Category: Digital Compact Cameras
Kodak have announced the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, featuring a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length) with a f/2.8 - f/3.7 maximum aperture.
“Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled its most advanced EasyShare digital camera to date, the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 zoom digital camera. With its unique combination of sophisticated features, exceptional performance, and ?399.99 suggested retail price, it establishes a new price-to-performance benchmark for ?advanced amateur? photography, giving more people the opportunity to shoot like a professional.
The 38-380mm focal length of the Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 10X zoom lens gives photographers superb framing flexibility. It enables users to get close to the action and fill the frame, or achieve more natural poses from subjects by shooting them from a distance. The long lens also provides the “flattened” perspective and narrow depth of field that portrait photographers crave, all in a compact, SLR-like body. With a f/2.8 maximum aperture at wide angle and a f/3.7 at 10X - and the ability to step down to f/8 - the camera is well-suited to perform in both low and bright light.”
The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of ?399.99.
Website: DP-Now - Kodak DX6490 Hands-on Look
Website: Kodak.com
Kodak have announced the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, featuring a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length) with a f/2.8 - f/3.7 maximum aperture. “Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled its most advanced EasyShare digital camera to date, the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 zoom digital camera. With its unique combination…
Ricoh yesterday announced 3 new additions to its range of digital cameras.
Ricoh Caplio G4
The new 3.24-megapixel Caplio G4 breaks new ground in digital camera speed. With a shutter response time of just 0.14 seconds, it actually exceeds the speed of a conventional 35mm camera. Indeed, the Caplio G4’s shutter response time is the world’s fastest in its class.
That’s not all. The Caplio G4 is blazing fast in its start-up time-a mere 1.9 seconds-and its flash recycling time. The camera’s speed pays off by allowing the photographer to capture the desired shot with a minimum of delay.
An advanced zoom lens helps bring the shot into reach. With a 3x optical zoom lens plus a 3.4x digital zoom, the Caplio G4 features an exceptional 10.2x zoom.
Website: Ricoh Caplio G4
Ricoh Caplio G4wide
Ricoh has taken digital photography to a new level with the new 3.24-megapixel Caplio G4wide. This technologically impressive camera boasts both a newly developed compact lens and exceptional speed.
The Caplio G4wide’s 3x zoom lens ranges from 28mm to 85mm (equivalent on a 35mm camera). A unique lens arrangement and use of highly refractive low-dispersion aspherical lenses allows it to perform on the level of conventional 35mm film cameras, a significant step in the evolution of the digital camera.
Speed is another area in which the Caplio G4wide distinguishes itself. With a shutter response time of just 0.14 seconds, it exceeds the speed of a conventional 35mm camera. Indeed, the Caplio G4wide’s shutter response time is the world’s fastest in its class.
Website: Ricoh Caplio G4wide
Ricoh Caplio 300G
Ricoh will launch the Caplio 300G digital camera into European market from October 2003. The new Caplio features a water and dust-resistant design, sturdy body, fast shutter response, long battery life, and more, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
The Caplio 300G is designed for durability and geared toward a wide range of outdoor applications. It affords users JIS protection grade 7-equivalent water resistance and JIS protection grade-6 dust resistance, which make it possible to take pictures in the rain or in sandy or dusty environments. It is even possible to wash the camera with water!
Website: DCViews - Ricoh G300
Ricoh yesterday announced 3 new additions to its range of digital cameras. Ricoh Caplio G4 The new 3.24-megapixel Caplio G4 breaks new ground in digital camera speed. With a shutter response time of just 0.14 seconds, it actually exceeds the speed of a conventional 35mm camera. Indeed, the Caplio G4’s…
ePhotoZine have reviewed one of Nikon’s top-of-the-range prosumer digital cameras, the 5 megapixel CoolPix 5400.
“The Coolpix 5400 is placed towards the high-end of the Nikon digital range. Photographers investing in camera like this will not only expect a versatile and powerful tool, but one that produces a very high standard of image quality too. Fortunately for Nikon few photographers will be very disappointed with the kind of images the Coolpix 5400 is capable of producing.”
ePhotoZine have reviewed one of Nikon’s top-of-the-range prosumer digital cameras, the 5 megapixel CoolPix 5400. “The Coolpix 5400 is placed towards the high-end of the Nikon digital range. Photographers investing in camera like this will not only expect a versatile and powerful tool, but one that produces a very high…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon Powershot G5, which features a rotating LCD monitor and 4x optical lens.
