Like some of the most recent DSLRs, Panasonic's new DMC-GH1 offers the added benefit of high-definition video capture - but also provides stereo sound recording. First shown at Photokina 2008, the GH1 is based on Panasonic's first Micro Four Thirds System (MFT) camera, the DMC-G1, and offers most of the same features for still capture. Unlike the G1, which came in black, red and blue, the GH1 will only be sold locally with a black body. In line with their MFT design, both cameras lack reflex mirror viewfinders but they provide the interchangeable lenses and sophisticated controls of the DSLR format in smaller, lighter bodies and are offered with MFT lenses.
... [more] Initially the Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm, f/4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens will be the main kit lens supplied with the GH1 body. However, it is also being sold as a stand-alone product, which is why we've reviewed it separately. Consisting of 17 elements in 13 groups, it includes four non-spherical elements and two ED (Extra-low dispersion) elements.
... [more]Panasonic has long been a leader in the ultra-zoom category, largely because it has produced cameras that are genuinely pocketable but are also easy to use, feature-rich and offer good performance. Unfortunately, it's taken almost six months since we first experienced the Lumix DMC-TZ7 at Panasonic's Asian Region launch in Singapore for a review camera to become available. That's a pity because this camera has a lot to interest potential buyers.
... [more]Although many photo enthusiasts have been looking forward to Sigma's DP2 since the camera was first revealed at Photokina 2008, we've had to wait almost eight months to see a review unit. Physically and technologically similar to the original DP1 model (which Photo Review reviewed in March 2008), the DP2 comes with a standard-range lens that is considered more suitable for snapshots and portraits. ... [more]Sigma's new 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is designed as an all-in-one lens for digital photographers with APS-C-sized (DX) sensors who don't want to carry more than one lens. Covering focal lengths ranging from the 35mm equivalent of 27mm to 375mm with most camera brands (28.8mm to 400mm on Canon bodies) it offers a 13.8 times zoom ratio. A built-in Hybrid Optical Stabiliser is provides for shake reduction in both shots and the viewfinder image.
... [more]Announced in late March, Canon's EOS 500D is another 'in-betweener' model, like the Nikon D5000 and Olympus E-620 we reviewed recently. Positioned between the 450D and the 50D, the EOS 500D offers the same effective resolution of 15.1 megapixels as the EOS 50D, the same DiG!C 4 image processor and the same Full High Definition movie recording capabilities as the EOS 5D Mark II. ... [more]Supplied as a basic kit lens with entry-level Canon DSLRs, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens covers a focal length range equivalent to 28.2 to 88mm in 35mm format. This is a good choice of focal lengths for general photography and will suit subjects as diverse as scenery and portraiture. Equipped with built-in image stabilisation (which Canon claims offers up to four f-stops of shutter speed advantage) it will focus as close as 25 cm at all focal length settings. ... [more]Positioned between the E-520 and the E-30, the new Olympus E-620 is another 'in-betweener' model offering features from both cameras. Claimed as the smallest and lightest DSLR with built-in image stabilisation it is smaller by roughly 12 mm in all dimensions and almost 250 grams lighter than the E-30. Despite having the same 12.3-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III+ image processing engine as the E-30 the E-620 lacks much of the finesse of the higher-priced model.
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