Samsung NX10 Camera Review

The new Samsung NX10 is a camera with interchangeable lenses, no mirror reflex, but with an electronic viewfinder. Therefore it incorporates the outline of the Panasonic G1 and GH1, preserving the appearance of a reflex, albeit with a bodiless option and with the electronic viewfinder in the center, above the screen and with a shape similar to the upper cap with a pentaprism SLR. The size of the sensor is APS, however, and larger than the micro 4 / 3.

The NX10 is therefore the first of a new class of cameras with a sensor size equal to that of mid-range SLR (APS), without reflex.

Samsung NX10 main features are:

- APS size CMOS sensor (23.4 × 15.6 mm) from 14.6 MP

- Ability to shoot at 3:2 and 16:9

- Samsung 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens for Samsung NX10

- Electronic viewfinder, no mirror, with VGA resolution (640 × 480) 920,000 pixels, zoom 0.86 x (0.57 x actual)

- Active Matrix screen technology, OLED (AMOLED) and 614,000 pixels (offers better contrast and brightness)

- Contrast Detection autofocus (on sensor) with 15 normal and 35 AF points for the macro as face detection and manual focus

- Automatic exposure, a lot more priority and manual preset scene modes

- Shutter speeds from 30 sec to 1 / 4000 plus Bulb

- Sensitivity from 100 to 3200 ISO

- Speed gust of 3 fg/s

- Built-in Flash more sleigh Hot

- Video capture mode HD 720p (1280 × 720) to 30 fg/s with MP4 (H.264) and audio mono

- SD memory card / SDHC

- Lithium-Ion Battery 1300 mAh by BP1310

- Dimensions 123 × 87 × 39.8mm

- Weight 353 g

The NX10 will be available in May at a price $699.99.

In addition to the camera body were clearly covered and lenses.

The new Samsung NX10 lens is Samsung 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27.7-84.7mm) * 3X optical zoom built-in optical image stabilization.

The new Samsung is an innovative camera that, while following the pattern already suggested by Panasonic offers the novelty of an APS-size sensor in a compact body with an interchangeable lens and electronic viewfinder. But Samsung has not played the theme to the end, perhaps to avoid risking a negative reaction by the market, having no such tradition of Olympus. Indeed the size of the NX10 are similar to those of some real SLR like the Olympus E-420 (130 × 91x53, 426 g), Pentax Kx (123 × 92x68, 580g), being only flatter. This does not make it to paperback and combined footprint of the lens does not make much of a transportable reflex. Compared to the Panasonic lacks GH1 then just swivel the screen very handy for shooting video. In return the size of its ODA by 14.6 megapixel sensor should provide the higher resolution and greater noise reduction.

Samsung did a short first interesting attempt in the right direction, but if he wants to succeed must go further and produce an APS camera with interchangeable lens and almost pocket, in the wake of the PEN Olympus and Panasonic GF1.

Fujifilm FinePix HS20 16 MP Digital Camera Review

The FinePix HS20 digital camera is built with a high speed processor that help it take high speed shots and also make very good quality HD movies. It also has an EXR-CMOS sensor to help detect moving objects and take photo in a very dim area.
The processor also gave the benefit of improving the menu, this menu helps the user scroll through the different settings, enabling advanced user or giving a simple sectioned menu for the novice user.
The FinePix HS20 digital camera can cache an amazing 27 scenes, keeping the best shots for you automatically, this depending on the configuration you selected. Three manual settings gives you the option to customize your pictures accurately from high resolution priority, low noise priority to Dynamic Range, this mode enables you to combine two images in one scene.
The amazing EXR processor and precise sensor can take very cool pictures at 3, 5, 8 and 11 frames per second with an auto focus of 0.16 seconds. The camera has a resolution of 16 megapixels and a zoom of 30X that can cover a wide range equivalent to a 35mm.
You can also compile very good quality digital movies that can capture at 320 frames per second and 1080 full HD quality that can be easily viewed on your television set using a HDMI cable.
A feature that we like was the face detection technology that can recognize up to 10 faces from any angle and then register 8 faces in the camera with name and date of birth, you can then find a picture with that person in it using the camera's face recognition software. Too bad it's only good for 8 people. The fact that the Digital Camera needs 4 AA batteries was also a minor setback for us, preferring a rechargeable battery pack.
All in all this is a great digital camera to have if you're looking to take high speed quality pictures or movies.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 AVCHD Lite digital camera review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7, developed by Panasonic Inc. is a digital camera with 25mm Ultra Wide-angle Powerful 12x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens Featuring Intelligent Resolution Technology and Built-in GPS. And its main features is as following.
*Ultra Compact 25mm Lens and 16X Intelligent Zoom
Easily bring your images closer without losing picture quality in an ultra compact camera
The powerful zoom of the DMC-ZS7 can be freely controlled even when shooting motion images. Inheriting the fine rendering and outstanding quality of the LEICA ELMAR lens, this easy-to-carry camera delivers beautiful images any time, any place.
* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
*16x Intelligent Zoom / 23.4x Extra Optical Zoom
*AVCHD Lite HD Movie Recording
1. AVCHD:record 1920 x 1080 videos at 60i
smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies at 60p in AVCHD. For those looking for  2. better compatibility with computers:
2. record HD Motion JPEG(QuickTime Motion JPEG) in 1280 x 720 pix
VGA: 320 x 240, 30fps [4:3]
VGA: 640 x 480, 30fps [4:3]
WVGA:  848 x 480, 30fps [16:9]
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 has four model: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7K(Black), Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7A(Blue), Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7R（Red）, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7S(silver).
PS: AVCHD Lite is a variant of AVCHD format, with HD-recording limited to 720p/30. The first AVCHD Lite HD movie recording digital cameras: Panasonic DMC-ZS3, Panasonic DMC-FT1, Panasonic DMC-TZ7 digital cameras are annouced in January 2009. And More AVCHD Lite digital camers are Panasonic Lumix GF1 Micro Four Thirds,Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35/38, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10, Panasonic Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75, Panasonic Panasonic LX5, Panasonic LEICA D-LUX 5, Panasonic LEICA V-LUX 2, besides Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 which is introduced above.
Mac Lumix AVCHD Lite Converter can convert Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 AVCHD Video to MOV, MP4 on Mac. Lumix DMC-ZS7 video Converter for mac also can convert and import Lumix DMC-ZS7 to Mac OS and edit Lumix DMC-ZS7 video in iMovie, FCP.
Doremisoft Panasonic Lumix AVCHD Lite Converter is a powerful video converter that can easily convert Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 AVCHD files to all kinds of popular standard video formats and HD formats for all sorts of players including iPhone, iPad, iPod, Gphone, PSP, BlackBerry etc. and for applications such as Windows Media Player, WinDVD, Windows movie maker, iTunes, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere etc

