Digital Camera News and Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10

The German test website Photozone.de has tested an old DSLR camera from Panasonic, the Lumix DMC-L10. This camera is known for its kit lens, the Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm f3.8-5.6 MEGA O.I.S. lens, of very high quality and this high price.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10:
-10.1 megapixel CCD sensor
-Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm f3.8-5.6 MEGA O.I.S. kit lens
-2.5″ LCD screen with 270-degree rotation
-Supersonic Wave Filter that removed dust from the sensor

Photozone ends up giving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 camera a pretty good verdict due to the very good quality of the kit lens, good Live View mode, the camera body has good handling and it is able to produce very good pictures. The downsides are the pretty high price compared to other DSLR camera in the same class, the camera does not have built in image stabilization making the lens selection a bit lacking if you need image stabilization and much noise at higher ISO sensitivities.

Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 DSLR camera here.

Pentax K2000 / K-m DSLR

Pentax has announced that they are releasing a limited white version of their K2000 (known as K-m in Europe) DSLR camera. The camera comes as a kit with two lenses, the Pentax DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL and Pentax DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL. The lenses will also have a white finish to fit the design of the camera body.
The kit will be on sale from February 2009 for about £449 with 18-55mm kit lens and £549 with both 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses.

Pentax has also announced an online game for K2000 / K-m photographers to help them with the camera and have some fun.



Press release:
Pentax announces limited edition white K2000 Double Zoom Digital SLR System

Golden, CO, December 16, 2008 – Pentax Imaging Company has announced a limited edition, white PENTAX K2000 DSLR system with a double zoom kit. This new model replicates the original K2000 design that launched in September 2008 for consumers who are ready to make the transition from a point-and-shoot digital camera to digital SLR photography. The new camera body and both lenses* feature a brilliant white color with black trim.

The white Pentax K2000 is an entry-level system consisting of the new Pentax K2000 body, a white smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and a white smc Pentax DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens.

Bundled as a complete kit for the convenience of the customer, the Pentax K2000 system offers uncomplicated operation for new digital SLR users and family photographers seeking high-quality digital SLR photography for the first time.

Combining Pentax-developed, easy-to-use Auto Picture modes as well as powerful learning functions all housed in one of the smallest, lightest camera bodies in its class, the Pentax K2000 system is ideal for digital SLR beginners.

Additional features on the newest digital K2000 SLR body include a 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot high resolution, wide-view LCD panel, and an ultra compact design that facilitates one handed operation. The body also features the same Pentax-developed Shake Reduction technology found on more advanced K series digital SLRs. Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with more than 25 million Pentax lenses to deliver sharp images even when handheld at slower shutter speeds.

The K2000 also features the powerful Pentax-developed Auto Picture Mode, which selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night Portrait modes to tailor the camera settings for any photographic situation.

The camera also has a comprehensive Dust Removal system to help keep images spotless. A dedicated programmable help button clearly explains current camera settings to guide and teach the user about digital SLR photography.

The lenses included with this Pentax K2000 system are the white versions of a newer series introduced with the DA L designation. This DA L series offers the same optical performance and compatibility as the current smc Pentax DA 18-55mm II and smc Pentax DA 50-200mm lenses.

This stylish, limited edition white Pentax K2000 kit will be available on a very limited basis in February 2009 at a price to be announced.

Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 pancake lens

DIWA Labs has tested the only pancake lens from Olympus so far, the Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 lens. This relativley cheap lens was designed to fit the smaller DSLR camera from Olympus, the E-420 and E-520. The Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 lens seems to be able to produce very good pictures when you compare it to its price range. The lens should be a good friend for every photographer that want to travel light.
DIWA Labs has also compared the Zuiko lens with its big brother, the Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 lens.

Read the full tests of the Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f2.8 lens here.
The tests done by DIWA Labs are very technical so you need to read their test guide to understand the test results.

Leica 25mm F1.4 lens

DIWA Labs has tested heavyweight Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 lens that is one of few lenses for the Four Thirds format that can sport F/1.4. They tested the lens on the top DSLR camera from Olympus, the E-3.
DIWA Labs has also compared the Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 lens with its cheaper cousin from Olympus, the Zuiko 25mm f/2.8 pancake lens and it seems that the Leica is only marginally better than the Zuiko lens.

Read the full tests of the Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 lens here.
The tests done by DIWA Labs are very technical so you need to read their test guide to understand the test results.