Category: Digital Compact Cameras

Monday, September 29, 2003

Minolta DiMAGE Z1DCResource have today posted updated photo galleries for the futuristic-looking 3.2 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Z1 and the 6 megapixel Canon Digital Rebel (otherwise known as the EOS 300D).

Website: DCResource - Minolta DiMAGE Z1 Gallery

Website: DCResource - Canon Digital Rebel Gallery

DCResource have today posted updated photo galleries for the futuristic-looking 3.2 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Z1 and the 6 megapixel Canon Digital Rebel (otherwise known as the EOS 300D). Website: DCResource - Minolta DiMAGE Z1 Gallery Website: DCResource - Canon Digital Rebel Gallery

Canon Powershot G5The German website Photoworld.de has today reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon Powershot G5, which features a rotating LCD monitor and 4x optical lens.

“The image quality of the new G5 is very good. The colors are shown very naturally owing to a appropriate working white alignment. The dissolution is with 5 million pixels sufficiently for large sized photo departures or also cutout enlargements, besides is the sharpness of the objective very good and contributes thereby for their part to the excellent detail rendition.”

Website: Photoworld.de - Canon G5 Review

The German website Photoworld.de has today reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon Powershot G5, which features a rotating LCD monitor and 4x optical lens. “The image quality of the new G5 is very good. The colors are shown very naturally owing to a appropriate working white alignment. The dissolution is with…

Saturday, September 27, 2003

Minolta DiMAGE X20Imaging Resource have reviewed the DiMAGE X20, which Minolta claims “is the world?s smallest and lightest 2 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom.”

“I’ve been a fan of Minolta’s “X” line of subcompact cameras since the original version was first introduced. The DiMAGE X20, while sacrificing a few features to keep the cost down, offers a capable, subcompact digicam at a street price of close to $200. Its compact size, solid feature set, and novice-friendly menu interface make the DiMAGE X20 a great “take anywhere” camera.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Minolta DiMAGE X20 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the DiMAGE X20, which Minolta claims “is the world?s smallest and lightest 2 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom.” “I’ve been a fan of Minolta’s “X” line of subcompact cameras since the original version was first introduced. The DiMAGE X20, while sacrificing a few features…

Pentax Optio 450Imaging Resource have reviewed the 4-megapixel Pentax Optio 450. This digital camera has a variety of features including a high resolution 1.5 inch LCD monitor, a movie mode that captures up to ten minutes of video with sound, a voice memo recording mode, a vice memo function, panorama assist, full manual control and a 5X optical zoom (20X combined).

“I found the Optio 450 to be a bit of a mixed bag. It has some strong points (nice case design, and high-quality 5x zoom lens, excellent macro capability), and does a lot of things very well (very good color, lower than average image noise, excellent exposure and creative options), but falls down in other areas (a tendency to underexpose and somewhat sluggish shutter response).”

Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax Optio 450 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the 4-megapixel Pentax Optio 450. This digital camera has a variety of features including a high resolution 1.5 inch LCD monitor, a movie mode that captures up to ten minutes of video with sound, a voice memo recording mode, a vice memo function, panorama assist, full…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U50Imaging Resource have posted an early review of the new pocket-sized Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U50, which is aimed squarely at the hip ‘n’ trendy student market. Priced at about $250, the U50 digital camera will be available in early October.

“The U50 offers a few basic exposure options, including a manually adjustable white balance setting, and a 2.0-megapixel Super HAD CCD for good quality images. Though exposure remains under automatic control, the U50’s selection of preset scene modes ought to handle most average shooting situations quite well, and the camera’s tiny size means you won’t miss those candid shots. Its swiveling lens is an added plus, facilitating self-portraits and images shot at what might otherwise be difficult angles.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U50 Review

Imaging Resource have posted an early review of the new pocket-sized Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U50, which is aimed squarely at the hip ‘n’ trendy student market. Priced at about $250, the U50 digital camera will be available in early October. “The U50 offers a few basic exposure options, including a manually…

Friday, September 26, 2003

Pentax Optio33LF“Pentax Press Release 25/09/03”

GOLDEN, Colorado (September 25, 2003)?PENTAX digital technology brings new meaning to the term ?all around? in the new Optio33LF digital camera.  With an innovative LCD monitor that swivels 180 degrees horizontally and up to 270 degrees vertically, the Optio33LF features 3.2 effective megapixels and a 3X zoom lens.  This latest PENTAX digital camera gives you the freedom to frame subjects exactly as you prefer, especially from high and low angles.  In addition to the versatile monitor, the Optio33LF features an optical viewfinder.

