Nikon Unveil New Coolpix Range

Posted on February 12, 2009 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

Nikon today have announced a range of 7 new digital cameras. They range from the budget through to more expensive and feature rich models.

  • Nikon Coolpix P90 – a super-zoom camera with a 24x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix L100 (another super-zoom camera).
  • Nikon Coolpix S630 – 12MP with a 7x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix S620 – 12MP, 4x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix S230 – 10MP with a 3x optical zoom lens.
  • Nikon Coolpix S220 – 10MP with 3x optical zoom.
  • Nikon Coolpix L19 and Nikon Coolpix L20 – 8 and 10MP respectively – both with 3.6x optical zoom – budget cameras.

All of these Nikon Coolpix cameras come with a range of scene modes and features including smile and blink detection and Motion detection.

Canon Powershot A480, Sony Cybershot DSC-G3, Olympus SP-590UZ: New Cameras

Posted on January 15, 2009 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

Over the last few weeks we’ve started to see a range of new cameras released. We’re updating many of those that capture our interest at the Digital Camera and Gear blog at Digital Photography School.

Here are a few new ones to hit the market:

  • Canon Powershot A480 – 10MP, 3.3x Optical Zoom
  • Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-G3 – 10.1MP, 4x Optical Zoom and with WiFi
  • Olympus SP-590UZ – 12MP and with a 26x Optical Zoom
  • Pentax Optio E70 and P70 – two compact digital cameras

Canon EOS 50D

Posted on August 28, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

The Canon EOS 50D builds upon the success of the great 40D and takes it up a level with a 15.1 megapixel sensor, ISO range of 100-6400 (extendable up to a whopping 12800), 3.0 inch LCD (920,000 pixels) with Live View for framing images in the LCD, a shutter speed of 30-1/8000 second, Digic IV processor, integrated cleaning system and continuous shooting at 6.3 frames per second.

The Canon 50D is already available for ordering at Amazon in three configurations – check out the different combinations and price points below:

  • Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
  • Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
  • Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens

Learn more about the Canon EOS 50D and a new 18-200mm lens in the following news release from Canon announcing this new DSLR.

Canon EOS 50D News Release

CANON U.S.A. STIMULATES THE CREATIVITY OF EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW EOS 50D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

Canon’s New DIGIC 4 Image Processor Fuels the 15.1 Megapixel Resolution, Expanded ISO Range and Enhanced Noise Reduction of the New EOS 50D Digital SLR

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 — With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon’s professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.

Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model — which will remain in Canon’s line — with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports.

“Advanced amateur photographers blur the line between the hobbyist and the professional, looking for professional features and capabilities in their equipment that will allow them to capture that awe-inspiring image. Canon is constantly striving to provide these shooters with the most advanced imaging technology, like the new EOS 50D Digital SLR camera, to fuel their passion for photography, and help them achieve their creative potential,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Improved Image Quality

The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera’s DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.

The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings — H1 and H2 — of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and color. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings — Standard/Weak/Strong/None — to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.

As part of the camera’s internal image processing, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge.

Helping to ensure each picture’s subject is clearly visible, Canon’s enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimize images while they are being taken, but can also optimize images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer.

A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera’s screen, for better clarity and color. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognizes the needs of today’s photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files.

The camera is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal center cross-type AF point that’s effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision.

Canon Gets Creative For Advancing Amateurs

Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new “CA” Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image.” These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera’s drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera’s LCD screen.

Better Live View

For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera’s 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include “Quick Mode AF,” “Live Mode AF,” and “Face Detection Live Mode AF” that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera’s Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera’s CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition.

Two Small RAW Formats

In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera’s flexibility.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 50D has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon’s DPP software.

Canon 50D Pricing and Availability

The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company’s ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00*. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00*.

New EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images. The new lens features Canon’s built in Optical Image Stabilization system which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed roughly 4 steps faster, for better image clarity, even in shaky shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m/1.5 ft. at all zoom settings, this new lens should prove to be ideal for those situations where swapping lenses isn’t an option. An ideal complement to the EOS 50D SLR camera and all other EF-S compatible EOS SLR cameras, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores this October at an estimated selling price of $699.00*.

Nikon SB-900 Speedlight

Posted on July 6, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

This week Nikon have announced the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight to go with their new Nikon D700 DSLR .

It is a top of the range flash and will be available in August 2008 with a retail price of $499.95 USD.

Learn more about the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight in the promotional material from Nikon below.

