Nikon D3000 entry-level DSLR unveiled

Nikon D3000 entry-level DSLR unveiled

Compared to the Nikon D300s also announced today the new D3000 isn't much to write home about, but it's still a pretty solid DSLR for $600 -- you're getting a 10.2 megapixel sensor, 11-point autofocus system, a 230k pixel screen, a new Guide Mode that should make it easier on beginners, and an 18-55 NIKKOR VR lens. Nice enough, but we're sure Nikon will forgive us for lusting after the D300s instead. Full PR after the break.

Gallery: Nikon D3000 entry-level DSLR unveiled

Continue reading Nikon D3000 entry-level DSLR unveiled

(Via Engadget.)

JVC issues Everio GZ-HM400 Full HD camcorder in Japan

JVC issues Everio GZ-HM400 Full HD camcorder in Japan

Lookie here -- time for yet another HD camcorder in the quickly expanding Everio family. Launched today in the Land of the Rising Sun, the JVC Everio GZ-HM400 is a Full HD shooter with a 10.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, 2.8-inch flip-out LCD, 32GB of built-in storage, an SD / SDHC expansion slot, HDMI output, a 10x optical zoom and a fairly preposterous (in a good way) 600fps slo-mo mode, just like that ultra-sleek GZ-X900 we peeked back in March. The unit can also snap 9 megapixel still shots and hold nearly three hours of Full HD content before needing a USB-led cleansing. Indeed, this here camcorder mimics the aforesaid GZ-X900 in pretty much every way save for design, and it's expected on Japanese store shelves early next month for ¥110,000 ($1,157).


[Via Akihabara News]

Nikon D300s officially announced -- 720p/24 movie mode with autofocus and mic input

Nikon D300s officially announced -- 720p/24 movie mode with autofocus and mic input

Well well, Nikon managed to keep the big secret about the new D300s under wraps even as everything else was leaked in the past few weeks: the new $1,799.95 body will shoot 24fps 720p video with contrast-detect autofocus and offers an external mic input. That's basically every would-be DSLR videographer's major wishlist right there -- sure, 1080p would have been nice, but we'll take better sound over a couple more lines of resolution any day. Other highlights include a 12.3 megapixel DX sensor, 51-point autofocus, and 7fps burst shooting, as well as those dual CF and SD card slots and a 920k pixel screen. Yeah, it's looking like a real beast -- that DX sensor probably doesn't have Canon 5D Mark II fans worried, but if you're looking to get into DSLR video this looks like the new cam to beat.

Gallery: Nikon D300s officially announced -- 720p/24 movie mode with autofocus and mic input

Update: Digital Photography Review has a brief hands-on with the camera, clarifying that the contrast-detection autofocus isn't the quickest, and like we learned with the Olympus E-P1 you'll need to use an external mic when shooting to avoid the ever-present 'shhhk' sound. Also of note is continuous shooting, which has been given a boost to seven frames per second -- eight if you have the battery grip -- compared to D300 and that it has the same memory card door as the D700.

Continue reading Nikon D300s officially announced -- 720p/24 movie mode with autofocus and mic input

(Via Engadget.)

Wearable iRes uCorder keeps the voyeur working hard

Wearable iRes uCorder keeps the voyeur working hard

Mind you, this ain't the first wearable camcorder we've come across, but it's definitely amongst the first that isn't meant to be seen by anyone. iRes Technologies isn't going so far as to call this a peeping Tom's dream, but the uCorder definitely fits the bill. Measuring in at just 3.5-inches high, 1-inch wide and 0.5-inches thick, the IRDC150 (1GB of built-in memory) and IRDC250 (2GB) are both designed to sit slyly within the casual shirt pocket, sleeve or fifth pocket[TM]. Amazingly, the camera can shoot VGA quality clips as well as capture audio in WAV, with the big fellow capable of storing up to seven hours of Erin Andrews, er, undercover drug bust footage. Get your peep on for $80 (1GB) or $100 (2GB).


[Via Wired]

Kodak Easyshare Z950 digital camera

Kodak Easyshare Z950 digital camera

It makes us wonder whether camera companies do consult with one another as to when they ought to release their products, as Panasonic had a barrage of cameras earlier this week, followed by Kodak's offerings this time round. The Easyshare Z950 digital camera will be the latest addtition to the Z-Series family, where it will come with the following features :-

• 12-megapixel sensor


• 10X image stabilised Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon optical zoom lens


• Smart Capture feature


• Fast click-to-capture speed (<0.3 seconds)

Out later this September for £199.99 apiece, this looks set to be an ordinary, entry-level point-and-click shooter.

