Digital SLR Camera Review

Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit Review

Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit Feature

• Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization (Includes manufacturer’s supplied accessories)
• Olympus 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens - Deluxe Lens Care & Cleaning Kit
• 8 Gigabyte CF Compact Flash Memory Card - Compact Flash USB Card Reader - Universal Memory Card Wallet - Pack of LCD Screen Protectors
• BLM-1 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Replacement Battery Pack - Well Protective SLR Camera Gadget Bag w/Pockets & Strap
• Full Size 59″ Tripod W/Case - Jumpstart DVD Guide to Digital SLR Cameras - BONUS!! Digital Photo for Dummies - Free 25 Quality Prints (Promo code # on invoice)

Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit Overview

The new Olympus E-520 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera delivers brilliant images thanks to advanced technologies that help take the blur out. Industry leading Image Stabilization built into the portable camera body compensates for movement so that images are sharp and blur-free with any lens and even at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus Live View brings subjects into sharp focus on the camera’s HyperCrystal II LCD. Together, these technologies produce amazing results, along with the following features that further expand the DSLR experience: * In-Body Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive technology provides blur-free images when using any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses; * Face Detection Technology targets and locks on faces to ensure they are in focus and blur-free for amazing portraits; * Shadow Adjustment Technology opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed while maintaining detail in the highlights; and * Perfect Shot Preview enables photographers to view and select White Balance and Exposure Compensation effects right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before they even capture it.
Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens: This 3x standard zoom lens is the smallest and lightest in its class and features a closest focusing distance of only 25cm. The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two aspherical lens elements correct aberrations without increasing lens dimensions. The circular aperture diaphragm enables beautiful defocusing.
++PLUS++ b> 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit: Loaded with extremely useful accessories.

Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 08, 2010 06:40:05

Precision Design 2000 Digital SLR Camera System Case/Gadget Bag for Pentax K-7, K-x, K20D, K200D, K2000, K10D, K100D, K100D Super & K110D Digital SLR Cameras — Holds & Protects Your SLR Camera with zoom lens attached, Plus 4 Extra Lenses, Flash & Accessories Review

Precision Design 2000 Digital SLR Camera System Case/Gadget Bag for Pentax K-7, K-x, K20D, K200D, K2000, K10D, K100D, K100D Super & K110D Digital SLR Cameras — Holds & Protects Your SLR Camera with zoom lens attached, Plus 4 Extra Lenses, Flash & Accessories Feature

• Holds & Protects Your SLR Camera with zoom lens attached, Plus 4 Extra Lenses & Flash
• Adjustable Padded Dividers For Easy Customization
• Multiple Pockets With Easy Access
• Constructed of Durable Wear-Resistant Nylon
• Large interior (12.5 x 7.5 x 6.75 in.)

Precision Design 2000 Digital SLR Camera System Case/Gadget Bag for Pentax K-7, K-x, K20D, K200D, K2000, K10D, K100D, K100D Super & K110D Digital SLR Cameras — Holds & Protects Your SLR Camera with zoom lens attached, Plus 4 Extra Lenses, Flash & Accessories Overview

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Precision Design 2000 Digital SLR System Camera Case
♦ 2) Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Protect your valuable camera investment with this generously sized Precision Design 2000 Deluxe SLR System Camera Case. Made from durable nylon, and outfitted with a padded handle that is attached with stitching and rivets for extra safety, this compartment case will easily hold your camera with attached zoom lens, lenses, flash, and accessories.

Travel is made even easier and more comfortable with the padded shoulder strap. The many zippered and velcro-closure pockets hold all your supplies. Two large zippered mesh pockets - one on the inside of the top flap and an additional one on the inside of the zippered interior flap - allow easy access to filters, hoods, memory cards or batteries. A large zippered compartment on the front of the bag contains sewn pockets that safely protect pens, cleaning supplies, and lens caps. Two gusseted side pockets with velcro closure and one back pocket provide instant access to your most essential accessories.

The best feature however is its large interior (12.5 x 7.5 x 6.75 in.) padded storage and compartment space. Removable velcro® dividers provide individual customization to your equipment. Whether you use this case for your digital or your 35mm SLR, the Precision Design 2000 Deluxe SLR Gadget Bag will hold all of your most essential accessories.

