Filed Under Canon
The Canon PowerShot SX210IS is a bit more expensive than the previously reviewed SD1300IS, but features a higher resolution 14.1MP sensor and a 14x optical zoom. The larger 3 inch LCD screen is another bonus. In this review I’ll talk about some of the Canon PowerShot SX210IS camera’s specifications, as well as what reviewers have thought of it.
Specification of the Canon PowerShot SX210IS
- The camera is available in three colors – black, gold and purple.
- The 14x optical zoom is enhanced with an image stabilization system. This means that even without a tripod and in low light conditions you can still take great photos.
- The camera can record HD at up to 720p, and has an HDMI output for viewing on your computer or TV. Image stabilization is also very useful when recording videos.
- The famous DIGIC 4 processor has improved face detection systems. Canon PowerShot SX210IS cameras also come with a variety of new scene modes.
- The large 14.1 MP resolution of the sensor means you can print up to 16.5×23.4 inches without losing picture quality. Extra pixels mean that more if the fine details are captured when you take a photo.
Canon PowerShot SX210IS Feedback
Most people who’ve bought the Canon PowerShot SX210IS camera are very happy with it. The EZ mode means that even complete beginners to photography can take great shots, while the camera also allows for more control over the photos you take. The movie mode is said to be very good, as the camera can easily track movement and stay in focus. Combined with the zoom, the 720p video means that the Canon PowerShot SX210IS is a match for most entry level dedicated video cameras.
Filed Under Sony
The Sony DSC-W350 is a compact camera with a 14.1MP sensor and 4x wide angle zoom. It also features a 2.7inch LCD screen and image stabilization system. The camera has received relatively good reviews from people who’ve bought it, but it’s important to know and understand a camera’s specifications before you buy – otherwise it’s hard to know whether it will suit your requirements. The Sony DSC-W350 is available in several different colors including pink, blue and silver.
Sony DSC-W350 Specifications
- The lens has a 4x optical zoom, and is equivalent to a 26mm SLR lens. Sony claim that this is a professional level lens that’s great if you want to take photos outdoors of objects that are far away. A panorama mode is included, although it differs from similar features in other cameras because you only have to press the shutter once and then “sweep” it from one side to the other. The results can be stunning.
- The 2.7 inch screen is sharp and shows colors as you’d expect. The menus on the Sony DSC-W350 are also relatively easy to navigate, which is important when you want to quickly change modes or settings.
- The 14.1 MP sensor is large, and enables you to make prints of up to A3 in size. The other bonus of having a high resolution is that you need to crop an image to remove a section you’ll still end up with a high quality picture.
- The Sony DSC-W350 is able to record HD video in MP4 format. The great thing about MP4 is that it allows you to easily upload your videos to sharing websites such as YouTube.
- Aside from the standard face detection technology, the Sony DSC-W350 can also detect when your face enters the picture, allowing you to easily take self portraits.
Filed Under Canon
The Canon PowerShot SD1300IS is a small compact camera that’s available in a number of colours, including brown, pink and silver. It’s much cheaper than most dSLR options, making it perfect for casual photographers and those interested in taking quick photos of friends and family. It comes with a 12.1MP sensor and a 4x Wide angle zoom.
Features of the Canon PowerShot SD1300IS
- The 28mm lens is augmented with an image stabilization system and 4x optical zoom. As you’ll mostly be taking shots with the Canon PowerShot SD1300IS without the help of a tripod, the stabilization system is a useful addition.
- The LCD screen is clear and displays colours relatively accurately. It is 2.7 inches in size.
- Canon PowerShot SD1300IS cameras features a system to automatically adjust between the 18 different settings. This means you don’t have to spend time worrying about what settings to select, which exposure to use and whether you have the correct ISO settings. The camera analyzes what situation and environment you’re taking photos in and automatically selects the best possible program.
- You can also select programs manually if you’d prefer, and there are 15 different shooting modes depending on what conditions you’re in.
