Digital Camera Product Reviews Blog

The price gap between the upper-entry-level Olympus E-520 and more expensive E-3 has always suggested there is room for a mid-range DSLR to sit between them. Olympus has announced the E-30, a new 12.3 megapixel Four Thirds Standard DSLR camera that is positioned between the pro E-3 and consumer E-520 models to compete with the Nikon D90, the Canon EOS 40D, and the Canon EOS 50D. It has more AF points than the 50D but less megapixels and lower color depth, a better viewfinder than the D90 but weaker ISO settings and a smaller (albeit rotating) screen. The Olympus E-30 will be available from mid-January 2009 and retail for $1300 body only. If you are interested in Olympus E-30, and feel confused between Canon50D,Nikon D90, here is a specs to help you to choose.

Dust spots on your D-SLR’s sensor appear as tiny black specks on the image. When photographers change lenses, dust can enter the camera and lodge on the filter or protective glass that covers the sensor. These dust spots can show up as dark blotches in subsequent shots. A camera with Dust Control Systems will prevent dust from settling on your camera’s sensor which is exposed to the elements every time you take the lens off. This technology is only found in interchangeable-lens DSLR cameras, such as Canon 450D, Canon 50D and so on, where it is a virtual necessity.

Olympus was the first camera manufacturer to install dust-reduction technology in its DSLR cameras, with a special Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) system that vibrates the filter in front of the sensor to dislodge dust. The dust collects in a tray below the sensor, which is cleaned when the camera is serviced. Other manufacturers have followed with similar systems - but they may only be included in one or two models.

Some manufacturers combine the vibrating filter with anti-static materials in the camera’s mirror box, while Canon adds a Dust Delete detection/removal system via software. Only Canon’s system deals effectively with dust that becomes ‘welded on’ when a camera with dust on its sensor is moved between low and high humidity.

Listed below are a part of the latest digital SLR cameras that include dust control systems.

Since the introduction of the first single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, photographers have prized SLRs because they can see with the naked eye, through an optical viewfinder, exactly what is passing through the camera’s lens. The “reflex” of a mirrored shutter that bends light to the camera’s viewfinder, and then snaps open rapidly to create exposures, makes this possible and gives the SLR its advantage. But there is a problem: the image sensor is blocked by the mirror and shutter until the moment the shutter button is pressed, the mirror and shutter mechanism prevents a traditional digital SLR from viewing and composing a photo using only the camera’s Liquid Crystal Display as a viewfinder. The solution to this technical challenge is the revolutionary Olympus EVOLT E-330 digital SLR - the world’s first interchangeable lens digital SLR to feature a true “Live View” image on the LCD screen, in addition to the optical viewfinder, and unite the best of both worlds. Now, there are many digital SLR cameras with Live View LCD, such as Canon 450D,  Canon EOS 40D, Nikon D300, Olympus E-410, Olympus E-510, Olympus E-3, Pentax K20D, Sony A300，Sony A350 and so on. Live view digital SLR cameras let you see a preview of the image you’re about to take on the camera’s LCD screen. It great for people who don’t want to be limited to viewfinder composition, and enjoy taking photos from the hip, high up, or from odd angles.

So seek out a camera with a live view LCD if:

• You don’t want to always look through the viewfinder to compose photos

• You want to take photos at odd angles

• You take photos primarily of non-moving subjects

Don’t worry about whether or not a camera has live view if:

• You want to use the camera for action photography

• You don’t mind always using the viewfinder

• You don’t intend to photograph from waist level or at arm’s length

Canon Rebel XSi 450D

Advantages: Fantastic picture quality, low noise, superb resolution, good per-pixel sharpness, quite light weight for a digital SLR.

Limitations: Some people think it is a little pricy. But the price has dropped a lot these days. The only real limitation of the XSi is that it doesn’t have built-in image stabilization. While the camera does come packaged with an IS lens, if you ultimately want to buy OTHER lenses for it, you’ll have to pay a premium since stabilized lenses cost more than their non-IS counterparts.

