Canon announce another AF accuracy advisory for EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III

From Canon UK Consumer Product Support today:

We have learned that some EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras have a problem in the accuracy of the AF (autofocusing) feature.

Cause:
If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft.

Answer:
Free AF accuracy checks and adjustments will be provided to affected products. Please click here to complete a registration form if you own an affected product and wish to arrange for service. After you have submitted the form you will be contacted by a representative of a Canon Service Centre within one week for a service appointment.

Note:
A prior registration and appointment is preferred before sending your camera to Canon. Any cameras received without a pre-registration and appointment will be serviced at the earliest possible opportunity.


Supplementary information:
Based on the comments and suggestions of professional photographers, we have also created supplementary AI Servo AF information (AI Servo Auto Focus Manual) for users to fully utilize the AF capacity of the cameras. Please refer to this information when you shoot with the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III cameras.


Previous information regarding AF (Auto-focusing) with EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III:
The following web announcements were previously released to inform users about improvements in the AF accuracy of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III.

EOS-1D Mark III: Start of Repairs for AF Mirror Adjustment Problem

Release of firmware that improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects
EOS-1D Mark III - firmware version 1.2.3.
EOS-1Ds Mark III - firmware version 1.1.2.

The above information, together with the provision of free AF accuracy checks and adjustments, allow users to utilize the AF function of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III with greater assurance.

We offer our sincerest apologies to customers using these products who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers, and we spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence.

We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.

Sigma unwrap 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM.

This compact high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s own Optical Stabiliser function. The lens incorporates SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass in the front lens group and is equipped with an inner focusing system to provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high contrast images.

The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high-speed auto focus. The OS function effectively eliminates the effects of camera shake so subjects can be easily and clearly seen in the viewfinder as well as in the image. It allows the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than normal for steady, handheld photography. For Sony and Pentax mounts he built-in OS System operates in conjunction with a camera body equipped with an anti-shake function and can be used as an alternative with cameras having built-in image stabilisation.

This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 110cm (43.3 inches) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio is 1:4.5. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarising filters.




SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum Aperture F22

Minimum Focusing Distance 110cm
Lens Construction 14 Elements in 10 Groups

Maximum Magnification 1:4.5
Angle of View 27.9 - 7.1Åã

Filter Size 55mm
No. of Diaphragm Blades 8 pcs

Lens Hood Bayonet type
Weight TBA

SRP TBA
Dimensions Diameter 74.4mm x Length 101.9mm
Available fittings Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Pentax, Sony (D)




*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with 35mm SLR cameras or digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size.
*For Pentax mount, if the camera body does not support HSM, auto focus will not be available.

Sigma reveal 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM.

This large aperture standard zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s original Optical Stabilisation function. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an anti-shake function. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the viewfinder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. The large aperture of F2.8 and anti-shake function makes this lens ideal for indoor and low-light photography.

Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.

The lens design incorporates inner focusing and inner zooming systems. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 30cm (11.8 inches) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.1. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high speed AF.




SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Aperture F22
Minimum Focusing Distance 30cm
Lens Construction 16 Elements in 12 Groups
Maximum Magnification 1:4.1
Angle of View 69.3-27.9Åã
Filter Size 67mm
No. of Diaphragm Blades 7 pcs
Lens Hood Petal-type hood
Weight 395 grams
SRP TBA
Dimensions Diameter 74mm x Length 88.6mm
Available fittings Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Pentax, Sony (D)




*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with 35mm SLR cameras or digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size.
*For Pentax mount, if the camera body does not support HSM, auto focus will not be available.

Sigma announce 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM.

This super wide-angle lens has a maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout the entire zoon range. Its wide angle of view from 102.4 degrees produces striking images with exaggerated perspective. The maximum aperture of F3.5 is ideal for indoor shooting and it enables photographers to emphasise the subject.

Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction of colour aberrations. Four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion and allow its compact and lightweight construction. The Super Multi-Layer coating reduces flare and ghosting ensuring high image quality throughout the entire zoom range.

The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) enables quiet and high-speed auto focus as well as full-time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 24cm (9.4 inches) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.6.

The lens design incorporates an inner focusing system which eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the Petal-type hood. The, included, Petal-type hood blocks extraneous light and reduce internal reflection.



SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum Aperture F22

Minimum Focusing Distance 24cm
Lens Construction 13 Elements in 10 Groups

Maximum Magnification 1:6.6
Angle of View 102.4-63.8Åã

Filter Size 82mm
No. of Diaphragm Blades 7 pcs Lens

Hood Petal-type hood
Weight TBA

SRP TBA
Dimensions Diameter 87.3mm x Length 88.2mm
Available fittings Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Pentax, Sony (D)



*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with 35mm SLR cameras or digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size.
*For Pentax mount, if the camera body does not support HSM, auto focus will not be available.

Adobe add support for Nikon D3x with update to Lightroom and ACR

Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3, available immediately for download at www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/.

The Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3 updates, originally posted as release candidates for community testing on Jan. 23, provide raw file support for the newly-released Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30 cameras.

The Lightroom 2.3 update also provides support for eight additional languages including Dutch, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Spanish, Swedish, Korean, Chinese (simplified) and Chinese (traditional). Additionally, it addresses several issues including a solution to a memory leak that affected some customers of the Lightroom 2.2 release.

Lightroom has received tremendous support from the photography community, and companies have released plug-ins that further extend Lightroom 2’s capabilities.

Today, Nik software announced that its Viveza plug-in for colour refinement and light control is now compatible with Lightroom 2, and Photomatix recently updated its Lightroom HDR plug-in to work smoothly with Lightroom 2. To discover more plug-ins compatible with Lightroom 2 visit the Lightroom Exchange home page: http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/exchange/index.cfm?l=-1&loc=en_us&event=productHome&exc=25&Submit=Filter.

Pricing and Availability

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.3 update is available as a free download for existing Lightroom 2 customers and the Photoshop Camera Raw 5.3 plug-in is available as a free download for existing customers of Photoshop CS4, Photoshop Elements 7, Premiere Elements 7 and Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac. Both updates can be downloaded at www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/.

Sony debuts Cmos sensor in HX1 super-zoom

The Cyber-shot HX1 from Sony teams stunning picture quality, lightning-fast shooting and powerful creative features in a stylish, supremely easy to use camera.

The new flagship model in the Sony Cyber-shot range showcases sophisticated image sensing and optical and processing technologies that offer unrivalled creative possibilities.

Offering cutting edge performance and a powerful 20x optical zoom range, the compact HX1 fits effortlessly into a weekend bag or small travel case. It’s an ideal companion for anyone who demands high quality imaging performance and advanced shooting functions without the bulk of packing a Digital SLR and all its accompanying lenses.

At the heart of the HX1 is a new Sony-developed ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 9.1 megapixels. Originally developed for the Sony Alpha Digital SLR, ‘Exmor’ technology delivers outstanding images with reduced noise, especially when shooting in high ISO settings.

In tandem with the powerful BIONZ image processor, the ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor supports full 9.1 megapixel resolution shooting at an incredible 10 frames per second (max) using a mechanical shutter. Outpacing many pro-spec digital SLR cameras, this super-fast shooting rate is ideal for capturing high-speed action or spontaneous events like parties, where anything can happen in a moment.

Also powered by the ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor and BIONZ processor, ‘Sweep Panorama’ is a brand-new shooting mode that captures breathtaking landscapes, city scenes and more. Just hold down the shutter button and sweep the camera horizontally (or vertically). The Cyber-shot HX1 quickly and seamlessly stitches together a high-speed burst of frames to create an extra-wide, high resolution image. Panoramas can be viewed as a scrolling preview on the HX1’s three-inch LCD screen, on new S-Frame digital photo frames or on a PLAYSTATION®3.

The ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor supports two new shooting modes that reduce image noise when you’re shooting in low light. If you’re capturing static subjects, new Handheld Twilight mode grabs a high-speed burst of six frames, combining them to create a single optimised image with dramatically reduced noise levels; fantastic for night cityscapes. If your subject is moving, Anti Motion Blur mode also superimposes six frames to produce one crisp, composite image with less subject blur.

Making its Cyber-shot debut is a new G Lens that has been designed to complement the extraordinary imaging possibilities of the ‘Exmor’ CMOS sensor and BIONZ processor.

