Photo Review Reviews section

Canon PowerShot G12

8.8 Rating

The latest model in the popular G-series of digicams for photo enthusiasts adds 720p HD video recording. Canon’s PowerShot G12 can be seen as a minor or major upgrade to its predecessor, the G11, depending on how much you want HD video capabilities. The new model arrives at $100 less than the launch price of its predecessor yet adds a 720p HD movie mode with stereo audio. For movie fans, this would represent a significant improvement on the G11’s VGA video with monaural audio.

AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm

8.5 Rating

The new AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is the largest, heaviest and costliest of the three 18-200mm DSLR zooms we’ve reviewed in issues 25, 26 and 27. Although it can only be used on Nikon DSLR cameras – where it provides an 11.1x zoom ratio and covers a focal length range equivalent to 27-300mm in 35mm format – it has some distinguishing features that justify its relatively high price tag.

Canon PowerShot G11

9 Rating

The latest model in the popular G-series of digicams for photo enthusiasts.Canon surprised many industry observers by replacing the 14-megapixel PowerShot G10 with the 10-megapixel G11 model. However, this move makes sense because image noise was an issue with the G10 at ISO 400 and most photographers should appreciate having fewer – but larger – photosites that deliver better image quality. Nevertheless, the sensor remains pretty small (7.6 x 5.7 mm) and, more surprisingly, the RRP has risen by $150 since the G10 was released.

Canon Digital Ixus 120 IS

8 Rating

A stylish, super-slim digicam with a 12-megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom lens and 720p HD movie recording capability.Touted as ‘the slimmest ever wide-angle Ixus’ and almost credit-card sized, the new Ixus 120 IS comes in four stylish colours (black, blue, brown and silver) and boasts a CCD imager with 12.1 megapixels (effective) and a wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation. The lens covers a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 28-112mm and the camera is equipped with family photographer friendly features like Face Detection, AF/AE/FE, Motion Detection, a FaceSelf-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction.

Sigma DC 18-125mm 1:3.8-5.6 HSM Lens

8.5 Rating

A high-quality standard zoom lens with an extended zoom range for DSLR cameras with APS-C sized sensors.Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized sensors, Sigma’s new DC 18-125mm 1:3.8-5.6 HSM lens offers a slightly longer zoom range than most kit lenses and promises better optical quality. Constructed from 16 elements in 12 groups, it comes with Sigma’s Optical Stabiliser function and multi-layer coatings to minimise flare and ghosting.

Pentax K-x

9 Rating

A compact, feature-rich DLSR camera that comes in white, bright red and dark navy as well as basic black.Ever the innovator, Pentax is the first company to offer a DSLR camera in colours other than black and grey. The 12.4 megapixel K-x model will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as bright red and dark navy. Its small body makes the K-x one of the most compact, lightweight models in its class. However, this camera also provides heaps of in-camera adjustments plus the ability to record HD video clips.

Pentax K-m

8.5 Rating

A compact, entry-level DSLR with straightforward controls and plenty of novel features to satisfy more adventurous photographers.Pentax has used many features from last year’s K200D as the basis of its new K-m DSLR. The sensors, viewfinders and LCD screens in both cameras are the same. However, the K-m is pitched more at first-time DSLR owners. It’s as easy to use as an advanced digicam and offers some novel functions – including a swag of digital filters. But some features have been downgraded from its predecessor.

Pentax K-7

8.5 Rating

A sophisticated DSLR camera with controls and functions for knowledgeable photo enthusiasts.The K7 enters the Pentax range as a high-end model targeted at photo enthusiasts because its complexity makes it most suitable for experienced SLR photographers. Featuring a solid metal body, weatherproof sealing and a wide range of user-adjustable controls, it also supports high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5.2 frames/second and HD video recording at 30 frames/second. Pentax has also improved many of the components and functions that made earlier models attractive buys.

Pentax K20D

9 Rating

A ruggedly-built, high-resolution DSLR with live viewing plus some innovative and useful shooting functions.Pentax has designed its 14.6-megapixel K20D model to appeal to demanding photo enthusiasts but many of its features will also appeal to professional photographers. Like the earlier K10D model, the K20D is built to resist dust and moisture with seals protecting 74 different parts of the camera body. Physically the two cameras are similar, with identical body dimensions, although the new model has a larger LCD and is five grams heavier than its predecessor.

Olympus E-420

8.5 Rating

An affordable, ultra-compact camera that is ideal for newcomers to DSLR photography and provides above-average picture quality.Announced early in March, the Olympus E420 replaces the E-410 model at the entry level in the Olympus DSLR line-up, providing several worthwhile updates and a lower price tag. Like its predecessor, it’s claimed as the world’s smallest and thinnest interchangeable-lens DSLR camera and sports a 10-megapixel Live MOS sensor. As such, it will appeal to photographers who wish to upgrade from a compact digicam.