Nikon D60

Advantages: The Nikon D60 offers a variety of ways to experience more fun and creativity when taking pictures. Users can easily capture dynamic images in different shooting situations with a simple turn of the mode dial. If you like the Nikon brand but don’t want a huge camera to lug around then the D60 is optimal - it’s the smallest and lightest Nikon digital SLR.

Limitations: The D60 - like the D40 and D40x before it - only works with a limited number of lenses with built-in autofocus motors (called AF-S or AF-I lenses). If you get a non AF-S or AF-I lens it can be attached to the camera, but autofocus will be disabled. This reduces the compatibility of this camera with a wide range of great Nikon and third party lenses that don’t have AF-S.

Olympus E-420

Advantages: The E-420, world’s thinnest, smallest digital SLR camera. It also seems that the E-420 will be a great transition camera for anyone moving up from a compact point-and-shoot.

Limitations: Even though it’s packed with other features, the E-420 does not include a built-in image stabilization system, nor are there any Olympus lenses with stabilization. If this feature is high on your list of must-have’s, then the E-420 is not the right SLR for you.

Olympus E-520

Advantages: The E-520 packs a huge number of features into a compact camera that is priced for the photographer who wants a lot of bang for the buck. It has 5 point AF, autofocus live view, and every lens designed for the 4/3rds cameras are digital and firmware upgradable.

Limitations: The sole limitation of the E-520 is that - like other modern Olympus digital SLRs - it’s only compatible with the new 4/3 lenses and won’t work with legacy Olympus film lenses.

Pentax K200D

Advantages: The 200D is aimed more at entry level photographers and includes lots of preprogrammed scene modes and more things are controlled using menu options. It has two leasts: it is the least expensive camera to also include weather sealing and one of the least expensive that has a built-in image stabilization system. Great value for money.

Limitations: While inexpensive, the K200D lacks a live view LCD. If this feature is important to you, then consider the Canon XSi, Pentax K20D or one of the Sony digital SLRs.

Pentax K20D

Advantages: The K20Ds major advantages are its noise reduction system and its revolutionary sensitivity range of up to 6400 ISO, which ensure perfect photos without any loss in quality. 

Limitations: Somewhat more difficult to locate targets and accessories that other brands

Sony DSLR-A200

Advantages: The A200 is a camera that’s equivalent in many ways to the A300, but lacks the live view flip-out LCD. If that’s not really important to you, save a couple of hundred dollars and pick up an A200.

Limitations: The most obvious omission in the A200 is a live view LCD, but it also doesn’t have the flip-out LCD that will soon be available on the A300 and A350. If you’re into high and low-angle photography, this camera isn’t the best choice.

Sony DSLR-A300

Advantages: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300’s smooth Live View handling makes this model worth consideration for anyone graduating from a point-and-shoot camera. That this model offers advanced features in a fun-to-use, uncomplicated form should only make for more photographic joy.

Limitations: There really aren’t any obvious limitations of the A300 at this point in time. It’s got every feature in the book, and its 10.2 megapixel sensor is fairly standard these days. Only time - and testing - will reveal if this camera has a weakness relative to its competition.

Sony DSLR-A350

Advantages: All the features of the A300, plus that gigantic sensor: this is the best option for those who like what Sony has to offer and also want to make large prints of their photos.

Limitations: The A350 has the same issue as the Pentax K20D: the size of the 14.2 megapixel files it captures can be a real drag on a computer system that’s not top-of-the-line.

These three years has been awesome years for Digital SLR cameras.  Many new innovation and technology has appeared in many new digital cameras, especially in digital SLR cameras. There are five big features that have recently emerged in digital SLR cameras that the manufacturers are using to help set their cameras apart. They are including image stabilization, dust control sensors, live view LCD screens, extended dynamic range, D-movie HD video mode.

Image Stabilization (IS)

Image stabilization is somewhat a mixed bag. It does allow one to handhold a camera with a shutter speed 2-3 stops slower then without. It also adds weight, complexity, and cost to the camera. So it’s biggest advantage is when shooting with a long telephoto indoors or in poor light outdoors. Nikon and Canon have been including stabilization systems in their lenses for years. But many of their competitors have included image stabilization (IS) in their camera bodies, providing great value to their customers. Maybe both Nikon and Canon should offer IS in both lenses and in camera bodies at ALL levels (pro, pro-am, and am). New Cameras with Image Stabilization including: Canon 450D(with kit lens), Canon 50D, Nikon D60, Nikon D90, Pentax K200D(build in), Pentax K20D, Sony DSLR-A200, Sony DSLR-A300, Sony DSLR-A350.

