Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Great Camera’

Lowepro Cirrus TLZ 25 Holster Style Case For Digital SLR and Telephoto Zoom Lens Black

Designed for today’s pro-compact and compact digital cameras, the Cirrus Series easily protects both camera and lens from the outside elements. The interior features a memory card pocket for quick changes and brushed tricot lining protect LCD screen and lens from abrasion. The exterior of the bags are built with a tough water and abrasion resistant fabric and can be attached through either a belt-loop or with an included shoulder-strap. This lightweight and compact top-loading bag provides digital camera users with solid protection and fast access to capture those spontaneous moments.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars GREAT Camera Bag
I got this camera bag for my Canon Rebel XS. The original bag I got for my DSLR was bulky (can hold lenses, accessories, etc), so I needed a more practical solution for taking my camera out for shooting.

The only downside to this is that you can only have one lens on, but that being said, you can have a long telephoto zoom lens and still have it fit in the bag – other bags I was looking at could only accommodate a standard lens.

Very practical, convenient, and easy to take your camera around in this. Seems pretty protective, too!

4 Stars nice travel case for DSLR
I have it for almost a year now. It is compact and fits easily on my D-90 with the 18-105 lens + hood on it.

PROS:

1) Easy to put the camera in and take it out

2) Easy and very compact to carry

3) Fits D-90 + 18-105 lens + hood

4) Some space for keeping the cleaning cloth

CONS:

1) Cant keep anything else.

But this is meant for travel and easy access I think and best suits the purpose.

2 Stars Not big enough for a D300
The case’s length is fine for my lens (which most people seem concerned about) but the body of a Nikon D300 barely squeezes it. And I do mean barely. I would try another case if you have a D300.

5 Stars Perfect fit 5DmkII
I got this as a second bag for when I just want the camera and don’t want to carry around a big ole equipment bag..

It fits my 5DmkII with the kit 24-105 lens perfectly.. it’s snug enough where I have to push the camera body in at the end.. fits like a glove!

5 Stars Perfect For DSLR with Large Lens
This was just exactly what I needed. I have a Nikon D80 with a Tamron 18-270 zoom lens and it fits perfectly in this holster. It is easy to carry and I can carry several spare batteries in the pocket of the holster. Great protection and lightweight. Highly recommend this product.

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Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12 2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF S 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6 IS Lens Black

For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than Canons EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canons EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSis refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.New Canon 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC III image processor Canon’s CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies to maximize each pixel’s light gathering efficiency that were first seen with the professional EOS-1D Mark III model. It’s an APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm), and there’s an effective 1.6x increase in the lenss marked focal length when attached. Canons DIGIC III Image Processor dramatically enhances image quality and speeds up all camera operations for intuitive operation. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel XSis sensor to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting situations.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Buy – Trust Amazon !
Purchase for my 16 yr old – living out of state – needed the camera faster than the expected ship date, I sent the email saying I needed it, it came the next day. The camera is better than I expected. the service great. I paid hundreds more for my D-SLR and it was a lesser version – This is a good buy

5 Stars Great camera, but never received from Amazon
Well, I originally ordered the camera through Amazon on the 11th of Sept., it was scheduled for delivery on the 22nd. October 2nd comes and still without the unit, carrier (USPS) showed item was in “arrival scan” status at a location the whole time. Contacted Amazon to cancel order and refund, it’s now the 12th of Oct. and still no camera or refund on account. I ended up ordering the camera from n*w*gg for about $50 cheaper, just so happens they had a promo going on, 10% off all DSLR’s.

My rating above is not for the service, but for the camera.

On to the product, I love the camera so far. I am just getting into photos, so my photo skills are not quite up to par. Using this camera makes taking photos a snap and they come out great. Quick response to capture those precious moments of your first child.

4 Stars Awesome camera kit, nice job Canon!!
I’m very satisfied with this camera. I’m a fine art painter and digital concept artist so I take tons of reference images. It offers all I need for now, i’ll upgrade to a higher end Canon or Nikon when I get the dough.

