A forum user over on Photohobby.net has got hold of a production Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 and posted some pictures of the camera and sample photos.

Website: Photohobby.net -  Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Preview

Josh Waller has just reviewed the 5 megapixel BenQ DC C50 digital camera.

“Everything else (the camera as a whole): Everyone I handed the camera to reacted positively to the camera - they were able to use the camera within minutes. They often would remark that the screen is very clear and the pictures viewed in playback mode have good colour. The battery life is a bit dissapointing, as it may be necessary for you to purchase another battery depending on your usage (and unfortunately you can’t just put in some AA batteries from the local corner shop).”

Website: Josh Waller - BenQ DC C50 Review

Website: BenQ Europe -  DC C50 Camera

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm FinePix F810 Zoom: Super CCD performance hits new heights

Super CCD HR technology takes further steps forward with key sensitivity improvement

Fujifilm’s obsession with improving digital image quality has hit a new level with the launch of the FinePix F810 Zoom. This compact digital camera introduces a refinement in the construction of Fujifilm’s Super CCD HR sensor, enhanced processor technology and a new sensitivity rating of ISO 80. These enhancements translate into something very simple - purer, clearer, sharper pictures.

The newly-designed Super CCD HR sensor featured in the FinePix F810 Zoom improves the storage capacity for electric charge held by each of its six million photodiodes (pixels). Along with the trademark Super CCD high sensitivity of ISO 800, this sensor refinement translates into a new lower sensitivity of ISO 80, greatly improved signal to noise ratio, along with an attendant increase in image quality. In other words, the FinePix F810 Zoom is capable of storing more electric charge in the sensor to generate a higher quality image.

Looking at the photographic results, followed by the specifications, any observer the user would be forgiven for coming to the same conclusion that this is a high-end , enthusiast camera . Manual exposure control, flash compensation, RAW mode, manual focus and JPEG compression options are all features that are at home on much bigger , enthusiast-level , bulkier cameras. This is a camera for those who know about photography, but don’t require over-sized photographic equipment to prove it!

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm’s FinePix S5500 Zoom: get ready for a closer examination

Introducing the FinePix S5500 Zoom with 10x optical zoom and four megapixel resolution; successor to the popular FinePix S5000 Zoom

Fujifilm today announces the FinePix S5500 Zoom, a digital camera that combines impressive focal strength with increased sensor resolution.

Building on the success of the best-selling FinePix S5000 Zoom, the S5500 Zoom maintains the SLR-inspired design and incredible 10x optical zoom Fujinon lens of its predecessor, the equivalent of 37-370 mm on a 35 mm camera. It also adds an extra megapixel of effective resolution, perfect for extracting additional detail from distant shots.

Whilst retaining the ergonomic design and layout of the FinePix S5000 Zoom, the S5500 Zoom also adds full VGA 30fps movie recording, custom white balance control, histogram playback and 100% frame coverage in the LCD and electronic viewfinder.

Photographers will find this an ideal camera to have at hand at any sporting event thanks to 10x optical zoom and continuous shooting mode. For example, any football fan wanting to capture some fast-moving action from the stands can simply switch modes to ensure they get their shot. This versatile camera is also perfect for travellers ? for example, those going on safari, where they are unable to (or may not wish to!) get too close to the subject.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm FinePix S3500 Zoom: power and pixels packed in

Fujifilm launches four megapixel successor to popular FinePix S3000 Zoom

Fujifilm today unveils the FinePix S3500 Zoom, an affordable SLR-shape digital camera that weds smooth metallic looks and super-zoom technology with an ultra user-friendly format.

Retaining the desirable features of its predecessor, the acclaimed FinePix S3000 Zoom, the introduction of a four megapixel sensor means images can be reproduced to a larger size than before. The addition of PictBridge compatibility also allows for printing without the need for a PC or Mac.

While the enhanced pixel count means users can capture the minute detail of your composition, the powerful six times optical zoom lens (equivalent to 39 - 234mm on a 35mm camera) allows photographers to home in on the action.

Furthermore, this versatile camera offers intuitive handling for manoeuvres such as switching from LCD display to electronic viewfinder, or taking advantage of the six flash modes ? allowing optimum results to be achieved in any conditions. No matter what your level of expertise, the contemporary ergonomic exterior and metal-look housing of this SLR-style camera conjure up an unmistakably professional look, with results to match.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm’s new FinePix E550 Zoom: the perfect combination of form and function

The most advanced camera in Fujifilm’s new E range balances ease of use with exceptional sensor performance

Fujifilm today announces the launch of the FinePix E550 Zoom, which heads up the company’s new, no-nonsense ‘E’ range of digital cameras. Featuring manual controls and boasting major sensor refinements, the 6.3 megapixel FinePix E550 Zoom is a competitively-priced digital camera with tremendous hidden strength, giving the ideal balance of form and function.

