Photo Review Reviews section

Nikon D3X

9 Rating

A professional DSLR that rivals medium format cameras in imaging performance. When Nikon unveiled its new D3X DSLR camera on 1 December, it was to mixed reactions. Launched as a successor to the popular Nikon D3, which was released in November 2007, it offers roughly double the resolution of the D3 (and the D700, which uses the same sensor). However, when its price tag was revealed a couple of weeks later, many reviewers were less than impressed. The reason: the D3X is in many respects identical to its sibling, but you’re paying a high price for all those extra pixels.

Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

In this review we’ll cover aspects of the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D that were not reported on in our ‘First Look’ in the last issue, and look at how well the camera performed in our standard suite of tests. Our tests were carried out on a production model supplied with two lenses: the new AF 17 – 35mm f2.8 – 4(D) and the AF 70 – 210mm f4.5 – 5.6 II. Changing from one lens to the other highlighted the snug fit of the lenses; you have to be spot on to engage the lens mount with the 7D’s body.

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

8.5 Rating

A capable, but pricey, high-resolution DSLR camera with some functions that will particularly suit portrait photographers.Fujifilm’s long-awaited successor to the FinePix S3 Pro is also built around a Nikon body (see illustrations in full review tab) and designed for Nikon AF lenses. However, the new S5 Pro takes Nikon’s D200 magnesium alloy body as its shell, instead of the film-burning F80, which was used for the S3 Pro. The result is a camera with superior construction, a more solid feel and much better digital integration. The S5 Pro is also distinguished by Fujifilm’s Super CCD SR Pro sensor, which uses double pixel technology to deliver an expanded dynamic range in shots.

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

Although it was unveiled in early February 2004, it took just over 11 months for Fujifilm’s FinePix S3 Pro to reach dealers’ shelves. The new model, which is targeted at professional photographers and high-end enthusiasts, is based on the Nikon F80 but, rather than using an existing Nikon body, it has a single-piece polycarbonate shell that has been customised for digital photography. It’s slightly wider and taller than its predecessor, but also marginally slimmer, with more rounded contours.

FIRST LOOK: Canon EOS 550D

A new, easy-to-operate camera for those looking to enter or step ahead in the creative world of DSLR photographyCanon’s EOS 550D, which was announced overnight, combines an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor ( the highest resolution in its class) with an easy-to-operate user interface. Featuring advanced technologies to underpin creative stills photography, the new camera can also record Full HD movie clips at a range of different frame rates. At first glance, the EOS 550D looks and feels like a winner.

FIRST LOOK: Canon EOS-1D X

Canon’s latest professional DSLR flagship provides functionality and performance to meet most photographers’ requirements.Photo Review was given a hands-on preview of Canon’s latest pro-camera, the oddly-named EOS-1D X, just under a week before it was due to be announced worldwide. As a result we are able to present a ‘first look ‘ at a powerful and versatile full-frame DSLR that combines impressive high-speed shooting with a wide range of functions to help photographers obtain excellent image quality in almost any situation.

FIRST LOOK: Canon EOS 1D Mark IV

A fast professional DLSR for photojournalists and sports and wildlife photographers that also offers Full HD video recording.Canon’s EOS ID Mark IV replaces the popular Mark III model at the top of the company’s ‘APS-H’ format professional DSLR line-up, adding Full HD video capture, higher resolution, a new image processor and an improved AF system to the features of the previous model. Like its predecessor, the Mark IV isn’t just for press and sports photographers; it has a much wider appeal and almost all photographers should find something desirable in the new camera.

Canon EOS 7D

8.8 Rating

A DSLR for serious enthusiasts who require advanced creative controls, live view shooting and Full HD video recording.With the introduction of the EOS 7D, Canon has created a ‘pro-sumer’ DSLR that is a step up from the EOS 50D but has a smaller sensor than the EOS 5D Mark II. Offering 18-megapixel resolution, the 7D is the first EOS camera outside the EOS-1 series to be equipped with Dual DiG!C 4 processors. It also boasts a 3-inch LCD with VGA resolution and supports live view shooting as well as Full HD video recording at selectable frame rates.

Canon EOS 60D

8.8 Rating

A DSLR camera for photo enthusiasts who also want to be able to record Full HD video clips.Replacing the popular EOS 50D, Canon’s new EOS 60D sits between the EOS 550D and EOS 7D and appears to have the same sensor as its ‘siblings’. The company is clearly aiming this model at photo enthusiasts, adding some new features that will attract those upgrading from an entry-level DSLR or Advanced digicam, the most visible being a vari-angle LCD monitor.