Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR Review

Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR Review
July 2014, Carl Garrard

Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR Review: What's something that a smartphone can't do? It can't zoom from 24-1000mm, that's what.  All in one cameras like the Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR pictured to the left are still growing in sales in the camera market, despite a contraction of sales across the board for the industry as a whole. Why are superzoom cameras still growing in the market? Simple. Instant gratification seems to drive the demand. It seems to me that most consumers want one device that can do many tasks or, do something extraordinary. Today's superzooms have reached capabilities that we used to joke about on internet forums just five years ago. Lens technology has never been more advanced, and I'm definitely seeing some extraordinary capabilities with today's superzooms that I thought I'd never see happen in my lifetime. Enter the Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR, just one of many superzooms on the market. My goal? To find the best superzoom for the price. More...

Your Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR Connection

Upcoming Review: Superzoom

A superzoom review is coming up here soon. This is a camera that I find to be the best value superzoom on the market which will be compared to two other very popular superzooms. If you are in the market for one, I think my review will definitely be worth a read. On this blog I continue to try to report on interesting cameras and lenses that offer a lot of value for the money. My goal is to help photographers save time and money in search for the right equipment. Coming soon ...!

-Carl

Pentax K3 Prestige Edition Announced

Pentax K3 Prestige Edition Announced
July 2014, Carl Garrard

Today Ricoh/Pentax announced a new Prestige Edition Pentax K3 DSLR. Besides the gorgeous color (really this is one bad ass looking camera), the special edition will only sell 2,000 units worldwide and comes with a matching battery grip and special camera strap. Two batteries are also included with the package as well. Pentax/Ricoh are known for special edition cameras, and the K3 already comes in a special edition silver version as well- granted with many more units produced than the Prestige Edition. It's selling for a pretty good price if you are a collector in my opinon. Read the press release below and decide for yourself.



Pentax K-3 Zone

Olympus Pen E-PM2 Review

Olympus Pen E-PM2 Review
July 2014, Carl Garrard

Olympus Pen E-PM2 Review: Poor Olympus. They seem to be a company that are always climbing a mountain but never near reaching the top. Fortunately, they do seem to gather and procure a very committed crowd of photographers that buy their equipment. There are some very good reasons for that, especially these days. But before I get off on a tangent- I'm not here to talk about the company as a whole. Well, not directly at least.  Recently I've come to acquire the little Olympus Pen E-PM2. This is a camera that many of my readers may think I'd not be interested in considering that I love myself a camera with a ton of external controls. We'll to them I say: sometimes there is more to a camera than meets the eye. More...

Olympus E-PM2- Who Needs A Lens?

Pentax K5IIs - Extreme Low Light Shooting (ISO 204,800)

Pentax K5IIs - Extreme Low Light Shooting (ISO 204,500)
July 2014, Carl Garrard

Today's test is about shooting in extremes. Occasionally we all mess up exposure, some of us more often or less than others. Look, it happens. When it happens, you can only hope your equipment is good enough to help salvage an image beyond your mistakes. This is why I tested the K5IIs in extreme circumstances to see how much real time/real life exposure latitude the sensor has. In other words, I wanted to see how well the K5IIs raw files could stand up in extreme underexposure at the camera's highest ISO setting. The image to the left was shot two stops underexposed at ISO 51,200 and developed from raw. More...


You've Entered: The Pentax K-5 IIs Zone

PENTX XG-1 Announced Today (with pricing for the US Market)

Pentax XG-1 Announced Today (with pricing for the US Market)

July 2014, Carl Garrard

Today a new Pentax 52x superzoom replaces the Pentax X-5 (the K5 DSLR look alike), Pentax's XG-1. This camera is shooting for the consumer/beginner crowd and aims to be a relatively affordable but versatile package. It should go for about $399.00 USD initially, but this price is likely to be adjusted. The XG-1 looks more like the K50 DSLR this time around, instead how the X-5 was a knock off of Pentax's highly popular K5 camera. The press release for the XG-1 is below the basic information below. Some stand out specs are its HD video capability, dedicated af assist lamp, good macro capability, and host of digital filters. It's 16mp BSI CMOS sensor is widely shared among many different digital cameras, and it's decent for its intended market. Since this is a camera intended for beginners/consumers, it does not come with raw file capability. In my mind, a decently priced/spec'd camera for vacationers and for making family memories. It might be nice to see Pentax stand out a bit more by offering something different than other manufacturers, but alas...the XG-1 is the current superzoom model that comes from the new Ricoh ownership.

PENTAX SUPERZOOMS

24 Shots- A Roll of Practice

Today's exercise is about getting back to basics. Of late I'm on a big 35mm film kick but of course I'm still shooting digital like most people. In between rolls of film I like to keep my skills and awareness sharp for the use of film, because I get lazy shooting with digital (as many of us do. admit it). When shooting with film, you just naturally tend to concentrate a lot more on the subject matter, composition, and exposure than you need too with digital- yet the result is unusually high keeper rates as a matter of practicing good habits. Practicing inbetween rolls of film is easy to do with digital. If you use a DSLR try this simple technique.

