The JTT WACAHD8GB is a somewhat ordinary timepiece that, when not telling the time, is shooting 1280x960 video at 30fps, or grabbing stills at 8MP.

Well, technically. This example 8MP photo has been scaled down to once again reminds us that there's a lot more to image quality than resolution:
Still, the most interesting aspect of the watch may not be its spy style or its pseudo-HD quality—the watch uses what looks like a 3.5mm to USB connector for syncing to your PC. Seriously, I'm not sure I've ever seen that before. $150. [JTT via technabob via Le Journal du Geek via Ubergizmo]

Baby's First DSLR: Nikon D3000

The D3000 is cheap. We're talking a full kit (i.e., it comes with a lens) for just $460, making it the cheapest DSLR kit around. But what really makes it stand out for beginners is a built-in tutorial system that explains how to get certain kinds of shots—like shallow depth of field—in plain English.

Amateur Hour: Canon T1i

The next step up is Canon's T1i. What we like is that it packs a bigger boy's image sensor—it's got the same 15-megapixel sensor as the pricier mid-range 50D—and 1080p video into a camera that's $720 with kit lens. Also, for the money, it edges out Nikon's D5000 on a few points, namely superior video handling and Live View.

Bigger Britches: Nikon D90

Nikon's D90 was the first ever DSLR to shoot 720p video with manual controls, but that's only part of the reason we like it. It's got the awesome image sensor from the semi-pro D300, in a package that's just over $1000. And at that price, it's $100 cheaper than Canon's competing 50D, which has the same image sensor as the cheaper T1i above, but none of the video benefits of either camera.

The Budding Auteur: Canon 7D

The only camera on this list that's more expensive than its competition—the D300s—the 7D overwhelms with DSLR video that's superior to every camera but Canon's very pro 1D Mark IV (which costs $5000). It shoots in 1080p, with full manual controls, and it's amazing what it can do in low light. Besides that, Canon's somehow cheated physics with an 18-megapixel sensor that doesn't explode with noise at high ISO settings, all while cramming a whole bunch of new features, and an actually good autofocus system. It's $1900 with a kit lens.

Beyond here, honestly, you should already have a pretty idea of what you're gonna buy without our help. And if you've got your own opinions about what's best in every price range, let's hear 'em in the comments.

BTW, if you hate the gallery format as much as the Grinch hated Christmas, click here.

Crumpler Industry Disgrace neckstrap Fancy cameras, especially German ones, are heavy. Fancy lenses bolted to fancy cameras? It's like lugging around a (fancy) dump truck. Normal camera straps are thin and cut into your neck. Crumpler's Industry Disgrace neckstrap is fat, super padded and breathable. And, they come in patterns. $30-$40. [Link]

Lensbaby optics Crazy lenses for DSLRs, like tilt-shifts and fisheyes, can be ridiculously expensive, way too expensive for a starving artiste who must save their pennies for vintage boots. Enter Lens Baby, which produces cheap, quick and dirty single-effect lenses and adapters for DSLRs. While their quality isn't exactly bulletproof, they do deliver the special effect shots Flickr whores crave. The core lenses do variations on the whole small area of focus, lots of blurriness surrounding it, while the optics system lets you swap out inserts for different effects, like fisheye or pinhole. $95-$300. [Link]

A 50mm prime lens Back in the day, a 50mm prime lens is what photogs cut their teeth on. No zoom, no wide-angle, no image stabilization to fiddle with. Just sharp focus. Meaning it's pure composition on the photographer's part. If you're buying for a DSLR that's not full-frame—basically anything other than Canon 5D Mark II or D700—you're gonna wanna grab a 35mm lens (with the crop factor, it becomes about 50mm, give or take). They get pricier as they get faster, but you can score a cheap 50mm for about a hundred bucks, and a cheap(ish) 35mm for between $200 and $300. $90-$320 [Nikon 50mm, Canon 50mm, Nikon 35mm, Canon 35mm]

Joby GorillaPod A cheap tripod that'll fit in a hipster messenger bag, for long exposure shots. $30-$50 [Link]

Crumpler camera bags Most camera bags aren't very befitting of actually cool photographers. They're boring. Corporate. Ugly. Crumpler's 5 Million Home holds a DSLR, an extra lens and flash and is sunny sky blue. Stepping up a model, the 8 Million Dollar Home has more space for more stuff, if needed. $80-$170. [Link, Link]

Diana F+ CMYK lomo camera Real artsy photographers shoot with cheap lomo film cameras to produce vintage-y lo-fi photos, with crazy saturation, exposures and optical effects, perfect for Vice Magazine. Don't think, just shoot. And the super bright CMYK paint job? You know what it is. $105 [Link]

Leica M9: The ultimate photographer gift. Picking up a Leica camera instantly turns anybody into a Photographer. While holding a Leica, it is impossible not to shoot perfect, artsy photos. Even if you try. The M9 is the latest, most exquisite piece of German photographic craftsmanship yet, with an 18-megapixel, full-frame sensor that delivers the most amazing photos of all time. $7000 and worth every penny. [Link]

Superzoom Cameras: They're not DSLRs, they're not pocketable point-and-shoots, and they're definitely not artsy. They're for tourists, and for the money, you could easily get a way better cheap DSLR or vintage film camera.

All Giz Wants is our annual round-up of favorite gift ideas, including amazing attainable objects and a few far-out fantasies. We'll be popping guides catered to different interests several times per day for the next week, so keep checking back.

The detector, $60, goes about camera locating in a two-pronged attack. First, you look through the device's lens while the unit bathes the room in IR light. Rogue lenses should come out of the woodwork (possibly literally), which will allow you to angle your body toward camera appropriately.

Then, you use the Wi-Fi detector to track down the radio receiver. This function is critical, as you can ensure the receiver has an uninterrupted power supply and isn't overheating in tight quarters.

Skeptics may argue that knowing a camera is filming destroys the purity of unintended exhibitionism. But you tell that to the guy changing JCPenney dressing room who, despite his best efforts, is showing half the world nothing but belly button lint. [Chinavision via RedFerret]

Not All Deals Are Created Equal

Check here for a breakdown of the not so great deals to avoid from Best Buy, Sears, Amazon and Walmart.

Recent Changes

Updated November 25 - [Vizio]
Updated November 24 - [Amazon]
Updated November 23 - [WireFly], [HP], [Newegg]
Updated November 20 - [Best Buy], [Staples], [Office Depot], [Office Max], [Dell]
, [Sears], [Target], [Wal-Mart], [K-M]

Table of Contents

Page 1 - Cell Phones, Computers, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, GPS and more
Page 2 - TVs, Video Games, Printers, Software, MP3 Players and more
Page 3 - Movies and TV Shows (DVD and Blu-ray)

Doorbuster items marked with an *

Cell Phones

AT&T Blackberry Bold 9700 (Bold2) - Free for new activations, $29.99 for current [WireFly]
BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone - $149.99 [Amazon]

AT&T Sony Ericsson W518a - Free w/2 Year Contract * [Best Buy]

HTC Pure Windows Phone (With New AT&T Service Plan) - $0.01 [Amazon]

LG Xenon GR500 Cell Phone (With New AT&T Service Plan) - $0.01 [Amazon]

BoostMobile Motorola Clutch i465 - $59.99 [Best Buy]

DLO Jam Jacket For iPhone - $9.99 [Best Buy]

Jabra BT-2080 Bluetooth Headset - $19.99 [Best Buy]

MiFi 2200 By Novatel Wireless - Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Mobile Broadband Card 598U By Sierra Wireless - Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Motorola S9 HD Stereo Bluetooth Headset - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Net10 Samsung T401G - $39.99 [Best Buy]

Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330 Smart Phone - Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

BlackBerry Tour 9630 Phone (With New Sprint Service Plan) - $49.99 [Amazon]

Sprint Samsung Instinct S30 -Free with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Sprint Samsung Moment - $79.99 for new activations, $99.99 for current customers [WireFly]
Samsung Moment M900 Phone (With New Sprint Service Plan) - $79.99 [Amazon]

T-Mobile Motorola Renew Phone - $7.99 [Best Buy]

Verizon Wireless DROID - $199.99 with 2 year contract [Best Buy]

Verizon Wireless Motorola Rival - Free for new activations * [Best Buy]

Verizon LG Chocolate Touch - Free with 2 year contract * [Best Buy]

Verizon BlackBerry Storm2 - Free for new activations, $29.99 for current customers [WireFly]
BlackBerry Storm2 9550 Phone (With New Verizon Service Plan) - $149.99 [Amazon]

Virgin Mobile Kyocera X-tc - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Motorola TalkAbout Earbud with Microphone for All Series - $12.05 [Amazon]

Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset - $84.99 [Amazon]

Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset - $70.00 [Amazon]

Computer Accessories


APC 450VA Battery Backup - $19.99 [Staples]

APC 550VA Battery Backup - $24.99 [Office Depot]

All Case Logic Laptop Sleeves - 50% Off [Office Depot]

Altec Lansing VS2621 PC Speakers - $19.99 [Staples]

Any Business Case, Sleeve, or Backpack - 40% Off [Staples]

Antec USB Powered Notebook Cooler - $19.82 [Amazon]

Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector w/Left Extension Cord Combo - $5.99 [Staples]

HP Wireless Mouse (Black) - $9.99 [Staples]

Logitech C600 Webcam - $39.99 [Staples]


Logitech QuickCam Pro Webcam - $49.99 [Office Max]

Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 - $75.99 [Amazon]

Logitech Z13 Speaker System - $29.99 [Office Max]


Logitech LX6 Cordless Optical Mouse - $7.99 [Office Depot]


Logitech V220 Optical Wireless Mouse - $9.99 * [Office Max]


Logitech V450 Wireless Laser Notebook Mouse - $14.99 [Staples]

Logitech MX 1100 Cordless Laser Mouse - $49.99 [Amazon]

Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse - $49.99 [HP]

Logitech Illuminated Keyboard - $29.99 [Staples]

Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Combo - $39.99 [Office Max]
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro - $59.99 [Amazon]

Logitech Black Cordless Ergonomic Desktop Wave Keyboard/Mouse Combo $46.99 [Newegg]

Microsoft Lifecam VX-5000 Webcam - $9.99 * [Office Max]


Microsoft Mobile 300 Mouse (Pink) - $4.99 * [Office Max]

Microsoft 4000 Wireless Laser Keyboard/Mouse Set - $29.99 * [Staples]

Microsoft Digital Media Keyboard 6000 - $12.99 [Office Depot]

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 USB Keyboard - $19.99 [Dell]

Microsoft VX-3000 LifeCam Webcam - $9.99 [Staples]

Height-Adjustable Mobile Laptop Cart - $17.99 [Office Depot]

Moble IT Retractable USB Hub - $4.99 [Office Depot]

Targus 208-CD/DVD Album - $9.98 [Staples]

Targus Chill Mat Notebook Fan - $9.99 [Staples]

USB Web Cam - $9.99 [Office Depot]

iHome Wired Optical Mouse - $6.99 [Office Depot]

Computers


Acer Aspire One 10.1" Netbook w/ 1GB RAM, 160GB HD, Windows XP - $149.99 * [Office Max]

Acer Aspire One Black Intel Atom N270(1.60GHz) Netbook $189.99 [Newegg]


Acer Netbook 10.1" Netbook w/Intel 1.6GHz Atom Processor N270 - $199.99 [Office Depot]

Acer Aspire 15.6" Widescreen Notebook Computer w/AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core Processor L310, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $379.99 [Office Depot]

Acer 17.3" Blue Laptop w/4GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive and Windows 7 Premium (Online Only) - $498.00 [Wal-Mart]

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - $349.99 [Amazon]

Compaq Presario Dual-Core Desktop w/ 3GB RAM, 500GB HD, Windows 7 - $239.99 * [Office Max]

Compaq CQ4010F Desktop Computer w/AMD Sempron LE-1300 Processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive - $229.99 [Office Depot]

Compaq Netbook w/Intel Atom Processor, 1GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive - $179.99 [Best Buy]

Compaq Netbook w/Intel Atom Processor, 1GB Memory, 250GB Hard Drive - $229.99 [Best Buy]

Compaq Presario AMD LE-1300 Desktop w/18.5" Monitor - $329.99 [Office Depot]

Dell 10.1" Inspiron Mini 10V Netbook w/Atom 1.6Ghz Processor N270 - $249.00 [Dell]

Dell 10.1" Netbook w/Intel Atom Processor, 1GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive - $379.99 [Best Buy]

Dell 14" Inspiron 14 Notebook w/Intel T4300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $599.00 [Dell]

Dell 14" Studio XPS 13 Notebook w/Intel P7450 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $999.00 [Dell]

Dell 15.6" Inspiron 15 Notebook w/Intel T4300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $549.00 [Dell]

Dell 15.6" Studio 15 Notebook w/Intel T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive - $499.00 [Dell]

Dell 15.6" Studio Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $599.98 [Staples]

Dell 16" Studio XPS 16 Notebook w/Intel P7450 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $999.00 [Dell]

Dell 17" Studio 17 Notebook w/Intel T4300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive - $749.00 [Dell]

Dell 20" Studio XPS 8000 Desktop w/Intel i5-750 CPU, 6GB RAM, 750GB Hard Drive - $899.00 [Dell]

