Category: Digital Compact Cameras

Wednesday, July 5, 2006

Fujifilm FinePix F30 ZoomDIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no 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.

“Once again, Fujifilm has developed a mini-compact camera with impressive qualities. Its predecessor, the FinePix F10, received numerous awards, like the DIWA Platinum Award as “Best compact camera i 2006”. It will come as no surprise if the FinePix F30 repeats this success. At present, the F30 is without doubt the best performing mini-compact at high ISO-values, with image noise levels only beaten by high-end D-SLR cameras. This makes the F30 extraordinary useful in poor lighting conditions and for moving subjects. Although the flash itself is quite weak, thanks to the high sensitivity performance, its operating range is phenomenal. The body is distingushed by a solid metal exteriour with exclusive finish, a superior 2.5” LCD screen with anti-reflex coating, high resolution and instant maximum brightness control, making the lack of an optical viewfinder almost unnoticeable. The 3x zoom lens is no optical marvel as such, but it delivers 6.3 MP images with natural colours and fine details, only impurified by extensive purple fringing at wide angle. Although the F30 has few advanced features, like RAW format, histogram etc, shutter and aperture priority modes and pure performance will make it a desirable compact camera even for demanding, experienced photographers.”

Website: Digit.no - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

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DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no 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. “Once again, Fujifilm has developed a mini-compact camera with impressive qualities. Its predecessor, the FinePix F10, received numerous awards, like…

Sony DSC-H5DPReview have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen.

“The good news is that everything we liked about the H1 and the H2 is still here; handling is excellent, it’s very fast and responsive and the results - even shooting in full auto mode with default settings - excellent. There are few cameras I can wholeheartedly recommend to both novice ‘snappers’ and experienced photographers, but the H5, like the H2, is that rarest of beasts; a ‘compact’ camera with handling and control close to a DSLR, yet one that - even in inexperienced hands - can be left in ‘idiot-proof’ mode and trusted to produce the goods time and time again. Above all, the H5 is fun and easy to use, which means you will find yourself taking a lot more pictures, which has to be a good thing.”

Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-H5 Review

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DPReview have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen. “The good news is that everything we liked about the H1 and the H2 is still here; handling is excellent, it’s very fast and responsive and the…

Tuesday, July 4, 2006

Samsung NV10The Samsung NV7 OPS is priced at £299, Samsung NV10 at £279 and Samsung NV3 at £229, available from leading high street and online retailers by September. We have some exclusive product shots from the recent European press conference.

Samsung UK Press Release

Samsung offers a brand new vision with premium “NV Series” - NV Series strengthens digital compact camera portfolio for Samsung

London, UK - Samsung Cameras is bringing a new vision to the digital compact camera market with the NV Series. Consisting of three cameras, the NV7 OPS, NV10 and NV3, the NV Series was developed following a two year consumer research study to gain insight into the lifestyle and needs of consumers and their picture-taking interests. Samsung has devised attractive designs and new user interface (UI) concepts to create a premium product group. As well as offering practical technology and easy usability, the new NV Series stands for individuality and style. Launched with a new blue ring, this design concept aims to become a consistent mark for Samsung quality and design in the digital camera market. The NV Series introduces the innovative UI using Smart Touch buttons for the first time in a digital camera, offering easy and convenient control for the NV7 OPS and NV10 – a gentle touch is all it takes to navigate menu items, manipulate the settings, or view your pictures.

The Samsung NV7 OPS is priced at £299, Samsung NV10 at £279 and Samsung NV3 at £229, available from leading high street and online retailers by September. We have some exclusive product shots from the recent European press conference. Samsung UK Press Release Samsung offers a brand new vision with…

Casio EX-Z1000ePhotoZine 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.

“Made almost entirely of metal, the EX-Z1000 feels like a quality camera. The metal casing is finished with a pearl-like lustre, which unfortunately scratches easily. Size-wise, the EX-Z1000 is about average for a camera of this specification, leaving just enough space on the back to rest your thumb. I would have liked a small fingergrip to have been included on the front, as this would help provide a secure grip.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Casio EX-Z1000 Review

Website: Read our Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 Review

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ePhotoZine 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. “Made almost…

Pentax Optio A10DCResource have just reviewed the new Pentax Optio A10, which features a shake reduction system, 8 megapixels and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The Pentax Optio A10 is an ultra-compact camera that offers a lot of features for much less money than competitive cameras. You’ll get an 8 Megapixel CCD, image stabilization system, sharp 2.5” LCD display, VGA movie mode, and plenty of point-and-shoot features for a little over $300. Most of the competition (save for the Panasonic FX01) costs $50 - $100 more. Unfortunately the Optio A10 lags in a number of areas—most notably camera performance—so you’re better off trying another product.”

