dSLR Dad

Digital Photography Review has spent some special hands on alone time with the new 15-megapixel Pentax K-7 dSLR Camera. As a replacement for the K20D, the K-7 adds 720p HD video recording, a 77 segment exposure meter, a faster 5.2 frame-per-second continuous capture and a 920,000 pixel 3-inch LCD screen. Their hands on preview begins as follows:

Pentax is a name that will evoke fond memories for many photographers whose first SLR experience would have been with a Spotmatic, KM, K1000 or ME Super. Although the company’s market position isn’t as well entrenched as it was during the halcyon days of 35mm film, it continues to attract a devoted following of enthusiasts. And that following isn’t just based on nostalgia – Pentax is alone in having developed a comprehensive range of prime lenses for the APS-C format that dominates modern DSLR photography, while most of its competitors concentrate on offering a selection of zooms.

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Digital Photography Review has published their preview of a pre-production Nikon D5000 dSLR Camera:

The recent boom in DSLR sales has seen all the major manufacturers adding bulked-up or stripped-down entry level models, repositioning their offerings to make sure that anyone willing to put up with the size and weight of a DSLR will look at one of their models. The whole thing has often left existing DSLR owners a little lost – ‘why isn’t there a direct replacement for my camera?’ – but has undoubtedly meant there are many more attractive, accessible cameras on the market just waiting to entice first-time DSLR owners.

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Imaging Resource has published their hands-on preview of a pre-production Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i:

So it’s pretty clear, if the Beta unit’s quality holds up, that the Canon Rebel T1i’s image quality is at least as good as the Canon 50D, delivering more detail than most of the 12-megapixel cameras on the market for less money. Noise suppression is a bigger factor, but you can also turn that noise reduction down or off completely, or shoot 14-bit RAW, something we’ll explore in greater depth when we get a shipping version of the Canon T1i.

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Does the Little Brother Have a Chance?

Rob Galbraith has had a chance to briefly compare the HD video feature of the new Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D versus the 5D Mark II dSLR Cameras.  He has found that:

• A shallow focus effect can definitely be achieved with the Rebel T1i.
• The Rebel T1i’s deep shadows may be less plugged than the 5D Mark II.
• For all but static scenes, the stutter of the 20fps 1080p mode in the Rebel T1i will be unwelcome.
• It’s possible to pull a usable still frame from Rebel T1i 720p video.
• While both camera models include a built-in mono mic, the sound quality from the 5D Mark II’s mic is richer and more live sounding.
• The 5D Mark II has an external stereo miniphone mic jack. The Rebel T1i doesn’t.
• The Rebel T1i has a video capture setting on its mode dial, and a record start/stop button separate from the Set button.
• The Rebel T1i has a 4GB clip length limit, the same as the 5D Mark II.

You can read the entire preview at Rob Galbraith DPI.  You can find more information about the Canon EOS Rebel T1i 500D here.

Sony has unveil two new mid-range Alpha-series dSLRs. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 features a 10.2-megapixel APS-C CCD image sensor. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 upgrades to a 14.2-megapixel sensor. A side effect of the A350’s bigger sensor is a slightly slower frame rate of 2.5 frames-per-second (fps) compared with the 3pfs of the A300. Both Alpha models share the following features:

• • “Quick AF Live View” technology
  • Fold-Out, Variable Angle 2.7 inch LCD
  • BIONZ image processor
  • Super SteadyShot image stabilization enables shutter speed benefit of 2.5 to 3.5 steps
  • Compact Flash card slot
  • DSLR-A300 with DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800
  • DSLR-A350 camera body = $800
  • DSLR-A350 with DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens for about $900

Sony will offer the following kit options (available to order now at Amazon):

• Sony Alpha A300K with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 ED Zoom Lens
  
• Sony Alpha A300X with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 and DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses
• Sony Alpha A350 (body only)
• Sony Alpha A350K with Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 ED Zoom Lens
• Sony Alpha A350X with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 and DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses (more…)

Nikon’s been getting a lot of the press recently, but Canon has new cameras too. The new 40D was announced the same time, but has been shipping since early fall. With that, I present you dSLR Dad’s with all the information you need to justify spending more money. (more…)

dPreview has posted it’s updated full preview of the Nikon D3. You can check it out here.