Nikon SB-900 Speedlight News Release

New Nikon SB-900 Speedlight Advances Flash Technology At The Speed Of Light With Expansive Zoom And Intelligent Features

Nikon’s Newest Flagship Speedlight Offers a Powerful Addition to the Versatile Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)

Nikon, Inc. today introduced the SB-900 Speedlight to provide Nikon digital SLR photographers with a flash capable of a wide zoom range, increased versatility, faster recycling time, and a wealth of intelligent features to enhance the already vast functionality of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Building on the success of the popular SB-800 Speedlight, the SB-900 provides users with extensive creative lighting possibilities with a simplified interface and the ability to stay up to date with future technologies through user-applied firmware updates.*

The SB-900 offers unprecedented zoom range coverage from 17 to 200mm, to increase flexibility in a variety of shooting conditions, while automatically adapting itself to Nikon’s FX or DX-format cameras. Additionally, light output has been increased to a maximum guide number of 48/157.5 (ISO 200, meters/feet at 35mm FX-format and Standard). Photographers can now also select from three light patterns; “Center-weighted” provides the highest guide number and is suitable for images such as portraits, where light falloff at the image edges is of less importance. “Standard” provides a familiar pattern, similar to the SB-800, and is ideal for general photography and “Even” which delivers the most consistent edge-to-edge coverage, making it ideal for situations such as group photography. Additionally, Nikon’s newest flagship Speedlight provides photographers with advanced wireless i-TTL capabilities allowing the utilization of multiple Speedlights with ease and confidence on location or in the studio.

“Nikon is proud that its innovative leadership in flash technologies has been praised by photographers who have realized the versatility and power that the Nikon Creative Lighting System contributes to their photography,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “The SB-900 Speedlight now provides photographers with a new level of portable lighting functionality, with performance and intelligent features that adapt to an even wider scope of lighting challenges.”

The SB-900 Speedlight is engineered to address the creative lighting challenges faced by today’s photographers including a need for fast, on-demand performance, and the ability to adapt seamlessly to nearly any lighting scenario. The SB-900’s innovative design has the Xenon flash tube and reflector system moving independently – allowing for a wider zoom range from an extreme wide angle of 17mm (FX) to the telephoto setting which reaches 200mm without the aid of accessories or as wide as 12mm in DX mode with the built-in wide-angle panel engaged.

The SB-900 offers a quick recycle time of 4.0 seconds (at full power) with four Alkaline AA batteries which drops to a mere 2.3 seconds (at full power) while using four rechargeable NiMH batteries—about 25 percent faster than the SB-800 with its fifth battery attachment.

While ease of use has always been a defining hallmark of the Nikon CLS System, the user interface has been even further refined to simplify control and offer faster operation. Controls for setting the wireless Master and Remote have been relocated to the outside of the unit for easier access and frequently used functions are easily adjusted with a new Rotary Select Dial. A larger LCD screen is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, and photographers can assign “My Menu” hotkeys for quicker access to commonly used functions. A new thermal cut-out protection system monitors conditions when the flash might overheat due to excessive rapid bursts. Helpful operating temperature information is provided to the photographer with an innovative temperature gauge displayed on the LCD screen.

For the first time, Nikon SB-900 Speedlight users will have the ability to take advantage of future performance advancements, by way of user-uploadable firmware. The user will be able to download the firmware onto a flash media card and upload it to the flash through select digital SLR cameras.*

The SB-900 Speedlight is Nikon’s most intelligent Speedlight ever, created in response to the needs of today’s digital photographic professionals. When using the included fluorescent or incandescent filters and adaptor, the flash automatically recognizes what filter is being used and automatically adjusts white balance accordingly on the latest Nikon D-SLRs.* Additionally, the SB-900 aids auto focus with a broader AF assist beam that covers a wide 20-105mm that is matched to all of the D3, D700 and D300’s 51 focus points. The bounce and swivel capability of the SB-900 has been expanded to include: tilt up to 90 degrees, down minus 11 degrees, and a full 180-degree swivel left or right, allowing more creativity for on or off camera use, or as a remote Speedlight.

The SB-900 serves as the new core for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with Nikon SLRs, and supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a master or a remote Speedlight, inviting photographers to discover endless creative possibilities. While using one or more Nikon Speedlights wirelessly, photographers can artistically use shadows, highlight details, and light complicated angles with ease. Along with the SB-900, the Nikon Creative Lighting System features a comprehensive assortment of personal lighting tools that include the agile SB-600 and SB-400, and the remarkable R1 and R1C1 Wireless Close-up Speedlight systems.

Available accessoriesThe SD9 Battery Pack boosts flash recycle time to a mere one second (at full power). For faster recycling or all-day shooting it accepts up to eight AA batteries. To enhance the weatherproof ability of Nikon D-SLRs, optional Water Guards will be available for select cameras to protect the connection between the flash and camera, allowing users to utilize the flash when weather conditions are less than ideal.

