[MobileRatty] tag: a200

Canon's EOS Rebel XS / 1000D DSLR hits the test bench

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:37:00 +0000

With all the DSLR noise going on, the EOS Rebel XS managed to sneak in without too many people noticing. The proper entry-level replacement to the XTi / 400D recently took the time to cave to Camera Labs' every request, and when all was said and done, critics didn't find too many negative points to harp on. The all-important image quality ranked very highly, and the built-in live view was obviously a boon. Granted, the fixed screen and 7-point AF system (versus the 9-pointer on the XTi) were slight bummers, but it still managed to secure an 82% (Highly Recommended) rating. Care to see how it stacked up against Nikon's D60, Sony's A200 and a Polaroid 80B Highlander? Two of the three comparisons await you in the read link.

[Via DigitalCameraInfo]

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Sony Ericsson G705 leaked!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:34:19 +0000

What we have here is the still unannounced Sony Ericsson G705. From what we can tell, it’s a mid-range slider running a A2 (A200) platform and also boasting a 3.2 megapixel camera. And that’s about all we know at this stage. However, it’s fair to add it will also come with Bluetooth support, some media player, as well as Memory Stick Micro (M2) expansion slot. We’ll report more as soon as we get some additional info. In the meantime, check out more photos after the jump.

[Via: SonyEricssonBlog]

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New Sony Ericsson Feng, Remi and Linda live pics

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson W302:
- code named Feng
- mid range candy bar
- Walkman branded version of the S302- 176x220 display
- 2 mega pixel non AF camera
- A200 platform
- to be announced on July 22
- to be released 14/10/2008
- WAP profile: http://wap.sonyericsson.com/UAprof/W302R101.xml

Here are tons more live pics of the Sony Ericsson Linda (the white and orange version).

Here are some good pics of the Sony Ericsson Remi.

source

Software features of Nokia S40 6th Edition

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:34:00 +0000

Mobile-review have posted an article on the software features of Nokia S40 6th Edition. Here is their final conclusion.

The sixth edition of S40 improves upon the previous version of the platform on several major accounts, plus it signifies the tendency for convergence between S40 and S60, where the ultimate goal is to unify the user experience. All in all, it’s an extremely strong move that will make some difference down the road. But don’t think that all upcoming phones will run the 6th edition of S40 – some will utilize the previous version too.

As far as the S40 6th edition’s competition goes, not much has changed since it’s still rivaled by Sony Ericsson’s A200. Going for the latter are its ability to multitask and jump between running applications on the fly. Also these two platforms have a lot in common in terms of basic functionality; furthermore, A200 sports transition effects for various menus and the truth is it does a better job on this front. These days neither Sony Ericsson nor Nokia holds the upper hand when it comes to platforms for feature phones; but it seems that despite their identical functionality, S40 6th edition will get ahead of A200 a little, since Nokia laid great foundation for its future platforms with the fifth edition of S40. On top of that, the postponed release of Sony Ericsson’s A300 will allow Nokia to enrich the core functoinality of S40 even further with no tight deadlines to meet. But anyway, as of today S40 6th edition can only be rivaled by A200, but doesn’t look like a clear winner in this competition at that.

The Siemens Gigaset Story 2 - The new millennium

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:26:48 +0000

As promised here : The Siemens Gigaset Story 1 - How it all began, I would like to continue now with The Siemens Gigaset Story. Read what happend from the new millennium onwards...

...The new millennium saw the introduction of the Siemens Gigaset 100 and a change from an angular to a round design language. At the same time, a trend toward miniaturization had emerged among technology products, and the Gigaset 3000 Micro, the smallest DECT device in cellphone format, conquered the market.

The 4000 series that appeared in 2001 boasted an elegant design and more new functions: The widespread use of SMS in mobile networks was reflected in these practical short text messages being integrated in the Siemens Gigaset cordless phones. The portfolio still included the world’s smallest phone, the Gigaset 4010 micro – this time without a stub antenna.

As of 2002, a new naming convention was adopted. The first representative was the entry model Siemens Gigaset A100, in keeping with the convention introduced by Mercedes-Benz. The ISDN series was complemented by the Siemens Gigaset 4110 cordless phone. In addition, the ISDN base station Siemens Gigaset 4975 was the first to enable cordless networking of the phone and a PC and the connection of a fax machine or intercom. The system could also be administered via a PC thanks to the Gigaset Talk & Surf software.

