Canon PowerShot A570 IS

Online retail giant Amazon.com released its year-end "Best of 2007" last Friday, and Canon PowerShot A570 IS has took the title!

The Powershot A570 IS was recognized as Amazon.com's best-selling electronics item of 2007. The versatile, compact, and extremely affordable A570 IS has consistentlyranked it among the most searched cameras of the year. The 7.1 megapixels device, a 4x zoom, and a lens-shifting image stabilization system, making it one of the best values on the current digicam market.

Below are some of this winner features:

* 7.1 Megapixels
* 4x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (35-140mm equiv.)
* Full photographic control with P, Av, Tv and M modes
* DIGIC III, Face Detection, AiAF
* Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
* 2.5” LCD with wide viewing angle and real-image optical viewfinder
* 19 shooting modes

PowerShot A570 IS specifications
Street price:
• US: $200
• UK: £150

Body Material: Plastic and metal

Sensor:
• 1/2.5 " Type CCD
• 7.1 million effective pixels

Image processor: DIGIC III

Image sizes:
• 3072 x 2304
• 2592 x 1944
• 2048 x 1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
• 3072 x 1728 (16:9)
• 1600 x 1200 (Postcard Date Imprint)

Movie clips:
• 640 x 480 @ 60 / 30 / 15fps
• 320 x 240 @ 60 / 30 / 15fps
• 160 x 120 @ 15fps

Lens:
• 35-140mm (35mm equiv)
• 4x optical zoom
• F2.6-5.5

Optical Stabilization: Yes (shift-type)

Focus: TTL autofocus

Metering:
• Evaluative
• Center-weighted average
• Spot (center or linked to Face Detection AF frame)

Shooting modes:
• Auto
• Program AE
• Shutter Priority AE
• Aperture Priority AE
• Manual
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Snapshot
• Kids & Pets
• Indoor
• Stitch Assist
• Movie
• Special Scene

Scenes modes:
• Night Scene
• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Aquarium
• Underwater

Shutter speeds: 15-1/2000 sec

Apertures: F2.6-5.5

Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3EV stop increments

ISO Sensitivity:
• Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600

White Balance:
• TTL type
• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Underwater
• Custom

Image parameters: My Colors: My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, Custom Color

Continuous: Approx continuous (1.7 fps) until card is full

Flash:
• Auto
• Manual Flash On / Off
• Red-eye reduction
• +/- 2 EV in 1/3 stop increments
• Face Detection FE
• Manual adjustment: 3 levels with internal flash
• 45cm - 3.5m (wide) 45cm - 2.2m (tele)

Storage:
• SD / SDHC / MMC card compatible
• 16 MB card supplied

Viewfinder: Real-image zoom, optical viewfinder

LCD monitor:
• 2.5-inch Amorphous Silicon TFT
• 115,000 pixels

Connectivity:
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• AV out

Power:
• 2x AA Alkaline or Ni-MH batteries
• Optional AC adapter kit

In the box:
• Canon PowerShot A570 IS
• 2 x AA Alkaline batteries
• 16MB card
• Wrist strap
• AV cable
• USB interface cable
• Software CD-ROM

Other features:
• Histogram
• 2,10 sec or custom self timer
• Optional Tele-converter 1.75x lens (TC-DC52A)
• Optional Wide-converter 0.7x lens (WC-DC52)
• Optional Close-Up Lens 250D (52mm)
• Optional High Power Flash (HF-DC1)
• Optional Waterproof case WP-DC12

Weight (inc batts): 225 g approx

Dimensions: 89.5 x 64.3 x 42.8mm (manufacturer)

To read more about Canon PowerShot A570 IS click here

Sony Alpha A700

Sony is expanding its a (Alpha) digital SLR system with the introduction of the DSLR-A700 camera, which is aimed at photo enthusiasts or serious photo hobbyists.

The new model features advanced imaging technologies and ultra-responsive operation, as well as a lightweight, dust- and moisture-resistant, magnesium alloy construction common to enthusiast-class DSLR cameras.

A newly developed, auto-focus system features 11 wide-area sensors, including a center dual cross sensor comprised of two horizontal and two vertical line sensors for exceptional AF precision. An F2.8 line sensor leverages the brightness of fast aperture lenses for even greater precision.

The large, bright, viewfinder uses a precision-ground optical glass pentaprism and a high refractive index eyepiece lens to provide 0.9x viewfinder magnification and 95 percent frame coverage. Manual focusing is aided by an interchangeable spherical acute matte focusing screen.

