Digital Cameras and Camcorders::News, Reviews, Opinions, Rumors about the Photography Industry

Wednesday

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Camera

Panasonic offers the new Lumix DMC-FS20 digital camera. Lumix DMC-FS20 features a Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with 4x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom, an ISO rating up to 1600, Mega O.I.S and a 3-inch LCD screen. It has 27MB internal memory and supports SD, SDHC memory cards.

It will be shipped in March for $299.95 USD.

(Via iTech News Net.)

Panasonic will hit March streets hard with their 720p Lumix DMC-TZ5 camera

Panasonic will hit March streets hard with their 720p Lumix DMC-TZ5 camera
Some Panasonic Lumix goodness today, predominantly with the DMC-TZ5, which has - count 'em - 9.1-megapixels, a 10x optical zoom lens, and 720p (that's HD, folks, but not the best resolution you can get, admittedly) video recording.

You're probably thinking this will cost a bomb and a half, but actually? It'll only be $349.95 in the US, so with any luck it'll convert neatly to £175. Yes, in our dreams, that is.

The lens is a Leica DC 28mm wide-angle...

(Via Tech Digest.)

Nikon COOLPIX S550 Digital Camera

Nikon Corporation presented the COOLPIX S550 with 10 effective mega-pixels in silvery titanium, black and dark-blue shades. It claims to be the world’s smallest body camera with a retractable 5x zoom (on January 29, 2008) and 10MP picture strength. Its Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) system ensures blur-free image no matter how shaky your camera gets.

The feature-rich camera includes 5x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens, 1/2.3-in. CCD Image sensor and a 2.5-inch high-resolution anti-reflection LCD monitor. Its high photosensitivity of ISO 2000 provides unbelievable results and the special EXPEED technology adds to its high performance. Other functions offered are Smile mode, Blink warning, Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting.

Specs

• Focus range 35cm (1 ft. 2 in.) to infinity (∞)

• Storage media internal memory (approx. 50 MB),

• SD memory cards Support

• Maximum Resolution 3648 x 2736

• Interface Hi-Speed USB

• Power sources Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL11

• Battery life Approx. 200 shots

The Nikon COOLPIX S550 Digital Camera is presently available for a price of 249 Euros.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Casio Exilim Card EX-S10

Casio will release a new digital camera called the Exilim Card EX-S10 in Japan. It comes equipped with a 10.1M CCD sensor and a 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch 230,000 pixel LCD monitor and 11.8MB built-in memory, and supports ISO 1600, face detection function, and up to 230 photos from one charging. You’ll be able to get them in silver, black, red, blue and white and will be available on 15th February for $373.

Link

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Tuesday

Panasonic Lumix LZ-8 and LZ-10 Budget Cams [Digital Cameras]

Panasonic's latest pair of Lumix LZ budget point-and-shoots dutifully follow Canon and Nikon's handful of entry-level cams on the feature front. The 10-megapixel LZ-10 matches up neatly with Nikon's P60 (though it bests it on MP count), while the cheaper LZ-8 (guess how many megapixels?) goes toe-to-toe with Canon's A590.

Both Lumixes have 5x zoom, image stabilization, 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot LCD, manual controls, 'intelligent ISO,' and face detection, plus a handy 1920x1080 photo size for TV-ready pics. The LZ-8 runs $180, and $70 more will buy you two extra MP with the LZ-10. Man, that floating arm holding the camera in the gallery is freaking me out.

(Via Gizmodo.)

Nikon's new Coolpix S550, S520, and S210

Nikon's new mid-to-low-enders land tonight, say hi to the Coolpix S550, S520, and S210. Casual photographers take note, only the S520 features optical stabilization, you'll want to try and aim for that instead of messing with any of that electronic stabilization stuff.