Minolta Dynax 9/Maxxum 9- A Look Back In Time

One of the commercials for the Dynax 9/Maxxum 9 legendary film camera. Someone was nice enough to post this on YouTube yet, at the time of my posting, only had 17 hits. For shame! The Maxxum 9/Dynax 9 is arguably one of the best professional film cameras designed ... ever. Enjoy. Minolta Maxxum 9

Pentax K5IIs Review

Pentax (Ricoh) K5IIs DSLR Review
June 2014, Carl Garrard
Pentax (Ricoh) K5IIs DSLR Review
My preview is already up here on this site so I'm going to cut right to the chase with this review. I have a big history with the K5, so any and all changes made to the K5IIs have immediately become apparent to me while using it. Other than the changes noted in this review, a comprehensive review on other features etc. is available in my K5 review. Oddly as this may sound, I do want to note right away that I think it's stellar that Ricoh/Pentax still include a real comprehensive printed manual with this camera. I'm getting rather tired of the the cost cutting going on with other manufacturers to the point that they aren't including one with the camera. That said, the differences between the K5IIs and the K5 is a short list, but an important one, so lets get started.

Pentax K-5 IIs Body Only Easy Price Check

K5IIs Review Update

K5IIs Review Update
May 2013, Carl Garrard

We'll as promised, the K5IIs has arrived for testing and the project it will take on will certainly do just that. Here it lies unopened yet in its box, thanks B&H for excellent delivery! My new Raven project starts immediately which will push the limits of the K5IIs's dynamic range, focusing ability, and detail retention. After spending a lot of trigger hours on my K5 and other Pentax's as well, it's going to be interesting to see how this new camera stacks up to the task and my expectations. I'm a huge fan of my K20D's handling and for the most part that camera takes care of all of my DSLR needs, however the K5IIs is undoubtedly more prepared to take on this task and give me several advantages over the K20D- which is why I bought it.


Pentax K-5 IIs Best Price Check

Pentax K5IIs Review Forthcoming

Pentax K5IIs Review- It's forthcoming!
May 2014, Carl Garrard
Pentax makes some kick ass DSLR's, one of them in fact got my DSLR of the Decade award, the highest honor I've ever given any camera, let alone a DSLR- the K5. The K5IIs may be old news (late 2012), especially compared to the much fussed about K3, but it remains a very much capable camera. I've chosen it as a personal purchase to begin a photo project on ravens and crows I'm about to ebark on. Why? Two reasons mainly, it's phenomenal sensor is one of the best in the dynamic range department (14 stops is insane in the digital category at this price), namely the shadow areas, and it's lack of an anti-aliasing filter means more detail on crops. It's improved auto focus will definitely be welcomed as well. It's price right now is like insanely tempting and I couldn't resist it. The bang for the buck factor here is extremely high- bargain hunters you better take notice. I've also got an investment in Pentax lenses and the one's I've chosen are also great performers for the dollar. We'll see if the K5IIs's auto focus improvements live up to their promise with its Safox X af system.

Pentax K-5 IIs Best Price Check

Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II Preview

Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II Preview
April, 2014 Carl Garrard
Today's Low Price - Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II

It's been quite a while since my last post, but, the lab is back in action and I'll be posting again much more often. Thank you for your emails and support for my blog! Today I'll be discussing Canon's recently announced G1X Mark II. Ever a fan of the G series PowerShot cameras, I was eager to get the new G1X Mark II in my hands. This camera is basically a completely new redesign, and probably would be better named as the G2X, but alas, it isn't. The G1X Mark II has a faster lens, better magnification for macro work, smaller body and a forgone optical viewfinder in favor of a plug in and optional EVF. While any new camera design that goes through a radical re-design will draw criticisms, I tend to think that the G1X Mark II has refined itself over it's predecessor as a whole.

Today's Low Price - Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II

Ricoh GR Review

Ricoh GR Review
March 2014, Carl Garrard

Ricoh's GR is fast becoming my go too camera for almost all applications. A photographer and busy father with a career often seeks the pleasure and companionship of a camera that is portable yet highly capable. I have many cameras that can suit this task well, but of late the Ricoh GR is the one I've been naturally grabbing for on the go photography. It is slowly replacing all of my other portable cameras, zoom or not for reasons I shall outline below. Quick specs- APS-C size 16mp filterless sensor, 28mm f/2.8 aperture, full manual controls, art filters galore, and extremely customizable and capable menu system unlike any other compact on the market .


Ricoh GR Best Searched Price

Pentax K20D - Still Loving It

Pentax K20D - Still Loving It

Yeah it's five years old, and this is my third K20D. And yes, Pentax has the new  K-3 out there now. There are those that wonder why I still hold onto some older DSLR cameras when there are so many new and shiny DSLRS's available on the market, especially with the Pentax K-3flagship dangling in front of me. The answer in short, is that I reserve the right to have specific tastes. I've liked many cameras and have loved but a few. I won't talk about the one's I've hated- it's pointless. My needs are as specific as anyone else's and, just as unique. Sometimes we photographers agree on our tastes/needs and sometimes we don't. That's life. With that said, I find great satisfaction in sharing my opinion with others, and, at the same time, I find equal satisfaction in listening to theirs. Humans can be a fickle species, and I'm no different. Needs and desires change all the time, admittedly desires more than needs, but nevertheless we all have that in common to one degree or another.