Dell Desktop PC w/AMD Athlon X2 215 Processor, 4GB RAM, 640GB Hard Drive, 20-inch LCD Monitor - $499.98 [Staples]

Dell Inspiron 537s Desktop w/Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $349.00 [Dell]

Dell Inspiron 537s w/Intel E5300 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, w/20" LCD Monitor - $499.00 [Dell]

Dell Inspiron w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 3GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $499.00 [Dell]

Dell Studio Desktop w/Intel E7500 Processor, 6GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, w/18.5" LCD Monitor - $699.00 [Dell]

Dell Studio Desktop w/Intel Q8300 Processor, 6GB RAM, 640GB Hard Drive, w/20" LCD Monitor - $749.00 [Dell]

Dell Studio Slim Desktop w/Intel E5400, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, w/18.5" LCD Monitor - $599.00 [Dell]

Free Software w/Purchase of Computer - Free [Office Depot]

HP Notebook Computer G60-508US w/Intel Celeron Processor 900 - $299.99 [Office Depot]

HP Notebook Computer G71-343US With Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6600 - $449.99 [Office Depot]

10.1" HP Mini 110-1037NR Pink Netbook - $339.95 [Amazon]

10.1" HP Mini 110-1109NR White Netbook (Windows XP) - $199.99 [Amazon]

13.3" HP Pavilion DM3-1030US Silver Laptop - $499.99 [Amazon]
13.3" HP Pavilion dm3z AMD Neo Laptop w/4GB RAM, 320GB HD - $529.99 [HP]

15.6" HP G60-507DX Laptop with Intel Celeron 900 MHz, Windows 7, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD - $197.00 [Best Buy]

HP 15.6" Laptop w/Intel Celeron Processor 900, 3GB RAM, 160GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $299.98 * [Staples]

HP 15.6" Notebook w/Intel Processor, 3GB Memory, 250GB Hard Drive (Model # G60-519WM) - $298.00 * [Wal-Mart]

HP 15.6" Laptop w/Intel Pentium Processor T4300, 4GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $399.98 * [Staples]

HP 15.6" Notebook w/AMD Turion II Dual Core Processor M500, 6GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $599.99 [Best Buy]

HP 15.6" Notebook w/AMD Turion II Dual Core Processor M500, 8GB Memory, 500GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $699.99 [Best Buy]

15.6" HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition Laptop w/i7 Processor & HD LED Display - $999.99 [HP]

HP 17" Notebook w/4GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive (Model # G71-329WM) - $398.00 [Wal-Mart]

HP 17.3" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $599.98 [Staples]

HP Desktop AMD X4 Quad Core, 8GB Memory, 1TB Hard Drive w/20" Monitor, HP Deskjet DJ350 Color Printer & Windows 7 Home Premium - $499.97 [Best Buy]

HP Pavilion Desktop P6229PG w/20" Widescreen LCD Monitor - $499.99 [Office Depot]

HP Pavilion Elite e9250t w/Intel i5 Processor, 6GB RAM & 500GB HD - $799.99 [HP]

HP Pavilion p6280t Desktop w/Quad Core Processor, 6GB RAM & 640GB HD - $569.99 [HP]

HP Pavilion All-In-One 19" Desktop w/4GB Memory, 500GB Hard Drive, MS213 AMD - $598.00 [Wal-Mart]

HP Pavilion Desktop w/AMD Processor, 3GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive, w/20" Monitor (Model # P6243w-b) - $398.00 * [Wal-Mart]

HP Pavilion Slimline s5210t Desktop w/Dual Core Processor 640GB HD & 3GB RAM - $349.99 [HP]

HP Pavillion Slimline s5220f Desktop Computer w/Intel Pentium Processor E5300, 4GB RAM, 640GB Hard Drive - $369.99 [Office Depot]

HP Pavillion Slimline Intel E5300 Desktop w/20" Monitor - $519.99 [Office Depot]

Macbook 13.3" Notebook w/2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR3 Memory, 250GB Hard Drive, w/$150 Gift Card - $999.99 [Best Buy]

10.1" Samsung N110-12PBK Netbook - $326.95 [Amazon]

Sony 15" Laptop w/Intel Dual Core Processor, 4GB Memory, 320GB Hard Drive, Windows 7 - $399.99 [Best Buy]

Sony 15" Laptop w/Intel Dual Core Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, Windows 7, Sony Headphones, Built-In Blu-ray, Blu-ray Movie - $479.97 [Best Buy]

Sony 15.5" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 Processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $649.98 [Staples]

13.3" Toshiba Satellite T135-S1307 TruBrite 13.3-Inch Ultrathin Black Laptop - $699.99 [Amazon]

Toshiba 15.6" Widescreen Notebook w/AMD Turion II Dual-Core Processor M500, 3GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive - $469.99 [Office Depot]

Toshiba 16" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 3GB DDR3 Memory, 250GB Hard Drive (Model # L505-S5984) - $399.99 [Best Buy]

Toshiba 16" Laptop w/Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB DDR3 Memory, 320GB Hard Drive (Model # L505-S5984) w/Printer and Case - $499.97 [Best Buy]

Toshiba 17" Notebook w/AMD Turion II M500, 3GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive - $499.99 [Office Depot]

Toshiba L505-S5998 T4300 4GB RAM, 320GB HD Notebook - $399.99 [Office Max]

Wacom Intuos3 6x8" Pen Tablet - $199.99 [Amazon]

eMachines 15.6" Notebook w/AMD Processor, 2GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive (Model # EME627) - $198.00 * [Wal-Mart]

eMachines Desktop w/AMD Athlon Processor, 3GB RAM, 320GB HD, Windows 7, w/18.5" LCD Monitor and HP Deskjet Printer - $299.97 [Best Buy]

iBUYPOWER Gamer Extreme 938i Intel Core i7 860(2.80GHz) Desktop PC - $799.99 with Free Shipping [Newegg]

CyberpowerPC Gamer Ultra 2019 Athlon II X2 245(2.9GHz) - $399.99 with Free Shipping [Newegg

Digital Cameras


Ativa Digital 1080p HD Video Camcorder 4x Optical Zoom - $89.99 [Office Depot]

Canon 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera, EOS Rebel XS - $569.99 [Sears]

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS 10.0 MP Digital Camera - $149.99 [Best Buy]

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS 10.0 MP Digital ELPH Camera - $149.99 [Office Depot]

Canon PowerShot A1100 12.1 MP Digital Camera w/4x Optical Zoom, 2.5" LCD (Silver) - $129.99 * [Staples]

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $179.99 [Office Depot]

Canon Powershot SD780 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $179.99 [Sears]

Canon 980IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $279.99 [Sears]

Canon Rebelx XS Digital SLR Camera & Canon EF 75-300MM Telephoto Zoom Lens - $669.98 [Sears]

Canon EOS Rebel T1i D-SLR Camera w/18-55mm IS Lens - $699.99 [Best Buy]

Canon Rebel Tli Camera w/55-250mm IS Telephoto Lens and Lowepro D-SLR Bag - $849.97 [Best Buy]

Disney Pix Micro Digital Cameras Designed For Just For Kids - $9.99 * [Sears]

Flip Ultra Camcorder w/2" LCD - $129.99 [Staples]

Free Canon Photo Printer With Purchase Of Any Digital Camera (After Rebate) - $0.00 * [Staples]

Fuji J29 10MP 3X Zoom 2.7" LCD Digital Camera Bundle - $89.99 * [Sears]

Fujifilm FinePix A170 10.2 Megapixel 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera (Silver) - $59.99 [Dell]

Fujifilm Finepix Z37 Polka Dot 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $119.99 [Best Buy]

Fujifilm Finepix Z37 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera w/Extra Battery and Case - $149.97 [Best Buy]

GE A1250 12MP Digital Camera - $69.99 * [Sears]

Hi Pro Camera Kits - 50% Off * [Sears]

Insignia 720p HD Camcorder - $69.99 [Best Buy]

Insignia NS-DSC10A 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera (Pink) - $49.99 * [Best Buy]

Insignia NS-DSC10B 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera (Blue) - $49.99 * [Best Buy]

Jazz T20 4X Digtal Zoom 1.5" LCD Camcorder - $19.99 * [Sears]

Jazz T55 Camcorder - $49.99 * [Sears]

Kodak EasyShare CD80 Digital Camera Bundle - $79.99 [Office Depot]

Kodak EasyShare C140 Digital Camera With 7" Kodak Digital Photo Frame - $109.99 [Best Buy]

Kodak EasyShare M381 Digital Camera w/Case & Tripod - $169.99 [Office Depot]

Kodak EasyShare Z915 Digital Camera w/Case & Charger - $199.99 [Office Depot]

Kodak M1063 10.3MP Digital Camera - $89.99 [Sears]

Kodak 10.0 MP Digital Camera w/Memory Card And Bag - $79.99 * [Staples]

Kodak CD80 10.2 MP, 3x Zoom Digital Camera 2.4" LCD 2GB Card And Case - $79.99 * [Sears]

Kodak EasyShare C180 10.2 Megapixel 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera w/Kodak P820 8" Digital Picture Frame - $99.99 [Dell]

Kodak EasyShare C182 12.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $69.00 [Wal-Mart]

Kodak Z950 12 Megapixel Digital Camera - $149.99 [Office Max]


Nikon L20 10 Megapixel Digital Camera - $79.99 [Office Max]


Olympus X905 10MP Digital Camera - $49.99 * [Office Max]

Nikon COOLPIX L20 Digital Camera - $99.99 * [Sears]

Nikon CoolPix S230 10MP Digital Camera - $139.00 [Wal-Mart]

Nikon Coolpix 12MP S570 Digital Camera - $149.99 [Sears]

Nikon Coolpix S60 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera (Red) - $179.99 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix S60 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera w/Extra Battery and Case - $209.97 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix L100 10.0 MegaPixel Digital Camera w/15x Optical Zoom, 3" LCD (Black) - $199.99 * [Staples]

Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera - $299.99 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera w/Extra Battery and Case - $329.97 [Best Buy]

Nikon Coolpix S570 12.0 MegaPixel Digital Camera - $149.99 * [Staples]

Nikon Coolpix S570 12.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $149.99 [Office Depot]

Nikon D3000 10.0 MegaPixel Digital Camera - $499.99 * [Staples]

Nikon D3000DX 10.2 Megapixel D-SLR Digital Camera w/10-55mm VR Lens - $499.99 [Best Buy]

Nikon D3000DX 10.2 Megapixel D-SLR Digital Camera w/10-55mm and 55-200mm Lens and Bag - $599.97 [Best Buy]

Olympus Stylus FE 4000 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $99.99 [Sears]
Olympus Stylus FE 4000 12.1 MP Digital Camera - $99.99 * [Staples]

Samsung SL40 12.2 MP Digital Camera - $79.99 [Sears]

Samsung C10 SD 1200 Digital Zoom 10X Optical Zoom 2.7" LCD Camcorder - $149.99 * [Sears]

Samsung Compact Full HD Camcorder - $399.99 [Sears]

Sony 4GB Camcorder - $249.99 [Sears]

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC S930 10.0 Megapixel Digital Camera - $79.00 [Wal-Mart]

Sony Cyber-Shot W180 10.1 MP Digital Camera - $99.99 [Sears]
Sony Cyber-Shot W180 10.1 MP Digital Camera (Black) - $99.99 [Best Buy]
Sony Cyber-Shot W180 10.1 MP Digital Camera w/Flexpod and Camera Case - $119.97 [Best Buy]

Sony Cyber-Shot W220 12.1 MegaPixel Digital Camera w/4x Optical Zoom - $129.99 * [Staples]
Sony Cyber-Shot W220 Digital Camera - $129.99 [Office Depot]

Sony Cyber-Shot W290 Digital Camera w/Case & Charger - $229.99 [Office Depot]

Sony Cyber-Shot H20 10.1 MP Digital Camera - $249.99 [Sears]

Sony DCR-SR47 60GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder - $299.99 [Sears]

Vivitar Digital Camera Bundle - $49.99 [Office Depot]

Digital Media Cards


Olympus 2GB xD Memory Card - $4.99 [Office Max]


PNY 4GB Flash Drive - $9.99 [Best Buy]

PNY 4GB MicroSD HD Memory Card - $9.99 [Best Buy]

PNY 4GB SDHC Memory Card - $9.99 [Best Buy]

SanDisk 2GB SD Card - $5.99 [Sears]

SanDisk 4GB Memory Cards Or Flash Drive - $8.99 * [Sears]


SanDisk 4GB SDHC Card - $4.99 [Office Max]
SanDisk 4GB SDHC Card - $8.00 [Wal-Mart]

SanDisk 4GB Ultra II SDHC Memory Card - $12.99 [Office Depot]

SanDisk 4GB microSD Memory Card - $7.99 [Office Max]

SanDisk 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo - $14.99 [Best Buy]

SanDisk 8GB SDHC Memory Card - $14.99 [Office Depot]
SanDisk 8GB SDHC Card - $14.99 [Sears]
SanDisk 8GB SDHC Card - $19.99 [Best Buy]
SanDisk 8GB SHDC - $19.99 [Office Max]

SanDisk 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo Memory Card - $24.99 [Office Depot]

SanDisk 8GB Ultra II CompactFlash Memory Card - $19.99 [Office Depot]

Sony 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo - $12.99 [Sears]

Sony 4GB Memory Stick - $20.00 [Wal-Mart]

