1. 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor; clear images even when taken at high ISO sensitivity
2. Elegant, compact design; includes Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 aspherical lens
3. Capture 1280 x 720 HD video in AVCHD Lite format for longer recording time
4. Full-time Live View; new My Color mode
5. Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Editorial Review :

Versatile Functions and Superb Images. Uncompromising Performance in the World's Smallest, Lightest System Camera* The GF1 adopts the Micro Four Thirds System standard, which was developed as an extended version of the Four Thirds System standard for digital camera systems. By using this standard and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, LUMIX® was able to achieve a dramatic reduction in both size and weight compared with conventional digital SLR cameras, to create a new-generation system camera that features Full-time Live View, high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF, HD movie recording, and more. The GF1 is small enough to take anywhere yet sophisticated enough to take you as far into photography and movies as you want to go.12.1-Megapixel Live MOS Sensor: Higher Image Quality, Lower Power ConsumptionThe 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the GF1 offers the best of both worlds the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. This sensor is also advantageous for photo and movie recording with its high S/N, thanks to a new circuit structure that is unaffected by the noise generated in each of the circuits. It results in clear images even when taken at high ISO sensitivity.Ultra-Portable Pancake Lens: LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH.This bright F1.7/20mm (35mm camera equivalent: 40mm) fixed focus lens makes it easier to take bright photos with soft focus in dimly lit conditions without a flash. Its compact, easy-to-carry size is also ideal for capturing everyday scenes and snapshots.

Customer Review :

Great little camera!

I have been using this camera for a while now and I like it very much. It seems to handle noise very well up to 400 ISO after that you start seeing some. Image qualty and colors are very good. I got the 20mm pancake lens with it and it is a very good lens for a variety of photo situations. I bought this camera to use whenever I can't use or carry a DSLR and so far has worked great for me. The reason I did not give it 5 stars is the price, I think it is a little high for this camera.

Rating :

Great camera!!!

With the 20mm 1.7 lens, this is an amazing camera. I prefer this setup over my D300 with premium lenses I've spent thousands on. Great images, a little larger than my Canon pocket camera, and great quality. It beats out entry level SLRs in size, build and image quality, and is more compact to boot! Low light performance lacks just a bit, maybe the weakness compared to my D300 with an equivalent fast lens but at roughly 1/4 the size and much lighter package, an easy compromise. Not too many 'low light' situations to worry about given the speed of the lens. Indoor shots with a table lamp at night are not a problem. Great camera!

Rating :

Super capabilities, perfect size

I did extensive research before settling on this camera. The in-depth reviews on dpreview were especially useful. I'd been headed for a Nikon D90, but after handling one, I knew that it was just too big for me. I knew I wouldn't want to lug it around while hiking or exploring a city on vacation. This camera is much more portable. I've had it for a few months now and have been very happy so far. I'm not a sophisticated user ... I'm not using RAW files yet, or doing clever editing. I intend to grow with this camera, upgrade from iPhoto to Aperture, etc. NOTE: if it's your only (or primary) camera, you will want to buy both the 20mm and 14-45mm lenses. I've noticed that the prices for the camera packaged with one lens or the other can vary a lot. When you choose which package to buy, assume you'll buy the other lens, too (they are both pretty expensive). I could have saved about $100 if I'd bought the camera with the 14-45mm and then bought the 20mm separately.

Rating :

Conflicted

First, you should know that I use this camera primarily to take pictures of my 4 year old and it is primarily for travel and days where I don't want to carry the DSLR (D300) and associated lenses. I use this camera only with the 20mm lens. The camera is capable of taking great photos if time is taken to compose the shots. My main issue is that the camera's ability to focus on the face of the subject during quick snaps is less than perfect. I've had a number of photos where the camera focuses on the shoulder, arm, or some background item instead of the face of the subject. When taking photos of a fast moving 4 year old, you don't always have the time to correct the focus.

My Pros:
- Fast focus; good burst rate (much better than a point and shoot)
- Size almost as small as a point and shoot. Great for travel
- 20mm lens is sharp with nice bokeh. Really nice photos.

