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- Obama: White House tech is 30 years behind
- YouTube schools copyright infringers with cutesy video
- Sky: How our Game of Thrones policy cuts piracy
- Dell Streak 7 arrives with £299 price tag
- In Depth: Safari 6 rumours: what you need to know
- HTC backtracks on Sense 3.0 Desire S pledge
- Samsung Galaxy S2 smashes speed tests ahead of launch
- Phone Awards 2011: TechRadar Phone Awards 2011 are here!
- Phone Awards 2011: TechRadar Phone Awards 2011: meet the judges
- Google: 3 billion Android apps now installed
- Google: 3 billion Android apps now installed
- WSJ: Apple confirms White iPhone 4 for spring
- WSJ: Apple confirms White iPhone 4 for spring
- Google earnings miss analysts' forecast
- Google earnings miss analysts' forecast
- Google allows custom backgrounds in Gmail
- Google allows custom backgrounds in Gmail
- Apple outs iOS 4.3.2 software update
- Apple outs iOS 4.3.2 software update
- Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
- Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
- Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
- Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
- Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
- Buying Guide: HTC Flyer vs PlayBook vs Dell Streak 7 vs Galaxy Tab
| Obama: White House tech is 30 years behind Posted: 15 Apr 2011 12:50 PM PDT  US President Barack Obama has hit out at the lack of new tech in the White House, claiming the gadgets he has at his disposal are three decades old. BlackBerry-lover Barack jokingly bemoaned the lack of "cool phones and stuff" in the Oval Office while speaking at a fundraiser in Chicago this week. "When it comes to technology, we are like 30 years behind," he said in response to a question on bottlenecks in technological innovation. "I'm like, c'mon guys, I'm the president of the United States. Where's the fancy buttons and stuff and the big screen comes up? It doesn't happen." Social phenomenon It's little surprise Obama is upset about having to put up with old gadgets after blazing a technological trail during his 2008 campaign, mobilising huge levels of support through Facebook and Twitter. He recently announced his bid for re-election in 2012 via his Facebook page. The President made headlines back in February by holding high-level meetings with three of Silicon Valley's biggest hitters, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Eric Schmidt. Source: Fox News 
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| YouTube schools copyright infringers with cutesy video Posted: 15 Apr 2011 08:27 AM PDT  Any YouTube user who receives a copyright notification will be forced to sit through a cutesy cartoon showing them the error of their ways, as part of a new campaign launched by the video sharing site this week. The mandatory video, titled YouTube Copyright School, is a hard hitting animation which demonstrates just how much trouble an animated otter can get into for submitting copyrighted video. In it, a hapless sea otter pirate named Russell is desperate to share a video of Lumpy, the singing moose. Pop quiz, hot shot Several yarrrrr-extracting video faux pas later, and Russell finally knows what he can upload (his own content) and what he can't (anything else). YouTube is keen to avoid any copyright lawsuits and has a stringent process for removing unauthorised content, as well as controls for copyright owners to easily allege an offence. To make sure that naughty copyright infringers actually do sit through the video, there'll also be a short test at the end.
Via Mashable 
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| Sky: How our Game of Thrones policy cuts piracy Posted: 15 Apr 2011 06:38 AM PDT  Sky has explained that a big factor in screening the eagerly anticipated HBO drama Game of Thrones just a day after it is shown in the US is to cut down on piracy. Sky Atlantic will premiere Game of Thrones – based on the George R.R Martin novels - on 18 April, just a matter of hours after it is screened in the US. It's an increasingly common occurrence – with event television like the finale of Lost screened simultaneously for those who decided to stay up and get to find out the ending at the same time rather than have it spoiled. And David Wheeldon, the company's director of policy and public affairs has sensibly pointed out that it cuts down on piracy when people have a legal and readily available alternative to see their favourite US shows. Understandable "It's entirely understandable that fans of a particular series will want to watch it as close to its original transmission as possible," blogged Wheeldon. "It's therefore important that content owners and distributors respond to this by making programmes available at a time that is appealing and convenient for local viewers. "At Sky we're certainly trying our best to do this where we can, but do acknowledge that there are still some notable exceptions, resulting from commercial constraints. But we're looking to reduce these as we move forward. "With this in mind, closing the gap between US and UK transmission helps eliminate one of the reasons why a small minority of consumers may be tempted to view content from illegitimate sources." It's a sensible opinion – after all, who would go to the trouble of torrenting a show when they can get hold of it in an easier way? 
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| Dell Streak 7 arrives with £299 price tag Posted: 15 Apr 2011 05:41 AM PDT  The Dell Streak 7 – the curiously sized tablet that has split opinions – is now available in its Wi-Fi only flavour for £299 direct from Dell. The Dell Streak 7 brings a 7 inch screen, a 1GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor and 16GB of internal storage. The improved processor and that larger screen give it some obvious benefits, although some may question the meagre 800x480 display – as mentioned in our hands on: Dell Streak 7 review. Gorilla glass Other specs for the tablet include Gorilla Glass to make it that little bit harder to smash your toy's face, Adobe Flash 10.1 support and front and back cameras (1.3 and 5MP respectively). Dell has tried to position the Dell Streak 7 as a 'family tablet' although it is difficult to know exactly why a family would plump for the 7 inch screen rather than a bigger version like the Dell Streak 10. However, a price point at a sensible £299 direct from Dell might test the waters a little, and it will be interesting to see if this is an Android small-form factor tablet that can make an impact. 
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| In Depth: Safari 6 rumours: what you need to know Posted: 15 Apr 2011 05:20 AM PDT  Apple's Safari has been out since last summer, which is an eternity in browser terms, and while Safari 5 brought lots of useful new features to the party there's still room for improvement. And with Google shipping new versions of Chrome every ten minutes and even Microsoft accelerating browser development, the browser wars are still ongoing. So what can we expect from Safari six? Safari 6.0 will have full-screen mode and Webkit 2 for improved stability Wikipedia reckons that the version of Safari in the forthcoming OS X Lion includes a full-screen mode and the WebKit2 layout engine. WebKit2 should deliver a more solid browsing experience with a Chrome-style split between application and web content - so if something goes wrong with a web site or app, you or Safari can kill it without bringing down the rest of the browser and open tabs. It works differently from Chrome's implementation, though, because WebKit2 is designed to be used by multiple applications, whereas Chrome only needs to work with Chrome. Safari 6.0 will have iOS-style gestures Expect to see iOS-style features such as tap-to-zoom, pinching and swiping in the OS X Lion version of Safari. Here's the official video.
Safari 6.0 will have better, free MobileMe sync Being able to sync your Safari bookmarks is great if you've got a MobileMe account, but other browsers do more and don't expect you to pay for the privilege. Rumours of a new, improved and free version of MobileMe have been banging around the internet for months now. We sincerely hope that they're true and that the update includes Firefox 4-style sync. Firefox 4 synchronises not just your bookmarks but your history, passwords and even your currently open tabs. Being able to do that between OS X, iPad and iPhone for free would be wonderful. The Safari 6.0 release date should be this summer The release of OS X Lion is scheduled for this summer, so we'd expect Safari 6.0 to be released then too. Safari 6.0 might include iTunes No, we haven't been on the cooking lager again: according to Three Guys and a Podcast, Safari 6 and iTunes will merge. That's not as bizarre as it might sound, because the Store bits of iTunes are web apps anyway; if the rumoured, cloud-based iTunes service is real, which we think it is, then there's no reason why you shouldn't access it through your browser. The big question is whether merging a browser and a media player and manager makes sense on the desktop. Right now it sounds rather like the sort of thing Dr Frankenstein might have rejected for being too weird.
