Canon Digital Camera
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DEBUT CAMERA IN AN INNOVATIVE LINE

Incredibly Advanced. Remarkably Simple The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 MP Canon CMOS sensor plus a host of new features including a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System featuring a Self Cleaning Sensor and Canon's Picture Style technology, all in a lightweight, ergonomic body. The Digital Rebel XTi is proof positive that Canon continues to lead the way with their phenomenal digital SLRs.

Features

High-performance digital SLR with 10.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS Sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor

• 10.1 Megapixel APS-C Size CMOS Sensor

• Digic II Image Processor

• Large 2.5" LCD monitor with new user interface and wide viewing angle.

• Fast 3 frames-per-second shooting with a 27 frame burst and 0.2 second startup time

• 9-Point Auto Focus system

• Picture Style settings for a broad range of control over colour, contrast and sharpening.

• Print/Share button featuring advanced camera direct capabilities for greater user control while direct printing.

• Strong, lightweight body with EOS Integrated Cleaning System including a Self Cleaning Sensor Unit

• Fully compatible with over 60 EF and EF-s Lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories

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Leica Digital Cameras

M8

The digital M

Sensor

The new LEICA M8 has a notably low-noise CCD image sensor with a basic speed of ISO 160.  The maximum speed of ISO 2500 means the new camera is ideally suited to available light photography, a typical Leica M feature.  The LEICA M8 offers the photographer many useful details such as a tone value histogram which permits qualitative exposure control for even the smallest details of the subject in each enlargement section.  Thanks to really simple operation with very few controls and clearly laid-out menus, the new camera also demonstrates typically Leica concentration on the essentials.

The notably low-noise CCD image sensor has been rigorously optimised for the special features of the Leica M lens system and offers a resolution of 10.3 million pixels. CCD technology generates less noise than any other type of sensor and was therefore chosen as the image sensor for the LEICA M8.  The speed settings of ISO 160 through to 2500 permit pictures with a greater wealth of detail than can be achieved with analog film.

The special design of the viewfinder camera with no mirror box allows the typically compact and flat shape of the LEICA M to be retained, but leads to a higher angle for entry of light beams into the sensor.  Comprehensive measures have been taken so that the picture quality demanded by Leica is nevertheless achieved.  The special modification of the image sensor with a micro-lens offset avoids any annoying vignetting in the corners of the picture.  A particularly thin cover glass, reduced to only 0.5mm, prevents the usual undesirable refraction of light when light rays strike at an angle.  High-contrast, sharp and exactly true colour reproduction right into the corners of the picture is the result of these efforts.

Leica deliberately rejected a Moiré filter, which filters out fine details of the picture, so as to fully exploit the high resolution of the Leica M lens.  Any Moiré fringes that occur are instead eliminated during digital signal processing within the camera.

“Whilst a focal length extension factor of 1.5 is normal for many manufacturers, the LEICA M8 uses a CCD image sensor with 18 x 27 mm recording area“ says Rainer Bültert, Product Manager for the M System at Leica Camera AG:  “The small focal length extension factor of 1.33 enables creative freedom even in digital Leica M photography by using selective image sharpness with an open aperture“.

The factor of 1.33 means that the equivalent focal length of the lens is shifted slightly by about one focal length step towards a telescopic focal length.  So a 21 mm lens has an equivalent focal length of 28 mm.  The lens range of the Leica M system is extended with the introduction of the LEICA M8 by two wide-angle lenses in the range from 16 to 28 mm focal length; these lenses are available for use on both analog and digital cameras.  The new lenses are characterised by the typical Leica exceptionally high optical performance, even at fully open aperture.

Lenses The LEICA M8 can be used with virtually all lenses in the Leica M range produced since 1954.  This high system compatibility has been maintained through the changeover in recording technology from film to digital.  Even new customers who start with a digital LEICA M8 receive many application options and profit from the high retained value of Leica products.  The high mechanical and optical precision of the Leica and the exceptionally good picture capabilities, above all in the current product range, mean that Leica M lenses are ideally suited to digital applications.  Performance criteria such as the individual coating of each lens are provided as standard and need not be ordered as special measures for “digital lenses”.

