The Nikon D700 DSLR – A Wolf in Sheep’s clothing?

The new release from Nikon is now here at Elite Gadgets.

On unveiling the Nikon D700 from its wrappings, we were quite taken aback with what we found.

It is a small but professional twelve mega pixel, full frame (FX Format) Digital SLR. Its exterior is very similar to the D300 except for its larger viewfinder, and internally it is very similar to the D3 albeit for a slightly lower shutter speed.

If you compare it to the D3 then there have been some good improvements from Nikon on the D700. With Image Sensor Cleaning or Sensor shake, more flexible ‘hard button’ program virtual horizon in Live View and different DX mode indication on the focusing screen, it is a new cut above the rest. Finally, it is the first Pro DSLR from Nikon with built in flash.

The Nikon D700 has taken the superb image quality of the D3 by using the same technology such as the 12.1 mega pixel sensor with very large pixel pitch and gapless micro lens array providing bright clean files across the whole ISO range. It also utilizes the same Expeed high speed image processing system, a 14 bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline to give the pixel perfect detail you require for perfect print enlargement and reproduction.

It is the perfect action camera for the photographer on the move. Incorporating Nikon’s image sensor cleaning system which uses high frequency vibrations to clean the sensor of dust accumulation.

Despite it reasonable price tag the Nikon D700 DSLR does not skimp on features. It also boasts a highly responsive shutter release time lag of just 40ms and the acclaimed pinpoint accuracy of the 51-point MultiCAM3500 AF System, DX Crop Mode and Live View with contrast-detect AF displayed on the TFT monitor. The new larger viewfinder is also a great bonus, featuring a solid glass pentaprism, 95% coverage and adjustable AF point LED illumination for a bright, uninterrupted view of your subject.

The new Nikon D700 Digital SLR camera, it is what the Nikon enthusiast has really been waiting for……

The Sony Ericsson C902 – The new Cybershot from Sony Ericsson

We recently unveiled and tested the New C902 from Sony Ericsson, there new and highly anticipated release.

It is the first Cybershot phone to feature face detection. A technology which automatically finds and focuses on the subjects face. A nifty little piece of technology which produces a great picture ever time.

It also features a full camera flash again giving great results in low light conditions.

Incorporate these technologies with a 5 Megapixel camera and its time to sell your compact camera, its simply not needed anymore, you have all you need in the Sony Ericsson C902.

And once you have taken the picture the C902 contains the software to share it with friend in a novel and exciting way. “Storyteller” is and application that brings your pictures to life like never seen before. Put you pics in a slideshow format or become an artist with “Paint” and then share the photo with friends through the photo feeds and blogging service which enable you to upload pictures directly to the web.

This mobile phone is packed with the latest technologies available such as HSDPA high speed internet and email.

The Sony Ericsson C902 is a mobile office, fully functional camera, and a great little phone (of course) all in a beautiful and sleek case.

It’s a tough act to follow from Sony Ericsson and its available in Red and Brown at Elite Gadgets.

Digital Camera Equipment Explained

Here at Elite Gadgets we have an extensive range of camera equipment to suit all tastes and requirements. For the new enthusiasts out there, we would like to explain the wonderful world of photography and its equipment in a little more detail.

So your about to start looking for equipment. Where do you start?

Ok…..

D-SLR Cameras

This should be the beginning and fundamental base of any equipment selection. You need to decide firstly on how much you would like to spend. Digital SLR cameras can cost anything from £300 upto £7000! And remember, this is only for the body, you will have to by a lens before starting to use your shiny new camera!! So begin by setting a budget. And think about what you are going to use it for. If you simply want to take some professional looking holiday snaps then you don’t need a Canon 1Ds Mark III at over £4000! And if you’re starting out a new venture as a paparazzi photographer, then a Nikon D40 at £300 isn’t going to cut the mustard. So begin by realistically deicing which camera body you require. Also bear in mind the cost and availability of certain brands of lenses. If you buying a Nikon DSLR Camera Body then you will need a Nikon Lenses or lenses with a Nikon mount so it fits your camera body. Ok, so you’ve picked your Camera, next you need….

