Category: Digital Compact Cameras
It was only announced by Nikon yesterday, but CNET have already published their first take on the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera.
“Competition between the 8-megapixel upstarts and the increasingly cheaper dSLRs will make digital-camera choices even tougher. Enthusiasts will have to decide if they want an SLR’s flexibility and feel or a higher resolution. The 8700 is slated to ship in late February for $999. We’ll keep you posted.”
Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix 8700 First Take
It was only announced by Nikon yesterday, but CNET have already published their first take on the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera. “Competition between the 8-megapixel upstarts and the increasingly cheaper dSLRs will make digital-camera choices even tougher. Enthusiasts will have to decide if they want an SLR’s…
Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04
Nikon COOLPIX 8700—A new flagship for the Nikon COOLPIX series with 8.0 effective megapixels and an 8x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 8700 Digital Camera.
With an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 8x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 8700 is positioned as the lineup?s newest flagship model. It delivers unmatched image quality—a hallmark of all Nikon products—and offers an advanced ergonomic design which greatly enhances operational ease and comfort.
The camera primarily targets users who already explore advanced forms of photographic expression, but are unsatisfied with current compact digital cameras. The COOLPIX 8700 meets their demands, especially those that require state-of-the-art image quality, higher zoom power and even greater portability and ease of use. Anyone in search of an extremely versatile, high-quality digital still camera will find the COOLPIX 8700 loaded with possibilities.
The COOLPIX 8700 carries an astonishing 8.0 effective megapixels for ultrahigh-definition photography. The clarity of your images is ensured by the professional-quality 8x Zoom-Nikkor lens. With its 8.9 - 71.2mm focal range (equivalent to 35 - 280mm in 35mm [135] camera format), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and give you clear and crisp image reproduction. In addition, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is optimized, which helps the new high-definition CCD image sensor make the most the incredible optical performance. The result is remarkably clear, natural images with unparalleled detail and contrast. The basic performance of the COOLPIX 8700 has also improved. This includes faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF operation in low light.
The camera incorporates four exposure modes: Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] combine to give you the greatest degree of creative control possible. The COOLPIX 8700 also offers [AUTO] mode, in which the camera automatically selects appropriate exposures and shutter speeds, giving users high-quality point-and-shoot capability. And for striking images in practically any situation, the new COOLPIX features 12 versatile [SCENE] modes. Simply select the mode appropriate to your lighting conditions, and the camera is able to automatically adjust the focus, flash, contrast, sensitivity and white balance.
The COOLPIX 8700 features many advanced digital controls, such as BSS (Best Shot Selector), AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-Best Shot Selector) mode, Noise Reduction mode, Saturation Control and White Balance Bracketing. These are often crucial to obtaining optimum image quality. To help ensure that you don?t miss those unexpected or fleeting moments, the COOLPIX 8700 also has a 5 shot buffer mode. Versatility is further enhanced by handy, innovative features such as movie capability with audio and the Time-lapse movie mode, which is ideal for observational recording.
The newest member of the COOLPIX family comes equipped with a large, Vari-angle LCD monitor for increased visibility—even during bright daylight. Moreover, the improved high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) offers greater contrast and a clearer images. And the compact, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body has been designed for maximum durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting.
New Framing guides on the LCD monitor offer an optional means of achieving ideal composition, and the new real-time histogram display lets you select the best exposure value while shooting. For those who desire more creative freedom when editing, the COOLPIX 8700 also offers RAW data image mode.
The COOLPIX 8700 comes loaded with all the essential accessories: a battery and charger, an A/V cable, a USB cable and the comprehensive Nikon View software package. The camera is also compatible with a host of optional accessories, including wideangle, telephoto and fisheye converters. It can also be fitted with a Lens Hood that uses lens filters. In addition, the COOLPIX 8700?s accessory shoe accommodates a number of Nikon?s external Speedlights.
This incredible array of features and quality accessories helps make the COOLPIX 8700 a truly special achievement in digital photography.
Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.
Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04 Nikon COOLPIX 8700—A new flagship for the Nikon COOLPIX series with 8.0 effective megapixels and an 8x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 8700 Digital Camera. With an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels and a powerful…
Olympus UK Press Release 28/01/04
To accompany the launch of the new C-5060 WZ digital camera, Olympus has announced a range of new accessories especially designed for the camera. The C-5060 WZ offers a 27mm-110mm equivalent wide angle zoom, the widest currently available on the market today. It is also one of the fastest digital cameras with a start-up time of just 3 seconds and a release time lag of 0.4 seconds.
For those sweeping landscape shots, the C-5060 WZ wide-angle conversion lens reduces the focal length by a factor of 0.7x (taking the zoom range to 19mm) without requiring the aperture to be changed. Furthermore a tele converter lens increases the focal length by a factor of 1.7x (taking the zoom range to 187mm) and a macro conversion lens enables you to get up close and capture finer details.
These C-5060 WZ conversion lenses are the first to feature a bayonet mount and can be quickly attached to the camera via a new CLA-7 conversion lens adapter. Olympus also offers three different filters that may be screwed to the front of the C-5060 WZ?s lens. A UV filter and polarising filter both optimise the creative possibilities of the camera, and a protective filter prevents the camera?s lens from being smudged or scratched.
The C-5060 WZ is compatible with a power battery holder [B-HLD20] and rechargeable batteries [PS-BLM1] which provide considerably more power, permitting longer shooting sessions. The power battery holder features an additional shutter release button plus zoom lever with lock function to allow comfortable vertical-portrait framing. The rechargeable PS-BLM1 batteries deliver an impressive performance of 1500 mAh and take just 120 minutes to recharge.
Olympus UK Press Release 28/01/04 To accompany the launch of the new C-5060 WZ digital camera, Olympus has announced a range of new accessories especially designed for the camera. The C-5060 WZ offers a 27mm-110mm equivalent wide angle zoom, the widest currently available on the market today. It is also…
DCViews have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.
“We have found this Canon A80 to be a very versatile camera. This was largely due to the wide range of manual exposure modes, which made it possible to use our creativity to the full. It offers excellent image quality at an affordable price. The swivelling LCD monitor is a nice enhancement, which makes it ideal for capturing candid shots, while the two custom exposure modes allow you to save your favourite settings to be available at the turn of a button without the need to consult the camera menu.”
Website: DCViews - Canon Powershot A80 Review
DCViews have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399. “We have found this Canon A80 to be a very versatile camera. This was largely due to the wide range of manual exposure modes, which made it…
The Turkish website DigiNorm have posted their review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera.
Website: DigiNorm - Sony DSC-F828 Review
The Turkish website DigiNorm have posted their review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera. Website: DigiNorm - Sony DSC-F828 Review
Hardware Zone have published a detailed review of the 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4 digital camera, an ultracompact model which is small enough to fit inside an empty Altoids tin.
“For some time now, we have been witnessing the decrease in size of ultra-compact cameras within the digital realm. With the arrival of the Pentax Optio S, and now the Pentax Optio S4, the meaning of the word ?ultra-compact? has been totally redefined. The whole camera is so puny, it manages to fit neatly inside an empty Altoids tin can (similar in size to a Strepsils tin can), making for an inexpensive hard camera case if you fancy that idea. Though small on size, it is certainly not meager in features as you will find out in this review.”
Hardware Zone have published a detailed review of the 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4 digital camera, an ultracompact model which is small enough to fit inside an empty Altoids tin. “For some time now, we have been witnessing the decrease in size of ultra-compact cameras within the digital realm. With…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Fuji FinePix A210 Zoom digital camera. The A210 has 3.2 million megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. It retails for $279.99.