The Optio33LF hosts a full range of features found on PENTAX digital cameras including a movie mode that records video, a variety of picture and shooting modes, 12 MB of internal memory, built-in auto flash, and a world time function that displays time in 62 cities worldwide.

Included with the Optio33LF is an ACDSee? software package that is designed exclusively for PENTAX digital cameras.  Valued at $150, the package includes ACDSee? 5.0, FotoSlate?, FotoCanvas? and Photostitcher.  ACDSee? digital camera software makes it easy to retrieve, view, manage, print, enhance and share your digital photos. 

The Optio33LF completes the newest line-up of PENTAX digital for the 2003 holiday buying season, which includes three more innovative digital cameras and the first PENTAX digital SLR.  Complete information on all the cameras is available at www.pentaxdigital.com.

“Pentax Press Release 25/09/03” GOLDEN, Colorado (September 25, 2003)?PENTAX digital technology brings new meaning to the term ?all around? in the new Optio33LF digital camera. With an innovative LCD monitor that swivels 180 degrees horizontally and up to 270 degrees vertically, the Optio33LF features 3.2 effective megapixels and a 3X…

Minolta DiMAGE A1The Slovenian digital photography website e-Fotografija have just published their review of the Minolta DiMAGE A1, which seems to have got a positive response from the photography world so far and is looking like a serious contender to the Sony DSC F-828.

Website: e-Fotografija - Minolta DiMAGE A1

The Slovenian digital photography website e-Fotografija have just published their review of the Minolta DiMAGE A1, which seems to have got a positive response from the photography world so far and is looking like a serious contender to the Sony DSC F-828. Website: e-Fotografija - Minolta DiMAGE A1

Kodak EasyShare CX6200e-fotografija have also reviewed the Kodak EasyShare CX6200, which is a 2 megapixel digital camera that costs around ?100 in the UK.

Website: e-fotografija - Kodak EasyShare CX6200 Review

e-fotografija have also reviewed the Kodak EasyShare CX6200, which is a 2 megapixel digital camera that costs around ?100 in the UK. Website: e-fotografija - Kodak EasyShare CX6200 Review

Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Minolta DiMAGE A1DPReview seem to have started a new feature, as today they have posted 27 sample images from the Minolta DiMAGE A1, ahead of the full review which will be posted within the next 3 weeks. On Monday DPReview posted sample images from the Pentax *ist D.  Here’s what DPReview Editor Phil Askey has to say about the image quality from the DiMAGE A1:

“I have to say that I was surprised at how well the DiMAGE A1 performed, it’s clearly a step ahead of the DiMAGE 7Hi in terms of image quality and is most certainly in the running to be labelled the best five megapixel prosumer digital camera. Resolution, sharpness, tonal balance (with good dynamic range) and color response are all improved. Add to this the A1’s unique image stabilzation which allows you to shoot at much slower shutter speeds and the A1 is a very impressive ‘all in one’ package.”

Website: DPReview - Minolta DiMAGE A1 Sample Images

DPReview seem to have started a new feature, as today they have posted 27 sample images from the Minolta DiMAGE A1, ahead of the full review which will be posted within the next 3 weeks. On Monday DPReview posted sample images from the Pentax *ist D. Here’s what DPReview Editor…

Olympus C-750 Ultra ZoomThe German digital photography website Digitalkamera.de has just reviewed the Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom digital camera, which offers a 4 megapixel CCD and a massive 10x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38 - 380mm on a traditional 35mm camera).

Website: Digitalkamera.de - Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom Review

The German digital photography website Digitalkamera.de has just reviewed the Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom digital camera, which offers a 4 megapixel CCD and a massive 10x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38 - 380mm on a traditional 35mm camera). Website: Digitalkamera.de - Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom Review

Tuesday, September 23, 2003

FinePix A210 ZoomDCResource 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.

“For those looking for a basic camera for good outdoor photos, the Fuji FinePix A210 is worth a look. If you want to delve into more manual features or desire higher performance, then I’d probably go with something else (the PowerShot A70 remains the best in this class, in my opinion).”

