Cameras-n- Stuff

Now that the newest Rebel, the Canon Rebel T2i (aka 550D), has made an impact on the camera world, the question that has been “bandied about” is whether the Rebel T2i is as good as the 7D.

I believe the reason for this comparison is because they both have 18 MP sensors and both are capable of 1080p HD video. So the question becomes, “Why buy a Canon 7D for $1500 when you can buy a Canon Rebel T2i for about $800?”

First of all, are the cameras equal?

Of course not!

There are a couple of very significant differences I will point out.

• First and most obvious when you hold both cameras, you would notice a difference in the construction. The Canon 7D has a magnesium body with weather resistant seals, while the T2i is made with some metal parts, but not nearly as substantial as its older brother.
• Second is the burst rate. The 7D is capable of 8 frames per second. The T2i is capable of less than half that at 3.7 frames per second.
• Third is the control features. The 7D is much more robust when you compare the amount of control you have as a photographer.

So, while the Canon Rebel T2i is a “honey of a camera”, it is not a 7D. And Canon never said it was.

Bottom line here is this: If I were entering the DSLR market today, I would definitely purchase a Canon Rebel T2i. It is an awesome entry level DSLR at its current price.

If, however, I could get my hands on a Canon 7D instead of a T2i, there is no question I would take that opportunity in a heartbeat.

Here is an honest comparison of the two cameras in video format.

I just noticed on the CanonUSA web site that there is an update to the firmware. Here is the notice:
Service Notice: EOS 7D: Residual Image in Picture

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have confirmed that in certain camera settings and shooting conditions, the phenomenon described below may occur in images captured by the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera.

We offer our most sincere apologies to customers using this product who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Going forward, we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.

Phenomenon
In images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible. This phenomenon is not noticeable in an image with optimal exposure. The phenomenon may become more noticeable if a retouching process such as level compensation is applied to emphasize the image.

Affected Product
EOS 7D Digital SLR
You can download the update from their web site by clicking here.
Happy Shooting!

Panasonic created a winner in the point and shoot “zoom” category with the Lumix DMC-TZ5. Just about one year later, they have given us the Lumix DMC-ZS1 and the DMC-ZS3. (In the European market they are known as the TZ6 and TZ7 respectively. Am I alone in thinking that continuing the “TZ” brand would make more logical sense? And why is there no ZS2?)

This article will compare the Lumix ZS1 and ZS3.

Beginning with the basic specifications that are identical in both cameras:

* 10.1 Megapixels
* 12x Zoom Range (25-300mm)
* Optical Image Stabilization
* 80-6400 ISO Range
* 27 Scene Modes with Intelligent Auto
* Image Quality rated highest among Digital Compacts with similar features (DPReview.com)

The features that are different (ZS1 vs ZS3):

* LCD – 2.7″ (230k resolution) vs 3.0″ (460k)
* Image Sensor – 1/2.5″ vs 1/2.33″
* Video – 848×480 30fps video w/mono sound vs 720p 60fps video w/stereo sound

These 3 features add just over $100 to the price tag for the ZS3. Yet, in spite of the extra $$$, the Lumix ZS3 is outselling its ZS1 cousin by a large margin. Why??

The reason is that most digital compact camera users are now quite comfortable with using their “point and shoot” camera for their basic video needs. And the difference in this feature is significant when you consider many folks are now viewing on big screen HD televisions.

The other big difference is the LCD screen. While 0.3″ does not seem that big of a deal, when added to double the pixel resolution (230,000 vs 460,000), the view quality of the live view and playback is significant.

With respect to image quality and printing images, in a comparison test against other super zoom cameras, the ZS1 and ZS3 were dual winners at DPReview.com.

The final word comes from those who have actually purchased the camera for personal use. After all, the consumer has the last word in satisfaction.

Checking the user reviews at DPReview.com and Amazon.com, both cameras rated highly – at least 4.16 out of 5. In fact, at Amazon, the Lumix ZS1 rated at an impressive 4.67 (out of 5).

As you make your digital camera buying decision, keep the Panasonic Lumix ZS1 and ZS3 in mind. And do not forget about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5, which has the same features as the more expensive ZS3 with respect to video and image quality (there have been some upgrades to the way video is recorded in the ZS3 that take up less storage space and give the user an option as to the recording mode, but the TZ5 video is comparable to its newer sibling). Picking up the TZ5 would produce a savings of more than $150.

Here is a sample of the video produced by the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3… Very Impressive for a Digital Compact!

Much more about highly rated cameras and photo related information is available at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku