DIGITAL CAMERAS

Canon EOS 5D Mark II In-depth Review, February 2009

Don Wan, Phil Askey

Review based on a production EOS 5D Mark II with firmware 1.0.7

Back in August 2005 Canon 'defined a new DSLR category' (their words) with the EOS 5D. Unlike any previous 'full frame' sensor camera, the 5D was the first with a compact body (i.e. not having an integral vertical grip) and has since then proved to be very popular, perhaps because if you wanted a full frame DSLR to use with your Canon lenses and you didn't want the chunky EOS-1D style body then the EOS 5D has been your only choice. Three years on and two competitors have turned up in the shape of the Nikon D700 and Sony DSLR-A900, and Canon clearly believes it's time for a refresh.
So here is the 5D Mark II, which punches high in terms of both resolution and features, headlining: 21 megapixels, 1080p video, 3.0" VGA LCD, Live view, higher capacity battery. In other words, a camera that aims to leapfrog both its direct rivals, either in terms of resolution (in the case of the D700) or features (in the case of the DSLR-A900). Full detail below.

Key features / improvements

21 megapixel CMOS sensor (very similar to the sensor in the EOS-1Ds Mark III)
Sensor dust reduction by vibration of filter
ISO 100 - 6400 calibrated range, ISO 50 - 25600 expansion (1Ds Mark III & 5D max ISO 3200)
Auto ISO (100 - 3200) in all modes except manual
3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
DIGIC 4 processor, new menus / interface as per the EOS 50D
Image processing features:
Highlight tone priority
Auto lighting optimizer (4 levels)
High ISO noise reduction (4 levels)
Lens peripheral illumination correction (vignetting correction)
RAW and SRAW1 (10 MP) / SRAW2 (5 MP)
RAW / JPEG selection made separately
Permanent display of ISO on both top plate and viewfinder displays
AF micro adjustment (up to 20 lenses individually)
Three custom modes on command dial, Creative Auto mode
Image copyright metadata support
98% coverage viewfinder (0.71x magnification)
3.0" 920,000 dot LCD monitor with 'Clear View' cover / coatings, 170° viewing angle
Automatic LCD brightness adjustment (ambient light sensor)
Live view with three mode auto-focus (including face detection)
No mirror-flip for exposures in Live View if contrast detect AF selected
Movie recording in live view (1080p H.264 up to 12 minutes, VGA H.264 up to 24 mins per clip)
Two mode silent shooting (in live view)
New jump options in play mode
HDMI and standard composite (AV) video out
Full audio support: built-in mic and speaker, mic-in socket, audio-out over AV (although not HDMI)
IrPort (supports IR remote shutter release using optional RC1 / RC5 controllers)
UDMA CompactFlash support
New 1800 mAh battery with improved battery information / logging
New optional WFT-E4 WiFi / LAN / USB vertical grip
Water resistance: 10 mm rain in 3 minutes

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos5dmarkii/

LAPTOPS

SONY VAIO CR42S/L Blue C2D T8100 2.1GHz 3GB 200GB DVDRW 14TFT Cam BT Vista HP - VGNCR42S/L.CEK

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

Model Name:
Sony Vaio CR42S/L

Processor & Chipset:
Microprocessor Full Name: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8100, Supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
Microprocessor Manufacturer: Intel®
Microprocessor Speed (GHz): 2.10
Frontside Bus (MHz): 800
Number of Cores: 2
Chipset: Mobile Intel® PM965 Express Chipset

RAM:
Memory Speed (MHz): 667
Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM (1x1024MB, 1x2048MB)
Max. Memory (MB): 4096
Max Memory Comment: In the case of 4GB, a portion of the system memory over 3GB
might not be available to the operating system
Memory Size (MB): 3072

Cache Memory:
L2 Cache (KB): 3072 Advanced Smart Cache

Hard Disk Drive:
Hard Drive Capacity (GB): 200
Hard Drive Type: Serial ATA
Hard Drive Speed (rpm): 5400

Optical Drive:
Optical Drive Type: DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM
Optical Drive Fitting: Built-in

Optical Drive Speed:
Write: CD-R x24, CD-RW x24, DVD-R DL x6, DVD-R x8, DVD-RW x6, DVD+R DL x4, DVD+R x8, DVD+RW x8, DVD-RAM x5
Read: CD x24, CD-R x24, CD-RW x24, DVD x8, DVD-R DL x8, DVD-R x8, DVD-RW x8, DVD+R DL x8, DVD+R x8, DVD+RW x8, DVD-RAM x5

