Micro Four Thirds, Olympus PEN and Panasonic GF1 - an overview

Rik Fairlie had an article posted at NYTimes about the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Olympus E-P1, E-P2, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and the other options currently available, here's what he has to say:

“The ‘R’ in D.S.L.R. refers to the reflex of the mirror,” said Sally Smith Clemens, a product manager for Olympus. “Without a mirror box, it’s not a D.S.L.R.”
The want of a mirror means that Micro Four Thirds cameras are more compact and lighter than D.S.L.R.’s, yet they produce better photographs than point-and-shoots because they have a larger image sensor. As a rule of thumb, larger sensors deliver better photos because they have greater light-gathering capabilities. But that generalization is not absolute, because factors like the camera’s image processor and lens quality also come into play.

Buy the Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver Body/Black Lens)

Read the full Micro Four Thirds article at NYTimes.com

Canon Touch-Screen DSLR coming?

The image actually appears in US Patent Application No. 12/422,695, which was originally filed by Canon on April 13, 2009 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on October 22, 2009.

So, what can we learn from the patent?

Well, the patent is only 13 pages long (that’s a bit short for most of Canon’s patents that I’ve read) and does not cover claims that are specific to the overall touchscreen interface.  Instead, the patent primarily covers claims relating to accidentally touching parts of the touchscreen when bringing the camera to your eye in order to look through the viewfinder.
Specifically, the camera is supposed to allow users to register their dominant eye.  The photographer will input whether it is the left or right eye. Then the camera will detect the registered eye when it is brought to the viewfinder.  At that point, the camera will disable a portion of the touchscreen that would likely be touched by your face and, therefore, prevent any setting changes.  Also, note that the patent covers the possibility that the camera may automatically detect which eye is brought to the viewfinder and disable the appropriate portion of the LCD.
The diagonal hatching lines in the above image show the portion of the screen that is disabled, depending on which eye is registered with the camera.

Images and news via Photography Bay

Pentax K-x vs Sony Alpha 550 reviewed

Tom's Guide has a new review form Digital Versus, comparing the Pentax K-x and Sony Alpha 550, also noting differences between the Pentax K-m and K-x.

A year after Pentax released its highly rated K-m, there is a new entry-level DSLR with the K-x. The two cameras are very similar, with the exception of one major change. The old 10 Megapixel CCD sensor is out, and a new 12 Megapixel CMOS sensor is in. So what we expect is a comfortable, pleasant-to-use little SLR with improved sensitivity.

Among DSLRs, the K-x is up there with the best of the moment. Start-up is instantaneous, focusing is fast (but noisy with the kit 18-55 mm DA L lens), and so is image saving... provided you don’t enable the optical correction functions, which cause a delay of approximately three seconds when saving files! But since the same corrections exist in photo-retouching software, it may be better to leave them up to the computer. Burst mode is fairly fast, at 4.5 frames per second for nine JPEG images – an excellent result for an entry-level camera.

Buy the Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Black)

With their new A500/A550 DSLRs, Sony has new models to compete with the benchmark SLRs of the moment, namely the Nikon D90 and Canon T1i. The A550 has a wealth of features aimed at winning over photographers: a 14.2 MP EXMOR CMOS sensor, a burst speed of five frames per second, Live View with fast autofocus, and tilting display screen, among other things.

Buy the Sony Alpha DSLR-A550L 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Read the full review at tomsguide.com

