Nikon D60

Nikon D60
Originally uploaded by Rick Blythe.

The Nikon D60 SLR camera may not give you the timing that professional photographers do, but it is equipped with a feature that will help you to catch that perfect moment. The SLR camera will allow you to shoot continuously, for as much as three frames per second; thanks to its continuous frame shooting feature. No need to worry about poor lighting, because this camera is well equipped to shoot in the poorest lighting conditions, and still capture a well taken image. You are sure to get the best camera for your money, since this piece of equipment is made by a trusted name in cameras, Nikon, which has been at the top of the photography industry for years. Do not worry about dust damaging this camera. It is equipped with an anti-dust system, which eliminates dust. Best of all, the price is reasonable for the quality Nikon has to offer.


Say goodbye to amateur picture taking. Say goodbye to ordinary shots. Say hello to that elusive, perfect shot. The Nikon D60 SLR camera offers only picture perfect image capturing, which will not disappoint.

Nikon D300s Review

There is a new review of the Nikon D300s posted at CameraLabs.com

They’ve added HD video capabilities to the D300, which is a big yawn to me, the best new features are the quiet shooting mode and the addition of an SD memory slot.

Nikon D300s

“With the D300s, Nikon’s taken the already highly capable D300 and further enhanced it with a number of features – some expected, others less so. The inclusion of a movie mode was a predictable, although welcome upgrade, and the microphone input a very useful addition. The Virtual Horizon and Quiet mode are minor but handy gadgets, and we’re also pleased to find Live View now relocated from the Release dial to its own button, allowing you to easily select drive modes whether composing with the screen or viewfinder.
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One thing is for certain: Nikon no longer has the top-end cropped-frame DSLR market to itself. But regardless of how the 7D measures-up, the D300s will remain a superb photographic tool which is a joy to use, and ideal for the high-end enthusiast or pro wanting a backup body. It easily comes Highly Recommended, but unless you’re 100% committed to the Nikon system, be sure to compare very closely with the EOS 7D.”

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Nikon D3000 Reviews

The Nikon D3000 got a review today by the folks at DCResource. The D3000 is an entry level digital SLR from Nikon which, like the D40, D60 uses a CCD sensor and does not incorporate a focus motor. This limits lens choice somewhat.

The Nikon D3000

• 10.2-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor for prints up to 20 x 30 inches
• Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization lens
• 3.0-inch color LCD screen; 170-degree wide-angle viewing
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
• Nikon EXPEED image processing; in-camera image editing and Active D-Lighting

“The Nikon D3000 is an easy-to-use, compact digital SLR that won't break the bank. It offers very good photo quality, impressive point-and-shoot guides and help screens, responsive performance, full manual controls and, of course, the expandability that you come to expect from a D-SLR. There thing that separates the D3000 from more expensive D-SLRs is its lack of live view support. While live view can certainly be handy at times, I don't think that the vast majority of people will miss that feature. Nikon stripped out a few other features from the D3000, such as exposure or white balance bracketing, and they got a little cheap in the bundle department, but overall, the D3000 is a solid choice for those just entering the world of digital SLR photography.”

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DigitalCameraReview.com said this-

"For a great price like $600, the Nikon D3000 is an excellent value, especially if you are ready to move into more advanced photographic waters. Once you start acquiring the lenses, a few years down the road you can replace the body and still have the glass."

PHENOM II x3 710 Review

PHENOM II x3 710  Processo Overview
PHENOM II x3 710  Processor is  3 core processor from AMD.

The specifications of AMD Phenom II x3 710:


Socket Type : AM3
Manufacturing Process: 45nm
Base Clock: 200 MHz
Effective FSB: 4000 MHz
Frequency: 2.6GHz.
Number Cores: 3
Threads Per core: 1
L1 cache : 128 KB per core.
L2 cache: 512 KB per core
L3 cache: 6MB shared
TDP: 95W
Virtualization: Yes
Price of  AMD PHENOM II x3 710 in India is 4500Rs.

Nikon D5000 DSLR Review

Nikon D5000 Review

Nikon has impressed us yet again with a Well rounded consumer dSLR model. With excellent still image and video quality, class leading burst abilities, and loads of user-friendly exposure settings, the Nikon D5000 is sure to please most any photographer, whether this is your first SLR, or you're picking up a lighter backup unit. Following closely in the D90's foot steps, I suspect the D5000 will be a very popular model, and have no problem giving it our highest recommendation. With a street price of about US$800 for the D5000 & 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom- Nikkor lens kit, we feel this model offers and outstanding value for the level of performance, versatility, and features you are going to receive.

