http://www.cameralabs.com/ Camera Labs Digital Camera, DSLR and lens reviews / DSLR Tips workshops and advice en-us http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC_W220/ The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 is a stylish and affordable compact with 12.1 Megapixels, a 4x optically-stabilised zoom lens and 2.7in screen. The W220 also features Scene Recognition in Auto and Sony's Smile Shutter mode which actually waits for your subject to smile before taking the photo. It represents good value for the money and since release has become a best-seller, but is up against a tough rival in Canon's IXUS 95 IS / PowerShot SD1200 IS. We pitched both head-to-head to see which is the best buy in our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220 review. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC_W220/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G11/ Canon's PowerShot G11 is the latest in the company's flagship G-series, designed to satisfy demanding photographers who want a powerful compact or a pocketable backup to a DSLR. The latest G11 reduces its resolution for the first time in an attempt to deliver lower noise levels than its predecessor and features a new Low Light mode with a maximum sensitivity of 12,800 ISO. Canon's also equipped the G11 with a fully-articulated screen. In our full review we've tested all the new features along with paying particular attention to the low light capabilities of the G11, especially compared to other top-end compacts. Find out which is the ideal compact for enthusiasts in our Canon PowerShot G11 review. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G11/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SD1200_IS_IXUS_95_IS/ The Canon IXUS 95 IS / PowerShot SD1200 IS is a small, stylish and affordable compact camera with 10 Megapixels and a 3x optically-stabilised zoom. Despite the tiny dimensions, Canon's managed to squeeze both a 2.5in screen and an optical viewfinder into the camera, the latter allowing you to greatly extend the battery life. Slightly smaller than a pack of cards, the IXUS 95 IS / SD1200 IS is certainly very pocketable, but can it deliver the goods in practice? Find out whether this is the ideal budget camera for the holidays in our Canon IXUS 95 IS / PowerShot SD1200 IS review. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SD1200_IS_IXUS_95_IS/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_7D/ Canon's EOS 7D is the company's latest semi-pro DSLR, but rather than replacing an existing model, it slots between the existing EOS 50D and 5D Mark II. It may not feature the Mark II's full-frame sensor, but enjoys numerous enhancements across the board, including 8fps continuous shooting, a new 19-point AF system, a viewfinder with 100% coverage and on-demand graphics, along with the choice of HD movie resolutions and frame rates. It's one of Canon's most ambitious DSLRs to date and we've been testing it for several weeks alongside the 50D, 5D Mark II and Nikon D300s. Find out how all four compare in our Canon EOS 7D review, and see the 7D's highlights in our HD video tour! Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_7D/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC_H20/ Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H20 is the company's latest budget super-zoom camera. It packs 10 Megapixels and a 10x stabilised zoom into a compact and affordable package. It also features 720p HD video, scene and even smile detection, or the choice of manual control if you prefer. In a market increasingly packed with super-zoom cameras, the H20 boasts a big lens at a low price and has already become a best-seller, but it now faces a tough rival in Canon's PowerShot SX120 IS. Find out which is the best budget super-zoom in our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 review! Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC_H20/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G11/high_ISO_noise.shtml Canon's PowerShot G-series has long been a favourite of enthusiasts, who want a powerful compact with manual control. The latest G11 actually reduces its resolution for the first time in an attempt to deliver lower noise levels than its predecessor. Does it work? Find out in our PowerShot G11 High ISO Noise results where we've pitched it against two other compacts aimed at enthusiasts, the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GF1. So ahead of our upcoming G11 and GF1 reviews, see how they measure-up in terms of noise! Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_G11/high_ISO_noise.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-P1/ The Olympus E-P1 is a compact camera with a DSLR-sized sensor and removeable lenses. It's the first Olympus camera to employ the Micro Four Thirds standard the company jointly developed with Panasonic. Unlike the modern style of Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds models though, Olympus has adopted the unashamedly retro-styling of its classic PEN film camera range. In our Olympus E-P1 review we'll compare its quality against a leading compact and DSLR, check out its HD movie mode and ultimately see whether it can deliver the dream of DSLR-quality in a pocketable compact form factor. Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-P1/ http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18007 It's the first of a new month which means it's time to vote for your favourite entry in the most recent Camera Lab's Assignment! Don't forget to check out the new theme for November! Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18007 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_7D/noise_JPEG.shtml Canon's EOS 7D has already become one of the most talked-about DSLRs of 2009. Ahead of our full review, we're pleased to present our High ISO Noise results page, which compares the EOS 7D's output against the EOS 50D, EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D300s. We've also posted sample videos using each of the EOS 7D's five HD movie modes, and you can download them for evaluation on your own computer. If you're interested in buying a semi-pro DSLR, you've come to the right place! See our Canon EOS 7D High ISO Noise samples and Canon EOS 7D HD video samples. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_7D/noise_JPEG.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D3000/ The D3000 is Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR, featuring 10.2 Megapixels and an easy-to-use control system aimed at beginners. The D3000 inherits the sensor and body of the earlier D60, but increases the screen size to 3in and grabs the impressive 11-point auto-focus system of the higher-end D5000 and D90; it even features their handy viewfinder guidelines. It's a solid budget DSLR, but up against Canon's EOS 1000D / Rebel XS and Sony's Alpha A230. In our full review of the D3000 we've directly compared the design, build and image quality of all three models, to help you make the right choice. So if you're shopping for a budget DSLR, you've come to the right place! Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D3000/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX120_IS/ Canon's PowerShot SX120 IS is the company's latest budget super-zoom camera. It packs 10 Megapixels and a 10x optically stabilised zoom into a compact and affordable package. It also features Canon's latest scene detection for an easy like in auto, or the choice of full manual controls if you prefer. In a market increasingly packed with super-zoom cameras, the SX120 IS boasts a big lens at a low price, but is up against a tough rival in the form of Sony's Cyber-shot H20. Find out how the two models compare head-to-head in our Canon PowerShot SX120 IS review! Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX120_IS/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TS1_FT1/ Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TS1 (or FT1 as it's known in North America) is the company's first digital camera which can operate underwater without the need for an optional housing. The FT1 / TS1 can survive depths of 3m, but water-resistance hasn't compromised its looks with a body that's slim and stylish. Panasonic's also managed to squeeze in a 4.6x zoom, HD video and an HDMI port. If you're looking for a compact you can take to the beach or pool without any worries, the TS1 / FT1 could be for you, but it's up against Canon's debut underwater-cam, the PowerShot D10 and established player Olympus with its TOUGH 8000. Find out which model's best for you in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 / FT1 review! Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TS1_FT1/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_D10/ Canon's PowerShot D10 is the company's first underwater digital camera and it certainly looks the part with its bright colours and submarine styling. The D10 can operate at depths down to 10m, and is also dust and shock-proof. As such it's ideal whether you're into water-sports or simply want a camera that's protected from sand or splashes at the beach or pool. The big question is how well it handles both underwater and normal shots, and whether Canon can take-on established players like Olympus in this market. Find out in our Canon PowerShot D10 review where we compare it to key rivals and take it surfing, kayaking and shopping for crustaceans. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_D10/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX20_IS/ Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS is the successor to one of the best-selling super-zoom cameras of the past 12 months, and if you thought the only thing missing from the earlier SX10 IS was HD video, then prepare to be excited! The new SX20 IS takes the body, 20x zoom and articulated screen of its predecessor and adds two extra Megapixels, 720p HD video, scene detection and an HDMI port. So a great camera just got even better, but Panasonic hasn't stood still with its latest super-zoom either. So find out how both rivals directly compare in features, performance, image and video quality in our Canon PowerShot SX20 IS review - and check out the highlights in our HD video tour! Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX20_IS/ http://www.cameralabs.com/PC_Hardware_reviews/ Today Camera Labs launches its Computer Hardware section! Computers are an integral part of digital photography and many of you are as enthusiastic about your hardware as you are about cameras. Gordon Laing may be best-known as the Editor of Camera Labs, but was also a contributor to Britain's oldest technology magazine, Personal Computer World, for 17 years, including two at the helm as the Editor, and ten as its Hands On Hardware columnist. So in our new Hardware section, Gordon will continue his tips, reviews and articles, while our hardware forum welcomes your questions and tips. Don't worry, camera reviews will remain our core though and we have more great models coming very soon! Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/PC_Hardware_reviews/ http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=149103 It's the first day of a new month, which means a new Assignment in the Camera Labs forums. The theme, as suggested by the winner of August's Assignment, Bjorn, is 'series'; for more information and to enter, visit the October Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of Palakaboy's 'Goodbye' theme. So to vote, register or sign-into our forums then head on over to our September polling section. Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=149103 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D300s/ Nikon's D300s is the company's latest semi-pro DSLR, which enhances the already highly capable D300 with dual memory card slots, HD movies featuring an external mic input and a boost in continuous shooting, along with handy Virtual Horizon and Quiet mode facilities. These build upon a camera which already featured tough build quality, superb ergonomics, a 3in VGA screen, viewfinder with 100% coverage and a quick 51-point AF system. In short, one of the most capable DSLRs has just got even better, but do the new features deliver the goods in practice, not to mention stand-up against brand new rivals like Canon's EOS 7D? Find out in our Nikon D300s review and see a demonstration of its latest features in our HD video tour! Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D300s/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FS25/ Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FS25 is a slim 12.1 Megapixel compact with a 5x optical zoom delivering flexible coverage equivalent to 29-145mm. Despite its slim dimensions and affordable price, Panasonic's squeezed in a large 3in screen, and while there's no HD video, the FS25 does capture wide VGA movies which are a step-up from normal VGA modes. Like all recent Panasonic models, it also features an easy shooting mode which deserves its billing of Intelligent Auto. But how does it all work together in practice? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 review where we'll compare it against key rivals from Canon and Sony. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FS25/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FZ35_FZ38/ Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ38 / FZ35 is the successor to one of the best super-zoom cameras of the past year. Panasonic's not messed too much with a winning formula and kept the earlier FZ28's lightweight body, 18x zoom and 2.7in screen, but the new model features improved stabilisation, quicker AF, and an HDMI port, along with stereo sound, exposure control and the choice of encoding for its 720p HD movie mode. So a great camera just got even better, but Canon's not stood still either with its arch rival, the PowerShot SX20 IS. Find out how both cameras compare in terms of features, handling, image and video quality in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 / FZ35 review! Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FZ35_FZ38/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX20_IS/noise.shtml Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS and Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ38 / FZ35 are two of the hottest super-zoom cameras right now, so ahead of our upcoming full reviews of both models, we thought you'd enjoy a preview of how they measure-up. In our High ISO Noise results page you'll see how they compare at high sensitivities, and we've also included results from a DSLR to illustrate their differences. We've also filmed the same handheld video sequence with each camera's 720p HD movie modes for your viewing pleasure, along with providing the original files for closer examination on your own computer. So to see how these latest super-zooms stack-up, check out our Canon PowerShot SX20 IS High ISO results page, and check back soon for our full reviews! Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX20_IS/noise.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A330/ Sony's Alpha A330 is the middle unit in the company's triplet of entry-level DSLRs. It inherits a number of features from its predecessor including a 10.2 Megapixel sensor, built-in image stabilisation, quick Live View system and tilting screen, but features a brand new body and revamped user interface, designed for beginners. Sony's gambling the unique styling and ease-of-use, combined with the existing core specifications will make the perfect package for first-time DSLR owners, and if you have a little less or more to spend, there's the A230 and A380 instead. Find out how the new model measures-up in our Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 review where we'll compare its quality and features against key rivals - not to mention seeing where it fits in the growing Sony range. Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A330/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC_W270_W290/ Sony's Cyber-shot DSC W270 and W290 are 12.1 Megapixel compacts with HD video and 5x optically stabilised zooms delivering flexible coverage equivalent to 28-140mm. The only difference between the two models is the size of their screens: 2.7in on the W270 and 3in on the W290. The features, performance and quality are identical. With some neat automatic modes and Sony's Smile Shutter, both cameras are also very easy to use, but how well do they perform in practice? Find out in our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W70 / W290 review where we'll compare them against key rivals from Canon and Panasonic. Mon, 7 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC_W270_W290/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_GF1/verdict.shtml Today Panasonic announced the Lumix GF1, the third model from the company to employ the Micro Four Thirds standard. Unlike the existing DSLR-styled Lumix G1 and GH1 models though, the new GF1 adopts a compact form factor, delivering the combination of large sensor, interchangeable lenses and portability which enthusiasts have been requesting for years. The GF1 features a 12.1 Megapixel sensor, HD movie recording in the 720p format, a 3in 460k screen, built-in flash and hotshoe, the choice of fully automatic or manual control and an optional electronic viewfinder. Could this be the compact you've been waiting for? Find out more in our Lumix GF1 preview, where we'll also compare its features in detail against the Olympus E-P1. Wed, 2 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_GF1/verdict.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/accessory_guide/best_camera_DSLR_accessories.shtml There's a huge range of accessories available for DSLRs, from bags to filters and tripods to straps, but some are poor quality and can let you down. So we've devoted our latest Buyer's Guide to seeking out the best accessories available today. We've tracked-down ten top accessories which have become firm favourites in the Cameralabs office. Each is a leader in its field and won't disappoint, and better still, most won't break the bank either. As such, they're also ideal for anyone who wants to buy an affordable gift for the photographer in their life. So if you're looking for quality accessories for your DSLR, check out our latest Buyer's Guide! Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/accessory_guide/best_camera_DSLR_accessories.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_A2100_IS/ Canon's PowerShot A2100 IS is the top model in the affordable PowerShot A range, featuring 12.1 Megapixel resolution, a 3in screen and a longer than average 6x optically-stabilised zoom lens. New to the A2100 IS is Canon's latest DIGIC 4 processor and scene detection, although like its predecessor, it still conveniently runs on a pair of AA batteries. It's a good solid performer for the money, but up against key rivals in Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W270 / W290 and Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FS25. Find out how it measures-up in our Canon PowerShot A2100 IS review where we've compared all three! Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_A2100_IS/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A380/ Sony's Alpha DSLR-A380 is the company's latest upper-entry-level DSLR. It inherits the same 14.2 Megapixel CCD sensor, built-in image stabilisation and quick Live View system of its predecessor, but features a brand new body design and revamped user interface, designed for beginners. Sony's gambling the unique styling and ease-of-use, combined with the existing core specifications and fuss-free Live View experience will make the perfect package for first-time DSLR owners. Find out how it measures-up in our Sony Alpha DSLR-A380 review where we'll also compare its quality and features against key rivals. PS - a combined HD video tour for the A380 and the A330 is in the pipeline! Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A380/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SD990_IS_IXUS_980_IS/ Canon's Digital IXUS 980 IS / PowerShot SD990 IS ELPH is the flagship in the IXUS / ELPH range, boasting 14.7 Megapixels, a 3.7x stabilized zoom, optical viewfinder and full manual control over the aperture and shutter. The unusually curvy body houses one of the most powerful specifications in the IXUS / ELPH range, and since launch has become one of Canon's best-selling compacts. In our IXUS 980 IS / SD990 IS review we'll take a close look at all the features in practice, along with its image quality to see if there's any compromise in packing such a high resolution into a compact body. Sun, 9 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SD990_IS_IXUS_980_IS/