Photo Review Reviews section

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.

Canon EOS 600D

8.5 Rating

An affordable DSLR for aspiring photographers who want ease-of-use in a high-resolution camera that includes Full HD video recording plus creative functions.The EOS 600D sits at the top of Canon’s entry-level range but includes several features from the ‘pro-sumer’ models. Positioned between the popular EOS 550D and EOS 60D, the keenly-priced 600D has the same 18 megapixel CMOS sensor as these cameras and the same DIGIC 4 image processor. It also supports a sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400, which can be expanded up to ISO 12800.

Canon EOS 450D

9 Rating

A high-performance DSLR with live viewing on a 3.0-inch LCD.Canon is obviously targeting photographers who wish to move into DSLR photography by its choice of SD and SDHC media for its new EOS 450D model. Although it may upset CF card devotees, it’s a smart move. Since SD cards have similar capacities, transfer speeds and prices to CF cards and digicam users can use the same memory cards in their new DSLR, there’s a lot to gain. Furthermore, it has also allowed Canon to produce a body that weighs 35 grams less than the EOS 400D.

Canon EOS 50D

9 Rating

A high-resolution DSLR with features and performance to suit serious enthusiasts.Canon’s new 15.1-megapixel EOS 50D is a ‘big brother’ model to the popular EOS 40D (which remains in the company’s line-up) and a ‘little brother’ to the coming EOS 5D Mark II. Offering higher resolution than the 40D, it has a new DIGIC 4 image processor, which supports 14-bit image processing, improved noise reduction and 30% faster processing times. It also delivers continuous shooting speeds of up to 6.3 frames/second with a UDMA CompactFlash card.