TO-DO LIST: As HTML5test.com shows, Safari's HTML5 support is a work in progress - not least because HTML5 itself is still evolving Safari 6.0 should have Integrated search and address bars We'll be surprised if this one doesn't happen: even Internet Explorer has merged its search box and address bar into a single unified field, and we've lost count of the number of times we've entered search terms where Safari expects to see a URL. Safari's address bar already searches your browser history. Why not search the Web too? Safari 6.0 should have Reader mode settings We like Reader mode, but we'd like it even more if we could change the font, colours and line spacing too. Can we have that in Safari 6, please? Safari 6.0 will definitely have improved HTML5 support This one's a no-brainer: Apple loves HTML5, not least because they can use it to do Flash-style things in order to annoy Adobe. Running Safari 5 through the independent HTML5test.com gives a score of 228 out of a possible 400, so there are plenty of HTML5 improvements that can be made. Who knows, Apple might even decide to support the WebM and Ogg Theora video formats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
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| HTC backtracks on Sense 3.0 Desire S pledge Posted: 15 Apr 2011 04:10 AM PDT  After the news from a tweet yesterday that HTC wouldn't be able to port Sense 3.0 to older devices, the brand has moved to clarify the situation. HTC initially said that "Due to Sense's hardware requirements, only our newest devices (Flyer, Evo 3D, Sensation) will be able to support it." That story was at odds with the statement TechRadar was given at a briefing, where HTC said that it was 'assessing' whether some elements could be ported across to the likes of the HTC Desire S and Incredible S. Making Sense of it all And now another Twitter post from the Taiwanese firm has given hope to those that just bought the latest phones: "Clarification: There are aspects of the latest HTC Sense that won't work on some of our previous devices. We are working to incorporate other aspects that will. Stay tuned." If we were betting, that would see things like the launchable lock applications and widgets and the fancy new unlocking system coming to other handsets, but the likes of a 3D scrolling might be lost as it could significantly slow down single-core devices. 
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| Samsung Galaxy S2 smashes speed tests ahead of launch Posted: 15 Apr 2011 03:42 AM PDT  The Samsung Galaxy S2 looks like it might live up to its billing as the fastest smartphone on the planet if early tests are to be believed. The dual-core device, which has been confirmed by Clove to be running a Samsung Dual Core Exynos CPU (not the previously mooted Tegra 2 chip), and the speed tests seem to back up the performance. Noted Russian journalist Eldar Murtazin has been running the new Galaxy S2 through Quadrant, the smartphone benchmarking Android app, and it's scored a whopping 3053 on the charts. Apples versus Cats To put that into perspective, the top single-core smartphones have been managing between 1,000 and 1,300 scores, so the dual-core result points to much faster 3D rendering, CPU speeds and overall performance. It should be noted that the Quadrant benchmarking test has been questioned in terms of both dual-core and Android 2.3 performance - however, the LG Optimus 2X (running two 1GHz cores on Android 2.2) managed a score of just below 3,000, so it seems relatively consistent. That means it's bad news for the HTC Sensation - we tested the new dual-core phone at the recent launch event, and we registered a score of 1,226, which is even slower than the Nexus One. We'll hold judgement on the performance until we bring our full HTC Sensation review and Samsung Galaxy S2 review, but if the Koreans find a big speed advantage then we're sure to see it plastered over every bus, billboard and TV ad for the next few months. 
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| Phone Awards 2011: TechRadar Phone Awards 2011 are here! Posted: 15 Apr 2011 03:00 AM PDT  The TechRadar Phone Awards 2011 have officially launched and we are asking you to have your say on the latest phone tech. Over the last 12 months the smartphone market has become the most exciting area in technology, with a number of companies fighting it out to bring the best, most innovative mobile phones to market. As TechRadar is a massive champion of the mobile phone sector, we thought it only right that we create the TechRadar Phone Awards. To judge the awards, we have some of the biggest names in the UK tech industry – including journalists from Gizmodo, the Telegraph, Sky News and MSN. But it's the people's vote which is the most important thing to us. That's why we have split the awards in two, with six categories voted by our esteemed judges and six by you, the real people using these phones every day. So, you will be able to throw in your two cents on such things as the Best App of the Year and Best Phone Feature. Phone awards We have made voting as easy as possible. All you have to do is head over to http://awards2011.techradar.com/vote and cast your vote. And if you find yourself on any of our mobile phone pages over the next few months you can also access the voting section of the site through our handy voting widget. You can also get involved on our special TechRadar Phone Awards Facebook page where we'll be 'encouraging healthy debate' (picking fights) and follow TechRadar on Twitter to have your say about what's pushed your buttons in the mobile phone world this year. And that's not all – you can also try your luck at our competition, which could bag you one of 10 Windows Phone 7 handsets. So, what are you waiting for? Scoot on over to The TechRadar Phone Awards 2011 now and get voting! 
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| Phone Awards 2011: TechRadar Phone Awards 2011: meet the judges Posted: 15 Apr 2011 03:00 AM PDT  The TechRadar Awards 2011 has launched and is set to be the biggest celebration of all things mobile phone related. No party is complete without guests, so TechRadar has enlisted some of the best tech experts in the business to help us choose the winners for: Phone of the Year, Best Phone for Business, Best Consumer Phone, Best Phone Innovation, Best Phone Accessory and Best Phone OS. Of course, TechRadar is also letting you, the reader, have your say so if you want to vote in the TechRadar Phone Awards 2011, get yourself over to the site now. But without further ado, here are the mobile experts who comprise the judging panel for the TechRadar Phone Awards 2011… Marc Chacksfield – Deputy Editor (News), TechRadar
Marc Chacksfield has been part of TechRadar for over three years now, starting as a News Writer and rising through the ranks to become a Deputy Editor on the site. Marc's main focus is on gathering exclusive content for TechRadar and reporting on breaking technology news as and when it happens. You can follow Marc on Twitter: @mchax. Martin Stanford – Anchorman, Sky News
Martin is a prime-time anchorman at Sky News, broadcasting each weekday evening from 8 to 10pm. Martin joined Sky News in 1990 at the height of the Gulf War, and presented Sky News' flagship Sky News at Ten and the Nine O'clock News before moving to Sky News Today and Skynews.com. Martin's tech-related news show, skynews.com, won the "innovation of the year" category at the prestigious Royal Television Society Journalism awards in 2008. Verity Burns – Co-editor, MSN Tech & Gadgets
Verity Burns is the co-editor of MSN Tech & Gadgets, producing features and blogs for the site, as well as editing and maintaining the site on a day-to-day basis. You'll also catch her presenting the channel's video reviews and hear her spouting off on the channel's monthly podcast with Iain Lee. Kieran Algar – Editor, T3.com
Kieran has over 10 years' experience in building websites and writing for online. He now edits consumer technology and lifestyle website T3.com which is partner to T3 magazine, part of the same publishing company as TechRadar. Before joining T3.com, Kieran headed up the digital team for men's magazine Zoo, and prior to that he spent six years at AOL UK. Matt Warman – Consumer Technology Editor, Daily Telegraph
Matt Warman has written for the Daily Telegraph since 1999, and now focuses exclusively on technology and its impact on consumers. He focuses on both major policy announcements, such as on broadband and Tech City, as well as on products, in particular tablets and mobile phones. Gareth Beavis – Mobile Phones Editor, TechRadar.com |
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Google: 3 billion Android apps now installed
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 05:22 PM PDT
Google used its quarterly earnings call to announce that over three billion apps have now been installed on Android devices.
