Best Buys: our top camera recommendations - all reviewed and rated
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Compacts |
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Super-zooms |
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Budget DSLRs |
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Semi-pro DSLRs |
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Lenses |
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13th May 2008: New Olympus E-520 - compared to rivals
Today Olympus announced its latest DSLR, the E-520. Successor to the E-510, the new E-520 builds on what was already a feature-packed DSLR. The core specifications of a 10 Megapixel sensor with built-in stabilisation, Live View and effective anti-dust features remain, but the E-520 now features a slightly bigger 2.7in screen, quicker 3.5fps continuous shooting, a new IS mode and the addition of contrast-based AF facilities complete with Face Detection. Also announced is the new Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens which delivers extreme wide angle coverage equivalent from 18-36mm. The Olympus E-520 will be available from June 2008, costing £479 GBP body alone, £529 GBP with the 14-42mm or £629 GBP with both the 14-42mm and 40-150mm kit lenses. The Zuiko Digital 9-18mm will go on sale in September 2008, but no pricing is available yet. Check out our Olympus E-520 preview to see how it measures-up against its rivals.
12th May 2008: Olympus E-3 - full review / video tour
The Olympus E-3 is the long-awaited new flagship of the Four Thirds standard. The E-3 doubles its predecessor's resolution to 10 Megapixels, features tough weather-proof construction, built-in image stabilisation, a fully-articulated screen with Live View, and of course the legendary SSWF anti-dust filter. Olympus has also addressed two concerns with the Four Thirds standard by equipping the E-3 with a large viewfinder and a new 11-point AF system which it claims is the World's fastest. It's an impressive specification, but directly up against models like the Nikon D300, not to mention the more affordable Canon EOS 40D and Sony Alpha A700. To find out how it compares and whether it's a contender in the semi-pro market, check out our Olympus E-3 review - and as always for a demonstration of its features, see our Olympus E-3 video tour.
5th May 2008: Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 - full review / video tour
The Alpha A300 is the middle DSLR in Sony's consumer range. It takes A200's body, 10.2 Megapixel sensor and built-in stabilisation, and equips it with Live View and a screen which tilts for easier framing at high or low angles. It's a compelling package, but the big question is how it compares against the higher-end Alpha A350 - an identical model, other than its higher resolution 14.2 Megapixel sensor. Does the A350 record measurably greater detail, or does the A300 enjoy lower noise levels? Find out in our Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 review where we'll reveal direct comparisons between both Alphas along with Canon's EOS 450D / XSi. And as always, you can check out the highlights in our A300 video tour.
1st May 2008: Camera Labs Assignment: vote for your favourite!
It's the first day of a new month which means a new Assignment in the Camera Labs forums.
The theme as suggested by the winner of March's Assignment, chaplainblake, is 'Reflection'. To enter, visit the May Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of zrmi's 'Transportation' theme. So to vote, head on over to our April Assignment Submissions thread.
28th April 2008: Complete Nikkor lens range with details and prices!
If you're shopping for a Nikon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we now additionally provide details of the complete Nikkor lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Nikkor Lens Listings.
13th April 2008: Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi - full review / video tour
Canon's EOS 450D - or Digital Rebel XSi as it's known in North America - is the company's latest DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular EOS 400D / Rebel XTi. It features a raft of improvements including higher 12.2 Megapixel resolution, a stabilised kit lens, a bigger 3in screen, Live View with the choice of two different AF systems, a bigger viewfinder, quicker continuous shooting, a number of processing features from the higher-end EOS 40D, and PC remote control software. That's an impressive list but does Canon have another best-seller on its hands? Find out in our Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi review where we'll compare it against its predecessor and key rivals including Sony's Alpha A350. And as always, for a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi video tour.
7th April 2008: Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 - full review / video tour
The Alpha A350 is the top model in Sony's latest triplet of DSLRs. It takes A200's body with built-in stabilisation, swaps the 10.2 Megapixel sensor for one with 14.2 Megapixels, equips it with Live View and hinges the 2.7in screen so it can tilt up or down for easier framing at high or low angles. The Live View also employs a secondary sensor in the viewfinder, which means the normal AF system can work as quickly as normal and there's none of the usual noises or delay. On paper, the A350 looks like being one of the most important DSLRs of 2008, but does it live up to its expectations in practice? Find out in our Sony Alpha DSLR A350 review and as always, check out the highlights in our A350 video tour.