 Pentax K-x Specs

Type		TTL autofocus, auto-exposure digital SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up flash
Effective Pixels		approx. 12.4 megapixels
Image Sensor	Total pixels	approx. 12.9 megapixels
	Type	CMOS with a primary color filter
	Size	23.6mm x 15.8mm
Recorded Pixels	Still Picture	JPEG: [12M] 4288x2848 pixels, [10M] 3936x2624 pixels, [6M] 3072x2048 pixels, [2M] 1728x1152 pixels RAW: [12M] 4288x2848 pixels
	Movie	[0.9M] 1280x720, 16:9, [0.3M] 640x416, 3:2
Sensitivity ( Standard output sensitivity )		Auto, Manual: 200-6400 (1EV steps or 1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps) Bulb mode: up to ISO1600, Could be expanded to ISO 100-12800
Recording Format	Still Picture	RAW (Original/DNG), JPEG (Conforms to Exif 2.21), Conforms to DCF (Design rule of Camera File system) 2.0
	Movie	Motion JPEG (AVI) 24FPS
Image Formats		JPEG - Baseline (: Best, : Better, : Good) RAW (12bit) (PEF, DNG ) RAW+JPEG: available
Storage Media		SD memory card , SDHC memory card
White Balance		Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N, L (Light Bulb) ), Flash, CTE, Manual setting, with WB fine adjustment
Viewfinder	Type	Fixed molded penta-mirror type
	Focusing screen	Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
	Field of view	approx. 96%
	Magnification	approx. 0.85X (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1)
	Diopter adjustment	approx. -2.5 - +1.5m-1
Live View	Type	TTL by Image sensor
	Display	Enlargement (2X, 4X, 6X in case of AF mode, 2X, 4X, 6X, 8X, 10X in case of MF mode), Grid pattern, white/black out warning display, Histogram display
	Autofocus Mode	Contrast detection + Face detection / Contrast detection / Phase difference detection
Monitor	Type	TFT color LCD monitor, Brightness adjustable, Wide angle view
	Size	2.7 inch
	Dots	approx. 230,000 dots
Preview Method		Optical/Digital preview *This function can be allocated to green button through Menu.
Playback		Single frame, 4-image display, 9-image display, 16-image display, 36-image display, Zoom display (up to 16 times, scrolling possible), Image comparison, Rotating, Folder, Calendar, Slideshow, Histogram, Bright/Dark area, Resize, Trimming, Index
Digital Filter		Rec. mode: Toy camera, High contrast, Soft, Star burst, Retro, Extract color, Fish eye, Custom Playback: Toy camera, High contrast, Soft, Star burst, Retro, Extract color, Illustration(Pastel, Water color), Fish Eye, HDR, B&W, Sepia, Color, Slim, Miniature, Brightness, Base Tweaking, Custom
Focusing System	Type	TTL phase difference detection, 11-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII)
	Focus Mode	AF.A(auto), AF.S(single, with focus lock), AF-C(continuous)*, Manual focus * Auto Picture and Picture mode: only when the Action mode is selected. * Scene mode: only when the Kids, Pet, Stage lighting and Night snap mode are selected. * P/Sv/Tv/Av/M/B: AF.A, AF.S or AF.C selectable
	Focus Point	5-point auto, 11-point auto, AF point select, Center
	AF assist lamp	avaiable (by Built-in Flash)
Exposure Control	Metering System	TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information)
	Metering Mode	(1) Multi-segment metering (2) Center-weighted metering (3) Spot metering
	Exposure Range	EV1-21.5 (Standard Output Sensitivity 200 50mmF1.4)
	Modes	(1) Auto Picture mode (2) Picture mode (3) Scene mode (4) Program AE (5) Sensitivity-Priority AE (6) Shutter-Priority AE (7) Aperture-Priority AE (8) Metered Manual (9) Bulb Picture mode: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait, Standard Flash-Off Scene mode: Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Food, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum, Stage lighting*, Night snap* *The image is fixed to only JPEG.
	Exposure Compensation	±3EV (0.5EV steps or 0.3EV steps)
	Auto-bracketing	3 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps)
	AE Lock	This function can be allocated to AF button in Menu.
Shutter	Shutter Type	Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
	Shutter Speed	Auto: 1/6000 - 30 sec. and bulb, Manual: 1/6000 - 30 sec., and bulb
Drive Modes	Continuous shooting	Single-frame , Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote control (0s, 3s), Auto bracket approx. 4.7 fps, sequence: 17 frame (JPEG and Continuous (Hi)) 5 frame (RAW) approx. 2 fps , sequence: until the memory card becomes full (JPEG and Continuous (Lo)) 11 frame (RAW)
Built-in flash	Type	Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
	Guide number	approx. 16 (Standard Output Sensitivity 200/m) 12 (Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m)
	Angle of view coverage	28mm wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm)
	Flash Exposure Compensation	-2 EV - +1EV (1/2EV steps)
Flash Synchronization		Hot shoe, sync-speed: 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash
Image Stabilizer	Type	Image sensor shift mechanism, Max 4 steps
Dust Removal	Type	Image sensor moving mechanism and SP Coating
Time	World Time	75 cities (28 time zones)
Data Folder	Folder Name	Date (100_MMDD•••), PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX•••)
Power Sources		Four AA (lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries Optional AC adapter also available.
Battery Life	Number of recordable images (Lithium)	approx. 1900 (Normal Recording)*2 , 1100 (50% use Flash)*1
	Playback time	approx. 680 minutes*2
	Number of recordable images (Ni-MH 1900mAh)	approx. 640 (Normal Recording)*2 , 420 (50% use Flash)*1
	Playback time	approx. 390 minutes*2
	Number of recordable images (Alkaline)	approx. 210 (Normal Recording)*2 , 130 (50% use Flash)*1
	Playback time	approx. 350 minutes*2
Interfaces		USB/Video USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED)
Video Output		Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats
Lens Mount		PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount
Usable Lens		PENTAX KAF3-, KAF2-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses. * Power zoom function is not available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses, 67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions.
Dimensions		approx. 122.5(W) x 91.5(H) x 67.5(D)mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 inches)
Weight		approx. 515g (18.2 oz.) without battery and SD memory card approx. 580g (20.5 oz.) loaded and ready with lithium battery and SD memory card approx. 615g (21.7 oz.) loaded and ready with alkaline battery and SD memory card
Included accessories		USB cable I-USB7 , Strap O-ST53 , AA lithium battey 4pcs. , CD-ROM S-SW99 Eyecup FQ , Hot shoe cover FK, Body mount cover
Bundle software		PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4.0