DVD Players

Coby 7" Portable DVD Player - $49.99 [Staples]

Curtis DVD Player AR - $17.99 * [Sears]

GPX 8" Portabe DVD Player PD808BU - $79.99 [Sears]

GPX BD707B DVD/CD Boom Box w/7" LCD Display - $99.99 * [Sears]

Insignia Blu-ray Disc Player (Model # NS-BRDVD3) w/Superman Returns or Beetlejuice Bluray - $99.99 [Best Buy]

Memorex 1080P HDMI Upconvert DVD Player - $29.99 [K-M]

Magnavox DVD Player with VCR - $49.99 * [Sears]
Magnavox DVD Player with VCR - $49.99 [K-M]

Magnavox NB500 Blu-ray Disc Player - $78.00 * [Wal-Mart]

Memorex Compact DVD Player With Progressive Scan - $19.99 [Target]

RCA 7" Portable DVD Player - $47.00 [Target]

RCA 7" Dual Screen Portable DVD Player With Car Adapter - $88.00 [Target]

Samsung BD-P1590 Blu Ray Player (Saturday) - $148.00 [Wal-Mart]

Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-Ray Disc Player - $149.99 [Best Buy]
Samsung BD-P1600 Blu-Ray Disc Player- $149.99 [Sears]

Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-Ray Disc Player - $279.99 [Best Buy]

Sony DVD Player DVP-SR200P - $34.99 [Sears]

Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray Disc Player - $149.99 [Best Buy]
Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray Player with $20 Gift Card - $149.99 [Target]
Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray Player - $149.99 [Sears]

Sony BDP-S369 Blu-Ray Player - $148.00 [Wal-Mart]

Sylvania 7" Portable DVD Player - $49.99 * [Sears]
Sylvania 7" Portable DVD Player - $49.99 * [K-M]

Electronics


1.5" Digital Photo Frames - $7.99 [Office Depot]

2GB Pulse Smartpen w/$30 Gift Card - $169.99 [Best Buy]

4-Device Universal Remote - Free After Rebate [Staples]

AT&T DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone System with 4 Handsets - $59.99 [Sears]

AT&T DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone With Digital Answering System - $49.99 * [Staples]

All Philips HDMI Cables With Any TV Purchase - 15% Off [Sears]

Ativa 8" Digital Photo Frame - $49.99 [Office Depot]

Belkin HDTV Starter Kit - $34.99 [K-M]

Bose In-Ear Headphones - $89.99 [Best Buy]

Brother P-Touch PT-1290 Electronic Labeler - $9.99 [Office Depot]

Canon Vixia HD HF20 Camcorder - $499.99 [Best Buy]

Canon Vixia HD HF20 Camcorder w/Extra Li-Ion Battery & 8" HDMI Cable - $599.97 [Best Buy]

Casio Keyboard With Stand And Song Book - $49.99 [Target]

Cobra Radar Detector - $29.99 * [K-M]

Cobra Two Way Radio Pair - $19.99 * [K-M]

Coby 7" Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 * [K-M]
Coby 7" Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 * [Sears]

Coby 8" Digital Photo Frame - $49.99 [Sears]

Coby 7" Portable Digital TV - $99.99 [Staples]

Digital Decor Color LCD Key Chain Holds 48 Pictures - $10.00 * [Target]

Dynex 7" Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 [Best Buy]

Emerson 3-Handset DECT Phone Bundle - $39.99 [K-M]

Emerson Portable Karaoke CP398 System - $29.99 [Sears]

First Act Electronic Drum Set - $35.00 [Target]

GE 6 Foot HDMI Cable - $9.99 * [Target]

GPX 2.1 Channel DVD Home Theater System - $39.99 [K-M]

GPX Portable Karaoke Machine - $39.99 [Best Buy]

HP 8" Digital Picture Frame 512MB Memory - $109.99 [Staples]

HP 10" Digital Picture Frame 512MB Memory - $139.99 [Staples]

Insignia 7" Digital Photo Frame - $44.99 [Best Buy]

Jazz VGA 4X Digital Zoom 1.5 in. LCD Screen Pocket Digital Camcorder - $19.99 [K-M]

Kodak EasyShare P720 7" Digital Frame - $49.99 [Sears]

Logitech Harmony 510 Advanced Universal Remote - $39.99 [Best Buy]

Maxell Noise-Canceling Headphones - $20.00 [Staples]

Memorex 7" Widescreen Portable DVD Player - $29.99 * [Office Max]


Memorex Micro Speaker System for iPod - $11.99 [Office Max]


Memorex Home Audio System For iPod - $49.99 [Target]

Memorex iPod Clock Radio - $25.00 [Staples]

Midland LXT360VP3 2-Way Radios - $24.99 [Staples]

Motorola H390 Bluetooth Headset - $9.99 * [Staples]

Omnitech 12" Digital Picture Frame - $69.99 * [Staples]

Omnitech Bluetooth Speakerphone - $20.00 [Staples]

Omnitech Digital Photo Ornament - $10.00 [Staples]

Omnitech Mini-Speaker - $9.99 [Staples]

Panasonic DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless KX-TG9332T Phone Answering System (After Rebate) - $29.99 [Office Depot]
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone w/Digital Answering Machine - $49.99 [Staples]
Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone System w/3 Handsets - $59.99 [Best Buy]

Pandigital 9" Digital Photo Frame - $59.99 [Best Buy]

Pandigital 10" Digital Photo Frame - $69.99 * [Sears]

Phillips 4-Device Remote Control - $9.99 [K-M]

Plantronics Explorer Bluetooth Mobile Headset 220 - $14.99 [Office Depot]

Sharp Handheld Calculator - Free After Rebate [Staples]

Skull Candy Ink'd Earbuds - $9.99 [Staples]

SmartPants 8.5" Digital Photo Frame - $49.99 [K-M]

Sony DCR-SR47 Handycam Camcorder - $249.99 [Best Buy]
Sony DCR-SR47 Handycam Camcorder w/Extra Li-Ion Battery & Bag - $299.97 [Best Buy]

Sony DCR-SX40 Handycam Camcorder - $199.99 [Best Buy]
Sony DCR-SX40 Handycam Camcorder w/Extra Li-Ion Battery & 8GB Memory Stick - $259.97 [Best Buy]

Sony E10 Ear Buds Headphones - $4.99 [Sears]
Sony Earbuds - $4.99 [K-M]
Sony Earbuds - $7.99 [Office Depot]

Sony Reader Pocket Edition And Cover With Light Combo - $214.98 [Staples]

Sony Reader Pocket Edition Cover With Light - $54.99 [Staples]

Sony Reader Pocket Edition With 5" Display - $199.99 [Staples]
Sony Reader Pocket Edition w/$30 Gift Card - $199.99 [Best Buy]

Sony Reader Touch Edition With 6" Screen - $299.99 [Staples]

Sony Reader Touch Edition And Cover With Light Combo - $319.98 [Staples]

Sony Studio Monitor Headphones - $9.99 [Best Buy]

Sony Wireless Headphones - $29.99 [Sears]

Sungale 7" Widescreen Digital Photo Frame - $29.99 * [Office Max]

Sungale 7" Digital Picture Frame - $29.99 * [Staples]

Uniden DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone w/5 Handsets & Digital Answering Machine - $59.99 [Staples]

VTech DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone System LS6215-2 w/2 Handsets - $44.99 [Best Buy]

Verizon 100 Cordless Phone w/ 2 Handsets - $19.99 [Office Max]

iHome Dock - $9.99 [K-M]

iHome PC Accessories - $9.99 [K-M]

iHome Portable Alarm Clock Speaker iPod Dock - $39.99 [Best Buy]

iHome Portable iPod/MP3 Speaker System - $9.99 [Sears]

GPS

Garmin GPS Friction Mount - $14.99 [Best Buy]

Garmin Nuvi 205 GPS - $89.99 * [Sears]
Garmin Nuvi 205 GPS Navigation System - $99.99 * [Best Buy]

Garmin Nuvi 255WT GPS Navigation System - $129.99 [Best Buy]

Garmin Nuvi 1200 GPS Navigation System - $119.99 [Office Depot]

Garmin Nuvi 1300 GPS Navigation System - $149.99 [Office Depot]

Garmin Nuvi 1350T GPS System - $179.00 [Target]

Lowepro Black Neoprene Sleeve - $7.99 [Best Buy]

Magellan RoadMate 1220 GPS - $84.99 * [K-M]
Magellan RoadMate 1220 GPS - $89.99 [Sears]

Magellan SE4 GPS - $89.99 [Best Buy]

Magellan RoadMate 1440 GPS - $119.99 * [Sears]

TomTom ONE 125-SE GPS - $59.00 [Wal-Mart]

TomTom ONE 130 GPS - $79.99 [Sears]
TomTom ONE 130 GPS - $77.99 [Office Depot]
TomTom ONE 130 GPS - $79.99 [K-M]

TomTom XL325 GPS - $89.00 [Wal-Mart]
TomTom XL325S GPS - $99.99 [Sears]
TomTom XL325S GPS - $99.99 [K-M]

TomTom XL 330 GPS Navigation System - $97.99 [Office Depot]
TomTom XL 340S GPS With Case - $97.00 [Target]

TomTom 540S Portable GPS Navigation System - $149.99 [Best Buy]

TomTom GO 630 GPS Navigation System - $169.99 [Office Depot]

TomTom GO 730 Portable GPS Navigation System - $174.99 [Best Buy]

Hard Drives


LG External Slim Portable USB 2.0 DVD Drive - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Seagate FreeAgent Docking Station - $19.99 [Office Max]

Seagate 320GB Expansion External Portable Hard Drive - $59.99 [Office Depot]

Seagate 500GB Portable USB 2.0 Hard Drive - $59.99 [Office Max]

Seagate 640GB FreeAgent Go External Portable Hard Drive - $119.99 [Office Depot]

Seagate 750GB Free Agent Go External Portable Hard Drive - $149.99 [Office Depot]


Seagate 1TB External Hard Drive - $69.99 * eBay [Staples]

Seagate 1TB External Hard Drive - $79.99 [Office Max]

Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" Internal Hard Drive $97.99 [Newegg]

Seagate 1.5TB External Hard Drive - $99.99 [Office Depot]
Seagate 1.5TB External Hard Drive - $139.99 [Staples]

Seagate 2TB FreeAgent External Hard Drive - $179.99 [Office Depot]

Verbatim 1TB External Hard Drive - $79.99 [Office Depot]

Western Digital My Passport Essential 320GB Hard Drive - $49.00 [Wal-Mart]

Western Digital My Passport Essential 500 GB Portable Hard Drive - $69.99 * [Staples]

Western Digital Elements 500GB Portable Hard Drive - $59.98 [Target]

Western Digital 500GB My Passport Elite Portable Hard Drive Titanium - $79.99 [Best Buy]

Western Digital 1TB 3.5" External Hard Drive - $78.00 [Wal-Mart]

Western Digital Elements 1TB Desktop Hard Drive - $59.98 [Target]

Western Digital 1.5TB My Book Home Edition External Hard Drive - $119.99 [Best Buy]

Western Digital WDTV Media Player - $74.99 [Best Buy]

Home Theater

4' Monster Cable 700 Series HDMI Cable - $49.99 [Best Buy]

Ativa Home Theater System 5.1 - $39.99 [Office Depot]

Init Cherry Wood Stand With Mount For TVs Up To 46" - $99.99 [Best Buy]

Init Cherry Wood w/Black Glass Shelves TV Stand - $149.99 [Best Buy]

Klipsch Icon 2-Way Triple 5.25" Floorstanding Speaker - $186.99 [Best Buy]

Klipsch Icon 2-Way Triple 6.5" Floorstanding Speaker - $236.99 [Best Buy]

Samsung 5.1 Channel 1000W Home Theater System With Blu-ray Disc Player - $399.99 [Best Buy]

Sony Bravia DAV-HDX589W 5.1 Channel 1000W Home Theater System - $279.99 [Best Buy]

Sony STR-DH800 7.1 Channel 770-Watt A/V Receiver - $279.99 [Best Buy]

Tilting Wall Mount For 30"-56" Flat-Panel TVs - $99.99 [Best Buy]

YAMAHA 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver plus Energy 5CH Home Theater Speaker System $299.99 [Newegg]

Monitors

Acer 20" HD LCD Monitor - $79.99 [Best Buy]

Dell 20" S2009W HD LCD Monitor - $99.99 [Best Buy]

Dell 21.5" S2209W Full HD Widescreen Monitor - $144.00 [Dell]

Compaq Q2159 21.5" Full HD Widescreen LCD Monitor - $169.99 [HP]

Dell 23"SP2309W Full HD Widescreen Monitor w/Webcam - $219.00 [Dell]

More Deals

<]]> http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5409460&view=rss&microfeed=true Sure, basic stereoscopic images can be created using software to merge two slightly offset photos, but that only works for stationary subjects. For moving targets, there's Fuji's Finepix Real 3D W1, or this $20 hack using two Canon PowerShot cameras.

Maximum PC's how-to uses 3D picture synchronization software called StereoData Maker, a nonvolatile firmware update based on the Canon Hack Development Kit (CHDK).

