Category: Digital Compact Cameras
Editor’s Note: Epson UK have let me know that the PhotoPC L-410 is specific to Epson America and will not be released in the United Kingdom.
Epson America Press Release 12/07/04
Epson Introduces the EPSON PhotoPC L-410—A Four Megapixel Digital Camera That Makes Taking and Printing Photos Fun and Easy
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 12, 2004—New Compact Digital Camera Features High-Speed Continuous Shooting in Addition to Unique PRINT Image Framer(R) Feature
Epson America, Inc. is once again focusing its efforts on capturing important memories with the introduction of the EPSON PhotoPC(R) L-410. The EPSON PhotoPC L-410 is a compact, four megapixel digital camera that incorporates high-speed continuous shooting, records video clips and offers a new creative feature called PRINT Image Framer, which adds fun frames to any photo with a touch of a button.
The EPSON PhotoPC L-410 is ideal for anyone that wants to capture important memories easily and quickly, without having to compromise quality. In addition to its 4.0 megapixel CCD sensor, this compact and sleek camera includes a 3x optical zoom and a 3x digital zoom, a 1.5 inch high-quality LCD screen and PRINT Image Matching(R) II technology for simply producing the best possible prints on PRINT Image Matching-enabled photo printers.
“Capturing and preserving memories is becoming more and more important to today’s digital camera customer and the EPSON PhotoPC L-410 makes it simple and fun to take photos anytime and anywhere,” said Daniel Oey, senior product manager, digital cameras, Epson. “With the many Epson photo printing solutions available today, customers can confidently print these precious memories knowing that they will look amazing for years to come.”
Editor’s Note: Epson UK have let me know that the PhotoPC L-410 is specific to Epson America and will not be released in the United Kingdom. Epson America Press Release 12/07/04 Epson Introduces the EPSON PhotoPC L-410—A Four Megapixel Digital Camera That Makes Taking and Printing Photos Fun and Easy…
Photoxels have published their review of the 4-megapixel Olympus C-770 Ultra Zoom digital camera.
“I like the sleeker body and the construction feels very solid. The Olympus Camedia C-770 Ultra Zoom is a wonderful package in a relatively compact body, and makes a very attractive proposition for beginner and serious amateur photographers alike. It’s easy to use in Program AE mode, and there is enough flexibility to allow the beginner to later progress to more serious photography, if desired. If you’re looking for an ultra zoom digital camera, be sure to include the Olympus Camedia C-770 Ultra Zoom in your short list.”
Photoxels have published their review of the 4-megapixel Olympus C-770 Ultra Zoom digital camera. “I like the sleeker body and the construction feels very solid. The Olympus Camedia C-770 Ultra Zoom is a wonderful package in a relatively compact body, and makes a very attractive proposition for beginner and serious…
Josh Waller has just reviewed the HP Photosmart 735 digital camera, which has 3.2 megapixels and up to 15x zoom - 3x optical and 5x digital - from a Pentax precision lens for clear, crisp photo prints.
“I think this camera is okay, it’s got a good lens, and can take good photos, but the screen updates / general slowness and awkward controls of the camera let it down. The movie mode is fairly good, especially as it has sound. For the price it is okay, but when given the choice between this and a similar specification Fuji / Pentax / Olympus / Nikon / Canon, I would definitely go for one of the other brands. With so much competition in this spec/price range I find it hard to recommend this camera, not necessarily because this camera is bad, but simply because other cameras are better.”
Josh Waller has just reviewed the HP Photosmart 735 digital camera, which has 3.2 megapixels and up to 15x zoom - 3x optical and 5x digital - from a Pentax precision lens for clear, crisp photo prints. “I think this camera is okay, it’s got a good lens, and can…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the brand new Sony DSC-P93, a 5-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom.
“Better than average noise levels, but somewhat heavy-handed noise-suppression. Like most of the current crop of 4-and 5-megapixel consumer-level cameras, the DSC-P93 shows some image noise even at its minimum ISO of 100. As the ISO is increased though, the noise doesn’t seem to increase as rapidly as in some competing models. That said, the cost of this is somewhat heavy-handed noise-suppression processing, which tends to flatten-out detail in areas of subtle contrast. So, good marks to the P93 for low image noise, but some points deducted for the subject detail lost in the process.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the brand new Sony DSC-P93, a 5-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom. “Better than average noise levels, but somewhat heavy-handed noise-suppression. Like most of the current crop of 4-and 5-megapixel consumer-level cameras, the DSC-P93 shows some image noise even at its minimum ISO of…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the brand new Sony DSC-P73, a 4-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom.