Website: DCResource - Pentax Optio A10 Review

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DCResource have just reviewed the new Pentax Optio A10, which features a shake reduction system, 8 megapixels and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The Pentax Optio A10 is an ultra-compact camera that offers a lot of features for much less money than competitive cameras. You’ll get an 8 Megapixel CCD…

Monday, July 3, 2006

Pentax Optio A10Pentax have released a new firmware update, v1.01, for the Pentax Optio A10 digital camera. Improved auto focus performance is the only change.

Website: Pentax Optio A10 v1.01 Firmware Update

Pentax have released a new firmware update, v1.01, for the Pentax Optio A10 digital camera. Improved auto focus performance is the only change. Website: Pentax Optio A10 v1.01 Firmware Update

Canon Digital IXUS 800 ISDIWA member Photoxels have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera).

“In the field, the Canon SD700 IS performed very well. There was no fumbling with the controls, no frustration trying to set the functions you want, and the camera was point-and-shoot simplicity. Even though most of the functions are accessed thru the FUNC. menu, I found it well implemented and fast. The image stabilizer works well and adds to the enjoyment of using this camera.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon SD700 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon SD700 IS Review

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DIWA member Photoxels have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera). “In the field, the Canon SD700 IS performed very well. There was no…

Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60 camera, which offers 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD.

“We have now tried out several Casio digital cameras and we can conclude that Casio is a player to watch out for. The Exilim series is well thought out and fitted with all sorts of innovative solutions. In general, the speed is great and it is typical of Casio that they have succeeded in this. The Casio Exilim Z60 is a handy compact camera with a lot of automatic functionality. It’s not perfect, but its good image quality will be more than enough to satisfy the owners of this camera! “

Website: LetsGoDigital - Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60 camera, which offers 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD. “We have now tried out several Casio digital cameras and we can conclude that Casio is a player to watch out for. The Exilim series…

Sony DSC-W100DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Sony DSC-W100, an 8 megapixel camera with 3x zoom lens and ISO 1250.

“Introduced in February, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 is the new flagship of the W-series point-and-shoot camera line. This compact digital camera keeps traditional elements, such as an optical viewfinder, and merges them with more modern assets, like a 2.5-inch LCD screen and 1/1.8-inch, 8-megapixel imaging sensor. The W100 has a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens on the front of the body and exhibits elements of the W-series makeover that slims the point-and-shoots down to a more portable size while still keeping pace with tradition. For $349, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 offers a redesigned body, a host of automatic modes and a wide ISO range from 64-1250.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Sony DSC-W100 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Sony DSC-W100, an 8 megapixel camera with 3x zoom lens and ISO 1250. “Introduced in February, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 is the new flagship of the W-series point-and-shoot camera line. This compact digital camera keeps traditional elements, such as an optical viewfinder, and merges them with…

Fujifilm FinePix F30 ZoomDCResource 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.

“It’s not very often where I really become fond of a camera that I review. Usually this happens with expensive digital SLRs that I can only dream about. This time around, I fell in love with a compact camera—the Fuji FinePix F30. While it’s not quite perfect, the F30 won me over with its great high ISO performance, battery life, LCD, and manual controls. It’s a camera that I can recommend without hesitation.”

Website: DCResource - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

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DCResource 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. “It’s not very often where I really become fond of a camera that I review. Usually this happens with expensive digital SLRs that I can…

Sony DSC-H2DPReview have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera.

“We praised the H1 - Sony’s first foray into this crowded part of the market - as not only a surprisingly mature, well-rounded product, but one offering performance and output that put it very near the top of the tree. The H2 doesn’t add a great deal, but it does offer some minor improvements in image quality, a few new features and a little more resolution. It also has a more usable ISO 200 and ISO 400 (and the option, if you really need it, for ISO 800 / 1000) thanks to a slightly better noise reduction system.”

Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-H2 Review

Website: Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 Review

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DPReview have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera. “We praised the H1 - Sony’s first foray into this crowded part of the market - as not only a surprisingly mature, well-rounded product, but one offering performance and output that put it very near the top of the…

Canon Digital IXUS 800 ISImaging Resource have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera).