S550 - 10 megapixels, 5x zoom, electronic stabilization, 2.5-inch LCD, out February for $229

S520 - 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, optical stabilization, up to ISO 2000, 2.5-inch LCD, out March for $229

S210 - 8 megapixels, electronic stabilization, up to ISO 2000, 2.5-inch LCD, our March for $179

(Via Engadget.)

PENTAX Optio E50 Digital Camera

Pentax Corporation unveiled the new Optio E50 entry-level Digital Camera. The compact 8.1 Mega-pixels camera is equipped with an innovative image processing engine and a high-performance PENTAX lens. The lens combines 3X optical zoom with 4X digital zoom to offer 12X of magnification power for brilliant captures. The camera includes a special green mode with pre-defined settings to automatically adjust exposure for the perfect image.

The Optio E50 features a large 2.4-inch LCD display with approximately 110,000 dots and records pictures at 640 x 480 pixels as maximum resolution. It’s advanced Face Recognition AF and AE recognizes up to 10 faces in a single frame to give perfect exposure. The Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode minimizes Camera shake to produce blur-free crystal clear images.

Specifications

• High ISO Sensitivity1600

• Panorama mode

• Date imprint function

• 10MB of built-in memory

• FotoNation's red-eye compensation function

• ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 viewer/image management software

• Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Eixf Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Nikon Rolls Out Four S series Coolpix

The Four S-series is the last Coolpix line-up Nikon has prepared for PMA 2008. The S210 is the company entry level 8 megapixels digicam with slim line design of 0.7-inch in thickness. It uses a 1/2.5’ Type CCD sensor with ISO sensitivity ranges from 64 to 2000 with 2.5-inch LCD display. It features 3x optical zoom range of 38mm-114mm (35mm equiv.), electronic VR sensor stabilization, Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting, movie and 15 scene modes. The camera uses Li-on battery, supports SD/SDHC media storage and comes with a built-in 52mb memory card. The COOLPIX S210 will be available in March, with the price of $180, and color options in plum, graphite black, cool blue, and brushed bronze.

The Coolpix S520 offers 2.5’ LCD, 8 megapixels count with 1/2.5’ Type CCD sensor and ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 2000. The 3x optical zoom has the range of 35-105mm (35mm equiv.) with Nikon’s optical lens shift VR image stabilization. It has the advance features like S210 plus a time lapse movie and food mode. The camera uses Li-on battery, supports SD/SDHC media storage and comes with a built-in 23mb memory card. The COOLPIX S520 will be available in March, with the price of $230, and in an array of colors - including plum and graphite black.

Moving up the series is the Coolpix S550 with larger 10 megapixels on a 1/2.3’ Type CCD sensor, which also has the ISO sensitivity ranges from 64 to 2000. The optical lens has a larger 5x zoom range of 36-180mm (35mm equiv.) but a lesser electronic image stabilization instead. It has the advance features like S520 with additional smile mode and a blink warning. The camera uses Li-on battery, supports SD/SDHC media storage and comes with a built-in 50mb memory card. The COOLPIX S550 will be available in March, with the price of $230, and with color options in plum, cool blue and graphite black.

The last model is Coolpix S600, also their top of the line S series uses the same sensor like S550 with 10 megapixels count. The 4x optical zoom lens has wider zoom angle of 28 to112mm (35mm equiv.) and lens stabilization is replaced with a better optical lens shift VR. The ISO sensitivity is boosted up to ISO 3200 along with a larger 2.7-inch display. It also says to has World’s faster startup digicam in its class at a mere post of 0.7 second. The S600 has most of the advance features and scene modes with additional active child mode. The camera uses Li-on battery, supports SD/SDHC media storage and comes with a built-in 45mb memory card. The Coolpix S550 will be available in April, with the price of $300, and with color option in slate black.

(Via SlashGear.)

