Category: Digital Compact Cameras
DarkVision Hardware have just reviewed the Pentax Optio SV, a compact digicam with 5 Megapixels and 5x zoom lens.
“It’s not just the dimensions of the Optio SV that remind me of the Ixus 500, the specs are very similar too, with a five megapixel CCD - although the maximum image resolution is slightly lower at 2,560 x 1,920. But where the Optio SV does have the edge over its rival is in the optical zoom department. Whereas the Ixus 500 has a 3x optical zoom, Pentax has managed to squeeze a 5x optical zoom into the Optio SV - that’s equivalent to 36-180mm in 35mm language. Pentax attributes this feat to its newly designed “Sliding-Lens Technology”, but marketing babble aside, having a 5x optical zoom in a camera this small is definitely a bonus.”
Website: DarkVision Hardware - Pentax Optio SV Review
DarkVision Hardware have just reviewed the Pentax Optio SV, a compact digicam with 5 Megapixels and 5x zoom lens. “It’s not just the dimensions of the Optio SV that remind me of the Ixus 500, the specs are very similar too, with a five megapixel CCD - although the maximum…
DPReview have today published their review of the 4 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1.
“The price is good, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the DSC-L1 as a second camera - in the couple of months I’ve been testing it, this is the one camera that I’ve had with me virtually every waking minute. It is cameras like this that help maintain the significant advantage a dedicated camera has over a camera phone - and it’s a lot smaller than most cell phones too. It doesn’t do much more than point and shoot, but it does that very well (Canon et al could learn a lot about fast focus from Sony), and my only serious complaint is that I’d like a slightly more powerful flash - everything else is fairly minor.”
Website: DPReview - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1 Review
DPReview have today published their review of the 4 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1. “The price is good, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the DSC-L1 as a second camera - in the couple of months I’ve been testing it, this is the one camera that I’ve had with me virtually…
AnandTech have just reviewed the 5 megapixel, twistable Pentax Optio X (found via CameraTown).
“In our review of this camera, we discovered several strengths and weaknesses. For starters, it isn’t the fastest camera available, but in most cases, it puts in a decent performance. For example, it has respectable startup and write speeds. Unfortunately, the auto focus can be somewhat slow. In our test, the camera took nearly a full second to focus and take a picture. With respect to image quality, the Optio X generally does a good job taking even exposures with accurate color. However, we found clipped shadows and highlights in some of our samples in addition to jaggies along diagonal lines.”
Website: AnandTech - Pentax Optio X Review
AnandTech have just reviewed the 5 megapixel, twistable Pentax Optio X (found via CameraTown). “In our review of this camera, we discovered several strengths and weaknesses. For starters, it isn’t the fastest camera available, but in most cases, it puts in a decent performance. For example, it has respectable startup…
TrustedReviews have today reviewed the Pentax Optio SV, a compact digicam with 5 Megapixels and 5x zoom lens.
“Pentax has created an excellent camera in the form of the Optio SV and although it’s not completely perfect, it’s pretty close. The maximum four second shutter priority could be better and the detail resolution isn’t quite on a par with the Ixus 500, but the long zoom, live histogram and excellent user interface make the Optio SV a winner.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Pentax Optio SV Review
TrustedReviews have today reviewed the Pentax Optio SV, a compact digicam with 5 Megapixels and 5x zoom lens. “Pentax has created an excellent camera in the form of the Optio SV and although it’s not completely perfect, it’s pretty close. The maximum four second shutter priority could be better and…
DIWA member website LetsGoDigital have just posted their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550.
“The compact size of the Fujifilm FinePix E550 and the traditional design don’t show immediately what the camera is capable of. The camera offers ease of use and is very user friendly. It also offers many extra settings at the same time which gives the beginner the possibility to grow and enhance his photographic skills. The Fujifilm E550 is available for a few months now and is certainly worth considering as your new digital camera or to replace your old one!”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Fuji FinePix E550 Review
DIWA member website LetsGoDigital have just posted their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550. “The compact size of the Fujifilm FinePix E550 and the traditional design don’t show immediately what the camera is capable of. The camera offers ease of use and is very user friendly. It also…
DIWA member and Norwegian website digIT.no have just reviewed the new slimline 5 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z55 digital camera.
