Digital Camera

Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom (Pink)

2008-12-10T16:27:00.001+08:00

Manufacturer's Description

Despite being only 20.0mm thick, the 10-megapixel FinePix Z200fd touts cutting-edge technology and advanced features including a Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens, a high-resolution, scratch-resistant 2.7-inch LCD and sensitivity settings of up to ISO 1600 that enable partygoers to take beautiful, natural-looking images without flash, retaining the atmosphere of twilight and late-night events.

Featuring Fujifilm’s acclaimed Face Detection Technology, now working in tandem with automatic red-eye removal, the FinePix Z200fd makes it easy to capture your friends’ good sides. At the press of a button, this mode identifies up to 10 human faces in a scene, and sets the correct focus and exposure, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. The FinePix Z200fd then instantly checks each detected face for red eye and, if found, corrects it automatically in the camera, avoiding the process of editing later.

Timing Is Everything The FinePix Z200fd debuts Fujifilm’s new Couple Timer Mode and Group Timer Mode, ensuring you can appear in every shot you take, even when there’s no one else around to take the picture! Working in conjunction with Face Detection Technology, these self-timer modes automatically capture the image when the camera has detected faces in a frame.

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Fujifilm Finepix A900 9MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

2008-12-09T16:24:00.001+08:00

Manufacturer Description
Designed specifically for the first-time digital camera buyer and consumers seeking an affordable, easy-to-operate upgrade to their current digital camera, Fujifilm's FinePix A900 is loaded with features usually reserved for more advanced models. The A900 incorporates Fujifilm’s signature Super CCD sensor technology with 9.3 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom lens and feature ISO levels of up to 800.

Following in the footsteps of Fujifilm’s more advanced digital cameras, the FinePix A900 shoots with light sensitivities of up to ISO 800 at full resolution. These higher light sensitivities enable the user to shoot with faster shutter speeds, which lessen the likelihood of blurry pictures caused by a moving subject or the shake of an unsteady hand. To make it easy for consumers to achieve blur-free results, the FinePix A900 features a Picture Stabilization mode in the dial setting. This easy-to-identify setting automatically chooses the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed, producing the highest quality digital pictures without blur and the noise often associated with high sensitivity photographs.

The FinePix A900 also features a new, intuitive icon-based Graphic User Interface (GUI). When users switch shooting modes, scene positions or control settings, a brief explanation of the setting is momentarily displayed on the LCD screen, taking much of the guess work out of digital camera operation. Additionally, the camera features a conveniently placed mode dial that provides easy access to the most commonly used shooting modes, including Auto, Picture Stabilization and Movie modem and allows 1-touch access to other pre-programmed scene modes.

Another great feature of the FinePix A900 is the new xD/SD/SD-HC Media Compatible slot; which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards, but also Secure Digital (SD) and Secure Digital-High Capacity (SD-HC) media cards. In offering these media options, Fujifilm is providing greater choice and flexibility to consumers who purchase Fujifilm digital cameras.

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Fujifilm Finepix J10 8.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Matte Black)

2008-12-08T16:20:00.002+08:00

Manufacturer Description

Housed in a slim, compact body, the FinePix J10 incorporates an 8.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a 2.5-inch LCD and a 3x Fujinon optical zoom lens that captures large groups or distant subjects with ease thanks to a 38mm-113mm equivalent. Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization Technology reduces blurry images that can be caused by camera shake or subject movement, especially in low-light settings. Plus, by automatically choosing the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed, the FinePix J10 helps to freeze the action and produces the highest-quality digital pictures without the blur and noise often associated with low-light photographs.

Fuji Finepix J10 Highlights

Scene modes 15 pre-programmed scene modes provides top-quality photos in a wide-range of shooting conditions.

Movie mode The J10 captures VGA and QVGA-quality movie clips at 30 frames per second with sound. Great for when you don’t have your video camera on hand.

xD/SD/SDHC-compatible slot The FinePix J10 features an xD/SD compatible slot, which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SDHC cards too.

Battery life Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery for extended shot life.

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Fujifilm Finepix Z20fd 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Wasabi Green)

2008-12-07T16:10:00.001+08:00

Continuing the tradition started by its stylish predecessor, the FinePix Z10fd, the FinePix Z20fd is a new, ultra-glam digital camera packed with useful features that let you face it, beam it, blog it and now roll it with a new MPEG-4 movie recording mode for the movie-crazed among us.

The 10-megapixel FinePix Z20fd features an ultra-portable design, a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD screen, and packs 45MB of internal memory to give you some extra room when your memory card is full. The style-savvy FinePix Z20fd also introduces Fujifilm’s handy new Dual Blog Mode that automatically resizes any still image or movie you've captured, letting you post pictures and videos to blogs, video-sharing websites like YouTube, or e-mail to friends with ease.

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Tips Memory cards

2008-12-07T12:05:00.003+08:00

digital camera using memory cards to save all photo there are many formats to choose from.there are have memory card types example : sd memory cards,compact flash(CF),MMC(multimedia memory card),xd memory card,micro sd memory card and many more.generally digital camera memory cards is sd memory cards and compact flash(CF),in this article i tell you how to take care good memory card

1.Keep Your Memory From Water!
How to protect your digital camera memory from humidity and water damage.

2.Insert Media Carefully
Media can only get inserted into a digital camera one way. and so when you insert memory in memory card reader.you must insert carefully.

3.Beware of Fake Memory Cards!
Some unscrupulous sellers may sell fake digital camera media cards.you must notice your memory fake or original.the fake memory card will be fast damage..

4.Consider Buying a Media Wallet
Protect your digital camera memory from the elements.i recomended using memory card wallet to protect your memory from dust.ot you cant using memory card case.

5.Memory and Cold Weather
Most digital camera memory should work well in cold temperatures.dont put digital camera memory in hot temperature because can make memory damaged.

6.Purchase a Card Reader
card reader can use to transfer your foto from digital camera to PC.so purchasing a media card reader for your digital camera is a good investment

7.Turn Off Your Camera When Switching Media
when you want switching media..you must turn off your camera.Switching media while a digital camera is on may cause damage

8.always eject memory card
after transfer your photo form digital camera to PC.you must eject your memory card from PC..because without eject memory card your file can lost..

9.Format Media After File Manipulation
After you copy images from your digital camera to your computer, you should clear the media card..

10.Don't Format Media with your PC
Digital cameras may not recognize memory formatted with your PC.if you want format memory card,you can format from digital camera..choose menu-setup menu-format

i hopethis articel can help you take care your memory card.

How to Take Care of Your Digital Camera

2008-12-06T10:42:00.002+08:00

Digital camera is sensistive widget..so you must taking care of your digital camera
Here is an article I give you about taking care of your digital camera. I hope it'll be useful

using digital camera in long time will make your digital camera have trouble,camera body especially the lens can be easy damaged and scratches.
Here are some tips for taking care of that precious camera of yours

Lens Care

The lens of your digital camera is its eye or window to the outside world. It is easily the most important component in any camera. To take care of the lens, make sure that you never, ever touch directly with your fingers. Also make sure that you put on the lens cap when not shooting pictures.
sometime you need to clean the lens form the dust,use good lens cleaning equipment. Investing in such equipment is really important.dont use any cloth Always use a good lens brush, lens blower and lens cloth to do the job. you also can use Lens pen

Temperature
The other thing to look out for is the temperature under which the camera is stored. You should always keep the camera out of sun. One mistake that newbies always make is to store the digital camera in the extremely hot temperatures (e.g. the car boot). Don’t ever do that. It’s also important not to store the camera in extremely cold temperatures either.

Storage
When storing your digital camera, you need to keep it away from magnets of any form. Magnets will affect the circuitry of your digital camera and should not be placed near it.if you do,your camera wil be damage.

Another point to note is to use silica gel to combat condensation. Many electronic products come with silica gel capsules. Keep these and put them in your digital camera storage box. It will prevent condensation.

The batteries of the camera should also be removed if you intend to store the camera away for a long time. The reason is that batteries can have corrosive leaks over time.

Protect Delicate Components
You also need to protect those delicate components. In particular, watch out for the memory card (whether it is a CompactFlash, SD or MMC card). Handle them with care because they are small and delicate.

You digital camera costs a lot of money and it pays to take care of it. Remember to apply the above tips to preserve your camera and it’ll last you a long, long time. Good luck!

Olympus FE370 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)

2008-12-05T18:24:00.001+08:00

Manufacturer's Description

While small in size, the Olympus FE-370 is full of impressive imaging technologies packed into a slim, colorful metal body ideal for people on the move. The FE-370 features 8.0 megapixels of resolution; Dual Image Stabilization for virtually blur-free images; Face Detection for crisp portraits; Perfect Shot Preview to see various shot options before the shutter is pressed; In-Camera Help Guide that makes print manuals obsolete; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for convenience; and an LCD backlight boost for viewing in bright light.
Dual Image Stabilization virtually eliminates blur from shaking hands or moving subjects and joins with the TruePic III Image Processor to produce crystal clear images.
A new Intelligent Auto Mode selects the appropriate shooting mode automatically based on where the camera is aimed, and optimizes the settings accordingly.
Powerful 5x optical zoom captures action at a distance that is displayed on a big and bright 2.7-inch high resolution LCD.
Smile Shot automatically triggers the shutter only when a subject smiles, and Expression Edit can even turn frowns upside down.

