Eastmon Digital Photography Tips » Canon Digital Cameras

Digital Camera or Video Camera?

Eastmon Admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:05:12 +0000

Often the most asked question before plunging in and buying a new digital camera is what is important to me? Do I want to capture high quality stills or a lot of movie action? Following on from that is the question ” why can’t I get a camera that does both?”

This vexed question is tackled well in the article from DP Review, titled ‘Beginners Guide to HD video’. As the article states compact digital cameras have been capturing video for many years, albeit with mixed results. As technology moved along we started to see a blurring of the lines with cameras like the Panasonic TZ7 offering quick start HD video with zoom on a high end compact digital camera.

HD video recording is fast becoming a standard in many compact cameras, starting from the waterproof Pentax W60 and W80 series cameras, and many other compact cameras wanting to capitalise on the growing HD market.

The real interest though is in the DSLR market with its larger sensor, interchangeable lenses and manual controls. Cameras such as the Nikon D90 set the ball rolling capturing HD video, however the progression since then has been amazing with every manufacturer hopping on board.

Cameras such as the Nikon D5000 and D300s and Canon EOS 500D and the EOS 7D have really set the pace as everyone finds new ways to use these hybrid DSLR/Camcorder.

So the question has changed. Should you now consider one of the new breed digital compact cameras or Digital SLR with HD video and are they as good as they are made out to be?

Canon IXUS 95is Digital Camera Review

Eastmon Admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:54:08 +0000

By guest contributor Thomas Lacey

After reviewing the Canon A480 I had really high hopes for the Canon IXUS 95is still camera, and after reviewing this beastie little unit I was not left disappointed. Its ease of use and high functionality made taking every photo a joy. This camera is a powerhouse amongst compact cameras but is still cost effective and fantastically easy.

First Impression.

Lets talk looks! This camera comes from a long line of very popular and very attractive cameras. The IXUS 95is really hasn’t changed all that much from the IXUS 85is but has added a couple of interesting colours and nice curves to the collection. I tested the grey-blue model and really liked it. It was different to all the black and silver models on the market but not as far out as some of the bright, pastel, or fluro colours we are seeing now. This camera comes in a selection of colours; pink to green and grey to blue. All colours can be seen in the picture above.

The front of the camera is true to the traditional IXUS format. The first thing I noticed about the IXUS 95is was the addition of the plastic front panel. The past models have all had metal front panels. I don’t think this is a disadvantage, the camera has lost a lot of chunk and weight, now tipping the scales at only 120grams. From this we then focus on the chrome lens that is topped off by the viewfinder and flash. The shining silver “Canon” logo sits vertically to the side. There is absolutely no doubting this cameras origin as a Canon IXUS as not a whole lot has changed from past models, but then again, why should it?

The back of the camera features the same-old set of Canon controls. We have the directional pad that doubles up as quick keys for the most used controls such as the function button, macro – landscape, flash and the self timer. Towards the top of the camera we notice a slider bar that changes the camera from auto to program to video and the review button sitting high and mighty next to the slider.

Shot using Sunset mode

The screen is not large at only 2.5” and many will see this as a drawback. I see the smaller screen size as an advantage as it has given Canon space to include a much-needed viewfinder, something necessary when photographing the rugby with that irritating sun glare shining on the screen.

Features.

The camera boasts many usable features for the amateur and enthusiast photographer. It has the ability to be a great throw-in-your-bag type camera but is still able to take photos that could make an SLR user green with envy. The sensor is a 10mega pixel CCD sensor that allows the user to print their photos up to an A3 size. The large sensor also allows the user to showcase their holiday snaps on their large family television without losing definition and clarity.

The lens is great but not much has changed from the previous models. With 3x optical zoom and an aperture range starting at F2.8 this camera is able to take brilliant photos with ease. Auto focus and image stabilization are also included in the lens, but that is to be expected with a Canon IXUS.

