chris@seary.com:

martin_hurton:

I notice that DC Mags E420 review has a comments box that says some people are concerned about image quality with the smaller 4/3rds sensor, but doesn't continue to give any of the benefits of the 4/3rds system, which surely an unbiased review should have?

Just a thought, but while I'm in my 'ranting about camera marketing' mode.......

The magazines seem to slag off Olympus for the smaller sensor, moaning about image quality.

Do you think they'll do the same for APS-C format when the manufacturers try to drive us all to 'upgrade' to full frame digital sensors?

You mean like they used to say 3mp was plenty for making huge prints when 3mp was the norm - now if it;s not at least 12mp it's pretty useless and old hat!

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a few mediocre pics

sue allen:

chris@seary.com:

martin_hurton:

I notice that DC Mags E420 review has a comments box that says some people are concerned about image quality with the smaller 4/3rds sensor, but doesn't continue to give any of the benefits of the 4/3rds system, which surely an unbiased review should have?

Just a thought, but while I'm in my 'ranting about camera marketing' mode.......

The magazines seem to slag off Olympus for the smaller sensor, moaning about image quality.

Do you think they'll do the same for APS-C format when the manufacturers try to drive us all to 'upgrade' to full frame digital sensors?

You mean like they used to say 3mp was plenty for making huge prints when 3mp was the norm - now if it;s not at least 12mp it's pretty useless and old hat!

Precisely. That's why I'll never buy anything other than an entry level DSLR. Ever. I don't care what Nikon do with their focus motors - I'll buy a Katz Eye focusing screen rather than have to 'upgrade' to the D80 or its replacement if anything happens to my D50.

As I said in another thread, I can't wait for the day when signing up to flickr or DCM online are the same as mobile phone contracts. You get a free camera when you sign the contract, and get to choose a replacement every year when you renew.

That's not meant as sarcasm - cameras are becoming consumables in the same way as mobile phones. The sensor race means that you just won't keep your camera for long. When I bought my Nikon D50, I knew it would only be with me for four years, and I think the manufacturers want to reduce that timescale even more. So many posts on various forums saying 'I bought my D200 last week, and now the D300 has come out. I wonder if Jessops will let me take it back and exchange it'.

They've just spent a grand on a camera, and are disappointed with it before the week is out!

That's maybe why the reviews are so pointless? lots of gear that does the same thing, that is going to be replaced any minute. I had to laugh at the Xmas copy of AP. It contained their award list (Camera of the Year, Trupod of the year etc.). The Nikon D40x won an award, when manufacture of it had already ceased!

Apologies if I'm duplicating from other posts, but it's something I feel strongly about.

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Chris Seary

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I think the comment about my preview of the E-420 was unfair. I'm a great fan of Olympus. The usability and colour quality is exceptional. I sometimes wonder as I read through your comments whether you're even reading the same review that I've written. Please don't imagine that we have any bias here. I use all types of cameras and have an open mind when writing about kit.

Mark

Re: Chris's comments:

The march of technological improvement is constant. You cannot worry about what will be out next week, next month, next year - the question you have to ask yourself is does what I have in my hands do what I want it to do, at a price I am willing to pay, at least for now? If the answer is 'yes' then buy it and don't worry about another choice until you are ready to change or the first thing you bought has broken.

I also agree about not buying the top of the range models. They'll be mid range within a year and replaced by something better and half the price.

I went for the K10D because I wanted the weather sealed body and I liked the fact that the carcass is made of stainless steel. I intend to keep it for some time, even when it replaced as my main body is a few year's time.

My car has got magnesium wheels - they're light OK, but my word are they fragile.

Howard

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Carl Jervis:

Picked up the latest edition, skipped straight to the reviews. Pentax K20D and Sony A200.

Hmm, both are marked down for not doing things the canikon way. So what. It's subjective. I personally cannot stand the handling of the entry level canons. Nikon is better, but there is a considerable amount of acclimatisation to a different brand of camera.

Kit lenses on both are knocked. Ok, kit lenses are down to a price, rather than up to a standard. But did that ever mean 10% off a 350/400D review?

Two of DCmag's competitors have both reviewed the A350, giving it both a high rating, and in a comparison test, outgunning the D60 (which is priced about the same RRP) in traditionally strong Nikon areas such as colour rendition. One even tested noise levels against the 400D - accepted as a strong low noise camera - which the A350 came out with flying colours. I suspect that Rod will probably mark it at around 78%, because it handles like a Sony.

The comment about the fact that if the K20D was in a 40D body it would be irresistable - now is that knocking the Pentax handling, or the Canon lack of improvement and innovation

And so we move to the current issue. Front cover, big flag stating Canon 450D review. Inside front cover, nice leader pointing to the 450D review. Next page of contents, ooh, a photo of the 450D. Small print, right at bottom, A350 reviewed too. First mention of it.

And the final result (for those who don't buy DCmag, or can't get it out of the bag in Smiths!). Well, the 450D got 80%, nothing really new, nothing really outstanding, and well, a bit behind the competition. Oh, and the IQ is nothing to shout about either. A350 got 84%, superior IQ, assume LV too, though the issue seemed to be skirted around.

Still, the 450D will fly off the shelves at Jessops regardless

Any chance of a.n.other manufacturer getting on the front cover, especially if it rates higher than the Canikon or are DCmag scared of upsetting advertisers/owners?

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Odd thing about the 450D is the closeness in price to the 40D - why would anyone buy a cheap feeling little plastic camera [if it carries on the legacy of the 350D/400D that is - apologies if it's had a major overhaul] instead of a sturdy semi-pro model when the prices are so close? Sorry Carl, much against my prejudices, the 40D is actually  very good camera!

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a few mediocre pics

Most of us make our upgrade decisions based on the eqipment we already have and wish to continue using.  As Canon and Nikon were market leaders back in the days of film they have carried a lot of us into the Digital Age. If money was not a problem I would probably look at other makes and could well change brands but my economy dictates that my upgrade path is with Canon running 1 model behind all the time ie. I'm just going from 350D to 400D as the 450D does not take some of my accessories eg Battery Grip. The result of this will be that unless something pretty major happens it may well be the last time I change my camera.

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"Every day is a nice day - if you wake up - even nicer if you are dining at Cann Office"

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Sue, no need to apologise. I just find it interesting that dcmag has to lead with the 450D, despite it's failings. It's like Empire magazine leading with The Eye (terrible remake) rather than Iron Man (well received, summer blockbuster). Or the Beeb running trailers for a repeat of Casualty, rather than the latest Doctor Who to encourage Saturday night viewers.

Is the buying public that brain washed, that if it says Canikon on the front, it's automatically a must buy? In which case, why review, just advertise?

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I'vr tried the A350 and 450D and the sony liveview implementation whips the Cannons ar$e (admittedly the canon is better for Macro type shooting). Anyone upgrading from a P&S must surely prefer the Sony LV compared to Canons but as you say the Cannon will sell loads and the Sony probably won't.

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Best Photographer in the World 24th & 25th February 2007.