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

Saturday

Upcoming Canon EOS-1Ds Mark IV

According to ‘EOS’ logics, Canon is preparing to launch another DSLR camera namely the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark IV. Although it’s not officially announced, the camera is said to be the successor of Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and will feature a 30+ megapixel image sensor. The camera itself is expected to make its debut at Photokina 2010. Stay tuned for more updates.

[Via LetsGoDigital]

Tuesday

Vivitar DVR 150 Camcorder

The DVR 150 is the latest camcorder from Vivitar that is waterproof up to 5 meters underwater. The cool factor for this video recorder is that it also has an infrared night vision mode to capture video in the dark environtment. Available in violet, pink, blue and black, the Vivitar DVR 150 has a 1.8-inch LCD screen, a webcam mode, a 8X digital zoom, a TV out, a 2GB of built-in memory which is expandable via an SD slot, and a USB port. The Vivitar DVR 510 is priced at $49.99.

[ChipChick]

Pentax's entry-level K-x DSLR receives glowing review

Pentax's K-x has been shipping in various corners of the globe (in various hues) for a hot minute now, but at long last the entry-level DSLR has found itself on the test bench. The good folks over at Tech Radar were able to take the $650 shooter for a spin, and with few exceptions, they absolutely adored it. Image quality was deemed fantastic, and without qualification, that's easily the most important aspect of a camera. Critics also appreciated the build quality, rear LCD and ergonomics, though they did note that the 720p movie mode was 'hit and miss.' They found it to be a good fit for novices and amateurs, and while they did feel that it was somewhat less comfortable to wield than Nikon's D5000, they still maintained that it'll be a great bargain when the street price falls just a bit. Tap the read link for the full skinny -- but only if you feel compelled.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Lumenera Releases Lw110 And Lw115 Industrial Color Cameras

Lumenera has rolled out two new industrial color cameras in the form of the Lw110 and Lw115 (pictured above). Designed specifically for industrial applications, these USB 2.0 cameras boast a 1.3-megapixel color image sensor running at up to 60fps, an onboard processing system for delivering outstanding image details and have the ability to record high resolution 1280 x 1024 video at 30fps. These cameras are available in two different versions, either enclosed (Lw115) or board-level (Lw110), allowing for either off-the-shelf purchasing or OEM customization capabilities.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Mamiya's DM22 is a medium format digital camera for the Walmart type at sub-$10k pricepoint

It can't be easy being the cost-cutter in a game as insanely expensive as digital medium format cameras, but after teaming up with Phase One for a $5990 medium format shooter (without lens), Mamiya is taking its own crack at the market with the $9,995 DM22. It comes with a Mamiya 80mm f/2.8 D Series lens, has a 22 megapixel sensor and can pump images straight out over FireWire if you think your RAW files are too good for a lowly CompactFlash card. It's also being introduced with a $14,990 sibling, the DM28, which has a 28 megapixel sensor and handles higher ISO shots.

[Via Gear Diary]

Leaf announces new Aptus-II 22 megapixel camera back

Neither for the faint of heart nor the slight of credit, Leaf's newest -- the Aptus-II 5 digital back -- boasts a 0.9 fps capture rate, 22 megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch touchscreen display, a 12-stop dynamic range and a 25-400 ISO range. Sounds great, right? What if we told you it would run you €5,995 (about $9,000) for the back itself, or you could bundle it with the Phase One 645AF body and an 80mm lens for €7,995 (about $12,000)? Right, you'll take two. Pre-order now from your favorite Leaf Imaging retailer and you should get your new device in November. PR after the break.

[Via DP Review]

Canon PowerShot G11 review roundup

We had an all too brief hands-on with Canon's PowerShot G11 way back in August, but the first real flood of reviews has only just recently started, and now seemed like as good a time as any to get you caught up on some of them. As you might expect, one of the real stand-out features is that swiveling LCD, which is not only good in and of itself, but 'one of the best of its type' according to What Digital Camera. Other reviewers like Wired UK and CNET UK also found that G11 delivered some noticeably better results than the previous G10, with it aided especially by the surprising but welcome shift from the old 14.7-megapixel sensor to a new 10-megapixel one that offers an improved dynamic range and better performance at high ISO settings, among other advantages. On the downside, the camera is somewhat bulky, and PhotographyBlog says it fails to live up to Canon's claims of it being the 'ultimate compact,' especially when you consider some of the similarly-sized (but admittedly pricier) Micro Four Thirds offerings available.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Wednesday

Aigo AHD-Z10 and AHD-S1 full HD camcorders

Aigo has unveiled a couple of full HD camcorders in the form of the AHD-Z10 and the AHD-S1, where both models are tipped to hit the market before the year is over without breaking the $500 price point. Both models will boast the ability to record 1080p videos in H.264 encoding, featuring a 10-megapixel sensor, a 3' touchscreen LCD display, HDMI input and optical zoom lens. Sounds like quite the device to get for those on a tight budget who doesn't really take brand names into consideration, eh?