The achievement comes just a couple of months after the company boasted of hitting two billion mark, while it took 20 months to reach one billion and five months to go from one-to-two.
Android app downloads are also up 50 percent from Q4 last year according to today's report.
Apple reigns for now
Apple remains well ahead after recently passing 10 billion app downloads, but signs are that Android, now boasting a bigger market share than Apple in many markets, is catching and catching fast.
With the Amazon Android Appstore now open to rival the Android Market and the operating system's presence growing worldwide every day, these numbers could easily snowball further.
Google Senior VP of Commerce and Local also took the opportunity to re-iterate that over 350,000 Android devices are being activated every day.
Today's impressive figures were announced alongside an otherwise sobering Q1 report for Google in which earnings, for once, failed to meetWall Street expectations.
Source: TechCrunch
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Google: 3 billion Android apps now installed
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 05:22 PM PDT
Google used its quarterly earnings call to announce that over three billion apps have now been installed on Android devices.
The achievement comes just a couple of months after the company boasted of hitting two billion mark, while it took 20 months to reach one billion and five months to go from one-to-two.
Android app downloads are also up 50 percent from Q4 last year according to today's report.
Apple reigns for now
Apple remains well ahead after recently passing 10 billion app downloads, but signs are that Android, now boasting a bigger market share than Apple in many markets, is catching and catching fast.
With the Amazon Android Appstore now open to rival the Android Market and the operating system's presence growing worldwide every day, these numbers could easily snowball further.
Google Senior VP of Commerce and Local also took the opportunity to re-iterate that over 350,000 Android devices are being activated every day.
Today's impressive figures were announced alongside an otherwise sobering Q1 report for Google in which earnings, for once, failed to meetWall Street expectations.
Source: TechCrunch
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WSJ: Apple confirms White iPhone 4 for spring
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 04:45 PM PDT
The mythological beast known as the White iPhone 4 has been confirmed by Apple for a spring 2011 release, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Although its report features no quotes or no statement from the Apple, the WSJ says Cupertino has affirmed that the epic delay will come to an end before summer rolls around.
"Customers who have waited nearly 10 months for the white version of the iPhone 4 won't have to wait much longer," read the WSJ article.
"Apple said Thursday the white iPhone was would be released in the spring, reiterating a projection the company made in October."
Within weeks?
The report comes just a day after Bloomberg's announcement that the white device will arrive "within a matter of weeks."
Apple has refused to commit beyond the spring time-frame mentioned in the WSJ report, which means we're still none-the-wiser.
Speculation is now rife that the iPhone 5 release might now be pushed back to later in 2011, although the smart money remains on the usual June/July launch schedule.
While the Wall Street Journal is a respected publication with a great track record on this type of thing, we'd say this stops short of official confirmation due to the lack of a statement from Apple itself.
There's not a lot left that would surprise us in this longest-running of tech sagas, so we'll believe it when we see the device in the hands of Apple fans.
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WSJ: Apple confirms White iPhone 4 for spring
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 04:45 PM PDT
The mythological beast known as the White iPhone 4 has been confirmed by Apple for a spring 2011 release, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Although its report features no quotes or no statement from the Apple, the WSJ says Cupertino has affirmed that the epic delay will come to an end before summer rolls around.
"Customers who have waited nearly 10 months for the white version of the iPhone 4 won't have to wait much longer," read the WSJ article.
"Apple said Thursday the white iPhone was would be released in the spring, reiterating a projection the company made in October."
Within weeks?
The report comes just a day after Bloomberg's announcement that the white device will arrive "within a matter of weeks."
Apple has refused to commit beyond the spring time-frame mentioned in the WSJ report, which means we're still none-the-wiser.
Speculation is now rife that the iPhone 5 release might now be pushed back to later in 2011, although the smart money remains on the usual June/July launch schedule.
While the Wall Street Journal is a respected publication with a great track record on this type of thing, we'd say this stops short of official confirmation due to the lack of a statement from Apple itself.
There's not a lot left that would surprise us in this longest-running of tech sagas, so we'll believe it when we see the device in the hands of Apple fans.
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Google earnings miss analysts' forecast
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 02:20 PM PDT
Google's Q1 2011 earnings narrowly missed the expectations of Wall Street in the company's latest financial report.
Revenue was up to $6.6bn for the quarter, rising from $5bn over the same period last year, but high costs saw earnings per share come in at $8.08, which missed the forecast profits of $8.10.
The figure is still up from the $6.76 shareholders earned per share in Q1 2010.
Disappointing
The slightly disappointing results are somewhat attributable to a recent hiring surge, which saw 2,000 new employees join the Google ranks in the first quarter.
The figures reverberated around the stock market too with Google shares dropping 5 per cent to $54.98 by the close of trading in New York.
The earnings call was the first in new CEO Larry Page's second tenure at the head of the company. Page only appeared on the conference call briefly to speak of a "very optimistic" future for the company.
Spending
Google shares have dropped about 9 per cent since Page took over from Eric Schmidt, who was renowned for meeting and exceeding Wall Street expectations.
According to a report in the LA Times, Google shareholders are nervous that Page will continue to increase spending on long-term projects that may not see an immediate return.
Page also took a few moments to confirm his recent management reshuffle, where he promoted seven senior managers to directly oversee the company's key divisions, each reporting directly to him.
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Google earnings miss analysts' forecast
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 02:20 PM PDT
Google's Q1 2011 earnings narrowly missed the expectations of Wall Street in the company's latest financial report.
Revenue was up to $6.6bn for the quarter, rising from $5bn over the same period last year, but high costs saw earnings per share come in at $8.08, which missed the forecast profits of $8.10.
The figure is still up from the $6.76 shareholders earned per share in Q1 2010.
Disappointing
The slightly disappointing results are somewhat attributable to a recent hiring surge, which saw 2,000 new employees join the Google ranks in the first quarter.
The figures reverberated around the stock market too with Google shares dropping 5 per cent to $54.98 by the close of trading in New York.
The earnings call was the first in new CEO Larry Page's second tenure at the head of the company. Page only appeared on the conference call briefly to speak of a "very optimistic" future for the company.
Spending
Google shares have dropped about 9 per cent since Page took over from Eric Schmidt, who was renowned for meeting and exceeding Wall Street expectations.
According to a report in the LA Times, Google shareholders are nervous that Page will continue to increase spending on long-term projects that may not see an immediate return.
Page also took a few moments to confirm his recent management reshuffle, where he promoted seven senior managers to directly oversee the company's key divisions, each reporting directly to him.
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Google allows custom backgrounds in Gmail
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 01:23 PM PDT
Google has offered Gmail users the chance to customise their email background with their favourite photos, the company revealed on its blog on Thursday.
The new functionality offers images from your Google Picasa account or uploads from your hard-drive.
It's easy enough to perform too. Head to Settings > Themes > Create your own theme > Select your own background images. Select a Picasa image or upload your own and then save the changes.
Themes
The update is an improvement on the Gmail themes interface became available earlier this year as now you can keep the theme the same and just change the background image.
This way you don't have to worry about the readability of your emails suffering when a nice photo of the countryside turns everything an annoying shade of green. In this case, everything just stays the same colour.
If you so desire you can use the custom theme creator to select your own colours, giving Gmail a completely personal flavour.
Beware though, it might take a bit of experimentation to find a format you enjoy and, like us, you may end up going back to the basic view in a hurry.
