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

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

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

Pentax K-m reviewed by Digital Life

The Digital Life section of Australian site Brisbane Times has a rather short review of the Pentax K-m DSLR. Check out the full Pentax K-m article on their page.

Like: The camera continues the Pentax style of no-nonsense SLRs. There are no gimmicky concessions to customers moving up from compact cameras. Every function is a genuine photographic tool. The Pentax kit lens is particularly fine. Image quality is exceptionally good, with one caveat.

Dislike: The camera has one serious flaw. JPEG images straight from the camera are unimpressive both in sharpness and in colour. We are at a loss to understand this because the RAW images are excellent. JPEG and RAW can be recorded simultaneously, so in one sense it is not an issue but it does mean that to get the best from the K-m you must be prepared to work with RAW files. If you use a Mac and iPhoto this will not be a nuisance but PC users will have to come to terms with RAW.

Buy a Pentax K2000 DSLR Body Only Kit

Olympus E-620 reviewed by CameraLabs

Gordon Laing at cameralabs.com has posted his thorough review of the Olympus E-620, Make sure you check it out at the link below.
The E-620 represents a step-up from budget entry-level models for those who want a more sophisticated camera without having to invest in an upper mid-range or semi-pro body.

The E-620 inherits a number of key aspects from the higher-end E-30 including the same 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, six creative ‘art-filters’ and the articulated 2.7in / 230k monitor, allowing you to easily compose at any angle in Live View – although the screen panel itself is a newer version.

Buy the Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD

Read the full Olympus E-620 review and watch the video tour at cameralabs.com

DSLR and Lens-Changing Cameras Roundup at Tom's Guide

Now that today's digital SLRs can shoot video, the difference between these devices and their compact counterparts is smaller than ever. Those pushing Micro Four Thirds (µ4/3) as an alternative to both have an understanding of the digital camera market's consistently changing nature. Needless to say, change is definitely on its way,

It's no secret that larger sensors on digital cameras yield better results. This is for two reasons: first, a larger sensor can not only capture more light, but it also allows you more room to adjust the depth of field, enabling you to focus on what you want. A great example of this would be a portrait shot where the background remains blurry, but displays a sharp view of the subject's face, for instance.

Read the full article at Tom's Guide

Buy an Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD

Canon 500D/T1i DSLR reviewed by CameraLabs

Read Gordon Laing's full review of the Canon T1i at cameralabs.com

Canon’s EOS 500D – or Rebel T1i as it’s known in North America – is the company’s latest entry-to-mid-level DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular EOS 450D / Rebel XSi. Announced towards the end of March 2009, the 500D / T1i externally resembles its predecessor with exactly the same dimensions and similar weight, but inherits a number of features from the higher-end EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II models; it also becomes the company’s second DSLR to feature HD video recording.

The EOS 500D / Rebel T1i features a jump from the 12.2 Megapixels of its predecessor to the same 15.1 Megapixels as the semi-pro EOS 50D. Canon describes the sensor as being almost the same as the 50D's, and indeed it also shares the same 100-12800 ISO sensitivity range and 14-bit processing.

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

Cnet Asia compares top 5 entry-level DSLR cameras

Leonard Goh at CNET Asia has a new comparison chart and article on the top 5 entry-level DSLRs. If you plan buying a camera or upgrading from a point and shoot model, check out the article Top 5 entry-level dSLRs

It's a natural progression for shutterbugs to upgrade from point-and-shoots to dSLRs if they wish to further their skills in photography. The advantage which dSLRs have over most compact digicams is that they allow users to have more control over the exposure by changing the shutter speed and aperture. In addition, you can change lenses and attach various accessories for different shooting situations.

But it is unwise for amateurs to splurge on high-end dSLRs such as the Nikon D3x. For beginners, an entry-level model will more than suffice. Some of these snappers come with HD-quality-video recording function which was previously reserved for only midrange dSLRs.

Here are our top picks for entry-level dSLRs on the market now. If you still can't decide which one to get, stop over at our dSLR buying guide for more tips on choosing one for your needs.

The models featured in the article are:

• Canon EOS 500D


• Nikon D5000


• Sony Alpha DSLR-A380


• Olympus E-620


• Canon EOS 1000D

Buy 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

Buy Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD

Buy Sony Alpha DSLRA300X 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 & DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses

Buy Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Lenses

Buy Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

50 Lighting Setups For Portrait Photographers book reviewed

Ed Tang at CameraLabs.com has a new book review. Check it out.

Lighting is something that a professional photographer always considers. “50 Lighting Setups For Portrait Photographers”, published in December 2008, is written by freelance photographer Steven Begleiter.

With twenty five years of professional photographic experience, this book aims to share many of Begleiter's past portraiture assignments and the manner in which he decided on his lighting.

I have to say that this is an unconventional photographic book, taking a feel that is more suited to a recipe book.

Indeed Begleiter uses a simile in his introduction that: 'photographic lighting, like cooking, has “recipes.” And this is indeed that.

