dSLR Dad

Canon USA has issued the following statement in regards to an “image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions” for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II dSLR:

We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera have identified two types of image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions.

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
2. Vertical banding noise

We are currently investigating and analysing the causes, and examining measures to reduce or eliminate these phenomena by providing correction firmware.  An announcement will be made on the Canon Web site when such measures have been determined.

Details of the phenomena and shooting conditions under which they are likely to occur are as follows.

(more…)

Popularity: 4% [?]

Camera Labs has reviewed the Canon EOS 5D Mark II dSLR Camera:

Had the EOS 5D Mark II not suffered from the black dot issue, it would have easily earned our highest recommendation. It’s one of Canon’s most powerful DSLRs to date, capable of delivering superb image quality with decent handling and all the latest bells and whistles. The movie mode is also an excellent addition, and while it’s not a practical replacement for a camcorder for most amateurs, the results can be spectacular and independent film makers will love it. Indeed its testament to how good the 5D Mark II is that it can be highly recommended as a still-camera alone, or a movie camera alone.

You can find out more news and reviews about the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in the dSLR Dad Resource Guide.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Popular Photography Magazine has published their review of the 21.1-Megapixel Canon EOS 5D Mark II. They seem to think it is a pretty decent little camera:

If you’re moving up from an APS-format DSLR, you will be happy with the 5D Mark II. Make that ecstatic. Life is fuller in the full-frame lane.

And the vast amount of detail that goes along with 21.1MP, as well as the sophisticated image processing served up by its new DIGIC 4 engine, cannot be understated — it’s a wow! The low-light image quality is almost life-changing.

But the 5D Mark II’s old-fashioned AF system can’t keep up with the cutting-edge imaging power. Nor is the 3.9-fps burst rate state-of-the-art. So if you’re a pro, understand these limitations.

Yet if you’re looking to trade in your old 5D for this version, while you gain nothing in AF, you pick up everything from low-light to video capability. And those are very impressive — perhaps irresistible — upgrades.

You can read the entire review over at PopPhoto.com.  You can also find out more news and reviews about the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in the dSLR Dad Resource Guide.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Michael Reichmann, creator of The Luminous Landscape, has published his review of the 24.6-Megapixel Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 dSLR Camera:

The Sony A900 is a very serious undertaking for that company, and is a camera to be reckoned with. Sony plays to win, and it becomes a dominant force in virtually every segment of the consumer and professional electronics industry that it chooses to participate in. (One of their only failures was with Betamax, but they then transformed that format into a professional product and went on to dominate the broadcast industry with it for the past 20 years.) So, as we look at the A900, think of it not just as a new high-end DSLR, but also as Sony’s stake in the ground – claiming their intention to become a major player in the DSLR marketplace.

You can read his entire review here.

Popularity: 6% [?]

LetsGoDigital has published their review of the Nikon D90 dSLR Camera:

The image quality is steady as a rock. Excellent color reproduction and superb dynamic range combined with Nikon’s 3D Matrix metering ensure an outstanding DSLR. Nikon shows to be able to swiftly integrate innovations coming from the professional DSLR in the amateur market, making this segment also stand out from the crowd. The D90 is definitely worth its money and well worth stepping over to from the D80. Although the Nikon D90 is not completely perfect, it offers good value for money. A superb DSLR camera

You can read the complete review here.  As always, you can find out more about the Nikon D90 in the dSLR Dad Resource Guide.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Michael Reichmann, creator of The Luminous Landscape, has published his preview of a pre-production Canon EOS 5D Mark II and it’s 1080p video prowess:

Lurking inside the Live View mode is video capability. Oh your say. That’s interesting. Nikon announced their D90 just last week. Must be a trend.

Well, yes. It’s a trend alright. In fact I’ve been forecasting the convergence of stills and video for quite some time now, as anyone who reads this site regularly knows.

So – let’s see – how does it work and what are the specs?

You can read the entire article here.  You can also find out more about the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in the dSLR Dad Resource Guide.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Michael Reichmann, creator of The Luminous Landscape, has published his review of the Nikon D90’s video capabilities.

This is clearly a first generation product. Nikon saw an opportunity to add video capability to the DSLR and did so in a simple manner with little intention of creating a new type of hybrid camera. The D90 is a stills camera (and a very good one) at a very reasonable price, that happens to also shoot moderate quality video.