Developed originally for the Sony Alpha Digital SLR family, the G Lens in the HX1 teams aspherical lens elements and ED (extra-low dispersion) lens for uncompromising optical precision. You’ll experience superb resolution and minimal chromatic aberration at all settings, from 28mm wide-angle right up to 560mm super telephoto. This generous 20x optical zoom range accommodates a huge range of shooting possibilities, from landscapes and fun-filled family moments to action-packed sports events.

The Cyber-shot HX1 is the first compact camera from Sony that’s capable of shooting 1080/30p HD movies. It captures crisp, detail-packed HD video clips at 5x higher resolution than standard definition movies. Additionally, the built in stereo microphone provides crysyal clear audio recordings.

HD movies and still photos can be enjoyed with superb quality on your BRAVIA or any HD Ready television*. BRAVIA Sync displays the camera’s playback screen on the TV screen, allowing handy control of slideshow, zoom, image index and other functions with your BRAVIA TV’s remote control.

The Cyber-shot HX1 makes it incredibly easy to get great results without the worry of adjusting camera settings correctly. Intelligent Scene Recognition has been enhanced with the addition of Smile Shutter. This lets you capture beautiful smiles automatically, even in tricky situations like twilight or backlighting.

The camera’s tilt-angle 3.0” LCD gives extra flexibility for framing your shots comfortably in any position. Clear Photo LCD Plus technology delivers superb picture quality and contrast, with a resolution of 230,000 dots that’s capable of resolving fine details.

A new jog dial simplifies ‘click and rotate’ selection and adjustment of camera settings. For extra convenience, there’s also a Digital SLR-style Custom button that can be assigned to Smile Shutter, White Balance adjust or metering mode select functions.

The Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 digital compact camera will be available from April 2009.

Pentax announce ultra-wide DA 15mm f/4ED AL Limited

PENTAX U.K. is pleased to announce the launch of the smc PENTAX-DA15mm F4 ED AL Limited, designed for exclusive use with Pentax digital SLR cameras. This is the newest lens to join the acclaimed Pentax Limited series family. Maintaining the highest standards, the Limited series is renowned for unbeatable construction and unsurpassed image quality. This new Limited series lens will continue that tradition while providing users with a new ultra-wide perspective.

Main features of the smc PENTAX-DA15mmF4ED AL Limited

1. Ultra-wide-angle perspective
When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this new lens offers the equivalent to a 23mm angle of view in the 35mm format. This lets the photographer create unique, eye-catching images with visual effects only possible from an ultra-wide-angle lens, such as enhanced perspective and an emphasized depth of field. It is the ideal lens for sweeping landscapes, magnificent architecture and confined interiors.

2. Limited Lens-series quality for incredible images and an appealing compact design.
The PENTAX Limited Lens series combines extensive testing with the incredible knowledge of our engineers to provide every user with a lens designed for the ultimate in image reproduction. True to form, this new lens not only ensures excellent image quality, but also produces sharp, clear images with outstanding contrast, even at the maximum aperture. This is because its optical design has been optimised for digital photography. In addition, the lens barrel, hood, and cap are all made of high-grade aluminium, providing reliable construction in an attractive lens.

3. High-performance optics
This lens incorporates a hybrid aspherical (AL) lens and an optical element of extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass to ensure high-quality image reproduction with minimal aberrations, including lateral chromatic aberration. Additionally, for an ultra-wide-angle lens, the smc PENTAX-DA15mmF4ED AL Limited has excellent control over image distortion.

4. Compact, lightweight design
Thanks to its newly developed optics, this lens is designed to be extremely compact and lightweight despite its ultra-wide-angle perspective. Since it has no dome-shaped protrusion at the front end, the photographer can mount commercial 49mm-diameter filters, including circular polarizing filters popular in landscape photography.

5. Other features
1) Flower-shaped lens hood, with extendible design for easy carrying
2) Minimum focusing distance of 18 centimetres (or 0.59 feet) for close-up photography
3) PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
4) PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP) coating applied to the front surface of the lens, making it easy to wipe off fingerprints, cosmetics and other stains


Price
RRP £569.99

Pentax lifts the wraps on X70 compact

PENTAX U.K. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX X70 digital compact camera. This new bridge camera features a high-magnification optical 24-times zoom lens with a wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage, and sports a highly portable, compact, lightweight body. The X70 is an all-purpose model performing superbly and effortlessly in a wide variety of situations — from casual day-to-day snapshots to travel and sports photography.

