Best Digital Cameras - Digital Camera Reviews - Leica S2

Best Cameras Canon Powershot ELPH

2011-12-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

Best Handheld Cameras - Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera is the thinnest digital camera in the world with a 24mm ultra Wide-Angle lens and 5x Optical Zoom + Optical Image Stabilizer.

It gets excellent reviews from those who use it. It provides excellent photo quality and its one drawback seems to me that some people may find it too small. The video quality is also excellent. It would make an excellent Christmas gift for someone looking for a compact digital camera.

Its HS SYSTEM with a 12.1 MP CMOS and DIGIC 4 Image Processor means you can take pictures in low-light situations without the need for a flash. Full 1080p HD Video for exceptional quality with stereo sound, plus a dedicated movie button for easy access. Get high-speed shooting in a point-and-shoot camera: High-speed Burst Mode captures 8.0fps and Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 32 predefined shooting situations. Super Slow Motion Movie records video at high speeds to allow slow motion playback. Zoom optically while shooting video and keep footage stabilized with Dynamic IS. And lowers noise levels at higher ISO settings.

If you are looking for a compact camera that takes good quality pictures then the Powershot ELPH 310HS is an excellent choice. Here are some of the features below. If you are looking for something a bit more complicated that gives you more control then take a look at the Canon Rebel T3i

Smart AUTO
The camera automatically selects the best shooting settings for optimal quality based on subjects and environmental factors to provide point-and-shoot simplicity.

Movie Digest Mode
Records a video clip before capturing a still image and then combines one day's worth of clips into a video.

P Program
Access advanced exposure compensation features while shooting mostly automatically.

Kids & Pets
Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won't miss those special shots.

Portrait
The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject pop.

High-speed Burst
The camera shoots continuously at a high speed of approx. 8.2fps while you hold down the shutter.

Smart Shutter
The camera automatically takes the photo when people smile, wink, or get into frame.

Best Image Selection
The camera takes five photos in succession, and then chooses the best one out of the bunch.

Low Light
For high quality image capture in an amazing range of dimly-lit situations.

Handheld Night Scene
Suppresses image blur even without the help of a tripod.

Fisheye Effect
Add a classic photo distortion without a fisheye lens.

Toy Camera Effect
Simulates photos taken with "toy" or pinhole cameras, darkening the image at the edges to create a vignette effect.

Miniature Effect for Movies & Stills
Emphasizes perspective for a miniature effect by blurring upper and bottom portions of videos and stills.

Creative Light Effect
Transform background bright spots to stars, hearts, music motes and more.

Monochrome
Choose from three single-tone effects: Black-and-White, Sepia, or Blue.

Poster Effect
Poster Effect combines several similar shades into one color, turning subtle gradations into eye-catching, scene-popping contrasts.

Super Vivid
Super Vivid intensifies existing hues, saturating the scene with bright colors.

Color Swap
Select a color and replace it with a color you specify for special effects.

Color Accent
Choose to retain a single color in your image while other colors turn monochrome.

Beach
Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.

Foliage
Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.

Snow
Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.

Fireworks
Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.

Stitch Assist
Build awe-inspiring panoramas by neatly aligning sequential images.

About the Camera
Use the touch panel LCD for easy, fun operation. Ultra wide angle lens gets more in your shot
Take this camera everywhere! Full HD, cool scence modes and Smart AUTO make shooting a breeze!
Value in price but not in features. The HS SYSTEM, full HD Video in a small, compact frame, five colors

Feature Call Out
Touch Panel, F2 lens, HS SYSTEM, HD Video, Movie Digest, Smart AUTO
Slim and Sexy! Ultra compact, and ultra wide angle, HD Video, HS SYSTEM, Movie Digest
Value price, HD Video, HS SYSTEM, Movie Digest, Smart AUTO

Movie Capabilities
The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS gives you a variety of resolution options for shooting movies, depending on your needs. Shoot in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps for up to 14 min. 34 sec. or 4GB per clip. Shoot in HD (1280 x 720) at 24 fps for up to 20 min. and 43 sec. or 4GB per clip. Shoot in VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps for up to 43 min. and 43 sec. or 4GB per clip and QVGA (320 x 240 at 30 fps) for up to 1 hour 58 min. and 19 sec. or 4GB per clip.

Click here for full details of the Canon Powershot ELPH 310HS from Amazon

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Deal

2011-11-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Black Deal

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i Black is currently one of the top selling Cyber Monday items on Amazon. The price is reduced from $899 to $720, it looks like a good deal to me but check it out to see if it fits the bill ! Click here for full details from Amazon Canon EOS Rebel T3i Black

Specs.
18.0 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor
ISO 100 - 6400 for shooting from dim light to bright light.
Full HD Movie mode with manual exposure control
Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
Intelligent Auto mode and Picture Style Auto incorporating the new Scene Detection System
And Video Snapshot features for enhanced video shooting options

Canon make excellent digital cameras and the Rebel T3i is one of the best-selling cameras currently available at around $750.

Leica Amazon Camera Deal Now

2011-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Cyber Monday Camera Deals - Leica V LUX 20

35mm cameras don't come any better than Leica, but normally they are very expensive. Today, however Amazon are offering a Leica V-LUX 20, as part of their Cyber Monday deals for a price of $549.00 (normally around $800). The V Lux 20 is a 12.1 effective megapixel digital compact camera with a powerful 12x optical zoom and GPS tagging*, that lets you record where you are when you take the pic. But you got to be quick ! They are only on offer for 3 hours.

The LEICA DC-VARIO-ELMAR 4.1-49.2mm f/3.3-4.9 ASPH. zoom lens has a focal range of 25-300mm (35mm equivalent) this means the V-Lux 20 is ideal for all photographic situations. Landscapes, close-ups or distant subjects the V-Lux 20 captures them all in outstanding quality.

The built-in GPS feature makes archiving and organising photos quick and easy.

If you want to take videos the V-LUX 20 provides movie recording in HD quality.

The large three inch LCD display has a diagonal of 7.5cm - 460,000 pixels, with an extremely bright, sharp view.

The compact size and light weight mean it is easy to pack into a bag or just carry in a pocket.

Leica quality is legendary so getting your hands on one at this price is a bargain, but you will have to hurry as the deal is not unlimited- click here for details from Amazon Leica V-LUX 20
.

Another plus point is that Leicas retain their value, and may even go up in value if you ever decide at some time in the future to sell it.

Black Friday Camera Deals Amazon

2011-11-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Black Friday Camera Deals on Amazon

Amazon have an excellent deal available for digital cameras for Black Friday - the Canon Powershot SX230HS - reduced from $350 to $199.99 - so if you are looking for an excellent Canon digital camera then check it out Canon PowerShot SX230HS

The SX230 HS has a brand new 12.1mp BSI-CMOS, which offers lower noise levels in images.The SX230 HS also has a big 14x optical zoom lens with Full HD (1080p) movie recording, with stereo sound, and built-in GPS !

Performance of the SX230 HS is impressive. The image quality is excellent. The range of exposure modes make it very a desirable digital compact camera.

The GPS module works fine outdoors, but is not so good under cover.

The stereo sound quality is excellent when shooting Full HD movies. Battery life could be better and the pop-up flash should po-up a bit less often.

Overall - at a $150 reduction its a fine bargain !

It also comes in blue and pink as well as black.

Watch out camera deals :-

Leica V Lux 20 Cyber Monday Deal on Amazon coming up soon

Best Digital Camera under $300? Canon ELPH 310HS

2011-11-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Camera under $300 - New Canon ELPH 310HS SLR

With Black Friday and Christmas fast aproaching many people are looking for deals! Well one of the best deals available in the compact / zoom camera market is the new Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS with HD video and stereo sound (known as the Canon IXUS 230HS in Europe).
The ELPH 310 HS builds on the sucess of the excellent Powershot ELPH 300HS and includes everything that was good about the 300 HS, such as the 12-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon's High Sensitivity System. Canon has, however, added some nice new features such as the new 8x optical zoom lens with genuine optical image stabilization, a larger 3" LCD screen, and you now have a choice of six impressive new colors. The camera also has a metal body which makes it a lot sturdier than many other compact cameras, which are quite frankly flimsy!

Canon has also improved their Smart Auto exposure system, so you no longer need worry about difficult exposure settings, or which mode to choose. The camera does it all ! Some people like to fiddle with their settings but most people buying compact cameras just like to point and shoot.

As many people also now want their cameras to shoot videos the ELPH 310HS can also shoot 1080p24 HD video capturing Full HD video at 24 frames per second (fps) with stereo sound. The dedicated Movie Record Button means recording videos is easy ! The 8x optical zoom can also be used for the video, and the Intelligent IS includes Dynamic IS mode to get rid off camera shake when recording on the move. The HDMI-CEC port means you can easily share videos and play back images on HDMI-compatible HD TVs while controlling playback via the TV remote.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS Features:

Ultra-compact metal body, choice of 6 metallic colors (Black, Silver, Blue, Green, Pink and Purple)
12.1-Megapixel HS CMOS image sensor
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
8x optical zoom lens covers 28 - 224mm equivalent range
3" LCD with 460K pixels
Full 1080p HD video recording
Enhanced Smart Auto mode
Intelligent IS
Optical Image Stabilization
Burst Mode captures up to 3.5fps @ full resolution
High-speed Burst Mode captures photos 8.7fps @ 3M
Li-ion battery pack (good for up to 210 shots)
HDMI output
SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot.

Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS (IXUS 230 HS in Europe) is an excellent ultra-compact Digital camera that takes extremely high quality pictures even if there is not a lot of light. It is easy to use even if you are not a photography fanatic and has a better than expected battery life. The MSRP is $259.99 USD, but at the moment you can get it from Amazon for $229. An affordable compact and sturdy digital camera with excellent image quality as you would expect from Canon.

If you are looking for a camera that is almost as good but a little bit cheaper then now is the time to consider the predecessor to the 310HS i.e. the 300HS with prices now below $180.

One fan of Nikons says that Canon actually makes better compact cameras, he gave his reasons for buying the 300HS as :-

Probably the best value of any point and shoot available IMO
Fits in ANY pocket
Fast operation with simple controls
Ideal zoom range between 24-120mm (wide than most point and shoots)
Lowest aperature of all similarly priced cameras, even the 310hs
Great focusing features
Automatic macro mode
High ISO performance

If you are looking for something a bit more expensive as a Christmas for yourself or someone else check out the Nikon D3100 SLR - probably the best DSLR available for under $600.

Best Digital Camera?

2011-11-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Best-Selling Digital Camera - Nikon D3100

One of the top-selling and top-rated digital cameras on Amazon this year has been the Nikon D3100, so if you are looking for a camera for Christmas as a gift then the D3100 would make an excellent choice. The price is around $550 so the decison is yours as to whether you can afford it or not. The camera however is an excellent DSLR and Nikon are excellent camera manufacturers, but if you are looking for something a little cheaper then see further down in this post.