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Google allows custom backgrounds in Gmail
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 01:23 PM PDT
Google has offered Gmail users the chance to customise their email background with their favourite photos, the company revealed on its blog on Thursday.
The new functionality offers images from your Google Picasa account or uploads from your hard-drive.
It's easy enough to perform too. Head to Settings > Themes > Create your own theme > Select your own background images. Select a Picasa image or upload your own and then save the changes.
Themes
The update is an improvement on the Gmail themes interface became available earlier this year as now you can keep the theme the same and just change the background image.
This way you don't have to worry about the readability of your emails suffering when a nice photo of the countryside turns everything an annoying shade of green. In this case, everything just stays the same colour.
If you so desire you can use the custom theme creator to select your own colours, giving Gmail a completely personal flavour.
Beware though, it might take a bit of experimentation to find a format you enjoy and, like us, you may end up going back to the basic view in a hurry.
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Apple outs iOS 4.3.2 software update
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 12:50 PM PDT
Apple has released a minor iOS software update for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, promising fixes for minor bugs.
iOS 4.3.2, available today when you sync your device with you computer, will put an end to the FaceTime issue which has seen the app ocassionally freeze or display a blank screen during calls.
It'll also solve the connectivity bug which saw some iPad 3G owners struggle to connect to local 3G networks when on the go.
iOS 4.3.2 will also contain the latest security updates from Apple.
Verizon issues
It is as yet unclear whether the update fixes the problems experienced by some iPad 2 3G owners using the US network Verizon Wireless.
Apple has this week confirmed reports from users complaining of the need to re-start their device in order to enable 3G connectivity after disabling it.
iOS 4.3.2 comes just a couple of months away from Apple's WWDC in June where it's possibile that we might get the first look at iOS 5.
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Apple outs iOS 4.3.2 software update
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 12:50 PM PDT
Apple has released a minor iOS software update for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, promising fixes for minor bugs.
iOS 4.3.2, available today when you sync your device with you computer, will put an end to the FaceTime issue which has seen the app ocassionally freeze or display a blank screen during calls.
It'll also solve the connectivity bug which saw some iPad 3G owners struggle to connect to local 3G networks when on the go.
iOS 4.3.2 will also contain the latest security updates from Apple.
Verizon issues
It is as yet unclear whether the update fixes the problems experienced by some iPad 2 3G owners using the US network Verizon Wireless.
Apple has this week confirmed reports from users complaining of the need to re-start their device in order to enable 3G connectivity after disabling it.
iOS 4.3.2 comes just a couple of months away from Apple's WWDC in June where it's possibile that we might get the first look at iOS 5.
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Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:28 AM PDT
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Overview
Sitting just above the D3100 and below the D7000, the D5100 is relatively low down in the Nikon DSLR line-up, but it nevertheless feels well made and built to last. Measuring 128x97x79mm and weighing in at around 560g (with battery and card) it is approximately 10% smaller and lighter than the D5000 it replaces.
See page 2 for our resolution chart images from a full-production sample Nikon D5100
While these savings will make a difference in the bag and on the shoulder, the more noticeable difference between the two cameras is that the D5100 has a larger (3inch) LCD screen with an articulating hinge on its left rather than on its bottom edge. Having a hinge at the bottom of the screen isn't quite so convenient as a side-hinged unit when the camera is on a tripod.
Another key difference is that the resolution of the D5000's 2.7inch screen was just 230,000 dots and in some instances this doesn't provide enough detail for very precise manual focusing. With a resolution of 920,000 dots, the D5100's screen (which is 17% thinner than the D5000's screen) gives a much clearer view. This should make the D5100 a more popular choice for landscape, still life and macro photographers.
Nikon D5100 Review: Image quality and resolution
As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon D5100, we've shot our resolution chart with a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens mounted.
If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Nikon D5100 is capable of resolving up to around 26 (line widths per picture height x100) in its raw files and 24 (LWPPH x100)in its highest quality JPEG files.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
JPEG images
ISO 100 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 200 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 400 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 800 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 JPEG score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 JPEG score: 20, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 score: 18, full image
Raw images
ISO 100 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 200 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 400 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 800 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 raw score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 raw score: 22, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 18/20, full image
Nikon D5100 Photo Samples
We were able to take a few sample shots with a pre-production model of the Nikon D5100 and were generally impressed by its sharpness and colour reproduction.
1/60sec at f/5.6, ISO 200 (Click here to see full size version)
The Nikon D5100's new Special Effects mode includes a Colour Sketch option, which lets users adjust the line and colour density. (Click here to see full size version)
Again using a Nikon D5100 pre-production model, we shot Nikon's advertising poster at ISO 25,600.(Click here to see full size version)
Viewed at 100%, or actual pixels, you can see that even at ISO 25,600 the image is far less noisy at this higher sensitivity than other cameras are at much lower ISOs.
We'll have more Nikon D5100 samples in the coming weeks when we start testing for our full Nikon D5100 review. In the meantime, you can read more of our first impressions on the following pages.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Control layout
I suspect that it was the desire to make the D5100 smaller than the D5000 while incorporating a 3in articulated LCD screen that made a few changes in the control layout necessary, rather than a belief that the new camera's ergonomics would be improved. It would certainly be hard to find room for any additional buttons on the rear of the D5100 without seriously limiting space for the photographer's thumb.
Perhaps the most significant difference in the control layout between the two cameras is that the live view button found on the rear of the D5000 has gone and instead the D5100 has a sprung lever switch underneath the main mode dial. This switch feels well made and the D5100 responds quickly to its use, but given that using live view means looking at the screen, it is debatable whether moving its activation control to the top-plate is the best solution.
Similarly, movie recording is now started and stopped by pressing the dedicated button, which is also on the camera's top-plate. There is, however, logic to putting the shooting or recording buttons close together. Also, as the D5100 has an articulated screen, users may find they more often view the camera from above than they would with a camera with a fixed screen. My mind has yet to be made up on the matter and it's something I plan to look at when a full-production sample becomes available.
Despite its smaller size and larger screen (the D5000 has a 2.7in LCD), the rear of the D5100 seems more streamlined and less cluttered than the back of the D5000. A switch to a hinge on the left of the D5100's LCD means that the buttons found on this side of the D5000 have been moved to the right and above the D5100's screen. It may take D5000 users a little while to get used to it, but otherwise the arrangement seems sensible and all the controls are within easy reach.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Special effects
When the D5100's main mode dial is set to the Effects option, one of the seven Special effect modes (Colour Sketch, Selective Colour, Miniature, Night Portrait, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key) can be selected by rotating the command dial above the thumbrest on the back of the camera. Images may only be captured as JPEGS and the level and type of control depends upon the mode selected.
I was using a pre-production sample, so the full-production model may be different, but in Colour Sketch mode, for example, the vividness of the colour and line density could be adjusted, but it wasn't possible to alter the exposure using the compensation facility.
Obviously it is a matter of personal preference, but I find it hard to imagine ever using the Colour Sketch effect. I'd rather have a grainy monochrome option, but for the most part only if it were possible to record simultaneous raw files – which we are told it isn't.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Image quality, autofocus, white balance and metering
Like other manufacturers, Nikon has a habit of using the same sensor in a number of its cameras. This means that users can be confident of getting the same image quality with different DSLRs and they just need to choose the range of features and level of control they wish to have.
The D5100 has the same 16.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 processor as the D7000, but it has the same white balance, metering 11 point autofocus systems as the D5000 it replaces. It may not have the 39-points of the D7000's AF system, but the D5100's Multi-CAM 1000 AF module performed well in the D5000 and D90. The D5000 white balance and metering systems were also very good.
