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Canon EOS 5D Mark III

February 27, 2013 by digital cameras addict Leave a Comment

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a digital SLR camera designed for exceptional still images and movie recording capabilities and it is dedicated both professionals and enthusiasts. The EOS 5D Mark III is very well built with a solid construction (with a magnesium alloy body) and good handling and has a series of upgrades, compared to its predecessor, the popular EOS 5D Mark II.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III comes with a new 22.3 MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a new DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, that allow camera to produce detailed images with immense low-light sensitivity. The EOS 5D Mark III has the ability to record Full HD 1080 p videos and also features a 61-point auto focus system, 63-zone metering system, an ISO range of 50 – 102,400 and a larger 3.2 inch LCD screen.

The 5D Mark III has an updated EOS integrated cleaning system that helps to reduce and remove dust within the camera body. The magnesium alloy body construction gives durability to the camera and the redesigned grip offers easy holding when shooting or carrying the camera, while the rubber skin coating has been engineered for all day comfort in hand and also coats the camera’s card slot cover.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III also has an incorporated High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode that allows for the creation of HDR images in-camera, reducing the time needed to manually overlay images in post-production. This mode is especially useful when photographing scenes with a great deal of contrast.

EOS 5D Mark III

Canon EOS 5D Mark III specs:

Sensor: High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor, 22.3 effective MP
Lens: Canon EF lenses
File format: still image – JPEG, RAW; video – MOV (MPEG-4/H.264)
Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage
Sensitivity: ISO range 100 – 25600 (expandable at ISO 102400)
Monitor: 3.2-inch TFT LCD, 100% coverage, 1.04 million dots
Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-speed, mini HDMI, video Out (NTSC/PAL selectable)
Battery: one Battery Pack LP-E6

Canon EOS 5D Mark III with magnesium body

EOS 5D Mark III magnesium body

Canon EOS 5D Mark III reviews:

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III features a totally redesigned shutter and mirror mechanism that is still rated to 150,000 cycles despiteÂ the faster continuous shooting speed. More such technical details you can find on dpreview.com website. This website concludes:

It is indeed a great camera and for current 5D Mark II users or other owners of Canon full-frame lenses the all-important question ‘Should I buy one?’ is an easy one to answer. The 5D Mark III is in almost every aspect a better camera than its predecessor and an extremely enjoyable photographic tool.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III produces images of amazing quality, with noise-free JPEG images from ISO 50 up to 3200, with noise first appearing at ISO 6400. More about the performance of this camera you can read on photographyblog.com website, that concludes:

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III builds on the success of its popular predecessor with a series of improvements that add up to a much better all-round camera for stills and video alike. The 61-point auto-focus system in particular is very welcome, along with the excellent performance at higher ISOs, faster continuous shooting and a much more refined movie making interface.

A short EOS 5D Mark III review comes from trustedreviews.com website, and its verdict is:

The Canon 5D Mark III is a professional-grade full-frame DSLR that builds on the strengths of previous models in the range to deliver a hugely impressive camera that is sure to appeal to video enthusiasts as much as stills shooters.

The techradar.com website also reviews the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and writes:

Image quality throughout the native sensitivity range is excellent, noise is well controlled and there’s plenty of detail. The AF system has been given a serious upgrade on what the Canon EOS 5D Mark II version has, and it puts in an excellent performance.

EOS 5D Mark iii

EOS 5D Mark III top

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

EOS 5D Mark iii

EOS 5D Mark III

Filed under Canon

Fujifilm XF1

February 22, 2013 by digital cameras addict Leave a Comment

The X-series from Fujifilm is a premium fashionable retro-style range of digital camera which puts together the modern technology an a classic retro style body. The Fujifilm XF1 is a compact camera that belongs to this premium X range.

The Fujifilm XF1 is a premium point-and-shoot camera that has an aluminum body with faux leather wrap that give the camera a classic looks. The Fujifilm XF1 comes with a 12 MP 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor, a Fujinon f/1.8 4x zoom lens and a 3.0″ Premium Clear LCD monitor with a resolution of 460,000 dots. Other features of Fujifilm XF1 include an ISO range of 100 – 12800, full range of manual controls, optical image stabilisation, a built-in pop-up flash, RAW image capture and 360Â° panoramic shooting. The XF1 also can record 1080i HD movie with stereo sound.

The Fujifilm XF1 also has an EXR Auto mode that recognises 58 types of scene and optimizes the settings automatically and switches the sensor mode for the scene and subject (HR High Resolution mode for well-lit condition, SN mode for low light and DR mode for high-contrast scenes).

