Canon EOS 40D digital SLR: First impressions

An SLR (or Single-Lens Reflex) camera is the most complex type of digital camera on the market, providing the most options and control, while producing the highest quality images. As the SLR market has become increasingly competitive, manufacturers continue to expand the feature sets on their SLRs to make them even more powerful, more versatile, and easier to use.

This is just what Canon has done with the 10-megapixel Canon EOS 40D digital SLR (Click on image at right), which runs about $1300 (body only) or about $200 more with a 28-135mm kit zoom lens.

In Canon's product line, the EOS 40D is what you might call a step-up SLR. At first glance, it may seem that there's not much difference between the 40D and Canon’s entry-level, inexpensive ($600, body only), 10-megapixel Canon Rebel XTi. However, aside from sharing the same type of CMOS sensor and including Canon's dust-cleaning system, the cameras are very different. (Canon has two ways to help minimize dust on the sensor: a hardware-based element that the company claims shakes off dust automatically with ultrasonic vibrations, and a firmware/software feature, called Dust Delete Data. Both are used to help avoid dust spots from appearing on images due to any minuscule particles that land on the 40D's CMOS sensor.)

Related information on ConsumerReports.org:

• How to choose a digital camera
• Top-rated digital SLR cameras (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only)
• Digital SLR camera Ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only)

 

Sony Says Goodbye to Rear-Projection TVs

Sony—consistently one of the top-rated rear-projection TV brands in our Ratings—says it will be getting out of that business once its inventories of products are depleted to focus on flat-panel LCD models. The company said it will continue to make front projectors.

With this rear-projection defection, Sony becomes the latest company to leave the microdisplay business to focus on flat-panel TVs. Earlier this year, Toshiba and Hitachi announced they would no longer make rear-projection sets. Philips left the business earlier.

Sony has used two technologies in its rear-projection sets. Lower-priced models used rear-projection LCD (also called 3LCD as its uses three LCD panels), while its higher-priced—and typically better-performing—models used SXRD technology, which is Sony's name for its implentation of LCoS. According to the company, it will continue to support its rear-projection TVs with parts and service for the foreseeable future.

There are still a number of companies, including Samsung, Mitsubishi, JVC and Panasonic, making rear-projection models. Samsung and Mitsubishi both use DLP technology, while Panasonic's sets are rear-projection LCD models. Ironically, there's still quite a bit of innovation going in the category. Samsung has several models that use LED backlights instead of conventional bulbs--LEDs don't require periodic replacement, and they're capable of a wider gamut of colors. At next month's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Mitsubishi is slated to unveil the first laser-lit model. Both companies also offer models that can be used to display 3D images when used with special glasses.

We'll be heading out to CES the week of January 7th, so make sure you check out our blogs for news from the show. Among other things, we'll be asking if any other companies intend to abandon the rear-projection business.—James K. Willcox

Nintendo Wii: How to get one—almost

Nintendo's revolutionary video game system is one of the hottest electronic gifts this holiday season. And despite Nintendo's efforts to increase production, it remains one of the most difficult to find items in stores—much like when it debuted last holiday shopping season.

The company has acknowledged that even increasing production to nearly 2 million units per month won't likely ease the shortage anytime soon. So to not completely disappoint holiday shoppers and Wii wanters, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime announced on Friday a Wii "rain check" program with video game retailer GameStop. If consumers pay the $250 for a Wii system at a GameStop store by December 21, they'll get a certificate promising a Wii—sometime in January.

[Dec. 20, 2007 UPDATE: On Dec. 18, GameStop released further details about its Wii rain check program. On Friday Dec. 21 (and only on that day ), each GameStop outlet will have a limited number of Wii certificates that will be given to customers who pay the $250 in advance. (Each store is limiting one certificate per household.) The store will then contact rain check customers when the consoles arrive on January 25, 2008. Readers can find complete details about GameStop's Wii rain check program here on GameStop's Web site. —Ed.]

According to Reuters: "We expect this to be a very strong program and... a great way for consumers who desperately want a Wii to be able to have something to put under the tree—a certificate that guarantees their family will be able to get a system in January," said Mr. Fils-Aime in a telephone news conference.

Still, if having an actual Wii console (and not just the promise of one) under the Christmas tree is what you're really after, here are some tips…

GPS: Deals and advice for last-minute holiday shoppers

If you're still shopping for a portable GPS navigation unit to give as a special holiday gift, there's some good news. Our colleagues who cover Cars for ConsumerReports have unearthed some great last-minute deals. But with Christmas less than 10 days away, you'll have to hurry—especially if you want to take advantage cheap (or even "free") shipping from online retailers such as Amazon.