PROS

great image quality

accurate color

nice functions

large preview screen

lightweight for a digital SLR

good value EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens, images are clear and crisp

CONS

ISO speed only goes to 1600, not very ideal for night photography

Zoom with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens isn’t that great

5 Stars Great camera for the money
I’ve had the camera for about a month and have taken several hundred photos in different environments (outdoor, indoor and action). It does a great job in all areas and the battery life is super… charged it the day I got it and have yet to have to recharge it. The only issue with the camera is either the memory card that I bought or the camera itself… it seems to get hung up sometimes when reviewing photos and sometimes when taking a picture it gets a glitch so you have to shut the camera off and take the memory card out and put it back in, then everything is fine. Great camera for the money!!! If you buy an extra lens for it spend the $400 for the better Canon lens as the $275 (55-275) telephoto I bought doesn’t give as clear of picture as the lens that came with the camera.

5 Stars Canon XSi
This camera is a great camera for DSLR beginners. It is very easy to use and takes very good pictures.

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Olympus SP 565UZ 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom

Olympus has given the SP-570 UZ the worlds most powerful ultra zoom digital camera an extreme makeover by creating the new SP-565 Ultra Zoom, a smaller and lighter version with the same amazing precision-crafted 20x wide-angle telephoto zoom lens (26-520mm equivalent), but the ease-of-use of a point-and-shoot camera. Photographers searching for an even more portable and approachable ultra zoom to take anywhere will rejoice in the cameras new form factor, and with 10 million pixels and Dual Image Stabilization delivering superior, virtually blur-free images, the SP-565 UZ is proof that good things do come in small packages.
The cameras enhanced Face Detection can now track up to 16 faces within the frame and optimize exposure even when subjects are moving, ensuring that family reunion group portraits will come out well-focused. In addition, the SP-565 UZ ensures sharp, brilliant images with a host of other features.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars I am please with my new camera
I purchased this camera for the zoom capability and have been pleased with everything about it. I still am learning about it as I use it, it is user-friendly.

5 Stars super good!
Great camera! Great pics. A littel more than I want to have to do but I like a point and shoot! It’s not much more complicated though.

4 Stars Excellent camera for the price.
EASY TO USE CAMERA WITH A LOT OF AUTOMATIC SETTINGS AND FEATURES; FOR THE EVERYDAY PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WANT’S A BETTER PICTURE THAN TAKEN WITH THOSE LITTLE CAMERAS. I TRIED THIS CAMERA IN DIFERENT LIGHT CONDITIONS INTERIORS AND (GREAT PICS).

I SPECIALY LOVE THE WIDE ANGLE LENS, THE SOON, FOCUS AND BETTER FLASH THAN THE LITTLE CAMERAS.

J.L

5 Stars Beautiful pictures
I purchased this camera after much research. I didn’t want an SLR with the camera bag, lenses, etc because I’ve been down that path. I wanted something easier to use and less bulky, but more than a small point and shoot. I also wanted a view finder. I opened the box and immediately liked the way the camera felt in my hands. I played with it a couple of days before going on vacation to really test it out. I Love it! It is so easy to use and takes great pictures. I had several printed and have had people look at them and comment that they need to buy a new camera now that they have seen my pictures. I was amazed at how nice the pics are even in low light conditions. This camera is a good one for the price.

4 Stars Olympus SP-565UZ
I have had the camera for about a month now and am spending a lot of time learning how to use it. It is a liitle smaller than I imagined but as I only have full use of one hand, it is very satisfactory. There are many very nice features, one that I really like is Panorama. It works very well. I especially like the fact that it uses “AA” batteries. Good rechargables give me many pictures and I haven’t run out of power, yet. I normally keep 2 sets of batteries available and after shooting photos, replace the used ones with ones that have been recharged.

I am still undecided about a focusing issue where it doesn’t seem as sharp as it could be but am experimenting with different settings. I guess, time will tell.

