The Shutterbugs are buzzing in the social networking websites and online blogging communities in recent times. With growing interest in photography and even higher interest in digital cameras dedicated for professional photography, camera manufacturers have gone into a frenzy wooing photographers with just about every perceivable feature, gimmick imaginable.
The most popular yard stick still used by customer remains the Megapixels offered by a camera’s lens. It is but natural that there is a bloodbath of sorts in the Digital Camera spectrum to meet the ever increasing demand for
Hasselblad H4D-200MS
Hasselblad has released the latest multi-shot camera H4D-200MS, which is capable of delivering 200 megapixel files. This megapixel beast is built on the H4D-50MS platform which not only utilizes Hasselblad’s patented Piezo frame module with which it can capture six shots before combining them into a 200 megapixel file but also the functionality like true focus for creative effects, Ultra focus engine which utilizes the full potential of the H system lens program, bringing a new level of sharpness and resolution, digital lens correction which works with company’s Phocus software to automatically remove chromatic aberration and distortion plus a range of top-of-the-line features.
The three distinct capture modes namely Normal single-shot capture for 50 megapixel images of live subjects, Four-shot 50MP multi-shot capture for high detail images of still subjects and Six-shot , 200MP Multi-Shot capture for the ultimate in still subject capture works flawlessly.
The 6×4.5 cm window allows the H4D-200MS to use one of the largest image sensors currently available in the digital photography which is twice the size of a 35mm camera sensor and the advanced software toolbox to achieve optimum work flow and absolute image perfection from raw image files.
This Hasselblad camera is extensively geared for studio photographers whose work requires the ultimate in resolution with definite color details. It is ideal for capturing images of stationary items such as cars, artwork and other high end products where image quality is there higher precedence.
The only shortcoming would be one need a good storage space since the produced 200Megapixel file takes almost of 1GB in size. It is priced with a whopping $45,000, taxes extra but the good news is H4D-50MS owners can upgrade their camera for $10,000 plus tax by sending the camera to the factory in Denmark.
Seitz 6X17 – 160MP:
Seitz startled the digital photography world with its new Seitz 6×17-160MP, this megalith camera shoots with a resolution of 7,500 pixels vertically and 21,250 pixels horizontally creating a 160 million pixel image file in just one second which caters the size of almost 1GB which can be stored or viewed instantly on PC or MAC via gigabit Ethernet, thanks to the State-of-the art computer technology from Seitz.
This 6×17 scan back camera is 100x faster than any existing scan back; the images produced are high quality reproductions with variety of different formats 6×6, 6×9, 6×15 and a full 6×17 panorama which can be compared with one-shot digital or film back, thanks to a read-out speed of 300MB per second. With massive ISO range from 500 – 10,000 and the shutter speed of 1/ 20,000th second for the entire 6×17 scans at full resolution that would never let you compromise on the high definition photography. The sensitivity of the Seitz D3 sensor is significantly higher by factor 100 and the new stage selection technology controls the sensitivity by smaller or larger areas of sensor without any noise.
This user-friendly camera system and software with 640 x 480 pixel color touch screen for preview, editing, zooming and image control with uncompromising precision of camera body and accessories can be yours for the whopping price of $36,266 i.e. for the mobile version and for the studio version $33,715.
Leica S (Type 006) – 37.5MP:
Leica lined up the next generation to its successful series, the new Leica S. This 37.5 MP CCD Image Sensor definitely offers outstanding image quality with improved imaging system component.
It is small, fast and simple operations make it the most versatile medium format camera on the market. The 2 GB buffer memory support transfer rates up to 166 MB/S enables continuous sequences of up to 32 consecutive images in DNG format at full resolution. The 3-inch 920,000 dots sRGB color space LCD monitor, Predictive Autofocus Module, ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 – 1600, its lowest sensitivity of ISO 100 allows longer working at maximum aperture in bright conditions, while the highest setting of ISO 1600 ensures perfect exposures under even the difficult lighting conditions, Dual (shutter and memory card slots) and built-in GPS are the highlights of this camera.
Brand new features of the control concept are a five-way switch in the form of a mini-joystick and an even clearer layout of the user interface. If you got deep pockets and $22,995 in it then this highly scratch resistant corning gorilla glasses and elegantly designed camera can be yours without a hitch.
Nikon D800 – 36.3MP:
Nikon D800, the successor to the D700 had made its way into the market with stunning 36.3 megapixel resolution producing 1080p HD cinematic photos. The underlining features of this dust proof digital SLR camera are an input for headphones and microphone, a DX crop mode and OLPF filter. The build quality and design of D800 is remarkably pleasing, its impressive high ISO performance, fast and accurate Auto Focus system and the wide dynamic range of its image files are outstanding.
Though there are some tribulations like the frame rate is relatively slow in continuous shooting FX mode and slow AF in live view and video mode but then for regular shoot in low-light settings demanding high ISO performance with very high resolution to make large prints then this is good to go for $2,999.
Nikon D3200-24.2MP
The Nikon D3200 is a new digital SLR camera in the entry-level price range. It has a new 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor paired with company’s EXPEED 3 processor. This sensor can do 11-point autofocus system and 4 fps continuous shooting when required clicking pictures quickly. This camera has a 3 inch LCD screen with 921k pixels resolution.
It can also record 1080p full HD videos with autofocus in the Live View mode. This camera has an ISO range of 100-12800 with a new interactive Guide Mode from Nikon. It has a full sized SD card slot which is also compatible with SDHC and SDXC cards. The Nikon D3200 is available in black or red priced at INR 35,365 with the Nikkor 18-55mm VR Kit lens.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III – 22.3MP:
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III, newly designed 22.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and next generation DIGIC 5+ Image processor for noise reduction and exceptional processing speed is just the performer.
The excellent build quality and intuitive user interface with large number of external controls can make you snap the best picture from it with just an ease. Some of the impressive features are 61-Point High Density Reticular Auto Focus, extended ISO range of 100-25600, Intelligent Viewfinder, Canon’s advanced iFCL metering system, High Dynamic Range (HDR), full manual control in video mode and Multiple Exposure which makes an ideal choice for shooting weddings in the studio and enhanced performance make it possible to capture beautiful cinematic movies in EOS HD quality.
Canon cameras offer faster burst shooting, which makes it more suitable for capturing fast-moving action and offers greater customization when it comes to certain areas of its feature set with sophisticated Auto Focus system. With the price tag of $3,459 for Canon EOS 5D Mark III; this proficient camera which is lot of fun and exciting to shoot with will be all yours.
Summary
Megapixels are seldom a great measure of a camera. However with these stalwarts, the megapixel count is just an added advantage considering the overall feature quality and abilities of each individual camera.
For a really serious photographer, these are perhaps the equivalent of a Harley Davidson to a serious biker.
One Comment
Lars
The D40 is a decent caemra and is aimed squarely at the compact caemra user who wants to move up to interchangeable lenses but doesn’t want the hassle of too many other options. I’ve sold dozens of the caemra.The D40x has been discontinued for a while, it came back to life as the D60. Mostly it’s the X with a new badge but there are some subtle under the hood changes plus 10 MP too. Mostly it’s the VR lens that comes with the D60 that makes it an outstanding buy.The D40 isn’t a particularly fast caemra and those looking to shoot kids sports or anything of equal speed would be advised to compare before buying.Further if you are going with Nikon because you already own Nikon lenses please, please be aware that most lenses over 2 years old won’t work on any D40 / D60 unless they are marked “AF/S”. These bodies don’t have focus motors built in and over 75% of the Nikon, Tamron or Sigma lenses won’t work on them.References :