New Intelligent Auto Mode
Tired of changing the settings on your camera every time you’re shooting something different? Included in the FE-370, the Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you are shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

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Olympus Stylus 1050SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

2008-12-04T18:23:00.000+08:00

Manufacturer's Description

While other digital cameras may use touch screens to access settings, the new Stylus 1050 SW has a shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof body that is sensitive to touch all over. So getting to the most common menu settings in situations where pushing buttons takes time or is difficult is now as fast and easy as a tap on the top, back or sides of the camera.

The rugged 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1050 SW is designed to take the hard knocks that everyday life--particularly those with kids--can throw its way, so you know that the memories it captures will be protected. It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms, and swim with the fishes -- lethal conditions for most other digital cameras. Additionally, the sleek, lens-protecting faceplate slides down, turning the camera on and revealing the lens in an instant to capture the moment.

Stylus 1050SW Highlights

Tap Control
The Stylus 1050 SW camera can be controlled with a simple tap on its top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to the new camera’s 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. For example, to turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, tap the camera’s side twice. In adverse climates, where the Stylus 1050 SW thrives, the new Tap Control ensures fast results so you get the shot, even if you are adjusting settings while fighting frostbite with large gloves that would make traditional buttons nearly impossible to maneuver.

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Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Wide Angle Zoom (Black)

2008-12-03T12:46:00.001+08:00

Manufacturer Description

Scuba divers, mountain climbers and adventurers worldwide will love the 10.1-megapixel Stylus 1030 SW, the toughest point-and-shoot camera in the world. This shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and dustproof model builds on the Olympus Stylus SW series’ reputation of delivering amazing images while enduring extreme expeditions and everyday adventures, including life with kids.

Even more durable than its predecessors -- it can withstand a drop from 6.6 feet -- the camera has also been pumping up its power with a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen and digital imaging advances, including Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and a TruePic III image processor to capture rich, vibrant detail with every shot.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW Highlights

Shockproof and crushproof design Afraid the mountain winds might sweep a camera out of your gloves? Never fear, the Stylus 1030 SW can withstand a 6.6-foot drop with its shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and circuitry. In addition, the Stylus 1030 SW features a crushproof body that can withstand up to 220 pounds of crushing pressure.

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Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Wide Angle Zoom (Silver)

How to Buy A Digital Camera

2008-12-02T18:24:00.000+08:00

if you want buy digital camera,you have to know how to buy digital camera.How do you know which model will suit your needs?you must be confused by the bewildering range of models out there.i will give you some tips about how to buy digital camera so you can get good camera not bad camera.
Hopefully, it will help you choose the camera that's just right for you.
buying a digital camera need not be a difficult task,before purchase decision,
have some factor you need to know when buying digital camera :

Battery Life
Number of Megapixels
Zoom Lens
Exposure Control
User Controls

Battery Life

This has got to be one of the most overlooked features in digital cameras. I know many people who go for the latest and greatest digital cameras which are short in the battery life department. If you want to take good photos, your camera needs to powered for extended periods of time. I've found that cost and battery life don't go together - many cheap cameras have good battery life, while some high-end models drain your battery really fast. Make sure you choose a camera that has good battery life.

Number of Megapixels

The megapixel rating of a digital camera determines how much fine detail you can capture in your shots. Typically, the number of megapixels can range around from 2 megapixels to 8 megapixels. How do you decide how many megapixels you need? As a rule of thumb, if you're only interested in taking small snapshots to send via email or for posting on the Web, you won't need more than 2 megapixels. If you want large print outs of your gorgeous photographs, then you'll probably want to get 5 megapixel cameras and above. You may want to refer to this guide for more information.of course hight megapixel more expensive than low megapixel.

Zoom Lens

You'll definitely want a camera with decent optical zoom. Now the keyword here is optical zoom (as opposed to digital zoom). Optical zoom physically moves the camera lenses to zoom in on a subject. Digital zoom, however, digitally averages and magnifies the image within the camera's microchip - resulting in poor picture quality. Many manufacturers' advertisements talk about digital zoom instead of optical zoom - so do be careful when choosing. I'd recommend getting at least 3x optical zoom in any camera you buy.if you want shoot far object,you must choose more optical zoom.

Exposure Control

The ability to control exposure settings such as shutter speed and lens opening is critical to professional photographers. Cheaper digital cameras only allow you to shoot photos in automatic mode - just press the shutter release and voila, your picture is taken. More advanced users prefer to tweak the shutter speed and aperture to capture fast moving objects or blur the image background. Choose a camera with good exposure control if you foresee yourself taking on photography as a serious hobby.

User Controls

If you are getting a point-and-shoot camera, make sure you find one that's easy to use. User controls to set resolution, macro mode, flash and exposure should be within easy reach. Of course, if you're a serious photography buff who wants to take the time to tweak all sorts of manual settings, then this many not be so critical. I prefer to try out the camera first in the store - play with the controls and get comfortable with them. Only then will you know whether it's comfortable enough for you.

i hope this article can help you How to Buy A Digital Camera.

Avoiding Digital Camera Shakes Tips

Kodak EasyShare C813 8.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

2008-12-02T13:14:00.002+08:00

Product Description
We made sure it had the one feature you¿ve come to expect¿simplicity. Because if your camera is simple to use, you¿ll love to take pictures.

Product Description
The C813 is part of the Kodak EasyShare System so sharing your pictures is amazingly simple. Just press Share. Capture all the details in low light conditions and fast action situations with up to 1250 High ISO. View your pictures with brilliance and clarity on the 2.5 (6.1 cm) color display LCD, 480 ? 240 (115k pixels) Shutter speed - 1/2-1/1400 seconds White Balance - Auto, daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, and open shade Shooting Modes - Auto, SCN, video, digital IS, close-up, and Favorites Tripod mount - 1/4 standard Scene modes - Portrait, night portrait, landscape, night landscape, sports, snow, beach, text/document, backlight, museum/manner, fireworks, high ISO, children, flower, self-portrait, and sunset System Requirements - Windows XP or higher, Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Macintosh OS X 10.3 or higher, Safari 1.1 or higher, 600 MHz processor or greater, 128MB RAM, 200MB free space, CD-ROM drive, Available USB port, Color monitor, 800?600 display resolution, and 16-bit minimum Dimensions - Width 3.6 ? Height 2.6 ? Depth 1.5 (91.0 ? 65.7 ? 37.3 mm) Weight - 4.8 ounces (137 grams)

Technical Details
8.2-megapixel resolution for stunning prints up to 30 x 40 inches
3x optical zoom lens, 5x digital zoom; HD still capture and VGA video
2.4-inch indoor/outdoor color LCD
Digital image stabilization reduces blur
Compatible with SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

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Kodak EasyShare C813 8.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom with G610 Printer Dock Bundle

Kodak EasyShare Z1012 10.1MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

2008-12-01T12:41:00.001+08:00

Product Description
Kodak 1324748 EasyShare Z1012 IS Digital Camera 10MP / 12X Opt.IS / 32MB / 2.5" LCD / HD. Compact ergonomic design. Face detection technology. Multiple scene and color modes. On-camera Share button and Favorites feature.

Product Description
PRODUCT FEATURES:12x zoomOptical image stabilizationAmazing quality prints with 10.1 MPBest-in-class click-to-capture speedHD picture captureHD video featuresHigh ISO modeSmart capturePanorama stitch modeHistogram featureOn-camera editing featuresFace detection technologyMultimedia slideshowText and sound taggingKodak Perfect Touch technologyInternal memory plusMultiple scene modes5 color modesManual controlsExclusive Kodak color science image processing chipCapture challenging action shots with one hand - the compact ergonomic design fits comfortably in the palm of your handOn-camera share button - the simple way to shareSimple ways to print your pictures at homeReady to go - right out of the box

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Kodak EasyShare C713 7MP Digital Camera (Pink)

2008-11-30T12:25:00.002+08:00

Manufacturer's Description

The Kodak EasyShare C713 digital camera takes 7.0-megapixel images, and more megapixels give you more freedom to crop, edit, and enlarge the favorite parts of your photos. This camera takes photo-quality, 300dpi images up to 6 x 9 inches, and quality 200dpi images up to 10 x 15 inches. 3x optical zoom magnifies subjects without sacrificing resolution and lets you get close to the action. Additionally, 5x digital zoom picks up where optical zoom leaves off, stretching pixels to make the image look bigger.

EasyShare C713 Highlights

Exceptional quality prints with 7 megapixels
7.0-megapixel resolution for stunning prints up to 20 x 30 inches. More megapixels means you can crop and still get a great picture, plus capture bright, beautiful color with Kodak Color Science. However you choose to print--at home, at retail, or online--trust Kodak for picture quality that’s truly exceptional and for memories that will last.

3x optical zoom lens
The Kodak AF 3x optical aspheric zoom lens (35 mm equivalent: 36-108 mm) captures crisp details and gets you closer to your subjects without losing picture quality. 5x digital zoom enlarges your pictures even more.

Digital image stabilization
Reduce blur caused by camera shake or subject movement. The camera software automatically minimizes camera shake to deliver a clearer picture.

Indoor/outdoor color display
View your pictures with brilliance and clarity on the 2.4-inch color display.

High ISO
Capture all the details in low light conditions and fast action situations with high ISO (up to 1250).

