Category: Digital Compact Cameras

Tuesday, April 6, 2004

Panasonic DMC-FZ10 LumixThe Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix ultrazoom digital camera.

Index Digicam - Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix ultrazoom digital camera. Index Digicam - Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix Review

BusinessWeek Online is reporting that camera phones are taking over the lower-end of the camera market, displacing conventional digital cameras, which have been forced to move upmarket. Apparently “Last year sales of camera phones from all makers topped 84 million units worldwide—nearly twice the purchases of conventional digital cameras.”

Some digital camera manufacturers are already withdrawing their support for cheap digital cameras and concentrating on the more expensive models. “Katsumi Ihara, president of cell-phone maker Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, says Sony Corp. (SNE ) has ceded the low-end camera market to mobile phones.”

Website: BusinessWeek Online - The Camphone Revolution

BusinessWeek Online is reporting that camera phones are taking over the lower-end of the camera market, displacing conventional digital cameras, which have been forced to move upmarket. Apparently “Last year sales of camera phones from all makers topped 84 million units worldwide—nearly twice the purchases of conventional digital cameras.” Some…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE XgThe Czech website Digineff have reviewed the ultra-thin Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004 in February.

Website: Digineff - Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review

The Czech website Digineff have reviewed the ultra-thin Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004 in February. Website: Digineff - Minolta DiMAGE Xg Review

BenQ C40BenQ Press Release 05/04/04

BenQ Launches C30 and C40 3X Optical Zoom Digital Cameras
 
Europe, 5th of April, 2004 - BenQ announced the launch of the compact BenQ DC C30 and C40 Digital Cameras.  Featuring BenQ’s exclusive graphical User-Interface, “Easy-Dial”, the 3 Megapixel DC C30 and 4 Megapixel C40 gives you professional quality pictures without the hassle of complicated menus and settings. 

In addition to this, the BenQ DC C30 and C40 are also equipped with 3X optical zoom and a spacious 1.6” LCD screen with 80000-pixel resolution for comfortable screening of your pictures.  Supporting MPEG-4 format, users can also record continuous movies with sound and playback of 30 frames per second, providing a smooth viewing experience. 

Other notable features of the BenQ DC C30 and C40 include 12-language support capabilities, built-in 14 MB memory, and a convenient single setting shutter priority feature for easy professional quality pictures. 

Enjoy your new images with the new C30 and C40.

BenQ Press Release 05/04/04 BenQ Launches C30 and C40 3X Optical Zoom Digital Cameras Europe, 5th of April, 2004 - BenQ announced the launch of the compact BenQ DC C30 and C40 Digital Cameras. Featuring BenQ’s exclusive graphical User-Interface, “Easy-Dial”, the 3 Megapixel DC C30 and 4 Megapixel C40 gives…

Canon Digital Ixus 500CNET 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.

“With the PowerShot S500, Canon brings its time-tested Digital Elph to the ranks of 5-megapixel, 3X-zoom digital cameras. This latest model has its older siblings’ sleek, pocket-size chassis and snapshooter ease of use, both of which we still like very much, but the previous Digital Elphs offered slightly better photo quality, and the competition has pulled ahead in terms of features and performance. As a result, the PowerShot S500 ends up being a decent but not outstanding snapshot camera.”

Website: CNET - Canon Powershot S500 Review

CNET 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. “With the PowerShot S500, Canon brings its time-tested Digital Elph to the ranks of…

Monday, April 5, 2004

Leica D-LuxLeica Camera AG Press Release 05/04/04

The LEICA D-LUX of Leica Camera AG, Solms has been given the iF design award 2004 at CeBIT, the world’s largest computer fair in Hanover. With the iF Gold award in the ‘Product Design’ category, the digital compact camera has won the highest distinction in the annual design competition. “The camera with triple zoom lens designed by Achim Heine of Berlin is reminiscent of the classic Leica line but as a digital camera offers today’s high-tech and can
be controlled by setting a dial and pressing a button thanks to simple controls,” was the jury’s assessment. 1458 entries from 32 countries competed in the iF design award 2004.

Altogether, the designers of the international jury chaired by Fritz Frenkler (f/p design gmbh, Frankfurt am Main) awarded15 golds and 25 silvers for outstanding design quality in the disciplines Communication Design (Digital Media and Graphic Design), Product Design, Packaging Design, Public Design and Transportation Design.

Further information on the LEICA D-LUX:
http://www.leica-camera.com/digitalekameras/d-lux/index_e.html

Leica Camera AG Press Release 05/04/04 The LEICA D-LUX of Leica Camera AG, Solms has been given the iF design award 2004 at CeBIT, the world’s largest computer fair in Hanover. With the iF Gold award in the ‘Product Design’ category, the digital compact camera has won the highest distinction…

Nikon Coolpix 8700The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published their review today of the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera.