“Image Noise: This isn’t one of my standard “Test results” categories, but it’s worth mentioning. I was surprised by how little image noise crept up with increasing resolution, as we’ve gone from the original 3-megapixel G1 to the four-megapixel G2 and now to the 5-megapixel G5.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Canon G5 Review
Imaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon Powershot G5, which features a rotating LCD monitor and 4x optical lens. “Image Noise: This isn’t one of my standard “Test results” categories, but it’s worth mentioning. I was surprised by how little image noise crept up with increasing resolution, as we’ve…
ePhotoZine have reviewed one of Nikon’s newest entry level offerings, the 3 megapixel CoolPix 3100.
“The Nikon Coolpix 3100 we’re looking at here is a better specified version of the Coolpix 2100. These type of cameras are aimed at a growing market of people new to digital photography who want an easy to use camera which is reasonably priced and capable of high quality image capture. We looked to find out if the Coolpix 3100 can provide these people with what they want.”
ePhotoZine have reviewed one of Nikon’s newest entry level offerings, the 3 megapixel CoolPix 3100. “The Nikon Coolpix 3100 we’re looking at here is a better specified version of the Coolpix 2100. These type of cameras are aimed at a growing market of people new to digital photography who want…
In all of the hulabaloo surrounding yesterday’s Sony DSC-f828 announcement, I completely missed this second digital camera from Sony. The new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U50 is aimed squarely at the hip ‘n’ trendy student market:
“Just in time to capture quick photos of the kids leaving for school or for the students themselves as they gear up for a memorable academic year, Sony’s new pocket-size Cyber-shot? DSC-U50 digital camera is being introduced to make it easier to capture the memories in stylish fashion.
Available in three eye-catching colors (black, silver and metallic orange), the new digital camera features a 180-degree rotating lens that makes it easy to take self-portraits with friends. Its two-megapixel CCD lens and quick power-on capability ensure that both candid and framed shots can be captured and printed with confidence or shared via e-mail.”
Here is Sony’s breakdown of what the Cyber-shot DSC-U50 has to offer:
- Pre-Flash Metering: For capturing a subject with a scenic background under low-light conditions, the camera illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction insure great flash shots.
- MPEG Movie Mode (Video only): For those moments when a simple still picture doesn’t capture the entire mood, DSC-U50 camera captures up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution) that are perfect for emailing to family and friends.
- Bright LCD Monitor: For framing a picture accurately, the reflective LCD absorbs and reflects the ambient light through the LCD to improve brightness outdoors.
- Supplied Rechargeable NiMH Batteries: The unit come supplied with Sony’s Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina batteries with external charger.
- Print Directly to Printers: Via a USB connection, users can print their images directly any PictBridge? compatible printer.
Priced at about $250, the U50 digital camera that is designed for fun will be available online at SonyStyle.com and at retailers nationwide in early October.
Website: Sony Press Release
In all of the hulabaloo surrounding yesterday’s Sony DSC-f828 announcement, I completely missed this second digital camera from Sony. The new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U50 is aimed squarely at the hip ‘n’ trendy student market: “Just in time to capture quick photos of the kids leaving for school or for the…
The recent rumours have turned out to be true, as Sony have today announced their new flagship digital camera, the Sony DSC-F828.
Website: Sony DSC-F828 Press Release
“Expert photographers know that image quality goes beyond pixel resolution, and with today’s new product announcement from Sony Electronics, they will soon find a digital camera that measures up to their discerning eye by exceeding the capabilities of current technology.
The latest model (DSC-F828) in Sony’s popular line of Cyber-shot? F-series enthusiast cameras represents the next level of digital still photography, which these enthusiasts will surely appreciate. With its lens-centric design, the new camera is encased in a black, magnesium alloy body, and is the first to incorporate Sony’s recently announced four-color filter CCD technology and Real Imaging Processor?.”
Here is Sony’s breakdown of what the F828 has to offer:
- Resolution: Sony’s 8.0-megapixel CCD image sensor provides the Cyber-shot DSC F828 camera with a maximum image size of 3360 x 2460, equating into 11 x 17-inch prints at 200 dpi or 8.5 x 11-inch prints at 300 dpi.
- Optics: The new camera features a Carl Zeiss? Vario-Sonnar? T* 7X zoom lens (28 - 280mm, 35mm equivalent) with manual zoom for greater framing control, to fully extract the performance of the 8.0-megapixel CCD sensor.