“Fuji FinePix digicams have always been associated with good image quality and color, with solid performance even at the lower-end of the line. With a 3.2-megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom lens, the A210 offers the same great point-and-shoot convenience as the earlier A200 model, but with greater flexibility. Overall, it’s a solid entry-level model, offering good resolution and an optical zoom lens at an exceptional price.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Fuji FinePix A210 Zoom digital camera. The A210 has 3.2 million megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. It retails for $279.99. “Fuji FinePix digicams have always been associated with good image quality and color, with solid performance even at the lower-end of the line. With…
It was only announced just over 2 weeks ago at the CES show in the USA, but already Steves Digicams have got hold of the 5-megapixel Casio QV-R51 and have published their usual comprehensive review.
“With its robust performance, useful and unique scene modes, 5-megapixel imager, small size, durable aluminum-alloy body and good image quality, the Casio QV-R51 packs a lot of value into its MSRP of $399.99. It’s a camera that the entire family can use, but its simplicity doesn’t diminish the usefulness of the more advanced features which make this camera unique in the digicam marketplace. We think that you’ll enjoy this all-around family camera.”
It was only announced just over 2 weeks ago at the CES show in the USA, but already Steves Digicams have got hold of the 5-megapixel Casio QV-R51 and have published their usual comprehensive review. “With its robust performance, useful and unique scene modes, 5-megapixel imager, small size, durable aluminum-alloy…
The German website PhotoWorld.de have reviewed the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, a digital camera which features a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length). The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of £399.99.
The German website PhotoWorld.de have reviewed the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, a digital camera which features a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length). The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of £399.99. Website: PhotoWorld.de - Kodak EasyShare DX6490 Review
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the Sony DSC-V1 compact digital camera, which features 5 megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, flexible exposure control and an infrared laser hologram.
Website: e-Fotografija - Sony DSC V1 Review
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the Sony DSC-V1 compact digital camera, which features 5 megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, flexible exposure control and an infrared laser hologram. Website: e-Fotografija - Sony DSC V1 Review Website: Slovenian Translator
LetsGoDigital are reporting that HP have silently added a new digicam to their lineup ahead of PMA 2004. The HP Photosmart 733 is an entry-level 3.2 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom. It can be used with the optional HP Photosmart 8886 camera dock for easy image transfer to a PC or Mac.
Website: LetsGoDigital - HP Photosmart 733
LetsGoDigital are reporting that HP have silently added a new digicam to their lineup ahead of PMA 2004. The HP Photosmart 733 is an entry-level 3.2 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom. It can be used with the optional HP Photosmart 8886 camera dock for easy image transfer to…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just posted their full review of the Sanyo Xacti VPC-C1, a new hybrid digital still/video camera that certainly looks very stylish.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just posted their full review of the Sanyo Xacti VPC-C1, a new hybrid digital still/video camera that certainly looks very stylish. Website: Index Digicam - Sanyo Xacti VPC-C1 Review
ByteSector.com have reviewed the 5 megapixel Olympus CAMEDIA C-5000 Zoom, which relaces the older 4 megapixel C-4000 Zoom model.
“As far as the noise level is concerned for the camera again high amounts of noise could be found. The camera comes equipped with a standard tight grain pattern to reduce noise level but it appears that the system is not up to mark to accomplish its job. The reason behind high noise level is that as CCD resolution has increased and pixel dimensions on average have shrunk, image noise has increased to a great amount. Due to this 5 megapixel cameras have higher image noise than 2-3 megapixel cameras. Image noise is the ?film grain? effect one may notice in an image, especially in night shots.”
Website: ByteSector.com - Olympus CAMEDIA C-5000 Zoom Review
ByteSector.com have reviewed the 5 megapixel Olympus CAMEDIA C-5000 Zoom, which relaces the older 4 megapixel C-4000 Zoom model. “As far as the noise level is concerned for the camera again high amounts of noise could be found. The camera comes equipped with a standard tight grain pattern to reduce…
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700. Fuji claims the the F700 sensor improves image quality by widening the dynamic range, rather than just increasing the number of pixels. This should mean more detail in the shadow and highlight areas of an image than Fuji cameras have previously captured.