“The 4-megapixel, 3x-zoom DSC-P73 is a fairly impressive upgrade to last year’s P72 model, including a higher-resolution CCD, and greatly expanded features, all for a lower introductory price than the P72 carried. The DSC-P73 is thus a strong competitor in the hot “midrange” digicam market, offering good image quality, an excellent range of capability, an attractive, compact case style, and very good ease of use, all at an affordable price. It provides more manual exposure control than do many midrange camera models, yet is easy to use in full-auto mode, and its six preprogrammed scene modes help with tricky subjects.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the brand new Sony DSC-P73, a 4-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom. “The 4-megapixel, 3x-zoom DSC-P73 is a fairly impressive upgrade to last year’s P72 model, including a higher-resolution CCD, and greatly expanded features, all for a lower introductory price than the P72 carried…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just reviewed a waterproof housing for the tiny 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4i, which has a 3X optical zoom, 1.8 inch LCD monitor and features the first PENTAX digital cradle-style lithium ion recharge base unit.
Website: Index Digicam - Pentax Optio S4i Waterproof Housing Review
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just reviewed a waterproof housing for the tiny 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4i, which has a 3X optical zoom, 1.8 inch LCD monitor and features the first PENTAX digital cradle-style lithium ion recharge base unit. Website: Index Digicam - Pentax Optio S4i Waterproof Housing…
Digital Outback Photo have just started a diary-based review of the 5 megapixel Leica Digilux 2.
“Very first observations:
Very silent operation and this is just great
Feels good in our hands
We also like the manual mode
We won’t fall in love with any EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) right now. But this is one of the better ones.
LCD is large and easy to view
We like the live histogram that you can select with the Digilux 2”
Digital Outback Photo have just started a diary-based review of the 5 megapixel Leica Digilux 2. “Very first observations: Very silent operation and this is just great Feels good in our hands We also like the manual mode We won’t fall in love with any EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) right now…
The Japanese website PC Watch have posted another batch of sample images taken with the Epson RD-1 rangefinder digital camera and a variety of different lenses. Text is in Japanese, but full-sized originals are available for all the images.
Website: PC-Watch - Epson RD-1 Sample Images
The Japanese website PC Watch have posted another batch of sample images taken with the Epson RD-1 rangefinder digital camera and a variety of different lenses. Text is in Japanese, but full-sized originals are available for all the images. Website: PC-Watch - Epson RD-1 Sample Images
The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have tested the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera in conjunction with the 0.7x wide-angle convertor, at a Formula One race of all places!
Website: e-FotoGrafija - Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom and Wide-Angle Convertor Review
The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have tested the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera in conjunction with the 0.7x wide-angle convertor, at a Formula One race of all places! Website: e-FotoGrafija - Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom and Wide-Angle Convertor Review
creativepro.com have taken a peek inside a digital camera, explaining what goes on and what effect the sensor has on image quality.
“Good film photographers often have a very thorough understanding of the nature and properties of particular film chemistries—often going so far as to make their own paper and emulsions. Though digital photographers can’t sit around forging their own image sensors, they can still benefit from understanding some of the rudiments of the image sensor technology found in most digital cameras.
Many imaging problems can be avoided by understanding their cause, and often times imaging troubles are caused by fundamental issues within your camera. In this installment of “Framed and Exposed,” we’re going to take a high-level look at what happens inside your digital camera.”
Website: creativepro.com - Framed and Exposed: Making Sense of Camera Sensors
creativepro.com have taken a peek inside a digital camera, explaining what goes on and what effect the sensor has on image quality. “Good film photographers often have a very thorough understanding of the nature and properties of particular film chemistries—often going so far as to make their own paper and…
What is perhaps more interesting than the 4 new Konica Minolta cameras announced today is the rapid product cycle that seems to have been established, by both Konica Minolta and other manufacturers. 1 year ago the DiMAGE Z1 was released, 6 months later saw the launch of the DiMAGE Z2, and now, another 6 months down the line, the DiMAGE Z3 has been announced. Plus the X50 and G530 are both updates of models that were announced within the last year (X20, announced July 17th 2003, and the G500, announced August 7th 2003).