Like Sony's mainstream DSLR-A100 model, the new A700 unit incorporates Super SteadyShot® Inside image stabilization in the camera body and is compatible with most Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses in addition to Sony lenses.

Sony Alpha A700 specifications

lens / zoom : Sony Alpha, Minolta A
focus / macro : auto | manual
metering mode : 40 segment, center weighted, spot
aperture : auto | manual
white balance : auto, 6 presets, color temperature, custom
shutter : auto | manual / 30s - 1/8000s, B
exposure : +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3 EV or 0.5 EV steps
flash / mode : pop-up - 3 modes, slow sync, red eye reduction / GN 12 (iso 100, meters)
viewfinder : ttl optical
iso ratings : 100 - 3200 (6400)
image size : 4288x2856 / 4272x2848 / 3104x2064 / 2128x1424
image format : raw, jpeg (exif 2.21)
image compr. : fine, standard
lag/cycle times :
remote control : self timer 10s, 2s
video options :
audio options :
connectivity : usb 2 (hi-speed) / video (NTSC/PAL)
storage : CF I/II, MS Duo / MS Pro Duo and MS Pro HG
platform :
extra features : CMOS sensor 23.5mm x 15.6mm http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2674413384370800881
Blogger: Snap :- The best digital camera info - Create Post
sensor image stabilization
sensor dust removal
histogram display
PictBridge compliant

To read more about Sony Alpha 700 click here

Olympus SP-560UZ Digital Camera

Olympus' new SP-560 Ultra Zoom is a powerful and versatile Super-zoom model, that features an exposure mode for just about every shooting situation. The compact SP-560 UZ blends ease-of-use with an industry- leading focal range (27mm wide-angle 18x optical zoom), an 8-megapixel image sensor and the latest Olympus technologies to deliver superior image quality and performance.


The Olympus SP-560 UZ is a very well balanced super-zoom model. Overall, the camera offers some very appealing features, great image quality both indoors and out, and plenty of resolution to create up to poster size prints.

Below are some features about this new camera from Olympus

Headline features

* 18X optical zoom, giving a 27mm-486mm equiv. range
* Dual IS, combining sensor shift technology with high ISO settings
* 8.0 million pixel sensor
* ISO 6400 at 3.1MP
* ISO 3200 at full resolution
* RAW mode
* Face detection
* Face detection-combined In-camera red-eye reduction
* Rapid continuous shooting (up to 15fps at 2MP)
* 25 scene modes
* Smile mode (waits for subject to smile)
* Expression Edit
* Shadow Adjust
* Control of off-board flashguns, with latest firmware

SP-560UZ key specifications
Street price
• US: $375
• UK: £260

Body Material: Plastics

Sensor
• 1/2.35" Type CCD
• 8.5 million pixels total
• 8.0 effective pixels

Image sizes
• 3264 x 2448
• 3264 x 2176 (3:2)
• 2560 x 1920
• 2304 x 1728
• 2560 x 1920
• 2304 x 1728
• 2048 x 1536
• 1920 x 1080 (16:9)
• 1600 x 1200
•1280 x 960
• 1024 x 768
• 640 x 480

Movie clips
• 640 x 480 @ 30 fps
• 320 x 240 @ 15 fps
•160 x 120 @ 15 fps
• AVI Motion JPEG with WAVE monaural audio

Lens
• 27 - 486 mm (35 mm equiv)
• F2.8 - F4.5
• 18x optical zoom

Focus
• TTL contrast-type auto focus
• Single / Continuous AF
• Manual focus
• Center / Moveable area / Multi / Face Detect

Focus distance
• Normal: 10 cm (wide) / 1.2 m (tele) - Infinity
• Macro: 10 cm (wide) / 1.2 m (tele) - Infinity
• Super macro (60mm equiv.) 1 cm - Infinity

Metering
• 'ESP' metering
• Center weighted
• Spot

Shutter speed
• 15-1/2000 sec (extremes depending on exposure mode)

Aperture
• F2.8-F8 (wide)
• F4.5-F8 (tele)

Shooting mode
• Auto
• Picture Stabilization (auto High ISO)
• Natural Light
• Natural Light with Flash
• Movie
• Program
• Aperture Priority
• Shutter Priority
• Manual
• Scene modes