The D3100 is considered to be an entry-level DSLR. That is not a reflection on the quality of the camera or the lenses but on the number of features you get for your money and it also offers you high-definition video.

If you are in the market for your first DSLR then the Nikon D3100 is considered by many to beat the competition hands down.

Nikon D3100 Features

14.2 Megapixels
3" LCD
Live View
HD 1080p Video w/ Sound & Autofocus
11-point Autofocus
Scene Recognition System
ISO 100 to 3200 (Expand to 12800-Hi2)
Self Cleaning Sensor
EXPEED 2, Image Processing Engine
3 Frames per Second Shooting

EXPEED 2 is Nikon’s new image processing engine, which provides extraordinary image quality, and manages color, contrast, exposure and noise. The one-touch Live View and movie recording means you can see the action on the 3? screen and the Scene Recognition System does the work for you by automatically choosing the ideal settings.

The 14.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor lets you create beautiful photographs and prints even bigger than 20 x 30?

D-Movie – full HD 1080p movies with Sound and Full-time Autofocus

Another advantage of the Nikon D3100 is that it has a relatively small body which will appeal to many people. It is also simple enough for juat about all users.

302 customers at Amazon have given the D3100 an average of 4.5 stars out of 5, which is very high. As a special promotion until the end of December Amazon are offering 24 months interest free credit to buy the camera (just make sure you pay off the full balance before the end of the agreement).

One reviewer says :
Better image quality and lower noise at high ISO, very much lighter, larger LCD screen, 11 focus points, including 3D focus which tracks the motion of the subject or camera, 1080p Video, 14.2 megapixels, 2nd Generation DSLR, very quiet

"I'm an amateur photographer and this camera meets my needs. I love the fact that it's small and light, with great quality images." Although he says if he had more money to spare he would go for the D7000 - details here Nikon D7000

If you are looking for camera that is small and cheaper then the absolute best-seller - no. 1 - is the

Check out also the Nikon D90

Best Value Sony Digital Camera

2011-07-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Best Value Digital Cameras - Sony Cybershot DSC W530

If you are looking for a good value digital camera for less than $200 then take a close look at the Sony CyberShot DSC-W530 , which is described as a simple, snapshot digital camera. My first digital camera had 4 megapixels and produced really high quality pictures, this Sony Cybershot has 14 megapixels, which was impossible just a few years ago, so it is more than good enough for taking photos of your family and holidays and it won't cost you the earth.

The DSC W530 comes in a number of bright colors and is small enough to fit in your pocket or handbag. The features are basic but more than enough for taking good photos. If you are on a budget (and who isn't ?), but still want a stylish digital camera then check it out, it comes in black, silver, pink and blue. Pink cameras are apparently very popular with certain sectors of the population.

The 14 megapixel sensor will allow you to easily make good quality prints up to A4 size. The 4x zoom lens offers you plenty of scope for taking wide angle pictures inside your living room or close-ups from 40 feet away.

One unusual feature that is not generally available on digital cameras under $200, is the Sweep Panorama mode, which as the name implies allows you to take panoramic pictures, just by pressing the shutter button and sweeping the camera round in an arc. The shot is then corrected if necessary inside the camera.

A smile shutter automatically takes a photo if it detects someone smiling !

The 2.7 inch LCD screen is standard for the price but there are cameras with larger screens available. There is no image stabilisation and the movie quality of the Cybershot DSC W530 is only standard TV quality rather than HD. Not all digital cameras offer movie mode.

The DSC W530 is very compact but easy enough to get a good grip of. There is room at the back for your thumb, which helps make the camera easier to hold.

One drawback is the shutter lag, which is a short delay between when the shutter button is pressed and when the picture is taken.

The menu system is relatively straightforward. There is useful help text on screen explaining each option.

For a small compact digital camera under $200 the picture quality is surprisingly good. Better quality would be welcome when the zoom is fully extended but for that you would probably have to pay more than $200.

Strong Points
Value For Money
Ease of Use
Style

Weak Points
Shutter lag
Zoom fully extended
Turn on time

Our Conclusion
The Sony CyberShot DSC-W530 is basic when it comes to features, but it provides good quality pictures. It is reasonably priced, and easy to use.

If you think you may require a higher end digital camera check out here - top rated digital cameras.

Top Rated Digital Cameras

2010-10-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras

UPDATE : Check out the Canon EOS Rebel T3i Black currently one of the best-selling items on Amazon.

If you are looking to buy one of the absolute top rated digital cameras and if money is no object then you basically should narrow your choice down to one of three camera makers to save yourself a lot of trouble.

The two big camera makers are of course Nikon and Canon, they have been the choice of many professionals for the last 50 or so years. The only digital 35mm camera maker that is even more highly regarded by professionals and knowledgeable amateurs is Leica.

If you are looking for the best digital cameras then you may as well stick to these three makers.

The top rated Nikon camera (rated by Nikon that is) is the Nikon D3x, the main claim to excellence being the 24.5 effective megapixels. The D3x is designed for professional photographers, who need large image files. As a digital back costs many thousands of dollars more than the D3X, then the fact that the X version of the D3 costs twice as much as the original D3 may not be as outrageous as it sounds. Price around $7,400 for the body only.

Nikon D3X key features :-

Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels
Fast 14-bit A/D conversion incorporated onto the image sensor for high signal-to-noise ratio and low power consumption
Nikon’s EXPEED image-processing system, utilizing a supremely powerful CPU with 16-bit image processing
Near-instantaneous shutter release time lag of approx. 0.04 second (based on CIPA Guideline)*
5-frames-per-second continuous shooting in FX format and 7 fps in DX crop mode (up to 130 frames)*
51-point Multi-CAM3500FX autofocus system
Scene Recognition System for more accurate AF, AE, and AWB results
Active D-Lighting for complete control over highlight and shadow detail
Picture Control: Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome (Landscape, Portrait and D2x Modes I, II and III are available free via download)
Live View mode for shooting handheld and with a tripod

Canon's top rated digital camera is the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III which weighs it at a modest 21.1 megapixels. The body will cost you just over $6,000

Canon EOS-1DS MK III

Superb image quality: entirely new 21.1 Megapixel Full-Frame Canon CMOS Sensor, Highlight Tone Priority, and 14-bit A/D conversions for outstanding color tones.
Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processor for excellent image quality and processing speed.
Live View Function capabilities, displayed on the large 3.0-inch LCD monitor.
Outstanding durability thanks to a shutter durability-tested to 300,000 cycles, dust- and water-resistant design, and EOS Integrated Cleaning System.
Up to 5 fps, burst rate up to 12 consecutive RAW images or 56 full-resolution JPEGs, and compatible with newest UDMA high-speed CF cards.
Fast and precise AF system, with 19 high-precision, cross-type AF points with f/2.8 or faster lenses and 26 additional "Assist Points."
Compatible with wireless file transmitter WFT-E2A, extensive remote control accessories, and 15 different interchangeable Ec-series focus screens.
High-resolution (approx. 920k dots), 3-inch VGA-size LCD monitor with tempered glass
Durable, lightweight magnesium-alloy construction and comprehensive weather sealing against dust and moisture
Intelligent power management that lets you shoot up to approx. 4,400 frames on a single battery charge (based on CIPA Standards)**
Compatibility with the Nikon Total Imaging System
* In 12-bit A/D conversion mode ** Using EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery at Single-frame [S] mode

Leica's Top Rated Digital Camera

Finally there is the Leica S2 SLR, which offers a very impressive 37.5 megapixels and you are basically getting a medium format camera in a 35mm body.

The price is also impressive, at around $23,000 just for the body (the lens for the Leica S2 is another $7,000). For more info. on the Leica S2 see here - Leica S2 DSLR

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Best Handheld Digital Camera

2010-02-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

Best Handheld Digital Camera

Which is the best hand held digital camera ?

The best handheld digital camera is not a Nikon or a Canon. It is in fact a camera that many of the general public may not have heard of - the Leica S2. The Leica S2 is a 35mm digital SLR that offers the quality of a medium-format camera such as a Hasselblad but that is light enough to carry around and use without the need for a tripod.

Check out this video of photographer Steve Huff unboxing his Leica S2 DSLR - then start saving !

The Nikon D3X is fitted with a 24.5 megapixel Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor, the sensor on the Leica S2 is 37.5 megapixels. The Nikon without the battery weighs 2 pounds 11 oz - the Leica S2 weighs 3 pounds 1 oz without the lens, so it is a bit heavier but nevertheless still easy enough to use handheld.

The only drawback with the Leica is that it will cost you in the region of $23,000 and if you want a lens to go with it then you will need to find another $7,000 ! So $30,000 for a 35mm DSLR camera. If you can afford it then it is the best handheld digital camera you can get. The Nikon D3x on the other hand comes in at around $9,000 - still expensive but not quite in the league of the Leica.

In the words of the makers the Leica S2 is a "remarkable new camera from Germany that redefines the professional DSLR class with a custom 37.5 megapixel, 30 x 45 mm sensor built into a 35mm-sized body".

For full details of the Leica S2 see - Leica S2 DSLR

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Leica S2 DSLR Now Available

2009-12-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras - Leica S2 DSLR Finally Delivered

Well it's been a long wait with a number of hiccups and delays along the way but Leica have finally delivered their first Leica S2 DSLR - the best handheld digital camera in the world! The lucky recipient of this first example of what is probably the best 35mm DSLR in the world is Mr Jim Rakete from Berlin a very famous German artistic photographer who specializes in portraits of actors, musicians and shock-horror politicians !

He had already tested the Leica and had such a powerful experience with it that he felt he had to get himself one. And if I had $30,000 lying around I would get myself one too, if they would let me have one that is. I wonder if you need to be someone worthy to get hold of one or do they just sell them to any old oik, banker or lottery winner on a first come first served basis.

Mr Rakete's opinion of the Leica S2 DSLR ? "The Leica S2 .... embodies the best characteristics of good tools .... It fits my hand like a glove, and doesn’t make any superfluous suggestions when I’m shooting .... it is an absolute superlative in digital quality - for the first time in ages you can really feel the depth of focus in your shots."

We wonder who will get the second S2 ? The Queen of England ? She is well-known for being a Leica afficionado.

Don't have $30,000 to splash out on a Leica S2 - then you may like to check out something a bit cheaper but perfectly acceptable the Canon Powershot

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Leica S2 DSLR Best Camera

2009-12-05T07:45:00.001-08:00

Best Digital Camera for Christmas - Leica S2 DSLR

Which are the best digital cameras for Christmas? If, like me, you are thinking of buying a digital camera for Christmas then you might like to consider the best digital SLR on the market today. By which I do not mean the Nikon D3X at a measly $8,000, but the glorious German colossus that is the Leica S2 at $30,000 with the lens or $20,000 without the lens (although quite what you would do with a camera without the lens I don't know - even a swanky $20,000 Leica S2 DSLR).