Key Features:
♦ Holds & Protects Your SLR Camera with zoom lens attached, Plus 4 Extra Lenses & Flash
♦ Adjustable Padded Dividers For Easy Customization
♦ Multiple Pockets With Easy Access
♦ Constructed of Durable Wear-Resistant Nylon
♦ Large interior (12.5 x 7.5 x 6.75 in.)

Keep your camera and lenses smudge-free with this handy microfiber cleaning cloth.

Precision Design 2000 Digital SLR Camera System Case/Gadget Bag for Pentax K-7, K-x, K20D, K200D, K2000, K10D, K100D, K100D Super & K110D Digital SLR Cameras — Holds & Protects Your SLR Camera with zoom lens attached, Plus 4 Extra Lenses, Flash & Accessories Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 07, 2010 06:35:04

Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Review

Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Feature

• The world’s first 2.4X zoom with an equivalent 16-37mm (when converted to full frame)
• The best magnification ratio in this class of 1:51
• Extremely compact and light
• Flower-shaped Lens Hood and Case Included
• 77mm Filter size

Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Overview

The new lightweight and compact SP AF10-24mm Di II, the first-ever 2.4X ultra wide-angle lens for digital SLR cameras, features an unprecedented focal length range equivalent to 16mm ultra wide-angle to 37mm semi-wide-angle. With this versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, photographers can capture magnificent vistas and extraordinary close-ups, bold compositions and unique perspectives, creating imagery impossible with standard wide-angle lenses. This lens comes with Tamrons 6 year limited warranty. Maximum Aperture F/3.5-4.5; Diagonal Angle of View 108 degrees 44 — 60 degrees 20 (APS-C equiv); Lens Construction 12 elements in 13 groups; Minimum Focus Distance 9.4 inches (over the entire range); Maximum Mag. Ratio 1:5.1 (at f=24mm); Filter Diameter 77mm; Overall Length 3.4 inches; Maximum Diameter 83.2mm; Weight 14.3oz; 7 Diaphragm Blades; Standard Accessory Flower-shaped Lens Hood and Case Included.

Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 06, 2010 06:32:22

Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

After nearly 3 years of playing with other digital cameras I finally took the leap back into SLR-land and purchased this great Pentax camera. Though I am just beginning to explore its capabilities, so far I am delighted: there are a lot of advantages to SLR camera use that I missed from the film days.

As with any of the current crop of digital SLR’s, you get a ton of flexibility and shooting speed at a price that would have been unthinkable just two years ago. If you are used to using film SLR’s, and have been frustrated by certain aspects of using a typical digital camera, you will be happy to be back in the land of no-shutter-lag shooting; the ability to use a ring on the lens barrel for zooming; tons of manual flexibility combined with idiot-proof program modes; and of course the flexibility of many lens choices. What has particularly driven me crazy about the current crop of high-end non-SLR digicams is the use of EVF viewfinders — by contrast, the viewfinders on digital SLR’s are great.

So why this Pentax vs the other competitive models? (The others worth considering in this price range at this time are the Canon EOS 10D; the Canon Digital Rebel; the Nikon D70; the Nikon D100; or even the Sigma models). This Pentax has the same sensor as the Nikon models, and the imaging capabilities of any of these cameras is doubtless well beyond my skills in any case. So to me it came down to ease of use, size and build quality. Size in particular is important to me: if you just look at the specs of this camera on a cubic-inch basis it’s 38% smaller than the Nikon D70 and 26% smaller than the Digital Rebel. The Canon 10d is even bigger, and looks like a house sitting next to the Pentax.

After handling all of these cameras, I concluded that the Pentax is the one I would use most often. Too often my film SLR’s sat at home when I was using film — I would grab a point-and-shoot instead. I really wanted something I would use a lot.

On the other hand, some published complaints (and my conclusions) about the Pentax have been:
(1) Images are too “soft” (this is super-easy to adjust if you use something like Adobe Album, Elements or Photoshop, and in return the camera is not “sharpening” the image for you, which can introduce sharpening noise)
(2) Not as many lenses as available as in the Canon or Nikon lines (There seem to be plenty for my purposes, both new and used)
(3) Memory cards are hard to eject (Doesn’t seem that hard to me; you need to be careful no matter what camera you use).

Another issue (price) with this camera has been fixed: when it was introduced it was more expensive than the others in its class. But the price has been reduced and now is typically available at a price that slots it in as a bit more expensive than the D70 and less than the 10D.

All of these current digital slr’s are great, and it seems to me that if you already owned Canon or Nikon lenses you wouldn’t go wrong with one of their models. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch (or like me, you own brands you can’t use on any of these), the Pentax is worthy of serious consideration.

Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Feature

• Smallest and lightest digital SLR as of April, 2003
• 6.1 effective megapixels
• Compatible with K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses and 645 / 67 lenses with an adapter
• Compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II cards and MicroDrives
• Powered by 4 AA batteries

Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Overview

Housed in one of the world’s smallest, lightest digital SLR camera bodies, the *ist D comes equipped with an array of advanced functions and user-friendly features. The *ist D is compatible with existing PENTAX 35mm-format interchangeable lenses and accessories.

Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Specifications

Pentax’s *ist D is the world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR (as of April 2003), measuring just 5.0 by 3.7 by 2.3 inches and weighing 18 ounces. It features a clarity of 6.1 effective megapixels, a 16 segment metering system, an-11 point AF sensor, and a continuous shooting rate of 2.7 frames per second. It’s also compatible with K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses and 645/67 lenses with an adapter.

Optics and Resolution
Employing a high-performance CCD with dimensions of 23.5mm by 15.7mm and embracing Pentax’s unique image processing technology, the *ist D offers 6.1-megapixel resolution for the recording of precise, superior-quality images.

Storage and Transfer
The *ist D is compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II memory cards, and is also compatible with MicroDrives.

More Features
An optical pentaprism viewfinder was developed especially for the *ist D. This makes viewing easy with an ample 95% field of view and 0.95x magnification. There is also a superimposed display function that assists composition by illuminating the AF points in red.

Other features include:

• New 16-segment metering system achieves more accurate exposure
• New 11-point AF sensor (SAFOX VIII) for enhanced focusing
• Fast 1/4,000 second shutter speed and high-speed flash sync at 1/150 seconds
• Custom function allows functionality to be tuned to satisfy user preferences
• Noise reduction function activates for long exposures
• 1.8-inch, 118,000-pixel LCD monitor
• Choice of JPEG, TIFF, and RAW recording formats
• Convenient playback functions, such as nine-image and 12x magnification display

Power and Size
The camera is powered by 4 AA batteries; rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended. It measures 5.0 by 3.7 by 2.3 inches and weighs 18 ounces.

The *ist D and the *ist DS Compared

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 05, 2010 06:25:27

MADE Rubberized Camera Armor (Black) for Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera + EN-EL9 Battery + Tripod + Accessory Kit Review

MADE Rubberized Camera Armor (Black) for Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera + EN-EL9 Battery + Tripod + Accessory Kit Feature

• KIT INCLUDES 9 PRODUCTS — All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
• MADE Rubberized Camera Armor for Nikon D5000 PLUS +
• Spare EN-EL9 Battery for Nikon + Precision Design Deluxe Camera Tripod with Carrying Case +
• Precision Design USB 2.0 SecureDigital (SDHC) High-Speed Card Reader + Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet + Digital Camera LCD Monitor Screen Protectors +
• ImageRecall Digital Image Recovery Software + Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit + Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

MADE Rubberized Camera Armor (Black) for Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera + EN-EL9 Battery + Tripod + Accessory Kit Overview

Kit includes:
♦ 1) MADE Rubberized Camera Armor for Nikon D5000
♦ 2) Spare EN-EL9 Battery for Nikon
♦ 3) Precision Design Deluxe Camera Tripod with Carrying Case
♦ 4) Precision Design USB 2.0 SD/SDHC Card Reader
♦ 5) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
♦ 6) Digital Camera LCD Monitor Screen Protectors
♦ 7) ImageRecall Digital Image Recovery Software
♦ Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Cleaning Kit
♦ 9) Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Camera Armor is an always-on protection system consisting of 4 parts: An elastomeric silicone Body Armor, a Lens Armor, a Lens Cap Lanyard, and a LCD monitor film. The precise fit covers up all of the important parts of your DSLR camera to protect it from impact, abrasion, dust and fingerprints. Camera Armor provides protection in action and is uniquely designed so that all of the camera controls and access ports are completely functional and accessible without taking the camera out of the jacket.

Increase your shooting capacity with this powerful EN-EL9 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

Avoid camera shake by setting your camera on this sturdy, lightweight 57-inch tripod.

Transfer files quickly and easily with this convenient USB 2.0 SD/SDHC Card Reader.

Keep multiple memory cards protected and organized with this durable storage wallet.

Reduce glare, enhance your view, and prevent scratching with this set of LCD screen protectors.

