Category: Bodies

Over on [domi.co.uk](http://domi.co.uk/) I’ve just added a [piece](http://domi.co.uk/2005/08/10/canon-5d-dslr-rumour-mill/) about the supposed new Canon DSLR, the EOS 5D. If it turns out to be as the rumours are saying, it looks like a decent DSLR.

Not exactly news, this, but I thought I’d better at least mention that Nikon has unveiled their latest entry-level DSLR: the D50. It’s got a decently-sized 2inch LCD, near-instant startup time, and lots of automated options for the weekend shooter. It’s also got SD, which I don’t suppose is an issue for the intended audience of first-time DSLR folks. It uses the same 6 megapixel CCD sensor as the D70 – maybe that would be the clincher for the uninformed when choosing between this and the Canon 350D/Rebel XT? Oh and there’s a lovely silver version too.

Predictably, DPReview have got the hands-on preview.

Digital Photography Review has just posted a full review of Fujifilm’s S3 Pro DSLR. This body uses Fujifilm’s own SuperCCD SR for more dynamic range. Fujifilm cameras with their SuperCCD design have always produced images with an odd artifacted look to them. Believe me, I’ve seen it up close, having used a S602Pro for so long. IMHO, the images can best be described as “muddy”, with a passing resemblance to the “watercolour” look of noise-reduced images. This effect is worse onscreen than printed, but it’s there (to my and other eyes, anyway.)

Anyway, check the review – as usual dpreview.com has plenty of information, as well as samples.

Pentax announced today that they will be unveiling the 645 Digital medium format camera at the Photo Imaging Expo in Tokyo.

From the release:

The PENTAX 645 Digital camera will offer professional quality digital image reproduction. The camera will also feature:

* A reliable PENTAX 645 AF mount
* Compatibility with existing smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses
* A Kodak developed extra-large CCD image sensor with 18.6 total megapixels.

At the same time, Kodak have issued a press release [PDF] with a little more information on the 18 megapixel KAF-18000CE sensor in this camera.

The Luminous Landscape has a field report on the new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT / 350D (or for that matter “Kiss n Digital” as it is in Japan). It’s confusingly referred to as the “350XT” in the review in typical LL contrariness. (It then gets referred to as the “Rebel 350”, but I won’t go on…)

Anyway, Michael likes it (I think it’s Reichmann writing) with a few minor quibbles, but what do you want for the price?

Digital Review has a comparison between the Canon and Nikon offerings at the affordable end of the DSLR scale. It looks like it would largely come down to what lens collection you might have already. Then again, as these cameras are aimed at the first-time DSLR buyer, this might not even come into it. Another point is that the Canon is quite a bit smaller than the Nikon, which you can take however you want to. Smaller for travel, larger for more grip and balance… useful review.

Mamiya say: “Mamiya are pleased to announce that initial production tests of the ZD camera have been successful. To ensure that the camera meets the high demands and requirements of the professional photographer there are significant field tests now taking place in Japan. It is estimated that these tests will conclude at the end of March and that once any modifications have been implemented full production will start and then be launched during summer 05.” Prices to be confirmed, but “no more than £8,000” for the body has been mentioned.

As is often the case with all things Canon, Bob Atkins has quite a detailed preview of the new EOS Rebel XT/350D including a pretty complete specs list.