They are supposed to be available sometime now in December and there will only be around 200 on offer in the first batch, so make sure you get your order in early.

How good is the Leica S2 ? Very good is the simple answer. Leica take pride in producing the best possible quality for people for whom money is no object. The Leica S2 has probably the best lenses in the world and a 37.5 megapixel sensor, compared with the Nikon's 25 megapixel, but it is about half the weight of a Hasselblad so can be carried about with no problem for great landscape shots half way up a mountain withot a tripod.

Some people call it a medium format camera but I don't think Leica do, they still see it as a 35mm. According to the BJP it is in fact a new format - 30x45mm format, but with the old 3x2 Leica ratio. As a result the capture area is nearly 60% larger than Canons or Nikons and 74% larger than the Hasselblad (36x48mm).

For more details about the Leica S2 DSLR see Leica S2 - or for a full review check out the BJP link above.
Happy shopping !

Home : Leica S2
Other excellent digital cameras - Nikon D90
Best Waterproof Digital Camera

Leica S2 BJP Video Preview

2009-11-17T16:58:00.001-08:00

Leica S2 Digital SLR - See the Video Preview!

The Leica S2 DSLR is finally almost here and you can see it in its digital flesh so to speak in the video below by Adam Woolfitt of the British Journal of Photography. Mr Woolfitt gives a very good explanation of what the Leica S2 actually is "a 35mm SLR on steroids". He does a better job than the guys from Leica in fact who appear, in another video, to be talking in somebody's bathroom - not a very good advert for a camera worth £20,000 - let us hope the official launch is more impressive.

The Leica S2 seems to be being described as a medium format camera by some people, which I find a bit odd as it is nowhere near as bulky as a Hasselblad and it is in fact portable enough to be carried up and down mountains wihout the need for a tripod, making it the best digital handheld camera in the world. So to my mind it is the ideal SLR, now where did I put that £20,000 I had saved up?

The camera is very firmly aimed at professionals and wealthy amateurs, but in an interview with Amateur Photographer, Stephan Schulz of Leica hinted that the technology used in the Leica S2 would at some point be making its way into more affordable cameras for the great unwashed to play with.

If you are keen to see the picture quality provided by the Leica S2 go on over to DP Review because I have been asked not to reproduce them here !

The launch of the Leica S2 is still on schedule for December and Leica expect to have between 100 and 200 cameras available for the UK.

Adam Woolfitt Video Review of the Leica S2

Home : Digital Camera Ratings
For a more detailed description of the Leica S2 click here - Leica S2 DSLR
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Canon S90 Best Compact Camera?

2009-10-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Best Digital Cameras - Canon Powershot S90 Best Compact Digital Camera?

Looking for the best digital camera but can't quite afford the $30,000 Leica S2 or the Leica M8 ? Then you might like to consider the excellent Canon Powershot S90 - which is a lot lighter and a lot cheaper.

The Canon Po werShot S90IS is a small ultracompact digital camera with a 10 megapixel sensor, but it is made for serious photographers. The two most important features of the S90 are the lens - a 28-105mm equivalent (approx. 3.7x zoom), and the very fast maximum aperture of f2.0.

(Canon Powershot S90)

The retro ring around the barrel of the lens alows you to assign whatever function you like to it, e.g. exposure compensation, aperture, ISO equivalent, zoom, focus, … .

So how good is the Canon S90? well. Mark McClusky of Wired says "The S90 is the best compact camera I've ever used."

Features include a 9.5mm (diagonal) sensor, the latest extremely fast DIGIC 4 processor, optical image stabilizer, face detection, RAW image shooting ability and HDMI output.

The f2 apertiure is important as it means you will be able to take pictures indoors without the flash.

For people who want a compact camera but who don't like the limitations normally associated with them the S90 is the ideal camera.

The S90 retails for $430, which is a lot more than most point-and-shoot cameras but the picture quality is well worth it. The low-light performance is excellent.

There's no viewfinder, just a screen. The LCD uses the same number of pixels as the G11 but doesn't swivel out. It is easy to view in sunlight, but there's no flash hot shoe.

The battery is small, and you can get around 200 shots using it.

So if you are looking for a Christmas present that will be appreciated by a photo fan or if you just want the best compact camera for yourself then check out the Canon PowerShot S90 IS

The Canon S90 may be the best compact camera available but see here for the best handheld digital camera anywhere.
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Leica S2 Delayed Until December

2009-10-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Best Digital Cameras - Leica S2 Launch Delayed Until December 2009

Leica has told the Amateur Photographer that the launch of the Leica S2 DSLR digital camera has been delayed until December 2009, not as some press reports claim January 2010. So that note to Santa may be worth the effort after all. The S2 will only set you back around $23,000 for the body - if you want a lens to go with it, it will cost you another $5K or $6K. For details of the S2 see Leica S2

For your money you will get probably the best DSLR on the market with a 37.5 million pixel sensor.

(Leica S2 DSLR for Christmas if you're lucky!)
On Monday, Leica said that the much-awaited launch of the Leica S2 (They had originally announced the launch for October 2009) was due to the fact that they need more time to meet advance orders.

A Leica spokesman previously said: "The Leica S-System has attracted a great deal of attention among photographers since it was announced at Photokina 2008.

Orders have been much higher than expected, and .... we have decided to adapt the S-System production lines to enable a higher daily output.

.... this cannot be done during running production - and because the process calls for further testing and optimisation at some stages - first deliveries will commence from calendar week 50 (week commencing 7 December 2009)."

Leica UK says it chose not to issue a statement to the press regarding the postponement, as it preferred to contact its "professional customers" only. Why on earth did they prefer to do that ? Very odd if you ask me (which you didn't).

Home : Best Digital Cameras
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Best Color Photo Printers

2009-09-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Digital Camera Ratings - Best Buy Photo Printers Part II

Looking for best buy photo printers ? Then you need to see the Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II (around $450) and Pro9500 Mark II (around $750). These are excellent color photo printers that can be used to produce gallery quality photo prints of professional quality that you can sell ! So if you are worried about the price then you may be able to recoup some of your costs and even change your career by branching out into selling high quality prints of your photos. The Pro9000 and Pro9500 also let you use matt and gloss cartridges without swapping ink tanks. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 is included.

Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II Photo Printer

The Pro9000 excels at full color using its 8-ink system cyan, magenta, yellow and black plus green, red, pale magenta and pale cyan. Colour prints from Canon's Pixma photo printers are bright, with smooth shading and deep blacks. Images from Canon printers are bright and vivid and not as soft as with Epson Stylus Photo printers which some people prefer.

A colour A3 photo is printed in just 4 minutes 5 seconds at the highest quality. A standard quality A3 print takes slightly over 1 minute 30 seconds. Smaller sizes are printed out faster - 56 seconds for 6x4in photos at maximum quality.

Costs for photo printing using Canon colour photo printers are high. Using Canon's Photo Paper Pro II, a 6x4in print costs around 78 cents, an A4 print will cost around $2.20. An A3 print costs around $4.75 - which is a lot less than from a professional print store.

The Pro9000 is an excellent high quality color photo printer but it is slightly more expensive to buy and operate compared to other A3 printers.

Key features of the PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Photo Printer

A3+ & 14” wide professional inkjet printer
8-colour ChromaLife100 Single-Inks system
Up to 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution with 2pl drop size and FINE print head technology
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 and Canon Easy-PhotoPrint Pro plug-in software included
Wide range of Canon and third-party media support
16-bits per channel photo printing
Ambient Light Correction feature
DVD/CD printing
PictBridge compatibility for standalone use

For even higher quality you might like to consider the more expensive Canon Pixma Pro9500 Mark II which is designed for professional photographers. It is mor eexpensive but it allows you to create gallery quality pictures and sell them !
Canon Pixma Pro9500 Mark II Photo Printer

The key features of the Pro9500 Mark II are

A3+ and 14” wide professional inkjet printer
10 Single Inks
Exceptional glossy media printing
Lucia Pigment Inks for image longevity
Archival prints on Fine Art media
Striking neutral monochrome prints
16bits per channel photo printing
Adobe Photoshop Elements & Canon Easy PhotoPrint Pro Plug-In software supplied
Wide range of third party media supported
Ambient Light Correction feature
DVD/CD Direct Printing
Flat media path

So if you are looking to buy a high quality photo printer then either of the Canon Pixma Printers will do the job !

***

For other less expensive photo printers see - best value photo printers

For digital cameras see - best digital cameras

Best Waterproof Digital Camera

Best Buy Photo Printers

2009-06-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Digital Camera Ratings - Best Photo Printers

Which Photo Printer Should I Buy?

Despite the almost universal use of digital cameras, people still want to see their photos printed out on paper and put into family photo albums or framed (at least some of them).

(Epson Artisan 700)

In order to get the high quality printed photos you want, you will need to buy yourself a photo printer.

You can of course use an ordinary inkjet printer, but the quality will not be as good. Photo printers can be either inkjet, thermal dye or laser printers.

You can get either a dedicated photo printer or a photo printer that can also print out other documents. Dedicated photo printers, however, have more color cartridges, and therefore provide a wider range of colors and tones.

There are even portable photo printers on the market, with slots for reading digital cards.

Prices vary based on a number of factors, including Dots Per Inch (DPI), which measures resolution. Too low and you will get grainy photos. Lab quality is considered to be a DPI of 4800 x 1200.

Most photo printers allow you to edit the photos which is useful for getting rid of things like red-eye or for adding special effects. .

Ink is expensive so make sure you know how long the cartridges will last.

So which are the Best Buy Photo Printers ?

Well in the opinion of some photography professionals the following are amongst the best, which one you decide to buy will depend on the features you want and the price.

Epson Artisan 700, $200

The Epson Artisan 700 is a smaller version of the Artisan 800, which has more features. The quality of the 700 is however just as good. It produces excellent prints that are water-resistant and fade-resistant. Epson claim prints from the Artisan 700 will last 4 times longer than lab prints. It is also very fast : 4x6 or 5x7 prints take just one minute, 8x10s take in the region of three minutes on premium paper at top quality.

Canon PIXMA iP4600, $100

Canon make excellent cameras, they also make excellent printers. The iP4600 is very easy to use, produces excellent photos, and only costs $100. It will print photos straight from your camera and you can edit them via the printer to get rid of red-eye and increase brightness, contrast, and color saturation.

Canon has also changed its inks to increase the longevity of prints. Canon also do the Pixma MP980 which costs $300.

