WHERE IS THE 'NEW' NIKON D800

Pictured: Nikon D700

Reports have suggested that Nikon was due to announce the eagerly anticipated Nikon D700 replacement yesterday. But nothing as yet, and I feel it could be weeks maybe months until we hear anything. This is due to the critical situation in Thailand, with extensive flooding almost halting Nikon's production line.


But what do we think we know about this camera from the rumours so far: 

• Firstly, the Model Number- Most believe it will be called a Nikon D800. But going on Nikon's previous track record, there are more reasons to suggest that it might be named D700s, D700x, D710 or D701. (I could be proven wrong here!!!)
• 36 Megapixel FX (Full-Frame) CMOS Sensor (Yes, 36MP), This will surely test the quality of Nikon's EXPEED image processor for pixel Noise & Grain
• 4 fps (frames-per-second) or 6 fps in DX crop function
• Full 1080x1920/30p HD movie (will be expecting lots of movie functions)
• Dual memory card slots (for CF and SD cards)
• Large LCD screen (+3 inches)
• Shutter Durability of 200,000 cycles

Even for a Canon user it is very exciting to see what Nikon's latest offerings will be, and if priced in-line with the Canon EOS 5D mk II then I anticipate a huge interest the NEW Nikon model. The Nikon D700 was & still is a fantastic camera, but even Nikon users will agree that an upgrade has been long awaited. So news of a new model is welcome, hurry up NIKON!!!!


Chances of Official Announcement prior to Xmas '2011


4.5 out of 5

FOR MORE INFO ON NIKON DSLR CLICK HERE

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New PANASONIC LUMIX GF3

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New PANASONIC LUMIX GF3: "Panasonic has just announced another NEW model to its Lumix G range with the Panasonic Lumix GF3. This new model is claiming to be the smal..."

Announced: The New PANASONIC LUMIX GF3

Panasonic has just announced another NEW model to its Lumix G range with the Panasonic Lumix GF3. This new model is claiming to be the smallest and lightest of any inter-changeable lens camera system, approx 17% smaller and 15% lighter than the Panasonic Lumix GF2.  

Its body has been re-sculpted into a rounder design, with its in-built flash changing position to the center of camera directly above the lens. Changing the flash position, means that the Lumix GF3 has no hot-shoe. Panasonic may suffer some criticism that the Lumix GF3 will not take an additional flash or an electronic viewfinder.

The Panasonic Lumix GF3 maintains a 3" TFT touchscreen (approx 460k-dot), which can also be assisted by a quick scroll wheel on the back. Along with the shutter button, the Lumix GF3 also has a dedicated Ai & Movie button.

Key Specification:

• 12.1 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• Light Speed AF (approx 0.1 secs)
• Full HD movie 1920x1080 (AVCHD) with constant AF
• Creative Features for Stills & Movie (expressive, retro, high key, sepia, high dynamic)
• Approx 320g (camera, card, battery, 14mm f2.5 lens)

Panasonic Lumix LX5 (left), Panasonic Lumix GF3 (right)

The key interest in this camera, will be its size (as shown above against the Lumix LX5). It satisfies the demand for a Small, Compact, Lightweight camera which offers DSLR quality and versatility. We feel that traditionalist may not take to this camera with no mode dial or hot-shoe, but the 3 different colour finishes, touchscreen, advanced auto modes are some of the reasons why it will surely be popular amongst the younger generation and beginners alike.

FOR MORE INFO ON PANASONIC LUMIX G- CLICK HERE

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New SONY ALPHA SLT-A35

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New SONY ALPHA SLT-A35: "Sony has just announced a new model to its Award winning Translucent Mirror range of inter-changeable lens cameras with the Sony Alpha SLT-A..."

Announced: The New SONY ALPHA SLT-A35

Sony has just announced a new model to its Award winning Translucent Mirror range of inter-changeable lens cameras with the Sony Alpha SLT-A35. Referred to by Sony as a slightly de-specified Alpha SLT-A55, it will most likely be a replacement model for the Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and is likely to be in the shops by August 2011.