“My conclusion is that the camera is a significant upgrade from previous versions of the same model. The image processor handles the increased resolution better than earlier upgrades and the lens is now sharp over the entife field - at last. However, Casio has still some way to go before they can compete on image quality.”
Website: digIT.no - Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z55 Review
DIWA member and Norwegian website digIT.no have just reviewed the new slimline 5 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z55 digital camera. “My conclusion is that the camera is a significant upgrade from previous versions of the same model. The image processor handles the increased resolution better than earlier upgrades and the…
A user over on the PhotoHobby.net forums has posted quite a thorough review of the new Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.
“Only one draw back of Z5 which I don’t like is the reduced longest shutter speed. In Z3, you have T mode which have max shutter speed of 15 sec. In Z5, it’s now gone. No more T mode and you have to live with max 4 sec only. I think that it because of the inherit noise profile of the smaller sensor size lead KM to make such decision. Whether it is right or wrong, only the potential buyers will be the one who decide.”
A user over on the PhotoHobby.net forums has posted quite a thorough review of the new Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera. “Only one draw back of Z5 which I don’t like is the reduced longest shutter speed. In Z3, you have T mode which have max shutter speed of 1…
DCResource have published what I think is the first full online review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 digital camera.
“The Cyber-shot DSC-M1 is unlike any digital camera you’ve ever seen. It looks more like a camera phone crossed with a camcorder than your typical digital camera. With the LCD in the closed position, it looks more like a camera, but most people will hold it like so. What you can’t see in this picture is where the person’s fingers are located on the other side of the camera. You need to be very careful about hand placement on this camera! It’s all too easy to block the flash and/or AF-assist lamp, so watch those fingers! Holding and especially operating the camera is awkward, in this reviewers’ opinion.”
Website: DCResource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 Review
DCResource have published what I think is the first full online review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 digital camera. “The Cyber-shot DSC-M1 is unlike any digital camera you’ve ever seen. It looks more like a camera phone crossed with a camcorder than your typical digital camera. With the…
DigitalCameraInfo has just reviewed the compact 4.1 Megapixel Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom.
“The handling on the F440 is well-designed, displaying a user-friendly lay-out that allows for quick access to essential shooting features and advanced options, such as flash or macro mode. The lack of external control features makes handling the camera smoother than other competing models, although the absence of immediate control may be frustrating for some users accustomed to exterior options. Fortunately, there are grips on both the front and back of the camera, and the flash is placed far enough out of the way that the chance of obscuring it with a finger is greatly diminished. The viewfinder is small, but is still usable in most circumstances. With the light located directly beneath the eye, the user can actually see the lamp when using the viewfinder–sometimes a distraction, sometimes an asset.”
Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom Review
DigitalCameraInfo has just reviewed the compact 4.1 Megapixel Fuji FinePix F440 Zoom. “The handling on the F440 is well-designed, displaying a user-friendly lay-out that allows for quick access to essential shooting features and advanced options, such as flash or macro mode. The lack of external control features makes handling the…
eDigitalPhoto have just reviewed the new 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 digital camera.
” During a pro baseball game one evening, I used the long focal lengths for tight shots of distant players. With most cameras, I would not have been able to get sharp telephoto shots without using a high ISO setting for fast shutter speeds. The Anti-Shake function, previously available only in some A-series DiMAGE cameras, certainly came in handy. It allowed me to shoot at ISO 100 for superior image quality—with minimal digital noise—until after sunset.”
Website: eDigitalPhoto - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Review
eDigitalPhoto have just reviewed the new 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 digital camera. ” During a pro baseball game one evening, I used the long focal lengths for tight shots of distant players. With most cameras, I would not have been able to get sharp telephoto shots without using…
DigitalCameraInfo have posted a first look at the new 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom, which was announced at the CES show a few weeks ago.
