In cooperation with Fotomanijak.com, we are able to present reviews of the latest digital cameras on the market. First preview from Fotomanijak labs is preview of the latest Canon’s EOS 7D DSLR.

Thanks to PCfoto.biz we have Canon’s latest, Canon EOS 7D digital camera on our test table. First impression, just WOW. Finally camera that fit so perfectly in hands – with every control that you can think of right where you expect it to be.

From the moment when Canon has released EOS 50D, we are using it our everyday work, when they had announced 7D, we didn’t thought that we need and upgrade. But after testing new 7D, o god how I was wrong.

After working with 7D, coming back to 50D is hard, you have a feeling that something is missing, button here, focus point groups… Viewfinder, after you had worked with 7D looking in 50D viewfinder is like a looking in the keyhole.

Here are some sample photos from 50D and 7D, made under identical controlled conditons with ISO 12800, photos are made directly in JPEG, with noise reduction off.

Packing up more megapiksels on optisal sensor, had a price, basicly noise increasing, to controle that additiona noise, 7D obvously has much more agressive noise reduction, even when the ISO noise reduction is OFF.

This is a short preview of EOS 7D, and comparison to the EOS 50D, stay tuned for the full review.

Today Canon corporation has presented it’s new EOS- 1D Mark IV digital camera – long anticipated successor of the EOS 1D Mark III DSLR.

Main improvement, similar like on new Nikon D3S is totally brand new auto-focus system, with focus in 45 points. New auto-focus system, as Canon clams, should eliminate all the problems that users of 1D Mark III had. Besides the new auto-focus system, 1D Mk IV is featuring new CMOS optical sensor APS-H sized (1.3 crop) with 16.1 megapiksels. Besides over 50% resolution increasing, new sensor, has ability to capture video. Not just video, but FULL 1080p HD video – at maximal 30 fps. While in the smaller 720p HD resolution it can provide up to 60 fps.

Similar as the newly presented Nikon D3S, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is moving boundaries in usable ISO range. New optical sensor allows ISO from ISO100 up to ISO12800. With ISO expansion, it can take photos on ISO50 up to the ISO102400. Guarantee the the ISO boost is not only marketing thing, but that the HI ISO values will be usable in everyday work is new optical sensor construction. Increased size of usable surface of every pixel allows “packing up” more usable pixels on the same size sensor surface, but still keeping color noise under control. At extremely high ISO values there is no way to prevent color noise, but it can be cleaned. For good cleaning there are two DIGIC IV processors. Two parallel DIGIC 4 processors was a must, in spite the 50% resolution increasing maximal burst speed remained at 10 fps.

Nikon has raised the bar with new D3S, response from Canon was more then expected. Judging by the feature lists Canon EOS-1D Mk IV overcomes new Nikon D3S, faster burst speed, higher video resolution are just few obvious things. But thats all just on paper, we will have to wait for both cameras and then listen the users to make a final judgement.

Official sample photos are available on Canon site.

Great video about new Canons 1D Mk 4 auto-focus system

As you can notice all improvements are hidden inside the camera, so by the outside it’s hard to differ these two cameras. D3S is a nice improvement to Nikon’s high-end DSLR palette, with D3 (12.1 mpix resolution, 9fps), D3X (24.5 mpix, 5fps) and now D3S with improved ISO range and buffer size – just perfect for shooting indoor sports.

Nikona D3S main features

• new fullframe CMOS optical sensor – 12.1 mpix resolution (same as the D3)
• incresed ISO range – ISO 200 – 12800 (ISO 100 – 102.400 in HI3 mode) – quite a boost comparing to the D3
• video recording in 720p HD resolution / with 24fps
  
• bigger image buffer – for 48 RAW photos (compared to 18 on D3)
• Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor
• In-camera RAW processing
  
• Nikon EXPEED image processor
• LCD display 3 inch diagonal  922,000 pixel resolution
• LiveView with two focus modes, normal with lowering the mirror, and new much faster (30%) contrast auto-focus
• HDMI HD video out
  
• additional LV buttons on a back side of the camera

Bold features differs from the D3 model.

HD recording is the largest feature of the new D3S so lets see how that works.

Also in this video you will see what are other practical differences between D3 and newly presented D3S.

By the name 7D the first assumption will be that newly presented camera is successor of the 5D(Mark II) camera. But instead, EOS 7D is a founder of a totally new Canon’s DSLR class, closer to the full-frame DSLR now more then ever – but still not full-frame. New EOS 7D is placed someware between existing EOS 50D DSLR body and fullframe 5D DSLR body class.

We can use just few words to describe this DSLR, it have all positive sides of a full-frame body, such as great viewfinder, except full-frame sensor. Instead it implements new Canon’s 18 megapixel resolution CMOS, APS-C sized optical sensor.

