Category Archives: Digital Cameras

Canon EOS 40D Review at Pocket Lint

Pocket Lint has reviewed the Canon EOS 40D a 10.1 megapixel (CMOS sensor) DSLR with 6.5 frames per second shooting, a new Autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, DIGIC III image processor, EOS integrated cleaning system, Spot Metering, and a larger, brighter view finder and quieter mechanism than it’s predecessor.

They write: "Overall, the Canon EOS 40D is a more than able update of the 30D and since the introduction of the first Canon prosumer DSLR, the 3.1-megapixel EOS D30 back in 2000, it is light years ahead on that base line. In a nutshell, this is a cracking camera and one marred only by the odd metering performance, otherwise it is quite simply excellent and worth a close inspection for anyone either trading up or for those pros’ that need a back up body that is not a compromise to far."

Canon EOS 40D

Get a price at Amazon for the Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Canon EOS 40D

Sony Alpha A200 Review at Steve’s Digicams

Steve’sDigicams has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

He writes: “Noise levels were also good for a model in this class. Imager noise is very low at ISO speeds of 400 and below. At 800, you can start to see some speckling in the dark or low contrast areas of the image, when viewing them at 100% for critic inspection. However, they are still capable of producing very nice prints… The Sony Alpha 200/DSLR-A200 is a worthy competitor in the entry-level market, offering awesome image quality, robust performance, great ergonomics and loads of useful exposure options. One feature that stands out is the Super SteadyShot option.”

Sony Alpha A200

Get a price from Amazon for the Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Sony Alpha A200

Ricoh GX200

The Ricoh GX200 is a high-end, 24 mm super-wide-angle, digital compact with a high resolution 12 megapixel CCD. The GX 200 succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera which was introduced in April 2007.

The GX 200 features increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD, better noise reduction with the addition of the new Smooth Imaging Engine III, a larger 2.7-inch, 460,000 pixel HVGA LCD screen, ISO 64 to 1600, 5 shot continuous RAW mode and an electronic level function for horizontal and vertical shooting.  The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm wide-angle optical zoom lens, 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, and removable tilting electronic viewfinder (optional accessory).

Ricoh GX 200

Ricoh GX 200 Press Release

New: RICOH GX200
A high-end, 24 mm super-wide-angle, optical zoom, digital compact featuring high resolution 12 megapixel CCD coupled with the latest imaging engine SIE III

Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200. The GX200 is able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007.

The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm (35 mm ?lm equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic view?nder. The new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III.

Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further con?gured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution.

With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs.

This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic viewfinder.

*The lens focal lengths used in this document are the equivalent focal length for a 35 mm camera.

Main features of the new Ricoh GX200
1. Greater image quality through use of a 12 megapixel CCD, a new image processing engine and continuous RAW mode capture.
• An effective 12 megapixel high-performance 1/1.7-inch CCD has been newly installed, with each pixel comes increased resolution.
• The adoption of a new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III allows for greater control over the noise reduction process by the photographer without sacri?cing resolution or saturation.
• High image quality combined with a lens with greater backlight capability*.
• *This is the 24 to 72 mm equivalent wide-angle zoom lens mounted on the previous model (Caplio GX100). It features a generous configuration of 11 elements in 7 groups, including superior aspheric surface lenses and high-refractive-index, low-dispersion lenses. This optimal con?guration restricts distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff at edges for wide-angle operation while delivering aperture light settings from F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (tele-photo). In addition, ghosting has been further reduced through the improvements made to the lens unit.

2. Large, high-resolution 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots HVGA LCD.
• The new 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots high-resolution LCD has a wide viewing angle and high contrast for distinct, easy viewing even outdoors. When thumbnail images are displayed, even the small 1/20 size images are clearly reproduced.

3. Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor to help keep the camera body horizontally or vertically
level.
• If the level setting is set on, when the camera is level, the level indicator becomes green in the picture display. Being able to check whether the image is level while looking at the display can be useful for keeping the camera level when composing pictures of landscapes, buildings, and other scenes where the horizon is visible.
• It is possible to check whether the camera is level using the level sound setting.
• The electronic level can also be utilized while using the viewfinnder.

4. Extensive shooting functions and high operability.
• Expanding buffer memory has made continuous shooting of up to ?ve images possible in RAW mode, and it is also now possible to use the bracketing function to automatically change exposure settings when shooting in RAW mode. Other expanded RAW shooting capabilities include the ability to shoot 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) format photography in RAW mode.
• The number of mode dial “My Settings” options for de?ning your own shooting settings has increased to three. (There were two on the Caplio GX100.)
• There are now one-push mode change function buttons both on the top surface and as one of the rear-surface cross keys. These buttons can be used for customized settings to, for example, to switch from JPEG to RAW or from colour to B&W. You can switch quickly to your preferred shooting mode when confronted with a sudden photo opportunity.
• The AF target shift function, which before could only be used in macro shooting, is now also available in normal shooting. Without moving the camera, it is possible to shift the target for AF or AE or both.
• The ?ash is manually raised by sliding the open switch. Flash functions on the GX200 have been further expanded with a light intensity adjustment function (-2.0 EV to +2.0 EV), a manual flash function in which intensity can be set, and a ?ash synchro setting where ?ash timing can be set as „1st Curtain“ or „2nd Curtain.“
• An auto rotate function makes it easier to view images on the picture display.
• Even when shooting in high-contrast situations, the camera can use an auto level correction function to achieve an appropriate level of brightness while reducing areas that are overly bright or dark.
• There is a distortion correction function (on/off selection possible) to automatically correct image distortion during shooting also usable with 19 mm conversion lens.
• When in aperture priority mode, an auto aperture shift function will automatically adjust the aperture setting to prevent overexposure.

5. Enhanced image editing functions enable images to be manipulated in the camera.
(1) Image colour tone correction (white balance compensation).
• By adjusting green, magenta, blue, and amber tones, still image colour tone can be corrected, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera.
(2) Image brightness and contrast correction (level compensation).
• Still image brightness and contrast can be corrected with either auto or manual modes, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. With manual correction, the image is corrected by adjusting the histogram.
(3) Wide range of creative monochrome possibilities.
• Colour, colour density, contrast, and sharpness can each be de?ned on a ?ve-level scale.
• Sepia, red, green, blue, and purple colour selections are possible.

6. Additional options further expand possibilities for camera use.
• Lens cap (LC-1) opens and closes automatically in sync with lens movement.
• 135 mm equivalent tele conversion lens (TC-1) with built-in hood. Filter attachment possible.
When the tele conversion lens is attached, vignetting will occur when the zoom is not set to full telephoto. *The above two options can also be used on the Caplio GX100.

7. Removable electronic view?nder can be attached.
• A removable and tiltable electronic view?nder can be attached (included in GX200 VF KIT).
• The ?eld of view provides 100% coverage without parallax and can display the same information as on the LCD picture display.
• It is convenient for shooting in bright outdoor environments and enables shooting to be done in a conventional ?lm camera style.

List of GX200 Options
Ricoh code Description RRP
TC-1 Teleconverter lens £99.99
DW-6 19 mm Wide angle lens £99.99
LC-1 Tri-Lens Cap £19.99
HA-2 Hood and Adapter set for DW-6 and TC-1 £34.99
VF-1 Electronic Viewfinder £79.99
SC-45 Soft Leather case £29.99
ST-2 Ricoh GX Neck strap £14.99
AC-4c Mains adaptor £34.99
CA-1 Cable release £29.99
*1 The VF-1 LCD view ?nder is included in „GX200 VF KIT“.
*2 The HA-2 hood and adapter is required when using the wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens. When the
wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens is attached; the internal ?ash cannot be used because vignetting may occur.
*3 The ST-1 neck strap for the GX/GX8 cannot be used.
GX200 with electronic view?nder included, will be available in the beginning of July 2008 at £399.99 inc vat.,
GX200 Standard is available at £349.99.