Price and availabilityThe new Nikon SB-900 Speedlight is scheduled to be available in August 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $499.95.** The SB-900 will come packaged with the Speedlight Stand, Bounce Adapter, Color Filter Holder, Intelligent Color Filter Kit, Diffuser Dome and the Soft Case. The SD9 Battery Pack is also scheduled to be available in August 2008 with an estimated selling price of $230.00.

Casio Exilim EX-S10 Review at TrustedReviews

Posted on May 12, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

Trusted Reviews has posted their review of the Casio Exilim EX-S10 where they write – ‘As a small snapshooter the Casio may not suit everyone, even though it offers something for everyone. The handling is down to taste and personal physiology, so we can’t expect the perfect camera, but the small form is quite fiddly. In terms of images the camera is also hit and miss, with reasonable but not great results. A stand out feature is the dynamic range but other than that the camera produces too many blurred, noisy and distorted images. Most snappers won’t notice, but there are so many cameras available that are better that it would be a shame to miss out just through ignorance.’

Kodak EasyShare M893 IS Review at Pocketlint

Posted on May 1, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

Pocket Lint reviews the Kodak EasyShare M893 IS and writes – ‘The Kodak EasyShare M893 IS provides nice features within a tidy, pocketable design but image noise and sluggish performance don’t do it any favours. If you are after a reasonable snapper and you’ll print images at modest sizes you’ll be happy, but don’t buy this camera if it is 30 x 40-inch prints you’ll be wanting on a regular basis, as it might just leaving feeling disappointed.’

Nikon D60 Review at Digital Photography Review

Posted on March 30, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

DP Review has posted a review of the Nikon D60 and writes – ‘In reality the biggest challenge the D60 faces is the competition; there’s been an explosion of small, affordable entry-level SLRs in the 18 month or so since the D40 first appeared, and though I’ve never actually used live view outside the studio there’s no denying it’s a strong selling point at this end of the market, as is in-body stabilization. Cameras such as the Olympus E-410 (and its promising successor the E-420) offer a fuller feature set in an equally small (and affordable) body, and you can’t ignore the imminent arrival on the shelves of Canon’s seriously beefed-up (though pricier) forthcoming new entry-level model, the EOS 450D, not to mention the new Sonys or the Pentax K200D.’

Panasonic DMC-LS80

Posted on February 15, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

The Panasonic DMC-LS80 is an 8.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom lens.

It features a Lumix DC Vario branded 3x optical zoom lens with maximum aperture range of f/2.8 – f/5.1 as well as a 2.5 inch LCD with 230,000 pixel resolution.

The Panasonic DMC-LS80 has 24 megabytes of internal memory, will take up to 270 shots with oxyride batteries and includes a similar array of features as other cameras announced by Panasonic today with their ‘intelligent’ technologies (image stabilization, intelligent ISO, intelligent scene selection etc).

THe Panasonic DMC-LS80 will have a retail price of $149.95 when it hits stores in February and will come in pink, black and silver.

Panasonic DMC-LS80 News Release PANASONIC ADDS NEW COMPACT, AA-BATTERY POWERED DIGITAL CAMERA TO ITS 2008 LUMIX LINE

New LUMIX LS80 Sports User-Friendly Technologies to Help Digital Photographers of All Levels

Panasonic today introduced its newest LUMIX digital camera, the DMC-LS80, which features advanced, yet easy-to-use settings that help even the entry-level digital photographer take great photos. Encased in a compact design and powered by AA batteries, the LS80 offers convenience and increased usability. With a newly developed LUMIX DC VARIO lens system, 3x optical zoom and 8.1-megapixel high resolution, the LS80 is feature-rich and user-friendly digital camera, all at an affordable price.

At the core of the DMC-LS80′s easy-to-use operation is a comprehensive system of intelligent technologies that operate within the camera automatically, without any extra effort from the user. The Panasonic LUMIX LS80 integrates four distinct features aimed at making it easy to capture perfect images.

* MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) lens system shifts to compensate, preventing hand-shake from creating a blurry image and instead, providing a clear and crisp photo. * Intelligent ISO – With this feature, the digital camera can determine if the photo subject is moving and change ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus enabling a blur-free photo. * Auto Macro – The LS80 automatically switches to the Macro setting when in close proximity to the photo subject, ideal for those extreme close-up shots. * Quick AF – With the Quick AF (Auto Focus) system, the LS80 will focus on the photo subject without the user needing to press the shutter button, producing the fastest shutter speed by minimizing the AF time.

“Continuing on the success of our 2007 line of LUMIX digital cameras, all our 2008 models will also include two advanced anti-blur technologies, Intelligent ISO and MEGA O.I.S., helping all our consumers – from the beginners to the advanced DSLR-users – take high-quality photos they are proud to share,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Committed to the idea that digital photography should be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, our Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras offer intuitive features, like Auto Macro, that are seamlessly integrated into the photography process, so the user doesn’t need to change any settings.”

