Olympus EVOLT E-510
Posted On Wednesday, 2 July 2008
The Olympus EVOLT E-510 is a 10 megapixel DSLR that comes with built in mechanical image stabilization and a 2.5 inch LCD.
The E-510 features Live View LCD, TruePic III, new ergonomic design, dust reduction technology and is one of the lighter and more portable DSLRs going around.
Olympus today unveiled its EVOLT E-510, a portable digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera with advanced technologies for photo hobbyists and those that are serious about their photography. While easy to use, this new digital SLR appeals to photographers who desire complete creative control. The E-510 also offers the following key features:
* Live View LCD enables users to compose shots from a variety of angles other consumer digital SLR cameras just can’t match;
* 10-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor for super high-resolution images that can be cropped or blown up to poster size without sacrificing image quality;
* Mechanical Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive? technology provides blur-free images – across all of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses;
* Dust Reduction System for spot-free photos, so users can spend more time taking pictures and less time removing unsightly specks from digital images with computer editing software; and
* Extremely portable, lightweight body with an ergonomic grip ensures the camera fits snugly in the hand, and the portable body is complemented by two new ultra-compact digital specific lenses that won’t weigh you down and is perfect for any adventure.
Innovative 2.5-Inch Full Time Live View HyperCrystal LCD
The E-510 features a Live View LCD to provide users with the freedom to choose how they compose their shots, using either the LCD or the optical viewfinder on the back of the camera. The Olympus Live View LCD empowers users to easily compose their subjects live on the LCD before the shot has been taken, offering a level of versatility that can not be achieved by other digital SLR cameras that only offer an optical viewfinder. By holding the E-510 away from the face and using the Live View LCD to compose, it’s possible to shoot upward from a low angle for dramatic composition, in close for detailed macro photos of a butterfly’s wings or photographing a parade over a crowd of people.
The E-510’s big and bright 2.5-inch LCD display with approximately 230,000 pixels includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors, and enables images to be beautifully displayed in vivid color – both in preview and playback. The HyperCrystal LCD also provides a wide viewing angle, which ensures images can be composed from even the most obscure angles. The larger LCD makes viewing icons and text on the camera’s menu a squint-free process.
Detailed, Bright and Colorful Photos with 10-Megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor
The E-510 is loaded with an impressive 10 million pixels for high-resolution photos. The 10-megapixel sensor gives photographers the flexibility to blow up their prints to the large sizes supported by many of today’s printers, or crop the image to print only a part of the image that is important to them. The high-performance Live MOS image sensor in the E-510 delivers excellent dynamic range for accurate color fidelity, and a new state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to eradicate noise and capture fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas.
Mechanical Image Stabilization for Sharp Images
Unlike other digital SLR cameras in its class, the E-510 employs Mechanical Image Stabilization, which compensates for camera movement. This new technology complements Digital Image Stabilization, which compensates for a moving subject. Combined, Mechanical Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization provide a powerful solution, ensuring blur-free photos even in active shooting situations where photographers may encounter camera shake or a moving subject. This powerful combination resides within the camera’s body, translating to blur-free images taken with any of the more than 30 digital-specific lenses.
Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Olympus’ Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, and captures the debris on a special adhesive membrane every time you turn on the camera. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.
TruePic III for Image Clarity
Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers image noise by one step to reduce noise in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.
Easy-to-Use, Easy-to-Handle Light and Ergonomic Design
The EVOLT E-510 is extremely portable, measuring 5.35 inches (136mm) by 3.61 inches (91.7mm) and 2.2 inches (56mm), excluding protrusions, and weighing 16.2 ounces (460 grams) body only. The new camera has a classic penta-mirror design that is light and compact enough to comfortably shoot with all day. Beyond its portable size, the E-510 delivers unparalleled ease of use – from menus that make sense and buttons on the body that are easy to understand and operate, to automatic settings for every imaginable situation.
While the E-510 includes a full range of manual control options to customize your creativity, it also has 28 shooting modes designed to provide the ideal settings for a variety of shooting situations automatically. These include Digital Image Stabilization, Night Scene, Fireworks, Beach and Snow, and Candle Light to name a few, as well as an xD Panorama mode (for use with Olympus xD-Picture Cards). Users also benefit from special color modes and the possibility to apply a variety of Black & White filters.
Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, the camera provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.
