The Best Digital Camera

Canon EOS 400D SLR camera review : Three years ago, Canon shocked the camera market with the introduction of the 6 Megapixel EOS 300D. It was a price breakthrough that would prove very important for the DSLR market. Suddenly, a digital SLR camera had become available for the novice photographer. And things didn't end there; since this event, digital SLR models have been in high demand. After a year and a half, Canon introduced the EOS 350D, which easily matched the success of its predecessor. It was a pretty safe bet that the successor of the EOS 350D would once again follow a year and a half later. Such was indeed the case. Canon's latest DSLR camera turns out to be the Canon EOS 400D, a ten Megapixel model. Remarkably, the EOS 350D will remain in stores for now. That doesn't change the fact, however, that the Canon 400D should be seen as its successor.

Canon EOS 400D - 2.5 inch LCD display
The frequency of the introductions may cause one to think the differences between the EOS types aren't all that big. Canon's rival Nikon, for instance, introduce their models at a more leisurely pace; which means the differences between, let's say, the D70 and the D80 seem considerably more significant. However, if we put the EOS 300D next to the EOS 400D, we note a comparably large difference. The Canon EOS 400D is still a very compact DSLR camera, and upon first glance it certainly does resemble the EOS 350D. The camera's back side, however, shows a main difference; the Canon 400D is equipped with a noticeably larger monitor, which has increased in size from 1.8-inch to 2.5-inch. Consequently, the small LCD display on top of the camera has disappeared. Canon have solved this issue by displaying the information on the large monitor, which is something we encounter quite frequently with many other competing models.

Canon EOS 400D - Features of EOS 30D
Naturally, the camera has also undergone a fair share of changes internally. The Canon 400D has, for instance, been equipped with the same 9-point auto focus as the pricier EOS 30D, whilst the buffer has been enlarged to 27 JPEG or 10 RAW images. As expected, the Canon EOS 400D has also been brought up-to-date with features that characterise all new Canon models. Examples are, among other things, Picture Styles, both a luminance histogram and a RGB histogram, three functions for the auto rotation of the image, 9999 images per folder, and the option to zoom in on a photo immediately after it is shot. In fact, the Canon EOS 400D has integrated many features of the EOS 30D; a DSLR from the higher segment.

Canon 400D - EOS Integrated Cleaning System
A striking difference between the EOS 350D and the new EOS 400D concerns the image sensor. However, it doesn't have all that much to do with the fact that the amount of pixels has increased to 10 Megapixels; the difference compared to 8 Megapixels isn't even that significant. The increase of Megapixels has likely been applied to ensure the camera keeps up with the competition; a marketing tool if you will. The Canon EOS 400D is the first Canon to feature a dust reduction system: EOS Integrated Cleaning System. We must say Canon take quite a clever approach to this issue. They start off with the area surrounding the sensor, the mirror housing and the bayonet. The parts that are used here have been designed in a way, and made from a certain type of material, that ensures dust will not stick to it quite as easily. After all, if dust isn't around in the first place, it won't come back to bother you later. A simple, yet very logical line of thought. The lid for the bayonet too has been made from a different material that attracts less dust. The surface of the sensor itself features an anti-static coating; which means dust is a lot less likely to stick to the valuable image sensor.

Canon PowerShot A570 IS review : A few weeks before the PMA 2007 in Las Vegas, Canon's new collection of digital compact cameras, including the new Canon PowerShot A570 IS, were launched worldwide. Not all the new models have undergone revolutionary changes, but they regularly have a Megapixel update, the odd new feature and small aesthetic changes. The new Canon A570 IS camera is a compact camera from the PowerShot A-5xx series. It is actually a luxurious version of the PowerShot A560 camera. An important addition is the integration of the optical image stabilizer, a feature that distinguishes the Canon PowerShot A570 IS from its competitors in its class.

Canon A570IS - PowerShot Digital Camera Series
Last year's Canon PowerShot A710 IS was the first digital compact camera in Canon's A-series equipped with optical image stabilization. Now there's the Canon PowerShot A570 IS; a 7,1 Megapixel camera with a 4x optical zoom, an image stabilizer, DIGIC III processor, face detection, an ISO speed up to 1600 and a 2,5-inch LCD monitor. The Canon A570 IS' features are impressive, especially for a camera in the novice class, for which the Canon A-series cameras are known. The Canon PowerShot A570 IS has a uniquely large selection of functions and setup possibilities for this class.

