Bob Atkins Photography

Canon Fall Rebates for 2009?

Have Canon quietly introduced their Fall 2009 "instant rebate" scheme without telling anyone....read on and find out! (the answer appears to be "yes")

Canon EOS 1D MkIV announced

Canon have announced the EOS 1D MkIV. Still APS-H (1.3x), but a new 16.1 MP sensor with ISO capability up to 102400 and a new AF system

Canon EOS 7D - a closer look

A closer look at the new EOS 7D, plus comparisons with the EOS 50D and EOS 5D MkII

Canon EOS 7D Preview

The long awaited (and long rumored) Canon EOS 7D is finally announced!

Sony A500 and A550 Preview

Two new consumer DSLRs from Sony

Sony A850 Preview

Sony announce the first new full frame DSLR for under $2000 - and it has a 24.6MP sensor!

Canon Digital Rebel T1i (EOS 500D) Review

A look at the new Digital Rebel T1i, 15MP, ISO 12800 and video - all for under $800!

Canon Rebates Extended

Rebates on certain Canon lenses and speedlites have been extended through August 8th 2009

Acadia National Park Photography

A guide to Photography in Acadia National Park

Digital Rebel T1i

Some brief comments on using the new Canon EOS Dgital Rebel T1i

New Pentax K7 DSLR. 14.6MO with video

Pentax's new K7 DSLR offers a 14.6MP CMOS sensor, HD video, image stabilization built into the body, in-camera HDR, a 100% viewfinder and more....

New Canon Digital Rebel T1i - 15MP, HD video, 14bit-A/D and more...

Canon have announced the new Digital Rebel T1i DSLR (EOS 500D outside the US). It has HD video, a 15.1 MP CMOS sensor, A digic IV processor abd ISO capability up to 12800 - all for a price under $800!

New Canon TS-E 17/4L and TS-E 24/3.5L II Tilt and Shift Lenses

Canon have released info on two new tilt and shift lenses. The Canon TS-E 17/4L and the Canon TS-E 24/3.5L II

Canon Rebates for February 2009

Canon have announced a small rebate program which runs through the rest of February 2009. If you buy certain DSLRs plus certain lenses plus a 580EX II speedlite, there's a mail in rebate for $200

Canon EOS 5D MkII Review

A full "hands on" Review of the new Canon EOS 5D MkII 21.1MP full frame DSLR

Where are Canon prices headed

A look at changing prices in the camera and lens market. The bad news is that it looks like they are now starting to trend higher rather than lower due to the value o fthe dollar falling against the yen.

A look at a few 24mm lenses

A look at a few lenses which cover the 24mm focal length including Canon and Tamron primes, the Canon 24-105, 22-55 and 20-35

Canon EOS 5D MkII firmware update 1.0.7 to fix the "Black Dots" issue

Canon have issued firmware update 1.0.7 to "improve and mitigate" the "black dot" and sRAW1 vertical banding problems which some EOS 5D MkII users have reported.

A look at some 24mm lenses

Some comments on a selection of 24mm lenses and zooms with a 24mm setting, for use on both full frame and crop sensor cameras

The Canon EOS 5D MkII "Black Dots" situation

Some people are seeing very small black dots next to overexposed highlights in images taken (usually at higher ISO settings) with the new EOS 5D MkII. Despite some very vocal critics, I don't think the sky is actually falling and the end of the world almost certainly isn't coming. The black dots are not a sign of the apocalypse. In this article I report some facts and try to put the problem in perspective. It's an issue for some, but I'm sure that Canon will be responding with some sort of fix quite soon.

Avoiding the scam photo retailers

'tis the holiday season, time for celebration and time for the scum-of-the-earth photo retailers to crawl out of their basements and start heavy advertising to extract as much money from you as they can while giving you as little as possible. PLEASE read this article before you try buy that bargain camera from "bestbargaincamerasareus.com" or "wepromisewewontscamyouthistime.com" for 50% of what reputable stores are charging. You'll certainly be sorry if you do.

Camera Comparisons

A listing of the various camera comparison articles published on bobatkins.com in recent years

Best Digicams for 2008

A look at the *Best buys* in small digicams for 2008. From ultra-compacts to premium high end digicams costing as much as an entry level camera, I've tried to identify what might be the best buys in each class.

Budget DSLRs

A look at five different DSLRs which cab be found with a wideangle and telephoto zoom (stabilized) for under $900. No brand bias here since I look at offerings from Canon, Nikon,Pentax, Sony and Olympus!

Holiday Gift Ideas (2008)

A selection of ideas for gifts for photographers from $25 to $1000. If you have a hard time thinking of a photography related gift for your photographer friends and family members, there may be some ideas here which will help you.

