Digital Camera Information

There has been further hype on the Nikon D200. This time it is surrounding a rumored release date on the 18th November 2005. Here is a post on the Dpreview forum from one of its member.

“I talked to one of my regular retailers today. He OFFERED no information but agreed with 10ish mp, 5 fps and hopefully a December availability. I think he knows more but I have to respect his position if I want the first one he gets. He flat out told me he knew more last year about the D2X but was under NDA. He knows I lurk here, so I never push him if he says he can’t say. It appears to me like the “official”, “unofficial” leaks are getting out and I would not be surprised with a mid Nov announcement and December deliveries.

If that does come to pass, Nikon should be awarded the stealth blue ribbon for the year for keeping it under such tight wraps. The production and literature must be underway by now if this is true. We can still only hope and wait for now. Seems like forever.”

Anyhow, lets wait and see. One thing I do know is that the production of the Nikon D200 is in full swing. This camera is going to sell well and their supply chain must be at full capacity.

Fujifilm has announced the Finepix F10 successor, the FinePix F11 Zoom due in November 2005. The Finepix F11 has 6.3 mega pixel along with a wide sensitivity range of ISO 80 – 1600 (great for low light) and finally, aperture priority and shutter priority modes. These manual modes allows for a greater level of creativity and photographic control that will appeal to photography enthusiasts. This is really a great compact camera.

The specifications of the camera is as follows:

 6.3 megapixel super CCD sensor
 A (aperture priority AE) and S (shutter priority AE) modes
 2.5-inch LCD monitor for optimum clarity and detail (High resolution (153,000 pixel)
 3x optical zoom lens (F2.8 - F 5.0), equivalent to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera
 Long 500-shot battery life
 Class-leading sensitivity setting of ISO 1600 for photography in low light conditions with low noise (ISO 800 for clear movie shooting in low light)
 Low sensitivity of ISO 80 for ultra-high quality photography in bright conditions
 Improved macro mode for subjects as close as 5cm
 3:2 image format option
 Quick response times (0.01 second shutter lag and 1.3 second start-up)
 VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound
 xD-Picture Card™ providing large storage capacity, lower power consumption and fast
 write speeds (16MB to 1GB capacities currently available)
 PictBridge compatible for direct printing without a PC

Due to the Digital SLR like sensitivity range, short lag time and the “MANUAL” controls, I’m sure this camera will sell to those digital camera enthusiasts who wants a compact digital camera that can take SLR like pictures. It’s certainly on my shopping list.

BenQ, which is better known for its LCD monitor has just released three new ultra slim digital compact cameras. These are the BenQ Digital Camera X600 (November) , C500 (October) and C800 (November)

BenQ claims the DC X600 is the world’s smallest 6 megapixel digital camera which features Pentax’s Super-Multi Coating (SMC) lens, 3X Optical Zoom and a large 2.5” LTPS LCD screen with VGA movie recording at 30fps with AVI (MPEG-4) format. This ensures comfortable viewing and super smooth movie clips. The BenQ X600 additionally offers a smart photo-editing function including trimming, resizing, rotation, color filter, movie editing, which can be done via a touch of a few buttons instead of a computer. The main advantage is the ultra-thin thickness of 1.9 cm which for me, makes it an ideal accessory while on the go.

BenQ DC C500 digital is their lightest 5 mega pixels digital camera with fixed-focus lens in the market. This camera is small, portable and is coupled with a 1.7-inch high resolution LCD screen and offers PicBridge compatibility for easy printing without the need for going through the computer. The BenQ DC C500 camera also supports PC camera for video conferencing. Personally, I would rather go for a camera phone, however the price makes this tempting.

Finally, the BenQ DC C800 has an 8 mega pixels CCD sensor with 3X Optical Zoom. It also has MPEG-4 movie format and a larger 2.4” TFT LCD screen for clear and comfortable photo viewing. The camera is equipped with Printer Mode for direct printing via compatible printer and Burst Mode, which allows 4 shots to be taken per snap. The camera can be used as a Dictaphone and is bundled with 32 MB built-in memory.

The NEW Olympus E-500 Digital SLR camera has just been released. Here is the specifications:

Model Olympus E-500

Type Interchangeable digital SLR camera.

