DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new HP Photosmart R817, which offers 5 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens.

“Image quality was what we have come to expect from HP. When using its 5M *** mode, it produces sharp images with great exposure and color saturation. Its 5x optical zoom lens offers a more versatile range when compared to typical 3x zoom digicams. I did notice an average amount of noise in High/Low contrast areas (especially at higher ISOs), but nothing that will be visible in your average 4x6 to 8x10-inch prints.”

Website: Steves Digicams - HP Photosmart R817 Review

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ByteSector have reviewed both the new HP Photosmart R817, which offers 5 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens, and the HP M517, which offers a 3x zoom.

“Both cameras deliver average image quality, with the R817 having an advantage over the M517. This is because of its more diverse picture and exposure capabilities, extra built in imaging technologies, and better lens. However, both cameras share the same problem; they both lack a steady feature to eliminate blurring when you use a slow shutter speed or no flash. This is especially disappointing in the R817 because it is able to go down to ISO 50.”

Website: ByteSector - HP Photosmart R817 / M517 Review

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CNET have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen.

“With its ice-blue indicator lights and included flying-saucer-shaped dock, the 5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare V550 brings some much-needed style to Kodak’s line of point-and-shoot cameras. Equipped with friendly features, the V550 will appeal to those who want portability and simplicity wrapped in an attractive package.”

Website: CNET - Kodak Easyshare V550 Review

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Nikon Press Release

Built-in Wireless LAN Support Nikon brings the advantages of built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) support to compact digital cameras for the first time.

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce an exciting new technology that realizes new picture-taking potential. Providing versatility beyond any previous compact camera, the new COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 can boast all the advantages of built-in Wi-Fi LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g).

The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Nikon Coolpix P2 are announced. The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Nikon Coolpix P2 both offer Wi-Fi capability. The The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 have 8.0 and 5.1 effective megapixels respectively. The Nikon Coolpix P1 will cost £349.99/€519.00 and is exlusive to Jessops. The Nikon Coolpix P2 will cost £279.99/€419.00. Both the P1 and P2 are available at the end of September 2005.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the new COOLPIX P1 and P2, two revolutionary compact digital cameras with Wi-Fi capability, excellent imaging performance and an array of advanced features.

The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 have built-in Wi-Fi LAN support to allow picture-taking without wires and cables. In addition the cameras have USB connectivity which makes it easy to hook them up to a computer or other peripherals. Wireless transfer allows the photographer to send pictures from the memory card or the camera’s internal memory (32MB for the COOLPIX P1; 16MB for the COOLPIX P2) direct to a selected computer on command. Wireless shooting automatically transfers each picture to a selected computer as soon as it is shot and can be viewed with Nikon’s powerful PictureProject software. Wireless printing also delivers the convenience of cable-free direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers.

The Nikon Coolpix L1 and Nikon Coolpix L101 digital cameras are announced. The Nikon Coolpix L1 and Nikon Coolpix L101 have a 5x optical zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD monitor and 6.2 megapixels. Available at the end of September 2005, both the Coolpix L1 and the Coolpix L101 are a Dixons Group exclusive.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX L1 (silver model) and the L101 (black model).

The COOLPIX L1 is a lightweight and compact digital camera with a 5x optical zoom. As with all Nikon compacts, the COOLPIX L1 has a powerful 38-190mm Zoom-Nikkor lens (35mm equivalent), affording users the freedom to compose a selection of different shots; zooming in for tight portraits and zooming out to capture wide-open scenery.

The Nikon Coolpix S3 is announced. The Nikon Coolpix S3 is a 6 megapixel update of the S1 and S2. The Nikon S3 has a 3x 35-105mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch monitor. Costing £299.99/€449.00, the Nikon Coolpix S3 will be available at the end of September 2005.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon has taken digital camera design and shooting power to a new level with the announcement of the latest COOLPIX S3 compact camera.

Like the COOLPIX S1 and COOLPIX S2, the COOLPIX S3 has a slim, elegant and ultra-portable design. In addition, the camera offers higher shooting performance of 6.0 effective megapixels and features innovative Nikon functions that enable the user to improve images in-camera.

The Nikon Coolpix S4 digital camera is announced. The Nikon S4 has 6 megapixels and a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens that is equivalent to 38-380mm. Retailing for £329.99/€492.00, the Nikon Coolpix S4 will be available at the end of September 2005.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the new COOLPIX S4 which features a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens to give an outstanding 38-380mm performance (35mm equivalent). This impressive zoom allows the user to capture everything from extreme close-ups to architecture and landscapes, the camera is also swivel mounted so pictures can be taken from different angles.

The swivel capability means you can shoot from the waist or overhead, and is great for composing high quality self-portraits. The COOLPIX S4 has 6.0 effective megapixels to produce quality shots that remain impressive even when enlarged.

Kodak Press Release

World’s First Wi-Fi Consumer Digital Camera Delivers a Completely New, Unequaled Digital Photography Experience

The Kodak EasyShare-One will cost £399.99 including WiFi card.

Interactive EASYSHARE-ONE Camera Tour Now Available at Kodak.com

LONDON, September 1 2005 ― Eastman Kodak Company announced today that its innovative EASYSHARE-ONE zoom digital camera would be available for purchase this October, coinciding with the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Since it was announced earlier this year, the EASYSHARE-ONE model ― the world’s first Wi-Fi consumer camera ― has won hundreds of accolades from industry organisations and consumer electronics writers for its groundbreaking design and functionality, making it one of the most talked about digital photography products in years.