Display:
Display Type: X-black LCD
Diagonal Size (in): 14.1
Resolution Format: 1280 x 800
Resolution Type: WXGA Graphics:

Graphic:
Card Full Name: ATI® Mobility Radeon™ X2300
Producer: ATI®
Comments: Dedicated Video Memory of 128MB

Interfaces:
4 Pin i.LINK™ (IEEE1394), 400 Mbps 1
DC in 1
Memory Stick™ Slot 1
Memory Stick™ Slot Type Memory Stick™ Std / Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO Std / Duo, high speed data transfer
SD Card Slot 1
Audio out 1
Audio out Type(s) Stereo Headphones/Speakers Jack
Microphone Jack 1
RJ-11 Direct Port (Modem) 1
RJ-45 Direct Port (Network) 1
USB Speed High/Full/Low
USB Port (quantity) 3
USB Version 2.0
USB Connector Type A
VGA Connector for Monitor 1
TV out 1
TV out type S-Video
Express Card Slot 1
Express Card Slot Type 34mm

Networking:
Built-in Modem: V.92/V.90
Integrated Wireless LAN: YES
Wireless LAN Max. Date Rate (Mbps): 54
Wireless LAN Range (m): max. 100
Integrated Bluetooth (Version): 2.0 + EDR
Bluetooth Range (m): 10
Wireless LAN Type: 802.11a/b/g
Ethernet network: 100 BASE-TX/10 BASE-T

Camera:
Built-in Motion Eye Digital Camera: YES
Frames per Second: 30
Image Sensor (Mega Pixels): 1.3
Motion Picture Function: YES
Motion Pictures max. Resolution (pixels): 1280x1024 (SXGA)

Multimedia:
Intel® High Definition Audio compatible: YES
Built-in Stereo Speakers: YES
Windows® Sound System Compatible: YES

Battery:
Battery Type: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS9S)
Battery Life Disclaimer: Actual battery life will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations.
Benchmark: MobileMark 2007

Dimensions(WxDxH):
335.1mm x 249mm x 21 - 38.3mm

Weight:
Weight with Supplied Battery and Supplied Drive (kg) 2.5

Operating System:
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1

Other Preloaded Software:
Audio: VAIO Music Box, Windows Media Player 11, SonicStage Mastering Studio 2.4
Video & TV: VAIO Content Importer / Exporter, WinDVD 8.0 for VAIO, DivX Player & Converter, VAIO Movie Story
Photo: Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, Google Picasa, VAIO Movie Story Home Network: VAIO Media Plus
CD-DVD Burning: Easy Media Creator 9, Click to Disc/Editor
Office Application: Adobe® Reader® 8.1, Adobe Standard 8, Microsoft® Works 9.0, Microsoft® Office Trial 2007 (60 days Try & Buy)
Security & Other: McAfee® Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus update), VAIO Recovery Utility 2.6 - HDD recovery (hidden partition), Google software package Disks not supplied and maybe trial version and it is your responsibility to check with the manufacturer for all software supplied and for the image displayed on this page.

Manufacturer Warranty:
Months: 12
http://www.technoworld.com/productdisplay.asp?ProductID=53667

GADGETS AND GIZMOS

Swiss Tech BodyGard Platinum 7-in-1 Multi-Function Emergency Tool with Key Ring



Product Description

Life-Protecting Compact, Multi-Function Key Ring Tool features Automatic Glass Breaker, a Safety-Blade Seat Belt Cutter, Powerful Sonic Alarm, High Intensity High and Low Beam Bright White LED Flashlight, a Digital Tire Gauge, a Thermometer and a Flashing Red Distress Light for Signaling and High Visibility. The small, tough ABS nylon housing has a "Glow in the Dark" Panel for quick location and an elegant chrome look. Lithium Batteries included to provide a Personal Safety Kit securely attached to an included Key Ring.



Product Features

• Spring-loaded point breaks car side windows for fast escape in an accident, fire, submersion.
• Safety Blade Seat Belt Cutter quickly cuts seat belts to free drivers and passengers
• Powerful sonic alarm signals for help with loud dB
• High Visibility Flashing Red Distress Light to signal for help.
• Limited Lifetime Guarantee

http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Tech-BodyGard-Multi-Function-Emergency/dp/B000ZM5IIM