Canon EOS 50D Resolution Confusion

Correction of a few strange ideas which seem to have been floating around the web concerning the high resolution sensor of the EOS 50D.

Canon EOS 50D Full Review

A closer look at the new Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP APS-C DSLR

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi Full Review

A closer look at the Digital Rebel XSi. 12MP and an 18-55 Image Stabilized lens for under $640.

Canon EOS 40D vs. Canon EOS 50D vs. Nikon D300 Vs. Nikon D90

A look at the mid-range DLSRs from Nikon and Canon

Halloween Parade

A few shots taken using the new Canon EOS 50D at the 2008 Halloween parade in New York City

Canon Fall Rebates (2008)

Canon have announced rebates on selected lenses and speedlites with savings from $125 to $25. Read on for full details...

Depth of Field

A technical discussion of depth of field, with links and a web based DOF calculator

Fall Foliage Photography Tips

It's now fall an already the trees in northern Maine are peaking in color. Here are a few tips on how to capture the fall colors

Canon EOS 1Ds MkIV?

With the EOS 50D and the EOS 5D MkII announced, can an EOS 1Ds MkIV be far away. With the $2700 so close in specifications to the $7500 1Ds MkIII and some comments that 5D MkII high ISO images are actually better than those from the 1Ds MkIII, a 1Ds MkIV can't be long in coming since 1Ds MkIII sales are bound to drop now...

New Superzoom P&S from Canon - The Canon Powershot SX10 IS

With a 10MP sensor and a 28-560mm image stabilized zoom lens(35mm equiv.), plus a tilt/swivel LCD and a hotshoe for a sppedlite flash, the new SX10 IS offers a lot of features for a price under $400...

New Flagship P&S from Canon - The Canon Powershot G10

An update of the well loved G9, the powershot G10 has a 14.7MP sensor, a true wideangle to telephoto 6x zoom starting at 28mm, the ability to shoot in RAW mode and use Canon speedlites.... Read the full details

NEW! At last the Canon EOS 5D MkII

Canon have finally released details of the new EOS 5D Mk II. 21MP, 3.9fps, high reolution LCD, HD movies and it's $2700! Read more...

New Zeiss lenses for Canon EOS cameras

Zeiss have announced 3 new lenses that will be available in an EOS mount, a 21/2.8, a 50/1.4 and an 85/1.4. The 50mm and 85mm lenses hould be available soon, but you will have to wait until next year for the 21/2.8. The lenses are fully EOS compatible, but manual focus only.

Sony Alpha A900 - 24MP, Full frame, $3000

Sony have released details of their new flagship camera, the Alpha A900. With a 24MP full frame sensor, image stabilization built into the body and a $3000 price tag, it's a formidable challenge to Canon and Nikon.

Tamron 10-24.3,5-4.5 Di II

Tamron have announced a new superwide zoom for APS-C crop sensor DSLRs. The 10-24/3.5-4.5 Di II has the widest zoom range in it's class.

All About Polarizers

Ever wonder what the difference between a linear and circular polarizing filter is and which one you need? If so, read on and learn more about polarizing filters.

Crop Sensor Cameras and Lenses

Confused about crop sensor cameras, what a "digital multiplier" is, what "35mm equivalent focal length" means and why you can't use an EF-S lens on a full frame SLR body? This will explain all...

New Canon Powershot Cameras - A1000is, A2000is, SX110is

Three new image stabilized Canon Powershots. They replace the A570is (4x zoom), the A720is (6x zoom and one of my favorites) and the SX100is (10x zoom).

Nikon D90 Preview

Full information on the new Nikon D90 - 12MP DSLR with movie mode!...

Canon EF-S 18-200/3.5-5.6 IS

Canon have released details of their new EF-S 18-200/3.5-5.6 IS lens. Read more details here...

Canon EOS 50D Official Release

Now confirmed by Canon, with a full release of the specs. Price will be $1399 and it will be available on October 2008. Read the article for full details

More info and images - Canon EOS 50D

A few images of the new Canon EOS 50D and some more information on new features.

Maxtor OneTouch 500GB USB hard drive

A simple USB "plug and play" 500GB hard drive with backup software for around $100. I have one and here's a brief review...

Canon EOS 50D

A page on the Canon China website seems to have leaked details of a new Canon EOS 50D. 15MP, 6.3 fps, 920,000 pixel high resolution LCD and more....

The Micro Four-Thirds System

Olympus have announced details of a proposed new Micro Four-Thirds format. Using the same sensor as Olympus Four-Thirds DSLRs, the new format reduced the flange to sensor distance from 40mm to 20mm by eliminating the reflex mirror. This would in theory allow cameras to be significantly more compact. Think of them as digicams with a larger sensor and interchangeable lenses. More information and opinions here...

Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3 DiII

Tamron have announced that they are working on a wide range 18-270mm lens for APS-C format DSLRs, and that it will incoporate their VC (vibraction control) image stabilization system. No word on when it will be released or how much it will cost, but you can read more about it here...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

Another interesting camera from Panasonic, this time with a very wide zoom range from 27mm to 486mm (35mm equiv.). Most wide range zooms neither go as wide or as long.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic have announced an interesting new digital camera, the DMC-LX3. It's most interesting feature is an unusually wide and fast zoom lens which goes from 24mm at f2.0 to 60mm at f2.8 (35mm equiv.). Read more about it here...

Speculation on the EOS 5D MkII

There's lots of speculation out there concerning the possibility that Canon will soon announce a successor to the EOS 5D. Here's my take on the current rumors and what I won't be surprised to see!

EOS 5D + 24-105 vs. EOS 40D + 17-85 - which is best?

A comparison of two "One lens" systems, the EOS 5D with the EF 24-105/4L IS USM and the EOS 40D with the EF-S 17-85/4-5.6IS USM. Both are useful general purpose (:walking around") systems with wideangle to short telephoto coverage and image stablilization. The EOS 5D kit costs $2600, the EOS 40D kit costs $1400. Is the more expensive outfit worth the extra?

Acadia NP Trip Report

I took a trip to Acadia National Park and gave my EOS 5D and 24-105/4L a field test. See how it all worked out here...

Nikon D700

Nikon have announced a 12MP full frame sensor DSLR. Read about it here!

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS (1000D)

Canon have released details on the new Digital Rebel XS, which is something of a "baby brother" to the XSi. Lower pixel count, fewer features - but a lower price too!

Canon EF 24-105/4L IS USM

Just how good is Canon's EF 24-105/4L IS USM. It's often recommended, but is it really worth buying as a "kit" lens if you purchase a new 5D? Read on to find out...

EOS 5D or EOS 40D? Which one to pick

With excellent rebates on both the EOS 5D and EOS 40D, many photographers are wondering which one they should upgrade to. This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of each camera and may help you make a decision.

Deals for Digital Rebel owners upgrading to the 40D/5D

In addition to the instant rebates on the EOS 40D and EOS 5D, Canon are also offering an additional $50 to registered EOS Digital Rebel owners who upgrade. This brings the price on the EOS 40D down to under $900 for current Digital Rebel owners. Read full details...

Canon EF100-400/4.5-5.6L IS USM - Full Review

Just how good is Canon's best telephoto zoom, the EF 100-400/4.5-5.6L IS USM? Is it as good as the EF 300/4L? How much better than the EF70-300/4-5.6L is it? Read this review and see some comparison images.

Great Deals if you're buying an EOS 5D/40D

If you buy a body/lens kit with an EOS 5D/40D you can save up to an additional $370 (on top of the "instant rebate" of up to $300. If you add in a PIXMA printer, you can save another $350, making a total saving of up to over $1000!

Canon Spring Rebates 2008

$300 off an EOS 5D, $200 off an EOS 40D and up to $125 off certain lenses. Check it out!

A First Look at the Canon Digital Rebel XSi

A brief "first look" at the Canon Digital Rebel XSi. I had the chance to shoot with one for a few hours and here are my thoughts so far.

Macro lenses

What makes a lens a macro lens? What difference does the focal length make?

Portrait lenses

What makes a lens a good portrait lens. Which of Canon's lenses are best for portrait work?

Lens Testing at home

A series of articles describing how to evaluate a new or used lens. What to look for, what really matters, how to measure optical properties etc. Simple techniques which don't require expensive software or special equipment.

Olympus E-510 Review

A brief hands-on review of the Olympus E-510, a small 4/3 system DSLR with image stabilization built into the body. An interesting starter DSLR.

Minimum shutter speed for handholding

How slow can you go? What's the slowest shutter speed at which you can handhold a lens and still get sharp images?

Canon EF 70-200/2.8L IS USM

A close, hands-on look at the Canon EF 70-200/2.8L IS USM, including a look at performance with both the 1.4x and 2x multipliers (TCs). This maybe Canon's most popular "professional" lens.

Image Stabilization - Body or Lens

Which is better, body based stabilization or lens based? Will Canon every offer a body with stabilization built in?

Pentax K20D and K200D Previews

A first look at the new 14MP Pentax K20D and 10MP Pentax K200D

Comparison of Canon Rebel XSi, XTi and EOS 40D

A look at the similarities and differences of the Canon Rebel XTi, XSi and EOS 40D

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi

New Canon 12.2MP Digital Rebel XSi. 14-bit A/d conversion, live view, 3.5fps, 3" LCD and more...!

Sony Alpha A100 DSLR Review

A hands-on review of the Sony A100. Its main feature of interest is a very effective image stabilization system built into the camera body, so you don't need to buy special image stabilized lenses to take advantage of it.

