Samsung DualView TL225 Camera gets Reviewed

The Samsung's DualView TL225 digital camera's second front-mounted display seemed like a good and innovative idea. But is it really good or disappointing? Wired reviewed the camera today and they rated this one a disenchanted score of 4/10.

Wired have been putting the TL225 through its paces, and they’ve concluded that not only does the second screen cause its own share of problems rather than solve them, the underlying camera itself is a let-down.



Wired also found that the front display does make lining up shots straightforward, but unfortunately it then encourages those in the picture to look to the side of the lens. The end result is a well-framed photo with nobody looking at the camera.

In addition to the laundry list of problems listed above, the image quality is also poor in anything other than bright light with plenty of shutter lag, much less then you would expect from a 12.2 megapixel camera. For $300 it seems like a gimmick that’s gone wrong.

Source: Wired.com

Nikon D300s with 720p Video Mode Now Officially Announced

After getting rumors and leaks for weeks left and right, the much anticipated top-level DX camera, the D300s is now officially announced by Nikon. The new $1,799.95 D300s can shoot 24fps 720p video with contrast-detect autofocus and offers an external mic input. It could have been 1080p, but who's complaining? I think 720p is just enough for a pro-level DX. Other features include a 12.3 megapixel DX sensor, 51-point autofocus, and 7fps burst shooting, 920k pixel screen, as well as dual CF and SD card slots. It sure looks this new beast is the new pro-cam to beat.






Press Release:

NIKON D300s revitalizes the standard and measure of agile, pro-level DX-Format d-slr design and performance

MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon announced the D300s digital SLR, combining professional-level performance with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies, including a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 51-point autofocus system; the addition of HD video capture; and faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting, the Nikon D300s balances form factor, performance, versatility and reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals.

The D300s retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed D300, while enhancing speed, versatility, and agility of the DX-format for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts, wedding shooters and photojournalists. The D300s can record HD video clips and high fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input, offering users a D-SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one CompactFlash™ (CF) and one Secure Digital™ (SD) card separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode and Active D-Lighting bracketing help users to capture stunning images like never before.

"Today's photographer demands excellence and value from high-performance digital SLRs – and the Nikon D300s delivers," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. "It's no secret that more photographers need to gather multimedia content. In addition to proven technologies, such as the 51-point autofocus (AF) system and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, we are more than confident that the D300s' HD movie mode, along with a host of additional performance enhancements, will broaden the appeal of the camera to those seeking exceptional still image quality and video versatility."

The Benchmark of Speed, Performance and Reliability
Whether on the front lines of spot news or behind the scenes at a spring wedding, users of the D300s can record HD video clips at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps rate. In addition, the D300s also records high fidelity audio-either with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo microphone input. Photographers can trim video length on the fly and apply Picture Controls to video, modifying the tone and color. Additionally, users can autofocus while recording video, using contrast detect AF, and do so while composing on the D300s' bright three-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen.

Nikon's applauded AF system, with 51 high density focus points, performs even faster and more accurately on the new D300s. The Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module uses 15 cross type sensors to provide unparalleled focus performance across the frame. The D300s offers multiple focus modes, including single-point AF mode, and a dynamic-area AF mode, where users can select from nine, 21 or 51 AF points with 3D tracking. Additionally, the added Face Detection System lets users instantly zoom in on a human face in playback mode on the high-resolution LCD monitor to check critical focus.

The Nikon exclusive and newly-accelerated Scene Recognition System (SRS) further refines Nikon's AF performance and light metering. In conjunction with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II system, the SRS uses precise color and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to propel AF, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to unprecedented accuracy.

The renowned 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor in the D300s delivers extraordinary image quality and low noise throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range from 200 to 3200 (Lo-1 at 100 and 6400 at Hi-1). The D300s captures image data using 14 bit A/D conversion, processed through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal performance, resulting in images with sharp details and smooth tonal gradations.

