Digital Camera - Ken Gilbert

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142 KITZONE SLR BUYERS’ GUIDE Money to burn? Tripods Got £150 to spend on a three-legged friend? What should you consider? GiottosMTL9271B +MH5001head Price:£120 Contact:www.giottos-tripods. co.uk,01902864646 Reviewed:Issue99 Our verdict:Hasamaxheight of 1.92mandismadefrom aluminium.Thethree-position multi-anglelegscansupport 10kg,givingsolidperformance onanyterrain.Thethree-way headisslightlylessimpressive. Manfrotto190XPROB +496RC2head Price:£150 Contact:www.manfrotto.co. uk,01293583300 Reviewed:Issue99 Our verdict:Combines silky-smoothoperationand sturdinesswithsomecunning features,likethewayitscentre columncanpivot through90°. The496RC2ballheadisone of thebestonthemarket. KenroLargePro HT1730 Price:£136 Reviewed:Issue99 Contact:www.kenro.co.uk, 01793615836 Our verdict:ThemightyKenro weighs-inatawhopping3.9kg, nearly doublethe weight of the Manfrotto190XPROB.Butit’s amazinglyrigidinuseandthe three-wayheadthatcomesas partofthiskithasasolidfeel andbattleshipbuild quality. DigitalCamera July2010 SLRBuyers’Guide Every SLR and interchangeable lens camera on the market reviewed by Digital Camera, plus our verdicts. Use it to decide which camera kit is best for you... D-SLRS Product Price Sensor type Contact Reviewed CANON Canon EOS 450D £507 APS-C, CMOS, 12.2Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 7 Our verdict: The 450D’s features and handling areexcellent, but its picturequality is variable. As with other EOS cameras, youneed to shoot RAWfiles forthe best definition. It’s quick to blow highlight details, too, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the exposure. Canon EOS 500D £520 APS-C, CMOS, 15.1Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 87 Our verdict: Though the specification (and price) might be a bit excessive for the first-time SLR user, if you want a compact Canon with HD video and ample room to grow into, consider the 500D. Advanced beginners who can live without the HD may as well step up to the similarly priced Canon EOS 50D. Canon EOS 550D £634 APS-C, CMOS, 18Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 98 Our verdict: Don’t buy the 550D solely for its resolution, because this doesn’t necessarily translate into extra real-world definition. Canon’s 18-55mm kit lens is a little weak too. However, the design and handling, high ISO performance and full HD Movie mode really are exceptional. Canon EOS 50D, £689 APS-C, CMOS, 15.1Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 79 Our verdict: Canon seems to have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the EOS 50D in abid to re-assertitself in the semi-promarket.Indoing so it’s produced a great camera, and while it might not convert existing Nikon and Sony owners, it’s the ideal upgrade for any Canon user. Canon EOS 7D £1,225 APS-C, CMOS, 18Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 93 Our verdict: The 7D is incredible. Picture quality is excellent and the focus is sharp and speedy, although that’s no guarantee that all your action shots will be sharp.The technology is great, but formanynon-prousers the package mayoffer toomanychoices and be just abit over-engineered to be an essential buy. Canon EOS 5D Mark II £1,690 Full-frame, CMOS, 21.1Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 82 Our verdict: If looks, build, design and handling werethe only criteria, the EOS 5D Mark II would perhaps be the most desirable full-frame SLR of all. But the D700 and the Sony a900 are both so good for picture quality that, despite its 21 million pixels, the Canon has a real fight on its hands. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark IV £3,724 APS-H, CMOS, 16.1Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 98 Our verdict: This is an outstanding camerawith excellentperformance and quality of images. Images shot at impressively high ISOs deliver well, and metering and colour rendition is accuraterightout of the box. Unlikely to disappoint. