Aiptek A-HD and GO-HD camcorders as the best choice for MySpace or YouTube

Looking to the Aiptek GO-HD or A-HD it is a little hard to compare these small HD camcorders with some excellent gadgets such as Canon NV20, Panasonic SD1 or Sony CR7. However, even in comparison with Sanyo Xacti family as HD1 and HD2, the Aiptek GO-HD performs good movie quality, especially in low light situations. Though Sanyo HD1 or HD2 and Aiptek GO-HD and A-HD are similar gadgets, it is wrong to call Aiptek cams as a ‘knock-off’ of Sanyo HD camcorders. For more look through: Aiptek GO-HD vs Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1 or HD2.
Aiptek HD: $170 for 720P high definition video
The Aiptek GO-HD and A-HD uses a H.264 compression to achieve a 4.5 Mbps data rate, whereas the VPC-HD2 uses a MPEG4 compression to achieve a 9 Mbps data rate. The H.264 compression is much more computationally intensive than MPEG4 compression, so there must be something fundamentally different about these two camcorders. As for image quality, even though the Go-HD has half the data rate of the VPC-HD2, there are many users’ suggestions that the Aiptek Go-HD has an edge over the VPC-HD2. This fact with Aiptek’s very attractive prices makes the GO-HD for $250 and A-HD for $170 good value for money. For more details look through 12 main points for clever HD camcorder choosing.
Aiptek GO-HD key features
- 5 mega pixels CMOS sensor
- 3x Optical Zoom with Auto Focus
- 2.4" TFT rotational Color LCD Display
- 2-inch Macro Zoom for capturing 5cm close-up pictures or video clips
- Built-in LED lights for video recording in dark and low light situations
- Recharge Battery via USB, no need to remove battery from camera
- HDTV Component Output
- Removable Hard Disk and SD/MMC Card Reader
Aiptek GO-HD specifications
The GO-HD comprises 1280x720 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio at 30 fps using advanced H.264 technology. With a 3-x Optical Zoom and Auto-Focus, it can capture not bad quality movie.
- 3-x Optical Zoom lens, 7.5-21.5mm, F 3.6-6.7
- Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 Pixels (H.264) 30 fps, 720 x 480 Pixels (D1) 30 fps, 352 x 240 Pixels (CIF) 30 fps
- MOV Video Format
- Still Images: 2560 x 1920 pixels 5MP, 2048 x 1536 pixels 3MP
- Macro Mode: 5-30cm (at 1x fixed zoom)
- Normal Mode: 30cm - infinity
- LCD Display: 2.4” TFT Panel with 270° Rotation
- External Memory: SD Card Slot (256MB - 8GB)
- TV Out: HDTV (Component Out) NTSC/PAL Color System Supported
- Interface USB2.0
- Battery NP-60 1000mA Li-Ion battery
Aiptek GO-HD pros and cons
Pros:
- Low light video
- Sharp panoramic video
- Video light in addition to flash
- Remote with all options (record video, take picture, zoom, and navigate all menus)
- Good Macro mode
- Tripod mount is right below the lens, which is good for photo stitching
Cons:
- Zooming is loud with noticeable motor noise
- Audio is mono
- Cheap feeling
- Poor menu
- Complicated photo/video review (takes a couple of button click to go back and view recently taken footage)
- Battery goes down while it synchronize SD card
- No sequential action snapshot mode
- Can't lock focus and no manual focus
- Grip is awkward and difficult to hold and press buttons
- Date Time setting keeps be reset
- No Lens cover
Of course, the Aiptek GO-HD may not meet the needs of the prosumer enthusiast. However, as an inexpensive digital HD camcorder, which can takes still pictures and has a good 30 fps high definition movie mode, it is a very interesting gadget. For more details look through: Puppet Sanyo Xacti HD2 vs clever Canon HV20 or groovy JVC GZ-HD7: it's time to buy a HD-camcorder or wait?.
Aiptek A-HD key features
The A-HD performs 720P high definition video quality to provide a completely new high quality DV experience. One-touch recording allows you to capture stunning HD 1280 x 720 - 16:9 aspect ratio video clips at 30 frames per second with advanced H.264 technology. The Aiptek A-HD allows using up to 8GB of SD card storage to record longer video before having to upload to PC.
- 5 Mega-Pixel CMOS (2592 x 1944) sensor, up to 8MP with still images
- 2-x Digital Zoom
- AV-IN, Record at 720 x 480 (D1) for connecting to TV/VCR/DVD player to record video clips, pictures, and audio recordings
- HDTV Component Output
- Recharge Battery via USB, no need to remove battery from camera
Aiptek A-HD specifications
- Still Image 3200 x 2400 pixels (8MP), 2560 x 1920 pixels (5MP), and 2048 x 1536 pixels (3MP)
- Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 pixels (H.264) 30 fps, 720 x 480 pixels (D1) 30 fps, 352 x 240 Pixels (CIF) 30 fps
- MOV Video Format
- Macro Mode: 30-50cm
- Normal Mode: 50cm - infinity
- 2.4” TFT Panel with 270° Rotation
- Internal Memory: 6MB
- External Memory: SD Card Slot (256MB - 8GB)
- TV Out HDTV (Component Out) NTSC/PAL Color System Supported
- Interface USB2.0
- Battery NP-60 1000mA Li-Ion battery
- 2GB SD Card allows recording 60 min HD 1280 x 720 movie at 30fps
Conclusion
The Aiptek GO-HD and A-HD are not prosumer cameras such as Sony Handycam HDR-CX7 or Panasonic HDC DX1 / SD1, but they are great for carrying around all the time in a pocket like the Sanyo HD2. Moreover, for $170-250 instead of $800-1000 for CX7 and HDC-SD1, these gadgets can be really useful in some exotic situations, especially when a monkey mixes up your camcorder with a banana. Of course, these HD camcorders look like Christmas toys, but I will be glad to get one of them as a Christmas gift. As for ‘Youtubers’ and ‘Myspacers’, Aiptek GO-HD and A-HD may be not the best, but a cheap and good HD camcorder’s choice.

