Canon Unveils Hybrid IS Image Stabilization

Canon says that sudden changes in camera angle can introduce significant blurring in images taken in standard shooting while shift-based shaking is more pronounced in macro photography when the camera moves in parallel to the subject.

The Hybrid IS system uses an angular velocity sensor that has been found in previous Canon IS lenses and incorporates a new acceleration sensor to compensate for shift-based camera shake. The system also has a new algorithm that synthesizes the information from the two sensors to make adjustments.

Canon reports that it is actively engaged in ongoing research and development on D-SLR camera lenses that support Hybrid IS technology and is looking to commercialize the new feature in a wide range of products. The first D-SLR lenses using Hybrid IS are planned before the end of 2009.

Via dailytech.com

Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

Cnet Australia says:

A modest update over its predecessor, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200, the Alpha DSLR-A230 offers the same essential feature set in a redesigned body with sufficient quality and performance-enhancing firmware tweaks to merit the term "upgrade". And like its predecessor, the result is a generally solid, if not stellar, entry-level dSLR option.

Good: Fast autofocus • High magnification viewfinder for its class • Dual card slots • Relatively simple, straightforward operation • Built-in wireless flash and image stabilisation • Helpful SteadyShot indicator
Bad: Smallish grip • Default settings produce suboptimal photos
Specs: Digital SLR • 10.2 megapixels • 2.7 inch • Memory Stick PRO Duo, Secure Digital Card, Secure Digital High Capacity

Buy a Sony Alpha A230Y 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses

Sony A500, A550, A850 leaked online

Someone in Sony must be excited to get the company's new cameras out. Previously, we reported the TX1 and WX1, two upcoming superzoom compacts, were prematurely published on an online retailer's site. Now, the Japanese firm itself has let loose three dSLRs model names on its US-based product registration page.

We caught wind of this news from camera blog 1001noisycameras. Note that the highlighted portion in the picture above shows DSLRA500, A550 and A850. The trio has caused quite a stir on the Web, especially the A850 which is suspected to succeed the popular DSLR-A700, an enthusiast-oriented dSLR.


Via cnet/Crave

Leica S2 spotted

Devin Coldewey at CrunchGear says:

For those pros out there working in print, medium format is king. Portable yet powerful, they can be deployed anywhere. With large but not crowded sensors, they provide excellent sharpness and color fidelity with reasonable exposure times. Of course, they do cost upwards of twenty grand. Leica’s S2 is an evolution of the medium format: a medium-format sensor in a DSLR body, a sort of spiritual big brother to the Sigma DP2, which has a DSLR sensor in a point-and-shoot-esque body.

Unlike the DP2, however, the S2 isn’t likely to suffer from its change of form; Leica is too good for that. It’s still not in production, but a few prototypes were available for handling at a recent Foto Care event in New York.

Via CrunchGear

Night Vision Module For Canon DSLRs

Übergizmo says:
Electrophysics has release a new high performance night vision module that will play nice with digital SLR cameras from Canon, including the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II. Used in conjunction with the new AstroScope 9350EOS-FF, these digital cameras will offer bright, high-resolution green images of night-time scenes. You won't suffer from a drop in image quality since the night vision module itself will fit between the camera body and SLR lens, keeping all the lens electrical connections together in order to offer features like optical image stabilization even in night vision mode. These modules are able to offer optimum performance, sharp detail and highest quality full-frame images with no vignetting. Get this if you love going out on night safaris and the ilk.

Sony DSLR-A700 Camera Review

PCWORLD.ca say in their article:

A complex, well-made camera with tons of controls, the A700 takes exceptionally sharp, well-exposed shots.

A Short Course in Sony A700 Photography book/ebook

Complex the A700 certainly is--it probably has more exposure controls than any other DSLR I've seen to date. That said, the camera's ease of use is still exceptionally good: Like most current DSLRs, it has fore and aft selector dials for quickly changing shutter speeds, aperture values, and exposure compensation. But it also has a healthy number of nicely placed, well-labeled, dedicated buttons for key controls such as white balance, drive mode, ISO setting, and metering modes.

Buy a LensPEN Precision Design Cleaning Kit for Digital SLR Cameras and Lenses

Sony 32GB Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX

Sony started its week today by introducing its largest ever Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX card. The 32GB card stores twice as much as Sony's previous best and is treated as a particularly ideal fit for the company's own Alpha DSLRs and its HD camcorders: the latter could hold about 3.75 hours of HD footage on a single card. As an HX card, it's also relatively quick with 15MB per second write speeds and 20MB reads.
The card comes with a USB adapter to guarantee full speed and avoid draining camera batteries. Sony notably avoids committing to a price or exact availability but does say the card won't replace the existing 4GB, 8GB or 16GB models in its HX lineup.

Via electronista.com