Like the D7000, the D5100 has contrast detection autofocus (AF) that can operate continuously in both live view and movie recording mode. It's not as fast as the phase detection AF, but it is one of the better live view friendly AF systems around. It's well matched with the D5100's flip-out LCD screen as this encourages the use of live view.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Conclusion
Nikon is naturally keen to build on the success it has had with its recent DSLRs and it understands that in order to compete in today's competitive market an SLR has to be much more than just a camera. It must be a complete imaging system that allows images (or movies) to be captured in a range of styles and adjusted without having to connect to a computer.
It must encourage its users to experiment and educate them about their hobby. Since the advent of the compact system cameras, there's also increasing pressure for DSLRs to be made smaller and more portable despite their incredible specification.
The D5100 would appear to deliver on many of these requirements. But ,while its sensor, white balance and autofocus systems are known quantities it remains to be seen whether the control changes and new effects options will make it this year's must have DSLR.
Related Links
| |
| |
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Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:28 AM PDT
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Overview
Sitting just above the D3100 and below the D7000, the D5100 is relatively low down in the Nikon DSLR line-up, but it nevertheless feels well made and built to last. Measuring 128x97x79mm and weighing in at around 560g (with battery and card) it is approximately 10% smaller and lighter than the D5000 it replaces.
See page 2 for our resolution chart images from a full-production sample Nikon D5100
While these savings will make a difference in the bag and on the shoulder, the more noticeable difference between the two cameras is that the D5100 has a larger (3inch) LCD screen with an articulating hinge on its left rather than on its bottom edge. Having a hinge at the bottom of the screen isn't quite so convenient as a side-hinged unit when the camera is on a tripod.
Another key difference is that the resolution of the D5000's 2.7inch screen was just 230,000 dots and in some instances this doesn't provide enough detail for very precise manual focusing. With a resolution of 920,000 dots, the D5100's screen (which is 17% thinner than the D5000's screen) gives a much clearer view. This should make the D5100 a more popular choice for landscape, still life and macro photographers.
Nikon D5100 Review: Image quality and resolution
As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon D5100, we've shot our resolution chart with a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens mounted.
If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Nikon D5100 is capable of resolving up to around 26 (line widths per picture height x100) in its raw files and 24 (LWPPH x100)in its highest quality JPEG files.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
JPEG images
ISO 100 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 200 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 400 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 800 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 JPEG score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 JPEG score: 20, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 score: 18, full image
Raw images
ISO 100 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 200 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 400 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 800 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 raw score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 raw score: 22, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 18/20, full image
Nikon D5100 Photo Samples
We were able to take a few sample shots with a pre-production model of the Nikon D5100 and were generally impressed by its sharpness and colour reproduction.
1/60sec at f/5.6, ISO 200 (Click here to see full size version)
The Nikon D5100's new Special Effects mode includes a Colour Sketch option, which lets users adjust the line and colour density. (Click here to see full size version)
Again using a Nikon D5100 pre-production model, we shot Nikon's advertising poster at ISO 25,600.(Click here to see full size version)
Viewed at 100%, or actual pixels, you can see that even at ISO 25,600 the image is far less noisy at this higher sensitivity than other cameras are at much lower ISOs.
We'll have more Nikon D5100 samples in the coming weeks when we start testing for our full Nikon D5100 review. In the meantime, you can read more of our first impressions on the following pages.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Control layout
I suspect that it was the desire to make the D5100 smaller than the D5000 while incorporating a 3in articulated LCD screen that made a few changes in the control layout necessary, rather than a belief that the new camera's ergonomics would be improved. It would certainly be hard to find room for any additional buttons on the rear of the D5100 without seriously limiting space for the photographer's thumb.
Perhaps the most significant difference in the control layout between the two cameras is that the live view button found on the rear of the D5000 has gone and instead the D5100 has a sprung lever switch underneath the main mode dial. This switch feels well made and the D5100 responds quickly to its use, but given that using live view means looking at the screen, it is debatable whether moving its activation control to the top-plate is the best solution.
Similarly, movie recording is now started and stopped by pressing the dedicated button, which is also on the camera's top-plate. There is, however, logic to putting the shooting or recording buttons close together. Also, as the D5100 has an articulated screen, users may find they more often view the camera from above than they would with a camera with a fixed screen. My mind has yet to be made up on the matter and it's something I plan to look at when a full-production sample becomes available.
Despite its smaller size and larger screen (the D5000 has a 2.7in LCD), the rear of the D5100 seems more streamlined and less cluttered than the back of the D5000. A switch to a hinge on the left of the D5100's LCD means that the buttons found on this side of the D5000 have been moved to the right and above the D5100's screen. It may take D5000 users a little while to get used to it, but otherwise the arrangement seems sensible and all the controls are within easy reach.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Special effects
When the D5100's main mode dial is set to the Effects option, one of the seven Special effect modes (Colour Sketch, Selective Colour, Miniature, Night Portrait, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key) can be selected by rotating the command dial above the thumbrest on the back of the camera. Images may only be captured as JPEGS and the level and type of control depends upon the mode selected.
I was using a pre-production sample, so the full-production model may be different, but in Colour Sketch mode, for example, the vividness of the colour and line density could be adjusted, but it wasn't possible to alter the exposure using the compensation facility.
Obviously it is a matter of personal preference, but I find it hard to imagine ever using the Colour Sketch effect. I'd rather have a grainy monochrome option, but for the most part only if it were possible to record simultaneous raw files – which we are told it isn't.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Image quality, autofocus, white balance and metering
Like other manufacturers, Nikon has a habit of using the same sensor in a number of its cameras. This means that users can be confident of getting the same image quality with different DSLRs and they just need to choose the range of features and level of control they wish to have.
The D5100 has the same 16.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 processor as the D7000, but it has the same white balance, metering 11 point autofocus systems as the D5000 it replaces. It may not have the 39-points of the D7000's AF system, but the D5100's Multi-CAM 1000 AF module performed well in the D5000 and D90. The D5000 white balance and metering systems were also very good.
Like the D7000, the D5100 has contrast detection autofocus (AF) that can operate continuously in both live view and movie recording mode. It's not as fast as the phase detection AF, but it is one of the better live view friendly AF systems around. It's well matched with the D5100's flip-out LCD screen as this encourages the use of live view.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Conclusion
Nikon is naturally keen to build on the success it has had with its recent DSLRs and it understands that in order to compete in today's competitive market an SLR has to be much more than just a camera. It must be a complete imaging system that allows images (or movies) to be captured in a range of styles and adjusted without having to connect to a computer.
It must encourage its users to experiment and educate them about their hobby. Since the advent of the compact system cameras, there's also increasing pressure for DSLRs to be made smaller and more portable despite their incredible specification.
The D5100 would appear to deliver on many of these requirements. But ,while its sensor, white balance and autofocus systems are known quantities it remains to be seen whether the control changes and new effects options will make it this year's must have DSLR.
Related Links
| |
| |
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:28 AM PDT
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Overview
Sitting just above the D3100 and below the D7000, the D5100 is relatively low down in the Nikon DSLR line-up, but it nevertheless feels well made and built to last. Measuring 128x97x79mm and weighing in at around 560g (with battery and card) it is approximately 10% smaller and lighter than the D5000 it replaces.