Features the new model will include are:

• 16.2 Megapixel Exmor APS-C HD CMOS Sensor
• Translucent Mirror Technology for High Speed, Continuous AF with Stills & Movie
• Up to 7fps in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode (Approx 1.4x Magnification)
• 5.5fps at Full Resolution with Tracking Auto-Focus
• 15-point Phase Detection AF
• In Camera 'Picture Effects' for Stills & Movie (includes: Partial Colour Effect, Retro Photo, High-Key, Mono, Toy Camera & Posterisation)
• Full HD video AVCHD 1080i with rapid, accurate AF tracking

Initial Thoughts:


We Hold Sony's Translucent Mirror Camera's in very high esteem, as they seem to tick all the boxes of what people want from an inter-changeable lens digital camera. They have a huge range of Lenses, Flashguns & other accessories available to satisfy all demands. They are Compact, Lightweight & very easy to use. They are an ideal choice for beginners to enthusiasts, incorporate the more traditional Manual Exposure Modes and also having very advanced Auto Modes that make easy work of all lighting conditions. Useful functions also include Sony's Sweeping Panorama (now with 3D capability), Handheld Twilight, HDR & Partial Colour Effect looks to be a nice new creative feature. 

With Ultra High Speed Auto-Focus, Auto-Focus Tracking for Stills or Full HD Movie & High Speed continuous burst frame rates for stills, the Sony Alpha SLT-A35 can easily record any moving subjects- such as wildlife, sports, kids & pets.

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Announced: The New PANASONIC LUMIX G3

Panasonic UK has announced that the NEW Panasonic Lumix G3 will be the newest member to the 'G-series' family. Possibly a replacement for the Lumix G2, it is likely to be in the shops by mid-late June 2011.

Not only will new Lumix G3 come in the familiar Black & Red, but will also come in a new White finish (probably following the success for the new ipad & iphone4 in white).

The Lumix G3 will be approx..25% smaller than the Lumix G2, but will still retain a 3" Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD screen (approx. 460,000 dot), 1,440,000 dot equivalent LVF viewfinder and SLR style grip for comfortable holding. Upgrades include:

• New 16 Megapixel LIVE MOS sensor (which produces less than 1/3 noise than conventional sensors)
• New Light-Speed Autofocus (claimed to be the World's fastest pinpoint AF speed at approx..0.1secs)
• 4 Frames-per-second at 16MP or 20 Frames-per-second at 4MP
• Full HD AVCHD at 1920x1080, 50i Movie with full-time AF & AF tracking - for ease of use, cinematic quality movies

The Panasonic Lumix G3 will also be 3D compatible when used in conjunction with Panasonic's 3D 12.5mm/f12 Lens.
   


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & PRICES

REVIEW: THE CANON POWERSHOT SX220 HS

I often get asked the question: "If you were buying a camera, which one would you have?" Honestly, if i was looking for small digital compact- the Canon Powershot SX220 HS would be my choice! For them occasion's where the bulky DSLR is too much, i feel that the incredibly versatile compact Canon Powershot SX220 HS would satisfy my demands from it. Just outlining its key specifications you can understand why:

• 12.1 Megapixel high sensitivity CMOS
• 14x Optical Zoom (28-392mm) with dynamic IS
• Canon DIGIC 4 processor
• Smart Auto Mode (intelligent 32 scenes detection) with advanced subject detection
• Manual Exposure Modes (P,S,A,M)
• Full HD movie
• Super Slow Motion Movie (240fps @ 320pixels or 120fps @ 640pixels)
• Creative auto scenes (Fish eye, Miniature, Toy Camera, Super Vivid & Poster effects)

Pros:


For me the Canon Powershot SX220 HS size and housing such a versatile 14x zoom is what impresses me most, covering such a large range from wide-angle to telephoto with a good image stabilizer is invaluable. Also, i find the image quality very good in detail and very accurate in colour rendition. It's ability to record in low light conditions & general response is improved due to its new CMOS sensor & DIGIC 4 processor. The Menu's are very easy to navigate and the Mode Wheel makes it quick & easy to operate. Canon have also improved the zoom operation from a rocker switch on the Canon Powershot SX210 IS to a toggle switch on the SX220 HS. The movie function is very easy to use with its instant record button, and i also enjoyed using the super slow motion movie (at 120fps@640 pixels). I also like the fact that Canon have not incorporated a GPS system into the SX220 HS (haven't found a vital application where GPS is necessary in photography). 


Cons:


Two very minor things actually, it would be nice if the in-built flash had a button to open it instead of popping up each time you turn the camera on, something like what the Panasonic Lumix LX5 has. It would also greatly improve the cameras demand amongst enthusiasts/ professionals looking for a small digital compact, if it had the ability to take pictures in RAW file format.


Our Verdict:

4.8 out of 5 


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