- Five-Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: The camera evaluates five separate areas of the frame and intelligently focuses on the subject, displaying the selected focus point, or the user can choose any of the five points for manual control.
- NightShot? Infrared System: Enables the camera to capture infrared images in total darkness at a distance of up to 15 feet.
- NightFraming System: To capture crisp images in low or no light, this feature illuminates the subject with the NightShot system for proper framing, focuses with Hologram AF? illuminator and lights the scene with the appropriate amount of flash.
- Image File Formats: In addition to JPEG and TIFF formats, the camera supports Sony’s RAW format, which allows the photographer to change the parameters of an image (e.g., white balance and color depth). Software will be included for converting RAW files.
- Video Recording: MPEG-VX Fine mode records video at 640 x 480 pixel resolution at 30 frames per second, up to the capacity of the storage device, for TV-quality video.
- Bundled Accessories: The camera comes with an InfoLithium? M battery, AC adapter/in-camera charger, A/V output cable, USB cable, lens hood, shoulder strap and lens cap.
In addition to all that, the F828 has a Type I/II compact flash slot (MicroDrive compatible), as well as Memory Stick Pro, which in itself is a radical departure for Sony, whose digital cameras have always used the proprietary memory stick format.
The Cyber-shot DSC-F828 camera will be available in mid-November with a suggested price of about ?900 / $1,200 / ?1299. The DSC-F717 model will continue to be available at about $800.
As usual there are already a large number of first looks, previews, hands-on tests and news articles. Here’s a summary of the best ones:
Website: A Digital Eye
Website: DP-Now
Website: DPReview
Website: Imaging Resource
Website: LetsGoDigital
Website: Steves Digicams
The recent rumours have turned out to be true, as Sony have today announced their new flagship digital camera, the Sony DSC-F828. Website: Sony DSC-F828 Press Release “Expert photographers know that image quality goes beyond pixel resolution, and with today’s new product announcement from Sony Electronics, they will soon find…
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 4.1 megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX6440, which has a 4X Schneider 33 - 132mm zoom lens and retails for around $400.
“With a four megapixel imager, a super-sharp Schneider Kreuznach Variogon 4X optical zoom lens, and lots of manual control, Kodak have positioned the EasyShare DX6440 at the high- end of their consumer digital camera product line. In addition to the advanced features desired by experienced amateur photographers, it includes automatic and scene modes which allow novices to achieve the same excellent results. “
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 4.1 megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX6440, which has a 4X Schneider 33 - 132mm zoom lens and retails for around $400. “With a four megapixel imager, a super-sharp Schneider Kreuznach Variogon 4X optical zoom lens, and lots of manual control, Kodak have positioned the EasyShare DX644…
A few days ago I posted this story about the Sony DSC F-828, complete with a photograph of the new camera. That seems to have been a bit of a hoax, however, as this new posting over at DPReview shows. Someone has posted an excerpt from the August edition of the French magazine “R?ponses photos”. It looks like the F-828 will have the world’s first 8 megapixel CCD in a compact digital camera, together with Sony’s new sensor featuring the extra emerald colour sensor, and an impressive 28-200mm f/2-2.8 lens.
Of course, it goes without saying that this could all be an elaborate hoax as well…
Website: DPReview- Sony Forums
A few days ago I posted this story about the Sony DSC F-828, complete with a photograph of the new camera. That seems to have been a bit of a hoax, however, as this new posting over at DPReview shows. Someone has posted an excerpt from the August edition of…
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel, fixed lens Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P32, which currently retails for around $230.
“The Cyber-shot P32 is a compact 3.2-megapixel digicam that delivers good images. It’s the little brother of the DSC-P72 and DSC-P52. The DSC-P32 has no optical zoom. The DSC-P52 features a 2x optical zoom lens and the DSC-P72 has a 3x zoom and a Smart Zoom. The Smart Zoom is a new feature for these cameras and is usable at 2.0M resolution or less. I was surprised to find that this feature worked exceptionally well. The pictures created with Smart Zoom did not exhibit the usual “enlarged-jaggies” that we see from all the other digital zoom cameras out there.”
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel, fixed lens Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P32, which currently retails for around $230. “The Cyber-shot P32 is a compact 3.2-megapixel digicam that delivers good images. It’s the little brother of the DSC-P72 and DSC-P52. The DSC-P32 has no optical zoom. The DSC-P52 features a 2x…
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A60, which currently sells for around $200.