(Via Kodak.)

Kodak's 1080p Zi8 HD pocket camcorder in hand

Kodak's 1080p Zi8 HD pocket camcorder in hand

Yeah, you don't really need 1080p in a compact like this. You know it, we know it. Kodak probably knows it too. Still, it's always pretty wild to pick up a little piece like this and know it can shoot to a native resolution that our parents can't even pronounce. The new Zi8 is certainly bulky for a 'pocket' camcorder, but makes up for it by sporting a rechargeable battery, line-in audio jack, HDMI out, 2.5-inch LCD and even keeping the pop-out USB plug around for old times sake. The perks of face recognition for improved exposure and gyroscope-based image stabilization are also pretty snazzy at this $180 pricepoint. We still aren't quite sold on the way this camera (like most of these compacts) processes video -- it seems to do a lot of damage to frame-to-frame motion, something that Apple fought off pretty well with the iPhone 3GS -- but we're going to take one home and test it out a little before we throw down a verdict.

Gallery: Kodak's 1080p Zi8 HD pocket camcorder in hand

(Via Engadget.)

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8 Digital Camera

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8 Digital Camera

As for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8, this latest FP-Series shooter aims to achieve a careful balance in both design and function departments. Offering 12.1-megapixels of goodness, the DMC-FP8 will feature a high-quality 28mm wide-angle, 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics, all stashed away within a futuristic-looking stylish body. The unique design of the FP8 will also include advanced functions sich as high-speed Auto Focus (AF), Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies and POWER Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) among others, enabling one to shoot at night using a slow shutter speed without experiencing blurry photos. Other features of the DMC-FP8 include :-

• HD Movies with VIERA Link Networking


• 27 Scene Modes


• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0

Expect Panasonic to roll out the LUMIX DMC-FP8 this September in black, red and silver colors for $299.95 a pop.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 Digital Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 Digital Camera

Panasonic has introduced another member to its Lumix series in the form of DMC-ZR1. This super compact camera features a powerful 8x optical zoom at a wide 25mm equivalent and a 12.1-megapixel image stabilized sensor. Other specs include a 2.7-inch TFT LCD display, Advanced Face Recognition, Ultra High-Speed AF, ISO up to 1600 and the capability to record HD video in 1280 x 720 resolution at 30fps. Pricing and availability are still unknown at the moment.
[dpreview]

Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Panasonic is going at it from all angles today, with three new 12.1 megapixel LUMIX cameras with surprisingly distinct aims:

• LUMIX FZ35 (pictured) - The requisite 'superzoom' of every lineup, the FZ35 doesn't disappoint on features, but the $400 pricepoint certainly pushes the limits of 'consumer' camera. Features include 18x zoom and HD video recording, including a Creative Movie Mode with shutter speed and aperture settings for video. It also expands on typical facial recognition functionality with a 'Baby mode' for... finding babies.


• LUMIX FP8 - While it can handle HD video, the FP8 is more about looks. Still, the 12.1 megapixel sensor and 4.6x zoom aren't bad for the form factor -- though the $300 pricetag isn't nothing.


• LUMIX ZR1 - Featuring the 'world's first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens,' the ZR1 manages a full 8x optical zoom while keeping its girlish figure when extended. There's also room for a 12.1 megapixel sensor. The cam goes for $280.

All the cameras pack optical image stabilization and facial recognition, and the ZR1 and FZ35 have a 'High Dynamic Mode' which presumably emulates HDR photography to some extent. All three will be out in September. Full PR is after the break.

Gallery: Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

Continue reading Panasonic's new LUMIX consumer lineup: the high-powered FZ35, fashionable FP8 and thin-lensed ZR1

(Via Engadget.)

