PCPhoto
Sweet Spot D-SLRsBetween the pro and entry-level models lies a paradise of high-performance features, ease of use and excellent value |
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Samsung GX-10Similar in form and features to the Pentax K10D, in no small part due to a partnership between Samsung and Pentax, the 10.1-megapixel GX-10 provides sensor-shift image stabilization that works with all lenses, a sensor dust-removal system, one-touch switching from JPEG to RAW+JPEG shooting, 22-bit A/D conversion and 3 fps shooting—all in a rugged dust- and weather-resistant body. RAW images are recorded in Adobe’s “universal” DNG format and can be accessed/converted with Samsung’s software or recent versions of Photoshop. RAW images also can be converted to JPEG in-camera. The Samsung GX-10 accepts a wide range of Pentax lenses, and Samsung also offers several Schneider lenses designed for the camera. Specifications Camera: Samsung GX-10 Image Sensor: 10.2-megapixel (effective) CCD Resolution: 3872 x 2592 pixels Sensor Size: 23.5x15.7mm, 1.5x focal-length factor LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch AF System: 11-point Shutter Speeds: 1⁄4000 to 30 sec., X-sync up to 1⁄180 sec. ISO Settings: 100-1600 Continuous Firing Mode: 3 fps Recording Format: JPEG, RAW (DNG) Metering: 16-segment, spot, center-weighted Storage Media: SD, SDHC Dimensions: 5.6x4.0x2.8 inches Weight: 25.0 ounces Power Source: D-L150 rechargeable lithium-ion battery Estimated Street Price: $700 
Sigma SD14The SD14 is the only current D-SLR to feature the unique Foveon X3 image sensor. Unlike conventional sensors, which record one primary color at each pixel site and interpolate the other colors from neighboring pixels via complex algorithms, the X3 sensor records red, green and blue at every pixel site. It does this by taking advantage of the fact that silicon absorbs different wavelengths at different depths—much like color film. The horizontal-by-vertical pixel count of the sensor is 2640 x 1760, or 4.7 megapixels, but there are three “layers”—hence the X3 name and claim of 14 megapixels. We made some beautiful 14x21-inch prints from our test camera’s files, far bigger than one would expect from 2640 x 1760-pixel images. A straightforward, solid camera, the SD14 offers an intuitive user interface and a handy Quick Set button for setting ISO, resolution, JPEG quality and file type, and white balance. Sigma offers some 40 lenses for the SD14, including zooms from 10-20mm to 300-800mm and fixed focal lengths from 8mm fisheye to 800mm super-telephoto. The image sensor’s 1.7x focal-length factor turns 800mm into the equivalent of 1360mm on 35mm cameras.
Specifications Camera: Sigma SD14 Image Sensor: 4.6x3-megapixel (effective) CMOS Resolution: 2640 x 1760 x 3 pixels Sensor Size: 20.7x13.8mm, 1.7x focal-length factor LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch AF System: 5-point Shutter Speeds: 1⁄4000 to 30 sec., X-sync up to 1⁄180 sec. ISO Settings: 100-1600 Continuous Firing Mode: 3 fps Recording Format: JPEG, RAW Metering: 8-segment, average, center-area Storage Media: CompactFlash Dimensions: 5.7x4.2x3.2 inches Weight: 24.7 ounces Power Source: BP-21 rechargeable lithium-ion battery Estimated Street Price: $1,200   |
