Category: Digital Compact Cameras

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Panasonic DMC-FZ30DIWA member Steves Digicams 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.

“Shooting performance was very impressive. Power up to first image captured measured just 1.3 seconds. The all important shutter lag (time between depressing the shutter release to actually capturing the image) measured less than 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and only 3/10 of a second including autofocus. In single frame mode, the shot to shot delay averaged only 1.3 seconds without using the flash, and 1.7 - 3 seconds with the flash, depending on subject distance. When using TIFF mode, it slows down to about 4 seconds between frames, while RAW mode measured about 3.6 seconds.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams 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. “Shooting performance was very impressive. Power…

Canon PowerShot S80DCResource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S80, an 8 megapixel update of the S70 which offers a 28-100mm f/2.8-5.3 lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen and Canon’s advanced image processor, DIGIC II.

“The Canon PowerShot S80 ($549) is a fairly compact 8 Megapixel camera whose biggest features include a wide 28 - 100 mm lens and large 2.5” LCD. The S80 is the descendent of the PowerShot S60 and S70, which had a similar design. The S80 shares many of the same features as those cameras, including full manual controls, an AF-assist lamp, support for conversion lenses, and a VGA movie mode (though it’s much improved on the S80). While the old S60 and S70 used CompactFlash memory, the new S80 uses Secure Digital (as do all of Canon’s 2005 PowerShots). One thing that didn’t make it to the S80 is support for the RAW image format.”

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot S80 Review

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DCResource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S80, an 8 megapixel update of the S70 which offers a 28-100mm f/2.8-5.3 lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen and Canon’s advanced image processor, DIGIC II. “The Canon PowerShot S80 ($549) is a fairly compact 8 Megapixel camera whose biggest features include a wide 2…

Canon IXUS 750TrustedReviews have published their review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

“As I mentioned previously, Canon’s IXUS cameras have a good reputation for picture quality. The IXUS 750 does nothing to tarnish this glowing record. With a 7.1 megapixel sensor, a very high quality lens and Canon’s outstanding DIGIC II processing engine it produces superb results, with tons of rich sharp detail, superb colour rendition and perfect exposure in virtually all conditions. Although best suited for flash-lit indoor social photography, the IXUS 750 is also quite capable of turning in fantastic outdoor snapshots. The excellent Canon 3x optical zoom, 7.7-23.1mm (37 - 111mm equiv.) F2.8-4.9 lens produces barely a trace of corner blurring, although it does show some barrel distortion at the widest setting. Noise control is very good at lower ISO setting, although things do get a bit loud at 400 ISO.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Canon IXUS 750 Review

Website: Read my Canon Digital Ixus 750 Review

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TrustedReviews have published their review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. “As I mentioned previously, Canon’s IXUS cameras have a good reputation for picture quality. The IXUS 750 does…

Panasonic DMC-FX9CNET have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels.

“The 6-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9, available in either all-silver metal or silver metal with black accents, is a slim, beautifully built pocket camera that weighs just 5.3 ounces with battery and SD card and boasts Panasonic’s Mega OIS optical image stabilization. Usually reserved for cameras with long zooms—the FX9’s is only 3X, with a 35mm-film equivalent range of just 35mm to 105mm—the stabilization allows you to capture sharp images at slow shutter speeds without a tripod or flash. The camera is also a snappy performer speedwise, but photographers with a critical eye will pause at the less than stellar photo quality.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic DMC-FX9 Review

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CNET have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels. “The 6-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9, available in either all-silver metal or silver metal with black accents, is a slim, beautifully built pocket camera that…

Samsung Pro815DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen.

Website: Digit.no - Samsung Pro815 Review

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DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen. Website: Digit.no - Samsung Pro815 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Canon PowerShot A620DPReview have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A620, which features a 7.1 megapixel sensor, 2 inch LCD screen and 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35–140 mm focal length.

“Not only does it boast a much better sensor, but the use of the latest DIGIC II processor means it’s a lot, lot faster in operation too. There is very little here to suggest a ‘budget’ model at all; image quality is excellent, it’s very well built, it handles well and it has a real wealth of photographic features that make it suitable for everyone from the absolute beginner to the more experienced photographer wanting lots of control over the picture taking process.”

Website: DPReview - Canon PowerShot A620 Review

Website: Read my Canon Powershot A620 Review

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DPReview have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A620, which features a 7.1 megapixel sensor, 2 inch LCD screen and 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35–140 mm focal length. “Not only does it boast a much better sensor, but the use of the latest DIGIC II processor means it’s a lot…

Canon PowerShot S80Imaging Resource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S80, an 8 megapixel update of the S70 which offers a 28-100mm f/2.8-5.3 lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen and Canon’s advanced image processor, DIGIC II.