The D300s also incorporates Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing. EXPEED image processing uses an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption. When using the included EN-EL3e Li-Ion rechargeable battery, photographers can achieve as many as 950 shots under normal shooting conditions. The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting comfort and supports three types of batteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon's Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and the EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. It combines added stability with extended shooting of up to 2,950 shots*1 per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to
8 fps*2.

The reinforced magnesium alloy body is lightweight, ruggedly constructed and comprehensively sealed and gasketed against the elements at key points, and the shutter has been proven to a demanding 150,000 cycles. Additionally, the D300s employs the Integrated Dust Reduction System countermeasures that combat the accumulation of image-degrading particles on the optical low-pass filter.

World Class Versatility
With the D300s, Nikon introduces the ability to bracket Active D-Lighting (ADL). By localizing tone control, ADL restores shadow and highlight detail typically lost in high contrast situations, such as backlit subjects or while outdoors with strong sunlight. ADL bracketing provides users with the ability to bracket up to five frames of ADL strength to help ensure perfect contrast throughout the frame, putting an end to the guesswork behind the shot with a bride's intricate white dress and a groom's tuxedo in the same frame, for example.

Additionally, the D300s features two memory card slots-one CF and one SD, used simultaneously in a variety of configurations to match users' preferences. Among the many options available, stills and video can record to separate cards or slots can be assigned for JPEG and RAW recording. The D300s offers "overflow" or "backup" modes, and when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity. Users can also copy and paste files between cards.

Also added to the D300s is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting "Q" on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive.

To further expand versatility, users have the ability to fine tune their images using Nikon's Picture Controls to adjust sharpening, brightness, contrast and color hue. The D300s offers users four presets including Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome; while Landscape and Portrait settings can be downloaded from the Nikon website. While the D300s offers a versatile built-in flash with wider coverage for a 16mm lens, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and is capable of controlling up to two groups of remote units as a master / commander for Advanced Wireless Lighting.

System Expandability
In addition to compatibility with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses and a broad array of system accessories, the D300s will also perform well with the recently announced
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8G ED VR II and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lenses.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D300s camera body will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $1799.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

New Nikon D3000 Entry-level DSLR Announced

Two Nikon DSLRs were introduced today, the D300s top level DX camera and the entry-level D3000. It may not be carrying much but it looks pretty solid for a budget Nikon DSLR. For $600, you're getting a 10.2 megapixel sensor, 11-point autofocus system, a 230k pixel screen, a new Guide Mode that should make it easier on beginners, and an 18-55 NIKKOR VR lens. Good enough, but we're sure a lot of Nikon fans are all eyes and lusting after the D300s instead.





Press Release:

THE NEW NIKON D3000 PROVIDES AN EASY PATH TO FANTASTIC PHOTOS
Combines Proven Technology with Easy-to-Use Interface to Create Affordable, Approachable Entry-Level D-SLR Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y. (JULY 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the D3000 digital SLR camera, an affordable answer for users looking to experience the superiority of digital SLR photography or enthusiasts seeking a capable, compact D-SLR. The 10.2-megapixel D3000 has features that make it easier than ever to take great pictures, including the new Guide Mode, which lends a smart helping hand to new D-SLR users, and an extensive Retouch Menu, enabling consumers to edit photos, even without a computer. The D3000, which offers an 11-point autofocus system, also leverages proven Nikon D-SLR technologies, including the exclusive EXPEED™ image processing, Active D-Lighting system and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, enabling entry-level D-SLR shooters to take stunning pictures.

"The D3000 combines the best of both worlds, providing picture takers with the ease-of-use currently offered in point-and-shoot cameras alongside the speed, precision and exceptional results that have made Nikon D-SLRs so popular," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. "The D3000 offers everyone the ability to discover the superiority of D-SLR photography at an affordable price point. We look forward to enabling more consumers to explore the possibilities of D-SLR picture taking and, more importantly, capture life's memories faithfully."