Panasonic DMC TZ3 vs Canon SX100 or Sony H3: the best Travel Zoom for $220

Four models present the new digital compact camera type – the Travel Zoom: the Canon Powershot SX100, the Sony DSC-H3, Panasonic DMC-TZ2 and Lumix TZ3. This camera type is a compromise between SLR-like cameras with a big optical zoom as Canon S5 or FujiFilm S8000 and compacts as PowerShot A-series or Fujifilm F40 – F50fd. Travel Zoom cameras have the same small 1/2.5 – 1/2.33” sensors. However, their 10-x zoom lens is hiding into the body; it makes this camera type handy, especially for travelers.
For more details look through: Compare 10x SLR-likes: Sony DSC-H3, Panasonic TZ2 vs Canon SX100.
Panasonic DMC-TZ3 best features
Panasonic’s new DMC-TZ2 and DMC-TZ3 are the latest models of the Lumix TZ family of digital cameras, which is renowned for packaging a remarkable 10x optical zoom in a compact pocket body. I already compared the Panasonic TZ2 with the Canon SX100 and the Sony DSC-H3. However, the Lumix TZ2 with a small 6MP resolution sensor is hardly preferred to 8.1MP Sony H-3 and 8.3MP Canon SX100. At that time, the Panasonic TZ3 with 7.2MP sensor and most tight body is a prepotent rival. Try to put the Canon SX100 into your jeans pocket. In that case, the TZ3 looks much more preferable. For more ultra zoom cameras look through: Compare digital SLR-like cameras: from Canon S5, Olympus SP 560 and Sony H3, H9 to Panasonic FZ18 and Fujifilm S8000.
Panasonic TZ3 key features
- 1/2.35 inch sensor with 7.2MP, 8.5 million photo detectors
- 10x optical zoom 28-280mm (35mm equiv) Leica lens
- 4-x digital zoom
- Extra optical zoom (4:3: 12x for 5MP, 15x for 3, 2, 1, 0.3MP, 3:2: 12.6x for 4.5MP, 15x for 2.5MP, 16:9: 13x for 3.5MP, 15x for 2MP)
- 3-inch 230,000 pixels LCD monitor
- MEGA O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilizer
- ISO from 100-1,250 with ISO 3,200 Intelligent ISO Mode
- Automatic exposure
- Twenty scene modes
- Live Histogram
- Aspect ratio options
- White Balance fine-tuning feature
- Built-in flash with red-eye reduction
- Dual image display in playback
- 848 x 480 30 fps Movie mode
- Clipboard function for photographing maps, travel material
- Special Baby Scene Modes, Underwater Scene Mode/Optional underwater housing
- Shutter speed from 60 sec - 1/2,000 sec
- SD, SDHC, MMC compatible
- 13MB internal memory
- USB full speed connection
- Rechargeable Lithium battery and charger included
Some Lumix TZ3 differences from TZ2
Sensor: 1/2.35 " Type CCD, 8.50 million pixels total, 7.2 million effective pixels instead of 1/2.33 " Type CCD, 7.39 million pixels total, 6.0 million effective pixels
Max resolution: 3072 x 2304 instead of 2816 x 2112
Exposure bracketing: +/- 1/3 EV -1EV step, 3 frames
Continuous shooting: Full-Resolution Image, 3 frames/sec or 2 frames/sec
LCD: 3.0-inch 230,000 pixels Polycrystalline TFT instead of 2.5-inch 207,000 pixels
Weight (no batt): 232 g (0.51lb) instead of 222 g (0.49lb)
Dimensions: the same 105 x 59.2 x 36.7 mm (4.20 x 2.37 x 1.47 in)
Panasonic DMC-TZ3 pros and cons
Pros:
- 10x optical zoom with true 28mm wide angle
- Almost distortion-free lens
- Compact body for 10-x optical zoom camera
- Optical image stabilization
- Large high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen
- Easy to use, well-build pocket camera
- Simple mode for handing the camera off to the less experienced in the family
- Ability to limit ISO in Auto and Intelligent ISO
- Good Automatic White Balance
- Fast startup for a long zoom
- Not bad shutter lag
- Blazing shutter response with pre-focus
- 20 Scene Modes
- Special underwater housing
Cons:
- Anti-noise processing muddles detail, especially in reds
- Difficult LCD using in bright light
- High contrast in harsh outdoor images
- Limited low-light abilities
- Flash coverage is uneven at wide angle, and insufficient at telephoto
- Only average transfer speed
- Tripod mount at one corner is awkward
- Battery life could have been better.
- Lens cover seems flimsy.
- Lens thread to attach filters would have been nice
- Has a tendency to underexpose (use exposure compensation)
- Gets noisy at ISO400
- No ISO below 100
- Not zooming in Movie mode
Canon PowerShot SX100 key features
- 8.0MP 1/2.5 inch CCD, delivering image resolutions 3,264 x 2,448 pixels
- 10x zoom 36-360mm lens (35mm equiv)
- 2.5-inch 172,000 pixels flip-out and twist LCD display
- Optical image stabilization
- Manual focus mode with enlargement of focus area
- Face Detection
- Macro (close-up) lens adjustment
- 640 x 480 30 fps Movie mode
- Shutter speeds from 1/2,500 to 15 sec
- Automatic, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes
- Built-in flash with five modes plus an intensity adjustment
- Auto or High-Auto ISO setting or 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,600, ISO equivalents
- Safety Manual Focus mode
- White balance adjustment with seven options
- Flash exposure compensation
- Safety flash exposure mode adjusts shutter speed / aperture to prevent blowouts
- Safety-shift function prevents poor exposures in shutter / aperture priority modes
- Auto ISO shift adjusts ISO sensitivity to prevent camera shake, with manual override possible
- Spot, Center-Weighted, and Evaluative Metering modes
- 1.3 fps Continuous Drive with two continuous shooting modes
- Long exposure (1.3+ sec) noise reduction
- Auto-Exposure and Flash-Exposure Lock
- SD/SDHC/MMC card (16MB SD card included)
- USB 2.0 computer connection
- Weight (inc. batteries) 316 g (11.1 oz)
- Dimensions 109 x 71 x 47 mm (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.9 in)
Canon SX100 pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent Canon’s 10-x zoom lens with minimal lens distortion
- Good Optical image stabilization
- Face Detection AF / AE
- Accurate exposure metering
- Useful ISO range from 80 to 1,600
- Full manual exposure control
- Useful flip out and twist LCD
- Not bad low light performance
- Good macro mode
- Not so big shutter lag time
- Excellent battery life NiMH rechargeable
Cons:
- Not a pocket size
- Some chromatic aberrations
- A little under saturated images
- High contrast in harsh lighting
- Big shutter lag time with using a flash
Conclusion
In comparison with the Canon S5 IS the PowerShot SX100 with the same 1/2.5 inch sensor and practically the same image quality but not the same (a little cheaper) price at $240-260, the Panasonic TZ3 looks good. For more look at: Canon SX100 IS as a Powershot S5 IS killer. However, the SX100 is not a pocket camera (if you do not prefer a working or farmer clothes). In addition, the Panasonic TZ3 with a smaller body but a bigger sensor and price at $220-250 can be the best choice. Especially if you do not demand an outstanding image quality from a Travel Zoom, this camera is good value for money.