You'll then need to build a mounting rig, and use a small enclosure (such as an Altoids tin) to make a simple USB switch remote. Free software called StereoPhoto Maker is used for post-processing. And yeah, you'll still need a pair of red/cyan glasses. Still, it looks like fun. Full instructions at: [Maximum PC]

Essentially, the EX-G1 is the type of camera you'd take with you when you go snowboarding. It's designed to withstand multiple drops from 7 feet, work underwater at depths of 10 feet for 60 continuous minutes, and has a number of action-shooting modes. It also records wide-format movies at 848 x 480 resolution (30 frames per second).

The EX-G1 will be $300 in December, and available in either black or red. Just in time for snow season.

Everything else on the EX-FH25 looks to be the same. Similarly, the EX-FC150 will keep its 5x optical zoom, and sensor-shift image stabilization. Both cameras will continue to do 720p video at 30fps.

The new models arrive in Japan on November 27th; we'll keep you posted on their U.S pricing and availability. I'm thinking it won't be too far behind. [Casio Japan (translated) via Akihabara News: EX-FX25 | EX-FX150]

In a Skittles array of colors, the Big Shot's actually designed to be put together and taken apart again, unlike real cameras, and it's aimed squarely at kids, developed by Columbia University's Computer Vision Lab. It's actually a fairly sophisticated kit in some ways—the really unique component of the Big Shot, the lens wheel, contains three different lenses and viewfinder stencils—and it has a crank for manual, battery-less power.

It's not for sale yet, because it's still in final testing, but I'm really excited to what this thing can do—for digital lomography, it could be more popular with hipsters than kids. [Big Shot via Make]

The hybrid IS system works best at long ranges, delivering all four stops of stabilization Canon claims, though it ironically—given we're talking about a macro lens here—falls short at close-ups. But more than that, "this is one of the very finest lenses we've seen - optically it's superb, and operationally it works very well too, with fast and positive autofocus, and one of the most effective image stabilization systems currently available." In other words, it kills the current non-L F2.8 100mm Macro.

It'll be interesting to see this new system migrate over to other, non-macro lenses. Check the full review there: [DP Review]

In case you missed the news, the S1000pj is an utterly unexciting point and shoot camera from Nikon, except for one minor detail: it's got a projector—like a real, don't-look-straight-into-it lamp projector—built right into its face. This is why it's funny, why it's interesting, and why we're writing about it. Moreover, it's why this camera exists in the first place: as a sort of high-profile tech demo for Nikon.

But first!

And for that matter, foremost! This is a standard point and shoot camera, with generally standard point and shoot camera specs. Nowadays, that equates to 12.1 megapixel photo resolution, a 5x lens that's 25mm equivalent on the wide end, built-in vibration reduction and SD storage. A/V connections are served by a single microUSB slot, and the rechargeable battery juices up on a separate charger.

Taking photos on the S1000pj is extremely simple, almost to a fault: ISO and white balance controls, for example, are hidden behind two layers of menus. But for lack of a better word, the point of a point and shoot is to make taking OK pictures as easy as possible, which the S1000pj certainly does.

As you can see in the sample gallery, the shots are never spectacular, but never terrible. The Nikon rarely finds a situation where it can't return a decent shot in auto mode, be it in a dark room, a sunbleached roof or a tungsten-lit kitchen. High ISO performance was a pleasant surprise as well, since Nikon opted for the S1000pj's sensor to automatically draw down to three megapixels during ISO 6400 shooting, which keeps the results from being too spectacularly bad. In fact, ISO 800 shots are clean enough to print, while ISO 400 returns crystal-clear photos, even during longer exposures.

That said, this is still a point and shoot, and not even a very high-end one. The lens isn't spectacularly sharp, and the colors are particularly vivid. The VGA video is dull and mostly lifeless. Button-press-to-shoot time is quick, but still not quite instant. That's the biggest problem for this camera: It'd be a perfectly acceptable—even above average—point and shoot for, say, $250. It costs a good deal more than that, becauuuuuuuuuuse:

Yes, It's Got a Projector

My love affair with the S1000pj didn't start until the day after I got it. It was early evening so my room was dim, and I'd only taken a few photos with camera the day before, as I was unboxing and summarily dismissing the camera in a well-lit office. "This projector looks like ass," I believe I said. "Human ass."

But when I flicked the little projector button this time—it's a dedicated switch on top, next to the projector's manual focus slider—I was stunned. It looked fine. I shut the windows. I backed up, stretching the image to about 40 inches. Now it looked great. This dinky little projector, and hacky and ridiculous as it looks and sounds, is legitimately useful.

It's an instant wow-piece for anyone who uses it, and a great way to show off photos (and yes, videos—though sadly not external inputs) in a bind. And by bind, I mean any time you don't want to ask everyone where you are to crowd around a computer screen and awkwardly watch while you import photos. Now, you just tell them to dim the lights. That'll do fine.

Oh, But You Probably Shouldn't Buy It

It was a tough call not to recommend this outright, but I really can't, unless you've got a wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket, or don't mind paying a $150 (rough) premium for the projector. Yes, the camera itself is capable enough. And yes, the projector concept isn't nearly as ridiculous as most people make it out to be. What's so appealing about this camera is that it's nailed what will be, if not a universal feature, something we'll come to expect in a certain class of camera before too long.

But that makes this product admirable, not buyable. For the Nikon to be a worthy purchase, we'll need to see a change: Either the photographic experience itself gets a little closer to what you'd expect for $430—about how much you're going to end up spending on this now—or the camera drops significantly in price.

Nikon is charging a classic early adopter tax, and you won't just be paying for it in dollars: battery life is predictably bad when using the projector (I could easily lose a quarter of my charge just showing off a set of photos to friends). And this thing isn't particularly svelte, considering the specs. But if you know what you're getting into—and now you do—it's your call.

You will have fun with the Nikon s1000pj, even through the pangs of buyer's remorse.

The projector is surprisingly decent in low light

Chunky design

Adequate photography

Battery drains very quickly when projecting

Hefty early adopter tax

What's New and Dandy

What makes it my favorite Canon so far is actually everything that's completely new to Canon—DP Review has a nice summary here, in pictures. But in short, while this might sound weird, it shoots more like a Nikon than any Canon DSLR I've used. This is primarily because of the new 19-point autofocus system and the color metering system that goes with it. You're able to select AF zones—clusters of AF points—while in the past with Canon you've been limited to a full AF blast or picking out a single point. The system is also more customizable, so it can be locked with different default focus points depending on whether you're holding the camera horizontally and vertically orientations. Against Nikon's D300s, Canon's new AF system mostly kept up, and definitely performs better than autofocus on the 5D Mark II.

The new viewfinder now provides 100 percent coverage, unlike previous Canons in this range, and it uses a new polymer LCD network for the graphical overlay to display AF points, grids and other displays, so it's more flexible and feels more fluid. (It also just looks swankier, and again, more Nikon-like.) Your other viewfinder (when you're shooting video, anyway), the LCD screen, is a 3-inch, 920k dot display like the 5D Mark II and it's still excellent, with a wide viewing angle, nice color and the right amount of crispness.

Sensor and Image Quality

Truthfully, I've been mildly surprised at the quality of photos that've come out of the 7D, which uses an absolutely stuffed 18-megapixel, APS-C sized sensor. (So, there is a 1.6x crop factor.) For comparison, the D300s has a 12MP sensor that's the same physical size (Update: For nitpickers, yes, Nikon's DX format is marginally larger than Canon's APS-C sensor, with the D300s's sensor coming in at 23.6 x 15.8 mm to the 7D's 22.3 x 14.9 mm.) The the D3 only goes for 12 megapixels on its bigger full-frame (35mm-equivalent) sensor. The 5D Mark II has a 21MP full-frame sensor. And typically, the more pixels you try to cram on a sensor of a given size, the more the image quality degrades, especially when it comes to low light, high ISO shots.

I was expecting a noisefest, or at best, seriously noticeable noise reduction employed by the camera's software. It is clear that Canon's using incredibly sophisticated noise reduction algorithms with the dual Digic IV processors onboard, though the effects are less drastic than I expected. It's most apparent, actually, when you directly compare photos taken with the D300s. Looking at photos taken with the 7D and D300s at 100 percent crops, the D300s's images are noisier, but they also preserve more detail. For web-sized images, the 7D's images look better, with less noise and more smoothness.

I've got two sample galleries—an array of sample shots, and then another directly comparing the 7D with the D300s in low light situations, using identical settings for photos. 100 percent zooms follow photos in both galleries. Or you can download full size photos from Flickr here and here.

Video

You can get sense of Canon and Nikon's philosophical differences with the difference in their buttons for video: Canon makes a distinction between Live View and video mode, while Nikon is ready to start shooting video as soon you tap the live view button on the D300s. Creating video is a separate, dedicated event for Canon, in other words, and there is a semi-serious video camera that happens to be built into a DSLR. Nikon's D300s, on the other hand, is a DSLR that happens to shoot video.

With video, the 7D simply has the upper hand—video is very much a legitimized use of this camera, not a secondary one like the D300s. (As expected from a company with an entire wing dedicated to camcorders for pros and consumers.) Not only does it have full manual controls, I find that it's slightly easier to use that the D300s while shooting video—not to mention the whole shooting in a real video codec at 1080p, yadda yadda. Three clips here: A melange of video above, and then by two videos, one from the 7D, one of the D300s, that mirror each other. Both were shot at ISO 6400, and you should be able to catch them at full res if you click over to Vimeo.

Build and Controls

The 7D is heavy, heavier than the 5D, but it's also slightly sturdier, with a build quality and weatherproofing that that's slightly in between the 5D and Canon's definitely pro 1D. It feels about the same in your hand, though. And it's roughly comparable to the D300s.

Controls aren't radically different from other Canon DSLRs of this caliber—that is, it's what you'd mostly expect from a DSLR that sits in between the lower end 50D and the higher end 5DMkII, though it's a bit closer to the latter. While the menu system feels completely unchanged—leaving more advanced features, like the orientation autofocus a bit inscrutable—a few things are new on the outside: The power switch is up on the top left, under the mode dial; there's a dedicated button for switching to RAW/JPEG; a quick action button; and a new toggle switch for Live View and video, which you engage by pressing a start button in the center.

You Already Know If You're Going to Buy This

The real question for Canon users who want something more than the lower end 50D is whether they go for the 7D, at $1700, or full bore to full-frame with the $2700 5D Mark II. The 7D has a 1.6x crop factor which is useful for sports, a better autofocusing system, shoots faster, is slightly more rugged, and is $1000 cheaper. The 5D is full frame—which I suspect is the real consideration for folks—and takes slightly better photos at higher resolutions.

Obviously, if you're locked into Nikon, with thousands of dollars in lenses, you're not going to jump to Canon, or vice versa. But Canon's dedication to DSLR video is proving formidable in carving out a new kind of market that Nikon might have some trouble competing in, since they're a dedicated still camera company, not a video company, too, like Canon. Really, both the D300s and 7D deliver for the money, though I think the 7D delivers more, since it's packed full of newer technology and for the people who want it, the video component is truly killer. Either way, it's proof that competition is good—it clearly wouldn't exist without the D300, and the D400 will be that much better because of it.

New 19-point autofocus and metering systems plus the new viewfinder rock

Excellent 1080p video with full manual controls

Not full-frame, which might put off some people

I'd like a secondary SD card slot, like the D300s

Noise reduction can get pretty aggressive at higher ISO speeds, obscuring detail

BTW, here are some Giz posts shot w/ the 7D:
• Motorola Droid Impressions
• Motorola Droid Review
• Blood Energy Potion Review
• BlackBerry Storm 2 Review
• S90 Review

The Olympus E-P2 is less a sequel to the E-P1 micro four thirds camera and more a refinement of the original idea. It's basically the same size as the E-P1 (a hair taller, actually), and snaps shots with the same 12.3MP sensor. There's still no integrated flash, and the retro stainless steel body has been coated with black paint (not having seen the E-P2 in person, I still think I may prefer the original) much like the similar Panasonic GF1.

What's new is an accessory that will come standard in every kit configuration—an articulating VF-2 electronic viewfinder that attaches to the hot shoe mount. It takes advantage of a new, still-unnamed accessory/data port, meaning it's incompatible with the E-P1.

This accessory port also allows for a new stereo microphone mount that will move sound capture a bit away from the camera's body.

Maybe the biggest real improvement, however, is a Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System that follows subjects through the frame, hopefully addressing one of the E-P1's greatest weaknesses, its long focus times.

The E-P2 will be available this January in two equally priced kits.
E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and EVF: $1100
E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and EVF: $1100

With the E-P1 already going for about $750 with a lens, and with the E-P2 taking what's expected to be near-identical shots for hundreds more (though including an EVF standard), we'll let you do the math.

Olympus has also announced two new micro four thirds lenses on their way, a super wide 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens (18-36mm equivalent) and a super zoomy 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent). It is good to see the company supporting their own standard with more enticing native lenses.

THE PEN IS NOW MIGHTIER: OLYMPUS EXPANDS THE POWER AND PERFORMANCE OF THE E-P1 WITH THE NEW E-P2

New Electronic Viewfinder, External Audio Port, Autofocus Tracking and More Creative Control All in a Retro Black Metal Body – Looks as Good as it Performs

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 5, 2009 – Less than six months after launching the groundbreaking PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera, Olympus proves that evolutionary change can happen incredibly fast by releasing the E-P2 with even more power and performance. The new PEN, like the E-P1, is the world's smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with In-body Image Stabilization. It blends the high-quality still images like that of a DSLR with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity inside an ultra-portable body. Along with several new features, and eight in-camera Art Filters that can be applied to still images and HD videos, the result is mighty powerful and creative.

