Zooom Digital Cameras

DP Review just posted a review of the Canon PowerShot S5 IS. Overall the review is positive with the reviewer stating, “the PowerShot S5 IS is probably, just, the pick of the super zoom bunch at this moment in time, because it offers reliable output, responsive performance and an impressive feature set in an attractive, easy to use package that makes photography fun; not because it offers better IQ.” However the site goes on to states, “it is crying out for a better sensor, wider lens and for Canon to move the SD card slot back out from the battery compartment, but I’d still rather take it out shooting than the Sony, Olympus or Fuji alternatives. The output (with fringing and noise issues) simply isn’t good enough to earn the S5 IS an unqualified ‘Highly Recommended’ rating, but it’s an easy ‘Recommended’.”

So if you are in the market for a digital camera, which incorporates elements from both compact cameras and digital SLR’s, consider this camera which DP Review considers the best among Mega Zoom Cameras.

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Earlier this week Panasonic released tow digital cameras the Panasonic DMC-FX55 and FX33, under their Lumix line. The two cameras are basically the same with only difference between the two is a larger LCD monitor and front grip on the FX55. Other than that the cameras share a 3.6X wide angle (28-100mm) Leica zoom lens and optical image stabilization. Both cameras also feature an ISO range from 100 to 1600, with an option to push the ISO all the way up 6400! The camera also features face detection and “Intelligent auto mode”, which automatically sets the settings to most suitable mode.

Via DP Review

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Sigma announced yesterday an HSM version of their 17-70 mm and 18 – 55 mm lenses using the Nikon lens mount. HSM stands for Hyper Sonic Motor, which promises quieter and faster focusing. Both lenses are specifically tailored for Nike Digital SLR cameras.

The 17-70 mm model features a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm (7.9 inches). The cameras maximum aperture ranges from F.2.8-F4.5 and a minimum aperture of F22.

The 18-50 mm model has an aperture range from F2.8 to F22.

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Olympus updated their image management software, Studio 2.0, for E-System DSLR’s. Studio has new interface and is compatible with Intel Macs and Windows Vista computers. The software features, printing functionality, a file backup system, and compatibility with E-410 and E-510 comers. You can now get a 30 day trial period of the software from the Olympus website.

Via DP Review

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Canon like Sony will also be investing in the improvement of the sensor system for its digital cameras. A total of $451 million will be spent in the creation of a new CMOS production factory. The improvement to the CMOS chips will be used in both DSLR and Compact Canon cameras. This is good news because Canon currently CCD sensors which do not provide, the same level of quality of CMOS sensors.

Via DP Review

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Sony is making a big investment in the research and development of sensors for digital cameras. The investment is around 60 billion Japanese Yen, and the plan is going to be implemented from the 2007 to 2009. So we should see some more powerful image sensors coming from Sony in the coming years.

Via DP Review

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DP Review recently took a look at the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7. The review was less than stellar. The H7 is the economy model of the series and does not offer the bells and whistles featured on the H9, which can be had for $75 difference. Also the review points out that the camera does not perform well in the creation of large prints!

“So, whilst the H7 does come in at a surprisingly low price for a camera with this level of specification, it’s hard to see why anyone wouldn’t pay the extra for the H9 unless they were on a seriously tight budget.

Putting aside the ‘is it worth saving $75′ issue the H7 has all the faults - and most of the good stuff - that we covered in length in the H9 review. The extra wideangle capability is still welcome, and the sheer versatility and creative potential of the 31-465mm range cannot be overstated. It offers an incredibly powerful feature set at a bargain price, and is, for the most part, capable of producing decent results for the average user (producing small prints) with point and shoot simplicity.

To put it another way, if you want a genuinely affordable big zoom camera for snapping the family that you can leave on ‘full auto’ all the time - and you rarely print your pictures bigger than 6×4 inches - the H7 is (at as little as $350 online) certainly worth a closer look.

But if you’ve got more exacting image quality standards, want to enlarge more or want to actually use all those advanced features I suspect that, like us, you’re going to find the H7 disappointing. At least the H9 has a great screen to take your mind off the fiddly controls and less-than-stellar results; the H7 is what it is - a budget model that, unfortunately, performs like one.”

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Here is another Pentax compact digital camera, which was also just recently announced, the Pentax Optio M40. The camera is ultra compact which measures 18mm in size is stocked full of the typical features found on compact digital point-and-shoots, such as video capture capabilities, 3X optical zoom, and shake reduction. The most interesting feature on the camera is the ability to detect human faces no matter where they are in the frame, focus and illuminate them. The camera also comes in a variety of colors pictured above.

Via DPR

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Pentax recently announced the introduction of the new Pentax Optio E40 compact camera. The camera is geared toward an entry-level digital photography crowd with it promise of ease of use. Among the bells and whistles on the unit are its Face Recognition AF&AE”, which is for taking images of people. With the system the camera recognizes human faces and focuses and illuminates them wherever they might be in the frame. Also the camera features an image stabilization system, which automatically ups the ISO when needed for crisp images. The Cameras is powered by AA alkaline batteries, which may pose a problem for some, however the camera can take 240 photos with one set of batteries. Other key states include 8.1-megapixel sensor, 3X optical zoom, and 640 x 480 video recording. So the camera seems like a great entry-level digital camera for someone who wants to take pictures right out the box.

Via DPR

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A wide-angle lens is an indispensable piece of equipment for a wide range of photographers. Those using the Nikon system should consider picking up the Nikkor AF-s 12-24 (18-36 35mm equivalent). Photozone recently reviewed the lens stating,

“The Nikkor AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX proved to be a very good performer. Its center resolution figures are exceptionally high and apart from 12mm @ f/4 the border quality is also impressive though a little less field curvature may be desirable at 12mm. CAs as well as the distortion characteristic are very good for an ultra-wide zoom lens whereas vignetting is about average due to the reduced APS-C image circle. The build quality is, in principal, very fine but you would usually expect a little more from a lens in this price class. The primary competitor is probably the Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro - a lens which is just as sharp but with a higher degree of CAs and worse flare in contra light - all at less than half the costs and combined with a better build quality. Costs aside it’s a close race between the two with a slight edge for the Nikkor regarding optical quality. When taking the very different price tags in account the decision may be a little more complicated.”

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