Fujifilm S8000 vs S700, S9600 or F40: Great zoom for SLR-like, great sensor for Compact

Fuji Film digital camera guide can surprise any photographer with its features distribution. The small FinePix F40 has 1/1.6” Fujifilm SuperCCD HR sensor, whereas the cool 18x Fujifilm F8000 is satisfied with 1/2.35” ordinary chip. The groovy S9600 (with SuperCCD HR sensor) has not only a low light, still an infrared shooting advantage (in case of FinePix IS-1, look at this post), but it is content without an optical image stabilizer. As for Fujifilm digital SLR – the IS Pro and S5 Pro, there is 6MP 23 x 15.5 mm sensor, but with 12.3 million sensor photo detectors.
Finepix S8000 key features
I have already written about S8000 in my previous post. Like the Olympus SP-560 UZ and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, the Fujifilm S8000fd is an ultra-long zoom with an 18x optical zoom range and a small 1/2.35 instead of 1/2.5” 8.0-megapixel sensor. However, Fujfilm has added a lot of value to the ultra long zoom with the FinePix S8000. As a result, the S8000fd with a little bigger sensor, very quick pre-focus shutter lag, and comfortable grip and especially with Fujinon’s Wide Angle Optical Zoom lens, looks prettier than the Olympus SP 560 and the Panasonic FZ18. Still taking into consideration my 18-x scepsis to using this telescope in a digital camera, I am trying to compare it with 10-x zoom cameras as the Fujifilm S9600 or the Fujifilm S5700. Let’s run through its advantages.
Fujifilm S8000 features
- 8-megapixel 1/2.35 " CCD
- 18x optical zoom Fujinon 27-486mm 35mm equivalent lens
- Max Aperture f/2.8 at wide-angle, f/4.5 a telephoto
- 5.1x digital zoom
- EVF viewfinder and 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels
- Shutter speeds from 4 seconds to 1/2,000 second
- Dual Image Stabilization uses a CCD shift mechanism and high sensitivity
- Compact body with ergonomic grip
- Programmed AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual exposure modes
- Scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower, Text, Auction
- Fujifilm's Face detection technology adjust focus and exposure
- Ultra High Sensitivity ISO from 64 to 6,400
- 58MB internal memory
- Dual memory card formats SDHC/SD/xD support
- Focusing modes include Normal (to 2.3 feet), Macro (to 0.3 feet) and Super Macro (to four inches)
- Continuous shooting options include Top 3, Long Period, Top 15 High Speed, and Top 15 Ultra High Speed
- White balance options include Auto, Preset (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light), and Custom
- Live histogram
- USB Full Speed interface
- Four AA batteries for power
Fujifilm S8000 pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful 18x optical zoom
- Dual Image Stabilization system with optical and digital image stabilization
- 1/2.35” 8MP sensor
- Fast Fujifilm face detection technology also sets exposure and flash
- High resolution 2.5-inch LCD
- Sharp and clear electronic viewfinder
- Natural Light and Natural Light with Flash shooting modes
- Two Scene mode options on the Mode dial with user-settable defaults
- Short pre-focus shutter lag
- Good Super Macro mode
- Excellent low light focusing without assist lamp
- Good battery life from AA batteries
Cons:
- High distortion and chromatic aberration as a result of the 18-x long-zoom lens, which is a little higher than average
- Corners are soft at telephoto
- Noisy images above ISO 400, blurred by heavy noise reduction
- No RAW mode
- Stiff control buttons
- Wobbly battery compartment door is hard to close
- MMC card is not supported
- High-speed burst modes record only reduced resolution images
- Warm and pinkish indoors auto white balance
- Poor printed results at mid to high ISO with oversaturated color
Fujifilm S700 / S5700 key features
The Fujifilm FinePix S700 / S5700 is the cheapest long-zoom digital camera model, and has the same features and options as the previous Fujifilm S5600. So not surprisingly it has many of the same controls. Its features include dual media slots (Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard and xD-Picture Card), 27MB internal memory, a 0.24" electronic viewfinder with a high 230,000-pixel resolution, and a 2.5" LCD display with the same resolution. In comparison with the S8000, the Fujifilm S700 has a smaller sensor size and does not have an optical image stabilizer. With regard to using a long 10-x zoom lens, this feature would be not superfluous. However, what do you want from $180’s camera.
FujiFilm S5700 / S700 features
- 7.1 mega pixels 1/2.5” sensor
- 10-x optical zoom 38-380mm F3.5 - F13.6 / 7 Fujinon lens
- 2.5” 230.000 pixels LCD
- Shutter speeds from 1 seconds to 1/1,000 second
- 27 MB internal memory
- 640 x 480, 30 fps movie mode
- xD Picture Card
- Weight (inc. batteries) 406 g (14.3 oz)
- Dimensions 106 x 76 x 81 mm (4.2 x 3 x 3.2 in)
- AA (4) batteries
Fujifilm S700 pros and cons
Pros:
- Not bad photo quality, low noise through ISO 400
- Good value for the price ($180-200)
- 10X optical zoom
- Solid, well-build body, fantastic handling
- Large 2.5" LCD display with a high resolution and a fluid frame rate and good visibility
- Good EVF 230,000 pixels with fast refresh rate 60fps
- AF-assist lamp, good (but slow) low light focusing
- Dual xD/SD memory card slot
- Full manual controls
- 640 x 480 30 fps movie mode
- Can use optical zoom and digital image stabilization in movie mode
- Histogram on manual record mode and play
- Macro and super-macro settings are very good
- Great battery life - 600 shots on a charge; uses AA batteries
Cons:
- Some corner blurriness, blown highlights
- Purple fringing is evident in nearly every shot, and at its worst in any images that are even vaguely "contrast"
- Trouble with Redeye correction
- Lens is slow at the wide-angle
- No optical image stabilizer
- Disappointing continuous shooting mode
- Sluggish shot-to-shot and image playback speed
- Poorly implemented manual focus feature
- Small electronic viewfinder
- Plastic tripod mount
- No USB 2.0 High Speed support
Conclusion
Of course, it is a bad idea to compare these SLR-like cameras. With their prices at $320-350 for the S8000 and $180-200 for the S700, with their 18-x instead of 10-x zoom lenses, they are at different camera levels. However, there is one more thing (first is the mfr) which unites the Fujifilm S8000 and the S700. These two are an amazing bargain in comparison with their SLR-like camera levels. Let the S8000 have a little smaller sensor and a little better lens, than the Olympus SP-560 or the Panasonic FZ18. Nevertheless, this 'a little' makes the Fujifilm S8000 as the best 18-x zoom digital camera. For more details look through Compare Fujifilm S8000, Olympus SP550, Panasonic FZ18 - nothing to S9100. Let the Fujifilm S700 have no optical image stabilizer. The great and expensive Fuji’s SLR-like camera – S9600 / IS-1 does not have it too. Instead, it has the same as Canon Powershot S5 or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 1/2.5” sensor for its funny $180. As for 10-x zoom instead of 12-x, it is not such a big difference.
Apropos, the FujiFilm F40fd with its large sensor, great image quality, good small body and attractive price is a bargain too. Special thanks for FujiFilm.
As for another SLR-like cameras, look through: Compare digital SLR-like cameras: from Canon S5, Olympus SP 560 and Sony H3, H9 to Panasonic FZ18 and Fujifilm S8000.