“It's the D5000's performance that really sets it apart from the entry level toys. It starts up almost instantly, and like all the best cameras it can take a picture within a fraction of a second of flicking the switch. In single-shot mode it can take pictures as fast as you can press the shutter button. In continuous shooting mode it can manage over 4fps in JPEG Fine mode, although it does start to slow down after approximately 30 shots. In Raw mode it's a fraction slower, and the buffer fills up after approximately 14 shots. The speed with which it empties again is very dependent on the speed of the memory card being used, although it doesn't appear to see class 10 cards as any faster than class 6.
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The Nikon D5000 is a well made and well equipped mid-level camera ideal for those upgrading from an entry-level DSLR and looking for more features. Performance and handling are excellent, autofocus is quick and reliable, and image quality is very good under most circumstances. Video mode has no AF and the monitor opens the wrong way, but other than that it's a good little camera.”

Read more about the Nikon D5000 12.3MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR Lenses and 2.7 inch Vari-angle LCD

Leica M9

I would love to get myself one of these for times I don’t want to carry around a heavy DSLR. I’m talking about the new M9 camera from Leica. The Leica M9 is the world's first digital system camera of its size to be built with a 24x36mm CCD sensor - developed specifically for the M9 - that is capable of perfectly capturing the full 35-mm format in ultra-high resolution.

 

PRESS SUMMARY

Concentrating on the essentials: maximum image quality
The history of 35-mm photography began almost 100 years ago with the legendary Ur-Leica. Today, it is the Leica M9, a landmark camera that carries the proud heritage of Leica M cameras into the digital age. The Leica M9 is the world's first digital system camera of its size to be built with a full-frame sensor - a CCD sensor developed specifically for the M9 - that is capable of perfectly capturing the full 35-mm format (24 × 36 mm) in ultra-high resolution. The new M9 - in the familiar, classic, and timeless M design, represents the quintessence of its predecessors based on the consummate technological level of our time. It is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standards in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value.

FULL - FRAME 24 x 36 MM CAPTURE WITHOUT ANY COMPROMISES
The combination of an extremely high-resolution sensor, high performance M lenses and careful processing of the digital picture data provides the best picture results under all conditions. The proprietary CCD sensor in the LEICA M9 with18 Million Pixels, allows the utilization of the full 35 mm format. The sensor of the M9 uses a newly developed cover glass to eliminate infrared light contamination and allows the utilization of existing Leica M lenses with out a loss of image quality. The use of external UV/IR filters is not required.

INTUITIVE CONTROLS
The simple handling and menus of the LEICA M9 allow the photographer to concentrate on taking pictures, not the controls. The key control element of the M9 is an intuitive four-way switch and dial combination used in conjunction with the 2.5-inch LCD monitor on the back. To set the ISO sensitivity, simply maintain light pressure on the ISO button while simultaneously turning the dial to select the required setting. All other functions important for everyday situations are quickly and easily accessible by pressing the set button: white balance, image-data compression, resolution, exposure correction, exposure bracketing, and programmable user profiles. The user profiles can be programmed with any combination of camera and shooting settings, stored under an assigned name, and accessed quickly whenever required for a particular situation.

COMPACT, ENDURING PERFORMANCE AND VALUE
It is hardly unusual that a Leica, once owned, becomes a lifelong companion. This also applies to the digital M9: In spite of the larger sensor size, the compact housing of the M8 and M8.2 was being retained. With exterior dimensions of 139 x 37 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.5 x 3.1 in) it maintains the ideal shape of the M camera and becomes the smallest full frame system camera in the world. Its closed, full-metal housing, crafted from a high-strength magnesium alloy, and its top deck and bottom plate machined from large blocks of brass, provide perfect protection for its precious inner mechanisms. The digital components and shutter assembly of the M9 are similarly constructed with endurance in mind. Free firmware updates ensure that the camera benefits from the latest technology. In short: The Leica M9 is an investment for a lifetime. The camera is available in classic black vulcanit finish or elegant steel grey with traditional fine leatherette finish.

 

Additional information on the Leica M9

Asus M4A79T-Deluxe Review

With Socket AM3 processors supporting DDR3 memory, motherboard manufacturing industry started to shift the focus from DDR2 to DDR3 memory based boards. Asus too is main focusing on AMD's socket AM3 processors. The Asus M4A79T-Deluxe motherboard chipset is based on the AMD 790FX northbridge.

Overall look: The Asus M4A79T-Deluxe motheboard is especially designed for performance rigs by supporting only the future next generation AMD SocketAM3 processors and DDR3 RAM.

Good For : Good layout, Quad CrossFireX multi- GPU support, high on feature-set.

Against: Price.

Specifications:

Chipset: AMD 790FX
FSB: 2.600 MHz
Processor support: Socket AM3
Memory support: 4*DDR3 1600MHz (16GB Max)
GPU: Multi GPU-ATI CrossFireX to Quad CrossFireX
Price: Rs:Around 12500
Warrenty: 3Years.

