Category: Digital Compact Cameras
Samsung Press Release
Hanover, Germany - 9 March 2006 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is enhancing its Camcorder product range by bringing a new multifunction digital camera series to CeBIT. The VP-MS1x, the first product in this category, is a business card sized digital camera that provides users with portability and huge storage capacity. “Our customers wanted a lightweight, compact, easy to use digital stills and video camera that could be carried anywhere, yet that had a large storage capacity,” said says Moon Soo Bang, Vice President of the Digital AV Division of Samsung. “Our team designed a slim, elegant product that not only takes the highest quality still pictures currently available on a Camcorder, but also built into it innovative functions such as flash memory, which allows users to still take great pictures even if the memory card runs out of capacity.”
Samsung Press Release Hanover, Germany - 9 March 2006 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is enhancing its Camcorder product range by bringing a new multifunction digital camera series to CeBIT. The VP-MS1x, the first product in this category, is a business card sized digital camera that provides users with portability…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 camera.
“The LZ5 is very well designed. While it can’t be described as an ultra-compact camera, I found it fits easily in coat or sweatshirt pockets as well as small purses and handbags; thanks in part to its zoom lens neatly retracting into the body. The back of the camera is dominated by its large 2.5-inch LCD monitor, which unfortunately is the only viewfinder. It is however an excellent display and was very effective for menu navigation, image review and as a viewfinder in the bright sun.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 camera. “The LZ5 is very well designed. While it can’t be described as an ultra-compact camera, I found it fits easily in coat or sweatshirt pockets as well as small purses and handbags; thanks in part to…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 camera.
“The image quality was average. Outdoors it captured the best images in my opinion, with our samples being relatively sharp, well exposed and showing good color saturation. Like the LZ5, noise levels were average when shooting with an ISO of 100 or lower, becoming much more noticeable at 200 and 400. By looking at our ambient light sample of the M&M man, you can see what I mean. While this may not be an issue with those who use the “Normal” exposure mode and can select the desired ISO speed, those who use Simple mode will have to hope the camera is using the lowest setting possible”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 camera. “The image quality was average. Outdoors it captured the best images in my opinion, with our samples being relatively sharp, well exposed and showing good color saturation. Like the LZ5, noise levels were average when shooting…
DIWA member Steves Digicams has reviewed the new 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 digicam.
“Coming in at the entry-level of Panasonic’s Lumix line, the LS2 is an affordable point-n-shoot model that features 5-megapixels of resolution, a 3x optical zoom lens, Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) system, QVGA (320x240) movie mode w/out audio, and 2.0-inch TFT LCD monitor. It offers fully automatic operation for beginners with its Simple mode or one of the pre-programmed creative scene modes. Normal mode is also mostly automatic, but adds options like ISO, White balance, Aspect ratio, AF mode, Color effects, etc.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams has reviewed the new 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 digicam. “Coming in at the entry-level of Panasonic’s Lumix line, the LS2 is an affordable point-n-shoot model that features 5-megapixels of resolution, a 3x optical zoom lens, Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) system, QVGA (320x240) movie…
Casio Europe Press Release
Norderstedt, March 2006 - In good time for the start of spring, CASIO is delighting the camera market with high-grade colour editions of the EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z600, which was introduced in January. The EX-Z600 black sets trends in matt black. The EX-Z600 blue shimmers in elegant blue and gives a great summer feeling. However, the EX-Z600 not only attracts attention through its appearance, but also the technical features of the digital camera are convincing: the extra bright and 2.7-inch TFT colour display permits appropriate adjustment to the scene even during a stronger incidence of light, thus making it easier to take photos. In addition, with the EX-Z600 up to 550 photos are possible according to CIPA Standard with a fully charged Super Life Battery.
Casio Europe Press Release Norderstedt, March 2006 - In good time for the start of spring, CASIO is delighting the camera market with high-grade colour editions of the EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z600, which was introduced in January. The EX-Z600 black sets trends in matt black. The EX-Z600 blue shimmers in elegant…
Casio Europe Press Release
Norderstedt, March 2006 - Simple operation and useful functions - that’s what makes the EX-Z60 stand out. The new EX-Z60 black and red is now attracting attention. The colour variations in matt-brushed body are ideal everyday accessories. Additionally, these hand gems also captivate with their useful technical features: 6 Megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, Anti Shake DSP and a 2.5-inch TFT colour display make the small design camera a giant in its class.