Fujifilm F40fd vs FinePix F50fd, Canon IXUS 960 and PowerShot G9: no more expensive mega pixels for a Compact

It is quite enough to look at some digital cameras, as the FinePix IS Pro, S700, IS-1, S9600 or an excellent digital SLR – FinePix S5 Pro so as to understand that Fujifilm is a great digital cameras manufacturer. Fujifilm camera’s color rendering favorably differ FinePix photo cameras from many others. This is an advantage of FujiFilm firm’s Super CCD HR image sensor. Unfortunately, this sensor is not the rule for all FinePix cameras.
The FinePix F40fd - to carry 1/1.6” sensor under one's heart
In my opinion, the Fujifilm F40fd is the best digital camera not only in Fuji’s F-series, but also in comparison with groovy S8000, F40 with its 1/1.6” sensor can produce a better image quality. As for FinePix F50fd, I already wrote that useless 12MP resolution makes this gadget a bit expensive while its images a little noisy. For more look through: Fujifilm F50fd vs FinePix S5 IS Pro: 12MP from digital compact it’s not the same as 12MP from SLR. Whatever advertising saying, the FinePix F40 is most successful digital compact more than the F50fd, and some Canon PowerShot great models as SD950, G9, SD870 or Nikon P5100. For any details look at: Compare digital compact cameras: from Canon A630 / G7 and Nikon P5000 to Canon G9 / A650 and Nikon P5100. Thanks for a good feature set for a fair $200 price.
Fujifilm F40fd key features
- 8.3 million pixels 1/1.6 inch Super CCD HR VI sensor
- Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, F2.8-5.1, Equivalent to 36 - 108 mm on a 35 mm camera
- Face Detection Technology built-in to the camera’s processor
- Real Photo Processor II
- ISO 2000 sensitivity at full resolution (1600 selectable)
- Long-life battery (up to 300 shots)
- IR Communication (IR simple)
- VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound
- Weight (inc. batteries) 181 g (6.4 oz)
- Dimensions 96 x 59 x 23 mm (3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 in)
Fuji Film advanced technology
Fujifilm Real Photo Technology brings together CCD, processor and lens to deliver images of optimum quality that are rich in color, detail and sharpness and low in noise. Fuji film’s proprietary Super CCD HR VI is a unique octagonal shape, which means it has a larger surface area than traditional sensors, making it more sensitive to light. This gives Fuji film’s FinePix cameras their unique High ISO sensitivity ratings. It also means that faster shutter speeds can be used to capture images; combating image blur. The design of the Super CCD also makes it less prone to noise; the grainy, speckled effect that can occur, especially at higher ISO settings. The FinePix F40fd achieves ISO 2000 (1600 selectable) at full resolution, which means there is no trade off between ISO setting and image sharpness, or the size of the print that can be made.
The RP Processor II featured on the FinePix F40fd features double noise reduction. It has proven capability of delivering images with significantly less noise than some competing models at a lower ISO. Furthermore, Fuji film’s Fujinon lenses are the product of over seven decades’ R&D into lens technology; completing the triangle of lens, CCD and processor all optimized to work in harmony together. The result is photographs of unrivalled quality no matter what the subject or level of light.
Fujifilm F40fd pros and cons
Pros:
- Large 1/1.6” sensor, a little larger than S8000
- Face detection
- IrSimple concept is cool
- Fair $200 price
- 300-shot rechargeable battery
- xD and SD compatibility
- Sharp lens
- Low noise
- Subcompact size
- Great indoor pictures in low light
- Great high ISO capability
Cons:
- Ugly primitive menus
- Short 3-x lens
- Poor color performance
- Limited dynamic range
- Poor handling
- Slow, short burst mode
- IrSimple wireless impractical
- There are no Av or TV settings
- No optical viewfinder
FinePix F40fd user’s opinion
This F40fd is a beauty, nice looking and make excellent or very good vivid pictures, also at low light with 100, 200, 400 ISO's and without PP ready for big prints. The F40fd at less than $200 is a great value for money. IQ for shooting up to ISO 400 (handheld) at low light condition is acceptable. SD compatibility is a bonus. Colors are bright, particularly at the Landscape (blues and greens) and Portraits (sharp focus and good flash exposures) scenes. It has become a handy day-to-day or the second camera for advanced photographer.
Conclusion
The 8.3-megapixel Fujifilm F40fd has most useful resolution than others Fujifilm digital compacts. Moreover, in comparison with some Canon’s best cameras as PowerShot SD950, G9 and A640, the FinePix F40fd looks good. Its 1/1.6-inch sensor makes an excellent quality images and kept noise to a minimum and resolution to an optimum. At the same time, Canon with its new 1/1.7 inch 12MP sensor kept resolution to a maximum (4000 x 3000 pixels) but its noise is so far from an optimum. As for prices, $450 for the G9 or $350 for Canon A650 and SD950 are far from F40’ two hundred too. Look through: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS vs. SD950 IS or Canon Powershot G9, SD950 and A650. Finepix F40 has sharply focused and properly exposed pictures, thanks to Fuji’s Face Detection system and the vast ISO range. Unfortunately, the F40fd does not have a manual control or even a decent burst mode and its 3x zoom is very short, but it will suffice for consumers who want an automatic point-and-shoot to snap great pictures. With its price under $200, the Fujifilm F40fd can become the best choice as a Digital Compact.

