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Nikon D700 gets tweaked to shoot video via live-view
Some Canon die-hards have already managed to coax their DSLRs to record video via live-view, and it looks like Nikon aficionados are now able to do the same, albeit not quite as easily just yet. That's because the mod requires both access to Nikon's SDK for the D700 and the necessary skills to actually do something with it, in this case capturing video from the live-view feed via USB. The good news is that the modder responsible for the hack, Olivier Giroux, is planning to "productize" the software and make it publicly available, but until then, you'll have to make do with the sample video after the break which, while not quite 480p, still looks pretty decent, all things considered.[Via MAKE:Blog]
Hack provides Liveview Canon EOS DSLRs with video recording
If you're just now starting to come to grips with the fact that Canon's utterly succulent EOS 5D Mark II is just way, way out of reach, here's a little something to lessen the impact of your inferiority complex. An enterprising young buck with a passion to bring video capture abilities to other EOS cameras figured out a way to enable that very capability on all Liveview EOS DSLRs. Of course, there's still the whole "manual focus" requirement -- which means that the bulk of your captures will be way out of focus -- but it's a new feature for your existing camera nonetheless. Now that the cat's out of the bag, why don't you just push out an official update to add this into more cams, Canon? We mean, can you imagine the look on Nikon's face if you really came through?Read - The hackRead - Video capture from a Canon EOS 40D
Olympus fills the E-520/E-3 gap with the E-30 DSLR
If you're looking for an Olympus DSLR but don't have the bank for a $1,499 E-3, yet couldn't be seen with a pedestrian $599 E-520, Olympus is about to fill your niche with the upcoming $1,299 E-30, a shooter that sits neatly betwixt the two in most stats despite actually having a higher megapixel sensor than either. (We all know that doesn't necessarily mean more quality, right?) Like its higher and lower cousins it too offers in-body image stabilization and Live View, borrowing the 2.7-inch LCD from the E-520 while snagging the 11-point auto-focus function from the E-3. It also nets a built-in level that displays roll and pitch, plus an integrated wireless flash receiver, making it sound very much like a prosumer model -- though it has enough consumery shooting modes like "Grainy Film" and "Pop Art" to make any would-be-photog cringe. Best of both worlds or unwanted offspring? We'll wait for the first round of reviews when it launches in January before being too judgmental.Update: As it turns out crave was perhaps a wee bit premature in announcing the E-30, but it's all good now, as Olympus has made the cam officially official.
Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds Lumix DMC-G1 reviewed: only knock is the price
The question has been on your mind since we first got wind of this so-called "Micro Four Thirds" concept back in August: how will it stack up? Now that Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1 is filtering out to the world, we're able to kick back and digest a mammoth review of this here camera thanks to the fine folks at Digital Camera Resource. Without going into dissertation-level detail in this space, we'll tell you that the biggest issue critics had with the G1 was its price. Not the image quality. Not the size. Just the price. In other words, Panny has delivered a superb camera that offers up "very good quality photos, an unmatched live view shooting experience and a nice collection of both automatic and manual controls." Deemed the first to "truly offer a point-and-shoot experience on an interchangeable lens camera," the DMC-G1 looks to be a real winner if you've got $800 to blow.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Nikon D90 unboxing and hands-on
Here she is -- the world's first DSLR to capture 720p HD movie footage. But let's be honest, the high-def action is just a cherry on top of Nikon's D90 ($1,299 kit; $999 body only), as the expansive Live View LCD, high ISO options and heralded image quality are the real draws. You've already heard what the experts in the field had to say, but if you're just lookin' for some old fashioned gadget glamour shots to get your weekend started right, take all the time you need in the gallery below.%Gallery-33583%
Canon's EOS 5D Mark II gets painstakingly detailed
Canon went a bit berserk this morning, but without a doubt the looker from the crowd is the 21-megapixel EOS 5D Mark II. Make no mistake, this bad boy is bringing all sorts of new and revamped technology to the game, and thanks to the good folks over at DPReview, you don't have to waste your day trying to piece it all together. Linked below is a 13-page "preview" that dishes out more details on the specs, changes, operation, design, menus and favorite date spots than you could ever fathom. Being the DSLR freak that you are, however, we know you've already ventured off and are onto page 2. No hard feelings, though.
How would you change Nikon's D700?
The phrase "full frame" brings a smile to the face of anyone remotely familiar with photography, and the term "D700" is likely to do the same for shooters with three large to plunk down on a new body. Still, even with its long list of drool-worthy features, we're certain that anyone who dropped the aforementioned dough on this beauty has a few things to say about it. Are you satisfied with the live view implementation? Any problems with its reliance on CompactFlash? Oh, and is the image quality alright? Sound off below!
