Review Nikon Coolpix S1000pj by Carel Struycken

October 1, 2009
Review Nikon Coolpix S1000pj by Carel Struycken

Carel Struycken reviews cameras from Roberts Imaging in Indianapolis, IN.  See specs and pricing for the new Nikon Coolpix S1000pj.

When we first mentioned to Carel the idea of reviewing the new Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, he seemed rather excited to test the new projector feature.  Carel tested the new nikon extensively in Catalina Island, California and said the following in his review:

The Coolpix S1000pj is a very interesting point and shoot camera. Most of the attention during its launch goes to the unique built-in mini projector, but it is also a very well rounded camera with a great zoom range, a very intuitive interface, smooth automation and it produces excellent stills and video.

Most people who get a hold of this camera will probably first try the projector. I happened to be in a room with lots of daylight bouncing off white walls, but could still get a decent projection of about 13″ diagonal on a shadowy section the wall. In a room with dimmed light one can easily increase the projection size to a 30″ diagonal. The projected image is not as crisp as the same image viewed on an LCD screen or as print, but this will not be much of a detriment for the average action snapshot or video.

The 5x zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) also does macro to an amazing 3cm (1.2″) and with the advertized 5 “advanced Nikon image stabilization features” one uses the full range without giving it much thought. As with many P&Ss, the zoom control tends to overshoot from wide angle to full tele and it takes practice and finesse to make it end up somewhere in the middle range.

The “intelligent automated shooting modes” select the best combination of apperture, ISO and shutter speed on the fly and it seemed to make the right decision in all environments where I tried it out.

The camera also has a “Smart portrait system with skin softening” which I neglected to test. The camera detects faces very rapidly and  the skin softening should be a welcome piece of automation to all of us who have done portrait retouching. There is also a “smile timer”, “blink proof function” and the camera fixes red-eye in-camera. Pretty much every kind of retouching is now done in the camera. Who knows, maybe we will have “auto slimming” in a few years, where everybody is electronically slimmed down to an ideal Body Mass Index.

But, most importantly, this little camera gave very good results and also produced surprisingly low noise at higher ISO settings. This has always been a challenge for P&Ss with their tiny sensors and densely packed pixels, but during the last year the pixel race has finally slowed down and the attention to more important characteristics such as noise and dynamic range is beginning to produce results.

Carel Struycken

The images in the following slide show were taken by Mr. Struycken in Catalina Island, California:

Olympus E-P1 Pricing Information and Reviews

August 5, 2009
Olympus E-P1 Pricing Information and Reviews

The absolute hottest camera TODAY is the new Olympus E-P1.  If you read the blogs, imaging news and watch the videos, most everybody loves the camera and what it can do.  For our purposes, here’s what we love about it and why it might fit for you too:

Visit our Consumer Pick for where to buy the new Olympus E-P1, best price and service we’ve seen or call them directly at 1-800-726-5544.

-The E-P1 is super convenient and functional

-It’s the smallest 12.3 megapixel camera with an interchangeable lens system.  This is unbelievable if you’re into using different lenses for sporting events or other family events where different lenses might be more suitable.

-You can create great slideshows with the E-P1

-Yes, the Olympus E-P1 takes VIDEO!!!  The video is fantastic quality for personal use or to post on the numerous social networking websites.

But possibly more important than all of these factors is the small size of the camera.  It’s not like your standard bulky DSLR.  This camera will actually fit in your purse or a small bag so you can get around with it conveniently.

Here are a few more neat things about the new Olympus E-P1 (our favorite camera):

MULTIPLE EXPOSURE
A Multiple Exposure function enables you to be creative in the landscape or portrait formats, or even a combination of the two. Multiple images can be captured and combined. The creative possibilities are endless. What will you create? Now you won’t have to wonder. With the E-P1, you’ll simply go out there and create.

AUTO ADJUSTMENT AND FACE DETECTION
The camera has 19 automatic scene modes, including Night-Scenes, Portraits and Landscapes. Its Intelligent Auto Mode (iAuto) identifies your shooting intent (including macro or sport photography) and adjusts the settings accordingly to achieve the best results. A new ePortrait Mode allows you to soften shadows and smooth out facial features, either before image capture or during post-capture edits. And a Face Detection function reduces the chance of blurred subjects when shooting several people at once, even if they’re moving while you’re shooting.

SHADOW ADJUSTMENT
No longer must you worry about the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The camera’s Shadow Adjustment Technology corrects for extreme light variations with high-tech efficiency. This can also be used in post-editing.

ART FILTERS
For even further creativity, there are six built-in Art Filters, all of which can ultimately be applied within both the still and video imaging process. These include Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole. The effects are instantly viewable on the LCD when using the E-P1 in Live View or when reviewing images.

For form and function, (and price), we pick the new Olympus E-P1 as the hottest camera today.  We think you’ll feel the same once you’ve used it.

Sony a230 Accessories – Reviews and Pricing Information

July 20, 2009
Sony a230 Accessories – Reviews and Pricing Information

The Sony a230 has become one of the most popular in its segment.  This is likely due to the the function you receive for the price.

The best price we’ve found for the new Sony a230 can be found here or you can call the distributor directly and ask for information on the new Sony line and a230 accessories at 1-800-726-5544.

The following accessories are available for the new Sony a230 camera:

1.  Magnify your subjects with pinpoint accuracy and control. This long-telephoto Sony zoom lens provides high magnification and a broad 14X zooming range in compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to carry–and its 35mm-equivalent range of 27mm wide-angle to 375mm telephoto excels at capturing faraway objects, outdoor performances, complex scenery and crisp close-ups. It’s an invaluable accessory to your Sony DSLR-A700 and A100 camera.

2.  Shoulder Bag accessory for Sony a230.  I feel six million dollars here. Yes, I feel bionic. Don’t mind my 70s red tracksuit and the way my eye falls out of my head and chases you round the room. Just sit down, relax, watch some re-runs with me . . .

FEATURES
Water resistant 900D shell & 300D Ripstop lining, 1 x external pocket w/ internal mesh pocket, 2 x internal side pockets, 2 x external accessory attachment straps, 1 x mesh zip pocket under clip & Velcro release flap, padded & Brushed Nylon lined main compartment w/ 6 x configurable dividers, plastic stiffening layer in base, carry handle, adjustable removable shoulder strap & shoulder pad. New Velcro Silencer on 06A-10A !

HOLDS
Suitable for a digital SLR, vertical grip & “twin lens kit”, external flash unit and basic accessories, or DV cam and accessories. E.g. EOS D series SLR’s, Nikon D series SLR’s & attached lens up to 6″/15cm long & external speedlight & second lens up to

DIMENSIONS
A fully padded photo bag with 6 x configurable dividers. You require a shoulder bag that provides a protective environment for your photo and or video equipment that doesn’t scream “photo bag!”

3.  Compact Flash for Sony a230:

Illuminate your subjects with this handy compact external flash. It extends the range of your α DSLR’s built-in flash and offers bounce flash for shadowless indirect lighting.
Expand your creativity with the revolutionary HVL-F20AM compact external flash, which extends illumination range beyond the camera’s built-in flash. Bounce flash enables shadow-less indirect lighting while TTL (through the lens) flash exposure is automatically controlled by your α DSLR for easy and intuitive operation?all in an ultra-compact design which folds flat when not in use.