Casio Europe Press Release Norderstedt, March 2006 - Simple operation and useful functions - that’s what makes the EX-Z60 stand out. The new EX-Z60 black and red is now attracting attention. The colour variations in matt-brushed body are ideal everyday accessories. Additionally, these hand gems also captivate with their useful…
The NPD Group Press Release
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—March 6, 2006—According to leading consumer and retail information provider The NPD Group, forecasts show the U.S. digital camera market will generate close to $6.8 billion in revenue and sell a record-breaking 29.5 million units in 2006. The digital camera market is expected to increase by eight percent in revenue and 17 percent in units over 2005. The findings come from The NPD Group’s Market Outlook report, driven by a powerful new forecasting methodology that gives companies an unparalleled view of the market’s future behavior. “The NPD Group’s forecasting model is a unique combination of point-of-sale and consumer data, along with econometric modeling and the expertise of our industry analysts,” said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis, The NPD Group. “That combination created a forecast for 2005 that came within two percent of The NPD Group’s actual consumer data for the year.”
The NPD Group Press Release PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—March 6, 2006—According to leading consumer and retail information provider The NPD Group, forecasts show the U.S. digital camera market will generate close to $6.8 billion in revenue and sell a record-breaking 29.5 million units in 2006. The digital camera market is expected…
Norwegian website Akam.no have the first online review of the new Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera.
Website: Akam.no - Sony DSC-H2 Review
Norwegian website Akam.no have the first online review of the new Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera. Website: Akam.no - Sony DSC-H2 Review Website: Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
Imaging Resource have published their review of the new Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom, a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 32-128mm and an ISO range of ISO 80 to ISO 800.
“Equipped with a fully-automatic, point-and-click mode, the Fujifilm FinePix E900 is suitable for neophyte snapshooters. But it also comes with semi-automatic and manual exposure controls, which would appeal to intermediate photographers—those who want control over their photography, but are not ready for the size and cost of a digital SLR. A quick look at shutter lag numbers also reveals a camera that is good at capturing children if you learn to prefocus. It’s also attractive as a travel camera; large enough to take telephoto and wide-angle conversion lenses, but small enough to drop easily in a small bag. It’s use of AA batteries adds to its travel credentials. Experienced photographers will want to review this camera’s features list carefully before buying. While it offers such desirable extras as automatic exposure bracketing and RAW image format, it has almost no color-management and no custom user settings.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review
Imaging Resource have published their review of the new Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom, a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 32-128mm and an ISO range of ISO 80 to ISO 800. “Equipped with a fully-automatic, point-and-click mode, the Fujifilm FinePix E900 is suitable for…
DCResource have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.
“Overall, the image quality on the DMC-FZ7 is very good. Photos were well-exposed, with accurate color, low purple fringing levels, and pleasing sharpness. My one complaint is about noise: there’s a bit too much of it, even at ISO 80. At ISO 200, details started to look more like watercolor paintings, and the effect becomes quite pronounced at higher sensitivities. If you’re shooting at lower ISOs and keeping print sizes at 8.5 x 11 inches or below, the noise should not be an issue. If you’ll be using the high ISO settings, or making large prints, the noise on the FZ7 may be bothersome.”
DCResource have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body. “Overall, the image quality on the DMC-FZ7 is very good. Photos were well-exposed, with accurate color, low purple fringing levels, and pleasing sharpness. My one complaint is about…
DCResource have just reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD430 (also known as the Digital IXUS WIRELESS), which features automatic wireless image transfer, wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC and ships with a wireless print adapter.
“The Canon PowerShot SD430 Digital ELPH Wireless is an ultra-compact camera with all the features you’d expect from an ultra-compact, plus one more: wireless functionality. In fact, the Wi-Fi feature is the only thing that sets it apart from the other cameras in Canon’s SD-series, and it commands a $100-200 price premium over the other Digital ELPHs. Is it worth it? Well, that depends on your needs. The SD430 looks like a typical Digital ELPH camera, though the antenna on one side of the body breaks the continuity of the design. Like the other SD-series cameras, it’s compact, made mostly of metal, and quite solid. It fits well in the hand, and the important controls are easy to reach. The camera has a standard 3X zoom lens (covering 35 - 105 mm) and a 2.0” LCD display that is easy to see in low light conditions.”
DCResource have just reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD430 (also known as the Digital IXUS WIRELESS), which features automatic wireless image transfer, wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC and ships with a wireless print adapter. “The Canon PowerShot SD430 Digital ELPH Wireless is an ultra-compact camera with all…
CNET have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot M2 digital hybrid camera, a 5 megapixel diigtal camera which also offers MPEG-4 movies in a stylish upright design.