The innovative E-P2 offers more of what photo enthusiasts have been asking for:

* A stylish retro black metal body reminiscent of a traditional PEN camera;
* Accessory port to accommodate the included detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder (EVF) or optional external microphone adapter EMA-1;
* A newly-developed Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System tracks the subject across or back-and-forward through the frame;
* Two new art filters: Diorama & Cross Process for greater creative expression in your still images and HD videos;
* iEnhance to automatically adjust color and contrast for a more dramatic effect;
* Full Manual Control of shutter/aperture in Movie Mode; and
* HDMI Control of camera's playback functions using the TV Remote when the camera is connected to an HDTV.

"The high demand for the E-P1 demonstrates that today's photo enthusiasts and consumers want the high-quality imaging like that of DSLRs in a compact retro design. The fact that it also offers HD video, creative functions and high-end stereo sound makes it even more desirable," said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "The new PEN builds on the success of the E-P1 by adding many of the features that were on enthusiasts' wish list for the second generation: an EVF for composing with your eye close to the camera, the ability to add an external microphone, C-AF tracking, and a black metal body. With each new PEN, Olympus continues to enhance the line, and the future looks very bright."

The E-P2 comes with either the small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) or 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent). The camera adds to the new category created by the E-P1: Not a P&S. Not an SLR. It's a PEN.

Accessorize: Everything Goes with Basic Black

The E-P2 incorporates a new port for connecting new accessories including an optional EMA-1 Microphone adapter and the VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder that comes with the E-P2. The live-finder easily slides onto the camera's accessory port and hot shoe when needed to provide 1.15x magnification, a 100% field of view with amazing resolution, brightness and contrast. The viewfinder refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects.

The VF-2 rotates up to 90 degrees to enable photographers to look down into it, which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The built-in diopter adjustment and high magnification offer easy viewing with and without glasses.

For those who want to capture enhanced audio, the new EMA-1 external microphone connector can be plugged into the new camera's external accessory port. The connector will accept the optional Olympus ME-51S stereo microphone or any microphone of their choice.

Olympus has a variety of other accessories to maximize the functionality of the new PEN, including the previously released 14-42mm and 17mm Micro Four Thirds lenses. The MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter makes E-P2 compatible with all Olympus ZUIKO Digital SpecificTM lenses and other Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica.

Olympus OM film-based lenses can be attached to the E-P2 with the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter. Additionally, an optional FL-14 flash unit, suitably small for the camera, adds more lighting versatility to your shots.

Stay focused on Your Targets Wherever They Roam

Sometimes it can be hard enough to keep up with kids, let alone take pictures of them. The E-P2's new C-AF Tracking and AF Target Registration locks your subject into focus, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the shutter release enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects in focus – tracking subjects from left to right and from front to back – within the frame, automatically ensuring that even active subjects are captured clearly.

Even More Ways to Create

Olympus pioneered easy-to-use in-camera art filters for still images captured inside its E-System DSLRs. It was the first company to offer the ability to apply art filters to High Definition video recordings captured with the E-P1. Now, the E-P2 continues this tradition of innovation with eight in-camera art filters, including two new filters: the Diorama and Cross Process. The Diorama art filter gives users a miniature model photo feeling by narrowing the depth of focus and enhancing color and contrast. The selective focus that this filter offers lends intimacy to images of even the largest subjects like canyons or cityscapes.

The Cross Process art filter offers an unexpected look to images and videos by changing the color and contrast of subjects on the fly. Using this mode can result in surreal other-worldly images. Whether you're a videographer, documentarian or established director – or just want to shoot like one – Art Filters set your images and videos apart from the pack. Since they're built into the camera, you can achieve dramatic results on the go without needing a computer or editing software. These new filters are a welcome addition to the Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole filters previously available on the E-P1.

Because the PEN is an interchangable lens system camera, you also have more creative options for video capture. You can attach any one of the new super-compact Micro Four Thirds lenses or, because the camera can accept many of the other Four Thirds Format lenses with an available MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter, you can add anything from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super telephoto lens for a wide range of expressive options. All the while you will have more DSLR-like control over depth of field, focus, white balance and ISO. It begs the question, "What will you create?"

iEnhance for Radiant Colors

The E-P2 includes a new picture mode called iEnhance, which analyzes colors and brightness. The new mode mimics what the naked eye sees. For example, a beautiful sunset looks awesome in person and generally seems to fade when captured in an image. With iEnhance, the warm yellow and orange colors are heightened to be brilliant and closer to the actual scene. The result is exceptionally clear imaging with a dramatically lifelike color. iEnhance can be used in any shooting mode – from program to manual – and automatically engages when in iAuto.

HDMI Control from Your HDTV Remote

The new PEN makes sharing your content easier than ever. Just connect the E-P2 to your HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV's remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your favorite couch or chair.

Manual in Movie Mode

The E-P2's manual movie mode allows for independent control of aperture and shutter for expanded exposure and creative control. Now you can adjust the shutter to control the depth of focus while using the aperture to set the overall brightness of the video. This level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos.

Make a Design Statement

The E-P2's high-end, stainless-steel all-black body is easy to handle and carry, and has the styling and refinement of a precision chronometer. Its retro-chic look turns heads, from tech-aficionados and camera buffs to the style-conscious and everyday point-and-shooter. Built rock solid, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or a handbag for impromptu street-shooting or any spontaneous adventure. The E-P2 lets you do more and go more places while capturing your life, thanks to its compact size – 4.74"(W) x 2.75" (H) x 1.37" (D) – and light 11.1-ounce body. Attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the PEN's design, including the currently available small and lightweight 14-42mm and 17mm M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses as well as the newly announced 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 (18-36mm equivalent) and 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 (28-300mm equivalent) M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.

Ultra-Compact Body Delivers Superior Image Quality

The E-P2 has everything you need to produce vibrant DSLR-quality images: a large 12.3-megapixel imager, In-body Image Stabilization, fast Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the new TruePic™ V Image Processor.

As the second Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus, the E-P2 provides the same image quality as current Four Thirds format E-System cameras because it has the same image sensor size as the E-30 and E-620 DSLR models, but in a much smaller body. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

The E-P2's Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus' TruePic™ V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to ISO 6400), enabling great results in low-light situations.

Be a Mover, Not a Shaker

Any lens attached to the E-P2 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of In-body Image Stabilization that compensate for up to four steps EV (exposure value). Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low light or when shooting without a tripod. Since the PEN is the world's smallest interchangeable lens camera with In-body Image Stabilization, you'll feel comfortable taking it on the road with you to capture the action. As an added advantage, the built-in image stabilization works not only with the M. Zuiko lenses but all Four Thirds lenses and even older OM film-based lenses when used with the appropriate adapter for the E-P2.

Small Real Estate with an Amazing 3-Inch LCD View

Consumers accustomed to composing and focusing using a point-and-shoot camera's LCD will appreciate the E-P2's 100 percent accurate, 3-inch full color HyperCrystal LCD, which gives them the same easy, seamless experience when shooting still images or videos. The camera's Live Control function makes it easy to compose, edit and shoot pictures or videos without stopping to access various menus. The E-P2's fast Imager Autofocus in Live View also enables you to compose, focus and capture the shot quickly and easily without ever taking your eyes off the large LCD.

The LCD displays 230,000 pixels in vivid color and includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback. It also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

This Camera Leaves Others in the Dust

You don't have to waste precious time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image; instead, spend more of that time shooting with the E-P2. The proven Olympus Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

What You See Is What You Get

When viewing the LCD in Live View, Art Filter effects and settings like white balance and exposure are viewable right on the LCD, and their impact is seen instantly on the display. Real-time monitoring offers amazing versatility and creative control, and users who apply a setting have instant gratification because what they see on the camera's LCD is what they've captured. For musicians used to applying audio effects like reverb to their instruments before recording them, the concept of setting the E-P2 to capture precisely the kind of image they want before they press the shutter makes perfect sense. For imaging purists who want to shoot without filters, and apply them to images inside the camera later, or just edit images back at their computers, the E-P2 provides these options and opens more in-the-field creative possibilities.

Mix It Up with Multiple Exposure

With the E-P2's Multiple Exposure function available for still image capture, you are free to tell a visual story your way, whether in a portrait, a landscape or a combination of both. The image capture options allow you to shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture both shots separately and combine them in the camera later. Overlay your face on top of your pet's face. Create an "identical twin" of yourself. Put the moon in the sky at noon. Your ability to manipulate space and time makes this new creative multimedia device a veritable time machine.

Frame Your Works of Art Inside the PEN

You can often achieve greater photographic expression by framing a scene in a unique way. The E-P2 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including: the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is suited to an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display your images beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6. The Multi-Aspect Shooting further expresses your creative vision when combined with Art Filters and multiple exposures. What will you create?

Stereo Audio Sounds As Good As the PEN Images Look

Like the innovative Olympus LS-11 portable audio recording device that puts the power of a recording studio in your pocket, the E-P2 features uncompressed CD-quality 16 bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording capability to capture the rich sound quality of your scene. When you shoot with the E-P2, it's like having a sound technician built into your camera to capture the nuances of the audio happening all around you. It has the versatility to record and play back in the WAV format and can record with its built-in stereo microphone. Whether recording audio while shooting a video or adding audio by recording a narration to your still images, the E-P2's audio sounds as great as its images look. Now, with the new stereo microphone adapter, there is new freedom in audio capture with the PEN.

Create Your Own Multimedia Slideshows with Stills, Video and Audio Inside E-P2

Content is king, and with the E-P2 you have your own portable kingdom of still images, HD video, and audio to remix at your command. In playback mode you can seamlessly mix stills and movies inside the camera to create a multimedia slideshow; dub in one of five built-in dramatic background music options to provide a soundtrack for your cinematic creation. Plug the E-P2 into any HD television with an HDMI cable and show off your masterpieces to your audience before your DVD arrives in stores!

As Easy to Use as a Point-and-Shoot with SLR-Quality Technologies

The E-P2 is equipped with 19 scene-select modes for effortless picture taking. Standard scene modes like Night-Scene, Portrait and Landscape are easy-to-use solutions for everyday shooting. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the new ePortrait Mode. It enables you to smooth your subject's skin – all in the camera and before capture! Additionally, edits can be made post-capture using the ePortrait mode.

Shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can often be a challenge because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-P2 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can see and preview the gradation on the Live View LCD and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also accessible in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

The E-P2's Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight people's faces and the background, tracking the faces within the image area, even if people are moving, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures (ideal for large family or party group photos).

Don't like changing camera settings for each shooting situation? The E-P2's Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you're shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts settings to capture the best result depending on the situation. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

The E-P2 offers ease-of-use and flexibility to meet your shooting style. Choose the Live Control technology, an advanced control panel system that incorporates the use of the sub dial and enables you to see the image and the menu controls all at the same time on the LCD. As a result, you can use the main and sub dials to select modes and adjust settings without having to take your eyes off the subject. Or if you prefer, shoot with the Super Control Panel, which is familiar to any serious shooter. These options along with the camera's intuitive button layout make the camera simple to use. The E-P2 records to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files including videos with In-Camera Creative Features and uncompressed audio.

Digital Leveler

The E-P2 is equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera's pitch and roll and indicates it on the control panel. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit when capturing architecture and landscapes. Level the perfect coastline shot on your next tropical vacation without being tethered to a computer and editing software.

Magnified Focus Assist

The E-P2 provides two optional methods to help the user focus: a Magnified Focus (MF) Assist Function and Magnification Display. When using manual focus, the MF Assist feature aids with critical focus by allowing you to zoom in on part of the image by simply turning the focusing ring on the front of the lens. The Magnification Display enables you to selectively enlarge the image on the LCD at the touch of a button. This mode works for both autofocus and manual focus. Both MF Assist methods provide up to a 10x magnification of a single point of the image for critical focus; perfect for macro or still-life photography.

18x18 Metering Modes

This mode divides the image area into an 18 x 18 grid, metering each of the 324 separate cells to obtain optimum exposure. In addition to 324-division ESP metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering modes are also available.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software

Use the included OLYMPUS Master 2 software (Mac and PC) to easily download images and videos from the camera or other external device, such as a USB drive, and automatically organize them into albums and groups and by date. Develop high-quality RAW images, apply Art Filter effects, edit and print images. Also, apply the most common editing functions to your HD videos. Update camera and lens firmware through the software and download additional menu languages. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever.

OLYMPUS Studio 2 (Trial Edition Included)

Extend the capability of Olympus Master 2 with Olympus Studio 2. In addition to the functions of OLYMPUS Master 2, this software includes a lightbox mode and selection marks for comparing and sorting multiple images. RAW processing is enhanced with additional controls for finer adjustments. The trial edition can be used for 30 days after installation. After the trial period has expired, a license key is required for further use.

