Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Inspiring ways to improve your photos
Photo Review Reviews section
Although it has the same sensor as the DSC-P150 reviewed in this issue, Sony’s new DSC-V3 Cyber-shot is quite a different beast. Designed to attract serious photographers it features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 4x optical zoom and a reasonably fast aperture at both wide and tele positions. It also sports a pop-up flash plus a hot shoe for accessory flash units and dual CompactFlash and Memory Stick slots.
A fast, high-quality zoom lens that covers a popular focal length range and can be used on all Sony DSLR bodies.The price tag reflects the build quality and performance of Sony’s fast 70-200mm f/2.8 G lens. Compatible with APS-C format and 35mm sized sensor cameras, it covers a focal length range of 105-300mm with the former. The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture is available at all focal length settings, as is the minimum aperture of f/32. Eight contacts inside the lens mount allow the lens to interact with compatible camera bodies.
Many keen photographers will welcome the release of Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-R1, which replaces the aged DSC-F828 at the top of the company’s line-up. Like the F828, the new model sports a non-interchangeable lens – a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* wide angle zoom covering a field of view equivalent to 24-120mm in 35mm format – and a high-resolution sensor. However, Sony has fitted a much larger CMOS chip in the R1 and its resolution is significantly higher.
A well-built DSLR camera for photographers who want to work with raw files to obtain maximum image quality.It’s taken a while for Sigma’s SD15 to reach the market. First displayed at Photokina 2008 and then officially announced as a successor to the SD14 on 20 February, 2010, the SD15 has only just gone on sale locally. It offers a few updates to its predecessor but features the same Foveon X3 sensor, which has a focal length crop factor of 1.7x.
An interesting multi-function digicam with a long zoom lens and extensive video capabilities.It’s difficult to classify Canon’s PowerShot TX1 camera because, functionally, it sits somewhere between a medium-resolution digicam and a camcorder. Combining a 7.1-megapixel imager with a 10x optical zoom lens, the TX1 is larger than Canon’s Ixus models but has a similar, stainless steel clad body. But its zoom range and video resolution are closer to Canon’s high-definition camcorder products.
An interesting camera for serious photographers but with some functionality limitations and a relatively high price tag.It’s been ages since we reviewed a Sigma DSLR camera, the last model being the not-so-impressive SD10. Fortunately, its replacement, the SD14 is a somewhat different beast, although it still uses a Foveon image sensor. For starters, it’s more compact and 85 grams lighter than the SD10. It’s also the first Sigma DSLR capable of shooting JPEG files as well as X3F raw files.
A well-built, thoughtfully-designed DSLR camera for serious enthusiasts and professional photographers.Nikon’s new D300 DSLR camera slots in above the D200 ‘pro-sumer’ model but does not replace it. Although five grams lighter, the new model has essentially the same sturdy body as the D200, with a magnesium alloy chassis and dust- and moisture-proof sealing. Its shutter unit is rated for 150,000 cycles, compared with 100,000 for the D200. Its sensor resolution is also higher at 12.3 megapixels.
An affordable long-zoom lens for DSLR cameras with ‘full-frame’ or ‘APS-C’ sized image sensors.Sigma’s APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens is a telephoto zoom with a 3.3x magnification ratio that will suit photographers who enjoy taking close-ups of sports or wildlife. Although not particularly fast, it is reasonably portable and has an affordable price tag for its build quality and optical composition.
A capable ultra-wide lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C sized sensors.Announced at PMA 2010 in February, the new Sigma AF 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM lens is designed specifically for DSLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors and boasts the widest angle of view of its type. It covers angles of view equivalent to a 12-24mm lens in 35mm format (12.8-25.6mm on Canon cameras) and features a number of exotic glass elements that help to keep its size compact and weight relatively low.
A competitively-priced, optically-stabilised long-zoom lens for DSLR cameras with ‘full-frame’ or ‘APS-C’ sized image sensors.A close cousin to the APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens, which has also been reviewed on the Photo Review website, Sigma’s APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens can be used on both ‘full frame’ and ‘APS-C-sized’ DLSR cameras as well as traditional 35mm SLRs. Smaller and lighter than the 150-500mm model, it is a significant upgrade on the 135-400mm f/4-5.6 lens it replaces.
Latest news, reviews, tips, and new ways to improve and inspire your photography.
Ads can be a pain, but they are our only way to maintain the server. Please deactive Ads blocker to read the content. Your co-operation is highly appreciated and we hope our service can be worth it.
