Canon PowerShot A570 IS | Digital Camera Review
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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 DIGIC III processor
Another remarkable improvement is the integration of the new DIGIC III processor, which enables the improved face detection and advanced noise reduction technologies. By applying new algorithms, faces can be detected at a greater distance. DIGIC III also allows for a high ISO speed, up to 1600. This is a first in the Canon PowerShot A-series. The images are shown on the large 2.5-inch LCD screen, which can unfortunately no longer be tilted or rotated. The need for a movable monitor is no longer necessary now that the screen is larger, although this is a feature valued by photographers, and which they would prefer not to do without.
Canon PowerShot A570 review
PowerShot A-series is a unique series on the current digital camera market. Although they are novice level cameras, their functions and features make them appealing for daily use consumers as well as experienced photographers. This means that the Canon PowerShot A570 IS leans towards the PowerShot G-series. We have tested the Canon PowerShot A570 IS digital camera for some time. Our findings can be read in the next Canon PowerShot A570 IS digital camera review.
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Sony Adds Live View to New Alpha 300 & 350 DSLRs
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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.
All of the Sony α DSLRs have similar looks and bodies reminiscent of the Konica-Minolta DSLRs; indeed, Sony bought the company’s technology in 2006. The Sony α DSLR-A700 is the top of the range with its magnesium alloy body and superior features, like 5 fps Burst mode and 11-point autofocus; it retails for a pricier $1,399.
Sony’s α (alpha) lineup of DSLRs have Minolta A-type bayonet lens mounts on them. They accept old Konica-Minolta glass, as well as Sony’s proprietary lenses and higher end Carl Zeiss glass. In late 2007, Sony announced two new lenses to its portfolio: the DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for $579, and the DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 lens for $549.
Fujifilm FinePix F100fd First Impressions Summary
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd is the newest in the company’s line of face detecting digital cameras. As the flagship, it comes with 12 megapixels and the third generation of Fuj's face detection system, which now recognize faces no matter where they’re looking, and does it faster than previous F-series cameras. The Fujifilm F100fd has a longer 5x optical zoom lens. It has the same dual image stabilization and IrSimple wireless transfer technology that is included on the F50fd, this camera’s predecessor. The F100fd will retail for $379 when it goes on sale in
Overall Impressions
Value
The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd was announced on Jan. 24 to sell for $379, a price that seems high compared to other cameras put out by Fujifilm. It seems they have a whole army of cameras that sell for less than $200. The 12-megapixel Fuji F50fd has many of the same features, but comes with a shorter 3x lens and an older version of face detection. It has a big price cut, though, retailing at $299. To its credit, the F100fd crams a lot of newer pricier technology such as face detection, image stabilization, and red-eye removal.
Comparison to the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd
The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd has the same 12 megapixels as the newer model, but has the older version of face detection. It still recognizes up to 10 faces, but doesn’t do it as quickly as the F100fd and can’t recognize profiles and the full 360-degree range of a face like the new model. The F50fd has the same IrSimple wireless transfer technology and many of the same exposure modes, and even has dual image stabilization. They have the same 2.7-inch LCD screen, but the older camera has a shorter 3x optical zoom lens. Surprisingly, the F50fd has a faster 2 fps Burst mode. It sells for much less at $299, and there are trade-offs going both ways.
Who It’s For
- Point-and-Shooters – The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd is small enough to fit in a pocket and has way more performance features than the average compact digital camera. Perk: it’s easy to use, too.
- Budget Consumers – The $379 price tag makes this camera one of the most expensive Fujifilm FinePix digital cameras on the market.
- Gadget Freaks – These consumers will be pleased to hear that face detection can now track faces at a full 360 degrees: something new to show off to fellow geeks.
- Manual Control Freaks – Manual controls are included, but they aren’t as easy to access as on a DSLR. But it's still a plus that they are there when needed.
- Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – Compact digital cameras are unlikely to attract pros or hobbyists, but if they are searching for a small vacation companion the F100fd might be the one they’re looking for. Previous F-series cameras have tested well in our image quality tests, so we expect good things from the F100fd.
Conclusion
Likes
- 57 MB internal memory
- Longer 5x lens
- Fast face detection
- Rotary dial
- IrSimple wireless transfer
Dislikes
- Boring design
- Poor handling
- Transfer one image at a time
- Non-intuitive virtual dial
The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd comes with a larger image sensor than its predecessor but the same 12 megapixels. It also improves upon the F50fd with a longer 5x optical zoom lens and a new version of face detection. Even on the pre-production model we looked at on the floor, these features were impressive. The 5x lens is a welcome change from the short 3x, and the dual image stabilization complements the lens nicely. The F100fd’s face detection quickly find faces and tracks them accurately, even when they turn, look up, or lean forward. The features on the F100fd are really cool, but the design feels all wrong. The mode dial on the F50fd turns into a virtual mode dial on the F100fd. It also places the menus on a position of the virtual mode dial, adding yet another step to access them. Scrolling down with your thumb to access something that is visually placed above where you are is not very intuitive, either. The graphic user interface is a step down, and the boring body design doesn’t help this FinePix’s case. In the end, the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd’s interface makes it too difficult to access all of its cool features. Perhaps FujiFilm will do some things to make the F100fd's features easier to use in the final version of the camera, but as it stands now, if you can’t access them easily, what use are these features?