“The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M2 is a jack-of-all-trades and a master of some. Thanks to good image quality and a big, bright LCD that’s usable in sunlight, this hybrid still camera/camcorder update to the DSC-M1 remains a surprisingly good point-and-click 5-megapixel snapshooter—assuming you’re willing to pay a premium for a camera with a 3X zoom, no manual controls, and no bundled memory card.”
Website: CNET - Sony Cyber-shot M2 Review
CNET have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot M2 digital hybrid camera, a 5 megapixel diigtal camera which also offers MPEG-4 movies in a stylish upright design. “The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M2 is a jack-of-all-trades and a master of some. Thanks to good image quality and a big, bright LCD that’s usable…
ByteSector have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera.
“The key selling point on this camera is its onboard wireless network capability. It can interface with any 802.11b or g network after a very simple configuration process through a PC. Surprisingly, to configure the camera for network access, you will first be required to connect it to a computer using the USB cable. I’d have preferred to be able to configure the camera entirely through its user interface, but unfortunately, that isn’t possible.”
Website: ByteSector - Nikon Coolpix P1 Review
ByteSector have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera. “The key selling point on this camera is its onboard wireless network capability. It can interface with any 802.11b or g network after a very simple configuration process through a PC. Surprisingly, to configure the…
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot A610 digital camera.
“The Canon A610 also guarantees quality. Every single image was excellently exposed with rich detail. Colour reproduction is strongly saturated but still shows a natural shade. Auto white balance does a good job generally with the exception of the exuberantly present light balance. The optical quality is fine and there’s no need for any comments. The signal noise ratio of the A610 is fine and doesn’t hold any negative surprises. The images are really appealing. The same goes for the operation of the camera. Well thought-out and straightforward with of course the luxury of a tilting LCD monitor.”
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot A610 digital camera. “The Canon A610 also guarantees quality. Every single image was excellently exposed with rich detail. Colour reproduction is strongly saturated but still shows a natural shade. Auto white balance does a good job generally with the…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot M2 digital hybrid camera, a 5 megapixel diigtal camera which also offers MPEG-4 movies in a stylish upright design.
“Sony equipped the M2 with a high-quality Carl Zeiss 3x zoom lens. It offers a fairly standard zoom range of 38-114mm in 35mm-equivalence, providing a moderately-wide field of view for interiors and outdoor scenics and enough telephoto magnification to bring your distant subjects noticeably closer. The lens produced sharp results from corner to corner throughout its zoom range, with moderate amounts of barrel distortion at wide angle and pin cushioning at telephoto. Chromatic aberrations were well controlled, with nearly imperceptible purple fringing present even in very high contrast areas.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot M2 digital hybrid camera, a 5 megapixel diigtal camera which also offers MPEG-4 movies in a stylish upright design. “Sony equipped the M2 with a high-quality Carl Zeiss 3x zoom lens. It offers a fairly standard zoom range of 38-114mm in…
DCViews have published a comparative review of the Kodak Easyshare P880 and Fujifilm Finepix S9000 / S9500 digital cameras.
“The Kodak P880 differs from its competitors by its 24 mm wide angle, which normally is 35 mm and sometimes 28mm. For landscape and interiors this gives beautiful results. From 24 mm the zoom range goes to 140 mm and with this 5.8 optical zoom you can capture 90% of every day subjects. The mechanical ring on the lens makes zooming very easy and accurate, although the fingers of the right hand are sometimes in the way.”
Website: DCViews - Kodak P880 versus Fujifilm Finepix S9000 / S9500
DCViews have published a comparative review of the Kodak Easyshare P880 and Fujifilm Finepix S9000 / S9500 digital cameras. “The Kodak P880 differs from its competitors by its 24 mm wide angle, which normally is 35 mm and sometimes 28mm. For landscape and interiors this gives beautiful results. From 2…
DigiCamReview have reviewed the Pentax OptioS6 digitial camera, which has a 6 megapixel sensor and 3x optical lens, housed in a slim 19mm body.
“Image quality isn’t this camera’s strongest point - the camera does produce good results but not as often as it should. Outdoors the camera does better, but indoors the camera has focus problems, and flash overexposing problems. Images were generally soft indoors and outside, and the macro mode was below average only allowing you to be 15cm away from the subject at the closest. Noise was fairly well controlled at ISO200 or below. The camera generally has good colour - colours have good saturation and contrast - this can be further tweaked in camera with contrast, saturation and sharpness controls. Better results can also be achieved by using custom white balance, and manual focus.”