Compatible lens ZUIKO Digital, FourThirds System lens.

Lens mount FourThirds mount.

Body Engineering plastics.

Media CompactFlash card (Type I and II), Microdrive, xD picture card. (Dual slot)

Effective pixel number 8 million pixels.

Image size 17.3mm x 13.0mm.

Image sensor

Type 4/3 type Full Frame Transfer CCD solid-state image sensor.
Total pixel number 8.15 million pixels.
Aspect ratio 4:3.
Filter array Primary colour filter (RGB).

Filter

LPF Fixed type.
IR cut filter Hybrid type.
Dust protect filter Supersonic Wave Filter.

Viewfinder

Type Eye-level TTL Dach mirror type optical view finder.
Field of view Approx. 95%.
Magnification Approx. 0.9x with a 50mm lens set to infinity at -1 dioptres.
Eye point Approx. 10 mm at -1 dioptres.
Diopter adjustment Built-in type -3.0 to +1.0 dioptres.
Focusing screen Fixed type.
Mirror Quick return mirror.
Viewfinder information AF frame (super impose), AE lock, AF confirmation mark, Metering mode, Exposure mode, Shutter speed, Aperture
value, White balance, Exposure compensation value indicator , Flash, Battery check , Record mode, Number of storable still pictures.
Depth of field preview Yes (customised One-touch WB button).
Eye cup Interchangeable type EP-5/6, EP-5 supplied.
Eye piece shutter Eye piece cap EP-4 supplied.

Autofocus

Type TTL phase difference detection system.
Focus modes Single AF, Continuous AF, Manual focus, Single AF + MF, and Continuous AF + MF .
Detection range EV 0 to 19 (ISO 100).
Focus areas 3 points.
Focus area selection Automatic and manual selection.
AF assist lamp Built-in flash, optional Olympus dedicated flashes.
AF lock Locked by first position of shutter release button, AE/AF lock button (customised)
Focus tracking Available in continuous AF mode.
Focus aid Available.
Manual focus Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised).

Exposure control

Light metering system TTL open aperture light metering with 49-zones multi-pattern sensing system.
Light metering modes Digital ESP, Centre-weighted average and Spot (about 2% of entire frame).
Detection range Digital ESP, centre-weighted average:
EV 1 to 20 (50mm f2, ISO 100).
Spot:
EV 3 to 17 (50mm f2, ISO 100).
Exposure modes Auto, Programme with programme shift, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual.
Scene programmes Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Night Scene & Portrait.
Scene select Portrait, Landscape, Landscape & Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene & Portrait, Firework, Sunset, Macro, Sports, High Key, Low key,
Document, Beach & Snow, Candle, Children.
Exposure compensation Up to +/- 5 EV in each 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps.
AE lock Locked by first position of shutter release or AE/AF lock button (customised).
Exposure bracketing 3 frames in +/- 1, 2/3 , 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps (selectable).

Sensitivity

Auto ISO 100 to 400.
Manual ISO 100 to 400. Expandable to 1600 (in each 1/3 EV steps possible ).

Shutter

Type Electronically controlled focal plane shutter.
Shutter speed Auto, P, Ps, A mode: 1/4000 – 60 sec. (depend on conditions)
S mode: 1/4000 – 60 sec.
M mode: 1/4000 – 60 sec. and bulb (up to 8 min.) Scene mode: 1/4000 – 2 sec .
X-sync speed X = 1/180 sec.
Super FP up to 1/4000 sec.
Shutter release Soft-touch electromagnetic release.
Self-timer 12 or 2 sec (possible to cancel).
Remote control Yes (including bulb function), with RM-1 (option).

Drive system

Drive modes Single and sequential shooting.
Sequential shooting speed Approx. 2.5 fps.
Max. frame number on sequential shooting RAW / TIFF 4 frames, JPEG (HQ, SQ) up to card capacity with high speed media (SunDisk Extreme III) .