Fujifilm has made great strides to develop its celebrated Super CCD HR sensor and processor technology for the FinePix E550 Zoom. This latest sensor enhancement gives the camera the capability of low sensitivity and a higher signal-to-noise ratio, both contributing to superb image quality.

Alongside powerful sensor improvements, the FinePix E550 Zoom features a 4x zoom lens, which gives a focal length equivalent to 32.5mm - 130mm on a 35mm camera, and a 6.3 million effective (12.3 million recorded output) pixel count. The high pixel output ensures that picture enlargements maintain exceptional sharpness and detail.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm FinePix E500 Zoom and FinePix E510 Zoom: refreshingly candid cameras

Fujifilm takes a wide angle on things with no-nonsense ‘E’ range duo

Fujifilm today announces the launch of the FinePix E500 Zoom and FinePix E510 Zoom: compact digital cameras that are dependable in design and straightforward in operation. The cameras are the first models in Fujifilm’s newly-launched E series, which is characterised by wide zooms, large LCD screens and useful features, allowing photographic creativity to be explored, all at a competitive price.

The sturdily-built FinePix E500 Zoom and FinePix E510 Zoom are a pleasure to use. With a durable chassis featuring a solid ?grip’, they are more comfortable to operate than smaller lifestyle cameras, and will bring even the most hardened sceptic round to digital photography.

The FinePix E500 and E510 Zoom deliver 4.1 million effective pixels and 5.2 million effective pixels respectively. Each has a Fujinon 3.2x zoom lens, boasting a wider-than-average equivalent of 28mm on a 35mm camera. With a starting sensitivity of ISO 80, both models have a pleasingly high signal to noise ratio and an accompanying increase in image quality. The generous 2” LCDs on the rear ensure clear playback and confident picture-taking.

DPReview have posted a hands-on preview of the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera.

“The P150 is obviously based on the current P100; the body design and control layout appears to be identical, though the new model sports a natty brushed metal finish on the front. As with the P100 the lens retracts fully into the body, meaning the camera is - at around an inch thick - easily pocketable. The new ‘Real Image Processor’ (RIP) is claimed to speed up startup, focus and other important functions, and we certainly found this pre-production sample to be no slouch.”

Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-P150 Preview

DCResource have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-F88 digital camera.

“Overall, image quality on the DSC-F88 was good but not great. Color and exposure were both accurate, and purple fringing levels were quite low. What bothered me the most were the muddy/fuzzy details and above average noise levels. Things like grass and trees look like they’ve been grabbed from a video camera, with fine details washed away (giving images a “soft” look). For small prints this will not be an issue, but I printed gallery photo #9 at 8 x 10 and some of the foliage detail was lost, so you’ve been warned. Noise levels seemed a bit high as well, most notably in shadow areas.”

Website: DCResource - Sony DSC-F88 Review

Photobird have just reviewed the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 digital camera.

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 is extremely easy to use to take photos. It’s very self-explanatory. I didn’t even need to read the instructions. I did need some help getting the photos out of the camera and onto my Windows computer though. Sony should make that step easier, perhaps with a quick start guide.”

Website: Photobird - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 Review

Yakumo Press Release 21/07/04

More camera highlights from Yakumo  

Braunschweig, 21st July 2004 - Two new digital camera bargains are set to put Yakumo in the digital camera market spotlight. The new Mega-Image 47sx joins the Yakumo camera line up at entry-level with a price tag of 99 euros. And, with an unbeatable recommended retail price of 199 euros, the Mega-Image 67x targets creative hobby photographers.

Yakumo Mega-Image 47sx
The Mega-Image 47sx comes equipped with a technical profile that - up to now - was only available in much more expensive camera models. It has a CCD chip with effective 4.10 megapixel resolution, 3x optical (small picture format: 34-102 mm) and 2x digital zoom. For memory expansion, the camera has a slot for Compact Flash cards. All in all, the Mega-Image 47sx is destined to be an ideal camera for good quality, holiday snapshots.

Yakumo Mega-Image 67x
The Mega-Image 67x is Yakumo’s new top model. It has a CCD chip with an effective resolution of 6.36 megapixels, 3x optical (small picture format: 37-111 mm) and 2x digital zoom and also provides an extension slot for SD cards. This Yakumo model offers manual exposure control, manual white balance and focus settings - allowing the hobby photographer to produce individual and creative photo results. Two rechargeable AA batteries, charger and power supply are supplied with the new Yakumo camera.

Both models are available now at all Yakumo dealers.

http://www.yakumo.com

Olympus Japan have released a new firmware version for the 8-megapixel Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom digital camera. It fixes the following issues:

- By taking certain type of route in camera operation, malfunction of AF or the camera not accepting any button operation occurs.
- In Exif Viewer, CAMEDIA Master and Olympus Studio software, information of the focal length (Exif-information) in 35mm photography appears to be incorrect. 