Canon PowerShot A570 image stabilizer
The optical image stabilizer, IS named by Canon, is made up of several moving parts in the lens that neutralizes camera shake. In practice, this has proven to be a very effective form of stabilization. Indisputably, this is a very valuable feature, because it allows you to capture an image with an optical zoom without having to worry about shutter speed or poor lighting. Additionally, the Canon A570 IS has a high ISO speed, which actually provides a double stabilization.

Canon A570 IS - 4x optical zoom
Although the Canon PowerShot A570 IS does not have a large optical range - 4x optical zoom - the optical stabilization application is a great advantage. The range is equivalent to a compact camera's 35-140mm, which is a good range for landscapes, portraits and everything in between. Possibly Canon may integrate a wide-angle lens in the next generation of cameras, which leaves something to be desired. However, a wide-angle or a telephoto range can be achieved by attaching optional camera converters. That this is possible with a camera in this class is certainly a luxury.

Canon launched the PowerShot A720 IS with optical image stabilization in August 2007 as a full-featured camera at an economic price. The PowerShot A720 IS is the third model in Canon’s entry-level A-series with image stabilization. In addition to increasing the resolution to 8-megapixels, the camera features 6x optical zoom and an updated Digic III processor with upgraded face detection technology.

Summary
With its 6x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, updated face detection system, and abundance of manual functions, the Canon PowerShot A720 IS makes a strong case for new point-and-shooters. Like almost all Canon point-and-shoots released this year, the Canon A720 IS has fantastic color accuracy, and, as an added bonus, excellent white balance accuracy using either the auto or preset settings. The accurate colors coupled with the solid resolution performance make this camera a great value in terms of image quality. The image quality isn’t perfect, however, as photos will be plagued with noise at high ISO settings, as well as limited dynamic range. Unlike other competitors, though, the PowerShot A720 IS lacks the sleek design of flat 3x optical zoom cameras in favor of a protruding right hand grip that allows users to comfortably shoot for extended amounts of time. The camera is also missing the range of built-in editing functions, characteristic of other point-and-shoots. If users can sacrifice looks and editing controls, the A720 IS’s virtues, namely the long optically stabilized lens and excellent color reproduction, are too good to pass up. Overall, the Canon PowerShot IS is worthy of its price and should be considered a strong contender.

The new Casio Exilim S10 snaps 10.1-megapixel images and can record videos in a format that makes it easy to import directly to iTunes and YouTube. The S10 is the world’s smallest and thinnest 10.1-megapixel digital camera, according to Casio. It just might be, with its trim 0.6-inch width. The Casio Exilim EX-S10 makes it possible to record a video and watch it on your iPhone or iPod minutes later. It will retail for $249 when it is available in March.

Summary
The Casio Exilim EX-S10 has a lot of cool features and a very sexy body, but a few very unfortunate characteristics. The ability to drag and drop into iTunes will be convenient and the YouTube uploading program will save a few minutes for budding videographers (who happen to use tiny Casios). There are scores of editing features and effects, but if your fingers don’t get chopped off by the sharp zoom ring, then they will get confounded by the awful multi-selector. The buttons are too small and the camera is so skinny that you have to pinch it to keep from eating the pavement. Yes, being skinny is cool. But a little meat on the bones is a functional thing, too. Handling is a painful endeavor on the S10.

The S10 has some speed issues. The Burst mode and autofocus systems are very slow and the face detection system doesn't come through as promised. Granted, this is considered a preproduction camera because it doesn’t come out until March. There is still time to fix these problems. But almost all of the features on the S10 were fully functional at the show – as in, nothing froze up and no dancing bears appeared on the LCD when I recorded a video (the only exception was the manual focus that turned on the tracking autofocus). We have to give Casio the benefit of the doubt though when it comes to performance, and we don't have our imaging labs in our pocket when checking cameras out at conventions. Performance aside, though, the tiny buttons and horrible handling are enough to scare me off – even if the $249 price tag is tempting.

Sony Japan has just announced the development of a 35mm film negative sized 24.81 effective megapixel sensor designed for SLR cameras that can capture up to 6 frames per second. Because it is the same size as a 35mm negative, the new unnamed sensor would allow an SLR to capture 24 megapixel images with no lens multiplier factor: the focal length of the lens would be the same as on a 35mm film camera.

This is especially important for wide-angle lenses; the multiplier that most digital SLRs impose (which is caused by the fact that most image sensors are smaller than a 35mm negative) means that wide angle lenses offer a smaller field of view than they do on a conventional film SLR. With an SLR built around this new sensor, the field of view would be the same as on a 35mm film camera.The new sensor can also capture images very quickly; Sony claims it can capture and download 6.3 frames per second at the full resolution, as much of the circuitry that captures and converts the image ready for processing is built into the chip itself. Most existing digital SLRs can only manage 2 or 3 frames a second at the full resolution (although some can capture more by lowering the resolution).