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Nikon D5000 12 3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 2 7 inch Vari angle LCD Body Only

A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly advanced D-SLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon’s EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Great Camera Amazon.com free shipping is the low rating
Great Camera we only had the camera a few weeks before going to Alaska, which was the reason to buy at this time. The camera did a great job over 984 pictures. The pictures were taken from moving buses, boats, train and dog sledge. We were able to capture Moose, Grizzly Bears, Fox, Wolf, Deli Sheep, Whales, Sea Lions, Eagles, Swans, and Caribou. The scenery picture are outstanding the one of Mt. McKinley in the evening is just breath taking, the Tundra was getting its Fall colors when we were there and those shots are beautiful, as well as the close up shots of the flora and Fiona. The videos when we were riding the Dog Sledge (summer trainer had wheels) are great you can hear the Musher working the dogs and answering our questions. We could not be more pleased with the camera 5 stars all the way.

The low rating is Amazon.com free shipping ploy, free shipping if you are willing to wait 3 months for delivery, but if you want it now it is extra. Well they got their pound of flesh this time but not again, they are not the company they use to be so buyers beware. There are a couple of other camera supply that are better and better priced once you take in amazon.coms’ shipping ploy, try [...]

3 Stars Your mileage may vary
I have been using Nikons for over thirty years. I am a great fan of Nikon although the price point of some of their products does not alway reflect actual quality compared to other vendors and Nikon has the same problems with production quality control as everyone else.

I knew this camera had a tiny, dim pentamirror viewing system but based on its size and sterling reviews of its D90-like auto-focus I purchased it anyway assuming I could rely on the autofocus.

The D90 is a nice size compared to larger body dSLRs and once you get used to the controls handles well. The video function is quite useful; I have never been a fan of live view. The low noise of the sensor is very impressive compared to just the prior generation of Nikon/Sony image capture devices.

Nikon now has the camera only in part because of the recall based on potential early failure of the on-off switch. I commend Nikon for taking pre-emptive action. However potential buyers of this camera should be aware of reports that virtually every D5000 currently in the reatil chain is subject to a recall for this problem.

I hope it is only my particular specimen but this camera could not reliably autofocus and systematically underexposes.

Exposure issues are partly a matter of taste and can be easily compensated.

However the execrable viewing system forces one to rely on autofocus and this particular unit needs bifocals.

As I said, your mileage may vary.

4 Stars Requires way more light!!
Out of the three Nikon’s I own this one requires way more light than any of the others. That means that the shutter speed is way slower and your subject must hold still much longer to try to get the picture. Indoors the flash needs to go off all the time which my D70 did not.

The same light issues go for the video recording.

The only other issues I have noticed is that the flash has a much lower profile than some of the other configurations, meaning when shooting with certain lenses at certain fields of view there will be a dark ring on the picture where the lense has blocked the flash.

Everything else seems to be working as expected but these two issues are a lot to contend with if you like shooting indoors or with lower light, moving objects and longer zoom lenses. My lense of choice is the newer 18-200 but does block the flash.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the camera.

2 Stars But wait, a second recall
Yes The recall was a hassle and the whole time it was gone I panicked I might have been scammed, but last week the camera was back. However as I was opening some package a few days ago it found it to be empty box, but with further searching I found a letter from Nikon. They want it back again. Shouldn’t someone from Nikon be trying to contact people personally? I have not even held the camera in my hot little hands for more than a day and now I have to give it bacK Again? I bought my first Nikon in the early 70’s and have upgraded when needed. I have never heard of this . Nikon should send us all new cameras, then we can send the bad one in. I like the camera and really don’t want to give it up again.

5 Stars Awesome performance on a lightweight package.
I got this camera back on July, its serial number is inside the range of the recall. But mine havent failed yet after 2 months of full time use.

So I just wont send it to repair until it fails, crossing fingers here though. Anyway if it ever presents a problem I will just send it to Nikon since it has full warranty and Nikon’s policies are to repair the unit no matter the time or when it fails, could be a lot of time, they will repair it fast for free.

Ok now to performance, this camera performs as good as the D300 or D90 step up brothers IQ wise. High ISO performance is top notch, a few reviews over the net show that it has less noise than D300.

This little consumer grade camera will do just about everything than other more expensive DSLR’s. Like full manual settings, high exposure shots, D-Lighting, in camera editing, etc, etc.

The little screen is just perfect, the size and weight too. The menu is user friendly, everything it has looks like a true 2009 model. 5 stars, cant find a flaw.

This camera lacks an integrated autofocus motor, but that feature is for use of older lenses and some exotic ones. So it has 87 variety of Nikon and aftermarket lenses to choose from,

that is one of the reasons I bought this camera, saving money discarding a feature that I wont ever use since Iam new to phootgraphy and Iam just starting making my own lens collection, with only new AF-S type of lenses that come with their autofocus motor. It doesnt have a top LCD display but I really dont like them, they look old. They are usefull, but really not a need.

It has the video feature, wich it isnt as a camcorder quality but way better than a Cybershot, and its a DSLR so I wont go deeper about its video performance, wich anyway is HD 720p, for short clips is perfect.

The 4FPS continuous shot is quite good, not professional but works pretty good, almost no different or noticeable than the 4.5FPS on the D90.

The thing I like most, is the lightweight, coupled with my 70-300vr its ironic how light it is next to a ton of weight from other cameras with heavier lenses.

Cant go wrong with this little camera. This is a great choice if is your first DSLR, or if its your 2nd body. Because if you are serious about photography, for more money u can get a more solid, body with more features, that are usefull for the professional photographer. But for everyone else, this 12.3 MP sensor is the same as the D300 or D90. The Image quality brings a tear to the eye, Period!

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Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14 42mm f 3 5 5 6 and 40 150mm f 4 0 5 6 ED Zuiko Lenses

Your life is full of priceless, fleeting moments that you want to keep just the way you see and feel them. Preserve each moment with the E-520. With the E-520’s Live View, you can shoot your subject while viewing it on the LCD monitor, so it’s just like shooting with a compact camera. In addition to phase-difference detection AF, the E-520 incorporates a high speed Imager AF that offers easy 11-point multi-area autofocusing with Live View simply by half-pressing the shutter button. Face Detection AF automatically detects up to 8 faces at a time and adjusts focus appropriately. Accurate composition is assured by the monitor’s 100% field of view. The E-520 is equipped with a 2.7″ HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with high-definition 230,000-dot resolution, improved contrast ratio, and enhanced color reproduction capability. While shooting with Live View, framing-assist patterns or a histogram can be displayed on the LCD monitor to improve your picture composition and check exposure condition. The E-520 incorporates a Live MOS sensor with 10-Megapixels, Olympus’ original TruePic III image processing engine delivers improved imaging, gradation expression and color reproduction capabilities as well as minimized noise at high ISO setting. Olympus’ highly acclaimed dust reduction system employs a Supersonic Wave Filter in front of the image sensor, which vibrates at such high speed and with such great power that it removes even the most stubborn dust; dust that cannot be removed by just shaking the image sensor or by discharging the static electricity. Weight – 475 grams (body only)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Camera
my first slr and i love it,great picture quality and easy to use!but i still have to learn more about this camera.

5 Stars Great Camera, Great Lenses and Features Galore
The E-520 is my very first DSLR and I have had it now since April ‘09 (the Easter Bunny brought it and I can’t say enough good things about this camera or this combo.

The camera body is lightweight enough to carry all day without getting tired but sturdy enough to not feel “cheap”. The two kit lenses cover most of the distances the average user will want or need, and again neither one is a back-breaker. I use the 40-150mm when I am going to spend a day at the zoo to bring the animals closer to me (since they won’t let me get closer to them .

One really nifty feature that the camera offers is the ability to use Live View Boost to focus and frame pictures with an infrared filter in place on the front of the lens and to actually see what the camera will record. Pretty cool.

The controls are easy to use and I think the only challenge I have encountered where they are concerned is not in using them but in remembering what to use when and to remember what menu it is under. Fortunately, most of the things you will need most often (wb, AF, Flash, ISO, etc.) also have dedicated buttons easy to find right there on the camera body. You can also set your own custom profile combos to allow you to quickly switch from one set up to another without having to remember what you did the last time that you liked.

The 20 scene modes make life very easy especially when you are just starting out or if you don’t want to think and just want to shoot. And the ability (with the optional waterproof housing and light) to shoot underwater would be a really cool thing to do.

Color is great, clarity is great, the ability to remotely control the FL-36R or FL-50R flash units without having to have them attached to the camera by wires of any kind is great too.

A word about the proprietary XD card (the camera supports three different recording formats, CF, XD and Microdrive (But who uses those really?)) you can have the card in the camera in addition to the CF card and I would recommend having one just for the panoramic assist option which is only available if you use the XD card. The panoramic assist supports horizontal and vertical pans and the stitching software is built into the Olympus Master software that comes standard with the camera.

The only down side to having this camera is that you may find it difficult to find all the different lenses available at your local camera store (but there is always Amazon) as Nikon and Cannon have much better marketing. Oh, and one more word about lenses, you can get adapters which will allow you to use not only Olympus OM mount lenses from your SLR but also Pentax, Minolta, Nikon, Cannon, Miyama, and all the rest. Olympus only makes the OM mount adapter but you can find all the others aftermarket. You will need to be able to manually focus and set the f-stop on the lens itself as those features won’t be supported through the adapters but it sure opens up options.

5 Stars Thank the gods for digital cameras!
I shopped and I compared before buying. While the E-520 is not my first SLR–I have owned and shot with Nikons and Canons for many years–it is my first Digital SLR. I am very comfortable with it. It is sturdy, good looking, flexible and efficient.

The main complaint I see regarding the E-520 is its ability to focus. That is a valid complaint. However…

First, every lens that Oly makes is different in its auto-focus characteristics. Yes, you will have to become familiar with each lens separately, but this is true of all SLR cameras and lenses.

Second, some lenses are better than others at AF. Most of the complaints I see come from birders, and they are probably using the 40-150 kit lens, or the 70-300 lens. These lenses do take some getting used to.

I was shocked when I received the 70-300. It’s a monster! But I have been able to focus on a wire 100 feet away, then move the camera and focus 200 yards beyond that within a split second; same with the 40-150 kit lens after a little practice.

In low light, I recommend that one ALWAYS focus manually.

As far as the quality of the image produced by the E-520 (once you master the focusing aspect), it is spectacular. I have spent hours comparing images from the E-520 to those from Nikons and Canons. There is virtually no difference. (Check out the review and compare images at: [...]

If you’re willing and able to spend $8000 for the top Nikon body (and another $10,000 or so for lenses), you will get that little bit of extra resolution and snappy auto-focus. But you didn’t spend $18,000 for the Olympus E-520.

Is it fair to buy a $25,000 Pontiac Solstice and expect it to perform like a $160,000 Ferrari?

The E-520 is an amazing camera. Period. Full stop. It’s even more amazing when you consider that you can buy it with two kit lenses and add the 50mm “Pro” lens and still have spent under $1000.

Happy shooting!

4 Stars Shooting into a crowd
For the beginning to mid range photographer this is a great deal. The body is around $500, the lenses can be $100 each.

The camera is real good in manual. However I have a lot of trouble with the scene or auto modes. The flash comes up and it is confusing why it won’t take the shot sometimes. Long story short, the auto metering system is too stupid for its own good.

In manual there can be a little noise at expected setting but noise filter, reduction, shock, and Image stabilization leave you with no excuse for that to become a problem. The shutter can do 1/4000 to 60″/Bulb; overall a good range. Aperture is all in the body (the lenses don’t have manual aperture.) Focusing is excellent and many options are offered in that regard. There are good on board effects, sharpness, contrast, saturation, greyscale with tint balance, and many more.

The dust feature is priceless. The lenses come with respective hoods. CARD SOLD SEPARATELY (that one got had me biking up to Walmart 8 in the morning. Warning- the software for downloading is kinda sucky. I would just copy from removable disk.

Overall I say it’s a great camera for the hobbies, student, or superstar on the way up! I am of the opinion that this is one fully loaded, serious piece of equipment at the top it its class.

5 Stars E520 is a great feature-packed entry level DSLR
I bought my E-520 in November of 2008 and we purchased this second camera for my father.

As said before in many other reviews, the E-520 is a DSLR with full control over it’s features. In-body image stabilization works great and allows all 4/3rds lenses to be stabilized.

The E-520 pairs beautifully with the 50mm f/2.0 Zuiko Digital Macro.

The 14-42mm is a versatile wide angle and the 40-150mm is a great entry level telephoto.

Check out the reviews on [...]

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