Mac Lumix AVCHD Lite Converter can convert Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 AVCHD Video to MOV, MP4 on Mac. Lumix DMC-ZS7 video Converter for mac also can convert and import Lumix DMC-ZS7 to Mac OS and edit Lumix DMC-ZS7 video in iMovie, FCP.

Review of the Canon Wide Angle Lens - The EF-S 10-22mm F three.5-4.5 USM

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com:80/technology-articles/review-of-the-canon-wide-angle-lens-the-ef-s-10-22mm-f-three5-45-usm-3737452.html

Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-format CMOS Digital SLR Camera Review

The new D700 digital SLR camera, the one-effective megapixel Nikon FX sensor twelve.1-frame, the winds three.9 x 36mm, this type of image the size of 35mm is to include measures. the best of Nikon's legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers all the qualified and experienced photographers stunning image quality, accurate color replication and revolutionary low light performance. Building on the success of the Nikon D3 D-SLR camera trained, the D700Professional services and intensive series of options and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to Nikon's original FX-format CMOS sensor, has the Nikon D700 EXPEED image processing system, Nikon's renowned 51-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that photographers point, a Approval of the camera test with three-inch high resolution LCD monitor. The Nikon D700 along with identification of the reasons thin optionsReplacement system and an active system for reducing sludge.
Nikon's flagship FX and DX format cameras, the D3 and D300 and has set new standards for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new life with exceptional image quality, broad tonal range and vary the depth, and extremely low noise throughout its native ISO of two hundred in 6400. Nikon D700 Digital SLR Highlights The legendary Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor The D700twelve.1 megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality may vary throughout the ISO pending. pixel size of an oversized eight.45 for permits to a very low signal noise ratio and good dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 battery grip) shoot and quickly write image information onCompactFlash card.
The D700 offers a flexible base ISO 200-6400 range, but varies in accordance with ISO cent (Lo-1) by 2005, 600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the confidence found in the broadest form of light to shoot the bright midday sun to dim interiors. The images to the point of making it impossible, though not as advanced lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now easily and reliably recorded with the D700,Leave the prospects for recovery of new and different. together with the new D700, the first self-cleaning system for the Nikon FX-format sensor is developed. Using four different vibration frequencies, the D700 free sludge particles degrading the image sensor of the optical low-pass filter at startup, shutdown or on demand. As a further result, the mirror box and entire shutter mechanism of materials, manufacturing debris that can affect the image of purity is designed to resist.

Canon EOS Rebel T2I 18 MP Cmos aAPS-C Digital SLR Camera With 3.0-inch LCD Review

The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS Rebel T2i brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that's a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it's ready to go the minute it's picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon's brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it's simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created.
EOS Rebel T2i Highlights
18.0-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor
The EOS Rebel T2i has an 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor that captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers more than enough resolution for big enlargements or crops. This first-class sensor features many of the same new technologies as used by professional Canon cameras to maximize each pixel's light-gathering efficiency. Its APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view (compared to 35mm format).
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
The Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor dramatically speeds up the entire EOS Rebel T2i's camera operations for intuitive operation and offers improvements in both fine detail and natural color reproduction. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel T2i's CMOS Image Sensor to achieve phenomenal levels of performance in nearly any situation.

