UK Digital Cameras Blog

The release of the Olympus E-3 may have been a long time coming, but one review has suggested that it was well worth the wait.

Olympus has delivered the 10.1-megapixel, digital single-lens reflex camera which Photography Review confirms would “please” any type of serious photographer.

It praises several of the camera’s features, stressing that they had been developed to complement how photographers actually work.

The review highlights its sensor-based, mechanical image stabilisation and its external white balance sensor as particularly noteworthy assets to the camera.

The Olympus E-3’s design was also lauded for its ergonomic body which contained all the necessary controls in a sensible arrangement.

In terms of the camera’s usability, it is described as an “excellent workhorse” with users being able to power-up and go very easily.

The review confirms: “It’s a serious contender among its competitors and its combined features make the Olympus E-3 a truly distinctive alternative to the mainstream.”

Olympus suggests that its Olympus E-3 features the world’s fastest auto-focusing speeds thanks to an advanced AF system and new Zuiko Digital Supersonic Wave Drive lenses.

Nikon will next year be celebrating its 90th anniversary and is set to publish a collectible guide to its range as part of the festivities.

The Nikon: 90 Years in the Making guide will present the history of the company, its products and the various innovations it has made in the field of photography.

There will also be a fold-out guide detailing the technological developments in the new Nikon D300, which is the company’s latest DSLR model.

Since its beginnings 90 years ago, the firm has produced more than 40 million lenses and has worked with Nasa in imaging space.

The Nikon D300 features a 12.3 megapixel self-cleaning sensor, can take up to six frames per second when in continuous shooting mode and has a 51-point autofocus system, which the company claims offers high sensitivity and broad coverage in low light settings.

As well as the Nikon D300, the firm has released a D3 model, which is in FX rather than DX format, meaning that images are in the same style as those that are taken with 35 mm film.

Sigma has launched a new lens that is suitable for use with the Nikon cameras.

The company has produced a new 18-200 mm F3.5-6.3 lens to be used with Nikon models.

Among the features on the new lens is the ability to autofocus when attached to any Nikon DSLR model. Previously, the lens was not suitable for use with the Nikon D40 or D40X because these cameras did not have an in-body focus motor.

But now the lens comes with an in-built motor so that it can be used with all of the DSLR cameras in Nikon’s range.

A minimum focusing length of 45 cm is needed for the lens, while an inner focusing system means that there is no front lens rotation, which is ideal if a petal shaped lens hood is being used.

There is also a lock on the new product, so that it does not move while in use.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-T2 has been noted for its array of features, including a three times optical zoom lens and an eight megapixel sensor, among other things.

In a new review for Imaging Resource, it is noted that the camera features an array of functions that allow the user to take complete control of the images.

“As a concept camera, the Sony T2 really flies,” the review states. “The compact form factor is attractively sculpted - unusually so - and the touch screen interface is also unusual in its functionality.”

But although it has a number of positive points, the reviewer also notes that there are some areas where the camera could be improved.

It has no HD video output, and images have some distortion in certain circumstances. Also, there is a level of noise at low ISO settings, while at high settings colour is favoured over detail, the review states.

But in spite of these weak points, the review notes that its optical image stabilisation and above average shutter lag performance, as well as a host of other features, mean the camera “has a lot going for it”.

Sony released the new camera last month and it is available in a number of different colours.

Panasonic has released an update to the firmware for its DMC-L10 DSLR camera, which aims to improve a number of features within the model.

Among the changes made to the camera are an improvement to the autofocus setting as well as changes to exposure and white balance controls.

There is also now a shorter time between different frames when the camera is in single shot mode.

The Camera Body Version 1.1 download, which is now available, also allows for the front and rear dials on the camera to be adjusted to change the magnifying position in certain modes, while in others, the white balance can be fine-tuned.

Panasonic’s DMC-L10 recently received a new review from Digital Photography Review, where it was noted that the model has a number of unique features for its group, such as a fully moveable LCD screen, as well as image stabilization and a Leica lens.

The Nikon Coolpix P50 has been noted as a “highly adaptable point and shoot” model in a new review.

Based on the P5100 model, this more basic model has been tested by technology site Cnet.co.uk to see how it compares to its bigger brother.

The website notes that the camera has an “old-fashioned, boxy feel” with a chunky grip.

“We are impressed with the satisfyingly wide 28 mm wide-angle Nikkor lens, which allows you to fit more into your screen,” the review states.

It is also powered by “good old-fashioned AA batteries” the review notes, which may be an appealing feature for some users.

The picture quality is noted for its strength - and with a number of different settings available, the camera allows a larger level of control over images than is common in a compact camera.

Overall, however, the review claims the model is “hard to get excited about,” unless complete control over images is desired.

However, the Nikon Coolpix P5100, which the camera is based on, has been noted for its high specification and image quality.

Canon could be set to announce some new additions to its range of cameras, it has been reported.

According to Photography Bay, in a translation of an article for Swedish photography site kamerabild.se, some new cameras could be confirmed by the company on January 24th.

In an interview with the Swedish site, Robert Westin, the vice-president of Canon Sweden reportedly said the firm will release more photo-related products next year than it has this year.

Commenting on the speculation, the Photography Bay site suggests that a replacement for the Canon Rebel XTi will be released, as well as a new version of the Canon 5D.

The author also stresses his belief that the company will announce another new product next year, possibly entering a gap in the market for the firm.

In recent weeks there has been increased speculation that Canon is to release a mark II version of the 5D next year.

A new review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 has been published by Digital Photogrpahy Review.

The article states that the company’s first digital SLR caused “quite a stir” when it was launched, partly due to its Leica inspired styling, among other things.

But interest in the camera did not translate into sales - something the firm will be hoping to put right with the new model.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC- L10 is noted as a “far more conventional affair” than its predecessor and has a number of new features, including a moveable LCD monitor as well as a new ten megapixel sensor.

A number of changes have been made to the camera and the review states that it is a “very different beast to the camera that came before”.

It is also aimed at a “very different segment of the market”. The camera now comes into the mid-range market rather than the semi-professional sector.

Panasonic’s latest entry to the DSLR market features a Leica lens, although it is less heavily based on a traditional Leica style.

The Apple iPod touch has been noted for the range of features it has, which includes the ability to display digital photos, among other things.

In a review from Lets Go Digital, the 16GB Apple iPod touch’s abilities as a tool for displaying images, as well as all its other features, was cited.

If the gadget is turned on its side, the image being viewed will also turn, while another feature means that photos can be displayed at a smaller size so that the music playing features can also be displayed.

“An additional amazing function on the iPod touch is zooming in on pictures,” the review states, as users simply have to place their fingers on the screen and move them apart in order to focus on a particular section of an image.

The review notes that this model from Apple is capable of much more than just playing music and that it’s internet functions, among other things, make the product suitable for a range of needs.

A recent event held by Nikon allowed visitors to come to grips with a range of the manufacturer’s cameras, it has been reported.

Lets Go Digital reports that the Nikon Solutions Expo held recently gave visitors the opportunity to learn how to use various different cameras while also being given the chance to attend workshops and seminars to learn about digital photography techniques.

“Even the visitor not in possession of a Nikon camera was able to learn a lot from these seminars,” the website stated.

The touring exhibition has visited a number of British cities and a tour of European locations is currently underway.

Seminars are led by experts and professionals and visitors are offered the chance to practice their shots in a range of settings.

A number of manufacturers of technological products exhibit at the event, showing consumers how their photos can be used once they have been taken.