JVC Everio GZ-HD6 world's first cam with 1080/60p output

JVC Everio GZ-HD6 world's first cam with 1080/60p output

JVC has announced two new additions to its Everio lineup of camcorders the GZ-HD6 and GZ-HD5 which are the world's first HD camcorders delivering 1080/60p output. The GZ-HD6 comes with a 120GB hard drive and 1080p output whereas the GZ-HD5 comes with a 60Gig drive and 1080i output other than this they share the same features. Features include 3CCD 16:9 progressive scan, full HD recording (1,920×1,080) in MPEG-2 TS format, HDMI output and HD Gigabrid image processing engine which processes the 1080/60p signal. The 1.8 inch 120GB hard drive can hold upto 10 hours of HD video in VBR mode and the 60GB drive can hold 5 hours of video. The cams are equipped with a microSDHC card slot, USB slot and a 2.8 inch LCD. Scheduled to hit stores in Japan by mid Feb the GZ-HD6 will cost 170,000 Yen ($ 1600) and the GZ-HD6 will sell for 150,000 Yen ($ 1400).

More images after the jump

JVC GZ-HD5

3CCD system

(Via Newlaunches.com.)

Nikon's Coolpix P60 puts you in control

This time, it's Nikon dishing out the pre-PMA madness. The Coolpix P60 is designed for the consumer looking for 'creative control' in their digital shooter. This 8.1 megapixel camera features both programmed auto (including 15 scene-optimized modes) and manual controls, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens and Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization. It also packs an electronic viewfinder in addition to that LCD and Nikon's EXPEEDTM image processing to keep noise to a minimum even when shooting at a max ISO 2,000 sensitivity. The kit is powered by a pair of AA-batteries and should pop in March for $230.

Gallery: Nikon's Coolpix P60 puts you in control

(Via Engadget.)

Pentax Unveils Optio M50 DigiCam with Smile Shutter

Looks like new smile shutter technology is taking the world by storm. Pentax has just unveiled its new digital camera, the Optio M50, with smile shutter mode. To be released in the Japanese market, the Optio M50 model takes the picture when all the face on screen are already smiling -- like what other digicams with smile shutter modes do. Optio M50 is a 5-megapixel camera with 5x zoom and 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Optio M50 can recognize up to 15 faces in one screen and supports ISO 6400. Aside from the pink model you see on the pic, silver and light blue colors are also available. Optio M50 will sell for US$280 in Japan.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

PENTAX K20D Digital Camera

PENTAX Imaging Company removed the curtains from the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera. The 14.6 Mega-pixel Camera has been fashioned with dust-proof and weather-resistant exterior to make it useable in adverse weather conditions. With a newly developed CMOS image sensor, which employs a large photo diode the camera achieves higher sensitivity levels up to 6400 in the expanded ISO mode.

The K20D includes a 2.7 inch Wide-view LCD screen with 230,000 dots resolution for easier operation and better observation. It’s High-speed PENTAX-original PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine) engine bring images to life through realistic color propagation. The innovative PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism ensures blur-free, crisp image even in low light or back-lit situations.

Specifications

• A PC sync socket for studio lighting

• Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses

• Sensitivity-Priority Mode

• Continuous Shooting at Approximately Three Images Per Second

• High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF

• Comprehensive Dust Removal System

• 36 custom functions to personalize camera operations

• New Live View Function

• Universal-type X-sync socket

• Nine digital filters

• In-body RAW data development

• PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3

• RAW data processing software

The PENTAX K20D Digital SLR Camera will be showcased at the PMA 2008 Trade Show from January 31 to February 2 in Las Vegas and is expected to be offered for sale by April at an estimated price of US $1299.95.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Nikon's Coolpix L18 for 8 megapixel point and shooting

Last up for Nikon this morning is their L18 compact point and shoot camera. Pretty decent, but standard specs here: 8 megapixel sensor, 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, 3.0-inch LCD, anti-shake AE (adjusts shutter speeds and ISO), face detection, and automatic red-eye correction. It also boasts a 'TV quality' movie mode which we're assuming means VGA. Available this March for $140 in ruby red or navy blue.

Gallery: Nikon's Coolpix L18 for 8 megapixel point and shooting

(Via Engadget.)

