Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GH2 is a compact digital camera with a 3-inch, intuitive, free-angle touch screen and double live view, an upgrade of the previously released GH1. Approximately weighing 392g (13.82 oz), it is perfect for those who want to have that feel of having a DSLR without the bulk.

The Lumix GH2 is almost similar with its predecessor, Lumix DMC-GH1, in terms of the looks of their bodies. The only difference is that the adjustment dial and the quick menu button of GH2 are moved to the back of the camera. The video record button is placed next to the shutter release, which makes it more convenient for the user. In sum, the new placement of the buttons and dials makes the use of the camera easier compared to the previous release; however, some say that this can be quite overwhelming especially when you are not used to seeing a clutter of buttons and dials altogether.

Aside from the double live view and more improved touch screen, this Lumix DMC GH2 also has a full high definition capability for high quality video and stills with high image quality with 5 fps in 16.05 megapixel in full resolution. It also has Venus Engine FHD and is compatible for 3D shooting. The noise reduction processing was improved and it is also suitable for high ISO sensitivity shooting.

The high speed and high performance feature of this camera are very impressive. The features of the previous release (DMC-G2) were all honed and improved and they also added more developments and features to make it one of the best micro system compact digital cameras in the market. Its sensor and image-processing engine are perfectly honed to fulfill images with sensitivity, high resolution and impressive gradation. This Lumix model is also hailed as the digital camera that has the world’s fastest level light speed AF with approximately 0.1 second. This is perfect for capturing candid moments in ultra-sharp focus.

The GH2 is very impressive when it comes to the images it generates. They are stunningly sharp, whether they are in RAW or JPEG format. RAW images are impressively detailed while the JPEG images looks excellent and are a bit warmer in color compared to the former, even if they are compressed to a smaller file size. It does not ruin the shadows or blowing out the highlights of the images.

The video quality of GH2 is as impressive as its image quality. The continuous auto-focus system and the seamless shift focus mid-video of this camera will fill the so-called void that most filmmakers experience between camcorders and SLRs. This is brought upon by the new Cinema Mode option that delivers “characteristic superior gradation” and the new Variable Movie Mode that delivers smooth variable frame rates of moving subjects for a fast or slow feed movie. It also has an inbuilt stereo microphone and two channels that cover a huge and wider range of bass frequencies.

Panasonic Lumix DMC GH2 was able to nail both of its image and video capturing capability. According to photography experts, this camera is by far the “best continuous auto-focus system that exists in a hybrid camera to date”. It is considered as the jack-of-all-trades amongst all the hybrid cameras in the market and is definitely worth the buy if you are planning to meet your still and video camera needs.

The Lexmark c540n colour laser printer is compact and does its printing jobs quietly. It is perfect for home and small office use. Its 1200 x 1200 dpi feature brings crisp images and it does so on a printing speed of 20ppm.

The Lexmark c540n colour laser printer comes with 1,000 page colour and 1,000 page black toner cartridges. All you need to do is set up the laser printer and you’re ready to print documents. Another great thing about this printer is that users can save when they choose to use the Lexmark C540n as this printer’s photoconductor and toner units only need to be replaced when needed. Hence, you get your money’s worth with this printer. You also have the option of getting the 2,500 page black and 2,000 page colour toners when you run out of the original toners that come with the package.

Environmentalists will also enjoy using this Lexmark printer as the manufacturer offers the Lexmark Cartridge Collection Program. This is a program where users can return their used toner cartridges to Lexmark free of charge. The manufacturer will then re-fill the used cartridges. Hence, carbon footprint of the printer is lessened.

On another note, the c540n comes with a Lexmark guarantee that is good for a year. This also goes without saying that Lexmark engineers will be sent to check and repair your Lexmark c540n colour laser printer on the off chance that it needs repairing.

Meanwhile, it doesn’t need an engineer to set up the network connections of the Lexmark c540n colour laser printer. This comes with an Ethernet port and easy to use installation software. Once installed, everyone in the work area can easily connect to the c540n laser printer and get copies of their printed documents.

Lastly, the Lexmark c540n colour laser printer is awarded the Energy Star. This means that it is a product that it is possible for the users to save some energy while using the products with the Energy Star award.

In conclusion, the Lexmark c540n colour laser printer is a compact, easy to use b/w and colour laser printer that does its printing jobs quietly and efficiently. Small business owners will best benefit from using this energy-saving printer.

It is not very exciting to hear that your beloved piece of photography equipment is being replaced with a new and improved model – as was the case for me with the announcement of the Canon EOS 1DX.  Although I have been using my 1DS MKiii for a good two years now, Canon will still need a lot of persuading power to get me to buy a new camera from them that costs about as much as a new Toyota.  There is not much that I can do about Canon releasing a new model, so I decided to try out the new EOS 1DX and see if an upgrade is justifiable for me.

Design & Appearance

The Canon 1DX appears quite identical to the 1D and 1DS models with just a few differences.  It seems that Canon has again listened to feedback from its users when they were designing their latest 18 megapixel beauty.  The major obvious change would be the new “X” badge on the front side of the, there are also four well placed custom buttons for use when shooting vertically or horizontally.  The back of the camera looks a bit like a 60D, but my favourite addition would be the “control stick” which is designed for quickly navigating the menu even while shooting vertically.  And on the sidescamera are the various input/output ports on offer: HDMI, AV/USB, LAN outputs, as well as mic, DC power, and remote inputs. There’s also a small pop-out tab for unlocking and removing the battery, which slides out of the bottom of the camera.   It’s a professional looking camera and I love all the placements of the buttons and controls.

LCD Screen

The Canon 1Dx offers a beautiful 3.2 inch rear LCD with 1020k dot resolution which is a huge jump from the 230k dot resolution of my 1DS Mark iii.  It is just a slight upgrade compared to the 5D Mark II and the 1D Mark IV, which uses 920k dot resolution LCD monitors, but is still noticeable.

Ethernet LAN Port

The Canon 1Dx offers the standard collection of ports for a professional DSLR: HDMI, AV/USB output, 3.5mm microphone input, DC power input, and remote input.From a professional perspective I enjoyed using the added Ethernet LAN Port cause it allows me the transfer my images and video at a much faster speed when it matters.  It’s not even difficult to imagine setting up 50-100 feet of wire cause the cost is not gonna be much.

Dual Digic 5+ Processors

I would not mind at all utilizing Dual Digic 5+ Processors which Canon engineers claim to be 17x more powerful than the Digic IV processors.  So you can just about see me now in tears causemy 1DS MKiii uses dual DIGICIII processors only.  Also I would like to add that the 1DX uses a dedicated DIGIC IV processor for autofocus and auto exposure processing.  Imagine that ability, combined with the faster readout off the chip, 12fps, RAW, sports shooting as the most blissful thing on earth.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS 1DX is a giant leap forward and it looks to set the standard for professional Digital SLR cameras for the upcoming years.  It is a camera that is both speed-oriented and quality-oriented and has shown to be a bold camera on paper and during testing.  It also offers a host of exciting new technology that can satisfy both professional photographers and videographers.  At an estimated release price of $6,800 the Canon 1DX is an expensive durable workhorse that should serve you for many years.  I think it is worth the upgrade from my Canon 1DS mark iii with just some of the features that I liked being reviewed here.  If you wish to have other features reviewed or add any details that I missed please feel free to comment.