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Kodak Easyshare C713 7MP Digital Zoom Camera (Pink) + 2GB Accessory Kit

Nikon Coolpix S210 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Plum)

2008-11-29T12:18:00.002+08:00

Manufacturer Description

Functional beauty in an alluringly slim body. Packing sophisticated style, advanced functions and high performance into its ultra-slim design, the Coolpix S210 fits comfortably in the hand and simplifies operation.

Coolpix S210 Highlights

VR image stabilization Compensating for the effects of camera shake to realize sharper results, electronic VR image stabilization frees you to enjoy capturing special moments without worrying about slight hand movements, particularly in lower light conditions.

ISO 2000 capability Light sensitivity range up to ISO 2000 allows the use of faster shutter speeds to avoid blurred results when shooting moving subjects or in locations with insuffi cient lighting. ISO sensitivity is automatically optimized in High-Sensitivity mode.

Coolpix Premium Features

Coolpix in-camera technologies give you the edge when it comes to taking beautiful pictures more easily and with greater enjoyment. Included are innovative functions that increase shooting opportunities in a broader range of situations, help to optimize images, and add a new dimension of fun to sharing those results.

VR image stabilization Nikon Coolpix cameras offer an array of VR technologies that produce blur-free images when shooting in unsteady conditions or at slower shutter speeds. Selected models are equipped with one of two types of Optical VR, Lens Shift VR, which delivers sharp and steady images effective for shooting and faster framing with the LCD, or Image Sensor Shift VR, which moves the image sensor to accurately compensate for camera shake. Other models offer Electronic VR which applies movement data to image processing to turn blurred images into beautifully clear results.

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Nikon Coolpix S210 8MP Digital Camera (Plum) + 4GB Accessory Kit

Nikon Coolpix S550 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Plum)

2008-11-28T12:15:00.002+08:00

Smart, fast, and blessed with long reach. Packing stylish elegance, high performance and advanced functions into the smallest body among competing compact digital cameras, the 10-megapixel Coolpix S550 fits comfortably in the hand and offers simplified operation.

Coolpix S550 Highlights

10.0 megapixels of pure imaging power That’s plenty of sharp resolution to capture the finest details, crop creatively and produce beautiful enlargements. Optimizing performance and color reproduction is an advanced new image-processing engine.

5x Zoom-Nikkor lens Exceptional image quality with greater creative freedom distinguishes the 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens (35mm format equivalent) for the Coolpix S550. Employing four aspherical elements and delivering telescopic reach of up to 180mm, its quality Nikkor optics also allow macro shooting from as close as 10 cm from your subject.

VR image stabilization Compensating for the effects of camera shake to realize sharper results, electronic VR image stabilization frees you to enjoy capturing special moments without worrying about slight hand movements, particularly in lower light conditions.

Smile mode and Blink warning Smile mode and blink warning both help in faithfully recording precious smiles in the brief instants they appear. Smile mode automatically releases the shutter when the selected subject smiles, helping to ensure smiles on the faces of loved ones. The Smile indicator, activated via Portrait mode, displays a gauge that changes when a smile is detected. Blink warning alerts you when it suspects that a subject has blinked, and allows you to immediately retake the shot.

Coolpix Premium Features

Coolpix in-camera technologies give you the edge when it comes to taking beautiful pictures more easily and with greater enjoyment. Included are innovative functions that increase shooting opportunities in a broader range of situations, help to optimize images, and add a new dimension of fun to sharing those results.

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Nikon Coolpix S550 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Cool Blue)

Nikon Coolpix L18 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Navy)

2008-11-27T12:03:00.000+08:00

Manufacturer Description

For carefree shooting and consistently great pictures. An impressively high, 8-megapixel count delivers pictures with true-to-life color and pleasing details. What's more, it means images can be significantly enlarged, and still look absolutely stunning.

Coolpix L18 Highlights

New Anti-shake AE Anti-shake AE helps you take great pictures free of complicated operation by automatically increasing shutter speed and raising the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.

Expansive 3.0-inch LCD monitor A huge, bright LCD monitor makes it a cinch to compose shots and play them back anywhere, ensuring clear viewing, even in direct sunlight.

AA-size batteries for carefree shooting anywhere Compatibility with AA-size batteries, which are widely available around the world, means carefree shooting virtually anywhere without worrying about recharging or running out of power.

Easy auto mode Easy auto mode makes photography even easier by taking control of settings, so you simply turn on the camera and shoot freely.

Coolpix Premium Features

Coolpix in-camera technologies give you the edge when it comes to taking beautiful pictures more easily and with greater enjoyment. Included are innovative functions that increase shooting opportunities in a broader range of situations, help to optimize images, and add a new dimension of fun to sharing those results.

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Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

2008-11-26T11:57:00.001+08:00

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

2008-11-25T18:53:00.000+08:00

Product Description
Manufacturer Description

Color communicates. It introduces you before you say a word,making the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph the ultimate image-maker. Five fashion-forward hues expressed in pure aluminum add a new burst of excitement to Canon’s Perpetual Curve design. Of course, a camera that brings out the best in you also delivers Canon’s most advanced technology features. Call it style with substance, for a new level of picture taking pleasure.

PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph Highlights

8.0-megapixel Digital Elph with 3x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer With 8.0-megapixel technology at its heart, the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph brings you high-resolution images that maintain their sharpness and vivid impact even when they’re enlarged and cropped. The 3x optical zoom is a clear winner when it comes to getting up close and personal. And Canon’s invaluable Optical Image Stabilizer reduces the blur of camera movement, even in tricky, low-light situations.

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Canon PowerShot SD790IS 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

2008-11-24T18:46:00.000+08:00

Manufacturer Description

Chiseled edges with a subtle gleam give this PowerShot SD790 IS Digital ELPH distinctive sculptural appeal. Just as attractive are its high-end specifications, including 10 megapixels of resolution plus Face Detection and Motion Detection Technology that delivers the ultimate in crisp, clear, amazingly detailed images. Prepare to be transfixed by the view from the camera’s 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen. With rich, accurate color and superb clarity, the screen is easy to view at wide angles too -- perfect for gathering a group around to see your images.

PowerShot SD790IS Highlights

1x zoom/3x zoom

Advanced 10-megapixel Digital ELPH with 3x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer The PowerShot SD790 IS Digital ELPH offers impressive core technologies. The 10.0-megapixel CCD gives you extraordinary flexibility in cropping and enlarging: the detail and resolution are so fine that you can take any part of an image and enlarge it with confidence. The 3x optical zoom can more than handle your everyday shooting. Canon’s exclusive Optical Image Stabilizer automatically detects and cancels camera shake, ensuring that your images are crisp and blur-free throughout the zoom range.

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Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)

2008-11-23T18:41:00.000+08:00

Product Description
Manufacturer Description

Color communicates. It introduces you before you say a word, making the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph the ultimate image-maker. Five fashion-forward hues expressed in pure aluminum add a new burst of excitement to Canon’s Perpetual Curve design. Of course, a camera that brings out the best in you also delivers Canon’s most advanced technology features. Call it style with substance, for a new level of picture taking pleasure.

PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph Highlights

8.0-megapixel Digital Elph with 3x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer With 8.0-megapixel technology at its heart, the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph brings you high-resolution images that maintain their sharpness and vivid impact even when they’re enlarged and cropped. The 3x optical zoom is a clear winner when it comes to getting up close and personal. And Canon’s invaluable Optical Image Stabilizer reduces the blur of camera movement, even in tricky, low-light situations.

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Canon PowerShot A630 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

2008-11-22T18:15:00.000+08:00

Manufacturer Description

The PowerShot A590 IS will astound you with its power-packed performance and impressive value. It’s got 8 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, an Optical Image Stabilizer, and a large 2.5-inch LCD. A range of shooting modes -- from manual to automatic, including Canon’s new Easy Mode -- make picture-taking carefree. A DIGIC III Image Processor with Enhanced Canon Face Detection assures natural-looking results, while Motion Detection Technology reduces blur. For added creativity, attach wide or telephoto converter lenses.

Canon PowerShot A590IS Highlights

8 megapixels with 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer With the PowerShot A590 IS, dramatic, personal pictures have never been easier to shoot and share. The 8.0-megapixel design lets you create impressive high resolution images of family and friends you’ll be proud display. The genuine Canon 4x zoom lens moves you in for powerful close-ups -- like a bird in flight or a child’s winning goal -- at the touch of a button. Plus, Canon’s highly sophisticated Optical Image Stabilizer keeps every shot absolutely steady even when you’re not.

2.5-inch LCD screen The camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear and bright picture. It also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.

New Easy Mode simplifies operation Even if you’ve never picked up a camera before, with Canon’s new Easy Mode you can take inspiring, dramatic pictures that will impress everyone. Once you choose Easy Mode, the PowerShot A590 IS handles all the details automatically. It automatically sets every camera control including the flash to reduce blur and improve image quality. So you get pictures that are bright, clear and natural just by pushing a button. Best of all, you can relax and concentrate on what really counts -- your subject.

Selectable shooting modes With 19 Shooting Modes including 7 Special Scene Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.

DIGIC III Image Processor With DIGIC III, your images boast superior quality, the camera operates at top efficiency and battery life is enhanced. What’s more, DIGIC III enables Canon’s Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction to give you better, more true-to-life people shots. Simply press the Shutter Button halfway down, and the camera automatically pinpoints the faces in the scene and chooses the ideal focus point. The camera controls exposure settings and flash to keep every face looking bright and natural. Red-eye Correction can be handled in-camera, in two ways. The entirely new Red-eye Correction during shooting uses the Face Detection Technology to recognize and remove red-eye from flash images as they're taken, before the file is written to the memory card. It's also possible to correct red-eye during image playback, using simple settings in the A590 IS's menu.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC III Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

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Pentax SMC Fa 50 mm

Sony develops CMOS sensor for phones

2008-11-21T18:40:00.000+08:00

Sony has announced the development of the finest-yet pixel-pitch 1/2.5" sensor. The 12.2MP CMOS sensor has been developed for mobile phone cameras, but is of a size commonly used in compact and super zoom cameras. The IMX060PQ sensor, which Sony brands 'Exmor' in common with its DSLR CMOS sensors, will also be available incorporated into an F2.8 28mm-equiv lens unit with piezoelectric driven autofocus - relatively advanced for a camera phone module.

Press Release:
Sony Commercializes World's First*1, Industry Leading Resolution*1 12.25 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor "ExmorTM" for Mobile Phones

Tokyo, Japan –Sony Corporation today announced the commercialization of "IMX060PQ", a new type 1/2.5 CMOS image sensor "Exmor™" for use in camera enabled mobile phones that leverages Sony's proprietary formation technology to realize the industry's smallest unit cell size (1.4µm), and the industry's highest pixel count*1 (12.25 effective megapixel resolution). "IMX060PQ" is designed to meet the increasing need for advanced image quality within mobile phone enabled cameras. Sony also announced the launch of "IMX046PQ", a type 1/3.2 CMOS image sensor "Exmor™" with 8.11 effective megapixel resolution, and "IMX045PQ", a type 1/4 "Exmor™" CMOS image sensor featuring 5.15 effective megapixel resolution.

Furthermore, Sony will also commercialize "IU060F", a type 1/2.5 lens module with 12.25 effective megapixel resolution, and "IU046F", a type 1/3.2 lens module with 8.11 effective megapixels. Equipped with lens and auto focus functions, the two modules are the industry's smallest*1 and thinnest in their class, and with the launch of these products Sony will seek to enhance the enjoyment of taking high quality images using camera enabled mobile phones.

In recent years, the convenience offered by cameras in mobile phones has driven an increase in their use, while demand for higher image quality has also continued to grow. In addition, as mobile phone designs have become more refined, and models become smaller and thinner, the need for further miniaturization in mobile phone camera technology has also increased. To meet these requirements, improvements in both image quality and sensor miniaturization must be achieved, but the more the shrinking process is continued, the more difficult it becomes to gather light intlso the sensor pixels, leading to the risk of image degradation resulting from reduced sensitivity and S/N levels

The newly developed CMOS image sensor "IMX060PQ" leverages Sony's proprietary formation technology to deliver the industry's smallest unit cell size*1 (1.4µm), and the industry's highest pixel count*1 (12.25 effective megapixel resolution). The implementation of a Cu process that achieves extremely fine interconnections, together with the sensor's unique pixel structure and improvements in condensing efficiency have realized high sensitivity levels and a high S/N ratio, despite the industry's smallest*11.4µm size unit cell. Furthermore, Sony's proprietary "Column-Parallel A/D Conversion technique" minimizes image quality degradation cased by noise that arises during analog processing, while also enabling higher pixel count and frame rates (10 frames/s for "IMX060PQ" and 15frames/s for "IMX046PQ").

By enhancing its "Exmor™" range of CMOS image sensors, used in product lineups such as digital SLR cameras and high definition digital video cameras as well as mobile phones, Sony will aim to meet customer needs for advanced imaging performance comparable to dedicated compact digital still cameras in slimline, camera enabled mobile phones.

Pentax smc FA 50mm 1:1.4 review

2008-11-20T18:30:00.002+08:00

The Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 is something of an anomaly in the company's current lens lineup, as the last of their film-era primes featuring plastic construction and an aperture ring. This actually reflects the fact that Pentax are probably the leading proponents of modern-design fixed-focal length lenses, with their range of compact 'pancake' lenses and 'Limited' series high quality primes being the envy of users of other systems. Indeed we can probably presume that the 50mm F1.4 will itself be superseded by the recently-announced Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM lens, but in the meantime it stands as the most obvious option for users seeking a fast prime for low light and portrait work.

The 50mm F1.4 features a traditional design of 7 elements in 6 groups, with all of the lens surfaces spherical in profile. In this regard it's very similar to the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM and Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm F1.4D which we've reviewed recently, and therefore looks somewhat dated when compared to the all-new, aspheric-element Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM. The 'smc' designation indicates treatment with Pentax's 'super multi coating' for the minimization of flare, and the 'FA' designation indicates that, unlike the newer 'DA' digitally optimized lenses, its image circle covers the 35mm full-frame format.

With Pentax concentrating their attentions on the APS-C format, the function of this lens has subtly changed from the days of 35mm film, and the 1.5x crop factor means it now acts more like a classic short 'portrait' telephoto, instead of the general purpose 'standard' lens it was designed to be. The question to be asked is therefore whether it's well suited to this role, especially given the high resolution demands of the smaller sensor. Read on to find out.

Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 specificationsStreet price
• $200 US
• £170 UK
Date introduced 1991
Maximum format size 35mm full frame
Focal length 50mm
35mm equivalent focal length
(APS-C)
75mm
Diagonal Angle of view (FF) 47º
Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C) 31º
Maximum aperture F1.4
Minimum aperture F22
Lens Construction
• 7 elements/6 groups
Number of diaphragm blades 8
Minimum focus 0.45m
Maximum magnification 0.15x
AF motor type • 'Screw drive' from camera body
Focus method Unit
Image stabilization • None
Filter thread • 49mm
• Does not rotate on focus
Supplied accessories • Front and rear caps
Optional accessories • PH-RA49 screw-in round plastic hood
• RH-RC49 screw-in round rubber hood
• PH-SA49 clip-on rectangular plastic hood
• S70-70 soft case
Weight
220g (7.8 oz)
Dimensions 63.5mm diameter x 38mm length
(2.5 x 1.5 in)
Lens Mount Pentax K only

HP to outsource camera business, concentrate on Print 2.0

2007-11-11T13:49:00.000+08:00

In a move which will be of no surprise to many Hewlett Packard has outlined plans for the future of its digital camera business, announcing that it is to licence an OEM partner to design, source and distribute HP-branded cameras. This shift in strategy is intended to allow the technology giant to concentrate on developing its Print 2.0 initiatives, strengthening its position in the home and commercial printing markets. The current range of cameras is expected to remain on sale for the remainder of this year with the new partnership deal to follow in the early part of 2008.

Press release:

HP to Seek New Business Model for HP-branded Cameras

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 7, 2007 - HP today announced that it will seek an alternative business model for its HP-branded cameras and shift resources toward its Print 2.0 growth initiatives.

HP is currently working to identify an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner that would be licensed to design, source and distribute digital cameras under the HP brand. HP will continue selling its own cameras through the holiday season and intends to have the partnership arrangement in place in the first half of 2008.

This shift in strategy is intended to enable HP to accelerate its investment in Print 2.0 initiatives. These include furthering HP's leadership position in home photo printing and online photo services, while accelerating the company's retail photo-finishing business.

Announced in May 2007, the company's Print 2.0 strategy focuses on three areas: delivering a next-generation digital printing platform that increases print speeds and lowers the cost of printing for high-volume commercial markets; making it easier to print from the web; and, extending HP's digital content creation and publishing platforms across all customer segments.

As a result of its new camera business strategy, HP will take a pre-tax charge of approximately $30 million in the fourth fiscal quarter ending Oct. 31, 2007.

Zeiss introduces ZF-I industrial lens range for Nikon F-Mount

2007-11-11T13:46:00.000+08:00

Zeiss has introduced a new line of lenses aimed at the industrial and scientific sectors but certain to appeal to a certain section of the photographic community with their high performance and retro styling. Zeiss has chosen to release these new optics with Nikon's F-mount as this is "the most commonly used standard camera adapter in the technical area". The first available designs will be the 25mm f/2.8, 28mm f/2 and 35mm f/2 with more to follow. Aside from the rather fetching satin chrome finish and locking screws for focus and aperture, this premium line is also sealed against dust ingress and water spray. Prices and availability have not yet been announced but don't expect them to be cheap. Click through for a peek at the Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF-I.

Zeiss Introduces ZF-I Lens Series

High-quality optics for precise technical solutions

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 06.11.2007. What professional photographers feel enthusiastic about we at Carl Zeiss do not want to keep from other users of lenses for technical applications. With the new ZF-I series, Carl Zeiss has launched a line of high-quality lenses which are optimized for the challenging tasks in industrial applications.

The imaging properties of the ZF-I lenses are just as excellent as those of the high-end ZF lenses. The silver metal finish immediately identifies the industrial version. Furthermore, the ZF-I series is particularly suitable for rough technical applications. The lenses are protected against spray water and specially sealed against dust.

In addition to classical image capturing, the new lenses can also be used for machine vision, quality assurance and near-range photogrammetry. Both the aperture setting and focus can be locked for these tasks. For this purpose, the lenses are supplied with five locking screws which enable reliable locking of the adjustments once they have been set. Measuring inaccuracies and errors are thus reduced, and there is no need to waste time checking the settings.