- The sensor is 12.1 MP, meaning that you can blow up your photos to a relatively large size. If you enjoy taking photos and making large prints, then a high resolution is essential.
- Canon PowerShot SD1300IS cameras have an ISO range of 400-6400, meaning they can take great photos even in low light conditions. If, for example, you want to take a picture by candlelight then the PowerShot will still capture a correctly exposed image.
The Canon PowerShot SD1300IS has received mainly positive reviews, and is definitely a compact camera that rivals other entry level options from Nikon and other companies.
Filed Under Nikon
If you’re looking for a high quality APS-C camera then the Nikon D90 is well worth looking at. It’s a mid range camera, with a competitive price for a large number of features, although it probably isn’t suitable for a beginner (the Nikon D3100 is better for that). The camera has 12.3 MP using a DX CMOS sensor, an 18-105mm lens included (if you’re buying the kit version) and the ability to record video at up to 24fps. The D90 is a popular camera, largely because of its high quality specification and convenient layout.
Features of the Nikon D90
- The Nikon D90 is designed with ergonomics in mind, meaning that all its buttons are easy to access and give good feedback. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself using the menus much less frequently, which increases the chance of you getting the perfect shot.
- The new (when it was first released anyway) Nikon sensor means that the Nikon D90 takes high quality shots every time, with a great signal/noise ratio.
- The Nikon D90 has a 3 inch LCD monitor that’s packed with “dots” in order to provide a good preview of what your image will look like once printed or on a computer screen.
- Cameras with video recording functions are becoming more and more common in recent years, so it’s no surprise that the Nikon D90 has a 720p HD recording function.
- Other features include the ability to shoot on very low ISO, an 11 point auto focus system and a Live View meaning you don’t have to view through the viewfinder. This is especially useful if you’re shooting awkward shots.
These are just some of the features of the Nikon D90, but there are many more. Scene modes, durable shutter and editing from within the camera help to make it an extremely versatile device. The inclusion of GPS tagging to pictures is a nice bonus too.
As you’d expect from one of Nikon’s flagship products, the D90 has received good reviews. The video is, unfortunately, not great quality (especially the audio), and the kit lens won’t always allow you to make the most of the camera. All in all, it’s a great choice for a medium level photographer.
Filed Under Nikon
The Nikon D3100 is one of the most popular entry level cameras on the market at the moment, replacing the Nikon D3000 and to a lesser extent the D40, which were the standard choice for beginners. If you want to get into digital SLR photography, but don’t have a huge amount of money to spend on a camera body, lens etc then the D3100 kit is definitely one to consider. It comes with 14.2MP, an 18-55mm zoom lens and a 3 inch monitor. Although it can’t match some of the higher level cameras, the low price means that it opens the dSLR market to many people who would otherwise have to settle for a compact.
Features of the Nikon D3100 Camera
- The most important part of any camera – whether it’s entry level or high end – is the sensor. The Nikon D3100 has a DX Format CMOS sensor with a large 14.2MP. Compared to the D40 this is a major improvement. As with all cameras, it’s important to remember that the number of megapixels does not always equal quality, however.
- A handy feature of the Nikon D3100 is that it can capture photos to a variety of different types of memory cards. These include SD, SDHC and SDXC. These don’t come with the camera though, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
- One of the most important improvements compared to the Nikon D40 is the D3100′s ability to take 1090p HD video. The D40 had no video capabilities. An autofocus system is included, and the video records sound too.
- The great thing about buying from a company such as Nikon is that you know the build quality will be good. The buttons are all in easy to reach places, and the camera is generally simple to use.
- The zoom lens included with the camera kit is great, although if you want to shoot long distance or macro shots then you’ll need a different lens.
The Nikon D3100, in general, has received very good reviews form people who’ve bought it. The large number of mega pixels combined with the high quality video recording options make it a versatile camera to own. As long as you keep in mind that the lens isn’t top quality, it is a kit lens so may struggle in low light, the D3100 has decent performance for what is an entry level camera.