hich features an 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DiG!C II Imaging Engine.
|
New mid-range DSLR from Canon
Canon will replace its popular EOS 10D model with the new EOS 20D, which features an 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DiG!C II Imaging Engine. 
The EOS 20D supports 12 shooting modes, including seven automatic modes and five creative settings for advanced users. The 35-zone metering system can be used in evaluative, partial and centre-weighted average modes and sensor sensitivity is adjustable from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with ISO 3200 available as a Custom Function. The white balance control is comprehensive, with an auto mode, six pre-sets and custom measurement plus colour temperature adjustments, +/- nine steps of white balance correction and +/- three steps of white balance bracketing.
Concurrent with the release of the EOS 20D, two new EF-S lenses have been added to Canon’s line-up. The EF-S 10-22mm f3.4-4.5 USM (RRP $1399) combines an ultra-wide angle of view (equivalent to 16-35mm in 35mm format) with a compact, lightweight body, optimised lens coatings to minimise flare and ghosting, and a circular lens aperture for attractive out-of-focus areas in portrait photos. Minimum focusing distance is 24cm at all focal lengths. The EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 USM (RRP $1099) covers a focal length range equivalent to 27-136mm in 35mm format. A built-in image stabiliser allows users to shoot at approximately three stops faster than they would with an unstabilised lens and a double-sided, aspherical glass element (GMo) provides high image quality at all focal lengths. The closest focusing distance is 35cm.
Sub-$1000 digital ‘super lens’ from Tamron Tamron has released a new extended range 28-300mm zoom lens that is compatible with both film and digital SLR cameras. 
Marketed under the rather long-winded name, Tamron AF28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A061), it is the smallest and lightest currently available in its class. The Di design incorporates a special multi-coating that reduces this sensor-induced ghosting and flare and the 10.7x zoom range provides a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 43-465mm when the new lens is fitted to a DLSR with a 1.5x lens multiplier factor. The new lens focuses down to 49 cm from the subject through its entire zoom range, providing genuine macro focussing (with no need to switch modes) plus extreme telephoto capability. Constructed from four types of optical glass – including XR (Extra Refractive index) and LD (Low Dispersion) elements – it consists of 15 glass elements in 13 groups, with a nine-blade diaphragm controlling image aberrations, especially in highlights. A flower shaped lens hood comes as a standard accessory.
FinePix F810 claims over 12 Megapixels Fujifilm’s compact, 6.3-megapixel FinePix F810 Zoom is now available inAustralia. 
Featuring a 4th Generation Super CCD-HR sensor with 6.3 million effective pixels, which can deliver 12.3 million recorded pixels in images, the new model is expected to sell for around $799. The FinePix F810’s 4x optical zoom lens, which has a focal length equivalent to 32.5-130mm on a 35mm camera, is extended as soon as the camera is turned on, making the camera very responsive. A 6.3x digital zoom function is provided, along with manual exposure and focus controls, flash compensation and several JPEG compression settings. RAW image capture is also supported, as well as three continuous shooting modes. High-quality VGA movie clips can be captured at 30 frames per second with sound. Approximately 10 minutes of video can be recorded on a 512MB xD-Picture Card. Voice memos of up to 30 seconds can also be recorded. ISO settings range from 80 to 800 to accommodate a variety of lighting conditions, and the F810 has a 2.1-inch wide-screen LCD monitor that allows images in 16:9 format to be captured and played back without stretching or distortion. Standard 4:3 images can also be selected on the LCD.
New Ricoh built for speed
The new Ricoh Caplio R1 is claimed as the world’s fastest compact digital camera.  Other features include an advanced 1cm macro for ultra close-up photos and a movie mode that records high quality continuous AVI video with sound at a full 30 frames per second.
Six shooting modes are provided, including Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Night-scene, Text, and High-sensitivity. Three high-speed continuous shooting modes are offered including capture of 16 images on a single file.
Photo course with Adobe discounts The Nikon Club has announced that enrolments are now open for the second 2004 intake of the Nikon School by Correspondence, commencing in October. Two courses are offered – Photography 1 and Digital 1, each of which a comprehensive overview of basic photographic techniques and camera operation. They succeed the successful Nikon School programs, which have been conducted nationwide by Nikon Club for a number of years. The study combines monthly lecture notes posted to participants with set assignments that are assessed and then returned by the tutorial team. Enrolment is open to all, regardless of SLR or digital camera equipment or skill level. Nikon School students will be entitled to purchase Adobe software products at special Educational Prices. For example, Adobe Photoshop CS is available at just $480, a saving of $819 off the recommended retail price of $1299. This offer alone more than returns the course fee for the Nikon School by Correspondence. Other software on offer includes Adobe Photoshop Elements at $79 (RRP $159) and the Adobe Creative Suite Premium Edition at $620 (RRP $2299) Course fees are $479 for Nikon Club members and $529 for non-members. For further information contact Nikon School:(02) 8748 5240 or visit www.nikonclub.com.au or e-mail info@nikonschool.com.au
High-end ‘photographers’ digicams’ from Canon
Aimed squarely at serious photo enthusiasts, the PowerShot G6 is 10% smaller than the G5 model and sports a fast f2.0 zoom lens equivalent to 35-140mm in 35mm format. DiG!C image processing ensures high picture quality and an AF speed up to 55% faster than the earlier camera. The G6 is the first G-series model with 9-point AiAF, which provides automatic, accurate autofocusing, even with off-centre subjects. FlexiZone AF/AE allows photographers to select the spot for focus and metering measurements. 
A new aspherical UA lens with an ultra-high index of refraction has been included in the zoom lens composition, providing high magnification rates with excellent image quality in a slimmer camera body. The Tv and Av shooting modes have an added Safety Shift function, which automatically adjusts settings for an appropriate exposure when shooting. Flash output is also adjustable. A Print/Share button enables users to print images by connecting the camera directly to a direct print or PictBridge compatible printer. When the camera is connected a computer (Windows only), pressing the Print/Share button lets you easily download images directly from the camera to the computer.
|