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Nikon D70s
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Nikon today have announced the Nikon D70s DSLR - an upgrade of the previously released D70 model. The D70s features a larger 2 inch LCD monitor, newly re-designed menus, better auto focus, wider flash coverage and a longer lasting battery. It will reatail at $1200 with an 18-70mm lens or $900 as a body only package. Expect to see it in stores early May 2005.
Compare prices on the Nikon D70s and get the latest price on the Nikon D70s at Amazon
Nikon Press Release
Refining the award-winning performance of 2004's Digital SLR camera of the Year brings even greater excitement to Nikon SLR photography
TOKYO ? Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera that inherits the award-winning image quality, high performance and user-friendliness of the D70 while introducing refinements that further help photographers capture precious moments as they unfold: the Nikon D70s.
The D70s employs the Nikon DX Format sensor and Nikon F lens mount design shared by all Nikon SLR cameras for seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses as well as the expanding family of high quality DX Nikkor lenses.
Demonstrating just how well Nikon understands that performance is paramount when capturing precious moments, every system within the camera is optimized to keep the photographer on top of the action. Powering up in a mere 0.2 seconds, the D70s is ready to shoot the instant it is turned on. Shutter release time lag is minimized for quick response that makes shooting more efficient and more enjoyable. It is also capable of shooting a rapid 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures*.
(*When using JPEG NORMAL - Large setting, and a SanDisk SDCFH (Ultra II), SDCFX (Extreme/Extreme III), or Lexar Media 80X WA CompactFlash? card).
Shutter speeds of 30 to 1/8,000 sec. ensure full creative control. The built-in auto pop-up flash can synchronize at shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec. for great fill flash effects. Its new optimized design also increases flash coverage to support lenses as wide as 18mm. Sensitivity can be set between ISO 200 to 1600 or controlled automatically (AUTO ISO) across the same range of settings to maximize available light.
The 5-area autofocus system continues to feature a cross-type sensor in the center, broad frame coverage, and class-leading low light detection, but is improved to deliver greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking. Also included is an AF-assist illuminator to help maximize performance when shooting in low lighting conditions.
The D70s' advanced System LSI processor produces the finest in vivid colors and clarity, while maximizing the speed of file compression, memory buffer handling, simultaneous recording of JPEG and NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) files, and near-instant LCD image display.
The 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor features wide dynamic range and a high signal to noise ratio that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details suited for making large prints, or for cropping for creative detail.
Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel sensor delivers consistently accurate exposure automatically by measuring brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area, and subject-to-camera distance information for each shot, and then referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Variable center-weighted metering and a choice of five spot meters are also available, as are exposure compensation, and auto exposure bracketing.
The D70s produces natural coloration by matching white balance to the light source of the shot. Advanced Auto white balance is capable of handling most situations, although the flexible options include white balance bracketing, a choice of six specific manual settings with fine-tuning, as well as a preset option for using a gray or white object as a reference for white balance.
Innovative shooting options simplify the photographic process, whether controlled manually or via advanced automatic operation. Of particular note are the seven automated Digital Vari-Program selections accessed from the mode dial for a combination of personal control and powerful automatic operation that helps achieve great results under complex shooting conditions, even when in a hurry to catch the shot.
The new high-energy rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL3a delivers the power to shoot up to 2,500 images* on a single charge. The D70s can also be powered by the EN-EL3 battery used by the Nikon D100 and D70, or by CR2 batteries when using the optional battery holder (MS-D70).
Controls are located for easier access and smoother operation. Newly designed menus are presented clearly and in plain language on the large 2.0-inch LCD monitor, while intuitive help dialogs are available for on-the-spot reference to the respective menu selections.
Remote control options are also expanded for the D70s, with the new optional Remote Cord (MC-DC1) adding greater convenience and ease of use in a wider variety of shooting situations, including long exposures and close-ups. Cable-free operation is also available with the optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3. A third option involves Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.2) software, which can be used to control the D70s from a computer via the USB connection.
Diverse playback options, versatile custom settings, a USB interface for easy connectivity or direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer, and a bevy of other features make the D70s a top-performer amongst digital SLR cameras.
Combine the inherit advantages of the camera's outstanding performance with the empowering and inspiring components of Nikon's Total Imaging System, including high-quality AF, AF-S and DX Nikkor lenses, advanced Speedlight technologies, and versatile software options. Top it off with superb pictures that are vivid, accurate in color, and crisp and clean in detail, and you discover the sheer enjoyment, expanded creative possibilities, and increased shutter opportunities of Nikon digital SLR photography with the D70s.