Intuitive Assistance On-the-Fly
The D3000 includes the all-new Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface to help new photographers build confidence in using a D-SLR with step-by-step instruction and inspiration. The Guide Mode, easily accessed by the Mode dial on the top of the camera, displays a variety of shooting situations via the LCD screen, indicating the most appropriate settings for a particular scenario. Users can also see sample photos on the LCD screen, which illustrate the effects of different photo-taking techniques. The Guide Mode also helps users easily review, organize and delete images.

Whether new to D-SLR photography or simply mastering new shooting techniques, the D3000's Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great pictures even easier.

Small in Size, Big on Features
With elegant ergonomics, softly rounded corners, and a comfortable grip, the D3000 packs powerful technology into a compact form factor. Though the D3000 is tiny when compared to professional D-SLR cameras, it boasts a large, bright three-inch 230,000-dot LCD screen, and now features an easier-to-read font size, 20 percent larger than in previous Nikon D-SLRs.

Quick performance and response are at the core of the D3000's design and its 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus system makes it easy to find and focus on a subject. Also, the D3000 offers split-second shutter response, eliminating the frustration of shutter lag, as well as the ability to capture images up to three frames per second, allowing users capture every moment. Users can enjoy the benefits of Nikon's advanced 3D Subject Tracking, which continuously focuses on a fast moving subject throughout the frame.

The D3000 provides multiple ways for users to engage with their pictures, post capture. It uses Nikon's extensive in-camera Retouch Menu, which allows users to easily apply a variety of fun and dramatic effects to their images even when away from a computer. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect, which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models. The D3000 also inherits the Soft Filter and Color Outline Retouch options from the D5000, allowing users to express their photography in a new and artistic way. As with all Nikon D-SLRs, the camera creates the new retouched image, while preserving the original.

For users who want to take their creativity to the next level, the D3000 also includes the ability to capture images in the NEF (RAW) format, in addition to traditional JPEG. Images captured with D3000 in the NEF (RAW) format include a greater amount of image data, which in turn, affords finer image control and higher uncompressed lossless image quality. With NEF (RAW) images, users can fine-tune the appearance of an image with simple adjustments to things like exposure, color saturation, brightness, and overall tone – especially in the post-production process. Users can use Capture NX 2, Nikon's powerful image editing software, to achieve these desired effects.

Nikon extends the creativity with Stop-Motion Movie Mode. With this mode, users can choose a collection of images within the D3000's Retouch Menu, and the camera then compiles and stitches them into a fun and creative video file.

Renowned Nikon Technology
The D3000 leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive picture taking experience for consumers. The D3000 delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range, due to its 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor coupled with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED image processing system. The D3000's normal ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 1600, allowing for low light versatility. Additionally, the D3000's ISO range can expand to a Hi-1 setting of ISO 3200, furthering the opportunities for shots that other cameras miss.

The D3000 also makes use of Nikon's Active D-Lighting system, which automatically compensates to reveal veiled details in shadows and highlights in high-contrast situations. For instance, when selected, Nikon's Active D-Lighting can improve the appearance of fine detail in a person's face that was previously hidden in dark shadows or bring out the highlights in a beautifully backlit landscape.

Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D3000's ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D3000 to ensure beautiful exposures-even when conditions are extreme.

The D3000 also incorporates Nikon's Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution that combats the accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera's image sensor. The system not only utilizes an active sensor cleaning function that activates whenever the camera is turned on or off, but also the Airflow Control System to redirect dust particles, limiting their ability to reach the sensor.

System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D3000's system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories, including a broad assortment of legendary NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D3000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander.

The D3000's design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D3000 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.

Price and Availability
The D3000 outfit, including the versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $599.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Olympus Introduces the New Entry-level E-450 DSLR

Olympus us unveiling yet another addition to its consumer series of interchangeable-lens cameras with the launch of the E-450.