Capture stunning shots in low light.
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light
The EOS Rebel T2i features an expanded ISO range that makes shooting possible in situations previously unthinkable without flash. With an ISO rating up to 6400 (expandable to ISO 12800), along with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor's improved noise-reduction technology, creative possibilities abound. Combine the EOS Rebel T2i with one of Canon's EF or EF-S lenses with Optical Image Stabilizer and the shooting possibilities for both movies and stills expand even further.
Improved EOS Movie mode with manual exposure control
Designed for the evolving, tech-savvy user, the EOS Rebel T2i features HD Video capture technologies--manual exposure control for more creative control, for example--borrowed directly from professional Canon SLRs to capture stellar video with all the benefits of shooting with an SLR. By shooting video with the EOS Rebel T2i, photographers as well as filmmakers can take advantage of the creative features native to SLR cameras. Along with its manual controls, the EOS Rebel T2i allows for full use of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including Macro and Fisheye, providing a plethora of shooting options once reserved only for still photography. The resulting HD video is a standout in its beautiful depth-of-field characteristics and remarkable capture capability under poor lighting conditions. In a first for EOS cameras, a Movie Crop function is included: An SD-quality movie (640 x 480) can be cropped to the equivalent of about 7x magnification of regular shooting.

Canon Powershot SX20IS Review

The Canon PowerShot SX20IS is an awesome & great camera!
I got the SX20IS last month, since I've always had great experience with Canon cameras in the past, and I simply love it so far.
The image quality is great, and the camera gives me some great pictures.
Technical Highlights.
The PowerShot SX20 IS comes with an ultra-powerful zoom, eye-popping resolution and advanced picture-improving technology.
12.1 megapixels of resolution gives your photography incomparable depth and ensures that any section of any shot can be enlarged and cropped with no loss in quality when you edit the image even if you choose to print the image.
The Camera is equipped with a 20x Optical Zoom lens with a focal length of 5.0-100mm (35mm equivalent: 28-560mm) that allows you to shoot any scene from wide-angle to telephoto.
It also has a high-powered 20x wide-angle optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, 12.1 megapixels, a big 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD, Blink Detection and more.

You will also get access to Canons Optical Image Stabilizer Technology that automatically detects and corrects camera shake, one of the leading causes of fuzzy or blurred shots.
Enjoy Superb HD Movies.
The camera can also produce magnificent HD movies and dazzling photos, which is one of the real highlights.
So if you dream about createing superb movies, the PowerShot SX20 IS lets you record video in beautiful high definition (1280 x 720 pixels).
You can also enjoy your HD movies and still photos on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI connector for direct connection to a high-definition monitor.

Why Should I Get the Canon Powershot SX20IS?
This camera can be a great choice for anyone who wants the ease of a point and shoot camera with the features of an SLR.
The wide-to-zoom feature is great, it takes very good pictures and takes excellent video as well. The Optical Zoom delivers outstanding shots and clarity as well.
You can even take pictures while filming, and you can simply press the video button in the back to start taking video even if you're in a picture-taking setting - very nice feature.
So if you are looking for a great camera that provides you with some excellent pictures and a wonderful HD movie quality, try the Canon Powershot SX20IS!

Leica D-Lux 5 Review

As a photographer, you are familiar with the physical demands of standing or walking for long periods of time with heavy equipment. It's all part of the job that you love. But if you are looking for a compact camera that still gives you superior image quality, the Leica D-LUX 5 is your answer. This innovative camera is amazingly versatile and offers exceptionally fast image processing. Uninhibited by heavy equipment, you will capture the most spontaneous, fleeting moments for excellence in creative photography on the go.

Cameras of Kilimanjaro - Book Review

Cameras of Kilimanjaro is a 104 page hard back book containing a collection of photos taken by the porters and guides who work on Kilimanjaro.   The fact that the photos have been taken by the people who earn a living on the mountain makes this book very different from other publications.  Photographs of Kilimanjaro usually depict a tourist triumphantly standing on the top of Africa or some beautiful scene looking out over the cloud base to the Indian Ocean, but this book is a lot more personal and gives a great photographic insight into the lives of those who work on the mountain.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once in a lifetime experience, and it's not as expensive as you might think.  Visit Lava Expeditions for a quote on your climb Kilimanjaro costs - you may well be on your way to the top of the world!

 

Proud Photography Interactive Online Course Review

The Proud photography online interactive course is simply one of the best online photography courses available today. The reason for this statement is that the proud photography course has been designed by professional photographers and trainers keeping in mind the requirements and aspirations of the amateur photographers.

After enrolling for the course, you will be made to go through their extensive and specialized lessons, actively take part in quizzes, competitions and receive useful homework assignments which will enable you to enhance your photography skills as you move through the course. You can also send your photographs to proud photography tutors to receive constructive and helpful critiques which will help you enhance your skills. The best thing about the proud photography online course is that your progresses will be monitored by a personal tutor very closely, which means it is actually an interactive course.

Also after you are enrolled into the course, you do not need to meet any deadlines because you are free to work at your own desired pace this means you won't be slowed down by any other student or will not be pressurized to compete with others who are working at a comparatively faster pace. Be it weekends or weekdays, proud photography works on all days, which implies that you can work according to your own convenience.

You don't require any special and expensive camera or high level of skill to enroll for this online course. You can use your 35mm Camera which uses a film or a simple digital camera for taking photographs because the techniques which you will be taught are important and not the type of camera you are using. These techniques which will be taught to you can also be applied to any type of camera you own.

It does not matters if you are an experienced photographer, amateur or just a beginner. You can enroll for the proud photography online interactive course for excellent results.

Canon Digital Camera EOS Vs ELPH Models Review

The brand "Canon" has been a synonym for digital camera for the past decades or so. All cameras that Canon produces manufactured can be classified into one of these 3 production lines; the ELPH models, the EOS models and the infamous PowerShot models. Canon has designed over sixty different models for each line.