The new sensor is based on CMOS (Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology; some other manufacturers use sensors that are based on the rival CCD (Charge Coupled Device) technology. Sony did not announce any pricing details for the new sensor, or if any manufacturers have comitted to using it yet. Several of the major manufacturers use Sony image Sensors in their SLRs. We would expect to see it in high-end SLRs later this year.

Jan. 29, 2008 - Panasonic has expanded the Lumix LZ series with two new models: the $250 DMC-LZ10 and the $180 DMC-LZ8. Both models include 5x zoom lenses, manual controls and Panasonic's new Intelligent Auto Mode. Both models will be available in February.
The DMC-LZ10 shoots 10.1-megapixel images, and the zoom lens starts at 30mm, a wider lens setting than most. The DMC-LZ8 shoots 8.1-megapixel images, and the zoom lens starts at a 32mm wide setting. As well as the new Intelligent Auto mode described below, it includes an extensive set of manual controls, including both shutter and aperture settings. Both Shutter and Aperture Priority modes are included, as well as a full Manual mode, not often seen on point-and-shoots.

Both cameras also include what Panasonic calls Advanced Scene mode, where the user can set the Scene mode (from a list that includes Portrait, Sports, Landscape, and others) and a sub-mode, such as indoor or outdoor portraits, or nature or architecture in Landscape mode. An additional Creative mode provides access to the aperture and shutter speed settings, while leaving the other settings on automatic.

Panasonic has just announced the FS series, a new set of digital cameras aimed at users who are looking for sleek, stylish design. The first three cameras in the new Lumix series are the $200 DMC-FS3, the $300 DMC-FS20 and the $250 DMC-FS5.

The first camera in the new series is the $200 DMC-FS3, an 8.1 megapixel model that features a 3x zoom and Panasonic's new Intelligent Auto Mode. They claim that this new combination of technologies provides better automatic image adjustments, leading to better images. The five technologies in the new mode are Mega O.I.S. (the optical image stabilization system), Intelligent ISO (which adjusts ISO if it detects moving subjects), intelligent scene selection (where the camera selects the best scene mode automatically), Face Detection and Quick AF. Panasonic claim that the improved face detection on the new cameras can keep track of up to 15 faces, while the Quick AF system attempts to pre-focus the camera before you press the shutter.

The FS3 is built around the new Venus Engine IV image processing chip, which Panasonic claims is faster than previous models. The new camera also includes a 2.5-inch LCD with an ambient light sensor that adjusts the screen brightness. It's just 0.89 inches thick, and weighs in at a lightweight 4.9 ounces. The DMC-FS3 will be priced at $199.99 and will be available in February.

Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony has added an intriguing new feature to the α (alpha) digital SLRs announced at the PMA show in Las Vegas: live view. The 14.2-megapixel $900 DSLR-A350 and 10.2-megapixel $800 DSLR-A300 both allow the user to preview images in the LCD screen. The live view is made possible by a separate CCD imager built into the viewfinder prism.

Both cameras have live view-enabled tilting 2.7-inch LCD screens with 230,000 pixels. According to Sony, the new feature (which they call Quick AF Live View) is made possible by a redesigned viewfinder and a separate image sensor that produces only the live view. This also allows the cameras to focus without having to flip up the mirror: other DSLRs that offer live view have to flip up the mirror, then focus the lens, which leads to a noticeable delay. The new Sonys can use this secondary image sensor to focus, so the lens is already focussed when the lens flips up tot take the photos.
Sony is following in the footsteps of other DSLR manufacturers, who have included the live view to attract point-and-shooters who are growing out of their compact cameras. Olympus was the first to offer live view in its E330, released in 2004.

“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, in today’s press release. “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.”
The Sony α DSLR-A350 and A300 both have dust reduction and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization systems built into the camera bodies. They have nine-point autofocus systems similar to those included on the A100 and A200. They run off a 750-shot lithium-ion battery and record images to CompactFlash media. Memory Stick Duo cards can also be used with a converter
The Sony α DSLR-A350 has a slower burst rate of 2.5 frames-per-second (fps) in comparison to the A100, A200, and A300’s faster 3 fps burst rate. Other features of the new models include the dynamic range optimizer, which brings out details in highlights and shadows, high-definition output capability, and “creative style” settings that simulate different kinds of film.

Sony has been expanding its DSLR lineup drastically in the past few months. In late 2007 the company followed up its A100 solo model with the A700, a 12.2-megapixel DSLR with a gorgeous 921,000-pixel, 3-inch LCD screen. At the Consumer Electronics Show last month, Sony announced the 10.2-megapixel A200, which has many of the same features as the older A100. Today’s announcement brings Sony’s total DSLR count to five, although the A100 will be phased out with the release of the A200.