Sony A550 Preview

Sony's approach to the DSLR market has been an interesting one to watch - the first generation of the A2XX/3XX family was a three-camera assault on a market that most manufacturers had tried to address with a single model. Sony instead created three cameras that placed greater emphasis on attracting new users across from compact cameras (whether that be through price or what was, at the time, the

Sony announces A500 and A550 digital SLR cameras

Sony has two new SLRs coming out, the A500 and its brother the A550. These cameras are equipped with two Live View functions and a 3-inch LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up or down, and a new CMOS image sensor.

PRESS SUMMARY

Models Deliver Low-Light Performance, Exceptional Shooting Speed and In-Camera High Dynamic Range
Sony today introduced two α (alpha) DSLR cameras with a new generation of Exmor™ CMOS sensors and BIONZ™ image processors, which make it easy for active shooters to get the best shot and capture clearer images—without missing their favorite moments.
The α550 (14.2 megapixels) and α500 (12.3 megapixels) cameras provide excellent picture quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. A new generation of Sony® Exmor CMOS image sensors employ new low-noise processing for high-quality pictures. The BIONZ image processor has color-noise reduction that helps achieve low noise up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing fine detail.
“We are bringing performance of a higher class of cameras within the reach of a broader group of consumers,” said Mark Weir, senior manager of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “Not only do these cameras provide great value, but they also bring faster shooting speeds and new technologies like in-camera High Dynamic Range and new Live View features to mainstream photo enthusiasts.”

Fast Shooting Speeds
With its unique sensor-processor combination, the α550 camera is the first DSLR in its class with seven frames per second shooting speed for under $1,000. Using the optical viewfinder on both models, you can shoot up to five frames per second and up to four frames per second with Quick Auto Focus Live View. This helps you capture the decisive moment when shooting fast moving subjects like in sports.
In-Camera High Dynamic Range
These are Sony's first DSLR cameras that offer an in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature for capturing highlights and shadows, which processes the image within two seconds. Unlike HDR features in other DSLR cameras, Sony's unique positional interpolation technology can overcome slight changes in camera position and align individual shots so that a tripod is not required.
The feature handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes like looking out a window into bright daylight. The in-camera auto HDR technology combines the highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image.
Improved Live View
Because composing shots on the LCD monitor is becoming increasingly important to DSLR users, Sony has equipped these cameras with two Live View functions and a 3-inch (measured diagonally) LCD screen that tilts 90 degrees up or down. The α500 has a 230,000 pixel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen, and the α550 has a 921,000 pixel Xtra Fine LCD™ display.
Sony's Quick AF Live View uses two sensors to maintain the same focusing speed as with the optical viewfinder. While the speed of Quick AF Live View is ideal for every day shooting, Manual Focus Check Live View enables critical framing and magnification for setting precise manual focus in macro and tripod shooting. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100 percent framing in the LCD.
The Quick Auto Focus Live View has been developed with Face Detection technology to help you get the best shot by recognizing and adjusting for faces. It is the world's first Face Detection system to work with fast, high-precision “phase detection” Auto Focus. By tracking up to eight faces, this system can prioritize auto focus points on a face, and optimize exposure and white balance for beautiful portraits.
These are Sony's first DSLR cameras that include Smile ShutterTM technology in Live View, which takes the shot when your subject smiles. It works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments.
Image stabilization helps take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. Blur will also be reduced with every A-mount lens, including macro and wide aperture standard zoom lenses, with an effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops
To make the benefits of macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is making available at retail the DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL30M28) macro lens.  It captures intricate close-ups, which is difficult to achieve with standard lenses and is only compatible with APS-C format DSLRs.
Memory Cards
For higher capacity storage with greater connectivity and faster transfer speeds, the new DSLRs are compatible with Sony's newest 32GB Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ HX media. The HX series card is designed to deliver optimal read and write speeds for a growing number of products that require high-bandwidth memory in order to capture and store large data files.
Using the HX series media, Sony α (alpha) DSLR users can confidently enjoy advanced features such as continuous-shooting photography and realize higher transfer rates of large capacity files to their compatible PC (via supplied USB adapter).  For example with the α550 model, approximately 1500 14-megapixel photos shot in the JPEG+RAW mode can be transferred to a compatible PC in approximately 26 minutes (HX series media sold separately).
The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, HX series and SD/SDHC media (all sold separately).
Pricing and Availability
The α550 (model DSLR-A550) and α500 (model DSLR-A500), which come with the camera body only, will cost about $950 and $750 respectively. The α550L and α500L, which come with the camera body and 18-55 kit lens, will cost about $1050 and $850, respectively. The SAL30M28 macro lens will be available for about $200.