VTech Kidizoom Plus Camera

VTech Kidizoom Plus Camera

You might have your neat looking DSLR to play with, but when Junior wants to emulate his dad by snapping photos, suddenly a several thousand dollar kit becomes more important than loving the little one. Fret not - you can still have Junior feel involved with the VTech Kidizoom Plus Camera - this digital camera comes with a 2x digital zoom, movie recording capability complete with sound, 256MB of internal memory, a preview display, an optical viewfinder, an SD memory card slot, a crude flash and USB connectivity. Just like the original Game Boy, it will be powered by a quartet of AA batteries where it will retail for $60 when released sometime in August.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Ricoh GR Digital III continues 28mm-equivalent, high-priced lineage

Ricoh GR Digital III continues 28mm-equivalent, high-priced lineage

Having given its GR Digital II camera more than a year on the market, Ricoh has seen fit to now upgrade that model by latching on another digit and what it claims to be the 'greatest ever GR image quality.' It wouldn't be much of a step forward if that wasn't the case, but let's see what else the Japanese company hopes to tempt us with. The wide-angle 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens is all new, while the high-sensitivity 10-megapixel CCD and the GR Engine III image processor are likely evolutionary steps from the previous generation. Collectively, they promise improvements in all the areas you'd expect: faster focus, less noise and better low light images. There's also a 3-inch 920,000-dot VGA display, video recording at 640 x 480 / 30 fps, SDHC expandability and a complete lack of optical zoom. The veracity of Ricoh's claims can be tested from mid-August in the UK in exchange for £530 ($870), while the full press release and specs are already available at the read link below.

Continue reading Ricoh GR Digital III continues 28mm-equivalent, high-priced lineage

(Via Engadget.)

Canon Powershot G10 Review

Canon Powershot G10 Review

Some friends at Akihabara have reviewed the famous Canon Powershot G10 DSLR. As a successor to the G9, the Powershot G10 features a 14.7-megapixel CCD sensor with a new 28-140mm wide zoom, a 3.0-inch TFT color LCD with wide viewing angle, and a DIGIC IV processor. Here is the verdict.

What to say? Well I kind of like the G10, despite its weakness over 200 ISO, hey this is a Point & Shoot After All, The G10 is a great capable little camera which can be either use for leisure and if you are willing to learn more about how to play with exposure and ISO, of if you an Amateur or Semi-Pro looking forward to always carry a good camera along with him. Personally if I had to start a News Blog from scratch and needed a descent affordable compact camera, the G10 will be my first choice! Oh and I forget, the G10 also offer a Video Mode, just forget about it… This features is purely marketing rather than useful.

See more pictures after the jump. You can also download the video review here.

[Akihabara]

New Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR - 14.3x Zoom And Super CCD EXR Sensor

New Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR - 14.3x Zoom And Super CCD EXR Sensor

'
The new Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR digital camera brings Fujifilm’s Super CCD EXR sensor to the superzoom ‘bridge’ camera category. Based on last year’s popular FinePix S100FS digital camera, the 12-megapixel S200EXR has the same 14.3x optical zoom lens and the look and feel of a digital SLR.



With a full-size camera body and manual zoom ring, the S200EXR will feel and behave a lot like a digital SLR. Fujifilm claims their 12-megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor will also deliver digital SLR image quality. That seems a stretch since the sensor is still tiny compared to those used in digital SLRs. But reports on the Super CCD EXR sensor are pretty positive and S200EXR camera owners can reasonably expect image quality better than most compact digital cameras. For more on the Super CCD EXR sensor, read our Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR and FinePix F200EXR articles.

Besides the 14.3x Fujinon zoom lens and 12.3-megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor, the new Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR features:

• EXR Auto shooting mode


• 2.7-inch 230k-pixel LCD display


• Dual Image Stabilization


• Manual exposure control


• EXR sensor modes: High Resolution (HR), Wide Dynamic Range (DR), High Sensitivity and Low Noise (SN)


• RAW+JPEG shooting (EXR/JPEG)


• Pro Focus Mode and Pro Lowlight Mode


• Film Simulation modes, including Velvia/Vivid, PROVIA/Standard, and Black and White


• Electronic viewfinder (EVF)


• Significantly improved battery life

The Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR will be available in August for a suggested retail price of $599.95.

(Via Photography Review Blog.)

Olympus Stylus 7010 Compact Digital Camera

Olympus Stylus 7010 Compact Digital Camera

Olympus has launched four new digital compact cameras, three new FE series cameras and the Olympus Stylus 7010.

The Olympus Stylus 7010 features a 12 megapixel sensor, 7 x optical wide angle zoom (28mm - 196mm equivalent), it also features a 2.7 inch Hyper Crystal II LCD display.