Jan. 31, 2008 - Sigma today announced the launch and price of the highly-anticipated DP1, a compact digital camera with the same 14-megapixel sensor found in the manufacturer's DSLRs. The DP1 will be avaialble in April for an anticipated price of $799. It was first introduced in at Photokina 2006 in Germany, but news about the camera dropped off following its original announcement.

Sigma USA marketing manager Thomas Sobey told Digitalcamerainfo.com that manufacturing on the DP1 would start in March or April, and that the price of the long-awaited camera was anticipated to be $799. The product was announced in 2006, but more than a year went by without further specs on the DP1, Sigma's CEO, Kazuto Yamaki, sought to explain the lag in a statement earlier this month.

"The image processing pipeline we had developed for the DP1 was not ideal for achieving the best image quality," Yamaki said. "We had a choice between compromising image quality and moving forward or taking a different path. After long and sometimes intense discussions, we finally decided to change the entire image processing pipeline."

The camera was redesigned, with Yamaki stating Sigma would rather "get it right than release it early." Now, it seems the DP1's time has come. The compact uses the same Foveon X3 sensor used in the SD14 SLR, thus fitting many of the specs and functions of a SLR into a compact camera.

The megapixel war may be raging onward elsewhere, but the Olympus SP-570UZ is claiming a victory among the competition in the ultra-zoom digital camera market. Its 20x optical zoom lens is the longest on a compact digital camera. The resolution isn’t a slouch either at 10 megapixels. The new SP-570 is redesigned to look more like a DSLR and less like a compact camera with its retro zoom ring, more designated buttons, and sturdier body. The Olympus SP-570UZ will retail for $499, the same initial price of its predecessor, the SP-560UZ.

The camera we looked at for this First Impressions Review is a pre-production model, so the specs and performance may change by the time it goes on sale in March.

Overall Impressions
Value
The Olympus SP-570UZ costs $499, the same as its predecessor. This is pricey for a compact digital camera these days, but Olympus knows it. At this price, they know they’re competing with low-end DSLRs, said product manager Sally Smith Clemens. They are vying for consumers who want "the all-in-one solution" of the versatile lens, instead of carrying around a chunky DSLR and three lenses in a huge bag. The SP-570 is less expensive than buying a DSLR and three lenses, certainly. It’s pricey, but comes with some of the biggest features on the market.

Comparison to Olympus SP-560UZ
The SP-560UZ has less resolution on its 8-megapixel CCD, but it’s paired with the same image processor, so many of its performance features are the same as on the new model. For instance, the normal-speed Burst mode is still 1.2 fps. Face detection is included once again. The same wide array of exposure modes are available. The SP-560’s lens is one millimeter narrower and also shorter with its 18x, 27-486mm range. The lens has the same sensor-shift image stabilization system that pairs up with Olympus’ older digital image stabilization technology. The LCD screen is slightly smaller, at 2.5 inches, but the resolution is just the same at 230,000 pixels. The Olympus SP-560UZ doesn’t seem to offer any advantages over the SP-570, but still appears on the manufacturer’s website with the same $499 price. This will likely fall when the superior SP-570 becomes available.

Jan. 31, 2008 - In 1991, the Kodak DCS SLR was released. One of the first digital cameras, it had a 1.3-megapixel sensor. And since then it has been a race to increase the megapixel count of cameras, with the current record holder being the Hasselblad H3D, a 39-megapixel professional SLR costing a pricey $40,000. Here at PMA 2008, Sony has announced details of its new flagship Alpha SLR, a not-yet-named model which will feature a whopping 24.8-megapixel sensor. But do megapixels matter anymore, and do the buyers of today's digital cameras really care about the megapixel count?

The upward trend in megapixel counts has long been a marketing point for digital camera manufacturers. And many buyers, seeking the newest and “best” digital camera, have often looked toward megapixel counts, seeking a camera with the highest number of pixels on its sensor. But as new features like face and smile detection, image stabilization, and HD-enabled video hit the market, does the “megapixel race” matter anymore?

“It has become a far less important issue,” said Chuck Westfall, Canon’s director of media and consumer relations, while discussing the company’s new Rebel XSi SLR with DigitalCameraInfo.com. Despite being a lesser issue, the new Rebel still ups the megapixel count to 12.2, an increase from the earlier model’s 10.1-megapixel sensor.

