Canon EOS 1D camcorder reivew

The benchmark for high speed, high resolution professional photography. Powerful enough to capture a 110 frame burst at 10 frames per second. Built to withstand the toughest conditions.

• 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor


• 10 fps, max. burst of 110 JPEGs


• Dual "DIGIC III" processors


• High precision wide area AF


• EOS Integrated Cleaning System


• ISO 100-3200 range (L:50 H:6400)


• 3.0" LCD with Live View mode


• Picture Style


• EF lens compatibility


• Illuminated status LCD's


• Cropped viewfinder (to enable compatibility with EOS-1V focusing
  screens)


• Supplied RAW conversion application (TWAIN), supplied remote capture
  software


• Double NP-E3 battery charger
  
  

Canon's EOS-1D is the first professional digital SLR from Canon since the EOS-D2000 (introduced in March 1998 which was a collaborative effort with Kodak, also known as the Kodak DCS 520). Indeed, the EOS-1D is the first all Canon professional digital SLR. Canon themselves admit that after the EOS-D2000 they were caught dragging their heels somewhat when Nikon released the D1 but believe that they are coming back strong with the 4 megapixel 8 fps EOS-1D, rechargeabl NP-E3 battery.

It combines a new 8.2 million pixel CMOS sensor with Canon's DIGIC II imaging engine and captures eight-megapixel JPEG images at 8.5fps in continuous bursts of up to 40 frames and RAW images up to 20 frames. Canon took their popular 4.1 megapixel EOS-1D and doubled the resolution of the imaging sensor. The EOS-1D Mark III is compatible with all EF lenses (excl. EF-S lenses) and EX Series Speedlite flash units. Untethered shooting and image transfer are available with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2

In the digital camera battery realm, Canon's progress has been marked by cautious advances, but excellent products when they finally make a step. In the consumer realm, their digital cameras offer good value and exceptional color and image quality. About a year and a half ago, they introduced their first digital SLR, the EOS-D30. While many D30's found homes in professional photographer's equipment kits, it clearly wasn't intended to be a fully professional camera. Compared to Canon's film-based SLRs, the D30 was slower and less ruggedly constructed than Canon's pro models.

 One of the only problems with Canon's 1D and 1Ds series bodies is that they are big and heavy. Some photographers simply don't want to deal with the weight--about 3 pounds without a lens-- while those with very small hands often complain that some controls are out of reach. After a long day of shooting, my right arm definitely did feel the awesome weight of this camera, but I didn't have trouble reaching any important buttons,Most significant of the issues is the autofocus (AF) issue. The Mark III (NP-E3)has a completely redesigned AF system that works better in low-light than nearly all other D-SLRs.[citation needed] However, under certain conditions (notably warm, bright, sunny days, conditions under which AF usually operates the best) some users have experienced poor AF performance.

Continuous Shooting basically lived up to Canon's 10-frames-per-second (fps) claim. We were able to capture full 10-megapixel JPEGs at a rate of 9.9fps with the camera set to its highest quality JPEG compression setting of 10. Canon's claim is based on a lower compression setting of 8, but either way, it feels like you're firing a machine gun (without the recoil or death) when you shoot with the 1D Mark III in high-speed Continuous Drive mode. Its NP-E3 battery can be used for about 3 hours.

mages shot with the Canon EOS 1D Mark III can be absolutely stunning. Colors look extremely accurate, and the automatic white balance does an excellent job of neutralizing colors under a variety of lighting situations. The only times it became confused was in situations in which there was mixed lighting, and even then it produced pleasing, if not absolutely spot-on results. If paired with a sharp lens, the 1D Mark III can produce images with a vast amount of fine detail.

Sony DSC-D700 camcorder review

Sony DSC-D700 (NP-F550) specifications

• lens / zoom : 28 mm - 140 mm (5x) (dig: 2x)


• focus / macro : auto | manual / 20 cm /


• metering mode :


• aperture : auto | manual / F2 - F2.4 - F13.2


• white balance : auto


• shutter : auto | manual / 4s - 1/2000s


• exposure :


• flash / mode : pop-up / external


• viewfinder :


• iso ratings : 100 / 200 / 400


• image size : 1344 x 1024


• image format : tiff / jpeg (exif)


• image compr. :


• lag/cycle times :


• remote control : self timer 1s / 30s / time laps


• video options :


• audio options :


• connectivity : video


• storage : pcmcia II, memory stick


• Power acceessories : Li-ion NP-F550

Sony's CyberShot Pro D700 is definitely the "king of the hill" of the sub-$2000 digital cameras. Newer digicams may be topping the 2 megapixel mark these days but the 1.5 megapixel D700 has got it all! The Sony DSC-D700 (np-f550) caused quite a stir in the Digital Photography world when it was announced last year. Many people were excited by it's specifications: five times zoom, full SLR-TTL viewfinder, 1.5Megapixel CCD and all the manual controls you'd expect to find on a true SLR.