Compare digital SLR cameras: Olympus E-1, E-400 vs. Nikon D80, D40x or Pentax K10D; 4/3” sensor rules in Pro hands

I have already written that the Olympus SLR camera’s guide is not preferable over using a small 4/3 " (18.00 x 13.50 mm) sensor size. However, engineer’s opinion, which based only on physical properties, can be wrong in comparison with photographer’s opinion, which is based on his one's talent and personal experience. Moreover, collecting information about Olympus SLR lenses, I was envious of a great Olympus ZUIKO high quality lenses. For more about ZUIKO lenses look through Choosing digital SLR lenses: 28-75mm f2.8 vs 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3.
The Olympus SLR’s advantages: Pro photographer's personal experience
When I got a message from an Olympus SLR owner, where he preferred the E-1 and the E-400 to the Sony A100, Nikon D40 and even the Nikon D80, I was amazed. However, after viewing Gabriel Michel’s photos I see: this man knows beyond doubt about all of Olympus SLR’s advantages.
Look through Gabriel Michel article
In my opinion, to report from a camera we have to place it in the context, the experience. For what do we want to test this camera? I prefer to pick different shooting fields: sport, landscapes, street photography, portrait, studio and low light.
Sport photography:
The Olympus E-1 and E-400 suck because it has low continuous shooting (less than 3) and just 3 AF points. The E-1 is better than the E-400 because it can record 12 RAW images, thanks to its buffer. The E-3 is far different and can be considered, especially if you have some Olympus lenses.
Landscapes:
For this genre the Olympus E-1 has very good colors, excellent metering, but not so high dynamic range. However, the Olympus E-400 sucks. In my mind, only full frames or bigger sensors can record correctly landscapes. The difference between 4/3 and APS is not so important…but I prefer the Fuji S5 Pro for that photo field.
Street photography:
The Olympus E-1 is very good because sold with the very fast 14-54 (28-108mm) f/2.8-3.5. The shutter is one of the most silent I heard. It is well built and very solid. It is not afraid from the rain… The E-400 is also excellent because very small, light weighted but solid built, and can shoot at mid-high ISO. With a Zuiko OM lens (50 1.8 or 1.4 or 1.2, I will talk about the lenses later), the E-400 is even more small. The shutter is not as silent as the E-1s but it is not so bad.
Portrait:
The Olympus E-1 is good because its photosets are not small, and with a good lens (from Olympus of course ;-)), it's okay. Therefore, the portraits are sharp enough. Of course, the colors, skin tones are excellent. Olympus chose a great grey point to balance the colors; for me it is far better than the other brands. Be aware of its resolution, not more than 30 x 40 cm. The E-400 is just for beginners…as good as the Nikon D40x or the Canon EOS 400D thanks to its good kit lens.
Studio, for pro-use:
Unfortunately, the Olympus E-1's resolution sucks for big prints. E-400 can be okay but needs a pro lens. Be aware that the dynamic range is not as good as Nikon's…and not good at all.
Low Light:
In these situations the Olympus E-1 is bad, even with a fast lens, BUT, in a recent wedding (hey I'm a pro!) I had the Nikon D80 with its standard kit lens AND my Olympus E-1 with its "standard" kit lens; I had to shoot with my E-1 at ISO 800 and with the Nikon D80 at ISO 1600 in the church; the E-1's photos were less noisy but they had also less detail than the D80 ones. It is a question of choice… The E-400 is better than the E-1 at this point, but not as good as Canon, but not so different at Nikon D80/200, Pentax, and better than Sony Alpha 100 in my opinion.
The final very important thing about Olympus cameras are their versatility. Yeah you can mount Canon lenses, Nikon Lenses, M42 lenses, Zuiko OM lenses and some exotic ones! The 4/3 sensor permit that. In addition, the pictures with these lenses are often really good! For more info go to: http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/oly-e/index.html
http://www.biofos.com/
Verdict:
The Olympus E-1 is digital SLR camera for:
- Learning photography
- Semi-pros to junior pro
The Olympus E-400 is an SLR camera for:
- Street photography
- Beginners
- As a second body
As for me, the Olympus E-1 can be as interesting as…the Pentax K10D and the Nikon D80.
For me the E-400 is better than the Nikon D40x (except for dynamic range), the Pentax K100D Super (except for stabilization…), the Sony Alpha 100 (except for quality built) and the Canon EOS 400D (except for image quality).
To see Olympus photos go there: http://www.olympus-esystem.jp/gallery_e/
To look at some of my pix, it is here.
PostScript
Now I have a profound respect for any Olympus SLRs. It is necessary for me to look closely to Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 and DMC-L1, which has the same as Olympus SLRs 4/3” sensor and an excellent Leica lenses. What is more, do not try to compare digital SLR cameras only by there physical properties. For more articles about digital SLR cameras comparison look through: Choosing a Digital SLR. In some situations the lens guide, lightweight or color rendering are much more important. In addition, the personal experience and talent allow the photographer much more than full frame sensor. Thanks for Gabriel Michel.

