- Improved wide dynamic range of 100-400% using technology originally developed for the S5Pro DSLR
- Movie 640x480 @ 30fps with Sound
- xD-Picture Card, SD/SDHC Memory Card
- Face Detection with automatic Red-Eye removal
- IrSimple™ technology allows for fast wireless image transfer to other IrSimple™ compatible products
THE CANON POWERSHOT A580 EXCEEDS OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR AN 8-MP DIGITAL CAMERA THAT RETAILS UNDER US $150. Image quality is generally good, capturing natural color with excellent detail. It has a good body design, is easy to hold and lightweight. Images print well up to 11x14 inches from ISO 80 to 200. It is strictly point-and-shoot and should appeal to an entry-level photographer on a tight budget. Face Detection Technology makes taking portraits very easy.
Imaging Resource recommends the Canon PowerShot A580 [Specs] as a budget-priced entry-level digital camera:
- 8.0MP, 1/2.5-in. CCD
- 4x optical zoom (35-140mm equiv.)
- 2.5-in. LCD (115K)
- Optical Viewfinder
- P, plus Scene Modes
- Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB, AF-Point Zoom, Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection Technology, Intelligent ISO, Auto ISO
- Movie 640x480 @ 20fps
- SD/SDHC memory card
THE NIKON D300 CONTINUES TO RECEIVE PRAISE from every reviewer so our editor decides to take a look at it himself and see what's all the fuss about. His conclusion: "The D300 is a slice of pure DSLR heaven." But not necessarily for everyone, though. This mean piece of almost perfect machinery may not suit you if it is going to be your very first DSLR. Then again, it may. Find out in our review.
THE PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-TZ5 CAPTURES VERY GOOD PHOTO QUALITY. It is an impressive package with a nice 10x wide-angle optical zoom lens with an image stabilization that does a good job of reducing the effects of camera shake. The LCD screen has a high 460,000 dots resolution and is incredibly sharp. It records videos at 1280 x 720 (720p) at 30 fps, with the optical zoom and image stabilization both available. If you liked the TZ3, the TZ5 is even better!
DCRP (dcresource) highly recommends the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 [Specs]:
- 9.1MP, 1/2.33-in. CCD
- 10x wide-angle optical zoom (28-280mm) with optical Image Stabilization
- 3.0-in. LCD (460K dots)
- P, plus Scene Modes
- Intelligent Auto Technology automatically combines Shake Detection, Motion Detection, Face Detection AF/AE, Scene Detection and Quick AF
- HD Movie 848x480 @ 30fps
- Available in Silver, Black or Blue (colour variations may be different by country)
- SD/SDHC memory card
THE CANON SD790 IS DELIVERS NATURAL AND VIVID COLOURS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE CAMERA with flattering helathy skin tones. Images are low in noise up to ISO 400. Flash shots are free from red-eye. Note that there is an extra large 3.0-in. LCD but no optical viewfinder (most Canon digital cameras usually soprts one) on the SD790 IS. Performance is good and the SD 790 IS / IXUS 90 IS is lightning quick to determine focus and exposure.
PhotographyBLOG recommends the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS [Specs]:
- 10.0MP, 1/2.3-in. CCD
- 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equiv.) with optical Image Stabilization
- 3.0-in. LCD (230K), no optical viewfinder
- AUTO, P, plus Scene Modes
- Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB, AF-Point Zoom, Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection Technology, Intelligent ISO, Auto ISO, Rotary Control Dial
- Movie 640x480 @ 30fps; Time Lapse Movie
- SD/SDHC memory card
"Feature-packed DSLR with a compelling price tag."
THE SONY ALPHA DSLR-A300 AIMS TO WIN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF A NEW GENERATION of amateur photographers. By implementing the best Live View implementation with lighting fast auto focus, which no other DSLR with Live View can claim, Sony reaches out to new photographers who are upgrading from P&S digicams and buying their first ever DSLR. It’s quick, quiet and offers uncompromised auto-focusing performance. The A300 handles very well, is a highly enjoyable camera to use in practice: it's easy to switch back and forth between the optical viewfinder and Live View; the large 2.7-in. LCD tilts, making it extremely functional for unusual angles. The A350 is a well-rounded package as an entry-level or Family DSLR.
Camera Labs highly recommends the Sony alpha DSLR-A300 [Specs] for the amateur photographer:
- 10.2MP, APS CCD with Sensor-shift Image Stabilization and Anti-Dust Technology
- Tiltable 2.7-in. (230K) 'Quick AF' Live Preview LCD monitor
- AUTO, PASM, plus Scene Modes
- Eye-Start Autofocus System
- RAW, RAW+JPEG
- B, 30-1/4000 sec.
- 3fps Continuous
- Lithium ion battery 740 shots per full charge
- CF Type I & II; optional adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards
"Raises the bar in the enthusiasts DSLR category."
THE NIKON D300 CAPTURES EXCELLENT IMAGE QUALITY with low noise up to ISO 400 and improved dynamic range that maintains detail in the highlights. The new viewfinder is a pleasure to use with 100% frame coverage and the extra large 3.0-in. LCD with its 922,000 dots resolution a joy to use. Shooting performance is very robust with an impressive continuous shooting at 6fps. All of this in an ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold body with a nice professional feel.
