DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no 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.

Website: Digit.no - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review

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PMA 2006: The Olympus SP-320 is introduced. 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, full range of shooting modes, RAW format, £230 in the UK, available in April.

Olympus UK Press Release

Explore your creative potential - the Olympus SP-320 giving control back to the photographer

London, 26 January 2006 – With the new Olympus SP320 ambitious photographers can let their imaginations run wild. In addition to an impressive 25 special scene modes, the camera has Programme, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and full Manual exposure control, plus manual and automatic focussing, leaving the photographer free to choose the settings they need, to achieve their desired effects. Boasting a 7.1 million pixel CCD the SP-320 has enough resolving power to record scenes in stunning detail. The precision 3x optical zoom of the SP320 gives even more flexibility and a histogram function enables exposure information to be displayed on the large 6.4cm LCD screen whilst the shot is being taken, to give expert photographers the opportunity to fine-tune their exposure for the perfect result. The SP-320 is a highly specified camera and for extra versatility a range of optional accessories is available, including lens converters and an underwater casing. Featuring a slim wedge-shaped design with ergonomic grip the SP320 is surprisingly robust for a camera with so many features that retails for just £230. Expect to see the Olympus SP-320 in all good camera shops April 2006.

PMA 2006: The Olympus mju 810 is announced. 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, stainless steel, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, £330 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

Looks great – and so do the photos - the Olympus mju 810 – small in size, big in features

London, 26 January 2006 – With BrightCapture Technology and the ability to compensate for camera shake the Olympus mju 810 is ideal for photography in near dark situations, which presents something of a dilemma to photographers – as the camera looks so good that they’ll want to keep it in the light where other photographers can admire it! Olympus BrightCapture Technology is a must for those who want to capture the ambiance of a night time scene, without spoiling the mood by using flash. It increases the camera’s sensitivity to light allowing perfectly exposed shots to be recorded using natural light, even when the sun has gone down, and at the same time brightens the camera’s LCD screen to make it easier to frame photos. The slim-line stainless steel body of the Olympus mju 810 is weatherproof*, protecting its hi-tech interior from water, dust and snow, which might just come in handy as first deliveries are expected in March – in good time for April showers! The 8 million pixel, 3 x zoom Olympus mju 810 will be priced at around £330, available from all good camera dealers.

PMA 2006: The Olympus mju 720 SW is here. 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof and shockproof body, BrightCapture Technology, £300 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

The Olympus mju 720 SW – a tough act to follow - when the going gets tough, the tough buy the mju 720 SW

London, 26 January 2006 – Designed to take the knocks, bumps and other trials of daily life with ease, the exceedingly tough Olympus mju 720 SW heralds a brand new era in digital photography. Waterproof to 3m* and resistant to falls from up to 1.5m*, this attractive yet incredibly robust camera can take pretty much anything life throws at it – whether that’s being showered with champers or dropped into a mountain stream. And as the Olympus mju 720 SW has been blessed with a 7.1 million pixel CCD and 3 x optical zoom and Olympus’s BrightCapture Technology it can endure virtually any photographic demands asked of it as well. BrightCapture Technology uses all of the information from the CCD to make the 6.4cm LCD screen significantly brighter, and boosts the camera’s light sensitivity to reduce the need to use flash.

PMA 2006: Introducing the Olympus mju 700. 7.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof body, BrightCapture Technology, available for £230 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

Low light need never be a problem again - the Olympus mju 700 with BrightCapture Technology

London, 26 January 2006 – It’s a problem we’re all familiar with, the atmospheric lighting in bars, candlelit restaurants and at concerts looks great but flash photography leaves everyone looking like they’ve been caught in a headlights of an oncoming juggernaut. Luckily the Olympus mju 700 has the perfect solution built in. Olympus’s innovative BrightCapture Technology allows the 7.1 million pixel mju 700 to take perfectly exposed shots in low light without having to use flash, so all of the romance, drama and excitement of the occasion are perfectly preserved. And as BrightCapture also boosts the power of the camera’s large 6.4cm LCD screen, there’s no more groping around in the dark to frame photos either. A weatherproof* metal body slim enough to slip into a pocket means that the µ (mju) 700 can be taken anywhere and, as a choice of four exciting colours are available there’s something for everyone. The great looking µ (mju) 700 will available in shops from March priced at around £230.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-160 is announced. 6 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, available at Dixons, Currys and PC World stores in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

