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“The J50’s biggest let-down is its image quality, which I can only describe as terrible. It’s a pity, because the lens actually performs very well, with virtually no distortion at either end of the zoom range, and good edge-to-edge sharpness, but it is let down by the lousy sensor. Even at the lowest ISO setting there are problems with image noise, and despite only having a maximum setting of 800 ISO, images at this setting are unusable. The combination of image noise and massive over-compression robs the images of any fine detail. File sizes at the highest quality setting average under 2MB, which is very small for an 8MP camera. Adding to these problems is very poor dynamic range, with shadow and highlight detail lost from high contrast shots. About the only good thing I can say about it is that colour rendition is fairly accurate, at least in good light and low ISO.”

“It’s fair to say this camera is designed for the user moving up from compacts and wants more creative control but doesn’t want too much fuss. The manual controls will allow just that and the large zoom in the compact body ensures you have more diversity at your fingertips without lugging a load of gear around. It’s still a bit basic compared to what some other cameras offer but the user friendliness of the camera is something that Fuji have excelled at for years and the S8100fd doesn’t disappoint.”

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Nikon, Inc. has introduced the new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.

Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.

onOne Software, Inc., has announce the availability of its new Plug-in Suite 4 software for Adobe Photoshop. onOne Software’s Plug-In Suite 4 combines full versions of six essential software tools - Genuine Fractals 5 Print Pro, PhotoTools 1.0 Professional Edition, PhotoFrame 3.1 Professional Edition, Mask Pro 4.1, PhotoTune 2.2 and FocalPoint 1.0 - an affordable combination that includes everything a photographer needs to make their images look their best.

The onOne Software Plug-In Suite 4 for Photoshop CS2 and CS3 is the latest upgrade to the award winning Plug-In Suite product line that combines several of onOne Software’s individual Photoshop plug-ins into a highly affordable package. 

“The Fujifilm FinePix F100fd is capable in a variety of situations, typically getting good color and exposure even under harsh lighting conditions. Its performance is limited indoors, however, with poor low light results and limited flash range. Still, as an outdoor camera, the FinePix F100fd records some amazing resolution for such a small camera. I’d like to see the maximum shutter time in the Auto modes extended beyond the 1/4-second limit (the camera can go as long as 8 seconds in Night mode with Long Exposure mode enabled), but the availability of high ISOs and the Dynamic Range option definitely push the Fujifilm F100fd up a notch for enthusiasts wanting a little more from a consumer digital camera.”