Reviews

Smaller and lighter than its main competitors, the Pentax *istD features the same 6.1-megapixel CCD as the Nikon D70 and Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. Features include a pop-up flash with five selectable modes but no flash output adjustment (one of the *ist D’s few major omissions). A hot-shoe is provided for optional external flash units. The viewfinder is large, bright and informative and the 1.8-inch LCD monitor is backlit for improved viewing. Focusing is fast and accurate with most subject types and focus area selection is provided, with 11 selectable points. Over- and under-exposure warnings are also provided in manual mode. These warnings are duplicated on the top LCD panel as blinking shutter speed and aperture displays.

The first ‘consumer’ DSLR for the Four Thirds camera format.

Notable performance aspects of the E-1 were its focusing speed and accuracy and the spot meter’s accuracy was equally impressive. The white balance control performed well under a variety of lighting conditions. Image quality in bright lighting was very good and the test lens delivered full edge-to-edge sharpness but noise was obvious at high ISO settings.

With no higher-resolution sensor available, Nikon has opted to improve the features and functionality of its popular D70 model. Fortunately, until the next generation of ‘pro-sumer’ DSLR cameras arrives, the new D70s model will make many potential buyers very happy. For starters, for the $1999 price tag you now get a high-quality AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm lens as well as the improved camera body.

It’s over a year since we last reviewed a Nikon DSLR camera and almost two years since we saw a professional model, which makes the new D2X particularly interesting. The D2X’s core capabilities are almost the same as those of the D2H, which we reviewed in Photo Review October/November 2003 issue and both cameras look similar, which suggests similar handling characteristics. Despite its size and weight, the D2X has a comfortable grip in its standard horizontal configuration and is almost as good with the vertical grip. However, the underlying technologies in the new camera are quite different.

Nikon’s recently-released D2Hs digital SLR replaces the D2H model that raised the performance stakes for DSLRs when it appeared in 2004. Like its predecessor, it’s targeted specifically at sports photographers and photojournalists who cover action of any kind. Unlike Nikon’s D2X model, which can only shoot at eight frames/ second in cropped mode (producing 6.8 megapixel images), the D2Hs supports continuous shooting at eight frames/second for up to 50 JPEG frames or 40 NEF-RAW frames.

Professional picture quality, high-resolution, extensive accessory options and a competitive price tag make this camera a great choice for serious photographers.[ia] With a top resolution of 10.2 megapixels, Nikon’s latest DSLR, the D200, sits between the popular 6-megapixel D70/D70s model and the 12-megapixel D2X. Similar in size but slightly heavier than the D70s, the D200 is lighter and much less bulky than the D2X and much more comfortable to use. The new model has plenty to offer to professional photographers but its pricing will please serious enthusiasts with a suite of legacy Nikkor lenses.

Konica Minolta’s new Dynax 5D rectifies some of the problems we found when its predecessor, the Dynax 7D was launched. Noticeably smaller and roughly 22% lighter than the 7D, it is very price-competitive in the current market. No compromise has been made on functionality and the 5D has as many controls as some professional cameras, while providing easy-to-use features more commonly found on compact digicams.

Top features and functionality in a relatively portable camera for professionals.Canon’s 12.8-megapixel EOS 5D is in a class by itself and likely to remain unique for some time. Combining the best features of the company’s EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 20D models, it has a compact magnesium alloy case, stainless steel internal chassis and a mirror box of high-strength engineering plastic. Its control layout is very similar to the EOS 20D but its body is slightly bulkier.