The Fujifilm XF1 can be operated manually via the lens ring, rather than via a button or switch on the back of the camera or around the shutter release. This manual control is rare in traditional compact cameras category.

The Fuji XF1 is available in red, tan and black.

The XF1 retro-style camera from Fujifilm

Fuji XF1

Fujifilm XF1 key features:

Sensor: 2/3-inch EXR CMOS, 12.0 effective MP
Lens: Fujinon lens, 6 groups with 7 lenses
Zoom: 4x optical zoom; 2x digital zoom
File format: still image – JPEG, RAW; movie – H.264 (MOV) with stereo sound
Storage: internal memory (aprox 25 MB); SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 12800
Image stabilizer: Lens shift type
Monitor: 3.0-inch; 460,000 dots LCD with 100% coverage
Connectivity: NTSC/PAL video ouput with monaural sound, USB 2.0 High-Speed, HDMI Mini connector

Fujifilm XF1

Fujifilm XF1 reviews:

The Fuji XF1’s top plate is distinctly austere – it’s home to just the shutter button, customizable Fn button and exposure mode dial. With the lens in the fully-collapsed position, this camera is slender and pocketable. More about XF1 you can read on dpreview.com.

Another Fujifilm XF1 review comes from steve-digicams.com website. Here it is claimed that the XF1 performs very well in low light photos, with or without the flash, thanks in large part to its high-quality image sensor. This website concludes:

The XF1 creates some great photos, with good color and sharpness. It also has some very fast response times, with no significant shutter lag and with minimal shot-to-shot delays. The XF1 has a sharp LCD, and the on-screen menus can give you quite a few interesting control options. Those are all things you’d expect to find in a camera that costs around $500.

The image quality of XF1 is generally quite impressive for a compact camera of this type. The XF1 is able to record an impressive amount of details with images standing up toÂ scrutiny when enlarged to 100%. Read more about this on trustedreviews.com website. This website concludes:

The XF1 enters a competitive field in the form of the enthusiast compact market, where it primarily distinguishes itself from its peers through its smart, retro design. The cameraâ€™s leather and matte aluminium finish, along with the manual zoom operation make the XF1 a pleasing camera to hold and use. Retract the lens fully and the camera can also be easily pocketed.

Another Fujifilm XF1 review comes from Photography Blog that, among other, says:

The XF1 is clearly an attempt to widen the appeal of Fujifilm’s X-series even further, with its clean lines and uncluttered looks resulting in a chic, classically styled camera

Fuji XF1

Fujifilm XF1

Fujifilm XF1 black

Fujifilm XF1

Filed under Fujifilm

Olympus Stylus XZ-2

February 21, 2013 by digital cameras addict Leave a Comment

The Olympus Stylus XZ-2 is a premium compact camera that is the update to the Olympus XZ-1 and comes with a lot of improvements and upgrades in comparison to the previous model. The Olympus XZ-2 is a hybrid that combines the unbeatable convenience of a lightweight compact with the manual controls of a DSLR.

The Olympus Stylus XZ-2 comes with a 1/1.7″ backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor that, in combination with the TruePic VI Image Processor, allows the XZ-2 to deliver improved image quality, response time and intelligent functions. The Stylus XZ-2 also features an ultra-bright 28-112 mm equivalent f/1.8-2.5 iZuiko Digital lens (that is designed specifically for compact cameras), a high-resolution 3-inch touch-sensitive tilting LCD screen, 1080p Full HD movie recording and Eye-Fi/FlashAir compatibility.

The Olympus XZ-2 is equipped with the world’s first hybrid control ring built around the lens, which allows users to easily assign function setting and switch between analog and digital operation of the ring.

The Olympus XZ-2 has the ability to shoot images in RAW format that allows to view and edit uncompressed detail-rich files using editing software.

Olympus Stylus XZ2

Olympus Stylus XZ-2 specs:

Sensor: 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor, 12 MP
Lens: iZuko lens, 11 elements in 8 groups
Focal length: 28mm to 112mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture: 1.8 – 2.5
Optical zoom: 4x
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
File format: still image – RAW, JPEG; movie – MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Micro HDMI (Type D), Video-out (SD/mono sound)

Olympus Stylus XZ-2

Olympus Stylus XZ-2 reviews:

The pocket-lint.com website says that there are some standout features dotted around the XZ-2’s body that make it well worth a look-in for any high-end compact fan, such as a built-in pop-up flash, a port compatible with flashguns or electronic viewfinder and the lens with the f/1.8-2.5 aperture.

