Digital Camera Information

Pentax has just announced the successor to the Pentax istDL, the istDL2. They claim the new model has an increased number of AF sensor points and eight user-friendly Scene Modes. In terms of improvements over the previous model, they are small when you compare it to the new Olympus E-330. Major features and specifications are shown below:

Major Features

1. User-friendly automatic operations

The *istDL2 is equipped with the innovative Auto Picture Mode, which automatically and instantly selects the most appropriate Picture mode from Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro or Action for a given subject or situation to assure the optimum combination of aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. In addition, the built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations. As a result, even first-time digital SLR users can immediately produce high-quality digital images with minimal effort.

2. Simple, accessible operation system

The *istDL2 features a functional, easy-to-access operation system to simplify complicated camera operations. From the large, easy-to-use mode dial and the responsive Av/Tv select dial to the multi-function four-way controller, all switches and dials are designed and laid out for optimum accessibility and maneuverability. Coupled with its ergonomically designed, easy-to-hold grip, it assures smooth, flawless operation at every stage of photography.

3. Auto sensitivity setting

Like many digital compact cameras, the *istDL2 features an “AUTO” position for sensitivity setting. In this position, the camera’s sensitivity is automatically set by the camera, based on such factors as subject brightness and lens focal length, while the user can randomly select the upper limit of sensitivity between the standard output of 400 and 3200. This position is extremely useful to avoid camera shake in poorly lit locations and to prevent sensitivity resetting failures by the photographer.

4. Large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor

The *istDL2 incorporates a large, high-precision 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. With approximately 210,000 pixels, this monitor displays recorded images sharply and beautifully for effortless confirmation of focus and composition, even when the original image is enlarged by 12 times using the digital zoom capability. To maximize the benefit of this large monitor, the menus are displayed on-screen with large characters and digits for easy, quick confirmation. The menu screen also provides an optimum color scheme between menu descriptions and background to assure effortless menu reading under all types of lighting conditions.

5. Compact, go-anywhere body

The *istDL2 offers a compact, lightweight body for outstanding portability and maneuverability, thanks to such advanced downsizing technologies as a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, 10-layer electronic circuit boards, high-density packaging technology, and mirror-box and shutter units that are designed in perfect proportion to the CCD size. By combining a compact, lightweight penta-mirror with PENTAX-original optics and focusing screen, it provides a large, bright viewfinder image for easy confirmation of the subject’s expression and picture framing.

6. High-definition, maximum-gradation images with 6.1 effective megapixels

Thanks to its large, high-performance CCD image sensor (23.5mm by 15.7mm), the *istDL2 offers 6.1 effective megapixels. Coupled with PENTAX’s original image processing technology using a high-performance engine, it produces high-definition images rich in gradation and saturation. It also offers a choice of finishing touches between “bright” and “natural” to satisfy user preferences.

7. User-friendly guide screen

The *istDL2 features a user-friendly, multi-data guide screen, which offers detailed description of shooting modes, displays drive, flash and white balance settings using text and sample photos, and presents a comprehensive list of all camera settings on the large 2.5-inch monitor.

8. High-precision 5-point AF system

The *istDL2 incorporates a five-point wide-area AF system (SAFOX VIII with five cross-type sensors) to assure dependable, high-precision autofocusing. Using the five sensors positioned in a cross pattern over the image field (one in the middle, two at sides, and two at top and bottom), this system automatically and unfailingly selects the optimum sensor for a given subject. It also allows the user to fix the AF detection point at the middle sensor. In addition, the *istDL2 offers a choice of two AF modes: Single AF to lock the focus when the shutter release button is half-depressed, and Continuous AF to adjust the focus continuously to the subject’s movement. *

* The AF-mode switching function is available only when the Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Metered Manual or Bulb shooting mode is selected. In the Auto Picture Mode, Picture Mode or Scene Mode, either the Single AF or Continuous AF mode is automatically selected by the camera according to the mode in use.

9. Eight Distinctive Scene Modes

The *istDL2 offers eight different Scene Modes (Kids, Pets, Candlelight, Museum, Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text and Sunset) to simplify camera operations for particular subjects or certain situations. The user can easily and quickly set the most appropriate Scene Mode for a given subject or situation by selecting the corresponding icon on the mode palette displayed on the LCD monitor.

10. Two preview functions

In addition to the conventional optical preview function, which allows the photographer to confirm the depth of field in the viewfinder, the *istDL2 also comes equipped with a new digital preview function, which allows confirmation of not only the depth of field, but also the exposure level, image composition and flash lighting effect, on the LCD monitor.