EOS models are by far the most dominant among all, both sales and production of cameras from this line out number all the models. The secret of EOS models success lies in the technology which is used to make them. As the matter of fact, the latest Canon EOS camera named 1D Mark III Part 2 has received consumers' feedback as being the current best Canon camera in the world. When one uses this camera the cutting edge technology is immediately apparent, the images it produces are crisps, crystal clear and sharper than ever. If you need a camera that can capture all details of natural tones without much future editing, then this is the camera that you should have.

Both beginners and professionals alike, Canon cameras are very suitable and user friendly. Take PowerShot cameras for example, even though they are known as cameras that are designed for non professional photographers or beginners, they offer yet all sorts of features that allow a person to take high quality pictures comparable to those produced by fancier models. The PowerShot cameras are mostly owned by people that are not too much into photography but need a camera at hand to capture a moment or two, and the reason being, Powershot cameras are easily affordable and weigh no more than average mobile phones.

The ELPH models are basically Powershot cameras that have a few extra features added, for example image capturing modes and presets. In other words this group of PowerShot models can perform like SLR cameras, but still retain its convenience, size and simplicity. But of course along all lines of Canon cameras, ELPH models still cannot beat EOS models in terms of image quality it produces, EOS boast many elite features that only professional photographers appreciate.

EOS Canon digital camera series being design to suite the fussiness of professional photographers, has few SLR models to offer. But do not be scared to own this camera if you are a beginner, because it doesn't really matter whether you are only starting to shoot photograph or a trained professional, these cameras have the potential to provide high quality images. The EOS SLRs include the Mark's and the Rebels, which are super digital cameras juiced up with more loads of professional features and even image built-in processing programs. For those who are fond of snapping speed, the 35mm SLR models are most preferable.

The only downside of Canon EOS SLR and 35mm SLR models are perhaps their size, they are much larger than the PowerShot and PowerShot- ELPH models. So, if you need a camera that fits into your pocket or handbag, you may want to reconsider buying EOS. But if you are passionate about photography, then EOS should be your ultimate choice. With the EOS SLR 35mm and average SLR cameras, you can fit different lens pieces to for a particular type of photography, be it telephoto, wide angle and the standard zoom and what have you, Canon offers a full array of add on lenses each with its own unique set of capabilities.

Of course Canon digital cameras are good, since it is a well established brand that everyone trusts. So, if you are interested in owning one, we would like to encourage you to do so. Maybe they are not the cheapest cameras around, but for the quality that it offer and good warranty programs it is a price worth paying. Buying a Canon camera means you are investing your money!

Canon PowerShot SD1400IS Review

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The natural and attractive pictures are supported with Purecolor II screen that reflects the livelier pictures. This Purecolor II also gives other advantages for you such as more enhanced visibility and features a special glass layer for better look under the bright sunlight.

This digital camera is likely designed both for beginners and professionals. Beginners will find it easy in operating the camera because it has a smart automatic setting. Automatic setting is able to access the correct scene. It also has the ability to perform intelligent exposure and motion detection technology so you can focus totally on composure. However, if you are a professional photographer and take a serious touch in photography, this camera allows you to customize the features such as shutter speed, white balance, exposure compensation, and ISO sensitivity.

Furthermore, Powershot SD1400IS is equipped with a genuine Canon 35mm equivalent lens. An image stabilizer is also another valuable part included. When you are about to shot a far away object, the camera supports 4x optical zoom to help you get clearer images. The wide aperture is also offering you the full range cover of the shots. The unique capability of Smart Shutter technology is presented through smiles, winks, and blinks detector. Also, the more enhanced face recognition technology is able to identify more than thirty five faces at one time shot.

Moreover, Powershot SD1400IS supported a 14.1 megapixels sensor. The Canon DIGIC system enables you to have a fast focus that will give a quick response from the shutter to shoot a moving object. With these specifications, Powershot SD1400IS can produce the clear picture up to 4320x3240 millimeters in size. Speaking of the camera's flash, it has the ability to adjust and sense the amount of light needed. When you take pictures at the dark room or at night, the flash will reduce glare and unnatural colors.

Powershot SD1400IS also presents the video recording utility. This camera has a large video capacity so you can make your own high quality HD video clips with more than an hour in length. The recording rate is 30 frames per second. To transfer the video to external monitor, an HDMI connection is provided. In addition, Canon Powershot SD1400IS is seriously designed as a high quality product. The high quality it presents will suit those who like traveling. Moreover, you will receive a waterproof case for protection in the package. This waterproof case is able to be used in 40 meter of underwater depth.

Digital Camera Review- 7MP Compacts

Last week we went on a hike up one of the local trails in Lake Tahoe. I left the SLR at home and brought my compact digital camera along. Half way up the mountain we encountered a bear. I got the camera out and captured a couple of photos before he ran off into the woods.

When I got home, I zoomed in and cropped the picture but the image turned out too pixelated. My 2 year old digicam didn't have enough pixels to go around. The higher your cameras resolution, the more flexibility you have later editing your image. So now I've been shopping for a new compact digicam with at least 7 mega pixels. Here are my 5 top picks.