The Olympus E-450 shares a lot of the same technology on board the E-420 including a 10.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor and a 2.7 inch LCD. Both E-420 and E-450 offer live view and conform to the standards of the four thirds lens mount system.

The E-450 offers full manual control; however, users stepping up for the first time from point-and-shoots can still opt for one of 18 scene-select modes. Physically, the E-450 is almost identical to the E-420. Both cameras weigh in around 13.6 ounces, featherweights in the SLR class, and share similar dimensions.



New features

The E-450 will feature Olympus's creative art filters. They've been previously available only on the E-30 and E-620, so the E-450 will be the first entry-level SLR in Olympus's arsenal to sport them. Shooters looking to add that extra dimension to their photos can choose between pop art, pin hole, and soft focus filters, accessed as before via an "Art Filters" position on the mode dial.

However, some of our favorites from the original list of art filters that graced the E-30 – most notably, the grainy film preset – have been excluded this time around.

What hasn't been left out, though, is advanced flash control: in addition to its built-in flash unit, the E-450 supports wireless flash control for up to three groups of compatible Olympus flashguns.

Other minor changes to the E-450 include a lightly updated TruePic III+ image processor and improved auto white balance performance with a new algorithm.



Regular features remain

Keeping in step with the E-420, the E-450 will sport continuous shooting at 3.5 fps, a Supersonic Wave Filter to keep dust off the sensor, and face detection technology capable of tracking up to eight faces at a time. It will also feature Olympus's Perfect Shot Preview function, allowing users to compare the effects of different settings before snapping a photo.

Like previous Olympus DSLRs, live view is a staple technoloy for the E-450. As before, Olympus's latest also provides contrast-detection auto focus, allowing the camera to focus when live view is enabled without disrupting the on-screen preview – helping those transitioning up from point-and-shoots feel right at home.

While Olympus certainly isn't breaking the mold with the E-450, it marks an effort to bring more features to their entry-level DSLRs. With full manual and RAW shooting options, it should offer a beginning photographer flexibility and room to grow.

Pricing and availability

The E-450 will debut first on QVC beginning May 9th. It will reach wider availability this July in a two-lens kit (featuring the 14-42mm and 40-150mm Zuiko lenses) starting at $699.99.

Nikon D3X: A Nikon Masterpiece

This top-of-the-range SLR has the X factor, by which we don't mean that it breaks down in tears every five bloody minutes. The Nikon D3X packs 24.5 megapixels. That's double its predecessor, the D3, and means you'll be able to zoom in for miles, or print full-sized snaps on billboards. The ISO has been cranked up to encompass 100-1,600, so it can cope with any light condition from dark cellars to nuclear holocaust, and its star-up time is just 12 milliseconds. If you can't take decent photos with this, there truly is no hope for you.

The only let down I have for this camera is the price. The $8,000 price of the D3X I think is too much considering it's the same camera as the D3, with a slightly different sensor doubling the number of photosites and merely divides the light into a few more buckets more slowly than the D3. It's the same thing, and since the D3X is only worth about $5,200, it's hard to let go of $8,000 for the D3X. Not just that, I was told that D3X price could reach $10,000 or more in other countries like Canada, not to mention taxes and all that. But still a great and awesome camera to own. If you have the cash, by all means go get a D3X.



Features:

Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 megapixels
The D3X employs a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels covering an area of 35.9 x 24.0 mm to achieve truly amazing resolution. What’s more, we’ve optimized the pixel characteristics to provide a higher S/N ratio and wider dynamic range by securing a greater amount of light received by each pixel, thereby reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise.

Wide sensitivity range starting at ISO 100
At normal setting, the D3X offers a wide range of sensitivity — from ISO 100, suitable for stroboscopic setting in studio shoots, to ISO 1600. It realizes superior image quality with less noise at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings. What’s more, the sensitivity range can be increased by two stops (up to ISO 6400 equivalent) and decreased by one stop (down to ISO 50 equivalent), offering an even greater diversity of shooting possibilities. Auto sensitivity control is also available.

