17 December 2007
By: Tudor Raiciu, Technology and Science Editor
Boost your Panasonic DMC-L10's Performance with Firmware v.1.1
Available for download here
If you happen to be the owner of the recently announced DSLR from Panasonic, the Lumix DMC-L10, then you should really check out this news as it might improve the performance of your digital single lens reflex camera. Panasonic has announced v.1.1 of the camera's firmware and unlike some updates we've seen from camera manufacturers, this one looks pretty serious. Most of the improvements brought by Panasonic are targeted at the autofocus, white balance and exposure systems, all of which are vital to the camera's performance.First of all, the new version improves the AF with the Panasonic lenses, model no. L-ES014050 and L-RS014150, which are in fact the Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm F/3.8-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S lens and the Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-150mm F/3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S lens. Another change is related to the Auto Exposure system (or AE if you like) in the night scene mode. The auto white balance has also been improved. Other improvements include the shortened minimum shooting intervals on the single shooting mode and the possibility to use the Front/Rear dial operations in the fine white balance adjustment as well as the change of magnifying position on the MF Assist in Live View mode.If you don't own a DMC-L10 yet, but you are pondering upon the idea, here's a quick description of the camera. Announced in August 2007, the DMC-L10 is powered by a Live MOS sensor with 10.1 megapixels and has a completely new 2.5 inch Live View LCD which can rotate 270 degrees, enabling versatile shooting options and making it easy and convenient to shoot from high or low angles. There's also the usual Supersonic Wave Filter system that prevents the so-called "dust bunnies" from collecting on the sensor.The Live View mode is also present and it's no surprise, but users now have contrast AF, which works just like the system in compact cameras.Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10 include the Film Mode, which allows users "to choose a setting which mimics the effects of analog film" and the Venus Engine III. There are nine modes available to choose from: Standard, Dynamic, Nature, Smooth, Nostalgic, Vibrant, Standard B/W, Dynamic B/W and Smooth B/W. You can check out more information here. Firmware version 1.1 can be downloaded from Softpedia here.

DMC-L10 Panasonic

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Comparative Analysis

Comparative Analysis Of Semi-Professional Digital-SLR Cameras: Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi Nikon D80

Professor Sharon Warycka

Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York
By Ashley Chass English 444 Student May 14, 2008
Technical Writing Instructor
Comparative Analysis 149 River Meadow Drive Rochester, NY 14623 May 14, 2008 S. Warycka Lecturer Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY 14623 Dear Mrs. Warycka: Here is my report Comparative Analysis Of Semi-Professional Digital-SLR Cameras: Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10, Canon EOS/Digital Rebel XTi, and Nikon D80. Considering the techniques examined, learned and set into practice over the past 10 weeks and implementing them into this analysis, I feel confident that I have properly researched (by means of primary data collecting and secondary adaptation of previously accumulated data), interpreted, analyzed, prepared and documented the data sufficient enough to make a conclusion based on the technical writing skills acquired. First, in preparing the proposal, proper understanding of memo format, including an audience and use profile, was essential. Audience, after all, is the main focus of the technical writer. Understanding the level of familiarity an audience has with the information being presented to them and being able to determine whether they are of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 technicality ensures that readers will understand the information without being feeling demeaned for having too much or not enough for the important facts and definitions. According to the readings from the Technical Communication textbook, the effective technical document has worthwhile content, sensible organization, readable style, effective visuals, accessible design, and adequate supplements. Worthwhile content includes the data and information gathered about the topic at hand, with no full or filler to bulk up the document. Sensible organization means, from beginning to end, the document reads in an Introduction-Body-Conclusion fashion. The introduction includes the audience and use profile and the statement of problem along with any initial background needed before the main body of the information is provided. Depending on the type of document being constructed the body will include the analyzed, formatted data. The conclusion will resolve the problem or end the document in a way that sums up the findings, the information and recommends solutions or further sources where information can be found relating to the topic. Readable style not only includes proper grammar and sentence structure, but a friendly, non-robotic means of composing the document: words and phrases are structured to sound conversational and are not lacking in words often left out by technical writers (and, the, it, they, etc.).
Comparative Analysis Design, visuals and supplements account for the structure and the overall look of the document. The way a document is formatted, it allows for readability and flow. Readers enjoy this easy formatting since it allows them to skim through the document looking for the information they most desire first. Visuals help support information in a document. Not meant to supplement for information, they can clarify, instruct, persuade, draw attention, accommodate audience and focus a distracted audience. Supplements work in quite the same way, providing more information that cannot fit into the structure of the document so is placed at the end in an appendix. Supplements are full documents and are typically unchanged from their published format. Much of the information provided in my analysis of the DSLR cameras utilized these techniques, making the document useful to its intended, primary audience and to those who might fall into a secondary audience. Visuals helped to illustrate to the reader the kinds of cameras they were being introduced to, the functions of those cameras, and parenthetical definitions provided further information of terms that may not have been clear or understood before reading the document but were essential for interpreting the data and understanding the conclusion and recommendations. With an explanation of research findings, readers of the document should, if they are inclined to do so, be able to conduct further and future research on their own based on my analysis. This is, perhaps, one of the most important aspects of the documents overall composition: if everything is done correctly, the reader will fully comprehend the information provided and use it as a means of conducting their own research. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions regarding the findings in my report, I would be happy to discuss this topic further with you. I can be reached by phone at 585-749-4594 or by email at adc1266@rit.edu.

Sincerely,

Ashley Chass

CONTENTS

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL... ii FIGURES AND TABLES... v INTRODUCTION... 1 COLLECTED DATA... 2
History of Digital Photography... 2 Essential Key Terms and Definitions... 3 Description of D-SLR Cameras... 4
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10... 8
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS... 10 WORKS CITED.... 12
Canon EOS/Digital Rebel XTi... 6

Nikon D80.... 4

FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1 Kodak DSC100... 2 Figure 2 DSLR Diagram... 3 Figure 3 Nikon D80... 4 Figure 4 Nikon D80 Sample Image... 4 Figure 5 Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi.. 6 Figure 6 Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi Sample Image. 6 Figure 7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10.. 8 Figure 8 Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Sample Image.. 8 Table 1 Nikon Data Table... 5 Table 2 Canon Data Table.... 7 Table 3 Panasonic Data Table... 9 Table 4 DSLR Comparison Table... 11
A semi-professional photographer is one who, based on their level of experience in photography, can attribute their knowledge to what has been self-taught coupled with a little instruction from a professional level photographer. The intentions of a semi-professional in using a digital SLR camera tend to be personal, with the occasional freelance project in mind. Primarily, those interested in the following information are currently in the market for an SLR camera. Weighing the options between sticking to traditional 35 mm formats most photographers are used to, the decision to venture into the digital market is not taken lightly. The biggest problem comes down to which camera is the best to make this transition? This is not a guide for finding advanced, complicated professional digital SLR cameras whose specifications and technological processes for everyday careerlevel work are not the primary need of the semi-professional consumer.

Audience and Use Profile

Digital photographic technology has changed the way professional and amateur photographers approach the art and science of image capture. Once considered an art only for those who could process, develop and print their own images, digital cameras and their subsequent digital software, have made it possible for even first-time photographers to advance quickly to the level of near expert. This level of photographer is referred to as the semi-professional, or those whose level of experience in photography is either at the self-taught or moderately educated level.

INTRODUCTION

Statement of Purpose
There is a surplus in name, brand, and style choices flooding the digital SLR market. Because of this, it seems best to narrow the field down to what has been consider three of the top digital SLRs based on numerous Internet and consumer report searches: Nikon D80, Canon EOS 400D, and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10. The features most important to the semi-professional include: Price (body only) Lens Compatibility Accessories Megapixles ISO Sensitivity Image Size Auto Focus Metering Range Flash White Balance Multiple Exposures Viewfinder LCD Display USB Battery Storage In-camera retouching AF Assistant
With little time to investigate these detailed features that come with a Digital SLR camera, following information has been gathered, analyzed formatted into this reader-friendly report.
History of Digital Photography
Digital photographic technology has been available to the consumer market since the late 1990s (Peters, paragraph 5). Though many believe the initial introduction of digital cameras marks the origins of the technology, the earliest form dates back to the early 1980s when astronomers began using digital imagery to replace traditional film prints when photographing space (Digital.History, paragraph 5). In 1991 Kodak introduced the first consumer digital camera available to the public. The DCS (Digital Camera System, See Figure 1), a 1.3 megapxel camera, utilized an unmodified Nikon F3 lens mounted to a traditional-style HP body with a separate unit connected to the bottom of the camera for storing captured digital images (Aasland, paragraph 1-3). Since then, digital photography has taken the world by storm, replacing (but not eliminating) traditional 35 mm format.

Data and Analysis

Figure 1: Kodak DSC100 Source: Aasland, nikonweb.com
Essential Key Terms and Definitions
DSLR (Single Lens Reflex): A Digital Single-Lens Reflex (See Figure 2) is a type of camera named for its reflexing mirror that gives users the capability of framing an image through the actual lens before capturing the shot. A prism, located inside the camera just behind the viewfinder, captures light that has passed through the lens of the camera and fallen onto a reflexing mirror. Once the light has reached the prism, the image is then seen through the viewfinder, corresponding to the actual image area (typically within 95% viewing range). When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror will lift up and away from the lens, allowing the light to hit the digital image senor (this take the place of the film in a 35 mm camera) (Apple, p. 8).

