Category: Digital Compact Cameras
Imaging Resource have today posted some side by side examples of shots taken with the Fuji FinePix S5000 and FinePix F700. The F700 uses Fuji’s new “SR” technology SuperCCD sensor, which pairs high and low-sensitivity photodetectors in each pixel. According to Fuji, the F700 will allow you to “capture pictures as real as life, approaching that of film for the first time…ensuring a dynamic range that is four times that of previous Super CCDs”. Imaging Resource is the first website that I know of to put this bold claim to the test, and their preliminary results certainly seem to back it up:
“As it happened, I had both a Fuji S5000 and the F700 in-house at the same time, so I shot the same subject with the two cameras just a few minutes apart. The results are impressive, nicely validating the rationale behind Fuji’s SR technology. While the S5000 quickly lost all detail in the highlights (as do most, if not all, digicams on this shot), the F700 retained a surprising amount of detail in Marti’s shirt. What I hadn’t expected, but that should have been perfectly obvious, is that the F700 had much more exposure latitude than the S5000 or other digicams I’ve shot this with. The extended tonal range means that I could get acceptable-looking images over a much broader range of exposures than is normally the case.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Fuji’s SR sensor technology - side by side results
Imaging Resource have today posted some side by side examples of shots taken with the Fuji FinePix S5000 and FinePix F700. The F700 uses Fuji’s new “SR” technology SuperCCD sensor, which pairs high and low-sensitivity photodetectors in each pixel. According to Fuji, the F700 will allow you to “capture pictures…
Steve’s Digicams have take a First Look at “the world’s smallest and lightest 2-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom”, the Minolta DiMAGE X20.
“Minolta’s legendary expertise in optical lens design has led to the creation of a unique compact folded 3x optical zoom lens with a depth of only 0.8 inches. By using a high quality prism that folds the optical path, the entire lens is positioned vertically within the body.”
Steve’s Digicams have take a First Look at “the world’s smallest and lightest 2-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom”, the Minolta DiMAGE X20. “Minolta’s legendary expertise in optical lens design has led to the creation of a unique compact folded 3x optical zoom lens with a depth of…
Kyocera have announced an updated version of their FineCam S5 digital camera. The FineCam S5R is basically the same as the S5 but it “provides high-speed, full-memory consecutive shooting at approximately 3 frames per second, and features high image quality thanks to the new image processor, RTUNE.”
“High-Speed, High-Quality Photography Thanks to the New Image Processor, RTUNE
The world’s fastest full-memory consecutive shooting*1
The Finecam S5R provides the combined features of full-memory successive shooting at approximately 3 frames/second and the high pixel value of 5 million effective pixels. Furthermore, the liquid crystal monitor follows to display images in real time during consecutive shooting, so you can take photographs naturally.
*1) Compared to other compact digital cameras as of July 1, 2003
* Full-memory consecutive shooting means shooting successively until the full capacity of the memory card is used. It is available when using an SD memory card with a recording speed of at least 10MB per second for high-speed recording.”
Website: DCViews
Website: DPReview
Kyocera have announced an updated version of their FineCam S5 digital camera. The FineCam S5R is basically the same as the S5 but it “provides high-speed, full-memory consecutive shooting at approximately 3 frames per second, and features high image quality thanks to the new image processor, RTUNE.” “High-Speed, High-Quality Photography…
Imaging Resource have posted their First Look at the 5 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE A1, which was announced on Thursday.
“With its panoply of features and flexible control, the new DiMAGE A1 demands serious consideration from anyone shopping at the high end of the “prosumer” digicam market.”
Imaging Resource have posted their First Look at the 5 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE A1, which was announced on Thursday. “With its panoply of features and flexible control, the new DiMAGE A1 demands serious consideration from anyone shopping at the high end of the “prosumer” digicam market.” Website: Imaging Resource -…
DCResource have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Kyocera Finecam L3v, whose main defining feature is its large 2.5” LCD display.
“Image quality on the L3v is good, but not great. Color and exposure were both good, in most cases. My two biggest complaints are that images have a soft look to them, and that many edges are jagged, rather than smooth. Cranking up the in-camera sharpening would fix the first problem, but it may worsen the second one. Purple fringing did make an appearance, but it wasn’t a major problem. Overall I’d rate the L3v’s photos as average for the price.”
