Category: Digital Compact Cameras
LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera.
“The unique Anti-Shake function is absolutely one of the strongest trump cards that Konica Minolta possesses. We will undoubtedly hear more about it! The camera starts up really fast and is excellently capable of capturing the fast moments. Despite of the high resolution on a relatively small image sensor, the low ISO values have an outstanding noise proportion. Beside that the Konica Minolta’s focusing technique is capable of dealing with diverse objects. It is only occasionally that the focus gives in. If that is the case the switch to manual focus can be made easily and quickly.”
LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera. “The unique Anti-Shake function is absolutely one of the strongest trump cards that Konica Minolta possesses. We will undoubtedly hear more about it! The camera starts up really fast and is excellently capable of capturing the fast moments…
Photo.net have posted a review by Damon Fernandes of the 8-megapixel Sony CyberShot DSC-F828 digital camera.
“The pictures that the Sony produces are incredibly sharp and natural. As far as the “purple fringing” issue, for me it wasn’t a problem. In 3,000 frames, I’ve seen it maybe four times. I have no idea why there is such a focus on this issue in the various forums on the web. I’ve read that there are ways to get around the issue, but really, it hasn’t been an issue for me. I feel safe in saying that with the type of images I shoot, I have not experienced a purple fringing problem with the F828.”
Photo.net have posted a review by Damon Fernandes of the 8-megapixel Sony CyberShot DSC-F828 digital camera. “The pictures that the Sony produces are incredibly sharp and natural. As far as the “purple fringing” issue, for me it wasn’t a problem. In 3,000 frames, I’ve seen it maybe four times. I…
Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Olympus Ferrari-branded digital camera, which is based upon the the ultracompact Olympus Camedia AZ-1 (first announced on April 19th 2004). 10,000 of these cameras will be sold worldwide.
“The Ferrari Digital Model 2004 is the second generation of limited edition Olympus Ferrari Digital cameras. It’s a stylish and durable point-n-shoot, that offers 3.2-megapixels of resolution coupled with a high quality 3x optical zoom lens. With its Program Auto mode, any user can obtain great images without enduring a long learning process, and if you want to be more creative simply select one of the twenty-two scene modes. When using one of these scene modes, it offers helpful advice on what the intended uses for the particular mode are. This is useful when trying to capture a certain look and you are not exactly sure how to achieve it.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus Camedia AZ-1 Ferrari Edition Review
Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Olympus Ferrari-branded digital camera, which is based upon the the ultracompact Olympus Camedia AZ-1 (first announced on April 19th 2004). 10,000 of these cameras will be sold worldwide. “The Ferrari Digital Model 2004 is the second generation of limited edition Olympus Ferrari Digital cameras…
Steves Digicams have reviewed the 5 megapixel Samsung Digimax V50.
“With its 5-megapixel imager, high quality lens, and host of exposure features, the Samsung Digimax V50 is only an average competitor in the consumer digicam market. It produces good image quality, but suffers a bit from shutter lag, a weak flash, and average low-light autofocus performance. If you need a camera that’s versatile enough to be used by everyone in your family, and like the expandability offered by the optional conversion lenses, the V50 offers a fairly good value with a street price of about $400 (as of Aug. 2004.)”
Steves Digicams have reviewed the 5 megapixel Samsung Digimax V50. “With its 5-megapixel imager, high quality lens, and host of exposure features, the Samsung Digimax V50 is only an average competitor in the consumer digicam market. It produces good image quality, but suffers a bit from shutter lag, a weak…
Josh Waller seems to be making a habit of reviewing affordable digicams; this time he’s taken a look at the 3 megapixel Olympus C-725 Ultra Zoom, which has an 8x optical zoom and retails for around £141.
“Image quality is very good - the images have great colour, good detail, low noise, but seem a bit soft occassionally - there is some noticable purple fringing, which unfortunately is quite normal for ultra zoom digital cameras at the moment. The macro mode is good, if a bit average. The flash occassionally over-exposes photos when the subject is too close. The movie mode is quite poor, especially as it is limited in length and doesn’t record sound.”
