Minox Classic Leica M3 Mini - 3.2 MP Digital Camera Review
For classic camera buffs, the Minox DCC Leica M3 is a beautiful camera, and at less than $200, its an extravagance that many camera lovers can afford.The camera body is a miniaturized version of the classic Leica M3 that was introduced in 1954, and quickly became a favorite among photographers for its practical simplicity and excellent opticals. The original Leica M designation was for the Rangefinder series, which combined the rangefinder and viewfinder into one large, double image viewfinder.Apart from its rugged good looks, the Leica cameras were made famous by those classic photographers who used them and produced some of the most stunning photography of an era.Henri Cartier Bresson, Robert Capa, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Elliot Erwitt, Mary Ellen Mark, Sebastiao Salgado, and Garry Winogrand were among the most famous Leica photographers.The Minox DCC Leica M3 may look like the beautiful old classic, but it is in fact, a different beast. For one, the Minox model is digital, with resolution up to 5 MP (the camera has a 5.0 MP, CMOS Sensor and 3.2 MP Hardware-resolution). And the camera body itself is a miniature version of the original design, measuring only 2.9" wide x 1.8" high.This Minox mini-digital camera is an upgrade from the earlier version, featuring a color monitor and a memory card slot to add to its 32 mb of internal memory.Let's face it, this camera does not have top of the line features. However, in terms of classic stlye, the Minox DCC Leica M3 is unique in the arena of lifestyle digital cameras and has acquired cult status among some camera buffs.As the company describes it, the camera is a perfect mix of "perfect, high-precision miniaturization of top technology combined with a touch of extravagance."The cameras functional controls have been discretely integrated in the body, including the 1.5 inch TFT color monitor, and images and movies are stored on SD cards with a capacity of up to 2 GB. In addition, there is a 32 MB internal memory available for storing files. And for the first time a built-in Li-ion battery provides the camera power supply. The camera also sports a video mode for shooting AVI formatted video.Overall, this is a a beginner to intermediate camera that shines mostly for its nostalgic design, but at that, it does a fantastic job.You can find several versions of the Minox Leica M3 Mini.
Olympus Rebate on EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR Camera System
Until March 31, 2005 Olympus is offering a $100 rebate on its EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR system both with and without its consumer Zuiko Digital Specific lenses.
Astrophotography Camera: Canon EOS 20Da
If you're passion is photographing the stars, planets and night skies, check out the new Canon EOS 20Da.
Pentax *ist DL Digital SLR Camera Announced
Pentax recently announced a brand new digital camera, the Pentax *ist DL digital SLR. This Pentax model features a compact digital camera body with simple operation and excellent performance, the *ist DL features a 2.5 inch LCD monitor and the lightest Pentax digital SLR body at only 16.6 ounces.
Nikon D2X Professional Digital SLR Camera
Geared toward professional photographers, the new Nikon D2X digital camera packs a ton of features into this hot new camera. D2X FeaturesDX Format with 12.4 effective megapixelsThe new CMOS image sensor features high image quality and high-speed 4-channel data outputNew image processing algorithms combine with optimized analog and digital white balance to produce smoother, more consistent gradations with exceptionally pure color reproductionContinuous shooting: 5 frames per second (fps) at 12.4 megapixels for up to 15 consecutive NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) images; 8 fps for 26 NEF images at 6.8 megapixels3D-Color Matrix Metering II with ambient light sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor further improves on Nikon's acclaimed exposure metering systemHigh-speed, high-precision 11-area AF system with 9 cross-type AF sensors deliver quick response and sharp focus, even under the most challenging shooting conditionsTwo new Adobe RGB color modes further expand professional color space options and also support for sYCC color spaceExcellent response with the same instant power-up and ultra-fast 37ms shutter release lag as the D2HTop shutter speed of 1/8,000 second and flash sync speeds up to 1/250 secondFaster read/write speed for the memory card and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface for faster image transferLarge 2.5-inch LCD monitor for easy access to settings and information, as well as clear, flicker-free image previewCreative in-camera effects, Image Overlay and Multiple ExposureFunctions such as World Time, automatic rotation of vertical compositions expand possibilitiesGPS support records location information along with shooting dataLightweight, durable magnesium bodyFull support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System when used with the SB-800 or SB-600 SpeedlightsIn addition to DX Nikkor lenses, the D2X supports more than 50 AF Nikkor lensesSupport for the Wireless Transmitter WT-1/1A and the new IEEE802.11b/g compatible WT-2/2A enables image transfer direct from the D2X via wireless LANNikon's PictureProject software is included, enabling easy control over image adjustment and managementSupport for Nikon Capture 4 (version 4.2), a software application with the tools to assist the professional photographerNEF (RAW) format for the utmost in versatile, effective image control and correctionJPEG and NEF (RAW) Combination Filing System enables simultaneous recording of NEF and JPEG data for the same shotReview-Center.com: Nikon D2X Review
Nikon Coolpix S1 Compact Digital Camera
Nikon has introduced its smallest, thinnest digital camera, the new 5.1 MP Coolpix S1 digital camera. The camera features new Nikon technology, such as its new Face Priority AF (Auto Focus) feature, enhanced image quality and improved speed, within a smooth, compact design.