The IXUS 95is’ most notable change is the addition of the DiGIC IV processor to the camera, something that the IXUS 85is missed out on. The DiGIC IV processor produces better images faster according to the Canon paraphernalia; I found this to be very true when comparing the IXUS 95is camera to its competitors.

Canon cameras are traditionally feature packed for their price and the 95is is no exception to this. It has all sorts of modes and functions to make every picture perfect. We have a series of pre-programmed semi-automatic modes for specific shots, ISO adjustment, white balance controls, colour controls, light metering control and resolution change. The “My Colours” feature is great but why Canon decided to not include colour swap and colour accent I do not know. It is such a likable little feature, and yes, Photoshop will usually do a better job, but it makes the camera just that little bit more fun.

Auto mode with stunning colour

Intelligent Auto ensures shooting with the IXUS 95is is incredibly easy and is a fairly self-explanatory feature. While the intelligent auto is good it still has the same problems as the Panasonic iA settings. Occasionally the colours will blow out and the images over or under expose, but for the 9 out of 10 shots that come out great it is still a worthy feature. In saying that, at $399 the intelligent auto is an exciting and unexpected addition to the camera and definitely outperforms most of the competition.

Using The Camera

I first used the Canon IXUS 95 when doing a demo on the model. The camera performed so well in a very limited amount of time that I decided to explore it a little more. To say I was impressed is a massive understatement. Lets put it this way; I am now the proud owner of an IXUS 95is in the tested colour.

The camera delivers vibrant colours and sharp edges. Sometimes the edges appear too sharp but a quick fiddle with the settings will change that. In respect to the colour saturation, the IXUS 95is held its own against larger and more expensive cameras and excelled at reproducing rich greens and deep blues.

The DiGIC IV processor was quick and consistent, performing burst shots at about 1 frame per second. The processor was wonderfully effective at reducing noise, which is one thing I really hate creeping into my photos. At zoom, with ISO1600 it was noticeable, but not enough to concern this particularly fussy photographer.

Taken at widest angle - no zoom

12x zoom - 3x optical & 4x digital

Video mode was impressive but not as good as the IXUS 100is’ high definition mode. The IXUS 95is performed well delivering 30 frames per second at 640×480 resolution. Not quite DVD quality, but getting close.

The camera seemed to love taking portraits and photos of family and friends. Movement shots blurred a little at the tail end of the moving object but the overall performance was good. In door shots often over exposed in the foreground but a quick tweak of the controls fixed that. Blame the user on this occasion not the camera.

Portrait mode

Conclusion

The Canon IXUS 95is is a very powerful little camera. Built like a cat with the power of a tiger this camera is sure to impress every user. The features are full and there is not a lot about the camera I would change. The addition of colour swap and colour accent would have been nice, high definition video would have been nicer but at $399 I will certainly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a digital still in the sub $400 mark. After all, I liked it so much I now own it.

Thomas Lacey is the senior sales consultant at Eastmon Dubbo store.

Canon Powershot A480 Digital Camera Review

Eastmon Admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:18:28 +0000

Review by guest contributor Thomas Lacey

If you are in the market for an easy-to-use point and shoot camera, or are an entrant to digital photography game, then the Canon Powershot A480 represents simplicity at its best. With its easy to use controls at your thumb-tip and the usual array of features found on sub $200 dollar cameras, this camera delivers good quality images at a well placed price.

First Impression.

Auto Mode

At least it’s an improvement on the A470! Upon my first look at the Canon PowerShot A480 I noticed the large, stocky design of the camera. Still, this stocky design does not take from fact that the Canon PowerShot A480 is an attractive camera, instead keeps it simple and easy to use. With its stocky design and easy to use, simple design this camera is certainly aimed at a certain group of people who like to know the camera they are holding is solid and don’t need excessive design to show off their latest toy.

