EISA Award for Olympus PEN

Only shortly after its worldwide launch Olympus' first Micro Four Thirds camera, the E-P1, is able to convince the EISA jury as being the best 'European Camera 2009-2010'. Confirming the groundbreaking benefits of the E-P1's key features, they noted:"The Olympus PEN is an elegant camera with an appealing retro design. The camera utilizes the new mirror- and prism-less Micro Four Thirds system, which allows the E-P1 to be very compact and lightweight. Besides the compact Micro Four Thirds lenses, users can fit existing Four Thirds, OM and Leica M mount lenses to the body via an adaptor".
And in recognition that the image quality of the E-P1 matches D-SLR results, the esteemed EISA jury summed up by saying: "As the sensor is larger than that found in compact cameras better image quality and lower noise levels can be achieved". With a range of features to choose from, the Olympus E-P1 is also a dream for anyone with creative ambition.
Via Olympus

Olympus E-620 gets "Highly Recommended" award

Once again, dpreview awards a ‘Highly Recommended’ for an Olympus product: This time the E-620 convinced the dpreview jury being ‘a pretty compelling package’ at a favourable price. Especially the superb image quality, the good response and dynamic range (at ISO 200 and above) combined with its class-leading level of external controls for quick shooting were reasons to come to this conclusion. dpreview even emphasises that the E-620 ‘competes more convincingly with its peers than any other Four Thirds camera’ they have yet seen. The Olympus E-620 can be enjoyed with nearly all E-System accessories; using additional lenses.

Via Olympus

Nikon D3000 and D300s

The Nikon D3000 replaces the D40 with some impressive specs, occupying a notch above the D60 but below the newer D5000. The 10.2-megapixel starter camera is all about ease of use. It includes a new Guide feature that aims to help novice D.S.L.R. users by explaining camera settings and digital photography basics — and providing an on-screen demonstrations of how they affect images.

The D3000 employs the same DX format sensor as the D60 and is capable of the same 3 frames-per-second image capture. But the D3000 improves the autofocus speed and accuracy of the D60 with an 11-point autofocus system.

Buy the Nikon D3000 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

At approximately 5 by 3.8 by 2.5 inches, the D3000 it has roughly the same compact measurements as the D40, although Nikon has added softly rounded curves to the chassis. It weighs a relatively light 17 ounces.

Nikon has added some new in-camera retouch features that should appeal to inexperienced users, including a miniature effect, soft filter and color outline, which creates a black-and-white “sketch” that’s Crayola-ready for the kids.

Nikon has included the capability to create stop-motion videos, although the camera cannot capture video. Nor does it have a Live View option, which is typical of entry-level D.S.L.R. models.

The D300s, not surprisingly, is a follow-up to the popular D300, a 12.3-megapixel model that currently sells for about $1,800.

The D300s has many of the same specs as its predecessor — identical resolution and image sensor, 51 autofocus points and Live View — but it adds the ability to capture video in AVI format at a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels at 24 frames per second. It also includes an input for an optional stereo microphone.

The D300s is a bit faster than the D300, with a 7 frame-per-second continuous-shooting capability (versus 6 frames per second on the D300). Nikon says that the D300a has 15 cross-type AF sensors that deliver better focus accuracy and tracking capabilities.

It has the same moisture-sealed magnesium alloy chassis body as the D300 but adds dual Compact Flash and SD/SDHC card slots.

Buy a Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200, D300, D700 and D80 Digital SLR Cameras

News via NYTimes Blogs

Incase DSLR bags

Carry your DSLR with you without looking like a tourist in Incase DSLR Bags ($60-$80). Available in the essentials only-sized Carrying Case or extra lenses and maybe a flash-sized Sling Pack, both bags feature zippered interior and exterior pockets, adjustable camera and lens compartments, side stash pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, reinforced nylon handles, and weather resistant nylon construction to keep your gear safe and sound.

The Carrying Case is meant for a single camera and lens, plus a couple of small accessories. The Sling Pack has room for additional lenses and flashes, and as the name imples, fits like a messenger bag. Both bags are professional-grade water resistant products that will sell for $60 (Carrying Case) and $80 (Sling Pack).

Via Gizmodo via Uncrate

Canon EOS 500D wins best SLR title

Canon's EOS 500D has won European SLR Camera of the Year in the annual contest run by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), the membership of which includes AP.

The EOS 500D was described by judges as an 'excellent DSLR for both novices and advanced amateurs'.

The citation added: 'The quality of the HD video is so impressive that it might provoke the beginning of a new movie-making hobby for some users.'

Buy a Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Olympus's E-P1 was named Camera of the Year, judges applauding the appeal of its elegant retro design. (Buy Olympus PEN E-P1)

Nikon's D3x won the title European Professional Camera and Canon's EOS 5D Mark II triumphed in the Advanced Camera category. (Buy a Nikon D3x)

The European Lens award went to the 'lightweight and affordable' Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM. (Buy Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM AF Lens Nikon)

EISA's best lens for travel was the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Macro. The top zoom lens accolade was handed to Sony's 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM. (Buy Tamron 18-270mm Canon)

Photo Innovation of the Year honours went to Fujifilm's Super CCD EXR imaging sensor.

Multimedia Camera of 2009-2010 was Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1. 'It combines the advantages of a compact camera with those of a DSLR: it is lightweight, has a small body, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and Live View.' (Buy Panasonic GH1)

Via Amateur Photographer

Olympus E-450 DSLR review

With the arrival of the Olympus E-450, the assortment of FourThirds DSLR cameras is enhanced once more. The Olympus E-450 is the successor to the E-420 and takes over the lead of being one of the world's most compact DSLR cameras. This fight is literally battled out over millimeters and milligrams and the competition is killing. Olympus is facing brands like Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony. Olympus does manage to stand out thanks to its FourThirds system, but to be honest, the differences are becoming smaller every day.

Buy the Opteka X-Large Pro Aluminum Hard Case for Digital SLR Cameras

Via LetsGoDigital

Nikon Pro Battery Grip for use with AA Batteries

Pro Battery Grip for the Nikon D200, has the same function as MB-D200

It can hold 6 AA batteries or two EN-EL3E Li-ion batteries, doubling the shooting time of your camera

Vertical shutter release button on the Battery Grip makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position much easier, adding stability to the camera

In this professional edition, there are several functional buttons on the battery grip

It will be much convenient while using

It provides additional shutter release, main dial, sub-main dial, AE lock/FE lock for easier vertical shooting.

Buy a Zeikos ZE-NBG90 Battery Power Grip for Nikon D80 & D90

Via slipperybrick.com via redferret.net