1) Casio Exilim EP-Z750 Digital Camera Review

The 7.2MP EP-Z750 is the smallest, lightest and thinnest camera in the group. It doesn't look big enough to have 7.2 mega pixels but it does! The back of the camera is almost all LCD screen, 2.5" worth, it's extra large, ideal for composing and viewing your shots. It has a 3x zoom with anti-shake and 30 scene modes compared to the usual 8 or 12 on most digicams, plus you can make up your own too. Being this small you would figure that there couldn't possibly be any manual controls, but you'd be wrong. The EP-Z750 has aperture, shutter priority and full manual settings which are all quick and easy to navigate. You get the hang of it real quickly. The quality of the photos you take with the Casio Exilim are surprisingly excellent with dynamic colors. The Casio Exilim Ep-Z750 view finder is quite small, thank you for the big LCD screen. It's got a quality 640x480 movie mode at 30 frames per second. Weight 4.5 oz.

2) Nikon Coolpix 7900 Digital Camera Review

The 7.1MP Coolpix 7900 is small, light and easy to use and like the Casio camera reviewed above, can be considered an ultra compact. It's large, bright 2" LCD display is perfectly visible outdoors in the sun. Unlike the Casio, it has a bulge where the battery goes forming a grip which makes it easy to hold. But that adds to its overall thickness. The Nikon Coolpix 7900 has a 3x optical zoom, a large battery capacity for taking hundreds of pictures, and a good flash. 640x480 movies at a full 30fps and Nikon's new Face Priority autofocus will automatically detect a face in the portrait and focus on it. The Coolpix has D-Lighting that lightens the dark areas. Somehow they also found room to squeeze in vibration reduction. The Nikon 7900 uses scene modes and there's one for almost every occasion, they're easy to use and work very well. The 7900 doesn't have manual control. The Nikon Coolpix 7900 is a small easy to use point and shoot camera with high-resolution. Weight 5.3oz

3) Canon PowerShot SD550 Digital Camera Review

The 7.1MP SD550 is an attractive, lightweight, thin, ultra-compact unit with an extra large 2.5" LCD screen and optical viewfinder. It uses 13 shooting modes including auto and manual. The PowerShot has a 3x zoom, equivalent to 37-111mm. This camera is fast! Shooting 2 photos per second till you use up all your memory. The speed of the auto focus is also significantly improved over earlier ELPH's. Canon has put the new DIGIC II Processor in and its images are excellent. The movie mode is 640x480 at a nice 30 frames per second. Of course it's PictBridge compatible and has a good flash. This is a solid performer with point and shoot ease. The Canon SD500, the SC550's sibling is the same camera for $50 less with a 2" LCD screen. Weight 6.08oz.

4) Olympus C-7000 Zoom Digital Camera Review

The 7.1MP, C-7000 is a very good looking compact digital camera with solid performance. Zoom is in the name, because this beauty has a 5x optical zoom, and a 6x digital zoom with the 35mm camera equivalency of a 39mm-190mm lens. This makes getting candid people shots easier, you don't need to get as close to your subject, just use your zoom to get in. The Olympus C-7000 Zoom has a large 2" LCD that is excellent even outside. You're not going to make a feature length movie with it however, because it takes 20 second clips at 30fps. The pop-up flash works good and easy to read menus make the C-7000 fairly easy to navigate. It has the new Olympus TruePic Turbo Image Processor for fast cycle times and excellent details. The C-7000 Zoom has 11 shooting modes plus manual operation. It's PictBridge Compatible for easy printing without a computer. This little Oly is tough to beat with it's powerful zoom, small size and high resolution. Weight 7.07oz

5) Sony CyberShot DSC-W7 Digital Camera Review

The 7.2 MP DSC-W7 is bigger than the ultra compact Casio Exilim its considered a compact digital camera. In traditional Sony style, this small camera is well thought out and easy to use everyday. Its got a viewfinder and a really big 2.5" LCD display that's nice for viewing and composing your shots. The 3x optical zoom lens is a Carl Zeiss equivalent to a 28-114mm lens. No expensive batteries to buy ever, it comes with 2 AA rechargeable batteries. The Sony CyberShot has an extremely quick start up time and fast recycle time. The DSC-W7 uses the memory stick format and has a an internal memory of 32MB. A manual mode with aperture and shutter speed controls with a photo exposure preview. Your also hooked up with an excellent movie mode with good sound just what you'd expect from Sony. The Sony CyberShot DSC-W7 is a very nice camera that takes good hi-resolution pictures and is easy to use. Weight 6.90 0z.

You will notice that I haven't put any prices here, because they seem to change by the day. Check our site for up-to-date price comparisons. Even pros have circumstances when a compact digicam is appropriate. These digicams are for everybody. Make your choice based on features that fit your shooting style. You will love the photos from all the cameras here. Spend the little bit extra on a 7MP camera and always use the highest resolution setting your camera has, because every picture you take is worth more than money.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550 offers something a little different to other small, compact digital cameras. The basic features are a 12 megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens, but these do not really tell much of the story.

Starting with the lens it has one of the widest angles available on a camera of this size. The wide angle focal length is equivalent to 25mm in 35mm format. This may not mean a lot to you, but the important thing to know is that the lens will pack more width into a photo than most cameras manage. This comes in handy for sweeping landscapes, groups of people, interiors etc. Another zoom related feature is a small button on the top of the Lumix DMC FX550 marked E.Zoom. If you press this the camera immediately zooms into to maximum zoom.

