Category: Digital Compact Cameras
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30, which offers ISO 3200, 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD.
“The FinePix F30 gives fantastic results with excellent color reproduction, good detailing and a lovely contrast. Thanks to the first rate lens, the pictures are almost completely free of distortion and vignetting The high resolution means that you don’t have to worry making large prints on your printer on in the mini lab. It would be a waste to only look at the photos on the computer. There is a considerable difference between the average screen’s reproduction and a print and if you don’t make prints, you will never be able to appreciate the actual quality.”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review
Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30, which offers ISO 3200, 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD. “The FinePix F30 gives fantastic results with excellent color reproduction, good detailing and a lovely contrast. Thanks to the first rate lens, the…
Samsung Press Release
Berlin , Germany - 1st September, 2006 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a market leader in consumer electronics, is set to launch the SDC-MS61. This very stylish product combines multiple functions with 6 Mega pixel photo quality and the best MPEG4 recording quality available in a digital still camera. The innovative Samsung SDC-MS61 features ISO 1600, which reduces the effects of camera shake and sharpens subjects in low-light situations with high shutter speeds, giving you greater flexibility for shooting. The SDC-MS61 also incorporates a big new 3-inch wide LCD screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio for a truly eye-opening view. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear picture and wider viewing angle to make shooting, playback and producing images and film clips that are perfect for your wide-screen TV or computer monitor.
Samsung Press Release Berlin , Germany - 1st September, 2006 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a market leader in consumer electronics, is set to launch the SDC-MS61. This very stylish product combines multiple functions with 6 Mega pixel photo quality and the best MPEG4 recording quality available in a digital…
DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera.
Website: Fotoaparat - Sony A100 Review
Website: Read our Sony A100 Review
DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera. Website: Fotoaparat - Sony A100 Review Website: Read our Sony A100 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare Z612 camera, which offers 6 megapixels, 12x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD.
“The Kodak Z612 is an easy-to-use family camera for capturing all those precious moments. Then print them out using the optional Photo Printer 500 at the touch of a button—even without turning your computer on! If you do not want to post-process any images in an image editing software, the Kodak Z612’s default settings produce images that are sharp and rich in colours straight out of the camera.”
DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare Z612 camera, which offers 6 megapixels, 12x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD. “The Kodak Z612 is an easy-to-use family camera for capturing all those precious moments. Then print them out using the optional Photo Printer 500 at the touch…
DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the 6.1 megapixel KODAK EASYSHARE C663 Zoom digital camera.
“Some of these issues can be cleared up with Kodak’s built-in Perfect Touch technology (which can be applied in the playback mode), but there is much to be desired with the C663’s pictures. In the end, the cons outweigh the pros for the Kodak EasyShare C663 – especially considering the $299 price tag.”
DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the 6.1 megapixel KODAK EASYSHARE C663 Zoom digital camera. “Some of these issues can be cleared up with Kodak’s built-in Perfect Touch technology (which can be applied in the playback mode), but there is much to be desired with the C663’s pictures. In the end, the cons…
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have just reviewed the 7 megapixel Samsung NV3 digital camera.
Website: Fotopolis - Samsung NV3 Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have just reviewed the 7 megapixel Samsung NV3 digital camera. Website: Fotopolis - Samsung NV3 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
ThinkCamera have reviewed the Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously.
“It will come as no surprise that the Z1000 gives great pictures. Just like the Z600 they are punchy and full of colour. In some cases this can get a little out of hand. There are a couple of “landscape” modes - scenery and natural green. Both of these increase sharpening and pump up the saturation. For my taste these go too far - greens become over saturated and slightly sickly.”
Website: ThinkCamera - Casio EX-Z1000 Review
ThinkCamera have reviewed the Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously. “It will…
ThinkCamera have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S3 IS, a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 12x zoom lens, ISO 800 and a 2 inch LCD screen.
“Image quality is good especially at ISO 80 and 100; at higher ISOs you either see noise or smoothing from noise reduction and the ISO 800 setting is noisy enough that you’ll rarely use it. That’s annoying, particularly as it’s one of the selling points of this model over the S2. There’s a good range of colour and tone; colours are bright and accurate, saturated without being over-egged. Detail and sharpness is acceptable, though we found some images were a little “software-led” than with similar cameras. There is some chromatic aberration, but mainly at extreme zoom.”
ThinkCamera have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S3 IS, a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 12x zoom lens, ISO 800 and a 2 inch LCD screen. “Image quality is good especially at ISO 80 and 100; at higher ISOs you either see noise or smoothing from noise reduction and…
BenQ Press Release
TAIPEI, TAIWAN, 31 August, 2006 – BenQ today announces the C1000, successor to its C800, featuring a 10.1 megapixel CCD lens, 3x optical zoom, a large 2.4” TFT LCD display for clear and comfortable photo viewing. The C1000 comes with an extensive range of user- friendly modes which includes PASM mode, 8 second shutter speed night scene mode, quick 4 continuous shot mode and printer mode, delivering an impeccable image quality. The PASM (Program AE/Aperture Priority/Shutter Priority/Manual) mode enables users to manually customize the aperture and shutter speed to one’s own preferences. The Program AE mode automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed by detecting the lighting conditions; the Aperture Priority mode automatically sets an appropriate shutter speed according to the user’s choice of the aperture setting; the Shutter Priority mode does vice-versa.
