http://www.cameralabs.com/ Camera Labs Digital Camera, DSLR and lens reviews / DSLR Tips workshops and advice en-us http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15490 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 May's Assignment, Laurel, is 'Extremes'; to enter, visit the July Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of Mikeroch's 'Alien' theme. So to vote, register or sign-into our forums then head on over to our June polling section. Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15490 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-HX1/ Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is the company's latest super-zoom, featuring 9 Megapixels, a tilting 3in screen and a 20x optical range. It's also only the second-ever non-DSLR to feature a CMOS sensor, which allows the HX1 to boast HD video and fast continuous shooting. If you thought the Canon SX1 IS was quick at 4fps though, think again: the Sony HX1 boasts nothing less than 10fps. The HX1 also offers cunning modes including one which assembles a panoramic image from a single sweep of the camera. It's another gadget-packed camera from Sony, but can it live up to its promise? Find out in our Sony Cyber-shot HX1 review where we'll show you how it performs as an action-camera, demonstrate its HD movies and directly compare the image quality against its arch rival, Canon's SX1 IS. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Cyber-shot_DSC-HX1/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-620/video_review.shtml The Olympus E-620 is the company's latest upper-entry-level DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular E-520. Following on from our earlier full review is our latest video tour in High Definition! In the video you'll see a demonstration of the E-620's Live View, continuous shooting, art filters and articulated screen in action, along with a look around the camera's design and controls. So if you're after a step-up from an entry-level DSLR, check out our Olympus E-620 video tour! And don't forget our full review also includes detailed results comparing the real-life performance of the E-620 against the Canon 500D / T1i and Nikon D5000; our HD videos of those models will follow soon. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-620/video_review.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/features/1080p_HD_video_comparison/GH1_vs_5D_Mark_II_vs_SX1_IS_vs_HX1.shtml An increasing number of DSLRs and compacts boast HD Movie recording, and many of them deliver pretty respectable results. But how do they really compare side-by-side? To find out we shot the same sequence moments apart with four cameras, each one quite different from the others, but all having one thing in common: the ability to record 1080p video at a smooth frame rate. We wanted to see how they performed under typical conditions, so filmed the sequences handheld in their auto modes with stabilisation enabled and a zoom of the lens at the end. It's an informal comparison, but still reveals some interesting aspects about each camera. So to find out how the Panasonic GH1, Canon 5D Mark II, PowerShot SX1 IS and Sony HX1’s HD movies measure-up, check out our HD shoot-out! Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/features/1080p_HD_video_comparison/GH1_vs_5D_Mark_II_vs_SX1_IS_vs_HX1.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II/ Canon's EOS 5D Mark II has become one of the most popular higher-end DSLRs of recent times, boasting high resolution 21 Megapixel images and Full HD video recording. It's not been without problems though: video enthusiasts lamented the lack of manual control over exposures, while the black dot issue plagued certain photographers. Canon claims to have addressed both with updates though, so we've taken the opportunity to retest the Mark II with the latest 1.1.0 firmware released in June. So to find out how well the manual controls for video work in practice and whether the black dot issue really has been banished for good, check out our Canon EOS 5D Mark II updated review. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_GH1/noise.shtml Panasonic's Lumix GH1 is the second Micro Four Thirds model, and externally almost identical to its stable-mate, the Lumix G1. Both cameras pack 12 Megapixels, detailed flip-out screens and full-time Live View into relatively compact bodies. The big difference is the GH1 now sports Full HD video recording thanks to a new sensor, but has this capability compromised noise levels? Find out in our Lumix GH1 High ISO Noise preview where we directly compare its image quality against two very different leaders in their fields: the Nikon D90 and Canon PowerShot SX1 IS. Check back soon for our full review! Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_GH1/noise.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX1_IS/outdoor_results.shtml Canon's PowerShot SX1 IS is one of the most compelling hybrid cameras to date, combining decent stills and Full HD video recording in a compact package that also includes a 20x zoom, flip-out screen and 4fps continuous shooting. About the only thing it didn't offer upon first release was RAW recording, and Canon recently fixed that with a firmware update. To see how this capability works in practice, we got hold of an SX1 IS, updated its firmware and repeated our real-life and studio resolution tests. See how it measures-up in our updated review. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX1_IS/outdoor_results.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-620/ The Olympus E-620 is the company's latest upper-entry-level DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular E-520. It inherits a number of features from the higher-end E-30, including its 12.3 Megapixel sensor, a fully-articulated 2.7in screen and creative Art Filters, but squeezes it into a body that's closer in size and style to the tiny E-4xx series. Unlike that range though, the E-620 features built-in Image Stabilisation which works with any lens you attach. It's a great specification for the price, but for a little more, Canon's EOS 500D / T1i and Nikon's D5000 become key alternatives. See how all three measure-up in our Olympus E-620 review. If you're after a step-up from a budget DSLR, you're in the right place! Sun, 7 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-620/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5000/ Nikon's D5000 is the company's latest 'upper-entry-level' DSLR aimed at beginners. It's officially the successor to the D60 and continues its helpful approach to photography, although inherits much of the higher-end D90, including its sensor with Live View and HD movie recording. The D5000 also becomes the first Nikon DSLR to feature a fully articulated screen, allowing you to comfortably shoot movies or stills at unusual angles. It's another compelling proposition, but up against two key rivals in the form of Canon's EOS 500D / Rebel T1i and the Olympus E-620. To find out how they compare in every respect, from build to image quality, check out our Nikon D5000 review. PS - video tour coming soon! Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5000/ http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14688 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 April's Assignment, Mikeroch, is 'Alien'; to enter, visit the June Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of Sublimity's 'Delicate' theme. So to vote, register or sign-into our forums then head on over to our May polling section. Mon, 1 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14688 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/ Canon's EOS 500D - or Rebel T1i as it's known in North America - is the company's latest 'step-up-from-a-budget' DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular EOS 450D / Rebel XSi. It may look essentially the same from the outside, but features a 15.1 Megapixel sensor, 12,800 ISO maximum sensitivity, and a large, detailed 3in VGA screen, while also becoming Canon's second DSLR to boast HD movie recording facilities. It's a highly compelling specification for the money, but up against two key rivals in the form of Nikon's D5000 and the Olympus E-620. We've been testing all three side-by-side, so to find out how they compare, check out our Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i review. PS - an HD video tour is in the pipeline! Sun, 24 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/video_review.shtml Canon's EOS 500D / Rebel T1i and the Nikon D5000 both offer HD video recording in the 720p format, but how do they compare? To find out, we shot the same sequence, handheld, using each camera fitted with their respective kit lenses. The lenses were zoomed-out with stabilisation enabled. Canon's 500D / T1i additionally offers a 1080p mode, albeit at a less smooth 20fps, so for good measure we repeated the process in this mode too. Check them all out in our Canon vs Nikon HD Video head-to-head, then download the original files and let us know which you think looks best in the Cameralabs forum! Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/video_review.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/noise.shtml The three hottest DSLRs right now are the Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i, Nikon D5000 and Olympus E-620 - and we've had all three in the Cameralabs offices for some time, putting them through their paces! Our detailed reviews of each camera are in the pipeline, but in the meantime, we thought you'd enjoy seeing how they directly compare in terms of High ISO performance. Can Canon's EOS 500D / T1i deliver anything usable at 12,800 ISO? Will the Nikon D5000 match the performance of the highly respectable D90? And will the smaller sensor area of the Olympus E-620 prevent it from keeping up with its rivals? Find out in our High ISO DSLR shoot-out! Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/noise.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/book_reviews/50_Lighting_Setups_For_Portrait_Photographers/ Good lighting can be critical for successful portrait photography, but is often a mystery to non-professionals. In his book, '50 Lighting Setups For Portrait Photographers', author Steven H Begleiter highlights the techniques behind a wide variety of portraits, set across a series of double-page spreads. Common questions such as how to downplay a double chin and dark shadows under the eyes or how to produce a soft, romantic feel are also discussed. In our book review we'll see if it's the ideal guide for anyone who wants to learn more about the often tricky subject of lighting for portraits. Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/book_reviews/50_Lighting_Setups_For_Portrait_Photographers/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/video_review_HD.shtml Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ7 (or ZS3 as it's known in North America), has already become a hot seller, packing 10.1 Megapixel resolution, a detailed 3in screen, HD video recording and a 12x optically-stabilised zoom packed into a pocket-sized body. Our full review of it published three weeks ago is currently the most popular article at Cameralabs, so we're enhancing it today with a brand new video tour of the camera in High Definition! This demonstrates the TZ7 / ZS3's optical range, its new face recognition technology and includes a number of clips filmed in its AVCHD Lite mode. See how the camera performs in the flesh in our Panasonic TZ7 / ZS3 video tour! Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/video_review_HD.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-620/high_ISO_noise.shtml The Olympus E-620 is the company's latest affordable mid-range DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular E-520. It features a 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, a fully-articulated 2.7in screen and a redesigned body that borrows from both its predecessor and the tiny E-420; it also features Olympus's art filters for applying special effects. Ahead of our upcoming full review, we thought you'd enjoy seeing our High ISO Noise results for this camera, directly compared against the Canon EOS 450D / XSi and Nikon D90, the latter offering an indication of what we can expect from the latest D5000. Has increasing the resolution on an already smaller sensor area than rival DSLRs compromised the E-620's high ISO performance? Find out in our Olympus E-620 Noise preview! Sun, 3 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-620/high_ISO_noise.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13869 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 March's Assignment, Sublimity, is 'Delicate'; to enter, visit the May Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of picturesonthemind's 'Spring' theme. So to vote, register or sign-into our forums then head on over to our April submissions section. Fri, 1 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13869 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX200_IS/ Canon's PowerShot SX200 IS is a 12.1 Megapixel compact with a 12x optically stabilised zoom and a 3in screen. It's Canon's first attempt at a pocket super-zoom and directly targets Panasonic's enormously popular travel-zoom series. Indeed, like Panasonic's latest Lumix TZ7 / ZS3, the PowerShot SX200 IS also features HD video, an HDMI port and auto scene detection. They're even roughly the same size, weight and price, but dig a little deeper and you'll discover considerable differences. Find out which comes out on top in our Canon PowerShot SX200 IS review where we'll pitch their quality and features head-to-head, while also seeing how they measure-up against Canon's best-selling SX10 IS. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX200_IS/ http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_lens_guide_range.shtml If you're shopping for a Sony lens, or are just curious to compare specifications and prices, you've come to the right place! We're pleased to publish the third of our complete lens guides today which lists the entire Sony Alpha lens catalogue with full specifications and pricing; this follows our existing complete guides to Canon and Nikkor lenses. So if you want to find out about any of the lenses from these manufacturers and compare their ranges, head on over to our complete guides in the Lenses section. Or go straight to our Sony Alpha Lens Guide! Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_lens_guide_range.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_COOLPIX_P90/ Nikon's COOLPIX P90 is the latest in a steady stream of super-zoom cameras. It out-specifies many rivals with 12.1 Megapixel resolution, a 3in tilting screen and a whopping 24x optical zoom range that's equivalent to 26-624mm. Nikon's also added Smile and Blink detection, Scene Recognition, Active D-Lighting, time-lapse movies and a high-speed shooting mode which can fire-off up to 45 low-res frames at an impressive 15fps. It's a competitive specification and one that's priced at a similar level to key rivals, but the question is whether it delivers the goods in practice. Find out in our Nikon COOLPIX P90 review where we'll directly compare the image quality against Canon's best-selling PowerShot SX10 IS. Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_COOLPIX_P90/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5000/verdict.shtml The D5000 is Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR and the successor to the popular D60. While externally resembling its predecessor, it inherits many key aspects of the higher-end D90 including its 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor with Live View and HD movie recording in the 720p format. The D5000 also becomes the first Nikon DSLR to feature a fully-articulated screen. The upgrades don't stop there either with surprises involving continuous shooting and its AF system. As such Nikon's new entry-level DSLR is brought bang-up-to-date, but how does it compare to Canon's latest EOS 500D / T1i, and can the D90 still justify its higher price? Find out in our Nikon D5000 preview. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D5000/verdict.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikkor_DX_16-85mm_VR/ The Nikkor DX 16-85mm VR is a general-purpose lens for owners of Nikon's DX-format bodies. It features Vibration Reduction to combat camera shake, quick and quiet SWM focusing which works on all DX-format Nikon bodies, and a 24-128mm equivalent range that zooms wider than any existing general-purpose model in the range. It's this wide coverage that makes the DX 16-85mm VR really special, but the question is how it performs in practice and whether it's sufficiently better than the existing kit lenses or the eternally popular DX 18-200mm VR. Find out in our Nikkor DX 16-85mm VR review and check out the highlights in our video tour. Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikkor_DX_16-85mm_VR/ http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13135 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 runner-up of February's Assignment, picturesonthemind, is 'Spring'; to enter, visit the April Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of thestig2010's 'Luck' theme. So to vote, register or sign-into our forums then head on over to our March submissions section. Wed, 1 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13135 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/verdict.shtml Today Canon launched a new mid-range DSLR, the EOS 500D / Rebel T1i. The successor to the best-selling EOS 450D / XSi, it features a 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3in VGA / 920k screen, DIGIC 4 image processing, 3.4fps continuous shooting and HD video recording. Unlike the EOS 5D Mark II, the EOS 500D / T1i can switch from 1080p to 720p for longer recording times. Canon also launched a new compact Speedlite flashgun, the 270EX which replaces the 220EX and is designed to equip EOS DSLRs and compatible PowerShots with greater reach than their built-in units. Find out more about Canon's latest and how it measures-up against its predecessor and its biggest rival in our Canon EOS 500D / T1i preview! Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/verdict.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SD780_IS_IXUS_100_IS/ Canon's Digital IXUS 100 IS (or PowerShot SD780 IS Digital ELPH as it's known in North America) is the slimmest IXUS / ELPH to date. Into its small but perfectly formed body Canon's packed a 12.1 Megapixel sensor, a 3x optically-stabilised zoom and 2.5in screen. It also becomes one of Canon's first compacts to feature HD video recording (in 720p), an HDMI output and scene-detection in Auto mode. It's a powerful feature-set to find in such a small body, but the question as always is how well it all works in practice and whether the physical constraints result in any compromises. Find out in our review where we'll detail the new features and directly compare the image quality against key rivals. Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SD780_IS_IXUS_100_IS/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/ Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ7 (or ZS3 as it's known in North America) is the successor to one of the best selling compacts of last year. It features 10.1 Megapixel resolution, a detailed 3in screen, HD video recording and a 12x optically-stabilised zoom packed into a pocket-sized body. The new lens is both wider and longer than its predecessor, boasting an equivalent range of 25-300mm. The HD video may remain 720p in format, but you now get the choice of encoding it in Motion JEPG for easier editing, or AVCHD for longer recording times. You also get an HDMI port and Face Recognition which can actually remember a handful of people and give them focus priority. But how well does it all work in practice, and ultimately has one of the best compacts of 2008 just got better? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3 full review. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/