Author: markku

Categories
Lenses Reviews

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS Reviewed

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS

Not too long ago, Nikon wowed many SLR users with their introduction of the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, a lens that quickly became the envy of Canon users and other shooters trapped in other lens mounts.

More than a year after, Sigma capitalized on the Nikon 18-200 VR’s success among the all–in–one crowd by announcing the Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS, a lens certainly not unlike the Nikon bestseller. Several months after their announcement, the Sigma 18-200 OS has now made it to consumers and has received favorable feedback.

Well–known PBase user lightrules has quickly reviewed the Sigma 18-200 OS against the Canon 17-85 IS USM, a competitor it’s trying to beat in the walkaround range category. Considering the impressive range of the Sigma, the Canon is marginably better in some respects, notably corner sharpness. Center sharpness though is very good, capable of holding its own against the Canon. The Sigma 18-200 OS’s optical stabilization is reportedly a little better than the Canon 17-85 IS USM, and lightrules has some sample photos to illustrate. Both ephotozine’s and photozone’s reviews suggest that the Sigma 18-200 OS can be very useful as a walkaround lens.

Such is the Sigma 18-200 OS’s usefulness that even several users from the fredmiranda.com forums find it worthy of their gear list, keeping it handy as a light travel photography solution. However, another lens has also made it on their list: the Tamron 18-250 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro.

Is this going to be the battle of the superzooms?

Categories
Bodies Rumors

Nikon D40 & D40x: Good Enough?

Nikon D40

We’ve seen Nikon’s entry level offerings reviewed several weeks ago: the D40 and the D40x, all done by DPReview. Seeing that almost all reviews of both cameras proudly proclaim their strengths, are they really today’s best entry level digital SLRs?

Thom Hogan reviewed both cameras to compare and contrast their common strengths while identifying what may be better in one model, compared to the other. If I were to start in DSLR photography all over again, I’d go with the 6–megapixel D40 and invest my remaining money in good lenses. Getting a D40x means just more pesos (dollars?) spent with the same limitations from its cheaper sibling. And spending more would only be justified if one were to get a D80, or a D200. Thom specifically mentioned how Nikon has been able to maximize their not–too–new 6-megapixel CCD sensor:

First, the image quality is excellent. Nikon has proven once again that they know how to suck every last little bit of quality out of the 6mp sensors they’ve been using for more than four years. And amazingly, the included kit lens doesn’t let the sensor down. For those that aren’t trying to shoot wall murals and are satisfied with the size prints you’d get off, say, a really good desktop inkjet, there’s nothing to complain about in image quality until you get to ISO 3200, and even then some will find it usable at smaller print sizes.

So if you’re just starting to play with DSLRs now, you know the advantages of getting a D40, or a D40x.

Categories
Bodies News

Pentax 50th Anniversary Asahi Pentax DSLR

Pentax 50th Anniversary Asahi Pentax DSLR

Are you seeking a cool–looking digital SLR that combines today’s technology with the nostalgia of old school screw mount, manual focus, silver bodies? Then the 50th Anniversary Asahi Pentax DSLR might just be the camera for you! Unfortunately, this camera is not slated for production and is just a concept model, a design study based on the Pentax K10D.

But if the demand for such a novelty toy is good, there’s no doubt we’ll see it in the market soon.

Categories
Bodies Reviews

Review: Nikon D40X

Nikon D40X

Just half a year ago, the digital SLR market was busy speculating on Nikon’s entry level DSLR that will break the 500 dollar mark, which turned out to be the Nikon D40.

The D40 was a groundbreaker upon its entry, and even up to this point. But with the introduction of the Nikon D40X just a few months after the D40, they have agains raised the bar in the competitive DSLR scene. Now with a 10-megapixel sensor and 3 frames per second continuous shooting, this new body can sit well against its more expensive sibling, the D80, and other offerings like the Canon EOS 400D/XTi or the Sony Alpha A100.

But how do we really know how good it fares? Well, our friends over at DPReview have reviewed the Nikon D40X, giving it a “Highly Recommended” badge. It would be nice to try this one for a day. ;)

Categories
Bodies Software

DSLR Firmware updates

Fishing.