I’m interested to know if you think this is a good thing, giving you more choice as a consumer and ultimately driving down the cost of the older models, or whether you hate the fact that your new camera will be out-of-date in less than 6 months time…
What is perhaps more interesting than the 4 new Konica Minolta cameras announced today is the rapid product cycle that seems to have been established, by both Konica Minolta and other manufacturers. 1 year ago the DiMAGE Z1 was released, 6 months later saw the launch of the DiMAGE Z2…
The official press releases haven’t been, well, officially released yet, but the web pages are live for 4 new digital cameras from Konica Minolta. Now, I hate to say that I told you so, but the Z3 that PhotographyBLOG exclusively revealed last week is amongst the new announcements. In no particular order, they are:
DiMAGE Z3
- 12x Optical Zoom
- Anti-Shake Mechanism
- 4 megapixels
DiMAGE Z10
- 8x Optical Zoom
- 3.2 megapixels
DiMAGE G530 (pictured)
- 3x Optical Zoom
- 5 megapixels
DiMAGE X50
- 2.8x Optical Zoom
- 5 megapixels
- Slim Design
The Konica Minolta website has fancy-pants Flash-based presentations for its entire camera lineup:
Website: Konica Minolta
and also a Specifications page for each camera:
Website: DiMAGE Z3
Website: DiMAGE Z10
Website: DiMAGE G530
Website: DiMAGE X50
Also, the Japanese website PCHome already has a preview of the new models:
The official press releases haven’t been, well, officially released yet, but the web pages are live for 4 new digital cameras from Konica Minolta. Now, I hate to say that I told you so, but the Z3 that PhotographyBLOG exclusively revealed last week is amongst the new announcements. In no…
Editor’s Note: The press releases have now been issued by Konica Minolta USA, starting with the Z3…
Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04
Konica Minolta Introduces the DiMAGE Z3 High-Performance 4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera
New digital camera with built-in 12x optical “Mega Zoom” lens is the first Z-series camera to feature Konica Minolta?s CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System
Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces a new addition to the Z-series of digital cameras - the DiMAGE Z3. With Konica Minolta?s unique CCD-shift Anti-Shake System accompanying the camera?s built-in 12x optical zoom lens, the stylish DiMAGE Z3 provides photographers of all levels with very steady and sharp hand-held telephoto shots. Its speed also enables photographers to get those action shots right away with Rapid Autofocus (AF) ? the fastest auto focus in its class*1. The camera?s AF also has a Predictive Focus Control for unmatched high-speed focusing that brings out the very best in the DiMAGE Z3’s superior ability to capture fast moving subjects.
“Photographers will never miss a shot with the new DiMAGE Z3,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta?s Camera Division. “With combined functions such as the Anti-Shake System, Rapid Autofocus capabilities, and 12x optical zoom lens, this digital camera provides advanced amateur as well as serious photographers with the versatility and reliability they need to get the shot right the first time.”
Editor’s Note: The press releases have now been issued by Konica Minolta USA, starting with the Z3… Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04 Konica Minolta Introduces the DiMAGE Z3 High-Performance 4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera New digital camera with built-in 12x optical “Mega Zoom” lens is the first Z-series camera to…
Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04
Konica Minolta Introduces the 3.2 Megapixel DiMAGE Z10 Digital Camera
Affordable new camera features fastest-in-class startup, 8x Optical “Mega-Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design
Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces an affordable new addition to the Z-series of digital cameras - the DiMAGE Z10. Featuring a fastest-in-class*1 startup time of 0.5 seconds, built-in 8x optical zoom lens, fast and reliable autofocusing with Predictive Focus Control, and an energy efficient design*2 that gives photographers up to 500 frames with the included AA alkaline batteries, the new DiMAGE Z10 is a convenient, fun and easy to use digital camera.
“The affordable new DiMAGE Z10 has been designed to bring high-quality digital photography into the daily lives of novice and advanced amateur photographers,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta?s Camera Division. “Photographers carrying the DiMAGE Z10 with them will have a reliable digital camera to capture those everyday photographic moments exactly as they see them occur.”
Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04 Konica Minolta Introduces the 3.2 Megapixel DiMAGE Z10 Digital Camera Affordable new camera features fastest-in-class startup, 8x Optical “Mega-Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces an affordable new addition to the Z-series of…
Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04
Konica Minolta Introduces the DiMAGE X50 Digital Camera
New compact and stylish 5.0 megapixel camera features a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, enhanced speed and other design improvements
Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces the new DiMAGE X50 5-megapixel digital camera that takes the DiMAGE X series’ concept of “thin, fast and stylish” and adds increased speed. Compact and lightweight enough to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone, the DiMAGE X50 adds the fastest-in-class* startup time, 2.8x non-protruding optical zoom, 5-megapixel CCD, and large 2-inch LCD, to a high quality digital camera in a sleek, compact package.
