The 8-megapixel Olympus SP-560 UZ includes a remarkable 18x optical zoom lens, which is the 35mm film camera equivalent of 27–486mm with a maximum aperture of f/2.8–4.5. The zoom extends and retracts smoothly, stops on a dime, and, unlike many other point-and-shoot cameras, works in movie mode. Backing up the zoom is an effective optical image stabilization feature that works by shifting the sensor to compensate for camera movement.

Unlike its predecessor (the SP-550), the SP-560 UZ is fitted with a new, larger sensor and uses an image processor that supports face detection and shadow adjustment; however, the SP-560 also uses the less-desirable, ISO-boosting digital stabilization.

You can toggle between viewing your image on the 2.5" LCD (that unfortunately washes out in bright light) and using the Electronic View Finder (EVF), which at times distorts color. The SP-560 has the usual Manual, Aperture, Shutter, Program, and Auto shooting modes plus one for customizing settings and 25 presets. Fortunately, you can access many features, such as macro, flash options etc., directly from labeled buttons on the camera body. Additionally, pressing the OK button opens a screen panel for quick access to change ISO, metering, and white balance. Most features, however, are accessed by scrolling frustratingly long menu screens.

The SP-560’s RAW format is supported by the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw; however the shutter lag time is 8 seconds, making RAW shooting impractical (I shot mostly in JPEG format). Image quality at ISO 50–200 is quite good, makes quality 16x20" prints but above that, noise and fringing from long focal lengths is a factor. Bottom line: the SP-560 UZ is a solidly constructed, well balanced, and flexible camera.

499.99

The V350's cover includes an innovative 35mm filmstrip chute that automatically feeds and scans strips of six frames of 35mm negatives or transparencies. Each frame appears as a thumbnail. It's a more efficient method for scanning film in comparison to their plastic film holder. The cover can be raised up to 25mm for scanning dimensional objects quite useful.

A four-button panel on the cover automates tasks, such as creating a PDF file or email attachment. The driver offers three scanning modes from fully automatic with presets to an advanced professional mode.

The interface includes color restoration, backlight correction, and a new "intelligent" dust-removal technology that selectively emphasizes dust removal from uniform areas, such as sky. I used the Professional Mode and scanned in 2 minutes a 35mm negative at 48-bit 3200 dpi (68 MB). Scanning times are a function of the resolution and bit-depth selected.

Generally, both transparent and reflective scans were of very good quality, accurate color, neutral tones, and decent highlight and shadow detail, with minimal artifacts. I gave it one design demerit for an annoying omission of an on/off switch, which necessitates using the power cord for this function

149.99 Mac/Windows

First, stabilize your display by letting it warm up for at least 30 minutes before using the software. Then minimize ambient light, as the Spyder can integrate ambient light readings into your calibration and it should only read light from your monitor. The software's interface is well designed with clear instructions and an in-depth educational help section for each step.

During calibration you're asked to adjust contrast, color balance, and brightness; however, many LCDs only have access to a backlight control. Just follow instructions for available adjustments. The Wizard suggests leaving the rest of the settings at the manufacturer's default.

Next, the sensor reads a series of values and creates an ICC profile. To evaluate your results, a reference image is displayed that lets you see a comparison of pre-and post-calibration. ColorVision includes a Curves tool for post-calibration tweaking. When finished, you can name and save the profile.

To check out my new ICC monitor profile, I printed a standard reference chart, which includes color and grayscale patches, skin tones, and a range of images. The results were spot-on accurate colors, flesh tones, and neutral tone areas, free of colorcasts. The Spyder2PRO is an excellent user-friendly solution for reliable display calibration.

297 Mac/Windows

The CE240W comes with a bezel in either black or white/silver combination with a clearly marked touch-sensitive control panel at the bottom. It has a USB 2 hub with two ports, two DVI inputs, and an included analog adapter. A lazy Susan built into the CE240W's sturdy base allows swiveling 172° right to left, and its unique curved ArcSwing stand lets you adjust the height and tilt.

This LCD monitor ships with several excellent canned profiles but for best results, use Eizo's intuitive ColorNavigator CE calibration software, which lets you set values for brightness, color temperature, and gamma. It works with GretagMacbeth's Eye-One, X-Rite's MonacoOPTIX, and ColorVision's Spyder, and within 4 minutes accurately calibrates the monitor's 10-bit look-up table (LUT). You can tweak your saved ICC profile's brightness temperature and gamma and the results allow for reliable soft proofing with Photoshop CS2.

Colors and illumination are consistent from edge to edge; however, at viewing angles greater than 70°, there's a noticeable drop-off in color. Despite the limited viewing angle, the ColorEdge CE240W LCD monitor is still an excellent choice for professional photographers and graphic artists.

1699.99 Mac/Windows

The 750 comes with both Epson Scan and SilverFast Ai 6 scanning software. Epson Scan includes Digital ICE Technologies to reduce dust and scratches, and it also includes excellent color-restoration features for faded pictures. Using Epson Scan, a 35mm slide set at 24 bits at 6400 dpi took 2 minutes 13 seconds to scan, and opened in Adobe Photoshop CS2 at 135 MB. Image quality is excellent and color is very accurate, whether scanning documents or transparencies. With a Dmax of 4, the 750 produced very good shadow and highlight detail.

The 750 marks Epson's introduction of an innovative new fluid mount accessory for wet film scanning. This reduces buckling and scratches with larger film sizes-quite an advance for a flatbed scanner, and with practice works well. Epson has redesigned the hard black plastic film holders to allow manual height adjustment to optimize image focus, and has added clips for securing 35mm slides. I found these holders flimsy, not on par with the professional quality of this scanner. The bottom line, however, is that the 750 is a great package.

799.99 Mac/Windows