Josh Waller seems to be making a habit of reviewing affordable digicams; this time he’s taken a look at the 3 megapixel Olympus C-725 Ultra Zoom, which has an 8x optical zoom and retails for around £141. “Image quality is very good - the images have great colour, good detail…
The Spanish website quesabesde.com have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera.
The Spanish website quesabesde.com have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera. Website: quesabesde.com - Nikon Coolpix 5200 Review
The Hungarian website Index Digicam has beaten everyone to the punch by publishing the first internet review of the 4 megapixel Canon Powershot A85 digital camera.
Website: Index Digicam - Canon Announces PowerShot A85 Review
The Hungarian website Index Digicam has beaten everyone to the punch by publishing the first internet review of the 4 megapixel Canon Powershot A85 digital camera. Website: Index Digicam - Canon Announces PowerShot A85 Review
IDC Press Release 10/08/04
Boom Times Continue in the Western European Digital Camera Market, But Tougher Battles Lie Ahead, Says IDC
LONDON, August 10, 2004 - During 2003, shipments of digital cameras into Western Europe increased by over 95% and reached almost 16 million units, which translated into $5.9 billion in end-user spend, according to a new IDC study. Consumer demand for digital imaging has once again brought healthy revenues to the key players in the industry.
“As predicted, in 2003 we witnessed another phenomenal year for the industry - prices dropped even further and vendors repositioned their products to capture the next wave of digital enthusiasm,” said Paul Withington, senior research analyst for IDC’s European Peripherals Group. “This has translated into a mass-market adoption particularly within the 3 megapixel [MP] segment, which became the area where vendors found their greatest success.”
Percentage growth into 2004 will not prove as dramatic as in previous years, as the market moves beyond its adoption stage. Across Western Europe, IDC predicts 45% overall growth in 2004 and towards the end of IDC’s five-year forecast period to 2008 we can expect the market to have matured and the vendor landscape to be carrying significant battle scars through jousts with the camera phone.
IDC Press Release 10/08/04 Boom Times Continue in the Western European Digital Camera Market, But Tougher Battles Lie Ahead, Says IDC LONDON, August 10, 2004 - During 2003, shipments of digital cameras into Western Europe increased by over 95% and reached almost 16 million units, which translated into $5.9 billion…
Casio USA Press Release 06/08/04
CASIO’S EXILIM DIGITAL CAMERAS WIN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS FROM PC MAGAZINE AND AMERICAN PHOTO
Stylish, Compact EX-P600 and EX-Z40 Digital Cameras Are Named “Editor’s Choice” Winners
DOVER, NJ, August 6, 2004 - Camera buffs in the market for stylish and compact digital that offers award-winning performance, features and value may want to take a recommendation from two leading industry publications and choose one of Casio’s affordable EXILIM digital cameras. PC Magazine and American Photo both awarded Casio’s top-of-the-line 6-megapixel EXILIM PRO EX-P600 “Editor?s Choice” honors in their July 2004 issues. American Photo also cited Casio’s 4-megapixel EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z40 as an “Editor?s Choice” in its look at the top Digital Point and Shoots.
Casio USA Press Release 06/08/04 CASIO’S EXILIM DIGITAL CAMERAS WIN PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS FROM PC MAGAZINE AND AMERICAN PHOTO Stylish, Compact EX-P600 and EX-Z40 Digital Cameras Are Named “Editor’s Choice” Winners DOVER, NJ, August 6, 2004 - Camera buffs in the market for stylish and compact digital that offers award-winning performance…
The Danish website Digital Magasinet have just reviewed the 4-megapixel, 10x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2.