Main Features

1. Versatile optical 24X zoom lens to accommodate a range of subjects
Within its compact, lightweight body, the X70 features a high-magnification optical 24-times zoom lens offering a focal-length coverage between 26mm wide-angle to 624mm super-telephoto (in the 35mm format). Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, the X70’s range can be extended to approximately 150 times (for an approximate focal length of 3900mm in the 35mm format) without compromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.

2. Reliable shake-reduction system for sharp, blur-free images
The X70 incorporates an image-sensor-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) system to ensure sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions - such as when using a telephoto lens or when shooting a sunset or indoor scene using only incandescent light. By accurately detecting the amount of camera shake using a high-performance gyro sensor, and shifting the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed, the X70 offers an outstanding camera-shake compensation, equivalent to approximately three shutter steps.

3. High-speed continuous shooting to capture the decisive moment
The X70 lets the photographer capture the subject continuously at a maximum speed of approximately 11 images per second, and up to 21 images in succession.* Coupled with the Auto-Tracking AF mode that keeps a fast-moving subject in sharp focus at all times, the X70 enables the user to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments, even when the subject is an active child or unpredictable pet.

* When the continuous-shooting mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).

4. High image quality
Thanks to the combination of approximately 12.0 megapixels, a high-performance imaging engine, and the high-quality PENTAX zoom lens, the X70 delivers super-clear, high-quality images without fail. It even allows the photographer to choose the preferred finishing touch — Bright, Natural or Monochrome.

5. Movie shooting in HDTV image quality and with anti-shake protection
The X70 delivers high-quality movie clips, equivalent in image quality to that of high-definition TV (1280 x 720 pixels). It also features the Movie SR mode, ** which effectively minimizes annoying camera shake during movie shooting through the use of exclusive software. As a result, the photographer enjoys high-quality, blur-free movie shooting with minimal effort.

** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting.

6. Multi-mode exposure system to accommodate different applications
The X70 offers a choice of four exposure modes: Programmed AE, in which the camera automatically selects the optimal combination of aperture and shutter speed for a given subject; and Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and Metered Manual modes, in which photographers are free to select either or both aperture and shutter speed to express their creative intentions and personal touch.

7. Auto Picture mode for the automatic selection of seven different shooting modes
The X70 features the advanced Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate scene selection for a given subject by detecting the subject’s lighting and other conditions. This user-friendly feature not only makes the right mode choice for the photographer (from Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport and Standard modes), but also features an auto macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro in close-range applications.


8. Super-fast Face Recognition AF&AE function to capture up to 32 faces in focus in approx. 0.03 seconds
The X70’s Face Recognition AF&AE function comes extremely handy for taking casual snapshots of people. It optimises the focusing and exposure status of the subject — up to 32 faces in a single image — in approximately 0.03 seconds. The X70 also offers other user-friendly functions: a Smile Capture function that automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile; and a Blinking Detection function that warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes were closed at the time of shutter release.

9. Auto sensitivity control, up to a super-high ISO 6400
The X70 comes equipped with an auto sensitivity control function, which automatically shifts the sensitivity level in relation to the subject’s lighting condition and the lens focal-length setting. This allows the photographer to use a high shutter speed in dimly lit locations, such as night scenes or indoor sports events, to effectively minimise camera shake and subject shake. The auto sensitivity control range can be set between ISO 50 and super-high ISO 6400.

10. Large, easy-to-view 2.7-inch colour LCD monitor
Despite its compact dimensions, the X70 features a large 2.7-inch high-brightness colour LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots. Thanks to the AR (Anti-Reflection) coating, sunlight reflections are kept to a minimum for comfortable outdoor viewing.