Ricoh GX200 – Major Specifcations
CCD:
Effective 12.1 million pixels (total 12.4 million pixels), 1/1.7-inch primary-colour CCD

Lens:
Focal length: f=5.1 to 15.3 mm (35 mm ?lm equivalent focal length 24 to 72 mm. With Step Zoom set,
the following ?xed focal lengths possible: 24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 72 mm)
Aperture (F value): F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (telephoto)

Shooting Distance:
Normal shooting: Approx. 30 cm to in?nity (wide-angle), approx. 30 cm to in?nity (telephoto) (from the front of the lens) / Macro shooting: Approx. 1.0 cm to in?nity (wide-angle), approx. 4.0 cm to in?nity (telephoto), approx. 1.0 cm to in?nity (zoom macro) (from the front of the lens)

Lens Construction:
11 glass elements in 7 groups

Zoom Magni?cation:
Optical zoom: 3x (35mm ?lm equivalent focal length 24 to 72 mm)
Digital zoom: 4x, up to 12x (288 mm equivalent) in combination with optical zoom
Auto resize zoom: 6.3x, up to 18.9x (450 mm equivalent) in combination with optical zoom (VGA
image)

Focus Mode:
Multi AF (CCD method) / Spot AF (CCD method) / Manual Focus / Snap / In?nity (with focus lock and AF aux. light)

Motion Blur Reduction:
CCD shift method image stabilizer

Shutter Speed:*1
Still image: 180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 1 to 1/2000 sec. / Movie: 1/30 – 1/2000 sec.

Exposure Adjustment:
Exposure Metering Mode: Multi Light Metering (256 segments) / Centre-weighted / Spot (TTL-CCD metering, AE lock available) Exposure mode: Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Manual Exposure Exposure compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation (+2.0 to -2.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps) / Auto Bracket Function (-0.5 EV, ±0, +0.5 EV /-0.3 EV, ±0, +0.3 EV)

ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):
AUTO / AUTO-HI / ISO64 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600

White Balance Mode:
Auto / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent Lamp / Fluorescent Lamp / Manual Settings / Detail White balance bracket function

Flash:
Built-in Flash Mode: Auto (during low light and when subject is backlit) / Red-eye Flash / Flash On / Flash Synchro / Manual Flash (Full, 1/1.4, 1/2, 1/2.8, 1/4, 1/5.6, 1/8, 1/11, 1/16, 1/22, 1/32) / Flash Off / Built-in Flash Range: Approx. 20 cm to 5.0 m (wide-angle), approx. 15 cm to 3.0 m (telephoto) (ISO AUTO / ISO 400, from the front of the lens) Flash Compensation: ±2.0 EV (1/3 EV steps)

Picture Display:
2.7“ Transparent Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD, approx. 460,000 dots

Shooting Mode:
Auto Shooting Mode / Program Shift Mode / Aperture Priority Mode / Manual Exposure Mode /
Scene Mode (Movie / Portrait / Sports / Landscape / Nightscape / Zoom Macro / Skew Correct Mode /
Text Mode) / My Settings Mode

Picture Quality Mode:*2 F (Fine) / N (Normal) / RAW (DNG ?le format)*3

Number of Recorded Pixels:
Still image: [4:3] 4000×3000, 3264×2448, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1280×960, 640×480
[3:2] 3984×2656 / [1:1] 2992×2992 / Movie: 640×480, 320×240 / Text: 4000×3000, 2048×1536

Recording Media:
SD memory card, SDHC memory card (up to 16 GB), Internal Memory (approx. 54 MB)
Storage Capacity*4 (No. of Pictures) (Internal 54 MB Memory):
Still image: 4000×3000 (RAW: 2 / F: 11 / N: 20), 3984×2656 (RAW: 2 / F: 13 / N: 23)
2992×2992 (RAW: 3 / (F: 15) / N: 27 3264×2448 (N: 30) / 2592×1944 (N: 48)
2048×1536 (N: 74) / 1280×960 (N: 133), 640×480 (N: 497)