The first lenses available in this new industrial line are the wide-angle Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF-I, Distagon T* 2/28 ZF-I and the Distagon T* 2/35 ZF-I. All lenses offer the proverbial imaging performance and color fidelity associated with the ZEISS standard and feature the F-bayonet – the most commonly used standard camera adapter in the technical area.

Source:http://www.dpreview.com/news/0711/07110802zeisszfi.asp

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS70S 7MP Digital Camera with 3x Image Stabilized Zoom

2007-11-09T13:26:00.001+08:00

Product Description
It's hard to hold a small camera steady. That's why the LZ70S features MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which automatically detects and compensates for hand-shake. You get clear, beautiful shots even when zooming, shooting macro close-ups, or taking night scenery. It's a perfect camera for anyone to use because it has been enginheered to deliver high performance with simplest use. Just set the mode dial to the heart symbol, aim and press the shutter button. The camera handles the complicated settings automatically. And with a simplified settings menu, there's no stress, no confusion and no worries. You can even compensate for backlighting by just pressing the cursor key. You'll find it easy to take clear, beautiful shots ? even if you know very little about digital cameras. Press the FUNCTION button and you can easily change settings such as auto focus, lighting metering, white balance, ISO sensitivity, image size, image quality and so on. There's no need to switch to the menu screen. The DMC-LS70 runs on two AA batteries, which you can buy just about anywhere. If your battery power is running low, just pick up a fresh supply. Or choose optional rechargeable AA batteries (and charger) that you can use over and over for additional value.

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Kodak EasyShare C653 6.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

2007-11-09T13:22:00.000+08:00

Product Description
Get Kodak Easyshare C653 for a fine digital-camera for everyday use. It's fully automatic and, with built-in scene modes and settings, taking still and video images is a breeze. Combine up to three shots together into one large picture with panorama stitch mode Capture life in motion with continuous VGA (640 x 480 at 10 fps) video featuring audio capture, playback, and printing options Built-in electronic-flash modes Scene modes - high-ISO, portrait, night portrait, landscape, night landscape, beach, text, flower, children, fireworks, party, self portrait, close-up, sports, snow, backlight, manner/museum, sunset, panorama, candelight Autofocus Selectable anti-blur mode Tripod mount Self Timer PictBridge compatible 32MB Internal Memory / Additional storage through SD memory card slot (1GB recommended for practical use) Uses AA batteries / Rechargeable recommended for power efficiency 2.4 Indoor-Outdoor LCD screen Unit Dimensions W H D - 3.5 2.6 1.4 in. (89 66 35 mm); Weight 5.0 oz (143 g)

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Canon PowerShot A630 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

2007-11-07T19:01:00.000+08:00

From the Manufacturer
Replacing the highly popular PowerShot A620, the PowerShot A630 features a rotating 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD, 4x optical zoom lens, and a vast array of creative shooting modes.

The PowerShot A630 packs a vast array of advanced features into a remarkably compact space:
8.0 megapixels
2.5-inch vari-angle LCD screen and real-image optical viewfinder
4x optical zoom
DIGIC II, iSAPS, 9-Point AiAF, FlexiZone AF/AE
Digital teleconverter and Safety Zoom
21 shooting modes
Quality control
The 8.0-megapixel sensor allows for creative cropping while providing enough detail for large, high-quality prints. A new Safety Zoom takes advantage of the camera's high resolution to offer extra zoom magnification without affecting image quality--up to 16x zoom when shooting Small size images. Users can also activate the Digital Teleconverter to add extra telephoto reach on all shots, similar to adding a teleconverter lens to the camera.

The 4x optical zoom lens achieves a 35-140mm focal length (35mm equivalent) while allowing the camera to maintain a compact size. The lens construction incorporates 8 elements in 7 groupings, including two aspherical elements to maximize sharpness across the whole image. With a maximum aperture range of f2.8 (wide) to f4.1 (telephoto), the lens is remarkably bright at the telephoto end.

ISO 800 mode improves results when shooting in low-light settings and enables flash-free photography indoors. The camera's High ISO Auto setting prioritizes fast shutter speeds by automatically using the higher range of ISO sensitivities, reducing the risk of unwanted image blur.

Improved LCD and playback
A larger 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD screen enables accurate framing from unusual angles, such as those encountered when using the 1-centimeter (.4-inch) Macro mode. The enhanced user interface (UI) retains a selectable Grid Line display to assist with rule-of-thirds compositions, while users can also enable a new 3:2 ratio overlay during shooting to view the printable area for standard photo prints. Playback is enhanced with an overexposure warning feature, which indicates overexposed areas in captured images.

Flexible shooting
The PowerShot A630 offers users a range of versatile features for creative photography. A choice of 21 shooting modes includes Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and full Manual modes for complete exposure control. A Second Curtain Sync function allows for creative flash exposures, such as light trails. Artistic photo effects can be applied in-camera during and after shooting with My Colors.

Filming is also possible at a high standard--VGA quality movies can be captured with sound at a smooth 30 frames per second (fps). The AV-out connection and supplied cable allows for full screen playback on a TV.

Full range of accessories
A comprehensive range of optional lenses and accessories includes wide (0.7x) and telephoto (1.75x) converter lenses. The optional High Power Flash offers further flexibility for night time photography, while an optional waterproof case allows full control at depths of up to 40 meters. (Accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.)

Technologies Explained
DIGIC II
Canon's purpose-built DIGIC II (DIGital Imaging Core) image processor links all primary camera functions for maximum efficiency. DIGIC II processes signals at high speeds, resulting in outstanding responsiveness, rapid autofocus, and extended continuous shooting ability. Advanced image processing algorithms deliver superb image detail and color reproduction with accurate white balance and minimal noise. DIGIC II operates efficiently to extend battery life, for longer shooting on a single charge.

iSAPS
iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) automatically optimizes key camera settings before every shot. Each scene is analyzed and cross-referenced against Photographic Space--a vast in-camera library of photographic data. This enables the camera to make optimal adjustments to autoexposure, autofocus, and auto white balance before image capture occurs.

9-Point AiAF
Canon's 9-point AiAF (Artificial Intelligence Autofocus) automatically scans and selects subjects from a set of nine focusing areas across the scene. This ensures accurately focused images even when subjects are not in the center of the frame.

FlexiZone AF/AE
FlexiZone AF/AE lets users manually select the focus point from almost any point in the frame by moving the autofocus window in the viewfinder. Exposure can be linked to the focus point to ensure that the chosen subject is accurately focused and the scene correctly exposed.

Digital Teleconverter and Safety Zoom
Similar to placing an accessory lens on the front of the camera, Canon's Digital Teleconverter adds a constant digital zoom to every shot (1.6x/2.0x). While optical converter lenses cause a reduction in aperture and consequently require a slower shutter speed, the Digital Teleconverter maintains aperture size, reducing the risk of image blur.

Safety Zoom protects the image from interpolation at high levels of digital zoom, allowing users to extend zoom magnification without sacrificing image quality.

What's in the box
PowerShot A630 body, AA-size Alkaline battery x 4, MultiMediaCard-16M, wrist strap WS-200, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB interface cable IFC-400PCU, AV cable AVC-DC300

Product Description
The PowerShot A630 digital camera not only provides a stunning 8.0 megapixel resolution, but is packed with a full range of high-performance features previously found only on Canon's higher-end cameras. The result is an affordable camera that produces truly superior photography. The high resolution is complemented by a 4x optical zoom that brings the world up close, and you'll see it all clearly on the big, bright 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor. There are 21 shooting modes that make photography easy, fun and creative, and they are joined by great functionality features such as expanded ISO settings that let you shoot in low light without blur. Shooting Modes - Auto; Creative - P, Av, Tv, M, C; Image - Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Underwater, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap), Stitch Assist, Movie Exposure Control - Program Auto Exposure (AE), Shutter Speed-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual Shutter Speed Range - 15-1/2500 sec. (settable in Tv and M) Sensitivity - High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800 equivalent Bright, 2.5 LCD viewing screen Automatic, multi-mode electronic-flash Direct connection to Canon CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Photo Printers and PictBridge compatible printers via camera's USB 2.0 Hi-Speed cable Dimensions (WxHxD) - 4.31 x 2.60 x 1.93 in. / 109.4 x 66.0 x 49.0mm

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Canon PowerShot A560 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom by Canon

2007-11-07T18:38:00.000+08:00

Manufacturer Description
The PowerShot A560 gives you the freedom to shoot high resolution images you can enlarge, crop and print -- big. With its 7.1-megapixel CCD, the camera records every detail -- like a baby’s delicate curls -- in razor-sharp, astonishingly clear, natural color that will make every picture something to cherish. And the A560 is equipped with a high-quality Canon 4x optical zoom lens that brings you in close at the touch of a button. So you can capture special moments like a child’s first homerun with clarity and brilliance --even if you’re sitting in the bleachers.

PowerShot A560 Highlights

DIGIC III Image Processor With DIGIC III, you get images of superior quality, the camera functions at top efficiency and battery life is significantly enhanced. What’s more, DIGIC III enables Canon’s newly improved Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction to give you better, more true-to-life people shots. Simply press the Shutter button halfway down, and the PowerShot A560 automatically pinpoints the faces in the scene and chooses the ideal focus point. To keep every face looking bright and natural -- without scary red eyes -- the camera controls exposure settings and flash, so every shot is just what you were shooting for.