Images taken using the Olympus XZ-2 at the base ISO have clean details and accurate colour interpretation. More about the performance of the XZ-2 you can learn on techradar.com. This website concludes:

Overall the price tag is a little steep, considering that some low-end to mid-range DSLRs and CSCs can cost a lot less, but for those seeking an all-encompassing compact camera with a solid lens performance the Olympus Stylus XZ-2 has to be one of the best currently on the market.

The major external changes of XZ-2 are the new removable grip and the tilting touchscreen LCD, giving a professional look to this camera. More details about design and usability of Olympus XZ-2 you can find on digitalcamerainfo.com

A short Stylus XZ-2 review comes from Digital Photography School website. You can read on this review about XZ-2’s performance and you can see sample images and tests results.

Digitalcamerareview.com also reviews the Olympus Stylus XZ-2 and writes:

With the addition of a BSI CMOS image sensor, an adaptable tilting/ touchscreen LCD screen, and a convenient removable grip to the Olympus XZ-2, this camera is at the top of its class. The fast lens and responsive autofocus make it easy to use and hard to put down.

Olympus XZ-2

Stylus XZ-2

Filed under Olympus

Nikon Coolpix S9050

February 13, 2013 by digital cameras addict Leave a Comment

The Coolpix S9050 is a ultra-slim zoom digital camera from Nikon. This budget-friendly point-and-shoot camera combines an impressive 15.5x wide-angle optical zoom Nikkor glass lens and a 12.1 MP CMOS sensor to perform great photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. The remarkable lens and the built-in VR image stabilization system contribute to shooting sharp and clear images.

The Nikon Coolpix S9050 can records Full HD videos at 1080p with stereo sound at an amazing quality for a point-and-shoot camera. The Nikon Coolpix S9050 also features a large 3-inch display with wide viewing angles, anti-reflective coating and brightness adjustment, an autofocus with 9-area automatic selection and a sensitivity at ISO 160 to 3200. A voice memo function as well as a lot of scene modes are also on the S9050.

Nikon Coolpix S9050 is available in black or silver.

Nikon Coolpix S9050

Nikon Coolpix S9050 specifications:

Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 12.1 effective MP
Zoom: 15.5x optical zoom; 4x digital zoom
Aperture: f/3.5 – 5.5
Monitor: 3.0-inch TFT-LCD, 460000 dots
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
File format: still picture – JPEG; audio files – WAV; movie – MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec)
Sensitivity: ISO 160 – 3200
Connectivity: A/V output, Hi-speed USB, HDMI MiniConnector

Nikon Coolpix S9050

Nikon Coolpix S9050 reviews:

The experts reviews about Nikon S9050 are not available yet.

Nikon S9050

Nikon S9050 monitor

Filed under Nikon

Panasonic Lumix FZ200

February 12, 2013 by digital cameras addict Leave a Comment

The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 is a super-zoom bridge digital camera that replaces the best-selling FZ150. The Panasonic FZ200 features a wide-angle 24x optical zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across the full range of its zoom. This high-quality Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens offers a performance usually reserved for very high-end professional lenses.

The Panasonic FZ200 also offers a 12.1 megapixel high sensitivity MOS image sensor, a 3-inch rotating LCD screen, 1920 x 1080 50p Full HD video recording and an electronic viewfinder. The Power Optical Image Stabilisation also is on the FZ200. With an ISO range of 100 – 6400, the FZ200 has a lot of exposure modes including Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual, two Custom modes, Intelligent Auto mode, Scene position and Creative Control mode, and also is able of 12 fps continuous shooting without autofocus and 5.5 fps with autofocus.

The Panasonic FZ200 has a large rubber hand grip and a rigid body, with the controls well positioned and easy to use. The free-angle LCD screen of Panasonic FZ200 can be flipped out and twisted through 270 degrees and along with the EVF provides new angle of view.

FZ200

Panasonic Lumix FZ200 key features:

Sensor: 1/2.3-inch High Sensitivity MOS sensor, 12.1 effective MP
Aperture: F2.8-8, Multistage Iris Diaphragm
Zoom: 24x optical; 48x Intelligent zoom; 4x digital
Lens: Leica DC Vario-Elmarit, 14 elements in 11 groups
Viewfinder: 0.21″ Color EVF, 100% coverage
File format: still image – JPEG, RAW; Motion picture – AVCHD, MP4
Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 6400
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
Microphone: built-in, stereo
Interface: AV output, USB multu, microphone, miniHDMI

FZ200

Panasonic Lumix FZ200 reviews:

The Panasonic FZ200 has an impressive autofocus performance. Processing speed in single-shot drive mode also impresses even when recording RAW files. More about the performance of FZ200 you can read on trustedreview.com website.

