Category: Digital Compact Cameras

Saturday, February 4, 2006

Olympus SP-500UZDIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder.

“I was very pleased with our sample images when using the SHQ image quality mode. The 10x optical zoom lens offers incredible versatility in composing shoots, covering an equivalent focal range of 38 - 380mm. The wide angle extreme will afford nice landscape and interior shots, while its telephoto end will bring distant subjects up close and personal. I noticed moderate barrel distortion at full wide angle as well as slight pincushioning at the telephoto end. CA (Chromatic Aberration) or purple fringing was present in many of our samples, around brightly lit objects.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus SP-500UZ Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder. “I was very pleased with our sample images when using the SHQ image quality mode. The 10x optical zoom…

Friday, February 3, 2006

Pentax Optio WPiPentax USA Press Release

PENTAX Offers Popular Waterproof Camera in Red and Blue for Valentine’s Day Giving

GOLDEN, Colo.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 2, 2006—The popular line of PENTAX waterproof digital cameras is now available in red and blue as well as traditional silver just in time for Valentine’s Day giving. The WP series compact digital cameras offers high resolution for shooting performance in a variety of conditions and features 6.0 effective megapixels packed in a slim body that captures images up to five feet underwater and offers a JIS Class 5 dustproof rating. Perfect for extreme indoor or outdoor adventure, the OptioWPi offers high resolution images with a quick start-up, a 3X zoom lens and an ultra-fast 9-point Autofocus to keep subjects sharp.

Pentax USA Press Release PENTAX Offers Popular Waterproof Camera in Red and Blue for Valentine’s Day Giving GOLDEN, Colo.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 2, 2006—The popular line of PENTAX waterproof digital cameras is now available in red and blue as well as traditional silver just in time for Valentine’s Day giving. The WP…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“Sony cameras offer excellent features and performance, good build quality and great picture quality. Sony currently offers no fewer than nine distinct lines of cameras, spanning an incredible range of features, price, and performance. In their “Compact” line, they’ve now added a new six-megapixel model that builds on the success of the preceding T-models, and adds a new Steady Shot mode to counter camera shake. With a 3x optical zoom lens, compact design, and very generous 2.5-inch LCD screen, the new Sony DSC-T9 is about the thickness of a ladies’ compact and very pocket friendly. Automatic exposure control offers point-and-shoot ease, with a handful of scene modes for more difficult shooting situations.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “Sony cameras offer excellent features and performance, good build quality and great picture quality. Sony…

Thursday, February 2, 2006

BenQ P500The 5 megapixel BenQ P500 digital camera has been quietly introduced on the BenQ Europe website.

Powered vision - professional shots
Experience the power behind the P Series with 5x optical zoom. Focus through the Pentax lens at objects far away and view shots on the high resolution supersize LCD screen.

A brand new experience with 5x Power Zoom
Keep your holidays or other events memories in best memory. Thanks to the 5x optical zoom, combined with a stunning 5 megapixel CCD you will always achieve professional results. Get sharper pictures and an excellent color presentation due to the SMC (super multi coating) lens technology.

The 5 megapixel BenQ P500 digital camera has been quietly introduced on the BenQ Europe website. Powered vision - professional shots Experience the power behind the P Series with 5x optical zoom. Focus through the Pentax lens at objects far away and view shots on the high resolution supersize LCD…

Pentax OptioWPiGeoSpatial Experts Press Release

GeoSpatial Experts Announces Pentax-Garmin Product Bundle, Plans Demo at ESRI Federal Conference

THORNTON, COLO., 31 January 2006 – GeoSpatial Experts today unveiled a new GPS photo mapping product bundle that includes a Pentax digital camera, Garmin handheld GPS receiver and the GeoSpatial Experts GPS-Photo Link software. GeoSpatial Experts will be demonstrating all three products January 31-February 2 at the ESRI Federal Users Conference in Washington, D.C. The Pentax-Garmin package is the third GPS-Photo Link mapping product bundle offered by GeoSpatial Experts, the one-stop shop for photographic mapping needs. Due to relatively low cost of the camera and GPS receiver, GeoSpatial Experts views this as the perfect hardware/software combination for first-time photo mapping users.

