Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Photo Review Reviews section
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.
Unlike the EOS 300D, Canon’s new EOS 350D is in no way firmware-disabled. The company has thereby addressed many of the issues that made its predecessor, the EOS 300D recipient of almost universal criticism and brought to market a DSLR that is in most respects, as function-rich and capable as the more expensive EOS 20D. Plastic body notwithstanding, the new model is better built yet 25% smaller and 15% lighter than the 300D, thanks largely to a smaller battery. It also starts almost instantaneously and flash output is now adjustable across +/- 2 stops in 0.3 stop increments. Initially released in the same ‘silver’ colour as its predecessor, by the time this review is published a black version will also be available for the same price.
Plenty of worthwhile refinements to a popular semi-pro DSLR.While many observers expected a sensor upgrade when Canon announced this year’s first new DSLR, the new EOS 30D sticks with the EOS 20D’s 8.2-megapixel CMOS chip, while offering some noteworthy improvements over its predecessor. The camera body has been re-designed to accommodate the same 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel rear LCD monitor as the EOS 5D and, although this makes the 30D slightly larger and heavier, it provides a bigger, better display with a much wider viewing angle.
The first under-$2000 DSLR on the market is still a landmark camera and continues to attract buyers. Its plastic body is sturdy – but reasonably light, thanks to the use of a pentamirror instead of a glass pentaprism.
Canon’s 8-megapixel replacement for the ESO 10D has a solid feel and many of the features of the professional EOS-1D.
A smart metal body and large LCD screen combine with a high-resolution sensor to make Sony’s DSCW1 Cyber-shot an attractive camera, and its competitive price and ease of use will contribute to its success. So, too, will the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, although its wide-angle coverage may not be ideal for all photographers. It’s hard to fault the W1’s overall design as all controls and fittings are well placed and easy to use. The W1 mixes point-and-shoot functions with controls to appeal to serious photographers.
Sony’s DSC-P93 Cyber-shot has the same 5-megapixel sensor as the DSC-P100 but a ‘Sony’ lens that only focuses to 10cm in macro mode. It also uses rechargeable AA batteries and is only available in one colour. Minor cosmetic differences include a slightly thicker body with the mode dial moved to the top panel, and a smaller LCD monitor. No remote control is supplied. The P93 has the same auto and pre-set scene modes plus Program AE and manual settings, and the same video options.
Ricoh’s neat little Caplio GX8 is based on the 5-megapixel Caplio GX model and sports the same 3x optical zoom lens. With its 8-megapixel sensor, flash hot shoe and suite of manual controls, it’s targeted more at the quality-conscious intermediate photographer than the novice and it comes with a classy suede-like carrying pouch.
A traditionalist’s digicam with a compact body that is beautifully designed and built, and accepts some handy accessories. Imaging performance is above average.Fixed focal length lens notwithstanding, Ricoh’s GR Digital camera is a serious bit of gear with plenty to attract quality-focused photographers who want a pocketable camera. Designed on the basis of the 9-year-old Ricoh GR film camera it combines an elegantly constructed and well-built body with a fast (f/2.4), high-quality lens and high-resolution CCD sensor. The camera’s magnesium-alloy chassis is rubber-coated to provide a secure grip and it sports a bright 2.5-inch monitor and well-designed control layout.
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