On top of that there is a TruPic III image processor designed to deliver more accurate colors, true-to-life skin tones, and faster processing speeds, plus in camera magic filters to give special effects to your photos.

Here are the full specifications

• Ultra-compact 7x optical wide-angle zoom (28mm-196mm equivalent in 35mm photography) retracts to less than one inch thick.


• Big and bright 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD screen for reviewing images in sunlight


• TruPic III image processor designed to deliver more accurate colors, true-to-life skin tones, and faster processing speeds


• 12-Megapixel image sensor


• Dual Image Stabilization to reduce blur


• AF Tracking to keep subjects sharp when in motion


• Intelligent Auto to make the picture-taking decisions for you


• In-Camera Panorama to create a super-wide composition


• In-camera Magic Filters for giving your photos special effects.

The Olympus Stylus 7010 will go on sale shortly for $199.99.

(Via Geeky-Gadgets.)

Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D W1 camera and Real 3D V1 picture viewer detailed, can do 3D movies as well

Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D W1 camera and Real 3D V1 picture viewer detailed, can do 3D movies as well

Not that it wasn't official when Time featured it early last week,but now Fujifilm's now rolled out the proverbial red carpet for its FinePix Real 3D W1 camera, with a press release providing more details about both it and the Real 3D V1 8-inch picture viewer. Some of more notable features on the W1 -- aside from being the touted 'world's first 3D imagine system,' of course -- is a 3x optical zoom, a 3D LCD system for on-camera viewing, Dual Capture Shooting Mode for taking two shots simultaneously with different settings, and just to be perfectly clear, the ability to shoot video in three mind-blowing dimensions. Additionally, the two lens can be used for some more creative, but decidedly old-fashioned 2D photography. As for the V1 display, it's got a 3D / 2D LCD panel with 800 x 600 resolution, supports playback of 3D pics and movies, and supports SD / SDHC. No word on what the resolution / card support is for the camera, but for now we're gonna guess it's at parity with the frame. If you're wanting physical 3D prints, Fujifilm says it'll be providing that service, doing the prints in-house and send them your way. Actual printers for purchase will come once a sustainable market exists (assuming that happens). The W1 camera and V1 frame are listed with a September 2009 launch date, as we previously heard -- price is curiously listed as TBA, but since Time already let slip a $600 estimate, take that as your ballpark estimate for the interim.

(Via Engadget.)

Casio EX-H10 point-and-shoot (and its superzoom pedigree) get reviewed

Casio EX-H10 point-and-shoot (and its superzoom pedigree) get reviewed

We covered this cam's full spec last month, but to refresh your memory, the major attractions are its 720/24p video recording and 10x optical zoom. In fact, the Photography Blog crew, who have a review unit sprawled on their test bench, reckon the H10 is both the thinnest and lightest shooter to ever pack that kind of zooming prowess. They've compared it to the Panasonic DMC-TZ7, their reigning champ in the compact superzoom category, and -- well, you'll have to read the review to find out. The impressions we can share with you include excellent battery life and a useful Anti-Shake system on the upside, but also noise issues at relatively low ISO speeds and only average image quality on the downslope. Still, hit up the read link for a full rundown -- trust us, it's worth it for the cliffhanger ending.

(Via Engadget.)

Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38

Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38

Fujifilm couldn't keep a lid on a few of its newest point-and-shoot models, but it's still delivering a couple of small surprises on this fine July eve. Starting things off is the altogether expected FinePix F70EXR (shown), a pocket-friendly shooter with a 10x wide angle optical zoom, a case that's just 22.7 millimeters thick, a 10 megapixel sensor and a respectable price tag of $279.95. Following that is the FinePix Z37, a fashion-forward cam with a 10 megapixel sensor, sleek enclosure, SD / SDHC card slot, a 2.7-inch rear LCD and a $149.95 MSRP. Moving right along, there's the 12 megapixel FinePix S200EXR, a 'prosumer' camera with a 2.7-inch display, an extra longevous battery, a 14.3x optical zoom lens and a startling $599.95 sticker. The lower-end FinePix J38 boasts a 12.2 megapixel sensor, SDHC card slot, 3x optical zoom and a $129.95 price, while the entry-level A170 (10 megapixel) and A220 (12 megapixel) handle just the basics for $89.95 and $99.95, respectively. Head on past the break for a detailed look at each and every model.

Gallery: Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38

Continue reading Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38

(Via Engadget.)