Thursday, June 22. 2006
Nikon D2Xs, upgraded D2X, is announced
Nikon D1X was introduced in January 2001, it was a great model - robust body, low noice on high ISO values, almost 6 MP. Nikonians had a winner for this turn. This model was succeed with D2X, more than 3 and a half years later. Another improvement in a row. Nikon introduced CMOS sensor with almost 13 MP, RAW+JPEG files, 11 area TTL and many other new features. Previous model - D2H was build great, but its sensor was not at the high level that the other parts was. The D2X solved this, and offered a great value for the money.
And, those days a D2Xs is introduced. It is a upgrade of D2X and has some new features like:
larger 2.5" (6.35cm) LCD screen, longer life battery, import/export of settings, improvements were made to the GPS data,
auto ISO control, Colour Matrix Metering II, continuous shooting, some color mode changes and others.
 | (Electronics) Manufacturer:NIKON Released: |
Maybe some of you expected more improvements, but this is for now. Professional photographers will benefit from some of the new features. On the other side Nikon D200 might be the best offer for the money.
 | (Electronics) Manufacturer:Nikon Released:01 April, 2005 |
Sunday, June 18. 2006
PENTAX K100D with Shake Reduction (SR)
Once again, we see that megapixel race is over - this model has 6.1 MP in its 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD.
In one of future articles I will write about megapixels and size of prints, but lets just say that for the amateur and enthusiastic photographers 6MP is just fine.
K100D has some other features, which are definitelly more usefull than some extra 2Mp.
Pentax has developed its own share reduction system - it oscillates the CCD in vertical in horizontal directions with magnetic forces. It uses special motion sensor to detect speed and direction of the motion. This makes SR usable with all types of lenses that are compatible with Pentax mount.
When mentioning lenses compatible with Pentax mount - it is well known that Pentax is the only system that allows easy use of old screw-mount lenses (with adapters). Canon also can use those lenses, but the focus confirmation is lost. With Nikon - the metering is lost. Pentax has all features preserved and with SR - now you can have a very cheap MF lens which will be very usable.
Another interesting thing is that K100D uses all ISO speeds in AUTO modes - up to 3200. Other manufacturers usually limit the value in auto modes to 400, or 800 ISO. Used with SR and ISO 1600 (for example) - this might be a good choice for people who want to shoot in situations where shutter speed is cruical.
Of course, advanced users will not use auto modes, anyway.
K100D has 11 point focus system, new auto picture mode, 2.8 fps, max shutter speed of 1/4000 ...
Pentax models are known as the ones having bright viewfinders, this one might be not so bright, but it should be better than its rivals.
There is also Pentax K110D with same specifications but without SR.
 | (Electronics) Manufacturer:Pentax Released:10 August, 2006 |
Here are specifications in short taken from Pentax press release:
PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
11-point wide-frame AF to capture off-center subjects in crisp focus
Auto sensitivity control up to 3200 standard output sensitivity
Auto Picture Mode for effortless point-and-shoot SLR photography
Large LCD monitor to facilitate image viewing and menu setting
True-to-life, rich-gradation images assured by 6.1 effective megapixels
Super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, with outstanding rigidity
Bright, clear viewfinder (penta-mirror with Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen)
Top shutter speed of 1/4000 second
Continuous shooting at approximately 2.8 images per second
19 custom functions to personalize camera operations
SD memory card compatibility
Eight distinctive Scene modes to accommodate specific subjects/applications
Choice of two preview functions (digital/optical)
Storage of recorded images in day-by-day files on an SD memory card
Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
Noise reduction mechanism to reduce digital noise during extended exposures
Dual power source (two CR-V3 lithium batteries, or four AA-size batteries)
USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility for speedy data transfer to PC
Choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better or Good) and RAW
Five digital filters (Black-and-white, Sepia, Slim, Soft and Brightness) for easy editing of recorded images
PictBridge compatibility
 | (Electronics) Manufacturer:Pentax Released: |
Thursday, April 20. 2006
Sony announces ? - its own dSLR line
The news of the day is announce made by Sony. Sony will show us some dSLR cameras of its own in product line called ? (pronounced "alpha") - the name Konica-Minolta used on Japanese market.
Actually, this was expected to happen. Sony took Konica-Minolta' part of the digital photography market.
Konica-Minolta owners were waiting to hear if the old mount system will be held. Same question for flash contacts and many other.
From earlier announcements, it is clear that Sony will take warrant service for existing clients. Now, owners of expensive lenses for Konica-Minolta can breathe freely. New dSLR cameras from Sony will be compatible with this part of their equipment.
Nothing else is said in the announcement, except that we might see some early models this summer.
I look forward to see how Sony will enter on this market, but I expect no other than brilliance. After introducing an excellent R1, it is time to take a step further and create even bigger challenge for competitors.
Actually, this was expected to happen. Sony took Konica-Minolta' part of the digital photography market.
Konica-Minolta owners were waiting to hear if the old mount system will be held. Same question for flash contacts and many other.
From earlier announcements, it is clear that Sony will take warrant service for existing clients. Now, owners of expensive lenses for Konica-Minolta can breathe freely. New dSLR cameras from Sony will be compatible with this part of their equipment.
 | (Electronics) Manufacturer:Sony Released:03 August, 2006 |
Nothing else is said in the announcement, except that we might see some early models this summer.
I look forward to see how Sony will enter on this market, but I expect no other than brilliance. After introducing an excellent R1, it is time to take a step further and create even bigger challenge for competitors.
 | (Electronics) Manufacturer:Sony Released: |
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