Continue reading… All about the new Sony full-frame A550 digital SLR

The new Canon G11 Digital Camera

PRESS SUMMARY

Canon today announces the launch of the PowerShot G11 digital compact camera, successor to the multi-award winning PowerShot G10, with a host of stunning new features.
Key innovations on the PowerShot G11 include a high-resolution vari-angle LCD screen and greatly improved noise reduction. Canon's new Dual Anti-Noise System combines a high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon's enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology to greatly reduce noise and increase quality equal to 2-stops. The Dual Anti-Noise System allows photographers to capture full resolution images - using up to ISO 3200 - in difficult low-light conditions. This makes it easier than ever to take stunning low-light portraits or retain the ambient light detail with late-night landscapes. Motion blur can also be substantially reduced.
Flexible shooting options with vari-angle LCD
The PowerShot G11 introduces enhanced flexibility with a new 2.8-inch vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD – a feature introduced as a direct result of customer feedback. The adaptable screen makes the PowerShot G11 ideal for shooting in all situations, such as reportage photography where using the optical viewfinder may not be practical. Perfect for creative and macro photography, the vari-angle lens has a wide viewing angle and 461k dot resolution with natural colour accuracy, giving photographers a detailed view of their subjects - both pre and post-shoot.
The premium quality Canon lens delivers picture-perfect performance, offering a 5x wide angle (28mm) zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (IS). This allows handheld shots to be taken at much slower shutter speeds (4-stops) than conventional non-IS models - allowing perfect shooting in darker conditions or at a lower ISO.
DIGIC 4 - enhanced, improved, expanded
Professional photographers and budding amateurs alike will benefit from improvements to Canon's DIGIC 4 image processing technology within the PowerShot G11.
These improvements include enhancements to Intelligent Contrast Correction technology - i-Contrast - which optimises the dynamic range of images, to help prevent highlight blowout, while retaining low-light detail. i-Contrast is ideal for use in difficult lighting situations where there is a wide disparity between dark and bright areas of a scene, as can be the case with outdoor portraits. A new Low Light mode can be used to achieve low noise levels at reduced resolution in a higher ISO range - ideal for indoor and low-light photography, users can capture 2.5 Megapixel images at up to ISO 12800 and 2.4 frames per second.
The PowerShot G11 also includes a built-in 3-stop Neutral Density (ND) filter and white balance fine control which enables photographers to more accurately account for variations in natural and artificial light, such as differences in colour tone across various kinds of tungsten light bulbs. The ability to make such fine adjustments in-camera can cut processing time post-shoot – while enabling photographers to be more creative in the field.
Smart Auto Mode – now even smarter
DIGIC 4 now includes an enhanced version of Canon's Smart Auto Mode with Scene Detection Technology. The PowerShot G11 will automatically analyse and compare the scene to 22 types of scene, applying the best settings for optimum output – a great asset to those who love to point-and-shoot without worrying about the technical details. Smart Auto now also detects the movement of people in a scene, activating Servo AF/AE to ensure that focus and exposure are locked onto that subject. Photographers can also take advantage of Quick Shot – a shooting method that cuts shutter lag by using the optical viewfinder for focus and framing.
Great features for professional results
Whether amateur or professional, the PowerShot G11 offers an exceptional range of features and accessories for expanding a photographer's shooting opportunities. The digital compact includes the ability to shoot in RAW format and is compatible with Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, ensuring that photo shoots can be easily integrated into a photographer's workflow.
The PowerShot G11 can also be used with a wide range of Canon accessories, including the Speedlite 270EX, 430EX II and 580EX II; Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX flashes for enhanced shooting options; the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite Bracket and Remote Switch RS-60E3. Underwater photographers can even team the PowerShot G11 with the specially designed Waterproof Case WP-DC34 - an underwater housing allowing full control of the camera at depths of up to 40m. The PowerShot G11 includes an HDMI port so users can share their images with friends and family using a compatible TV or display with an optional HDMI cable.
Owners of the PowerShot G11 are entitled to free membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online photo sharing service. Users can take advantage of great new features like the increase in storage capacity to 2GB in October, allowing the upload and sharing of hundreds of high-quality images. Friends and family can also enjoy viewing your online photo albums from their mobile phones with the new mobile phone browsing feature. In addition, owners of Canon PIXMA inkjet printers can now create, share and print images from their photo album using the new PIXMA Album Printing feature. CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is the ideal site for Canon users to share high-quality and memorable photos and video with family and friends.

Additional information: All about the new Canon PowerShot G11 digital camera

The new Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR

Canon has gone and unveiled the EOS 7D digital SLR camera, incorporating a new 18Mp APS-C CMOS Sensor, dual "DIGIC 4" processors, and an ISO range up to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second.

“The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon's new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.”

The Canon EOS 7D's AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:

• Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.
• AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.
• Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional information: All about the new Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera.