Technical Details

* New 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System; DIGIC 4 Image Processor
* Bright 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor System LCD plus optical viewfinder
* Wide-angle 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm); Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer
* Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined shooting situations
* RAW + JPEG shooting and recording modes; capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

From the Manufacturer

The G Series comes full circle. You asked, and Canon not only listened, but delivered big-time. Advanced amateurs who have overwhelmingly embraced the G Series will be delighted with PowerShot G11, which features RAW mode for unlimited editing options, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and a 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor System LCD. Add to that Canon’s new High Sensitivity System and high-speed ISO for incredible image quality, and Canon’s top-range compact digital camera is a truly groundbreaking successor.

New 10-megapixel sensor coupled with Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor

The PowerShot G11 employs a newly developed, 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System by combining a powerful CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor. Thanks to this technological advancement, the G11 is dramatically more sensitive than cameras with identical megapixel counts, and delivers spectacular images with minimal noise. Increased sensitivity demands a higher ISO speed, and the PowerShot G11 delivers with a new maximum setting of ISO 3200. Blur and camera shake are notably reduced for the ultimate in sharpness and clarity.

In addition, a new Low Light mode lets you capture images in an astonishing range of conditions. The camera automatically adjusts the ISO speed from ISO 320 to ISO 12800 in relation to ambient brightness, subject movement and camera shake.

Full range of shooting and recording modes including RAW + JPEG
The PowerShot G11’s RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. It gives you clearer images and complete creative control in editing. RAW images are transferred directly to the computer where they can then be edited using image adjustment software or a processing application to adjust your images as you please. The camera can also be set to allow the simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting.

Also, with 26 Shooting Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.

Large, bright 2.8-inch Vari-Angle LCD
The PowerShot G11 gives you a large 2.8-inch PureColor System LCD screen for excellent control when framing your shots. But size is only part of the story. Canon’s PureColor System LCD offers spectacular color, resolution and contrast even at an angle. The screen is durable and easy to see. It is a perfect feature for gathering friends and family around to see your images.

Optional accessories including Speedlite flashes, underwater housing and Tele-Converter Lens
The PowerShot G11 is compatible with the Speedlite flash series intended for all EOS series SLR cameras. Attach a Speedlite flash to the hot shoe, then you can set and control the flash on the “Flash Control” menu in the camera. With a Speedlight, the G11 is given extra functions such as autoflash metering, FE lock and Flash exposure compensation; continuous shooting with external flash. Also Canon’s Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 enables you to have multiple slave flashes and wireless control. A Tele-Converter lens designed for the G11 and WP-DC34 Waterproof Case are also available.

G11 LCD

Wide-angle 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm) with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer
Canon PowerShot G11 highlights
5x optical zoom in action
The camera is equipped with a long, 5x Optical Zoom, and Canon’s own Optical Image Stabilizer Technology keeps images steady and blur-free all through the zoom range–even in low light–by detecting motion and generating a corrective signal. Because it is an optical system, more corrective movement is allowed and there is no degradation of image quality.

The G11 is a highly versatile camera with a wide-angle zoom lens that reaches all the way from 28mm at the wide end to 140mm at the telephoto end (35mm format equivalent). You’ll capture more image in every shot, and add greater depth to your overall photography.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon’s proprietary DIGIC Image Processors have long set its cameras apart from the competition, and the new DIGIC 4 sets the bar even higher. Faster, more accurate noise reduction delivers better image quality, even at high ISO speeds.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

A new Face Self-Timer automatically detects an increase in the number of faces and makes the appropriate adjustments. For instance, to include a photographer’s face in a group shot, there’s no need to rush in. Just put the camera on a stand or tripod, select the Face Self-Timer, and the camera will wait for the photographer’s face to get on-camera before it takes the shot. Motion Detection now tracks moving subjects in a much larger range, and the new Servo AF retains focus on a moving subject after the shutter button is pressed halfway – allowing you to wait for the perfect shot without refocusing. Also, Face Detection and Motion Detection are markedly improved.

i-Contrast in action
Intelligent Contrast Correction
DIGIC 4 also makes possible the new i-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) system, which controls the compensation level in pixel units to brighten dark areas while leaving bright areas unchanged for better images where the main subject is dark, and more natural transition. The PowerShot G11 can even use i-Contrast in playback mode to adjust images that were shot without the setting activated.

