Fuji Press Release 06/11/03

Curves in all the right places: Fujifilm announces Q1 Digital

Fun-sized, ultra-portable digital camera that’s affordable for everyone

Following the success of its popular Q1 film camera, Fujifilm has today announced an addition to the family: the Q1 Digital. This curvy, silver, compact digital camera is perfect for beginners, or for those looking for a second camera to keep in their pocket or bag at all times.  Easy to operate, and very light in weight at just 108g, the Q1 Digital makes the ideal gift for anyone taking their first steps in photography, adults and children included!

Equipped with some handy features, such as automatic flash, red-eye reduction and a QVGA movie mode, the 2 megapixel Q1 Digital offers a great deal of functionality.  Normally, such a stylish camera would carry a heavyweight price tag, however, the Q1 Digital comes in at an expected slimline street price of around ?100 (inc VAT).

On the back of this cool camera, you’ll find a colourful 1.5” TFT LCD screen, for easy review and playback of your still images and movies.  Its 8MB internal memory means you’re ready to go straight out of the box, and if you want to carry on taking more and more shots, you can insert an xD-Picture Card for additional memory (sizes up to 512MB available).

The camera also comes with a handy long strap, so it can be worn around the neck, for ultimate portability.

Pricing and availability
The Q1 Digital will be available in November 2003 at an expected approximate street price of ?100 inc VAT.

Nikon Press Release 05/11/03

The ideal time to buy a Nikon Coolpix

Nikon have just announced a price reduction on their introductory digital compact camera, the Coolpix 2100 from ?199.99 to ?179.99, effective from November 1.

The Coolpix 2100 and 3100 models are amongst the best selling digital compacts in their class. Lightweight, simple and fun to use, they are the perfect models for worry-free digital photography.

And now is the time to buy because, anyone purchasing the Coolpix 2100, 3100 or the stylish Coolpix SQ, winner of the 2003 European TIPA award for design, before the end of December 2003, will qualify for a *Free Flight to one of 12 destinations. These include Barcelona, Malaga, Milan, Nice, Palma, or Venice with the option to fly from one of 6 UK airports. The offer is valid until 1 August 2004.

There’s also good news for photo enthusiasts who are looking for more from a digital camera. Anyone who purchases Nikon’s award winning top of the range Coolpix 5700 before the end of December 2003 will qualify for a ?100 Cashback offer.

The Coolpix range covers a variety of photographic needs and with two great offers in place, a Coolpix digital camera makes an ideal Christmas present.

Terms and conditions for both offers can be found on the Nikon UK website
http://www.nikon.co.uk/flyfreetoeurope/terms.htm
http://www.nikon.co.uk/cashback/terms_and_conditions.htm

Ricoh Europe Press Release 04/11/03

Announcing the Release of the Caplio RR211

Ricoh launches ultra-portable 1.92 effective megapixel 4x zoom digital camera
Ricoh is extremely happy to announce the release of the new Caplio RR211. Weighing in at approximately 110 grams*, the Caplio RR211 is an ultra-portable, stylish, fixed focus digital camera with a bright 1.92 effective megapixel CMOS sensor and impressive 4x digital zoom that’s very simple to use and comes conveniently packaged as an all-in-one unit.

Building on the success of last year’s Caplio RR230 ? a compact digital camera that pioneered the timesaving “Quick View” functionality which allows users to swiftly navigate their latest shots on the 1.5-inch TFT LCD monitor with just one push on the menu controller, Caplio RR211 is further enhanced with a handy fixed focus lens, slimmer design, movie recording capabilities and a clever battery-saving solution that works by using only the power supply of a PC when transferring images via USB cable.

The Caplio RR211 takes precise aim at the large number of value seeking consumers seeking a compact, simple to operate, point-and-shoot digital camera in the 2-megapixel, 4x digital zoom range. Continuous efforts to improve portability and functionality with respect to this principal consumer group will further advance Ricoh’s distinct reputation as a pioneering leader offering a trustworthy selection of quality digital cameras worldwide that includes the award-winning Caplio G3 released this past spring.

“Now this is a digital camera people have been waiting for!” exclaims a senior member of the Marketing Office at Ricoh’s Personal Multimedia Company. “It’s so light, so compact, so easy to use and so much fun, users will want to take it everywhere! There’s no need to worry about focusing either, just point, shoot and enjoy. Plus we’ve made transferring images via USB cable to their computer even smarter by using just the power of the PC, so users can save precious battery power. This is one smart, stylish digital camera that comes in an all-in-one package made for energetic people with a taste for life!”

