Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
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. [Read more…]
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. [Read more…]
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:
Canon Rebel T1i Reviews and Resources
Nikon D5000 Reviews and Resources
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.
[xitek forums via Photo Rumors]
Nikon has updated Capture NX to version 2.2.3, which adds support for the D3s RAW files, fixes glitches for embedded GPS information and other minor fixes.
You can download the latest version on Nikon’s website.
Image Credit: BVDC Stock Photography
Here’s a scary story that I received from Fotolia for all of you who brave the elements to get the shot… [Read more…]
You.
I just wanted to take a moment this Thanksgiving Day before I eat way too much turkey, corn, potatoes and everything else on the table, then poke around at my family with a 50mm lens, and say thanks for reading Photography Bay.
If it wasn’t for you reading what we write here, there would be no Photography Bay. So, thanks.
Thanks to people like:
Frequent commenter, ossme, who hardly ever misses an opportunity to provide an insightful comment on PB’s posts.
Pat, who sent the latest email (of so many other people email replies that I have received) expressing her gratitude for our weekly newsletter: “I have only been a subscriber of yours for a short time, but you have never disappointed. It is now on my must read list. Thank you for doing such a great job!” – Wow. Thank you, Pat.
Rich Legg, who is always willing to help out with photography advice, judging a contest, or the occasional and very thorough articles. (You guys in Utah have a really special person on hand with Rich.)
Everyone that sends me a quick email to point out those typos that I miss or technical mistakes on gear. Yes, I really appreciate all those emails and comments. Really.
Everyone who tolerates the frequency of my use of the word “really” in camera reviews. I have a re-read of reviews now just to delete the word “really” – and they still sneak through.
Everyone that sends a news tip, rumor or suggestion using PB’s contact form. Although I don’t get to reply to them all, I read every one.
Guest posters Zach Matthews, Angela Datre, Ron Kruger and so many others.
All 637 of you that are currently a member in Photography Bay’s Flickr Group. A special thanks to those of you who contribute on a regular basis.
B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon for supporting this site through their affiliate programs. There’s no way Photography Bay could be where it’s at today without an affiliate relationship with these trustworthy vendors. And, I shop at each of them . . . my wife would say way too often.
Everyone who uses Photography Bay’s links to shop at B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon. In case you don’t know how these links work, when you use the links on Photography Bay to get to one of these sites, we receive a small commission from those purchases. You still pay the same prices no matter how you get there; however, when you stop by Photography Bay first and click on through to one of these vendors, it helps keep us rolling with fresh content. So, a big thanks for your support.
Contest sponsors like Sony, who sent PB reader Massimo to Argentina this year; Seagate, who has given away hard drives for the past 2 years (there’s one running now); Think Tank Photo, who has supplied their awesome bags for giveaways or allowed me to pass on review samples to readers; and everyone else that has sponsored some kind of contest or giveaway.
All of the PR people that take the time to write a personal email explaining why their news release is relevant (and, even the PR folks that don’t know how to write emails, but still send timely and relevant news). There are a lot of great PR folks that stay in touch and keep me informed with what’s going on in the industry; however, Samsung, Olympus and Sony UK stick out as really top notch in terms of getting to the point in a nice way and staying in touch as “people” – so, special thanks to Jason, Jennifer, Mark and Jonny.
Blogging pals like Peter K. Burian, David Ziser, 1001 Noisy Cameras, Nikon Rumors Admin, Brian Auer, and, again, so many others who bounce emails off me, give me a heads up, pass along one of PB’s posts or reply to my questions.
I’m thankful for all of these and the so many other people that I left out who make Photography Bay what it is today. I could go on and on; however, I’ll just say to you, if you’re reading this . . . Thanks.
Panasonic has released a firmware update, version 1.1, for the GF1 Micro Four Thirds camera, along with 5 Panasonic lenses. The firmware provides the GF1 with improved auto focus, auto white balance, noise performance and more. The lens firmware upgrades offer improved auto focus in video recording modes, along with other improvements.
You can obtain instructions and download the firmware on Panasonic’s website.
Additional details on the firmware update in the press release below. [Read more…]
Apple has updated iPhoto to the latest version 8.1.1. Update notes from Apple:
The iPhoto 8.1.1 update addresses issues affecting face recognition performance and accuracy. It also resolves minor issues with book ordering and iPod touch support. This update is recommended for all users of iPhoto ’09.
More details and download the update on Apple’s website.