Availability

The Olympus E-P2 will be available in December 2009. It includes E-P2 Body, VF-2 Electronic View Finder, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations

E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder

Estimated Street Price: $1099.99

E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder

Estimated Street Price: $1099.99

Mark's a micro four thirds convert, though he preferred Panasonic's new GF1 to Olympus's retro-sexy EP-1, which lacks features like a viewfinder and flash. Olympus might fix that tonight by announcing the EP-2, if the signs are to be believed. If so, I hope it looks just as good as the original. [Photo Rumors, 43 Rumors]

Sex and Brains

It's got the same spacious image sensor as the G11—1/1.7" as opposed to 1/2.5" like most point-and-shoots. But instead of being built into a Panzer tank, it's in the body of a hot German model. It's an actual point-and-shoot: It fits in the pocket of your skinny jeans, but delivers, for the most part, the same wow image quality.

I wish it was slightly more square with sharper angles for an even more classic aesthetic, but it's still pretty classy looking. The texture, which makes for half of the appeal, makes it a little slippery. The control ring around the lens is like the perfect scarf that ties it altogether. And despite being a bantam-weight shooter, it feels more solid than most cameras its size.

Lord of the Ring

What makes the camera really work is that control ring wrapped around the lens. By default, when you turn it, it adjusts the main setting for each mode—aperture in aperture priority, shutter speed in shutter priority, you get the idea. Using the ring function button on top of the camera, you can set the ring to adjust almost whatever parameter you want though, like white balance, ISO, exposure, even specific zoom intervals.

Truthfully, using the dial never feels completely seamless, because of way you're forced to hold the camera. As a result of its pint size, there's no completely natural hand or finger posture for spinning the ring. But, the control it manages to put at your fingertips is remarkable: In manual mode, I had aperture mapped to the main ring, exposure set to the control ring on the back (which, like the G11, is a little too small to have a settings dpad stuffed in the center of it) and ISO speed mapped to the shortcut button. The only real issue with that setup is that the ISO setting interface lags behind your input occasionally, so you sometimes overshoot the ISO speed you wanted.

Just a Little More Hardware Talk

There's no viewfinder, so you're stuck using the screen exclusively. The LCD is a little bigger than the G11's, at 3 inches, though it uses the same number of pixels and obviously doesn't swivel out. It too is easily viewable in sunlight, though I found a more of a difference, exposure-wise, between what I thought I shot according to the display and what I later saw on my computer, than I noticed with the G11. Also, there's no flash hot shoe, like you get with the G11.

The battery's small, obviously, so your picture taking is capped at a little over 200 shots, according to Canon. My days of shooting didn't contradict that, for better or for worse—I'd get to half battery after around 100 shots and a couple video clips.

Finally, the Photos (and Video)

Since it's the same 10-megapixel image sensor as the G11, yes, you do get just about the same fantastic image quality, solid low-light performance (noise doesn't start really kicking in til ISO 800, and even that's totally usable for most stuff) and ability to shoot in RAW. The main difference is in the lens. The S90 has a faster lens that'll shoot at F/2 wide open, meaning you rely less on that high ISO—up to 3200—to compensate for the lack of light. The oh-so-small price for this incredibly fast lens is that you lose a bit of zoom, since it goes out to 105mm, vs. the G11's 140mm, but who cares? I can't reiterate how big of a deal a lens like this is on this kind of point-and-shoot. That said, I seemed to get photos that were a touch less sharp than what I got on the G11.

Here's a gallery of some stuff I shot, which you can compare to G11 sample photos and ISO tests (spoiler, they look great):

The video's still 640x480, and still quite good too:

Buy If You Need a Tiny-But-Great Camera

I know, it's $430, way more than most point-and-shoots cost in this day and age. But the amount of picture power this literally slips into your pocket is almost unbelievable: Outstanding low-light performance for a camera this size; a speedy lens; full control rings, plural; and yep, RAW. It's the soul of what makes the $500 behemoth G11 great, packaged in a true point-and-shoot. You lose some power and some pro tools, like the swivel screen, a (shitty) viewfinder, faster burst shooting, hot shoe, some zoom and a custom mode or two, but you're also shedding a ton of bulk, meaning you'll actually take it everywhere. And the best camera's always the one you have with you—for me, that's this camera, which just happens to be an excellent one all by itself.

G11's awesome image sensor plus a fastfastfast lens means awesome photos

Looks like a serious little camera (it is)

Did I mention I love this camera?

Control ring can feel awkward

More battery life and 720p video would be nice

[Canon]

Not much else is known at this point, but it wouldn't be a stretch to think we'll see the a750 at CES 2010. [LetsGoDigital via Engadget]

In other words, the secret is composition, composition, composition. The one real advantage the iPhone 3GS has in this regard against past iPhones is that you can change the focal point, which lets you alter the shot in subtle ways, which is one of his tips. Also, he suggests trying some different camera apps—he likes Photo fx and CameraKit, though I'm partial to CameraBag.

Here's a couple of other awesome photos he's taken, but you can see way more at his very excellent photo blog, which gives you a view of Japan that maybe you haven't seen. [Sasurau, BoingBoing]

The G11 is Canon's top-of-the-line point-and-shoot. It occupies a sorta strange spot, towering over the average point-and-shoot in basically every metric—image quality, size, weight and price—but sits just below entry-level DSLRs and more recently, micro four thirds cameras.

So, there are two ways to look at the G11: It's an amazing street camera. More discreet than a DSLR, but more powerful than a run-of-the-mill point-and-shoot. You can't stuff it in your jeans pocket, but that's fine, because you want to sling it over your shoulder anyways. The other way is that you can buy a more versatile entry-level DSLR that's not much larger for around the same price, especially if you step back a generation or so.

It's all about your priorities.

H-h-h-h-hardware

Everything about this camera is just—solid. The full-metal jacket makes it feel indestructible, while the shape evokes the classic cameras you feel like you're supposed to be taking photos with. It's thick, remarkably so, in part because of the flip-out swivel LCD screen. And it's definitely more along the lines of a rangefinder-style camera than a typical point-and-shoot.

The real magic of this camera lies in the dedicated control dials. You'll fine three on top—exposure compensation, ISO speed, and shooting mode. They feel cramped and tiny, at first, but the snap they make as as you rotate them is surprisingly deep and satisfying. Having these settings at your fingers at all times is so much of why the G11 feels like a camera that's a step above point-and-shoots, a tool for creating photographs.

The back dial is the most frustrating part of controlling the camera—a ring surrounds a four-way d-pad with a button in the center. Ultimately, you wind up pressing buttons on the d-pad when you're trying to rotate the dial to adjust shutter speed or aperture, or simply pressing the wrong button because it's so small. The menu system, otherwise, is a pretty standard Canon setup, which looks a lot like the G10's—it's not dead simple, but it's not overly complicated either, and a couple minutes of fiddling will reveal all of its secrets.

The viewfinder is utterly depressing. I want to use it, badly. It just feels intrinsically wrong to hold a camera of this caliber out in front of me to shoot, not up to my eyeball. Meanwhile, the G11's viewfinder is so small, and the coverage is so bad (you can see the lens through it!), that it's nigh useless, like trying to compose through a pinhole.

One of the shooting modes, quickshot, sounds like a good idea on paper, but is ruined by this viewfinder. The camera constantly adjusts parameters while waiting for you to take the photo, so you can fire off instantly without worrying about missing the shot. Unfortunately, you have to use the minuscule viewfinder in quickshot, and I wound up botching far more photos than I did nailing them.

So, you're pretty trapped to using the decent flip-out swivel LCD display. Honestly, I probably would've preferred the static-but-larger 3-inch version on the G10, to the 2.8-inch, 461,000-dot display on the G11.

The LCD is really bright, though, and perfectly usable in direct sunlight, with a wide viewing angle to boot. But the video feed is not quite crisp enough on it to use it for manual focusing—in this mode, a zoomed in box appears in the center of the display as you spin the back dial to bring it into focus. The experience of focusing becomes a bad iPhone game.

Can we talk about the photos please?

With the G11, Canon pulled the bold maneuver of cutting megapixels—to 10, from 14 on the G10—in order to get better quality and low-light performance. It was the right move. Low-light images are definitely improved, and more detail is preserved up through ISO 800. Shots at ISO 1600 are definitely usable at web resolutions, which is pretty impressive for a compact camera. You should stay away from the special "low light" shooting mode, though, which cuts the size of pictures in half to try to extract every ounce of light possible—it produced uniformly bad pictures.

The G11 has a wide-angle zoom lens with the same basic specs as the G10, starting at 28mm and going up to 140mm, which is versatile enough to shoot just about anything you'd want. I'm not sure, however, if it corrects some of the problems at the wide-end with the macro mode, though, since I didn't have a G10 to compare it with.

The runthrough of the ISO range goes a couple ways—on programmed auto, letting the camera figure out what to make of the ISO setting I picked, and then another set where I dictated shutter speed, so you can see how much you gain (or lose, depending on your point of view) as you ratchet up the ISO setting.

Like past G series cameras, you can shoot in RAW, but if you do, you're stuck with using Canon's software to process it for the time being. In the full sample gallery above, I've marked the handful shot in RAW.

In a world where phones and gadgets the size of a jumbo pack of Juicy Fruit shoot 720p, the fact that video's limited to 640x480 resolution on such a stacked camera gets a big frowny face. But, the video the G11 produces at that resolution is generally excellent (just compare to the video-shootin' iPod nano). That's because it's packed with data—the bitrate averages around 10Mbps, which is more than the Flip Mino HD, at 9Mbps for 720p video. That's why it looks so vibrant compared to a lot of the 720p video out there. Sure, 720p out of this would be nice, but I'd take VGA video that looks great over HD video that looks like crap.

Okay, but do I buy it?

I like this camera a lot. It's what I'd reach for whenever I wouldn't feel like tugging along a honkin' DSLR, and I'd feel like I wasn't sacrificing too much. The real question, I think, it how it stacks up against Panasonic's Lumix LX3, which is in the same demographic—a lauded $500 point-and-shoot—and outgunned the G10 in many respects (though the G10 tried to cram 14 megapixels onto the same-sized sensor the G11 only squeezes 10 megapixels onto). The slightly cheaper S90 offers the same sensor as the G11 as well, and inside of a pocketable body—though you lose perks like the dedicated control dials and a viewfinder, as far as that's a perk on the G11.

If you do buy the G11, you won't regret it—you'll be too busy taking pictures.

Photographs are top-notch for a compact camera

Solid low-light performance

Built to smash into people's spaces and live to smash again

It's huge

The viewfinder is basically useless

[Canon]

First Place
Wade Saathoff: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4, 1/100th, f/3.2, ISO 320, 14 bit RAW, .nef converted using Raw Therapee and edited in Photoshop 7

Second Place
Tess Davis: Sony A350, 18-70mm kit lens, f/4.5, 1/200s, ISO 100

Third Place
Neal Rosenblat: Nikon D90, 50mm lens, f1.8, 1/2000

Thanks to everyone for making the first Shooting Challenge so much fun. And since these results are completely subjective, enjoy the full gallery below before mocking my taste in the comments. Still, I don't think there's a lousy shot in the bunch.

I had around two hours to shoot with a pre-production model of the tank-like D3s at New York's Big Apple Circus, hence all of the scary clowns and very flexible folks. Since low-light performance is what you're probably most interested in, I've broken down the sample shots into galleries by ISO speed. Overall, shots at ISO 6400 are the cleanest I've ever seen at that ISO rating—just think about that for a second—and ISO 12,800 photos are unquestionably usable for even large web photos (like 1000x1000 pixels). Of course, the pictures at ISO 102,400 have ridiculous grain and you'd never use them for anything but novelty, but consider that we really are talking light sensitivity on the order of night vision. It's a remarkable achievement for achievement's sake.

All of the photos here are from JPEGs straight out of a pre-production D3s, with no retouches. They were resized, but I've included shots of 100 percent zoom close-ups above the galleries.

These two series are shot at the exact same shutter speed, adjusting only the ISO, so you can get a sense of how much extra light the cranked ISO absorbs.

I've also cut together some of the 720p video I shot. The video mode's a little confusing to use at first, since the "shutter speed" is how adjust exposure in video mode, but the results are nice, even if they're not in 1080p. The clip was always shot at an ISO rating of at least 3200 (I was fiddling with the ISO throughout), and the second half makes use of a boom mic for stereo.

The 1D Mark IV uses an APS-H-sized 16-megapixel sensor that's "similar in size to a Super 35mm motion picture film frame" with a 1.3x crop factor (so not full-frame, booo) , and a normal ISO range of 100 to 12,800, with expanded going up to 102,400 ISO (like Nikon's fresh D3s). The new 45-point autofocus system has 39 cross-type points and uses a new AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm that's supposed to be faster, which is handy, since it shoots in 10fps bursts.

But, let's talk about video, which Canon isn't too shy of making the star of this camera: You get full manual exposure control, stereo mic input, and 1080p video at 24, 25 or 30fps; 720p and standard def at 50 or 60fps; and the samples, while obviously Canon-vetted, so far look seriously amazing (that's a link to a full-res1080p stream of the video above, by Vincent Laforet).

There's a new auto-lighting optimizer that automatically adjusts contrast and brightness in-camera that sounds sorta like Nikon's Active D-Lighting. And hurray, a new white balance algorithm that's better at low color temperatures, something that Nikon's typically been better with in the past.

It's coming out in December for $5000. Man, pro DSLRs just got way more interesting again. Six-digit ISO speeds, extreme low-light performance , high-def video: It's a war.