In case you haven’t heard, a firmware update might have been released for your digital SLR in the past few weeks. Here are some of the more recent firmware upgrades:

If you have any of the cameras mentioned above, check if you have an older firmware and upgrade as necessary.

Categories
Links Tips

Wall–sized posters

Ever wanted to reproduce your photos for large–format, wall–size mounting?

Photojojo shares with us this wonderful site called “Block Posters” which does exactly that, produce several PDF files that you can print in your printer and stitch/join/mount together to result in a poster that can take up wall spaces. Though quality may significantly be lower, these wall posters can still be very eye–catching.

Try it!

Categories
Lenses News Product Announcements

Announced: Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF] Macro

Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF] Macro

Just a few weeks ago, Tamron announced the Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF] Macro, a new lens that promises to combine compactness and speed. Compared to other f/2.8 telephoto zooms from other manufacturers, this lens is expected to be much smaller and lighter while retaining the advantages of a f/2.8 zoom. Most of the technology that goes into this is based on the hugely successful Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di.

The main features of this lens are listed as:

  1. 0.95m (37.4) MFD over the Entire Zoom Range for 1:3.1 Maximum Magnification Ratio
  2. Soft Out-of-Focus Effect and Sharp Depiction
  3. Lightweight, Yet Fast F/2.8 Maximum Aperture
  4. Internal Surface Coatings Minimize Ghosting and Flare
  5. One-touch AF/MF Switchover mechanisms (for Canon and Nikon only)
  6. Detachable Tripod Grip Ring
  7. Flower-shaped Lens Hood

For more information, read the official press release on the Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF] Macro.

Categories
News Software

Safeguard your data

If you’ve taken compromising photos and deleted them right away, you’d feel that you’re off the hook. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as that. An article over at informit.com discusses how they tried to recover data from used storage devices sold on eBay, and how they were able to retrieve what could’ve been damaging information to others.

Early in 2004 we purchased roughly 10 hard drives off of eBay for research purposes. Our goal was to see just how much data was out there for the taking. While the results of this test were never officially reported, we found that eight of the ten formatted drives still had data on them. Using tools like Autopsy and EasyRecovery Pro, we were able to recover social security numbers, bank account details, medical records and more.

Their conclusion suggested that disposing of old devices like hard drives or memory cards should be done properly, after they recovered substantial information from their experiment.

In this digital era your data can reside almost anywhere. Hard drives, USB sticks, camera cards, PDA’s, phones, or even a digital picture frame could hold information you wouldn’t want the world to see. It only takes a few minutes to properly delete your data storage device, and if you don’t know how, then it might just be worth it to physically destroy the item instead of reselling it. Hopefully the results of this project has helped to highlight the fact that all forms of digital storage should be treated the same, regardless of their size, shape, or how many MB’s it might hold.

So now, don’t go selling those old drives and CF cards unless you know what’s really stored in them. Better safe than sorry.

Categories
Bodies News Product Announcements

Canon EOS-1D Mark III released!

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Finally, the wait is over! Canon has just announced the EOS-1D Mark III, its update to their professional 1–series digital SLR. With its recent advancements in its technology, the new 1D is undoubtedly the best in its class today, putting the competition way behind.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

The Canon EOS-1D Mark III now sports a 10.1–megapixel CMOS sensor with data passed through a dual DIGIC III processor, enabling it to churn through information much faster than before. The new APS-H sensor is now capable of reaching ISO 3200 with ISO 50 and 6400 as sensitivity extensions/expansions, it being touted as Canon’s most light-sensitive and innovative sensor developed to date. The improved processing pipeline can now handle a burst of up to 110 Large JPEGs or 30 RAW files, an impressive number that matches this camera’s superb performance.

And performance is where the Canon EOS-1D cameras have always been known for. This update now has 19 high–precision cross–type AF points instead of 7, a highlight of the brand–new autofocus system. Now capable of bursts of 10 frames per second, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III is indeed today’s fastest digital camera available. Another unique feature is the Live View LCD, a first for a Canon DSLR and something not many were actually expecting.