GeoSpatial Experts Press Release GeoSpatial Experts Announces Pentax-Garmin Product Bundle, Plans Demo at ESRI Federal Conference THORNTON, COLO., 31 January 2006 – GeoSpatial Experts today unveiled a new GPS photo mapping product bundle that includes a Pentax digital camera, Garmin handheld GPS receiver and the GeoSpatial Experts GPS-Photo Link software…

Nikon Coolpix 8800TrustedReviews have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.

“This is a camera I’ve been waiting to get my hands on for quite a while. Announced over a year ago, it’s still the Big Daddy of the Nikon CoolPix range. When I say big, what I actually mean is enormous. Nearly 15cm from front to back when powered up and weighing in at 680g including the battery, the 8800 is one seriously massive camera. It must be with a sense of humour that Nikon’s corporate website lists it under ‘Digital Compact Cameras’.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

TrustedReviews have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800. “This is a camera I’ve been waiting to get my hands on for quite a while. Announced over a year ago, it’s still the Big Daddy of the Nikon CoolPix range. When I say big, what I actually…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9DesignTechnica have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The black- or silver-cased Sony CyberShot DSC-T9 is very compact, measuring 3.6 x 2.2 x .8 (WHD, in inches). That point-eight figure is a bit misleading since that’s the thickest part; the lower portion of the camera is .625 inches. This is a long way of saying this camera is very thin. And at 6 ounces with battery and card, it can be popped into a pocket or purse without breaking a sweat or requiring a trip to the chiropractor. I really like this aspect of the camera since it’s so small you really can take it anywhere and grab spur-of-the-moment photos. To me this is what photography is all about.”

Website: DesignTechnica - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DesignTechnica have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The black- or silver-cased Sony CyberShot DSC-T9 is very compact, measuring 3.6 x 2.2 x .…

HP PhotoSmart R607CNET have just reviewed the 4 megapixel HP PhotoSmart R607 camera.

“The HP Photosmart R607 is a competent enough entry in the 4-megapixel compact camera arena, with acceptable image quality, a speedy burst mode, and a 3X Pentax zoom lens. It’s seasoned with enough quirky features to please the most gizmo-crazy budding photographer. Some of the options in this camera’s cornucopia are only marginally useful in practice—the Aperture-Priority mode lets you select from just two apertures, for example. But others, such as Adaptive Lighting, which brightens dark shadows, and the Image Advice feature that diagnoses your pictures and offers fixes for common problems, are especially valuable for neophytes.”

Website: CNET - HP PhotoSmart R607 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CNET have just reviewed the 4 megapixel HP PhotoSmart R607 camera. “The HP Photosmart R607 is a competent enough entry in the 4-megapixel compact camera arena, with acceptable image quality, a speedy burst mode, and a 3X Pentax zoom lens. It’s seasoned with enough quirky features to please the most…

Nikon Coolpix P1Imaging Resource have published a review of the Nikon Coolpix P2 Wi-Fi digital camera.

“The 5.1-Megapixel Nikon Coolpix P2 and its higher-resolution sibling, the 8-megapixel P1, are the latest in a long line of Coolpix digital cameras whose popularity began with the original Coolpix 900, Nikon’s first “breakthrough” digicam. The new Nikons add wireless image transfers to this line of user-friendly models while enhancing a wide range of Scene modes and zapping red-eye with face recognition software to help novices capture good photos in tricky situations.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix P2 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have published a review of the Nikon Coolpix P2 Wi-Fi digital camera. “The 5.1-Megapixel Nikon Coolpix P2 and its higher-resolution sibling, the 8-megapixel P1, are the latest in a long line of Coolpix digital cameras whose popularity began with the original Coolpix 900, Nikon’s first “breakthrough” digicam. The…

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Olympus SP-500UZDCResource have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder.

“Camera performance was a mixed bag. Startup and focusing speeds were average, and shutter lag was only noticeable at slower (read: tripod required) shutter speeds. Shot-to-shot speeds were good if you’re shooting in JPEG mode, but lengthy (7 seconds) in RAW mode. The camera was exceptionally slow while playing back photos, as well. Photo quality was also hit-or-miss. While I liked the colors and sharpness in the photos I took with the camera, things were a bit noisier than I would’ve liked, and the camera tended to lose detail easily in overexposed areas of a photo.”

Website: DCResource - Olympus SP-500UZ Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DCResource have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder. “Camera performance was a mixed bag. Startup and focusing speeds were average, and shutter lag was only noticeable at slower (read: tripod…

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Kodak Easyshare V530DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V530 digital cameras, which offers a 5 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The Kodak EasyShare V530 hit the market in July 2005 and received a price reduction in November to make the camera an affordable choice for holiday buyers. Kodak shed fifty bucks from the original price tag so the stylish 5 megapixel digital camera is now $299.95. This model is designed to appeal to a range of style-conscious consumers with its offerings in several colors. The Kodak V530 comes in midnight black, silver essence, red shimmer, and absolute pink. The digital camera comes with a Schneider-Kreuznach 3x optical zoom lens, a 2-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels of resolution, and digital image stabilization in the movie mode. The V530 is very simple to use and has an auto mode, a movie mode, and 20 scene modes. The camera will appeal to consumers who want to print and otherwise share pictures. The V530 has a ruby colored Share button and the camera comes with a Kodak EasyShare Photo Frame Dock 2 that streamlines the transference of photos and movie clips while charging the battery.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Kodak Easyshare V530 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V530 digital cameras, which offers a 5 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The Kodak EasyShare V530 hit the market in July 2005 and received a price reduction in November to make the camera an affordable choice for holiday…

Nikon Coolpix P1Trusted Reviews have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera.

“I see an awful lot of digital cameras, most of them the very latest models, but it’s not often that I see something really new and different. However Nikon’s new CoolPix P1 is just that. It’s the first digital compact camera to come with wireless LAN, (Wi-Fi) connectivity straight out of the box. It is designed to connect to any computer, printer or other device equipped with a wireless network adapter, enabling you to download or print your pictures without having to either remove the memory card or plug in any cables. Even aside from this clever innovation, the P1 is a very nice camera in many other ways too. Available at a high street price of a slightly steep £329, you can find it online as low as £243”

Website: Trusted Reviews - Nikon Coolpix P1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera. “I see an awful lot of digital cameras, most of them the very latest models, but it’s not often that I see something really new and different. However Nikon’s new CoolPix P1 is just…

Monday, January 30, 2006

Pentax Optio SViPentax have released a new firmware version, 1.01, for the Pentax Optio SVi and SV digital cameras.

Version 1.01 includes the following improvements:
Improved the performance of Metering when using a Interval shooting.

Website: Pentax Optio SVi and SV v1.01 Firmware Update

Pentax have released a new firmware version, 1.01, for the Pentax Optio SVi and SV digital cameras. Version 1.01 includes the following improvements: Improved the performance of Metering when using a Interval shooting. Website: Pentax Optio SVi and SV v1.01 Firmware Update

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“I was pleased with the T9’s outdoor shooting results. The lens produced sharp results throughout its 38 – 114mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom range, with a moderate amounts of barrel distortion at extreme wide-angle and pin cushioning at full telephoto. It zooms smoothly and nearly continuously throughout its 3X range; I counted 21 steps between full wide angle and full telephoto, more than enough for precise shot composition. Our outdoor test images were both well exposed and richly saturated, and had very little chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in high contrast areas.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “I was pleased with the T9’s outdoor shooting results. The lens produced sharp…

Panasonic DMC-FZ30CameraLabs have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels.

“So how does it compare against specific models such as its closest rival, the Fujifilm S9500 / S9000 which costs virtually the same price. In its favour, the FZ30 has a more powerful telephoto, optical stabilisation, better build quality and a screen which flips and twists in every direction. On the other hand the Fujifilm has a wider angle lens and much higher sensitivity. In terms of image quality, our Results page shows each camera taking the lead in certain respects but coming out very similar overall.”

Website: CameraLabs - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CameraLabs have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels. “So how does it compare against specific models such…

Canon Digital IXUS WIRELESSCNET 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.