The movie mode of Lumix FZ200 allows it to record Full HD Progressive video at 1920×1080 with a Dolby Digital Stereo sound at an impressive bit rate of 28 MBps. More about this you can read on dpreview.com.

Lumix FZ200

On Panasonic Lumix FZ200 review, the experts of whatdigitalcamera.com website say that one of the pleasing aspects of the camera’s design is that it’s clearly suited to the advanced photographer. As well as offering quick access to the PASM shooting modes, the models also featuresÂ no fewer than three “Fn” buttons located around the body.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 produces images of very good quality with noise well-controlled until ISO 1600 which exhibits some artifacts. The pop-up flash worked well indoors with no red eye and adequate exposure. More about the image quality of FZ200 you can find on photographyblog.com.

Lumix FZ200 front

Panasonic FZ200

Panasonic FZ200 LCD

Panasonic Lumix FZ200

Lumix FZ200

Filed under Panasonic

Pentax K-30

February 5, 2013 by digital cameras addict Leave a Comment

The Pentax K-30 is a waterproof SLR digital camera that combines a compact, lightweight but rugged body with many advanced features. The Pentax K-30 is a mid-level DSLR designed to be a perfect outdoor camera for photographers who need a camera with rugged construction and a large sensor.

Key features of Pentax K-30 include a dustproof, cold-resistant and weather-resistant body construction, a 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video, an ISO range of 100 – 25,600, a 3-inch LCD monitor with 920k dots and a low profile glass pentaprism viewfinder. The K-30 also offers 6 fps continuous shooting, top shutter speed of 1/6000 second, 11-point AF system, built-in dust removal and shake-reduction system and Live View with Face recognition.

The Pentax K-30 has an improved High Dynamic Range (HDR) Capture option that takes three images with different exposures and then records a single image that combines the properly exposed parts of each one. The K-30 also has a multi exposure mode that allows to combine between two and nine different RAW or JPEG images into a single photo.

Pentax K30

Pentax K-30 key features:

Sensor: 23.7 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) CMOS, 16.5 MP
Lens: Pentax KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Viewfinder: Pentaprism type with 100% coverage
Monitor: 3.0″ TFT LCD, 921000 dots
Flash: retractable P-TTL popup flash
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
Interface: AV out, USB 2.0 hi-speed
Microphone: built-in, monaural
Sensitivity: ISO 100 – 25600

Pentax K30 body

Pentax K-30 reviews:

On the top-plate of the Pentax K-30 you can find a lot of characteristic Pentax features such as the Green button and the TAv and Sv exposure modes on the mode dial. The Green button resets the camera to its exposure program line. The Sv mode allows you to specify an ISO setting with the camera choosing shutter speed and aperture. The TAv mode allows to specify shutter speed and aperture with the camera choosing ISO. More about controls and menus of this camera you can read on Pentax K-30 review from dpreview.com website.

On the K-30 review, the imaging-resource.com website says that one of the main areas where the Pentax K-30 offers a significant advantage over the company’s flagship model is its video capture capabilities.

The Pentax K-30 produces photos of excellent quality with noise well controlled. The noise starts to appear at ISO 1600 and becomes easily detectable at ISO 6400, particularly in the RAW files. More about the image quality of the K-30 you can find on photographyblog.com website. The experts of this website conclude:

TheÂ Pentax K-30Â is a great alternative to similar offerings from the likes of Nikon, Canon and Sony, proving that Pentax can continue to deliver the goods in their core business, despite recent misfires in the world ofÂ compact system cameras. If you’re looking for an intuitive, fast DSLR that delivers great pictures, then the Pentax K-30 certainly fits the bill.

Pentax K-30 controls

The Pentax K-30 is solid, robust and highly durable that’s because it has a stainless steel chassis (which is different to the K-5’s magnesium alloy chassis). The deep grip gives plenty to wrap your fingers around and your index finger is left to rest on the shutter button. More about Pentax K-30 design you can read on whatdigitalcamera.com website.

Another Pentax K-30 short review comes from pocket-lint.com website, where you can find other interesting technical details.

Opinions of professional photographers about Pentax K-30 can be found on popphoto.com website.