6 million pixel photography for beginners and hobbyists

London, 26 January 2006 – Anyone opting for the new Olympus FE-160 will find themselves snapping away like a pro within minutes of opening the box. The new 2.8x zoom, 6 million pixel camera has been designed very much with trouble-free photography in mind, but not at the expense of picture quality. The camera’s lightweight, slim metal body exudes style and is compact enough to be slipped into a bag or pocket ready for use at a moments notice. At 6.4cm, the large LCD makes taking photos and viewing the results dead easy. Most of all, beginners will really appreciate the camera controls that are virtually self explanatory. The attractively-priced FE-160 is the perfect solution for all beginners and hobby photographers alike and will be available exclusively at Dixons, Currys and PC world stores from April.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-150 is unveiled. 5 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, £160 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

5 million pixel photography for beginners and hobbyists - The Olympus FE-150, an easy way to take great photos

London, 26 January 2006 – Anyone opting for the new Olympus FE-150 will find themselves snapping away like a pro within minutes of opening the box. The new 3x zoom, 5 million pixel camera has been designed very much with trouble-free photography in mind, but not at the expense of picture quality. The camera’s lightweight, slim metal body exudes style and is compact enough to be slipped into a bag or pocket ready for use at a moments notice. At 6.4cm, the large LCD makes taking photos and viewing the results dead easy. Most of all, beginners will really appreciate the camera controls that are virtually self explanatory. The attractively-priced FE-150 is the perfect solution for all beginners and hobby photographers alike and, from April, will be available from all good camera shops for around £160.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-140 and Olympus FE-130 are introduced. 6 and 5.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 and 2.0 inch LCDs, £170 and £140 in the UK respectively.

Olympus UK Press Release

Great value fun and quality - No nonsense photography with the Olympus FE-130 and FE-140

London, 26 January 2006 – Ideally suited for budget-conscious hobby photographers who want to start shooting right away, the FE-130 and FE-140 match good quality with easy operation and a great appearance. Based on a no nonsense “one button, one function” design principle, these two cameras offer exceptionally easy operation that in no way compromises the quality of the photos they produce. Featuring 5.1 and 6.0 million pixel resolution respectively, photos taken with the FE-130 and FE-140 have enough detail to withstand printing even at larger sizes. The versatility of 3x optical zoom lenses makes it easy to frame subjects without having to continually move the camera backwards and forwards, as does the cameras’ respective 5.1cm and 6.4cm LCD screens, which also prove very handy when showing off pictures already taken to friends and family.

PMA 2006: The Olympus FE-115 is announced today. 5 megapixels, 2.8x zoom, 1.5 inch LCD, £120 in the UK.

Olympus UK Press Release

Digital photography as easy as one, two, three - the Olympus FE-115, an easy introduction to digital photography

London, 26 January 2006 – The Olympus FE-115 is not only easy to use, it delivers great quality 5 million pixel photos at a very affordable price. With a 2.8x optical zoom lens and a 1.5 inch LCD screen even photo novices will have a great time using the FE-115. They’ll be able to find their way around the camera’s various functions in no time, as the controls are conveniently positioned and most buttons have just a single dedicated function. In addition, the ergonomically-designed, lightweight silver body coupled with 28MB of internal memory and xD-Picture Card compatibility make the FE-115 great for long-lasting photo fun. It will be available from February 2006 priced at around £120.

DigitalCameraReview have reviewed the new dual lens Kodak V570 camera.