Website: Digital Magasinet - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2 Review
The Danish website Digital Magasinet have just reviewed the 4-megapixel, 10x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2. Website: Digital Magasinet - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2 Review
Buried amongst the announcement of the Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 a few days ago was a brief mention of the Kodak EASYSHARE CX7525, which has now magically appeared on Kodak’s website. Not exactly a great start in life for this 5 megapixel camera., which has the following specs:
- Striking picture quality for prints up to 20"x30” (50x75 cm) with 5.0 MP
- 3X optical zoom
- Point-and-shoot simplicity
- 9 scene and color modes, plus video capture
- Sharing is one-touch simple
Website: Kodak EASYSHARE CX7525
Buried amongst the announcement of the Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 a few days ago was a brief mention of the Kodak EASYSHARE CX7525, which has now magically appeared on Kodak’s website. Not exactly a great start in life for this 5 megapixel camera., which has the following specs: - Striking picture…
The Norwegian website DiGIT ran this story earlier in the week, but now Samsung have issued the official press release for their new 6 megapixel camera, the Digimax V6. The best news seems to be the price, which is “set to retail at well under £300”.
Samsung Press Release 05/08/04
Samsung Introduces the V6, its Most Powerful Digital Camera to Date
Building on previous success, Samsung Cameras introduces its most powerful camera ever to the acclaimed V range, the V6.
Developed with the more demanding photographer in mind, where high definition shooting is required, it features 6 million megapixels in a stylish aluminum design and is set to retail at a well under £300.
The Samsung Digimax V6 provides more enhanced manual photograph functions for advanced users who expect true professional quality photography. Three kinds of manual creative adjustments are available: Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and Manual adjustment. The manual focus adjustment function allows fine focusing and total user control.
The exclusive 1400mAh Li-ion battery, enables users to take up to 380 images in succession. This feature provides unlimited ability for advanced users who want to take many pictures at once.
The Norwegian website DiGIT ran this story earlier in the week, but now Samsung have issued the official press release for their new 6 megapixel camera, the Digimax V6. The best news seems to be the price, which is “set to retail at well under £300”. Samsung Press Release 05/08/0…
BenQ Press Release 03/08/04
BenQ Introduces DC S40 Mega Multimedia Camera
Europe, 3rd of August, 2004 - BenQ launched the DC S40 Multimedia Digital Camera, the entertainment hub that combines superior image quality with a myriad of multimedia entertainment options. Targeted at trend-setting music and digital photography lovers, the S40 features a 4.24 mega-pixel with advanced 3x optical zoom, MP3/ FM radio player and a 180? flip- out LCD preview screen.
The BenQ DC S40 boasts four independent entertainment options including a MP3 player, high quality digital camera, digital video recorder and radio player. Despite its small size, the S40 also features a built-in speaker and microphone utilizing British Wolfson 8751 DAC for outstanding audio quality.
BenQ Press Release 03/08/04 BenQ Introduces DC S40 Mega Multimedia Camera Europe, 3rd of August, 2004 - BenQ launched the DC S40 Multimedia Digital Camera, the entertainment hub that combines superior image quality with a myriad of multimedia entertainment options. Targeted at trend-setting music and digital photography lovers, the S4…
PC Magazine have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A340 Zoom, a digital camera that offers 4 million effective pixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and a sturdy but stylish body.
“The silver-colored A340 is cigarette box-shaped, with a gentle curve on one side for a comfortable grip. The camera is activated by sliding the lens cover away from the lens; pushing the cover back towards the lens causes the lens to recede and be protected when the camera is not in use. The mostly plastic body feels reasonably sturdy, though the ports on the left side (AV, USB, and DC) are exposed. Most cameras protect them with a rubber or plastic flap.”
PC Magazine have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A340 Zoom, a digital camera that offers 4 million effective pixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and a sturdy but stylish body. “The silver-colored A340 is cigarette box-shaped, with a gentle curve on one side for a comfortable grip. The camera is activated by…
The German website digitalkamera.de have posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-W1 digital compact camera.
The German website digitalkamera.de have posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-W1 digital compact camera. Website: digitalkamera.de - Sony DSC-W1 Review
It looks like the French shopping website Fnac.com may have inadvertently spilt the beans on the much-rumoured but as yet unseen Canon Powershot G6. It looks like a 7 megapixel version of the G5 to me, albeit with a slightly redesigned silver body. Fnac.com has a larger picture of the camera and the following specs are listed:
- 7.1 megapixel camera
- 3x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 35-140 mm on a 35mm camera
- Aperture range f/2.0-3.0
- Maximum file size of 3072 x 2304 pixels
- Supports JPEG, RAW, AVI formats
- 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 video
- CompactFlash Type I / II memory cards
- USB Interace
- 104 x 70 x 72 mm dimensions
- Weighs 375 grams
- PictBridge support
- Advertised price of 899,00 Euros
The following URL is working at the moment, but bear in mind that Fnac.com may well take it down once you all start visiting it!