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Sony’s Latest Shoulder-mount Camcorder

Sony's Latest Shoulder-mount Camcorder

Sony has unveiled the pricing and availability of their new XDCAM EX Shoulder-mount camcorder, the PMW-350K. The Sony XDCAM EX PMW-350K provides three 2/3 inch-type Exmor Full HD CMOS sensors, an HDMI out, and a 3.5-inch LCD screen. The PMW-350K is able to record video in MPEG-2 Long GOP HQ, MPEG-2 MP@HL SP, MPEG-2 MP@H14 SD mode on a 32GB SxS memory card. Measuring 124mm x 269mm x 332mm and weighing 3.2-kg, the Sony PMW-350K will be available on January 10th, 2009.

[Akihabara]

Sony Cybershot TX1 Out-of-the-Box

Sony sent in a Cybershot TX1 to review. As the camera features a 3.0″ touch-screen, the only physical controls (zoom, preview, and the on-off buttons) are situated on the top of the device. Here’s what comes with the TX1:

Instruction manuals in 4 different languages (region-dependent)

Warranty card

Software CD

Catalog of Cybershot TX1 accessories

USB / TV-out cable

NP-BD1 battery in a plastic case

Changing dock and power cord

Wrist strap (already attached to camera

Paint pen (attaches to wrist strap, used to operate touch-screen

At first glance, that seems like a lot. Yet Sony could’ve done a little better with the bundle, including a Memory Stick and a basic camera case at the very least. I totally understand Sony wants customers to spend more on accessories (the included catalog makes this marketing push very obvious). But what’s wrong with whetting the new owner’s appetite right away? A 1GB memory stick provides enough capacity for decent use, while a cheap camera case would provide basic protection for the TX1’s stylish (and fingerprint-vulnerable) exterior?

In any case, watch out for updates as we put this camera through its paces. If you’re eager to own a Sony Cybershot TX1, B & H is selling this baby for $380. Available range from feminine pink to the understated gray.

(Via The Gadget Blog.)

Friday

More News On ZOOM Q3 Pocket Camcorder

You are lucky if you are living in the States because ZOOM has launched the Q3 Handy Video recorder in the US market. In case you didn’t know, the camcorder captures video at 640 x 480 (30fps) and records 24-bit/48 kHz audio via a pair of condenser microphones. The ZOOM Q3 needs a couple of AA batteries to operate. Additional features include a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 LCD display and an SDHC card slot. The ZOOM Q3 retails for $249.

[SamsonTech]

Nikon's D3S officially announced, previewed extensively

One day after having been leaked to the wilds and then officially announced, Nikon has opened the floodgates on the upcoming D3S, an upgrade to last year's D3 that was oh so warmly received. Early indications are the D3S is just as hot, adding a 720p24 video mode to the mix and allowing use of the camera's full aperture and ISO range while recording. Important, that, because this camera offers a ludicrously high maximum ISO value of 102,400 -- approaching night vision territory. That's thanks to a new 12.1 megapixel sensor, which is paired with a vibration mechanism to reduce dust. How well does the sensor perform? Nobody is apparently allowed to show us just yet, but tell us they have, with words like 'simply incredible' and 'fantastic feat' used to describe its low-light shooting. Seems we'll have to wait a bit longer for full reviews, but these previews will surely whet your appetite. Oh, and the cost? A mere $5,199.95.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Flip MinoHD goes premium, we go hands-on

Flip Video just launched a new 'premium' take on the MinoHD -- it's fundamentally the same as the existing MinoHD, but with 8GB of storage, a bigger two-inch screen and an HDMI port, all wrapped up in either a sleek aluminum shell or a personalized design from the Flip website. The 8GB of flash means the MinoHD can now record up to two hours of 720p video, and while there's still no image stabilizer, it's not like that's stopped anyone from loving the MinoHD before. There's also a new version of the FlipShare software, which features an automatic Magic Movie mode that'll trim and edit before shooting your video to Facebook, YouTube and MySpace. We're sure the kids will love it, but we'd rather do things the old-fashioned way. The new premium model will sell for $229, while the original MinoHD remains on sale for $199 and the old-school Mino hangs back at $149. After some time playing around with one, we'd say you're well-justified in dropping the extra $30 here -- the newer case and screen are quite nice, and HDMI-out is nothing to sneeze at. It's still the same MinoHD as far as image quality goes, however, so don't walk into this one expecting any surprises -- and no fancy al-yoo-min-ium case will quell the need for a proper stabilizer in these things. Video after the break!