Kodak ESP 9, $300

Kodak’s ESP9 is more expensive than the Epson and the Canon but it promises lower costs per page - ink cartridge costs can mount up so make sure you check the cost per page of printers before you buy. Kodak claims costs of 6.9 cents per color page from the ESP 9. Like the others it prints straight from your camera and it has LCD screen to preview photos before printing them. It is also fast, 4x6s are printed in less than 1 minute and 8x10s in less than 2 minutes.

Hewlett Packard also make printers of course, notably the HP A860 Photo Center,but given the trouble I have had with HP products in the past I never recommend them, although they may appear on this page, as I have no control over which ads are displayed. Personally, I like Canon products and if I could afford it would probably opt for the Pixma MP980. photo printers canon pixma photo printer epson photo printer kodak photo printer

Best Waterproof Digital Camera

Best Waterproof Digital Camera?

2009-06-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Digital Camera Ratings - Which is the Best Waterproof Digital Camera?

There are a number of excellent waterproof digital cameras on the market -

Canon PowerShot D10 (12.1 megapixels - $330 - waterproof to 33 feet)
Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 (12 megapixels - $400 street, waterproof to 33 feet)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 (12.1 megapixels - $400 - waterproof to 10 feet)
Pentax Optio W60 (10 megapixels - $250 - waterproof to 13 feet)
Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP (10 megapixels $220 - waterproof to 10 feet)

If you are looking for the best waterproof digital camera, save yourself a lot of trouble and go for the Canon if you can afford $330.

The Canon Powershot D10 is Canon's first waterproof digital camera. Waterproof means you can take the camera down to 33 feet, useful if you are looking for a spot of underwater wildlife photography.

Canon say the Powershot D10 can also be dropped onto a hard surface from a height of about 4 feet, it works at -10° C, and is dustproof, so very handy for all those dirty wet places people go to for their holidays.

The Cannon Powershot D10 has a 12.1 megapixel sensor and an optical zoom range of 35-105mm, optical image stabilisation, face detection and blink detection (do fish blink?) a 2.5” PureColor LCD II, modified for improved outdoor performance and protected by a 2mm shield .
waterproof digital camera canon powershot d10 waterproof camera

Digital Camera Binoculars

2009-05-30T04:16:00.000-07:00

Digital Camera Accessories - Digital Camera Binoculars

Are you looking for a present for the man who has everything? He already has a Nikon D3, a Hasselblad, a Ferrari and a villa in Monte Carlo. Then you might like to consider digital camera binoculars.

(Bushnell Digital Camera Binoculars)

What are digital camera binoculars? Basically they are binoculars with a camera built-in, so when you spot something (or someone) you want to take a picture of, you no longer have to reach for your camera and start all over again, you just click and take the picture ! How cool is that ? Some models even have a video feature so you can record what you're looking at.

Well it's not bad and certainly better than nothing, but at the moment the cameras built in to the binoculars are relatively low-resolution.

The idea is great and it makes you wonder why nobody thought of it earlier, but don't expect the same image quality as you will get from a high-quality digital camera.

They are great to use and magnify the image 8 to 10 times, which is better than the average zoom on an average camera and can certainly help if you see some bird you like washing its feet and you don't want to miss the action.

The image quality may not be the best you can get from a digital camera but with the judicious use of photo-editing software you can usually improve it.

Camera resolution at the moment goes up to 5 megapixels, compared with 12 megapixels for a good digital camera, 24 megapixels for the Nikon D3 and 37.5 megapixels for the forthcoming Leica S2. This will undoubtedly improve. The most popular digital camera binoculars at the moment seem to be made by Bushnell but Canon also make a model.digital camera binoculars bushnell camera binoculars leica s2

For a decent camera to go with your snazzy binoculars check out the - Canon Powershot
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Leica M8 2 Digital Camera

2009-05-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Digital Camera Ratings - Leica M8.2 Digital Rangefinder Camera

Leica is known throughout the world of photography for the quality of its cameras. back in 1925 it revolutionized the world of 35mm photography with its Leica model A. After an uncertain start in digital camera production, it is now starting to make inroads into the world of digital 35mm photography. The 37.5 megapixel Leica S2 digital SLR is due to be launched this summer (at a price tag of around $20,000) and its M8.2, the successor to the M8 rangefinder, was released last year. The M8 had certain issues which the M8.2 has sorted out.

The Leica M8 .2 is the only digital camera to use the rangefinder system. This system results in very discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision. The main innovation of the M8.2 is that it has a full auto-mode that allows the camera to select aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, as it should.

It also has an exposure-compensation mode: you need to press down on the shutter half way and then adjust up or down in 1.3 stop increments using the command dial.

(Leica M8 and M8.2 - they both look the same and rangefinder digital cameras generally don't look cool - but they are high quality)

The Leica M8 2 has taken on board the complaints regarding the original M8 from its users. For example, the on/off switch has been fixed, pretty basic you might think but it used to slip into self-timer mode and you then had to wait 10 seconds before it took the picture (oops).

The viewfinder has been fixed. The original M8 had problems with the 'lens crop' which led to inacccuracies - these have been fixed.

The metal shutter on the M8.2 is quieter.

The LCD screen has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal cover. Leica says : "The new LEICA M8.2 is the very first professional digital camera to use an ultra scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as coverglass for the camera monitor. It is so hard that it can only be worked with special diamond tools. The camera also sports a new easy-grip and specially robust "vulcanite" finish."

"The noise and vibration of the shutter action have been audibly and noticeably reduced even further. The fastest shutter speed of the metal blade focal-plane shutter is 1/4000 s, and the flash sync speed is 1/180 s. To make the camera even more discreet in critical situations, the photographer may personally determine the suitable moment when the shutter is cocked."

The Leica M8 .2 is a 10.8 megapixel digital camera and is priced around $7,000 personally I prefer the look of the Leica S2 but it will cost four times as much and is of course a lot heavier but I do believe it is the best hand held digital camera currently available.

Best Waterproof Digital Camera

Best Waterproof Digital Cameras

2009-05-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Waterproof Digital Cameras

Waterproof digital cameras are extremely useful if you intend visiting anywhere that is dirty and wet or just very sandy. But which are the best waterproof digital cameras and how many are there on the market ? There are at the moment around 6 or 7 different models to choose from.

There has been an upsurge recently in the number of waterproof cameras available and it seems like 2009 will be the year of the waterproof digital camera, as they were much in evidence at PMA.

It could be with the increasing interest in adventure holidays and underwater tourism that camera makers have decided that there is a market for waterproof digital cameras. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate cameras on quality alone, so features like the ability to take your camera underwater have become something of a unique selling point.

The underwater point-and-shoot digital camera market was up until recently dominated by Olympus and Pentax. Pentax were first off the block with the 5-megapixel OptioWP back in 2005. Olympus then introduced the Stylus 720 SW, which was not only waterproof but also shockproof. The latest Pentax waterproof digital camera is the Optio W60.

(Pentax Optio W60 Waterproof Digital Camera)

At the time the cameras were only waterproof to a depth of 5 feet but this has since been increased to over 30 feet. There was however no competition from the 'big boys' Canon and Nikon, perhaps they thought it was a bit too gimmicky.

There appears however to have been a shift as the waterproof digital cameras at PMA were high-performance cameras that also had the added advantage of being waterproof.

So now, in addition to Pentax and Olympus, three other makers, Canon, Fujifilm and Panasonic, have also introduced waterproof digital point-and-shoot cameras.

Nikon, Kodak, Samsung, Sony and Casio have yet to take the plunge !

(Panasonic Lumix TS1)

PMA saw the launch of the Panasonic Lumix TS1 a 12-megapixel, waterproof and shockproof camera. The TS1 is quite an amazing camera which has optical image stabilization plus a new AVCGD Lite HD video recording format.

Fujifilm launched the 10-megapixel Finepix Z33WP, which is designed more for the family snapper, it is not shockproof but is very compact.

(Fujifilm Finepix Z33WP)
Canon launched the 12-megapixel Canon Powershot D10. Canon has come up with a waterproof digital camera that is worthy of the Canon name. It is waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof, freezeproof, and has optical image stabilization. Itis a pretty big camera designed to be waterproof but not necessarily to fit in your pocket.

(Canon Powershot D10)

Olympus announced three new waterproof digital models at the Consumer Electronics Show - the Stylus Tough-6000, Stylus Tough-8000 & Stylus-550WP. The Olympus Stylus-Tough models are not only waterproof but also tougher, shockproof, crushproof and freezeproof. The Stylus-WP models are for casual use and are just waterproof.

(Olympus Stylus Tough)

Waterproof digital cameras appear to have finally come of age and offer plenty of features including zooms, video, real image stabilization, and high quality waterproofing and shockproofing. If you are going anywhere where there is water and sand that could ruin your camera, then a waterproof digital camera could prove a wise investment.

Personally if I had to choose which is the best waterproof digital camera considering buying a waterproof digital camera, I would go for the quality of the Canon PowerShot D10

Waterproof Digital Camera Canon Powershot

2009-04-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Best Digital Cameras - Canon Waterproof Digital Camera Powershot D10

Waterproof Digital Cameras

The Canon Powershot D10 is Canon's first foray into the world of waterproof digital cameras. By waterproof they mean the ability to take the camera underwater to depths of around 10 metres. Most cameras are waterproof enough to withstand a spot of rain, but if you drop them in the sea then the chances are you will have ruined your camera.

The Canon Powershot D10 is, however, a waterproof digital camera specificaly designer for taking pictures underwater, which can be very interesting if you will be spending your summer holidays on or near a beach.

According to Canon, the D10 can be dropped onto a hard surface from a height of 1.22m (about 4 feet), it can work at temperatures down to -10° C, and is dustproof. These features make it one of the toughest cameras around.

The Cannon Powershot D10 has 12.1 megapixels and an optical zoom range of 35-105mm. It also features optical image stabilisation for sharper images, especially in difficult conditions such as underwater.

It also has face detection and blink detection.

The Canon press release states that the Powershot D10 can be used when surfing or snorkelling, skiing or mountaineering.

"The PowerShot D10 Waterproof Digital Camera also features a special 2.5” PureColor LCD II, which has been specially modified for better outdoor performance. Protected by a 2mm protective shield, it offers double the brightness of a normal PureColor LCD II – allowing easy framing or image review in virtually any environment."

“The PowerShot D10 is a boundary-breaking camera. It brings the hallmarks of the PowerShot range – exceptional imaging and ease of use – to places where many other cameras simply cannot go.”

Current prices for the Canon Powershot D10 waterproof digital camera are in the range of $320

For the Panasonic Lumix Waterproof Digital Camera see - Panasonic Lumix waterproof digital camera

waterproof digital camera canon powershot d10 waterproof camera
Best Waterproof Digital Camera

Digital Cameras Privacy Policy

2009-04-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Digital Cameras - Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

At this site the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by this site and how it is used.