11. 1/4000-second high-speed shutter

The *istDL2 incorporates a high-speed shutter unit, with a top speed of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second, to assure greater visual creativity. The bulb setting is also available to accommodate extended exposures at night.

12. High-speed 2.8-frame consecutive shooting

The *istDL2 records up to five images (at “best” image quality in JPEG format) consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of photos of the subject’s motion.

13. Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable lenses

The *istDL2 offers the outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability, letting the user take advantage of the wide selection of PENTAX interchangeable lenses for use with diversified subjects and applications.**

** PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount 35mm-format lenses can be used without an adapter or modification. PENTAX screw-mount 35mm-format lenses and PENTAX 645- and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

14. Sporty, fashionable design

The *istDL2 is designed to be sporty and fashionable, with eye-catching silver-colored edges around the shutter release button and LCD data panel on the upper panel, and the LCD monitor and four-way controller on the back panel.

15. Other features

1. Eighteen user-programmable custom functions to personalize camera operations to user preferences
2. SD memory card compatibility
3. Storage of recorded images in separate day-by-day files on an SD memory card
4. Versatile three-mode metering system, with a choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-
weighted metering and spot metering.
5. Noise-reduction system to minimize annoying digital noise during extended exposures
6. Dual power source, with a choice of two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries
7. Effortless PC data upload via USB 2.0 (HIGH-SPEED) connection
8. Functional playback functions, including 12X zoom display and nine-image thumbnail display
9. A choice of image format between JPEG (good, better or best) or RAW
10. Five built-in digital filters (black-and-white, sepia, slim, soft and brightness) for easy processing of recorded images.
11. PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.1 RAW-data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.1 browser software included
12. PictBridge compatibility

The specification of this new camera is as follows:

PENTAX *istDL2 Specification
	Type					TTL autofocus, auto-exposure digital SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up flash
	Effective Pixels					6.1 megapixels
	Sensor		Total pixels			6.31 megapixels Interline interlace CCD with a primary color filter 23.5 mm x 15.7 mm
	Color Depth					8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)
	Recorded Pixels					JPEG: [6M] 3008 x 2000 pixels, [4M] 2400 x 1600 pixels, [1.5M] 1536 x 1024 pixels RAW: [6M] 3008 x 2008 pixels
	Sensitivity					Auto, Manual (200/400/800/1600/3200:Standard Output Sensitivity)
	Recording Formats					JPEG (Exif 2.21), RAW, DCF (Design rule of Camera File system), DPOF (Digital Print Order Form), PRINT Image Matching III
	Image Formats					Compressed: JPEG - Baseline (Better, Good, Non-compressed: RAW
	Storage Media					SD memory card
	Lens Mount					PENTAX KAF bayonet mount
	Usable Lens					PENTAX KAF2-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses. * Power zoom function not available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses, 67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions.
	Focusing System		Type			TTL Phase-matching 3-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII)
			Applicable illumination range			EV1 - EV19 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 50mm F1.4 lens)
			Mode			AF-single (with focus lock); Manual focus AF-continuous available* * This focus mode is available in the Auto Picture and Picture mode, only when the Action mode is selected.
	Exposure Control		Metering System			TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information)
			Metering Mode			(1) Multi-segment metering (2) Center-weighted metering (3) Spot metering
			Metering Range			EV 1 - 21.5 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 200 with 50mm F1.4 lens)
			Modes			(1) Auto Picture mode (2) Picture mode (3) Scene mode (4) Program AE (5) Shutter-Priority AE (6) Aperture-Priority AE (7) Metered Manual (8) Bulb
			Picture mode			Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait, Standard Flash-Off
			Scene mode			Night Scene, Surf&Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum
			Exposure Compensation			±2 EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps)
			Auto-bracketing			3 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps)
	Digital Filter					B&W, Sepia, Soft(three-level amount adjustable), Slim, Brightness(at playback mode)
	White Balance					Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy,Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N), Flash, Manual setting
	Shutter		Type			Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
			Speed			1/4000 - 30 sec. and bulb
	Drive Modes					Single-frame advance, continuous advance, self-timer, auto bracket and remote control
			Continuous shooting			Approx. 2.8 fps, JPEG(up to 5fps), RAW(up to 3fps.)
	Viewfinder		Type			Fixed molded penta-mirror type
			Focusing screen			Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
			Field of view			96 %
			Magnification			0.85 X (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1)
			Diopter adjustment			-2.5 - +1.5m-1
	Viewfinder Indication					(1) AF frame; (2) Spot AF frame
	Viewfinder LCD Indication					(1) Flash information; (2) Picture mode (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait); (3) Scene mode (SCN); (4) In-focus; (5) Shutter speed; (6) Aperture value; (7) Exposure compensation factor; (8) Manual white balance; (9) Manual focus; (10) Sensitivity warning; (11) Auto exposure lock signal; (12) AF.C (AF-continuous)
	Mode Dial Indication					(1) Auto Picture mode; (2) Portrait mode; (3) Landscape mode; (4) Macro mode (5) Action mode; (6) Night scene portrait mode; (7) Standard Flash-Off mode; (8) Scene mode; (9) Program AE; (10) Shutter-Priority AE; (11) Aperture-Priority AE; (12) Metered Manual; (13) Bulb
	External LCD Panel Indication					(1) Shutter speed; (2) Aperture value; (3) Flash Information (Auto, Flash-On, Flash-Off, Red-eye reduction); (4) Single frame advance/Continuouse advance; (5) Self-timer; (6) Remote control; (7) Metering Information; (8) Focus point indicator; (9) Auto bracketing; (10) AUTO/ manual white balance information; (11) Battery information; (12) Exposure compensation factor; (13) Exposure frame number
	LCD Monitor					2.5 inch, low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD monitor (Approx. 210,000 pixels)
	Built-in Flash		Type			Built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up flash
			Guide number			15.6 (Standard Output Sensitivity 200/m)
			Angle of view coverage			28mm wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm)
	Flash Synchronization					With RTF and via hot shoe Sync speed: 1/180 sec. set automatically with RTF or PENTAX dedicated flash unit at recharge completion
	Self-timer					Electonically controlled type with two-second or 12-second delay. Cancellation possible.
	Preview Method					Digital Preview/Optical Preview
	Custom Function					18 custom-programmable functions available
	Main switch					(1) ON; (2) OFF; (3) Preview
	Time		World Time			72 cities (28 time zones)
	Language					English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, Netherlandish, Italian, Russian, Korean, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Japanese
	PictBridge		Print modes			Single image print, All images print, DPOF auto print
	Interfaces					USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED)
	Video Output					Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats
	Power Sources					Four AA (lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries, two CR-V3 lithium batteries. Optional AC adapter also available.
	Dimensions					125(W) x 92.5(H) x 67(D)mm (4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches)
	Weight					550g (19.4oz.) loaded and ready with two CR-V3 lithium batteries and SD memory card 565g (19.9oz.) loaded and ready with four AA batteries and SD memory card 470g (16.6 oz.) without battery and SD memory card.