Steve's Digicams gives the Nikon D300 [Specs] their highest recommendation:
- 12.3MP, CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm
- Self-cleaning sensor unit
- 3.0-in. (920,000 dots) LCD monitor with Live View
- AUTO, PASM, plus Picture Control System
- 6fps Continuous Shooting
- Scene Recognition AF, AE, AWB
- Dynamic-area AF
- Active D-Lighting
- Large optical viewfinder
- CF I, II, Microdrive
THE CANON EOS REBEL XSi / 450D IS AN OUTSTANDING VALUE giving excellent image quality with improved high ISO capabilities. Noise is absent at ISO 100 and 200, barely detectable in shadow areas at ISO 400 and 800, and only noticeable in shadow areas at ISO 1600. Images are well exposed with natural color saturation, accurate white balance and portraits come out with very pleasant skin tones. Performance is impressive. A Display-Off sensor automatically turns the LCD monitor off whenever the camera is brought up to eye-level. The XSi is thoughtfully designed and the advanced ergonomics make it a pleasure to use.
Steve's Digicams highly recommends the Canon EOS XSi/450D [Specs]:
- 12.2MP, APS CMOS with Anti-Dust Technology
- 3.0-in. (230K) contrast-detect Live Preview LCD monitor
- AUTO, PASM, plus Scene Modes
- Auto Lighting Optimizer technology
- RAW, RAW+JPEG
- B, 30-1/4000 sec.
- 3.5fps Continuous
- Lithium ion battery 600 shots per full charge
- SD/SDHC memory cards
"Impressive build quality, speed of operation and overall ease of use."
THE CANON SD1100 IS PRODUCES GOOD QUALITY PHOTOS with well-saturated and vivid colours and flattering skin tones straight out of the camera. Noise is not a problem until ISO 400. The camera responds fast. There's an effective optical image stabilization and an optical viewfinder. The Canon SD1100 IS is stylish, ultra compact and comes in five colours.
PhotographyBLOG recommends the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS [Specs] as definitely worth a look for those looking for an easy-to-use point-and-shoot ultracompact digital camera:
- 8.0MP, 1/2.5-in. CCD
- 3x optical zoom (38-114mm equiv.) with optical Image Stabilization
- 2.5-in. LCD (230K)
- Optical Viewfinder
- AUTO, P, plus Scene Modes
- Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB, AF-Point Zoom, Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection Technology, Intelligent ISO, Auto ISO
- Movie 640x480 @ 30fps
- Available in Blue, Brown, Pink, Silver or Gold (colour variations may be different by country)
- SD/SDHC memory card
Here is an interesting article from The New York Times about how a new Kodak is slowly but surely rising from the ashes. Whether Kodak will once again play a pivotal role in cameras remain to be seen. But it is telling that the vision is to become "the World Bank of Imaging."
"Unique design, great for the contemplative photographer."
THE SIGMA DP1 HAS AN EXCELLENT 16MM WIDE-ANGLE LENS FOR LANDSCAPE AND SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHY. The 4.6MP Foveon sensor is uniquely constructed and RAW images from ISO 100 to 800 produce good quality 11x14-in. printed results. Its weakness is slow performance and below average handling and operations. If you can live with all of these, then the large APS sensor and excellent lens of the DP1 exceeds expectations of image quality.
Imaging Resource recommends the Sigma DP1 as a pocket companion for wide-angle photography:
- "14.1MP" (really 4.6MP), 20.7×13.8mm (0.8 inch×0.5 inch) FOVEON X3(R) Direct Image Sensor (CMOS)
- 28mm, 35mm equiv.
- 2.5-in. (230K) LCD monitor
- PASM
- JPEG, RAW
- Manual Focus, AF Area selection, , Hot Shoe
- Movie 320x240 @ 30fps
- SD/SDHC Memory Card
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THE SAMSUNG NEW VIEW NV40 IS FEATURE-RICH with a unique Smart Touch user interface which does away with the traditional menu system. Useful features includes Auto Exposure Bracketing, Auto Contrast Balance and a handy Self Portrait mode that lets you know that the camera has identified and locked focus on your face (see, you have the camera in your hand and arm is extended in front of you). Noise is pretty low at lowest ISOs of 80 and 100, and images are sharp straight out of the camera. The optical image stabilization works very well.
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THE SONY S750 IS HANDSOME, AFFORDABLE AND HAS GOOD SHUTTER RESPONSE TIMES. It is small, compact and easy to hold. It has a large 2.5-in. LCD. Noise is pretty high and colours may be too vibrant for some, limiting prints to 5x7 in. and for Web display only. A beginner or novice user will find the Sony S750 easy and straightforward to use to update a blog.
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THE SIGMA DP1 HAS AN EXCELLENT 16MM WIDE-ANGLE LENS FOR LANDSCAPE AND SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHY. The 4.6MP Foveon sensor is uniquely constructed and RAW images from ISO 100 to 800 produce good quality 11x14-in. printed results. Its weakness is slow performance and below average handling and operations. If you can live with all of these, then the large APS sensor and excellent lens of the DP1 exceeds expectations of image quality.
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