Zelco itty bitty SLIM Booklight



Product Description
The world's first, finest and best selling collection of booklights gets an exciting new edition. The "itty bitty" Slim LED Booklight features dual, super bright, cool white lights that never need replacing(100,000 hours of continuous light). The "one-touch" mechanism allows easy extension of the fully adjustable gooseneck arm for customizing and adjustability of your light. The retractable stainless steel clip firmly fastens the booklight to the spine of your book. The brushed aluminum case makes this slim booklight as elegant as a fine pen and not much larger than a pen case. The "itty bitty" Slim will easily fit into your shirt pocket or tote bag. Unit Dimensions: 6.75 x 1.25 x .5 inch Requires 3 AAA Batteries



http://www.amazon.com/Zelco-11214-itty-bitty-Booklight/dp/B000F6SOSO/%20ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1230963341&sr=1-1

Wireless Baby Monitor Set - 1 2.4GHz Camera + MP4 Receiver

Wireless baby monitor safety set with an included high quality 2.4GHz receiver and MP4 player along with one wireless camera for keeping track of your child or of any rooms in the house. Excellent features include a long distance wireless reception, easy and long lasting power for both the MP4 wireless receiver as well as the wireless camera, audio as well as monitoring, USB OTG connection with the MP4 for fast and easy file transfer, and the ease of setup and use that wireless sets can provide. This baby monitor security kit is one that will not fail to please any owner due to its varied and excellent features, so order in bulk to reduce the already super low no MOQ price, and watch your resale profits soar.


http://www.chinavasion.com/product_info.php/pName/wireless-baby-monitor-set-1-24ghz-camera-mp4-receiver/

Hard Drive Media Enclosure - Hi-Def DVR + Media Player

High definition digital media player, recorder, and portable storage with built in SD card reader.

Have you shopped the local electronics superstores and been impressed with the digital video player and recorders but been put off by the cost? Well, we have the perfect answer for you - this high definition SATA hard disk drive (HDD) enclosure with built-in media recording and playback. All you need to do is install the SATA HDD of your choice.

After installing a SATA hard disk drive the usage possibilities are practically endless, from backing up your photo albums, music library and video collection to providing yourself with hours of video watching entertainment on your TV - all with this one magical black box!

Recording TV (or from other AV sources) is a snap too, with scheduling and instant recording available in a variety of quality presets so you can record your favorites in high quality and get the news with a lower quality to save on disk space. Then when there's nothing on television to watch you can browse everything on your new DVP/DVR easily with the remote. See something you like, then simply push play! And all from the comfort of your couch.

Time shift is also a feature not to be missed - you can pause live TV to go check on dinner then come back and push play to watch the show from where you left off! Stop messing around with complicated computer based setups and grab one (or three) of these beauties!

At Chinavasion we continuously expand our product selection to give you the greatest selection of computer products for resale, OEM, or company/personal use at direct wholesale prices. We make it easy with direct shipping and no M.O.Q (minimum order quantity), so login now and order yours today.

http://www.chinavasion.com/product_info.php/pName/hard-drive-media-enclosure-hidef-dvr-media-player/

Digital Video Camcorder Pen - 4GB

Surveillance style pen containing a micro sized video camcorder with 4 GB of memory. Get the mission completed with this awesome secret agent DV pen, often called a "spy pen" in the trade.

Sitting in your shirt pocket, standing in the pen cup or lying on the desk, no-one will ever notice as you secretly capture their every move. The built in flash stores the video until it is ready to be downloaded to a computer via USB, and with 4GB's of memory you can record hours of surveillance or interviews in between trips back to the office.

The color video is encoded on the fly through a buffer system to a 3GP video file, and if the battery runs low during a recording session the pen will ensure it writes the video from the buffer to flash before shutting down. You can also use the device as a flash drive to transport important files around safely. The pen itself is an attractive writing instrument with a gloss black finish on the main body, with easy grip design and chrome detailing.

Buy today at Chinavasion's excellent wholesale prices and use our drop shipping service to get it straight to your store or customers doors quickly with no hassle.

http://www.chinavasion.com/product_info.php/pName/digital-video-camcorder-pen-4gb/

GADGETS AND GIZMOS

Product Description

The world's first, finest and best selling collection of booklights gets an exciting new edition. The "itty bitty" Slim LED Booklight features dual, super bright, cool white lights that never need replacing(100,000 hours of continuous light). The "one-touch" mechanism allows easy extension of the fully adjustable gooseneck arm for customizing and adjustability of your light. The retractable stainless steel clip firmly fastens the booklight to the spine of your book. The brushed aluminum case makes this slim booklight as elegant as a fine pen and not much larger than a pen case. The "itty bitty" Slim will easily fit into your shirt pocket or tote bag. Unit Dimensions: 6.75 x 1.25 x .5 inch Requires 3 AAA Batteries (not included)

http://www.amazon.com/Zelco-11214-itty-bitty-Booklight/dp/B000F6SOSO/%20ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1230963341&sr=1-1