More information on the Canon EOS-1D Mark III is available from Canon’s official press release. With the announcement of this camera, Canon has thrown down the gauntlet by establishing their advantages in digital imaging. Will the likes of Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony produce an answer anytime soon?

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Categories
News Software

Digital Photographer: Upgrading to Windows Vista?

If you’re the early adopter type who buys gear even before the first published reviews are out, you probably owned pioneering products like the floppy–saving Sony Mavica and the Canon EOS D30. Of course you paid a premium, but having first crack on new technology indeed has its price.

However, if you’re contemplating on replacing your Windows–based notebook or workstation for the more recent Core 2 Duos with the Windows Vista operating system, be aware of a metadata issue in the said OS. As Gizmodo has reported, using the built–in tagging tools in Vista ruins parts of the image metadata, making them unusable for apps that use them, like Adobe Photoshop.

A significant concern for this would be those that shoot with the RAW format, since their data will be made useless if modified by Vista’s tools. For now, do not tag your photos within Vista using their provided apps!

Categories
Bodies Links News Reviews

Preview: Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro

Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro

Fujifilm announced in Photokina 2006 their newest digital SLR, the Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro. This camera will replace the S3 Pro with lots of improvements and new features. The company has not been up to pace with their development compared to rivals Canon, Nikon, and Sony, though they certainly have a good following backed by the imaging advancements they’ve made in the past few years.

Our friends from LetsGoDigital were able to get their hands on a pre–production sample of the S5 Pro and expectedly, sensor technology and imaging quality are among the Fijifilm body’s strengths. Still, the verdict is wide open especially when compared to the excellent Nikon D200, a direct competitor of the S5 Pro.

Will the Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro stand out against the rest of the DSLR field? In a few months, we should find out.

Categories
Lenses Photo Samples

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro Samples

Sigma 18-50 mm F2.8 EX DC Macro

Not too long ago, we mentioned Sigma’s update to their popular 18-50 f/2.8, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro. Still with the very useful constant f/2.8 aperture, this new lens sports the “macro” designation which I suspect is inherited from the just as good Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro, a lens I’ve been shooting with for several months now.

We were able to find a good gallery of photos taken with the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro over at PBase and I must say I’m very impressed. The constant f/2.8 is something I’d love though swapping the 17-70 for this would also mean a significant loss in zoom reach. If only Sigma had better QA and build their lenses consistently, this lens should be another popular model. We should see as it reaches more early buyers.

Categories
Lenses Reviews

Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Review and Samples

Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM

Most of our readers have been eagerly awaiting the Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM, a unique lens for APS-C sensor digital SLRs. A few weeks ago, this wonderful f/2.8 lens started shipping to the first batch of buyers.

This telephoto zoom appears to be a good buy for photographers with limited budget, though care must be taken as it exhibits the same issues as other Sigma lenses, like focusing inconsistency. A Sigma 50-150 user has posted his review of this lens and states that this lens is sharp at f/4 and smaller, so its f/2.8 designation is quite of questionable value. Chromatic aberration and front-focusing was also noticed, so take note of these issues before acquiring this lens.

Another user has shared samples from the Sigma 50-150, perhaps a lucky guy who managed to get a very good copy. From his samples, this lens should be very good if you get an excellent unit. But is the trouble really worth it? At its price range, the Canon 70-200mm f/4L is just within range and should be a better value. And you get more reach in the long end of the zoom.

Categories
Bodies Links Reviews

Nikon D40 Reviewed

Nikon D40

DPReview.com has finally reviewed the Nikon D40, the nice little camera we mentioned just a few weeks ago. This camera is revolutionary for its price with a body–only tag of 499 USD, and 599 USD for the kit version.

The Nikon D40 gets a “Highly Recommended” seal from Phil Askey, with him noting:

One thing which stood out for us when we reviewed the D80 was its responsive performance, the feeling of instant connection between the photographer and the camera. So imagine I was very happy to find that the emphasis on responsiveness has been carried through to the more affordable D40. Indeed apart from a very slightly slower viewfinder blackout and probably slower auto-focus (although not measured) the D40 doesn’t really feel any slower in use and for some functions is actually faster thanks to smaller files.