DCResource have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Kyocera Finecam L3v, whose main defining feature is its large 2.5” LCD display. “Image quality on the L3v is good, but not great. Color and exposure were both good, in most cases. My two biggest complaints are that images have a soft look to…
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit.
The first new camera is the 5 megapixel DiMAGE A1, which improves upon the DiMAGE 7 series of digital cameras.
“Minolta introduces its next generation SLR-type digital camera, the DiMAGE A1. Abstracting the best features from the DiMAGE 7 series, the DiMAGE A1 was re-designed for today’s digital photographer. With a 5 megapixel display and a 7X optical zoom, equivalent to a 28 - 200mm 35mm zoom lens, the DiMAGE offers quality and versatility in a compact, convenient package. Offering CxProcess II, the latest image-processing technology, this camera providing the tools to fully capture the power of digital imaging. “
The new Anti-shake function minimizes the effect of camera shake, a slight blurring of the image when the camera is handheld, to provide the sharpest image possible. The Anti-shake system is valuable when shooting at long focal lengths or in low-light conditions without a tripod. This allows the camera to be handheld with exposures approximately eight times longer than usual. When using the camera at the telephoto setting, approximately 90% of the images recorded will be sharp with a shutter speed of 1/25s.
To quote Phil Askey of DPReview “The DiMAGE A1 is (as far as I know) the only digital camera to implement image stabilization (Minolta call it ‘Anti-Shake’) by mounting the CCD sensor on a movable platform controlled by two actuators (x and y axis). The system works by analyzing input from motion detectors in the camera body and producing an inverse movement in the CCD. The system can be disabled (easily by pressing a very prominent button on the rear of the camera) and can also detect a panning movement and only compensate for movement on the opposite axis.”
The DiMAGE A1 has the world’s fastest AF speed among 5-megapixel SLR-type digital cameras with a non-interchangeable 5x or greater optical zoom. With continuous AF, the DiMAGE A1 uses the new 3-D Predictive Focus Control to track the subject from the time when the shutter-release button is pressed until the exposure is made, all while ensuring optimal focus. This new predictive focus control continually follows the subject through 3D space to not only provide the sharpest images possible, but to also reduce focusing time to catch the perfect moment.
The DiMAGE A1 has an incredible top shutter speed of 1/16,000 of a second. This is not only an advantage in sport photography, but also gives greater control over depth of field in brightly lit environs by allowing the entire aperture range to be used. In low-light conditions, shutter speeds up to 30 seconds can be selected as well as thirty-second bulb exposures.
The 5.3 megapixel resolution of the CCD will produce 32.5 X 43.3 cm 150dpi prints or 16.3 X 21.7 cm photo-quality prints, thereby printing sizes larger than both A3 and A5, respectively.
The redesigned Digital Hyper Viewfinder gives the camera the same feel as an SLR. It can be tilted between 0? and 90? for comfortable shooting at low angles or in confined spaces. The viewfinder has a new precision 235,000-pixel TFT monitor, and as the viewfinder LCD is shielded, it makes the perfect tool when working under bright light.
The DiMAGE A1’s real-time histogram shows the luminance distribution of the image before it is captured. Displayed with the live image, the histogram allows the subject brightness and contrast to be evaluated to optimize the camera’s exposure and contrast controls. The luminance distribution of recorded images can be checked with a playback histogram.
Price and availability are still to be announced.
Website: Minolta Press Release
Website: DPReview - DiMAGE A1 Preview
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit. The first new camera is the 5 megapixel DiMAGE A1, which improves upon the DiMAGE 7 series of digital cameras. “Minolta introduces its next generation SLR-type digital camera, the DiMAGE A1. Abstracting the best features from the…
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit.
The second new camera is the futuristic-looking 3 megapixel DiMAGE Z1.