Retrieve lost or deleted images from your memory card with Image Recall Digital Image Recovery Software.

This 6-piece cleaning kit contains a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.

Keep your camera and lenses smudge-free with this handy microfiber cleaning cloth.

MADE Rubberized Camera Armor (Black) for Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera + EN-EL9 Battery + Tripod + Accessory Kit Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 04, 2010 06:20:05

Pentax K-x 12.4MP Digital SLR w/ and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Red) & Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens (Black) + 8GB + Case + Two (2) 58mm Protective Filter + Rapid AC Charger + 8PK Rechargeable Batteries Review

Pentax K-x 12.4MP Digital SLR w/ and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Red) & Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens (Black) + 8GB + Case + Two (2) 58mm Protective Filter + Rapid AC Charger + 8PK Rechargeable Batteries Feature

• 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with Pentax Shake Reduction; HDR image capture
• Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Red) and 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens (Black)
• Capture widescreen HD 720p video at 24fps; 2.7-inch LCD with autofocus and Face Detection Live View
• 4.7fps capture rate with 1/6000 sec max shutter speed; 11-point wide-angle autofocus
• Powered by AA lithium batteries; capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory (not included)

Pentax K-x 12.4MP Digital SLR w/ and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Red) & Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens (Black) + 8GB + Case + Two (2) 58mm Protective Filter + Rapid AC Charger + 8PK Rechargeable Batteries Overview

Choose a camera that redefines the entry-level digital SLR category. The Pentax K-x offers high-end features including Live View, HD video and photographic performance that challenges higher class models. Since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in one color, try the K-x in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. With a one-handed shooting design that is extremely compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use, the very affordable K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point-and-shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

Pentax K-x 12.4MP Digital SLR w/ and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Red) & Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens (Black) + 8GB + Case + Two (2) 58mm Protective Filter + Rapid AC Charger + 8PK Rechargeable Batteries Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 03, 2010 06:15:17

Professional dSLR Thick Neoprene Flex Armor for CANON EOS 10D, 20D, 20Da, 3, 300D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II, D30, D60 Digital Rebel, EOS-1V / 1VHS Review

Professional dSLR Thick Neoprene Flex Armor for CANON EOS 10D, 20D, 20Da, 3, 300D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II, D30, D60 Digital Rebel, EOS-1V / 1VHS Feature

• Form-Fitting, Highly Durable, Stretch Neoprene Is a compact and convenient way to protect your dSLR from dust, bumps, scratches, and moisture.
• Constructed with the HIGHEST QUALITY Neoprene and Stitching, these neoprene sleeves are made to last. 3 YEAR Manufacturer’s Warranty
• Neoprene sleeves are perfect for protecting dSLR’s on their own, or giving added protection while in a bag. Neoprene offers great protection to the finish and LCD Screen. Keep your valuable camera looking great!
• Compatible with these dSLR Models: CANON EOS 10D, 20D, 20Da, 3, 300D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II, D30, D60 Digital Rebel, EOS-1V / 1VHS

Professional dSLR Thick Neoprene Flex Armor for CANON EOS 10D, 20D, 20Da, 3, 300D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II, D30, D60 Digital Rebel, EOS-1V / 1VHS Overview

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Professional dSLR Thick Neoprene Flex Armor for CANON EOS 10D, 20D, 20Da, 3, 300D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II, D30, D60 Digital Rebel, EOS-1V / 1VHS Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 02, 2010 06:10:16

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only) Review

Over the past three years I’ve worked my way up through the hierarchy of Pentax DSLR’s. Starting with the K-100 then the K-10 to the K-20 and now to the K-7. I still have and use the K-10 and K-20 and have been very satisfied with the picture quality from both of them. The picture quality of the K-7 is noticeably softer than either of these two. I’ve done numerous comparison tests with the three cameras using the same settings and the same lenses on tripod and in all tests the K-7 images are inferior or, at best, sometimes equal to the other two cameras. In an album the K-7 pictures always stand out as just not being as sharp as the other pictures from the other cameras.

I’ve been in touch with the Pentax service people by email and all they could offer is that I make sure the camera is set on factory default settings for best results.

Noise is also greater with this camera than in the other two but for some reason that does not disappoint me as much as the image softness. The images are definitely fuzzier than with the older cameras.

I love the construction of this camera and the smaller size is a plus for me. But all in all I wish I had not purchased it and at the full opening day price, too.