Gallery: Flip MinoHD goes premium, we go hands-on

Gallery: New Flip MinoHD press shots

Continue reading Flip MinoHD goes premium, we go hands-on

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Fuji Instax Mini 7 Proves Film is Still Best – For Instant

instax7

There are two ways to get instant photos from your camera: using either an instant film camera or a digicam with a built-in printer. However, there is only one way to get good instant photos, and that is still film.

Without testing it, we’re not sure just how good the pictures are from Fujifilm’s new Instax Mini 7. One thing we do know is that, unless somebody has seriously messed something up (replacing the lens with an piece of beer-bottle, for example), the Mini 7 will embarrass the truly awful digital Pogo from previous instant title-holder Polaroid.

The Mini 7 will remain a novelty, though, as the ISO 800, 1.8 x 2.4-inch film costs $20 for a 10-pack. When shooting, you can pick from four exposure settings (the shutter speed remains at 1/60 sec). Focus is fixed, but when things get really dark there’s a built-in flash. The camera costs $90 and is cute enough to be given as a gift. And if experience is anything to go by, it is a gift that will be used precisely ten times, until the first roll of film runs out and it is consigned, with all the other film cameras, to the junk-drawer.

(Via Gadget Lab.)

Sanyo unveils VPC-HD2000A and VPC-FH1A dual cameras

Sanyo has pulled the wraps off a pair of new video cameras called the VPC-HD2000A and the VPC-FH1A. The cameras are both in the Sanyo high-end Dual Cameras range and are the world’s first camcorders to offer compatibility with the iFrame video format.

sanyoiframecams

The iFrame format is a next generation format of video designed to allow the video to be easy to import, edit, and share. The VPC-HD2000A will sell for $599.99 and the VPC-FH1A will sell for $499.99 with both available in stores today.

The iFrame format is compatible with editing applications on both Mac and Windows PCs. Video recorded on both cams is stored to SD/SDHC cards. The cameras both record in 1080i and 1080p HD formats at 60 frames per second. Resolution with the iFrame format is 960 x 540 at 30 frames per second. Both cameras can shoot 8MP still shots. The FH1A has a 3-inch LCD and the HD2000A has a 2.7-inch screen. Both sport 10x optical zoom for still shots and 16x optical zoom for video. The FH1A has HDMI out, the other cam features an HDMI cradle and an external mic input.

(Via SlashGear.)

JVC's Picsio pocket camcorder does fake 1080p for a real $200

We already saw the Picsio GC-FM1's splashy debut for Japan, but now JVC is announcing the camera for a Stateside release. Its advertised '1080p' resolution is actually 1440 x 1080 at 30 fps, while the 1280 x 720 mode at 60 fps sounds much more enticing to us, and it's all recorded to SD card (none is included) as H.264 .MOV files. There's really not a lot to set the camera apart in a sea of pocket cams, but you can always watch the incredible all-dancing, all-crazy promo video again after the break to pique your interest. The GC-FM1 is available now for $200.

Continue reading JVC's Picsio pocket camcorder does fake 1080p for a real $200

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Samsung HMX-U10 Now Available In Purple

Samsung has added a new color option ‘purple’ to its ultra compact HD camcorder, the HMX-U10. This new color version is available exclusively from BestBuy for a suggested retail price of $179.99. As a reminder, this pocket-sized camcorder is packed with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor (10MP), a 2-inch LCD screen and offers full-HD video recording at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
[Via ChipChick]

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Thursday

Affordable Aiptek A-HD 720P Camcorder

Amazon has started selling a special deal on the Aiptek A-HD 720p 8MP CMOS HD camcorder for only $80. In case you didn’t know, this HD camcorder can record 1280 × 720 resolution video at 30fps (H.264). You can also connect this camcorder to any TV/VCR or DVD player to record videos, pictures and audio. Other features include a 5MP CMOS sensor, a 2X digital zoom with fixed focus, and charges via USB or AC adapter without having to remove the battery.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Wednesday

Memorex MyVideo pocket camcorders are content to fit the mold

Memorex has never exactly been one to go out on a limb with its consumer electronics, and it looks like that's especially true of its new MyVideo pocket camcorders, which the company itself doesn't even bother to go into much detail about in its press release -- other than that they'll let you 'zoom in on life's moments before they zoom out,' of course. A bit more digging turns up some expectedly standard specs, however, including 4GB of memory and an HDMI port on the MyVideo HD model and 2GB and no HDMI on the MyVideo VGA, along with a two-inch screen and the usual integrated USB connector on each. Then again, they do just cost $99.99 and $129.99, and seem like a prime candidate for discounts in the run up to the holiday season.