UPDATE: Somewhat predictably the Fnac.com webpage for the G6 has now been taken offline…
Thanks to eagle-eyed PhotographyBLOG reader Joao Mestre for letting me know :-)
Website: FNAC - Canon PowerShot G6
It looks like the French shopping website Fnac.com may have inadvertently spilt the beans on the much-rumoured but as yet unseen Canon Powershot G6. It looks like a 7 megapixel version of the G5 to me, albeit with a slightly redesigned silver body. Fnac.com has a larger picture of the…
The forum user over on Photohobby.net who got hold of a production Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 at the end of July has now followed up his initial preview of the camera with a mini-review.
“I’ve used the same method with A1/A2 and found that Z3 prefocus shutter lag is as good as A2. Here is how I tried, frame and pre-focused the picture first. Then wait until the arm reach left most swing which is frame#6 in the above picture and then press the shutter release. Tried it several times to reduce human error. From this pic you can see that Z3 can get the arm position exactly when you press shutter release. This is better even than the A1. However, full focus lag depends a lot on lighting condition. The AF can be extremely fast in good condition and struggle quite a lot in low light condition. There is a bit improvement of low light AF from Z2 though but I would be glad to see KM include AF assist to this camera as well.”
Website: Photohobby.net - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Mini Review
The forum user over on Photohobby.net who got hold of a production Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 at the end of July has now followed up his initial preview of the camera with a mini-review. “I’ve used the same method with A1/A2 and found that Z3 prefocus shutter lag is as…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the Kyocera Finecam M410R, a 4.0 megapixel digital camera with a high-powered 10x optical zoom and high-speed lens.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the Kyocera Finecam M410R, a 4.0 megapixel digital camera with a high-powered 10x optical zoom and high-speed lens. Website: Index Digicam - Kyocera Finecam M410R Review
Kodak Press Release 03/08/04
Kodak Raises the Bar with its new EASYSHARE DX7590 Digital Camera; Flagship Model Offers Sophisticated Control, Superb Quality
Most Advanced EASYSHARE Camera to Date has 10x Optical Zoom, 5-Megapixel Resolution
ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 3 - With the introduction of its new EASYSHARE DX7590 zoom digital camera, Kodak expands upon features that made the KODAK EASYSHARE DX6490 model one of the most popular cameras in its class over the last year. A unique combination of sophisticated features, exceptional performance, and trademark ease of use gives amateur photographers the opportunity to shoot like a professional.
The camera will be available worldwide from the beginning of August for a suggested retail price of £379.00 setting a new price-to-performance benchmark for high zoom consumer digital cameras.
Kodak Press Release 03/08/04 Kodak Raises the Bar with its new EASYSHARE DX7590 Digital Camera; Flagship Model Offers Sophisticated Control, Superb Quality Most Advanced EASYSHARE Camera to Date has 10x Optical Zoom, 5-Megapixel Resolution ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 3 - With the introduction of its new EASYSHARE DX7590 zoom digital camera…
Steves Digicams have posted a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1, a rangefinder-like digital camera which is exactly the same as the Leica Digilux 2 in terms of camera design.
“Image quality is excellent. The AF system and lens combine to produce images that are sharp from edge to edge. Exposure metering is accurate and consistent, producing well-exposed, well-balanced images. There is a bit of noise present at ISO 100, and it’s quite noticeable at ISO 400. I was happy with finished JPG’s using the standard settings for sharpness, contrast and saturation; settings of Low and High are available to suit your taste for those in-camera processing parameters.”
Steves Digicams have posted a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1, a rangefinder-like digital camera which is exactly the same as the Leica Digilux 2 in terms of camera design. “Image quality is excellent. The AF system and lens combine to produce images that are sharp from edge to edge…