11/27/09

Here I am a few days later and to be fair, I want to report my latest evaluation. I’ve taken the advice of both the Pentax service people and the folks who were good enough to comment on this review. From the Pentax advice I’ve gone back to the default settings. From the comments to this review, I’ve shot both RAW and JPEG.

I’ve done some more testing pitting the K-7 vs the K-10 with two lenses, the 40mm limited and a Tamron 18-250mm. I shot the same scenes with RAW and JPEG using both lenses and compared the results. With this many variables it hard to get consistant results but I must say I’m a lot happier with the K-7 now. In RAW it is just as good as the K-10 in RAW. And I found out that the lens makes a big difference. Both cameras are equal with the 40mm limited lens in both JPEG and RAW. With the Tamron lens, the K-7 doesn’t do well. I’m assuming that the AF needs some adjustment within the camera which can be done but I haven’t taken the time.

In conclusion, I find that for best results, don’t stray too far from the factory default settings. Trying to add a lot of sharpness adjustment to JPEG images just seems to make them worse. For better pictures shoot in RAW. I don’t know if my next statement makes sense because I have virtually no experience with RAW but the K-7 RAW images seem to have a lot less noise in them, too.

And finally I would like to raise my rating of this camera from 2 stars to 4 stars. It’s a decent camera but just like other complex instruments, one has to learn how to play it.

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only) Feature

• High-resolution, 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, magnesium alloy body
• Weather resistant, dustproof, and coldproof (14 degrees F, -10 degrees C)
• Fast 5.2 fps shooting with the new PRIME II Image processing engine; top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well-lit settings
• 3-inch LCD; Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only) Overview

The Pentax K-7 features a rugged, yet compact new body design, a new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up, and advanced features such as HD Movie Capture and new, unique-to-Pentax camera controls. Compatible with every Pentax lens ever made, the high-end K-7 features an abundance of long-anticipated new and improved features that are exclusive to the camera and combine to make it a tremendous photography tool.

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only) Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 01, 2010 06:06:25

Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera Body (Black) & EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + EF 75-300mm III Lens + BG-E5 Battery Grip + 8GB SD Card + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Review

Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera Body (Black) & EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + EF 75-300mm III Lens + BG-E5 Battery Grip + 8GB SD Card + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Feature

• KIT INCLUDES 11 PRODUCTS — All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
• Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera Body PLUS + Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens + Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens +
• Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip + Transcend 8GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) Card +
• Spare LP-E5 Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack + Precision Design USB 2.0 High Speed SecureDigitalTM Card Reader + Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet +
• Precision Design 1000 Deluxe SLR Pro Carrying Case + Digital Image Recovery Software + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera Body (Black) & EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + EF 75-300mm III Lens + BG-E5 Battery Grip + 8GB SD Card + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Overview

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera Body
♦ 2) Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens
♦ 3) Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens
♦ 4) Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip
♦ 5) Transcend 8GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) Card
♦ 6) Spare LP-E5 Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
♦ 7) Precision Design USB 2.0 High Speed SecureDigital (SD/SDHC) Card Reader
♦ Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
♦ 9) Precision Design 1000 Deluxe SLR Pro Carrying Case
♦ 10) Digital Image Recovery Software
♦ 11) Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor. The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design includes a 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is designed with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology while retaining the compactness and lightness of previous models. Its stabilization allows sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible.

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens is a compact and lightweight 4x telephoto zoom lens ideal for shooting sports, portraits, and wildlife. The DC autofocus motor is quick and compact and the telephoto effect can make the picture look compressed or have excellent background blur.

The Canon BG-E5 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder holds up to 2 LP-E5 battery packs simultaneously to effectively double your shooting power, plus the grip includes a holder to use six AA batteries.

Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera Body (Black) & EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + EF 75-300mm III Lens + BG-E5 Battery Grip + 8GB SD Card + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 31, 2010 05:50:17

Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

The Sony A850 is an awesome camera, as long as you know what to look for in a camera system. You just aren’t buying the body, you have to buy the glass
That said, when I was deciding to move up to full frame, I had to make a decision: Did I stick with Nikon, or try Sony? Well, I went with the A850 and I’m glad I did. It’s a great camera.
I got myself the A850, the Carl Zeiss 24-70 f/2.8, and the Sony 70-400G and 58AM flash. Although the review covers the camera, realize I’m using these items with the body.