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Tuesday

Gadgetell Review: DXG-Riviera HD camcorder

What is it?

The DXG-Riviera HD is from DXG’s Luxe collection of camcorders.' It shoots 720p video onto SD cards and has a MSRP of $149.99.' There are two patterns available: the Riviera is a quilted pattern, the Soho is in an argyle pattern.

What’s in the box?

DXG camcorder

Carrying case

SD Card

HDMI cable

A/V cables

4 AAA batteries

Editing software: ArcSoft TotalMedia, Mr. Photo, VideoWorks

The Good

The DXG package comes with a lot of accessories including a HDMI cable.' Sony didn’t even give you a HDMI cable with its original PS3.' The camcorder is lightweight and easy to operate.' You wouldn’t need to read the manual unless you wanted to.'

Setting up the camera requires 4 AAA batteries and a SD card, both are included.' The design is unique with its quilted pattern in the plastic shell of the LCD.' While DXG went with a fashion-accessory design, that design does not get in the way of function.'

Video quality in sunlight was fair.' In still camera mode, pictures were relatively clear.

The Bad

There is a still camera mode, but there is a bit of lag when you shoot still pictures.' Click the camera button and you’ll likely capture the next second.' The lag is reminiscent of the iPhone 3G’s camera.' The screen on the device is not fantastic, but a user would probably want to view the HD video on a big screen.'

Unfortunately, the video quality on this device was not up to par with other pocket camcorders.' Under low light, video appeared scratchy.' There is noticeable wobble of the video when panning - it’s as if you are viewing a reflection of a video in water.' Details were muddy.' The microphone pick up is poor.' Pointing the camera at a subject, you were more likely to hear the camera operator breathe than hear the subject.'

The Crux

At $149.99, the DXG Luxe just does not compare well to competitors at this point.' You will probably want to skip it in favor of a Kodak or Flip instead.'

(Via Gadgetell.)

Monday

Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing and impressions

Canon held off about as long as it could, but it finally caved to the pressures of adding a pressure-sensitive screen to one of its Digital ELPHs. The SD980 IS goes down as the first-ever touchscreen PowerShot, offering a better-than-average set of specifications, a few color options, an attractive size and a 720p movie mode that helps to set it apart from some of its VGA-quality contemporaries. We took the cam for a quick spin just to see how Canon's adaptation of the touchscreen felt in real-world use, and we've posted up our impressions -- along with a few sample galleries and a raw 720p video clip -- just beyond the break.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing

Continue reading Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing and impressions

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Ezonics EZ-802 EZMega Cam

Check out this cool dual-function camera ‘EZ-802 EZMega Cam’ from Ezonics. Not only it serves as a PC camera for your PC, but it also doubles as a megapixel digital camera with flash capability. This compact camera allows you to capture both full motion video in AVI format as well as digital still images in 800 x 600 resolution. It features a 0.5-megapixel CMOS sensor, an 8MB of internal memory, a USB 1.1 interface and a built-in microphone for video conference. The Ezonics EZ-802 EZMega Cam retails for $63.99.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Sunday

Jessops Launches Fuji Finepix F72EXR

Jessops, the UK’s leading photographic retailer has announced the launch of the new and exclusive to Jessops Fuji Finepix F72EXR camera. This pocket-sized digital camera offers a 10-megapixel image sensor, 10x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch display, super intelligent flash, face detection, red eye removal and uses Fuji’s new EXR technology for optimizing resolution as well as improving performance in low-light areas. The Fuji Finepix F72EXR is now available via your local Jessops store or online for £279 (about $446).
[Via Photography Monthly]

Friday

Nikon D3s With 1080p Video Plus Mystery Camera Announced Next Week? (Hooopefully)

Nikon's holding a buttload of events around the world Oct. 14, meaning new camera. Specifically, it's rumored to be the D3s—a tweaked version of the conveniently out-of-stock D3 with 1080p video recording, along with a new mystery camera.