“The bottom line, this is an excellent camera for those who just want to take good pictures without much fuss—but it’s also for those that want more than just a fully automatic point-n-shoot.”
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A60, which currently sells for around $200. “The bottom line, this is an excellent camera for those who just want to take good pictures without much fuss—but it’s also for those that want more than just a fully automatic point-n-shoot.” Website…
DPReview have reviewed another entry-level digital camera, this time Phil takes his usual in-depth look at the 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A70.
“The A70 is such an easy to use camera you can drop it into the hand of a pure beginner and they will be off taking excellent images. Later they will want to begin to experiment, the A70 provides control of ISO sensitivity, exposure (aperture priority, shutter priority or manual) as well as manual focus. These are all things we don’t normally expect to see on an entry level digital camera.”
DPReview have reviewed another entry-level digital camera, this time Phil takes his usual in-depth look at the 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A70. “The A70 is such an easy to use camera you can drop it into the hand of a pure beginner and they will be off taking excellent images…
DPReview have reviewed one of Nikon’s newest entry level offerings, the 3 megapixel CoolPix 3100.
“The Coolpix 3100 is clearly aimed at the first time buyer who wants a carry everywhere camera but is on a limited budget. And for that the Coolpix 3100 certainly fits, its small compact design is both easy to carry and comfortable (something not easy to pull off). Control layout, menus and usage are very straightforward, the scene modes make it easy to ensure the camera is setup for particular situations and the framing assist feature is an interesting and unique addition.”
Website: DPReview - Nikon Coolpix 3100 Review
DPReview have reviewed one of Nikon’s newest entry level offerings, the 3 megapixel CoolPix 3100. “The Coolpix 3100 is clearly aimed at the first time buyer who wants a carry everywhere camera but is on a limited budget. And for that the Coolpix 3100 certainly fits, its small compact design…
DCResource have reviewed the 4 megapixel Samsung Digimax V4, which has the unique ability to use 9 different types of battery sources.
“The Digimax V4 is a compact plastic camera that looks much like Sony’s Compact P-series cameras (e.g. DSC-P8). So much so, that I had to check to see if it had a Memory Stick slot (it doesn’t). The build quality is decent, but it’s not as sturdy as the all-metal cameras that are so popular these days.”
DCResource have reviewed the 4 megapixel Samsung Digimax V4, which has the unique ability to use 9 different types of battery sources. “The Digimax V4 is a compact plastic camera that looks much like Sony’s Compact P-series cameras (e.g. DSC-P8). So much so, that I had to check to see…
ePhotoZine have reviewed the 5 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-P92 compact digital camera, which has an RRP of $599, but can be found for as low as $399.
“Cameras like this DSC-P92 are now quite common and affordable, yet offer a good level of image quality that would have been unthinkable several years ago. Sony have pushed their technology further with each generation of products released and the DSC-P92 features not only several Noise Reduction features such as Clear Colour NR and Clear Luminance NR, but also a high quality video mode and of course the high resolution five megapixel CCD.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Sony DSC-P92 Review
ePhotoZine have reviewed the 5 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-P92 compact digital camera, which has an RRP of $599, but can be found for as low as $399. “Cameras like this DSC-P92 are now quite common and affordable, yet offer a good level of image quality that would have been unthinkable…
Rob Galbraith has taken an in-depth look at the Nikon D2H; this is the most thorough preview so far on the Web.
“As the first digital SLR to incorporate key camera technology not derived from a film camera, the D2H signals that digital SLR photography has evolved beyond being a derivative of its analog cousins. Case in point: If you want Nikon’s best-appointed AF system, it’s in the D2H. If you want Nikon’s most full-featured wireless TTL flash system, the D2H is the camera that has it.
This represents a sea change in SLR development that has us looking at the D2H as a top-flight pro camera that just happens to be digital. To quote Austin Powers: “It’s a very groovy time.”
Website: Rob Galbraith - Nikon D2H Preview
Rob Galbraith has taken an in-depth look at the Nikon D2H; this is the most thorough preview so far on the Web. “As the first digital SLR to incorporate key camera technology not derived from a film camera, the D2H signals that digital SLR photography has evolved beyond being a…
HP announced so many new products yesterday, over 100 in total, that I don’t quite know where to start! The product launch, dubbed “Big Bang 2”, is part of HP’s “strategy to radically simplify technology to help people “enjoy more”...HP unveiled more than 100 consumer products designed to easily bring digital photos, music and video to life in new and enriching ways.