New EXPEED-based image processing
A new image processing system, based on Nikon’s comprehensive EXPEED digital image processing and specially optimized for the D3X, provides superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system achieves precise color reproduction for the broadest spectrum of hues, plus vivid saturation and smooth gradation, conveying colors as you see them, even with the slight changes in color tones you perceive. Furthermore, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function, which was designed to minimize noise occurrence, achieves this without interfering with other factors, including hue.

High-speed performance meets the most rigorous professional demands
Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of 0.12 second and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 second*1*2. It delivers a continuous shooting speed of approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (36 x 24) or 5:4 (30 x 24), and 7 frames per second in DX format (24 x 16)*2*3. Also, the D3X is fully compatible with UDMA, the new-generation high-speed card that enables 35-Mbyte recording equivalent to the D3. The D3X is capable of recording approx. 7.1 MB (JPEG, image size L, NORMAL) of data captured in FX format at speeds of approx. 5 frames per second.

Realizing reliable auto control: Scene Recognition System
As with the D3, the D3X recognizes subjects and shooting scenes using a 1,005-pixel RGB sensor that precisely controls exposure by detecting not only the brightness but the colors of the subjects as well. The results are applied to control Autofocus, Auto Exposure, i-TTL Balanced Fill-flash and Auto White Balance, thereby achieving control of the highest.

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF
The Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module, originally incorporated in the D3, offers proven outstanding performance. All 51 focus points, including the 15 cross-type sensors located at the center, are effective in all AF NIKKOR lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger. Three AF-area modes — Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF — are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. Moreover, in Scene Recognition System, subject identification and tracking information is applied to improve subject acquisition performance in Dynamic-area AF mode and focusing accuracy for human subjects in Auto-area AF mode.

Superior durability
Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box to ensure light weight and rugged reliability. Strict O-ring sealing at critical connected parts effectively restricts dust and moisture.
The shutter unit, developed and manufactured by Nikon, employs a new material (carbon fiber/Kevlar® hybrid) for the shutter blades, guaranteeing excellent durability through 300,000-cycle release tests with the shutter actually loaded. Precision is also maintained with a shutter monitor.

High-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with approx. 920k­-dots (VGA), 170° wide-viewing angle and reinforced glass
The D3X incorporates a large, 3-inch LCD monitor with ultra-high resolution of approx. 920k-dots (VGA). Enlarged playback images also appear in extremely high resolution for easy focus confirmation. The wide viewing angle of 170° makes it easy to check composition in Live View shooting for both high and low angles.

Two Live View modes available
In Handheld mode, which allows the frame to be recomposed prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points is activated. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus with still subjects and tripod stabilization; It allows focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area. Optional software Camera Control Pro 2 enables monitor focus and control shutter release from a computer. And optical Wireless Transmitter WT-4 enables wireless remote camera control and image transfer.

Picture Control System
Picture Control System offers four kinds of Picture Controls: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. Choose one and use as is, or adjust image creation factors (Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, and Hue). Optional Picture Controls (Portrait, Landscape, D2XMODE I, D2XMODE II and D2XMODE III) are available at the Nikon website for downloading and installation to your camera.

Active D-Lighting — reproducing brightness as you see it
In settings with strong contrast, Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, determines an exposure by utilizing a gradation of highlights, detects lost shadows, then reproduces them after digital processing. Rather than simply expanding the dynamic range, Active D-Lighting prevents images from looking flat through localized tone control technology, and creates realistic contrast while compensating lost shadows and highlights. Choose from Auto, Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off setting prior to shooting.

Electronic virtual horizon
An accelerator sensor incorporated in the body of the camera detects inclination and displays it in the LCD monitor. In Live View shooting, virtual horizon is displayed in the LCD above the monitor image. It can also be displayed in the top control panel and in the exposure indicator of the viewfinder.