DIGIC III features Face Detection AF/AE, which finds multiple faces in the frame and sets the most suitable focus point, when the shutter button is pressed halfway. And an additional new feature, Face Detection FE adjusts the flash, based on a person’s face on the screen. Exposure and flash are controlled to ensure proper illumination of both the faces and the overall scene, eliminating the common problem of darkened or overexposed faces.

Red-eye Correction detects and automatically corrects red-eye during playback for both regular and flash photography. In unusual cases where red-eye is not automatically detected, it can easily be corrected manually during playback mode from the LCD screen.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC III Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

Clear, high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD for easy on-camera viewing The camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen gives you the big picture, whether you’re shooting, reviewing or showing off your images. This high-resolution screen offers a crisp, clear picture to make shooting, playback and using the camera’s menu functions especially convenient. Clear and bright, it also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light.

Shooting Modes With 14 Shooting Modes, including 6 Special Scene Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.

Auto The camera chooses all the settings so you can concentrate on your subject.
Manual The ultimate in creative control, you set ISO speed, exposure compensation and white balance.
Portrait The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject "pop."
Landscape For front to back sharpness, the camera sets a small aperture.
Night Snapshot Get natural-looking pictures with brighter backgrounds and subjects lit by flash.
Indoor Reduce blur and improve color accuracy when shooting handheld indoors.
Kids & Pets Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won’t miss those special shots.
Movie Shoot in VGA and QVGA (30 fps/15 fps for up to 1 hour or 4GB), Fast Frame Rate (60 fps for up to 1 minute) or QQVGA (15 fps for up to 3 minutes).
Special Scene Modes
Night Scene For impressive sunset or nightlife shots, the camera properly exposes the background and uses slow-sync flash for the subject.
Foliage Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.
Snow Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.
Beach Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.
Fireworks Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.
Aquarium Achieve proper flash-free exposure and natural hues at indoor aquariums. A variety of movie-making options.

A variety of movie-making options Four movie modes including 30 fps VGA and 60 fps Fast Frame Rate. With a highly flexible movie mode, you can create the movie that’s perfect for any application. Select from VGA (640 x 480 pixels) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels), with frame rates of 30 fps and 15 fps for recording up to 1 hour or 4GB. Also Fast Frame Rate (QVGA; 320 x 240 pixels) recording at 60 fps for up to 1 minute, and Compact Movie Mode (QQVGA; 160 x 120 pixels) recording at 15 fps for up to 3 minutes. The PowerShot A560 also supports the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed standard, so you’ll enjoy the fastest possible data transfer speeds when using a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatible computer.

Get new batteries anywhere Power on the go with two AA-size batteries. You don’t need to worry about running out or recharging batteries. Since AA-size batteries can be purchased at any store, simply get new ones locally.

The complete print solution The PowerShot A560's Print/Share button makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the A560 Digital Elph to a Canon CP, Selphy or PIXMA Photo Printer or any PictBridge-compatible photo printer, press the lighted Print/Share button and print! Also use the Print/Share button to transfer images to a computer (Windows and Macintosh).

Print your own ID photos in 28 different sizes or use the Movie Print function to output multiple stills from a recorded movie on a single sheet with a Canon Selphy Compact Photo Printer.

For desktop large-format printing, try one of the Direct Photo Printers that allow you to print without a computer in one of two ways: plug your compatible PowerShot camera into the Direct Photo Printer using the supplied USB interface cable, or simply insert a memory card into the supplied adapter. You can also connect the printer to your computer for more options. Print high-resolution, borderless images as postcards or 8.5 x 11-inch sheets within minutes.

Compact Photo Printers let you produce versatile, fun 4 x 6-inch postcards, 4 x 8-inch wide greeting cards or credit card size prints in just two easy steps: connect and press/print. Control the printer right from your camera's LCD screen. You get durable, dye-sublimated prints quickly with or without borders.

Product Description
The PowerShot A560 frees you to capture your precious moments as unforgettable images. Loaded with easy-to-use Canon features, the A560 is made for anyone who doesn't want complexity to get in the way of your photography. The A560 has a 7.1 Megapixel CCD, 4x Optical Zoom Lens, DIGIC III Image Processor with Face Detection Technology and many other impressive features. It even lets you choose whether you want to take still pictures or movies. And everything is stored on an SD or MMC memory card (optional 1GB or higher is suggested for practical use) that can also be transferred to most computers. PowerShot A560's Print/Share button makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the A560 Digital ELPH to a Canon CP, SELPHY or PIXMA Photo Printer or any PictBridge compatible photo printer, press the lighted Print/Share button and print! A560 is really easy to use though it can do so much. Macro Focusing Range - 2.0 in.-1.5 ft./5-45cm (WIDE), 1.1-1.5 ft./33-45cm (TELE) Shutter Speed - 15-1/2000 seconds ISO Sensitivity - Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800 & 1600 equivalent (Standard Output Sensitivity. Recommended Exposure Index) White Balance Control - Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H) and Custom Built-in Flash - Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Auto w/ Slow Synchro, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash On w/ Slow Synchro and Flash Off Shooting Modes - Auto, Camera M, Portrait, Landscape, Special Scene (Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium) Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot and Movie Still Image - Exif 2.2 (JPEG) Movie - AVI (Image - Motion JPEG, Audio - WAVE) Dimensions - Width 3.59 x Height 2.52 x Depth 1.70 inch (91.2 x 64.0 x 43.1mm) Weight - 5.82 ounces / 165 grams (camera body only)

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Sony Cybershot DSCW55 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Opt...

2007-11-07T18:35:00.000+08:00

From the Manufacturer
In silver, black, pink, or light blue, the DSC-W55 is a stand-out choice for style-conscious start-out or step-up camera customers who appreciate real value and advanced technology. 7.2 MP imaging, Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens and high sensitivity combine to capture clear, high-detail images even in low light--and with up to 380-shot2 Stamina battery power, 56 MB internal memory capacity and large 2.5-inch LCD screen, the DSC-W55 is ideal for family memories at home or on the road.

7.2-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition when you make big prints or crop in tight on your subject. The advanced Sony Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

Carl Zeiss 3x Optical Zoom Lens Design
A top-quality Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens design helps the DSC-W55 bring distant subjects closer and lets you frame shots quickly for better composition--a real advantage for family sports, outdoor fun and travel photos.

Large 2.5-Inch LCD Screen
The DSC-W55 provides a large, bright LCD screen for composing shots, checking results, sharing your photos on location and reading camera setup menus even in full sunlight.

High Sensitivity Mode
With high sensitivity of ISO 1000, the DSC-W55 gives you better shots in low light so you can shoot without flash to preserve the mood--great for birthday parties, indoor gatherings and candid portraits.

Clear RAW Noise Reduction
The original Sony Clear RAW NR (Noise Reduction) image processing technology helps suppress color noise that can accompany high-sensitivity shooting.

56MB Internal Memory
The DSC-W55 allows you to capture a large number of images without a flash memory card, so it's great for traveling or for quick candid snapshots.

Memory Stick Duo Media Convenience
The DSC-W55 also has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO Duo media--the compact, high-capacity storage media that make it easily to upload photos to your computer or make lab-quality prints at home on your SonyPicture Station digital printer (sold separately).

Function Guide Text/Icon Display
An on-screen Function Guide text/icon display makes it easy to learn the camera functions that give you greater creative freedom to adjust photo settings.

Versatile Color Modes
The DSC-W55 gives you greater creative freedom to adjust color mode for the creative results you want--with Natural setting for subtle colors, Rich setting for more intense colors, in addition to Monochrome and Sepia color settings.

Convenient Photo Modes
To adjust quickly for specific shooting situations, the DSC-W55 lets you choose from several convenient photo modes: Auto, P-Auto, and Scene Selections for Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, High Sensitivity, Soft Snap, Snow, and Beach environments.

14x Smart Zoom Feature
The Sony Smart Zoom feature intelligently "crops into" the central portion of interest in your photo, avoiding the image degradation of other digital zooms.

MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode
The DSC-W55 can capture VGA (640 x 480) audio/video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second4), with length limited only by the capacity of your media.

Stamina Battery Power
Sony lets you capture up to 380 shots2 with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery--enough shooting capacity to cover a long weekend or a whole vacation.

Burst Mode
You can fire off four shots automatically at 7.2 MP mode or up to 64 shots at VGA standard mode--a great way to capture a child's first steps or a pet's best tricks.

Picture Motion Browser Software
Supplied software makes it easier to upload, organize and search photos on your PC--and provides a convenient map view function to sort photos by location and display their origin on a world map by using an optional GPS unit.

What's in the box
Sony Cybershot DSCW55 digital camera, NP-BG1 rechargeable battery, BC-CSG battery charger, AV and USB multi-connector cables, wrist strap, software CD-ROM (Note: No Memory Stick DUO media or adaptors are included.)