31st March 2008: Canon EF 24-105mm for cropped DSLRs - full review / video tour
The EF 24-105mm is a premium quality zoom from Canon's 'L' series. It features superb build and mechanical quality, quick and quiet USM focusing and Image Stabilisation to counteract camera shake. It's an ideal general purpose lens for owners of full-frame Canon DSLRs, but what about those with cropped-frame bodies like the EOS 400D / XTi or EOS 40D? In this review we'll examine how the EF 24-105mm performs on cropped-frame Canon DSLRs and as always, check out our video tour for a demonstration.
24th March 2008: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 - full review / video tour
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is a slim 10.1 Megapixel compact with a 4x optical zoom lens. It's the successor to the Lumix FX33 which was announced only six months ago - so what's new? Panasonic has extended the 3.6x optical range to 4x, but rather than make it longer, it's actually wider. So instead of 28-100mm, the FX35 boasts a 25-100mm range, giving it unusually wide angle coverage for a compact. Like the Lumix TZ5 reviewed last week, there's also 720p HD video recording, a component output for an optional HD cable, and the latest version of Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode. Find out if it's the ideal slim compact in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 review and as always, check out our FX35 video tour for a demo. Note, the FX35 is known as the FX36 in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
16th March 2008: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - full review / video tour
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is a 9.1 Megapixel compact with nothing less than a 10x optical zoom range. It's the successor to the enormously successful Lumix TZ3 and features the same excellent 28-280mm stabilised zoom lens in a pocketable form factor, but along with two extra Megapixels, upgrades the 3in screen to 460k pixels, adds HD movie recording at 720p / 30fps, and tops it off with an improved Intelligent Auto mode which combines Face and Scene Detection, Intelligent ISO and Panasonic's latest Intelligent Exposure mode. Has the one of the best compacts just got better? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 review, and for a demonstration of its features, see our TZ5 video tour. Note the TZ5 is known as the TZ15 in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
6th March 2008: Nikon D60 - full review / video tour
The Nikon D60 is an entry-level 10.2 Megapixel DSLR aimed at general consumers who are typically upgrading from a point and shoot or film camera. It shares the same sensor, screen and body as its predecessor the D40x, but now features a stop-motion recording mode, eye sensors which switch the screen off when you're looking through the viewfinder, Active D-Lighting, and an anti-dust system which both vibrates the sensor unit along with using an airflow system to channel particles from the image path. Best of all though is an option to buy the D60 in a kit with an affordable stabilised kit lens. To find out if it's the best entry-level DSLR, check out our Nikon D60 review and for a demonstration of its features, see our D60 video tour.
5th March 2008: New Olympus E-420 - compared to rivals
Today Olympus announced its latest DSLR, the E-420. Successor to the E-410, the new E-420 shares the same compact dimensions which make it one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs around. The core specifications of a 10 megapixel sensor with Live View and effective anti-dust features remain, but the E-420 now features a slightly bigger 2.7in screen and the addition of contrast-based AF facilities complete with Face Detection. For those who really like to travel light, Olympus has also introduced a 'pancake' style 25mm f2.8 lens which measures just 23.5mm and offers standard 50mm coverage on the E-420. The E-420 will be available in April for 379 GBP in a kit with the 14-42mm lens. Check out our Olympus E-420 feature comparison to see how it measures-up against its rivals.
21st February 2008: Canon PowerShot S5 IS - full review / video tour
Canon's PowerShot S5 IS is an 8 megapixel super-zoom camera with a 12x optically-stabilised zoom, flip-out screen and a great movie mode. The large number of cameras released by Canon during 2007 forced us to bypass the S5 IS when first released, but it's since become one of the most popular super-zooms on the market and remains a current model in the latest 2008 range. So by popular demand, we're pleased to present our Canon PowerShot S5 IS review, as always accompanied by a demonstration in our video tour.
15th February 2008: Complete Canon lens range with details and prices!
If you're shopping for a Canon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we now additionally provide details of the complete Canon EF lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you, how the three 50mm primes vary, or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Canon EF Lens Listings. Other lens manufacturers coming soon!
