http://www.cameralabs.com/ Camera Labs Digital Camera, DSLR and lens reviews / DSLR Tips workshops and advice en-us http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-3/ The Olympus E-3 is the long-awaited new flagship of the Four Thirds standard. The E-3 doubles its predecessor's resolution to 10 Megapixels, features tough weather-proof construction, built-in image stabilisation, a fully-articulated screen with Live View, and of course the legendary SSWF anti-dust filter. Olympus has also addressed two concerns with the Four Thirds standard by equipping the E-3 with a large viewfinder and a new 11-point AF system which it claims is the World's fastest. It's an impressive specification, but directly up against models like the Nikon D300, not to mention the more affordable Canon EOS 40D and Sony Alpha A700. To find out how it compares and whether it's a contender in the semi-pro market, check out our Olympus E-3 review - and as always for a demonstration of its features, see our Olympus E-3 video tour. Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-3/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A300/ The Alpha A300 is the middle DSLR in Sony's consumer range. It takes A200's body, 10.2 Megapixel sensor and built-in stabilisation, and equips it with Live View and a screen which tilts for easier framing at high or low angles. It's a compelling package, but the big question is how it compares against the higher-end Alpha A350 - an identical model, other than its higher resolution 14.2 Megapixel sensor. Does the A350 record measurably greater detail, or does the A300 enjoy lower noise levels? Find out in our Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 review where we'll reveal direct comparisons between both Alphas along with Canon's EOS 450D / XSi. And as always, you can check out the highlights in our A300 video tour. Mon, 5 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A300/ http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4510 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, chaplainblake, is 'Reflection'. 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 zrmi's 'Transportation' theme. So to vote, head on over to our April Assignment Submissions thread. Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4510 http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/Nikkor_DSLR_lens_listing.shtml If you're shopping for a Nikon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we now additionally provide details of the complete Nikkor lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Nikkor Lens Listings. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/Nikkor_DSLR_lens_listing.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/best_digital_cameras.shtml Following a run of excellent cameras, we've updated our Buyers Guide to include the Canon EOS 450D / XSi, Sony Alpha A350 and Panasonic's Lumix TZ5 and FX35 compacts. So whether you're in the market for a new compact, super-zoom, budget DSLR or semi-pro DSLR, check out the Camera Labs Buyers Guide to find out the best models around right now! As always, every model recommended in our Buyers Guide has been fully tested. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/best_digital_cameras.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_450D_Digital_Rebel_XSi/ Canon's EOS 450D - or Digital Rebel XSi as it's known in North America - is the company's latest DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular EOS 400D / Rebel XTi. It features a raft of improvements including higher 12.2 Megapixel resolution, a stabilised kit lens, a bigger 3in screen, Live View with the choice of two different AF systems, a bigger viewfinder, quicker continuous shooting, a number of processing features from the higher-end EOS 40D, and PC remote control software. That's an impressive list but does Canon have another best-seller on its hands? Find out in our Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi review where we'll compare it against its predecessor and key rivals including Sony's Alpha A350. And as always, for a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi video tour. Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_450D_Digital_Rebel_XSi/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A350/ The Alpha A350 is the top model in Sony's latest triplet of DSLRs. It takes A200's body with built-in stabilisation, swaps the 10.2 Megapixel sensor for one with 14.2 Megapixels, equips it with Live View and hinges the 2.7in screen so it can tilt up or down for easier framing at high or low angles. The Live View also employs a secondary sensor in the viewfinder, which means the normal AF system can work as quickly as normal and there's none of the usual noises or delay. On paper, the A350 looks like being one of the most important DSLRs of 2008, but does it live up to its expectations in practice? Find out in our Sony Alpha DSLR A350 review and as always, check out the highlights in our A350 video tour. Mon, 7 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A350/ http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3761 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 February's Assignment, zrmi, is 'Transportation'. 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 Big Pix's 'Time' theme. So to vote, head on over to our March Assignment Submissions thread. Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3761 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon24105mmL_with_400D_XTi/ The EF 24-105mm is a premium quality zoom from Canon's 'L' series. It features superb build and mechanical quality, quick and quiet USM focusing and Image Stabilisation to counteract camera shake. It's an ideal general purpose lens for owners of full-frame Canon DSLRs, but what about those with cropped-frame bodies like the EOS 400D / XTi, EOS 450D / XSi or EOS 40D? In this review we'll examine how the EF 24-105mm performs on cropped-frame Canon DSLRs and as always, check out our video tour for a demonstration. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon24105mmL_with_400D_XTi/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-FX35_FX36/ The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is a slim 10.1 Megapixel compact with a 4x optical zoom lens. It's the successor to the Lumix FX33 which was announced only six months ago - so what's new? Panasonic has extended the 3.6x optical range to 4x, but rather than make it longer, it's actually wider. So instead of 28-100mm, the FX35 boasts a 25-100mm range, giving it unusually wide angle coverage for a compact. Like the Lumix TZ5 reviewed last week, there's also 720p HD video recording, a component output for an optional HD cable, and the latest version of Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode. Find out if it's the ideal slim compact in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 review and as always, check out our FX35 video tour for a demo. Note, the FX35 is known as the FX36 in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-FX35_FX36/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ5_TZ15/ The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is a 9.1 Megapixel compact with nothing less than a 10x optical zoom range. It's the successor to the enormously successful Lumix TZ3 and features the same excellent 28-280mm stabilised zoom lens in a pocketable form factor, but along with two extra Megapixels, upgrades the 3in screen to 460k pixels, adds HD movie recording at 720p / 30fps, and tops it off with an improved Intelligent Auto mode which combines Face and Scene Detection, Intelligent ISO and Panasonic's latest Intelligent Exposure mode. Has the one of the best compacts just got better? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 review, and for a demonstration of its features, see our TZ5 video tour. Note the TZ5 is known as the TZ15 in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ5_TZ15/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D60/video_review.shtml Our brand new Nikon D60 video tour is now uploaded and ready to go! Apologies for the delay. Thu, 6 Mar 2008 21:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D60/video_review.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D60/ The Nikon D60 is an entry-level 10.2 Megapixel DSLR aimed at general consumers who are typically upgrading from a point and shoot or film camera. It shares the same sensor, screen and body as its predecessor the D40x, but now features a stop-motion recording mode, eye sensors which switch the screen off when you're looking through the viewfinder, Active D-Lighting, and an anti-dust system which both vibrates the sensor unit along with using an airflow system to channel particles from the image path. Best of all though is an option to buy the D60 in a kit with an affordable stabilised kit lens. To find out if it's the best entry-level DSLR, check out our Nikon D60 review. Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D60/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-420/verdict.shtml Today Olympus announced its latest DSLR, the E-420. Successor to the E-410, the new E-420 shares the same compact dimensions which make it one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs around. The core specifications of a 10 megapixel sensor with Live View and effective anti-dust features remain, but the E-420 now features a slightly bigger 2.7in screen and the addition of contrast-based AF facilities complete with Face Detection. For those who really like to travel light, Olympus has also introduced a 'pancake' style 25mm f2.8 lens which measures just 23.5mm and offers standard 50mm coverage on the E-420. The E-420 will be available in April for 379 GBP in a kit with the 14-42mm lens. Check out our Olympus E-420 feature comparison to see how it measures-up against its rivals. Wed, 5 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Olympus_E-420/verdict.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3162 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 January's Assignment, Big Pix, is 'Time'. To enter, visit the March Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of Drazen Gal's 'My Place' theme. So to vote, head on over to our February Assignment Submissions thread. Sat, 1 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3162 http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A200/outdoor_results.shtml We've updated our Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 review with new results and sample images taken with a final production camera. We've compared this retail unit with what's likely to be its biggest rival, the Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi, and shown how they measure-up in terms of studio resolution, real-life detail and noise levels. The entry-level DSLR market has never been tougher, so to see how the latest Alpha compares against its biggest rival and its predecessor, the best-selling Alpha A100, check out the updated results and gallery pages of our Sony A200 review. For a demo of its features, see our Sony A200 video tour. Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A200/outdoor_results.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_S5_IS/ Canon's PowerShot S5 IS is an 8 megapixel super-zoom camera with a 12x optically-stabilised zoom, flip-out screen and a great movie mode. The large number of cameras released by Canon during 2007 forced us to bypass the S5 IS when first released, but it's since become one of the most popular super-zooms on the market and remains a current model in the latest 2008 range. So by popular demand, we're pleased to present our Canon PowerShot S5 IS review, as always accompanied by a demonstration in our video tour. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_S5_IS/ http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/Canon_DSLR_lens_listing.shtml If you're shopping for a Canon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we're pleased to also now provide details of the complete Canon EF lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you, how the three 50mm primes vary, or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Canon EF Lens Listings. Other lens manufacturers coming soon! Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/Canon_DSLR_lens_listing.shtml http://www.dslrtips.com/workshops/How_to_take_photos_at_night/manual_long_exposure.shtml Photos taken at night can produce spectacular results - in fact many cities present their best views after dark. Night photography can also be very forgiving in bad weather, so if rain's prevented you from grabbing the shots you want of a city, it's well worth trying again after sunset. Night photography can however prove quite a challenge in Automatic modes, but it's surprisingly easy with a few simple tricks and in our latest video workshop at DSLR Tips, we'll explain how. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.dslrtips.com/workshops/How_to_take_photos_at_night/manual_long_exposure.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A200/ The Alpha A200 is Sony's new entry-level DSLR and the successor to its debut model, the best-selling Alpha A100. It features the same 10.2 Megapixel CCD sensor as its predecessor, but squeezes it into a smaller and lighter body; there's still room though for the built-in stabilisation to counteract camera shake. Sony's also increased the sensitivity to 3200 ISO, accelerated the AF by 1.7 times, enlarged the screen to 2.7in and employed an InfoLithium battery for accurate feedback. Today though the entry-level DSLR market has never been tougher, so to see how the latest Alpha compares against its predecessor and the current crop of rivals, check out our Sony A200 review, and for a demo of its features, see our Sony A200 video tour. Wed, 6 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A200/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A350/verdict.shtml The introduction of Sony's brand new Alpha A300 and Alpha A350 have doubled the company's current DSLR range - and at kit prices of $799 and $899 USD respectively, stack-up favourably against the competition. Both new Sonys feature Live View with quick AF, tilting screens for greater compositional flexibility, and like all Alphas sport built-in sensor-shift stabilisation. They're likely to be big sellers, so if you're in the market for a new DSLR, you'll want to carefully compare their features against the competition - and we've done just that for you in our Sony A300 and A350 feature comparison, where you'll discover where they fit-in with models like Canon's EOS 450D / Rebel XSi and the Nikon D60, along with Sony's existing Alpha A200 and A700. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony_Alpha_DSLR_A350/verdict.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/cameras/Panasonic/Latest_Panasonic_Compacts.shtml Today Panasonic unveiled a raft of new compacts including the successor to the Lumix TZ3, one of our favourite compacts of last year. The new TZ5 features the same excellent 28-280mm stabilised zoom lens in a compact case, but upgrades both the sensor and 3in screen resolutions to 9.1 Megapixels and 460k pixels respectively. The big new feature is HD movie recording at 720p / 30fps, and HDTV connectivity with an optional component cable; this also featured on the new Lumix FX55 slim compact. The TZ5 rounds this off with an improved Intelligent Auto mode. For full details of all the new models, check our Panasonic compact camera page. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/cameras/Panasonic/Latest_Panasonic_Compacts.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/cameras/Nikon/Latest_Nikon_DSLRs.shtml Today Nikon announced the D60, a new budget DSLR which bears an uncanny resemblance to what we expect to become the discontinued D40x. It shares the same 10 Megapixel sensor, same 2.5in screen and essentially the same body and controls. New to the D60 are a stop-motion recording mode, eye sensors which switch the screen off when you're looking through the viewfinder, Active D-Lighting, and an anti-dust system which both vibrates the sensor unit along with using an airflow system to channel particles from the image path. Overall though, it's a minor refresh of an existing model, and as such a disappointment especially without a built-in AF motor for non-AF-S lenses. Those hoping to see a D80 successor will have to keep their fingers crossed Nikon's holding something back for PMA. The D60 is expected in February, costing 529 GBP / 791 EUR with the recently-announced stabilised DX 18-55mm VR kit lens. See the complete Nikon DSLR range. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/cameras/Nikon/Latest_Nikon_DSLRs.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_450D_Digital_Rebel_XSi/verdict.shtml As the successor to the best-selling DSLR of the last 18 months, there's no doubt Canon's new EOS 450D / Rebel XSi will shift by the bucket-load when it arrives in March / April. As always though new buyers should consider very carefully whether the new features are worth the extra money, especially since the existing 400D / XTi remains as an entry-level option in the range. So in this article we've compared the new 450D / XSi's features against both its predecessor and key rivals, many of which are now available at bargain prices. Find out which models should be on your shortlist at our Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi feature comparison. Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_450D_Digital_Rebel_XSi/verdict.shtml http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Crumpler_Keystone_Sinking_Barge_bag/ A good bag is an essential accessory for every photographer. You can of course carry your camera in any bag, but one designed with photographers in mind should accommodate your specific equipment and accessories, along with giving you quick and easy access to them. In this review we'll be taking a look at two camera rucksacks by Australian bag giant Crumpler: the Keystone, a dedicated (but convertible) camera bag, and the Sinking Barge, a hybrid day-pack. See our Crumpler camera bag review for the full story. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Crumpler_Keystone_Sinking_Barge_bag/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Pentax_Optio_Z10/ The Pentax Optio Z10 is an 8 Megapixel compact with a 7x optical zoom sporting an equivalent range of 38-266mm, equipping it with a longer reach than most compacts at this size and price. Despite the longer than average zoom range, the Z10's optics remain housed within the body at all times, and unusually for most compacts, you can also operate the zoom while filming a video. The lens gives it an edge over most compacts, but how does it perform in practice? Find out in our Pentax Optio Z10 review and check out its features in our video tour. Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Pentax_Optio_Z10/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_WFT_E3A/ Canon's WFT-E3(A) wireless file transmitter is one of the most powerful accessories for the EOS 40D. It equips the 40D with Wifi, allowing you to transfer images or remote control the camera without a cable in sight, even from the other side of the world. It also includes USB connectivity to external storage devices and even GPS navigators to record your co-ordinates on images. And the whole thing is packaged into a portrait grip for comfortable shooting on the side. To find out how it performs in practice, see our detailed Canon WFT-E3(A) review and for a demonstration of its features, check out our video tour. Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_WFT_E3A/ http://cameralabs.com/reviews/Joby_Gorillapod_SLR_Zoom/ Joby's Gorillapod SLR Zoom is designed for those who want the stability of a tripod, without the inconvenience of lugging one around. Like earlier Gorillapods, flexible jointed legs allow you to securely grab onto almost any object or surface from curved railings to tree branches. Once locked into place you can then comfortably take long or multiple exposures, along with self-timer shots. The big difference with the SLR Zoom Gorillapod is it can support weights up to 3kg, thereby accommodating semi-pro DSLRs, while remaining light and portable. Is it the perfect tripod for you? Find out in our Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom review. Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://cameralabs.com/reviews/Joby_Gorillapod_SLR_Zoom/ http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony75300mm/page7.shtml Sony's 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens remains a popular option for owners of Alpha DSLRs. It's a common bundle with the earlier A100 and likely to find itself fitted to many of the new A200 bodies. As such it's an ideal time to revisit our Sony 75-300mm lens review with a brand new video tour, using the Alpha A100 body. Remember the new A200 has the same sensor, so our quality results are equally applicable for this new body. So to see - and hear - how this budget telephoto zoom compares, check out our Sony 75-300mm video tour. Tue, 8 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Sony75300mm/page7.shtml http://www.dslrtips.com/ Today sees the launch of DSLR Tips, a new photography site from the founders of Camera Labs! DSLR Tips is aimed at anyone who's just got their first DSLR or wants to take their photography beyond automatic. Our video tutorials will show you how to achieve a number of effects and styles, while the lens guide will help you decide which optics are best for your style of photography. So if you'd like to learn more about your DSLR, or know someone who does, then head over to DSLR Tips! Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.dslrtips.com/