Nikon Df- First Impressions

Nikon Df- First Impressions
November 2013, Carl Garrard

 Yesterday Nikon announced an interesting camera- about a week after a buzz campaign had been on the net for all to watch. The camera to the left is touted to be many things by Nikon, but I'm not here to discuss what they think of the camera. I'm going to give my raw impressions on what this campaign and camera have left on me. The Nikon Df  is certainly a striking camera by any measure. The exterior exudes functionality first in design, that in the minds eye of this writer, also exudes beauty. Practically designed cameras have always seemed beautiful to me, because it is very obvious the design is meant to appeal to a working photographer.

Nikon Df Information Page

Sony Cybershot RX10- A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing

Sony Cybershot RX10- A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing
October 2013, Carl Garrard
Sony's Cybershot division hard at work, again. This time making an impressively spec'd fixed lens digicam with an optimized 24-200mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss T* lens in front of a 1" sized sensor. The price? $1,299.00 SRP.  While that price is steep from any angle, you need to consider what you are getting for that price. First of all, there's no DSLR lens available with a 24-200mm equivalent focal range and constant f/2.8 aperture anywhere on the planet. Also, this is a Carl Zeiss lens with T* coating optimized in front of one of the best mid sized sensors I've ever tested. Add too a manual aperture ring w/detent switch for purists. That is the star of the show here. Also the camera body itself is also pretty impressive in build with a magnesium and high tech composite frame. There's a top mounted LCD, a slew of external controls, a big tiltable LCD, and very nice big EVF at 1.4 million dots with .7X 35mm equivalent view (basically the same view size you see in expensive full frame digital SLRs). Still a lot of money for you? Don't read on. Sound like a good deal? Have a peek further... (specs first, commentary below them).
Sony DSCRX10 BEST CURRENT PRICES

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1- Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Review
October 2013, Carl Garrard
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Review
The GX1 made waves not too long ago and after a bit of time with one I can see why. This little GX1 is really growing on me. It's not the most comfortable camera to use one handed, but I'm learning to live with it and get around its shortcomings in handling. What I like about this camera is that it's small and completely pocketable with a 17mm pancake on it.  I can use every ISO setting in raw confidently, and it has accurate and blazing fast auto focus. It's controls are adequate, and so is its menu system. Neither blow me away but it doesn't get in my way when shooting stills either. If you want a more detailed review, read on.


Search Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Best Price

Pentax K-50 Review (Part 1)

Pentax K-50 Review
October 2013, Carl Garrard

Pentax K-50 Review: You'd think that enthusiasts would be uncontrollably jumping for joy because of the kind of DSLRS we get today for the prices they are set at. But alas, I still see comment after comment about pricing and lack of features and all sorts of other nonsense. Pentax seem to be throwing the gauntlet at those customers with the K50. It's both reasonably priced and spec'd to the hilt, and even comes with a class leading weather resistant kit lens to boot. There's simply no arguing that the K50 is a lot of camera for the price, by anyone. And when you dig deeper than looking over spec sheets and price, you'll find that there's even more to like about this camera. Interested? Read on.


Pentax K-50 Best Price Three Colors

New Pentax K3 DSLR Announced

New Pentax K3 DSLR Announced
October 2013, Carl Garrard

Pentax has announced its highest level DSLR to date, the new Pentax K3 DSLR. It sits above the similar styled Pentax K5 II/S models and features the most advanced auto focus system and highest resolution sensor from any Pentax camera before it. Pentax has long been a favorite of mine in that they make cameras that provide nearly every item an enthusiast wish list could want, and every year they keep adding to that list. The K3 adds quite a few substantial upgrades over the K5 including more resolution (24mp vs 16), higher frame rate (8.3fps vs 7fps), larger viewfinder view (.95X vs .92X), larger LCD screen (3.2 " vs 3"), and much more enhanced video options for those who do that stuff.




Pentax DSLR Sale Prices

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1: When Will I Ever Learn?

What a looker.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1: When Will I Ever Learn? As a reviewer, cameras come in and out of my hands often faster than I have time to review them- that is just the nature of the game. My digital experience goes back to 2001, when digital cameras were just really starting to make head way into the camera market and film was making a gracious exit from the saloon. In all this time, there are few cameras that I've used, even reviewed, and in this case owned twice or three times that no matter what I try to do- cannot shake them from my fond memories. And in the case of the Panasonic DMC-LC1, I can't shake my desire to use it- no matter how many times I've owned it (counting it's twin brother, the Digilux 2 as well here).



Panasonic DMC-LC1 Availability and Price Check