Canon PowerShot A590 IS, A580 and A470 Cameras

Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Canon also adds 3 new models to its A series of digital cameras, including the PowerShot A590 IS, PowerShot A580 and PowerShot A470.

Canon PowerShot A590 IS is a 8 Megapixel camera with 4x optical zoom, 4X digital zoom and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

Canon PowerShot A580 is also a a 8 Megapixel camera with 4x optical zoom, 4X digital zoom but lacks the Optical Image Stabilization.

Lastly, the A470 is a 7.1 Megapixel camera with 3.4-inch optical zoom and 4x digital zoom.

All of them have a 2.5-inch LCD screen and supports SD, SDHC and MMC cards.

Canon PowerShot A580

Canon PowerShot A470

(Via iTech News Net.)

Canon HV30 Camcorder Improves on a Winning Formula, But Not By Much [Camcorders]

Canon has just updated last year's prizewinning HV20 camcorder and named it the HV30. Capable of shooting down to a low light level of 3 lux, the HV30 has improved noise suppression over the earlier model. With a 10x optical zoom, 2.7 inch viewfinder and a battery that can give 2 hours of shooting, it's no slouch, even if it has increasingly old-fashioned tape rolling away inside. So, what else is new?

Whereas the HV20 shot in 60i and 24p modes, the HV30 adds in a 30p mode which reduces motion blur. It also outputs video in HDV format to miniDV tape and 3 megapixel still images to miniSD card. Outputting type A HDMI component video, the HV30 has a USB connection, and its 3.4 x 5.4 x 3.2 inch body weighs 1.35 pounds when shooting. An optional battery pack extends the battery life to 4 hours.

Clearly Canon decided not to overly mess with the winning formula, so it may disappoint some that the upgrade doesn't seem to have much in the way of improvements. Apart from cosmetic adjustments like better-positioned controls and a different case profile, the only real change is the 30p mode. The HV30 will be available in Japan in early March for ¥110,000 ($1030).

(Via Gizmodo.)

Saturday

Fujifilm's FinePix S8100fd brings 10 megapixels 18x close

Big and long is how Fujifilm's FinePix S8100fd rolls. We're talking a 1/2.3-inch Super CCD HR sensor with dual image stabilization (sensor-shift and digital image) with a burst-rate of 33, 3 megapixel frames at 13.5fps. Your $399 also brings 10-face auto detection, Fujifilm's iFlash to avoid overpowering shots, and a VGA movie mode shooting at 30fps. Available March.

Gallery: Fujifilm's FinePix S8100fd brings 10 megapixels 18x close

(Via Engadget.)

Olympus FE-350 Digital Camera

Olympus America enhanced their elite FE Digital Camera line-up with four new cameras. The FE-350 Digital with point and shoot functionality is one of the exciting additions with immense power and trendy outlook. With effective 8.0 Mega-Pixels of picture strength it uses a 4x Wide-Angle Lens (28-112mm equivalent; f2.7-5.4) to include more number of subjects in a single frame.

'Great specs, sleek designs, amazing image quality and competitive pricing make the FE-Series models an outstanding value in pocket-size point-and-shoots, and they are redefining the entry-level category,’ said Jennifer Schmell, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. ‘Easy-to-use as well as easy-to-carry, the FE-Series models are the ultimate shoot-on-the-fly cameras.'

The FE-350 features 3-inch wide LCD display for better operation. Like other models in the series, it also offers face detection with automatic exposure and focus functions. As advanced editing features, it offers Expression Edit, In-Camera Editing, Red-Eye correction and Lighting Fix. It uses Digital Image Stabilization Mode to prevent motion blur caused hand shake.