* (excluding batteries and SD memory card)

Imaging Resource have provided the second review this week of the stylish and affordable 5 megapixel Olympus CAMEDIA C-5000 Zoom, which relaces the older C-4000 Zoom model. The C-5000 has a full range of exposure modes, including Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, full Manual control and 6 preset Creative Scene modes. It has a built-in flash with 7 different modes and also accepts an external flash via its hot shoe.

“Five megapixel digicams on average show higher image noise than did their two- and three-megapixel forebears. In the case of the C-5000, I was pleased to see that image noise was generally low, and even at high ISO settings, maintained a very fine grain pattern. It’s been my experience that noise with a tight, fine pattern is much less objectionable to viewers than is the blotchy-looking noise found in most digicams at high ISO settings. While I wouldn’t venture to compare its quantitative performance in this regard with other cameras, I did generally find the C-5000’s noise levels to be low, and its noise pattern less objectionable than that of many competing models.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Olympus CAMEDIA C-5000 Zoom Review

CNET have reviewed the Kodak EasyShare DX6340 3.1 megapixel digital camera which has an RRP of $329. Here’s a quote from the review:

“The 3.1-megapixel DX6340 couldn’t be easier for novices to use. The controls are well designed, you get instant access to a variety of shooting modes, and compatibility with optional EasyShare docks makes for convenient printing and sharing. And with its 4X zoom lens, the camera has more shooting flexibility than the average 3-megapixel model. More-experienced photographers and beginners who want to enhance their skills will appreciate the extra control offered by the DX6340’s aperture- and shutter-priority modes. Unfortunately, a couple of noticeable flaws mar this digicam’s otherwise pleasing images.”

Website: CNET - Kodak EasyShare DX6340 Review

The Slovenian website e-Fotografija has posted the first ever review of the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 camera. As usual there are a lot of sample images and product shots, so even if you’re not fluent in Slovenian, the page is still worth a visit.

Website: e-Fotografija - Olympus C-5060 Review

Website: Slovenian Translator

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700, which has a 6.2-megapixel Super CCD SR and is supposed to capture more detail in the shadow and highlight areas of an image than Fuji cameras have previously captured.

“Announced earlier this year (2003) with an MSRP of $599, the Fuji FinePix F700 would have been a good value if the promise of its Super CCD SR had been fully realized. We’re not surprised that the F700’s street price has since fallen to under $400; it simply doesn’t compete well as a 6-megapixel camera at a 6-megapixel price.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fuji FinePix F700 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix F700

Photoxels have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.

“With its ease of use, advanced features in an entry-level camera, Canon quality optics, DIGIC image processor, and affordable price, the PowerShot A80 continues the A70 tradition of being the best digital camera in the beginner to serious amateur category.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon Powershot A80 Review

Steves Digicams 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.

“Most of today’s super-compact cameras use small 1.5-inch LCD monitors. The EX-Z4 utilizes a large 2-inch color LCD monitor which covers almost two-thirds of the back and makes it easier to use in the bright sunlight. Since the monitor is a full 1/2-inch larger than most, the menu text is bigger and more legible.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Kyocera FineCam S5R, which is basically the same as the older S5 model but with added high-speed, full-memory consecutive shooting at approximately 3 frames per second.

“The 5-Megapixel Kyocera Finecam S5R is well-equipped with features that will amaze the beginner and please the advanced user. The “R” in the S5R stands for Rapid and that’s just what it is when shooting in the Continuous mode. The stylish stainless steel body is about the same height and width as a credit card. It’s durability will allow it to survive most bumps and bruises. You will enjoy taking this camera everywhere as it fits easily in a pocket or purse and can be ready in a second to take great pictures.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Kyocera Finecam S5R Review

Imaging Resource have published a quick review of the 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4 digital camera, which is small enough to fit inside an empty Altoids tin. But is it a good camera? Read Imaging Resource’s review to find out.

“As you may have gathered from some of my comments, I was quite impressed with the Optio S4. I’ve become accustomed to seeing significant compromises in image quality and feature sets, in order to cram cameras into ever-smaller packages. To my great surprise although, first the Optio S and now the S4 seem to have avoided almost all such compromise, delivering very good color and image quality, along with a really surprising level of features and special functions.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax Optio S4 Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam seem to have got their hands on a Sony DSC-F828! They’ve published an article today which includes various product shots of the F-828. If anyone knows of a good Hungarian-English translator then let me know…

Website: Index Digicam - Sony DSC-F828 Article

The Norwegian website DigIT have reviewed the Casio QV-R40, a 4 megapixel digicam which has an amazing start-up time of one second and shutter-lag of 0.01 seconds. The Casio QV-R40 currently retails for around $300 / ?300.

