Digital Camera News and Reviews

Updates from the camera world



Month: February, 2010

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380 test / review by CNET UK

28 February, 2010 (14:52) | Compact Camera, Review, Sony | By: Camera News

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380
Cam name

CNET UK has reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380 compact digital camera. This small camera from Sony has over 14 megapixels and a wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-Wide angle 5x optical zoom lens (24-120mm)
-2.6″ LCD screen
-ISO sensitivity 80 to 3200
-Face detection
-Uses Memory Stick Duo, SD and SDHC memory cards
-Able to shoot 720p high-definition movies

CNET UK ends up giving the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380 a good review with an overall score of 8.5 points out 10 possible. The reviewer likes the design on the camera and find it to take pictures of high quality. The W380 also has a lot of good features and fast autofocus. There are a few downsides like cumbersome menu systems and the panorama mode could be better, but overall this Sony camera seems like a good choice.
Read the full review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W380 digital camera here.

Canon announces 3 new imagePROGRAF large format printers – imagePROGRAF iPF6300, imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and imagePROGRAF iPF8300

28 February, 2010 (14:19) | Canon, Printer | By: Camera News


Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6350

Canon has announced three new large format printers called imagePROGRAF iPF6300, imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and imagePROGRAF iPF8300.

Press release:
Canon U.S.A. Introduces Three New imagePROGRAF Large Format Printers

Latest Models Feature New LUCIA EX Ink Set, Improved Quality and Performance

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 22, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging and advanced office solutions, today answers the increasing demand for large format prints in the photographic, proofing and graphic arts market with the introduction of three new imagePROGRAF large format models – the 44-inch imagePROGRAF iPF8300, 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and the iPF6300. Designed for precise, ultra high-quality print performance and increased productivity, each model features Canon’s new, 12-Color LUCIA EX pigment ink set and advanced printing technologies specifically developed to produce prints with an enhanced color range and improved durability. The new imagePROGRAF models will be unveiled at the Wedding & Portrait Photographer International (WPPI) Convention at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, March 8-11, 2010.

“In just four short years, Canon has introduced more than 20 imagePROGRAF large format printers to the market with each new model raising the bar for outstanding, vibrant image quality and overall versatility,” said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. “Coupled with our new LUCIA EX ink set and advanced media capabilities, the new imagePROGRAF models represent an ideal solution for the graphic, fine art, photography and proofing markets.”

Enhanced Color Spectrum
With increasing consumer demand for professional and high-quality print jobs, high-end graphic and photographic studios continue to seek the capability to accurately produce vivid output of consumers’ most demanding projects. To enhance its available color spectrum, the new imagePROGRAF models feature a revolutionary all-new 12-Color LUCIA EX pigment ink set increasing the achievable color gamut by approximately 20 percent from the previous imagePROGRAF iPFx100 series and enabling over 90 percent coverage of PANTONE ® (*) colors to produce rich expression. Additionally, to better meet the needs of the professional print market, the new models feature a reinforced mechanical structure to enable precise ink placement for improved text and line accuracy, making these new devices a powerful proofing solution.

Exquisite Photographic Output
The introduction of the new LUCIA EX ink provides photographers with the ability to precisely achieve their desired results by producing more expressive and crisp blacks, smooth color gradations, and the capability to reproduce the finest details in the shadow areas of photographs. The new inks are also designed with an innovative polymer structure that results in greater scratch resistance and protection from color fading, while also reducing bronzing and metamerism ensuring durable, stable output.

Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR), the world’s leading independent image permanence testing laboratory, has been evaluating the new Canon LUCIA EX expanded-gamut, 12-color pigment inks. Henry Wilhelm, president of WIR commented, “A review of preliminary data from the still ongoing tests indicates that prints made with LUCIA EX pigment inks and select photo and fine art papers will achieve WIR Display Permanence Ratings in excess of 75 years for color images and well beyond 200 years for black-and-white images. In addition, LUCIA EX pigment inks exhibit excellent short-term color drift (“dry-down”) behavior, which is critically important for color-managed workflows and in proofing applications. The new LUCIA EX inks also achieved WIR’s highest rating for resistance to damage from atmospheric ozone, a particular concern in urban environments in situations where prints might be displayed unframed and exposed to ambient indoor air.”

Simplified Workflows
Recognizing the expanding array of media options for large format printers and to further improve the versatility of these new imagePROGRAF models, Canon has developed a new Media Configuration Tool which allows customers to not only utilize genuine Canon-branded media, but provides the ability to add and make adjustments to paper settings to enhance the precision and quality of output achieved with third-party media. Upon release of the new printer, ICC profiles of popular media types from Intelicoat, Ilford, LexJet and Moab will be available for download on their respective corporate Web sites.