The Olympus FE-350 Digital Camera comes together with LI-42B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, OLYMPUS Master™ 2 Software CD Rom and Warranty Card. The camera is now available at the suggested price of $249.99.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Canon Rebel XSi official, move over XTi

Looks like the Rebel XTi is officially last(-last) year's model -- just in time for PMA Canon's updating their new consumer DSLR with some sexy new features. No shots of the camera yet, ironically, but here's the dirt:

12.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS (1.6x focal conversion)

3-inch live view LCD (up from the XTi's non-live-view 2.5-inch)

DIGIC III image processor

9-point AF, 3.5fps shot rate (up to 45 images in JPEG, 6 in RAW)

The usual ultrasonic sensor cleaning

SD / SDHC media

Ships April, $799 and $899 for body-only / included EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, respectively

Also, two new telephoto lenses announced. More on those after the break.

Gallery: Canon Rebel XSi official, move over XTi

Continue reading Canon Rebel XSi official, move over XTi

(Via Engadget.)

Olympus Stylus 1010 Digital Camera

Olympus America unveiled the trendy Stylus 1010 Digital camera with 10.1 Mega-Pixels of picture strength. The camera combines the power 7x optical zoom lens (37mm-260mm equivalent in 35mm photography) with unique design for capturing superb images in style. Its TruePic™ III Image Processor enables faster operation and brings pictures to life through higher ISO sensitivity. The camera features Shadow Adjustment Technology which adjusts underexposed images to give them a new life!

The Olympus 1010 Digital Camera includes a Wide angle 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD screens crafted with anti-glare technology for lucidity. Its Dual Image Stabilization function combines mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization to fight against motion blur caused by shaky hands and camera movements.

Furthermore, you can enjoy underwater photography using the new PT-042 housing up to a distance of 130 feet (40 meters). Other features include Face Detection with AF and AE, Perfect Shot Preview mode, Red-Eye Correction, In-Camera Panorama, LI-50B Li-Ion battery for extra life and support for Xd, microSD cards.

The Olympus Stylus 1010 Digital Camera will be available in silver, black, blue and purple shades in March for an estimated street price of $299.99.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Olympus Stylus 1020 Digital Camera

Olympus%20Stylus%201020%20Digital%20Camera.jpg

Olympus America enhanced its renowned Stylus series with three innovative models with innovative Shadow Adjustment Technology. The Stylus 1020 Digital camera offers 10.1 Mega-pixel resolution with an ultra-compact 7x optical zoom lens to shoot detailed images of distant subjects. The stylish camera comes in blue, pink, black and silver with a glossy finish to suit your style.

Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc said ‘We’ve also broken the zoom barrier in ultra-slim bodies with the powerful 7x optical zoom of the Stylus 1010 and 1020. The Stylus cameras are more than just attractive fashion accessories to see and be seen with, they are the seamless blending of innovative features and stunning form.’

The Olympus Stylus 1020 includes advanced 2.7’ HyperCrystal II LCD crafted with Olympus’ next generation LCD technology for better image rendering. Its Dual Image Stabilization enables blur free, brilliant images by unifying mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization. Its powerful TruePic™ III Image Processor allows speedy capturing of high resolution images at High ISO settings.

Specifications

• Face Detection with AE and AF

• Perfect Shot Preview

• Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing

• In-Camera Panorama

• Memory

• External Storage: xD-Picture Card media and microSD memory cards

• HDTV Compatibility

• OLYMPUS Master 2 Software

• Support for Underwater Photography Using PT-042 Housing

• New Powerful LI-50B Li-Ion battery

The Olympus Stylus 1020 Digital Camera will ship in March 2008 for an estimated price of $349.99.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Canon Unveils PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH Cameras

With colors as varied as the rainbow, the new PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH Cameras have been unveiled by Canon USA. The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH Cameras come in Bohemian Brown, Pink Melody, Rhythm and Blue, Golden Tone, and Swing Silver. This 8 megapixel model boasts 3x optical zoom, and features Canon's Optical Image Stabilization technology which reduces blurs during camera movement. It also uses Canon's Genuine Face Detection technology and runs on DIGIC III imaging processor. It also has 18 shooting modes, 9-point Autofocus system, and AF-Point Zoom. The device will ship on March 2008 with a MSRP of US$249.99.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Olympus Stylus 840 Digital Camera