Product Description
7.2 Megapixel of detail and definition gives you the option of large prints or crop in tight on your subject. The Super HAD(TM) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. Top-quality Carl Zeiss lens helps you bring you subject closer and frame shots quickly for better compositions, ideal for family sporting events, outdoor fun and travel photos. Check your composition shots on the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD Screen, share your photos on location or video the setup menu even in full sunlight. Even shoot in low light with the high sensitivity ISO 1000. Original Clear RAW Noise Reduction helps suppress color noise. 56MB of Internal Memory let's you start shooting right away. Then, when you're ready, upload you pictures onto a Memory Stick(R) Duo media or PC for printing. Capture VGA 640x480 video clips with audio at high frame rates up to 30 frames per second with length limited only by the capacity of my media. Get up to 380 shots with a fully charged NP-BG1 Lithium Ion battery. Enough for a long weekend or a whole vacation. Burst Mode let's you shoot up to 64 shots at VGA Standard Mode. High Sensitivity ISO 1000 Clear RAW Noise Reduction Burst and MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode White Balance - Automatic, Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, Incandescent and Flash Self Timer - 10 Seconds, 2 Seconds and Off Red-Eye Reduction Up to 64 Shot VGA at 1.3 fps Burst Mode Scene Modes - Beach, High Sensitivity, Landscape, Snow, Soft Snap, Twilight and Twilight Portrait Movie Mode - MPEG VX Fine with Audio at 30 fps 640x480 Optical Viewfinder 6 Elements in 5 Groups, 3 Aspheric Elements Lens Construction 35mm Equivalent - 38-114mm Shutter Speed - 1/8-1/2000 seconds 1/3 EV Step Increments Exposure Compensation Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ISO Battery Capacity - 3.6V, 960 mAh Dimensions - 3.5 x 2.25 x 0.875 inch, 89mm x57mm x 23mm Weight - 4.2 ou

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GE A730 7MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

2007-11-05T11:27:00.000+08:00

Amazon.com Product Description
GE's most affordable entry-level digital camera, the A730 offers a host of valuable features and a simple, intuitive user interface, making it a favorite of casual photographers everywhere. The camera boasts an ultra-sharp 7-megapixel resolution, along with a 3x optical zoom and a 4.5x digital zoom. As a result, it's a breeze to capture superior close-ups that look great whether displayed on a computer screen or printed out on a photo printer. The vibrant 2.5-inch LCD screen, meanwhile, makes it easy to frame your subject and review your images, with a resolution of 153,600 pixels ensuring a crisp image every time. And users aren't restricted to still images, as the A730 takes MPEG4 movies as well.

Packed inside the A730's sleek and stylish body are several editing functions and shooting modes, including in-camera panoramic stitching, red-eye removal, face-tracking, electronic stabilization, multiple scene modes (sports, children, indoor, snow, sunset, etc.), and continuous shooting. Plus, there's no shortage of playback options, ranging from single photo to slideshow to histogram display. Powered by two AA batteries, the A730 even includes an SD/SDHC memory card slot that's expandable up to 4 GB. You'll be hard pressed to find a more feature-rich entry-level camera.

Other details include a macro mode (5 cm to infinity); 26 MB of internal memory; support for PictBridge-compatible printers; and a USB 2.0 interface. The A730 measures 3.68 by 2.4 by 1.12 inches (W x H x D), weighs 0.29 pounds, and carries a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
A730 camera, two AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, AV cable, wrist strap, CD-ROM, quick-start guide, warranty card, user's manual.

Product Description
The 7 Megapixel A730 is a point & shoot digital camera that makes it easy to use right out of the box through a simple, intuitive user interface. A 3x optical zoom, 4.8x digital zoom captures close-up shots you can review on a vibrant 2.5-inch LCD screen. Its sleek and stylish camera body hosts features like in-camera panoramic stitching, red-eye removal, face-tracking, electronic stabilization and MPEG4 movie recording. All this is powered by 2x AA batteries with an SD/SDHC memory cacrd slot that is expandable up to 4GB. JPEG Exif 2.2 Still Image, MPEG4 Movie, G.711 Mono WAVE Audio File Format Shooting Modes - Auto, Macro, Movie, Scene (Sport, Kids & Pets, Party/Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium), Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Anti-Handshake TTL 9-Point Focusing AF, Spot AF, AF Assist Light (On/Off), Face-Tracking, AF Method Artificial Intelligence AE (Ai AE), Center-weighted Average, Spot (Fixed to center of frame) Light Metering Method ProgramAE (AE-lock available) Exposure Control Method 4-1/2000 Second (Manual 30 seconds) Shutter Speed Approximately 2.1 fps (Large/Fine Mode) Continuous Shooting Single Photo, Index (4/9/16 thumbnails), Slide Show, Movie (Slow-Motion possible), Zoom (1x-8x), Audio, Histogram Display Playback Modes AWB, MWB (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H), Preset White Balance Control Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Forced Flash, No Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-Eye Reduction+Slow Synchro Internal Flash 0.3m-4.6m Wide, 0.3m-2.7m Tele Shooting Range SD & SDHC (up to 4GB supported) Memory Card Slot 2x AA Alkaline Battery takes up to 100 shots, AA NiMH Batteries takes up to 400 shots Dimensions - Approximately Width 3.6811 x Height 2.4016 x Depth 1.122 inch Weight - 120 grams (Body Only)

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Sony Cybershot DSCW55 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

2007-11-05T11:23:00.000+08:00

Canon PowerShot A460 5.0MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom (Silver)

2007-11-05T11:20:00.000+08:00

From the Manufacturer
The stylish PowerShot A460 offers the high-performance features and high-quality design that make great pictures possible even if this is your very first digital camera. Equipped with 5.0 megapixels of resolution, a 4x optical zoom, and many of Canon's most popular shooting features, this is a camera designed to make digital photography simple, fun, and rewarding--from the moment you take it out of the box.

Take memorable pictures easily
The PowerShot A460's 5.0 megapixels of resolution give every shot added depth and dimension. You'll notice the fine details and ravishing colors. The sharpness and clarity of your enlargements will also astound you. Plus, the 4x optical zoom lens makes it simple to shoot close-ups, scenery and anything else with the brilliance and flawless clarity that have built Canon's reputation worldwide. To make shooting and playback convenient and easy, there's a big, clear 2.0-inch LCD screen.

Easy to operate for beautiful photos
This is the digital camera that takes care of you, so you never have to worry about anything. Just turn the simple Mode Dial and instantly you can handle any shooting condition. Choose from Auto for most situations, Manual when you're feeling creative, Movie, or Special Scene for superb shots in Night, Snow, Indoor or Beach settings, among others.

Shooting Modes
Advanced presets for the best possible photos under certain conditions.

Auto
The camera chooses all the settings so you can concentrate on your subject.

Manual
The ultimate in creative control, you set ISO speed, exposure compensation and white balance.

Super Macro
The camera trims the image center and digitally zooms to create beautiful enlarged close-ups.

Movie
Shoot in VGA (10 fps), QVGA (30 fps) or QQVGA (15 fps for up to 3 minutes).

Special Scene Modes
Portrait
The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject "pop."

Foliage
Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.

Snow
Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.

Beach
Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.

Fireworks
Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.

Indoor
Reduce blur and improve color accuracy when shooting handheld indoors.

Kids & Pets
Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won't miss those special shots.

Night Snapshot
Get natural-looking pictures with brighter backgrounds and subjects lit by flash.

Advanced imaging technology improves every photo
Canon's DIGIC II Image Processor is designed to improve processing speed and image quality, so DIGIC II provides markedly faster startup, autofocus and playback, plus it assures that every image is more colorfully vibrant.

iSAPS Technology
iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC II Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

Enjoy wide-screen shooting
Now you can experience the full impact of every image you shoot. PowerShot A460 is equipped with a 16:9 widescreen option that lets you shoot still photos and movies in a format that's specially made for viewing on widescreen television sets or your computer monitor. Imagine the possibilities: you can entertain friends and family with shows of your own photography or host your own movie nights. It's a great way to give everyone a whole new perspective on your creativity.

Get new batteries anywhere
You don't need to worry about running out or recharging batteries. Since AA-size batteries can be purchased at any store, simply get new ones locally.

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Sony Cybershot S650 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

2007-11-05T11:12:00.000+08:00

From the Manufacturer
With 7.2-megapixel imaging, high sensitivity, and up to 460-shot Stamina battery power, the Cyber-shot DSC-S650 is an ideal camera for starting out, stepping up, or making the switch from film to digital. Its 3x optical zoom lens, 24 MB internal memory capacity, and bright 2.0-inch LCD screen add up to a great combination of high-value features for first-time users--and its compact design and affordable price fit into any travel plans or budgets.

7.2-Megapixel Super HAD CCD
More megapixels give you more detail and definition when you make big prints or crop in tight on your subject. The advanced Sony Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.

3x Optical Zoom Lens
A 3x optical zoom helps the DSC-S650 bring distant subjects closer and lets you frame shots quickly for better composition--a real advantage for family sports, outdoor fun, and travel photos.

High Sensitivity
With high sensitivity of ISO 1000, the DSC-S650 gives you better shots in low light so you can shoot without flash to preserve the mood--great for birthday parties, indoor gatherings, and candid portraits.

Stamina Battery Power
With optional Sony NiMH rechargeable batteries, you can capture up to an amazing 460 shots--shooting capacity that's about the equivalent of 13 rolls of 35mm film. With supplied AA alkaline batteries, the DSC-S650 can capture up to 100 shots.

24 MB internal memory
You don't need a flash memory card, because the DSC-S650 allows you to capture images with in-camera convenience--then easily transfer your shots to optional Memory Stick Duo media, upload photos to your computer or make prints on your Sony Picture Station digital printer.

Memory Stick Duo Media Convenience
The DSC-S650 also has a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media--the compact, high-capacity storage media that are compatible with millions of devices worldwide.