“The DiMAGE Z1 is the first in an innovative series of Minolta’s new user-friendly, powerful SLR-type digital cameras. Its 10X Mega zoom, equivalent to 38-380mm 35mm camera zoom, in combination with the digital zoom, offers a 40X zoom range. The DiMAGE Z1 comes complete with a 3.2 megapixel display and weighs in at only 305g. With Minolta’s new drive mode, Rapid AF, and minimal shutter release lag time, this compact, stylish digital camera has all the necessary imaging tools to capture high-quality digital images.”
The 10X Mega-zoom is a fast f2.8 - f3.5 lens allowing fast shutter speeds for sport or natural-light photography. The ten-element, seven-group design employs two aspheric lenses to minimise aberrations and produce sharp images.
The Z1 has a 0.3 second focusing time at a focal length of 5.8mm and 0.4 seconds at 59mm, giving the DiMAGE Z1 the world’s fastest AF among digital cameras with a built-in 10X or greater optical zoom.
The Z1 has a new drive mode called Progressive Capture. Six frames are saved when using standard continuous advance, and 10 frames when using Ultra High Speed (UHS) continuous advance. Standard continuous advance records at approximately 1.5 fps at any image size or quality setting. UHS continuous advance records 1.2 megapixel images at 10 fps.
The DiMAGE Z1 is not limited to capturing static images - high-quality VGA (640 X 480) movies can be recorded at 30fps.
Price and availability are still to be announced.
Website: Minolta Press Release
Website: DPReview - DiMAGE Z1 News
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit. The second new camera is the futuristic-looking 3 megapixel DiMAGE Z1. “The DiMAGE Z1 is the first in an innovative series of Minolta’s new user-friendly, powerful SLR-type digital cameras. Its 10X Mega zoom, equivalent to 38-380mm 35mm…
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit.
The third new camera is the 3 megapixel DiMAGE E323.
“The new DiMAGE E323 is Minolta’s latest 3.3 megapixel compact digital camera. Complete with extensive zoom capabilities, combining its 3X optical zoom with its digital zoom provides a 12X zoom range. Ideal for the casual photographer, it produces high-quality images and offers value-added features in a convenient and attractive package.”
Equipped with a 3X optical zoom, the DiMAGE E323 has a focal range of 5.6mm to 16.8mm, which is equivalent to a 36 - 108mm zoom on a 35mm camera. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 - 4.9 allows the camera to be used in less than ideal lighting conditions without the need of the flash. For those occasions requiring larger prints, the camera automatically resizes the captured data to create a 6-megapixel image. This allows the production of A3-size 150dpi prints or A4-size 300dpi prints.
Price and availability are still to be announced.
Website: Minolta Press Release
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit. The third new camera is the 3 megapixel DiMAGE E323. “The new DiMAGE E323 is Minolta’s latest 3.3 megapixel compact digital camera. Complete with extensive zoom capabilities, combining its 3X optical zoom with its digital zoom provides…
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit.
The fourth new camera is the 5 megapixel DiMAGE G500.
“The new DiMAGE G500 is a responsive, easy-to-use digital camera that provides high-quality 5 megapixel images. In spite of the small size of this stylish compact camera, the DiMAGE G500 packs powerful imaging controls for beautiful pictures and a dual memory-card slot for flexible storage solutions.”
Price and availability are still to be announced.
Minolta Europe don’t mention this on their website, but DPReview have picked up the news, so I’ll direct you to their website for the full details about the DiMAGE G500.
Website: DPReview - Minolta DiMAGE G500
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit. The fourth new camera is the 5 megapixel DiMAGE G500. “The new DiMAGE G500 is a responsive, easy-to-use digital camera that provides high-quality 5 megapixel images. In spite of the small size of this stylish compact camera…
Photo.net have published a review of the recently released Canon G5 by one of their readers, Jeff Spirer.
“It?s important to frame this review in the context of what and how I shoot. I don’t test cameras. Generally, I?m a street shooter, including people shots and my own twisted view of the world as we have built it. I don?t shoot nature (although I shot a tree for this review), sunsets, seascapes, or pets, but I do shoot portraits and I make some money doing music events and occasional photojournalism.”
