Canon’s Newest Release
Canon announced its latest flagship pro DSLR, the Canon EOS-1D X. As the new professional level camera in Canon’s DSLRs, the 1D X will be a high-speed multimedia machine replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon’s products. The 1D X will revolutionize image quality and speed capabilities of the 1Ds and-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps).
The 1D X will have three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors promising 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models.
The 18MP camera is built around a full-frame sensor capable of shooting at up to 14 frames per second (12fps with AF), allowing it to replace both the 1D Mark IV and 1DS Mark III in Canon’s lineup. Despite looking like previous 1D cameras, it’s been extensively reworked (it includes more professional video features than any other Canon DSLR).
Canon’s all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.
The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600.
For more information and images showing all angles of the new build, follow the Far East Gizmos Site
May 2011 – Review [Lumix DMC G3]
The new kid on the block can most succinctly be described as a 550D with an articulated screen, that also incorporates many of the beginner-friendly features we first saw on the more enthusiast-orientated EOS 60D. Perhaps most notable of these is ‘Basic+’, a simple, results-orientated approach to image adjustments in the scene-based exposure modes, that allows the user to change the look of their images and control background blur without needing to know anything technical about how this all works. The 600D also gains multi-aspect ratio shooting (in live view) plus the 60D’s ‘Creative Filters’, a range of effects than can be applied to images after shooting, including toy camera, fisheye and fake-miniature looks. Additionally it can now wirelessly control off-camera flashes, including the Speedlite 320EX and 270EX II announced alongside it.
The G3 represents the start of Panasonic’s third generation of mirrorless camera. In some respects it’s a refinement of the models that have led to this point (it uses the same electronic viewfinder and hinged rear display screen as the G1 and G2). However, behind the aluminium front panel of its slimmed-down, externally-simplified body there lurks a completely new 16.6MP sensor. This makes it the first mass-market Micro Four Thirds model to step away from Panasonic’s 12MP chip.
While some of the new features of the G3 suggest a move upmarket, several of the other changes are indicative of an attempt on Panasonic’s part to make the G series more accessible. This has seen a number of features removed, presumably in order to make the latest camera both less intimidating and less expensive (the recommended price is $100 lower than the launch price of the G2).
Mirrorless cameras are new enough that manufacturers are still trying to work out who they will appeal to most and what balance of features, capabilities and price those people are looking for. The first Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera, Panasonic’s G1, was essentially a miniaturized version of its L10 DSLR, both in terms of features and in terms of appearance. However, as the technology has developed, most Mirrorless cameras have moved away from trying to mimic conventional DSLRs, instead looking to capitalize on the differences they can offer, such as compact size and seamless video integration.
The first clues to this ambition are in the more compact-camera-like hand grip – gone is the full-hand lump that has become standard for DSLRs. Instead we have something that more closely resembles the bulge on the front of the GF2 – a curvaceous extension that encourages a very different hand position on the camera. In fact the G3 is as close in size and appearance to a GF2 (with a viewfinder) as it is to the G2.
This review came from Panasonic DMC G3 Review. – Visit the site for more thorough information and specifications on this product.
April 2011 – Review
Ever since Canon introduced its original ‘Digital Rebel’ back in August 2003 – famously the first ‘affordable’ digital SLR – the company has continually developed and refined its entry-level line with ever-more-frequent releases, adding in more and more features in the process. So true to form, almost precisely a year to the day after the advent of the EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Canon launched its next model, predictably named the EOS Rebel T3i / 600D. As usual the 550D remains in Canon’s range at a lower price point, with the EOS 1100D slotting in beneath it to round off the company’s offerings to entry-level SLR users.
The fully-automatic ‘green square’ exposure mode has also been updated to ‘Scene Intelligent Auto’, with a new ‘A+’ icon on the mode dial to match. According to Canon, this mode (as its name might suggest) now analyses the scene in front of the camera and sets its exposure and image-processing parameters accordingly, and even tweaks the colour output to match. Continuing the ‘beginner-friendly’ theme, the camera now also incorporates a ‘Feature Guide’, that displays short explanations of what each function does on the screen to help beginners learn how things work.
There’s an intriguing ‘Video Snapshot’ movie mode too, that’s borrowed from Canon’s camcorder range. This is based on the idea that movies are often more interesting when stitched together from a number of short ‘takes’, rather than one long continuous clip. It therefore limits movie recording to short snippets of 2, 4 or 8 seconds, then plays them back sequentially as a composite movie, with the option of adding a soundtrack to help tie them together. This, in effect, allows to you produce complex, multi-take movies without having to resort to computer editing.
What hasn’t changed at all, though, is the camera’s core specification, making the 600D the first camera in the line that hasn’t gained a higher resolution sensor or new processor. So Canon’s tried-and-trusted 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor is still in place, along with its sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) and 3.9fps continuous shooting. Likewise the 9-point autofocus and 63 zone metering systems are unchanged. This means that the 600D is unlikely to bring any surprises in terms of image quality.
On the movie front the camera retains its predecessor’s approach too, offering full HD recording via a dedicated position on the camera’s mode dial, with full manual control available for those who want it. There’s a new digital zoom function, offering 3 – 10x magnification, and the 600D also has sound recording level control built-in, with a stereo sound meter to help judge the right setting.
Put this all together, and it’s clear that the 600D is an extremely well-featured little camera that’s well beyond the traditional stripped-down ‘entry level’ fare, and indeed gives little away in terms of features compared to the EOS 60D (the differences are mainly in terms of ergonomics and handling). It’s also clearly aiming to make life as easy as possible for SLR newcomers to jump onboard and start experimenting with creative controls, while offering plenty of room to learn and develop their skills. But there’s an awful lot of competition in this market space at the moment, and the 600D will have its work cut out to stand apart from the crowd and tempt potential buyers away from the small, sleek and lightweight mirrorless models that will sit alongside it on the dealers’ shelves. Read on to find out how well it fares in this competitive market.
via Canon EOS 600D Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review.
The Pentax K-r Review – March 2011
The K-r was announced in September 2010 and slots into the Pentax line-up between the entry-level K-x and the enthusiast models K-7 and K-5.
Visually it is much closer to the K-x but a look under the hood reveals that the new model has been improved over the K-x in various areas. Most notably the K-r shows the active focus point in the viewfinder when the shutter button is half-pressed. The lack of this feature was one of our main points of criticism of the K-x and K-m (this is also almost certainly the reason why the K-r’s prism is slightly larger than the K-x’s). Additionally the K-r offers, after the K-5, the second widest ISO range (100-25600 in extended mode) and second fastest continuous shooting (6.0 fps) of all current Pentax DSLRs.
Like the K-x the K-r captures its images and 720p video footage on a 12.4 sensor, but like on Pentax’s semi-pro models the output and menus can be viewed on a 3.0 inch LCD screen with 921k pixels resolution. Additionally the K-r offers, after the K-5, the second widest ISO range (100-25600 in extended mode) and second fastest continuous shooting (6.0 fps) of all current Pentax DSLRs. Compared to the K-r the new features also include an IR simple interface (wireless data transfer to compatible devices), a cross processing mode and a Night Scene HDR mode. For those photographers who cannot decide if they prefer AA batteries or a proprietary rechargeable battery as their camera’s source of power the K-r offers both options. It comes with a rechargeable battery as standard, but AA batteries can be used with the help of an optional adapter.
Apart from the dual-battery feature the Pentax K-r doesn’t really offer anything totally new or out of the ordinary, but the specification sheet does look quite strong for a camera at its price point, and makes it look (at least on paper) like a more than viable alternative to some of the competing models from larger manufacturers.
Full Review found on dpReview Site