PMA

Sigma expands image-stabilized lens range

LAS VEGAS--Offering some higher-end alternatives and expanding image stabilization more broadly, Sigma announced a trio of lenses for digital SLRs Monday at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) trade show.

The three new models, which will work on Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Sigma cameras, are a higher-end 10-20mm ultrawide-angle zoom, and 18-50mm and 50-200mm zooms that unlike earlier models come with optical stabilization. The lenses are due to ship this spring, but pricing isn't yet announced, said Christine Moossmann of the company's marketing department. … Read more

Digital cameras set Datacolor's Spyder sense tingling

Although it looks like something you'd hang from your rearview mirror next to the fuzzy dice, Datacolor's SpyderCube is actually an ingenious tool for maximizing the dynamic range and obtaining neutral white balance for your digital photographs. Datacolor describes the SpyderCube as "the first all-in-one raw calibration device for fast and accurate whitepoint correction as well as bracketed adjustments for highlights and blacks," which I find a bit misleading, but it nonetheless seems as if it has the potential to aid those of us who batch process large numbers of images shot under consistent but uncontrolled … Read more

Pentax extends its reach to first megazoom

Better late than never? Pentax makes a surprisingly belated entry into the megazoom digital camera market with the $399.99 X70, a competitively spec'd camera. In fact, its lens and sensor specifications look amazingly similar to that of the Nikon P90: a 1/2.33-inch 12.7-megapixel CCD and 24x f2.8-5 26-624mm-equivalent zoom lens.

Unfortunately, there's not much here to differentiate it from the crowd, at least on the surface. The X70 incorporates a 2.7-inch LCD, but it's fixed--many competitors offer tilting or fully articulated displays. It doesn't support HD movie capture, instead maxing … Read more

Samsung conceptualizes its first hybrid camera

Last September, Samsung sort of announced its intent to create a standard for non-SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses, dubbed "hybrids," and while there's no talk of standards in the latest announcement, Samsung has announced a prototype for a hybrid model that the company plans to ship in the latter half of this year.

Samsung's annoucement provided few details--I'll try to get more when I meet with the company this week, so stay tuned. As indicated previously, the first NX series camera will be based around an APS-C size sensor, though it's not yet clear … Read more

Samsung ultra-wide-angle 12-megapixel cameras for control freaks

Samsung announced two 12-megapixel cameras this Monday morning--the TL320 and HZ15W. I've come to expect innovation from Samsung when it comes to its digital cameras (though sadly, I don't expect great photo quality), and these look promising.

The TL320:

12.2 megapixels 24mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom 3.0-inch hVGA AMOLED (460K dots) with a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 Dual image stabilization 720P HD video With HDMI connectivity via optional dock Dual analog gauges for memory and battery (like last year's TL9) Aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes Advanced Picture Mode for adjusting the color temperature from 2,800-10,000K or manual control of color space shift May 2009 at an MSRP of $379.99

The HZ15W:

12.0 megapixels 24mm wide-angle lens with 10x optical zoom 3.0-inch LCD (230K dots) Dual image stabilization 720P HD video With HDMI connectivity Manual mode (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure controls) March 2009 at an MSRP of $329.99

Full announcement with more details on the various features after the break.… Read more

What's up with the latest A-series Canons?

The spring 2009 Canon A-series cameras are here! OK, so maybe it's a little tough to get attention for Canon's "easy and fun" compacts, but those interested in cost-effective shooting will be interested in the refreshed cameras that feature more megapixels and improved image processing in two of the three announced Tuesday.

Sure, the A-series cameras aren't as ultracompact as the Digital Elphs, but if you don't need something incredibly portable these new models seem capable. Without further ado, here are the details on the A2100 IS, A1100 IS, and A480.

PowerShot A2100 IS:

12.1-megapixel resolution 6x optical zoom lens with image stabilization 3.0-inch LCD Digic 4 processor Smart Auto mode automatic scene recognition Powered by two AA batteries Available in April at $249.99 Full specs… Read more

Canon's dramatic Spring Elphs

Some years it seems like Canon makes no real changes to its designs. Then there's 2009. Almost every camera the company has announced thus far looks significantly different from its predecessors as well as completely unlike its linemates. Unsurprisingly, this is most evident in the new PowerShot ultracompacts.

At the top of the pack is the SD970 IS, which replaces the SD890 IS. While many of the SD models retain their optical viewfinders, the SD970 forgoes one in favor of a larger LCD, 3 inches up from 2.5. Since I complained about the small LCD in my review … Read more

Canon throws a curve at its megazooms

Canon didn't just go nuts with its ultracompact designs; it's also overhauled the SX110 IS, turning its rather staid budget megazoom into a stylish compact to compete more with products like Panasonic's new ZS series. Of course, the first thing to go is the low price--it's $349.99 up from $249--but now it comes with an attractive, curvy body and in colors beyond black.

The SX200 IS is a completely different camera from its predecessor; it seems like the only thing it keeps is the 3-inch LCD. It incorporates a 12-megapixel CCD, up from 9 megapixels, … Read more

Canon's new rough-and-tumble point-and-shoot

I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner, but Canon has finally decided to enter the market for rugged point-and-shoot cameras. It's kind of odd looking--I think it looks like a submarine--but according to the company the PowerShot D10 is freezeproof down to down to 14 degrees, shockproof up to a 4-foot drop and submersible up to 33 feet. Canon will offer interchangeable face plates and other accessories to match the camera to your adventure outfit du jour.

On a more prosaic note, the D10 has a 12-megapixel CCD, 3X zoom lens and all the automation features bestowed by … Read more