White balance system

Auto WB system Advanced detection system with CCD imager.
Preset WB 8 type (3000K – 7500K). Lamp 1 (3000K), Fluorescent 1 (4000K), Fluorescent 2 (4500K), Fluorescent 3 (6600K), Daylight (5300K),
Cloudy (6000K), Shade (7500K)
Custom WB 1 custom setting (in Kelvin).
WB compensation R – B / G – M, up to +/-7 steps in each 2 mired for both auto and preset settings.
On touch white balance 1 one touch setting
WB bracketing 3 frames with +/- 4/8/12 mired steps.

Processing

Image processing TruePic TURBO.
Colour space sRGB / Adobe RGB.
Picture mode Vivid, Natural, Muted, Black & White, Sepia.
Colour saturation 5 levels in each Vivid, Natural, Muted mode.
Sharpness 5 levels in each Picture mode.
Contrast 5 levels in each Picture mode.
Filter Yellow, Orange, Red, Green in Black & White mode.
Toning Sepia, Blue, Red, Green in Black & White mode.
Gradation 3 levels (high key, normal, low key).

Built-in flash

Type Auto pop-up type, TTL auto or manual.
Synchronisation modes Auto, Manual , Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro, 2nd curtain slow syncro , Fill-in.
Synchronisation timing 1 st /2 nd curtain selectable.
Guide number Approx. 13.
Intensity control Up to +/- 2EV in each 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps.
External flash control
Type TTL auto FP / TTL auto for Olympus dedicated flash, auto or manual. (TTL auto with FL-20, FL-36, FL-50)
Synchronisation modes Auto, Manual, Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro, 2nd curtain slow syncro , Fill-in for exclusive flash.
Synchronisation timing 1 st /2 nd curtain selectable.
Intensity control Up to +/- 2EV in each 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps.
Control panel
Control panel information Metering mode, Exposure mode, Aperture value, Shutter speed, Exposure level indicator, Exposure compensation
value, Exposure compensation indicator, AE bracket, ISO, Colour space, Picture mode, Gradation, Colour saturation compensation value, Sharpness compensation value, Contrast compensation value, White balance, White balance compensation value, Noise reduction mode, AE lock,
Flash mode, Flash compensation value, Focus mode, AF frame, Drive mode, Record mode, Number of storable still pictures, Selected memory card, Battery check.

Playback monitor

Type Hyper crystal LCD panel.
Size 2.5 inch / 6.4cm.
Pixel number 215.250 pixels.
Field of view Approx. 100%.
Brightness control +/- 7 steps.

Playback functions

Display mode Single, Zoom (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14x), Index (4, 9, 16, 25 frames), Slide show, Calendar view, Rotation, Light box view .
Information Exposure mode, Metering mode, Shutter speed, f-stop, Compensation level, ISO, Colour space, White balance mode, White balance
compensation level, Focal length, Focus area, File type, Picture mode, Contrast level, Sharpness level .
Exposure level view Histogram (R, G, B available) , High light point warning, Shadow point warning,

Erase / protect function

Erase modes Single, All, Selected .
Image protect mode Single

Recording system

Type of recording format DCF, DPOF compatible, EXIF2.2 compatible, PRINT Image
Matching II compatible .
Type of file format JPEG, TIFF (RGB 8 bit), RAW (12bit).
RAW+JPEG recording Yes.
File size RAW: 3264 x 2448 uncompressed Approx. 13.6 MB
TIFF: 3264 x 2448 uncompressed Approx. 24.5 MB
SHQ: 3264 x 2448 1/2.7 Approx. 6.4 MB
HQ: 3264 x 2448 1/4 Approx. 4.5 MB
1/8 Approx. 2.5 MB
1/12 Approx. 1.8 MB
SQ: 3200 x 2400 1/2.7 Approx. 6.2 MB
1/4 Approx. 4.4 MB
1/8 Approx. 2.4 MB
1/12 Approx. 1.8 MB
2560 x 1920 1/2.7 Approx. 3.7 MB
1/4 Approx. 2.5 MB
1/8 Approx. 1.3 MB
1/12 Approx. 0.8 MB
1600 x 1200 1/2.7 Approx. 1.5 MB
1/4 Approx. 1.0 MB
1/8 Approx. 0.5 MB
1/12 Approx. 0.4 MB
1280 x 960 1/2.7 Approx. 0.9 MB
1/4 Approx. 0.6 MB
1/8 Approx. 0.3 MB
1/12 Approx. 0.2 MB
1024 x 768 1/2.7 Approx. 0.6 MB
1/4 Approx. 0.4 MB
1/8 Approx. 0.2 MB
1/12 Approx. 0.2 MB
640 x 480 1/2.7 Approx. 0.3 MB
1/4 Approx. 0.2 MB
1/8 Approx. 0.1 MB
1/12 Approx. 0.1 MB

Image editing

RAW development Yes.
JPEG/TIFF editing Yes (Black & White, Sepia, Red eye reduction, Colour saturation , Resize, ).
PictBridge Yes.