Scene modes
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Landscape with portrait
• Sport
• Night
• Night with portrait
• Indoors
• Candle
• Self portrait
• Available Light
• Sunset
• Fireworks
• Cuisine
• Behind glass
• Document
• Auction
• Shoot and select (fast-moving subject)
• Shoot and select (constantly moving subject)
• Smile shot (Takes a photo when your subject smiles)
• Beach
• Snow
• Under water wide 1
• Under water wide 2
• Under water macro
• Quick shutter

Sensitivity
• Auto (Up to ISO 400)
• High Auto (Up to ISO 800)
• ISO 64
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
• ISO 3200
• ISO 6400 (3.1 MP)

White Balance
• Auto
• Fine
• Shade
• Fluorescent (daylight)
• Fluorescent (warm white)
• Fluorescent (cool white)
• Incandescent
• Custom

Continuous
• 1.1 fps for around
• 7 fps, ~28 frames at 3.1MP (ISO 400 or higher)
• 15 fps, ~40 frames at 1.2MP (ISO 400 or higher)

Flash
• Built-in pop-up
• Range: 4.5 m (w), 2.3 m (t) (ISO 200), 6.4m (w), 4.0m (t) (ISO 400)
• Modes: Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync Front and Rear, Red eye reduction
• Optional off-board flash remote control

Storage
• 47 MB internal memory
• xD-Picture Card (not included)

Viewfinder
• Electronic viewfinder (EVF)

LCD monitor
• 2.5" TFT LCD
• 230,000 pixels
• Brightness boost
• Approx. 97% coverage

Connectivity
• USB 2.0 High speed
• A/V out (NTSC/PAL switchable)

Power
• 4 x AA batteries alkaline or NiMH (alkaline included)
• Charger optional

Other features
• DPOF
• PictBridge
• Index view
• Histogram
• 2 and 10 sec self-timer
• Hardware-based Face Detection AF/AE

Optional accessories
• Leather case SP-550UZ
• CLA-10 conversion lens adapter
• TCON-17 1.7x Teleconverter (requires CLA-10)
• Compact AC Power Adapter C-8AC
• PT-037 Underwater case
• Leather case

Weight (no batt): 460 g (16.2 oz) inc memory card and batteries, 365g without.

Dimensions: 116 x 78.5 x 78 mm (4.6 x 3.1 x 3.1 in)

To read more click here

Canon EOS 40D

Canon has come out with new DSLR camera, that is EOS 40D. This camera was upgrade version from EOS 30D and EOS 20D. This camera is centered on a 10.1-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, paired with a newly developed DIGIC III image processor, which boosts the continuous burst speed up to 6.5 frames per second. Mechanical improvements include a renovated autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors, and the addition of Canon’s Integrated Cleaning System (dust reduction). Additional weatherproofing has been applied around the base plate and compartment doors, and a large 3-inch Live View LCD screen is affixed to the camera body. Canon also worked in Silent Shooting modes, sRAW files, and a revamped menu structure.

For those who love Nikon, than this is the challenger for D200.

Front View


The Canon EOS 40D looks like a formidable DSLR with its large build and hefty grip. It looks almost exactly like the 30D, except for a more pronounced divot for the middle finger to grasp. The hand grip is coated with a textured rubbery material that almost looks like leather. Above the finger cradle at the top of the hand grip is a plane that slants from the top of the camera toward the front. This is where the large shutter release button is located. To its right, in the valley between the grip and the lens mount, is an LED that acts as the self-timer and red-eye reduction lamp. Near the bottom of the grip on the inner edge is a small rubber panel that fits where the power adaptor plugs into the battery compartment.

To the right of the hand grip is the large lens mount with its couplings around the rim and its contacts along the bottom of the inside. On the right side of the mount is the lens release button with an EOS 40D badge above it. There are buttons above and below the lens release button.

Above the lens mount is the trademark white Canon logo with the built-in flash just above it. The wide flash unit pops up about two inches on two sturdy hinged legs. Visible behind it is the hot shoe.

Back View


The 40D has larger LCD screen compare to 30D - 3 inches to 2.5 inches. At the bottom of the LCD is Canon’s logo, and below it is a horizontal row of buttons. On the older 30D, this row of buttons was placed vertically on the left edge. On the 40D, the buttons activate the following functions from left to right: playback, delete, jump, info, and picture style selection. The picture style selection button is new on the body, and forces the menu button out of this line and up to the upper left corner of the back.