Red-eye Correction provides options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures.
1) The Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red-eye in human subjects as pictures are taken.
2) The G11 can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye during image playback.

Life doesn’t give you second chances to capture special times. That’s why the G11 features ISO 3200 to reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpen subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater shooting flexibility.

HDMI output for viewing still images on an HDTV
If you long for the convenience of an advanced still camera that also creates superb movies, the new PowerShot G11 lets you record video in beautiful high definition. The camera also makes it easy to enjoy HD movies (and still photos) on your HDTV with a mini-HDMI connector for direct connection to a high-definition monitor or HDTV. You’ll enjoy the HD experience with no degradation of image or audio in the signal.

Improved Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper setting
Just set the Canon PowerShot G11 to Smart AUTO and you’re ready for maximum enjoyment from your picture taking every time. It’s a relaxing and satisfying way to shoot because you can completely concentrate on your subject knowing that the camera has the technical details covered. Advanced Canon technology intelligently analyzes your situation and shooting conditions. Then it automatically selects an appropriate setting from specially defined settings. So whether you’re photographing flowers, a captivating sunset, or your friends at the park, you can be confident that you’re getting dramatic, memorable images.

Just posted! Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Review

Tue, 4 Nov

Just posted! The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is that most unusual thing, a compact digital camera that has really caught the imagination of photographers. Moving away from the quirky 16:9 sensor of its predecessors, (the LX1 and LX2), this latest offering matches a bright 24-60mm equivalent zoom to a conventionally-proportioned 11 megapixel sensor. Just to keep things interesting, the sensor is then cropped in three different ways to provide a consistent diagonal angle-of-view in three different aspect ratios. So what did we make of the LX3, competitor or curio?
(more)

Today Pentax have announced the SMC Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL Lens.
SMC Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL LensMain Specifications
Lens mount: PENTAX KAF mount
Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
Angle of view: 76° ~6.5° (when mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body)
Number of diaphragm blades: 7
Minimum aperture: F22 ~ F45
Minimum focusing distance: 0.45m (1.48ft)
Filter size: 62mm
Maximum magnification: 0.28X
Dimensions & weight:
75mm (maximum diameter) x 85.5mm (length)
(3.0 inch x 3.4 inch);
16.0 oz (455g) (without lens hood)
SMC Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL Lens News Release
Pentax Announces smc Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] High-performance Zoom Lens

PENTAX Imaging Company is pleased to announce the smc PENTAX DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] interchangeable zoom lens designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. With an approximate 14X zoom ratio covering from wide-angle to super-telephoto ranges, this versatile lens handles a great variety of applications from wide-angle landscapes to close-up sporting events and wildlife photography.

The lens will ship in October for US $499.95.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

SMC PENTAX DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] ZOOM LENS FACT SHEET

High zoom ratio
Mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this zoom lens offers approximate 14X zoom ratio that covers the range from 27.5mm wide angle to 383mm super-telephoto in the 35mm format. Without the need for lens changes, it can be used for a wide variety of applications — ranging from such standard applications as landscape photography, snapshots and portrait at frequently used focal lengths, to specialized applications like sports and wildlife photography at the super-telephoto range.

Superb image description assured by extra-low dispersion (ED) and aspherical optical (AL) elements
Incorporating two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two aspherical (AL) elements, this lens effectively compensates for the adverse effects of various aberrations, assuring outstanding image description.

Digital SLR exclusive design
This lens is exclusively designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras, with its image circle perfectly proportioned to their image sensor size (23.5mm x 15.7mm). Since the coating, curvature and position of all optical elements are optimized for the characteristics of digital images, the lens effectively minimizes annoying flare and ghost images in the resulting images.

