News archive for March 2008

Apple has released an updated version of its Aperture image processing software. The move from version 2.0 to 2.1 increases the product's depth with the addition of new architecture that allows third-party plug-ins. Apple includes a dodge and burn plug-in with the latest version and is working with plug-in writers to bring industry favorites to Aperture.

Adobe has announced the launch of an online photo storage and manipulation tool. The public beta of Photoshop Express marks the arrival on the internet of the probably the world's most recognizable image processing brand name. Photoshop Express allows users to non-destructively edit and enhance their images, which can be pulled and pushed to and from popular websites such as Facebook. Updated: Adobe has issued a statement about some of the application's fine print that was causing consternation.

With its T range of digital cameras, Sony has looked to do away with the four-way controller (and most other buttons), and rely instead on a touch-screen interface. The T300 is the latest model, offering 10.1 MP and a 5 X zoom in a distinctly un-camera-like format. We investigate whether you can take digital photos with just four external buttons and if the results are worth it.

DPReview is saddened to hear that Mike Fitzgerald, one of our Sony Talk Forum's most respected contributors has passed away. Mike joined our forums back in 2001 and authored nearly 10,000 posts offering advice on everything from imaging workflow to lenses as well as comment and support for new members joining the forum. He was one of the people on the DPReview forums that have helped make the discussion boards feel like communities and we know a lot of contributors will remember him with fondness. All the staff at DPReview would like to offer their condolences to Mike's loved ones.

We've just been handed a production version of the new Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi and have done our best to bring you some sample images. The London weather has done us no favors but we thought you'd be eager to find out how its 12.2 megapixel images look so we persevered. A mixture of lenses and ISO settings were used to try to give an all-round impression of the camera's behavior and, as always, you can download the original files to scrutinize. Just added: High ISO Noise Reduction samples.

Site contributor Vincent Bockaert has today announced a totally new version of his excellent 'The 123 of digital imaging Interactive Learning Suite'. A favorite piece of reference material I never hesitate to recommend this excellent interactive electronic book which will provide you with both pathways for learning as well as reference. No matter what your knowledge level there will be plenty to learn from the 123 of digital imaging. On top of a major expansion in content (now 4,200 pages covering 153 topics) the new version is now fully Mac OS X compatible and has a completely redesigned user interface. Free demo download available, follow the link inside.

Just posted! Our in-depth review of the latest entry-level Nikon digital SLR, the D60. The D60 replaces the D40X and adds a stabilized kit lens, Expeed processing, a clever new anti-dust system, Active-D Lighting and a smattering of feature and interface enhancements. But the big question is, does Nikon's new baby have what it takes to compete in the increasingly crowded beginner's SLR market? Find out after the link...

Fans of flexibility will be bending over backwards to grab a glance at the latest offering from Panasonic. The FX500 features a 5x optical zoom that starts at 25mm (in 35mm terms), featuring the company's O.I.S anti-shake system. The FX500 is also the first Panasonic to feature a touch-screen interface, which can be controlled using either fingertips or the included stylus.

Sigma bolsters its top-end EX range with the announcement of a HSM focusing-motor-equipped 50mm f/1.4 lens. Offering a moderate telephoto field of view on APS-C cameras, Sigma's DG designation means it will also work as a standard lens on full-frame digital cameras. We believe this is the first time a 50mm f/1.4 lens has been offered with a ring-type focus motor. Pricing now included.

Just posted! Our concise review of the R8. Ricoh has been updating its R series of digital cameras pretty consistently in a 6 months cycle and the R8 has been launched bang on schedule as well. It comes with the same versatile 28-200mm zoom as its predecessor, a 10MP sensor and a bunch of other interesting features. With the advent of the new camera Ricoh has decided to drop the 'Caplio' name from the R series and make the R8 sound like a Leica but can it truly deliver the goods? Find out after the link...

Just posted! Our new lens review of the Sony DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6, the premium kit lens for the Alpha 700 and a tempting upgrade for existing Sony and Konica Minolta DSLR owners. With its remarkably useful 24-160mm equivalent zoom range, does this lens count as a unique selling point for the Alpha system, or are the compromises inevitable in such an ambitious design just too great?

Just posted! Our new lens review of Sony's DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6, as supplied with their triad of entry-level DSLRS, including the 14Mp Alpha 350. Essentially a rebadge of a 2005 Konica Minolta design, does this lens have what it takes to deliver the detail demanded by the latest DSLRs?

Canon has announced the Powershot SD890 IS (or IXUS 970 IS if you're in Europe). This confusingly polyonymous digital camera features improved versions of features such as face detection and image stabilization, Canon says. It also features 10 million pixels in a 1/2.3 " (6.2 x 4.6 mm) sensor and an ISO 3200 mode. It also has a 5x zoom (the longest ever on the SD/IXUS series), covering a 37 - 185mm (equiv.) range which would be more impressive if it was a bit wider.

Canon has today announced two new additions to its line of Powershot SD compact cameras, the Powershot SD790 (IXUS 90 in Europe) and the Powershot SD770 (IXUS 85 in Europe). The two models share the same 10MP sensor and 3x (35-105mm equiv.) zoom lens. Key differences are the LCD size (3.0” on the SD790, 2.5” on the SD770) and the design. More after the click...

Just posted! Our detailed in-depth review of the Nikon D300. The replacement to the venerable D200 features a twelve megapixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion and sensitivity up to ISO 6400. But that's just the start of the story, there's a high resolution three inch monitor, HDMI video output, a new AF sensor and lots of 'under the hood' features such as intelligent scene recognition and automatic CA reduction. See how the D300 performed and how it compares to the competition in our thirty-three page review.

After yesterday's small DSLR excitement, we have something for people looking for something even more compact. Such as a compact camera. Just liike clockwork, Casio has announced just such a device. The Casio Exilim EX-Z9 is an 8.1 megapixel compact with 3X optical zoom and 23 Best Shot modes to help get the perfect picture. It is available in orange.

Camera contraction continues as Olympus announces its latest baby DSLR, the E420 and a compact lens to combine with it. The E420 is a 10 megapixel digital camera featuring the now-widespread Live View feature that Olympus pioneered. Alongside the diminutive DLSR is the equally bijou 25mm f2.8 pancake lens, creating a near pocket-sized combo. Updated: now with 25mm lens specifications.