Menu

Category Shooting menu 1, Shooting menu 2, Playback menu, Custom menu, Setup menu.
Languages Default 4 languages (English, German, Spanish, French), Optionally, one language can be downloaded via internet.

Interface

PC interface USB 2.0 (Full speed) mini B (storage, camera control) .
Video signal output NTSC or PAL selectable.
Synchro socket Hot shoe.

Power supply

Battery Rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack BLM-1, 3x CR123A with LBH-1 .
Size / weight
Dimensions 129.5 x 94.5 x 66mm .
Weight Approx. 435g (without batteries and CF card).
Miscellaneous
Battery check Automatic check.
Sleep mode Yes (Off, 1, 3, 5, 10 min. selectable).
Power off mode Yes (Off, 4hours selectable).

Environment

Temperature Operating range: 0°C to 40°C. Storage range: -20°C to 60°C.
Humidity Operating range: 30 to 90%. Storage range: 10% to 90%.
Box contents E-300 body, USB cable, video cable, Li-Ion battery pack (BLM-1) or CR123A battery holder (LHD-1), Li-Ion battery charger (BCM-
2) or not, shoulder strap, Olympus Master CD-ROM, instruction manuals, warranty card.

More indepth marketing information :

The Olympus E-500 digital SLR for reliably clean photography:

As digital photography has gained popularity and become affordable for just about everyone, increasing numbers of photographers are demanding the higher quality and flexibility that only an SLR camera can offer, with the availability of interchangeable lenses, external flash systems and other accessories. Now, with the Olympus E-500, the promise of creative digital SLR photography is within everyone’s reach.

High reliability:

For all ardent photographers, image quality has the highest priority, and the Olympus E-500 does everything to ensure perfect photos in every situation. By incorporating the Supersonic Wave Filter, the problem of dust entering the camera body and landing on the CCD while changing lenses – a phenomenon until now virtually impossible to prevent – is finally solved. As a piece of dust can cover several thousand pixels on the CCD, even the tiniest particles can potentially cause serious damage to photos. The patented technology ensures worry-free lens changing anywhere and anytime, enabling users to really experience the brilliance of dust-free pictures. Developed by Olympus, the Supersonic Wave Filter generates ultra-high-speed vibrations that shake off dust and other particles, which are then captured on a special adhesive membrane. This function is invoked at each start-up of the camera but may also be manually effected. This ingenious solution also spares users the otherwise necessary time and expense of cleaning dusty image sensors.

High image quality:

With 8.0 million pixels, the Olympus E-500 ensures subjects are always recorded in brilliant detail. Furthermore, rather than using an ordinary Interline Transfer CCD, this model incorporates a Full Frame Transfer CCD (FFT CCD). This type of CCD has a larger pixel area, because there is no dedicated transfer channel, instead the photodiode itself is used for this purpose. As a result, the FFT CCD captures more electrons, to deliver a higher signal/noise ratio and a wider dynamic range. The photos therefore benefit from greater exposure latitude, more detail and less noise. High mobility

Featuring a penta type design, the Olympus E-500 has the authentic professional look and feel of a classic SLR. Yet with its smaller size, it is also one of the most compact D-SLRs on the market. Active users will welcome a camera that they can take and use almost anywhere – from hikes in the country to busy city visits. Professionals will also appreciate the lightweight load, which makes the E-500 an ideal back-up camera, particularly useful for photo-journalism assignments in the field. The professional style and very user-friendly layout of controls make intuitive operation of the camera possible in next to no time.

