Digital Camera News and Reviews

Canon Speedlite 580EX II

About.com has tested a flash from Canon. The flash is called Canon Speedlite 580EX II and Canon claims that is 20% faster than the previous 580EX. Let us hear what the reviewer thinks about this Speedlite

Some key features for the Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
-E-TTL operation with all EOS digital SLRs
-Guide Number: 58m (190 feet)
-Autofocus Assist Beam
-Full swivel, 180 degrees in either direction
-Dust- and water-resistance
-AF Assist: Up to 45 points

About.com ends up giving the 580EX II a very good review with a total score of 5 out of 5 possible stars. The reviewer find the flash to be excellent. It comes at a high price tag so keep that in mind. It is also not small, but you get a ton of features and a flash of the best quality. This Speedlite flash seems like your choice if you are a Canon photographer looking for serious equipment.
Read the full review of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II flash here.

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 MEGA O.I.S.

Photography Blog has tested a new micro Four Thirds lens from Panasonic. The lens, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 MEGA O.I.S., has optical image stabilization and in 35mm terms it covers 200-600mm. It weighs about 500g and is made up of 17 elements in 12 groups including an ED lens.

The blog ends up giving the Panasonic lens a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The lens scores highest on design, almost as high on image quality, value for your money and ease of use while it scores lowest on features. The lens seems like a really good offer for photographers needing a bit of zoom. It is able to produces sharp pictures and the price tag is not too high. As a micro Four Thirds user I am very happy to see that Panasonic keeps on releasing good lenses!
Read the full review of the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 MEGA O.I.S. lens here.

Dell 2150cdn

Dell 2150cdn is a color network laser printer designed for smaller workgroups. Let us hear what Printer Comparison got to say about this network printer.

Some key features for the Dell 2150cdn:
-Print speeds up to 25 pages per minute in both black and color
-600×600 dpi print resolution
-Automatic duplexing
-USB 2 and ethernet connectivty
-250-sheet drawer
-2,500-page color toner cartridges

Printer Comparison ends up giving the 2150cdn a pretty good review with an overall rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. On the positive side the reviewer finds aspects such as good print quality, fast duplexing speeds and it has network capabilities. On the negative side we find that toner cost is a bit higher than other printers in the same class.
Read the full review of the Dell 2150cdn color network laser printer here.

Ricoh GXR A12 28mm

The GXR system from Ricoh is pretty interesting with its swappable modules. Photography Blog has tested one of the latest modules called Ricoh GXR A12 28mm. The module has over 12 megapixels and a 28mm lens.

Some key features for the Ricoh GXR A12 28mm:
-12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor
-GR Engine III processor
-28mm f/2.5 lens
-Manual focus ring
-ISO sensitivity 200-3200
-Able to record 1280×720 pixel HD movies

Photography Blog ends up giving the A12 a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The module scores highest on design where it gets a top score, a little lower on image quality, features and ease of use while it scores lowest on value for your money. With a large image sensor and a fast lens this is the most serious module Ricoh has produces yet. If you are into street photography and willing to shell out a bit of money for the A12 this might be the module of your choice.
Read the full review of the Ricoh GXR A12 28mm lens-sensor module here.