In 2003, the new naming conventions were consistently implemented in the new portfolio with A, C and S categories. New members of the entry class were the Siemens Gigaset A200 and A250 with the CLIP function, while the Siemens Gigaset C100, C200 and C300 with their respective answering machine functions addressed the convenience class. The Siemens Gigaset S100 and S150 were launched as new flagship devices.

Design was increasingly important. Collaboration with the designer Stefano Giovannoni produced the unconventional Alessi phone in pearl white and pearl black. An unusual, youthful design was also offered by the Siemens Gigaset Cl 100, whose keys were arranged in the shape of a rotary dial.

In 2003, the SL line was introduced, a new class combining exclusive design with leading-edge technology. The Siemens Gigaset SL100 and 150 continued the Micro’s concept in a handy housing with extensive features. The handset was given a separate, elegant charging cradle. The Siemens Gigaset SL100 and SL150 colour, the first cordless phones with a color display, were launched in 2004.

The next step was the Siemens Gigaset SL740: The color display was complemented by an MMS function and a built-in camera in a modern, stylish package. Although this trend was booming in mobile phones, it was not such a hit among cordless phones, and the Siemens Gigaset SL740 has remained the only one of its type to this day.

In the next part of The Siemens Gigaset Story you can read how Siemens Gigaset tried to reach all consumer target groups through the expansion of its portfolio and the launch of certain niche products...

Review of GSM/UMTS-handset Sony Ericsson C902

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:53:00 +0000

Mobile-review have posted their review of the Sony Ericsson C902 Cyber-shot. Here is the final impression.

Our C902 unit was loud enough be hear in most, even call-unfriendly environmnets. The reception quality of the C902 was quite good – we got strong signal levels in most places and didn’t notice any significant differences from other contemporary solutions. Also going for the C902 is its superb build quality. The C902 is a direct rival to the Samsung U800 Soul – in fact these two have a whole lot in common, that is: build quality, metallic accents on the back, relatively small yet decent display, pretty much basic functionality. However the Samsung’s offering packs in a 3 Mpix camera, takes away some value from it. Interestingly, these two phones are reactions of Sony Ericsson and Samsung respectively to the Nokia 6500 Classic’s great sales, although the latter doesn’t have metallic accents or tons of memory onboard and some other smarts and feats. But it got to the market much earlier than either of these two phones. It’s quite another matter, though, that the update of the 6500 Classic will arrive much later than the Samsung U800 and Sony Ericsson C902, so they won’t clash directly in view of price gaps that won’t get smaller over time.

The C902 will retail for around 370 Euro, which is a somewhat common price tag for a fashion-conscious phone that has just started shipping – the Nokia 6500 Classic’s sales kicked off at a similar price point. Don’t view the C902 as an imaging-centric solution, though, since it ends up behind the Sony Ericsson K850i, Nokia N82 and some other phones, let alone the Motorola ZN5 that will be second to none this way. It’s a phone, whose major trump is fashion and it leverages it well enough, adding decent build quality, robust functionality of A200 with a couple of neat touches and good battery time to the mix. The C902 will make a great buzzer with somewhat advanced features and mid-tier camera. In a certain sense it’s similar to the C702 that’s more of a ruggedized phone, rather than a cameraphone. On balance, the Sony Ericsson C902 is a likable product that won’t be overly popular, but will generate a fair amount of sales after a scheduled price cut in October.

Why I chose Pentax K200D over XSI, D60 and A300

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:37:00 +0000

After much deliberation, I finally bought a Pentax K200D. It is my first time owning a DSLR, so I did a lot of research on this, comparing the Canon 450D (XSI), Nikon D60 and Sony A200/A300/A350. In this post I'll summarize my findings and in my next post I will write about my first impressions after playing the the camera over the weekend.

First a disclaimer. This post is not meant to convince you about which camera to buy. It is simply my thinking process. Hopefully it will be helpful if someone is having the same questions as I had.