Storage Capacity (Time) (Internal 54 MB Memory):
Movie:*5 640×480 / 30 frames/sec. (41 sec.), 640×480 / 15 frames/sec. (1 min. 22 sec.),
320×240 / 30 frames/sec. (1 min. 22 sec.), 320×240 / 15 frames/sec (2 min. 40 sec.)

Recording File Format:
Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.21)DCF*6, RAW (DNG) Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format Compliant)
Other Major Shooting Functions:
CONT. / S-CONT / M-CONT / Self-timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / 2 sec.), Interval Shooting (shooting interval: 5 sec. to 3 hr., in increments of 5 sec.)*7, Colour Bracket, B&W (TE), Noise Reduction, Histogram, Grid Guide, Electronic Level, Hot Shoe

Other Major Playback Functions:
Auto Rotate, Grid View, Enlarged View (maximum 16x), Resize

Interface:
USB 2.0 High-Speed (mini B cable), Mass Storage*8 / Audio Output 1.0Vp-p (75O) / Video OUT

Video Signal Format:
NTSC /PAL

Power Source:
Rechargeable Battery (DB60) ×1 / AAA Dry Alkaline Battery ×2 / AAA Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery ×2 / AC Adapter (AC-4c Optional) 3.8V

Battery Consumption:*9
Based on CIPA Standard: DB-60 usage: approx. 350 pictures / AAA alkaline battery usage: approx. 30 pictures*10

Dimensions:
111.6 mm (W) × 58.0 mm (H) × 25.0 mm (D) excluding projecting parts

Weight:
Approx. 208 g (excluding battery, SD memory card, and strap) Accessories: approx. 30 g (battery and strap)

Operating Temperature:
0ºC-40ºC

* 1: The shutter speed upper and lower limits vary depending on the shooting mode and ?ash mode.
* 2: The picture quality mode that can be set varies depending on the image size.
* 3: A JPEG ?le in Normal 640 or in Fine/Normal mode with the same size as the RAW ?le is recorded at the same
time. The DNG ?le format is a RAW image ?le format and is the standard format of Adobe Systems.
*4: The estimated number of pictures that can be recorded or the estimated recording time.
*5: The maximum movie length that can be recorded at one time is either 90 minutes or 4 GB.
*6: Compatible with DCF and DPOF. DCF is the abbreviation for “Design rule for Camera File system,” a JEITA
standard. (Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.)
*7: When the ?ash is set to [Flash Off].
*8: Mass storage mode is supported by Windows Me, 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS9.0-9.2.2, and Mac SX10.1.2-10.5.2. *9: The number of remaining shots is based on the CIPA standard and may vary depending on usage conditions.
This is for reference only.
*10: Using Panasonic AAA alkaline batteries.
* Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries.
* Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries.

Ricoh GX 200 Front

Ricoh GX 200 Back

GX 200 Top

Canon EOS 40D Review at CNET

CNET has reviewed the Canon EOS 40D a 10.1 megapixel (CMOS sensor) DSLR with 6.5 frames per second shooting, a new Autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, DIGIC III image processor, EOS integrated cleaning system, Spot Metering, and a larger, brighter view finder and quieter mechanism than it’s predecessor.

They write – "For Canon devotees, the EOS 40D is a great camera and remains an excellent choice compared to most of the dSLRs in and around its price class–with one exception. Despite its many attractions, the Canon EOS 40D doesn’t clearly outshine the Nikon D80, which costs a lot less. Though the 40D has the obvious advantage for action shooting–almost double the burst rate and a higher top shutter speed–the D80 generally feels a bit faster and more responsive for single-shot photography. I think the 40D ultimately does deliver better photo quality, but some people might find the differences more subtle than the price differential warrants. And, of course, the more expensive Nikon D300 remains a wild card until we’ve tested it. So for the moment, the 40D gets a hearty, if not wholly unqualified, endorsement."

