The-Canon-Digital-Rebel-XTi Review
November 20, 2008
The Digital Rebel XTi, the newer version of the Digital Rebel XT, resembles its predecessor in many ways. It offers a 10.1-megapixel sensor, bigger eye-friendly LCD screen, and many new features. Small body molding changes in the XTi arguably makes a difference in the ergonomics of the camera; depending on your hand size, you may find the XTi comfortable or unbalanced and cramped.
Two of the most salient changes from the XT are readily apparent on the back of the unit: the LCD screen is a larger 2.5 inches, and the dedicated status LCD is missing; instead the XTi uses the main LCD as the status display. The camera automatically activates or deactivates the LCD screen as your eye moves to or away from the viewfinder. In addition, the newer version shows flash exposure lock and white balancing in its viewfinder’s status bar.
The critical shooting functions are easily accessible through the four-way buttons and LCD screen on the back of the camera. Program shift, exposure compensation, exposure lock, drive mode, and focus-point selection all have dedicated buttons.
The menus are simpler and easier to navigate than with the XT. Additionally, the Picture Styles feature has been added, offering predefined image parameter sets for shooting in specific situations. For example, the Portrait style provides settings appropriate for reproducing skin tones.
Several features from the previous two versions of the Digital Rebel have been added or enhanced. The Auto Rotate During Playback mode allows users to magnify and pan around the image that appears immediately after shooting. Users can view the histogram display in luminance (brightness), RGB or monochrome. And users have new long-exposure noise-reduction options.
The XTi has a 10.1-megapixel sensor, upgraded from the XT’s 8-megapixel.
The Xti features a triple self-cleaning sensor system. First, the sensor has an antistatic, dust-repelling coating. Second, a clear element in front of the sensor vibrates ultrasonically when the camera is turned on or off, to shake off dust. Third, users can create ?dust referencea? shot that permits the digital removal of dust spots during later editing.
Users have versatile lens options, as this camera will accept all Canon EF and EF-S line lenses, which include everything from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto functions. The unit is also compatible with EX-Series Speedlite flashes.
This camera tends to retail in the $500 to $800 range.
Features and Specifications include?.
Camera Type: SLR/professional
Image Sensor: CMOS
Dimensions: 3.71? high x 4.98? wide x 2.56? deep
Weight: 1.12 lbs
Exposure Speed: 3 frames per second
Shutter Speed: 30 ? 1/4000 second
White Balance: Auto, Manual, Daylight / Sunny (Preset), Cloudy (Preset), Fluorescent (Preset), Tungsten (Preset), Shade (Preset), Flash (Preset), Color Temperature Adjust
Flash Type: Built-in and External
Flash Functions: Flash Off, Auto Flash, Red-eye Reduction, Manual
ISO Speeds: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Image Resolutions: 3888 x 2592, 2816 x 1880, 1936 x 1288
Microphone: no built-in microphone
Self-Timer: 10 seconds
Interface: USB 2.0
Video Interface: video out
Focus Type: auto and manual
Lenses: Interchangeable
Power Type: NB-2LH
Power Duration: 360 Images
Memory Type: CompactFlash Card, Types I and II
LCD Screen Resolution: 230,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Optical (Through the lens)
Users generally give this camera good reviews. Users who are transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras give the XTi especially good reviews, citing the great picture quality and ease of use. Some users lament the lack of an inborn anti-shake feature, and although lenses are available with this feature, they are high-priced. Prospective purchasers, especially those transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras, should be aware that fully realizing the potential of this and similar cameras does require purchasing multiple lenses, the selection of which is not especially easy or cheap. That having been said, there is little buyer-remorse for those who do wish to invest in this camera and the lenses suitable to their photographic goals.
Sleek Nikon Compact Digital Cameras
June 28, 2008
If you are looking for a point and shoot camera that will give you great pictures and will be easy to take everywhere with you then look no further than Nikon compact digital cameras. You have the best of both worlds with this sleek little beauty. It has come to the market a little later than its competitors like the Olympus compact digital cameras but with all the advantages of a little extra development time.