Live View LCD

Simply stated, Live View is the ability to frame your shot with the LCD monitor on the back of certain DSLR cameras instead of through the optical viewfinder. That is to say you can preview the photo you’re about to take using the large LCD on the back of the camera. Live View lets you see the changes in real time. That’s what “Live” View means. Considering the current market trend, it may be difficult in the near future to find a camera that does NOT have Live View. ( Canon Rebel XSi, Canon 50D, Nikon D90, Olympus E-420, Olympus E-520,Pentax K20D, Sony DSLR-A300, Sony DSLR-A350)

Dust Control Sensors

Dust control digital SLR cameras prevent dust from attaching to your camera’s sensor and ruining your photos. Without a dust control system, dust can contaminate the digital sensor of your SLR camera and will be evident as little black spots in every photo you take. Dust control are common today.

Extended Dynamic Range

Extended dynamic range imaging (EDRI) is a proprietary image acquisition technique that enables quality analysis of comet images generated in the single cell gel electrophoresis assay. The EDRI technique overcomes serious limitations with respect to the range of light intensities that conventional digital image acquisition systems support. EDRI provides high dynamic range images that yield much more stable and reliable analytic results than conventional image acquisition systems can provide. Digital SLR cameras that feature “extended dynamic range” attempt to compensate for this either by limiting the brightness of highlights or by increasing the brightness of shadows to create a more balanced image.
 
D-movie

Nikon D90 is the world’s first D-SLR with Movie function. The D90 offers a movie function, allowing you to shoot HD720p (1,280 x 720 pixels), 640 x 424 pixels or 320 x 216 pixels movies at the professional smoothness of 24 frames per second in motion JPEG format. The D90’s sensor, which is much larger than the sensor of a typical camcorder, ensures higher image quality and exceptional low-noise, high ISO sensitivity performance, even during movie shooting. Capturing creative movie clips or the drama of life’s moving moments is further enhanced by the wide selection of incredibly sharp NIKKOR interchangeable lenses that are available, from fisheye to wide-angle to super-telephoto. And Micro NIKKOR lenses bring the magic of extreme close-up imagery to movie making.

2008 is a great year. The past two years has been an awesome years for digital SLR cameras. This year, many new great digital SLR cameras appeared in the market with new innovation in technology. The new gadgets are including: Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 (February 29), Pentax K20D (March), Nikon D60 (March 29), Pentax K200D（April 1），Canon Rebel XSi (450D)（April 15），Sony Alpha DSLR-A350（April 25）, Olympus E-420(May 20), Sony Alpha DSLR-A300（May 25），Olympus E-520(August 10), Nikon D90(September 8), Canon 50D(October 10). This post is concerned about all the new digital SLR cameras in 2008 and if you want to find a new camera of this year, this post will help. Of course, as the new cameras are announced and I will add the information in time. Here I will introduce the cameras according the release date。

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200

The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A200 camera is perfectly positioned to carry a new generation of photographers into the creative world of DSLR performance.

Megapixels: 10.2
Autofocus Points: 9
Continuous Speed: 3 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 3200
Crop Factor: 1.5x
Lenses: Sony and Konica Minolta A-Mount
Memory Media: Compact Flash / Memory Stick

Pentax K20D

The PENTAX K20D digital SLR offers advanced photo enthusiasts an array of exciting PENTAX innovations. It is also the only Pentax digital SLR camera with a live view LCD, and it features an extended ISO range that goes all the way up to 6400.

Megapixels: 14.6
Autofocus Points: 11
Continuous Speed: 3 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 6400
Crop Factor: 1.5x
Lenses: All Pentax
Memory Media: SD / SDHC

Nikon D60

Nikon D60 is Nikon’s smallest Digital SLR ever. It’s Nikon’s 16th digital SLR and is placed between the D40x and the D80 in terms of specification, price and audience.