UDMA-compatible memory card double slot
The CompactFlash (CF) card slots are UDMA-compatible for high-speed data transfer. With the double slot, you can choose from Continuous recording, Backup recording, and RAW + JPEG Separation recording (records the same image in RAW and JPEG on different cards). You can also copy the data from one card to another.

GPS Unit GP-1 (optional)
GPS records shooting information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Coordinated with map information, you can create an original map using images.

Other features
* Lateral chromatic aberration reduction creates images with a clear periphery using original image processing technology to significantly reduce color aberrations
* Vignette Control effectively prevents reduction of light at the periphery
* Optical viewfinder achieves approx. 100%*4 frame coverage and 0.7x*5 magnification in FX format
* Three sensing areas: FX format (36 x 24), DX format (24 x 16), and 5:4 (30 x 24)
* Customizable function button
* Choice of black or white letters for shooting information display
* AF fine adjustment with professional standard of accuracy
* Compliant with HDMITM for high-definition image playback
* Lets you shoot up to approx. 4,400 frames on a single battery charge*6

*1: Based on CIPA Guidelines
*2: In 12-bit A/D conversion mode
*3: The maximum frame rate can be chosen using Custom setting d2 [Shooting speed]. The rate is tested under the following conditions: focus mode set to C, exposure mode set to S or M, shutter speed set to 1/250 sec. or faster, with other settings set to default. If VR is on when a VR lens is used, the indicated speed may not be attained. The maximum number of shots at the maximum frame rate is determined by the selected image size and quality. The frame rate slows when the memory buffer fills.
*4 Approx. 100% (vertical/horizontal) in FX format, approx. 97% (vertical/horizontal) in DX format, approx. 100% (vertical) and approx. 97% (horizontal) in 5:4
*5 With 50mm f/1.4 lens set at infinity, -1.0m-1
*6 Using EN-EL4a lithium-ion battery at Single-frame [S] mode; based on CIPA Standards



Nikon D3X Specifications:

Sensor	• 35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor • FX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter • 25.72 million total pixels • 24.5 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED
Price	• $7999 • €7728 • £5499
Image sizes (FX format)	• 6048 x 4032 [L] • 4544 x 3024 [M] • 3024 x 2016 [S]
Image sizes (DX format)	• 3968 x 2640 [L] • 2976 x 1976 [M] • 1984 x 1320 [S]
Image sizes (5:4 format)	• 5056 x 4032 [L] • 3792 x 3024 [M] • 2528 x 2016 [S]
File formats	• NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) • NEF + JPEG • TIFF • JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Lens mount	• Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts • No field of view crop (full-frame) • When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop
Usable lenses	• Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported • DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size • AF NIKKOR other than type G or D: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II • AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II • Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data * IX NIKKOR lenses cannot be used * Excluding lenses for F3AF
Auto Focus	• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) • Multi-CAM 3500FX • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode
AF Area Mode	• Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF
Focus Lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
AF assist	External Speedlite only
Exposure modes	• Program Auto [P] with flexible program • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M]
Metering	TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor • 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (default 12 mm) • Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering range	• 3D Color Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV • At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens
Meter coupling	CPU and AI
Exposure lock	Locked using AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure bracketing	• 2 to 9 frames • 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
Exposure compen.	• +/-5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Sensitivity	• Default: ISO 100 - 1600 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps • Boost: 50 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, HI2 = ISO 6400
Shutter	• Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter • 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb
DOF Preview	• Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button • Activates modeling flash
White balance	• Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (seven) with fine tuning • Manual presets (four) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)
Picture Control	• Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome
Image parameters	• Sharpening: Auto, 7 levels • Contrast: Auto, 5 levels, Custom tone curve • Brightness: 3 levels • Saturation: Auto, 5 levels • Hue: 5 levels
Color space	• sRGB (Standard and Vivid modes) • Adobe RGB (Neutral mode)
Viewfinder	• Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism • Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) • Eyepoint: 18 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen • Frame coverage 100% • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.7x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens
Focusing screen	• B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II • Superimposed focus brackets • On-demand grid lines
LCD monitor	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle • Brightness adjustment
LCD Liveview	• Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors) • Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
Shooting modes	• Single frame • Continuous Low [CL]: 1 - 5 fps • Continuous High [CH]: 5 fps (5-7 fps with DX format) • Liveview [LV] • Self-Timer (programmable) • Mirror-up mode
Continuous buffer	• JPEG Large/Normal: no data yet • RAW: no data yet
Self-timer	• 2 to 20 sec custom
Flash control	•TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-800, 600 or 400 • AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens • Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S • Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode	• Front-curtain Sync (normal) • Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Slow Sync • Rear-curtain Sync
Flash compensation	• -3 to +1 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Orientation sensor	Tags images with camera orientation
Playback mode	• Full frame • Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) • One-touch zoom • Slideshow • RGB histogram • Shooting data • Highlight point • Auto image rotation
Languages	• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) • Dutch • English • Finnish • French • German • Italian • Japanese • Korean • Polish • Portuguese • Russian • Spanish • Swedish
Custom functions	48 custom functions
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector • HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type A connector) • Remote control 10-pin terminal • PC Sync flash terminal
10-pin terminal	• GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) • Remote control: via 10-pin terminal
Communications	FTP and PTP/IP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (IEEE 802.11 b/g)
Storage	• Dual Compact Flash Type I or II • UDMA, Microdrive and FAT32 supported • 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header
Power	• Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a/EL4 • Included dual battery charger MH-22 • Optional AC adapter EH-6
Dimensions	160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in)
Weight (no batt)	1220 g (2.11 lb)