Source

Olympus has just annouced a new 7.5 megapixel Digital SLR camera called the E-330. This camera is the first Digital SLR in the world to have a full time live image preview and incorporates a variable angle 2.5 inch LCD screen which can be tilted up to 90 degrees. This new innovation is accomplished using two new image sensors, one for the live preview (CCD) and the other (MOS sensor) for taking the still image.

Olympus E-330 Specifications

Source

Bjørn Rørslett, a professional nature photographer and owner of www.naturfotograf.com has conducted a great indepth review on the Nikon D200. Here’s what he says about the Nikon D200.

“The Nikon D200 establishes itself firmly as the much longed-for “digital” F100. Alternatively, it can be seen as a wolf in lamb’s clothing. You get an image quality within a hair’s width of the D2X, Nikon’s current digital flagship. In some aspects the D200 performs even better, for example, ISO noise is slightly lower over much of the range and the risk of blown highlights is subtly reduced when the camera is run on automatic metering modes. On the other hand, D2X excels in terms of sheer ruggedness, better auto white balance, faster shooting speeds, HSC (High-Speed Crop) feature, and handling, although consideration of the latter surely is up to the end user. You get a very decent viewfinder, excellent AF performance, GPS support just like the professional big brothers (D1H, D1X, D2Hs, D2X), and a metering system that you can rely on. Plus the opportunity to switch from having a small, neat camera for long hikes to a bigger unit with the bolt-on MB-D200 power grip.

Again, if you can master it, and it’s not really that difficult, the D200 will provide you with a formidable picture taking machine. I guess many people will purchase a D200 as a backup camera for their trustworthy D2X or D2Hs bodies. It might even enamour itself sufficiently to replace some of the bulkier “pro” bodies for many applications.”

Click here for the full review.

The new Canon 3000D has been stripped down to save costs, however it has plenty of features to prompt potential prosumer customers who would normally buy a SLR-like camera such as the Fujifilm S9000 to make that important step towards the lucrative Digital SLR market.

I’m sure this is where Canon is aiming to market this camera as the lower features (although reasonable) will stop the 3000D from cannibalizing the successful Canon 350D.

