After its demise in the film industry, AgfaPhoto is looking to spur an interest in its digital products at PMA. VistaQuest will be the distributor of AgfaPhoto products in the US starting with two new models: the DV-5000G 5-in-1 digital video camera, and an 8MP point & shoot digital camera. [Read more…]
Panasonic LUMIX Camera Sends Photos to Picasa via T-Mobile
Last fall, we saw the introduction of the EyeFi SD card, which ultimately received underwhelming reviews. Panasonic is taking that concept one step further with a camera that will upload photos to Google’s Picasa Web Albums over T-Mobile’s HotSpot network. [Read more…]
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jan. 10, 2008 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the highly anticipated Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 software for Macintosh® is now available for pre-order at www.adobe.com/go/buyphotoshop_elements_mac or Amazon.com.
Photoshop Elements 6 software for Mac® combines power and simplicity so consumers at all experience levels can easily achieve outstanding results with their digital photos. In advance of its early Q2 2008 ship date, the Macintosh community will get its first peek at the new product features during the Macworld Conference & Expo, Jan. 14-17, 2008 in San Francisco (Booth #S1302). [Read more…]
Samsung GX-20 Reviews and Resources
Samsung has announced the new GX-20, the fraternal twin of the Pentax K20D, both of which tout nearly identical features but come in a different body, some display variations and other subtle differences.
The Samsung GX-20 will be available in body-only configuration in March for $1399 USD. For further details on the new Samsung GX-20, check out the press release and other resources below. Also, check out the Pentax K20D for corresponding info.
Key Features
- 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor
- 14-bit RAW images
- 3 FPS
- 2.7 inch LCD monitor
- Live View mode
- ISO 100-6400
- Dust Alert System
- X-sync socket for studio flash systems
- Built-in sensor-based Shake Reduction system
- Spot metering
- 11-point AF
- Enhanced Digital Filter offering a greater dynamic range
- 5 new Schneider D-XENON lenses
Reviews
Just because Samsung are relatively new to the photographic game is by no means an excuse to ignore what the GX-20 is – a powerful little DSLR that will give other manufacturers a good run for their money.
Overall, the Samsung GX-20 is well-priced and well-put-together. It is an attractive, solid unit, both in terms of its build as well as its performance, and it is unlikely to disappoint. Highly recommended.
The shutter release mechanism and auto-focusing system are still noisy, and we’d upgrade the supplied 18-55mm kit lens as soon as possible to get the best out of the sensor, but overall the GX-20 remains one of the most innovative and well-built mid-range DSLRs currently available, which we can easily highly recommend.
Like the K20D (and the K10D / GX-10) the GX-20 feels solidly built and fits the hand very comfortably with all the important controls in the right place and a large grip. The grip is actually slightly different on the GX-20 and the K20D, and which you prefer will be a matter of taste (and possibly the size of your hands).
Press Release:
Samsung Introduces Next-Generation DSLR at PMA 2008
GX-20 Boasts CMOS Sensor, Improved Shake Reduction, and Live View LCD
Ridgefield Park, NJ (January 24, 2008) – At the 2008 Photo Marketing Association Show, (PMA 2008) Samsung will introduce the GX-20 – its highly-anticipated, next generation DSLR. A 14.6 mega-pixel DSLR, the GX 20 extends the range of Samsung’s acclaimed GX-Series and boasts an impressive feature set that will garner the attention of any professional or photographer or enthusiast.
The GX-20 improves on many of the advanced qualities of its sibling DSLR, the 10.2 mega-pixel GX-10; however a host of new features and firsts truly set this camera apart from any other GX Series model previously introduced by Samsung. The GX-20 is highlighted by its proprietary, high performance CMOS sensor. The Samsung CMOS sensor is equipped with 14 mega-pixel resolution, can capture 14-bit RAW images, and maintains outstanding noise performance, even at a high ISO setting of 6400. The GX 20 also incorporates improved sensor-based shake-reduction as well as a double dust-removal system, which is designed to prevent miniscule specs of dust from ruining a perfect image.