PlayStation Portable (PSP) Value Pack Review
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced the release of the PSP (PlayStation Portable) portable entertainment system.It's the first integrated portable entertainment system, capable of incorporating games, music, movies, communication, and wireless networking.In anticipation of the overwhelming consumer demand for PSP, there will be one million PSP Value Pack units available in retail outlets across the country for today's launch. The PSP lets you view movies, digital photo display and supports digital music playback in both MP3 and ATRAC formats. As gaming is its main function, PSP features graphics capabilities comparable to the leading in-home console, PlayStation 2. You can play 3D games with full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio. PSP also comes complete with built-in stereo speakers, exterior headphone connector and input/output connectors such as USB 2.0, and 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless LAN so you can connect to the Internet and play online via a wireless network. Up to 16 PSP systems in the vicinity can also be connected to each other directly. With the wireless networking, you can also download software and data to you PlayStation Portable, and save it onto a Memory Stick Duo.Find PlayStation Portable purchase info.
Manage Home Audio System Through Wirelss PDA
It's called "Blackbird" by Digital Techniques. The company recently announced its new Blackbird Digital Music Player exclusively for the home audio system. Blackbird can store up to 80,000 songs and even allow you to manage your music collection through the web, or wirelessly with you PDA. The players has some cool and unique features--especially its ability to manage your music through a web browser:Control from any web browser in the home, including a wireless PDA.20,000 - 80,000 song storage capacity with four Blackbird models.Audiophile and Soundblaster high-fidelity sound quality options.Organized music, unlimited playlists and preset Internet radio stations.Music collector's investment consolidated and safe with their audio components.Blackbird lets you control your music from any web browser or through multiple comptuers -- anywhere that your home network extends, including desktop computers, wireless laptops, wireless PDA's, or any device with a web browser. For example, from the comfort of your couch, you can pull out your PDA, and play any song in your entire music collection on your home audio system.Blackbird's four models can store up to 80,000 songs, and there's a choice of two sound qualtiy options: professional quality M-Audio Audiophile 2496 or Creative Technology SoundBlaster sound cards.It's also easy to use. You just have to turn on Blackbird, open a web browser, and load your music. Blackbird automatically organizes music by song, artist, title and genre. The system supports MP3, MP3PRO, Ogg, Wav, and FLAC formats. Hundreds of preset Internet radio stations are included and others can easily be added. Playlists compile automatically while listening, available to edit and save. You can find more info at Digital Techniques website.
Nikon D2Hs Digital SLR Action Sports Professional Camera
One of two new digital SLRs to be showcased at Tokyo's Photo Imaging Expo (PIE) 2005 show in Japan from March 17-20, the Nikon D2Hs Digital SLR is geared toward professional sports and action photographers.Check out these features:4.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format LBCAST imaging sensorContinuous shooting at 8 frames per second (fps) for up to 50 consecutive JPEG, or 40 uncompressed RAW (NEF: Nikon Electronic Format) full-resolution imagesAll systems optimized for maximum speed and response; instant power-up and ultra-fast 37ms shutter releaseAdvanced high-speed, high-precision 11-area AF system with 9 cross-type AF sensors delivers quick response and sharp focus under even the most challenging shooting conditions3D-Color Matrix Metering II with ambient light sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor further improves on Nikon's superior exposure metering systemColor Reproduction System offers three selectable color modes for different workflow environments and adds support for sYCC color spacei-TTL flash control with full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System when used with the SB-800 or SB-600 SpeedlightsTop shutter speed of 1/8,000 second and flash sync speed up to 1/250 secondHigh-resolution 2.5-inch 232,000-pixel LCD monitor for clear image preview and easy access to settings and information, including the improved Histogram, new RGB Histogram, chronological Recent Settings list, and World Time functionFast memory card read/write speed, and USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) interface for fast data transferLightweight, durable magnesium bodyGPS support for recording location information along with shooting dataSupport for the Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A enables fast wireless transfer and full wireless remote camera control from a computer running Nikon Capture 4Broad compatibility with more than 50 AF Nikkor lenses and Nikon's digital-exclusive DX Nikkor lensesNikon's PictureProject software is included, enabling easy control over image transfer, adjustment and managementReview-Center.com: Nikon D2Hs Digital Camera Review
New Nikon Coolpix 7600 Digital Camera
Nikon recently announced the new Nikon Coolpix 7600. This compact, entry-level digital camera provides easy operation combined with 7.1 megapixel resolution, a bright 1.8-inch, 85,000-dot LCD, and functions that improve images in-camera.
LCD TV Buyer's Guide
We're nearing the end of Q1 2005 and it looks like the online merchants are offering deep discounts on LCD and Plasma TVs. If you're looking to buy an LCD TV, here's are some factors to consider:Price: Find an LCD TV that fits your budget, and provides enough screen size for the type of viewing you want. But also, be sure to consider other factors below, some of which may be more important to you situation specifically.Brightness: the higher the better. Look for 450Cd/m2 and higherContrast: Higher contrast ratio is better. Try to get at least 400:1. Depending on what you can afford, if this is an important factor, a higher contrast ratio would be better.Viewing Angle: The wider the viewing angle, the further to the side you can view the TV. If you know you'll be watching the TV from directly in front, this is not so important, but look for a viewing angle of at least 140 degrees or so.Response Time: This is especially important when viewing fast-moving images so they don't blue. The lower the number the better. Look for response time under 20 msFor more information about LCD TVs and factors to consider when purchasing an LCD TV, see: LCD TV Buyer's Guide.
Enivronmental Photo Contest 2004-2005 Winners
Winners for the UNEP International Photographic Competition on the Environment 2004-2005 were announced today, with an awards ceremony to be held in Aichi, Japan on March 26, 2005.