Olympus' 10MP EVOLT E-520 DSLR gets reviewed
Although we were able to take an all-too-brief peek at Olympus' EVOLT E-520 late last month, the results weren't exactly indicative of what this thing is capable of -- you know, considering the unit in question was defective. The cats over at PhotographyBLOG managed to secure a fully functional unit, and results were much, much improved. Although reviewers didn't go quite so far as to call it the perfect camera, it sure came close in their eyes. Aside from the depressingly small viewfinder and the low quantity of AF sensors, critics found the unit quite hard to bash. Overall, it managed to snag a stellar 4.5 out of 5 rating, and better still, it was said to be just the thing for "beginners and enthusiasts alike." Taking Olympus more seriously in your search for a suitable DSLR just might be in order.
Hands-on with Sony's new a300 and a350 DSLRs
Just in case you thought that Sony was, you know, making up those snazzy new alpha DSLRs with articulating, live-view LCDs, we're here with a plethora of hands-on shots to prove that they're the real deal. Since you already know the specs by now -- 10.2 megapixel (a300) or 14.2 megapixel (a350) sensors, 2.7-inch screen, ISO up to 3200, and traditional CF slots -- we'll just let you get right to the eye candy below.%Gallery-15043%
Sony A300 and A350 DSLRs with swivel-screen and live view leaked
With just days to go until PMA, it looks like security's starting to slip a little bit -- a little creative sonystyle.com URL trickery led Beline at the Dyxum forums to images of those Sony A300 and A350 DSLRs we'd heard about. The A300 is an update to the A200, adding in live preview and a flip-out swivel screen, while the A350 looks like it'll be a 14.2 megapixel unit and probably includes live preview and the swivel screen as well. We're hearing that an A900 is also in the works, but that's a just a whisper -- looks like there might be some surprises in store this week after all.Update: Tons more pictures here, for the curious.[Thanks, Mike]
Olympus' E-3 DSLR gets reviewed
As seems to be the case with most new DSLRs these days (regardless of manufacturer), there was quite a bit of buzz behind the E-3. On paper, Olympus' latest big boy was fairly impressive, but we all know it's the real-world results that matter. Thankfully, the kind folks over at PhotographyBLOG grabbed hold of the admittedly hefty shooter and put it through a few paces to see how it stacked up. Design wise, it was deemed a "chunky monkey," and if too many buttons have a tendency to overwhelm you, we'd suggest stopping here and looking elsewhere. Performance wise, however, the E-3 seemed to be a winner. The built-in image stabilization, Supersonic Wave Filter and general speed of operation were all highly praised, and the "true-to-nature" image results were also smiled upon. Overall, we'd say the 4.5 out of 5 star rating pretty much sums it up, but we noticed enough quirks to recommend that you still give the read link a look before buying blind.
Nikon D3 full frame DSLR unboxed
So it looks like the first lucky individuals have started receiving their Nikon D3s in the mail -- lucky not just because they're the proud new owner of a 12.1 megapixel full frame DSLR with 6400 ISO, 51-point autofocus, two CF slots, HDMI, and a 3-inch live view LCD, but lucky because, you know, they can afford to spend $5,000 on a camera. For those of us who can only aspire to possess such luxuries, there are always a bunch of nice unboxing shots to really help flesh out our weird gadget fantasies. You can check out another such pic after the break, before hitting the Read link for an entire D3 gallery including a few images of those new AF-S NIKKOR lenses...[Thanks, Andrew]%Gallery-11336%
Olympus E-410 EVOLT DSLR gets reviewed
It's tough to not get all worked up about a live LCD on a DSLR, but if you've managed to hold off until a thorough review came your way, your patience has paid off. The discerning folks over at DPReview were able to crack the whip on the E-410 EVOLT, and after the dust settled, it seemed like a pretty good buy. Initial praises included its light weight, outstanding out-of-the-box results, effective dust remover, low noise across the ISO spectrum, and the speedy auto focus / shutter performance. Notably, the list of digs was rather puny compared to the cheers, as the disappointing dynamic range performance and counterproductive Noise Filter were the only major qualms that reviewers felt were worth mentioning in detail. Overall, it seems the E-410 should fit the bill quite nicely if you're looking for a relatively advanced entry-level DSLR, but be sure and visit the read link to make absolutely sure this is where you want your $800 or so to go.