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Nikon Coolpix P90 Digital Camera

2009-03-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Digital Camera Ratings - Nikon Coolpix P90

The Nikon Coolpix P90 digital camera is a superzoom with 24x optical zoom which has a 26mm - 624mm zoom range and a 12.1 megapixel sensor, a 3 inch LCD that tilts and has features such as Scene Auto Selector, Blink warning, Smile Mode, and P/A/S/M exposure modes. The continuous shooting mode enables 45 images at 15 fps. Nikon's excellent quality make this one of the best digital cameras available.

The new P90 is the ideal camera if you are looking for high performance in a compact digital camera.

Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. said “Our portfolio of cameras is designed to ensure that any photographer, at any level can find the camera that feels right for them. The P90 blends the best of the digital compact and D-SLR camera worlds, allowing the more advanced consumer to really stretch their photographic capabilities.”

The versatility of the P90 is due to its 24x Optical Wide Angle Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens. This lens has a range which extends from 26mm all the way through to super telephoto coverage at 624mm.

Nikon Coolpix P90 features include:

12.1 megapixels
3.0-inch Vari-Angle High Resolution LCD and Electronic Viewfinder. The new LCD, with anti-reflection coating, tilts 90 degrees up or 45 degrees down, thus allowing photographers to take pictures from higher angles or from hip level.
4-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization
Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual Exposure modes for absolute control over images.
New Sport Continuous Scene Mode allows pictures to be taken at up to 15fps1.

Smart Portrait System,

- In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™,
- Enhanced Face-Priority AF,
- Blink Proof, takes two shots automatically and keeps the one in which the subject’s eyes are open.

The P90 will retail at $399.95 and will be available nationwide in March 2009.

If you want to spend more than $399 then check out the Leica S2 digital SLR which will be available this summer for a price in the region of $20,000.

If you want to spend less check out the Canon Powershot

Home : Digital Cameras

Canon Powershot Digital Camera

2009-03-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Digital Camera Ratings - Canon Powershot SX200 IS

Canon Powershot SX200 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS, is Canon's way of entering the power zoom compact digital camera market and is a direct competitor to Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ series. Its body is simple and contrasts with the more fluid lines of the rest of the 2009 spring series and make it one of the best digital cameras currently available.

First new feature is the 28mm wide angle - a rare feature on Canon models. There is aalso a video, in small HD (1280 x 720 pixels, also known as 720p). As is usual with Canon's top of the range models, image-stabilized lens : Canon's expertise in this area is well-known.

The SX200 IS sensor is 12 a megapixel, which is easily enough. It is to be hoped that the Digic IV processor, the mainstream version of the processor on SLRs such as the EOS 50D or EOS 5D MarkII, has enough control over digital noise on this type of sensor.

This camera's strength is the range of its lens, from 28 mm all the way up to 336 mm, i.e. a 12x zoom. The advantage with optical stabilisation should be eivdent as with this type of digital camera you normally take handheld pictures.

The SX200 IS is of course designed to compete with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7, the successor to the current best-seller the TZ5. Both cameras are in fact very similar - 12 megapixels, wide angle, image-stabilized lens, 12x zoom, etc...) and an identical price 350 USD.

For :
- Powerful zoom
- 28 mm wide angle
- image-stabilized lens
- HD 720p video
Against :
- No RAW control
- High price
digital camera ratings canon powershot sx200 is

Digital Camera Guide Video

2009-03-06T18:05:00.001-08:00

Digital Camera Ratings - SLR Buyer's Guide Video

take a look at this digital SLR buyer's guide video

Photography:Digital SLR Buyer's Guide

Reliable Digital Camera Ratings

2009-03-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras

Where to Find Objective Digital Camera Ratings

There are literally thousands of sites that provide digital camera ratings, but it is not always clear if every site means the same thing by their ratings or reviews. It is also not absolutely guaranteed that the sites are being objective in their reviews of cameras, there is always the possibility that the site is being paid by camera manufacturers or retailers to favour a particular make or model, in exchange for cash. You should also bear in mind that ratings can be different depending on the type and price of the camera in question. If you pay $1000 for a camera you expect a lot more than if you pay $100, therefore the camera ratings provided will reflect this, it is a lot easier for example to be disappointed if you have paid $1000 than if you have only paid $100 - so the camera ratings should take this into account. Digital camera ratings are based on a number of features such as the number of megapixels (the more the better), ease of use, weight, the quality of the lenses etc... One feature which is essential however in all reviews is the quality of the final image produced, this is after all the most important aspect. The quality of image in a digital camera is governed by a number of things but the number of megapixels and the quality of the lenses are the essential aspects. Although such features as shutter lag and vibration also have their part to play. So where can you find objective reviews that you can actually trust? There are two main places - digital photography magazines, either online or offline, where a degree of objectivity is to be expected, but also and more importantly digital photography forums where photography enthusiasts will provide objective ratings of digital camera. There are literally hundreds of digital photography forums with thousands of very knowledgeable enthusiasts that can easily be found via your favorite search engine. These are people that have actually used the cameras over a long time and their opinions about the cameras are usually very reliable, particularly as they are not getting any commission. If the forums do not have any ratings for the cameras you are interested in then you can easily ask a question and soon receive dozens of highly informative replies. So if you are looking to buy digital cameras then by all means check out the reviews and ratings on the main websites, but don't forget to read the opinions of actual camera users in the forums, their ratings will generally be much more reliable. You don't need to register to read the forums but you will need to register (free) if you want to ask a question. Reading objective camera reviews is important before parting with any cash and it is obviously a wise decision to obtain opinions about the cameras from someone other than the person who wants your cash. If I won the lottery which digital camera would I buy? Nikon digital cameras are very good as are Canon but I would probably buy the new Leica S2 SLR which will be out mid summer 2009 - a 37.2 megapixel digital SLR at a cost of around $20,000 ! At that price it should be the best handheld digital SLR on the planet. Best Waterproof Digital Camera

New Powershot Ixus Digital Cameras

2009-03-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras - Canon Powershot SD960 IS IXUS 110 IS

Good news for people looking for a camera Canon is to update its best-selling top rated Digital IXUS compact digital camera (Powershot in the USA) range of with two new models: the Digital IXUS 110 IS (Powershot SD960 IS in the USA) and the Digital IXUS 990 IS (Powershot SD970 IS in the USA).

The Digital IXUS 110 IS features a wide-angle zoom lens, wide-aspect LCD and widescreen HD movie option. The Digital IXUS 990 IS features a 5.0x optical zoom, and a 3.0” PureColor LCD II.

Both cameras have a new Smart Auto mode, which uses Canon’s innovative Scene Detection Technology with simple point-and-shoot operation.

Both cameras offer 12.1 Megapixels and excellent HD movies (1280 x 720, 30fps) with HDMI connections.

The two new top rated compact cameras replace the Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 970 IS respectively. The Digital IXUS 110 IS is offered in a range of colors - gold, pink, silver or blue. So an excellent choice if you are looking for a pink digital camera. The Digital IXUS 990 IS on the other hand features a more traditional metallic finish.

The Digital IXUS 110 IS is more suited to wide-angle shooting with its wide-angle lens (28–112mm) getting more in the frame. It is thus ideal for landscape or group shots.

The Digital IXUS 990 IS offers a versatile range of framing options – or the ability to zoom in close. Blur is countered by Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer, on both cameras.

Both digital compact cameras are 12.1 Megapixels models and incorporate a new Smart Auto mode using Canon’s Scene Detection Technology.

Face Detection incorporates new Blink Detection technology and the Face Self-Timer makes group shots easier by waiting until the user enters the frame before taking the picture.

Both models offer an improved Graphical User Interface which includes a handy Hints & Tips option.

According to Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe “These cameras combine new levels of intelligent functionality with the kind of head-turning design that only Digital IXUS offers”.

The Digital IXUS 110 IS - Powershot SD960IS - will be available from Mid March 2009.

The Digital IXUS 990 IS - Powershot SD970IS - will be available from April 2009.

Features:

12.1 Megapixel CCD
Wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens (Digital IXUS 110 IS) or powerful 5x optical zoom (Digital IXUS 990 IS) – both with optical Image Stabilizer
Wide-aspect 2.8” PureColor LCD II (Digital IXUS 110 IS), 3.0” PureColor LCD II (Digital IXUS 990 IS)
HD movies (1280 x 720, 30fps) and HDMI connection

For information about Digital Product Photography and Digital Photoprinters see Digital Product Photography

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Buy Digital Cameras Online Tips

2009-02-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras - Buy Digital Cameras Online

How to decide where to buy a digital camera online?

Top rated Digital cameras can be expensive, ranging from around $100 to many thousands of dollars, and the decision to buy a digital camera online can be a stressful experience, as nobody likes to make a mistake. It is therefore a good idea to take the time to search out the best bargain. As you will see below you cannot just assume that the prices for digital cameras are the same at all sites.

In this survey of sites to find the best place to buy a top rated digital camera we used a specific camera - the Canon Rebel XSi also called the Canon EOS 450D in Europe. This Canon digital SLR is one of the best digital cameras you can buy without breaking the bank. Offering Canon quality with 12.2 megapixels and a zoom lens.

On Amazon the camera was on offer at $629.00, on Tigerdirect it was over $700 at Overstock it was $705 at Bestbuy it was $745 and at Walmart it was $750.

However, when buying a digital camera the common sense advice to find the best price is to use a price comparison site.

There are a number of price comparison sites for digital cameras, we looked at 3 of them.

At Smarter.com - a search for the Canon Rebel Xsi digital SLR gives 8 results, with prices ranging from $499 to $899. But you can't just pick the cheapest, you also need to look at the Star rating for the particular store in question - most of those (like Abes or J&R) that get 4 stars or more are selling the Canon Rebel XSi for $699. We would not recommend buying from a store that gets less than 4 stars.

At Dealtime the list is even longer (25) and the prices range from $554 to $970 !

At Bizrate the list is even longer still (43) and the prices range from $629 to $1198 !

You also need to check out shipping costs and if you are buying a digital SLR make sure there is a lens included. For those who don't know, on a digital SLR like the Canon Rebel XSi you can change the lens at the front, so make sure you buy the camera with a lens if you haven't already got a Canon lens that will fit !

What to look out for when buying a digital camera

First of all you need to decide the type of digital camera you want. Do you prefer small compact cameras or high-end pro-amateur SLR or a fully professional top rated SLR, whichever you buy the most important feature to look for to ensure the best quality pictures is the number of megapixels - the higher the better - the recommended minimum at the moment being 7 megapixels.