BUILD:

Solid feel throughout, with a very positive grip on the right. Command wheels “click” firmly, unlike cheaper builds that will be accidentally turned. Viewfinder is awesome, big, bright. Most buttons are within easy reach, except the ISO and WB buttons on the upper-right. I also don’t like the optical preview button orientation (I prefer to press the button towards my body instead of inward towards the lens), but a small niggle. Once you pick up the A850, you know you’re holding a solid piece of machinery. CF & battery doors seem to lack any sealing, so I’d be hesitant to take this out in any more than a very light drizzle. Rubber covers on the ports of the camera are very well-designed and actually hinge out, as opposed to flopping around like almost every other camera on the planet. CF door opens and stops at 90 degrees to the camera body - more is needed, as it makes getting out a CF card too hard for larger fingers.

OPERATION:

Overall, it’s a camera that just gets out of your way, which is a compliment. First, some quibbles: There’s no ISO listed in the VF display unless you’re in the process of changing it. The AF points don’t cover as much as the frame as I’d like (common complaint among FF DSLRs). Mirror slap is a noticeable “THUNK-THUNK”, so don’t think you’ll be taking spy pictures with this any time soon.

Onto a couple of more important gripes:
No onboard flash, which really hurts for not having wireless flash triggering built-in. There is no “AF-ON” button like you find on Canon or Nikon bodies - Instead, Sony uses a button that can be used to toggle AF/MF, or switch to a central focus point, etc. but nothing exactly like the AF-ON operation from other cameras. Finally, using the “Quick-Navi” to change settings is a bit annoying, in that you can’t change multiple settings at once - you have to reenter Quick-Navi each time. Not really time-consuming, as the button is right near your right thumb, but annoying.

Now the good stuff: The camera just works I love the SteadyShot meter in the VF, which shows you relative camera shake and lets you take a shot with minimal shake. Although I miss AF-ON, I do like AF-MF quick button, which lets me quickly take over focus when I need to. I also like the way the camera will illuminate AF points when you’re in AF-C mode and using “Wide” AF points (the camera chooses the AF points). AF speed is adequately fast, though it can have trouble in very dim lights.

IMAGE QUALITY

Ultimately, the reason I bought into Sony. The image quality is amazing. Colors are outstanding. Detail is definitely there. I can crop for days and still end up with a large, high-detail file. I can (and do) print large, which was a deciding factor over the D700 (I did not consider the 5DII, as I dislike Canon controls).

I was initially really worried about the noise of the camera, that is until I read a blog from a wedding photographer that had recently switched to Sony. He gave good advice - Look at your images and really see if you *need* high ISO. I think high ISO has become the want-all, end-all criteria for buying a camera body, which is a shame. How about image quality? Ergonomics? Value? Lots of things to consider, although high ISO is nice to have.

For me, up to ISO 1600 is fine, and a well-exposed ISO 3200 looks pretty good. Interestingly enough, I’ve actually found myself almost completely ignoring luminance NR and only applying small amounts (15% slider in Lightroom 3) of chroma NR and images look very good! Maybe it’s because of the “film-like” quality, but I actually enjoy having some grain in my images.

Also, the camera seems to underexpose anywhere from 0.3 to 0.7 EV - knowing to do a little ETTR really helps with noise and IQ in general.

SUMMARY:

Overall, a great camera (system). I like how the body performs, and I like the glass I can attach to it. It’s not perfect, of course (what camera is?), but for 00 you get a high-quality full-frame camera with loads of megapixels. If this suits what you shoot (which it does for me), then take a strong look at the A850.

Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Feature

• 35mm, full-frame 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor; SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization
• Body only; lenses sold separately
• Dual BIONZ processors for up to fast 3fps performance; 9-point AF system w/ additional 10-point assist
• Rugged magnesium alloy shell; dust/moisture-resistant design
• Dual card slots; accepts both CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media (not included)

Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Overview

Inheriting technology and design from the flagship a900, the a850 places the 24.6-megapixel resolution of the 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor as well as the stunning response and imaging performance of Dual BIONZ processing engines in the hands of more discerning photographers whose skills and vision deserve the best. If only superior detail, natural color and gradation, intuitive handling, and outstanding fit-and-finish will do, this is the camera for you. This is a camera for the serious photographer? Whether you’re serious about artistic expression, professional quality, or simply photographic enjoyment, the a850 will help you take your images to the next level. The dream of image quality approaching medium-format standards with digital SLR handling and speed is finally within reach.

Sony Alpha DSLRA850 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Specifications

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 30, 2010 05:25:13