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III £5,249 Full-frame, CMOS, 21.1Mp www.canon.co.uk, 01737 220000 Issue 69 Our verdict: There’s no doubt about it,Canon’s EOS-1Ds was, at the time of its release, the Rolls-Royceofdigital SLRs. The build quality is beyond reproach and the degree of customisation is awesome. NIKON Nikon D3000 £299 APS-C, CCD, 10.2Mp www.nikon.co.uk, 0800 230 220 Issue 91 Our verdict: While Nikon’s D3000 is certainly beginner-friendly,it’s by no means perfect in thatrespect.Nonetheless, the cameraiscompetitively priced, performs capably and the GUIDE mode works well. Nikon D5000 £468 APS-C, CMOS, 12.3Mp www.nikon.co.uk, 0800 230 220 Issue 87 Our verdict: The D5000 is awell thought-out SLR with something foreveryone. Its 720p video recording mode is not as versatile as thatofCanon’s 500D, but the addition of extra features, like the innovative Scene Recognition System and articulated LCD, are enough to make this a very desirable camera. Nikon D90 £649 APS-C, CMOS, 12.3Mp www.nikon.co.uk, 0800 230 220 Issue 79 Our verdict: For this kind of moneyyou can get cameras with prolevels of build quality,features and resolution. But while it’s not the best in every respect, the D90 blitzes the rest overall, partly because of its huge list of features and partly because it’s so consistently good at everything it does. Nikon D300s £1,138 APS-C, CMOS, 12.3Mp www.nikon.co.uk, 0800 230 220 Issue 92 Our verdict: Stills performance is outstanding –it’s quitehardtotakeabad picturewith this camera. The cameraisfast,smartand built to last,with impressive performance at higher ISOs. It’s a shame the video performance is lagging behind, but if you mainly want to shoot stills, this is a great buy. Nikon D700 £1,764 Full-frame, CMOS, 12.1Mp www.nikon.co.uk, 0800 230 220 Issue 77 Our verdict: The D700 is a superb professional camera, which is capable of producing some amazingly crisp, artefact-free images and has a high-ISO performance that continues to amaze. Hardcore full-frame fans might hope for a cheaper entry-point, though. Nikon D3s £3,588 Full-frame, CMOS, 12.1Mp www.nikon.co.uk, 0800 230 220 Issue 95 Our verdict: Nikon’s made some important enhancements to the original D3, making it even better at high ISOs, incorporating a D-Movie mode, adding the dust-removal system, in-camera RAW processing and more. It’s a refresh rather than a new camera, though, and it’s been paid for with a major price hike. Nikon D3x £4,834 Full-frame, CMOS, 24.5Mp www.nikon.co.uk, 0800 230 220 Issue 83 Our verdict: This camera is designed for one purpose – high resolution at low ISO settings, and it does its job very well, but the problem with the D3x is that all of its systems areinherited fromthe D3.Asuperb camera, no doubt,but one thatisalready ageing. OLYMPUS Olympus E-450 £373 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 10Mp www.olympus.co.uk, 0800 111 4777 Issue 87 Our verdict: If you want to only look at pixels, you might decide the E-450 lags behind other 10Mp D-SLRs, but that’s only part of the story. This is a compact, well-featured camera with a decent kit lens, which goes well towards off-setting the smaller sensor. Olympus E-520 £500* Four Thirds, Live MOS, 10Mp www.olympus.co.uk, 0800 111 4777 Issue 75 Our verdict: It’s probably not going to attract arush of existing E-510 owners into an upgrade, but the wealth of functions, the greatimage quality and keen pricing will surely attract plenty of first-time buyers. This is probably the best mini hatchback of the D-SLR world, producing great colour and vibrant images. Olympus E-620 £499 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.3Mp www.olympus.co.uk, 0800 111 4777 Issue 86 Our verdict: It’s tempting to focus on aspecific area when reviewing cameras and overlook the rest.Ifthe E-620 has adisadvantage compared with APS-C cameras, it’s a slight one, and outweighed by its handling, controls and flexible viewing system. Olympus E-30 £739 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.3Mp www.olympus.co.uk, 0800 111 4777 Issue 83 Our verdict: This is agreat upgrade forexisting Olympus E-series users. Those who aremoreinterested in pixel peeping and cheap lenses maynot likeit, but if you enjoy creative photography then the Olympus E-30 is a great camera that deserves a closer inspection.