There’s little doubt that stills / video convergence is on the way. The Nikon D90 though is simply a harbinger, and shouldn’t be seen as much more than that. As discussed above, while it is no replacement for a camcorder (even a consumer grade one), in the hands of Indy film makers it will likely turn out to be a productive tool, filling in when shallow DOF or special lens use is required.

You can read his entire review here.  You can also find out more about the Nikon D90 in the dSLR Dad Resource Guide.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Now in 1080p High Definition

It has been quite an interesting three years since Canon first released the original EOS 5D. At the time, it was the first full-frame, compact digital SLR that sold at a somewhat affordable price of $3,299 at launch.  It proved popular with dSLR Dads who required really big pixels for their landscape and portrait work.  Remarkably enough, it is only recently that Canon has faced competition in the space it created with the introduction of Nikon’s D700 and Sony’s Alpha A900.  And while those are some mighty fine cameras, Canon has once again decided to set itself apart from the crowd.  With the introduction of the 21.1 Megapixel full-frame EOS 5D Mark II, Canon is also the first to introduce 1080p high-definition video recording in a digital SLR Camera.

(more…)

Popularity: 20% [?]

Popular Photography Magazine has published their review of the Nikon D90 dSLR Camera:

Borrowing its 12.3MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor from the higherend D300, the D90 is the fourth successive 12MP Nikon DSLR. Clearly, the company has eased off the megapixel race, instead focusing on other areas of image quality, such as low noise at high ISOs and convenient features. And the results are impressive. In our lab tests, the D90 scored Excellent in overall image quality right up through ISO 3200….

You can read the entire review at PopPhoto.com.

For all of the latest news and reviews, check out the dSLR Dad’s Nikon D90 Resource Guide

Popularity: 9% [?]

Red Digital Cinema to Release Digital Still & Motion Camera in 2009

Jim Jannard is the founder of both Oakley and the Red Digital Cinema Company.  If you have not heard of RED, they are responsible for flipping the entire digital cinema industry upside down.  By shipping a camera with the best digital sensor in the industry while still offering a system whose components are entirely upgradable in the future.  After focusing all of their energy at the Cinema industry, Jim Jannard has dropped quite the bombshell on the Camera industry:

We believe, and are developing for late 2009, a replacement for DSLRs. Currently, we call it a DSMC (Digital Still & Motion Camera).

While (insert code name) is not a replacement for Epic or Scarlet, it is strategically targeted at the DSLR space. As Nikon and Canon release their 720P and 1080P, respectively, DSLRs with video capture… RED has a more advanced view of the future. We look forward to rapidly pushing the “big guys” along in feature sets and capabilities.

RED firmly believes in higher resolution, higher S/N, higher DNR, higher frame rates, smaller bodies, more system flexibility, and many more options as we move forward in camera development.

The strength of RED is in our sensor development program, REDCODE, and having no legacy platforms to deal with. That left us free to explore, develop and prepare to deliver a new platform. DSMC.

We think all our customers already know what the future will bring. They are just afraid to wish for it for fear of disappointment. Fear not. Sleep tight. RED is awake…..

…..If people are not stunned by the specs and design, I will retire… truly.

…..We believe it marks the end of DSLRs.

In a prior topic he states:

(more…)

Popularity: 10% [?]

Pentax has announced the new 10-megapixel Pentax K200D dSLR Camera with Shake Reduction. The K200D replaces the entry-level K100D. New and upgraded features include:

• APS-C sized 10-megapixel CCD sensor (12-bit RAW output only)
• 2.7 inch Live View LCD (230,000 dots and 160° viewing angle)
• Improved dust reduction system
• weather /dust sealing
• IS0 up to 3,200 (but how does ISO 800 look)
• 11 point Auto Focus system with 9 cross-sensors
• SD and SDHC card
• Battery consumption reduced by a factor of 8 over the K100D

The K200D is available in two configurations:

1. Pentax K200D dSLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only)
2. Pentax K200D dSLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

The following is an excerpt from the Pentax press release: (more…)

Popularity: 16% [?]

Pentax has announced the new 14.6-megapixel K20D dSLR. It is expected to ship in March for $1,299.95 (body only price). New features include:

• APS-C sized 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor (12-bit RAW output only)
• 2.7 inch Live View LCD
• Improved dust reduction system
• weather /dust sealing
• IS0 up to 3,200 (but how does ISO 800 look)
• 11 point Auto Focus system
• SD and SDHC card

It looks like Amazon already has the Pentax K20D 14.6MP dSLR available for pre-order. (more…)

Popularity: 13% [?]