Head To Head Review: Canon Powershot G15 vs. Nikon Coolpix 7700

Powershot G15

Interesting comparison by photographic authority dpreview.

A head to head comparison of the Canon PowerShot G15 and the Nikon Coolpix 7700, both very popular high end compact cameras for enthusiasts. While it obvious that each one has its strengths and weak points – the G15 has a faster lens (f/1.8) and the 7700 a longer zoom range, just to make an example – the Canon Powershot G15 comes out as the winner – even if with a very small advantage. Let’s see the core specs (taken from B&H‘s product pages)

 PowerShot G15  Coolpix 7700
 12.1MP CMOS Sensor  12.2MP CMOS Sensor
 3.0″ LCD Monitor  3″ Display With 921K Resolution
 5x Optical Zoom 6.1-30.5mm Lens  7.1x 28-200mm Zoom Lens (35mm Equiv.)
 28-140mm 35mm Equivalent Focal Length  f/2.0 Maximum Aperture
 DIGIC 5 Image Processor  High-Speed Shooting at Up to 8 FPS
 1080p HD Video Capture  Subject Tracking Auto Focus
 12800 ISO  19 Scene Modes
 Intelligent IS Image Stabilization  Full-Size Accessory Shoe for Accessories
 10fps Continuous Capture  In-Camera Creative Special Effects
 RAW & JPEG Capture  RAW & JPEG Capture

In the conclusion, different aspects are considered:

  • Design and Handling: While the P7700’s flip-out LCD is appealing, [dpreview thinks] that the G15’s smaller, more rugged body and optical viewfinder give it a slight edge.
  • Features: Canon Powershot G15 is winner
  • Performance: Canon Powershot G15 is winner
  • Movie mode: Coolpix P7700 (thanks to mic input and manual exposure control)
  • Image quality: Coolpix P7700 (by a hair)

The final word by dpreview:

The Canon PowerShot G15 narrowly beats the Nikon Coolpix P7700 in our competition here, but it’s a close-run thing. The G15 offers a fast lens, very good image quality, a compact yet solid body, snappy performance, and plenty of manual controls. And then there’s the optical viewfinder which, while not great, is better than nothing. About the only things on our wish list are an articulating LCD display (like on previous models), faster frame rates in movie mode, and a bit sharper images, though the latter is subjective.

The Canon Powershot G15 gets a Gold Award (76%), the Nikon Coolpix 7700 a Silver Award (75%).

Canon PowerShot G15 price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA Nikon Coolpix 7700 price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

[via dpreview]

 

Canon WFT-E7A Wireless File Transmitter Firmware Update (ver. 1.0.4)

Canon WFT-E7A

Another firmware update by Canon. Firmware version 1.0.4 for the Canon WFT-E7A Wireless File Transmitter (price & specs) is available for download.

Details
Firmware Version 1.0.4 includes the following fixes:
1. Fixes the rare issue of an error occurring during the transmission of images via Wireless LAN (FTP).
2. The reliability of USB data transfer has been improved between the Canon EOS 5D Mark III running firmware version 1.2.1 and the Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A running firmware 1.0.4. For optimal performance be sure to update both devices to the latest firmware version.

Firmware Version 1.0.4 is for Wireless File Transmitters with firmware version 1.0.2. If the Wireless File Transmitter’s firmware is already version 1.0.4, it is not necessary to update the firmware. When updating your Wireless Transmitter’s firmware, please review the instructions thoroughly before you update the firmware.

Support
The new Firmware Version 1.0.4 can be downloaded by clicking here.

 

 

Canon EOS-1D X Firmware Update Released (ver. 1.2.4)

EOS-1D X Firmware Update

Lots of firmware updates coming from Canon these days. After the firmware update for the Canon EOS-1D C, the EOS-1Ds III and EOS-1D IV, and the EOS-1D III, Canon released a firmware update for the Canon EOS-1D X (price & specs).

Details
Firmware Version 1.2.4 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. Improves the speed of the camera’s acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.
2. Reduces the time it takes to display the metering result on the LCD or Viewfinder when the meter has been activated.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a “Caution 02” message is unnecessarily recorded in the camera status log.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which continuous shooting pauses when using a Canon Speedlite.
5. Fixes a phenomenon, when the Canon GP-E1 is attached, in which the GPS device settings are reset to default settings when the camera has been powered off.

Note: *This phenomenon occurs only with firmware Ver. 1.2.1. After changing the GPS device settings, please be sure to power off the camera before removing the battery. This will ensure that the camera’s GPS device settings will be saved.

Firmware Version 1.2.4 is for cameras with firmware version 1.2.1 or earlier. If your camera’s firmware is already Version 1.2.4, it is not necessary to update the firmware. When updating your camera’s firmware, please review the instructions thoroughly before you update the firmware.
The firmware update takes approximately seven minutes.

Support
The new Firmware Version 1.2.4 can be downloaded by clicking here.

Canon EOS-1D X price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon Camera Museum Publishes Technical Reports Of Rebel T5i/EOS 700D And Rebel SL1/EOS 100D

Canon Camera Museum

Technical reports about the Canon Rebel T5i (EOS 700D/Kiss X7i – price & specs) and the Canon Rebel SL1 (EOS 100D/Kiss X7 – price & specs) are available in the Canon Camera Museum. The following topics are covered:

  • EOS Kiss X7i Development objectives
  • EOS Kiss X7 Development objectives
  • Smallest and lightest body in its class
  • Advanced digital functions for fine detail and top picture quality
  • Outstanding core camera functions
  • Enhanced image creation functions
  • Advanced Live View shooting functions
  • Advanced movie shooting functions
  • More operating comfort

Canon Rebel T5i/EOS 700D/Kiss X7i price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA Canon Rebel SL1/EOS 100D/Kiss X7 price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Cannes Film Festival Winner Shot Using A Canon C300

The Cannes Film Festival has a winner. The top prize, the Palm d’Or, was given to Blue is the Warmest Color (aka La Vie d’Adèle: Chapitre 1 & 2). The movie, a love story, is the first shot on a Canon digital camera (Canon C300) to win the prize.

The Canon EOS C300 and C300/PL are currently discounted to $13,999 ($2000 off) at B&H (click here) and Adorama (click here).

[via nofilmschool]

Interview with actors and director

Canon EOS-1D C Firmware Update Delivers 25fps At 4K (But Is Not Available For Download)

EOS-1D C Firmware Update

 

The EOS-1D C is sold for $11,999 at the following shops: B&H and Adorama, and you can rent it here.

Canon Europe announced a new firmware (ver. 1.2.0) for the Canon EOS-1D C. The firmware will not be made available via download but will be installed by authorized service centers (click here to learn more).

Firmware version 1.2.0 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

  1. Provides support for 25.00p (fps) video recording frame rate (PAL settings) at the camera’s maximum 4K resolution.
  2. A function to disable the image size selection button has been added.
  3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a difference in exposure appears on every other shot when shooting continuously and the auto-lighting optimizer is turned on (on weak, standard or strong).
  4. Fixes a phenomenon in which video recorded onto an external recorder sometimes becomes two-layered if it has been recorded through HDMI output.
  5. The video frame rate now displays two additional decimal places, e.g. 24p -> 23.98p (fps).
  6. Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the “Auto ISO Range” option.
  7. Corrects errors in the Portuguese language menu.
[via CR]