Canon Powershot A720IS Review

A full hands-on review of one of the best (and best value) digicams on the market right now. The A720IS has a good zoom range, good image quality, an image stabilized lens and extensive manual options for those who want to move beyond the "point and shoot" stage. All for under $200 too.

Avoiding Photo Scams

What to look out for when buying from stores with unbelievably low prices. If it looks too good to be true, it often is!

Updated review of the EOS 40D

More information and images added concerning high ISO noise and Highlight Priority Mode, Autofocus performance in AI servo mode, AF with a low contrast target and AF under low light conditions

Full "Hands-on" review of the EOS 40D

A hands-on review of the new Canon EOS 40D

Speculation on an EOS 5D replacement

Just some thoughts about what a replacement for the EOS 5D might be and when we might expect to see it announced.

Nikon 300D Preview

A brief look at the new Nikon D300 DSLR. 12MP, APS-C, $1800. A competitor for the Canon EOS 40D?

Canon EOS 40D - Worth the upgrade?

A closer look at some of the features of the new Canon EOS 40D

Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII Specifications and Preview

Full specifications of the new Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII as leaked from the Amazon website

Lensbaby 3G - full hands-on review

The lensbaby 3G is a cross between a bellows and a tilt lens and looks like a UFO! It can produce unique images with a sharp zone surrounded by a softer area and the sharp area can be moved around the frame.

Airline Carry-on restrictions update

Just a few notes on current carry-on restrictions. Still one bag, but small amounts of liquids and gels are now OK. Getting a full bag of photo gear with telephoto lenses on board as carry-on is still a problem though.

Multipliers - some technical notes

Some technical notes about multipliers (also known as teleconverters or extenders)

EF70-300/4-5.6IS USM Images

A few images shot with the Canon EF70-300/4-5.6IS USM, including some examples with a Tamron 1.4xTC

Wolverine FlashPac Review

The Wolverine Flashpac is a battery powered portable storage device which can transfer the contents of a digital camera memory card to its internal (80GB) hard drive.

Seagate 160GB external hard drive Review

A true "plug and play" external drive. Connects to a PC/Mac via a USB 2.0 interface and adds 160GB storage capacity for well under $100.

Tamron 18-250/3.5-6.3 Review

A full "hands-on" review of the new Tamron 18-250/3.5-6.4 lens for Digital (APS-C) DSLRs.

Tokina 12-24/4 Review

A full "hands-on" review of the Tokina AF 12-24/4 DX Pro lens for Digital (APS-C) DSLRs.

Highest Rated Canon Lenses

The highest rated Canon lenses in three categories - (1) Price no object; (2) Price under $600; (3) Price under $300

Compact Flash (CF), SD and SDHC memory cards

An updated article on Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD) and the new SD High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards. Which is fastest? Which is best?

Online Photo Printing

It's easier and cheaper than ever to get your photographs printed by uploading them to an online photo printing service

Best Value Lenses

The best value lenses as determined by user ratings from the LensPlay website

Tamron 17-50/2.8 XR Di-II Review

A "hands-on" review of the new Tamron 17-50/2.8 XR Di-II lens for APS-C DSLRs. A good lens. Fast, light, sharp and under $450. Definitely an alternative to Canon's $1200 17-55/2.8 IS USM.

Canon EX series Speedlites

A revised and updated comparison of the Canon EX series speedlites including all the currently available models (580EX, 550EX, 430EX and 220EX) as well as the discontinued 380EX and 420EX.

Canon EF 17-85/4-5.6 IS USM - Full Review

The Image Stabilized EF-S 17-85/4-5.6 IS USM is maybe the most popular "do it all" lens for Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XT and EOS 20D cameras. Read a detailed review with image samples and see why this lens is so popular.

Tamron 55-200/4-5.6 Review

Tamron's new offering for photographers who have bought a DSLR with an 18-55 kit lens, but now want something a little longer. A good choice? Read and find out my opinion...

Canon 50/1.8 Review

Though it's the cheapest lens in the Canon lineup ($70) the EF 50/1.8 is one of the best bargains around for both film and digital SLRs. Find out why!

Canon EF 10-22/3.5-4.5 USM Review

A hands-on review of the Canon EF-S 10-22/3.5-4.5 USM, the widest and widest range superwide zoom for 1.6x DSLRs (Digital Rebel/EOS 20D). Very good lens but it isn't cheap (~$710).

Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6IS USM Review

Hands-on review of the new Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM lens. It's faster to focus and sharper than the lens it replaces, plus IS is better. The only downside is that it's $235 more expensive :-(

Digital Sensor Cleaning - part Deux

Dust on the sensor of a DSLR is a problem everyone will eventually encounter. Removing it isn't as hard or as risky as you might think.