The Pentax OptioS6 digitial camera is announced. The Pentax S6 has a 6 megpaixel sensor and 3x optical lens, housed in a slim 19mm body. Available from September 2005, the Pentax Optio S6 will retail for less than £300.

Pentax Press Release

An Iconic Design Boasting the Smallest and Lightest Dimension in its Class - Introducing the Optio S6
Incorporating a newly developed 3x optical zoom lens, the Pentax OptioS6 features 6.0 megapixels, a large 2.5 inch LCD and the most stylish body of any digital camera

Pentax proudly presents its newest model in the classic Optio range, the OptioS6. In adopting an entirely new approach to lens design, the OptioS6 boasts a 3x optical zoom, housed in a body with a depth of just 19mm. Yet despite being so exceptionally slim, the OptioS6 delivers the shooting performance of 6.0 effective megapixels. Targeted at photographers of all levels, the OptioS6 offers users all the benefits of cutting edge digital technology and world leading optics, all encased in a body that exudes style and engineering excellence.

The Pentax OptioWPi digital camera is announced. The Pentax WPi is an updated version of the waterproof Optio WP camera. A larger 2 inch LCD screen and 6 megapixel sensor are amongst the changes. Price and availability of the Pentax OptioWPi to be announced.

Pentax Press Release

A compact digital camera with waterproof performance, 6.0 effective megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and a large LCD monitor - all in a slim, flat, easy-to-carry body.

Following the success of the OptioWP launched in February 2005, Pentax is continuing the concept of combining ‘sportiness, elegance and leisure’ with the OptioWPi. Offering the same waterproof performance, the OptioWPi also boasts a sophisticated design, making it suitable for use on virtually any occasion.

Only 22mm thick, the OptioWPi offers a large 2.0 inch LCD monitor and 6.0 effective megapixels. Despite this, the body of the OptioWPi is the robust enough for most shooting environments, including watersports, skiing and other outdoor pursuits.

DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a large 2.5inch LCD screen and 3 optical zoom.

“The camera easily focused on flowers, plants as well as trees with strong blue skies quickly with little “grabbing.” It was here that I had my first problems.  Since I purposely tried to shoot with the bright sun shining directly on the screen, I immediately ran into problems.  Although the screen didn’t wipe out, I had trouble framing the image.  Instead of holding the camera in a comfortable arm’s out position, I had to bring the camera much closer to my face so my head could act as a block (no jokes, please).  It was better, but a little viewfinder would’ve solved those problems like the one on the Canon SD500.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom Review

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CameraTown have just reviewed the new Samsung Digimax i5, a slim 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical internal zoom lens equivalent to 39-117mm and a 2.5” 230K-pixel high resolution LCD.

“Announced in May, the Digimax i5 is Samsung’s smallest digital camera and is housed in a stylish, stainless steel body that will be available in silver, black, red, and blue shades. The camera is about the same width (3.53”) and height (2.35”) as a credit card and only .68” thick - or should I say thin. Samsung has definitely designed the camera to be simple to operate by reducing buttons and confusion on the camera body itself. The clean, simple design will make it very comfortable for almost anyone to pick up and use.”

Website: CameraTown - Samsung Digimax i5 Review

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DigiCamReview have posted their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).

“The camera is very compact and is designed well - the camera feels comfortable in my hands. The camera is easy to use, the menu system is easy to use and there is a good layout of buttons and controls. There is a good choice of features and options, for example ‘my colours’ / scene modes, custom white balance, although no shutter / aperture controls and no on screen display of what camera settings being used, The camera speed is good, with an very good switch on time, good focusing time, good shutter response, and quick flash recharge time.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review

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Pocket-Lint have taken a look at the new 5 megapixel Pentax Optio SVi.

“The autofocus is just a little bit too slow for my liking. I found with moving subjects that the delay between composition and focus acquisition just too long, very often resulting in off centre images. This I know is a problem with many digital compacts, but it still irks. Shutter lag however wasn’t as bad as I’d anticipated.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Pentax Optio SVi Review

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CNET are the first to review the entry-level digital camera, the Sony DSC-S40.

“Only a few years ago, you had to pay $600 or more for a decent digital camera. Now you can buy an even better camera for less than $200. The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-S40 is the entry-level model in Sony’s refresh of its S line of point-and-shoot cameras. More elongated and boxlike than the more expensive DSC-S60 and DSC-S90, the DSC-S40 meets its price point by reducing the LCD screen to 1.5 inches. Otherwise, it has an impressive roster of features and capabilities.”

Website: CNET - Sony DSC-S40 Review

Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. The DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432 millimeters), 5 megapixel CCD and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

Website: Akam.no - Sony DSC-H1 Review

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DIWA member and Danish website Digital Magasinet have just reviewed the new HP Photosmart R817, which offers 5 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens.

Website: Digital Magasinet - HP Photosmart R817 Review

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DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-LX1, an 8.4 megapixel digital camera with a 4x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-112mm, optical image stabilizer and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

Website: FotoAparat - Panasonic DMC-LX1 Review

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Imaging Resource have just reviewed the entry-level digital camera, the Sony DSC-S40.

“Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-S40 is one of the latest in the long and broad line of digital cameras that reflects Sony’s commanding position in the digital camera marketplace. Like members of the slightly more upscale “W” series, the Sony S40 has a more rangefinder-style than past Cyber-shots, with a compact size for easy travel. In addition to the range of preset scene shooting modes, and 3x zoom lens, the camera has both a color LCD monitor and an optical viewfinder. The LCD monitor is a very small 1.5 inches, small for any camera, though still useable. A 4.1-megapixel CCD captures high-resolution images, and 32 megabytes of internal memory lets you capture a handful of images without a memory card.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony DSC-S40 Review