For more details, check out, "Road map to the best last-minute GPS deals."

Some other resources to help you:

• A closer look at the Navigon 5100 GPS
• ConsumerReports' latest Ratings of GPS units
• GPS info on ConsumerReports' Cars blog
• GPS info on ConsumerReports' Electronics blog

For buying advice, check out "How to buy the right GPS navigation device for the holidays." Or if you have Macromedia Flash software installed, you can watch our free online video in the player below. Just click on the "play" (arrow) button to start. (If you don't see the player embedded in this post, click here to watch our video.)

—Paul Eng

Headphones for the Holidays: More good choices

Headphones are a popular holiday buy, but most advertised models seem to cost $100 or more. If you're shopping for a set, but are resistant to spending so much on a purchase that's likely to be used on the go, and liable to be lost or damaged, our updated tests offer sweet music.

We found new choices in good-sounding headphones of practically all types for under $100. Those supplement the recommended models in our last full Ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers). Many of those older models, including those we recommend, remain available.

For more help in buying headphones, check our free buying advice, which includes a rundown of two hot headphone types: Noise-canceling models that use sound processing to reduce, though not to cancel entirely, ambient noise to the ear; and wireless headphones, which you can use with a Bluetooth-enabled music phone, laptop, or other device.

Here's some of the best values from our new tests:

Windows world goes all-in-one

Windows desktops are finally catching up to Macs, at least style-wise. HP, Sony, Dell, and Gateway have each introduced all-in-one systems that, like the iMac, wrap all the components into a monitor and eliminate as many wires as possible.

We recently took a first look at Dell's offering, the XPS One. (Click on the image at right for a closer look.) We also have the Gateway One in our labs, but are still in the process of testing that one. (Our latest Ratings of desktop computers, available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers, has more information about other models, including Apple's iMac.)

The Dell XPS One is a fully loaded system. Just because everything is squeezed into the monitor doesn’t mean you won't get most or all the advantages of a traditional tower system. The XPS One we tested included a dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, the latest WiFi connection, gigabit Ethernet, and a memory-card reader.

Keeping with the goal of eliminating plugs and wires, the keyboard and mouse are both wireless. Display quality on this system was very good. Its unique features include sensors that light up as you pass your hand over them, allowing you to control video and music playback, volume, and a few other functions.

Sound was only fair on this system, however, and it’s not a good choice for gamers. But if you want a computer that does away with clutter and can add some panache to your den, the Dell XPS One is definitely an option. We’ll have more details in a First Look early next week.

—Donna Tapellini

Digital picture frames: What to focus on

A digital picture frame is an intriguing gift idea for the digital shutter bug on your holiday list. After all, if they've gone film-less when it comes to taking pictures, why not go paperless when it comes to displaying their latest digital snapshots?

This year, there's a plethora of models from both familiar and unfamiliar names, some with wide-screens, some with digital video and/or music capabilities. While some models are priced under $100, our tests found you need to spend at least $125 or so to get a frame that displays images of sufficient size and quality to be pleasing.

We've tested some of these models—mostly those with 7- or 8-inch screens—for our latest Ratings report on digital picture frames. (Available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers.) Here are a few tips from our free buying advice on digital picture frames to help your holiday shopping:

• Resolution. – Look for a screen with a display resolution of at least 800x600 pixels. Images from high-resolution (6-megapixel and up) cameras tend to look better on screens with at least this level of resolution.


• Consider aspect ratios. – Like LCD TVs, some of these small displays are available in "wide-screen" (16:9) formats. But these screens will display the typical square-ish (4:3) format of most digital camera images with either black vertical bars along the sides or "stretch" (distort) the image to fit the wide-screen format.


• Don’t skimp too much on price. – The 8-inch Smartparts SyncPix SPX8 is a top-rated (and a CR Recommended) model among the digital picture frames we tests. At $180, it offers Very Good picture quality (800x600 resolution), a wireless remote control, 256 MB of built-in memory, a motion sensor that automatically turns the display on and off, as well as other features. (Further model Rating information and CR Recommendations are available to subscribers.)
  

  Conversely, the $100, 7-inch Polaroid CPA-00711S was one of our lower-rated models with only Fair picture quality. And if you choose to save $80 compared with buying the SmartParts, you're also losing an inch of screen size and skimping on useful features, such as built-in memory. (That means you'll have to use your camera's memory card or buy an extra card for $20 to $100, depending on capacity.)

