Balko Photo

Canon 40D, 17-40L

For $5000, one would expect top performance on all levels and according to PopPhoto, one is not disappointed. They made it their Top Camera for 2007.

By going to full-frame, the discussion of megapixels hardly applies. Image quality is top-notch and enough to make high-quality enlargements of up to 14×21 inches (at 200 ppi).

At the PopPhoto labs, at ISO 200, its 2320 lines of tested resolution for JPEGs (an Excellent rating) are almost identical to the much cheaper D300 ($1,800, street, body only), tested in their February 2008 issue.

Color accuracy is high for both JPEG and RAW files. Using noise control at high ISOs, the D3 earns an Excellent image quality rating from ISO 200 to ISO 3200.

Where it shines and earns its high selling price is in low-light situations. “Even at ISO 200, the added light-gathering capability of the larger pixels on the D3’s full-frame sensor beats the D300. Shooting RAW takes advantage of its lower noise and 14-bits-per-color capture. And it gives you much more flexibility, especially when using the supplied Capture NX 1.3 software to convert NEF RAW to 16-bit TIFF files.” from PopPhoto

Canon 40D, 100-400L

A Tree in a Kansas Sky

from my One Object for 365 Days Project at Flickr
Wichita KS
Canon 40D, 17-40L

The 10-megapixel Olympus E-3 digital SLR features Four-Thirds System compatibility, a dual-axis swivel 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel Live View LCD, and in-body mechanical image stabilization, which provides optical image stabilization regardless of the lens used. Image stabilization modes include all-around stabilization and vertical-only stabilization for panning. The camera also features an optical viewfinder with a 100 percent field of view. According to Olympus, the E-3 offers the best autofocus performance of any digital SLR when paired with their new Zuiko Digital 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Supersonic Wave Drive lens.

The E-3 includes an 11-point AF system, a 5 fps continuous shooting mode for a maximum of 16 RAW frames or a variable number of JPEG frames, and a shutter speed range of 60-1/8000 sec. The camera’s Live View LCD offers an angle of view of 170 degrees and a magnification factor of 5, 7 or 10 times, allowing the photographer to check focus and exposure before capturing an image. The screen’s dual-axis swivel mechanism provides 360-degree flexibility. The camera is compatible with several accessories including the Olympus HLD-4 battery holder, BLM-1 Lithium Ion batteries, and new FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes. Flash output settings can be controlled through the camera’s menus when using the FL-50R wireless flash. The Olympus E-3 digital SLR is available with a MSRP of $1699. PopPhoto

Olympus has finally announced their long-awaited flagship DSLR camera, the E-3. Billed as a pure pro camera, the Olympus E-3 is really more comparable to the cameras by Olympus’s competitors that we’ve been categorizing as semi-pro, such as the Pentax K10D, Canon 40D, and Nikon D200. Whatever you call it though, there’s no question that the new E-3 represents a sizable leap forward in technology and sophistication for the Olympus SLR line.

Built on a magnesium alloy frame the Olympus E-3 feels solid, and is sealed against dust and splashes. Connections include a USB 2.0 high-speed jack, an AC power jack, video out, remote control, and an x-sync terminal. The introduction also includes five new optics and two new flashes that can be remote controlled from the Olympus E-3’s onboard flash in three groups. A new battery grip works with the E-3 to double capacity, and duplicate key controls for vertical shooting.

The E-3 is exactly the camera Olympus needs to break into this prosumer SLR market, which is already dominated by Canon and Nikon, with Pentax, Sony, and Panasonic starting to fill in the gaps. Expected to retail for about $1,700, the Olympus E-3 is slated to ship in November 2007. Imaging Resource

Get it at Amazon! Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization (Body Only)

Rumors abound about this new camera and it flip-out LCD screen. I must emphasize that this is still rumor, but in the world of digital photography, we live on rumors. It provides hope for the future; that ray of sunshine in our otherwise dismal lives.

Feed yourself at Dyxum.

* Check it at Amazon Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

In the meantime, here’s what we know…

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images … With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A200 camera continues to offer high-quality images by allowing more light to pass through to each pixel – increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing greater detail … The DSLR-A200K kit includes the camera body and a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens for about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT 18-70mm lens and a 75–300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900. Both will ship in February and will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online on Jan. 7 at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.
from Digital Photog Review

Most noticeable external changes are a modestly bigger LCD monitor and the elimination of the Function dial on top, which gave access to settings for ISO, white balance, Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO), color profiles, flash modes, focus modes, and meter pattern. Instead, the A200 has an A700-style Function (Fn) button within easy reach of the thumb on the back of the camera. This provides quick access to camera controls via the rear LCD panel, whose interface more closely resembles that of the A700. The new camera can also accept a vertical grip, VG-B30AM ($250, street) that can use one or two rechargeable batteries.

In spite of the bigger screen and a few tweaks, isn’t this camera a little less than the old A100? Well, yes. Sony is clearly positioning the A200 as the entry-level DSLR in its lineup, and its projected street price ($699 with 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Sony DT lens) reflects that. Moreover, the A200 will be available only with the kit lens, not body-only.

It’s still quite a deal. You get a camera capable of Excellent image quality (with resolution right around 2,000 lines), useful image controls such as DRO, a fine-performing lens, and image stabilization that will work with virtually any lens that fits on the camera.
from PopPhoto

I am beginning a Photo-A-Week series for 2008.

Cardinal and Her Corn

Wichita KS
Canon 40D, 100-400L