11. Other features
1) Choice of image format, from proportions of 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1
2) Shooting mode palette for easy selection of the most appropriate shooting mode from 20 different options, including a new Baby mode programmed to capture the healthy, lively face of a baby
3) Overexposure compensation function to prevent white-washed highlight areas
4) 1cm Macro mode can be used as close as one centimeter away from a subject for stunning close-up shots
5) Digital Wide function to composite one extra-wide-angle image (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 20mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
6) World-time clock to display standard time in 75 cities in 28 time zones around the world, for an extra convenience on the road
7) Frame Composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
8) Approx. 33.6MB built-in memory
9) Red-eye reduction function to correct annoying red-eye in recorded images during playback


Price
RRP £369.99

Samsung NX series features interchangeable lenses

At the bottom of the press release in the last post, Samsung quite clearly state the NX series will feature interchangeable lenses, not unlike the M3/4 Panasonic Lumix G1 camera.

In any case, the photo of the NX has what looks like a lens release button, if there were any doubters.

With the shorter flange back, I can't really see why a lens converter can't be made to accommodate lenses using the Pentax K mount, and that includes all those superb Limited lenses.

Now where is the follow up to the G1, and Olympus' M3/4 offering?

Samsung reveals NX hybrids using APS-C size sensor at PMA 09

Hot on the heels of Panasonic's Lumix G1, Samsung (and presumably Pentax) are showcasing their new NX series hybrid DSLR at PMA 09. See our earlier story DSLR's: The end of the road?

2nd March 2009 – Samsung has today used PMA 2009 as the global launching pad for the NX Series, the company’s revolutionary new series of digital cameras. The new concept digital camera, the NX Series, offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the announcement of the NX Series, Samsung is set to become a global leader in the new hybrid camera market.

Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs Samsung’s new concept digital camera, the NX Series, utilizes an APS‑C sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise, Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera’s Live View functionality to frame their shots on the NX Series’ high-resolution screen.

Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market, and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still camera around world’s first and best in class features, design, and easy to use interfaces and will work towards achieving the company’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading digital imaging company.

Samsung Digital Imaging Company also creates a much more efficient vertical alignment between related Samsung business units including digital imaging, semiconductor and electronics. This new vertical alignment will create competitive advantages for Samsung by fostering greater collaboration between business units and allowing the company to develop and deliver highly-innovative digital imaging products that set the standard for the industry, including the newly unveiled the new concept digital camera, the NX Series.

“We see the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012.” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to be a leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”

The first model of the NX Series and full range of NX compatible lenses will be available in the second-half of 2009.

For more information on Samsung cameras, please visit www.samsugcamera.com or www.samsungcamera.co.uk

More photos

Olympus Evolt E-520 review

We review the Olympus Evolt E-520, the update to the maker’s mid-range E-510, and ask how well does it stack up against all new models from rivals?

The Olympus Evolt E-520 is an upgrade of the maker’s popular mid-range E-510. And, like the revamp to the earlier entry-level E-420, the E-520 adds a more color accurate 2.7-inch LCD, additional Live View modes and some subtle but hugely important tweaks to the image-processing pipeline. The original E-510 was the first DSLR from the maker to add a body-integral anti-shake system, providing image stabilization to every lens in the range. Not only does this save potentially hundreds of pounds on specialized lenses but provides backwards compatibility with the maker’s earlier optics and helps keep lenses smaller and lighter to boot.

Unlike the E-420 there’s no noticeable change to the body shape, or size of the handgrip. Considering the diminutive dimensions, the grip suits large hands well, far more so than comparable Canons. And while the finish of the plastic outer shell, criticized previously, now seems a step up, slight ergonomic improvements to the aft-selector dial and shooting mode dial are also welcome. The big change is around the back. The 0.2-inch diagonal increase over the earlier 2.5-include LCD doesn’t sound much until you compare the two models side-by-side. There isn’t room for a 3-inch panel, but it’s not the size that impresses rather it’s the picture quality and color accuracy. There’s a new coating too, but while it helps reduce glare it smudges easily.

On View

We can understand the improvements to the screen’s performance too, as the maker has added a raft of new features to Live View option. The original E-510 was one of the first to boast live previewing but it lacked the contrast detection AF modes using data directly from the imager seen on later offerings from rivals. That’s now corrected with the E-520 and the maker has added a face detection option, like that used on their digital compacts. In fairness this works reasonably well though it’s not likely to be used in preference to the optical viewfinder with its own, much faster 3-point auto-focus sensor. The somewhat cramped viewfinder image isn’t a particularly strong point though, so we can see why the maker has been keen to upgrade the Live View feature. Face detection in Live View can be swapped with a quicker reacting 11-point auto-focus option but it still lacks the swift operation required for most moving subjects.