True SLR with a big optical viewfinder, a huge 2.5-inch color LCD, 5X zoom lens with manual focus and zoom control, variable ISO 100-400, builtin popup flash or external "clip on" strobes with the hot shoe mount, 1/2-inch 1.5 million square-pixel progressive scan CCD, JPG or TIF image capture (1344 x 1024 pixels), ATA Type II memory card (CompactFlash, SmartMedia or MemoryStick cards in PCMCIA adapter too) and it's powered by the infamous Sony NP-F550 LITHIUM rechargable battery, more Sony Battery here..

Unfortunately due to the high price ($1699) and short supply (the newsgroups were buzzing with availability news earlier this year) it's not had the impact we all expected it would. Those who did venture (and were fortunate enough) to get hold of one weren't disappointed, finally I've got my hands on one and have the opportunity to share an in-depth review of the camera with you.

The D700 has the largest focal length zoom of any camera in its class except for its 2MPixel brother, the new Sony NP-F550 which also sports a 5X zoom (and that one is a Carl Zeiss!) The 700's lens is a F2-2.4, 5.2-26mm (35mm equiv 28-140mm) optical zoom with 13 elements in 10 groups. Threaded for 62mm filters. The minimum object distance is 20cm in all focal lengths, macro is automatic.

Sony MiniDV DCR-TRV50 review

• Imaging Device : 1/4" 1,550K Gross Pixels, Advanced HAD™ CCD


• Video Actual : 970K


• Still Actual : 1,390K


• F : 1.8-2.2


• Focal Distance : 4.2-42mm


• 35mm Conversion : 48-480mm (Camera Mode) 40-400mm (Memory Mode)


• Filter Diameter : 37mm


• Optical Zoom : 10X


• Digital Zoom : 120X


• Focusing : Full Range Auto/Manual


• Minimum Illumination : 7 Lux (0 Lux with NightShot® Infrared System)


• NightShot Infrared System : Super NightShot®, Color Slow Shutter


• Shutter Speed : 1/4-1/4000 (AE Mode)


• Memory Mode : Yes, 1360 x 1020, 640 x 480


• MPEG Movie EX Mode : Yes, 320 x 240, 160 x 112


• Viewfinder : Color (180K)


• LCD : 3.5" Color (246K)


• Accessory Shoe : Yes (Intelligent)


• Portable Printer Capable : Yes


• Video Input/Output : Yes/Yes (Special and S-Video)


• Audio Input/Output : Yes/Yes (Stereo)


• i.LINK DV Interface (IEEE1394) : Yes, 4 Pin


• USB : Yes


• USB Streaming : Yes, 320 x 240 ( up to 30 FPS)


• Headphone Jack : Yes (Mini, Stereo)


• Mic-Input : Yes (Stereo)


• White Balance : Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, Hold


• Exposure : Yes/Dial (24 Step)


• Power Consumption (VF/LCD/VF+LCD) : 3.4W/4.5W/4.8W


• Battery Code: NP-QM91D

Sony's MiniDV DCR-TRV50 is their upgrade to the popular DCR-TRV30. The camcorder is a standard form factor, with many neat features and good still quality. From its professional Carl Zeiss lens to the 3.5-inch LCD, and everything in between, the DCR-TRV50 screams quality. It is unequivocally Sony's top consumer model, and well worth the expense. Power battery code : NP-QM91D.

The DCR-TRV50 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder gives you a huge, easy-to-view color LCD and massive megapixel resolution, making it the odds-on favorite for delivering exceptional-quality digital video, digital audio, and digital still images every time you turn it on. This unit also features Sony's revolutionary Network capability through its Bluetooth adapter which allows you to connect to the internet without the need of a computer (adapter sold separately).

The Sony DCR-TRV50 has a 1/4 in. 1.5 Mega Pixel HAD CCD. The effective video pixels used is 970K while the still is 1,390K, but more about the still performance later. The DCR-TRV50 has a 10x optical, 120x digital zoom while the horizontal resolution is rated at 530 lines, the top for the MiniDV format. Mini DV digital recording format delivers 3X color bandwidth of VHS and lower signal to noise ratio compared to analog formats and provides stunning video performance.

The CCD in the TRV50 is of enough resolution to capture 1,360 x 1,020 digital stills onto the included 8 MB Memory Stick--about a 1.38-megapixel image and sony NP-QM91D. That resolution is currently tops in the digital-camcorder world (the digital still resolution of camcorders hasn't risen nearly as fast as that of digital cameras), and is good for prints up to about 6 by 9 inches. As far as video is concerned, Sony claims the high-resolution CCD translates into a video resolution of around 530 horizontal lines.

