Digital Camera News and Reviews

Canon Powershot SD890 IS

The third compact camera (check the other 2 cameras here) that Canon announced today is called Canon Powershot SD890 IS (Canon IXUS 970 IS in Europe). The most exciting feature with this camera is 5x optical zoom, although it starts at 37mm (35mm equivalent) so the lens isn’t very wide.
Some highlights about the camera:
-F3.2-5.7, 5X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 37 – 185 mm (the longest ever on in the SD/IXUS series)
-Optical Image Stabilization
-10.0 Mega pixel image sensor
-Face Detection Technology now with White Balance and Face Select &
-2.5″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels; optical viewfinder also available


Press release:
Digital IXUS 970 IS: enhanced flexibility with new 5x optical IS zoom

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 13 March, 2008: Canon today announces a powerful new addition to its Digital IXUS range of stylish compact cameras. The 10 Megapixel Digital IXUS 970 IS features a brand new 5x optical zoom lens – the longest ever zoom in the range – together with an enhanced version of Canon’s lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS).

The Digital IXUS 970 IS also features Motion Detection Technology, which works in tandem with IS to reduce blur caused by subject motion and camera shake. Face Detection Technology with Face Select & Track and Face Detection White Balance is also included. These features provide accurate, natural-looking people shots in all situations. As with all Digital IXUS models in the first half of 2008, auto focus is enhanced for darker conditions; it is now effective in situations approximately 1-stop darker than was possible in previous models.

A bright, clear 2.5” PureColor LCD II screen and new Multi Control Dial enhance the user experience, offering a greater degree of convenience. Thanks to Canon’s optical expertise, all these improvements have been made without sacrificing the iconic design that has made Digital IXUS the ultimate style camera brand.

“With its 5x zoom, the Digital IXUS 970 IS brings a new level of performance to Canon’s leading design brand,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Once again Canon is using its optical expertise to deliver powerful compact cameras in effortless style.”

Features:

* Uncompromising Digital IXUS style and build quality

* 10.0 Megapixel image sensor

* 5x optical zoom lens

* Enhanced lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS) delivering a 4-stop advantage

* High ISO Auto with Motion Detection Technology

* Face Detection Technology now with White Balance and Face Select & Track

* Automatic Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback

* DIGIC III¹ with Noise Reduction Technology

* 2.5” PureColor LCD II plus optical viewfinder (OVF)

* Enhanced auto focus performs at up to 1-stop darker

* Multi Control Dial

* 18 shooting modes including new Sunset mode and My Colors photo effects

* Extensive movie options including VGA 30fps, Long Play and Time Lapse movie modes

* Optional accessories include Soft Case and High Powered Flash

* Easy printing with PictBridge and quick print order settings in playback mode

New zoom lens
The Digital IXUS 970 IS features a brand new 5x optical Image Stabilizer zoom lens, delivering a greater zoom reach than any previous Digital IXUS. Thanks to a comprehensive redesign by Canon’s optical engineers, the lens has a new four-group configuration incorporating UA (Ultra-high refractive index Aspherical) lens elements. UA elements help to provide the gain in zoom power, and ensure that a compact size and straight optical pathway are maintained, for easy usability and optimum image quality.

Enhanced optical Image Stabilizer
The Digital IXUS 970 IS optimises performance with its enhanced optical
Image Stabilizer (IS). The lens-shift type IS improves on the systems used in previous Digital IXUS models, now delivering a 4-stop advantage, an increase of 1 stop. The extra stop allows photographers to use shutter speeds twice as long when shooting hand held, and obtain blur-free shots. The enhanced IS also reduces the blur caused by camera shake when shooting at the telephoto end of the camera’s 5x optical zoom improves performance in low-light, enabling shots in conditions where no shot would have been possible before. This enhanced low-light capability is aided by improvements to the camera’s auto focus; AF is now capable of achieving focus in conditions of up to approximately 1 stop darker.

A touch of class
Building on the Digital IXUS ‘perpetual curve’ design, the Digital IXUS 970 IS slopes gently back towards the grip. Its two-tone finish gives a precise contrast of matte silver with muted gloss and glossy metallic, for an elegant sheen. The overall effect is one of understated individuality, complementing the camera’s discreet photographic power.

Bye-bye to blur – Motion Detection Technology
Activated in High ISO Auto, Canon’s intelligent Motion Detection Technology works to eliminate motion blur. When camera shake or moving subjects are detected, the system automatically provides an ISO boost between ISO 80-800 – counteracting motion blur to improve action shots and night snaps, without compromising shots where no ISO boost is needed. The technology intelligently combines inputs from Face Detection Technology, the optical Image Stabilizer, changes in scene brightness and changes from frame to frame to identify the subject and detect motion.

Enhanced Face Detection Technology
Equally comprehensive is Canon’s approach to Face Detection Technology. The Digital IXUS 970 IS includes Face Select & Track, which allows you to select a single face from a crowd of up to 35 detected faces. The optimum focus, exposure, flash and – for the first time – white balance will then be set for that face, tracking the subject as they move around the frame.