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS vs. SD950 IS: 12MP in titanium body or who is the Canon 950 IS

When I am looking for a great image quality from an SLR-like or a Compact digital camera, first I focus my attention on the sensor size. However, most digital cameras as the Canon S5 IS or Powershot A720 have a small 1/2.5 inch chip. Alternatively, some cameras as Canon G9, SD950 IS or Fujifilm F50fd have a large (for a compact) 1/1.7 – 1/1.6 inch, but overburden with useless 12 extra pixels sensor. As a result, we have a price at $400-450 for noisy images.
For more about Fuji look at Fujifilm F50fd vs FinePix S5 IS Pro.
Looking for a great digital camera – pay attention to your own needs!
I doubt that any Canon G9 or SD950 owners are in need of a wallpaper printing (look through Canon Powershot G9, SD950 and A650). So why do they need the 4000 x 3000 resolution? Do not listen to the digital camera’s advertisement. Look for your needs, not the Canon. In addition, if you want to make a really right choice, it is better to forget about flagship models. There are some good cameras with adequate prices under groovy gadget’s level.
The Canon IXUS 950 IS – it’s not the same as the Canon PowerShot SD950 IS
Some Canon’s brothel with its digital camera names does not promote a good comparison. When I was talking about Canon Compacts with salesmen in the MBK center in Bangkok, they could not understand that there were some models for UK and some for US. Canon IXUS 950 or SD 950 -- what difference does it really make? However, there is one -- one hundred USD between these two. Therefore, let’s look around Canon Digital IXUS 950 IS (also known as PowerShot SD850) features for better understanding: why it has a biggest sale’s rating.
Digital IXUS 950 features
- 8.0 megapixels 1/2.5” CCD
- 4x optical zoom 35-140mm (35mm equivalent) UA lens with optical Image Stabilizer
- Eye-catching design with Touch Control Dial
- DIGIC III with Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
- Noise Reduction Technology
- 2.5” 230,000 pixels Pure Color LCD
- ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
- 18 shooting modes including Creative Light Effect plus My Colors photo effects
- VGA Movies and Time Lapse Movie function
- User Defined Print/Share button
- Optical viewfinder
PowerShot SD 950 IS features
- 12.1 megapixels 1/1.7” CCD
- 3.7x optical zoom 6 mm - 133 mm zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer
- Titanium body with Touch Control Dial
- ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
- DIGIC III with Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
- 2.5” 230,000 pixels Pure Color LCD with wide viewing angle
- 18 shooting modes including ISO 3200 scene mode and My Colors photo effects
- Extensive movie options including 1024 x 768 15 fps, Long Play and Time Lapse modes
- PictBridge and Print/Share compatible
- Optical viewfinder
Some Canon IXUS 950 differences from SD950
What can I say? If you are not crying for a titanium body and 15 fps XGA movie, it is better to buy the IXUS 950 for $250-270. Even more so, it has a little better lens, which is a much more important advantage for a photo camera than the XGA movie mode. In another case 4000 x 3000 resolution from IXUS 960 (also known as PowerShot SD950), comes to you for $370-390 with a not booked noise. It is quite good to know that 12MP cannot make an SLR from a Compact. As for body, with regard to a progress modern digital cameras have a short life. Is it necessary for a gadget, which becomes antiquated after next Christmas to have a titanium case?
For more details look through Canon SD1000 as IXUS 70 vs. SD 870 or IXUS 950 vs. SD 950: it’s easy to be lost there.
Some Canon Digital IXUS 950 pros and cons
Pros:
- Optical Image stabilization
- 4x optical zoom
- Face detection system really works
- Fast start-up with virtually no shutter lag if you pre-focus
- The wide lens lets you fit more people into your group photos
- Dependable auto white balance
- Flash recycles quickly when used to light up the average room
- Handy user’s interface
- Helpful Scene modes
- Good macro performance
- Category assignment is a time saver
- High ISO options
- Accurate LCD screen
- Good balance between sharpness and detail retention
- Good low light performance
- Printed results are quite good even at ISO 1,600
- A little smaller body than IXUS 960 / SD950: Dimensions 90 x 57 x 26 mm (3.5 x 2.2 x 1 in) instead of 96 x 96 x 28 mm (3.8 x 3.8 x 1.1 in)
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Optical viewfinder is not such accurate
- No digital zoom in Wide Screen shooting
- No manual control over aperture or shutter speed
- Some chromatic aberrations at wide-angle setting
- Noise at high ISO
- Flash coverage is uneven at wide angle
- Flash range is limited at telephoto setting at ISO 100
Specification
- 3264 x 2448 pixels max resolution
- Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 ISO rating
- AiAF TTL 9-point (with face detection)
- Focus range: Normal 45cm, Macro 2cm
- Shutter: Min 15 sec, Max 1/1600 sec
- Flash guide: 3.5 m (11.4 ft) 5 m
- Flash modes: Auto, On, Off, Slow, Manual (Red Eye On/Off)
- Exposure compensation: -2 to +2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
- Continuous Drive: 1.3 fps, unlimited
- SD/SDHC/MMC card storage type
- Weight (inc. batteries) 195 g (6.9 oz)
Conclusion
The Canon PowerShot SD850 IS (Digital IXUS 950 IS) is a handy Ultra Compact camera with very effective optical image stabilization, wide-angle lens and not so long shutter lag time. With its small case and not bad image quality, this pocket camera is a good purchase especially at a reasonable price. As for the Canon IXUS 960 IS (SD950 IS), I am not an enemy of any cool gadgets. However, in my opinion, if you want to buy a photo camera it is better to pay for good photos than for titanium body.