“The top billing on this camera is the dual lens system, which Kodak has branded as RETINA. Now, just to clear any misconceptions up, the two Schneider-Kreuznach C-Variogon lenses are not used at the same time. One is used for ultra-wide angle shots (23mm equivalent), and the other lens provides the typical 3x optical zoom (39-117mm equivalent). When you operate the zoom rocker switch, an illustration on the LCD shows where you are in the range, and which lens is in use. To handle the two lenses, the camera also has two 5 megapixel sensors. Please note, if digital zoom is turned on, the camera will provide digital zoom for the zoom range between the ultra-wide lens and the wide end of the regular lens. Once digital zoom is turned off, there will be a “jump” between the two lenses. Also, you cannot use the ultra-wide lens in Macro or Landscape modes. Also, there are several scene modes where the ultra-wide lens is disabled. When you choose a mode, it provides some explanation text where this is denoted.”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - Kodak V570 Review

Website: Read my Kodak Easyshare V570 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Casio EX-Z120, a 7 megapixel camera Anti Shake DSP technology which reduces blurring caused either by shaking hands or moving subjects.

“The 3x optical zoom lens produced sharp results throughout its range, although with noticeable softness in the corners at full telephoto. Its 38 - 114mm (in 35mm equivalence) focal length range is typical for a camera in this class. At 38mm, there’s enough field of view for group portraits and landscapes, while its 114mm telephoto extreme will bring distant subjects a bit closer. The lens exhibits a very slight amount of chromatic aberration (purple fringing in high-contrast areas) and noticeable barrel distortion at wide angle, but the telephoto end of the zoom range is essentially distortion-free.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio EX-Z120 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo 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.

“The Fujifilm FinePix E900 is an ambitious camera – at 9 megapixels, its sensor has a higher resolution than Fuji’s DSLRs. The camera is equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens that equates to a variable focal length of 32mm to 128mm (35mm equivalent), providing users with a true wide-angle to moderate telephoto perspective. The 1/1.6-inch SuperCCD imaging chip supports a top ISO rating of 800, and the camera’s manual controls are both complete and convenient to use. With a list price of $499 and online prices closer to $400, the FinePix E900 has the features to be a worthwhile step-up from entry-level compacts. “

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review

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Samsung UK Press Release

Get Cash Back on the Award Winning Samsung Pro 815

… £50 cash back offer on Pro 815
… Valid for purchases between 1 Feb - 30 April 2006

Samsung Cameras is announcing a great cash back promotion throughout Spring offering purchasers of the multi-award winning Pro 815 digital camera the chance to claim back £50.*

The promotion will apply to Samsung Pro815’s purchased at all leading photographic retail outlets between 1 February and 30 April 2006.  Purchasers simply need to complete a form on the www.samsungcamera.co.uk website and send it to the featured address together with the camera serial number and proof of purchase (these items will be returned to the purchaser). A cheque to the value of £50 will then be sent to the new Samsung Pro815 owner.

Trusted Reviews have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5, an ultra-slim 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The T5 has a nice if rather slow F3.5 - F4.4 Carl Zeiss lens, with a zoom range of 6.3 - 19.0mm, equivalent to 38 – 114mm. It also has a large 1/2.5in SuperHAD sensor, so in theory it should produce excellent results. However something has gone wrong somewhere because the image quality is disappointingly low. Colour rendition is seldom accurate and generally under saturated even in good light, the noise reduction and sharpening process reduces all fine detail to a homogenous blur, and even so image noise is present even in low-ISO shots.”

Website: Trusted Reviews - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 Review

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

“Data transfer from the camera to a computer is fairly swift, I transferred a full 128MB card of photos in just under five minutes. The main problem I encountered was getting the camera to connect to the computer in the first place. Sometimes it would connect with no problems, other times it would not connect at all. I tried this on a couple of computers and the ease with which I could connect did vary drastically.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Nikon Coolpix P2 Review

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DCResource have published the first online review of the Samsung Digimax A55W, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a a 4.8X optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“While I like the idea of a low cost camera with a wide-angle lens, the Samsung Digimax A55W has too many annoyances to earn my recommendation. The A55W is as midsize plastic camera with a 4.8X zoom that goes from 28 to 135 mm. Despite being plastic, I found the A55W’s build quality to be good. The camera has a large 2.5” LCD display, though it didn’t seem as sharp as it’s pixel count (200k) would imply. Low light visibility was poor. The Digimax is a 100% point-and-shoot camera, with the only manual control being for white balance. You’ll get a nice selection of scene modes and colorful menus, though the latter could be better organized.”