As is becoming more commonplace additional zoom becomes available when shooting at lower resolutions. 12 megapixels is certainly overkill if all you want to do is create snapshot size photos, so you do not lose very much by shooting at fewer megapixels. If you reduce the amount of pixels to 5 megapixels the amount of zoom available increases to 7.8x. Decrease the megapixels to 3 megapixels which should still be enough for snapshot sized prints and you have 9.8x zoom at your fingertips.

The LCD screen is large at 3 inches. I also found the screen easy to see in bright light. Some of the features such as the shooting mode are selected by touching the screen. In my view Panasonic give you the best of both worlds. Although you use touch to select modes such as movie mode or scene mode other selections are made through a more traditional menu interface. I find this speeds the process up.

The menus run to five screens and there are a similar number in the setup menu too. This gives you an idea of the number of controls available to you. Panasonic have set up some of the most important features on a separate menu. This is accessible through a button on the back of the Lumix DMC FX550. This helps with ease of use and also speed, but as you can imagine it will take a while to get used to all the features and take full advantage of what the Lumix DMC FX550 has to offer.

For anyone looking to shoot movie clips you will be pleased to know the camera is able to shoot High Definition movie clips.

If you like the idea of taking a bit more control over the way your photos will look there is a manual exposure mode available to you. This lets you control the shutter speed and aperture. I like the fact that the shutter sped and aperture size are touch controlled through the LCD screen.  

Other features include image stabilization, the ability to select auto focus and exposure points through touch, aspect ratios ideal for 6 x 4 inch prints, wide screen TV playback and 6 x 4 inch prints, five auto focus modes, face recognition and a burst mode to fire off consecutive shots quickly. You can also adjust settings for contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction. As you can see Panasonic has covered just about all the basis with the Lumix DMC FX550.

When it comes to picture quality the camera will not let you down either. I found very few issues outside of the few typical niggles here and there.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550 is a digital camera that goes the extra mile compared with just about every other compact digital camera on the market. It is well worth taking a close look at this model before you decide what camera to buy.

Andy writes and reviews digital cameras for Cameras.co.uk. See his test shots and ratings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550

Nikon Speedlights SB800 & SB600 Product Review

As a professional photographer I have been using Nikon Speedlights for about 10 years now. Previously, that is before I switched to all digital, I used a Bronica Medium format film camera and Sunpak, "potato-masher" type flash for editorial and wedding assignments.

Since I switched to all digital in 2000, I have used Nikon DSLRs and the Nikon Speedilights, SB800 and SB600. These are both rugged little flash units with plenty of power.

The SB800 is slightly more powerful than the SB600 with a guide number of 125 at ISO 100 versus 118 for the SB600. However the guide numbers do vary with the degree of zoom used. I get F8 out of my SB800 at 10 feet and ISO 100 with the zoom set to 50mm at full power. When I add the SB600 at half power, I get F9.

The SB800 and SB600 are very nearly the same size and weight at 2.8x5.1x3.7 inches and 350grams for the SB800, and 2.7x4.9x3.5 inches and 300 grams for the SB600. And they both have nearly all the same features and controls.

Since I specialize in portrait photography, I use the Speedlights when working on location. I really appreciate the light weight and small size of the units, as every ounce counts when carrying a full gear bag along a stretch of beach for a half mile, or hiking up a mountain trail to get to the locations!

What I really like about these flash units is the way they have a built in diffusion/ zoom system. As all pro photographers know, the smaller the light source, the harsher the light and harder the shadows. However with these little buggers, using the SB800 as my key light, and the SB600 for fill, I am able to replicate the same look as I get in my studio using a 30x40 inch softbox on my key light and a 4'x6.5' scrim in front of my fill light!

Generally I'll zoom the SB800 to 50mm, and set the SB600 to 24 or 35mm. The result is a beautiful soft light with gentle transitions from highlights to shadows. Well, actually they do create specular highlights on noses and cheeks, but with just a little air brush in Photoshop, the effect is beautiful, soft lighting.

I'm an "old school" photographer, and like to control my equipment myself rather than let the programs in the equipment control exposure, so I operate everything in manual mode. However, the Nikon Speedlights have a built in remote trigger system that also sees the light output and makes adjustments. This feature is called the Creative Lighting System, or CLS.

Reading the manuals and attempting to use the CLS was not as successful for me as I would have liked. I have been unable to figure out how to use the CLS with the flash units in manual so I can control the output, even though I pair the lights with Nikon cameras. However, there are others who tell me they have been able to do just that.

My biggest complaint about the CLS is that it is an inferred based system, and therefore the 'slave' flash(es) must see the inferred beam coming from the 'Master' unit, and the sensor is located on one side of the flash. As a result, the units must be in line of sight of each other. And, because the master flash sends out a signal pre-flash, then computes the data before firing the 'actual' flash, it delays the exposure. And in portrait photography a lag between pressing the shutter release and making the exposure is not a good thing!

Both the SB800 and SB600 have swivel and tilt heads that allow you to bounce the light off of surfaces, and easily direct the light where you want it. In manual mode you can fire them at full, (1/1), power, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16 power. They also have TTL modes that can be used with Nikon cameras that have CLS capability, and for those that do not.

These flash units are hotshoe mount flashes, and the SB800 also has a PC plug input. They both come with little stands, or rather "feet" that are a flat platform with 3 hotshoe-like docking slots for mounting the flash. In this way you can attach them to a light stand as on the bottom of the foot there is a standard threaded nut for this purpose. You can also place the flash on a counter, shelf or the floor by use of the foot platform.