“Canon’s PowerShot S80, the flagship of its top-of-the-line S-Series PowerShots, updates last year’s S70 model with more features in a smaller package. Compact design and superior handling, the hallmarks of the S-Series, are just Canon’s way of saying “no compromise.” The S80 does that with a larger sensor, a speedy DIGIC II processor, a generous 2.5-inch LCD, 21 shooting modes and a very slick EOS-style Multi Control dial in a body Canon claims is eight percent smaller than its predecessor. And it brings a little more to the party with a 30 fps VGA or XGA Movie mode, too. Overall, one of the more appealing subcompact digicams we’ve seen.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon PowerShot S80 Review

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Imaging Resource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S80, an 8 megapixel update of the S70 which offers a 28-100mm f/2.8-5.3 lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen and Canon’s advanced image processor, DIGIC II. “Canon’s PowerShot S80, the flagship of its top-of-the-line S-Series PowerShots, updates last year’s S70 model with more features…

Samsung Pro815Spanish website Quesabesde have reviewed the new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen.

Website: Quesabesde - Samsung Pro815 Review

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Spanish website Quesabesde have reviewed the new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen. Website: Quesabesde - Samsung Pro815 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Monday, November 28, 2005

Casio EX-Z500 BlueCasio have introduced blue and red versions of the Casio EX-Z500, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.7 inch LCD screen. Anti Shake DSP technology reduces blurring caused either by shaking hands or moving subjects. The EX-Z500 has the longest battery life of any Casio camera, with up to 500 shots on a single battery charge.

Original Casio EX-Z500 Press Release

Casio EX-Z500 Product Page

Casio have introduced blue and red versions of the Casio EX-Z500, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.7 inch LCD screen. Anti Shake DSP technology reduces blurring caused either by shaking hands or moving subjects. The EX-Z500 has the longest battery life of any…

Kodak Easyshare P880DesignTechnica 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.

“Kodak handles RAW image files (13MB-plus) rather uniquely. It has an in-camera system to “develop” them. If you haven’t taken the plunge for Adobe Photoshop CS2 ($500), the de facto editing program for RAW files, the P880 lets you adjust the file in the camera while keeping an original copy (for the day you plunk down the cash for CS2). Some of the adjustments are exposure compensation, color mode, sharpness, contrast, white balance and white balance compensation. This is a very useful feature for photographers who are dipping their toes into RAW. The developed file is a JPEG or a TIFF, files that can be easily handled by less expensive editing programs. Kodak is to be commended for this.”

Website: DesignTechnica - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

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DesignTechnica 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. “Kodak handles RAW image files (13MB-plus) rather uniquely. It has an in-camera system to “develop” them. If you haven’t taken…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1Czech website and DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1.

“Naturally, there is more to a digital camera than design alone. It is what’s inside that counts, a sound piece of advice that we too have often had whispered into our ear. To achieve just this, Konica Minolta has used one of their own developments, the CxProcess III processor. In combination with the lens, this should lead to spectacular results. Theoretically, this is far from easily accomplished, as the Konica Minolta X1 has a resolution of 8 Megapixels. On a small image sensor, this can quickly lead to a lot of digital noise with higher ISO values and other unpleasant things such as purple fringing and a smaller dynamic range. However, with Konica Minolta’s vast array of experience, we are keen to see our expectations met.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Review

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Czech website and DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1. “Naturally, there is more to a digital camera than design alone. It is what’s inside that counts, a sound piece of advice that we too have often had whispered into our ear…

Nikon Coolpix S3DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S3, a 6 megapixel update of the S1 and S2. The Nikon S3 has a 3x 35-105mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch monitor.

“The version of the camera that I received has a white housing, but the camera is also available in platinum/silver or matte black, this differs per region. Although the design is already familiar to us for nearly a year now, the renewed acquaintance still is positive. In my opinion, the design may be called successful. This year seems to become the year of design cameras; around us we notice various designs being introduced from 5 - 8 Megapixels. The Nikon design that first turned up this year is a strong design, it has its own face and can be called a true eye-catcher.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon Coolpix S3 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S3, a 6 megapixel update of the S1 and S2. The Nikon S3 has a 3x 35-105mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch monitor. “The version of the camera that I received has a white housing, but the camera is also available in…

Canon IXUS i ZoomDIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Canon IXUS i Zoom digital camera (also known as the SD30). The Canon IXUS i Zoom is a 5 megapixel model with a 2.4x optical zoom lens and 1.8 inch LCD screen.

“It’s quite amazing that Canon was able to equip a camera like the Canon Digital IXUS i Zoom with the second generation DIGIC II processor. This processor is without a doubt a surplus value for this camera and guarantees improvement concerning the speed in which the complicated editing algorithms are measured. Besides that the DIGIC II processor has to be able to keep the overall image quality on a high level without having this influencing the general performance of the camera. Look at the faster startup time and the higher processing speed of storing the images, and you can’t deny the fact that your holding a combination in your hands that is guaranteed to be successful.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Canon IXUS i Zoom Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Canon IXUS i Zoom digital camera (also known as the SD30). The Canon IXUS i Zoom is a 5 megapixel model with a 2.4x optical zoom lens and 1.8 inch LCD screen. “It’s quite amazing that Canon was able to equip a camera…

Samsung Pro815DIWA member and German website Digitalkamera.de have reviewed the new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen.