To expand print options and improve proofing capabilities, the iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 come bundled with a new Print Plug-In for Photoshop®, Digital Photo Professional and support for Adobe Color Management Module, enabling features such as Black Point Compensation. Through the Photoshop Plug-In, each new model allows 16-bit RGB images edited in Photoshop to be sent directly to the imagePROGRAF printers, preserving smooth and high gradation.

Brian Hampton, an award-winning nature photographer printing with a Canon imagePROGRAF for the first time stated, “The quality of the print is amazing. I was particularly impressed by the iPF8300’s ability to reproduce shadow details in a way that exceeds anything I’ve seen previously on the market. It’s quite a step above the competition.” Hampton also noted the built-in workflow solutions and commented, “The ability to export out of Photoshop via the plug-in is outstanding. Many of its capabilities perform as well as an RIP program without the additional cost.”

Maximize Productivity
In order to support high-volume printing and streamline workflows the Canon iPF8300 and iPF6350 come equipped with an 80 GB high-capacity hard disk drive (HDD) that allows for faster spooling of large files as well as the ability to reprint jobs directly from the printer. To ensure the highest level of productivity and reduce overall print time, all new models are also equipped with a standard gigabit Ethernet network interface and an automatic dual-blade cutter.

In those environments that utilize a complete workflow solution in conjunction with CGS, EFI, Ergosoft, GMG, ONYX and other leading RIP manufacturers, updated drivers will be available for download upon the release of the printers from their respective Web sites.

Precision Technology
To fully capitalize on the dynamic color range of the new LUCIA EX ink set, each new imagePROGRAF model employs two advanced one-inch print heads, each featuring 2,560 nozzles per color and outputting a super fine four picoliter (pl) droplet at a full 2400×1200 dots-per-inch resolution (dpi) to reproduce details with extraordinary accuracy and clarity. Paired with enhanced plug-ins and new, High Precision Printing Modes, these new imagePROGRAF models provide an extremely high level of photographic and proofing quality prints.

The new imagePROGRAF iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 are compliant with U.S. ENERGY STAR energy-saving standards and RoHS compliance standards. The new Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 large format printers will be on display at WPPI booth 401 in Las Vegas, NV from March 8-10, 2010. The imagePROGRAF iPF8300/6350/6300 will start shipping in March for a manufacturers suggested retail price of $5,995, $3,995 and $3,695, respectively.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3 / DMC-ZR3 test / review by Photography Blog – camera with Happy Mode

27 February, 2010 (13:17) | Compact Camera, Panasonic, Review | By: Camera News

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3

Photography Blog has tested the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3 digital camera (also known as Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3). This compact from Panasonic is the successor to the successful ZX1 and Panasonic has done some improvements especially with the video mode.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3:
-8x optical zoom lens (25-200mm)
-14 megapixel image sensor
-2.7″ LCD screen
-Optical image stabilization
-AVCHD Lite video recording
-Happy Mode

Photography Blog ends up giving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3 a “Highly Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Panasonic camera get a top score on ease of use and very high scores on design, features and image quality while scoring a little lower on value. There is not many improvements in the ZX3 compared to the ZX1 (except for better video recording), but it is still an excellent compact camera that many might consider when purchasing a camera.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX3 digital camera here.

Canon PIXMA iP2702 inkjet photo printer review / test by Trusted Reviews

23 February, 2010 (15:49) | Canon, Printer, Review | By: Camera News

Canon PIXMA iP2702
Canon PIXMA iP2702

Trusted Reviews has tested the Canon PIXMA iP2702 inkjet photo printer. This Canon printer is able to make a 4” x 6” photo in about 55 seconds or so Canon claim. Let us hear what the reviewer got to say about this photo printer.

Some key features for the Canon PIXMA iP2702:
-Print photos up to 8.5” x 11”
-Print 4” x 6” photos in about 55 seconds
-Resolution up to 4800 x 1200 color dpi
-USB 2 connectivity

Trusted Reviews ends up giving the Canon PIXMA iP2702 an overall score of 7 out of 10 points. The printer scores highest on print quality a bit lower on print speed and value while scoring lowest on features. The iP2702 is a good budget photo printer, but it has a few shortcomings like being very loud when printing, the prints are a bit expensive and you do not get that many features like more expensive printers.
Read the full review of the Canon PIXMA iP2702 inkjet photo printer here.


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