Have a spare tripod? put a laptop on it with the Tallyn Series Laptop Deck

The new Tallyn Series Laptop Deck s designed for digital studio photographers who want to have their laptop as close at hand as their camera. The 3/8" thread mounts directly to any Manfrotto Tripod or Studio Titan Camera Stand and features an external locking bolt to provide added stability and secure mounting. The sturdy ball head allows for a full range of mounting angles and the adjustable brackets allow the Laptop Deck to support laptops up to 17" wide and up to 8 lbs (also includes a velcro strap for additional security).

Tallyn Series Laptop Deck mounted directly to a Manfrotto Tripod. The locking bolt above the head plate is shown lowered and secured creating an incredibly stable platform for your laptop. The large locking bolt for the ball head is easily accessed for adjusting the mounting angle without difficulty.

The two adjustable brackts in front can be adjusted for laptops between 7.75" and 11" deep. The rear adjustable brackets can be easily moved among any two of the three mounting points on the rear to keep ports from being obstructed.

As with most professional-oriented ballheads, the Tallyn laptop deck doesn't come cheap. It's priced at $84.95 on the company's Web site.

Via Cnet Crave, Tallyn

Pentax K-x "Kore Ja Nai Robo" Limited Version Looks Awesome

Pentax K-x Specs

12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor
High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.

2.7 inch LCD with Live View and Face Detection
Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).

720p HD Video
Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS cinematic frame rate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.

Compact Body
Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.

Auto Picture and Scene Modes
Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.

Creative Processing and Filter Modes
Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.

HDR Image Capture
True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.

4.7 Frames per Second
Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX
PRIME II image processing engine.

11 Point Wide Angle Focus
Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.

AA Batteries
Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).


Buy a Pentax K-x 12.4MP Digital SLR with 2.7 inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Red)

Via Ubergizmo

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV announced

16.1 megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor, ISO range of100 to 12,800 native, up to 102,400, 45-point area customizable autofocus with 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points, dual Digic 4 processors, 1080p HD video, and an option WFT-E2 IIA wireless file transmitter for connectivity over 802.11a/b/g and ethernet. Launch date is sometime in December, and body-only price is estimated at about $4,999 but subject to change.

Via Engadget

Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR Camera Reviewed by HotHardware

Time and technology always march on and now you’ll find that Canon’s latest offering, the EOS Rebel T1i, is in a much better position to compete against the D90 and against the brand new 12.3 megapixel Nikon D5000. The 15.1 megapixel Rebel T1i not only beats the D90 and D5000 in terms of HD video capabilities (like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Rebel T1i can record 1080p movies), but it also comes with an MSRP of $899.99 with its EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens.

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, EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens, 430EX II Speedlite Flash, and 2400 SLR Gadget Bag

Read the full review at HotHardware