See page 2 for our resolution chart images from a full-production sample Nikon D5100
While these savings will make a difference in the bag and on the shoulder, the more noticeable difference between the two cameras is that the D5100 has a larger (3inch) LCD screen with an articulating hinge on its left rather than on its bottom edge. Having a hinge at the bottom of the screen isn't quite so convenient as a side-hinged unit when the camera is on a tripod.
Another key difference is that the resolution of the D5000's 2.7inch screen was just 230,000 dots and in some instances this doesn't provide enough detail for very precise manual focusing. With a resolution of 920,000 dots, the D5100's screen (which is 17% thinner than the D5000's screen) gives a much clearer view. This should make the D5100 a more popular choice for landscape, still life and macro photographers.
Nikon D5100 Review: Image quality and resolution
As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon D5100, we've shot our resolution chart with a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens mounted.
If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Nikon D5100 is capable of resolving up to around 26 (line widths per picture height x100) in its raw files and 24 (LWPPH x100)in its highest quality JPEG files.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
JPEG images
ISO 100 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 200 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 400 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 800 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 JPEG score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 JPEG score: 20, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 score: 18, full image
Raw images
ISO 100 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 200 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 400 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 800 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 raw score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 raw score: 22, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 18/20, full image
Nikon D5100 Photo Samples
We were able to take a few sample shots with a pre-production model of the Nikon D5100 and were generally impressed by its sharpness and colour reproduction.
1/60sec at f/5.6, ISO 200 (Click here to see full size version)
The Nikon D5100's new Special Effects mode includes a Colour Sketch option, which lets users adjust the line and colour density. (Click here to see full size version)
Again using a Nikon D5100 pre-production model, we shot Nikon's advertising poster at ISO 25,600.(Click here to see full size version)
Viewed at 100%, or actual pixels, you can see that even at ISO 25,600 the image is far less noisy at this higher sensitivity than other cameras are at much lower ISOs.
We'll have more Nikon D5100 samples in the coming weeks when we start testing for our full Nikon D5100 review. In the meantime, you can read more of our first impressions on the following pages.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Control layout
I suspect that it was the desire to make the D5100 smaller than the D5000 while incorporating a 3in articulated LCD screen that made a few changes in the control layout necessary, rather than a belief that the new camera's ergonomics would be improved. It would certainly be hard to find room for any additional buttons on the rear of the D5100 without seriously limiting space for the photographer's thumb.
Perhaps the most significant difference in the control layout between the two cameras is that the live view button found on the rear of the D5000 has gone and instead the D5100 has a sprung lever switch underneath the main mode dial. This switch feels well made and the D5100 responds quickly to its use, but given that using live view means looking at the screen, it is debatable whether moving its activation control to the top-plate is the best solution.
Similarly, movie recording is now started and stopped by pressing the dedicated button, which is also on the camera's top-plate. There is, however, logic to putting the shooting or recording buttons close together. Also, as the D5100 has an articulated screen, users may find they more often view the camera from above than they would with a camera with a fixed screen. My mind has yet to be made up on the matter and it's something I plan to look at when a full-production sample becomes available.
Despite its smaller size and larger screen (the D5000 has a 2.7in LCD), the rear of the D5100 seems more streamlined and less cluttered than the back of the D5000. A switch to a hinge on the left of the D5100's LCD means that the buttons found on this side of the D5000 have been moved to the right and above the D5100's screen. It may take D5000 users a little while to get used to it, but otherwise the arrangement seems sensible and all the controls are within easy reach.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Special effects
When the D5100's main mode dial is set to the Effects option, one of the seven Special effect modes (Colour Sketch, Selective Colour, Miniature, Night Portrait, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key) can be selected by rotating the command dial above the thumbrest on the back of the camera. Images may only be captured as JPEGS and the level and type of control depends upon the mode selected.
I was using a pre-production sample, so the full-production model may be different, but in Colour Sketch mode, for example, the vividness of the colour and line density could be adjusted, but it wasn't possible to alter the exposure using the compensation facility.
Obviously it is a matter of personal preference, but I find it hard to imagine ever using the Colour Sketch effect. I'd rather have a grainy monochrome option, but for the most part only if it were possible to record simultaneous raw files – which we are told it isn't.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Image quality, autofocus, white balance and metering
Like other manufacturers, Nikon has a habit of using the same sensor in a number of its cameras. This means that users can be confident of getting the same image quality with different DSLRs and they just need to choose the range of features and level of control they wish to have.
The D5100 has the same 16.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 processor as the D7000, but it has the same white balance, metering 11 point autofocus systems as the D5000 it replaces. It may not have the 39-points of the D7000's AF system, but the D5100's Multi-CAM 1000 AF module performed well in the D5000 and D90. The D5000 white balance and metering systems were also very good.
Like the D7000, the D5100 has contrast detection autofocus (AF) that can operate continuously in both live view and movie recording mode. It's not as fast as the phase detection AF, but it is one of the better live view friendly AF systems around. It's well matched with the D5100's flip-out LCD screen as this encourages the use of live view.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Conclusion
Nikon is naturally keen to build on the success it has had with its recent DSLRs and it understands that in order to compete in today's competitive market an SLR has to be much more than just a camera. It must be a complete imaging system that allows images (or movies) to be captured in a range of styles and adjusted without having to connect to a computer.
It must encourage its users to experiment and educate them about their hobby. Since the advent of the compact system cameras, there's also increasing pressure for DSLRs to be made smaller and more portable despite their incredible specification.
The D5100 would appear to deliver on many of these requirements. But ,while its sensor, white balance and autofocus systems are known quantities it remains to be seen whether the control changes and new effects options will make it this year's must have DSLR.
Related Links | |
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:28 AM PDT
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Overview
Sitting just above the D3100 and below the D7000, the D5100 is relatively low down in the Nikon DSLR line-up, but it nevertheless feels well made and built to last. Measuring 128x97x79mm and weighing in at around 560g (with battery and card) it is approximately 10% smaller and lighter than the D5000 it replaces.
See page 2 for our resolution chart images from a full-production sample Nikon D5100
While these savings will make a difference in the bag and on the shoulder, the more noticeable difference between the two cameras is that the D5100 has a larger (3inch) LCD screen with an articulating hinge on its left rather than on its bottom edge. Having a hinge at the bottom of the screen isn't quite so convenient as a side-hinged unit when the camera is on a tripod.
Another key difference is that the resolution of the D5000's 2.7inch screen was just 230,000 dots and in some instances this doesn't provide enough detail for very precise manual focusing. With a resolution of 920,000 dots, the D5100's screen (which is 17% thinner than the D5000's screen) gives a much clearer view. This should make the D5100 a more popular choice for landscape, still life and macro photographers.
Nikon D5100 Review: Image quality and resolution
As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon D5100, we've shot our resolution chart with a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens mounted.
If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Nikon D5100 is capable of resolving up to around 26 (line widths per picture height x100) in its raw files and 24 (LWPPH x100)in its highest quality JPEG files.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
JPEG images
ISO 100 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 200 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 400 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 800 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 JPEG score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 JPEG score: 20, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 score: 18, full image
Raw images
ISO 100 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 200 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 400 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 800 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 raw score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 raw score: 22, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 18/20, full image
Nikon D5100 Photo Samples
We were able to take a few sample shots with a pre-production model of the Nikon D5100 and were generally impressed by its sharpness and colour reproduction.
1/60sec at f/5.6, ISO 200 (Click here to see full size version)
The Nikon D5100's new Special Effects mode includes a Colour Sketch option, which lets users adjust the line and colour density. (Click here to see full size version)
Again using a Nikon D5100 pre-production model, we shot Nikon's advertising poster at ISO 25,600.(Click here to see full size version)
Viewed at 100%, or actual pixels, you can see that even at ISO 25,600 the image is far less noisy at this higher sensitivity than other cameras are at much lower ISOs.