Rumored D3s specs follow thusly

* Nikon D3s with ISO 200-12800 (D3 was with ISO 200-6400)

* New ISO range HI-3 at 102,400 ISO

* 12.1 mp FX sensor (same as the D3, but tweaked)

* 14fps

* D-movie with 24 fps/1080p

Don't hold your breath on that ISO, but the rest is very possible. It'd make sense that a D3s would be their first DSLR to make the jump to 1080p video (we'll honestly cry if it has 720p).

The other possible camera, which might just have us more excited is a compact with a DSLR-sized sensor inside, sorta like Leica's X1. We'll be waiting for Oct. 14 with bated breath, that's for sure.

(Via Gizmodo: Cameras.)

Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

The typical Micro Four Thirds review seems to come down to a matter of tradeoffs -- size and convenience for a bit of a drop from the image quality and performance of a real DSLR. The GF1 doesn't break that trend, but it has some pretty nice things to offer for the inquisitive interchangeable lens shopper. The most notable feature when put up against its direct competition, the E-P1, is the GF1's built-in pop-up flash, and the primary drawback of both of these cams versus their regular Micro Four Thirds counterparts is the lack of an eye-level viewfinder, though the GF1 does offer a pricey hot-shoe mounted approximation. As for images PhotographyBLOG says the camera gets 'almost everything right,' and video doesn't look bad neither -- a couple samples are after the break. The camera is no ultra-compact, but it seems another good proof for the existence of Micro Four Thirds as a DSLR alternative.

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

(Via Engadget Digital Cameras.)

Minox DC 1044 Super-Compact Digital Camera

Here’s another pocket-friendly digital camera from a German-based company Minox, the DC 1044. Measuring only 95mm x 58mm x 18.8mm and weighing just 116 grams, this super-compact camera boasts a 10-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 3-inch TFT color display, 3x optical zoom, a 32MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot, a USB port and a replaceable Lithium-Ion battery. Not to mention, it also comes with several advanced features including electronic image stabilization, automatic white balance, face recognition and smile detection. The Minox DC 1044 will hit stores this month for a recommended retail price of €119 (about $175). [PhotographyBlog]

Thursday

Yashica debuts EZ F521 digicam / webcam / snoozefest

Poor Yashica. The once classic camera company is now nothing more than a brand name used to flog cut-rate digital point-and-clicks. At least its latest, the EZ F521, resembles a cool retro camera (you know, as long as you don't look too closely). Unfortunately, the specs don't make us feel any better about the whole proposition: 5 megapixel sensor, 2.4-inch LCD, automatic ISO, 42.5mm optics (with macro and landscape options), 640 x 480 video, 32MB internal memory, and SD/SDHC card support, and power provided by three AA batteries. But hey -- it can do double duty as a webcam! Yours for ¥7,980 (roughly $89), if you dare.

[Via Crave]

PI-CamStick Micro Camcorder

Here’s another super compact video/audio recorder for your collection, the PI-CamStick. This thumb-sized device is able to record high resolution video in 640 x 480 resolution at 20fps in AVI format. It also comes with a 1GB of storage, a microSD card slot (up to 8GB), a USB port and a rechargeable battery that can last up to 2 hours of recording time. If you’re interested, the PI-CamStick Micro Camcorder will set you back $99.95.

(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)

Monday

General Imaging G3WP digital camera

General Imaging G3WP digital camera will be the first waterproof point-and-shoot device from the company, where it will come with a 12.2-megapixel sensor alongside 4x optical zoom for you to get up close and personal with the action without having to stray too near, coupled with a 4.5x digital zoom. A 2.7' LCD display helps you see what you have just captured, while the 116MB of internal memory can be used in case of an emergency - here meaning you've run out of space on your SDHC memory card. Other features include PictBridge connectivity, smile, face and blink detection capability, image stabilization and automatic red eye reduction. Expect the G3WP to arrive sometime in the middle of this month for $200 a pop in blue, grey and red colors.

(Via UberGizmo, the Gadgets News Blog.)

Saturday

Tachyon XC 3D helmet cam hands-on

If you're the sort who does interesting things whilst wearing a helmet, things that you might like to capture on video for friends, family, or strangers to watch, it's an awfully good time to be a gadget lover. There have never been more helmet camera options than there are today, and one of the most interesting we've yet had the opportunity to affix to our lid is the Tachyon XC 3D. It's a pair of generally pedestrian cameras that, when joined at the hip, combine Voltron-like to do something rather more interesting: capture 3D renderings of your extreme endeavors. But, is an extra dimension worth the $380 price of admission? Read on to find out, and to experience the depth for yourself.

Gallery: Tachyon XC 3D