My requirements for my first DSLR

Low light performance - my primary reason for buying a DSLR is that I like to take pictures of people inside my home (which is somewhat dark). I'm quite tired of the noise from my Fz7.
Dynamic range and color - I understand Photoshop and can find my way around the curves and levels adjustments, but lots of time, either the highlights are already blown out or the shadows have of noise that got worse with adjustments. The colors from all P&S are too blocky and flat for me.
Price - Price is important to me since the body depreciates quickly. I monitor the street price and all deals quite closely.
Kit lens - I don't plan to buy a $1000 upgrade lens any time soon, so I want a kit lens with reasonable performance that can beat my Fz7.
Weight - the lighter the better. I will bring it on travels so weight is quite important for me.
Manual lenses - I like exploring manual lenses when given the chance, since I also like rangefinders.

I already own a film Pentax MZ-M with a Pentax A50/1.7 and a Kiron 28/2, so I admit I maybe slightly biased. I don't have a problem selling them on eBay though if I indeed bought into a new system.

The entry-level DSLR roundup (in no particular order)

1. Canon XSI (450D) - best in class if not for the high price

Pros: Lots of features. Somewhat inconvenient live view but it's there. Light. Great autofocus. IS kit lens. Can use lenses from many other manufacturers with adapter.
Cons: No in-body IS means higher cost of upgrade lens with IS. Most expensive of the entry levels.

2. Nikon D60 - weakest in class

Pros: Very light. Great autofocus. VR kits lens. Cheap.
Cons: Somewhat crippled. Confusing information on using manual lenses. No in-body IS means higher cost of upgrade lens with VR.

3. Sony A200/A300/A350 - A300 is best choice in Sony camp overall but viewfinder really is too small

Pros: Light. Great autofocus. In-body SR. Cheap.
Pros A200: Viewfinder on par with other manufacturers
Pros A300/A350: Wonderful live view (means even family members can take pictures of me)
Cons: Noise. Worst kit lens among competition (but best range). Sony lenses are expensive. Non-standard flash hot shoe.
Cons A300: Tiny viewfinder
Cons A350: Tiny viewfinder, possibly higher level of noise

4. Pentax K200D - fully featured, cheap but big and heavy

Pros: Good viewfinder. In-body SR. Best kit lens among competition. Lots of features. Cheap.
Cons: Heavy. Biggish. Slower auto focus. Cannot try out at major retailers.

I find the Sony A300 and K200D best fit my needs. Each has its own flaw that slightly puts me off (poor kit lens on A300 and weight of K200D) so the price decided which one to buy. During Mother's Day, the A300 was actually available for $600 from SonyStyle and Amazon with a bunch of package deals. I was however put off by the high cost of the 50mm F1.4 and other better lenses. In the end, the Pentax $100 off body and another $100 off the DA 16-45mm F4.0 rebate was the deal maker. My final cost after rebate for the kit was less than $550 and the lens was $223.

Sony Alpha A700 Review: With 12 megapixel CMOS Sensor

Tue, 27 May 2008 03:44:00 +0000

If at previous series (Sony Alpha A100 and A200) Sony applies CCD light sensor type, at Alpha A700 Sony applies CMOS 12,24 megapixel. This light sensor equipped with image stabilizer mechanism so that felt helps when user want to make a picture with low shutter speed or when using long lens. To ensure the light sensor age, there is anti dust mechanism which can clean light sensor.

Camera frame is so steady because made from aluminum material and wrapped with magnesium alloy. Buttons at camera is also equipped with panel from rubber material as protector from aqueous vapor, dew and also wet air.

But not all is good news. There is a problem with leyns ring compatibility. Remember that Sony is new comer in SLR camera arena. Sony Alpha A700 body can be attached by lens with Minolta type A mounting.

When testing Sony Alpha A700, we get photo record character which having high relative contrast, but can maintain detail / texture in highlight part. Best record detail that we got is at low contrast setting, which combined with low ISO/ASA and RAW format. We are provides with facility in arranging contrast level and also color saturation.

Big enough CMOS light sensor measure is very effective when we try to make a photo in dark condition and without flash lamp. At ISO 1600, photo result is great enough.

Difference of detail record quality is significant enough between JPEG and RAW format. Sharpness, texture or detail is recorded nice at RAW file, but not so good at JPEG format.

Under the bright sunlight lighting, Sony Alpha A700 gives natural color, with red and blue color uppermost saturation. Meanwhile, below lamp lighting, without flash light, and white balance auto setting, photo result tends to having warmness nuance (red). Moreover, every level of light compensation will give different color temperature highlighting.

