Dec 24
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. Pick up the EOS 50D and you’ll experience true digital inspiration!
The EOS 50D features a newly-designed 15.1-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor which is capable of recording up to 4752 x 3168 pixels with full 14-bit A/D conversion for extremely fine tonal gradation. Ready to capture images in an instant, the sensor is designed to work with Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses with a conversion factor of 1.6x. It’s capable of recording at sensitivities previously too noisy for shooting in low light or subjects in motion. With a maximum ISO rating of 12800 combined with a 4-level High ISO speed noise reduction function, images that would have been impossible without the use of a strobe or flash become simple to record.
Technical Details:
15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with improved noise reduction
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens included
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
Customer feedback:
1. Lucky for me a good friend has a 40D and a local camera shop was nice enough to let us borrow their 50D to snap a few comparison shots. My friend and I took shot after shot using identical settings and identical lenses under a variety of situations, (low light, high speed, high light, inside, outside, dull colors and vibrant colors). We then took the pictures, compiled them on a single memory card and displayed them on my 46″ 1080P HDTV. Results were very much in favor of the 50D. Shot for shot the 50D either matched or exceeded the picture quality of the 40D in all but one situation: indoors with low light and dull colors. Under that situation the 50D seemed to noise out on the constant color areas, (beige walls for example), while the 40D tended to noise out at the interface between colors, (at the boundary of a beige wall and darm crown molding for example). Both developed noise but the 50D had more.
Overall though I was very impressed with the performance of the 50D. It picked up a lot of details that the 40D didn’t even come close to getting, (thanks to the 15.1MP sensor no doubt), was much better able to capture high-speed action in daylight and only produced noisy images under very particular situations.
2. I have had my hands on a 50D for exactly two days, and have taken only a few more than 100 photos; however, it is clear to me that this is no “40D Mark II.” It is a giant step-up from the 40D and, in my opinion, akin to a jump between the 20D and 40D (the 30D skipped intentionally). I can speak and write confidently of this because I own or have owned all four cameras. I have the 50D with EF 18-200mm IS Telephoto Lens, which came as an offered kit. Additionally, I own and have used the 50D with an EF 24-105mm f4L and EF 85mm f1.8.
Dec 24
Lens making is an art – Nikon artisans craft Nikkor optics from the finest materials, taking pride in adding their intellect and technique to bring the world’s finest lenses to life. They push the leading edge of lens making, harder and harder, in their effort to provide the “glass” that makes the world’s greatest pictures.
PRODUCT FEATURES:
D-type lens design provides distance information as part of flash and ambient light exposure processes;
Classic normal lens provides speed and compact design;
Multi-layer coating minimizes flare and ghosting;
Exceptionally lightweight and compact – ideal for travel photography;
Stops down to f/22 for excellent depth-of-field control.
Customer feedback:
I don’t even know where to start. This lens produces sharp pictures and great color and contrast. And for its price (which seems to climb recently), it is worth more than 5 stars rating. I initially get this lens for low light action and sport photography (as this lens is famous for being one of the fastest lens together with its brother 50mm f/1.4), but I also found out that this lens is also perfect for portrait and other general purposes (macro etc). This is definitely a very versatile lens.
Pros:
1. Very fast (f/1.8)
2. Very sharp pictures (especially when stopped down to f/2.2, f/2.5 or more.)
3. Great for sport/action photography
4. Great for indoor and low light situation
5. Great for portrait
6. Bokeh is almost as good as many expensive Nikon tele-lens
7. Fast autofocus
8. Good for wedding photography (or no-flash event). However, if this is your main objective then you might want to get the 50mm f/1.4 version or 28-70mm f/2.8 lens)
9. 75mm equivalent which can be considered a short tele lens (I actually like the fact that it’s 75mm equivalent vs 50mm in DSLR. if you need more zoom, you can get the Nikon 85mm f/1.8, or the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR). If you have full frame DSLR(like the D3 or D700), then this #9 pros is not applicable.
10. Inexpensive
Cons:
1. Being prime lens, you need to move your feet a lot to adjust/compose
2. Autofocus issue on some situations (read detail above)
3. Plasticy build
4. Autofocus is not the most silent but very reasonable
5. 75mm equivalent with 1.5x multiplier on non full frame DSLR (many people find this is an odd range for normal lens. I actually like it). If you have full frame DSLR(like the D3 or D700), then this #5 cons is not applicable.
6. Autofocus does not work with D40, D40x, D60 and D5000. The newer 50mm f/1.4G AF-S lens or 35mm f/1.8G AF-S lens will autofocus with those cameras.
Dec 24
Extension tubes are designed to enable a lens to focus closer than its normal set minimum focusing distance. Getting closer has the effect of magnifying your subject (making it appear larger in the viewfinder and in your pictures). They are exceptionally useful for macro photography, enabling you to convert almost any lens into a macro lens at a fraction of the cost while maintaining its original optical quality.The extension tubes have no optics. They are mounted in between the camera body and lens to create more distance between the lens and film plane. By moving the lens father away from the film or CCD sensor in the camera, the lens is forced to focus much closer than normal. The greater the length of the extension tube, the closer the lens can focus.The Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set contains three tubes of different length, a 12 mm, 20 mm, and 36 mm, which can be used individually or in any combination to obtain the desired magnification.Kenko’s Auto Focus extension tubes are designed with all the circuitry and mechanical coupling to maintain auto focus and TTL auto exposure.
Technical Details:
Designed to enable a lens to focus closer than its normal set
Very Useful for Macro Photography
The Extension Tubes have no optics
Focus Closer to the objects you see and enjoy the feel of photography
Auto Extension Tube Set for the Nikon AF Mount
Customer feedback:
1. Another essential tool for the photographers bag. AF and metering worked well with Nikon D70. Takes a bit of practice, but it makes you a better photographer. Like having a prime 50mm. You’ll find yourself (tripod) moving instead of zooming. Makes photgraphing macros challenging and very fun. Amazing shots. Tripod is almost manditory.
Wish the build quality was a little better. Extensions are plastic (& aluminum) and feel flimsy. Mounted a 70-300mm with all three extension, noticed bowing on the outside, but pictures were fine. Didn’t trust it, had to have a hand on the lens. Feels fragile with with all three mounted. Still works perfect though.
2. Use of any of these tubes on a lens with a focal length of less than 55mm (on a digital camera with an APS-C sensor, 1.5x crop) will result in a focusing distance so close you would only be able to photograph the individual stamen. For example, with the 36mm tube on a 50mm lens, I could capture a human hair from a few inches away. Even the 12mm on a 50mm lens results in an exceptionally close focusing distance (eg, photographing a small nail). However, with the 12mm tube on an 85mm lens, I can capture a flower at about 18 inches away.