In many ways, Nikon has progressed much more than Canon for almost a year now. The release of the D200 followed by the D80 and now the entry–level D40 makes them very competitive in almost all levels of the DSLR market. The D40 should further solidify their market share and with a price finally hitting the 500 dollar point, they should remain uncontested at least for a few months. This being a model for first–time DSLR buyers, its shortcomings shouldn’t be a big hindrance since its users will most likely have no prior SLR investments, be it in lenses or other accessories. Will Nikon continue to dominate in 2007?

Categories
Commentary Links Photo Samples

Nikon D80 Stunning Gallery

Nikon Stunning Gallery

Just how good is the Nikon D80? Nikon handed 16 different passionate shooters the new Nikon D80, and in return they gave back stunning photos. This is the premise on Nikon’s new site called “Nikon Stunning Gallery,” a very effective marketing move that highlights the strengths of their products.

The Nikon D80 has been an excellent camera especially when compared to other digital SLRs in its price range. Robust performance paired with good photo quality has made it a viable option, to the point where several local shooters have now switched from Canon to Nikon mostly because of the Nikon D80 and the even more capable Nikon D200.

I wouldn’t mind switching to the Nikon D80 if they’d give me the Nikon equivalent of all my lenses, body, and other equipment. Why? Because I believe that right after Canon came out with the Canon EOS 20D, Nikon has dominated the market from almost all levels. The Canon EOS 5D is the only thing that puts Canon in a position of technical advantage.

Now back to the Nikon Stunning Gallery site, have a visit and be amazed at the talent of the crop of photographers that made the Nikon D80 truly their own.

Categories
Bodies Links News Product Announcements

Fujifilm announces Finepix S5 Pro

Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro

FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. has recently announced their latest digital SLR, the Finepix S5 Pro. This camera is especially aimed at wedding, portrait, and studio photographers with features specifically useful to the said type of photography. Developed since Photokina 2006, this new Nikon–based body is scheduled to hit the market in February 2007 with a retail price of $1,999.

Further enhancements in Fujifilm’s sensor technology makes this camera a tough contender, especially when it comes to color and image quality. The PR states:

One is an expanded dynamic range from the double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels) of the camera’s Super CCD SR Pro sensor that is approximately 400% wider than that of a CCD working on a single-pixel design. In addition, the FinePix S5 Pro goes a step further by coupling the new Super CCD SR Pro sensor with Fujifilm’s new RP Processor Pro for smoother tonality from brightest light to the darkest shadows. An ISO equivalent sensitivity of 3200 is also available on the FinePix S5 Pro, thanks to the RP Processor Pro technology.

Face detection technology is another feature for this new camera. This feature is now steadily making it to consumer compact digitals though not in digital SLRs; perhaps the Finepix S5 Pro is one of the first bodies to sport this consumer–friendly technology.

Fujifilm’s article on this product release also boasts of improvements in ergonomics, weather sealing, and a 100,000–cycle shutter mechanism. Familiar? Of course, I think the Finepix S5 Pro is essentially a Nikon D200 fitted with Fujifilm’s imaging sensor and electronics. Just like previous incarnations of Fujifilm’s S-series professional bodies. This camera will likely be a favorite of portrait photographers if Fujifilm manages to improve on their already good color and image rendition. Reportedly however, just like the models before it, the Finepix S5 Pro is rumored to have the same sluggish performance that may be a little slower compared to today’s digital SLRs, even against the entry–level offerings from Sony, Nikon, and Canon. Will the Finepix S5 Pro make significant strides into the digital SLR market? We should see in the next few months, though I wouldn’t be expecting much.