For more information on digital cameras click the best digital cameras

UPDATE : Geeks.com has got some good deals on cameras - Geeks

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera

2009-02-24T08:49:00.001-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - Leica S2 - The Best 35mm Digital SLR Ever?

The Leica S2 37.5 Megapixel SLR

[UPDATE 2 : Launch of Leica S2 SLR delayed until December 2009 - see Leica S2

UPDATE 1 : See bottom of page for Leica S2 DSLR and Leica S2 lens prices]

Leica digital cameras are not as well-known to the general public as Nikon or Canon but professional photographers know that Leica's reputation is second to none. Leica cameras are often referred to as the Rolls-Royce of cameras. The only drawback with Leica cameras tends to be the cost, they are expensive. Although they have in the past had problems with their sensors on their M8. But these problems now appear to have been fixed and as far as quality is concerned you will not beat Leica's new digital S2 which was launched in September 2008 and is expected to be available in the summer of 2009.

The Leica S2 digital SLR will undoubtedly be one the best digital cameras available, and certainly the best handheld digital camera currently available, so if you want the very best start saving now.

It is, as Leica says a "remarkable new camera from Germany that redefines the professional DSLR class with a custom 37.5 megapixel, 30 x 45 mm sensor built into a 35mm-sized body".

This flagship top rated Leica S2 digital SLR is described as a watershed event that will force other manufacturers to raise their standards.

Its 37.5 megapixel 30 x 45 mm sensor is 56% larger than full frame 35mm and offers a quality that is "well beyond that obtainable by conventional pro-caliber DSLRs".

It is claimed to combine the performance of a medium-format digital camera with the ergonomics, shape and ease of use of a 35mm SLR.

Leica have compared the S2 to the debut of the legendary first Leica model A, back in 1925. The model A redefined 35mm photography in the 20th century and Leica believe that their Leica S2 digital camera may do the same for digital photography in the 21st century.

Leica state that theS2 is fully weather-sealed, so it can be used both in the studio but also outdoors as a new type of high-end field camera. Maike Harberts of Leica says the S2 is ideal for “all the people who actually want the superior image quality, but the nice hand-held option of taking pictures. So more the moving kind of taking pictures.”

This is a top rated 35mm digital SLR that approaches medium-format quality, you can therefore carry it up mountain sides with relative ease, which is not always the case with medium-format cameras and their equiment.

Leica know that this digital camera is a “tool, not a toy,” that has been designed specifically for professional photographers and has only those buttons required by professional photographers, i.e. there is no clutter.

Leica expect the camera to be available in summer 2009 and if you are wondering how much it costs then you probably can't afford it.

As the Leica S2 it will be competing with medium-format cameras it is worth bearing in mind that the Hasselblad H3DII-39 megapixel with an 80mm lens sells for about $22,000.

[UPDATE : Leica has announced the launch date of the Leica S2 for October 2009.

It will cost $22,995 (£15,996 in the UK) for the body alone. Lenses cost extra.

Leica S2 Lens Prices

SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/70 ASPH $4,495 (£3,096)
SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/70 ASPH CS $5,995 (£4,025)
APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 1:3.5/180 $6,495 (£4,541)
APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 1:3.5/180 CS $7,495 (£5,160)
APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/120 $6,495 (£4,541)
APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/120 CS $7,495 (£5,160)
SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/35 ASPH $5,295 (£3,612)
SUMMARIT-S 1:2.5/35 ASPH CS $5,995 (£4,231)
Leica S2 Multifunction handgrip S $1,295 (£851)
Leica S2 Professional battery charger S $399 (£258)

In another surprising decision, Leica will be opening a store in Mayfair, London in September.
It will comprise a ground floor retail store selling Leica products, offices, a Leica Academy training centre and a Leica S-System studio. ]

The cheaper Canon offering : Canon Powershot

Home : Best Digital Cameras

Nikon Coolpix L20 Digital Camera

2009-02-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras - Cheap Digital Camera - Nikon Coolpix L20 and L19

Looing to buy a cheap top rated digital camera ? Nikon has just launched two new point-and-shoot budget compact digital cameras the COOLPIX L20 and L19 which combine the high-quality optics of NIKKOR digital lenses with Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image-processing system, the COOLPIX L20 and L19 are quality high-performance compact digital cameras. These new additions are among the best digital cameras currently available. In addition if you are looking for a pink digital camera you need look no further. The Coolpix L19 Nikon digital camera is also available in pink!

(..... Nikon Coolpix L20 Digital Camera)

The Nikon L20 digital photography system automatically detects up to 12 faces and the face-priority AF system produces perfect portraits by automatically adjusting focus and exposure.

Smile Mode automatically releases the shutter when subjects smile.

Blink Warning alerts you when it detects that a subject has blinked.

The Nikon Coolpix L20 has a faster processing speed and the Red-Eye Fix system automatically corrects any red-eye effect before saving the image.

ISO 1600 capability ensures sharper results in lower light.

A large high-resolution 3 inch LCD monitor.

The COOLPIX L20 and L19 have respectively 10.0 and 8.0 effective megapixels for true-to-life color.
(...Nikon Coolpix L19 Pink Digital Camera)

The COOLPIX L20 will be available in a wide range of colours Bright Silver, Navy Blue, Deep Red, and Black Metallic.

The COOLPIX L19 will be available in Shiny Pink, Bright Silver, Black Metallic and Magenta.

Check out the competition : Canon Powershot

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Digital Product Photography

2009-02-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - Product Photography

What is Product Photography?

Product photography is basically what it sounds like, professional product photographers using the best top rated digital cameras taking photographs of products, generally for advertising purposes. The variety of products is more or less unlimited cars, toys, shoes, jewellery etc... If you think you would like to be a product photographer there are even product photography training courses which last between 1 and 3 days and cost around $1200 a day. Product photographers appear to use Nikon D90s and Canon EOS400D (Rebel XTi) which are certainly some of the best digital cameras around but it is the lighting which is more important than the cameras themselves, you need strobe lighting it would appear. For further details on the Nikon D90 see Nikon D90 Digital Camera Review You may also require a printer to print out the photos from your digital camera. These are sometimes called photo printers or digital photo printer or digital camera printers. The Epson's PictureMate Dash 250 and the Canon Selphy CP760 get good reviews. I would avoid any HP Photoprinters. But Sony also make good quality affordable photo printers sometimes called dye sublimation printers such as the Sony DPP fp50 or fp90

New Digital Nikon Coolpix P90

2009-02-04T13:45:00.001-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - Nikon Coolpix P90 Digital Camera

Best Digital Cameras

Nikon has released its new top rated digital camera the Coolpix P90 which features an impressive 24x optical wide angle zoom.

This Nikon digital camera offers high performance in a compact body with a powerful Nikkor zoom lens.

Other new features include a 3 inch vari-angle tilting LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating; 15 fps high-speed capability.

“Our portfolio of cameras is designed to ensure that any photographer, at any level can find the camera that feels right for them. The P90 blends the best of the digital compact and D-SLR camera worlds, allowing the more advanced consumer to really stretch their photographic capabilities.”

The P90 digital camera is certainly one of the best digital cameras available and features:-

12.1 megapixels
Four-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization
Motion Detection detects moving objects automatically and adjusts the speed of the shutter and ISO setting.
ISO 6400 capability.
Nikon’s Best Shot Selector (BSS) takes up to 10 shots and saves the sharpest image.

If you are used to point and shoot compact digital cameras you can always try out one of the many online digital photography training courses.

Price around $650 - $700

You might also decide you need a digital camera printer or photo printer or digital photo printers to see what your photos look like on paper. Two photoprinters that get good reviews and only cost around $80 are the Epson's PictureMate Dash 250 and Canon Selphy CP760. I refuse to recommend any HP Photoprinters or any HP scanners or products at all. Sony photoprinters are also worth a look - sometimes known as dye sublimation printers.

(................... Digital Camera Printer Canon Selphy CP760)

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Pink Digital Cameras

2009-02-02T11:38:00.001-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - Best Pink Digital Cameras

Compact Digital Cameras
There used to be a time (back in the good old days when cameras were made for real men and weighed 2 old stone each) that all cameras were made of wood. Then they went metallic and changed their colour to black and silver (combined) then they went pure black and pure silver and used real rolls of film of course. Now they have just gone nuts. One of the most popular colours (colors if you are in the USA) for digital cameras is pink! Pink digital cameras who came up with that idea !?
(................... Pink Digital Camera Canon SG1100)
But the strange thing is that lots of people looking to buy digital cameras choose pink digital cameras, they are now some of the top selling digital cameras, so all the major manufacturers have come up with a pink range. Undoubtedly aimed at those of a feminine persuasion of course, but hey why not? Women tend to like smaller compact digital cameras that look easier to use and they can slip into their snazzy designer handbags. Men, as ever, are hung up on size and prefer large black digital SLRs with large protuberances on the front that they can play with to make even larger.

So far there are no pink SLRs but I wouldn't bet against one raising its ugly head at some point.

(............ Pink Nikon Coolpix S60)

So which are the best digital cameras for beginners that are available in pink? Well it will come as no surprise to learn that they are the same ones that are the best silver or black digital cameras, only in pink! Very pretty.

Generally speaking the best compact digital cameras are made by Canon or Nikon so save yourself a lot of hassle and check out the Canon SD1100 IS Digital ELPH (8 megapixels) (around $180) or the Nikon Coolpix S60 (10 megapixels) around $300.

Once you've done that you will probably find at some point that you will also require some digital camera batteries, but that is another story and as far as I know they are all silver. How boring.

Once you've got your digital camera you may want to buy a printer to go with it these are called photo printers or digital photo printer or even "digital camera printer". The Canon Selphy CP760 and the Epson PictureMate Dash 250 seem to be good printers but avoid HP Photo printers. Sony also offer high-quality photo printers sometimes known as dye sublimation printers such as the Sony DPP fp50 or fp90

dye sublimation printers
photo printers
canon photo printer

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Panasonic DMC-ZS3 New Digital Camera

2009-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - New Digital Camera Panasonic DMC-ZS3

The Panasonic DMC-ZS3 aka DMC-TZ7 is Panasonic's latest top rated digital camera. It features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 12x optical zoom. It is one of the best digital cameras available at the moment and also acts as a video camera, recording HD movies in AVCHD Lite. Some people think it is the best digital camera for beginners.

The Panasonic TZ7 is also the first compact digital camera which offers Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, which allows you to record dynamic true audio. There is also a feature which allows you to reduce distracting noises in the background. The Face Recognition feature automatically memorizes faces and optimizes exposure and focus settings by prioritizing the face.

The LCD of the Panasonic DMC-TZ7 is 3 inches and offers 460k dot resolution, plus a wide angle. LUMIX's famous Intelligent LCD feature has 11 different automatic adjustments to suit the shooting conditions. The DMC-ZS3 is an extremely interesting digital camera from Panasonic.