6 bit-coding With a new 6-bit coding on the bayonet ring, the LEICA M8 can recognise the lens type that is used.  This information is used by the camera for additional picture quality improvement by compensating for artificial vignetting.  For this purpose the lens type is saved in the Exif picture file.  All lenses delivered from the factory since 1st July 2006 have this new coding, but they can also be used without restriction on the current LEICA MP and LEICA M7 analog models, and indeed on all the classic models produced since 1954.  Current lens models, and many earlier lens models, can be retrofitted on a chargeable basis so that they can support this picture optimisation feature of the camera.  Even without modification, the lenses are fully compatible with the LEICA M8, albeit without supporting the additional features. more info..

Shutter The electronically controlled metal blade slot shutter permits exposure times down to 1/8000 of a second.  Even under bright lighting conditions the photographer has full freedom of composition by use of selective image sharpness with an open aperture.  The short flash synchronisation time of 1/250 of a second now permits even daylight flash pictures with selective sharpness.

Materials, machining and dimensions   The robust top panel and the solid bottom cover are machined from solid brass blocks using the most modern milling techniques.  The enclosed all-metal body is made of a highly stable magnesium alloy for professional use over many years.  The rechargeable battery and the SD card slot are well protected from dust and moisture under the bottom cover.  The cover effectively prevents inadvertent opening and thus the loss of the rechargeable battery and SD card, even when the camera is used for reportage under tough conditions.  This design, proven over decades in the Leica M system, increases the robustness of the camera.

The compact dimensions of the LEICA M8 are138.6mm × 80.2mm × 36.9mm, just a few millimetres larger than the ideal size of the LEICA M7.  Apart from a few differences in the controls, such as the absence of the wind-on lever and the rewind button, the front view of the LEICA M8 in is virtually identical to this analog version.  The discreet appearance of the camera and the timeless elegance, particularly prized by many customers, are retained.

Viewfinder         The Leica viewfinder system distinguishes the LEICA M8 from the general run of mirror reflex and compact cameras on the market.  It makes the camera into a specialist tool for living reportage and available-light photography, and for discreet portraiture.  The photographer is part of the action and the viewfinder is his frame to capture what he is seeking – a scene, a mood, a moment.  He also sees what is happening outside the viewfinder frame.  The deciding instant can be foreseen and recorded at the right moment.  The result is a particularly authentic shot, which contains nothing that betrays the presence of the photographer. The photographer sees his subject in the lighting conditions as they are, and even in difficult available-light situations the viewfinder’s wide range of brightness and contrast allows quick and precise focussing.  Together with the short release delay – in digital as well as analog photography – this means that the Leica M cameras have one of the quickest viewfinder operations in the world. A mirror reflex system must focus through the lens, which determines the accuracy to which it can determine the focal length and light intensity.  In contrast, the metering basis for the Leica M is the range finder, whose performance is always the same, irrespective of the lens.  Therefore its accuracy at short focal lengths is many times better than mirror reflex systems.  The high-contrast metering field in the centre of the image guarantees quick, precise and spot-on focussing even under extremely poor lighting conditions. The image field selector allows the photographer to simulate the effects of different focal lengths and to determine the correct focal length in advance, without having to change the lens.  The six different bright-line frames always show the exact boundaries of the picture, since their position is adjusted by the automatic parallax compensation, depending on the range setting.  All other relevant information and the surroundings of the subject can be seen in the bright-line frame viewfinder, for a perfect result – the ideal conditions for spontaneous and unobtrusive photography.

Use of raw data in DNG format using Capture One LE software  The Capture One LE professional raw data converter ensures that raw data supplied by the CCD sensor and saved in the in the future-proof Adobe® Digital Negative (DNG) format is “developed” in the best possible quality.  Together with the Danish software company Phase One, Leica has undertaken thorough camera profiling and adapted the software to suit the requirements.  The results are quality-optimised algorithms for digital colour processing, which generate particularly low-noise pictures which at the same time display astonishing picture resolution.  The development of the finest tonal value steps from the 16-bit picture delivered by the CCD sensor is comparable to the picture quality achieved by a professional combination of film and specialist laboratory development.  The logical, quality-determining functions and the clear user interface allows the user to quickly master the use of Software Capture One LE to create outstanding results.

LEICA DIGITAL CAPTURE  The LEICA M8 is loaded with special software for remote control of the camera for scientific purposes or for use in a photographic studio.  This software allows the camera shutter to be released from a computer using the USB connection.  The picture data are saved directly on the hard disk.  All settings of the picture parameter menu such as the ISO value of the resolution can be sent to the camera by the software.