“Along with its low-light potential, the SD700 IS has several deluxe features that suit its Digital ELPH flagship status. In a relatively slim body, the camera has a 4x optical (35mm-140mm in 35mm equivalent) extending zoom lens that’s fast at f/2.8-f/5.5. The SD700 IS also has Canon’s DIGIC II image processor, a 2.5-inch LCD with decent resolution and a wide-viewing angle, 16 shooting modes, widescreen (16:9) still recording, and a new attractive three-tone design that’s distinctively curved and pleasing to hold.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon SD700 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon SD700 IS Review

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Imaging Resource have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera). “Along with its low-light potential, the SD700 IS has several deluxe features that suit…

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Fujifilm FinePix V10 ZoomImaging Resource have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games!

“The Fujifilm V10 appears to be an entirely new direction for Fujifilm, not really a replacement for any previous model but an attempt to create a new category that mixes a cool design and fun features—the four video games—that might appeal to younger users; with new technology, including Real Photo and high ISOs, with the potential to attract a broad spectrum of users. And, for the most part, Fujifilm seems to hit its marks with this model. Loading it with games is one thing, but Fuji has created an elegant picture-taking machine that’s as fun to hold and look at as it is to shoot with. Image quality, which I’ll address later in this review, is another story. The camera doesn’t always live up to some of its “low-noise” claims.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom Review

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Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games! “The Fujifilm V10 appears to be an entirely new direction for Fujifilm, not really a replacement for any previous model but an attempt to create…

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Ricoh Caplio RR660Ricoh UK Press Release

Introducing the new Ricoh Caplio RR660. Ricoh’s unique ease of use and portability now shoots at 6.16 megapixels. A masterpiece maker – in your pocket! Available in July with an RRP of £129.99.

Ricoh is thrilled to announce the release of the new Ricoh Caplio RR660 – a sleek new entry-level digital camera that adds more exciting, new user-friendly features to its extremely popular RR630 predecessor. The new 6.16-megapixel Ricoh RR660 digital camera is even lighter and more compact than its predecessor, and yet is equipped with a crystal-clear 2.4” colour TFT-LCD monitor for even easier viewing. The Ricoh RR660 is the newest addition to Ricoh’s popular, award-winning range of digital cameras, whose outstanding performance, value for money and stylish designs have won favour with both professional and amateur photographers around the world. The RR660 consistently produces striking, crystal-clear images that simply stand out above pictures from other cameras in its class. Equipped with a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom, for a combined 12x zoom, the RR660 can effortlessly handle any photographic situation.

Ricoh UK Press Release Introducing the new Ricoh Caplio RR660. Ricoh’s unique ease of use and portability now shoots at 6.16 megapixels. A masterpiece maker – in your pocket! Available in July with an RRP of £129.99. Ricoh is thrilled to announce the release of the new Ricoh Caplio RR66…

Casio EX-S600Casio Europe Press Release

Norderstedt, June 26, 2006 - CASIO EUROPE GmbH and its parent company, CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., have announced the release of the EXILIM CARD EX-S600D, an ultra-slim, card-sized, high-resolution digital camera. This latest 6.0 megapixel addition to the stylish EXILIM digital camera series can also take high-quality movies in DivX® format, a video compression technology developed by DivX, Inc. of the United States. Fitting easily into a pocket, EXILIM CARD digital cameras are ready to go wherever their users go, so no one has to miss a once-in-a-lifetime photographic moment again. CASIO has previously released the EX-S600, which shoots 6.0 megapixel photos and takes high-quality movies in MPEG-4 format. The EX-S600 has been a hit among people who want a digital camera that makes it a snap to shoot both still pictures and movies. The new EX-S600D has all the features of the EX-S600, but it can take movies in the DivX® format. The new model will be sold primarily online in Europe.

Casio Europe Press Release Norderstedt, June 26, 2006 - CASIO EUROPE GmbH and its parent company, CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., have announced the release of the EXILIM CARD EX-S600D, an ultra-slim, card-sized, high-resolution digital camera. This latest 6.0 megapixel addition to the stylish EXILIM digital camera series can also take…

Sony DSC-H5DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen.