Specifications include:-

12.7 Megapixel CCD, only 10.1 million of which are used for photos
HD video (1280 x 720) at an impressive 60 fps
Dedicated movie recording button
Intelligent Auto Mode selects optimal settings and detect faces in movie mode
HDMI output to connect to a HD television
300 shots/charge
Available in black, silver, red and blue
Priced at $399

Check out the competition : Canon Powershot

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Best Digital Camera for Beginners

2009-01-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras for Beginners

Which is the best digital camera for beginners?

There are hundreds of excellent top rated digital cameras for beginners and the Canon Rebel XS aka EOS 100D aka Kiss F is one of them.

Canon launched the first affordable digital SLR the EOS 300D in 2003. The current model - the EOS 450D aka Rebel XSi is of course a vast improvement in so far as concerns features but the competition has also improved their produucts, so Canon launched a new digital SLR just below the 450D, namely the EOS 1000D or Rebel XS or Kiss F Digital depending on where you live. It is a move down from the 450D but not a huge move down.

The main features are : a 10MP sensor, 7-point AF system, 2.5 in LCD monitor, and no spot-metering but with Live View with phase- and contrast-detect AF.

Good points - the photo quality is excellent for its price.

Bad points - maximum ISO 1600; no spot meter

The Rebel XS (EOS 1000D) is a fine digital camera for beginners if you can live without a spot meter or a larger LCD, then the XS is a good choice if you need and can afford the extra features then go for the XSi.

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Panasonic Lumix Waterproof Digital Camera

2009-01-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras - Panasonic Waterproof LUMIX DMC-TS1

Truly waterproof digital cameras are extremely rare, so rare in fact that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 Digital Camera is the world's first waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera which also offers AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities.

It is one of the best digital cameras around for active users who want to capture both still and motion pictures outdoors. It has a 12.1 megapixel resolution, a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode, which means it is extremely easy to use, whilst being a powerful camera with advanced imaging features.

David Briganti, National Marketing Manager at the Imagind division of Panasonic said : "Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear it will be damaged. With the introduction of the LUMIX TS1, we offer a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel confident using in these tough environments. Even more, with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family."

The TS1 Panasonic Waterproof Digital Camera is not only waterproof, it can even be described as an underwater digital camera as it can be taken down to a depth of 10 feet (3 metres), it is also shockproof (for falls up to 5 feet - 1.5 metres), and dustproof.

The zoom ranges between 28mm and 128mm thus ensuring the flexibility for a wide range of shooting environments -- notably underwater. The LCD panel is thickened to provide protection against pressure, and ensure that the display is clear even underwater.

The TS1 also records AVCHD Lite HD video, with almost double the recording time compared with conventional Motion JPEG. The TS1 also offers Dolby Digital Creator for high quality audio.

Another new feature is the iA which helps prevent shake with using high-powered zoom. Face Detection detects faces especially and adjusts focus, contrast, exposure, and skin complexion accordingly.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 waterproof digital camera will be sold in silver, orange or green from April 2009 with a suggested price of $399.95.

For Panasonic's best compact digital camera see - Best Compact Camera

For the best digital cameras see Best Digital Cameras of the Year

For information on the new Canon Powrshot D10 waterproof digital camera see - waterproof digital camera

waterproof digital camera panasonic lumix waterproof camera best digital cameras

Excellent Canon A590IS Digital Camera

2009-01-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras - Canon A590 IS Excellent for the Price

Best Digital Cameras for Beginners

When it comes to digital camera ratings - the Canon PowerShot A590 IS 8.0 megapixel compact digital camera is truly excellent.

First, because for its price it is the one of the best digital cameras you can buy and some people say that although it is a compact camera it is good enough to compete with top rated digital SLRs. The truly amazing feature is that it will only cost you around $150.

The PowerShot A590 IS 8.0 megapixel features include 3264 x 2448, 4x optical and 4x digital zoom, DIGIC III imaging processor, 2.5" LCD screen, Canon face detection technology, a whole host of different shooting modes - e.g. 'easy mode', movie mode, continuous shooting, image stablizing etc...

Its improved Face Detection aims to ensure better exposed and better focused faces.

The Canon PowerShot A590IS is one of the best top rated digital cameras for beginners, and will perform well under just about any shooting conditions. It is easy to use for the beginner yet has plenty of features for the more experienced photographer. The A590 IS handles low lighting with ease, and has a maximum shutter time of 15 seconds.

The A590 IS Canon Digital Camera excels at shots of people, though for sports photography it probably isn't fast enough. There are other cameras available that do more but with a price around $110, the Canon A590IS is an excellent choice and one of the top rated compact digital cameras available.

Sony Cybershot DSC-G£ Wi-Fi

2009-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - Sony Cybershot DSC-G3 Wi-Fi

GLOBAL FIRST SONY WI-FI DIGITAL CAMERA WITH WEB BROWSER

Sony's latest digital camera the Cyber-Shot DSC-G3 may be one of the best top rated digital cameras you can buy as it is the first in the world with a Wi-Fi capability that allows you to upload your photos immediately to the Internet.

Sony has introduced the first Wi-Fi enabled digital camera in the world, it is designed to make photo sharing easier and more convenient, and allows you to upload photos and videos to websites via any public hotspot.

Phil Lubell, Director of Digital Camera Marketing at Sony Electronics said : “Research shows that our customers greatly value sharing images and video clips, but they often forget or don’t have enough time if they wait to get home to upload images. Our new Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera provides the simplicity and convenience of sharing in the moment, while the impulse is still fresh in people’s minds.”

The DSC-G3 can connect to both free or non-free hotspots, and to both secure and unsecured access points.

The DSC-G3 is supplied with complementary AT&T Wi-Fi access to Sony’s Easy Upload Home Page until Jan. 31, 2012.

The camera itself is a 10-megapixel camera with a 4X optical zoom Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lens, which provides excellent sharpness and color accuracy.

Sony’s Face Detection technology ensures that the DSC-G3 adjusts auto focus (AF), auto exposure (AE), flash and white balance. It can even distinguish between adults and children, thus allowing users to prioritize faces.

The camera also includes an anti-blink function that makes photos of people with their eyes closed a thing of the past. The camera takes two shots and determines whether the subjects have their eyes closed. It will record those images where the subjects have their eyes open. If both pictures have closed eyes, the cameras records one and displays a warning.

Sony’s Smile Shutter™ technology automatically captures a smile when it happens.

The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 has 4GB of internal memory to store nearly 1,000 full-resolution photos or 40k VGA-quality photos. The 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD™ screen delivers high resolution images (921,600 dots) that are approximately 4 times higher than conventional LCDs.

The Cyber-shot DSC-G3 camera is already available in black for approximately $500.

The camera caused quite a stir at the recent CES especially the Wi-Fi capability and will no doubt figure high in digital camera ratings.

If you prefer a top rated digital SLR then take a look at Sony's offering in digital SLRs the Sony Alpha 350 - which is one the best digital SLRs around - Best Digital SLRs

Nikon D700 Excellent Digital SLR

2009-01-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras - Nikon D700

Top Rated Digital SLR Cameras - Nikon D700

Nikon D700 Video

The top rated Nikon D700 is a professional 12.1 megapixel digital SLR camera with a CMOS image sensor with a 36 x 24 mm size. As it has a full frame sensor it can be used with non-DX format F-Mount lenses. It has been described as being in essence a D3 squeezed into a D300 size body, thus making the D700 Nikon's first 'compact' professional digital SLR. Its competitors are the Sony DSLR-A900 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II .

It is by any measure an excellent digital SLR getting 10/10 in reviews, although it may not be the best digital camera for beginners.

The Nikon D700 has 5 fps continuous shooting, a Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module and Nikon’s EXPEED digital image processing, plus active D-Lighting (with Auto mode) Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, and 2 Live View shooting modes (hand-held or tripod).

The 3" 920K pixel LCD monitor offers wide-angle viewing up to 170 degrees plus colour calibration.

It gives you the choice of saving your pictures in either compressed or uncompressed RAW formats and TIFF (RGB) and JPEG image formats.

The D700's dimensions are 5.8" x 4.8" x 3.0" and it is made of durable, lightwewight magnesium alloy. It also has a Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System. And being a Nikon digital camera it is built like a tank.

It can be connected to a computer via a High-Speed USB port and an HDMI video output. It is powered by an EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery which can be upgraded to a MB-D10 multi-power battery pack. It is also sold as standard with Nikon’s own ViewNX photo management software.

Price at the moment with the lens is around $2600.

For a selection of the best top rated digital cameras see Best Digital Cameras

Further reading : Canon Powershot
Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Best Digital Cameras of Year

2009-01-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Best Digital Cameras

According to the very good digital camera review site – digicamreview.com – the best top rated digital cameras of 2008 are.

Overall Top Rated Digital Camera of 2008
In their opinion the overall best digital camera is the Panasonic Lumix TZ5 - a 9 megapixel digital camera, with a wide angle 10x optical zoom lens, a compact metal body, a large 3" screen, and optical image stabilisation. In addiiton it offers HD video recording with optical zoom and image stabilisation.

Panasonic Digital Camera - Best Budget Digital Camera of 2008:

The Canon Powershot A590 IS - an 8 megapixel camera with excellent image quality, 4x optical zoom with image stabilisation, which makes it one of the best digital cameras for beginners to photography.

Canon Digital Camera - Best Compact Digital Camera of 2008:

The Olympus Mju Stylus 1030SW - a 10 megapixel camera with a wide angle 3.6x optical zoom, which is a waterproof digital camera that is also dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof and has a 2.7" LCD screen.

Best Ultra Zoom Digital Camera of 2008:
The Panasonic Lumix TZ5 - a 9 megapixel camera with a wide angle 10x optical zoom and image stabilisation, plus a 3" LCD screen, high definition video recording with zoom, and a metal body.

Best Digital SLR of 2008:

The Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi - a 12.2 megapixel Digital SLR – with 3.5fps, live view shooting, 3" screen, 9 point AF, SD memory card support, and Canon's dust reduction system.
best digital cameras waterproof digital cameraa digital camera ratings

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Nikon D90 Digital Camera Review

2009-01-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera

If you are looking for one of the best digital cameras around then the Nikon D90 is certainly worth a close look. It has in fact just been declared the top rated digital camera for action shots by The Gadget Show in the UK.

Cnet says the Nikon D90 is an excellent digital SLR for the money.

Check out the video on the Nikon D90 below.

The D90 is a 12.3 megapixel improvement on the highly successful Nikon D80 10 megapixel DSLR and one of the best Nikon digital cameras around.

The user reviews are generally very favorable - one calling it the Nikon D3000 for everybody.