“For an estimated street cost of $699 (USD), the asking price of the C-7070 may put it out of the reach of many targeted users. While the camera is designed to appeal to both prosumer and consumer level photographers, $699 is a bit steep for most developing point-and-shooters to invest. Olympus may also alienate prosumer users as SLR prices continue to fall, many of whom will likely opt to throw in another hundred dollars or so and walk away with a digital SLR that will provide significantly more options, flexibility, and higher quality images (although no videos).”
Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom Preview
DigitalCameraInfo have posted a first look at the new 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom, which was announced at the CES show a few weeks ago. “For an estimated street cost of $699 (USD), the asking price of the C-7070 may put it out of the reach of many targeted…
DigiCamReview.co.uk have published a review of the Olympus C-470 ZOOM (also known as the D-590 Zoom), a digicam with four megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 1.8” anti-glare LCD screen.
“The design is good, the camera is quite small, and pocketable, the camera is quite stylish when you get used to it. The 1.8” screen updates smoothly and has accurate colour and makes it easier to view and compose your pictures. The camera is very easy to use, the menu system is easy to use and there are is a good layout of buttons and controls. There is an okay choice of options and features, including a good choice of scenes. The camera speed seems okay in use, although could be quicker. There is no custom white balance, and no manual ISO settings, but for someone looking for an easy to use point and shoot camera this shouldn’t be a problem.”
Website: DigiCamReview.co.uk - Olympus C-470 ZOOM Review
DigiCamReview.co.uk have published a review of the Olympus C-470 ZOOM (also known as the D-590 Zoom), a digicam with four megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 1.8” anti-glare LCD screen. “The design is good, the camera is quite small, and pocketable, the camera is quite stylish when you get used…
CNET have just reviewed the entry-level Kodak Easyshare CX7330, which has 3 megapixels and a 3 optical zoom lens.
“Under most conditions, the CX7330 delivered appropriate exposures. High-contrast shots, however, showed washed-out highlights, but shadow capture was good. Colors were true and, when properly exposed, showed good saturation. Purple fringing and other chromatic aberrations were minimal, and though the CX7330 had trouble capturing fine details, they won’t be missed in average-size snapshot prints.”
Website: CNET - Kodak Easyshare CX7330 Review
CNET have just reviewed the entry-level Kodak Easyshare CX7330, which has 3 megapixels and a 3 optical zoom lens. “Under most conditions, the CX7330 delivered appropriate exposures. High-contrast shots, however, showed washed-out highlights, but shadow capture was good. Colors were true and, when properly exposed, showed good saturation. Purple fringing…
CNET have reviewed the Contax SL300R T*, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera which features a Carl Zeiss T* Lens, slim swivel body design and unlimited continuous shooting at 3.5fps.
“The Contax SL300R T*‘s image quality was average. Exposures were even, and there was a reasonable amount of detail in both highlights and shadows, but the sharpness you might expect from a 3.2-megapixel camera just wasn’t there. Noise was abundant at higher ISO ratings, limiting the usefulness of the ISO 800 setting for sports photography.”
Website: CNET - Contax SL300R T* Review
CNET have reviewed the Contax SL300R T*, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera which features a Carl Zeiss T* Lens, slim swivel body design and unlimited continuous shooting at 3.5fps. “The Contax SL300R T*‘s image quality was average. Exposures were even, and there was a reasonable amount of detail in both…
Fujifilm Japan announces the Q1 DIGITAL 4.0 Ir, a 4 megapixel camera offering infrared communication. The design of the Q1 DIGITAL 4.0Ir is based on an APS camera (remember those?!) and it will be available in Japan on February 9th. LetsGoDigital have more details.
Website: Fujifilm Japan - Q1 DIGITAL 4.0 Ir
Fujifilm Japan announces the Q1 DIGITAL 4.0 Ir, a 4 megapixel camera offering infrared communication. The design of the Q1 DIGITAL 4.0Ir is based on an APS camera (remember those?!) and it will be available in Japan on February 9th. LetsGoDigital have more details. Website: Fujifilm Japan - Q1 DIGITAL…
DPReview have reviewed the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 digital camera, which incorporates anti-shake technology and a swivelling LCD monitor.