Website: Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom Firmware

Website: Read my review of the Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new Pentax OptioMX digital digital camera, which features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability.

“Pentax touts the OptioMX as both a still and movie camera. It records compressed MPEG4 movies at 30 frames per second, and allows the use of the optical zoom and autofocus during recording without introducing camera noise into the audio. But I was disappointed with the jumpiness of the results - it fell far short of the smoothness expected of a 30fps recording. I was also disappointed with shutter lag during movie recording; I measured a consistent delay of 2.2 seconds between depressing the movie button and recording the first frame.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax OptioMX Review

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Pentax Optio43WR. This digital camera features 4.0 effective megapixels, a 2.8X zoom lens, and a JIS Class 7 waterproof rating that keeps the Optio43WR watertight even when the camera is rinsed, splashed or submersed in water.

“Despite my modest expectations for the Optio 43WR, by the end of the trip, I was very glad that I’d decided to bring it along. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a 43WR on my own dime, to carry as my “take anywhere” digicam. (As I write this, the unit I had on vacation with me is sadly on its way back to Pentax.) While I wouldn’t choose it as my only camera, I just as surely wouldn’t want to be without it on any outings involving quantities of water, dust, or mud. If you’re into almost any form of “adventure sports,” the Optio 43WR is a camera you need to own.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax Optio43WR Review

Shuttertalk have published their review of the 5 megapixel Ricoh Caplio GX digital camera.

“The macro mode is quite remarkable on this camera - objects can be minimum of 1cm away. Focusing was fast, and I was able to achieve a focus lock most of the time. The camera was also smart enough to throttle the flash power back when in macro mode, so that objects weren?t washed out. Overall, this camera produced some good macro shots.”

Website: Shuttertalk - Ricoh Caplio GX Review

Website: Read my Review of the Ricoh Caplio GX

LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera.

“Coming back to the Coolpix 8700 I see a digital camera with an excellent color reproduction at which the white balance functions far above average: extremely well! The exposure likewise. The automatic exposure hardly gets it wrong, hardly any failures and shadow or bright parts are well reproduced. The detail sharpness can be called very good, the structure of certain objects is captured excellently for example the structure of a towel. The clearness of Macro images is high class after setting the right aperture.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon Coolpix 8700 Review

Bytesector have just reviewed the new flagship model of the Canon Digital IXUS fleet, the 5.0 megapixel Powershot S500 (known as the Digital IXUS 500 outside North America), which was announced at the start of February.

“The ELPH series of cameras are all fairly small units that fit easily in any pocket when turned off. The power button is well recessed, so it is very unlikely that it will accidentally turn itself on. The matte silver finish looks good, but can be scratched if the camera is not taken care of. A case is highly recommended. The camera is easy to hold, and like all cameras, is made for right handed people. There are well placed grips for your hands, and controls are easy to reach, and manipulate.”

Website: Bytesector - Canon Powershot S500 Review

Steves Digicams has reviewed the Kodak Easyshare CX7530, a 5-megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens, selling for US$299.

“The Kodak Retinar 3X optical zoom lens has a 35mm-equivalent range of 34-102mm, giving you coverage from wide angle through telephoto focal lengths. At the 34mm end of the zoom range you’ll have enough field of view for most interior and landscape shots, and at 102mm you’ll be able to capture the details of distant subjects. The lens produced sharp images throughout its zoom range, with only slight barrel distortion at wide angle, and almost no pin cushioning at telephoto. The zoom is smooth, and makes no noticeable noise when extending the lens or during autofocus.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Kodak Easyshare CX7530 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-F88 digital camera.

“The overall image quality in 2592x1944/Fine mode is good, for the most part the default settings will produce well saturated and properly exposed pictures. You can adjust the saturation, contrast and sharpness to “dial in” just the right look for your images. I found that the automatic white balance did its job well and only under some very mixed lighting did it show any problems. I was pleased with our outdoor test shots. The images were sharp, well saturated, and I noticed very little noise in high/low contrast areas. “

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony DSC-F88 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A310, which is targeted at consumers looking for an easy-to-use camera.

“The ergonomics of the A310 are great. Controls are well placed and functional, and the menu system is easy to navigate. The LCD works very well, even on the brightest of days, and when used in low-light it “gains up” to brighten the subject. A feature of the A310 that is a Canon (not industry) standard is the Focus-Assist Illuminator for shooting in low-ambient lighting conditions. There’s nothing more aggravating than attempting to shoot a picture in low light and discovering that the camera can’t focus. The A310’s focus-assist illuminator is a big help and I wish more digicam manufacturers would take a hint from Canon who uses these illuminators on nearly every digicam they make.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PowerShot A310 Review