Website: Digitalkamera.de - Samsung Pro815 Review

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DIWA member and German website Digitalkamera.de have reviewed the new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen. Website: Digitalkamera.de - Samsung Pro815 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Fujifilm FinePix S5600 ZoomThe Norwegian website Akam.no 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. The Fujifilm S5600 has an ISO range of 64 to 1600 and boasts a 10x optical zoom lens.

Website: Akam.no - Fujifilm FinePix S5600 Zoom Review

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The Norwegian website Akam.no 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. The Fujifilm S5600 has an ISO range of 64 to 1600 and boasts a 10x optical zoom…

Canon IXUS 55The Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the new Canon IXUS 55 compact digital camera (also known as the SD450), which has 5.0 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

Website: Akam.no - Canon IXUS 55 Review

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The Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the new Canon IXUS 55 compact digital camera (also known as the SD450), which has 5.0 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. Website: Akam.no - Canon IXUS 55 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Friday, November 25, 2005

Ricoh Caplio R3Ricoh have released a new firmware update, v1.24, for the Ricoh Caplio R3, a 5 megapixel compact camera with a 7x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-200mm and vibration correction of the CCD.

- Improved accuracy of the spot AF algorithm.
- Corrected the error that an user comment recorded in the Exif information may change into garbled characters with some software programs.

Website: Ricoh Caplio R3 v1.24 Firmware Update (Windows)

Website: Ricoh Caplio R3 v1.24 Firmware Update (Mac)

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, v1.24, for the Ricoh Caplio R3, a 5 megapixel compact camera with a 7x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-200mm and vibration correction of the CCD. - Improved accuracy of the spot AF algorithm. - Corrected the error that an user comment recorded…

Ricoh Caplio GX8Ricoh have released a new firmware update, v1.12, for the Ricoh Caplio GX8, an 8.24 megapixel digital camera.

- Fixed a printing error with some printers due to a failure on the PictBridge connection.

Website: Ricoh Caplio GX8 v1.12 Firmware Update (Windows)

Website: Ricoh Caplio GX8 v1.12 Firmware Update (MAC)

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, v1.12, for the Ricoh Caplio GX8, an 8.24 megapixel digital camera. - Fixed a printing error with some printers due to a failure on the PictBridge connection. Website: Ricoh Caplio GX8 v1.12 Firmware Update (Windows) Website: Ricoh Caplio GX8 v1.12 Firmware Update (MAC)

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Kodak Easyshare P850DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare P850 camera which features a 12x, 36 – 432 mm, image-stabilised, f2.8 – f/3.7, SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON lens.

“The P850 is Kodak’s 2005 upgrade to the EasyShare DX7590 Zoom we tested last year. Retaining the same SLR-like body, 5-megapixel resolution and 640x480 30fps movie mode, Kodak increased the zoom range to 12x, the size of the LCD monitor to 2 1/2-inches and added Image Stabilization. The P850 retains the broad appeal of its predecessor, satisfying beginners with its point-n-shoot automatic mode, intermediate users with its wealth of scene modes, and experts with its wide range of exposure controls in Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Program modes. This is truly a camera that everyone in your family can enjoy using.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Kodak Easyshare P850 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare P850 camera which features a 12x, 36 – 432 mm, image-stabilised, f2.8 – f/3.7, SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON lens. “The P850 is Kodak’s 2005 upgrade to the EasyShare DX7590 Zoom we tested last year. Retaining the same SLR-like body, 5-megapixel resolution and 640x48…

Kodak Easyshare P880Imaging Resource 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.

“The Kodak EasyShare P880 is the latest in a long line of digital cameras that has proven popular and very user-friendly throughout its history. Kodak’s EasyShare line of digital cameras live up to the “Easy” part of their name, as they’re among the simplest and most goof-proof to operate out there. While still retaining good ease of use in full-auto mode, the Kodak P880 steps out into relatively new territory for Kodak, as a credible effort at a true enthusiast camera, offering full exposure control, an excellent lens, and both a hot shoe and threaded PC-sync socket for use with an external flash, increasing rarities these days. are among the easiest and most goof-proof out there, and while the Kodak P880 offers a much wider range of exposure and creative controls than the main EasyShare line, it still maintains relative ease of use. Featuring an eight-megapixel CCD, 5.8x Schneider -Kreuznach zoom lens, and an extensive array of automatic and manual exposure modes, the Kodak P880 is a capable camera with great flexibility. Like the rest of the EasyShare line, the Kodak P880 is compatible with Kodak’s popular Printer Docks, offering one-button printing of high-quality photos. The EasyShare P880 should appeal experienced photographers, as well as novices looking for a camera to grow into as their skills mature, making it a good fit for many consumers.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

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Imaging Resource 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. “The Kodak EasyShare P880 is the latest in a long line of digital cameras that has proven popular and…