Fujifilm F50fd vs FinePix S5 IS Pro: 12MP from digital compact it’s not the same as 12MP from SLR

After Canon’s 12MP cameras such as PowerShot G9, SD950 and A650 appearing, this mega pixels gross is not outstanding. However, the Fujifilm’s favorite SuperCCD HR sensor coupled with 1/1.6 inch size, which is not the rule for a digital compact camera, suggests to me some expectancies to an outstanding picture quality. Unfortunately, a small compact’s sensor, as Canon G9 / IXUS 960’s 1/1.7 inch chip plays dirty with Fuji F50 images too. For more details look through Canon Powershot G9, SD950 and A650: can 12MP make SLR from compact.
Fujifilm FinePix digital camera’s main advantages
After my contact with Fujifilm S5 IS Pro SLRs, I have impress by Fuji SuperCCD HR sensor’s color rendering. In addition to an adequate (in comparison with Canon’s G9 / SD950 $400-450 instead of $220-270 for F50) price, this compact would be the best choice as a pocket camera, especially with a great Fuji’s list of features. Look at Nikon D200 body gives birth to Fujifilm S5 Pro. Cheap D2Xs or how to win 12 megapixels from D200.
Fujifilm F50fd key features
- Dual Image Stabilization mode, which combines a mechanically stabilized CCD sensor with high ISO sensitivities for Total Anti-Blur protection; this combination of these two different approaches reduces the "blur"; effect from the photographer's hand-shake and subject movement even further to provide the highest quality digital pictures yet, with sharp, clean and clear results
- The Next Generation Face Detection 2.0 Technology, featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal, which can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as 5/100's of a second, correcting focus, exposure, and white balance automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame
- Mimicking a professional photo studio setting, by using Face Detection and preset camera settings, Portrait Enhancer Mode minimizes fine lines and small skin blemishes for smooth, natural looking portraits
- Dual Shot Mode: In this selectable mode, the FinePix F50fd quickly shoots two images in rapid succession; one with the flash and one without – and saves both. This function lets the user perform a comparison at their convenience and select the most pleasing image.
- I-Flash (Intelligent Flash) detects subtle lighting differences within a scene and then varies the flash intensity accordingly, it also leverages the high sensitivity of the Fujifilm F50fd to enable the camera to use less flash, resulting in an image that displays pleasing, natural tones without a "washed-out"; effect
- Full Manual Photographic Control: gives users total control with manual adjustment options for camera settings: resolution, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, etc
- A new playback feature ‘GUI Micro Thumbnail’ that allows for viewing an index print on the LCD. Fujifilm F50fd will show up to 100 images in microform, then the control buttons are used to move over specific images and select them for quickly find a single image by being able to jump to particular segments of images in the time sequence
- Infrared communication via IrSimpleTM technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to a compatible device
- Special Scene and Blog Modes: 16 pre-programmed scenes, including a special underwater scene mode for use with a special underwater casing. In the Blog mode, the FinePix F50fd copies and automatically reduces the size of copied images for easy posting to a blog, Web page or as an attachment to email for easy sharing with friends and family while maintaining the original file
- xD / SD / SD-HC Compatible slot: it accepts not only Fujifilm's traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too
- Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery, up to 230 shots
Fujifilm FinePix F50fd pros and cons
Still, after F50’s owners reply: “I immediately took it on a vacation, but was very disappointed when I downloaded the pictures to my laptop that evening. Almost all of them were noisy and grainy. None of them came out clear and crisp. Not even the auto shoots ones with plenty of daylight.” – I have recalled a bitter truth: nothing is perfect. Of course with its price, the Fuji F50fd can successfully compete with expensive Canon’s digital cameras as PowerShot G9, A650 and SD950. However, my favorite Canon A630 with 8MP 1/1.8 inch sensor, low noise images and an useful flip out and twist display is still unexcelled. Look through Choosing Digital Compact camera: Canon A650 vs A640, against A630.
Pros:
- Aperture and shutter priority exposure controls
- Sensor shift image stabilization
- Nice slim design
- Face detection that outperforms the versions offered by most of the competition
- Movie quality is quite good for such a small camera
- Good price for 12MP compact: $220-270
Cons:
- The camera is sluggish between shots
- Noisy images, even at lowest ISO
- No full-manual exposure mode
As the replacement for the Fujifilm F30/F31fd, which had great results in low light / high ISO performance, the FinePix F50fd has much more pixels, features etc. However, in case of the F30/F31fd its outstanding performance in low light was the result of clever resolution limited at 6MP. Unfortunately, in chase of useless 4000 x 3000-image size the F50 gets a useless image noise.
FinePix F50fd specifications
- 12 million effective pixels 1/1.6 inch Super CCD HR VII sensor
- Maximum image size: 4000x3000
- Dual Image Stabilization (High sensitivity + CCD shift)
- 35 - 105 mm (35 mm equiv), wide: F2.8 – 8, Tele: F5.1 – 8, 3x optical zoom lens
- 2.7-inch TFT screen with 230.000 pixels
- Face Detection 2.0 Technology built-in to the camera’s processor
- ISO 1600 sensitivity at full resolution
- 640 x 480 pixels VGA movie capture of 25 frames per second with sound
- Connectivity, USB 2.0 high speed, Video out, DC-in
- IR Communication (IR simple/IR SS)
- Micro thumbnail view (up to 100 thumbnails visible)
- 2 fps max 3 images; 5 fps max 12 images at 3MP
- Aperture and shutter priority modes
- Weight (no batt): 155 g (5.5 oz)
- Dimensions: 92.5 x 59.2 x 22.9 mm (3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 in)
- Storage: xD-Picture Card, SD/SDHC card; internal memory - 25 MB
- Focus distance: normal: 60cm-infinity, macro: 5cm (wide)
Conclusion
In any case, the Fujifilm F50fd is a good compact with small and lightweight 'Aero' design body. Moreover, with its price, a great movie mode and Fuji’s riches of features this pocket gadget would be a good choice as the second camera or an easy digital compact for traveling. However, the megapixel’s race plays a mean joke on the FinePix F50fd. As a result, a ‘junior’ model -- the Fujifilm F40fd with the same sensor size but with only 8.3 million effective pixels for $200 is much more preferable. What is more, the FinePix F40fd can successfully compete with some Canon digital compacts as Canon SD1000 as IXUS 70 vs. SD 870 or IXUS 950 vs. SD 950.