We'll have more Nikon D5100 samples in the coming weeks when we start testing for our full Nikon D5100 review. In the meantime, you can read more of our first impressions on the following pages.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Control layout
I suspect that it was the desire to make the D5100 smaller than the D5000 while incorporating a 3in articulated LCD screen that made a few changes in the control layout necessary, rather than a belief that the new camera's ergonomics would be improved. It would certainly be hard to find room for any additional buttons on the rear of the D5100 without seriously limiting space for the photographer's thumb.
Perhaps the most significant difference in the control layout between the two cameras is that the live view button found on the rear of the D5000 has gone and instead the D5100 has a sprung lever switch underneath the main mode dial. This switch feels well made and the D5100 responds quickly to its use, but given that using live view means looking at the screen, it is debatable whether moving its activation control to the top-plate is the best solution.
Similarly, movie recording is now started and stopped by pressing the dedicated button, which is also on the camera's top-plate. There is, however, logic to putting the shooting or recording buttons close together. Also, as the D5100 has an articulated screen, users may find they more often view the camera from above than they would with a camera with a fixed screen. My mind has yet to be made up on the matter and it's something I plan to look at when a full-production sample becomes available.
Despite its smaller size and larger screen (the D5000 has a 2.7in LCD), the rear of the D5100 seems more streamlined and less cluttered than the back of the D5000. A switch to a hinge on the left of the D5100's LCD means that the buttons found on this side of the D5000 have been moved to the right and above the D5100's screen. It may take D5000 users a little while to get used to it, but otherwise the arrangement seems sensible and all the controls are within easy reach.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Special effects
When the D5100's main mode dial is set to the Effects option, one of the seven Special effect modes (Colour Sketch, Selective Colour, Miniature, Night Portrait, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key) can be selected by rotating the command dial above the thumbrest on the back of the camera. Images may only be captured as JPEGS and the level and type of control depends upon the mode selected.
I was using a pre-production sample, so the full-production model may be different, but in Colour Sketch mode, for example, the vividness of the colour and line density could be adjusted, but it wasn't possible to alter the exposure using the compensation facility.
Obviously it is a matter of personal preference, but I find it hard to imagine ever using the Colour Sketch effect. I'd rather have a grainy monochrome option, but for the most part only if it were possible to record simultaneous raw files – which we are told it isn't.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Image quality, autofocus, white balance and metering
Like other manufacturers, Nikon has a habit of using the same sensor in a number of its cameras. This means that users can be confident of getting the same image quality with different DSLRs and they just need to choose the range of features and level of control they wish to have.
The D5100 has the same 16.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 processor as the D7000, but it has the same white balance, metering 11 point autofocus systems as the D5000 it replaces. It may not have the 39-points of the D7000's AF system, but the D5100's Multi-CAM 1000 AF module performed well in the D5000 and D90. The D5000 white balance and metering systems were also very good.
Like the D7000, the D5100 has contrast detection autofocus (AF) that can operate continuously in both live view and movie recording mode. It's not as fast as the phase detection AF, but it is one of the better live view friendly AF systems around. It's well matched with the D5100's flip-out LCD screen as this encourages the use of live view.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Conclusion
Nikon is naturally keen to build on the success it has had with its recent DSLRs and it understands that in order to compete in today's competitive market an SLR has to be much more than just a camera. It must be a complete imaging system that allows images (or movies) to be captured in a range of styles and adjusted without having to connect to a computer.
It must encourage its users to experiment and educate them about their hobby. Since the advent of the compact system cameras, there's also increasing pressure for DSLRs to be made smaller and more portable despite their incredible specification.
The D5100 would appear to deliver on many of these requirements. But ,while its sensor, white balance and autofocus systems are known quantities it remains to be seen whether the control changes and new effects options will make it this year's must have DSLR.
Related Links | |
| |
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review updated with resolution images
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 10:28 AM PDT
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Overview
Sitting just above the D3100 and below the D7000, the D5100 is relatively low down in the Nikon DSLR line-up, but it nevertheless feels well made and built to last. Measuring 128x97x79mm and weighing in at around 560g (with battery and card) it is approximately 10% smaller and lighter than the D5000 it replaces.
See page 2 for our resolution chart images from a full-production sample Nikon D5100
While these savings will make a difference in the bag and on the shoulder, the more noticeable difference between the two cameras is that the D5100 has a larger (3inch) LCD screen with an articulating hinge on its left rather than on its bottom edge. Having a hinge at the bottom of the screen isn't quite so convenient as a side-hinged unit when the camera is on a tripod.
Another key difference is that the resolution of the D5000's 2.7inch screen was just 230,000 dots and in some instances this doesn't provide enough detail for very precise manual focusing. With a resolution of 920,000 dots, the D5100's screen (which is 17% thinner than the D5000's screen) gives a much clearer view. This should make the D5100 a more popular choice for landscape, still life and macro photographers.
Nikon D5100 Review: Image quality and resolution
As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon D5100, we've shot our resolution chart with a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens mounted.
If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Nikon D5100 is capable of resolving up to around 26 (line widths per picture height x100) in its raw files and 24 (LWPPH x100)in its highest quality JPEG files.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
JPEG images
ISO 100 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 200 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 400 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 800 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 JPEG score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 JPEG score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 JPEG score: 20, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 score: 18, full image
Raw images
ISO 100 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 200 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 400 raw score: 26, full image
ISO 800 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 1600 raw score: 24, full image
ISO 3200 raw score: 22, full image
ISO 6400 raw score: 22, full image
Hi 0.3EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 0.7EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 1EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 20, full image
Hi 2EV over ISO 6400 raw score: 18/20, full image
Nikon D5100 Photo Samples
We were able to take a few sample shots with a pre-production model of the Nikon D5100 and were generally impressed by its sharpness and colour reproduction.
1/60sec at f/5.6, ISO 200 (Click here to see full size version)
The Nikon D5100's new Special Effects mode includes a Colour Sketch option, which lets users adjust the line and colour density. (Click here to see full size version)
Again using a Nikon D5100 pre-production model, we shot Nikon's advertising poster at ISO 25,600.(Click here to see full size version)
Viewed at 100%, or actual pixels, you can see that even at ISO 25,600 the image is far less noisy at this higher sensitivity than other cameras are at much lower ISOs.
We'll have more Nikon D5100 samples in the coming weeks when we start testing for our full Nikon D5100 review. In the meantime, you can read more of our first impressions on the following pages.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Control layout
I suspect that it was the desire to make the D5100 smaller than the D5000 while incorporating a 3in articulated LCD screen that made a few changes in the control layout necessary, rather than a belief that the new camera's ergonomics would be improved. It would certainly be hard to find room for any additional buttons on the rear of the D5100 without seriously limiting space for the photographer's thumb.
Perhaps the most significant difference in the control layout between the two cameras is that the live view button found on the rear of the D5000 has gone and instead the D5100 has a sprung lever switch underneath the main mode dial. This switch feels well made and the D5100 responds quickly to its use, but given that using live view means looking at the screen, it is debatable whether moving its activation control to the top-plate is the best solution.
Similarly, movie recording is now started and stopped by pressing the dedicated button, which is also on the camera's top-plate. There is, however, logic to putting the shooting or recording buttons close together. Also, as the D5100 has an articulated screen, users may find they more often view the camera from above than they would with a camera with a fixed screen. My mind has yet to be made up on the matter and it's something I plan to look at when a full-production sample becomes available.