Canon EOS 40D

Get a price at Amazon for the Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Canon EOS 40D

Sony Alpha A200 Review at PhotographyBlog

PhotographyBlog has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

They write: “The Sony A200’s first impressive feature in terms of image quality is the extensive and very usable ISO range of 100-3200. ISO 100-400 is noise-free, whilst ISO 800 and 1600 produce more than acceptable results, and the fastest speed of ISO 3200 is OK for emergency use…. If you have no investment in a DSLR system and you’re looking for an entry-level model, the Sony A200 is a real alternative to the likes of the Nikon D60, Canon EOS 450D and Olympus E-510. It may not be the most exciting camera on paper, with no Live View and "only" a 10 megapixel sensor, but in practice it’s an easy-to-use, solid proposition from which you can confidently upgrade in the future to a more feature-rich model.”

Sony Alpha A200

Get a price from Amazon for the Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Sony Alpha A200

Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS Preview at Camera Labs

Camera Labs has a preview of the Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS a 10.1 megapixel entry level digital SLR, featuring 7-point wide area AF system. 2.5 inch LCD display, and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting. The EOS 1000D also includes the DIGIC III image processor, Live View mode, and EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

They write: “canon’s new EOS 1000D / Rebel XS is a modest upgrade over its predecessor and in terms of AF points, an actual downgrade. But Canon knows new budget DSLR buyers greatly value the presence of image stabilisation and Live View, both of which are now crucially offered here. And unlike Nikon, it also means Canon now offers Live View on all its consumer DSLRs… This could be a trend we’re seeing on budget DSLRs where Canon, like Nikon and Sony, have both added new features, while taking away or reducing the functionality of others. At least the mirror-lockup and depth-of-field previews on the 1000D / XS remain though…Ultimately that’s as much as we can say until we test a final production model, but the comparisons above prove there’s a lot of compelling options for anyone in the market for a new and affordable DSLR.”

Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS

Read more about the Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS

Canon EOS 40D Review by Bob Atkins

Bob Atkins has reviewed the Canon EOS 40D a 10.1 megapixel (CMOS sensor) DSLR with 6.5 frames per second shooting, a new Autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, DIGIC III image processor, EOS integrated cleaning system, Spot Metering, and a larger, brighter view finder and quieter mechanism than it’s predecessor.

He writes – “In just about every respect the EOS 40D technically outperforms the EOS 30D and so I think it is a worthwhile upgrade for those who can afford to switch and who can use the new features. I didn’t feel that way about the 30D, which was a good camera but for me didn’t offer enough new features to persuade me to trade in my 20D and upgrade. Based on handling the camera for a day, I’m very pleased with it. The larger LCD and revised (easier to navigate) menu structure is nice. The 3" LCD is very nice. I really like the fact that the shutter is quiet in normal operation and even quieter still in Live View. The larger viewfinder and ISO display are also useful features. Though I’d initially thought of Live View as a bit of a "gimmick", I’m actually thinking or more and more potential uses for it!”

Canon EOS 40D

Get a price at Amazon for the Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Canon EOS 40D

Sony Alpha A200 Review at LetsGoDigital

LetsGoDigital has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

They write: “As far as ISO sensitivity is concerned you will achieve the best results with this sensor using ISO sensitivity up to ISO 800. Higher ISO than this will influence the image quality due to noise even with the improved noise reduction trying hard. The higher the ISO setting the more the quality drops. To prevent using high ISO you can activate the SuperSteady Shot mode.… The Sony Alpha 200 is a joy to work with and the camera performs really well. So if you can’t wait any longer and you want to get going shooting away, the choice for the Alpha 200 is an excellent one!”

Sony Alpha A200

Get a price from Amazon for the Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Sony Alpha A200