“This is an exciting time for Samsung,” said Stewart Henderson Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. “The DSLR market is one of the fastest growing segments of the imaging industry, one which Samsung has served quite well over the past few years with our previous GX-Series DSLRs. With the introduction of the higher-end, professional-grade GX-20, Samsung can now address the needs of the more advanced photographer with a DSLR bearing an impressive list of state-of-the-art photographic technologies.”
Designed for the advanced amateur and professional photographer, the GX-20 is the fourth model in Samsung’s rapidly growing DSLR range. The premier model of the GX family, Samsung’s new GX-20 takes performance to a whole new level with an array of new and improved features, all which will allow users to capture images of uncompromising quality in any environment or setting. Photographers of all skill levels will appreciate the GX-20’s large 2.7 inch Live View LCD screen, which allows users to check composition and focus directly on the LCD in real time.
The GX-20’s improved sensor-based shake reduction system, dubbed Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), helps photographers overcome the detrimental effects of hand shake and helps minimize blur in situations where the camera is unstable or in low-light conditions. Because it resides in the camera body, as opposed to the lens, the OPS feature works with a wide range of lenses, including Samsung’s Schneider D-XENON family and the full range of Pentax, KAF2, KAF and KA mount lenses.
Samsung’s full range of optics include two zooms, the 18~55mm and 50~200mm Schneider D-XENONs, as well as five new Schneider D-XENON lenses (introduced in 2007). The new Schneider D-XENON lenses are available for use with the entire GX-Series of DSLRs and consist of a 10~17mm, F3.5-4.5 fish-eye zoom, a 12~24mm, F4 ultra-wide zoom, a 16~45mm, F4 wide zoom, a 35mm, F2 fixed focus and a 100mm, F2.8 macro lens.
Additionally, the GX-20 features a Pentaprism viewfinder that yields a 95 % wide field of view and provides photographers with a bright and accurate view of their subject, allowing them to properly frame and fine tune out-of-focus areas. Furthermore, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second, shooters can rest assured that they’ll never miss the perfect shot, especially when it comes to fast-moving events.
The GX-20’s revolutionary new double dust-removal system is designed to prevent dust from threatening the quality of images captured with the GX-20. Samsung has incorporated an advanced dust-removal system that can be set to automatically vibrate the CMOS sensor when the GX-20 is powered on or engaged independently by the shooter, and has also manufactured the GX-20’s proprietary sensor with a special dust resistant coating, further eliminating the possibility of unwanted specs or blemishes ruining an otherwise perfect picture. As if that weren’t enough, the GX-20 boasts a specially designed body that was made to stand up to the elements. Every button, gap and other potentially vulnerable area on the camera’s body has been fortified with special seals and silicone to protect against damage from water, sand and a host of other elements.
Another attractive feature for advanced photographers is the GX-20’s superb RAW image format support. The exclusive one-touch RAW shooting button enables users to quickly capture 14-bit RAW images, which can then be quickly be viewed on the LCD screen. If the shooter desires, the RAW image can also be converted to JPEG format directly on the camera. The GX-20’s intuitive and easy to use interface makes even the most advanced tasks easy to accomplish for just about anyone. The GX 20’s continuous shooting mode is capable of capturing up to three pictures per second (pps). Depending on available memory, shooters can capture an unlimited number of JPEG images in continuous shooting mode, and up to nine images in RAW format.
For accurate auto focusing in any shooting condition, shooters can take advantage of the GX-20’s 11-point TTL, wide-area Auto Focus system. For added versatility and to compliment their shooting style, users have a choice of AF single or AF-continuous. The GX-20 also features a TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering system for accurate exposures, as well as center weighted and spot metering.
Samsung GX-20: $1399.95 MSRP – Available March 2008
Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc., Ridgefield Park, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd., Sungnam Kyungki-Do, Korea. Samsung Opto-Electronics markets a full line of auto focus cameras, zoom and digital cameras for the amateur as well as the professional under the Samsung brand name.