On the front of the camera we see nice chrome accents on a simple design. The usual Canon signage is on the front of the camera but besides that, only the flash and the lens stand out. We reviewed the blue version of the camera, the colour looks nice enough against the chrome features, yet you could still tell it was made of plastic. There are definite benefits to having plastic as opposed to metal. While metal will never lose its timeless appeal, plastic allows the camera to keep the fingerprints repelled and the scratches and bumps hidden from view, perfect for a young child’s first camera.

The rear is somewhat toy-like with silver buttons to the right of the unit and a fair 2.5” sized screen taking up the majority of the space. Canon have simplified the controls of this camera by allowing buttons to have multiple functions. The main directional pad houses the majority of controls a user with this camera would need. This allows the amateur photographer to know exactly what is going on with their shooting settings and to be able to quickly and confidently browse through the gamut of camera features and settings.

Foliage mode, no zoom, macro

Features.

The features, familiar to this line of Canon cameras, are all available – Red eye reduction, face detection, motion detection and special scene modes; but what is new to the model is the inclusion of Canon’s Digic III processor. The Digic III allows the camera to start up quicker, take the shot faster and create a superior image quality than its predecessor, and the majority of its competitors.

The lens is quality for the price. With a lens of 3.3x optical zoom (37mm – 122mm SLR equivalent) and aperture range F3.0-5.8 this camera boasts nice picture quality with sharp colour and vibrant colours, befitting the most discerning of photographers. A small amount of distortion can occur but all in all this camera takes a close to class leading shot requiring little effort to make a brilliant, vibrant image to take pride of place on the wall in the living room.

Another fun feature is the addition of My Colour, allowing a quick change between colour to black and white, sepia and vivid. Canon’s My Colour feature also allows you to create your own custom colour setting adding more artistic control to the images.

My favourite features of the A480 are the 1cm macro capability, which allows clear, focused up-close images to be produced from a compact digital camera. And if you wanted to print the image, to show off your artistic creation, the Canon PowerShot A480 possesses a 10-mega-pixel sensor allowing photos to be printed clearly up to an A3 size.

Macro mode at approx 2cm from subject

The scene selection mode is surprisingly good. To be honest, I hadn’t expected the images to reproduce as clearly in scene mode as they did in program mode, were I was able to control the basic settings. A number of pre-programmed modes are available to choose from. Portrait, night snapshot, kids and pets, indoor, sunset, fireworks, long shutter, beach, aquarium, foliage, snow and super macro complete the gamut. The A480 delivers an exceptional standard at such a good price.

Using The Camera.

I found the camera to be quite easy to use. The scene mode allowed me to focus more on the subject of the photo rather than the settings of the camera. The buttons are well placed, the menus are simple to navigate and the camera can be flown virtually with your eyes shut.

The size of the camera allows ample grip and the placement of the lens allows you to grip the camera sturdily with your right hand and not interfere with the lens mechanism.

The macro mode is easy to use and produces an exceptionally high quality image. The auto-focus did take a short while to snap into focus at 1cm from the subject, but you can hardly criticise the camera for that; the results are worth the wait.

Auto mode, ISO 100 at full 3.3x zoom

When using the camera, the only thing that let it down was the screen. The highly pixilated screen, unfortunately, did not demonstrate the definition I expected to see from the images it produces. Although photographs aren’t designed for viewing on the camera, a sharp screen is still important to give you a true indication of the image whilst shooting.

Conclusion

The A480 brings simplicity and excellence to beginners and enthusiasts alike. The stocky design is more reminiscent of Mattel rather than Canon, however, the quality of the image is remarkable for a camera at this price.

For anyone in the market for their first digital still camera or for anyone who is looking for a new point-and-shoot option to compliment their existing collection, with 10-mega-pixels, 1cm macro and an easy to use interface, the Canon PowerShot A480 is a serious contender.

Thomas Lacey is the senior sales consultant at Eastmon Dubbo store.

Canon SX200IS Digital Camera Review

Eastmon Admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:45:57 +0000

Great camera except for the pop up flash

When you know you are heading off to a country like New Zealand one of your firsts thoughts are beautiful scenery, don’t forget the camera. And there is the conundrum! Should I pack the SLR or try out one of the ever growing array of compact big zoom travel cameras? Then I spotted the new Canon SX200IS and my mind was made up.