Megapixels: 10.2
Autofocus Points: 3
Continuous Speed: 3 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.5 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 3200
Crop Factor: 1.5x
Lenses: Only Nikon AF-S and AF-I
Memory Media: SD / SDHC

Pentax K200D

The latest entry level model from Pentax is the K200D, replacing last years K100D Super. What sets the K200D apart from other cameras in its price range is that the camera body is sealed against weather and dust - assuring that you can continue taking photos even when the weather turns foul.

Megapixels: 10.2
Autofocus Points: 11
Continuous Speed: 3 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 1600
Crop Factor: 1.5x
Lenses: All Pentax
Memory Media: SD / SDHC
Canon Rebel XSi (450D)

“For stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. The 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…”

Megapixels: 12.2
Autofocus Points: 9
Continuous Speed: 3.5 photos per second
LCD Size: 3 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 1600
Crop Factor: 1.6x
Lenses: All Canon EF and EF-S
Memory Media: SD / SDHC

Sony Alpha DSLR-A350

The Alpha DSLR-A300 and Alpha DSLR-A350 are Sony’s fourth and fifth DSLRs. If you want to graduate from using a digital camera to using an SLR, the DSLR-A350 is just what you need! This Alpha range camera from Sony includes all the features of the A300, and has a 14-megapixel sensor and the LiveView function. It’s easy to set up your photos on this camera, because just like a digital camera, it has a 2.7-inch screen for you to monitor your shot before taking it. Because it’s compatible with Sony and Konica Minolta lenses, the DSLR-A350 is as versatile as it is reliable, guaranteeing outstanding quality for all your shots in all kinds of conditions.

Megapixels: 14.2
Autofocus Points: 9
Continuous Speed: 2.5 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 3200
Crop Factor: 1.5x
Lenses: Sony and Konica Minolta A-mount
Memory Media: Compact Flash / Memory Stick

Olympus E-420

Olympus E-420 is the smallest and lightest digital SLR camera in the market. The Olympus E420 is perfect for everyone who wants to step up to the power and performance of a digital SLR (single lens reflex), yet enjoy the ease of use and ability to compose images on the LCD common to point-and-shoot cameras.

Megapixels: 10
Autofocus Points: 3
Continuous Speed: 3.5 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 1600
Crop Factor: 2x
Lenses: Olympus 4/3
Memory Media: Compact Flash

Sony Alpha DSLR-A300

The 10.2-megapixel Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 offers Sony’s new Quick AF Live View technology for using the camera’s 230,000-pixel, 2.7-inch tilting LCDs as a viewfinder. Quick AF Live View uses Sony’s Pentamirror Tilt system to direct light to a dedicated live-view sensor instead of flipping the optical viewfinder mirror up and using the main sensor as many live-view systems do.

Megapixels: 10.2
Autofocus Points: 9
Continuous Speed: 3 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 3200
Crop Factor: 1.5x
Lenses: Sony and Konica Minolta A-mount
Memory Media: Compact Flash / Memory Stick
Olympus E-520

The E-520 adds an appealing range of features to the existing Olympus line-up of dSLRs, but mostly for the first-time buyer. Apart from image stabilisation built into the body and the ability to use older lenses on the Four Thirds system, there is not much that really sets the E-520 apart from other cameras in its class.

Megapixels: 10
Autofocus Points: 3
Continuous Speed: 3.5 photos per second
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 1600
Crop Factor: 2x
Lenses: Olympus 4/3
Memory Media: Compact Flash

Nikon D90

The Nikon D90 is a feature-packed mid-range DSLR which inherits a number of aspects from the semi-pro D300, while adding some unique capabilities to deliver a highly compelling proposition. As the long-awaited successor to the popular D80, it brings that model bang up-to-date with the latest features and gadgetry. It features movie recording capability.

Megapixels: 12.3
Autofocus Points: 11
Continuous Speed: 4.5 photos per second
LCD Size: 3 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 3200
Crop Factor: 1.6x
Lenses: All Nikon F-mount
Memory Media: SD Memory

Canon 50D

The perfect combination of speed and quality, the EOS 50D’s 15.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processor deliver superb high-ISO performance, shooting flexibility and image quality without compromise.