[tags]samsung, gx-20, pma 2008[/tags]
Samsung GX-20 Rumor Archives
The Samsung GX-20 showed up on a Norwegian website amongst the press releases of the new Samsung point and shoot cameras, which were announced at CES this week. (UPDATE: As of 7:00AM on 1/10/07, the reference to the GX-20 has been removed from the website. It was previously positioned above the photo of the NV24HD.) In the midst of all the press releases, the GX-20 appears out of place and there is no other info other than this photo, accompanied by the key specifications. The specs (at least what I can make out of them) are as follows:
- 14.6 MP (CMOS) Sensor
- Sensor-based Image Stabilization
- Resistant to rain, sand and dust
- Double dust removal on image sensor
- 2.7″ LCD
- Live view
- One-press RAW
- ISO 3200
More intriguing than Samsung’s foray into the mid-grade DSLR world is Samsung’s partnership with Pentax. In the previous generation, Samsung DSLRs were basically rehashed Pentax DSLRs. That little nugget leads me to believe that the GX20 may, in fact, be a preview of the Pentax K20D that we’re expecting at PMA.
We’ll know shortly. Stay tuned.
[tags]samsung, gx-20, gx20, pentax, k20d, news, pma, 2008[/tags]
Olympus E-3 Review at PhotographyBLOG
PhotographyBLOG has posted its review of the Olympus E-3:
It makes sense given that Olympus has pinned its hopes on the E-3 as its most serious digital contender to date. Still, the amount of time you’ll spend penitently wading through the manual will reward you with some seriously good images. Colours are lovely and true-to-nature, and although Olympus may not have quite cracked the old white balance conundrum when faced with tricky conditions, at least you can work around it.
Get more reviews of the Olympus E-3 here.
[tags]olympus, e-3, review[/tags]
Samsung NV4 Reviews and Resources
Samsung’s NV4 was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. Part digital camera, part MP3 player, the NV4 features an 8.1 megapixel image sensor with a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5″ LCD screen that will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation. The NV4 also offers Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), which, when selected, works to curb shake-induced blur in your photos. [Read more…]
Samsung L210 Reviews and Resources
The Samsung L210 was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. The L210 is a 10.1 megapixel point & shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5″ LCD screen that will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation.
The L210 also offers Dual Image Stabilization, which combines Samsung’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) with Digital Image Stabilization (DIS). When selected, the two work simultaneously to curb shake-induced blur in your photos.
The L210 features face detection autofocus, a special self-portrait mode and auto red eye fix that allows users to set the camera so that it automatically detects and eliminates red-eye from photos as they are taken.
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Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]samsung, L210, review[/tags]
Sony A300 Reviews & Resources
The 10.2 megapixel Sony A300 features a flip-out 2.7-inch swivel screen and live preview that retains the ability to autofocus with speed. The A300 features sensitivity up to ISO 3200 and feature burst modes of 3fps. The A300 was made available in April 2008 for $800 with a 18-70mm kit lens (now substantially less).
You can order the Sony A300 through Amazon via the following links to the product pages:
Sony A300 w/ 18-70mm & 55-200mm lenses
Reviews
Image quality is pretty much identical to the A200, so no surprises there. The same 10.2-megapixel APS-C sensor has been used in the A100 and A200, as well as the Nikon D60 and D80, and it is a well-proven piece of kit.
The Sony A300 is certainly a fun camera to use, owing to its zippy Live View performance, tilting screen and advanced feature set. While plastic, it is well made, looking and feeling like it was built to last.
Despite some evidence of edge softening, resolution was retained right up to ISO 1600 and only declined slightly at ISO 3200, as shown in the graph below. Flare was negligible with the supplied lens and the test camera’s spot metering system provided correct exposures with strong backlighting.