DigiCamReview have reviewed the Pentax OptioS6 digitial camera, which has a 6 megapixel sensor and 3x optical lens, housed in a slim 19mm body. “Image quality isn’t this camera’s strongest point - the camera does produce good results but not as often as it should. Outdoors the camera does better…
PMA 2006: Conspicuous by its absence amongst the tens of new products that Canon have announced today is a G-Series camera. At a press conference this morning, Canon UK representatives confirmed our worst fears by stating that there will be no more G-Series Canon cameras, which makes the Canon Powershot G6 (pictured) the last of its kind. The S-series cameras and the falling prices of Canon’s DSLRs have effectively replaced what has been a venerable, popular and best-selling series of cameras.
28th February 2006: Yesterday I attended a meeting with representatives from Canon Japan’s digital compact camera division. When asked if the Canon G-Series had officially ended, they replied that although there were no new G-Series models in the recently announced Spring 2006 range of Canon products, the G-Series may return in the future, if market conditions allow. So Canon G cameras could make a comeback, although the absence of any kind of bridge-style camera in Canon’s new line-up would suggest that the chances are slim, as DSLRs get ever cheaper and compacts ever more fully-featured.
PMA 2006: Conspicuous by its absence amongst the tens of new products that Canon have announced today is a G-Series camera. At a press conference this morning, Canon UK representatives confirmed our worst fears by stating that there will be no more G-Series Canon cameras, which makes the Canon Powershot…
PMA 2006: The Sony DSC-H5 and Sony DSC-H2 ultra-zooms digital cameras are announced at PMA today. 12x optical zoom lenses, 7.2 and 6 megapixels respectively, 3 inch and 2 inch LCD screens. The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 camera will be available in May for about $500 and the DSC-H2 model ships in April for about $400.
Sony USA Press Release
ORLANDO, Fla., (PMA 2006, Booth #4150), Feb. 25, 2006 — Sony is expanding its high-zoom digital still camera line with two new Cyber-shot® models that are sure to zero in on the subjects you most desire. Clad in black, the new DSC-H5 model has a 7.2-megapixel CCD imager and extra-large, three-inch LCD screen. It also shimmers in silver along with the stage-worthy DSC-H2 model, which has a six-megapixel imager and two-inch LCD. Both cameras flaunt Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 12x optical zoom lenses and focal length ranges of 36 to 432 millimeters (35 mm equivalence). “High-zoom cameras are one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry,” said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “They are powerful enough to get those hard-to-see distant shots, and have the easy-to-use functionality of point-and-shoot cameras.
PMA 2006: The Sony DSC-H5 and Sony DSC-H2 ultra-zooms digital cameras are announced at PMA today. 12x optical zoom lenses, 7.2 and 6 megapixels respectively, 3 inch and 2 inch LCD screens. The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 camera will be available in May for about $500 and the DSC-H2 model ships in…
PMA 2006: The Sony DSC-W100 and Sony DSC-W70 digital cameras are announced at PMA today. 8 and 7 megapixels respectively, 3x zoom lenses, up to ISO 1250 on the W100. The Cyber-shot DSC-W100 camera ships in April for about $350, and the DSC-W70 model will also be available in April for about $300. Both models are available in black and silver.
Sony USA Press Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (PMA 2006, Booth #4150), Feb. 25, 2006 — Sony rounds out its new W-series line of digital still cameras with two top-end models packed with powerful features—the Cyber-shot® DSC-W100 and DSC-W70. “Our W-series feature intelligent functions that work behind the scenes, said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “Users can focus on those moments of inspiration that make great photographs without the hassle of worrying about camera settings.” The DSC-W100 model packs in an eight-megapixel imaging sensor, and has a compact metal body with a stylized finish in black and silver. It features a manual exposure mode with extended control for up to 46 steps of adjustable shutter speeds (30 - 1/1000 sec.) and two steps of aperture control.
PMA 2006: The Sony DSC-W100 and Sony DSC-W70 digital cameras are announced at PMA today. 8 and 7 megapixels respectively, 3x zoom lenses, up to ISO 1250 on the W100. The Cyber-shot DSC-W100 camera ships in April for about $350, and the DSC-W70 model will also be available in April…