Dirt Cheap Cameras Reviews

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS Review

Canon LEGRIA HF R26 Review

The HF R206 is one of three nearly-identical models, alongside the R26 and R28. Both of those camcorders come with built-in flash memory, 8GB and 32GB respectively, but in every other respect the three are essentially identical. Only the exterior colours vary, with all the pictures here being of the black version of the R28. Prices will always fluctuate, but usually we find that an SD-card only camcorder, and a couple of large memory cards, will prove better value than buying a model with built-in storage.

This leads on nicely to one of the R206′s standout features – its twin memory card slots. Canon has provided twin card slots across its whole range of HD camcorders, and so they feature here despite the R206′s budget price and relatively small dimensions.

Canon EOS 1100D review

A review of specifications and features we hoped to see and what Canon has actually included on the EOS 1100D release shows Canon has anticipated the needs of its users well.
Canon 1100D specifications
Obviously as budget SLR there’s a limit to how much technology Canon can pack into the EOS 1100D, but it has enough to make it seem like a worthwhile replacement for the 1000D. The 2 million pixel boost in resolution is just enough to be interesting and the switch to a DIGIC 4 engine allows 14-bit processing, which should ensure better quality images.

The sensitivity can also be pushed as high as ISO 6400 and there are 9 AF points rather than the previous 7. I am, however, a little disappointed that the LCD screen is only a 2.7in unit rather than a 3in device. To be fair there isn’t a great deal of space to play with on the 1100D though. The fact that Canon has stuck with a 230,000 dot LCD isn’t really a surprise and the magnified view displays enough detail for all but the most critical of manual focusing.

Introducing video technology to the bottom end of the Canon entry-level SLR series naturally calls for additional controls and the 1100D has a dedicated live view and video button to activate these functions.

Canon EOS 550D Review

Canon announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR  cameras – the EOS 550D. The Canon EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD  movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity. The Canon EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers.

18 megapixel Canon EOS 550D SLR camera
Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing  also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display. For swift and accurate focusing, the Canon EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross-type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The Canon 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.

Creative photography with the Canon EOS 550D
“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe. “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The Canon EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the Canon 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

Creative photography with the Canon EOS 550D
“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe. “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The Canon EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the Canon 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

Record HD videos with the Canon 550D DSLR
As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The Canon EOS 550D records video in full 1920×1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The Canon EOS 550D SLR also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.

Canon EOS 550D manual control
Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the Canon EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The Canon 550D DSLR is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.

Canon EOS 550D SLR accessories
The Canon EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The Canon EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.

Canon 550D includes a free membership of iMAGE Gateway
Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the Canon iMAGE Gateway, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.

S P E C I F I C A T I O N

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Review

The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is  compact, attractive and extremely easy to use. Packed with a range of intuitive and user-friendly features, the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS makes photography more enjoyable than ever, helping users get great shots with the minimum of effort.

The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS has everything you need to make shooting fast, easy and fun including a large 2.7″ LCD. There is a full range of performance features including enhanced Face Detection technology, and a DIGIC III Image Processor to keep every image looking its best. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack is lighter then AA batteries, and provide power for taking many photos and videos. The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is compatible with SDHC and SDXC storage cards, offering up to 2TB (SDXC only) of convenient and reliable memory that users can take anywhere.

12.1 megapixel Canon PowerShot A3100 IS camera
The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS will succeed the current PowerShot A1100 IS, and marks a true step forward for the PowerShot A series line. The Canon A3100 IS features a 12.1 Megapixel image sensor. Equipped with DIGIC III processing, a 4x optical zoom lens and integrated optical Image Stabilizer, the PowerShot A3100IS provides rich, detailed and blur-free images. A bright, 6.7cm (2.7″) high resolution LCD screen offers crisp playback, enabling users to frame and review images in pin-sharp clarity.

Key Features:

• Quality images – 12.1 Megapixels deliver outstanding image quality and stunning prints up to A3 size

• Zoom – Genuine Canon 4x optical zoom lens (35mm-140mm) to zoom in to the subject

• Sharper Previews – 2.7″ LCD Screen for vivid bright and sharp images to view and share your photos

• Intelligent Auto – New Auto mode with Scene Detection, Face Detection, Motion Detection and Noise Reduction makes it even easier to get the perfect shot

• Intelligent Flash Exposure – Automatically detects whether flash is required and adjusts the flash output, shutter speed, aperture and ISO speed to best suit the photo being taken

• Perfect People Shots – Face Detection for perfect focus, exposure, lighting and skin tones when photographing people
• Red-eye Correction – In-camera red-eye correction gives you more natural-looking portraits
• Be Creative – Special Scene Modes allow you to choose from a variety of predetermined settings to get more creative
• Movie Recording – Continuous movie recording and playback with sound

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS camera supports Face Detection
Face Detection Technology makes it easy to take pictures of friends, tracking faces and providing correct exposure and focus for the best results. The Face Select & Track function allows one face to be given priority over others in a group if required, while Red-Eye Correction identifies and corrects red eyes, making sure everyone looks their best. The smart FaceSelf-Timer features on the Canon A3100 IS allows the photographer to be included in group photos, only taking the shot when an extra face has entered the frame.

Buy Canon PowerShot A3100 IS