BenQ Press Release TAIPEI, TAIWAN, 31 August, 2006 – BenQ today announces the C1000, successor to its C800, featuring a 10.1 megapixel CCD lens, 3x optical zoom, a large 2.4” TFT LCD display for clear and comfortable photo viewing. The C1000 comes with an extensive range of user- friendly modes…
BenQ Press Release
BenQ today unveils two new additions to its digital camera classic lineup, the BenQ DC C740 and C540. The DC C740/C540 comes with 7 and 5 megapixels CCD, 3x optical zoom, a large 2.5” LTPS screen and a SMC (Super Multi-Coating) Pentax lens. Together with highly versatile features such as Shake-Free mode, high ISO portrait mode and PASM mode respectively, this camera provides a true-to-life high image performance satisfactory to even photo expertise.
Europe, 30 August, 2006 – BenQ today unveils two new additions to its digital camera classic lineup, the BenQ DC C740 and C540. The DC C740/C540 comes with 7 and 5 megapixels CCD, 3x optical zoom, a large 2.5” LTPS screen and a SMC (Super Multi-Coating) Pentax lens. Together with highly versatile features such as Shake-Free mode, high ISO portrait mode and PASM mode respectively, this camera provides a true-to-life high image performance satisfactory to even photo expertise.
BenQ Press Release BenQ today unveils two new additions to its digital camera classic lineup, the BenQ DC C740 and C540. The DC C740/C540 comes with 7 and 5 megapixels CCD, 3x optical zoom, a large 2.5” LTPS screen and a SMC (Super Multi-Coating) Pentax lens. Together with highly versatile…
ThinkCamera have reviewed the Samsung Digimax L85, which features 8-megapixels, 5x optical zoom (38-190mm - 35mm equivalent), 2.5-inch LCD display (230K pixels), full manual control and 11 preset scene modes.
“Let’s get over this one straight away. Our reviewer called the L85 “ugly” (in fact he compared it to a Trabant). Pictures of the Samsung L85 really don’t do it justice. It is bigger and bulkier than many of the compacts we see here at ThinkCamera but it has a very tactile rubberised finish that sets it apart from other cameras. Depending on your viewpoint this makes it “distinctive” or “retro”. Having lived with one for a couple of weeks I found the L85 growing on me.”
ThinkCamera have reviewed the Samsung Digimax L85, which features 8-megapixels, 5x optical zoom (38-190mm - 35mm equivalent), 2.5-inch LCD display (230K pixels), full manual control and 11 preset scene modes. “Let’s get over this one straight away. Our reviewer called the L85 “ugly” (in fact he compared it to a…
ThinkCamera have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare P880 digital camera. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24-140 mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.
“Image quality is rather good on the P880. On previous Kodaks, I have commented on the out of focus areas looking plasticky or smeared. The P880 seems free of this fault and pictures look smooth and natural throughout.”
ThinkCamera have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare P880 digital camera. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24-140 mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen. “Image quality is rather good on the P880. On previous Kodaks, I have commented on the out of focus areas…
PCMagazine have reviewed the Samsung Digimax L85, which features 8-megapixels, 5x optical zoom (38-190mm - 35mm equivalent), 2.5-inch LCD display (230K pixels), full manual control and 11 preset scene modes.
“My tests show it has the worst shutter lag of any camera I’ve tested to date. Sadly, the Digimax’s deficiencies don’t end here: The camera also has serious autofocus problems. Many point-and-shoot cameras have one or two lighting conditions that give their autofocus trouble. The L85 had problems in many different situations: low light, bright light, high contrast. More often than not, I had to find another angle to shoot from in order to achieve proper focus in the scene. “
PCMagazine have reviewed the Samsung Digimax L85, which features 8-megapixels, 5x optical zoom (38-190mm - 35mm equivalent), 2.5-inch LCD display (230K pixels), full manual control and 11 preset scene modes. “My tests show it has the worst shutter lag of any camera I’ve tested to date. Sadly, the Digimax’s deficiencies…
J.D. Power and Associates Press Release
Brand Loyalty among Digital Camera Buyers Falls Significantly as Increasing Choices Diminish Product Differentiation - Nikon, Kodak, Canon and Olympus Lead the Industry in Satisfying Digital Camera Owners
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 24 August 2006 — As increasing digital camera model offerings challenge perceived product differentiation among consumers, only 26 percent of digital camera buyers say they would purchase the same camera brand in the future—down from 35 percent in 2005, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Digital Camera Satisfaction StudySM released today. The study measures customer satisfaction among buyers of digital cameras in four price segments: $199 or less, $200-$399, $400-$599 and $600 or more. Overall customer satisfaction has declined to 805 points (on a 1,000-point scale) in 2006—down from 816 points in 2005. Satisfaction is down most significantly among entry-level camera buyers ($199 or less), falling 27 index points from 2005, while satisfaction essentially remains flat compared to 2005 in the $200-$399 and $400-$599 segments. Satisfaction among buyers in the high-end segment ($600 or more) has increased 12 index points versus 2005.