Website: DCResource - Fujifilm FinePix A210 Review

DCResource 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. “For those looking for a basic camera for good outdoor photos, the Fuji FinePix A210 is worth a look. If you want to delve into…

Monday, September 22, 2003

Casio Exilim EX-Z3DCViews have reviewed the EX-Z3 from Casio, a tiny digicam (87 x 57 x 23 millimeters) that has an RRP of $399.

“We fell in love with this camera from the moment we set eyes on it. After using it for a couple of days we had to admit that it didn’t disappoint at all. Of course image quality is not in the same league as a Canon G3, which attracts a completely different audience altogether, but for a camera aimed at serious amateur photographers and snap shooters this one must rank high on the list of likely candidates.”

Website: DCViews - Casio Exilim EX-Z3 Review

DCViews have reviewed the EX-Z3 from Casio, a tiny digicam (87 x 57 x 23 millimeters) that has an RRP of $399. “We fell in love with this camera from the moment we set eyes on it. After using it for a couple of days we had to admit that…

Sunday, September 21, 2003

Samsung U-CA3LetsGoDigital have published their First Impressions of the diminuitive Samsung U-CA3, which measures 102 x 52.8 x 31mm and weighs a mere 145g. The U-CA3 has a 3.2 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom and is priced from under ?280, available from the end of September 2003.

“A typical Korean gadget function is the so-called 3D AVATAR (character) Loading Screen. At the back of the LCD monitor appears a happy and colourful character like we have seen before on a cell phone. Beside that the built-in led features some 7 colours which makes it very suitable to put under the x-mas tree! The serious user of the camera can deactivate all these extra’s but these camera’s can be combined very well with a somewhat more active content.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Samsung U-CA3 First Impressions

LetsGoDigital have published their First Impressions of the diminuitive Samsung U-CA3, which measures 102 x 52.8 x 31mm and weighs a mere 145g. The U-CA3 has a 3.2 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom and is priced from under ?280, available from the end of September 2003. “A typical Korean…

Saturday, September 20, 2003

Minolta DiMAGE Z1Imaging Resource have posted a quick review of the very futuristic-looking 3.2 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Z1. This new digicam has a 10x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 38-380mm 35mm camera zoom, which in combination with the digital zoom offers a 40X zoom range.

“I was quite impressed though, with the way the Z1 combined a novice-friendly design with a surprising array of advanced features to satisfy more expert users. Both the price point and battery life are also impressive. Minolta also has a great track record for high-quality lenses on their digicams, so I’m expecting good things of the Z1’s optics. Final judgment will have to await my in-depth testing of a production model, but based on this First Look, the Z1 is definitely going to be a long-zoom digicam to watch.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Minolta DiMAGE Z1 Quick Review

Imaging Resource have posted a quick review of the very futuristic-looking 3.2 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Z1. This new digicam has a 10x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 38-380mm 35mm camera zoom, which in combination with the digital zoom offers a 40X zoom range. “I was quite impressed though, with…

Friday, September 19, 2003

Sony DSC-F828Sony Japan have just released the first ever sample images from the new DSC-F828 8-megapixel digital camera, due to ship sometime in November. There are 2 ISO 100 images for you to take a look at and evaluate, with full-sized originals available. Unfortunately for Sony, both shots look very noisy for ISO 100, especially when compared with a digital SLR like the Canon EOS 300D. It seems as though they may have crammed too many megapixels into too small a sensor…

Thanks to Ryan Carter for the tip-off :-)

Website: Sony Japan - DSC-F828 Sample Images Index Page

Website: Sony Japan - DSC-F828 Sample Image #1

Website: Sony Japan - DSC-F828 Sample Image #2

Sony Japan have just released the first ever sample images from the new DSC-F828 8-megapixel digital camera, due to ship sometime in November. There are 2 ISO 100 images for you to take a look at and evaluate, with full-sized originals available. Unfortunately for Sony, both shots look very noisy…

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

Canon PowerShot SD100Imaging Resource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD100 (also known as the Digital IXUS II). This is a 3.2-megapixel compact digicam with a 2x optical lens, equivalent to a 35-70mm zoom on a 35mm camera, and SD memory card format support.