Website: HP Press Release
Of particular interest to photographers were the new digital cameras and printers; I’ll start my roundup by looking at the cameras.
The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera features HP’s exclusive Adaptive Lighting Technology that permits the camera to reproduce on paper what you see with your eyes, balancing the contrast between darkness and light. The camera captures detailed photos and achieves outstanding enlargements with 5.3-megapixel total resolution and 56x total zoom (8x optical zoom). The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera is expected to begin shipping in September 2003 with an estimated U.S. retail price of $549.
Bob Atkins of Photo.net has already published his first impressions of the HP Photosmart 945.
“For the average consumer this camera provides a lot of features and a good price/performance ratio. The zoom range is greater than most other digicams on the market and the price is lower than any of its 5MP competitors with similar lenses. 5MP represents current “state of the art” in digital cameras of this type and is probably close to the limit of just how many pixels you can usefully cram into a 1/1.8” sensor.”
Website: DPReview - HP Photosmart 945
The HP Photosmart 635 is an entry-level 2 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom. The HP Photosmart 635 digital camera is now available with an estimated U.S. retail price of $179.
“Capture sharp, clear digital photos and videos with the compact, 2.1-megapixel resolution, 12x total zoom HP Photosmart 635 digital camera with HP Instant Share? technology. The HP Photosmart 635 digital camera captures sound and motion, features a 1.6 inch LCD screen, automatic and manual controls and can easily connect to a computer or TV with the optional HP Photosmart 8886 camera dock.”
The HP Photosmart 435 is an entry-level 3 megapixel digital camera with a fixed lens. The HP Photosmart 435 digital camera is expected to begin shipping in September 2003 with an estimated U.S. retail price of $149.
“Experience great performance and ease of use with the compact, 3.1-megapixel resolution, 5x digital zoom HP Photosmart 435 digital camera with HP Instant Share? technology. The HP Photosmart 435 digital camera captures sound and motion, features automatic and manual controls and easily connects to a computer or TV with the optional HP Photosmart 8886 camera dock.”
Website: DPReview - HP Photosmart 635 / 435
HP announced so many new products yesterday, over 100 in total, that I don’t quite know where to start! The product launch, dubbed “Big Bang 2”, is part of HP’s “strategy to radically simplify technology to help people “enjoy more”...HP unveiled more than 100 consumer products designed to easily bring…
DPReview have the scoop on 2 more new digital cameras officially announced by Panasonic yesterday. The DMC-LC43 and Lumix DMC-LC33 both share the same Leica 3x optical zoom lens and tiny 1/2.5” CCD sensor, which according to Phil Askey is “the smallest four megapixel CCD so far used in a digital camera”. Steve’s Digicams reviewed the Lumix DMC-LC33 back in July.
DPReview have the scoop on 2 more new digital cameras officially announced by Panasonic yesterday. The DMC-LC43 and Lumix DMC-LC33 both share the same Leica 3x optical zoom lens and tiny 1/2.5” CCD sensor, which according to Phil Askey is “the smallest four megapixel CCD so far used in a…
Panasonic have announced an update to the Lumix DMC-FZ1. The imaginatively titled Lumix DMC-FZ2 doesn’t add too much to the overall specification. It still has a 2 megapixel sensor and 12x optical zoom, but improves on its predecessor by including aperture and shutter prioirity, white balance fine tuning and color saturation control.
Website: Panasonic Japan - Lumix DMC-FZ2
Website: Panasonic Japan - Lumix DMC-FZ2 Press Release
Website: DPReview - Lumix DMC-FZ2
Panasonic have announced an update to the Lumix DMC-FZ1. The imaginatively titled Lumix DMC-FZ2 doesn’t add too much to the overall specification. It still has a 2 megapixel sensor and 12x optical zoom, but improves on its predecessor by including aperture and shutter prioirity, white balance fine tuning and color…
It seems that Sony are set to release an updated version of the DSC-F717. Someone has posted a photograph of the new Sony DSC-F828, claiming that it will be announced on the 16th August. As usual with Internet rumours, we’ll have to wait and see, but the photograph doesn’t look as though it was created in Photoshop to me…
Website: DP-Now Forums
It seems that Sony are set to release an updated version of the DSC-F717. Someone has posted a photograph of the new Sony DSC-F828, claiming that it will be announced on the 16th August. As usual with Internet rumours, we’ll have to wait and see, but the photograph doesn’t look…