They operate on four AA batteries, and recycle in about 5.5 seconds at full power. I get about 120 full power flashes on one set of batteries. I use the rechargeable batteries, so I get about 120 full power flashes before having to recharge the batteries. There is an indicator light on the back of the flash to let you know when it's fully recycled, and the recycle time does slow considerably as the batteries get low.

Both flash units have a digital LCD readout of the settings on the back, and the controls are quite intuitive...especially for use in manual mode.

I have found the light output to be very uniform and consistent, which is a definite asset to portrait lighting. And as I said earlier, I love the built in diffusion and zoom capabilities. Add to that the light weight and compact size, and durability of these units, and you have an outstanding location portrait lighting kit!

Sony PMW-EX1 Camcorder Review

Sony has always been a brand that has tried to make video production faster and more flexible. The Sony PMW-EX 1 is a first in the industry for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is the first camcorder from the XDCAM-EX range that optimises the best of the SxS memory cards - a new media card format. Secondly, they are the first of their type of hand-held camcorders that can provide the you with multiple frame rate recording. It also comes with Sony's two year Silver Support when you buy from certain stores.

HD Quality

The Sony PMW-EX 1 has the option to record in a range of HD formats - 1080p, 1080i and 720p. This adds further functionality to the flexibility and creativeness available. To enhance this further, you can also record at 35Mb/s or 25Mb/s, making the PMW-EX 1 perfect for a wide variety of situations.

Outstanding Overall Operation

In addition to the reasons mentioned already, here are another set of reasons why this Sony Camcorder is a great model. As well as the high level of HD quality on offer and the performance ability of the non-linear XDCAM workflow, as a result of the compatible SxS Pro Memory Cards, storage and memory are bigger than ever with the two featured memory card slots that can provide up to 140 minutes of HD footage across just two 16GB cards. Post-production is also given a boost with a shutter setting that creates filmic operation.

All of these factors and more make the Sony PMW-EX1 a great camcorder for any professional videographer, especially when it includes Sony's Silver Support.

Alex P Jones is a professional videographer, choosing only the best high quality Sony camcorders, such as the Sony PMW-EX1, from quality retailers.

Panasonic DMC LX3 Review

Image : http://www.flickr.com

The Panasonic DMC LX3 sits at the top end of the compact digital camera market. It has 10 megapixels and a 2.5x optical zoom lens. The lens has a wide angle setting equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format. This makes the lens wider than other compact digital cameras offer. Such a feature makes the Lumix LX3 a good choice for anyone who likes taking photographs of wide scenes such as landscapes. In my tests I was very impressed by the sharpness of the photos. Compared to other wide angle digital cameras the sharpness levels and overall quality of the photos produced was very good indeed.

With only 2.5x zoom on offer and taking into account the fact this camera has a wide angle lens its capacity for zooming in is limited. To work around this you have the option to decrease the number of megapixels you are shooting at in order to increase the amount of zoom available up to 4.5x.

When it comes to features the DMC LX3 should satisfy most hobby photographers. You can store photos in RAW mode to make future manipulation possible. You also have access to image stabilisation, a hotshoe, custom modes, a fast burst rate, manual focusing and manual exposure modes. Favourite settings can be stored in two custom modes for easy access.

A maximum aperture of F/2 gives you access to fast shutter speeds too.

On the back of the DMC LX3 you will find a 3 inch LCD screen. This is made up of 460,000 dots (twice as many as standard). This helps to make the screen very easy to view. There is also an option to buy an optical viewfinder. This appears to attach to the camera through the hotshoe.

The hotshoe is also used to attach an external flash unit. The internal flash pops up on the top of the camera. This helps to move the flash away from the lens and reduce the chances of red eye.

If you like to use your digital camera to shoot short movie clips then you will be pleased to know the DMC LX3 is capable of shooting HD quality movies.

I think Panasonic have done a good job with the layout of the camera. Although I will always prefer the layout and controls offered by larger Digital SLRs I found the switch to place the camera in macro mode or manual focusing mode useful. In addition there is also a switch to choose the aspect ratio for a shot. This makes it quick and easy to set up the camera to take a photo suitable for a 6 x 4 inch print or to playback on a widescreen television.

Another feature you may have noticed if you have seen the specification of the camera is the film mode. I'm not quite sure you can connect this directly to a type of film used in a traditional 35mm camera, but it does give you some control over the colour of your photos and the strength of the colours used.

Looking at the competition the DMC LX3 is up against cameras like the Canon Powershot G10 and the Nikon Coolpix P6000. To be honest at this end of the market you will generally find better picture quality, so often it is more of a case of deciding what features you like and how the camera handles. I was impressed though by the overall picture quality and the focusing and sharpness of my test pictures was a treat.

All in all the Panasonic DMC LX3 compares well with other similarly specified digital cameras. The wide lens makes it a good choice if you are interested in photographing sweeping landscapes.

Canon Rebel XS Review

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Canon has introduced the Rebel XS in response newest and relatively inexpensive offerings from Nikon and Sony. The Canon Rebel EOS XS can produce terrific pictures at any of its ISO settings and would make a great first DSLR. Shooting great photos with the Rebel XS 10.1 MP camera is fast and simple. It has simple, easy-to-use controls, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, compact design, and Live View Function. It is truly a beginner's dream come true. The XS is very light, heavier than a point and shoot, but much more comfortable than the typical digital SLR. This makes it easy to hold and easy to shoot.