“The DiMAGE A200 takes much of what is appealing about the A2 and repackages it in a more affordable, friendlier and slightly more compact format. There’s much to like here - the useful 28-200mm zoom range, the superb mechanical zoom, the wealth of photographic feature, the effective Anti-Shake system and the excellent handling, all at a much more attractive price point than the A2. The obvious conclusion to be drawn from the launch of this camera is that a major upgrade to the A2 must be waiting in the wings - I think this will be the last time we see this lens (originally used around four years ago in the DiMAGE 7) used on a high-end Konica Minolta camera; it simply can’t cut the mustard with today’s high resolution sensors and high consumer expectations.”
Website: DPReview - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 Review
DPReview have reviewed the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 digital camera, which incorporates anti-shake technology and a swivelling LCD monitor. “The DiMAGE A200 takes much of what is appealing about the A2 and repackages it in a more affordable, friendlier and slightly more compact format. There’s much to like…
DIWA member website digIT.no have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA).
Website: digIT.no - Olympus Mju Mini Review
DIWA member website digIT.no have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA). Website: digIT.no - Olympus Mju Mini Review Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus Mju Mini Write a review of the Olympus Mju…
Sony Announces the Cyber-shot DSC-W5. Sony Europe have now officially announced the Cyber-shot DSC-W5 that was leaked on the SonyStyle website last week.
Sony Europe Press Release
Sony Cyber-shot W5 compact digital camera combines ease of use with high quality and traditional design
Sony’s new Cyber-shot W5 is a 5.1 effective Megapixel model featuring a large 2.5-inch LCD display, durable aluminium casing in a traditional design, considerable STAMINA, Carl Zeiss zoom lens and a focus on ease of use.
Berlin, 1 February 2005
Top quality photography
Sony has launched the brand new Cyber-shot W5, a camera that provides 5.1 effective Megapixel resolution as well as a very high level of STAMINA battery life, easy-to-use functions, 32MB internal memory and large 2.5-inch LCD display. The appeal of this camera is strengthened by a robust aluminium metal body, which features a superb Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with a 3X optical zoom. The Cyber-shot W5 is designed along classic lines, appealing to the traditionalist as well as those looking for a stylish digital camera. However there’s nothing old-fashioned about its functions. As well as its several fully automatic modes for quick shooting and ease of use there are also manual exposure settings suitable for the more creative photographer.
Sony Announces the Cyber-shot DSC-W5. Sony Europe have now officially announced the Cyber-shot DSC-W5 that was leaked on the SonyStyle website last week. Sony Europe Press Release Sony Cyber-shot W5 compact digital camera combines ease of use with high quality and traditional design Sony’s new Cyber-shot W5 is a 5.…
Nikon have released a new firmware version for the 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera.
Issues addressed with firmware version 1.3:
4GB CompactFlash memory cards can now be used.
Errors in Spanish menus have been corrected.
Website: Nikon Coolpix 8700 Firmware 1.3 (Windows)
Website: Nikon Coolpix 8700 Firmware 1.3 (MAC)
Nikon have released a new firmware version for the 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera. Issues addressed with firmware version 1.3: 4GB CompactFlash memory cards can now be used. Errors in Spanish menus have been corrected. Website: Nikon Coolpix 8700 Firmware 1.3 (Windows) Website: Nikon Coolpix 8700 Firmware 1.3 (MAC)…
PCMagazine have reviewed the new Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505, which features a 5X optical zoom, an imaging CCD with 5.0 megapixels, Casio’s “EXILIM engine”, and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen that makes angle shots a snap.
“It might be too early to sell your existing digital camcorder, but if instead of videoing a whole event, you’re shooting mostly stills with the occasional short video—perhaps just your kid’s at bats in a baseball game or solos at a ballet recital—the quality and the versatility of the Casio EX-P505’s hybrid design might make it a worthwhile investment. Though we really like the P505, we’re reserving our initial Editors’ Choice in this category until we see a few more of these hybrids.”
PCMagazine have reviewed the new Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505, which features a 5X optical zoom, an imaging CCD with 5.0 megapixels, Casio’s “EXILIM engine”, and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen that makes angle shots a snap. “It might be too early to sell your existing digital camcorder, but…