Website: DCResource - Samsung Digimax A55W Review

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PMA 2006: The Casio Exilim EX-Z600 is introduced. 6 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD.

Casio Press Release

Stylish New Casio EX-Z600 Features Big 2.7-inch Super Bright LCD - Dramatically Improved Display Nearly 3X Brighter, Easier To See Outdoors

January 23, 2006, Tokyo, Japan - CASIO Europe GmbH, in conjunction with its parent company CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. announced the release of the latest addition to its EXILIM ZOOM digital camera series with the EX-Z600. The latest evolution in this popular series offers 6.0 megapixel high resolution photos in a stylish, compact, and pocket-sized package. The extra large 2.7-inch Super Bright LCD of the EX-Z600 is approximately three times brighter than the previous EX-Z500 model, producing an impressive luminance of 1200 candelas per square meter. This significant advancement makes the LCD of the Casio Exilim EX-Z600 easier to see, especially when viewed in the sunny outdoors. In auto mode, the LCD automatically adjusts to the brightness of the surrounding environment. The EX-Z600’s Super Life Battery now has an even longer battery life, supporting a staggering 550 shots per charge.

PMA 2006: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is announced. 6 megapixels, 12x zoom with optical stabilizer, 2.5 inch LCD.

Panasonic UK Press Release

New Digital Camera DMC-FZ7 Combines 12x Optical Zoom with MEGA O.I.S. in a Compact Body

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model 6.0-megapixel DMC-FZ7 with MEGA O.I.S., Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates the hand-shake, incorporating a 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 36mm to 432mm on a 35mm film camera) LEICA DC lens.  Differing from the FZ30 with manual focus ring and manual zoom ring, which was already released and highly evaluated by prosumers, the FZ7 is more compact and easy to carry while preserving the same powerful zoom capability and manual controllability. It is the heir to the 5.0-megapixel DMC-FZ5, but enhanced its excellence not only with the total number of pixels but also with other innovative technical improvements such as incorporation of joystick which allows easy manual control on focusing in addition to the manual exposure setting. The 1.8-Inch LCD monitor for FZ5 has become large as 2.5-Inch for FZ7 gaining much brightness even in the low-lit situations thanks to the pixel-mixed readout method performed at the CCD. Furthermore, the adoption of 710 mAh big battery extends the battery life realizing 320 pictures shooting per a single charge. Last but not least, the FZ7 gains the High Sensitivity mode for one of the new scene modes that allows shooting at Max. ISO 1600 setting as another anti-blurring measure in addition to the MEGA O.I.S.

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, a 10.3 megapixel compact camera with an APS-C sized sensor that allows for a “live” preview.

“With the introduction of the Sony Cybershot DSC-R1 digital camera, Sony once again raises the bar another notch. The new image sensor opens up the way for an entirely new line of high resolution digital cameras that might benefit from the large format image sensor. Lately a lot of compact format 8+ Megapixel digital cameras have been introduced, most of which encounter an excessive amount of noise from 200 ISO. When Sony choose to make the image sensor available to their competitors, we will be likely to see more digital cameras with the same CMOS sensor. For now however, Sony is free to benefit from the position they have created for themselves. The Sony Cybershot R1 will get more than its fair share of attention.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 Review

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DigiCamReview have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with Fujifilm’s new 5th Generation Super CCD HR sensor with Real Photo Technology (also known as the S5200 in the US).

“Image quality is good, the images have good colour, with good saturation, contrast, and detail, with low noise. Image quality problems were higher than average purple fringing, and slightly soft images (although sharpness can be increased in-camera). The camera did a good job focusing even in low light thanks to the focus-assist lamp. I did not notice vignetting in photos, nor did I notice barrel or pincushion distortion. There is a good range of image sizes, and a good choice of compression options. The macro mode is good, and provides good detail and colour. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be good the majority of the time. Red-eye was not a problem. The movie mode is good, providing 640x480 and 30 frames per second with sound.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom Review

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