Sales release schedule: Nikon Corporation will launch the D70s worldwide in April 2005.
Note: Specifications, design, product name and standard accessories may differ by country or area.
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Canon EOS 400D News
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The Canon EOS 400D (also known as the Canon Rebel XTi) is officia. It's a 10.1 megapixel camera, features a 2.5 inch LCD screeen and a burst rate of 3 frames per second at up to 27 JPEG images in a row (or 10 RAW shots). The Canon EOS 400D has a 9 point focusing system, RGB histogram display, a battery life of up to 500 shots and plenty of other in built features. Expect the Canon EOS 400D to retail at $799 (body only) and $899 with kit lens.Canon EOS 400D News Release
Canon's New EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR Raises Resolution, Increases Ease, Lowers Cost And Leaves Other Digital SLRs In The Dust
Canon’s EOS Digital Rebel XT model – the camera that set all time sales records for digital SLRs of any persuasion (supplanting the original Digital Rebel’s claim to that title) – now takes its place alongside of the newest member of the irrepressible Rebel clan: the 10.1 megapixel EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR camera. For 16 years, the Rebel brand has stood for advanced, sophisticated and easy-to-use. The new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera continues that legacy, taking discriminating photo hobbyists, enthusiasts, advanced amateurs and SLR aficionados to places digital dreams are made of…and more economically than ever before.
“The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera continues to lead the way with impressive innovations and an array of advancements simply not found on other digital SLRs in the sub-$1,000 price-range, stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon USA, Inc. “Canon technology is born of inspiration, imagination and our passion to help photographers make the best pictures possible. Nowhere is the combination of undeniable quality and value more evident than on this new EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera.
CMOS Sensor-tivity
At the heart of the Rebel XTi SLR’s high-resolution image capability is its large, single plate, CMOS color image sensor. Designed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the Rebel XTi SLR, this highly responsive sensor’s 10.1 million pixels are fractionally smaller than the pixels in the 8 megapixel Rebel XT model, yet deliver markedly improved resolution, enabling the sensor to capture more image information. This results not simply in the ability to generate larger images, but also permits details from cropped images to be rendered with higher image quality than cropped images from lower resolution sensors. At 22.2 x 14.8 mm in size, this new CMOS sensor maintains the 1.6x conversion ratio found on many other members of the EOS Digital SLR line including the Rebel XT and the EOS 30D models.
Inherently more efficient than CCD type image sensors, Canon CMOS sensors significantly reduce image noise levels by converting light values to electrical signals on the chip rather than having them converted elsewhere in the camera. The Rebel XTi SLR’s CMOS sensor goes further still, maintaining an exceptional dynamic range while reducing the noise level that one might typically expect for a pixel size delivering such high resolution. Canon engineers and designers achieved this breakthrough in sensor design by reducing the space between the chip’s microlenses while at the same time increasing the sensitivity of each photodiode. As a result, the camera achieves 20 percent greater resolution than an eight-megapixel sensor with comparable noise reduction and dynamic range.
The Digital Rebel XTi SLR also continues the long-standing tradition of featuring a wide range of ISO settings (100 –1600) with the ability to “float" to any intermediate step along that range in fully automatic modes while allowing the user to set the ISO manually at full step intervals in the camera’s creative modes.
The Dust Free Zone
Beautiful, high-res images marred by the presence of ugly high-res dust spots can be cause for painstaking, time consuming photo retouching (with varying degrees of success). Canon takes the quest for imaging excellence and easier camera maintenance a unified giant step forward with its new, two-tiered dust removal technology called the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, available only on the EOS Rebel XTi camera.
While real world shooting rarely achieves “clean-room" standards, Canon has gone out of its way to design the XTi model to first create or attract no dust. Canon begins by minimizing the dust and particles created by the camera itself, by reformulating the materials used in the body cap and shutter to materials more resistant to particle “fall out" due to normal use and wear. Canon also treats the camera’s low pass filter with an anti-static charge to prevent static-charged dust from adhering to it.
Still, recognizing that humidity and a variety of real world conditions can cause dust to enter and adhere to the sensor or low pass filter despite the most scrupulous of efforts, Canon created the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low pass filter on the front of the CMOS sensor is attached to an ultrasonic vibrating unit that literally shakes the loose dust particles off of the surface. The newly liberated dust is then captured by an adhesive material that keeps the particles from becoming airborne again once the camera moves.
The self cleaning sensor unit’s ultrasonic anti-dust shake activates automatically for one second whenever the camera is powered on or off, ensuring that the camera will be as relatively dust free as possible and can be activated at other times through a simple menu selection.