Cleaning the sensor:  The LEICA M8 has a special function for manual cleaning of the image sensor: if the appropriate item in the menu is selected and the release pressed, the shutter remains open for the duration of the cleaning.  The flat profile of the Leica M camera means that the sensor is more easily accessible than in a digital mirror reflex camera, where the sensor is accessible only by reaching behind the mirror mounting.

technical data

“The LEICA M8 enriches digital photography with tradition, values and inspiration” says Dr. Ralph Nebe, Sales and Marketing Manager of the Leica Camera Group: “Above all the new LEICA M8 shows that the Leica Camera AG has found its own path straight into the digital world.  With enhanced innovative power for digital solutions in both the camera and sport optics product sectors, together with rigorous updating of analog solutions, the company is fit for the future again.“

Digilux 3

The digital system camera with traditional operating concept for individualists

The LEICA DIGILUX 3 is the first purely digital Leica mirror reflex system camera with exchangeable lenses, thereby opening up a third variety of free-standing camera system under the Leica name.  As the first model of the new Leica D system, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is fitted with a bayonet lens to the FourThirds Standard, the open systems standard for digital mirror reflex cameras.  Together with the high-performance LEICA D VARIO–ELMARIT 2.8-3.5/14-50 mm ASPH exchangeable lens with a focal length range of 28 to 100 millimetres for the small picture system, this offers the photographer many possibilities for composition of individual pictures. An integral picture stabiliser gives the user additional protection against camera shake, even under difficult lighting conditions.  In the design and operating concept the LEICA DIGILUX 3 continues the concept of the Leica Digilux series: modern digital technology and an analog operating concept are combined in a classic camera body.  The Berlin designer Professor Achim Heine is responsible for the clear modular design of the digital camera.  Traditional operating elements such as an exposure ring on the camera and manual setting rings for aperture, zoom and focussing at the lens allow the LEICA DIGILUX 3 to be operated like an analog camera model, thus granting the creative freedom to work in the style of traditional photography.

Warranty: The value of the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is further enhanced by a warranty period of three years in total, which is unusually long for digital cameras and far exceeds legal requirements. An additional guarantee is offered in the form of the “Leica all-round protection guarantee“ for a period of six months starting from the date of purchase. During the guarantee period, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is insured against damage, even if it is accidentally caused by the owner.

High-class lens: The LEICA D VARIO–ELMARIT 2.8-3.5/14-50mm ASPH exchangeable lens comprises 16 lenses including three aspherical lenses in twelve groups.  The maximum aperture of 2.8 and the large focal length range from 28 to 100 millimetres in small picture format impose hardly any restrictions on the possibilities for photographic composition.  The high-performance optics give impressive reproduction of even the finest details and nuances, with minimal distortion and vignetting even at the shortest focal lengths.  Further security for a successful picture is derived from the integral protection against camera shake (O.I.S.), which can be switched on and off at any time.  This reliably protects against camera shake in all photographic situations, since small movements of the hand are systematically compensated.  Whether at twilight, during indoor shots, for snapshots or in zoom operation – the result is always a sharp picture without the need for a tripod.

Picture quality: The LEICA DIGILUX 3 is equipped with a 7.5 megapixel LiveMOS sensor for a real-time live photo function, outstanding picture quality and energy-saving operating system. To protect the camera with its exchangeable lenses against the dreaded dirt on the image sensor due to penetration of dirt and dust particles, it is fitted with an ultrasonic protective filter in front of the sensor. The picture signal processor of the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is also improved compared to the preceding model.  The interaction of new sensor technology and the new picture signal processor ensure even faster image processing and storage within the camera, which is less of a drain on the rechargeable battery.  Thus the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is quick and reliable in use, even in spontaneous moments. In relation to colour matching, contrast and picture definition, Leica Camera AG has developed its own profile.  This is oriented to the picture characteristics that are well known to Leica System Camera customers from their use in combination with professional film materials and specialist development laboratories.