INTRODUCING THE ULTIMATE MULTIMEDIA IMAGING SOLUTION:
THE NEW CANON EOS-1D MARK IV DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

The EOS-1D Mark IV Features a Completely Redesigned 45-Point Autofocus System, Fast 10 fps Continuous Shooting, 16-Megapixel Resolution, Outstanding ISO Sensitivity, and Full HD Video Recording at Selectable Frame Rates

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 20, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce the next evolution in the EOS 1D series of cameras: the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The EOS-1D Mark IV is a high-speed multimedia performance monster with a 16-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors, and 14-bit A/D data conversion, all at 10 frames-per-second (fps), with the widest ISO range Canon has produced to date. This new camera also features 1080p Full High-Definition video capture at selectable frame rates packaged in Canon's most rugged and durable professional camera body.

The crowning achievement of Canon's 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is its new autofocus system that starts with 45 AF points including 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points capable of tracking fast moving athletes or wildlife accurately at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With greater subject detection capability than ever before plus a newly redesigned AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera sets new standards for autofocus performance among professional digital SLRs. Whether shooting for the six o'clock news or the front page, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR is the quintessential camera to freeze fast-moving action with high-speed stills or capture stunning HD video with dynamic color and image quality. To accompany the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera, Canon is also announcing a new accessory, the WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter providing photographers with a wide range of professional digital connectivity options.

"Canon works hard to be the imaging leader in all our business endeavors. This goal has fueled our innovation and R&D efforts to engineer the most advanced autofocus system Canon has ever produced. We are proud to announce the camera that will deliver the ultimate in imaging quality to professionals working in all areas of multimedia imaging, whether it's action photography, photojournalism or HD video and cinematography," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera will intrigue professional photographers in virtually every category from photojournalism and sports through nature, wedding, portrait and fashion to commercial, industrial and law enforcement. What makes the EOS-1D Mark IV camera different from its predecessors, in addition to numerous focusing system and image quality improvements, is its exceptional Full HD video capture capability. With this new level of functionality, the 1D Mark IV Digital SLR is destined to appeal not only to professional still photographers but also to a diverse market of professional videographers and filmmakers who are looking for exceptional Full HD video quality, amazing low-light performance, outstanding portability and a level of durability unheard of in most HD video cameras in this price range.

New 45-Point Autofocus System
The new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera features Canon's most advanced Autofocus system to date. It is equipped with a newly developed 45-point AF sensor featuring 39 high-precision cross-type AF points, and an all new AI Servo II AF mode that gives still photographers the power and performance to track and focus a fast-moving subject at speeds up to 10 frames per second. With more than twice as many cross-type focusing points as the EOS-1D Mark III and a new AF sensor construction that improves performance in low light and with low contrast subjects, the EOS-1D Mark IV has greater subject detection capabilities than any previous EOS model. To complete the range of AF improvements, Canon has developed a new AI Servo II AF predictive focusing algorithm that significantly improves responsiveness and stability by making better decisions on focus tracking in a variety of shooting conditions.

Amazing High ISO Performance
Wedding and event photographers shooting in low light without the benefit of a flash can take advantage of Canon's widest ISO range and highest performance ever. The EOS-1D Mark IV camera's ISO speed settings range from 100 up to 12,800 in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with ISO Expansion settings of L: 50 for bright light or H1: 25,600, H2: 51,200, and H3: 102,400 for even the most dimly lit situations. Photographers and documentary filmmakers working in available light will be impressed by the low-noise image quality of the 1D Mark IV, capturing amazing still images and video footage even at speed settings as high as ISO 12,800. High ISO, low light still images are further enhanced by Canon's adjustable High ISO Noise Reduction feature, now a default setting in the camera.

The EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS HD Video Powerhouse
Over the past year, Canon's EOS HD Video technology has changed the way users capture 1080p HD video and opened new doors for multimedia journalists and Hollywood cinematographers alike with full manual exposure control, selectable frame rates, and interchangeable lenses on some of the largest and most sensitive image sensors on the market. Canon continues this innovation trend with the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR with Full HD capture and full manual exposure control, plus selectable frame rates on an all-new APS-H-sized image sensor that's similar in size to a Super 35mm motion picture film frame. The large sensor allows filmmakers to achieve shallow depth-of-field just as cinematographers have traditionally done using much higher-cost motion picture equipment.

The more than 50 Canon EF lenses compatible with the EOS-1D Mark IV give videographers incredible creative options, including an impressive selection of large-aperture professional L-series primes as well as zoom lenses, macro, Tilt-Shift and Fisheye optics. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV allows for three video recording resolutions – 1080p Full HD and 720p HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards. Sound is recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via optional external microphones connected to the stereo microphone input. The camera also provides an in-camera video editing function allowing users to remove the start or ending of a video clip directly in the camera to eliminate unwanted footage and speed up post-production.

Image Quality and Performance
The heart of the EOS-1D Mark IV camera's outstanding image quality is a newly developed 16.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor featuring Canon's latest and most advanced proprietary technologies. These technologies include improved photodiode construction to enhance dynamic range and gapless microlenses that are positioned closer to the photodiodes for improved light gathering efficiency. The transmissive quality of the color filter array has been enhanced to improve sensitivity. Canon has also upgraded the sensor circuitry to improve noise reduction before the image data is exported from the CMOS sensor to the rest of the image processing chain.

With 60 percent more pixels than the EOS-1D Mark III, the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR employs Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors with approximately six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14-bit A/D conversion at 10 fps. High-speed continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGs is possible using a UDMA CF card. This camera also features three RAW shooting modes for versatility with Full RAW (approx. 16 million pixels), M-RAW (approx. nine million pixels), and S-RAW (approx. four million pixels). Three additional JPEG recording formats (M1, M2 and Small) are also available.

The 14-bit per channel conversion facilitated by the dual DIGIC 4 Processors provides smoother tonalities in final images capturing all 16,384 distinct tones in each channel (red, green and blue) at the full 10 fps frame rate. RAW images shot on the new Canon EOS-1D Mark IV use the entire 14-bit space when converted to 16-bit TIFF files in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied with the camera at no extra charge. The 14-bit A/D conversion is also the foundation for Canon's Highlight Tone Priority feature that takes maximum advantage of the camera's extensive dynamic range to preserve detail in highlight areas of the image. Canon's new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR also features an improved white balance algorithm making colors more accurate when shooting under low color temperature light sources such as household tungsten lamps.

The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR features Canon's Peripheral Illumination Correction function which corrects darkening that can occur in the corners of images with most lenses when used at their largest apertures. When activated, it is automatically applied to JPEG images and video clips as they are shot. For RAW images, it can be applied in DPP software.

Other new features include a large three-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle for enhanced clarity and more precise color when reviewing images and shooting video. The new in-camera copyright information feature helps professionals secure control over images by setting copyright data directly into the camera and appending that information to each image file in the Exif metadata. Additional features include a fluorine coating on the Low Pass Filter to further repel dust and enhance the EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

Minimize Post-Production with Enhanced Canon Auto Lighting Optimizer
Action photography truly is all about speed, capturing a fast subject with fast focusing and fast frame rates. However, all this speed might be wasted if it is slowed down by lengthy post-production procedures to adjust image quality. The EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR helps reduce post-production work with a powerful new Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) system. When enabled, Canon's ALO automatically adjusts the image for optimal brightness and contrast on the fly during in-camera image processing, reducing clipped highlights while keeping shadowed areas as clear and detailed as they actually appear. By optimizing brightness and contrast in-camera, Canon's ALO system significantly reduces the need for post-production image optimization, and gives photographers image quality they can take directly to press. Demanding professional photographers who tested ALO clearly stated that this one feature will reduce their post-production image optimization process by more than 75 percent. Canon's ALO works with both RAW[i] and JPEG images as well as video recording.

Rugged Reliability
Canon has taken every measure to ensure that the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera has the highest degree of weather resistance in the EOS line. The 1D Mark IV camera incorporates a wide range of design features that enhance its durability and reliability for professional assignments. For example, the 1D Mark IV's body, chassis and lens mount are completely weather-resistant and 76 gaskets and seals surround all buttons and seams. The body covers and internal chassis, including the mirror box, are constructed with magnesium-alloy, one of the strongest and rigid metals available for its weight. For added strength, the lens mount is constructed with stainless steel. In fact, when used with Canon's Speedlite 580EX II and/or most current L-series lenses, the entire camera system remains fully weather resistant, so professionals can concentrate on getting the shot instead of worrying about protecting their gear.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E2 II A* wireless file transmitter exclusively for the EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E2 II A wireless transmitter is an extremely small and versatile device that offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. In addition to adding the ability to connect to wireless networks over 802.11a, the new WFT-E2 II A adds a wealth of new professional features to the photographer's tool kit. The new Camera Linking feature allows a single photographer to simultaneously fire up to 10 cameras remotely; and the updated WFT Server mode lets you remotely use Live View, control settings, and fire the EOS-1D Mark IV over the internet from anywhere in the world using a standard Web browser or many Web-enabled smart phones. Additionally, geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in late December, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $4,999.00[ii]. Final pricing and availability for the Canon WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter will be available later this year.

[Canon]

The basic specs of the camera are what was rumored: 1D body, 1.3x crop, 10fps bursts, a new autofocus system, and 60fps shooting at 720p with 24 and 30fps at 1080p. Canon's official release isn't out yet, so we'll make do with Vincent's videos for now. The main thing to understand, he says, is that "the short film you are about to watch was shot in pretty much the very worst light that I could possibly find in an evening urban landscape." You'll have to watch it here for now, but it's worth making the jump.

It may target a different audience than Nikon's D3s, but begun, the light wars have. [Vincent Laforet]

The rumored specs are for a 16MPish APS-H sensor (1.3x crop factor) with bursts of 10-12fps, 19-point autofocus system, and the same kind of 1080p video powers as the 7D. Price? $5000.

Even if it's not tomorrow, it can't be too much longer before we see some 1D and 1Ds Mark IV action, since Canon can't let Nikon have all the pro fun, after all. [Photography Bay, Canon Rumors]

Only 100 Robotic Colors K-xes will be released in Japan this November when they'll be sold exclusively through Pentax's online store at $880 a pop. Rarely do I consider a dSLR without mulling over lens compatibility and high ISO noise, but apparently I've always wanted a preschooler-friendly dSLR modeled after an obscure Japanese robot toy. [Pentax via CrunchGear]

The D3s's sensor is an evolved form of the original D3's 12.1MP full-frame sensor, using a different structure to improve the signal-to-noise ratio while shooting at higher ISO ratings, along with new algorithms for better image processing. The normal ISO range is 200-12,800, going up to ISO 102,400 at the top end of the expanded range.

God only knows what kind of photos it's going to turn out cranked to that ridiculous setting. Even if you aren't shooting anything with an ISO approaching the size of small lotto winnings, the lower level ISO settings, like around ISO 6400, should look even better than same setting on the D3. Nikon stressed that ISO 6400 and up to 12,800 would be "comfortable" to shoot at, so they are setting up some not-exactly-moderate expectations.

The disappointing news is that it shoots 720p video, not 1080, as previously rumored. (Nikon says it's because the cam's for photojournalists, who don't want or need 1080p.) But video does take advantage of the D3S's hunger for light, so the dynamic range is wide as hell with High Sensitivity Movie mode, and the D3S's video mode is overall more capable than Nikon's previous video-shooting DSLRs with full aperture control, faster AF in live view and a stereo input. A new algorithm also alleviates some of the weird video problems Nikon's had before, supposedly.

Other improvements over the D3 include a bigger buffer for 2x bigger continuous bursts, automatic image sensor cleaning and faster startup and autofocus. The crop mode is changed slightly, to a 1.2x crop, instead of a full DX crop (1.3x1.5x). The body, battery, AF system and all of that stuff is pretty much the same: It's the D3 evolved, after all, not reinvented.

It's out in November for $5200, which is a $200 premium over what the D3 itself debuted at. It's hard to judge where it'll stand in the market in some regard, because Canon's flagship pro systems are ancient at this point, making the D3s virtually uncontested for now. But we'll see.

THE IMAGING EVOLUTION CONTINUES: THE NIKON D3S ILLUMINATES NEW LEVELS OF POWER AND PERFORMANCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nikon Once Again Redefines Possibilities with D-SLR Photography with Six-Figure ISO Sensitivity for Stills and Video While Enhancing Overall Performance

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Oct. 14, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the FX-format D3S D-SLR, providing professional photographers with a powerful tool that redefines the boundaries of digital SLR versatility, while maintaining the strength of superior image quality and high speed performance inherited from the ground breaking D3. The D3S enables not only new opportunities in low-light photography, but also provides photographers with added shutter speed and aperture freedom with a base ISO sensitivity range from ISO 200 to a remarkable 12,800. Additionally, expanded ISO equivalent settings up to a staggering 102,400 are available, enabling photographers to create images previously thought impossible.

The Nikon D3S builds upon the success of the Nikon D3-the professional digital SLR that set new standards for D-SLR performance and utilizes a newly designed, Nikon original 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor that also integrates its amazing low-light ability to High Definition (HD) video, creating a uniquely capable multi-media tool to meet the needs of a changing imaging landscape.

"When the Nikon D3 was released, it ushered in a new era of professional digital imaging. Today, the D3S will further reinforce Nikon's leadership role in the photographic industry as a pioneer in performance-driven technologies that will again break once-rigid picture-taking barriers," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. "The ruggedly constructed D3S was engineered to address the real-world needs of professional photographers and provides them with a tool that, when combined with their skills, delivers stunning images in a broad range of shooting conditions and assignment requirements."

