Sigma DP1 hands-on

• Brand: Sigma
• Subject: Digital Cameras
• Category: Camera Previews

During our meeting with Kazuto Yamaki, Chief Operating Officer, from Sigma Japan, I had the opportunity to touch and try the new Sigma DP digital compact camera. Although the status of the Sigma DP1 is pre-pre-pre-production, in the words of Kazuto Yamaki, we can already share our thoughts with you based on this model. The Sigma DP1 is compact and is basically similar to ordinary compact camera models. However the big difference between an ordinary compact camera and the Sigma DP1 is its image sensor.

Olympus E-400 preview

• Brand: Olympus
• Subject: Digital Cameras
• Category: Camera Previews

At the end of August, we were invited to come to Hamburg to attend the press meeting of Olympus. During this European meeting, Olympus introduced their latest compact digital cameras, together with a preview of the new Olympus digital SLR camera: the Olympus E-400. During the press conference, there was a thick queue of four rows of journalists all trying to catch a glimpse of a trio of E400s; making it impossible to get a proper impression of this FourThirds DSLR. Therefore, we are grateful to Olympus for providing us with a pre-production model, so that we can share an extensive first impression with you. Olympus did not yet reveal the retail price at the press meeting, but it will surely be a very competitive price!

Nikon Coolpix S10 preview

• Brand: Nikon
• Subject: Digital Cameras
• Category: Camera Previews

The Nikon Coolpix S10 is one of a new series of Coolpix digital cameras launched by Nikon and introduced before the start of Photokina 2006. In addition to the series of Nikon Coolpix cameras to which the Nikon Coolpix S10 belongs, Nikon is also presenting a new digital SLR camera: the Nikon D80. In doing so, Nikon has added an interesting series of digital cameras to its range that are sure to arouse the interest of a great many consumers. One can't help noticing that there is still no digital compact camera for serious photographers, a camera where aperture, shutter speed and other functions can be operated manually. A compact camera like this would have a price tag similar to that of Nikon's entry-level D-SLR model, the Nikon D50. We may assume that this is the main reason behind the absence of a segment of advanced compact cameras for semi-professionals. Still, the Nikon Coolpix S10 has some very interesting functions; 6 Megapixels, one for Nikon's new Image Sensor Shift VR (Vibration Reduction) to correct undesired camera movements, a 10x tilting optical zoom (equivalent to 38 - 380mm in a 35mm) and a 2.5 inch format LCD screen. We had the chance to work with a pre-production model, to enable us to describe the camera in greater detail.

Nikon Coolpix S10 preview - Part II

• Brand: Nikon
• Subject: Digital Cameras
• Category: Camera Previews

An LED placed besides the lens serves as an indicator for the self-timer, and more importantly, as an AF assistance illuminator. The AF assistance illuminator will be automatically activated if there is not much surrounding light or if a subject is being photographed in poor lighting conditions. The assistance illuminator has a maximum range of approx. 2.0 m (W) to 2.0 m (T). The assistance illumination will not be activated if turned off in the menu or if the camera is recording in certain modes, such as twilight, night landscape, etc. The Nikon Coolpix S10's assistance illuminator is activated when it is delivered from the factory.

Nikon Coolpix S10 preview - Part III

• Brand: Nikon
• Subject: Digital Cameras
• Category: Camera Previews

As the Nikon Coolpix S10 has a tilting lens, it follows that the LCD screen can also tilt. The camera consists of two halves when tilting. The Nikon S10 has a large format 2.5 inch screen. It is hard to remember the days when 1.5 and 1.8 inches at the most were the standard size in a digital camera. The Nikon Coolpix S10’s LCD screen has an extra large viewing angle of 170° and the combination of tilting lens and extra large viewing angle means you can take photos from practically every angle with the Coolpix camera. It is also handy for showing saved pictures; whether you want to look at the pictures straight on, from the left, right, above or beneath, they remain clearly visible.

Nikon D80 Preview

• Brand: Nikon
• Subject: Digital Cameras
• Category: Camera Previews

Since the introduction of the acclaimed Nikon D200, Nikon has earned itself a strong position in the high resolution segment and caused a shockwave last year in the market for advanced semi-pro DSRL cameras. Today, Nikon is repeating that remarkable feat with the introduction of the 10 Megapixel Nikon D80. We had access to a pre-production model of the Nikon D80 DSLR camera and will discuss the functions and special features in the following preview. Maybe we are being overhasty, but the only conclusion we could come to was that future owners of a Nikon D80 will get good value for their money. This new model has incorporated a lot of technology that was previously used in the Nikon D200 and the professional D2X.

Nikon D2x First impression

• Brand: Nikon
• Subject: Digital Cameras
• Category: Camera Previews

Today we are pleased to give you a first impression of Nikon's new flagship - the D2X. This professional digital SLR camera is the latest of Nikon's SLR series. Again, and kudos for Nikon to stay consistent, the camera features a Nikon DX-format image sensor. The high-end professional D2X delivers 12.4 effective Megapixels. It all began in 1999 with the launch of the breakthrough digital SLR camera - D1 - later followed by the D1X. The D1X was the professional model with a higher pixel-count and soon after the D1X came a high-speed shooter listening to the name D1H. Four years later, in 2003, Nikon released the D2H with innovative functions and a user-friendly and easy-to-handle body.