SiliconFilm progress?
Published Dec 17, 2000
|
dpreview staff
 Long
time called vapourware SiliconFilm's (previously known as Imagek) eFilm
appears to be finally making some real progress. The eFilm is a 35 mm digital
film (1.3 megapixel) cartridge which will fit into certain 35mm film cameras.
Now there's talk of real product ($699) next year, and they've today published
sample images on their website.
The product generated a HUGE amount of interest when mock-up designs
were first published on their site, since then they updated it when they
changed their name to SiliconFilm (back in September 1999). We've recently
heard from them that they now have a working product.
Our
previous eFilm coverage
Click
here for eFilm samples gallery
Phil notes: Interesting, but there are still lots
of "gotcha's" I can see that are associated with this product:
- The sensor is considerably smaller than a 35mm
frame, that means that (a) you have a focal length multiplier and (b)
you'll have to use a masked focus screen to be able to properly frame
a shot.
- Technology has now overtaken the eFilm, there
are lots of excellent digital cameras on the market, digital SLR's designed
from the ground up to do the job are becoming more common place and
prices will continue to drop next year. Remember, the eFilm is only
1.3 megapixel.
- Storage (maximum 24 frames) and battery capacity,
once you fill the eFilm you have to offload the images before you can
continue, no removable storage here and once the battery power is used
you'll have to recharge it.
- Dust, nobody has yet explained how the ultra-sensitive
CCD sensor surface is protected from dust / grime / damage, every time
the eFilm is removed from the camera it will be exposed to the elements.
- LCD, there's no LCD, so you loose one of the
most empowering features of digital photography, instant gratification.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 29, 2003
|
Nov 11, 2003
|
Oct 28, 2003
|
Sep 29, 2003
|
No Nikon camera we've tested to date balances stills and video capture as well as the Nikon Z7. Though autofocus is less reliable than the D850, Nikon's first full-frame mirrorless gets enough right to earn our recommendation.
Nikon's Coolpix P1000 has moved the zoom needle from 'absurd' to 'ludicrous,' with an equivalent focal length of 24-3000mm. While it's great for lunar and still wildlife photography, we found that it's not suited for much else.
As a stills camera the Fujifilm X-T3 is a pleasant update to one of our favorite APS-C cameras, significantly improving the autofocus. If you're interested in stills and video, though, it's knockout.
The Nikon Z7 is slated as a mirrorless equivalent to the D850, but it can't subject track with the same reliability as its DSLR counterpart. AF performance is otherwise good, except in low light where hunting can lead to missed shots.
The Canon EOS R is the first full frame mirrorless camera to use the new RF mount. We're well underway putting it through our range of standard tests – take a look at how it compares to the competition and our thoughts on using it so far.
What's the best camera for under $500? These entry level cameras should be easy to use, offer good image quality and easily connect with a smartphone for sharing. In this buying guide we've rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing less than $500 and recommended the best.
Whether you've grown tired of what came with your DSLR, or want to start photographing different subjects, a new lens is probably in order. We've selected our favorite lenses for Sony mirrorlses cameras in several categories to make your decisions easier.
Whether you've grown tired of what came with your DSLR, or want to start photographing different subjects, a new lens is probably in order. We've selected our favorite lenses for Canon DSLRs in several categories to make your decisions easier.
Whether you've grown tired of what came with your DSLR, or want to start photographing different subjects, a new lens is probably in order. We've selected our favorite lenses for Nikon DSLRs in several categories to make your decisions easier.
What’s the best camera for less than $1000? The best cameras for under $1000 should have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality and be capture high-quality video. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing under $1000 and recommended the best.
Comments