First Impression

The Canon SX200IS is Canon’s real first attempt to produce a compact camera with a 12x big zoom with 28mm wide angle lens that you may carry in your pocket. Cameras of this type our becoming increasingly popular with travellers because they are slim with a large zoom range.

When you first hold the camera the slighly curved body and rounded edges feel very comfortable to hold onto. The large mode dial on the top is easy to rotate and select different modes, while the buttons on the back are few and easily understood.

Smooth curved body and slightly thicker at handgrip for easy holding

Camera Controls and Features

Pushing the power on button at the top of the camera and the 12 megapixel camera springs to life. The 12x zoom lens pops out the front and the giant 3″ wide viewing angle LCD is so bright and clear that it fills you with confidence that the pictures you take will be brilliant as well.

Most people will shoot on Auto which all seems fairly simple, but underneath the hood there is quite a lot happening to help you take better photographs. When you press the button the camera will automatically be analysing the scene you are shooting and choosing the best mode from macro to portrait, scenery right through to sunset. As well as that it will be detecting faces, incorporating image stabilisation, correcting red eye and checking to see if anyone blinked when taking the photo.

You can still select any mode you want though if you feel you want to control your result rather than be dictated to by the camera, which I must admit I did a fair bit of.

Face detection self timer, a really handy tool

The SX200IS also shoots HD movie and has a HDMI output so you can watch your stills and movies directly from the camera in High Definition.

Using the camera

One of the first mistakes I made was holding the camera in my left hand while turning the camera on with my right. I found that I was always holding the pop up flash down when I was taking my shots and sometimes wondering why the flash didn’t work.

Once I mastered the art of letting the flash pop up when I turned it on we had the opportunity to use the self timer with face detection. There are the usual choices of 10sec self timer etc but the new option allows you to activate the self timer, however the camera will not fire the shutter until it detects faces, then it shoots off 3 images in quick succession. This was quite successful and we used it several times.

Sometimes a big zoom is handy to get back from the danger

The Intelligent Auto mode works extremely well under most conditions, although there were several times when manually choosing the mode from the mode dial did provide a better picture.

Other modes and functions that are not on the mode dial are found by pressing the function button and rotating the selection wheel on the back. This can be a little bit fiddly until you get used to, but it does have some fun functions hidden away there such as the colour selection mode which lets you isolate one colour and turn the remaining parts of the scene to black & white.

The optical image stabilisation was exceptional, which resulted in lots of sharp, tremor free images.

Conclusion

Canon's unique colour selection tool isolates one colour

I enjoyed using the Canon SX200IS while we were away. The compact size and big zoom made it a delight to carry and use. I certainly didn’t miss carrying a DSLR around, although I suspect I would have got better images from it.

How did the camera perform?

I was very impressed with the image quality. The lens performs very well with crisp sharp images. Colour rendition and image resolution from the images was very pleasing and performed in the way I would have expected a Canon to perform.

The 3″LCD is a standout for me as it was easy to use under all light conditions and the 28mm Wide Angle lens is just fantastic for travel images.

The face detection and red eye correction did not fail once, and the face detection self timer is a useful tool that works well.

Who is it suitable for?

Zoomed up 12x, Beautiful colour and sharp clear images

It is the ideal travellers camera, small enough to go out with you for a night out, yet the big zoom is ideal for those distant scenes or animals. While it is happy enough to be used as a point and shoot camera, it would appeal to anyone who like to experiment with their photography to get unique photographs

How would I rate it?

I must admit compact digital cameras are not my preferred choice of camera, but on this occasion the Canon Powershot SX200IS filled our requirements. My only complaint is the pop up built in flash so I have to knock a point off for that. I Loved the images but hated the flash design.

My Rating, 7 stars out of 10

Handheld in low light

Great snapshots, really easily