11th February 2008: How to take photos at night - DSLR Tips workshop
Photos taken at night can produce spectacular results - in fact many cities present their best views after dark. Night photography can also be very forgiving in bad weather, so if rain's prevented you from grabbing the shots you want of a city, it's well worth trying again after sunset. Night photography can prove quite a challenge in Automatic modes, but it's surprisingly easy with a few tricks and in our latest video workshop at DSLR Tips, we'll show you how.
6th February 2008: Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 - full review / video tour
The Alpha A200 is Sony’s new entry-level DSLR and the successor to its debut model, the best-selling Alpha A100. It features the same 10.2 Megapixel CCD sensor as its predecessor, but squeezes it into a smaller and lighter body; there’s still room though for the built-in stabilisation to counteract camera shake. Sony’s also increased the sensitivity to 3200 ISO, accelerated the AF by 1.7 times, enlarged the screen to 2.7in and employed an InfoLithium battery for accurate feedback. Today though the entry-level DSLR market has never been tougher, so to see how the latest Alpha compares against its predecessor and the current crop of rivals, check out our Sony A200 review, and for a demo of its features, see our Sony A200 video tour.
25th January 2008: Crumpler camera bags - full review
A good bag is an essential accessory for every photographer. You can of course carry your camera in any bag, but one designed with photographers in mind should accommodate your specific equipment and accessories, along with giving you quick and easy access to them. In this review we’ll be taking a look at two camera rucksacks by Australian bag giant Crumpler: the Keystone, a dedicated (but convertible) camera bag, and the Sinking Barge, a hybrid day-pack. See our Crumpler camera bag review for the full story.
22nd January 2008: Pentax Optio Z10 - full review / video tour
The Pentax Optio Z10 is an 8 Megapixel compact with a 7x optical zoom sporting an equivalent range of 38-266mm, equipping it with a longer reach than most compacts at this size and price. Despite the longer than average zoom range, the Z10’s optics remain housed within the body at all times, and unusually for most compacts, you can also operate the zoom while filming a video. The lens gives it an edge over most compacts, but how does it perform in practice? Find out in our Pentax Optio Z10 review and check out its features in our video tour.
18th January 2008: Canon WFT-E3(A) wireless transmitter - full review / video tour
Canon’s WFT-E3(A) wireless file transmitter is one of the most powerful accessories for the EOS 40D. It equips the 40D with Wifi, allowing you to transfer images or remote control the camera without a cable in sight – even from the other side of the world. It also includes USB connectivity to external storage devices and even GPS navigators to record your co-ordinates on images. And the whole thing is packaged into a portrait grip for comfortable shooting on the side. To find out how it performs in practice, see our detailed Canon WFT-E3(A) review and for a demonstration of its features, check out our video tour.
17th January 2008: Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom - full review
Joby’s Gorillapod SLR Zoom is designed for those who want the stability of a tripod, without the inconvenience of lugging one around. Like earlier Gorillapods, flexible jointed legs allow you to securely grab onto almost any object or surface from curved railings to tree branches. Once locked into place you can then comfortably take long or multiple exposures, along with self-timer shots. The big difference with the SLR Zoom Gorillapod is it can support weights up to 3kg, thereby accommodating semi-pro DSLRs, while remaining light and portable. Is it the perfect tripod for you? Find out in our Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom review.
8th January 2008: Sony 75-300mm telephoto zoom review - new video tour
Sony's 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens remains a popular option for owners of Alpha DSLRs. It's a common bundle with the earlier A100 and likely to find itself fitted to many of the new A200 bodies. As such it's an ideal time to revisit our Sony 75-300mm lens review with a brand new video tour, using the Alpha A100 body. Remember the new A200 has the same sensor, so our quality results are equally applicable for this new body. So to see - and hear - how this budget telephoto zoom compares, check out our Sony 75-300mm video tour.
31st December 2007: DSLR Tips! A new website from Camera Labs
Today sees the launch of DSLR Tips, a new photography site from the founders of Camera Labs! DSLR Tips is aimed at anyone who’s just got their first DSLR or wants to take their photography beyond automatic. Our video tutorials will show you how to achieve a number of effects and styles, while the lens guide will help you decide which optics are best for your style of photography. So if you’d like to learn more about your DSLR – or know someone who does – then head over to DSLR Tips!
30th December 2007: Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f2.8 user review
Camera Labs Digital Camera and Lens Reviews - all products fully tested and rated
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