Digital Camera News and Reviews

Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

CNET UK has reviewed a budget DSLR camera from Sony. The camera is called Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and is the successor to the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 DSLR. Let us hear if the Sony camera has improved much from the previous version

Some key features for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390:
-14.2 megapixel image sensor
-Image stabilization in the camera house
-2.7″ tilting LCD
-Liveview
-Up to 2.5 fps continuous shooting
-ISO sensitivity from 100 to 3200
-Supports SD memory cards

CNET UK ends up giving the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 a mediocre review with an overall score of 3 stars out of 5 possible. The reviewer has some positive things to say about the camera like the tilting LCD screen, the liveview is very good and you get quite a bit of camera for your money. On the negative side we find that the A390 is very similar to the A380, awkward handling and the body feels very plasticky. It seems like Sony has cut down on their research money as the A390 is extremely similar to the previous DSLR so you should not bother upgrading your A380. On the other hand the A390 is a nice budget DSLR, but there are many other cameras in the same class so go to a store and handle the different cameras before you decide on one.
Read the full review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 camera here.

OKI B431dn

Trusted Reviews has tested a mono laser printer from OKI. The printer is called OKI B431dn and is able to print up to 40 pages per minute or so OKI claims.

Some key features for the OKI B431dn printer:
-Print speeds up to 40 pages per minute
-Print resolution up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
-250-sheet input tray
-100-sheet multi-purpose tray
-2-line by 16-character LCD display
-USB and Ethernet connectivity

Trusted Reviews ends up giving the OKI B431dn a good review with an overall score of 8 out of 10 points. The mono laser printer scores highest on print quality, while scoring a bit lower on print speeds, features and value for your money. The OKI is a very good midrange printer with low printing costs. The reviewer finds the biggest downside to be the LCD display that lacks backlighting which makes it very hard to read.
Read the full test of the OKI B431dn mono laser printer here.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is an interesting lens because it is the worlds first wide angle zoom lens with built in image stabilization for full frame cameras. The constant f/4 should be useful for most photographers looking for a wide angle zoom. Now let us hear what Photography Blog thinks of this new Nikon lens.

Photography Blog ends up giving the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G a very good review with an overall score of 4.5 stars out of 5 and a “Highly Recommended” rating. The Nikkor lens scores highest on image quality, ease of use, features and design while scoring a bit lower on value for your money. The only downside is a bit of barrel distortion at the wide end and the price tag is a bit steep. But overall this new Nikon lens seems very good so it should be a good choice if you are doing photography where you need a wide angle zoom lens.
Read the full review of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens here.

Epson Artisan 835

Epson has announced two new all in one (AiO) printers. The printers are called Epson Artisan 725 and 835, and comes with a much faster wireless connectivity and the ability to print directly from Apple iPhone.

Some key features for the Epson Artisan 725 and 835 printers:
-Wi-Fi n2 connectivity
-Direct printing from Apple iPhone
-7.8-inch smart touch panel (only 835)
-3.5-inch colour LCD (only 835)
-Built-in fax (only 835)
-30-page Automatic Document Feeder (only 835)
-Enhanced touch panel (only 725)

The Artisan 725 will cost about $199.99 and Artisan 835 about $299.99 and will be available on the market in the middle of August 2010.

Press release:
Epson’s New Artisan All-in-One Printers Offer Superior Performance, Image Quality, Convenience, and an Eye-Catching Design

Artisan 835 and Artisan 725 Deliver Unbeatable Features and Fit the Décor of any Room

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Aug. 4, 2010 – Epson America, Inc., a leading provider of superior performing desktop printing solutions, today introduced its new line of Artisan® all-in-ones – the Artisan 835 and Artisan 725. With image quality preferred by consumers 3-to-1 over the competition1 and a host of unique features, the new Artisan all-in-ones are a perfect match for today’s active, digital families that require one solution for various printing needs.

“These latest Artisan all-in-ones continue to redefine the standard for image quality, print speed and unique creative capabilities,” said Julie Ernest, product manager, Consumer Ink Jet Printers, Epson America, Inc. “From family photos and creative projects to school work and household documents, these versatile all-in-ones deliver the quality, reliability and performance consumers have come to expect from the Artisan line.”

The flagship Artisan 835 boasts a 7.8-inch smart touch panel, a 3.5-inch color LCD, built-in fax, and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder to quickly copy and fax documents. The Artisan 725 features an enhanced touch panel for easier navigation. Both feature 2.5 times faster wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi n2, wireless printing from an Apple® iPhone3 and the world’s fastest 4”x6” photo print speeds4. In addition, the Artisan 725 and Artisan 835 deliver vibrant colors and crisp, clear text with Epson’s six-color Ultra Hi-Definition Claria® ink.

Additional Features of the Artisan Series:

· Delivers fast ISO print speeds of 9.5 ISO ppm black and 9 ISO ppm color5

· Offers built-in wireless and Ethernet networking

· Saves up to 50 percent of paper supply with automatic two-sided printing

· Creates personalized greeting cards, coloring book pages, elegant stationery, and note paper

· Creates professional-looking discs by printing images and text directly onto ink jet printable CDs/DVDs with easy-to-use Epson Print CD software

· Features built-in Auto Photo Correction to automatically evaluate and correct images and red eye

· Prints applications wirelessly from an iPhone, including PDF files, photos, photo calendars, business documents, and more, through applications available on the iTunes App Store

· Prints images directly from digital cameras, mobile phones and USB Flash drives with PictBridge®

· Accommodates various printing needs with individual ink cartridges at affordable prices (standard and high-capacity sizes)6

· Delivers vivid, true-to-life photos with Epson’s exclusive MicroPiezo® print head with DX5™ technology

· Offers a range of eco features and environmental qualifications including, ENERGY STAR® and RoHS compliance, and is designed to be recycled7

Pricing and Availability

The Artisan 725 ($199.99*) and Artisan 835 ($299.99*) will be available in mid-August through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site, http://www.epsonstore.com. An all-white “Arctic Edition” Artisan 725 ($199.99*) will also be available in mid-September exclusively through Best Buy to allow consumers more options to match the décor of their home and computer equipment. All models come with a one-year limited warranty and free lifetime phone support8 with quick and convenient product exchange. For more information, please see the Artisan 725, Artisan 835 and Artisan 725 Arctic Edition fact sheets.