Stylish Compact Camera Roundup

Previously, we've rounded-up some budget compact cameras. Let's move on to the next level. Three stylish, compact yet bristling with clever feature digital cameras made it to our list.


1. Panasonic Lumix FX35

The 25mm wide lens on the Lumix FX35 ensures you'll easily squeeze all your extended family into the annual portrait. This metallic compact makes ease-of-use a high priority. It features Panasonic's Mega OIS stabilizer which can even out tricky exposures. It also has IA, which recognizes the subject accordingly. It also captures HD movies at 720p and can output them to your TV. With all this gallant help available it's a great shame that pictures are let down by some noise and softness.

The Lumix is undoubtedly easy to use and stylish, but the results just aren't good enough.

Price: $199
Love: Easy to use. Looks built to last despite lightweight design.
Hate: Occasional image softness and noise.

Specs at a glance:
3648 x 2736, 10 megapixel
4x optical zoom
2.5" lcd viewer
SD, SDHC, MMC
li ion battery
3.7x2.0x0.9, 4.4oz


2. Sony Cyber-Shot W300

The Sony Cyber-Shot W300 is beautiful yet tough. The titanium-coated compact is disarmingly attractive, sizing you up with its retractable Carl Zeiss optical zoom. It boasts impressive artificial intelligence, with Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Recognition, Smile Shutter and blur-banishing anti-shake all helping to make its 13.6 megapixel shots as pristine as possible.

The zoom is only 3x, and pictures can display an uncharacteristic hint of softness. That aside, the W300 is a stylish camera that refuses to compromise on photographic quality.

Price: $329
Love: High-resolution, detailed pictures. Stylish case.
Hate: Images can appear soft on occasions.

Specs at a glance:
4224 x 3168, 13.6 megapixel
3x optical zoom
2.7" lcd viewer
MSduo (pro) (HS)
NP-BG1 li-ion
3.7x2.2x1.1, 5.5oz


3. Ricoh R10

The Ricoh's retro styling wouldn't seem out of place in a James Bond Classic film, but despite its classic looks, its features could still summon up raised eyebrows.
The R10 has a versatile focus range, a large, clear, high-resolution LCD screen, plus other camera stalwarts such as face detection and anti-shake. The metal and plastic body is timeless rather than old-fashioned. Adding to the espionage theme, the camera also features a built-in electronic spirit level function, so you shouldn't end up with wonky horizons.

