Recently, I’ve been getting to know the new Sony A500 and A550 DSLRs, which feature 12.3-megapixel and 14.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensors, respectively. Sony has hyped these consumer-grade DSLRs as low-light and low noise shooters thanks to their BIONZ image processing. Both cameras cover a sensitivity range of ISO 200-12800, which is a pretty bold spec for cameras priced under $1000. So, I decided to take a closer look at the noise performance of the cameras side-by-side. [click to continue…]
The guys over at 4/3 Rumors say that a reliable source has tipped them on the upcoming introduction of a Canon EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens) camera, saying that it’s going to be announced soon. [click to continue…]
Photography Bay reader, Alan, wants a Canon DSLR, but also likes the swivel LCD found on other cameras.
Alan’s Question: I am looking at upgrading to a DSLR and have come to the conclusion that Canon is my preferred choice (namely the 500D). However I really am taken by the swivel Nikon D5000‘s LCD flip down swivel screen. Not only does it fold up back wards to proteck the screen it also offers excellent viewing of screen at strange angles. SO my question is does any one know of any rumors if future Canon models with this swivel screen feature.
My Answer: There’s certainly been speculation regarding a swivel LCD on Canon DSLRs. A few months back, Canon asked about the importance of this feature in an EOS customer survey. I think Canon is definitely thinking about it. I also think it’s very possible that it could be a feature in the next Rebel model. Would I bet money on that? No. However, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see it.
The Canon 500D / Rebel T1i is a great camera, which can be had at a very reasonable price now. If you really want a DSLR, there’s always a reason to wait for the next model. Most of those reasons, however, are not justified in my opinion.
I’ve used the the T1i and the D5000 both. I don’t think a swivel LCD changes the way I shoot anything but video. And if you want the camera for video, for most people there are better solutions than a DSLR. If you want a still image camera, I’d say jump on the T1i and don’t worry about the lack of a swivel LCD. Just my two cents.
For more on these cameras, you can check out the following resources here on Photography Bay:
Do you have advice for Alan, or maybe some unique knowledge about whether Canon will be plugging a swivel LCD in the next Rebel? Leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
UPDATE 12/3/09: Image scans from the Pentax 645D manual have been removed by request and as a courtesy to those involved. However, it wasn’t like this was Pentax’s best kept secret in the first place, given the Pentax 645D patent application filed in 2008.
The Pentax 645D has been in the rumor mill for a long time; however, the buzz over this camera has grown over the course of this year.
It looks like part of the camera manual has leaked online, along with rumors of an early-2010 appearance, perhaps around PMA 2010.
Rumored specs include a 39.5-megapixel sensor, and you can see from the manual scan that SD cards and the DNG raw format are in the mix.