A dedicated button for Live View makes it easy to switch between viewing modes and is in stark contrast to the default menu-centric operation of the Canon offerings. Surprisingly that’s a good call even though many of the E-520’s features can be selected from the camera’s data panel. Simply pushing the OK button at the centre of the d-pad initiates selection of the highlighted data, while a second push reveals a contextual sub-menu with the options. The d-pad or aft-command dial are then used to make selections, and it’s both quick and intuitive. For these features the system works very well indeed especially as the last choice is held in the memory, so you can either quickly amend it or use it as the basis to navigate to the next one.

In use the E-520 feels fast and responsive and the supplied kit lens the 35mm equivalent to a 28-84mm zoom seems every bit as quick to focus as the Nikon and Canon offerings. Optical quality is on a par too, if not slightly ahead to the edges of the frame. And the maker bundles a lens hood, a £20 option for the Canon equivalent. From our tests, using a fast-writing CompactFlash card, the E-520 will fire off an unlimited burst of JPEG’s at 3.5fps, a slightly higher rate than the E-510. It will also buffer 8 RAW frames, or around 80MB of data, before stalling. That’s the same as before but two RAW frames more than the 12-megapixel Canon EOS XSi (EOS 450D) with its slightly larger files.

Light and Dark

Perhaps the most important improvement though is the inclusion of an adaptive dynamic range option, similar to Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer, Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) and Nikon’s Active D-Lighting modes. Coined SAT, or Shadow Adjustment Technology by the maker this holds onto highlights while bringing up shadow detail. It’s subtle at times like rivals’ offerings but it’s a major advance on models that lack the technology.

For the user to benefit, the aptly named Auto Gradation option must be selected first. But, it’s oddly confusing as to why it’s not labeled SAT in the first place. Once enabled we found the expected improvement in shadow detail but we couldn’t leave the camera set to this option indefinitely without the occasional overexposed area. This is a pity as it works well in the E-420 except for that model’s tendency to show banding nose in the shadows at ISO800 and above. This was less troublesome with the E-520 and noise levels were generally kept to acceptable levels even at the ISO1600 maximum. Colors looked great in daylight and weren’t too shabby even under mixed lighting, so we would have to say it’s quite an improvement over the E-510.

Ultimately the Evolt E-520 has lots to commend it. Over the EOS XSi (EOS 450D) the Olympus scores with its built-in anti-shake system and better Live View system, yet the Canon has the better AF system and the slight edge on shadow noise and detail at High ISO’s. We prefer the E-520 to the Sony A-350 though that model has the most effective Live View operation, at least it does if you want to use it like a digital compact. Compared with the Nikon D60 or D80, the lack of affordable image stabilized lenses could be an issue, as too could be the AF incompatibility with earlier optics, but the lower price of the D60 could be tempting. Either way the E-520 makes a solid choice, but it’s not quite as clear-cut as it was when the original E-510 hit the shelves.


Price

Olympus E-520 c/w Zuiko Digital EF-S 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 $549.95 (£429).

Web

www.olympusamerica.com, www.olympus.co.uk, www.olympus.co.jp



Pros & Cons

Pros

Handy SAT function
Excellent color rendition
Effective image stabilization and anti-dust features
Versatile live view system.


Cons

Small viewfinder image
3-point AF system
Occasional overexposure.

Rating

4/5


Verdict

Not the clear-cut winner that the earlier E-510 was but there’s no doubt the E-520 is a very attractive alternative to the usual Canon, Nikon and, now, Sony options.

Sample Photos

TFC Make Christopher Smile at Focus!

On the Flash Centre’s demonstration stand at Focus, Lighting Guide DVD’s were being given away in exchange for a donation to Charity.

The Charity selected was Christopher’s Smile which funds research into childhood cancer treatments through the Institute of Cancer Research.

Chris Burfoot, TFC’s National Sales Manager said, “I am absolutely delighted and would like to personally thank all the visitors and staff that contributed to the fund helping us to raise over £1100! This was on top of the £300 raised at the recent SWPP convention.”