D-SLR Lens

The first thing to consider is Lens Speed. This may seem straight forward, it indicated how fast the lens or lens shutter opens and closes. This has a fundamental effect on your photography. It is indicated by the F number or F-Stop (such as F/2.8 or F/4). The smaller the number the faster the lens. You will need a faster lens for sports photography or for situations which need more light, a faster lens opens wider so lets in more light in a shorter space of time. Also faster lenses have a shallower depth of field. A shallow depth of field is where the subject is in focus but the background is not. If you want the background and subject to be in focus, then you need a lens with a deeper depth of field.

A good all-round lens would be an F/4, not too fast but not too slow either.

If you are going to shoot indoors without flash then you need a very fast lens such as an F/2.8 of even F/2, but be prepared to get your wallet out, they can be expensive.

The next thing to consider is the focal length. It is shown in millimeters such as 24-105mm or 70-200mm and the best way to explain is it is the distance from the focal point of the cameras sensor to the center of your lens. This will affect how much a subject will be magnified when you shoot it. It will also affect whether it is a wide angle shot (a large and spread scene) or more of a cropped focused shot.

The focusing distance is something slightly different. This is the distance from the end of the lens and the closest point where the shot will remain in focus. Something to consider if doing very close up photography where you will need a macro lens.

A newer implemented technology which we are seeing a lot of these days is image stabilization or IS. This one is pretty self explanatory. The lens implements a mechanism which steadies the shot and produces a sharper image which is less prone to camera shake or jolt.

So you have your new DSLR Camera Body and Lens, what now?

Camera Flash

Now, this is pretty straight forward, if you shooting in dark conditions you need a flash. Some Cameras will have a built in flash, but sometimes this will not provide enough light. Most good DSLR will have a hot shoe on the top to enable you to add an extra flashgun. Also you have the option to add a remote flash for times when you would like the light to come from the side or back of the subject rather than the front.

Filters

Filters will screw onto the end of your lens to give certain effects to your shot or to eliminate unwanted effects such are flare and reflections.

Extension Tubes/Extenders

Remember focusing distance? The distance between the end of the lens and closest point where the lens will focus to. Well, en extension tube shortens that distance. It is added between the lens and the camera and in effect provides 2 lenses for the price of one, enabling you to shot close-ups with a longer lens.

Tele Converter

This does the opposite job of an Extension tube, it increases the focal length.

Battery Handgrips

A Battery handgrip is basically an attached handgrip containing batteries. Some will be rechargeable and some will take standard AAA batteries to extend the battery life of your camera. Essential when you out shooting for long periods of time.

Light Meters

At present the best light meters on the market are Sekonic. A good Sekonic light meter will allow you to judge light levels and correct exposure before taking that all important shot.

Remote Controls

They do what it says on the tin! Allows you to take pictures remotely. Most have controls for shutter control, but some of the more expensive version have controls for aperture and focus. Again make sure you buy the correct one for your particular camera.

Tripods and Heads

The Tripod connects to the bottom of the camera and provides stability in your shot. Some will come with a Head, sometimes you will need to buy the head separately. Bear this in mind when deciding on price.

Well, there you go, hopefully that had shed some light on the wonderful world of Digital SLR photography, and will help you along the way on you first purchase of photography equipment.

The Olympus 1030 SW – Tougher than Clint Eastwood (and he was one tough guy…!)

This is no normal camera. If James Bond was a camera, this would be it. If Clint Eastwood carried a digital camera (and he doesn’t, he’s far too cool for that) then he would carry an Olympus 1030 SW.

You can…..smash it, bang it, soak it, or even freeze it, and it will still emerge a winner. It’s like the Navy Seal of digital camcorders. Damn….this solider will even survive a nuclear holocaust… (Well, maybe not, but you get the idea?)

Here are the statistics. It’s waterproof to 33ft, freeze proof to minus 10, and crushproof to 220 LBF. If you’re an adrenalin junkie who wants a camera that can withstand all you throw at it, or even if you’re just that little bit clumsy, then this is the camera for you.

As well as being extremely robust it really is a nice bit of kit. It utilizes the latest technologies to provide you with perfect pictures every time. With its 10.1 mega pixel CMOS sensor and a 3.6x wide angle lens it will give your shots in super clear definition and a great field of view for them action shots.

It uses face detection technology for taking great family snaps and a beautiful Hyper crystal II LCD screen to display them in there full glory.

If you going to use this digital camera for action shots on the slopes it is perfect as it incorporates anti-blur technology and digital image stabilization to ensure perfect shake free shots every time.

In a nutshell, it is a great digital camera in a protective case which will withstand the tests of time.

At Elite Gadgets we love it!!