Minimum focusing distance
An extra-short minimum focusing distance of 0.45 meters over the entire zoom range
Inner-focus (IF) mechanism to avoid lens extension during focusing.

Posted by Darren in our Lenses category on October 02, 2007

Vivitar has released the Vivicam T25, a 12 megapixel compact digital camera, featuring. a 3 x optical zoom lens, both a 2.5 inch LCD screen and a viewfinder, 32MB of internal memory and an SD card slot for external storage. The new model T25 is a re-branded version of the Foxconn DS-C350. Foxconn Electronics is the largest manufacturer of OEM products and their digital cameras are widely used. From this same model range, Minox had already released the 10 Megapixel DC-1011, based on the DS-A350 camera…

-Model Name Foxconn DS-C350
-Number of Effective Pixels 12MP
-Sensor Type 1/1.8″ CCD
-Image resolution Still (4:3):3968*2976, 3040*2280, 2016*1512, 1280*960, 640*480, Still (16:9):3968*2240, 3040*1712
-LCD Display 2.5 ” LTPS TFT LCD Approx. 150k Pixels
-Lens Optical zoom 3X
-Digital zoom for preview 1X ~ 6X
-Digital zoom for playback 2X, 4X, 8X
-Focal length 7.5mm (W) ~ 22.5mm (T)
-35mm film equivalent 35 ~ 105 mm
-Focus distance (Normal) 0.3m(W) / 0.5m(T) ~ ?
-Focus distance (Macro) 0.05m(W) / 0.3m(T) ~ ?
-Aperture range 2.8 (W) ~ 4.8 (T)
-Optical Viewfinder N.A.
-Shutter speed 1/2 ~ 1/1,500 sec
-Metering mode Multi, Average , Spot
-Exposure compensation +/- 2.0EV at 1/3 EV step
-Exposure sensitivity Auto, 50, 100, 200, 400
-White balance Auto, Pre-set (Incandescent, Bluish Fluorescent, Reddish Fluorescent, Daylight, Cloudy), Manual
-Shooting modes Auto, Anti-shake, Panorama, Movie, User setting, Manual, Av, Tv, Program, Scene mode (Sport / Portrait / Night Scene Portrait / Night / Candle Light / Firework / Landscape / Green mode / Sunrise / Sunset / Text / Black & White / Sepia / Splash water / Flow water / Animals)
-Flash Auto, Red-eye reduction, Forced flash, Suppressed flash
-Self-timer 2,10,10+2 sec delay
-File format Still image JPEG (DCF, EXIF 2.2, DPOF)
-Movie M_JPEG
-Movie resolution 640 x 480, 25 fps
-Movie length Storage base
-Storage Media External : SD card up to SDHC ; SDHC up to 4 GB
-Internal : 32MB (26MB for storage)
-Video output NTSC/ PAL selectable
-Digital interface USB 2.0 high speed
-Terminal Multiple Connector (for included USB & A/V cable) , Power input socket
-Power source Lithium ion rechargeable battery
-Dimensions ( W x H x D ) 91mm x 57mm x 27mm
-Weight (without battery / SD card) 152g

Popular Photography review the Canon PowerShot G9 and writes – ‘After the disappointing lab results of its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot G7, we were a bit skeptical of the Canon PowerShot G9. Not anymore! In general we like what we see. We like Adaptive Noise RAW conversion. We like a compact camera that syncs with external strobes. We like full manual controls. And we like Scene Assist modes to help beginners get better with their compositions before venturing into the uncharted waters of full manual control. We love the Focus Confirm and face recognition instant playback. We like the high-quality half-camera, half-computer Panoramic capture mode. Overall, we like this camera a lot. However, we’re not so impressed with ISO 1600 image quality, nor the mostly useless low-resolution ISO 3200 mode.’

Read more about the Canon Powershot G9