Digital Camera News and Reviews

Canon PowerShot A480

Canon has announced the new Canon PowerShot A480 digital compact camera. This camera is the successor to the previous Canon PowerShot A470. The new PowerShot A480 is 25% smaller than its predecessor and a new simpler button system.

Some key features for the Canon PowerShot A480:
-10 megapixel sensor
-3.3x optical zoom
-2.5″ LCD screen
-Face detection
-Motion detection

Press release:
Fun, pocket-sized and totally intuitive:
the new PowerShot A480

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 15 January 2009: Canon today replaces its popular PowerShot A470 with a new 10.0 Megapixel model: the extra-compact, affordable PowerShot A480. Redesigned for even more intuitive operation, the PowerShot A480 offers a new build and design that is 25% smaller than that of its predecessor – in a choice of silver, red, blue or black. Flexible framing of shots is made easy by a 3.3x Canon optical zoom, while Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers high image quality, superb colour reproduction, Face Detection Technology and Motion Detection Technology.

Designed to be easy
Every aspect of the PowerShot A480 has been redesigned with one thing in mind: ease of use. Thanks to a new, simplified button layout – with dedicated buttons for zoom, mode and playback and an improved User Interface, it’s as easy to operate as it is to carry. Compact proportions make the PowerShot A480 an ideal ‘take-anywhere’ camera, perfect for capturing spontaneous snapshots.

Generous Megapixels and flexible zoom
The PowerShot A480 uses a 10.0 Megapixel sensor to capture every scene in vivid detail, ready for printing at sizes as large as A3+. This is complemented by a 3.3x optical zoom, which provides the flexibility to frame everyday shots to perfection.

Canon know-how for great shots made easy
At the heart of the PowerShot A480 is Canon’s DIGIC III image processor. As well as ensuring exceptional image quality – with ultra-low noise levels and outstanding colour reproduction – DIGIC III drives the rapid response times, and Canon’s own Face Detection Technology. Designed to make great people shots easier than ever, Face Detection Technology detects up to nine faces in a scene and adjusts focus, exposure, flash settings and white balance – for optimal results with natural-looking skin tones.

To keep shots looking sharp, Motion Detection Technology uses changes in scene information to identify subject motion and camera-shake. ISO is then optimised for minimum blur and maximum image quality.

Ready for any occasion
A range of 15 preset shooting modes allows any user to instantly get the correct settings for common scenes. Options include dedicated Kids & Pets, Sunset, and Indoor modes. It’s also equally easy to shoot spontaneous 30fps video clips, ready for upload to the internet or sharing via the bright 2.5” LCD screen. Plus, because the PowerShot A480 is powered by AA batteries, users can enjoy a convenient, readily available source of power.

“Whether you’re 7 years old or 70, the PowerShot A480 offers a great-value way to discover the fun of taking pictures,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera brings Canon’s unrivalled image quality to its widest audience yet.”

Features at a glance:

* Compact, lightweight 10.0 Megapixel camera in four colour variations (silver, red, blue or black)*
* Canon 3.3x optical zoom
* Easy to use, with simple button layout and intuitive user interface
* 2.5” LCD with Image Inspection Tool for focus checking
* People shots made easy with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and
* Red-Eye Correction in both shooting and playback
* DIGIC III processing delivers high-quality images and intelligent technologies
* Combats blur with Motion Detection Technology
* Smooth, 30fps VGA movies with Long Play mode
* 15 shooting modes
* Safety FE avoids blow-out when the flash is used
* Powered by AA batteries

*Some colours may not be available in some regions.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

B&H Photo just got the full frame Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital camera back in stock. It is a limited batch of cameras so you might have to act quick before it is sold out again. The page at Canon EOS 5D Mark II might say that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is back-ordered, but you can just click “add to cart” and ignore the back-ordered status.

Some key features for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II:
-21.1 Megapixel CMOS
-Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
-3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
-ISO sensitivity 50-25,600
-UDMA card compatibility
-9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points

You can order the Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera here. B&H Photo also offer free shipping on this camera.

Canon EOS 1000D DSLR camera

DIWA Labs has tested the Canon EOS 1000D DSLR camera with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. This camera is cheaper DSLR from Canon for photographers on a budget or people that does not need all the functions you get from more expensive cameras.

Some key features for the Canon EOS 1000D:
-10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
-7-point wide area auto focus system
-2.5” LCD screen
-Up to 3 frames per second
-Compact and light DSLR body

The test results from DIWA Labs of the Canon EOS 1000D shows us that the camera is pretty good, but not at the same level as the more expensive Canon EOS 450D.
Read all the tests of the Canon EOS 1000D budget DSLR camera with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens here.
The tests done by DIWA Labs are very technical so you need to read their test guide to understand the test results.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon has released new firmware for their full frame DSLR, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Firmware version 1.0.7 addresses two issues that some users had with firmware version 1.0.6. The update fixes black dot and vertical banding issues. Canon also wants its users to update their DPP and Picture Style Editor software.
Firmware version 1.0.7. can be downloaded from the Canon website.

Canon announcement:
Important information for EOS 5D Mark II users.

We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera (with firmware version 1.0.6) have identified two types of image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions.

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
2. Vertical banding noise

Details of the phenomena and shooting conditions under which they are likely to occur (if the firmware is version 1.0.6) are as follows:

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
When shooting night scenes, the right side of point light sources (such as lights from building windows) may become black. The phenomenon may become visible if the images are enlarged to 100% or above on a monitor or if extremely large prints of the images are made.
2. Vertical banding noise
If the recording format is set to sRAW1, vertical banding noise may become visible depending on the camera settings, subject, and background.
▪ Vertical banding noise is not noticeable if the recording format is set to sRAW2.
▪ Vertical banding noise does not occur if the recording format is set to RAW or JPEG.
▪ Noise can be reduced if C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority is set to 0: Disable.

Firmware version 1.0.7. that addresses these phenomena is now available for downloading from the following Web site:

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html

When updating to firmware version 1.0.7, please also update the Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor software. For details, please read the Firmware Q&A section on the firmware download page.