Website: DigIT - Casio QV-R40 Review

It seems that the Nikon Coolpix 3700 announced a couple of days ago will only be sold through the high street retailer Dixons in the UK, according to DP-Now.com. This explains why Nikon UK have declined to issue a press release for the new digicam. I wonder what Jessops, the largest UK photographic retailer, thinks of that!

Steve’s Digicams have published their full review of “the world’s smallest and lightest 2-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom”, the Minolta DiMAGE X20.

“Another of the X20’s unique features is its lack of an optical viewfinder. The 1.6-inch color TFT LCD monitor serves as its viewfinder as well as its information display, menu access and review display. Thankfully Minolta has used a good color LCD with an anti- reflection coating so it’s easier to see when used outdoors. We were pleased with its brightness, contrast and color rendition in all but a few outdoor environments.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Minolta DiMAGE X20 Review

DCResource are the second website this week to review 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 Fuji FinePix S7000 is a camera with a lot of potential that was ultimately a let down in the image quality department. In what seems to be a trend lately on their cameras, Fuji is processing and compressing their images to death, causing higher than average noise and other digital junk. I can live with a little “grain” in images, but when it starts eating away at details, it’s too much.”

Website: DCresource - Fuji FinePix S7000 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix S7000

CNET have published their review of the tiny Canon PowerShot SD10 (also known as the Digital IXUS i in some countries). The SD10 has a street price of $349 in the USA and ?299 in the UK.

“It’s fitting that Canon’s latest Digital Elph, the 4-megapixel SD10, debuted during New York’s Fashion Week at the runway show of Patricia Field, costume designer of Sex and the City. Great-looking and available in several classy finishes, this Canon is just as fashionable and expensive as the Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo shoes that play such a large role in the life of Carrie Bradshaw, SATC’s lead character. The SD10 also takes some darn good pictures. But with a fixed 39mm focal length, this camera, like designer pumps, is more about style than utility. If you want it, shop smart and don’t pay retail.”

Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot SD10 Review

CNET have reviewed the 5-megapixel Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P10, which was first announced way back in February just before the PMA 2003 trade show.

“The diminutive, bullet-shaped DSC-P10 travels nicely in a purse or a jacket pocket. With its portability, its 3X zoom lens, and its easy-to-understand controls, the camera should appeal to a wide range of buyers who need 5-megapixel images from a pocket-friendly point-and-shoot. But the P10’s average image quality, sluggish low-light performance, and ho-hum feature set prompt us to suggest that you check out some of the alternatives before ponying up the bucks.”

Website: CNET - Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P10 Review

I haven’t received a press release from Nikon UK yet, but several websites are reporting the announcement of a new addition to the Coolpix range. 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.

LetsGoDigital has the best preview of the 3700:
Website: LetsGoDigital - Coolpix 3700 First Look

Other sites that have the news:

Website: DPReview

Website: Imaging Resource

I’ve now received the press release from Nikon:

Nikon(R) Announces The New, Compact 3.2-Megapixel Nikon Coolpix(R) 3700

Latest Addition to Coolpix Digital Line-Up Combines Style, Sophistication and Simplicity

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/—Nikon expanded its popular Coolpix line of digital cameras today with the announcement of the new Nikon Coolpix 3700, a sub-compact digital camera with an advanced feature set, small size and refined style.  The Nikon Coolpix 3700, with its precision 3x Optical-Zoom Nikkor lens and 3.2-megapixel resolution, delivers pristine images (2,048 x 1,536-pixel) and will appeal to digital photographers who value portability, image quality and style.

“The Nikon Coolpix 3700 is engineered to shoot in style,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras for Nikon Inc.  “Our designers have combined the trademark Coolpix ease-of-use features and traditional Nikon quality with a new sophistication and high-end feel that speaks exceptionally well to digital photographers looking for a unique experience with their camera.”

Steves Digicams 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. The electronic viewfinder has been upgraded from 103,000 pixels to a much-higher resolution 235,000 pixels and now uses the xD-Picture Card format instead of SmartMedia that the S602 Zoom used. The Fuji FinePix S7000 costs $799.99 and is available now.

“Replacing the S602 Zoom at the top of Fuji’s consumer digicam product line, the FinePix S7000 Zoom ups the ante in terms of resolution to 6.3 megapixels while retaining the high quality 6x optical zoom lens, high resolution electronic color viewfinder, high-speed shutter and VGA movie mode of its predecessor. While it can be used as a simple point-n-shoot in Auto or Scene mode, the S7000 will appeal most to experienced photographers who will benefit from its advanced exposure control and optics.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fuji FinePix S7000 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix S7000