  A better option might be another 8-inch CR Recommended model, the Westinghouse DPF-0802, $125. It has a modest amount of built-in memory (128 MB) but the recommended display resolution of 800x600. And it's only $25 more than the Polaroid.

—Paul Eng

Electronic Books: The reality for this holiday season

It's official: If you were considering buying an Amazon Kindle for someone on your holiday list, it's time to make alternate plans. The online merchant says that the $399 electronic book/wireless device is now "sold out." And any new orders will be filled on a "first come, first served" basis. Amazon's site also warns: "Your Kindle will not arrive by December 24th."

There appears to be availability still for the Sony Reader PRS-505, the updated version of the first-generation Sony Reader. At $299, the Sony device is cheaper than the Kindle and has comparable readability. (Both Sony's and Amazon's devices use so-called eInk technology.)

We've taken a closer look at the revamped Sony Reader and one of the things we've discovered: It's harder to use than the Kindle, in part because you need to connect the Reader to a computer in order to download books and other content. (Unlike the Kindle, the Reader doesn't have wireless broadband access to the Net.)

However, Sony is offering a great deal right now for those who want a collection of classic books on their Reader: Buy the device before January 31 and you can download 100 classic titles (a $199 value) from Sony's Connect eBooks store for free. (Click on the "Specials" tab on Sony's Connect Web site for more details.)

If you're looking for last-minute gift alternatives to the sold-out Amazon Kindle—or even if you're just curious about electronic book technology—check out our First Look at the Sony Reader for free on ConsumerReports.org.

—Paul Reynolds

LG Voyager Cell Phone: First impressions

If a new cell phone is on your holiday wish list, wireless service providers and phone makers are more than happy to flood you with dozens of new models that offer a slew of new features and other goodies.

To be sure, one of the hottest wireless phones for holiday shoppers is Apple's iPhone. But if you're a Verizon customer and are hesitant to switch over to the AT&T service, there's good news. The wireless carrier now offers the LG Voyager, a cell phone that closely mimics the iPhone's touch-screen and other capabilities. (Click on the image at right for a closer look.)

On ConsumerReports.org, we've taken a closer look at this iPhone competitor as well as Verizon's other heavily-promoted phones, the LG Venus and Samsung Juke. Check out our free report all three phones.

The report also has an online video which shows the LG Voyager in action. Click on the player below or go to our most recent cell phones Ratings report on ConsumerReports.org to see the video. (You must have Macromedia Flash software installed to watch our free online videos.)

Low-priced Sony Bravia LCD TVs at Wal-mart and Target

Is it a good buy?

Sony Bravia LCD TVs have earned a reputation for fine performance, and our tests of many of those models have borne that out. But the brand's high profile generally comes with a high price tag. Some of the Bravia sets—typically the most feature-rich—are among the priciest in their size. (ConsumerReports.org subscribers can verify that by just looking through our latest Ratings of LCD TVs.)

Given that reputation, you might not expect to find the Sony Bravia name showing up at Wal-Mart and Target. But there it is. Both chains are selling the Sony KDL-32ML130 at relatively low-prices for a 32-inch Bravia LCD TV. At Target (and via Amazon), the set is selling at Sony's list price of $797. But at Wal-mart's Web site, it's $767.

We decided to take a look at one of these sets to see if it lives up to its family heritage. We're still testing the LCD TV and hope to have more details available soon on ConsumerReports.org soon. But here's what we know so far:

It doesn’t have all the features you'd find on higher-priced Bravia sets, but it does offer fine picture quality, according to our preliminary tests. It did very well for black level, color, and fine detail. The viewing angle was decent—typical for most LCDs, meaning the picture changes slightly when you're off center, in this case losing some contrast.

We were less impressed with the sound, which seemed a bit muffled, but it should be fine for typical TV programming.

The menu is more basic than on many sets, but that actually makes it easier to get around. Among the features it lacks are RGB controls for fine-tuning color, but given the fine color accuracy, that's not a serious omission.

All in all, it's a good buy. If you want better audio quality, additional features, and a wider viewing angle as well as high-quality video performance, check out Panasonic's TC-32LX700 ($950).

More information about the Panasonic set, as well as full access to our latest LCD TV Ratings, is available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only. But we'll have more information about the 32-inch Sony Bravia KDL-32ML130 LCD TV set up on our site soon.