Megapixels: 15.1
Autofocus Points: 9
Continuous Speed: 6.3 photos per second
LCD Size: 3 inch
ISO Range: 100 to 12800
Crop Factor: 1.6x
Lenses: All Canon EF and EF-S
Memory Media: SD Memory

The Olympus E-3 is a 10 megapixel professional DSLR features a built-in image stabiliser to stabilise all lenses, 5fps sequential shooting with 19 image RAW buffer, 5x/7x/10x magnified view for precise focusing – especially for macro shots, ISO 100-3200, Supersonic Wave Filter, Dual memory slot, pop up flash and a 2.5”/6.4cm pop-out LCD with live view. It’s natural to compare it to other semi / professional camera in the market such as Nikon D300.

Nikon D300 is a good camera and in its favour are two extra Megapixels, a large and wonderfully detailed 3in VGA screen (albeit fixed), slightly quicker continuous shooting (which can be boosted further with the optional battery grip), an HDMI port for connecting to an HDTV, a built-in Intervalometer, accurate feedback of battery life remaining, optional Wifi facilities, and in our subjective view, superior ergonomics. Like the EOS 40D, it also supports 14 bit RAW files which with the slightly bigger sensor area gives greater latitude for tonal adjustments.

Olympus has smaller2.5″ LCD screen, but it has an ability to tilt and swivel like super zoom cameras. This unique feature in DSLR lens is helpful for photographers when they need to take pictures in awkward angle or self portrait. Olympus E3 camera body boasts a water splash free, D300 has a better water resistant but it is not splash proof. It is suitable for users who love to travel and wildlife because of the weather resistant features. The downside of E-3 is that E-3 has 11 points AF system, a lot less than Nikon’s customizable 51 Auto Focus points.E-3 is also about $200 cheaper than Nikon D300. For first time user, you probably will love the control, swivel LCD and image stabilization that keep your picture blur free due to camera shake.

Most people say that every new budget or mid-range DSLR will be up against Canon’s latest model, the Canon EOS 450D / XSi. Indeed it is. Canon 450D is the most powerful Rebel yet keeps the competition at full boil with live view and stabilized kit lens. Previously Canon 450D is priced around $700 body only but now the price drops to $600, the same price with Olympus E-520. This move put Olympus E-520 into a big disadvantage. OLYMPUS E-520 is one of the lowest priced DSLRS to have both live view and image stabilization. Many people would hope Olympus E-520 drops price to compete with Canon 450D. But Canon 450D wins in many aspects.

Though the canon 450D has advantages over Olympus E-520, they also share same features. Both cameras feature contrast-based AF and 3.5fps continuous shooting. Both cameras have dust management system, dust management system, ISO up to 1600. Both cameras are almost in the same size, Olympus E-520 is shorter but wider. Both are built with high quality plastic and have texturized grip.   

Just as said before, Canon 450D wins in many aspects. The Canon boasts two extra Megapixels (Although it is not significant), a bigger 3in screen compare to 2.7in, 14-bit image processing, a bigger viewfinder, and PC remote control software which includes a live on-screen preview. Canon 450D accepts SD card, cheaper and used mainly for compact cameras. E-520 uses Compact Flash and XD card. Canon 450D also features 9 points auto focus. Center point is cross type sensor (extremely fast and accurate) compare to 3 points auto focus. The E-520’s key selling point is having built-in stabilisation which works with any lens you attach, while the Canon 450D / XSi is now bundled with a stabilised kit lens.

But there are couple reasons why you might end up choosing Olympus E-520. The Olympus E-520 has the ability to buy twin kit lens (wide angle 14-42mm and telephoto 40-150mm) in a very attractive price. Olympus E-520 is a very ergonomic camera to grip. So if you don’t plan to upgrade lenses (the twin kit lenses from Olympus can satisfy you on most of the occasions), if you have Olympus SLR or Four Third System lenses, Olympus E-520 actually is a worthwhile camera in this regard.