Needy Nerdy Blog

Whether you're looking to keep up with the DCRP forums while you're commuting to work or waiting for your plane, now you can do it in style. Our forums are now compatible with the Tapatalk application, which is available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry (beta), and modern Nokia phones. The application has an easy-to-use interface that doesn't require using your web browser. It lets you read messages (and view attachments), post messages, send PMs, and more. A read-only version is available for free, while the full version sells for $2.99. Check it out in the app store of your favorite smartphone!

Canon has quietly introduced a new Digital ELPH model with a fast lens (at least at wide-angle), manual controls (!), and HD movie recording. It also appears to use the same 10 Megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor as everyone else, which allows for fast continuous shooting and high speed movie recording. Here are the details on this latest ELPH model:

The interchangeable lens camera market just got a lot more crowded! Sony has introduced their new "NEX" series of ultra-compact ILCs that use an all new lens mount (Sony E-mount), yet retain compatibility with classic Alpha mount lenses via an optional adapter. The NEX-3 and NEX-5 are almost identical, save for the build quality and movie recording capabilities. Both are very small cameras, though the lenses are a bit bulky, due to the camera's APS-C sensor (which is 60% larger than a Micro Four Thirds sensor). I had a chance to use both cameras last week, and all I can say is: look out Panasonic and Olympus (and Samsung, I guess) -- the NEX twins are very impressive. They have the manual controls of an D-SLR, with quite a few features borrowed from Sony's compact cameras (Sweep Panorama and Smile Shutter, to name two). And did I mention that it will be able to take 3D panoramas?

It's been a while -- how about a new review? Today I've got a detailed look at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, the touchscreen-equipped successor to the popular DMC-G1.

Nikon today announced a pricey new super telephoto zoom lens. This F4, 200 - 400 mm AF-S VR II lens features Nikon's second generation vibration reduction technology, which gives you a 4-stop advantage. It's built like a tank (as it should be for its price), with a magnesium body. The lens has 4 ED elements, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet focusing, and a "Super Integrated Coating" to reduce flare. In addition, there are three AF modes: manual/auto, manual, and a new auto/manual option. The 200-400 will ship in late May for just under $7000.

The headline says it all. I'm missing one of the Stanford photos because someone decided to have a party and put up a tent right where I usually stand -- so that will have to come later. Until then, enjoy.

I am going to write a "budget camera" comparison, based on some prodding from some readers. Here are the cameras I'm proposing to review in this article, all of which are between $150 and $180:

Here's your camera firmware update round-up for April:

Pentax is bringing four rather bold new colors of their K-x digital SLR to the U.S. These colors include bright blue, orange, green, and purple. If you really want to be noticed, you can put in your preorder now for $649, which includes the camera body as well as an 18 - 55 mm lens. Photos and the press release after the break.

Today I've posted my review of the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS, a compact ultra zoom camera. Click the link to see if this one's better than its predecessor, and how it compares to other cameras in its class.

Panasonic has announced the U.S. pricing for their two new Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens cameras. The base model, the Lumix DMC-G10, will ship in late May for $599, which includes a 14 - 42 mm lens. The touchscreen-equipped Lumix DMC-G2 (which I'll be reviewing in a few weeks) also ships in late May, and will sell for $799 with the same lens.

One of the most anticipated cameras of the year is the Canon EOS Rebel T2i (EOS-550D), and tonight I'm posting my review of it. Is this latest Rebel an entry-level champion? Read the review and find out!

Olympus announced today that all three of their Micro Four Thirds "Digital Pen" cameras are set for a firmware update next week. This update will improve overall autofocus performance (by about 15%) and, if you're using the E-P2 and E-PL1 with the electronic viewfinder, you will now be able to display menus and images you've taken on the main LCD while the EVF is in use. This update also improves continuous AF + subject tracking performance on the upcoming 9 - 18 mm and 14 - 150 mm Micro Four Thirds lenses. These two lenses will be the first Olympus "MSC" (Movie and Still Compatible) lenses, which means that they focus quickly and silently, which allows for a better movie recording experience.

I've posted the photo gallery for the Canon EOS Rebel T2i (EOS-550D), which just happens to be the next camera I'm reviewing. Most of the photos were taken on my recent trip to Death Valley National Park, and I think you'll enjoy them. I still owe you the usual church interior and Stanford photos, so keep an eye out for those.

I've posted my review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V. Want to see how this compact ultra zoom with a GPS and 1080i movie mode performed? I'm not going to tell you now, read the review and find out!

I've got four new or updated photo galleries for you today:

Eye-Fi touched announced two new wireless SDHC cards that have double the speed and capacity of previous models, plus more access points than ever. The Eye-Fi Connect X2 has 4GB of memory Class 6 speeds, and the ability to wirelessly upload photos to your computer and over 25 photo sharing and social network sites. The Eye-Fi Explore X2 has 8GB of memory and offers geotagging and 1 year of free hotspot access to over 21,000 hotspots, which now include those from AT&T (who provides service for Starbucks and McDonald's). The cards are priced at $49 and $99, respectively, and are available immediately.

I've posted my final review of the Olympus E-PL1 interchangeable lens camera. This compact camera was number three in our recent "what camera do you want to see reviewed" survey, so I know a lot of you have been waiting patiently for this one!

I've updated the Pentax K-x review with examples of the highlight and chromatic aberration correction features. I also added a few more photos to the Olympus E-PL1 photo gallery. The E-PL1 review will be posted in the next couple of days.

I've posted my review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7, a GPS-equipped compact ultra zoom camera. This is one of the most requested reviews of the year, so have at it!