If style is just as important to you as a good performance then this is the right type of camera for you. It is also easy to use, always a plus if more than one person is going to handle the camera and a good introduction to photography for little ones.
Easy Use from Anywhere
You can use Nikon compact digital cameras easily from just about anywhere. One of the key features of these little cameras is that you have Wi-Fi connectivity. You can upload your pictures with the built in Wi-Fi function. This way you can send pictures to all your friends right away, put up pictures on your blog, or put them away safely in your photo sharing device online.
Movers and Shakers
In this fast paced world it’s hard to get anything to stand still for a shot. That’s why Nikon compact digital cameras are perfect to use. Whether you are trying to take pictures of something on the move or snapping a shot in low light conditions you can be assured of a great shot. This is because of the high light sensitivity that Nikon compact digital cameras have.
This is combined with another key feature of Nikon compact digital cameras, the Optical Vibration Reduction feature. Handy if you have shaky hands when taking pictures or can’t help the lighting conditions. You get perfect pictures every time even when everything seems to be conspiring against you.
Clear Images
You can watch a slideshow of your pictures right away on your camera or on your television, and you can even add music. The LCD monitor is also great for everyone; with a generous 3 inch diameter you can see everything clearly. Nikon compact digital cameras also come with an anti reflection coating that will help you take better pictures even when the sun is out and shining in everyone’s eyes.
To top it all off this stylish little camera comes in the always fashionable black. Best of all it will fit in practically any bag with its light weight and compact dimensions. You won’t be able to leave your camera at home when it’s crying out to be taken with you.
How To Understand Digital Camera Reviews
June 13, 2008
Most people reading digital camera reviews are either those who have yet to buy a digital camera or are looking to upgrade to a newer model than the one they already have. In the case of the first instance, digital camera reviews can be too technical for beginners and a person can have a difficult time understanding parts of the review. I have put together a quick over view of some of the term you will most likely come across when reading digital camera reviews both online and off.
Aperture
Aperture is commonly known as the opening of the camera. This is present in both digital cameras and 35 mm cameras. The term aperture may appear in digital camera reviews when describing the lens capacity of the camera in question. The aperture directly affects both the shutter speed and depth of field.
Digital Zoom
Digital zoom is a term also common in some digital camera reviews. The term digital zoom refers to the interpolation of the image in the camera to maximize the main object without really gaining any details. Using the digital zoom for far away subjects may produce pixilated images. Digital camera reviews may state a particular camera that has greater digital zoom compared to others.
Macro
Macro is also a term found in digital camera reviews but usually accompanies reviews of a lens. The macro lens is one that can capture images which are very small or up close to the photographer. A lens that offers a wider angle is also called a wide angle lens, and this is commonly used to shoot scenery and other subjects that need great encompassment. Some digital cameras which are not SLR usually do not have the macro lens since they have a fixed lens which can not be changed from one to another.
Pixel
Pixel is also included in terms that are commonly found in digital camera reviews. A Pixel is the smallest unit of space in a display or an image. The capacity of the digital camera to have more pixels in one image is often misinterpreted by some people. Just having more megapixels does not necessarily mean that you will have crisper images, sometimes the quality of your lens must also be considered.
While I would encourage anyone to read a few digital camera reviews before deciding on their choice, its worth remembering that digital camera magazines rely on advertising revenue. I am not saying that digital camera reviews in the magazines are untrue as such, perhaps just a little economical with the truth is the best way to describe it.
Imagine a large company like Olympus for example who may pay thousands a month for a regular half page spread in the magazine. Its human nature for the editor to leave out any negative bits he finds in a review of an Olympus camera written by one of his staff for fear of losing that advertising. He won’t ask his writer to change “the picture quality is poor indoors” to “the picture quality is great indoors” he will simply remove the offending sentence so that the camera’s performance indoors is not mentioned.
