The formerly leaked Pentax K-M is formally introduced in US as K2000, an entry level Digital SLR with rather bizarre bundles – kit with an external flash on a built in flash body. Who cares as long as it’s affordable right? The Pentax K2000 features a 10.2-megapixel APS-C CCD, 2.7-inch QVGA screen, in-body Dust Removal and Shake Reduction in compact and lightweight stainless steel chassis. Liveview and video mode are not featured in this entry-level model.
Schedule to launch at Photokina is Olympus’s concept Digital SLR featuring the company’s joint ventured Four Thirds System with Panasonic. Few details are available at the moment, but the new body will sport a new light weight and designed E-system with mid-level features set – 11-point autofocus system, 5 stops in-body image stabilization, rotated LCD monitor, high-speed contrast detection autofocus system, face detection function, Shadow Adjustment Technology and supports highest shutter speed up to 1/8000s. The un-named Digital SLR will be Official introduced in the first quarter of 2009.
We told you the video feature on Digital SLR is the next big thing in digital SLR camera industry, and we are not far off. Vincent Laforet, an international acclaimed photographer from New York, which also the Pulitzer winner has published a short review of Canon EOS 5D Mark II video aspect on his personal blog and a commercial-grade film is forthcoming.
If Jay Leno were to J-walking the topic of sensor dust to Digital SLR owners, I wouldn’t be surprised to see majority of Digital SLR owners have no clue on sensor dust or how to clean one. Photographers refuse to clean their own sensor for one reason- the fear of scratching the sensor. Most of them do not realize there is a glass filter on top of the sensor; the cleaning solution is not directly applied on sensor surface. At often, a simple blow with Rocket blower would take care of the problem.
You’ve seen the video clips samples and probably anxious to see how the 21.MP 5d Mark hangs on High ISO department before putting the deposit. A Norwegian photographer has posted three high ISO samples from the 5D mark II with the magic values 3200, 6400 and 12800 I thought it worth looking. I would say the noise level at ISO 3200 looks equal or better than my Mark II N at ISO 400 in average days. That’s about 3 stops better! and if the original 5D was 2 stops better than Mark II N… well, you do the math!
Ask any photographer wannabe about the video capture feature in their precious Digital SLR, chances are they hate it or prefer other improvement rather than motion capture in their still image camera. Like it or not, this video thing is the next core feature for Digital SLR; future releases without the video gimmick would be considering a step down or fall short of expectation.
With rumors of Canon 5D replacement imminent release circulating for nearly a year, the long awaited and overdue 5D successor has finally made its appearance- and it has given Canon a lot more ammunition in its DSLR war against Nikon. Armed with newest Canon’s in-house development Digic IV image processor, the EOS 5D Mark II sports a 21 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor and features full 1080p HD movie mode, 3.9 frames per second, 9 AF points + 6 AF assist area Auto Focus system, high resolution 3.0″ 920k dot LCD monitor with live view, new battery and battery grip, integrated cleaning system and can shoot up to ISO sensitive of 256,000. The Canon EOS 5D mark II is slated to ship by the end of November 2008 at $2699.
When Sony first launched the 12MP A700 Digital SLR, the high ISO noise level was criticized by the Alpha fans. It has improved significantly thanks to the manufacturer’s continuing effort and commitment via firmware updates. Today, they have released yet another major firmware and software updates to improve and add number of changes to the A700.
Friend of mine recently broke his Canon’s 30D LCD screen on his way to the Grant Canyon. 3 days shooting without chimping wasn’t the issue, but a costly repair of $331 got him thinking about having a protective LCD screen on next trip. Here’s a neat accessory for Nikonians and Canonians looking for a rugged pop-up shades to protect their costly Digital SLR. Delkin has expanded its line of protective Pop-Up shades for Nikon D3, D300, D60 and Canon Rebel XSi. A universal model also available for compact cameras with LCD monitor with 2.7-inch or 2.8-inch screen size.
The Delkin’s shade cover is easily attached to digital cameras, and lifted up to shade the LCD for improved visibility when the camera is used in bright light. The Professional shades is retailed at $39,99 while the standard and Universal models is $29,99 and $19,99.
The Canon Professional and enthusiast photographers got their wishes; Carl Zeiss has officially revealed the mystery ZE teaser today as promised – ZE lenses with EF bayonet for film and digital EOS cameras. The lenses will cover full-frame digital models, and are fully compatible via its electronics contacts to support features such as programmed auto exposure, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual setting, AF confirmation, EXIF information, and even E-TTL flash metering.
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