Photographers can choose from 21 pre-defined scene modes to suit most common situations. Alternatively, the manual options, including P/A/S/M, facilitate unrestricted creativity and allow the user’s individuality to unfold. A 49 area AE sensor and high light and shadow basis metering provide for amazing exposure control. The Olympus E-500 also features professional AE Lock functionality for camera customisation. And when there’s not enough natural light, the built-in pop-up flash is always there to shed more light on the subject.

Incorporation of the TruePic TURBO image processor not only ensures images pack a punch with their life-like colour, resolution and contrast, it also adds speed to the Olympus E-500. Sequential shooting at 2.5fps is possible with all image data formats. In the HQ (1/8) or SQ JPEG format, images can even be recorded up to the full memory card capacity when using high-speed media, such as SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme III). In addition, users also benefit from the two memory card slots – one for CompactFlash and another for xD-Picture Cards – which add to this model’s practicality and provide extra data security.

Operation is further enhanced by the camera’s large 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD screen with 214,000 pixels for framing and viewing shots. It conveniently allows results to be viewed in large format directly on the camera without glare, even in direct sunlight and at angles of up to 160°. Views of recorded shots can be enlarged up to 14x to facilitate easy checking. The LCD doubles as the easy-to-read status panel, giving clear, detailed information on all camera settings.

High versatility:

Of course, one of the main benefits of an SLR is its ability to extend the photographic possibilities through specialised accessories. Here the Olympus E-500 profits from the Olympus E-System line-up. Currently, the lenses on offer cover a focal range of 7-300mm (equivalent to 14-600mm on a 35mm camera). From unique, wide-angle perspectives right through to ultra-magnification power with large apertures, Olympus provides a solution for any situation. Various external flash units are available too. As well as standard types, ring and twin flash units provide for specialist applications.

Moreover, based on the FourThirds System, cross-manufacturer compatibility of accessories is also assured. Jointly developed by Olympus and Kodak especially for digital capture, it sets standards on three levels – mechanical, optical and communication – to maximise the performance of camera body, image sensor and lenses. A growing number of manufacturers are now part of the FourThirds consortium.

The eight million pixel Olympus E-500 Digital SLR combines a classic design, stunning performance and a tempting price to bring the high quality and creative freedom of digital SLR photography to ambitious hobby photographers and semi-pros alike. And thanks to the Supersonic Wave Filter, photos will never again be ruined by the harmful effects of dust on the image sensor. The camera is extremely light and compact, and offers excellent ergonomic handling. Equipped to facilitate full creative expression and sensational results, the Olympus E-500 will be offered in a choice of four kits which will be available from the end of October 2005.

Quick overview of E-500 specs:

The Olympus E-500 digital SLR – main features: 8.0 million pixels with Full Frame Transfer CCD 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD (214,000 pixels) Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection Light and compact penta type design (for classic SLR look) 49 area AE sensor & high light basis, shadow light basis metering Single AF, continuous AF and manual focusing Digital ESP, centre-weighted average and spot exposure metering AE lock functionality Sequential shooting at 2.5fps in HQ (1/8) and SQ JPEG format up to the full memory card capacity when using high-speed media, such as SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme III) IR Hybrid Type Cut Filter for equalisation with human eyes 1/3 EV ISO steps TruePic TURBO image processor 21 scene programme and scene select programme modes Dual slot for CompactFlash/Microdrives and xD-Picture Cards Built-in pop-up flash User-friendly menu with detailed and simplified display modes plus full manual operation Compatible with the complete range of Olympus E-System lenses and many accessories. Refer to above for a more comprehensive specifications

AVAILABLE KITS:*

(1) Camera body, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger.

(2) SE Kit with camera body, 17.5-45mm (35-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6, LBH-1 battery holder, 3x CR-123 batteries.

(3) Kit with camera body, 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger.

(4) DZK Kit with camera body, 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6, 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5, BLM-1 rechargeable battery pack with BCM-2 charger.