Some of the 7D’s key features are:

• new optical senzor – 18Mpix resolution CMOS, and APS-C sized (crop size)
• 8 fps burst mode – thanks to the Dual Digic IV image processors
• Full HD video mode – with all manual controls of aperture and frames per second
• New viewfinder 1x magnifying, 100% frame covering, by the quality it matches those viewfinders in 1D high-end professional cameras.

Basically, EOS 7D is a professional DSLR made for hard working professional. It’s quite obvious that this camera more then any before responses to almost all requests made by the photographers, finally! In 7D marketing material you can find that, before the actual designing process of 7D begun, Canon made a inquiry all around the word with more then 5000 professional photographers participating. They had asked them, simply “what do you want from you next camera”, as Canon claims EOS 7D is a response to their requests.

In general EOS 7D is the long lost link between two worlds of APS-C crop DLSRs and Full-frame DSLR cameras, even the price is a bit higher that we would expected – we are more then convinced that it will pays every cent invested in it.

By the name of this DSLR camera we can assume that Nikon is starting a completely new line in their DSLR lineup – DSLRs with the swivel LCD screens. Usually the LCD on the DSLR camera has been used only for reviewing already made photo. But today with LiveView available in almost every camera that trend has been changed.

Nikon is not the first DSLR manufacturer who have published DSLR with tilt LCD, we have saw that already on some Olympus and Sony models. Judging by that trend, I’m more then sure that we will see something similar coming from Canon soon enough.

In general Nikon D500 was made to cary on the battle in the entry level DSLR class with it’s main competitor Canon EOS 500D. While it has found it’s place somewhere in between the D90 and D60 in the Nikon’s DSLR lineup. Judging by the specs of the new Nikon we can see that it has the best qualities of  both of it’s siblings. Almost all advanced features from the D90 are here and still it’s quite compact like the D60.

Optical sensor with 12 mpix resolution, same like D90 is using, but now with more advanced airflow dust cleaning, taken from the D60. Thank you god, that Nikon dropped the 3 point auto-focus, which has been used on D60, and the new D5000 has, much better, 11 point auto focusing system taken from the D90 camera. Compromises were made on the kuplung system, so you wont be able to use older Nikon lenses with mechanical focusing system – D90 can drive such lenses, but that was expected this is the entry level DSLR, in the end.

Burst shooting speed – 4 fps, just in the middle tween the D90 and D60. Viewfinder is maybe not the best, taken from the D60, using pentamirror instead pentaprism – this is the sacrifice for body size. Pentaprism just can not fit that small DSLR body – and it’s cheaper in the end.

LCD display, 2.7 inch, again something in the middle, but with important difference it can swivel and tilt and that in combination with the improved LiveView mode – you will be able to shoot from some angles that no DSLR has been before. The downside of LCD is it’s resolution of just 230 000 pixels, comparing to the 3 inch LCD that D90 is using, this has almost four times less pixels.

As I was mentioned before LiveView has been improved, comparing to the D90 LV, now it can AF track the subject in the frame.

As the Nikon stated in their press conference, D5000 will be in the stores in May, with the price that will be around the price of it’s main competitor Canon EOS 500D.

Some limited information has appeared in the beginning of the year about alleged preparation of the new entry level Canon DSLR, but that kind of rumors are frequent and usually more reflecting users wishes then real information from manofacturers.

Canon has released the new version of the Digital Photo Professional software for working with RAW files from Canon’s DSLRs. Somewhere in the specs of the new 3.4 version of DPP there is an point that the this version is compatible with Digital Rebel XS / EOS 1000D digital camera. The only problem is that kind of camera does not exist, or it exists but still it’s not published.

Besides the name of the new DSLR EOS 1000D there are no other information. But from the model number we can draw few conclusions.

While they were produced in the 90′, Canon’s DSLR models with four numbers in their mark were the cheap entry level film cameras, while he professional class was caring only one number in the model name.

As the manufacturer has started to produce digital SLRs, flagship DSRL has stayed with only one number in the model name 1D, 5D, but Canon has created second prosumer class with two numbers in the model name.

That kind of prosumer class was/is aiming to the advanced/richer photo amateurs and professionals with limited budget, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D.

With EOS 300D, Canon was recreating the DSLR history, 300D was the first DSLR under the magic $1000 price limit. That was the also the firstborn in the new entry level DSLR class, compact, too compact, plastic bodes, with out advanced functions, but extremely affordable.

After the presentation of the last DSLR in the entry level class EOS 450D, Canon was moving the bar much higher to the professional class. EOS 450D is the closest to the professional class as it can be.

Even after the new 450D was hit the stores, 400D and 350D were still avaliable, of course by the new lower price. The demand for 400D and 350D is still significant.

So based on all that, what we can expect from next EOS 1000D?

Too small compact plastic body, like 350D, previous generation optical sensor like that used 350D, but also some improvements probably in the internal image processing.