Olympus presented the Stylus 840 digital camera in silver, black, blue and pink colors for innovative Digital Photographers. The compact 8 Mega-pixel camera boasts a precision-crafted 5x optical zoom lens (36-180mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.3-5.0) and a high-resolution 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen. The LCD screen is designed using high contrast and anti-glare technology to render images beautifully with lucidity even on a bright, sunny afternoon. Moreover, LCD enables wide-viewing through an angle more than 140 degrees in all directions, which helps to include more number of People in a single frame.

The Stylus 840 offers Dual Image Stabilization blending mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization for crystal clear images, no matter how shaky your camera gets! Its powerful Shadow Adjustment Technology adjusts dark shadowed images and balances underexposed areas.

Specifications

HDTV Compatibility

TruePic™ III Image Processor

In-Camera Panorama

Face Detection

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing

Perfect Shot Preview

Xd and microSD card support

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software

The Olympus Stylus 840 is available for sale right-away at all authorized outlets for the suggested price of $249.99.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Samsung's i80, i100, and S1060 trio of novel cameras

The pre-PMA 2008 madness ushers in this trio of new Samsung shooters. The 8.1 megapixel i80 (pictured left) brings a standard 3x optical zoom and biggie 3-inch LCD with face recognition and integrated MP3 player. The i100 (pictured center) increases the load with a 10.2 megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization (instead of digital alone), ISO 3200 sensitivity, and a built-in 'World Tour Guide' function for instant access to travel information in 30 countries. The entry-level S1060 ratchets the zoom up to 5x while dropping the LCD back to 2.7-inches. No prices announced but all the cams are expected to launch this spring.

(Via Engadget.)

Olympus FE-340 Digital Camera

Olympus America proudly presented their new small yet powerful FE-340 Digital camera from the popular array of pocket sized digital cameras. The point and shoot camera offers unique functions to capture beautiful high resolution images. The camera boasts 8.0 Mega-Pixels of resolution with 5X of optical zoom and Olympus’ exclusive TruePic III image processor for better quality and faster response times.

The FE-340 offers Face Detection with Automatic Exposure and Focus for sharper, superior images. Its Digital Image Stabilization Mode with Edit not only ensures crystal clear, blur free images but also allows users to fix distortion within the camera. It uses a special gyro sensor to track camera movement and simplifies the editing process. It has the innovative Smile Shot mode which detects the subject’s face and shoots three consecutive images to let you choose the perfect smile.

Other features include 19 pre-set shooting modes, Expression Edit Perfect Shot Preview,

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing, Red-Eye and Lighting Fix, In-Camera Help Guides and OLYMPUS MasterTM 2 Software.

The Olympus FE-340 Digital Camera is available in five elite shades (silver, red, blue, black and pink) right away at the nearest store at an estimated street price of $199.99.

(Via Image-Acquire.com.)

Fujifilm's FinePix S100FS is their "most advanced" consumer model

How does a 14.3x Fujinon manual zoom lens, 8th generation 11 megapixel Super CCD sensor and new RP III processor sounds to you in a consumer camera? That's what you'll get next month when the $800 Fujifilm S100FS goes big box. Fujifilm's 'most advanced consumer model' features Dual Image Stabilization (optical image and picture stabilization), up to ISO 6400 sensitivity at 6 megapixels (ISO 10,000 at 3 megapixels), 2.5-inch tilting LCD, 3 megapixel burst mode for a maximum of 50 shots at 7fps, and unique film-simulation modes optimized for portraiture, low-contrast (soft), vibrant colors (Velvia), or general use (Provia). Sounds good, but we'll have to wait for the reviews to see if there's any substance to the hype.

Gallery: Fujifilm's FinePix S100FS is their 'most advanced' consumer model