Olympus E-System lenses:

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm (14-28mm) 1:4.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 (available from 2006)
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm (28-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) 1:2.8-3.5
NEW! ZUIKO DIGITAL 17.5-45mm (35-90mm) 1:3.5-5.6
NEW! ZUIKO DIGTAL 18-180mm (36-360mm) 1:3.5-6.3 (available from spring 2006)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm (70-200mm) 1:2.0 (available from October 2005)
ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm (80-300mm) 1:3.5-4.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm (180-500mm) 1:2.8 (available from November 2005)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm 1:3.5 Fisheye (available from January 2006)
NEW! ZUIKO DIGTAL 35mm Macro (70mm) 1:3.5 (available from winter 2005/2006)
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm (100mm) 1:2.0 Macro
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm (300mm) 1:2.0
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm (600mm) 1:2.8

There has been numerous fake photos of the upcoming Nikon D200 floating on the internet. These photos (shown below) looks like spy photos taken by a mobile phone camera. Check it out and decide for yourself. I for one think it is real as the pre-production trial cameras were issued with an AF-S VR 18-200 /3.5-5.6DX lens.

As for the sensor, rumors has it that Nikon is working on a new whole line of Nemos sensor (Nemos = LBCAST-II?). These sensors comes in as 8, 11, 13.5 and 17,3 megapixel. The bets are more likely that the Nikon D200 will have the 11 megapixel sensor which is equal to a 10.4 effective megapxiel. The big question, who is supplying the sensors? Sony or Fuji ?

The world’s largest independent manufacturer of zoom and fixed focal length lenses, Sigma Corporation has announce the launch of the new 28-105 F2.8-4 DG lens. This lens has a large aperture with standard zoom for both Digital SLR Cameras and 35mm Film SLR Cameras.

The standard zoom lens covers frequently used focal lengths from 28mm to 105mm and allows a large aperture of F2.8 at the 28mm focal length. This lens is very convenient for a wide range of applications such as snap shots and indoor photography. In addition, the new lens has a new multi layer coating and is design to reduce flare and ghosting (common problem with digital cameras) whilst also creating an optimum color balance throughout the entire zoom range. The lens is also aspherical which reduces the various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range.

This lens has minimum focusing distance of 50cm (19.7 inches) throughout the entire zoom range and it also has a maximum magnification of 1:5.5.

The specification is shown below:

Focal Length : 28-105mm
Minimum Aperture : F22
Lens Construction : 12 Elements in 11 Groups
Angle of View : 75.4 - 23.3 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades : 8pcs
Minimum Focusing Distance : 50cm (19.7”)
Maximum Magnification : 1:5.5
Filter Size : 72mm
Lens Hood : Petal Hood
Dimensions : Diameter 77mm (3”) x Length 81mm (3.1”)
Weight : 405gr / 14.3oz

Are you a Nikon D200 news addict? Here is an interesting thread from the Dpreview Nikon forum.

Hello, my name is _________ and I am a D200 news addict. I admit to spending countless hours a day pouring over tantilizing threads hoping for some inside news regarding this elusive camera. It all started so innocently last February. I delayed buying a Canon 20D until PIMA. I would stay awake until midinight searching for a news leak. Then, crushing dissappointment! But, I was still not deterred. I discovered that there were many like me in internet land that were more than willing to feed my new habit. First I started reading this forum but this was not enough. I discovered Nikonians as well as other forums. I Googled night and day. Then it started… The wife started to complain. I knew she was right but I just couldn’t stop. “It’s just a hobby” I said. “I’ll just limit myself to 15 minutes” Three hours later…… Then I tried a different approach. I’ll just read posts about making myself a better photographer. This worked for a few days then I would come across a post that I just couldn’t resist. I was hooked again!

PS: I remain a loyal fan of Nikon. Even though I have convinced myself a million times to switch to Canon I just can’t seem to do it. Yes, I am very disappointed like so many others. Still, I have become very attached. One of these days this camera (or another) will emerge. I guess I’ll just wait.

Canon is marketing the 5D in Japan, by inserting a DVD inside a special insert in the October AsahiCamera Magazine. AshiCamera is one of the best established photo/camera magazine around. It is released monthly and covers many topics and tries to appeal to various audiences. There are lots of excellent pictures, many of them still from film cameras, often with formats larger than 35mm.

Interestingly, the Canon 5D special insert was physically positioned in the front gallery section, among a portfolio by an artist who used film (mainly on Pentax 35mm and Hasselblad cameras.)