The full specification of the Canon 3000D is shown below.

The Canon 3000D is for real and Canon is planning to tackle the low cost entry level Digital SLR market with this new model. It looks like the Nikon D50 and Konica Minolta 5D (Now Sony) may be in for some real competition (priced wise) when this camera starts appearing in the stores. The Canon 3000D Specifications are as follows:

Sensor: CMOS (22.2 x 14.8mm)
Size: 6.3 effective megapixels
fps: 2 (up to 4 shots)
Crop: 1.6x
Interface: USB 2.0
Memory: SD or MMC
ISO range: 100 - 1600
Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 30 seconds
LCD: 1.8 inch (115,000 pixel)
Battery type: NB-2LH
Autofocus: TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
Weight: 492g (body only)

Why was the model number of the Canon 20D successor in the spy photo picture (shown below) blurred? Is it because it was leaked by Canon just to create market hype or is it blurred to hide a fake? Just in case you haven’t heard, the original source of the spy photo image was removed because it was requested by Canon Hong Kong!!. And another thing, it is completely different from the Canon 20D as shown in the last image. Both images are taken at approximately the same angle to help compare the differences.

So far there has been numerous photoshopped images of the Canon 20D successor floating around ranging from the 2D, 25D, 2Di, 3D, 3Di, 30D and finally the 35D. Of all those images; the spy photo, the Canon 30D and the 35D appear real to me, especially the cover of the EOS Canon 35D booklet.

Check it out and decide for yourself.

Could the image shown below be the spy photo of the Canon 30D or even the 35D? Like most spy photo, it is usually taken with a camera phone and is off poor image quality.

The camera in the photo resembles the Canon 350D, however when you take a closer look, there are some differences that makes this phot0 very interesting. The differences are in the control dial where the edges are different, the space within the neck strap eyelids and the size for the usb/tv area is different. Also the body appears larger or chunkier.

Overall, I do not think the picture is that of the Canon 350D, 20D or even the 5D. Let’s wait and see if it becomes the direct competitor to the popular Nikon D200.

Source

The Zigview digital angle viewfinder is an accessory that attaches to the optical viewfinders of most digital SLR camera. It allows you to preview the image on the LCD screen prior to taking the photo. As you may know, most digital SLR cameras do not allow the image to be previewed due to the mirror in the single lens reflex mechanism. www.press-photos.com has reviewed the digital viewfinder and this is what they conclude.

“Ok having tried the Digital Viewfinder out it seems that the refresh rate is far to slow to be of any real use the screen disappears in to a wash of color that is impossible to decipher, which when moving with the press pack after someone who doesn’t want their picture taken it will prove impossible, you are rather better off just holding your camera over your head and taking pot shots on a wide angle in the general direction of the target.

I shall try it later this week with the motion detector and see if there is any mileage with that element of it, but initial thoughts are that this will not cut the mustard for me, however if you have mobility problems and like to shoot at very low angles (at things that do not move too fast) then this could be right up your alley.”

source

It seems that a few Nikon D200 DSLR cameras have been affected by banding (sporadic). Here is an example of an image (100% crop) affected by banding.

Although there has been no specific official announcement by Nikon, it is interesting to hear they are repairing the issue. Below is a scanned copy of a service report by Nikon after servicing the D200 banding issue; labeled as “RPL Memory compression”. With the firmware version remaining the same, A 1.01 and B 1.00; it looks like it is a hardware issue. At least we know the problem will be repaired.

If you like further information on banding, Ken Rockwell has an interesting view on it here

Source

Korean sensor manufacturer, Planet82 inc has announced a new high sensitivity image sensor. The Single Carrier Modulation Photo Detector (SMPD) uses nanotechnology which allows cameras to take high resolution photos or video in near darkness or extremely low light.

Planet82 claims the new sensor is 1000 times more sensitive to light than the traditional photo sensors. The sensor can capture images when light level is less than 1 lux (or up to 0.1 lux). To put the sensitivity into a different perspective, one lux is the same brightness from one candle at a distance of one meter away in a dark room. The human eyes can barely distinguish images at less than 1 lux.

The sensor is based on the principles of quantum mechanics where it can produce thousands of electrons out of one photon. In addition, the company also minimized the aperture ratio and increases the number of pixels per unit density on the chip. The sensor is manufactured using a CMOS process and is half the size of current CCD sensors.

Planet82 expects the SMPD image sensor to be available in CCTVs, digital cameras, video cameras, camera phones and vehicle parking sensors beginning in the first quarter of 2006.