Product Price Sensor type Contact Reviewed Olympus E-3 £977 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 10.1Mp www.olympus.co.uk, 0800 111 4777 Issue 68 Our verdict: Olympus did everything theypossibly could to makeacamerathatcould matchthe build quality and imaging performance of the much-loved E-1. In this they have succeeded by a good margin. The E-3 is rugged and a delight to shoot with. PENTAX Pentax K-x £414 APS-C, CMOS, 12.4Mp www.pentax.co.uk, 0870 7368299 Issue 94 Our verdict: Other makers concentrateonsmooth, slick, electronic finesse beforehands-on photographic tools. Pentax does it the other wayround. First impressions can be negative as a result, but the K-x reaffirms Pentax’s forte: making gutsy, old-style SLRs. Pentax K-7 £725 APS-C, CMOS, 14.6Mp www.pentax.co.uk, 0870 7368299 Issue 88 Our verdict: Thereismuch to likeand enjoyonthe Pentax K-7. It’s aquality product with greathandling,plenty of features and it delivers image files thatare capable of big prints. Its price could put off the uncommitted, but existing Pentax owners should form a queue. SONY Sony Alpha a230 £290 APS-C, CCD, 10.2Mp www.sony.co.uk, 08700 104107 Issue 100 Our verdict: Overall, the a230 is areasonable budget-buy SLR forthose who liketostick to Full Auto or Program shooting modes, but moreadventurous photographers will more than likely find the camera a little too restrictive. Sony Alpha a380 £439** APS-C, CCD, 14.2Mp www.sony.co.uk, 08700 104107 Issue 90 Our verdict: Ultimately,this is an entry-levelcamera, and as such, we think it succeeds. Forthe price, the SonyAlpha a380 is agreat bargain, but the omission of an HD video recording function is disappointing, especially from Sony. SonyAlpha a450 £480*** APS-C, CMOS, 14.2Mp www.sony.co.uk, 08700104107 Issue 100 Our verdict: Compared with similarly priced SLRs, the a450 fails to givesuch satisfying results and quality is moreinconsistent. Image quality is average and metering errors can be a problem – over-exposure is common. SonyAlpha a500 £479 APS-C, CMOS, 12.3Mp www.sony.co.uk, 08700104107 Issue 101 Our verdict: This 12.3Mp Sonyischeaply priced and battery lifeisgood. The cameraoffers better handling than some of Sony’solder D-SLRs, but the feature set is disappointingly basic and custom functions are few and far between. Sony Alpha a850 £1,839 Full-frame, CMOS, 24.6Mp www.sony.co.uk, 08700 104107 Issue 97 Our verdict: The a850 is beautifully designed, and in handling terms can teach its rivals athing or two.However, the lack of an ISO readout in the viewfinder,plus the absence of Live View, is a serious weakness. The price is attractive though. Sony Alpha a900 £1,998 Full-frame, CMOS, 24.6Mp www.sony.co.uk, 08700 104107 Issue 80 Our verdict: Sony’sdone an extraordinary job in getting such agood full-frame D-SLR to the market.But while its Canon and Nikon rivals ooze class, the a900 still has afew rough edges and Sony’syet to prove it can matchNikon and Canon’s prolenses. MICRO FOUR THIRDS AND HYBRID CAMERAS OLYMPUS Olympus E-P1 £485 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.3Mp www.olympus.co.uk, 0800 111 4777 Issue 90 Our verdict: The E-P1 is an unusual camerawith undeniable appeal but rather toomanyflaws. Andifit’s serious about prising open aMicroFour Thirds-sized gap in the digital camera market, this seems a pretty odd camera to do it with. Olympus E-P2 £744 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.3Mp www.olympus.co.uk, 0800 111 4777 Issue 97 Our verdict: The PEN E-P2 is ahuge improvementonits predecessor,thanks to its excellentelectronic viewfinder.This alone makes it amuch moreviable alternative to a conventional D-SLR. The lack of built-in flash, however, is a serious weakness – and one that you can’t correct without then losing the viewfinder. PANASONIC