Despite its smaller size and larger screen (the D5000 has a 2.7in LCD), the rear of the D5100 seems more streamlined and less cluttered than the back of the D5000. A switch to a hinge on the left of the D5100's LCD means that the buttons found on this side of the D5000 have been moved to the right and above the D5100's screen. It may take D5000 users a little while to get used to it, but otherwise the arrangement seems sensible and all the controls are within easy reach.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Special effects
When the D5100's main mode dial is set to the Effects option, one of the seven Special effect modes (Colour Sketch, Selective Colour, Miniature, Night Portrait, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key) can be selected by rotating the command dial above the thumbrest on the back of the camera. Images may only be captured as JPEGS and the level and type of control depends upon the mode selected.
I was using a pre-production sample, so the full-production model may be different, but in Colour Sketch mode, for example, the vividness of the colour and line density could be adjusted, but it wasn't possible to alter the exposure using the compensation facility.
Obviously it is a matter of personal preference, but I find it hard to imagine ever using the Colour Sketch effect. I'd rather have a grainy monochrome option, but for the most part only if it were possible to record simultaneous raw files – which we are told it isn't.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Image quality, autofocus, white balance and metering
Like other manufacturers, Nikon has a habit of using the same sensor in a number of its cameras. This means that users can be confident of getting the same image quality with different DSLRs and they just need to choose the range of features and level of control they wish to have.
The D5100 has the same 16.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 processor as the D7000, but it has the same white balance, metering 11 point autofocus systems as the D5000 it replaces. It may not have the 39-points of the D7000's AF system, but the D5100's Multi-CAM 1000 AF module performed well in the D5000 and D90. The D5000 white balance and metering systems were also very good.
Like the D7000, the D5100 has contrast detection autofocus (AF) that can operate continuously in both live view and movie recording mode. It's not as fast as the phase detection AF, but it is one of the better live view friendly AF systems around. It's well matched with the D5100's flip-out LCD screen as this encourages the use of live view.
Hands on: Nikon D5100 review: Conclusion
Nikon is naturally keen to build on the success it has had with its recent DSLRs and it understands that in order to compete in today's competitive market an SLR has to be much more than just a camera. It must be a complete imaging system that allows images (or movies) to be captured in a range of styles and adjusted without having to connect to a computer.
It must encourage its users to experiment and educate them about their hobby. Since the advent of the compact system cameras, there's also increasing pressure for DSLRs to be made smaller and more portable despite their incredible specification.
The D5100 would appear to deliver on many of these requirements. But ,while its sensor, white balance and autofocus systems are known quantities it remains to be seen whether the control changes and new effects options will make it this year's must have DSLR.
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Buying Guide: HTC Flyer vs PlayBook vs Dell Streak 7 vs Galaxy Tab
Posted: 14 Apr 2011 08:30 AM PDT
When the HTC Flyer and BlackBerry PlayBook hit the market, they'll no doubt be compared to the ubiquitous iPad. But they are 7-inch tablets, so let's pit them against the other seven inchers available - the original Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Dell Streak 7.
We should be seeing the PlayBook arrive in early summer, while the HTC Flyer is imminent. The HTC Flyer UK release date is 9 May.
The HTC tablet has been given an eye-watering pre-order price of £599.99 from The Carphone Warehouse, but as yet we don't exactly know when the PlayBook will hit UK streets - although it will be out on 19 April in the US.
Our colleagues at T3.com grabbed some BlackBerry PlayBook footage which you can watch below.
OS
The BlackBerry PlayBook runs RIM's own bespoke Tablet OS. The others all run Android, but not Android 3.0 Honeycomb like bigger tablets. Instead, the HTC Flyer runs Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread - everyone has been surprised that it doesn't have Android 3.0 and although it has been rumoured that it might come about at launch, so far nothing is confirmed.
The original Galaxy Tab - released only last October - already feels like yesterday's news. It runs Android 2.2 FroYo, like the Dell Streak 7 (and Dell Streak 5, for that matter).
While the PlayBook's OS is specially designed for tablet use, the problem with the earlier non-Android 3.0 versions of Android is that, quite frankly, they aren't designed for tablets. However, they are still usable and we reckon we'll see Honeycomb arrive on some of these tablets before too long.
We got hands on with the BlackBerry PlayBook OS at CES in January and it's a serious threat to the iPad's dominance of the sector. TechRadar's Reviews Editor James Rivington says the PlayBook "could well be the tablet that changes the game. In a word, it's a triumph."
Processor
All the units use ARM-based silicon as you'd expect. The PlayBook runs a dual core 1GHz Cortex-A9-based processor, though there are no more details on who has manufactured it. It's probably a 1GHz Texas Instruments OMAP4430. The Dell Streak 7 features a 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor also based on the A9. However, the other two tablets are single core A8 units - even the HTC Flyer. Admittedly it is a 1.5GHz Snapdragon chip manufactured by Qualcomm. Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab features a 1GHz A8 unit.
OFF TO A FLYER: HTC's tablet sports a zippy 1.5GHz processor
Touchcreen
All four tablets have 7-inch capacitive multi-touchscreen displays.The screen on the PlayBook looks pretty spectacular. As we said in our hands-on: "The PlayBook's 1,024x600 resolution isn't far off the 9.7-inch 1,024x768 iPad, but because of the Playbook's 7-inch display, the increased pixel density makes all the difference. It's sharp and crisp, and 1080p HD video looks fabulous." Dell's display features the now popular Gorilla Glass.
CRISP: The PlayBook's screen is quite pixel dense - largely because it's only a 7-inch tablet
Storage
The Dell Streak 7 has a microSD and microSDHC slot as well as 16GB of internal storage. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is the same, although there is also a 32GB variant. The PlayBook can come in 16, 32 and 64GB variants, though we're yet to see which ones will come to the UK - there is no microSD slot. The HTC Flyer is a 16 or 32GB unit and does have the microSD slot.
Memory
The PlayBook and HTC Flyer both have 1GB of RAM. Dell doesn't confirm how much RAM is in the Streak - possibly because it could only be 512MB. The Galaxy Tab has 512MB.
STREAK 7: Dell's medium-sized tab is great value at £299
Camera
The Playbook packs two cameras – a 3MP front-facing camera and a 5MP rear-facing one. The Flyer and Dell Streak 7 stick with 5MP for the rear, but there's a lesser 1.3MP one on the front. The Galaxy tab is the weakest here, with 3.1 and 1.3MP cameras.
Connectivity
All three are designed for use with 3G networks. However, we may well get a Wi-Fi version of the PlayBook before we see a 3G-enabled variant.
The PlayBook supports HDMI output to a TV though none of the others do. All the tablets have USB port of various types, while they all also have 3.5mm headphone jacks.
All the tablets have an accelerometer and compass (and Assisted GPS in 3G variants). The PlayBook may have a gyroscope, while the Galaxy Tab P1000 boasts a three-axis gyro sensor. The HTC Flyer and Dell Streak 7 don't have gyros.
GYRO: Will the PlayBook have a gyroscope like the Motorola Xoom?
Bulk
The 7-inch PlayBook is 9.7mm thick and weighs just over 400g compared to the Galaxy Tab at 380g. The Samsung Galaxy Tab and Dell Streak 7 are thicker at 12 and 12.4mm respectively. The Flyer is the thickest (13.2mm) and heaviest (420g).
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