Megapixels: A cameras ability to capture digital images is determined by the digital image sensors resolution capability. Determined by the number of dots per inch of information captured, this measurement is based on the number of pixels measured in millions (Apple, p. 19). ISO Sensitivity: ISO stands for International Standards Organization, which determines the relative sensitivity of light to film. A high ISO rating relates to a high sensitivity of light. The higher the ISO, the less light that is required to capture an image on film. For digital cameras, the ISO rating works similarly, only in conjunction with the digital imaging sensor instead of film (Apple, p. 19). Metering: Every digital camera comes with a metering system that measures the amount of light in a given image and calculates how much exposure is best for the shot. This is sometimes referred to as automatic exposure (Bockaert Metering, paragraph 1) AF Assistant: Also known as Auto Focus Assistant, this feature is common to many digital cameras. Typically located near the lens barrel, the AF assistant lamp shines light on the image you are focusing on when working in low light conditions. The function is set to help the camera automatically focus to capture the best possible shot (Bockaert AF, paragraph 1). White Balance: In order to accurately measure the color within a given scene, a digital camera must account for the closest point representing true white. The white balance feature on calculates the closest white, and then adjusts all other colors in the image based on the measurement (Bockaert White Balance, paragraph 2).
Figure 2: Diagram of DSLR Source: Aperture Apple.com

Description of Cameras

Nikon D80 In September 2006 Nikon released the Nikon D80 (See Figure4), a fully-functional, entry-level to semi-professional DSLR camera with improvements on its predecessor the D70, and the capabilities of its professional big sister, the D200 (Askey Nikon, p. 3). The most striking feature of the D80 is its 10.2 megapixel digital image sensor, allowing for large format printing, in-camera retouching for quick edits, redeye reduction, trimming, monochrome, filter effects, image Figure 4: 4-way view of the Nikon D80 body and lens. overlay and color adjustments, a Source: Phil Askey, 2006 www.dpreview.com. 3D Color Matrix Metering, an 11area AF system and an amazing custom auto ISO with a wide range of ISO functions (Askey Nikon, p. 3). Benefits of the Nikon D80 include excellent resolution (See Figure 4) and great battery life. However, a few issues such as high sensitivity noise, poor automatic white balance in incandescent light, slower maximum shutter speed, and a larger price than its competitive models have presented themselves. Overall, key elements of the camera give the Nikon D80 a great review (See Table 1) (Askey Nikon p. 29).

Figure 5: Sample Image Taken by a Nikon D80 Source: Mor (bcnbits), 2007 http://flickr.com/photos/bcnbits
Table 1: Key Elements of the Nikon D80 Adapted from dpreview.com
Comparative Analysis Canon EOS D400 Digital Rebel XTi In October 2006 Canon introduced the third generation of affordable semi-professional DSLR cameras, the EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi (See Figure 5). Capable of producing images equal to the quality of Canons professional level DSLR cameras, the EOS hit the market at nearly $1000 less than the 300D. With a very compact, lightweight design and a 9-point AF sensor, the 10.1 megapixel EOS offered a new dust removal system, which include an anti-static surface coatings, low-pass filter
The EOS Digital Rebel, with its great reviews and features, does come with a few drawbacks. The standard kit lens was disappointing with occasional underexposure issue with Evaluative metering. The overall white balance was average to Canons point and shoot cameras with very poor balance in incandescent light. But perhaps the greatest disadvantage is the EOSs viewfinder with offers a very small view (Askey Canon, p 29). See Table 2 Figure 6: 4-way view of the EOS Digital Rebel for full details on the EOS Digital Source: Bern@t, 2007, flickr.com Rebels key elements.
Figure 5: 4-way view of the EOS Digital Rebel Source: Phil Askey, 2006, dpreview.com
vibration and software based dust pattern removal (Askey Canon, p 1). Other key elements that set the EOS Digital Rebel apart from its former incarnations are exceptional resolution (See Figure 7), good color with selectable PictureStyles and good dynamic range.
Table 2: Key Elements of the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi Adapted from dpreview.com
Comparative Analysis Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 In December 2007 Panasonic's released its second digital SLR, the DMC-L10 with utilized unique Leica-inspired styling and optical stabilizing lens. In the world of 35 mm photography Lecia lens are considered the best quality. And that is perhaps what gives the L10 an advantage over competitors (Johnson, p 1). Other benefits of the DMCL10 include excellent resolution and 'per pixel' definition (See Figure 7), a bright multi-angle screen for Figure 6: 4-way view of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 optimal viewing range, Source: Simon Johnson, 2007 dpreview.com user-friendly interface, and a supreme lens kit (Johnson, p 30). The disadvantages of the DMC-L10 are, unfortunately, what may break this camera when compared to the competition. With a high introductory price ($1299.99) due to the Lecia lens it is suggested to buy the body and lens separate. The small, dark viewfinder makes it hard to see fine details, default settings rather considered under saturated, image parameters provide a narrow range of control. At higher ISOs high noise is noted and with poor customization options, only three focus points in AF mode and a poor battery life, a lot of adjustments are needed to give the Lumix the edge it needs.

