Is the new Canon EOS 7D a Nikon D300s killer?

With no real direct competitors, the Nikon D300 has dominated the mid-range digital SLR market for years, and its recently released successor, the Nikon D300s, looked poised to inherit its older sibling’s crown. That is, until the Canon EOS 7D was announced yesterday. Priced at $1,699 ($100 less than the D300s), the 7D will give the D300s a run for its money when it’s released later this month.

Rather than come out with a less expensive full-frame dSLR as Sony did with its Alpha DSLR-A850 a few days ago (say, a 5D Mark II junior), Canon decided to go for a high-end APS-C camera (a full $300 less than the A850), which slips neatly into the EOS line between the 5D Mark II and the 50D — and is pitted directly against the D300s. So what do you get by spending $100 less? For starters, the 7D sports an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (vs. the D300s’ 12.3-megapixel sensor) and it records 1,920×1,080 HD video at a full 30 fps, compared to the D300s’ 720p video at only 24 fps.

For a further specs comparison between the 7D and the D300s (plus the Pentax K-7, a lower-priced APS-C camera that also shoots HD video):

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Panasonic introduces LUMIX DMC-GF1 and two new lenses

Panasonic announced the release of a new addition to the LUMIX G family: the DMC-GF1. The 12-megapixel model is the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash. A follower in the LUMIX G series, known for producing “DSLR-like” models at the sizes of pocket cameras, it comes with seven preset functions, collectively known as the “My Color” mode. These presets include Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette and Custom.

What is especially powerful about this camera is its video capability. It can shoot 1280 x 720 HD video in AVCHD Lite and HD Motion JPEGs at a 1280 x 720 resolution. Other available video recording formats include QVGA, VGA and WVGA. It is also built with a 3-inch LCD screen with a 460,000-dot resolution, an internal Dust Reduction system and a Live MOS Sensor, which separates chromatic noise from luminance noise, applying the optimal noise reduction to each and capturing crisp images even when shooting at high ISO levels.

The DMC-GF1 is due to be released in early October, with a starting price of $899.95.

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Five digital cameras for going back to school

Going back to school is an exciting time at any age. Thus, it would be a good idea to carry a pocket camera around to make sure you record all of the memories, whether it be your first day at college or dropping off your child for his/her first day of school ever. Here are five point-and-shoots that will record great photos and fit your budget:

1. Casio Exilim EX-Z250: Built with 37 scene options straight out of the box, the Casio Exilim EX-Z250 is great for anyone on-the-go without much time for fiddling around with functions. While the shutter speed is a bit on the slow side, one can make-up for that with the auto-shooting features. This Casio model also features a wide-angle lens, which has a few deficiencies including purple fringing sometimes. But if you’re looking for something simple and solid, the Exilim EX-Z250 will do just fine. (Lowest price: $164.99)

2. Canon PowerShot SD780: An easy-to-use camera with HD video capability, the Canon PowerShot SD780 is a very competitive option. It’s super slim and light, so it would fit in any bag easily without taking up much space or even just in your front pocket. Overall, the reviews have been very good, while there have been notes about the quality of the photos being a bit too soft. Available in black, silver, red and gold, this Canon model is one of the best blends of fun and quality point-and-shoot cameras out there right now. (Lowest price: $219)

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