My Cons:
- Often does not focus on the face and because of the shallow depth of field, the face is out of focus in the photos
- Focus motor can be heard when taking movies

Bottom line: For my purposes, I'm not sure if I would purchase this camera again, but its probably the best option on the market right now that's not a point and shoot.

Rating :

The P&S for Serious Photographers

This camera has everything: small size, great image quality, fast response, interchangeable lenses, great ease-of-use. Can use any lens in the micro-4/3 system, and other lenses via adapters. It's only slightly larger than a normal P&S, but has a filter thread so it takes a polarizer and lens shade. It's a P&S for serious photographers, with serious image quality.

I love the 20mm lens, though it's tough to remember to zoom with my feet. But I'll get there.

I recently took it on a trip and have been amazed with the results.
The only drawback is that the screen is impossible to see in sunlight. An external viewfinder is available but I haven't tried it. I may try a focusing cloth to solve the sunlight problem, because I am not going to stop shooting with it. It's too much fun!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor; body only
2. 3.0-inch, 920,000-dot VGA color monitor; 170-degree wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection
3. Fast, accurate 51-point AF system; 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes
4. Base ISO range from 200-6400 can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2); 0.12-second start-up speed
5. Capture images to CF I/II cards; compliant high-speed UDMA CF cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second

Editorial Review :

The new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon's legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon's EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon's renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera's three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon's sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.Nikon's flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400.

Customer Review :

Great camera but beware of FX lenses

I've owned Nikon D40, D40x, D80, D300 and now D700. Also Canon XSI, 20D, 30D, and 40D. I've owned D300 for 2 years and I thought D300 was the most amazing and perfect camera in the world. However, I kept wondering re: D700 and I know several people that swear by it. I sold my D300, D80 and Canon 30D with a bunch of lenses, and purchased D700 and D40 (for backup.)
I've had D700 for a month. The learning curve from D300 is almost zero, if you know how to use D300 this is almost the same.
The question is was it worth to upgrade from already-amazing D300. It depends.

My D300 was an amazing piece of machinery. I've been very happy with high iso photos of D300. I've taken very good photos in low light with it up to ISO5000 and above. So in general I was satisfied with its high iso performance. The lenses for DX are plenty and are easy to find. I had an amazing Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 which is super sharp. There is no equivalent in length and price FX lens. Tamron 17-50 2.8 is another affordable DX lens. In FX you have to go to Tamron 28-75 and 17-50 for DX is wider. There are more affordable choices in DX land than there are in FX land.

D700 has even better high iso, slightly larger viewfinder (I expected a larger difference between that viewfinder and that on D300). And FX of course means that my 180mm 2.8 Nikkor is 180mm, not 270mm and I don't have to walk back 100 feet to take a portrait shot.

Bottom line both D700 and D300 are great cameras, and you should be happy with either. For the price of D700 body you can get a used copy of D300/D300s with Nikkor 17-55 F/2.8 which should be something to consider. If you can afford FX lenses then do research on FX lenses first and see if there are lenses available in the range you will be shooting....

Rating :

Best Camera Ever

I compared this cameral to the canon 50D Even though the canon has 15mp and this has 12 it blew it away.
The clairity and color was literaly 10 times better.

Bigger CMOS and better lense that is FX format not dx nikon.

Basicly you get what you pay for.
I was sick of pictures looking out of focus or just grainy. Even thogh the
50D is high in picksils it did not show. Even though the difference is by a few Maga Pics your eye just catches it. you know there is something off.

Rating :

Wow.

Upgraded from a D90 and the improvements are remarkable. Shot a dance recital the other day in low light using ISO 6400 and they looked great. NEVER could've pulled that off with the D90. Autofocus speed and accuracy is great. Extremely comfortable to hold. Gorgeous viewfinder. Highly, HIGHLY recommended.

Rating :

Get the Picture?

This is an excellent, high caliber camera. It's as simple as that.

Many people who have used and/or owned the D300, which is also an excellent camera feel that this is a step up. Eagles and falcons - two very different things. The D300 and the D700 work well together, like an eagle and eaglet. The D300 has low noise issues and the D700 has the clearer images and wide angle feature working in its favor. Both cameras are 12MP. The D700 is an FX sensor, which is a full frame whereas the D300 is DX. If you want to shoot pictures without using the flash in low light, you can do so with the 1.4 lens at 1600 ISO! You can also count on getting good close ups and good portraits as well.

If you are serious about shooting wide angle, then you want this camera. Compatible lenses are also an issue and you can spend up to $5000.00 for acoutrements, such as lenses for this camera. Since lenses tend to be more durable than the camera overall, they can be costly.

You can get away with 2 DX lenses for the D300. One drawback the D300 has is a possible tendency to overexposure. The D700 is a definite upgrade with regard to picture quality and versatility. Again, you will want to buy DX lenses. If you decide to go with the D700, make sure you have back up memory cards as added insurance. You can use the D300 as well as the D700 to write images on more than one card. The one thing this camera doesn't have is a video component. Another point in the D700's favor is that the D700 has a much better battery. If you get Portrait Expo Discs, you can count on shooting some very nice portraits.


Rating :

D700: Wonderful dynamic range

Going from a Nikon D2x to a D700, I'm very happy with the improvement in dynamic range. Details from shadows and highlights can be recovered from RAW files to an extent not possible with the D2x. Also, nose levels at high ISO settings are much lower. This opens up possibilities of shooting in circumstances not workable with the D2x.

I also like the ability to assign functions to various buttons on the D700. For shooting landscapes, it is great to have the level indicator at the touch of a button, and to initiate a bracketing sequence with a different button. Several of the buttons I didn't use on the D2x are not used frequently.

This is a great camera for the serious amateur, or backup for the professional.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor for high resolution, low-noise images
2. Body only; lenses sold separately
3. Nikon EXPEED image processing; D-Movie HD Video for cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips
4. 3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD; one-button Live View
5. Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Editorial Review :

The rugged D300S' hallmarks include versatility, speed, agility and exceptional image quality. Versatility is its 12.3-megapixel, DX-format CMOS image sensor, with Nikon EXPEED image processing that captures stunning low-noise stills and extraordinary 24 fps, 720p HD video with sound. Speed is split-second startup and continuous shooting at up to 7 fps-8 fps with the optional MB-D10 grip, which also extends shooting capacity and makes shooting more comfortable. Accurate image review, Live View shooting and Menus come alive on a 3-inch tempered glass-protected, 920k-dot LCD monitor, while image quality is bolstered by a 51-area AF system and Nikon's 1,005-pixel RGB exposure sensor, in concert with the newly accelerated Scene Recognition System-technology that increases exposure and AF accuracy, improves white balance detection, and more. Photographers have preferences, and the D300S offers choices-including Picture Control, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering, user-assignable CompactFlash and SD card slots and an external stereo microphone input. Included is Nikon ViewNX software-ready to process rich 14-bit NEF (RAW) or JPEG files. For more editing power, optional Capture NX 2, with U-Point technology, safeguards image quality and speeds workflow. The D300S' pro-level performance, paired with world-famous NIKKOR lenses, was engineered to exceed the expectations of demanding photographers.

Nikon's D300s. Fast. Precise. Agile. Evolution in Motion.

1. 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with Pentax Shake Reduction; HDR image capture
2. Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens
3. Capture widescreen HD 720p video at 24fps; 2.7-inch LCD with autofocus and Face Detection Live View
4. 4.7fps capture rate with 1/6000 sec max shutter speed; 11-point wide-angle autofocus
5. Powered by AA lithium batteries; capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory (not included)

Editorial Review :

Choose a camera that redefines the entry-level digital SLR category. The PENTAX K-x offers high-end features including Live View, HD video and photographic performance that challenges higher class models. Since there's no rule that SLR cameras must come in one color, try the K-x in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. With a one-handed shooting design that is extremely compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use, the very affordable K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

Customer Review :

Excellent camera but...

I bought the camera from Amazon and made 800 shots when a problem appeared. The camera would block all of sudden, shutter speed would disappear from display and there was no way to make shots again. I tried to change batteries and everything seemed to be OK again but only for several shots. The second try was to check lens and contacts, but without help. All in all, K-x is a great camera but in my case very unreliable. I sent it back to Amazon and will order K-x again :)

Pros: very compact, fast, excellent photos
Cons: a bit heavier than I expected, unreliable (in my case)



Rating :

Made a Pentax Fan Out of Me

I bought the K-x shortly after it came out. I got it with the kit 18-55 zoom and the 50-200 zoom. To call this an entry level camera is a disservice. It may be easy enough for a newbie, but the capabilities and options in it go far beyond an "entry" level. The main reason I was interested in the K-x was for the low light performance, and it is everything they say. It is even more so with better lenses and understanding of the settings. The batteries are the only issue but I have not had a problem. I bought 2 sets of eneloops and just keep them charged and ready. I have never got caught out of juice. I did seek to upgrade the lenses after a while. One of the best features owning a Pentax is you can get lenses as good or better than Canon or Nikon for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. You can also fit almost any lens Pentax ever made on the camera. I've picked up a few cheap lenses on Craiglist to get a feel for what I'd like in a new lens. I replaced the 50-200 kit zoom with a DA* 50-135 f/2.8 and it is mind-bogglingly (if that's a word) better. The images it produces have a distinct quality that makes them almost 3D. It's an expensive lens but, believe me, it's worth it. Take my advice on this, though: don't bother looking for a better standard zoom. The Pentax 18-55 kit zoom is one of the best kit lenses available. I compared it to the DA* 18-55 f/2.8 and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and returned both. Neither produced noticeably better images and they did not have the kind of "pop" produced by the DA* 50-135. There just isn't that big a difference to justify the extra cost (it is justified for the 50-135 f/2.8). Be satisfied you have a good standard zoom and maybe get a good prime lens instead. One of the neat features I really like in the K-x is the HDR function. If you take architectural photos, especially at night, it can produce unbelieveable images. The other thing I like is the green button you can assign certain functions to. I have it set to focus when I press it with my thumb. I prefer doing it that way than pressing half way down on the shutter. Don't be afraid to buy this camera. I know Canon and Nikon are the heavy weights, but after owning a Pentax, and reading stuff from other users and reviewers, you come to realize Pentax is not an underdog. They are just as good and often better. There just aren't as many Fans. Yet.

Rating :

Grerat Buy!

This camera just plain rocks for the price point. You can use it as a full automatic or take control of any or all of the settings. It comes with a generous number of preset scene modes. Its burst recording is lightning fast as long as you do not have the camera set to do any automatic in camera processing adjustments. You will need a Class 6 or higher memory card to take full advantage of its burst recording capabilities. Focus is very fast and usually dead on. Occasional mis focus but not any more than with any other digital camera. Kit lense works well and is pretty solid. Low light capabilities are fantastic. Great images right down to ISO 1600. Battery life is NOT an issue as long as you have the latest firmware. I am running the same set of batteries after set up and three weeks of use with hundreds of photos taken. I also spend a lot of time at places like Medieval Faires where the camera is turned on and ided for hours at a time waiting for that perfect candid shot. After all of that the battery indicator is still green. If you do not want to purchase litium primary batteries invest in a set of eneloops and a charger and you are good to go at minimal expense.

Only negative thoughts.....Wish the setting display in the viewfinder was a little larger and brighter and low light (Close to dark) / low contrast focusing can be an issue. It is better is you select one of the night scene modes.

Overall I am extremely pleased withn this camera and I am VERY particular about my work.

Rating :

Pentax K-x Camera

Haven't had the time for my new Pentax K-x yet but what little time I had it is byfar what I really wanted. Thanks Pentax Corp.

Rating :

Best Starter DSLR on the Market

The Camera is by far the best starter level DSLR on the market. Having used both the Cannon Rebel and the Nikkon D3000, I can say that the Pentax is the best. The only complaint I have is that the auto focus, particularly up close, takes forever to work. However, for those who don't use the auto-focus, like myself, that is not a problem. The Manual mode allows you to control every last bit of the camera. The photoshop options that come with the camera are unique and allow for expression. All of the important dials are easy to reach, and quick to use. The camera is comfortable in your hand, and easy to hold. The video quality is very good for a camera.

The lens it comes with is very versitle and light. And a simple flick of a switch on the side can put the camera into auto-focus mode, allowing the camera to focus when you can't.

Pentax is the way to go.

Rating :

More reviews...