“With the same sharp design and a slightly smaller size than preceding members of the ELPH line, the SD100 features the characteristic ELPH styling that has proved so popular among consumers. The compact size is perfect for quickly stashing in a pocket or purse without worrying about damaging the rugged, all-metal body. The retracting lens is a smart design that keeps the camera front completely flat when the camera is off, underscoring the camera’s pocket friendly design, while an automatic lens cover means you don’t have to worry about smudging the lens or losing a lens cap.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon PowerShot SD100 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD100 (also known as the Digital IXUS II). This is a 3.2-megapixel compact digicam with a 2x optical lens, equivalent to a 35-70mm zoom on a 35mm camera, and SD memory card format support. “With the same sharp design and a slightly smaller…

Fuji FinePix F700DPReview have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700, which has a 6.2-megapixel Super CCD SR. As a reminder, the F700 CCD 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. Or at least that’s what Fuji claims anyway…

“It seems a pity therefore that the first SuperCCD SR digital camera simply doesn’t produce images that visibly have any more dynamic range than other traditional CCD digital cameras. Certainly in technical side-by-side tests it is possible to detect a little extra dynamic range but it doesn’t extend as far as we had expected nor has it delivered smooth highlights or extended shadow detail. On the contrary Fujifilm appear to have chosen a particularly contrasty tone curve for the F700 which means that it clips shadows to black far earlier than we would like, in addition overexposed areas of the image tend to clip harshly with an almost immediate pixel level transition from detail to pure white.”

Website: DPReview - Fuji FinePix F700 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix F700

DPReview have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700, which has a 6.2-megapixel Super CCD SR. As a reminder, the F700 CCD 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…

Fuji FinePix S5000DPReview have today reviewed the Fuji FinePix S5000, which uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR and sports a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera.

“The S5000 is a photographers camera, it is design to look and feel like a compact SLR with its deep hand grip, wide lens barrel, large eyepiece and rubberized body coating it appeals to the professional photographer element in all of us. In addition the camera will certainly be smaller and lighter than you expect, with its weight primarily in the palm of your hand (the four AA batteries) the camera also has good balance.”

Website: DPReview - Fuji FinePix S5000 Review

DPReview have today reviewed the Fuji FinePix S5000, which uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR and sports a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera. “The S5000 is a photographers camera, it is design to look and feel like a compact…

Monday, September 15, 2003

Toshiba PDR-5300Toshiba have announded their most advanced digital camera to date. The PDR-5300 boasts a 5 megapixel CCD sensor, 3X optical zoom lens (equivalent to a 35mm to 105mm 35mm zoom lens) and a stainless-steel body.

”?The PDR-5300 accommodates different types of users and levels of skill, from the discerning photographer requiring total manual control over shooting functions to the weekend digicam enthusiast who wants a high-performing, easy-to-use camera to capture special moments,? said Doug Freck, Vice President/General Manager, Toshiba Imaging Systems.”

The PDR-5300 has an RRP of $399 and will ship later this month.

Website: Toshiba USA

Toshiba have announded their most advanced digital camera to date. The PDR-5300 boasts a 5 megapixel CCD sensor, 3X optical zoom lens (equivalent to a 35mm to 105mm 35mm zoom lens) and a stainless-steel body. ”?The PDR-5300 accommodates different types of users and levels of skill, from the discerning photographer…

Saturday, September 13, 2003

Kyocera Finecam SL300RKyocera Japan have announced the Finecam SL300R, which features a swivelling design very much like that of the Nikon Coolpix series of cameras. The SL300R has a 1/2.7” CCD with 3.17 Megapixels and will be available in no less than 8 different colours. The lens is a 3x optical zoom with a focal length that is equivalent to 38-115mm on a 35mm camera.

Kyocera Finecam SL300RThe Finecam SL300R will be available in Japan from the beginning of October. There is no news yet about price or availability in the rest of the world.

Website: Kyocera Japan - Finecam SL300R

Website: DPReview - Finecam SL300R

Website: LetsGoDigital - Finecam SL300R

Website: Imaging Resource - Finecam SL300R

Kyocera Japan have announced the Finecam SL300R, which features a swivelling design very much like that of the Nikon Coolpix series of cameras. The SL300R has a 1/2.7” CCD with 3.17 Megapixels and will be available in no less than 8 different colours. The lens is a 3x optical zoom…