Another new intuitive technology of the LS80 includes the Intelligent LCD, which means the brightness of the LCD automatically adjusts as the ambient light level changes. With the Intelligent LCD, which comes with 230,000-dot high resolution, images are clear, bright and easy to see – regardless whether it is day or night; inside or outside.

Other features of the Panasonic DMC-LS80 include: * Venus Engine III Processor: High-quality, high-performance image processing with the Venus Engine III. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III boasts outstanding response time. Shutter release time lag is as short as 0.005 second*. In the consecutive shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at 2.5 frames per second in full resolution**; and in High-Speed Burst shooting mode***, the LS80 fires off an incredible 5.5 shots per second. Also, with unlimited consecutive shooting, the user can snap photos continuously until the SD Memory Card is full ****. * High Definition Compatible: With the LUMIX LS80, consumers are able to take 1920×1080 pixel photos, ideal for viewing on wide-screen (16:9) High Definition televisions. The complete Panasonic VIERA line of Plasma and LCD HDTVs comes equipped with an internal SD card slot, so viewing digital photos is as easy as taking the SD card out of the LS80 and inserting it into the front of the Panasonic VIERA. * Video Recording: In addition to recording standard VGA (640 x 480), the DMC-LS80 can also record WVGA (848 x 480) motion pictures at 30 frames per second. Fitting a wide-screen HDTV perfectly, these wide-aspect motion images make for impressive viewing.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS80 will be available in pink, black and silver models in February 2008 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $149.95.

*Not including the time for AF. **Maximum 7 images in standard mode / 4 images in fine mode. *** In 2-megapixel(4:3), 2.5-megapixel(3:2), 2-megapixel(16:9) recording **** The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card. The number of recordable pictures depends on the memory card size, battery life, picture size and image compression.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3

Posted on February 6, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 is an 8.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD.

It features face detection technology, image stabilization, intelligent scene selection, intelligent ISO, megabytes of internal memory and much more.

The FS3 comes in blue, pink, green, silver and black.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 will have a retail price of $199.95 when it becomes available in February.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 News Release PANASONIC UNVEILS FS-SERIES, WITH SLIM AND STYLISH DESIGN, ADDING TO ITS LINE OF COMPACT LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERAS

LUMIX FS3 Packs Advanced Features Into Pocket-Sized Digital Camera

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 29, 2008) – Panasonic today unveiled a new compact line of LUMIX digital cameras, the new FS-Series, including the DMC-FS3 which features 8.1 megapixels, a f2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, 3x optical zoom, and Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode. The FS-Series, a sister line to the world-acclaimed FX-Series, also includes the newly announced DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5, and the entire series offers easy and intuitive operation that helps consumers produce high-quality images.

The DMC-FS3 features a new image-processing LSI, the Venus Engine IV, which contains a more advanced signal processing technology for rendering higher-quality images and produces a faster response time. In addition, the camera boasts the new Intelligent LCD, meaning the 2.5-inc LCD screen detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level to offer optimal clarity in any situation, whether dark or light; indoors or outdoors.

“Many consumers today are looking for pocket-sized, easy-to-use cameras that take crisp, high-quality pictures,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the DMC-FS3, we’re giving consumers what they want: a sleek, stylish compact digital camera that still packs powerful advanced imaging technologies, such as Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode.”

Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode is comprised of five distinct technologies designed to provide users with intuitive and automatic camera adjustments no matter the shooting condition and without the user having to do anything manually. Intelligent Auto Mode consists of the following:

* MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image. * Intelligent ISO – Can determine if the photo subject is moving and change the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo. * Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. * Face Detection – Panasonic’s Face Detection detects up to 15 faces anywhere in the frame, even if they are moving, and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear and crisp. * Quick AF – The Quick AF (auto focus) system starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera to the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

Additional features of the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS3 include: * Title Edit function which allows the consumer to input text to accompany a photo, for instance, the names of children or travel locations. * 50 MB internal memory. * Records WVGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second in a 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for viewing on High Definition televisions, such as Panasonic VIERA Plasmas and LCDs. * Compatible with optional marine case, DMW-MCFS5, for underwater shooting.

The DMC-FS3, available in blue, pink, green, silver and black models, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.95 and will be available in February 2008.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 Review at Imaging Resource

Posted on December 21, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment

Imaging Resource reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 and writes – ‘From a design perspective, the Sony T2 is a breath of fresh air, integrating 4GB of memory in the camera, replacing awkward buttons with a sensuous touch screen, and wrapping the whole package in an elegantly sculpted aluminum frame the size of a small pack of cards. Automatically organizing your image collection by date and frequency within the date, it also provides a unique playback mode inspired by scrapbook design. And it’s no slouch when it comes to performance, obliterating prefocus shutter lag, and significantly reducing full-autofocus shutter lag. ‘

keep looking »