Nikon D300 as a higher one to Canon 40D and even to sensor’s mommy – Sony Alpha

After my terms of intimacy with the Nikon D300, I am looking to the Canon 40D and even to my favorite Sony A700 without being in transports of joy. Of course, Sony and Canon’s middle class SLRs are good, but D300 is excellent. This is a really high-middle SLR. However, Nikon D300’s price (abt. $1800 instead of $1300 for EOS 40D and $1400 for Alpha 700) is a little high too. For more details look through: Canon EOS 40D features, pros and cons. Let’s look through D300 features to gain a better understanding that this is a fair price.
Nikon D300’s main features
- New 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output (mfr. Sony*)
- Rapid 8 fps (with optional MB-D10 vertical power grip) or 6 fps continuous shooting for up to 100 shots at full 12.3 MP resolution
- The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the Nikon D300 ability to capture and process high definition image data so quickly. The EXPEED system includes both hardware and years of Nikon image processing ‘know-how’. The Nikon D300 EXPEED system features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon’s signature ‘look and feel’ of rich accurate colors, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail
- New Scene Recognition System (the same as the Nikon D3); which uses data from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor to track a moving subject along the plane of direction within the frame. Complementing the AF sensor data with the subject tracking data calculated from the RGB sensor makes it possible for the D300 to select focus with great speed and precision digital SLR advances
- Enhanced Color Matrix Metering II algorithms: metering data from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor is used for highlights areas detection; the range of brightness reproduces results of highlight analysis for more precise exposure control
- New 51-point AF system offers 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6, 3D Focus Tracking, 3 Dynamic AF modes using groups of 51, 21 or 9 points
- Large 3.0-inch LCD with 920,000 resolution, brightness adjustment, 170 degree ultra-wide viewing angle and tempered-glass protection; D300’s shooting information displaying on the rear LCD monitor or viewed in the traditional way on the camera's large top LCD panel and including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining, buffer capacity, and AF area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the "Info" (Protect) button is pressed
- Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System with self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles
- Rugged magnesium-alloy construction, advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles make the D300 a perfect choice for photographers who demand high performance and handling agility
- Faster start up, shorter shutter lag and viewfinder blackout versus the Nikon D200
* As for any speculations about using in the Nikon D300 the same as Sony A700 chip, it is a wrong idea. For more look at Sony Alpha A700: choosing a digital SLR for advanced amateurs
‘On board’ A/D converter as a rule for a good SLR
Just as in case of Canon 40D vs. 30D and Sony A700 vs. A100, the Nikon D300 is not a cosmetic upgrade, though in fact the D300 is virtually identical in appearance to the D200. And that's not the point that the SLR camera has a large 12MP CMOS sensor, a bigger 3 inch LCD with the Live view mode, world's first 51 focus points AF system, a self cleaning sensor with four active vibration points and an upgraded EXPEED processor. What is much important for me as for an engineer is the fact that now we have a sensor with not only extra 2MP, but with the analog-to-digital converter onto the chip. Finally, photographers have a new effective feature for a lower sensor noise without an extension of a sensor size. Moreover, it is a rule for middle-class SLRs. I have got a girl’s face from Nikon’s site and I am really impressed. As for putting 12 MP sensor into the Nikon’s body, there was such experience. It resulted in the Fujifilm S5 Pro with Fujifilm SuperCCD SR Pro 12.3MP sensor – look at: Nikon D200 body gives birth to Fujifilm S5 Pro. Cheap D2Xs or how to win 12 megapixels from D200
Nikon D300 specifications
- 23.6 x 15.8 mm, 12.3MP Sony’s new CMOS sensor
- 4,288 x 2,848 max resolution
- Dust-reduction system with Self-cleaning sensor unit, image dust-off data acquisition
- Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200
- CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), MicroDrive
- NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW), TIFF (RGB), JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
- LiveView: Hand-held shooting mode: TTL Phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors), Tripod shooting mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
- Viewfinder: SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
- Auto focus: TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus module; Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20 degree C/68 degree F); AF fine adjustment possible. Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]
- Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available
- Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
- When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode)
- NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and MC-35 GPS Cable (optional)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in. (147 x 114 x 74 mm)
- Weight: Approx. 1.82 lbs. (825 g) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
- One EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional) with one EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC Adapter (optional)
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Nikon D300 is a little heavy but it makes feel more of a camera. Of course, a camera has a good hand’s grip and feels great, which is to be expected from Nikon. The LCD screen is bright and has no motion blur. As for Live view mode, it is not continuous, as the camera must be focused before the screen will be enabled. It is not like a compact where images can be continuously taken with a screen. The D300 can be linked up to a PC and images viewed from its screen too when the camera is in tripod mode. As for comparison with the Canon D40 and the Sony A700, the Nikon D300 is not a digital SLR for beginners. This is an expensive device for some great lenses owners, such as 40D and A700. Therefore, especially with the price/quality ratio, this is a great SLR, but I would prefer the Sony A700 as Rebel XTi owner would prefer the Canon 40D. For more details about digital SLR cameras visit this page: Choosing a Digital SLR