Figure 7: Sample shot from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Source: denniswoo, 2008 filckr.com
For a look at the key elements of the Panasonic Lumix DM-L10 see Table 3.
Table 3: Key Elements of the Panasonic Lumix DMC L10 Adapted from dpreview.com
Conclusion and Recommendation
Photography is an activity that can be enjoyed at any level of experience. For those ready to take the next step from armature, casually enjoying the occasional snapshot from time to time, to semi-professional, hoping to turn a profit from this leisure activity and taking more time to learn the fundamentals, the hardest step is likely which camera to upgrade to. For those ready to jump start on the DSLR, the best place to start is with the top three in the market: Nikon D80, Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi, and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10. Based on collected data from trusted online review source dpreview.com (run and operated by professional photographer Phil Askey) and an analysis of both the positive and negative aspects of each camera (See Table 4), it is safe to conclude that, for the price, the best Digital SLR among the three is the Nikon D80. Though slightly higher in price than the Canon EOS 400D, the D80 offers a wider array of features not found in either the Panasonic or Canon DSLRs analyzed. With more choice in ISO sensitivity the amazing color and capture capabilities of the 10.2 megapixel digital image sensor, in-camera retouching allowing quick edits, red-eye reduction, trimming, monochrome, filter effects, image overlay and color adjustments, D80 is the obvious choice. For those looking for the best quality and flexibility in lens choice, Panasonic, whose partnership with Lecia, has integrated the best optical system in the photographic world to enhance the images taken by the Lumix. However, the price, poor default settings and the lack in user customization, the Lumix does not match up competitively to the D80. If price is a concern for those in the market for a new DSLR, the Canon EOS D400, with many points matching the capabilities of the Nikon D80, offers an affordable, entry-lever camera perfect for beginners. And unlike either the Nikon D80 or the Panasonic Lumix, the EOS offers the dust removal system, which included the anti-static surface coatings, low-pass filter vibration and software based dust pattern removal. However, its poor lens quality and lens choice makes this a tough sell. And with little in the way of customizable settings and a too much noise at a high ISO, it has been suggested for customers interested in the Canon EOS D400, like the Panasonic Lumix, to buy the body first and then seeks out a better lens. Overall, these three DSLR semi-professional cameras all perform well against one another. More than anything it is the photographer that makes the image, not just the camera. But it doesnt hurt to get the most for your money. All elements considered, the D80, once again, is the best option.

Table 4: Comparison of DSLR (Nikon, Canon, Panasonic) adapted from dpreview.com
Highlighted areas show best choice for selected element

WORKS CITED

Aasland, Jarlen Kodak DCS 100. NikonWeb.com. 2005-2008: 5 paragraphs. May 10, 2008 <http://www.nikonweb.com/dcs100/> Apple Computer, Inc. Aperture: Digital Photography Fundamentals. Cupertino: Apple Computer, Inc. 2005 Askey, Phil Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi. dpreview.com. October 2006: p. 1 30. May 11, 2008 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/
Bern@t The old bicycle and the field of wheat flickr.com. June 2007. May 11, 2008 < http://flickr.com/photos/bernatcg/567487032/>
11, 2008 <http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Camera_System/ af_assist>
Bockaert, Vincent Metering. dpreview.com. 2005-2008: 6 paragraphs. May
Bockaert, Vincent White Balance. dpreview.com 2005-2008: 4 paragraphs: May 11, 2008 <http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Digital_Imaging/ White_Balance_01.htm> DennisWoo " P1010293 flickr.com. February 2008. May 11, 2008 <http://flickr.com/photos/denniswoo/2254466566/> Digital Photography: History and Tips. Photography.com. 2008. Photography Information Site. May 10, 2008 < http://www.photography.com/
11, 2008 < http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=metering>
Bockaert, Vincent AF Assistant. dpreview.com. 2005-2008: 1 paragraph. May
2008 <http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD80/>
Askey, Phil Nikon D80. dpreview.com. September 2006: p. 1 30. May 11,
Comparative Analysis topics/digital-photography/> Johnson, Simon Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10. dpreview.com. December 2007: p. 1 31. May 11, 2008 < http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Panasonic dmcl10/> Mor (bcnbits) llibreria - bookstore Amsterdam flickr.com. January 2007. May 11, 2008 < http://flickr.com/photos/bcnbits/363695635/> Peters, Mark Digital Photography Future and History Lets Go Digital.com,
en/news/articles/story_6894.html>
(2006): 9 paragraphs. May 10, 2008 < http://www.letsgodigital.org/