“I was pleased with the H5’s results outdoors. The power of the 12x zoom lens gets you very close to the action, allowing well-composed shots even from the spectator areas at sporting events. The autofocus system and lens combined to produce sharp results, although the Continuous AF did have some difficulty keeping a moving subject in focus. Images were well-exposed and richly saturated right out of the camera, but you can override the degree of sharpness, contrast and saturation using the camera’s menu system.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony DSC-H5 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen. “I was pleased with the H5’s results outdoors. The power of the 12x zoom lens gets you very close to the action, allowing well-composed…

KODAK EASYSHARE V610DCResource have just reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V610, the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera.

“Writing the conclusion for the Kodak EasyShare V610 isn’t as easy as I thought. There’s definitely much to like about the camera, like its slim design, MPEG-4 movie mode, Perfect Touch technology, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. At the same time, it has more than its share of annoyances, including a non-continuous zoom (due to its dual lens design), so-so picture quality, and miserable battery life. And did I mention that it’s expensive?”

Website: DCResource - Kodak Easyshare V610 Review

Website: Read my Kodak Easyshare V610 Review

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DCResource have just reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V610, the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera. “Writing the conclusion for the Kodak EasyShare V610 isn’t as easy as I thought. There’s definitely much to like about the camera, like its slim design, MPEG-4 movie mode, Perfect Touch technology, and Bluetooth wireless…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the new 10x zoom, 5 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera.

“The price may seem high for a 5 MP camera, but considering a 10x Leica zoom lens with optical stabiliser (35- 350 mm f/2,8-4,2 eqv.), a comparable lens for an SLR camera would cost far more. Besides, its construction makes the camera exceptionally small and light weight, almost like a normal compact camera. It also has an attractive, comfortable and ergonomic design, and appears to be quite robust. Despite its amazing zoom range, the optical performance is very good. The only weaknesses worth mentioning are considerable colour fringing and soft edge sharpness at full telephoto. The overall image quality is surprisingly good, with accurate colours, reliable exposure and white balance controls, and insignificant image noise. Speeds and general camera performance is slightly above average, but the lack of an eye-level viewfinder is deplorable, as the LCD screen is very hard to see in bright sunlight. The TZ1 features numerous useful functions for demanding users, but lacks some advanced features, like RAW format, manual controls, individual parameter settings etc. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 is an amazing camera for a wide range of photographic situations, and is highly recommended for wildlife and nature lovers who wants to travel light.”

Website: Digit.no - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Review

Website: Read my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Review

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DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the new 10x zoom, 5 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera. “The price may seem high for a 5 MP camera, but considering a 10x Leica zoom lens with optical stabiliser (35- 350 mm f/2,8-4,2 eqv.), a comparable lens for…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 camera.

“The 6x optical Lumix DC Vario zoom lens performed superbly during the practice tests. The images are sharp, and excellent results are produced over the entire range. Although a certain degree of chromatic aberration and distortion is visible in the wide-angle mode, it is not insurmountable. Upon zooming in lightly, these small wrinkles are quickly evened out, which ensures you will be presented with a decent and attractive end result.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 Review

Website: Read my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 camera. “The 6x optical Lumix DC Vario zoom lens performed superbly during the practice tests. The images are sharp, and excellent results are produced over the entire range. Although a certain degree of chromatic aberration and distortion is…

Olympus mju 810DCViews have just reviewed the Olympus mju 810 digital camera, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, and a stainless steel, weatherproof body.

“Quite a unique feature is the Digital Image Stabilisation function. When there is a risk of camera shake at the capturing stage, pressing the DIS key will increase ISO sensitivity and set a fast shutter speed to avoid blur. Naturally, setting a high ISO value will increase image noise, but this could still be a better alternative than a blurry image. Also, if an image later appears to suffer from slight camera shake you can retouch the image right in camera by pressing DIS. A gyro sensor embedded in the camera detects the vertical and horizontal range of the camera shake in the shot and then uses this information to compensate and sharpen the blurred image. A copy is then saved to memory while the original is kept for future reference should you need it. Admittedly this is no cure for seriously blurred images but again it helps if no other solution is available. What this function does in fact is similar to unsharp masking in Photoshop, where contrast between edges is increased and the image appears sharper to the eye. Keep in mind that there is a limit as to what this function can achieve though.”

Website: DCViews - Olympus mju 810 Review

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DCViews have just reviewed the Olympus mju 810 digital camera, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, and a stainless steel, weatherproof body. “Quite a unique feature is the Digital Image Stabilisation function. When there is a risk of camera shake at the capturing stage, pressing the DIS…