Just something to think about while you are looking at digital camera reviews, happy shopping!
The Nikon Digital Camera Is The Choice Of The Pro
June 1, 2008
Professional photographers for years considered the Nikon name as the Rolls Royce of cameras and today even amateurs are finding that a Nikon digital camera will give them some of the best quality prints they could hope for. While some camera manufacturers offer cameras with a high pixel rating at what seems a really low price, the picture quality may not be as clear as those shot using a Nikon digital camera. While the number of pixels captured in a picture plays abig part of the quality of the print, it is not the only part.
With digital photography, there are three features that account for the quality of the picture. The pixel count, with the higher number of pixels being present the more sharp and defined the picture; the quality settings, typically high quality and super high quality and the quality of the lens. A Nikon digital camera typically combines three of the best features for the best image quality possible.
When a picture is taken with a digital camera, it may take a second or two for the camera to place the image on the digital media device. With film cameras, this was the time it took to advance the film for the next frame and the higher quality cameras were capable of shooting pictures about as fast as the shutter could be pressed. With most Nikon digital camera models, this same feature is available, allowing for rapid-fire pictures in most settings.
Type Of Hobby Will Determine Camera Need
The quality of the picture is also affected by its zoom capability with optical zoom providing a better quality picture for long shots than most digital zooms. The glass used in an optical zoom lens actually appears to bring the image closer to the camera while the digital zoom, even on a Nikon digital camera, appears to enlarge the image at its point of origin, often losing some image sharpness in the process. The type of pictures planned will help determine the type and length of zoom required for quality pictures.
There are Nikon digital cameras available for most photography needs as well as individual budgets. Those planning to take professional-looking pictures and have them enlarged to poster size can plan on spending some big bucks, whether they choose a Nikon digital camera or some other brand. Pixel counts of 10 or higher, along with super high quality rendering of the image to the media card and a high quality lens will not be cheap.
Olympus Digital Camera Choices
May 26, 2008
Regardless of the type of photographs you hope to take, as well as the available money you have to spend on a camera, there is an Olympus digital camera that will fit your immediate needs. They have been involved in the photography business since 1919 and the company released its first two Olympus digital camera models way back in 1996.
Since those early steps into the world of digital photography, innovations in the field has not only produced some fantastic cameras but has also created some stiff competition and helped force prices down for the consumer.
There are a few things to consider when looking at the range of Olympus digital cameras, not least the zoom rating. Digital cameras have zoom in two categories, optical and digital. While a high zoom rating may seem the one to go for, the outcome of the picture will probably not be what you expect. With an optical zoom, the section of the focused image is captured With a digital zoom, the entire image is enlarged but only one section is essentially cut from the view and recorded. Pictures taken with an optical zoom will normally be much clearer than those taken with a digital zoom.
The number of pixels included in the image is another important consideration when choosing your Olympus digital camera. Cameras with four mega-pixels are good for prints up to an 8 by 10, but if you want to be able to do larger prints, a higher mega-pixel count would be recommended to offer a higher quality print.
Unlike Men, Size Does Not Matter With Digital Cameras
With digital photography, the size and shape of the camera has very little to do with the quality of the pictures. You can find an Olympus digital camera to fit in your back jeans pocket, your purse or one that requires a backback and still have essentially the same quality of results. With film cameras, the camera had to be large enough to hold the lens, the roll of film and the batteries. So if you are moving to digital from SLR just remember that with digital photography the batteries are smaller and the media card is considerably smaller than a roll of film.
There are a couple of ways to preview the pictures using an Olympus digital camera including the LCD display screen and the view finder. There are also Olympus digital cameras with a through the lens reflex preview that shows precisely what part of the image will be included in the photograph.
Being able to adjust the number of pixels used in a particular picture can also help save image space on your storage card. By using lower pixel settings you can store more images on the card but if you plan to print the photograph you can adjust to a higher pixel rating suitable for the planned print size and most models of Olympus digital cameras cater for this option.