The special insert contains a DVD with a videoclip which gives an insight into how the Canon 5D is marketed in Japan. Clearly, it is trying to move people from the highly popular 35mm film SLR to DSLR with the benefit of Canons 5D full framed sensor.

It starts with two people, a younger woman and an older man (highly typically camera enthusiasts here), and their teacher (a middle age woman). The older student comes from using the Canon 1V, a “film” camera; the teacher is explaining the CF card. The older student later asks about what to do instead of choosing daylight or tungsten film; the teacher shows him the built in white balance. Etc.

In essence, she is teaching a “film” photographer how to use a Digital SLR.

The younger, female, student happens to be a KissDN user - her role is to look in the finder and say how big it is. Then look at LCD on the Canon 5D and remark how big it is, etc.

In discussing the new PictureStyles, the video explains that one of the modes is simiilar to Provia, another Astia, and another one similar to Velvia (Astia, Provia and Velvia are film used in professional quality landscape and nature photography).

The viewfinder is shown to be the same as that from a 35mm film camera, and several times in the video it is pointed out with visual demonstrations of how significant the viewfinder difference is with APS-C type of DSLRs.

In the video, as well as in the print articles, over and over again the comparison is with the 35mm Canon 1V (though ironically the Canon 5D specifications are more similar to that of the Canon EOS 3). Why? Because there are many, very many, Canon EOS film camera owners out there, both 1 series owners, as well as EOS 3 and Elan owners who aspired to own a 1 series.

In addition, the shutter sound of the Canon 5D is nearly silent, however the mirror can be heard easily. So if you are used to the “clap”+”ca-ching” sound of film cameras, now you just get a “clap”.

The sample pictures in the magazine which is also in the video are almost all dedicated to picture style, colors, monochrome filter effects, etc. Comparisons with same scene shot with Provia or Velvia. They do show a 100% crop vs. a Provia crop of the same image and the Canon 5D looks much cleaner (as expected) with the 100 speed Provia showing the effects of grain.

The main difference between the Nikon Speedlight SB-800 and the SB-600 flash unit are as follows:

The SB-800 has..

1. More power
2. Color filter
3. 5th battery
4. CLS master
5. Diffuser dome
6. Pull out reflector card.
7. External battery pack connector.
8. SU-4 mode.
9. AA mode.
10. Manual adjustment down to 1/128.
11. GN mode.
12. Ttl socket.
13. Sync socket.
14. Modeling light button.
15. Minus 7 degree tilt for close up work.

Although the SB-800 has more features and is more expensive, most people would not need all that extra power.

For example:

The color filter is not a big deal as you can get a Rosco cine gel sample pack from your local professional photo store for free or just a couple of bucks. The sample filters fit exactly on the flash unit.

The fifth battery is not necessary as you may not really need that much power. The SB600 has 4 batteries, however recycling is a bit slower.

The diffuser dome, IMHO, is not that important. If you understand the principles of light, any diffuser that is placed close to the source does not
really diffuse light but causes to cut its output. In this case the dome is basically attached to the light source and reduces the light ouput of the unit and the diffusing result is negligible. If you still want to put a diffuser attached so close to the light, get one of the diffusers which come in the Rosco sample gel and attach it to the camera.

For people who use multiple flash photography, the SB-800 is the best choice due to the ability to set it as the MASTER and has the SU-4. For the majority of people who just wants a flash that fills in all areas and is especially great in low light, the SB600 is perfect the choice.

Nikon SB-600

Nikon SB-800

It is interesting that a Norwegian site has mentioned that the Nikon D200 may arrive before Christmas. Here a rough translation of the article:

“(Sept 3, 2005) [...] Answering a question whether Nikon will launch any new DSLR to counter the Canon 5D, Gösta Tyrefors, General Manager at Nikon Nordic in Stockholm, answers that we’ll probably have to wait a while. “But you can look under the Christmas Tree when the time comes”, he adds.”

If you want to check out the site goto http://www.fotografi.no

(3.9.2005) [...] På spørsmål om Nikon vil lansere noe nytt speilreflekskamera som svar på Canon 5D, svarer direktør Gösta Tyrefors i Nikon Nordic AB i Stockholm at vi nok må vente litt. Men dere kan kikke under juletreet når den tid kommer, føyer han til.