Website: e-Fotografija - Nikon Coolpix 8700 Review

The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published their review today of the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera. Website: e-Fotografija - Nikon Coolpix 8700 Review

Fuji FinePix F420 ZoomFujifilm Press Release 05/04/04

Fujifilm’s popular new FinePix F420 Zoom is a camera that’s small and chic enough to take anywhere.  And now even underwater photography is not out of bounds, thanks to a robust, sealed casing unit offering sub-aqua shooting at depths of up to 40 metres.

The housing extends the possibilities of digital photography by allowing you to capture fantastic underwater images and video.  With an attractive ergonomic design, and bright orange detail, it’s highly visible when under water, and looks great, too.  The housing is made from expertly-designed, hard-wearing, transparent polycarbonate, which is also ideal for extreme conditions such as snow, dust and torrential rain.

For anybody planning holidays by the sea, the housing is a must-have accessory, and a great gift for anyone into diving, sailing, snowboarding or any extreme sport.

Fujifilm Press Release 05/04/04 Fujifilm’s popular new FinePix F420 Zoom is a camera that’s small and chic enough to take anywhere. And now even underwater photography is not out of bounds, thanks to a robust, sealed casing unit offering sub-aqua shooting at depths of up to 40 metres. The housing…

Sunday, April 4, 2004

Canon PowerShot Pro 1Digital Outback Photo have started reviewing the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1, which was announced by Canon just before the start of the PMA 2004 trade show.

“We are not sure about the camera’s feedback on autofocus. There were situations where the autofocus seemed not to lock in. There is also a danger that you may push incidentally the button for manual focus with your thumb. This is not a good ergonomic solution. We found the feedback from the Sony F828 a lot better.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Review

Digital Outback Photo have started reviewing the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1, which was announced by Canon just before the start of the PMA 2004 trade show. “We are not sure about the camera’s feedback on autofocus. There were situations where the autofocus seemed not to lock in. There is…

Canon PowerShot A75DCResource have just reviewed the new 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A75.

“The Canon PowerShot A75 has some nice improvements over the already excellent A70. This includes a larger, high resolution LCD, PictBridge support, data imprinting, and more. Photo quality is very good, and so is the camera’s performance. I continue to appreciate the full manual controls on the A75—something rarely seen on an entry-level camera. You may not need them now, but as you gain experience, you’ll become a fan.”

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot A75 Review

DCResource have just reviewed the new 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A75. “The Canon PowerShot A75 has some nice improvements over the already excellent A70. This includes a larger, high resolution LCD, PictBridge support, data imprinting, and more. Photo quality is very good, and so is the camera’s performance. I continue…

Friday, April 2, 2004

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2Steves Digicams have reviewed the 4-megapixel, 10x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2.

“The DiMAGE Z2 is Minolta’s second compact “super zoom” digicam, it follows the popular 3-megapixel DiMAGE Z1 of last year and raises the resolution up to 4.0 megapixels. The Z2 offers a full range of exposure modes from automatic to manual plus five pre-programmed scene modes. The Z2 can operate as a simple point-n-shoot for the beginner or “casual tourist” yet has the advanced features that will satisfy the creative urges of the advanced user.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the 4-megapixel, 10x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2. “The DiMAGE Z2 is Minolta’s second compact “super zoom” digicam, it follows the popular 3-megapixel DiMAGE Z1 of last year and raises the resolution up to 4.0 megapixels. The Z2 offers a full range of exposure modes from…

Canon Digital Ixus 500Photoxels 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 Canon PowerShot S500 Digital Elph is an ultra compact digital camera that gives consistently excellent quality images. It continues Canon’s successful line of Digital Elphs with a stylish, well-designed and solidly constructed take anywhere camera.

If you are a looking for a strictly point-and-shoot ultra compact digital camera with excellent image quality, then you should look seriously at the Canon PowerShot S500 Digital Elph.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon Powershot S500 Review

Photoxels 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 Canon PowerShot S500 Digital Elph is an ultra compact digital camera that gives…

Nikon Coolpix 3700CNET have posted their review of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 digital camera. The Coolpix 3700 has a very different design from previous Coolpix models, with a brushed aluminium body that’s both slim and lightweight. The 3.2 megapixel 3700 features a 3x optical zoom that is equivalent to 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera.

“For this 3.2-megapixel snapshot camera, Nikon switched its media from CompactFlash to Secure Digital, and the smaller card paid off in pocketable dimensions. You also get good photos; a 3X optical zoom; great macro capabilities; and clever features, such as the voice-activated self-timer. All this is exactly what you’d expect from a reasonably priced Nikon point-and-shoot, but it could offer more, and its shortcomings limit its appeal.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix 3700 Review

CNET have posted their review of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 digital camera. The Coolpix 3700 has a very different design from previous Coolpix models, with a brushed aluminium body that’s both slim and lightweight. The 3.2 megapixel 3700 features a 3x optical zoom that is equivalent to 35-105mm lens on…

Canon UK Press Release 31/03/04

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce a new line of designer cases for its Digital IXUS cameras. In conjunction with fashionable sports and accessory company Body Glove, Canon has developed an exclusive sporty, stylish range of cases for the Digital IXUS series. In keeping with the fashionable nature of digital photography, the new cases are intended not only to protect, but also to complement the digital cameras for which they are designed.

