Digital Camera News and Reviews

Kodak EasyShare Z915

Digital Camera Review has tested the Kodak EasyShare Z915 compact digital camera. This Kodak camera contains 10 megapixels and 10x optical zoom in a camera body that resemble a small DSLR.

Some key features for the Kodak EasyShare Z915:
-10 megapixel image sensor
-10x optical zoom lens (35-350mm)
-Image stabilization
-2.5″ LCD screen
-Video mode: 640×480 at 30fps
-ISO sensitivity 100-1600

Digital Camera Review gives the Kodak EasyShare Z915 a good review, but it does not really stand out from other superzoom cameras in the same class. The Z915 scores good on design, noise control and value, but the lens could have been better, autofoucs faster and the small LCD screen isn’t all that good. Overall the EasyShare Z915 is a nice superzoom camera that probably will sell quite a lot.
Read the full review of the Kodak EasyShare Z915 camera here.

Ricoh GXR

Wow, that was fast! Photography Blog is one of the first to review the new camera system from Ricoh, the Ricoh GXR. This system is pretty unique where you have interchangeable camera units that make the possibilities endless. You can have a small sensor with a long telezoom and a large sensor with a portrait lens.

Some key features for the Ricoh GXR system:
-Interchangeable unit camera system
-Smaller than Micro Four Thirds cameras
-A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit with 12.3 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor
-S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera with 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor

Photography Blog ends up giving the Ricoh GXR camera system a “Highly Recommended” rating with 4.5 out of 5 stars. The reviewer really enjoys this Ricoh and believes there will be lots of interesting combinations in the feature. The camera is able to take pictures of good quality and the slide mechanism works really well. One downside is that right now there are few combinations and the combinations could be better. It will be very interesting to see how Ricoh develops the GXR system in the future and I hope they will have some success since they are so brave and innovative.
Read the full review of the Ricoh GXR camera system here.

Lexmark Platinum Pro905

Trusted Reviews has tested the Lexmark Platinum Pro905 All-in-One inkjet printer. This Lexmark printer is the top range printer from Lexmark in this class and it will be interesting to see what the reviewer think about the quality of this printer.

Some key features for the Lexmark Platinum Pro905 printer:
-4.3″ LCD touchscreen
-Wireless and ethernet connectivity
-Able to print, scan, copy and fax
-50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder
-Extra 150-page tray
-Card readers for SD, MemoryStick and xD memory cards

Trusted Reviews gives the Lexmark Platinum Pro905 an overall score of 7 out of 10 points. The printer scores highest on features, print speed and print quality while scoring lower on value. The printer has a lot of features, but it is quite expensive compared to other inkjet printers on the marked. If you only need scan and print there probably are cheaper printer that can suit your needs better without emptying your wallet.
Read the full review of the Lexmark Platinum Pro905 inkjet printer here.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Nikon has announced a new high end prime lens with a pretty extreme focal length at 300mm. This telephoto lens from Nikon is fast with its f/2.8 and it has the new Vibration Reduction technology. The lens also has a new focus mode, weatherproof sealing and focus limit switcher.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens will be available in January 2010 and cost about $5900 so you need a big budget to be able to purchase this lens.

Press release:
Nikon Introduces the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Raising the bar for hand held telephoto photography

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, December 10, 2009 – Nikon Europe today announces a new super telephoto lens to replace the AF-S VR NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED. The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it an ideal choice for sports, action and wildlife photographers. This lens is designed for those who are serious about photography.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II comparatively light weight and compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for hand held super telephoto photography, particularly when used with a teleconverter. The new VRII system offers four or more stops of compensation, and makes this a really practical solution for the news and wildlife photographer”. The evolution of the NIKKOR lens reflects a commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and it strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Sharper action images
The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II features the second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved when using the camera for hand-held shooting. In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. Weighing in at 2,900g this is a lens that ticks every box for those who are serious about action photography.

Built for any environment
This super telephoto lens is designed with the photographer in mind and has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. Those who need extreme speed and quiet to capture wildlife, can rely on the autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure you won’t disrupt the action. To top off the extensive features,, this lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing photographers to keep shooting whatever the conditions. Finally, the lens construction features eleven elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat.

Specifications
Focal length 300mm
Max/min aperture Min f/22 Max f/2.8
Lens construction 11 elements in 8 groups
Picture angle 8◦10’
No. diaphragm blades 9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance 2.3m/7.5ft. (AF); 2.2m/7.2ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size 52mm
Diameter x length Approx. 124 x 267.5 mm/ 4.9 x 10.5 in.
Weight 2,900g