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Best Compact Camera Panasonic Lumix

2008-10-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Best Digital Cameras - Panasonic Lumix TZ5 - Best Digital Compact Camera for Travel

Looking for one of the best top rated digital cameras to go travelling with? Well you could do worse than look at the highly recommended Panasonic Lumix TZ5. It is not the lightest camera you can find, but for travelling that is probably better, as you need something sturdy to stand up to the knocks it will undoubtedly receive.

The Panasonic Lumix TZ5 is made of stainless steel and aluminium, making it rugged and functional - it is also one of the best top rated digital cameras for beginners. Price in the USA around $229.

Panasonic Lumix TZ5 - Official Site

For a full review see Panasonic Lumix TZ5

Click here for my comprehensive post on best digital cameras

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Entry Level Canon Digital SLR

2008-10-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Best Digital Cameras - Canon Rebel XS or EOS 1000D -Entry Level Digital SLR

The Canon Rebel XS or EOS 1000D is an entry level 10.1 megapixel digital SLR camera for beginners and compact users keen to move on to an SLR. according to Canon the Rebel XS or EOS 1000D is "For anyone ready to take the next step in creative photography, it offers the perfect entry point to the world of dSLR." It is in my opinion one of the best top rated digital cameras for beginners to the world of SLR cameras and an excellent Canon digital camera,

The EOS 1000D provides excellent results and is therefore the perfect digital SLR for its target audience.

The negative points are that it's a bit expensive but prices will no doubt come down. The grip is not universally apreciated, some people thinking that it looks cheap. And more importantly there is no remote release or spot metering.

Sensor type: CMOS
Image size: 3888x2592
Autofocus points: 7
Crop factor: 1.6x
Metering system: 35-zone TTL
Drive: 3fps
Sensitivity: ISO100-1600
Screen size: 2.5in
Battery model: LP-E5
Weight: 450g
Autofocus system: TTL-CT-SIR
Integrated cleaning: Yes
Live view: Yes
Shutter speed: 30sec - 1/4000sec
Viewfinder coverage: 95%

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Digital Cameras Canon Powershot E1

2008-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras : Canon Powershot E1 the Low Down

Canon PowerShot E1 the Low Down

The Canon Powershot E1 is a point-and-shoot camera aimed at young people and one of the best top rated digital cameras available. It is a curvaceous 10-megapixel camera sold in pastel colors and definitely for the Hannah Montana market.

So if you like the colors and can pay the $199.99 for the E1 you will get a reasonable digital camera. But quite honestly you could probably get a better top rated digital camera for your money, as trendy designs don't come cheap, so you're paying for the design and must therefore be losing on features. It is however one of the best top rated digital cameras for beginners who are also looking for something a little more striking

So if you like trendy pastel colored cameras then fine, otherwise look at other Canons or other digital cameras, so check out here - digital camera reviews.

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

New Fujifilm Finepix F60fd $300

2008-08-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - New Fujifilm Finepix F60fd 12 Megapixel for $300

Digital Camera Ratings

Fujifilm has just launched a new digital camera - the Fujifilm Finepix F60fd 12-megapixel and the Fujifilm Finepix J150w wide-angle - which are among the best top rated digital cameras for beginners around.

The top rated Fujifilm Finepix F60fd has a 12-megapixel 1/1.6" Super CCD HR sensor, 3x optical zoom and a 3" LCD screen.

It also features Dual Image Stabilization (Sensor Shift + High ISO), Face Detection technology, automatic red-eye correction and a new "Scene Recognition mode", it promises to ensure improved image quality.

It is claimed that the Finepix F60fd's scene recognition automatically identifies subjects, faces and scenes and adjusts focus, exposure, ISO and white balance to ensure sharpness and clarity, whatever the background.

At full resolution, the ISO settings up to 1600 are available, but the camera also supports ISO 6400 at 3 MP and 3200 at 6 MP. Noise reduction is activated when dealing with low-light images.

The Finepix F60fd will reach stores in September 2008 and is expected to retail at $300 [let's hope that applies to the UK too].

The Finepix J150w ($200) is also scheduled for September 2008. Offering a wide-angle lens with a 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent), it shoots images at up to 10-MP. ISO sensitivity up to 1600 at full resolution, with ISO 3200 at 3 MP.

Home : Top Rated Digital Cameras

Best Digital SLR Cameras

2008-08-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Top Rated Digital Cameras - The Digital Camera Site - Digital Camera Ratings : Best Digital SLR Camera for Under $1000

Best Digital SLR Camera

Which is the Best Digital Camera?

If you don't like compacts or you want to try your hand at a 'proper' camera i.e. a camera which gives you more control, that lets you change the lenses and that actually looks like a serious piece of equipment then you need a digital SLR (DSLR). An SLR (single lens reflex) lets you look directly through the lens, so you see the same image as the camera is seeing. With compact cameras the viewfinder is not quite in line with the lens so you see a slightly different image.

But which is the best digital SLR ? The short answer is the Canon EOS Rebel XSi (aka the Canon EOS 450D in Europe) which is often the top rated digital camera There are dozens, if not hundreds of digital SLRs on the market. So the choice is vast. But, if you are not a professional photographer you probably don't need or don't want to spend more than $1000. This is not one of the many digital cameras for beginners.

You also may not want to wade through hundreds of pages of technical analysis to discover which camera is worthy of your hard-earned cash. So here is the easy version - there are currently 5 main digital SLR cameras, offering between 10 and 14 megapixels, to choose from:-

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi (known as the Canon EOS 450D in Europe and the Canon EOS Kiss Digital x2 in Japan), the Nikon D60, the Olympus E-520, the Pentax K200D, the Sony Alpha 350.

(Canon EOS Rebel XSI/450D - rear)

(Nikon D60)

(Olympus E-520)

.............. ................ .............. .................. .................... I have ranked them by order of image quality as, in my opinion, that is the most important criterion. I have based my opinion on the information I have obtained by scouring the Internet (if you want to scour the Internet too then check out these 5 cameras) - if you can't be bothered gathering any more information then buy the Canon it's considered to be the top rated digital camera, although all five give excellent results.

(Pentax K200D)

(......... Sony Alpha 350)

.................

........ ........... ............. ...............Technical details of the Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D:

........ (Canon EOS Rebel VSi - Front View)

12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
3.5 frames per second
Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
3” LCD with Live View shooting
DIGIC III image processor
Picture Style image processing parameters
Compact and Lightweight body
Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

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Canon Powershot G9 Digital Camera

2008-08-06T09:22:00.001-07:00

Best Top Rated Digital Camera - The Digital Camera Site - Canon Powershot G9 - A Brief Summary

Digital Camera Ratings

If you are looking for the best digital camera around for under $500, if you check out the top rated digital camera ratings you will see that many professionals recommend the Canon PowerShot G9 (approx. $499). The G9 is a fixed-lens camera offering a wealth of features for people who want a bit more manual control than that offered by a point-and-shoot camera, although it also does point and shoot too for people who prefer that, thus making it one of the best digital cameras for beginners. It is a very sturdy camera that is highly recommended by photographers and camera experts. It is the replacement for the PowerShot G7, which was something of a disappointment. The new G9 fixes the problems people encountered with the G7. The most important new feature being the inclusion of RAW image support. The famous rotating LCD is, however, gone.

The improved features are:-

12 Megapixel CCD
3" LCD display
Support for RAW image format
Redeye removal in camera
Auto ISO Shift
Longer battery life

Further reading : Top Rated Canon Powershot

What Are The Best Digital Cameras

2008-08-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Best Top Rated Digital Cameras - The 5 Best Digital Cameras under $500

Digital Camera Ratings

If you are in the market for a top rated digital camera you are unlikely to rush out and buy the first one you see, you would probably like to check digital camera ratings or know which is the best digital camera , which is the best digital camera for beginners or at least which is the best for the amount of money you are willing to spend and for your purposes. Do you want a small, compact or ultra-compact, lightweight camera that is easy to use and easy to carry around? Or do you want the best digital SLR that money can buy?

The aim of this site is not to give in-depth reviews of every available digital camera, or even a significant proportion of all the available cameras, rather it is to show you which cameras are generally regarded as the best in their class. For those in a hurry the best is considered by a lot of people to be the Canon G9.

The first point to note when trying to decide which digital camera is best for you is that the number of megapixels is not the most important aspect. There is little visible difference between the images produced by a 7-megapixel camera or an 8-megapixel camera. Even 5-megapixel cameras produce excellent 8 x 10-inch prints. (8 x 10 is a fairly big picture, most pictures in family albums are around half that size).

There are other factors to take into consideration above and beyond the number of megapixels: such as performance, lens quality, image-noise suppression, ergonomics, quality, and ease of use. To summarize : the general quality of the camera is more important than the number of megapixels. Some experts even maintain that too many megapixels can actually impair image quality by causing 'noise' (static) when taking pictures at lower speeds.

For example, the DXG USA DXG-110 produces 10 megapixels but generally does not get good reviews, 7 and 8 megapixel cameras from better known camera makers get better reviews.

It should be borne in mind, however, that at the moment (Aug. 2008) 5 megapixels is considered to be the entry level with regard to digital cameras.

Best Digital Cameras - Basic Entry Level

There appears to be something of a consensus that the top rated basic digital cameras are made by Canon (this is the opinion of a number of experts and reviewers - and in case you are wondering I am not getting any commission from Canon). So my advice is stick to Canon (for this category at least). Canon has always had an excellent reputation when it comes to making cameras, so really you can't go far wrong.

The specific models referred to in the reviews are :-
Canon Powershot A470 (7.1 megapixels at a price of around $110) - it's basic but it does a good job and is automatic with very little scope for manual adjustments - some people like to be able to control things, others just want to point and shoot - this camera is for those who like to point and shoot)

Canon Powershot A590 IS (8 megapixels and $160) it does the same as the A470 but adds more manual control, a larger zoom and image stabilization. You get a lot of camera for your money.

...

One problem digital cameras do have is their ability to take pictures in low light conditions, if this is important for you, you might like to consider an alternative to Canon - the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd (12 megapixels and $335).

For more advanced compact digital cameras Canon is again recommended:-
Canon PowerShot G9 (12 megapixels and $460). This is less of a point and shoot camera and offers controls that an enthusiast would want to see - such as exposure, shooting and focus controls. There is also a 'hot shoe' which allows you to use an external flash unit and, RAW format support. This format allows you to edit your images in Photoshop or other software which can handle this digital format.

Although the G9 offers a lot of manual controls it also has 'automatic' and 'scene' for people with less experience.

According to the experts the G9 produces outstanding photos and is generally considered to be the best enthusiast digital camera.

So basically, up to a price ceiling of $460 the best top rated digital cameras on offer are considered to be the Canon Powershot A470, Canon A590 IS, Canon G9 and the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd (for low light conditions).

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