Despite the ingenuity behind the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit there are occasions when dust particles of a stickier nature are not vibrated free of the low pass filter. In these situations, the Dust Delete Data function can be engaged. Simply put, by aiming the camera at a white wall or even a white piece of paper (or, in a pinch, removing the lens from the camera) the Dust Delete Data function will map the size and position of the dust particles remaining on the low pass filter. Once the dust is “mapped", that information is attached as metadata to all subsequently shot images regardless of recording format, RAW or JPEG. When the images and appended dust data map are transferred to a computer using the Rebel XTi’s new Digital Photo Professional software, the dust information can be subtracted from the images simply by selecting the “apply dust delete data option. Users can update the Dust Delete Data at any time via controls found in the Rebel XTi’s LCD menu.
Bigger and Brighter: XTi Model’s Brilliant LCD Monitor
Among the decidedly user-friendly enhancements built in to the new Digital Rebel XTi is the 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel color TFT LCD monitor with its wide, 160 degree viewing angle. The envy of the EOS digital SLR line, this new screen features a viewing area that is nearly twice as large as the Rebel XT model’s 1.8 –inch monitor, and offers six brightness settings for easy viewing of images and menu options in a wide range of lighting conditions. Indeed, this brilliant monitor is approximately 40% brighter at its maximum setting than screens found on the top-tier EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D and EOS 30D digital SLRs. The monitor is also the new home for all camera settings information. This was previously housed on a separate LCD. This new configuration allows for more information and larger font & icons in one easy-to-view area.
The monitor is even intuitive enough to automatically (and temporarily) turn the display off when the camera is raised up to the user’s eye. This feature not only saves valuable battery life but also avoid subjecting the user to distracting screen brightness when looking through the viewfinder. For maximum battery life, the LCD display can be shut off manually as well.
Picture Style Optimizes Images
In keeping with this new, bigger, brighter monitor is the Rebel XTi SLR’s redesigned menu, made bolder, easier to read and easier to navigate. Notable among the expanded info screen menu features offered for the first time on a Digital Rebel camera are the RGB histogram and the Picture Style functions first introduced on the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D cameras and most recently added to the EOS 30D’s imaging arsenal. With Picture Style, users can more easily select presets for sharpening, contrast, saturation, and color tone that most closely reflect their needs and intent for a particular picture. Similar to selecting the film type in order to achieve a desired result, the Picture Style feature offers six setting choices—Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome—with an additional three user defined settings available.
Fast Focus
Also migrating to the Rebel XTi camera from the upper reaches of the EOS Digital SLR line is Canon’s flexible folder management system with capability to store 9,999 images in a folder as well as manual creation of new folders and perhaps most importantly, the same high precision 9-point Autofocus sensor and AF unit found on the EOS 30D SLR.
Like its Digital Rebel predecessors, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera is equipped with Canon’s standard EOS EF lens mount making it compatible with Canon’s complete line of EF lenses as well as the EF-S line of lenses created specifically for the EOS 20D, and EOS 30D prosumer digital SLRs, and the EOS Digital Rebel models.
While the Digital Rebel XTi offers the same fast 3 frames per second as the Digital Rebel XT model, the burst rate in Large/Fine JPEG and Raw settings has nearly doubled, from 14 eight- megapixel JPEG images and five eight- megapixel RAW images on the Rebel XT model to 27 10.1 megapixel JPEGS and ten 10.1 megapixel RAW images on the new Rebel XTi camera.
CANON Software $avings: Bundled and In the Box
Purchasers of the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera or any of Canon’s digital SLRs are never faced with extra-cost software to make the camera perform to its full capabilities. Rather, Canon continues its long-standing tradition of including “in the box", a comprehensive software bundle that includes both the camera’s utility programs and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (presently in version 2.2). Compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows XP operating systems** formats, the Digital Photo Pro software assists users with everything from image transfer and viewing, image enhancement and editing, RGB image editing functions, image noise reduction, viewing, processing and editing of RAW images, Direct Print functions and Canon’s groundbreaking new Dust Delete Data functions.
The EOS Technological Legacy
The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera maintains the top-tier technologies that have helped power the EOS line of digital SLRs to the forefront of the industry and the marketplace. These include Canon’s power efficient DIGIC II Image Processor and E-TTL II, Canon’s evaluative-through the lens exposure control that ensures optimal exposure even in difficult lighting conditions.
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