Above the upper left corner of the LCD is the menu button with a smaller LED-adorned print/transfer button to its right. Above them, the grooved edge of the mode dial can be seen. Above the right half of the LCD is the viewfinder surrounded by a large, soft eyecup. A small diopter adjustment dial peeks out from the upper right corner of the cushioned eyecup.

The smooth black paneling that incorporates the buttons, viewfinder, and LCD spills to the right and encloses the large quick control dial and the smaller multi-controller above it. The large quick control dial spins around easily with its wide grooved edge. In its center is a set button and to its lower right is a small indicator LED light. To its lower left is a power switch that moves between off, on, and on with quick control navigation. The quick control dial can be disabled with this switch.

To the right of the smooth black panel and the majority of the controls is an odd-shaped textured surface that matches that of the front hand grip. This surface, along with the slightly raised upper right corner of the camera, aids in handling.

The raised right corner is contoured and has two multi-function buttons: FE lock/index/reduce button on the left and AF point selection/enlarge button on the right. To the left of these buttons, on the slope downward, is a smaller AF-on start button. The last button mentioned is also new to the camera body.

Right Side View
The right side of the 40D is thick, same as the 30D. They both have the same textured panel on the front of the hand grip. The rear half has a memory card door with a few bumps for friction. The door pops open to reveal the CompactFlash card slot, but the hinge isn’t very springy. Near the top of the right side, you can see the shutter release button at the front and the strap lug shows towards the back.


Left Side View
This side a little bit differents from the 30D. The 30D has a strangely shaped rubber panel that protects the jacks and ports, but the 40D however, organizes these jacks and ports under two rectangular panels that are placed side-by-side. That make it more cleaner look. The left panel covers the PC and remote control terminals, while the right panel houses video-out and USB jacks. The wide divot below these two panels makes them easier to pry open than the typical skinny, narrow fingernail grips.

Most of the left side of the body is coated in the rubber material prevalent on the right hand grip. Toward the front of the camera and on the cusp of the lens mount are three buttons. The central button, the lens release, is flanked by smaller buttons above and below it. The flash button is at the top while the unlabeled depth-of-field preview button at the bottom


Bottom view

Below the hand grip is a plastic door with a flimsy hinge. The door, which covers the battery, has a lock on it that you must slid inward to open it. The battery has a small lock that keeps it in place. The door snaps back tightly.

Centered below the lens mount is a metal quarter-inch tripod socket surrounded by legal compliance information and the serial number. There are some grooves near the tripod mount. In the lower corner, opposite the hand grip, is a thumbnail-sized rubber panel that covers the extension system terminal.

Top View
The mode dial is located on the left shoulder and the flash/hot shoe/viewfinder hump is located just above the lens mount. You can clearly see the hot shoe from here, it has four contacts and brackets on each side to attach flash accessories.

The top of the hand grip looks familiar with the shutter release placed in a comfy contour near the front and a protruding jog dial behind it. Near the back is a monochrome LCD panel that displays exposure settings and information. Between it and the front of the camera is a row of four small ball-like buttons that activate the following functions: LCD illumination, metering/white balance, AF/drive, and ISO/flash exposure compensation.


Below is the 40D specs info
Canon in South and Southeast Asia: "Type
Type Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera with built-in flash
Recording media Type I or II CF card
* Compatible with Microdrive and 2GB or larger CF cards
* Recording to USB external media enabled with Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3/E3A attached
Image sensor size 22.2 x 14.8mm
Compatible lenses
Canon EF lenses (including EF-S lenses)
(35mm-equivalent focal length is equal to approx. 1.6 times the marked focal length)
Lens mount: Canon EF mount
Imaging Sensor
Type High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels Effective pixels: Approx. 10.10 megapixels
Total pixels: Approx. 10.50 megapixels
Aspect ratio 3:2
Color filter system RGB primary color filter
Low-pass filter
Located in front of the image sensor, non-removable
Dust deletion feature 1) Automatic sensor cleaning
2) Manual cleaning of sensor
3) Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image
Recording System
Recording format Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 & Exif 2.2
Image type JPEG Type , RAW Type (14-bit)
RAW+JPEG
simultaneous recording Provided (sRAW+JPEG also possible)
File size (1) Large/Fine : Approx. 3.5 MB (3888 x 2592 pixels)
(2) Large/Normal :"

To read more about the 40D performance click here