Website: Photo.net - Canon G5 Review
Photo.net have published a review of the recently released Canon G5 by one of their readers, Jeff Spirer. “It?s important to frame this review in the context of what and how I shoot. I don’t test cameras. Generally, I?m a street shooter, including people shots and my own twisted view…
On the back of the latest issue of Amateur Photographer magazine (9th August 2003) is a full-page advert for the Fuji FinePix F700 zoom digital camera. Nothing unusual in that, you might say, except that the launch of the F700 has been delayed several times since it was first announced in February, just before PMA 2003. It seems that the F700 will finally hit the shops in the next month or so, although there’s still no official word of a launch date or price.
Interestingly Fuji have also just added the F700 Brochure and the Owners Manual to their website as downloads.
Here’s a reminder of why the Fuji F700 could prove to be a significant development in digital photography:
“The first digital camera to incorporate Fujifilm’s innovative Fourth Generation Super CCD SR technology. Set to be a hot topic amongst enthusiasts, this new sensor technology enables the user to capture highlight and shadow detail missed by conventional digital cameras, resulting in images of stunning quality. Fujifilm has dubbed this advance ‘High Fidelity Photography?’, a reference to the sensor’s extraordinarily faithful rendition of detail.”
Website: http://www.highfidelityphotography.co.uk
Website: Fuji F700 Zoom webpage
On the back of the latest issue of Amateur Photographer magazine (9th August 2003) is a full-page advert for the Fuji FinePix F700 zoom digital camera. Nothing unusual in that, you might say, except that the launch of the F700 has been delayed several times since it was first announced…
Photoxels have also just reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot S50, an updated version of the 4 megapixel S45.
“Overall, I enjoyed using the S50. Even after two weeks of use, there are still features of this camera I haven’t tried yet. The Canon PowerShot S50 is a digital camera a beginner amateur photographer will enjoy growing into. For serious amateur photographers, the Canon PowerShot S50 provides all the exposure control they need for quality creative photography.”
Photoxels have also just reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot S50, an updated version of the 4 megapixel S45. “Overall, I enjoyed using the S50. Even after two weeks of use, there are still features of this camera I haven’t tried yet. The Canon PowerShot S50 is a digital camera…
DPReview have today published their review of the HP Photosmart 935, a 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens.
“Image quality is certainly an improvement over previous HP models, with each iteration of cameras HP address issues raised and improves, the 935 has actually only a couple of image processing related issues (moir? color artifacts for one) which I’m sure we’ll see solved in the next camera.”
Website: DPReview - HP Photosmart 935
DPReview have today published their review of the HP Photosmart 935, a 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens. “Image quality is certainly an improvement over previous HP models, with each iteration of cameras HP address issues raised and improves, the 935 has actually only a couple of…
DPReview have today published their review of the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot S50, an updated version of the 4 megapixel S45.
“While it’s true that the S50 carries all of the excellent features, control and image processing from the S45 it can’t be said that the lens is as good a match for the sensor as it was with the four megapixel unit. This is clearly visible in the strong chromatic aberrations which can occur (this is the same thing we experienced with the G5).”
DPReview have today published their review of the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot S50, an updated version of the 4 megapixel S45. “While it’s true that the S50 carries all of the excellent features, control and image processing from the S45 it can’t be said that the lens is as good…
Olympus have announced to a new addition to their range of stylish digital compact cameras.
“The C-450ZOOM is ideal for capturing spontaneous moments at parties or on holiday in fantastic quality. To let you snap away without worrying about the settings, it is packed with an array of precision metering functions plus a selection of scene programs, including landscape and night scene. Thanks to the four megapixel resolution and image optimisation functions the results impress with their clarity, even when printed in large format. Ideal for newcomers looking for a first-class start in digital photography, this 3x compact zoom is topped by an attractive price.”