Although the megapixel count may be less important, Westfall said, it’s still a feature many consumers look for. “If we go lower than 10 megapixels, we’re perceived as behind the curve,” Westfall said.

Casio, however, may be the exception to the ever-increasing megapixel rule – its new compact EX-F1, highly anticipated for its 60 frames per second (fps) Burst mode and faster-than-the-human-eye Movie mode, features a 6-megapixel sensor, less than many entry-level point-and-shoots. But at a retail price of $999, the EX-F1 is far from a budget model.

Turns out the Sony-produced chip that allows the 60 fps burst rate can only reach six megapixels at this time, said Mike O’Keefe, training manager for digital imaging at Casio. Still, he said he’s received praise from professionals who “don’t get caught up in megapixel counts.”

“The six [megapixels] is kind of nice on this camera,” he said. “You don’t end up having a lot of noise. A lot of people seem to like it.” Experts say more megapixels can actually have adverse effects on image quality. With smaller point-and-shoots, increasing the number of pixels while keeping the image sensor the same size means smaller individual sensor pixels. Smaller pixels capture less light, worsening the signal-to-noise ratio, which leads to the ugly color speckles in images, especially those taken in indoor and low-light situations.

In addition, images with more megapixels take up more space in memory cards and on computer hard drives. As the number of megapixels increase, users need more and more memory to store a large number of image files. According to a 2007 PMA study, one-third of memory cards sold in 2006 had a capacity of 1 GB or higher. And memory cards are growing even more in size – Kingston has announced a 16GB card here at PMA, with the ability to store 8,000 high-resolution images.

If consumers are asking whether or not they need all these megapixels, the answer is no, said Rudy Winston, spokesman for Canon. He said consumers printing typical 4 x 6-inch images need only 2 megapixels for sharp, detailed prints. For 5 x 7 prints, 3 to 4 megapixels will suffice. Even getting into letter-sized 8 x 10 prints, Winston said, 6 megapixels produce clear images - only huge, 13 x 19-inch prints require resolutions of 8 to 10 megapixels. These requirements are all far lower than the 12 to 14-megapixel point-and-shoots most manufacturers are now offering.

"It's overkill," Winston said. He compared having high megapixel point-and-shoots to owning a high-speed sports car. "If all I'm doing is driving to and from work on the Long Island Expressway, I'm probably not taking advantage of what I've got," he said.

Processing times can also be slower with higher-megapixel cameras. Since the files are larger in size, Burst modes and upload times can be slower than on cameras with lower megapixel counts.

For the most part, SLRs face less noise with higher megapixel counts due to their image sensors, which are much larger than their point-and-shoot counterparts.

Manufacturers say they are working with their image processors to reduce noise in their high-megapixel point-and-shoots, often with favorable results.

Although megapixel counts may not be as big a selling point as they once were, they still matter – consumers are still looking at megapixel counts when purchasing digital cameras, and manufacturers are still upping megapixel counts with almost every new model they offer.

"As an industry we've kind of let the genie out of the bottle," Winston said. "We've given them a number on a spec sheet they can make a quantitativer judgement on. It still holds a powerful appeal to the less-experienced user."

Entering an increasingly crowded market for consumer digital SLRs comes the entry-level Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, which premieres at PMA 2008 in Las Vegas, Nev. The XSi is the third in Canon’s budget DSLR series, updating the Digital Rebel XTi.

This new version of the Rebel is marketed toward the photo enthusiast who might turn in his or her point-and-shoot for a consumer DSLR. Canon promises the XSi is its best Rebel yet, borrowing features from its flagship professional line, including faster processing, improved autofocus, Live View, and an expanded spot metering, in addition to higher resolution, larger LCD screen, and updated menu system.

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi has a MSRP of $899.99 for the kit with the new EF-S18-55mm f/3.5 – f/5.6 IS zoom lens (which includes optical iamge stabilization), or $799.99 for the body alone when it ships in April 2008.

Overall Impressions
ValueThe anticipation for the Canon Rebel XSi, or previous Rebels for that matter, has photo nerds’ hearts racing. Buyers in the market for a consumer SLR are most likely dropping a good chunk of their savings on this camera, as customers move up from a point-and-shoot and venture into photography as a serious hobby and potentially as a business if they upgrade into higher-end models. So is the $900 worth it? With the added features, it’s a sweet deal. That’s not to underline the fact that almost every other manufacturer this week at PMA 2008 under-priced the XSi: the Nikon D60($749), the Sony Alpha A300($800), and the Pentax K200D($799). The point is that yes, the Digital Rebel XSi costs more than its competitors. The reality is, though, that consumers won’t care. The Rebel series has consistently been Canon’s top seller, and we anticipate it will remain so.