Panasonic G1 £440*** Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.1Mp www.panasonic.co.uk, 0844 844 3852 Issue 81 Our verdict: The G1 impresses with its very good electronic viewfinder,lightning-fast AF,excellentlens and strong,natural colour rendition. But after awhile you may find yourself hankering after the simplicity and clarity of an old-fashioned optical viewfinder, and a smaller and simpler set of controls. Panasonic G2 £540 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.1Mp www.panasonic.co.uk, 0844 844 3852 Issue 101 Our verdict: Priced keenly for a so-called HD-SLR – but refusing to skimp in other areas. The rotating, touch-control screen is a luxury feature. The sticking point is the camera system. Lenses for Four Thirds mounts are still thin on the ground, so this is not a camera we’d recommend, say, for the wildlife or sports photographer. Panasonic GF1 £439 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.1Mp www.panasonic.co.uk, 0844 844 3852 Issue 92 Our verdict: With its sleek design, outstanding lens quality and handy creative modes, the GF1 is a force to be reckoned with. It’s ideal for beginners with its simple-to-use functions, and perfect for pros who want a small compact body to fit in their bag as a back-up. Panasonic GH1 £899 Four Thirds, Live MOS, 12.1Mp www.panasonic.co.uk, 0844 844 3852 Issue 89 Our verdict: Despite solid all-round picture quality and a wealth of features, the GH1 costs more than double the price of the original G1 package. For the same money or less, you can get a ‘full size’ D-SLR like the Canon 500D or Nikon D90, complete with superzoom lens. SAMSUNG Samsung NX10 £474** APS-C, CMOS, 14.6Mp www.samsungcamera.co.uk, 0845 67267864 Issue 100 Our verdict: The NX10 is an impressivecamera. Colour quibbles aside, it delivers alevelofimage quality youwouldn’t expect at this price, thanks mostly to its first-rate kit lens. However, an articulating LCD would make it even better and, small as it is, the NX10 is still closer in size to an SLR than a compact. * Includes 14-42mm kit lens ** includes 18-55mm kit lens *** including 14-45mm kit lens All prices body only unless otherwise stated. Prices are street prices, based on prices sourced from a selection of well-known retailers at the time of going to press, and correct at the time of going to press. Three of the best D-SLRs for...Sports photography CanonEOS 7D Price:£1,225 Contact:www. canon.co.uk, 01737220000 Reviewed:Issue93 NikonD300s Price:£1,138 Contact:www. nikon.co.uk, 0800230 220 Reviewed:Issue92 PentaxK7 Price:£725 Contact:www. pentax.co.uk, 0870 7368299 Reviewed:Issue88 KITZONE SLR BUYERS’ GUIDE Money to burn? Superzooms Gotaround £500 to blow on a superzoom? Here are our best buys... Nikon 18-200mmf/3.5- 5.6 G AF-SDX EDVRII Price:£590 Contact:www.nikon.co.uk, 0800230220 Reviewed:Issue98 Ourverdict:Everyincha qualitylens,withsmoothzoom andfocusrings.Combinesfast, quiet AF-S(SilentWave) AF withfull-timeMFoverrideand four-stopVR.Thesharpest superzoomwe’ve tested. Sigma18-250mm f/3.5-6.3DCOSHSM Price:£395 Contact:www.sigma-imaginguk.com,01707 329999 Reviewed:Issue98 Ourverdict:Offersalotforthe money, includingfour-stopOS (OpticalStabilization),HSM (HyperSonicMotor) AFand smooth,precisecontrols.It’s notquite assharpastheNikon butisimpressivenonetheless. Tamron18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 DiIIVC LDAF Price:£430 Contact:www.intro2020.co.uk, 01628674411 Reviewed:Issue98 Ourverdict:Tamron’sfourstopVC systemcomesinto its ownatmaximum telephoto settings.Thezoomringfeels stiffandjerkycomparedwith NikonandTamronlenses,but opticalqualityisimpressive. DigitalCamera July2010 143
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Digital Camera - Ken Gilbert

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