If you're a fan of refined glamour, the sophisticated yet modern R10 is a parfait.

Price: $299
Love: Intuitive menu system. Larger than average zoom lens.
Hate: Boxy, old-fashioned dimensions.

Specs at a glance:
3648 x 2736, 10 megapixel
7.1x optical zoom
3.0" lcd viewer
SD, SDHC
DB-70 rechargeable
4.0x2.3x1.0, 5.9oz

The Verdict: Despite a 25mm wide-angle lens and heaps of useful what-nots, the Panasonic FX35's lightly soft pictures let it down. With a 7x optical zoom, massively hi-res LCD and the unique electronic level function, the Ricoh R10 is excellent value and fun-packed, but just pipped to the winning post by the Sony Cyber-Shot W300. Stylish, effective, full of feature and not too expensive, the W300 is a colossally covetable compact.

Budget Compact Camera Round Up

We tried three recession money crunching compact digital cameras around and here's our short review of each. These inexpensive models are all widely available $214 down. We're not talking about absolute cheapest of the cheap (you can, after all buy a digital camera/ webcam thingy for as little as $20) but have chosen entry-level models from the major manufacturers.


1.Fujifilm Finepix Z20FD
Those with sensitive eyesight should look away as the Z20FD comes in more gaudy colors you'd find. Flashy casing aside, the Z20FD is a neat camera, with 3x zoom, infrared image transfer and pretty fair 10 megapixel shots. Two-thumb activated controls make it easy to tab through menus and make changes via the slightly murky 2.5 inch screen. It may not be demure, but if you want snaps on a budget, the Z20FD's decent bet.

Price: $131
Love: Dimunitive and lightweight. Quick to power up.
Hate: Poor lens quality. Some soft images.

Specs at a glance:
3648 x 2736, 10 megapixels
3x optical zoom
2.5" lcd viewer
xD, SD, SDHC
NP-45 Li-ion
3.6x2.2x0.7, 3.9oz


2. Olympus FE-360
The compact FE-360 is just a tad wider than your credit card, and it won't give your finances anything like as much of a battering. The slinky body and sloping top plate may look stylish on this matt black number, but it's trickier to get a firm grasp on than string theory. At this price, plasticky controls and cartoon-ish menus are no great shock, but we were irked severely by the incredible slow, four-second image writing speed - an artist could sketch a person in that time, and it wouldn't look much worse than the images served up by this either. If you're a complete novice, the FE-360 may suffice, but you'll soon outgrow it.

Price: $105
Love: Compact and simple, with easy-to-navigate menu screens
Hate: Lethargic image writing. Poor images.

Specs at a glance:
3264 x 2448, 8 megapixels
3x optical zoom
2.5" lcd viewer
xD, MASD
LI-42B li-ion
3.7x2.2x0.8, 3.7oz


3. Pentax Optio A40
Slightly wider and with raised nodules on the rear to improve grip, the A40 feels more substantial than its budget rivals. As well as being chunkier, the Optio is also more user-friendly, with simple menus and a rechargeable Li-ion battery instead of awkward AAs. The black plastic and chrome finish looks suitably understated, but what makes the Pentax stand out is its superior 12 megapixel images. In fact, there's very little to dislike about this camera. If you're a photography newbie then you'll find yourself taking decent snaps in no time, even if it won't exactly turn you into Henri Cartier-Bresson overnight.

Price: $214
Love: Consistent images. Small but sturdy build. Easy to use.
Hate: Plasticky buttons

Specs at a glance:
4000 x 3000, 12 megapixels
3x optical zoom
2.5" lcd viewer
SD, SDHC
D-LI68 rechargeable
3.6x2.2x0.9, 4.6oz