Canon UK Press Release 31/03/04 Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce a new line of designer cases for its Digital IXUS cameras. In conjunction with fashionable sports and accessory company Body Glove, Canon has developed an exclusive sporty, stylish range of cases for the Digital…

Thursday, April 1, 2004

Nikon Europe have released a new firmware version for the Coolpix 5000 digital camera. Versio 1.8 offers the following improvements and additions:

- When the camera is turned on and off after selecting ON in the Fixed Aperture from Zoom Options in SET-UP 1 menu. When the camera is used in Manual exposure mode, the incorrect aperture information is displayed. This has now been corrected.

- Firmware ver 1.8 includes the follow functions introduced with Firmware ver 1.7.
Support for RAW (NEF) Image Quality,
Internal Flash Off option,
Support for Picture Transfer Protocol,
Support for Exif 2.2.

Website: Nikon Coolpix 5000 Firmware 1.8 (Windows)

Website: Nikon Coolpix 5000 Firmware 1.8 (Mac)

Nikon Europe have released a new firmware version for the Coolpix 5000 digital camera. Versio 1.8 offers the following improvements and additions: - When the camera is turned on and off after selecting ON in the Fixed Aperture from Zoom Options in SET-UP 1 menu. When the camera is used…

Canon PowerShot Pro 1The Norwegian website Digit.no have published a full review of the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1, which was announced by Canon just before the start of the PMA 2004 trade show.

Website: Digit.no - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Review

The Norwegian website Digit.no have published a full review of the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1, which was announced by Canon just before the start of the PMA 2004 trade show. Website: Digit.no - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Review

Sony DSC-W1The Czech website Digineff have posted a short review of the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-W1 digital compact camera.

Website: Digineff - Sony DSC-W1 Review

The Czech website Digineff have posted a short review of the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-W1 digital compact camera. Website: Digineff - Sony DSC-W1 Review

Kodak EasyShare CX6330CNET have reviewed the Kodak EasyShare CX6330, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera that costs around £220 in the UK.

“Offering a 3-megapixel CCD sensor, a 3X zoom lens, good performance, modest versatility, and portability, the Kodak CX6330 has most of the ingredients of an excellent snapshot camera. But this EasyShare is too automatic, and while its photos are pleasing, they have an odd, slightly painterly look that may give you pause.”

Website: CNET - Kodak EasyShare CX6330 Review

CNET have reviewed the Kodak EasyShare CX6330, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera that costs around £220 in the UK. “Offering a 3-megapixel CCD sensor, a 3X zoom lens, good performance, modest versatility, and portability, the Kodak CX6330 has most of the ingredients of an excellent snapshot camera. But this EasyShare…

Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4UCNET have reviewed the new Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U, which packs the first high-resolution 4-megapixel CCD of the EXILIM lineup into a stylish and thin card size body. The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U retails for $399.99 and is available now.

“In general, we liked the EX-Z4U’s photos; they were relatively sharp, with good exposure and pleasantly saturated colors. Manual white balance worked very well, but the automatic setting oversaturated skies and made pictures extremely cool outdoors and really warm indoors.”

Website: CNET - Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U Review

CNET have reviewed the new Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U, which packs the first high-resolution 4-megapixel CCD of the EXILIM lineup into a stylish and thin card size body. The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U retails for $399.99 and is available now. “In general, we liked the EX-Z4U’s photos; they were relatively sharp…

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Pentax Optio 33WRImaging Resource have posted their review of the Pentax Optio 33WR, a compact 3-megapixel camera with a 2.8x optical zoom and a weather resistant case.

“Able to withstand an accidental dunk in the pool or an impromptu rain shower, the Pentax Optio 33WR is a new addition to the Optio line, and has a water resistant rating equivalent to JIS Class 5 and 7. What this spec-speak means is that, although the camera is not intended for underwater use, it can survive being splashed, dropped into shallow water (but quickly retrieved), and washed lightly in a sink. Best of all, it means you don’t have to worry about ruining the camera if you get stuck in the rain.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax Optio 33WR Review

Imaging Resource have posted their review of the Pentax Optio 33WR, a compact 3-megapixel camera with a 2.8x optical zoom and a weather resistant case. “Able to withstand an accidental dunk in the pool or an impromptu rain shower, the Pentax Optio 33WR is a new addition to the Optio…