September 20, 2007 at 5:14 am
· Filed under Sony, SLR Cameras
The Sony Cyber Shot DSC – W80 priced at around $250 is a midrange model in Sony’s W-series line of compact cameras. It has a number of step up features from other lower end models including image stabilization, a faster image processor, face detection, and component video output. The Sony Cyber-shot W80 incorporates a 7.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor, 2.5 inch wide LCD screen and a 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 35 - 105mm
The Cyber-shot W80 includes Sony’s new face detection technology, capable of detecting up to eight faces simultaneously. The Sony Cybershot W80 supports PictBridge for direct printing without the need of having a computer. Another good feature which has been included on the DSC W80 is you can view a high definition slide shows with MP3 music support.
Strengths:
• In-camera red eye reduction
• High ISO 3200 settings that give faster shutter speeds
• Performs well in low light conditions
• Face detection
• Good continuous shooting mode features
Weaknesses:
• Noisy at ISO settings of 800 and higher
• Small buttons which are awkward to use
Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.2
Weight(oz) – 5.4
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – Yes, optical
Batter Type – 1 x Rechargeable Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 3200, PictBridge Support, Memory Stick Duo flash memory support, VGA movie mode, Slide show with MP3 music support
Summary:
The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W80 is currently the king of the Cyber-shot W-series. Although its the most expensive camera in the series but this factor is overlooked by the impressive features that have been packed into the camera. Its solid picture quality, fast speed and good features like face detection and red eye reduction make it a great choice for a small and reliable snapshot camera.
The Nikon D300 is a new digital SLR camera that is on the brink of once again transforming photography for professionals. This 12.3 megapixel Camera features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. The D300 with the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to 9 fps at full FX-format resolution is truly fits to be deemed as the world’s fastest Digital SLR camera in its class.
A host of new Nikon technologies have been implemented in the Nikon D300 which includes a new precision Multi-CAM 3500DX 51-point AF system, a large 3.0 inch high resolution 920,000 pixel LCD display with Live View Mode, Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System and EXPEED image processing concept including picture control settings, support for the new WT-4 Wi-Fi transmitter, an integrated self cleaning sensor unit, in camera Retouch Menu and HDMI Video output support.
Strengths:
• Excellent startup time
• Large 3.0 inch LCD screen with Live View shooting modes
• Built-in face detection technology
• First Nikon DSLR to employ a Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for dust removal
• Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction
• Very good battery life
Weaknesses:
• Noisy with the increase in resolution
• No movie mode
Specifications:
Megapixels – 12.3
Weight(oz) – 29.1
Optical Zoom – n/a
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – No
Batter Type – Nikon Battery EN-EL3e and Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 6400, storage UDMA compact flash I/II , USB 2.0 support, Face recognition, Self-cleaning sensor unit, Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction, Optional shooting info display on main LCD
Summary:
Nikon’s D300 with some very promising features like Live View, high resolution display, WiFi, and self-cleaning sensor unit is a superb camera with a sleek design. The D300’s new features will surely be welcomed by existing D200 owners and also by those looking to upgrade to a serious digital SLR. If noise is kept under control with the increase in resolution, the D300 should be a strong competitor against other models of the same class even at a higher price.
The Sony DSLR-A100K is one of the most commanding consumer-level digital cameras available, offering more than 10.2 megapixels of resolution and extremely quick response times. However at $1000 minus the add-ons which one would need to purchase, it is a bit expensive. The DSLR comes with a 18 – 70 mm lens and the DSLR-A100K can create professional-quality prints at sizes of 20×25 inches and larger. Image quality with this digital camera is outstanding under all conditions. This camera uses anti-dust coating on the image sensor, which prevents statically charged dust from clinging to the sensor while charging the lenses. The DSLR-A100K accepts Maxxum AF lenses, so for anyone with an existing collection of these lenses should be happy to use this camera
Features that work for the camera are:
• Offers very high image resolution
• In-camera image stabilization
• Easy to use although being a high-end camera
• Good add-on lens selection
• Very good response time
Features that work against the camera are:
• Large camera body
• Costly add-ons units such as lens and focus units
• Sensor based image stabilization
Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.2
Weight (oz.) – 16
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Special features – Red-eye reduction technology, Compact flash I/II card slot, microdrive and FAT32 compatible, PictBridge compatible, Pentaprism viewfinder
Summary:
There are only two major factors, the high price and the body weight and size that work against this camera, else it is a very good high end DSLR camera for any photographer to have in his arsenal.