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700. Fuji claims the the F700 sensor improves image quality by widening the dynamic range, rather than just increasing the number of pixels. This should mean more detail in the shadow and highlight areas of an image than Fuji cameras have…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Fuji FinePix S7000, which is the successor to the popular FinePix S602 model. The S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.3 million recorded pixels. It costs around $799.99 and is available now.
“Considerably higher than average image noise. For all its other excellent attributes, image noise is the Achilles’ heel of the S7000. Image noise may not be all that much higher than other cameras at ISO 200, but that’s the lowest ISO that the S7000 offers, and when held up against results from competing cameras shot at their lowest ISO settings (typically ISO 100 or even 50), the S7000’s images do poorly in comparison.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Fuji FinePix S7000, which is the successor to the popular FinePix S602 model. The S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.3 million recorded pixels. It costs around $799.99 and is available now. “Considerably higher than average…
There’s a fairly interesting article on the BBC website about how digital cameras help you improve as a photographer. It repeats a lot of the usual arguments in favour of digital, but does so in a well-written and succint way. One thing that the article raises that I’d never really thought about is the concept of composing from a distance:
“All but the cheapest digital cameras allow you to compose the shot by looking at an LCD screen, rather than through a conventional viewfinder. This gives a completely flat image - just as the finished picture does, and should aid composition.
“Digital makes you stand back and study the thing in 2-D rather than the 3-D you get through a normal cameras,” says John Henshall, one of the first professionals to embrace digital.”
Obviously this doesn’t apply to all the DSLR owners out there, due to the lack of any LCD screen for composition purposes, so we will have to carry on looking in good old-fasioned 3D :-)
There’s a fairly interesting article on the BBC website about how digital cameras help you improve as a photographer. It repeats a lot of the usual arguments in favour of digital, but does so in a well-written and succint way. One thing that the article raises that I’d never really…
Casio have released a new firmware version for the EX-Z4 digital camera. Version 1.02 improves white balance performance and fixes a problem that occurs in the Voice Recoding Mode when memory becomes full.
Website: Casio EX-Z4 Firmware Update
Casio have released a new firmware version for the EX-Z4 digital camera. Version 1.02 improves white balance performance and fixes a problem that occurs in the Voice Recoding Mode when memory becomes full. Website: Casio EX-Z4 Firmware Update
The Norwegian website Akamera.no have posted their review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera.
Website: Akamera.no - Sony DSC-F828 Review
The Norwegian website Akamera.no have posted their review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera. Website: Akamera.no - Sony DSC-F828 Review
The German website PhotoWorld.de have posted their review of the Rollei dt4000 digital compact camera. The Rollei dt4000 is a powerful, compact 4-megapixels model with a stylish metal body. The new Rollei has a 3x optical and 4x digital zoom, and also offers photographers the option to record movie clips and voice commentaries.
Website: PhotoWorld.de - Rollei dt4000 Review
The German website PhotoWorld.de have posted their review of the Rollei dt4000 digital compact camera. The Rollei dt4000 is a powerful, compact 4-megapixels model with a stylish metal body. The new Rollei has a 3x optical and 4x digital zoom, and also offers photographers the option to record movie clips…
DPReview have reviewed the Fuji FinePix S7000, which is the successor to the popular FinePix S602 model. The S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.3 million recorded pixels. It costs around $799.99 and is available now.
“The S7000 is in a fairly unique position, it is the only prosumer digital camera with a six megapixel sensor. Indeed, until the announcement of Sony’s eight megapixel DSC-F828 it was the highest resolution prosumer digital camera. Test results versus the Sony were mixed, our studio comparison shots showed better performance from the F828, however the S7000’s 12 MP mode matched the F828 on the resolution chart.”
Website: DPReview - Fuji FinePix S7000 Review
DPReview have reviewed the Fuji FinePix S7000, which is the successor to the popular FinePix S602 model. The S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.3 million recorded pixels. It costs around $799.99 and is available now. “The S7000 is in a…