Large display: The large 2.5“ camera display of the LEICA DIGILUX 3 has a resolution of 207,000 pixels, enabling it to generate an exceptionally brilliant picture, allowing the photographer to make a reliable and exact assessment of the picture composition both when taking the photo and when reviewing it. In addition to the optical viewfinder, the LEICA DIGILUX 3 is fitted with a real-time live photo function.  This monitor preview permits a complete check on the exposure, white balance and other exposure-relevant parameters, even before taking the picture.  In this respect the LEICA DIGILUX 3 occupies a special place amongst digital mirror reflex cameras.  It delivers advantages which until now were restricted to compact cameras because of system considerations.

technical data

 “With the LEICA D VARIO–ELMARIT 2.8-3.5/14-50mm ASPH, a wider target group of digital photographers can profit from the unique performance level of Leica lens technology.  The combination of the most modern digital technology such as optical picture stabilisation and a quick and precise auto-focus with the well-known outstanding Leica reproduction performance is almost revolutionary” says Marius Eschweiler.

• optical best performance 
• timeless shape 
• fast and creative Photography
• high reliability and operating convenience

Product innovation: LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R

The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R is a digital camera back designed to fit regular production LEICA R8 and R9 cameras. LEICA R8 and R9 cameras will thus become the world’s very first hybrid 35 mm cameras that can be used for digital or analog photography.
The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R combines tradition and progress in a unique way. Nearly all high performance lenses in the LEICA R system since 1965 can be used for digital and analogue image recording. The LEICA DIGITAL-MODULE-R makes full use of their exceptionally high imaging performance.
 

The LEICA DIGITAL-MODULE-R:

Type: interchangeable digital module, fully compatible with LEICA R8 and R9, can be exchanged by the photographer her-/himself

Lenses: all Leica R-lenses as well as those earlier LEICAFLEX/SL/SL2-lenses that have been modified by adding the R-cam can be used.

Image Sensor: 3872 x 2576 Pixels (10 MPixel) CCD-Chip, active sensor area 26.4 x 17.6 mm, focal length extension factor 1.37

Sensitivity: ISO 100 up to at ISO 1600

Storage media: SD-card

Data-formats: RAW (DNG), TIFF, 2 JPEG-compression rates

BW-Display shows: Frame counter, ISO, exposure compensation, battery status, self timer, compression rate, resolution, moiré on/off, white balance.

Menu: sharpness, color saturation, contrast, frame number, contrast of color display, brightness of color display, duration of auto review, histogram on/off, power save options, card formatting, warning signals, audio histogram on/off, date, time, user-profils, firmware update, reset.

Interface: IEEE 1394 Firewire

Power supply: proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable battery pack.

Colour monitor: for image control and menu-controlled settings.

Shutter cocking: by motor integrated in power unit.

Size: Comparable to LEICA R8/R9 with Motor-Drive (W x H x D) 158 x 140 x 89 mm.

Weight: DMR with Power Unit and Battery: 725 g  DMR complete with R9: 1395 g

D50

Top performance in a compact, smart design make the new Nikon D50 fun and satisfying for accomplished photographers and novices alike. Nikon's popular scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes are now expanded to 7 with the new “Child” mode, helping you get the best shots with the right colour and contrast. Or exercise your creative freedom with full manual control.

Nikon D50 Main Features
 

• New 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with accurate colour, high resolution and sharp details for great pictures; print as enlargements or crop for creative effect.
• Advanced digital image processor produces optimized image
  quality, including auto white balance, auto tone and colour
  control; real-time processes diminish digital noise to produce
  beautiful long exposure shots. Images are ready to print straight
  from the camera.
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control
  and white balance.
• Seven Digital Vari-Program selections automatically optimize
  ISO- equivalent sensitivity, white balance, sharpening, tone
  (contrast), colour, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results;
  selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close
  up, and Night Portrait.
• Near-instant 0.2-second power-up, and short shutter release
  time lag, plus continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 137 pictures, will have you shooting like a pro.
• New large 2.0-inch LCD monitor located directly below the
  viewfinder displays the large fonts of the new easy-to-view,
  easy-to-understand menu design, and the dialogs of the intuitive new help system.
• Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery has power to shoot
  up to 2,000 images on a single charge.

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EVOLT E-300

Revolt Against Tradition with the EVOLT. No matter what your photographic skill level, the 8 megapixel EVOLT E-300 lets you show it off while expanding your vision with powerful interchangeable lenses, dust-free pictures, and so much more, and comfortable design.

Features and Benefits 

• Dust-free pictures
• Zuiko interchangeable lenses
• 8.0 megapixels
• Exclusive TruePic TURBO image processor
• Slide Pop-Up built-in Flash
• Scene Program Modes

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