Creative Vision Beyond the Human Eye
The Nikon D3S, with a base ISO sensitivity from ISO 200 to 12,800 makes it possible to capture previously impossible images-image opportunities which were often ignored because of low light levels. Now, in even more demanding lighting conditions, photographers can select expanded sensitivity settings of ISO equivalent 25,600, ISO equivalent 51,200 and an incredible ISO equivalent sensitivity of 102,400 which reveals detail in extreme low-light environments that challenge even the human eye's ability to discern subject content. In addition, a setting of ISO equivalent 100 is provided.

This industry-first, groundbreaking ISO sensitivity range will make the D3S the camera of choice for photographers who typically face extreme lighting challenges, such as indoor or nighttime sports, spot news, wedding receptions and ambitious nature photography. This broad ISO sensitivity also affords the ability to shoot at faster, action-stopping shutter speeds. D3S shooters will enjoy a major advantage in any situation where light is limited and the use of supplemental lighting is not an option. For the photojournalist, even the highest ISO setting delivers image quality to satisfy the needs of offset printing.

Big Pixels Equal Greater ISO Capabilities
The amazing low-light ability of the D3S, as well as its astounding image quality can be attributed in large part to the engineering behind the newly designed, Nikon original 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, which measures 36x23.9mm. While the pixel size and count that served the D3 were maintained to deliver the pinnacle of image quality, dynamic range, phenomenal tonal gradation and outstanding color, other aspects were engineered to add versatility through broader low-noise ISO sensitivity. Individual pixels measure a large 8.45 microns, which support enhanced sensitivity to light and other qualities leading to superior image fidelity. The D3S captures light and renders images in a way that no other Nikon camera has yet to achieve, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and an unmatched dynamic range for both stills and HD video throughout its broadened ISO range.

D3S adds the extra benefit of an Image Sensor Cleaning function to reduce instances of image degradation resulting from dust accumulation on the optical low pass filter (OLPF) in front of the image sensor. The OLPF oscillates at four specific frequencies to release particles that would disrupt image quality. Sensor Cleaning can be set by the user to cycle automatically when the camera is powered on, turned off, or on demand.

Share the Vision with D-Movie Creativity
Whether on the frontlines or sidelines, the amazing ISO range of the D3S can also be applied while recording HD video clips to give unprecedented low-light ability for movie clips. The refined D-Movie mode for the FX-format offers smooth 1280x720 video at a cinematic 24fps, with a new algorithm that severely reduces the phenomenon of "rolling shutter" typical to D-SLRs while panning. The motion JPEG codec allows for easy extraction of single frames from a video clip and the ability to save it as a JPEG file, while the 720p HD format eases storage, provides faster wireless transfers, and offers video files that are generally easier to use in the field. Photographers can also trim movie clips on the fly by revising the start and end points, and save the edited clip as a copy while maintaining the original. Additionally, the D3S features a built-in monaural microphone, augmented by a stereo microphone input, which is perfect for hot-shoe microphone mounting or the use of wireless microphones for interviews or spot news.

Photographers and film makers alike will appreciate the full aperture control from a wide f/1.4 to f/16, as the FX-format sensor renders low-noise movie clips with outstanding clarity, aided by the large selection of renowned NIKKOR lenses to produce a dramatic depth of field. High Sensitivity Movie Mode allows the utilization of the entire ISO range to capture otherwise hidden details in challenging lighting conditions, more effectively than cameras with smaller sensors. Now, users can benefit from available natural light for applications such as telling a story in a journalistic style in the field or to create a gritty film noir masterpiece without CGI post production. While recording, users also have the ability to control exposure, and will enjoy the added benefits of improved contrast-detect type AF while in Tripod Live View mode.

Performance and Features Defining Versatility
The emergence of the D3 in 2007 provided photographers with a unique fusion of ruggedness, speed, versatility and image quality-characteristics which the D3S now takes even further. Photographers are able to capture images at 9 frames per second (fps) in the FX-format or at up to 11 fps in the DX crop mode, while data is transferred through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal processing speed. Additionally, the buffer has been increased, enabling continuous bursts approximately twice that of the D3 in the JPEG, TIFF or NEF (RAW) formats. Files can also be captured in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats to maintain the images data integrity. Photographers can also select the new 1.2x crop mode for a modest telephoto effect, while minimally impacting resolution, as photos are captured at approximately 8.4 megapixels (9 fps).

The D3S digital SLR also features two UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ card slots that can be used for consecutive recording (overflow), simultaneous recording (backup), separating recording of RAW and JPEG files or even copying pictures between the two cards. One or both can also be designated for data-heavy D-Movie recording. Images can be displayed directly from the camera to a High Definition monitor using the camera's HDMI port and an optional cable.

The D3S features Nikon's exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes – Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF – are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To alleviate another kind of noise, the D3S also features a Quiet Shutter Mode which substantially reduces the sound of the camera's mirror-down cycle, which is perfect for shooting in sensitive environments, such as movie sets, meetings, ceremonies, or while photographing wildlife.

Technologies Engineered for Professionals
The D3S digital SLR's speed and performance is the culmination of many Nikon core technologies including the latest generation of the EXPEED™ Image Processing System. The latest iteration of this system is specially designed to keep pace with the D3S' blazing performance to provide amazing image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. Nikon's advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.

The D3S' accelerated Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance detection and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject's movement within the frame.

Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II assists in ensuring accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting (ADL), used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II helps to determine proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Photographers can also use ADL bracketing for up to five frames of ADL compensation.

To further enhance each photographer's expression of personal style, Nikon's Picture Control System allows selection of Picture Control settings including Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. Additionally, adjustment can be made to Picture Controls to image sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, hue and more. Photographers then have the flexibility to save up to nine personalized Picture Controls on camera and 99 additional Picture Controls externally.

Ready for Work
Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3S is ruggedly constructed with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer's vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to 300,000 cycles for maximum accuracy and longevity. Rigid and precise magnesium alloy construction and the familiar form factor of the D3 extend consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder provides 100-percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon's acclaimed 921,000-dot, 3.0-inch super density LCD monitor which is viewable up to 170 degrees, and is safeguarded by a tempered glass cover. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3S can capture up to 4200* shots per single charge of the camera's Lithium-ion battery.

System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3S is fully compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) affording photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. D3S is also compatible with Nikon's GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and (satellite) date of shooting. Photographers can shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4A wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3S users will also enjoy the system strength bolstered by a comprehensive selection of NIKKOR interchangeable lenses-long heralded for their optical superiority.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3S digital SLR is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late November 2009 at an estimated selling price of $5,199.95**. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com. Users can see the new D3S, along with Nikon's entire line of photographic, optical and digital imaging solutions, including the recently announced new AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR lens, on display at the Nikon booth (#501) at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York, from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24, 2009.

The author only mentions video recording at 720p/24 fps, no talk of 1080p at all. What's worse is that the article pegs the D3s, body only, at £4,200. For comparison, since we only have British pricing for the moment, the 1080p-capable Canon 5D Mk II retails for £2,300.

The D3s supposedly features amazing high ISO abilities, but the lack of 1080p video recording would still be a huge bummer. Hopefully, either the BJP left out some crucial details, or Nikon has some surprises in store for us. [British Journal of Photography via Nikon Rumors]

Rumored D3s specs follow thusly

* Nikon D3s with ISO 200-12800 (D3 was with ISO 200-6400)
* New ISO range HI-3 at 102,400 ISO
* 12.1 mp FX sensor (same as the D3, but tweaked)
* 14fps
* D-movie with 24 fps/1080p

Don't hold your breath on that ISO, but the rest is very possible. It'd make sense that a D3s would be their first DSLR to make the jump to 1080p video (we'll honestly cry if it has 720p).

The other possible camera, which might just have us more excited is a compact with a DSLR-sized sensor inside, sorta like Leica's X1. We'll be waiting for Oct. 14 with bated breath, that's for sure. [Nikon Rumors]

With just the iPhone's 2-megapixel camera, Chase was able to capture—over the course of a year—some pretty interesting sights. Many of the photos aren't high resolution quality works that you'd expect from a pro, and a lot of them look like Polaroids you dug up from a shoebox in the attic, buried from the '70s, but they all serve a point.

We all have cameras with us, so if you're looking to better your photography, even if it's just with the camera you have attached to your phone, Chase's book may give you some inspiration—if not on composition and style, then just on the fact that you can take decent enough photos with your phone.

It also helps if you use Chase's iPhone App Best Camera, which does a little bit of processing/editing right on the phone. Reader Bryan also tells us Chase used some of these editing enhancements for the photos in the book, just to spice them up a bit. [Amazon]

Nikon Rumors reviewed the Nikon-compatible Fabre Photo EX DSLR Stereoscopic Microscope, a $1,600 lens that pwns macro photography pretty hard.

Here's a video they captured of a millipede. So gross, but we can't look away.

Two points Nikon Rumors makes: integrated LEDs sound handy for illuminating the small subjects, but they tend to create a harsh reflection on surfaces. And, yes, the microscope lens is every bit as "fun" as you'd imagine.

Lots more test shots over at: [Nikon Rumors]

Danfung got his Canon 5D Mark II in a steady-cam type rig, complete with a shotgun microphone, to shoot the first five minutes of the documentary. The results look straight from a good war movie. [Frontline via Lightstalkers]

A major problem was the heat put off by the projector, which was fashioned into an L-shaped module so it'd fit inside the case. They wound up having to move the CCD image sensor to a different part of the camera to isolate it from the heat, while also figuring out a way to focus scattered light emitted by the LED powering the projector. The result is that the camera doesn't burn the crap out of your hand, even though there's a full-fledged projector inside of it (which was surprisingly bright when I checked it out the other day).

It's still absolutely bonkers. [TechOn via About Projectors via Engadget]

After converting the image into a half-tone, the puncturing mechanism moves dot by dot. When all dots are precisely aligned reproduce the image, the camera screen tells you it's ready. Insert the paper in the slot, punch firmly as instructed, and get this:

Not only that, but apparently you can show the photo to a webcam, and it will automatically take you to a gallery with more—normal—images associated with the paper one.

We will probably never see it in the market, but I would really really reeeeelee love to have one of the prototypes. [matty martin via Likecool]

Same Ol' Same Ol'

The D300s remains a capable, even impressive camera. I mean, it's not like it got worse: The D300 retains the same sensor, excellent 51-point autofocus system, fantastic chassis build quality and ergonomics—just about the same everything—as the D300, and it still holds up 2 years later, mostly.

Low-light performance is solid, as you can see in the giant sample gallery here that walks through ISO ranges. We're talking fairly good-looking stuff up through ISO1600, though noise starts to creep in there, finally getting oogly around ISO3200. It's no 5D Mark II or D700, but it still stands up. Color saturation remains top-notch, and it seemed to handle white balance even a bit better than 5DMkII we shot alongside it at Giz Gallery last week. Bottom line, though, you're getting the same D300 performance. (Which means D300 reviews are still worth reading.)

So What's New?

• 720p video recording
• Extra SDHC slot
• More Active-D Lighting controls
• Tweaked button layout

Oh Hey, Video

What's majorly new in the D300s is video, and even it's not a whole lot different than what you saw with the D90, which also shot 720p video (and had a similar 12.3MP sensor). But, there's stereo input, and you can autofocus during recording—it's god-awful slow, so you're better off doing it your own damn self. Not to mention movies are capped at 5 measly minutes. And if you're still in live view, you can't actually watch the stuff you've just shot, since the playback button is how you adjust the display's brightness in live view mode.

The video quality itself is good, generally, but pushing past ISO1600, it starts getting a little dicey (Brian's shirt makes my eyes and ears hurt it's so noisy in this clip): Beyond video, my favorite new addition to the D300s are the dual memory card slots, which were formerly a super pro feature. The extra slot holds an SDHC card, which you can use a number of different ways—continuing the storage over from the CF card, duping whatever goes to the CF card, or to save JPEGs from RAW+JPEG shooting. (Handy, since OS X and Aperture don't support D300s RAW files yet.)

And of course, one of the best things about Nikon cameras is that since the lens mount for their SLRs hasn't changed in about 50 years, you can use seriously vintage lenses (and save money), which is something we definitely took advantage of while shooting.

The Value Shopper's Verdict

Here's the thing about the D300s: It's a great camera, no doubt. The problem is two-fold: At $1800, it costs the exact same as the D300 did when it was released two years ago, but beyond video, delivers no major advancements. There's no new pixel-squeezing camera tech here. The other part is that the very shortly forthcoming 7D from Canon is their first direct competitor to Nikon's D_00 semi-pro cameras, and it may make the value proposition look even less fantastic with what appears to be the most advanced video features of any DSLR yet. As it stands, the D300s is a tough purchase call (you can pick up a D300 for $150 less if you don't need video), and certainly not a necessary upgrade. But we hope to head-to-head the 7D and D300s very soon to figure out the best camera you can buy for about $1800.

If only Nikon had just given us the D400 like we'd wanted.

Some Giz posts shot w/ D300s:
• Sprint Hero Gallery
• How Do You Install a 900-Pound TV?
• Equivocation w/ HD
• The Mighty Chew-box-a

Dual memory card slots are a huge win
Good low-light performance, awesome color saturation
Two-year-old sensor costs this year's money
DSLR video still has a long way to go