Digital Camera News and Reviews

Canon PowerShot SD880

Canon has released a new firmware for their PowerShot SD880 IS camera. The new 1.0.1.0 version of the firmware corrects a rare malfunction that where the camera lose power.

Information from Canon:
This firmware update corrects a phenomenon that when the following settings are used in combination, if the shutter button is pressed halfway to focus during shooting (AND the AF frame magnifies), but the shutter button is released without taking the picture, the camera will lose power.

Setting details

1. The shooting mode switch is set to Special Scene Mode (SCN), Kids&Pets.
2. AF Point-Zoom on the menu is set to On.
(When the AF frame is in Face Detect or Center, and the Servo AF is OFF, the AF Point-Zoom can be set to On.)

Please note that, if the shutter button is pressed halfway, and the picture is then taken, this phenomenon will not occur.
If loss of power does occur, pressing the power switch will restore the camera to its normal operation.

Please check the serial number on the bottom of the camera.

Serial numbers

Products whose fifth digit from the left is 0 or 1 are affected.

****0*****
****1*****

If the fifth digit from the left of the serial number is 2 or above, the issue has already been corrected at the factory with a firmware update, and you may continue to use the camera “as is” with no further action required.

For more information and how to download the new firmware for the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS camera visit their website.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

Panasonic has released a new firmware for their Micro Four-Thirds Lumix DMC-G1 camera. Firmware version 1.2 improves color reproduction and the performance of Auto White Balance. The in-built flash is now more reliable during shooting in lower temperatures. Panasonic has also fixed a so cameras shipped for Europe also can file write back from PC to the camera.

For more information and how to download firmware version 1.2 for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 visit their Micro Four-Thirds website.

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G

Nikon has announced the new AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G. According to Nikon this is the first fixed focal length lens with such fast aperture.
This lens seems very interesting for Nikon photographers who want to separate they want to photograph from the background. This is especially a good feature for portraits.

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G lens will be available in March 2009 and cost about $200.

Press release:
Nikon Introduces The Fastest DX-Format Lens To Date: The AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Feb. 8, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today announced the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens, which is the first fixed focal length, fast-aperture DX-format lens that affords photographers superb image quality along with the creative possibilities and versatility of the classic 50mm focal length (FX-format equivalent of 52mm). When mounted on a DX-format camera body, it enables photographers to document their world with a lens that produces a picture angle similar to the field of vision as seen through the human eye. Whether new to D-SLRs or a seasoned enthusiast, users will appreciate the extreme low-light performance and the expanded ability to dramatically separate the subject and background with the new 35mm DX lens’ wide f/1.8 aperture.

“The development and release of the 35mm f/1.8 NIKKOR lens delivers new and added versatility to the Nikon DX-format digital SLR system and provides DX-format photographers with a broader range of fast-aperture lens options,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “This f/1.8 prime lens provides users with exceptional control of background and foreground, superb low-light ability, and the natural focal length that has been the staple of photography since its inception.”

Lightweight, compact and affordable, this lens can easily become a fast favorite for any level of photographer, and is the perfect complement to D60 users who are just starting to learn D-SLR photography or enthusiasts who love their D90. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is ideal for travel, general photography, landscape shooting, portraiture or pushing creative boundaries. The stunning sharpness, clarity and color reproduction are all proof positive of more than 75 years of NIKKOR heritage and experience in optics engineering.

This lens continues the tradition of NIKKOR precision optics to provide photographers with sharp, high-resolution images and the ability to focus as close as 0.98 feet, while the integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation.

The 35mm DX lens construction consists of eight elements in three groups, with an aspherical element to reduce size and weight, while contributing to the enhanced balance when mounted on a smaller DX-format D-SLR. A rounded diaphragm opening combined with the nine-blade aperture contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a more natural appearance of out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance.

The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning March 2009 at an estimated selling price of $199.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Fujifilm FinePix A150

Fujifilm announced today the new Fujifilm FinePix A150 budget digital camera. It features a 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom and 3″ LCD.

Some key features for the Fujifilm FinePix A150:
-10 megapixel sensor
-3x optical zoom (35.5 – 106.5mm)
-3″ LCD screen
-Mechanical image stabilization

The Fujifilm FinePix A150 will be available in February 2009 and cost about $130.

Press release:
Fujifilm Offers Advanced Features On Entry-Level A150 Digital Camera

Slim, AA battery powered Digital Still Camera Shines with 10-MP, 3x Optical Zoom and 3.0” LCD

Valhalla, N.Y., February 4, 2009 – FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today announced the launch of the 10-MegaPixel A150 digital camera. Designed specifically for the digital camera buyer and consumers seeking an affordable, user-friendly upgrade to their current digital camera, the A150 encompasses all the necessary features essential to today’s consumers, including Face Detection technology, a 3.0x optical zoom lens and large 3.0” LCD.

Following its advanced, entry-level predecessors, the A150 features a 3.0x optical zoom lens, with 230,000 dots resolution, that was developed specifically for the A-series by Fujinon. The A150 also offers Picture Stabilization that chooses the correct light sensitivity and compatible shutter speed, producing the highest quality digital pictures without blur and noise.

Face Detection Technology
The A150 also utilizes Fujifilm’s acclaimed Face Detection Technology that identifies and prioritizes up to 6 faces in a framed scene and then adjusts the focus and exposure accordingly to ensure the sharpness and clarity of human subjects in the picture, regardless of background. After the shot is captured, the A150 instantly checks each detected face for red eye, and if found, corrects it automatically in the camera, avoiding the process of editing later.

Other noteworthy features found on the A150 include:

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Movie Mode: Captures movies with sound at 30 frames per second.
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New Design and Slim Body: Very slim 21.7mm body and sleek casing allows for portability and photography on-the-go.
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Internal Memory: When the SD memory card (sold separately) is filled with images, users have extra internal storage space approx. 20MB on each camera to capture additional pictures.
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AA Battery: Using AA batteries is often most convenient for on-the-go digital camera users as it eliminates the need to charge battery packs, allowing for lots of picture-taking and the ease of battery replacement.

“We wanted to provide consumers with an affordable, easy to use digital camera that still offered a competitive feature set,” said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “The new A150 combines this in a highly portable form factor making it easier than ever to ensure that you never miss a shot and the convenience of AA battery power.”

The A150 will debut in February 2009 with a retail price of $129.95.

For additional information or hi-res images, go to www.fujifilmusa.com/pma.