J.D. Power and Associates Press Release Brand Loyalty among Digital Camera Buyers Falls Significantly as Increasing Choices Diminish Product Differentiation - Nikon, Kodak, Canon and Olympus Lead the Industry in Satisfying Digital Camera Owners WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 24 August 2006 — As increasing digital camera model offerings challenge perceived product…
Olympus have released a new firmware version, 1.1, for the mju 810 digital camera, which offers faster start-up speed when using an xD-Picture Card.
Website: Olympus mju 810 v1.1 Firmware
Olympus have released a new firmware version, 1.1, for the mju 810 digital camera, which offers faster start-up speed when using an xD-Picture Card. Website: Olympus mju 810 v1.1 Firmware Latest Prices / User Reviews
Luminous Landscape have quickly reviewed both the new 10 megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX2 and the ultra-zoom Panasonic DMC-FZ50.
“As can be seen below, ISO 100 is clean, though not without obvious smoothing artifacts when viewed at 100%. (All shots were taken with JPG settings to their lowest levels, and with no post processing). At ISO 200 noise is still suppressed, but artifacting starts to become more noticeable as detail continues to become smoothed over. By ISO 400 noise is evident, though not terrible, as is an even greater amount of detail smoothing and artifacting due to noise reduction (look at the eyelashes). ISO 800 is simply unacceptable to my eye, and 1600 isn’t worth discussing.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX2 Review
Luminous Landscape have quickly reviewed both the new 10 megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX2 and the ultra-zoom Panasonic DMC-FZ50. “As can be seen below, ISO 100 is clean, though not without obvious smoothing artifacts when viewed at 100%. (All shots were taken with JPG settings to their lowest levels, and with…
DCResource have just reviewed the 7 megapixel Samsung NV3 digital camera.
“Camera performance was about average in most respects. The NV3 is ready to start shooting about 1.5 seconds after you hit the power button. Focus speeds were typical for an ultra-compact, with fairly decent low light focusing performance. Shutter lag wasn’t much of a problem, and shot-to-shot speeds were great as long as you’re not using the ASR feature. The NV3’s continuous shooting mode isn’t worth writing home about, though. The frame rate is sluggish (0.9 fps), and the LCD is blacked out while you’re shooting, which makes tracking a moving subject quite difficult. Battery life is a bit below average.”
Website: DCResource - Samsung NV3 Review
DCResource have just reviewed the 7 megapixel Samsung NV3 digital camera. “Camera performance was about average in most respects. The NV3 is ready to start shooting about 1.5 seconds after you hit the power button. Focus speeds were typical for an ultra-compact, with fairly decent low light focusing performance. Shutter…
DigiCamReview have reviewed the Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously.
“The camera’s image quality is somewhat disappointing - the camera has 10 megapixels which means you should get a lot of detail - however you generally don’t get a lot of detail and I couldn’t see that the results were any better than a good 6, 7 or 8 megapixel digital camera. Even at ISO50 when noise should be at it’s lowest, and detail at it’s highest - detail is lacking and images are generally soft.”
Website: DigiCamReview - Casio EX-Z1000 Review
DigiCamReview have reviewed the Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously. “The camera’s…
DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have published the first review of the recently announced 10 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ50 camera.
Website: Fotoaparat - Panasonic DMC-FZ50 Review
Website: Read our Panasonic DMC-FZ50 Review
DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have published the first review of the recently announced 10 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ50 camera. Website: Fotoaparat - Panasonic DMC-FZ50 Review Website: Read our Panasonic DMC-FZ50 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
The new Canon A710 IS is the first PowerShot model to feature built-in image stabilisation. Other features include a 7 megapixel sensor, 6x zoom lens (35-210mm) and large 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Canon A710 will be available September 2006, price to be confirmed.
UPDATE: I’ve now added some images from this morning’s UK press conference to the end of this article.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon is pleased to bring Optical Image Stabilization (IS) technology to the PowerShot A Series with the launch of the Canon PowerShot A710 IS. Along with a 6x optical image stabilized zoom, the compact Canon A710 IS is packed with features that make it a worthy successor to the popular PowerShot A700 it replaces. As well as helping to reduce blurring and counteract camera shake, improvements on the Canon A710 IS include a 7.1 Megapixel sensor and new photo effects that add to the already extensive creative possibilities
The Canon PowerShot A710 IS keeps many of the features that made its predecessor so successful, including an extensive range of shooting modes, full manual control, VGA quality movie recording, ISO 800 shooting and a 2.5” LCD screen.
The new Canon A710 IS is the first PowerShot model to feature built-in image stabilisation. Other features include a 7 megapixel sensor, 6x zoom lens (35-210mm) and large 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Canon A710 will be available September 2006, price to be confirmed. UPDATE: I’ve now added some images…