The Sony Alpha A300 is a feature-packed DSLR with a compelling price tag. With built-in stabilisation, Live View and a flip-out screen, it ticks the boxes of most new DSLR buyers. Sony’s fuss-free Live View is also arguably the best implementation yet for general consumers. It’s quick, quiet and offers uncompromised auto-focusing performance.
The camera focuses quickly as you aim the lens, without ever blacking out the screen. When you press the shutter, the screen doesn’t go on-off-on, there’s no loud clacking, and there’s no baffling exhibition of mirror calisthenics inside the camera.
. . . we’re here with a plethora of hands-on shots to prove that they’re the real deal. Since you already know the specs by now — 10.2 megapixel (a300) or 14.2 megapixel (a350) sensors, 2.7-inch screen, ISO up to 3200, and traditional CF slots — we’ll just let you get right to the eye candy below.
Press Release
SONY INTRODUCES TWO MAINSTREAM DSLR CAMERAS WITH UNIQUE “QUICK AF LIVE” VIEW SYSTEM
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony is bringing live-view shooting to its digital SLR camera line with today’s (alpha) DSLR-A350 camera and 10.2-megapixel?introduction of a 14.2-megapixel ? (alpha) DSLR-A300 model. Both cameras feature new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.
Quick AF Live View System
They both offer Sony’s new “Quick AF Live View” technology so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD without sacrificing auto-focusing speed common to other live-view systems.
Sony’s innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism directs light to a dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view.
____________________________
Eliminating the focus delay of other systems, the new models are equally responsive whether using live view or optical viewfinder.
With its two sensor design, Quick AF Live View can even continuously focus-track the subject and provide live view during burst shooting, helping you capture that special moment.
Taking further advantage of Quick AF Live View is the models’ variable angle 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD ™ screen. This makes it easy to frame scenes from high or low positions difficult to reach when using an eye-level viewfinder.
With Live View and an adjustable LCD, the cameras do not need to be in front of the user’s face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children.
“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in speed or performance” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Quick AF Live View gives these new models a familiar shooting style without compromising speed – ideal for the growing market of first-time SLR users.”
_____________________________________
Exceptional Image Quality
The new models produce images with fine detail, rich tonality and vibrant color due to their APS-C CCD image sensors and BIONZ® processing engine. To aid shooting in low light, Super SteadyShot® image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, with every compatible Minolta Maxxum® and Sony ? (alpha) lens (sold separately) attached to the camera.
High sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 and very low noise are made possible by the user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction features. Sony’s D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.
Powerful Performance, Easy to Use
The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUMTM battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life – up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.
Both models feature lighter, slimmer bodies for easy handling; an improved user interface; an automatic pop-up flash; a comfortable camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial; an anti-dust system to keep the CCD image sensor clean for spot-free pictures; and JPEG and RAW file format support. Both have a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards.
An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is also available for the cameras and sold separately.
The new DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350 cameras are compatible with a range of accessories, including the ergonomic Sony VG-B30AM vertical grip. Also available as an option is the new Sony HVL-F42AM flash unit. It offers advanced features such as automatic white balance adjustment with color temperature information, adjustable bounce angles, ADI metering and wireless remote operation to suit the needs of most photographers.
Price and Availability
The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800. The DSLR-A350 camera body will be available in March for about $800, and the DSLR-A350 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens will be available for about $900 at the same time. Both models will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail ), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.
[tags]sony, a300, review[/tags]
Samsung L100 Reviews and Resources
The Samsung L100 was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. The L100 is an 8.1 megapixel point & shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5″ LCD screen that will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation. The L100 also offers Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), which, when selected, works to curb shake-induced blur in your photos.
The L100 features face detection autofocus, a special self-portrait mode and auto red eye fix that allows users to set the camera so that it automatically detects and eliminates red-eye from photos as they are taken.
Stay tuned to this page for the latest news and reviews on the Samsung L100 as they arrive.
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]samsung, L100, review[/tags]
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