Read the full 50 Lighting Setups For Portrait Photographers book review at cameralabs.com

Canon EOS 5D mkII reviewed

Nicholas Blachford at OSnews.com has a new review of the Canon EOS 5D MkII. See belo

The 5D2 is an awesome camera, the pictures it produces are quite simply superb, the level of detail is really quite incredible. The quality of the video is also superb.

The Camera is a good size and well made, it’s also easy to operate, but read the manual as there things that will catch you out. If you are upgrading from an older DSLR you’ll find a lot of new features and improvements on the old ones. It’ll also be faster, the battery lasts longer and it takes better pictures ...but you might need a new computer! You might also need a new lens, EF-S lenses will not fit the 5D2.

The 5D2 is probably very good for video but this really depends on if you can handle the lack of manual control and put up with the hacks to get around this limitation if you need it. For most people it probably isn’t an issue, for more serious film makers this is a very big deal.

The 5D2 is a very expensive camera but you certainly get what you pay for. I’d recommend it to anyone who is serious about their photography.

Check out OSnews for the full review.

Nikon D90 reviewed

Katrina Putker at Buy-n-shoot.com wrote a review of the Nikon D90, check it out here.

After close examination of the 12.3-megapixel D90, it is plain to see that Nikon have cleverly created what is essentially a blend of the most well-received and comprehensible technologies, features, and interface design from their large array of consumer and professional DSLRs, to produce an exceptional prosumer model with a ‘world first’ gong to its name.

One of the D90’s most notable selling features, aside from its outstanding image quality, is undoubtedly its world first ability as a DSLR to produce high definition movie files resulting in what Nikon describe as ‘genuinely cinematic’ movie clips.

Three frame sizes are available for recording in D-Movie mode: 1280x720 (16:9) for highest quality widescreen movies suitable for plasma and LCD TV viewing, the default 640x424 (3:2) for standard viewing, and 320x216 (3:2) for reduced movie file size.

Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR reviewed

Gordon Laing at cameralabs.com has posted a review of the Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR general purpose wide angle telephoto zoom DSLR lens, make sure you also check out the full details and his other reviews, great stuff over there.

The DX 16-85mm VR is clearly a well-featured general-purpose lens, but the Nikkor range is not short of alternatives for DX-format bodies. Beyond the existing DX 18-70mm, the standard D80 and D90 kits came with good quality 18-135mm and 18-105mm lenses, while the DX 18-200mm VR remains one of the best super-zoom options around; even the DX 18-55mm kit lenses deliver respectable quality. None may boast the 24mm equivalent coverage of the DX 16-85mm VR, but the question is whether there’s sufficiently compelling reasons for owners of DX-format Nikon bodies to switch to this model instead?

Buy a Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR Nikkor Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Read the full Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR review at cameralabs.com.

Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D already reviewed

Steve Morgenstern at DigitalCameraInfo has posted a first impressions review of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i.

From the review:

Until last fall there were no digital SLRs that shot movies. Now, with the introduction of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i, there will be three, as this $800 model (body only) joins the larger, more expensive Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II in the elite video club.

Similar in size and shape to the popular Canon Rebel XSi, the T1i boosts image resolution, screen resolution and maximum ISO compared to its predecessor, and also steps up to the Digic 4 processor. The big news, though, is 1080p video in a sub-$1000 camera.

Canon gave us hands-on access to a pre-release version of the T1i. In a rare move, they even gave us permission to share some sample photos and videos with you (with the understanding that the quality may be different when the final camera ships). Overall, we found this well-designed newcomer easy to like. Here's why.

Read the full 9-page review of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i at DigitalCameraInfo.com

Sony Alpha A900 at the Dakar Rally

image illustration only

Polish photographer Jacek Bonecki has an interesting article about his experience with the A900 in different conditions, including studio photography, rainy Spain and the dust and sands of the African deserts. Pretty cool article with grat shots, check it out here.

In addition to having excellent technical parameters, professional equipment should be durable and resistant to various factors hazardous to its proper operation, even if this is provided at the cost of its appearance, technological advancement or price. The first serious test for the Sony DSLR A900 as a reportage and sport photography tool was a golf tournament in sunny Spain where it survived pouring rain, however the real test came in Argentina and Chile during the Dakar Rally.

Olympus E-30 DSLR review

UK-based Photography Press site has a review of the E-30 DSLR form Olympus. Here's what they say:

Olympus’ first and newest pro-consumer DSLR, the E-30, sits beneath the E-3, sat at the top of the Olympus FourThirds System range and above the E-520 and more effectively bridges a gap for Olympus aficionados between the keen snappers and enthusiasts.

The E-30 looks similar to the E-3 but lacks the weather sealing and ruggedised build of the pro model, the E-30 sporting a well crafted and sculpted hand grip on a surprisingly large body, more or less as big as the E-3.

But the E-30 sports a few new features the E-3 would be proud to have within its toughened body. For a start the sensor has a new 12.3-megapixel LiveMOS sensor so the first thing to say is yes, you get Live View (more on this later) and the second is, despite the boost in resolution, image quality in terms of noise remains impressive.

Read the full review here.