“With Wi-Fi networking integrated into most new laptops sold today and industry-standard add-on adapters available to easily upgrade older notebooks and desktop machines, the ability to use Wi-Fi to transfer photos from digital cameras is becoming an increasingly attractive option. Though not the first manufacturer to produce a consumer-level camera with wireless capabilities—Kodak and Nikon came to market before—Canon has created a boon for remote-shooting fans with its PowerShot SD430, a 5-megapixel ultracompact that is basically a PowerShot SD400 with a slightly different body and a built-in Wi-Fi transmitter.”

Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot SD430 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CNET 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. “With Wi-Fi networking integrated into most new laptops sold today and industry-standard add-on…

Olympus Mju Digital 600PCMagazine have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 600 camera.

“Back in the days before “talkies,” the Olympus Stylus 600 ($299.95 list) might have found an audience. Today, when the majority of consumers expect sound with their video, this ultracompact performer might fill attics, but it won’t fill theaters. True, this isn’t a video camera, so people buy it for its still-image capabilities—but when you find nothing outstanding there either, can anything else recommend it? Maybe.”

Website: PCMagazine - Olympus Mju Digital 600 Review

Website: Read my Olympus Mju Digital 600 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

PCMagazine have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 600 camera. “Back in the days before “talkies,” the Olympus Stylus 600 ($299.95 list) might have found an audience. Today, when the majority of consumers expect sound with their video, this ultracompact performer might fill attics, but it won’t fill…

Friday, January 27, 2006

Cobra DC7550ZCobra Digital Press Release

Cobra Digital Debuts Value-Priced DC7550Z Digital Camera Featuring Power Zoom, 7.0 Megapixel Output - Sub-$200, High Performance Camera for Personal Use Includes 2.4” Color Display, Autofocus, 3X Optical/5X Digital Zoom

Cobra Digital, makers of affordable digital imaging products, announced today its new DC7550Z digital camera, a powerful combination of performance and value for the hobbyist or anyone interested in capturing top quality photos.  Incorporating a 3X optical and 5X digital power zoom lens, the DC7550Z delivers exceptional photographic images in resolutions as high as 7 megapixels, with a wide range of convenience features also included. Cobra Digital’s DC7550Z offers users a large, 2.4” TFT (110K pixel) liquid crystal display, making it easy to compose any kind of shot.  The 32MB flash memory and SD slot (card not included) with mass storage driver support ensures enough storage for a full day’s shooting, while the 2,592 x 1,944 pixel CCD sensor provides razor sharp imaging.

Cobra Digital Press Release Cobra Digital Debuts Value-Priced DC7550Z Digital Camera Featuring Power Zoom, 7.0 Megapixel Output - Sub-$200, High Performance Camera for Personal Use Includes 2.4” Color Display, Autofocus, 3X Optical/5X Digital Zoom Cobra Digital, makers of affordable digital imaging products, announced today its new DC7550Z digital camera, a…

Canon Digital IXUS WIRELESSDIWA member Steves Digicams 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.

“One of the most noticeable features on this model is the wireless capability. As stated above, this will allow you to transfer images to your PC, control the camera remotely or print images from your printer without having to get out a USB cable or download to a computer. I was very surprised at how well the SD430’s wireless system works. We had no problems connecting to our D-Link router to test the remote capture software.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PowerShot SD430 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member Steves Digicams 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. “One of the most noticeable features on this model is…

Kodak Easyshare P880PCMagazine 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.

“Over the past year, however, with D-SLR prices falling to well under $1,000, we’ve started to wonder how long manufacturers will continue to make enthusiast lines. The P880s cost dangerously close to what you’d pay for some low-end D-SLRs. Our thinking is: If you’re going to pay this much, why not spend a pinch more for the superior picture quality you’d get with a D-SLR? To compete, enthusiast cameras have to be nearly flawless all around or offer unique functions—such as versatile video capabilities—that you won’t find on models in the next category up.”

Website: PCMagazine - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

PCMagazine 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. “Over the past year, however, with D-SLR prices falling to well under $1,000, we’ve started to wonder how long manufacturers…