November 11th, 2009 4:16 PM | by Christen da Costa
Ricoh, who rock some seriously solid cameras, announced a new and novel approach to the digital camera space yesterday, the GXR. Unlike traditional DSLRs, the GXR, which is more digital point and shoot, has a removable lens/sensor system. For the consumer, that means you can upgrade not only the optics of the camera, but its ability to capture high rez photos without buying a whole new back or system.
Take for instance the two lens/sensors to be launched. The 24-72mm-equivalent f2.5-4.4 lens includes a 10 megapixel sensor that can capture VGA movies, while the second module, a 50mm-equivalent f2.5 macro lens, can capture 12.3 megapixel photos and 720p video (and more).
But there are drawbacks. The camera ain’t cheap – $549 for just the body – and each lens/sensor costs over $400 as of right now. So without trying to wax too philosophical, the debate really lies within what kind of consumer you are. Would you prefer to have a set of lenses that you can use on a wide variety of cameras, or a camera that has a wide array of lenses that can only be used with one camera?
Update: Ricoh might build a printer module for the GXR.
November 2nd, 2009 11:04 PM | by Christen da Costa
Oh celebrities, they can be so squirrelly sometimes when it comes to the snooping and intrusive paparazzi. That’s why you gotta have your DSLR available at a moments notice. The SpiderPro system incorporates a quick release system that attaches to any belt or their optional Spider Belt for heavier loads, using the camera’s built-in hardware. The Spider Pin and Plate attaches the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera and slips in and out of the clipping system, which can be locked for occasional access or unlocked for unfettered access. Since it’s a bit difficult to explain I recommend watching their video.
I’ve long been tempted to purchase a DSLR, but have held off for fear I’ll never use it given their lack of portability – you can’t hit the bars without looking like a total dweeb. Announced last week, the Olympus PEN-1 Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera is now up for pre-order and is almost point and shoot small. You can grab one sans lens for $749.99 or drop an extra $50 and walk with the body and a 14-42mm Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens. Like I said, I’m tempted, but $800 is a whole lot to burn on a camera. Expect the Pen-1 to ship in July.
Olympus has officially kicked out their E-P1 camera, which embodies the form factor of a point and shoot with the optics of a DSLR. It’s part of the PEN camera family and Olympus lays claim to it being the world’s smallest 12.3 megapixel interchangeable lens camera that boasts a Micro Four Thirds mount. Micro what you say? It simpleton terms it allows a variety of lenses to be fitted to the camera, something that really hasn’t been seen on digital point and shoot, or camera of this size before. Other features include triple image stabilization (in body, mechanical and electronic), an anti dust system via a patented Supersonic Wave filter system, 3-inch LCD, 19 automatic scene modes, face detect and 1280×720 movie mode with 16-bit Wave format audio recording. The E-P1 is set to go on sale this July and starts at $749 for the body only or $799 with a 14-42mm lens. Hit the ‘read’ link for sample pics, video and specs.
Many of today’s DSLRs can record 1080p HD video. One problem though: the form factor of the camera makes it challenging to produce high quality video equitable to the fully featured camcorders. Enter Red Rock’s DSLR bundles. They turn any digital SLR into a full blown high end, cinema worthy camcorder. Features include follow focus, swing away matte box for light management and easy access to lens swapping, shoulder mount and hand grips for a steady shot as well as a support cage. They’ve got premade bundles that start at around $2,000, but according to their site you can build your own kit according to your needs.
I didn’t post leaked images or really anything related to the Nikon D5000 DLSR because, and to be frank, an articulating LCD ain’t all that and a bag of Doritos. Nonetheless, the semi-hyped DLSR got official today. Packed inside this camera, aside from the 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor, which Nikon says ‘encourages shooting with a fresh perspective’ (remember kids where there is smoke there is fire), is a 12.3 megapixel sensor with a max ISO of 3200, a myriad of auto focus options, face detect, 1280×720 video capture at 24 fps, 4fps burst mode and an SD card slot.
The Nikon D5000 goes on sale late April and will cost $849.95 with a AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, or $729.95 for just the body only.