Canon’s Red-Eye Correction draws on Face Detection Technology to eliminate red-eye from photographs. Whenever a face is detected in a shot, red-eye is checked for. It can either be removed automatically whilst shooting or in playback mode. New AF Point Zoom allows the photographer to magnify the AF frame when the shutter button is pressed half way, so that facial expressions can be checked before shooting.

As well as powering features such as Face Detection Technology, Canon’s DIGIC III image processor enables quick response times and fast buffering speeds. The processor also incorporates advanced Noise Reduction Technology for excellent image quality at high ISO settings.

Intuitive ergonomics, easy menus
The Digital IXUS 970 IS is made for intuitive use. From the moment the camera is powered up, the 230,000 dot high resolution 2.5” PureColor LCD II screen provides an easy way to frame up shots and navigate the easy-use menu system. PureColor LCD II offers a number of benefits over conventional LCD screens, including improved colour contrast for enhanced visibility, a wide viewing angle for easy shooting and instant image sharing, anti-glare coatings for viewing under bright light and anti-scratch coatings. Additional photo framing options are provided by the camera’s Optical Viewfinder (OVF). The Digital IXUS 970 IS includes a Multi Control Dial for the first time in the range. This wheel enables the user to change camera settings and scene modes quickly, as well as offering intuitive navigation of menus and convenient image browsing in playback.

A host of features enables users to enhance their shooting options. Users can choose from a range of 18 shooting modes, including Special Scene modes that automatically optimise camera settings for common shooting subjects.

The Digital IXUS 970 IS features new Sunset scene mode for the optimum capture of this tricky subject. Movie options include Long Play (LP) mode, which uses only half the memory of standard movies, and Time Lapse movie for the creation of fun and atmospheric accelerated film clips.

Several menu features also let users manipulate their images in-camera, without the need for computer software. The Trimming function offers image trimming to predetermined sizes. This function is integrated with Face Detection Technology – if several faces are detected in frame users can jump between faces to create instant trimmed portraits. The Image Resize function enables users to create smaller image files by reducing the number recording pixels in larger images. The original image can then be deleted in order to save space on the memory card, leaving the new file an ideal size for e-mailing and uploading to the web.

Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm f/3.8-5.6

Photozone.de has started reviewing lenses for the Four-Thirds system again and their first review is of the Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm f/3.8-5.6 Mega OIS lens. This is the kit lens for the DSLR Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10.
Unlike other kit lenses this lens has a pretty high quality and photozone gives the Leica lens a good verdict due to the good image quality and a very good build quality.

Read the full review here and their other reviews of Four-Thirds lenses here.

Canon Powershot SD770 (IXUS 85)

Canon today announced to new compact cameras in the Powershot SD (IXUS in Europe) series. The cameras are called Canon Pwershot SD790 (IXUS 90) and Canon Powershot SD770 (IXUS 85). They share the same 10 mega pixel sensor and have the same 3x optical zoom lens (35-105mm equivalent). The biggest difference between the cameras is the design and the 3″ LCD screen on the Powershot SD790 while the Powershot SD770 has a 2.5”.
The SD770 ships in mid-April for $299 and the SD790 ships later this month for $349.



Press release:
All style, no shake: two new compact Digital IXUS cameras with IS
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 13 March, 2008: Canon today strengthens its Digital IXUS range with the launch of two new 10 Megapixel models: the Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS. Both models feature Canon’s lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS)for exceptional image quality, while expressing very distinct design styles. The solid, chiselled Digital IXUS 90 IS is enhanced by a powerful shape and seamless build; while the soft minimalism of the Digital IXUS 85 IS reflects a glimmering, understated elegance.

The two models share the core imaging prowess at the heart of Digital IXUS photography. In addition to their 3x optical zoom lenses with IS, the cameras feature enhanced auto focus performance for low-light shooting. Both cameras include Motion Detection Technology¹, which works in tandem with IS to reduce all kinds of blur, and Face Detection Technology¹ with Face Select & Track and Face Detection White Balance for accurate, natural-looking people shots in all situations. Bright, clear PureColor LCD II screens (3” Digital IXUS 90 IS, 2.5” Digital IXUS 85 IS) enhance user experience thanks to their wide viewing angle, high contrast easy-view displays, and glare-resistant coatings.

“The design versatility of Digital IXUS is clearly demonstrated by these two new models,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “These are cameras that enable users to express their individuality, both in the model they choose, and the images they make.”

The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS feature:

* Solid, chiselled design with flat control panel (Digital IXUS 90 IS)
* Rounded square design with bold details in piano key black or silver (Digital IXUS 85 IS)
* 10.0 Megapixel image sensor
* 3x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer (IS)
* Face Detection Technology with White Balance and Face Select & Track
* DIGIC III¹ with Noise Reduction Technology
* Automatic Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback
* 2.5” PureColor LCD II (85 IS), 3.0” PureColor LCD II (90 IS)
* Optical Viewfinder (85 IS)
* Enhanced auto focus performs at up to 1-stop darker
* 19 shooting modes including new Sunset mode and My Colors photo effects
* Extensive movie options including VGA 30fps, Long Play and Time Lapse movie modes
* Optional accessories include Waterproof Case, Soft Case and High Powered Flash
* Easy printing with PictBridge and quick print order settings in playback mode³

Two designs, Two cameras, One Digital IXUS
Built to facilitate individual expression, these new cameras offer an evolution of two key Digital IXUS design strands. The Digital IXUS 90 IS takes the geometry of the Digital IXUS 75 and gives it a new sense of boldness and solidity. A flat key control panel enhances the camera’s seamless feel, giving it the appearance of being forged from a single piece of metal. The Digital IXUS 85 IS softens the sharp minimalism of the Digital IXUS 70, for a more fluid feel, accentuated by bold lens ring and edging details in piano black or silver.

Exceptional optics
The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS both feature a 3x optical zoom lens, allowing everything from landscape shots to close-ups and medium telephoto zooms. Exceptional image clarity and compactness of form are achieved thanks to the inclusion of Canon’s UA (Ultra-high refractive index Aspherical) lens elements. The lens has a straight optical path for uncompromising image quality. Canon’s lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS) is incorporated into both cameras, vastly reducing the effects of camera shake when shooting in low light conditions or at the end of the zoom. The IS system gives both cameras a 3 stop advantage, facilitating better images in dusky conditions. Improved low-light AF performance helps users take advantage of the benefits of IS. The AF is now able to achieve focus in 1 stop less light, so the camera obtains excellent results even further into the evening.

Bye-bye to blur – Motion Detection Technology
Activated in High ISO Auto, Canon’s intelligent Motion Detection Technology works to eliminate the blur caused by subject motion and camera shake. When these are detected, the system provides an ISO boost between ISO 80-800 – counteracting motion blur to improve action shots and night snaps, without compromising shots where no ISO boost is needed. Combining inputs from Face Detection Technology, the optical Image Stabiliser, changes in scene brightness and changes from frame to frame, Canon’s Motion Detection Technology is a comprehensive solution to motion blur.

Enhanced Face Detection Technology
Equally comprehensive is Canon’s approach to Face Detection Technology. The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS include Face Select & Track, which allows you to select a single face from a crowd of up to 35 detected faces. The optimum focus, exposure, flash and – in a new addition – white balance will then be set for that face, tracking the subject as they move around the frame.

Canon’s Red-Eye Correction draws on Face Detection Technology in order to eliminate red-eye from photographs. Whenever a face is detected in a shot, red-eye is checked for. It can then be either removed automatically while shooting or in playback mode. New AF Point Zoom allows the photographer to magnify the AF frame when the shutter button is pressed half way, so that facial expressions can be checked before shooting.

As well as powering features including Face Detection Technology, Canon’s DIGIC III image processor enables quick response times and fast buffering speeds. The processor also features advanced Noise Reduction Technology for excellent image quality at high ISO settings.

Intuitive ergonomics, easy menus
The Digital IXUS 90 IS and Digital IXUS 85 IS both feature high resolution PureColor LCD II screens. These screens offer a number of benefits over conventional LCD screens, including improved colour contrast for enhanced visibility, a wide viewing angle for easy shooting and instant image sharing, anti-glare coatings for viewing under bright light, and anti-scratch coatings.

The Digital IXUS 90 IS features a 3” screen, while the Digital IXUS 85 IS has a 2.5” screen. The Digital IXUS 85 IS provides additional photo framing options thanks to its Optical Viewfinder (OVF).

A host of features enable users to enhance their shooting options. Users can choose from a range of 19 shooting modes, including a number of Special Scene modes that automatically optimise camera settings for common shooting subjects. Both cameras feature Sunset scene mode for optimum capture of this tricky subject. Movie options include Long Play (LP) mode, which uses only half the memory of standard movies, and Time Lapse movie for the creation of fun and atmospheric accelerated film clips.
Several menu features also let users manipulate their images in-camera, without the need for computer software. The Trimming function offers image trimming to predetermined sizes. This function is integrated with Face Detection Technology – if several faces are detected in frame users can jump between faces to create instant trimmed portraits. The Image Resize function enables users to create smaller image files by reducing the number recording pixels in larger images. The original image can then be deleted in order to save space on the memory card, leaving the new file an ideal size for e-mailing and uploading to the web.

Nikon D300 DSLR

The owner of dpreview.com, Phil Askey, has finally reviewed the Nikon D300 DSLR. The wait was well worth because it is always a pleasure to read the in-depth reviews by dpreview.com.
Phil Askey ends up giving the Nikon D300 a very, very positive review.
He could not find any serious weak points with this camera and claims that the D300 is the best camera in the semi-professional DSLR class beating Olympus E3, Canon D40 and Sony A700. The review makes me really think about switching brand.
Read the extensive review here.