We choose to apply Adobe RGB color profile because RAW file conversion result is best to get if applies Adobe Camera Raw software. Besides Adobe Camera Raw, RAW file conversion program figured in is Sony Image Data Converter SR version 2.

This camera provides flash lamp and addition flash lamp hotshoe. But its type is not universal, so that not compatible with third party flash lamp. This thing of course lessens flexibility.

Sony Alpha A700 is good enough to fulfilling serious photographer and professional requirement which requiring detail and color record quality.

Sony Alpha A700 Review
Specs:
Resolution (pixel): 13,05 megapixel (total), 12,24 megapixel (effective).
Photo resolution (min/max): 2128x1424 / 4288x2856 pixel (RAW)
Record media: Compact Flash type I/II, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo
File format (photo/video/audio): RAW, Compressed RAW, RAW + JPEG, JPEG
Measure: 23,5 x 156 mm
ISO/ASA: 100 - 6400
Shutter speed: 30 seconds - 1/8000 seconds, Bulb
Viewfinder: Yes
Diagonal LCD : 3.0", 920.000 pixel, equipped with anti-reflective coating.
Connection: HDMI output, Composite audio/video output, USB, Remote control
Battery: Li-ion rechargeable,1650 mAh
Dimension: 141,7 x 104,8 x 79,7 mm
Weight: 690 grams (without battery), 768 grams (with battery)

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Review of GSM/UMTS-handset Sony Ericsson Z770i

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:17:13 +0000

Mobile-review have posted their review of the Sony Ericsson Z770. Here is the final impression.

Impressions
The Z770i’s ring tones volume was never an issue – its speaker fared well in most environments. The reception quality was nothing to complain about either. Our only gripe is with the phone’s vibro alert, which occasionally proves to be on the weak side.

The handset is set to debut this April around the 480-550 USD price point (300 Euro in Europe) – for this money the user gets an interesting design, all standard features of A200 with a couple of minor fresh touches. It is not the most decent price/quality ratio we have seen – its design certainly adds some weight to the price tag. I suppose the looks are the Sony Ericsson Z770i’s major trump, some will definitely like it.

As far its rivals go, the Z770i will find its main competition in the Nokia 6600 that sports exactly the same specs and will arrive in May (while its announcement is scheduled for April). It is also notable for its fashion-savvy design and exactly the same price tag (300 Euro).

Toshiba Satellite U400 Series Laptops

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:12:22 +0000

This Toshiba laptop series is a tad smaller than its cousin, the Satellite M300, described as the brand's stylish thin and light model at 13.3 inches. The Toshiba Satellite U400 Series's screen is diagonal widescreen TruBrite dsplay and the system is equipped with the same sleep-and-charge USB ports the M300 has, flush mounted touchpad, Webcam with facial recognition software, and LED-illuminated "Feather-Touch" multimedia command keys. Prices begin at $949.99. All of Toshiba's laptops pass the RoHS directive, meaning they were all manufactured with lessening the environmental impact of production in mind by restricting usage of poisonous heavy metals such as mercury and lead. Some specs and price options available after the jump.

Satellite U405-S2830 Unique Specifications (ESUP $1,149.992)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T81001
2.10GHz, 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB
3072MB PC-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory3
Maximum capacity 4096MB
250GB (5400 RPM) Serial ATA hard disk drive4
DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive supporting 11 formats
13.3-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite® TFT LCD display
1280x800 native resolution (WXGA)
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with 128MB-358MB dynamically allocated shared graphics5 memory
Built-in stereo speakers
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)6
Bluetooth® version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
3 USB Sleep-and-Charge ports
Built-in Webcam and microphone
Fingerprint reader
One-year standard limited warranty7

Satellite U405-S2820 Unique Specifications (ESUP $949.992)
Genuine Windows Vista® Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T55501
1.83GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB
2048MB PC-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory3
Maximum capacity 4096MB
250GB (5400 RPM) Serial ATA hard disk drive4
DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive supporting 11 formats
13.3-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite® TFT LCD display
1280x800 native resolution (WXGA)
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with 128MB-358MB dynamically allocated shared graphics5 memory
Built-in stereo speakers
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g)6
3 USB Sleep-and-Charge ports
Built-in Webcam and microphone
Fingerprint reader
One-year standard limited warranty

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