Categories
Links P&S Digitals Product Announcements

Canon Powershot A710 IS

Canon Powershot A710 IS

One of the hottest cameras on digitalcamerareview.com right now is the Canon Powershot A710 IS, currently fourth on their popularity list. Priced at $399, the inclusion of Canon’s image stabilization technology makes it one of the better choices in the market today. Here are some of the notable features of the camera according to digitalcamerareview.com’s article:

  • 7.1 megapixel CCD sensor
  • 2.5 inch LCD
  • 6x optical zoom with image stabilization
  • Safety zoom – digital zoom with losing image quality
  • Digital Tele-converter – emulates having a tele-converter attached to the camera
  • Exposure modes: auto, program auto, shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual, and complement of scene modes
  • 9 point AiAF autofocus system
  • capture 640×480 (VGA) movies at 30 fps up to 36 minutes long with 4GB SDHC media
  • MyColors features can now be applied after capturing, where previously they were applied at the capture time

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced camera for the Christmas season, the Canon Powershot A710 IS should be one of the better choices.

Categories
Bodies Links News Product Announcements Rumors

Is this the Nikon D40?

Nikon D40

Just a few days ago, several photos were leaked on the web on what is supposed to be Nikon’s latest digital SLR, the Nikon D40. This new camera is positioned to take the place of the budget D50, the lowest model on Nikon’s DSLR lineup. Price is expected at around $499 for the body only, with the kit going for $599. The kit will include the G-II version of the 18-55mm which was featured in the D50.

The Nikon D40 has a 2.5 inch LCD that has been very common for all recent cameras. It will have the same 6.1 megapixel CCD from the D50 and an ISO range of 200 to 3200. Despite having just 3 AF points and lesser dedicated controls at the back of the camera, this should be a bestseller especially if it pops up at the rumored price. 500 dollars for a digital SLR body — times are good for us digital enthusiasts!

Compatibility with older Nikkor lenses (those not designated AF-S) is one of the D40’s downsides, though this wouldn’t be much of a limitation for first–time DSLR users, the target market of this camera. For the casual shooter just toying with the DSLR idea, the Nikon D40 should be a good match. But for those with a more serious plan and looking forward to more options in terms of accessories and lenses, the Nikon D80 should be of better value.

For a more thorough analysis of this new Nikon offering, Ken Rockwell’s article on the Nikon D40 should prove to be very helpful. By the way, have you noticed that Nikon seems to be producing better cameras for the past few months? Somehow it feels like my Canon EOS D60 wants to pair up with a Nikon D80. ;) Though seriously, a two–system approach to camera gear is almost impossible unless you’re a seasoned pro with a fat paycheck. And even professionals at the highest level rarely do a Canon + Nikon gear lineup. Just not possible, financially and especially emotionally. ;)

Categories
Bodies Lenses Links Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1

Several months ago, Panasonic announced the Lumix DMC-L1, their first interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera. This camera is a direct product of its partnership with Olympus and its Four Thirds System. The DMC-L1 is a unique digital SLR with an interesting feature set; it is the the first with a dedicated shutter speed dial and aperture ring. These makes it closer to the hearts of analog shooters from decades ago.

Michael Reichmann reviewed the Lumix DMC-L1 last August and somehow liked the camera. However, he criticizes it in some aspects considering Panasonic should’ve learned its lessons from the cameras it released before it, the Panasonic LX-1 and the Leica Digilux 2/Panasonic LC1. Of importance is the DMC-L1’s value as compared to Nikon’s D80 and Canon’s EOS 400D/Rebel XTi, making it somehow lacking in many respects. No matter what unique features Panasonic may serve, it is still the market that will decide. Unfortunately for them, it will likely lean towards the D80, 400D/Rebel XTi, or Sony’s Alpha A-100.

For a comprehensive rundown on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1, read the Luminous Landscape review as well as its feature page on DPReview and its own site.

Categories
Lenses Links Reviews

Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM reviewed

Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Several weeks ago, Canon announced the release Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, the IS version of the excellent 70-200mm f/4L. Eagerly awaited by Canon shooters as an alternative to the expensive 2.8L series, the first review of this lens is now online at The-Digital-Picture.com.

Feedback on the first lucky users of this lens is very impressive, reporting consistent sharpness as good as the original f/4L. Now with image stabilization to boot, this should be the better walkaround telephoto. Read the full review for the complete details on this excellent piece of glass.