If you would like more information about the Charity, or make a donation, please go to: www.christopherssmile.org.uk

Olympus E-3 DSLR onboard NASA space shuttle

HAMBURG (Olympus PR) , 26th February 2009 - To celebrate ninety years of operation, Olympus is giving itself a gift: the Olympus Space Project. For this occasion, Dr Koichi Wakata, a Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA*) astronaut, will use the ultra reliable Olympus E-3 D-SLR and ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses to snap the Earth from outer space.

Pictures taken from the Kibo, the Japanese experimental module within the International Space Station (ISS), will then be posted on Olympus’ web sites and shown at photo exhibitions. Such amazing pictures of our blue planet are a testament to the value that Olympus places on the environment. The next launch of Space Shuttle Discovery will carry Dr Wakata and his E-3 to the ISS.

Epson to resurrect R-D1 rangefinder with new R-D1x?

Epson Japan has announced the R-D1x, but while there are some improvements including a 2.5-inch LCD screen and compatibility with SD-HC, the maker has stayed with the 6.1MP resolution CCD of the original R-D1 and R-D1s. 

As you can see from the photo above, there's an optional handgrip but what you can't see is that the fold-out and twisting screen of the orginal is now fixed in position. 

According to the Epson Japan site, the new model will be available from the 09 April. No word as yet whether it will be available in Europe or the US.

CorelDRAW Balloon Racer

Corel sent me a link to this rather cool game, click on the graphic above, or click here to play. I hope they don't mind me sharing it with you.

Kevin

Canon UK & Ireland appoints new Country Director to head up Consumer Imaging division

REIGATE (Canon PR), February 2009 – Canon UK and Ireland, world-leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the appointment of Lee Bonniface to the position of Canon Consumer Imaging (CCI) Country Director for the UK & Ireland.

Lee joined Canon UK & Ireland in 2006 as Special Retail Channel Director, heading up key retail accounts such as Jessops, Dixons and Comet. Prior to joining Canon, he built up over 10 years’ channel, sales and category management experience in the telecommunications and consumer goods sectors at companies including Orange and Mars.

In his new position, Lee will look to maintain Canon’s market leading position in the Digital Still Compact (DSC) and Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera markets (Source: Gfk – latest figures for December show Canon has a 47.9% share in the DSLR market and a 14.6% share in the DSC market for the full year in 2008 (both by value) as well as driving growth in other key CCI sectors including home printing and video. He will also be working closely with channel customers to continue the strong relationships Canon enjoys with all its sales channels.

Lee will report directly into Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging at Canon Europe. He replaces Alessandro Stanzani, former Head of Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland, who has now been appointed Deputy Head of Consumer Imaging at Canon Europe.

Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging at Canon Europe, commented: “Lee has been an invaluable member of the UK & Ireland CCI team over the past few years and he was the natural choice to take on the role of Canon UK & Ireland Country Director. His relationship with key partners is essential in helping Canon UK & Ireland to maintain and grow market share while ensuring we always listen to our customers.” 

Canon EOS 5D Mk II in stock at B&H

If you're reading this over the over side of the pond, the highly-regarded New York retailer, B&H, has emailed me to say the Canon EOS 5D Mk II is back in stock here, at least for the time being.

Kevin

Olympus E-620 at Focus on Imaging show

Olympus'  new 12.3-megapixel E-620, the update to the E-520, was on show at the maker's stand at Focus on Imaging in the UK, this week. 

We'll have more opportunity to try it out next week at the official UK press launch, but for now our first impression is that it looks like the best of several models (E-420, E-510 and E-30) melded into one.  And that's certainly no bad thing. 

Best of all is that Olympus has kept the grip small and unobtrusive, but how that affects handling over a period of time we'll just have to wait and see.

Nikon set to announce new D5000 DSLR?

There are plenty of rumors circulating the web about Nikon introducing a new entry-level DSLR in time for PMA 09 next week, tentatively called the D5000. 

We've just had the Focus on Imaging show here in the UK, and while the D60 and D300 are likely to be replaced this year, there were no signs of an impending release. 

All the same, Nikon usually introduce DSLRs at the beginning of the month, so there's still time.

Nikon to increase prices in Japan

According to the maker's website, Nikon plan to increase prices at home (in Japan). Nikon cite rising material and production costs. Price increases quoted are for certain lenses only - DSLRs and many of the pro-level lenses aren't mentioned.