An upgrade of the DCR-TRV50 over the DCR-TRV30 is the addition of a touch panel LCD screen. The LCD is 3.5 in. and 246K pixels. The camcorder also has a color viewfinder. If you have an area that is under or over exposed or an area that you want to put in focus all you have to do is touch on it an the camcorder adjusts automatically. This is a great intermediate between automatic and manual control. It gives the inexperienced user a way of tackling the camcorder controls which can be very daunting.The camcorder usb can be used in sony laptop battery.

The DCR-TRV50 includes wireless Bluetooth connectivity, just like the MicroMV DCR-IP7. In fact, the DCR-TRV50 has the same Bluetooth functions as the DCR-IP7BT and the DCR-PC120BT. In addition to digital stills, you can record pretty poor quality, 160 x 112 resolution MPEG video to the Memory Stick or you can store 320 x 240 resolution MPEG video. Sony makes up to 256 MB memory sticks currently. Unlike other MPEG1 movies, MPEG Movie EX will allow you to record uninterrupted to the full capacity of the Memory Stick media. For example, the 128MB Memory Stick media will record up to 85 minutes of non-stop MPEG videos.

The DCR-TRV50 adds USB streaming, which has also been added to many other Sony digital camcorders. This feature allows the user to hook the camcorder up to their camcorder and stream 320 x 240 video, NP-QM91D battery, effectively using the camcorder as a web cam. This feature can be used to shoot video for emails, for the web, or for videoconferencing.

Canon PowerShot A10 Camcorder review

The PowerShot A10/A20 (bp-711)twins (list price $499/$599) were introduced, there was no doubt in my mind what cameras they were going after: the Olympus D-400/500 series, as well as the Fuji FinePix 1400/2400.

All designed and engineered to live up to Canon's high standards. On the high end, the PowerShot Pro90 IS incorporates a 3.34-megapixel CCD; 10X optical zoom lens with image stabilization; CompactFlash I and II compatibility, plus IBM's high-capacity MicroDrives; and no less than 12 (!) EOS-based shooting modes, including several manual options. Just weeks after the Pro90 IS, Canon introduced its second ultra-compact and ultra-cool digicam, the 2.1-megapixel PowerShot S300 Digital ELPH -- successor to the S100, but with a new retractable 3x zoom lens. Its OEM battery code : Canon BP-711

• 1.32-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 1,280 x 960 pixels.
  
• 1.5-inch, color LCD monitor and real-image optical viewfinder.
  
• 3x, 5.4-16.2mm lens (equivalent to a 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera) with a maximum aperture setting of f/2.8-f/4.8 depending on zoom.
  
• 2x digital zoom.
  
• Automatic exposure control.
  
• Shutter speeds from 1/1,500 to one second, with noise reduction for speeds slower than 1/6 second.
  
  
• ISO equivalent to 100 (raised to ISO 150 in low light).
  
• Built-in flash with five operating modes.
  
• Manually adjustable White Balance setting with five settings.
  
• Continuous Shooting, Stitch-Assist (panorama), and Self-Timer modes.
  
• Images saved in JPEG format to CompactFlash (Type I) memory card, 8MB card included.
  
• USB cable for quick connection to a computer.
  
  
• Included software CD with Canon's Digital Camera Solution Disk (version 4.0) for Mac and PC.
  
• Powered by four AA batteries or AC adapter (available separately).
  


• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compliant.
  Li-ion rechargeable Battery Canon bp-711 .

The A10 and A20 share the same 3X optical zoom lens. The focal range of this F2.8 lens is 5.4 - 16.2 mm, which is equivalent to 35 - 105mm. While the lens itself isn't threaded, you remove a plastic ring around it to expose the threads to which you can attach the conversion adapter and other lenses.

One of the differences between the models is digital zoom: the A10 has 2X, the A20 2.5X.

A new digital signal processing IC in the PowerShot A10 (Canon BP-711) camera enables high-speed image processing and rapid data transfer through the cameras' USB interface. The PowerShot A10 takes advantage of this feature by offering a Direct Print mode that enables users to print hard-copy images using Canon's new CP-10 printer. Laptop AC Adapter.

The camera takes just over two seconds to extend the lens and prepare for shooting -- that's fast!Both cameras fared well in our macro test, with the A20's output being a little brighter than the A10 (both were shot at the same time). You can get as close as 16 cm (6.3") in wide-angle, and 26 cm (10.2") in telephoto modes on these two.The A10/A20 can move between high-res photos almost instantly on the LCD -- it's impressive.

