Patrick Singleton at DigitalCameraInfo reviewed the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N camera. His conclusion is :

“The EOS-1D Mark II n is an excellent camera. We can easily praise the image quality and the speed and accuracy of its mechanical operations. As heavy as it is, it balances well in the hands, and the controls and dials work smoothly and quickly. Our complaints about having to combine buttons and dials to set simple controls does not detract from our overall impression that the camera is an excellent piece of equipment and the added security will likely appeal to some users.

The relatively few photographers out there who need this kind of speed and are on the fence between Canon and Nikon (without prior lens investment) should probably buy this camera. The EOS-1D Mark II n is the fastest DSLR available, at 8.5 fps, and it has twice the resolution of the runner-up, the Nikon D2Hs. The Nikon seems to have an edge in some focusing situations, and I liked aspects of its interface better, but it’s hard to argue against doubling one’s resolution. If speed is less of an issue, spending another $1000 for the Nikon D2X is a viable option, with half the resolution, apparently gorgeous image quality, and a (kind of odd) 8 fps / 6 MP mode of its own.

Overall, the EOS-1D Mark II n is an excellent tool. Its size, weight, and cost are justified not only by its speed and resolution, but by the fact that it is built to deliver those specs over the course of a long working life. “

Website : Canon EOS-1D Mark II N Review at DigitalCameraInfo

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Phil Askey has posted in depth review on Canon EOS 5d at Dpreview and wrote:

“Pros: Excellent resolution, a real upgrade for eight megapixel Canon owners (EOS 20D), Full frame 35 mm size sensor delivers film-like shooting experience, real wide angle, Very large, bright viewfinder really fills your vision, Very low noise even at higher sensitivities, About a third of a stop more sensitive than indicated, Very well implemented large buffer supported by fast CF throughput, Very well built, more robust feeling than the EOS 20D (closer to 1D build), Very fast in use, short shutter lag, instant startup, Spot metering (wasn’t available on the EOS 20D), New Picture Styles make it easier to get ‘ready to use’ results straight from the camera, Wide range of image parameter adjustment (-4 to +4 for most), Wide range of ISO sensitivities, ISO 50 - 3200 (with ‘ISO Expansion’ enabled), Huge LCD monitor with great resolution, dimmer than some smaller screens, Soft touch shutter release, Proper RAW+JPEG with immediately selectable JPEG image size, Interchangeable focus screen, Remote tethered capture software for studio work (included), Orientation sensor, Optional WFT-E1 wireless transmitter (802.11 b/g), Supplied software bundle very good; ZoomBrowser EX and DPP both matured now

Cons: Edge softness / falloff / chromatic aberrations, needs good lenses, AI Servo (continuous AF) interference banding issue (certain lenses, high sensitivities), Same old ‘CF compartment door shuts camera down’ issue, Picture Style differences between RAW Image Task/Camera and DPP, Picture Style tone curve not indicated in camera menu (contrast is an offset, not absolute), Pretty average automatic white balance in artificial light, Mirror lock-up still buried in menus (should be a continuous shooting mode option), No mass storage device USB mode, limited throughput (just 2.5 MB/sec) , No anti-reflective coating on LCD monitor, No GPS support , No built-in flash, no built-in AF assist lamp , Price premium over cropped sensor cameras “

Website : DPreview review of Canon 5D Camera

DigitalReview.ca has posted some updates on the review of the new Nikon Digital AF-S DX 18-200mm lens. Its conclusion is :

“In terms of handling and design, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED is sure to please. The sharpness and optical quality of the DX 18-200mm VR seems very good taking into account the broad 11x zoom range offered. The incorporated ED glass and aspherical elements contribute to this achievement. Overall, we feel the new Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED will make for a nice “all in one” walk around lens, great if you don’t want to carry a lot of gear with you.”

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Website : Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm Review at DigitalReview.ca

CNET just reviewed Canon EOS 5D and gave the Editor’s Rating of 7.9 out of 10 (Very Good) at CNET.com. In conclusion he wrote:

“The good: Top-notch, high-resolution images; 35mm-size sensor obviates focal-length conversions; big 2.5-inch LCD; unmatched low-noise images at ISO 1,600 and 3,200.

The bad: Overall build quality and performance typical of much cheaper cameras; no constant ISO display; images show occasional red fringing around highlight transitions; automatic white balance occasionally inconsistent.

Our test images from the Canon EOS 5D are superb overall. Its 12.8-megapixel sensor delivers loads of detail and smooth, rich tonality. The dynamic range in our photos equaled–or bested–the results from every other dSLR we’ve tested, with the exception of the Fujifilm S3 Pro. Noise in our ISO 1,600 and 3,200 test images is astonishingly low, yet detail is retained. It was easy for us to get natural, smooth skin tones with many complexions. All in all, this camera is a top choice for shooting portraits, still-lifes, landscapes, architecture, and some kinds of commercial studio subjects, especially if you need or want to make 16×20 or larger prints.”

Website : Canon 5D Review at CNET.com

The Digital Picture has posted their review on the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and recommended the following:

“My opinion: get the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens unless you must have IS or the extra 100mm of focal length. The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens is another choice for better image quality in this general focal length range (-30mm on the wide end, +100mm on the long end).

Although not as noticebly better for sharpness as the 70-200 f/4 is, the 100-400 is still a better lens (optically and mechanically) in my opinion. It is considerably larger, heavier and more expensive. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS Lens is now in an interesting position in Canon’s lineup - sharing the basic optical specs of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens. Although it is 1.5″ shorter, the DO actually weighs 5.4 oz more and costs significantly more. The DO is better built and has Ring USM, but was not impressive to me optically.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens is targeted at amateur photographers. I think this group will find the 70-300 IS appealing.”

Website : Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Review at The Digital Picture

Imaging Resource reviewed the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D, the 6,1 megapixels camera with interchangeable lens mount, and advanced Konica Minolta Body-Based Anti Shake Technology. The conclusion is:

“Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D was easily one of the most eagerly-awaited digital cameras in the last year or so, thanks to the legions of loyal Minolta shooters who’ve been so patiently waiting for a digital body. The only issues with the 7D were its size and price. With the Maxxum 5D, Konica Minolta addressed both issues without hobbling the 5D by removing features likely to be important to the advanced amateur. In fact, they added five scene modes. The Maxxum 5D handles very well, looks good, and feels solid. Images at up to ISO 800 are very usable even at 8×10 inch print sizes, which is a good benchmark. It offers a useful focal length range in the kit lens, with very high optical quality, but its big attraction is its in-camera image stabilization, extending low light shooting to nearly any lens you can mount on it. Considering that this system effectively turns all your lenses into anti-shake models, the higher cost of the 5D’s body relative to competing models seems very well justified. Negative points were relatively minor (depending, of course, on the type of shooting you’re looking to do) - A slight tendency to underexpose, particularly when confronted with scenes having strong highlights, an occasionally hesitant AF system, and a tendency to lose subtle subject detail at high ISOs. All in all, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D is a very solid choice for anyone looking at the current field of digital SLRs, and an easy Dave’s Pick. If you don’t already own a lens collection by one of the other major manufacturers, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D deserves serious consideration.”

Website : Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D Review at Imaging Resource