The main features of the CAMEDIA C-450ZOOM are:
- 4.0 million pixels for image processing
- 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 35-105 mm) and 4x digital zoom
- Large LCD monitor (1.8 inch)
- Full auto program and four scene programs for easy shooting
- Multi-language menu
- QuickTime motion JPEG for movie recording
- Multiple functions such as image rotation, B/W, sepia, panorama and 2-in-1
- Saves images on the ultra-compact xD-Picture Card
- USB AutoConnect for fast data transfer and video out
Website: Olympus Press Release
Website: DCViews
Olympus have announced to a new addition to their range of stylish digital compact cameras. “The C-450ZOOM is ideal for capturing spontaneous moments at parties or on holiday in fantastic quality. To let you snap away without worrying about the settings, it is packed with an array of precision metering…
Although no official announcement has been made by Kodak, the new 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX4530 is set to hit stores in September. The new digicam is already listed on Amazon.com and has been spotted in Dixons stores in the UK, retailing for ?399.
Website: DCResource - Kodak EasyShare DX4530
Although no official announcement has been made by Kodak, the new 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX4530 is set to hit stores in September. The new digicam is already listed on Amazon.com and has been spotted in Dixons stores in the UK, retailing for ?399. Website: DCResource - Kodak EasyShare DX4530
According to a thread by Graeme Knox on the DP-Now.com forums, a new upgraded version of the popular Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi digicam has been seen in New Zealand. It will be called the Minolta DiMAGE A1 and will have the following specification:
SLR type 5 Megapixel Digital Camera
7 x Optical (28 - 200mm) zoom
Super-fast AF system
Flash sync terminal
Image Stabilizer
Pivoting Screen
Uses Proprietary Battries
DP-Now have also posted an article about the new DiMAGE A1:
Website: DP-Now
The DiMAGE A1 will apparently cost NZ$2499.00 (which converts to ?908.50 / $1,463.62 / 1,295.48 EUR) and be available in October.
According to a thread by Graeme Knox on the DP-Now.com forums, a new upgraded version of the popular Minolta DiMAGE 7Hi digicam has been seen in New Zealand. It will be called the Minolta DiMAGE A1 and will have the following specification: SLR type 5 Megapixel Digital Camera 7 x…
Digital Camera Resource have posted their final review of a production version of the Nikon Coolpix 5400.
“The Nikon Coolpix 5400 is a vast improvement over the 5000, placing it among the best of the full-featured 5 Megapixel cameras. Photo quality is excellent, with low noise, purple fringing, and redeye. Exposures were also much better than on the CP5000.”
Digital Camera Resource have posted their final review of a production version of the Nikon Coolpix 5400. “The Nikon Coolpix 5400 is a vast improvement over the 5000, placing it among the best of the full-featured 5 Megapixel cameras. Photo quality is excellent, with low noise, purple fringing, and redeye…
The next review from Imaging Resource is the Minolta DiMAGE S414, which has the same $399 price tag as the Casio Exifilm EX-Z3.
“With 4.0 megapixels and a tack-sharp 4x optical zoom lens, the S414 carries on the tradition of excellent creative control at bargain prices that have made the line a success. The S414 is an evolution of the S404, rather than a revolutionary new product. The S414 has the same high speed CPU as the prestigious DiMAGE 7Hi, for faster processing, and an improved internal memory system enables faster cycle times. The S414 also features enhanced color and filter options, a new live histogram display, and Grid and Scale alignment LCD display modes.”
The next review from Imaging Resource is the Minolta DiMAGE S414, which has the same $399 price tag as the Casio Exifilm EX-Z3. “With 4.0 megapixels and a tack-sharp 4x optical zoom lens, the S414 carries on the tradition of excellent creative control at bargain prices that have made the…
Imaging Resource have just posted 2 new reviews. The first one looks at the EX-Z3 from Casio, a tiny digicam (87 x 57 x 23 millimeters) that has an RRP of $399.
“With the new Exilim series of ultra-thin, very compact digital cameras, Casio continues to innovate. The latest in the series is the EX-Z3, which boasts a 3.2-megapixel CCD and a true, 3x optical zoom lens in its tiny dimensions. (The lens being the same clever design developed by Pentax for their own Optio S model.) The Z3 also has no less than 21 preset shooting modes, making it a versatile choice for just about any situation.”
Imaging Resource have just posted 2 new reviews. The first one looks at the EX-Z3 from Casio, a tiny digicam (87 x 57 x 23 millimeters) that has an RRP of $399. “With the new Exilim series of ultra-thin, very compact digital cameras, Casio continues to innovate. The latest in…