Canon Powershot sd100 review

The PowerShot SD100 is the world's smallest and lightest digital ELPH camera. The new PowerShot SD100, with its ultra-compact size and new white-platinum finish crafted in stainless steel, represents the ultimate in portability, durability and elegance. Now, more than ever, consumers can easily and securely carry their ELPH digital camera everywhere they go, and with 3.2 megapixels they are assured the highest quality images for making prints as large as 8.5x11-inches. Unlike most movie continuations, this Digital Elph sequel is a good thing. Canon's 3.2-megapixel Powershot SD100 retains the quality and features of its predecessors but puts them in an even smaller and lighter package. This camera is all about style, technology, and great snapshots, so don't look for manual controls. However, the Powershot SD100 outpaces most of its competitors in the snapshot field and makes an excellent choice for anyone who wants a quick-shooting, ultracompact camera.

Powershot SD100 Features

• 3.2 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2048x1536 pixel images
  
• 2x optical 35-70mm f/2.8-3.9 zoom
  
• 1.5" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
  
• Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.3 x 2.2 x 0.94 in.)
  
• Advanced TTL AiAF nine-point autofocus system
  
• Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
  
• Movie mode w/sound 640x480 30 secs/320x240 3 minutes
  
• 2.5fps Continuous exposure mode
  
• Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
  
• Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
  
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
  
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
  
• Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
  
• Low-light focus assist illuminator
  
• Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
  
• Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
  
  
• Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
  
• Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
  
• Intelligent Orientation sensor
  
• Builtin microphone and speaker
  


• nb-3l Lithium rechargeable battery and nb-3l charger included


• Direct print to CP-100/200/300 and other Canon printers
  
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
  
• Secure Digital (SD) card storage
  
• Optional Waterproof Case
  

Design of the Powershot SD100

The size of the PowerShot SD100 was made possible through the process of miniaturization, beginning with its new optical lens design so small it can literally hide under a U.S. dime, to the extremely small built-in flash unit and new condensed battery. In addition, the PowerShot SD100 is the first Canon digital camera to exclusively record all images to a Secure Digital (SD) Memory card, allowing even further miniaturization of the camera for greater portability. And a new waterproof housing for the PowerShot SD100 even allows photographs to be taken up to 130 feet underwater.

The PowerShot SD100 Digital ELPH is approximately 15% smaller in volume and 8% lighter than the current PowerShot S230 model. The new SD100 offers the same high quality features and functions as the S230 including Canon's exclusive DIGIC Image Processor which helps achieve higher picture quality and improves existing camera features, most notably its ability to capture up to 3 minutes of video at resolutions up to 320 x 240, 30 seconds for 640 x 480 pixels. In addition, the new camera uses Canon's exclusive iSAPS technology to enhance the speed and performance of the camera's autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance functions while a 9-point AiAF autofocus system makes focusing quick and easy, even with off-center subjects.

Performance of the Powershot SD100

We found the Canon Powershot SD100 a pleasure to use, from its quick start-up time to its decisive and accurate autofocus. After we depressed the shutter button, it took two to three seconds for the camera to go to the ready state. Shutter lag was negligible at about 0.8 to 1 second, and the time between shots at high resolution, with or without flash, measured about 2 seconds, even when the battery was nearly depleted.

We found the Canon Powershot SD100 a pleasure to use, from its quick start-up time to its decisive and accurate autofocus. After we depressed the shutter button, it took two to three seconds for the camera to go to the ready state. Shutter lag was negligible at about 0.8 to 1 second, and the time between shots at high resolution, with or without flash, measured about 2 seconds, even when the battery was nearly depleted.

Power Energy of Powershot SD100 ( NB-3L)

Its battery OEM code is Canon NB-3L

• Fits for : CANON DIGITAL IXUS I, DIGITAL IXUS I5, DIGITAL IXUS II, POWERSHOT SD100, POWERSHOT SD500 Digital camera battery


• Compatible original canon battery code : Canon BP-3LCL, Canon NB-3L


• Technology Info: Li-ion, 3.7V (compatible with 3.6V), 850mAh.


• Physical Info: 44.90x32.00x9.00 mm, 21.50g, Black


• The Canon NB-3L battery aways can afford 300 photos's shoot

In all it's probably not the best camera for novice photographers, or those who want extensive creative control over their shots. The Canon has few of the scene modes so common in most point-and-shoots today--no manual exposure controls here, either. But it does come with the usual basics such as spot metering and exposure value, plus higher-end offerings like white-balance calibration and a panorama assist. And its combination of short-cut buttons and Function menu controls makes changing settings relatively quick. We especially liked the focus indicator: a small blue-framed box that tells you where, within your shot, the camera is focused.

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