Ultra Cool Gadgets

The D300 features Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera’s new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.The D300 reacts with lightning speed, powering up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45-millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack. In continuous bursts, the D300 can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution.

Technical Details
* 12.3-megapixel captures enough detail for poster-size photo-quality prints.
* 3.0-inch LiveView LCD display; new 51-point AF system.
* In burst mode, shoots up to 100 shots at full 12.3-megapixel resolution.
* EXPEED Image Processing System and similar Scene Recognition System to that found in the D3.
* Self-cleaning sensor unit; magnesium alloy construction with rubber gaskets and seals.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Its new Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed before a picture is taken.
The D300 incorporates Nikon’s new Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either nine, 21, or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D tracking with automatic focus-point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.
Nikon’s new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies.
The D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast.
The D300′s LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving.
The D300 also employs a new self-cleaning sensor unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the appearance of dust.

PROS
Really top quality images, Quick shooting, Responsive autofocus.
CONS
Complex controls, Autofocus can be overeager,Costly

Canon’s new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV.

Technical Details

* 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with improved noise reduction
* Body only; lenses sold separately
* Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode
* New Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction setting; HDMI output
* Capture images to Compact Flash Type I or II memory cards (not included)

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Highlights
1. New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with improved noise reduction.
2. Next generation DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing.
3. DIGIC 4 Image Processor.
4. 3.0-inch Clear View LCD.
5. Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode.
6. 9 cross-type high-precision sensors for accurate target subject acquisition.
7. New Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction setting.
8. Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System.
9. Self Cleaning Sensor Unit.
10.Dust Delete Data Detection.
11.Creative Auto goes a step beyond full auto with on screen setting display.
12.HDMI output for displaying full high-resolution images on a HDTV.

Software
Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 17.0)
The EOS 50D comes bundled with an updated Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, which features powerful software programs designed to extend the EOS experience to the computer. These include Canon’s EOS Utility (Version 2.5), Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.5), ZoomBrowser EX for Windows (Version 6.2), ImageBrowser for Macintosh OS X (Version 6.2), the Picture Style Editor (Version 1.4), PhotoStitch (version 3.2), WFT Utility (version 3.2). Each application is designed to perfect the captured images and streamline the digital workflow.

PROS
Superb 15.1-meg images.High-speed shooting. Accurate focusing. Decently priced.
CONS
Inevitable noise at high ISO settings.

Full Resolution Photography using 60fps ultra-high speed burst mode captures the crucial moment..Beautifull images of exactly the moment you want…every time…Using the still image burst mode, users can shoot at an ultra fast 60 frames per second. In burst mode, the frame rate can also be varied from between 1 and 60 frames per second while shooting. Up to 60 shots at can be taken at once, so 60 shots per second for one second, or 5 shots per second for 12 seconds, are possible.Users can record images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Continuously recording at up to 60 images per second, a maximum of 60 images canbe saved in the camera’s own buffer memory even before the shutter button is depressed. Even if users press the shutter a little late, they will still be able to catch that vital moment.Users can take photographs while, in the monitor, the momentary action that is before their eyes is displayed in slow motion. It is just as if they have sloweddown the passing of time. Users can unhurriedly observe the motion of the subject as they press the shutter, ensuring that they never miss that crucial moment.It is possible while using flash to take up to 20 continuous shots at a speed ofup to 7 frames per second, so even in low light, no more missed shots. Also, theinternal LED light allows high speed burst shooting at between 10 and 60 frames per second.

Technical Details
* Full Resolution Photography using 60 fps Ultra-High Speed Burst Mode !
* Capture the Crucial Moment…Beautifull Images of Exactly the Moment You Want…Every Time !
* High Speed Movie Recording at up-to 1200 fps !
* High Speed CMOS Sensor & New Chip
* Best Shot Function

Pros:
+ Rather unique high speed super slow motion and burst shooting features
+ Very versatile general purpose camera for both videos and stills
+ Long optical zoom range
+ Fast to use, easy to switch from videos to stills and even take stills during video shooting
+ External microphone jack (with reservations, see above)
+ The menus are sensible and quick to access

Cons:
- No time lapse shot automation (would have been cool if the “time warp” worked both ways)
- The fast and sensitive CCD is rather noisy, resulting grainy photos
- Poor performance in low light conditions, even when shooting normal video or taking still photos
- The image stabilizer could work better
- Occasionally very slow auto focus when shooting video

Olympus has given the SP-570 UZ the world’s most powerful ultra zoom digital camera an extreme makeover by creating the new SP-565 Ultra Zoom, a smaller and lighter version with the same amazing precision-crafted 20x wide-angle telephoto zoom lens (26-520mm equivalent), but the ease-of-use of a point-and-shoot camera. Photographers searching for an even more portable and approachable ultra zoom to take anywhere will rejoice in the cameras new form factor, and with 10 million pixels and Dual Image Stabilization delivering superior, virtually blur-free images, the SP-565 UZ is proof that good things do come in small packages. The cameras enhanced Face Detection can now track up to 16 faces within the frame and optimize exposure even when subjects are moving, ensuring that family reunion group portraits will come out well-focused. In addition, the SP-565 UZ ensures sharp, brilliant images with a host of other features.The camera’s enhanced Face Detection can now track up to 16 faces within the frame and optimize exposure even when subjects are moving, ensuring that family reunion group portraits will come out well-focused. In addition, the SP-565 UZ ensures sharp, brilliant images with a host of other features:
* Dual Image Stabilization combines the benefits of Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization to compensate for both camera shake and moving subjects, helping to create beautiful, virtually blur-free images in any situation;
* Shadow Adjustment Technology enables users to preview and capture images as the human eye sees them, compensating for difficult lighting situations and maintaining detail in highlights while improving detail in the shadows to produce more balanced photos; and
* Perfect Shot Preview takes the guesswork out of great photography by allowing users to preview and select various photographic effects live on the LCD screen, before snapping the shot.

Technical Details
* 10-megapixel image sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
* 20x optical dual image-stabilized zoom
* High-speed sequential shooting and pre-capture; manual controls plus 33 shooting modes
* Face Detection; Perfect Shot Preview and Shadow Adjustment Technology
* Capture images to xD-Picture Card and microSD memory cards (not included)

SP-565UZ Highlights
1. Lightening the Lens Load
2. Dual Image Stabilization
3. Face Detection
4. Manual Controls
5. High-Speed Sequential Shooting and Pre-Capture
6. Shadow Adjustment Technology
7. Perfect Shot Preview
8. Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
9. TruePic III Image Processor
10.33 Shooting Modes Including Multi-Fireworks
11.Versatile Memory
12.Olympus Master 2 Software

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
The 20x zoom is fantastic, all the frills like shadow adjustments and face detections works just fine.Another feature called “pre capture” and uses a lower resolution but when you half press the shutter, it take ten photos at once and you get pick which one you like the best after you finished it off by pushing the shutter button all the way down. Weird but if you got the card space and the time to review all ten shots, then its pretty neat.The feel and the construction of the camera is excellent.If Olympus can just work on their user interface and the auto intelligent mode, this camera can rock.