The price for EOS 350D body is about $400, and we can expect that the Canon will offer next EOS 1000D at some similar price, while the 350D will finally will be retired.

So that you don’t need to carry a heavy tripod or invest extra money into every single stabilised lens, Olympus integrated a built-in image stabiliser into the camera body of the E-3, E-510 and E-520. It stabilises up to 5 EV steps (up to 4 EV steps with the E-510 and E-520), making it the most effective solution on the market.

As soon as the error was spotted, the page was changed, but event that short wile was enough to start rumouring about E-510 successor.

Appearing of new E-520 is a hardly a surprise, special after official presentation of E-420, all eyes are on Olympus, and we are all waiting their next step.

The photo on the top of this post was made on Photo Imaging Expo 2008 – photo equipment fair held in March in Tokyo. Olympus has shown prototype with out any markings but there is a great possibility that it represents the successor of current E-510 digital SLR camera.

Source of the photo: MasterChong. rumors

Even previous Olympus’s model in entry-level class was quite compact, new E420 is really in same size but serious cut down has happened on the lens used. New Oly’s has new “pancake” lens made specially to be used on this camera. With this pancake 25mm F2.8 lens, entire kit can fit even in the shirt pocket.

New lens is not all that new Oly’s have to offer, E420 has new improved – now much more useful version of live-view option.

Some technologies that make this camera different from its competitors :

• On-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way
• New and Improved HyperCrystal II Technology delivers twice the contrast and bigger gamut – the range of color reproduction
• Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before you even capture it – like on the prosumer cameras

Olympus E420 has a 10 million pixels optical sensor capable to produce live preview on the nice big LCD. Everybody knows that the optical sensor is important but not the only thing important for end picture quality, great responsibility is held by image processor. Olympus TruePic processor in its III generation is capable of producing clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color. Also image noise reduction is improved so now the graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings is reduced.The rest of the camera is much like it’s predecessor E410. Olympus E420 is expected in the stores in a mount, and by the price about $500 for body only.

As the solution Nikon has offered free repair to the all D200 owners, who’s camera was affected. Repairing was free but you should send your brand new dysfunctional camera to the service and wait for repairs.

Why we are talking about that problems with D200, cause now Nikon has exactly same problem with D300 digital camera. But now they have reacted right away and offer free repair. Good thing is that, if you camera has a problem with vertical banding appearing on some photos, you can easy fix it. By firmware upgrade to version 1.02 for D300.

It’s obvious that the shorter development time is cutting down time for testing product before sending it to the stores. But also I don’t get the fact that a company like Nikon can repeat exactly the same mistake twice?!

If you are one from the (un) lucky owners of the new Nikon D300, and you camera is affected with vertical banding problem, on lower links you can find firmware upgrade and a manual how to upgrade, depending from your used operating system.

Nikon D300 firmware v.1.02 for PC based system

Nikon D300 firmware v.1.02 for Mac base system

On this years PMA show Pentax has presented it’s new K200D entry level DSLR and it’s more professional camera K20D. If we compare new K20D with it’s predecessor we will notice that changes made are really discrete but still very important to advanced users that are getting used to get more and more for given money.

One of the main improvements comparing to previous K10D is a usage of totally new optical sensor specialty developed by Pentax and Samusung. New sensor has resolution of 14.6 megapixels, and this is the first time for that kind of a sensor to be used in some digital camera. As both companies are claiming, new sensor should produce much better results than its competition.

Main advantage of new sensor comparing to its competition is in smaller unused dead area on the senor surface. If you look at the picture for the moment, you can easily notice that the “depth” of a pixel is smaller as the dead part tween the pixels. As the result new Pentax’s APS-C sized sensor has 14 mega-pixels, with same pixel-density as the competition with APS-C sensors with 12 mega-pixels.

Second major improvement is referred to live preview option, on bright and large 2.7 inch diagonal LCD. There is one big question mark over the actual need of having live-preview on DSLR cameras, but all competition have some sort of live-preview, so does Pentax K20D.

New K20D has also improved in body optical stabilization, option do enhance dynamical range, improved dust reduction, addition of X-sync port for studio light synchronization.

One of the unique option that new Pentax K20D has, is a ability to calibrate LCD, so after calibration there will be no surprises when your photos are transferred to the computer.

Entire list of improvements is not to long, but still the improvements are made on the places where they where needed. Both Pentax cameras will hit the stores in March and K20D will be sold for about $1300 only for body.

Also on some markets Pentax K20D will be available under the Samsung brand, and by the name Samsung GX20. Basically there are same cameras, except Samsung has buttons of different shapes – but on the same places as Pentax. While the only difference will be built-in user menus. Because they are identical we had expected that the price will be the same, but no Samsung GX20 will be offered by a slighter less price comparing to his Pentax twin.