“The idea behind the design of the new DiMAGE X50 digital camera is to make it fast, easy and fun for anyone to take beautiful, high-quality pictures anywhere, anytime,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta?s Camera Division. “The camera’s 5 megapixel resolution ensures that even amateur photographers can share their casual snapshots as great enlargements.”
Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04 Konica Minolta Introduces the DiMAGE X50 Digital Camera New compact and stylish 5.0 megapixel camera features a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, enhanced speed and other design improvements Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces the new DiMAGE X50 5-megapixel digital camera that…
Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04
(Already announced by Konica Minolta Europe In June 2004)
Konica Minolta Introduces Stylish New 3.2-megapixel X-Series Digital Camera
Compact, easy-to-use and affordable new DiMAGE X31 features super-fast start-up speed and a 12x zoom range
Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces a new member to the X-series of DiMAGE digital cameras - the new DiMAGE X31. This 3.2 megapixel digital camera combines a fast startup speed, thin and stylish design, and intuitive operation in a very affordable entry-level digital camera model.
The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31 is a user-friendly, compact digital camera equipped with Konica Minolta?s proprietary non-protruding 3x optical zoom that keeps the camera thin, even when the zoom is activated. This new digital camera features 3.2-megapixel high picture quality and is one of the slimmest and lightest cameras in its class. In addition, the camera features a versatile 4x digital zoom in combination with the 3x optical zoom to take pictures at up to 12x total zoom, as well as the ability to take photos as close as 3.9 inches to the subject without having to switch to a separate macro mode.
Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04 (Already announced by Konica Minolta Europe In June 2004) Konica Minolta Introduces Stylish New 3.2-megapixel X-Series Digital Camera Compact, easy-to-use and affordable new DiMAGE X31 features super-fast start-up speed and a 12x zoom range Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces a…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a joint review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4200 compact digital cameras.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a joint review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4200 compact digital cameras. Website: Index Digicam - Nikon Coolpix 5200/4200 Review
Imaging Resource have published their review of the 4-megapixel Olympus C-770 Ultra Zoom digital camera.
“Very good color: Good skin tones, good handling of incandescent lighting too. Overall, the C-770 produced accurate, pleasing color, under a wide variety of shooting conditions. Hue was accurate in most instances, saturation appropriate (although strong reds and blues tended to oversaturate slightly), and skin tones looked very natural. As is the case with most cameras I test, the C-770’s auto white balance system had a hard time with the household incandescent lighting that’s so common in the US, but its Incandescent and Manual white balance options did very well indeed. All in all, a very nice performance.”
Imaging Resource have published their review of the 4-megapixel Olympus C-770 Ultra Zoom digital camera. “Very good color: Good skin tones, good handling of incandescent lighting too. Overall, the C-770 produced accurate, pleasing color, under a wide variety of shooting conditions. Hue was accurate in most instances, saturation appropriate (although…
DCResource have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera.
“While not the best camera in its class, the Coolpix 5200 is a good point-and-shoot camera for those who need a lot of resolution. Its biggest weaknesses are the soft and somewhat noisy images as well as the lack of manual controls (then again, my favorite cameras, the Canon S500 and Sony W1 don’t really have them either). The image softness is really only an issue for large prints or on-screen viewing, though.”
DCResource have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera. “While not the best camera in its class, the Coolpix 5200 is a good point-and-shoot camera for those who need a lot of resolution. Its biggest weaknesses are the soft and somewhat noisy images…
Technology website has published a very technical comparative review of five 8-megapixel digital cameras, including the Canon PowerShot Pro1 (pictured) (found via Digicamera.net):
“An 8Mp matrix in the zoom-lens class is a yet another step forward in digital camera evolution. Before, digital cameras with built-in lenses had lower resolution than reflex ones. Now, one will have to think twice whether to choose 6 Mp with interchangeable lens or 8 Mp with non-interchangeable zooming. It will cost you quite a sum to buy reflex lenses with such range of variable focal length (28-200 or even 35-280 mm), which are, on top of that, made for 8 Mp.”
Technology website has published a very technical comparative review of five 8-megapixel digital cameras, including the Canon PowerShot Pro1 (pictured) (found via Digicamera.net): “An 8Mp matrix in the zoom-lens class is a yet another step forward in digital camera evolution. Before, digital cameras with built-in lenses had lower resolution than…