Beginners who are used to point-and-shoot cameras are sometimes intimidated by all the controls and functions of a digital SLR. Not to worry. the Canon Rebel Digital SLR is simple to use. The "basic" zones will keep new photographers in their comfort zone. Select one of these and you put the camera in full automatic mode, just like a point-and-shoot camera.

When you are ready, you can start customizing your photographs using the various features of the EOS Rebel XS. For example, Picture Style technology allows photographers to change the look of their digital photographs. Color, sharpness, saturation and contrast settings create marked variation in the saved image. Changing a Picture Style setting gives an affect almost like a 35mm film user switching from one type of color film to another.

The Canon EOS Rebel has a bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170 degrees. It's perfect for Live View composition. And the maximum brightness of the EOS Rebel's LCD monitor is a big benefit when using the camera in bright sunlight.

The Canon Rebel XS Digital SLR is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S lineup, ranging from super telephoto to ultra-wide angle lenses. You can use this camera for years to come adding lenses as your needs change. Whether you are a racing enthusiast, a football fanatic, a dedicated birder or a proud parent, you'll find the right lens for your Rebel Digital SLR.

Bottom Line: The Canon EOS Rebel is a great camera for the money. It offers function, ease of use and great shots at an affordable price. For only a little more than a decent full featured point-and-shoot, you can get an equally full featured DSLR.

Best DSLR Camera For Beginners - Nikon D5000 Entry Level DSLR Review

Have you read camera reviews until your eyes are crossed, and still you waver? How do you pick the best DSLR camera for beginners? As you read every word of this article, keep in mind that there are only a few factors that you need to concentrate on in order to make the right choice for you.

The factors that should be the deciding ones for you are:

Image quality

Ease of use for a beginner

Are all the features you want included

Ratings of current users

The first three factors can be easily found by checking a couple of the more reliable camera review sites. Two excellent sources are dpreview.com and imaging-resource.com.

The final factor can be checked by going to the places where cameras are sold, such as amazon, B & H Photo, or Adorama, where there are reviews by those who have purchased the cameras. Camera buyers are extremely honest in their opinions. After all, what do they have to gain by fabricating a false review?

How does the Nikon D5000 entry level DSLR stack up?

First, the image quality is excellent. DPReview has given its highest rating to the Nikon D5000 - "Highly Recommended" - with this one recommendation. You should shoot your pictures in RAW mode rather than in JPEG mode. This is because the in-camera software processes the images without as much sharpening as Canon's Rebel T1i. To the average viewer, this would not be obvious without it being pointed out. Suffice it to say that the Nikon D5000 produces excellent image quality.

Second, the ease of use of the D5000 is also excellent. The camera controls are well placed and easy to navigate. They are quite intuitive even for a beginning DSLR user.

The third factor could be the deciding one. Nikon has included two very desirable features that are not on the less expensive Nikon D3000 or the Canon Rebel XSi. The first is HD video similar to the more professional Nikon models. This being said, if you are buying a camera expecting the same video capabilities as a dedicated camcorder, you will need to look elsewhere. But the quality of the D5000 video is excellent when compared to other DSLRs.

Finally, checking the users' ratings of the Nikon D5000 on Amazon shows that consumers are very impressed with their purchase. They have given the D5000 an average rating of 4.13 out of 5. And at B & H Photo, the users are just as happy with their purchase. They have rated the D5000 at 4.25 out of 5. (These ratings would actually be higher, except there was a recall of the initial release due to a faulty chip, but that has been resolved.)

Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera Review

Photography enthusiasts seem to have really good word about the Canon PowerShot A590 IS. First of all, the design of the Canon PowerShot A590 IS has improved and looks more professional with its dark gray matte finish. It also has a great image quality, and you can adjust the contrast, hue and saturation, sharpness, and the resolution settings directly in the camera.

When it comes to more technical stuff, the aperture priority of the camera readjusts the light depending on the subject you're about to shoot. It also has adjustable flahs modes for manual control, which gives you more control when shooting in different kinds of lighting. The optical zoom is up to 4x with an 8 megapixel lens. But the biggest upside of having this camera is that it's affordable and loaded with great features.

However, there are also a number of not-so-good qualities that need to be pointed about about the Canon PowerShot A590 IS. The biggest downside I think is the use of AA batteries, as opposed to the more advanced lithium ion other digital cameras use. The use of the AA batteries makes this camera heavier than its real weight, although still relatively lighter compared to other models.

Some users may also find the flash range of the camera to be a bit too short for their purpose, and the flash recycle time takes too long. Users also find the wide angle view to be insufficient to their needs, and that the video quality of the camera is not the best. But hey, good thing the video feature is not the selling point of the Canon PowerShot A590 IS.

Overall, if you're looking for a lighter weight alternative for your SLRs which sport great features, you should opt for the Canon PowerShot A590 IS. Despite its downsides, most photography enthusiasts still give the camera a rating of 9 out of 10.

If you want to read more of the review for the Canon PowerShot A590 IS, just click on the link.

My name is Seymour and I'm a freelance writer for http://www.cirujanolasik.com/