Canon PowerShot G2
4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera
The Canon PowerShot line of digital cameras have racked up impressive sales over the years and the new PowerShot G2, touted as Canon’s most advanced product yet, is sure to build on that success.
Based on the PowerShot G1, the elegant champagne coloured body boasts the company’s first 4-mega-pixel CCD sensor and a host of top-of-the-line features and updates that will ensure high-quality images and flexibility. A superbly sharp, high-speed 7-21mm f/2.0-2.5 zoom lens (equivalent to 34-102mm in 35mm format) provides higher resolution (max. 2272 x 1704 pixels) and image quality than previous models, and there are 13 quality settings to choose from. Exposure modes are divided into two categories: the Image Zone, and the Creative Zone.
Image Zone modes are fully automatic and are intended to optimize settings according to the subject and include Pan Focus, Night Scene, Colour Effects and an improved Movie mode up to 2 minutes. Creative Zone modes offer more control including Program AE, Shutter- and Aperature-Priority, Manual and various exposure, balance and braketing options.
Three Metering modes (Center-Weighted Average, Spot and Evaluative) along with a histogram display allow the photographer a great deal of control over the final image. A comprehensive line-up of add-ons and accessories rounds out an impressive entry from Canon. (Approx. $1,300)
Nikon CoolPix 5000
5-megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera
The Minolta Dimage 7 digital camera marks a fresh start for Minolta after being derailed by some models that did not quite live up to the Minolta name. But they are back on track with this high performance beauty that has as its centerpiece an all-glass 7x Zoom lens utilizing technology from their 35mm SLR lenses. In combination with a new 2/3 inch CCD boasting 5.24 million pixels (the highest number of pixels in a consumer camera) this camera delivers high image quality with minimum distortion at all focal lengths. With a zoom range equivalent of 28-200mm in 35mm format and macro capability, the versatility of this lens is outstanding. A 2x digital zoom stretches the reach to 400mm!
The sophisticated Digital Hyper Viewfinder is unprecedented in a consumer model and offers a clear, high resolution display with simultaneous image and camera settings, a 4x Electronic Magnification area for critical focus and up to 90 degrees of tilt.
Exposure is accomplished through 3 metering modes (Multi-Segment, Center-Weighted and Spot) and the usual Program, Aperature- and Shutter-Priority and Manual exposure modes. Additionally, the camera is supported by Epson’s latest Print Image Matching Technology (PIM) which ensures outputs are perfectly produced.
Together with its various add-ons, adjustment modes and several impressive high-performance flash accessories (including a macro ring-light!) this is a formidable and highly desirable package by any measure. (Approx.$1,900)
Minolta Dimage 7
5.24 Megapixel 7X Zoom digital camera
Nikon’s CoolPix digital cameras carry on a tradition of excellence synonymous with Nikon for decades. Their 900 series digital cameras have been top sellers worldwide and with the introduction of the flagship CoolPix 5000, Nikon has upped the ante once again.
A compact, lightweight magnesium alloy body houses a 2/3 inch CCD packed with 5.0 megapixels for razor-sharp image capture and crisp, brilliant images up to 11 x 14. A 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a 35mm equivalent of 28-85mm range delivers exceptional optical performance and clarity.
The camera offers 3 custom exposure settings as well as Program and Full Manual and numerous auto and manual focus functions. Efforts have been made to increase the speed of the cameras start-up, autofocus, rapid zoom and shutter release for instantaneous reaction to your subject.
An Ultra High-speed capture mode allows up to 30 frames per second shooting (at 320 x 240 pixels) or a more practical 3 frames per second at higher resolutions. A comprehensive list of accessories, including a slide copy unit and Speedlight flash, rounds out yet another winner for Nikon. (Approx. $1,800)