Buy an Olympus E30 12.3MP Digital SLR with Image Stabilization (Body Only)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 review

Australian site Smarthouse has a review of the Panasonic DMC-G1, an entry level DSLR camera aimed at beginners in the single lens reflex camera world. Here's a bit from what they wrote:

The Panasonic Lumix G1 is a great camera for first time DSLR users - it functions and feels like a DSLR but has digital camera functions that will make shooting fun and easy. And with its small and light form factor, this camera can be taken in trips without being a burden to users.

Despite having the features of a DSLR, users will find that the G1 is easy to operate. The 3-inch LCD screen can be flipped and rotated, allowing a user to take pictures from various angles. The camera also comes with various scene modes (Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Macro, and Night) and a simple iA (Intelligent Auto) mode to further simplify camera use. Also available on the G1 are the usual advanced modes (Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual exposure, Custom mode) found on other DSLRs in the market.

Read the full review here or buy a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit

Sony DSLR sensor rates between Canon and Nikon

French company DxO labs recently made public their test findings on some of the most popular low to mid range DSLR cameras. The results were quite surprising and Sony must be pleased with what they found. Keep in mind that DxO uses their own special measurement system, and that they were only comparing statistics on the sensors. Their results show that the sensor in the Sony A700 is better then the Canon 40D and 50D, and almost ties with the Pentax K10D and Nikon D300.

Via CrunchGear via Underexposed

Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure Reviewed at cameralabs

From the review:

Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure content

Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure is arranged into 12 chapters, first detailing LR2’s Workspace and importing process followed by a guide to its various Modules. These are followed by sections dedicated to numerous ‘Developing’ techniques including tuning colour or applying special effects. After this comes a chapter showcasing ‘recipes’ used on-location in Iceland and Tasmania, before the book then concludes with sections on exporting, slideshows, printing and web galleries. We’ll now take a closer look at each chapter in turn.

The ‘Lightroom Workspace revealed’ chapter gives you general overview of LR2’s modules and a guide to the user interface. As LR2 is pretty flexible you learn how to adapt the interface to your needs and the available “real estate” on your screen. This is an essential kick-off where you learn how to handle the new application.

The chapter entitled ‘Importing Images into Lightroom’ is not only about the obvious but also explains the context between images, previews and other information stored in LR2’s vast database. This is very important to understand as it is considerably different from most other image-processing applications. It also explains how to import direct from a camera or any other folder, how to rename files on import, along with using metadata presets to make it easier to tag your images in batches and not just individually photo by photo.

Read the full review here

Olympus E-30 Review at photographyblog

The Olympus E-30 is the new mid-range model in Olympus's E-System DSLR line-up, slotting seamlessly into the gap between the cheaper, entry-level E-520 and the more expensive, professional E-3. The E-30 borrows quite a lot of features from its big brother, including the fast 11-point auto-focus system, shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th second, 1/250th sec maximum flash sync speed, 5fps continuous shooting, built-in image stabiliser which stabilises all lenses, Live View on a multi-angle LCD screen and the Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system. Key differences include more megapixels (12.3 versus the E3's 10), a smaller and lighter body, slightly larger 2.7 inch LCD screen, smaller viewfinder, addition of Face Detection, and no dust- or weather-sealing on the camera body. The E-30 also has a number of interesting "creative" features up its sleeve, including a range of Art Filter effects which are applied as you take a photo, a Multiple Exposure mode for combining images into one, nine separate aspect ratios, and an integrated pitch and roll Level Gauge which helps to ensure that both your horizons and verticals should always be straight. Olympus have taken a long time to join the mid-range market, but is it a case of too little, too late? Priced at $1300 / £850 body only, can the Olympus E-30 compete with the likes of the Canon EOS 50D, Nikon D90 and Sony A700, and is it a viable alternative to Olympus' own E-3?

Read the full review here.

Canon EF 50mm/F1.8 EF II review

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II is the very cheapest lens in the Canon line-up. In the APS-C DSLR scope the field-of-view resembles a 80mm lens here which qualifies it as an interesting portrait lens besides other purposes such as low-light photography. The lens features a conventional micro motor without full-time manual focusing. The AF speed feels pretty fast - there aren't really many elements to move around here. The lens uses a linear extension system for focusing (similar to extension tubes) so the length of the lens changes according to the focus distance. The front element does not rotate during focusing. The minimal focus distance is 0.45m resulting in a max. magnification of 0.15x (~1:7). Manual focusing feels Ok. The focus ring, positioned at the very front, is very narrow so it's not really convenient.

Image source photozone.de

The optical construction is made of just 6 elements in 5 groups without any special elements (not needed at this focal length). The lens features 5 aperture blades. The filter size is 52mm. At just 130g it is an ultra light-weight lens and with a dimension of 68x41mm it's also extremely compact. The build quality is sufficient to say it positive. The lens barrel is made of plastic down to the mount. All-in-all you feel the price tag here. That said there's little wobbling of the inner tube and unless you abuse it there're no reasons to believe that it'll not last.

Buy a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens for as low as $86 (Amazon price in Jan 09)

Read the full review here.