Bright 2.0-Inch LCD Screen
The DSC-S650 provides a bright LCD screen composing shots, checking results, sharing your photos on location and reading camera setup menus even in full sunlight.

Convenient Photo Modes
To adjust quickly for specific shooting situations, the DSC-S650 lets you choose from several convenient photo modes: Auto, P-Auto, and Scene Selections for Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Snow, High Sensitivity, and Beach environments.

QVGA Movie Mode
The DSC-S650 can capture 320 x 240 audio-video clips at high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second3), with length limited only by the capacity of your media.

Burst Mode
You can fire off three shots automatically at 1-second intervals (VGA standard mode) or 2-second intervals (7.2 MP mode)--a great way to capture a child's first steps or a pet's best tricks.

Cyber-shot Viewer Software
New Sony software that makes it easier to upload images from camera or Memory Stick Duo media--then organize and browse through photos on your PC screen by simply scrolling through thumbnail images.

What's in the box
Sony Cybershot S650 digital camera, "AA" type one-use alkaline batteries (x 2), AV cable, USB cable, wrist strap, software CD-ROM (NOTE: No Memory Stick Duo media or adaptors are included.)

Product Description
The 7.2 Megapixel Super HAD(TM) CCD provides you with more detail and definition when you print larger prints or crop in tight on your subject. The Super HAD(TM) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. Frame shots quickier with the 3x optical zoom, perfect for family sports, outdoor fun and travel photos. Capture up to 460 shots with the included supplied AA alkaline batteries. In camera 24MB internal memory let's you shoot right out of the box before uploading photos to your computer or optional Memory Stick(R) Duo media. The Bright 2.0-inch LCD screen let's you share your photos on location and read camera setup menus in full sunlight. Capture up to 320x240 audio and video at 30 frames per second with length limited only to the capacity of your media. 2.0-inch 115k Pixels TFT LCD Screen 6 Elements in 5 Groups Lens Construction Aperture - f2.8-9.7, f4.8-9.7 EV Compensation - 1/3 EV Steps Focal Length - 5.8mm to 17.4mm Auto Macro Mode Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 ISO Dimensions - Width 3 9/16 x Height 2 3/8 x Depth 1 1/16 inch, 91mm x 61mm x 26.5mm Weight - 4.6 ounces, 130 grams (Body - 6.2 ounces, 178 grams including Battery and optional Memory Stick(R) Duo Media

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Canon PowerShot A550 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom

2007-11-04T12:53:00.000+08:00

From the Manufacturer
Easy-to-use and easy-to-hold, the PowerShot A550 gives you 7.1 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom lens, an ISO 800 feature for expanded low-light shooting, and a DIGIC II Image Processor with iSAPS technology for beautiful pictures and great performance. Plus, there's even a Fast Frame Rate Movie Mode. Power is never a problem, because the A550 uses standard "AA" batteries. Great features at a great price--it's what makes the A550 such an amazing camera.

Surprisingly affordable high-resolution digital camera
Treat yourself to a new standard of performance and simplicity. With 7.1 megapixels, the PowerShot A550 gives you the resolution you need to capture life's precious moments in radiant, real-life color and fully textured detail. Even when you enlarge, crop and print, every image is still breathtakingly beautiful. Better still, Canon's high-quality 4x optical zoom lens makes all your favorite subjects--portraits, landscapes, night scenes, even casual snapshots--crisp, sharp and bright.

DIGIC II Image Processor
Canon's DIGIC II Image Processor is designed to improve processing speed and image quality, so DIGIC II provides markedly fast startup, autofocus and playback, plus it assures that every image is more colorfully vibrant.

iSAPS Technology
iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC II Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

See the image in big screen
The PowerShot A550 features a 2.0-inch LCD screen with 86,000 pixels of resolution. So whether you're setting up your shot or playing it back, everything is bright and clear. And with 9-point AiAF, you can count on exact focus no matter where your subject is in the frame. You also have Shooting modes that gives you breathtaking, exhilarating pictures even when shooting conditions are tough.

Shooting Modes
Advanced presets for the best possible photos under certain conditions.

Auto
The camera chooses all the settings so you can concentrate on your subject.

Manual
The ultimate in creative control, you set ISO speed, exposure compensation and white balance.

Portrait
The camera sets a large aperture, focusing the subject and artistically blurring the background to make your subject "pop."

Landscape
For front-to-back sharpness, the camera sets a small aperture.

Indoor
Reduce blur and improve color accuracy when shooting handheld indoors.

Kids & Pets
Reduced focusing time freezes fast-moving subjects, so you won't miss those special shots.

Night Snapshot
Get natural-looking pictures with brighter backgrounds and subjects lit by flash.

Movie
Shoot in VGA (30 frames per second [fps]/15 fps) and QVGA (60 fps/30 fps/15 fps) or QQVGA (15 fps for up to 3 minutes).

Special Scene Modes
Night Scene
For impressive sunset or nightlife shots, the camera properly exposes the background and uses slow-sync flash for the subject.

Foliage
Capture brilliant shots of autumn foliage, greenery and blossoms.

Snow
Shoot clear snow scenes without darkened subjects or an unnatural bluish tint.

Beach
Get clear shots of people at a sunny beach without darkened faces.

Fireworks
Grab brilliant images of skyrocketing fireworks.

Enjoy wide-screen shooting
Now you can experience the full impact of every image you shoot. PowerShot A550 is equipped with a 16:9 widescreen option that lets you shoot still photos and movies in a format that's specially made for viewing on widescreen television sets or your computer monitor. Imagine the possibilities: you can entertain friends and family with shows of your own photography or host your own movie nights. It's a great way to give everyone a whole new perspective on your creativity.

A variety of movie-making options
With a highly flexible movie mode, you can create the movie that's perfect for any application. Fast Frame Rate Movie Mode allows you to record extremely smooth, full-motion movie clips for up to 1 minute long in QVGA at 60 fps (320 x 240 pixels). Select from VGA (640 x 480 pixels) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels), with frame rates of 30 fps or 15 fps for recording up to 1 hour or 1GB. Plus Compact Movie Mode (QQVGA; 160 x 120 pixels) records at 15 fps for up to 3 minutes. The PowerShot A550 also supports the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed standard, so you'll enjoy the fastest possible data transfer speeds when using a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatible computer.

Get new batteries anywhere
You don't need to worry about running out or recharging batteries. Since AA-size batteries can be purchased at any store, simply get new ones locally.

What's in the box
Canon PowerShot A550 body, AA-size alkaline battery (x 2), MultiMediaCard-16M, wrist strap WS-800, Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB interface cable IFC-400PCU, AV cable AVC-DC300

Product Description
Easy-to-use and easy-to-hold, the PowerShot A550 gives you 7.1 Megapixels, a 4x Optical Zoom Lens, an ISO 800 feature for expanded low-light shooting and a DIGIC II Image Processor with iSAPS technology for beautiful pictures and great performance. Plus, there's even a Fast Frame Rate Movie Mode. Power is never a problem, because the A550 uses standard "AA" batteries. Great features at a great price - it's what makes the A550 such an amazing camera. Three movie modes including 30 fps VGA and 60 fps Fast Frame Rate Power on the go with two AA-size batteries (for long-term value, we advise use of rechargeable AA batteries) Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with Canon CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers Focal Length - 5.8-23.2mm f/2.6-5.5 (35mm film equivalent - 35-140mm) Digital Zoom - 4x ISO Sensitivity - Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800 equivalent Shooting Modes - Auto, Camera M, Portrait, Landscape, Special Scene (Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks) Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Movie Maximum Still Resolutions - 3,072 x 2,304 (Large), 3,072 x 1,728 (Widescreen) Movie resolutions - 640 x 480 / 320 x 240 (30 fps/15 fps) available up to 1GB or 60 minutes, 320 x 240 (1 min. at 60 fps), 160 x 120 (3 min. at 15 fps) Battery output capability - Still Image - approx. 140 shots (AA-size Alkaline Battery, LCD screen On), approx. 500 shots (AA-size Ni-MH Battery); we advise rechargeable NiMH battery Built-in multimode electronic-flash Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) 3.59 x 2.52 x 1.70 in./91.2 x 64.0 x 43.1mm; Weight Approx. 5.64 oz. / 160g (camera body only)

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Fujifilm FinePix F50fd introduction

2007-10-25T10:53:00.000+08:00

The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd is a 12 Megapixel compact camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and built-in sensor-shift stabilisation. Announced in July 2007, it numerically follows the F40fd, but is the real successor to the legendary FinePix F30 and F31fd models. These shunned high resolutions for excellent performance at high sensitivities and set the benchmark for what could be achieved with a compact under low light. As such the new F50fd has a lot to live up to.
The F50fd certainly makes big noises – hopefully not literally – about high sensitivities, sporting nothing less than a 6400 ISO option, albeit operating at a reduced resolution of 3 Megapixels. The 3200 ISO mode operates at 6 Megapixels, but for the full 12 Megapixel resolution you’ll need to work between 100 and 1600 ISO. The F50fd also now includes image stabilisation which should further help shooting under low light.

Like its predecessors the F50fd allows a fair degree of manual control with a switchable Aperture and Shutter priority mode, alongside fully automatic modes which also include face detection. And like Fujifilm’s latest models, the memory card slot supports the choice of media: xD or the much more common and affordable SD cards.
So while the new FinePix F50fd has a rather conservative 3x optical zoom range with no 28mm wide angle capabilities, it still ticks many boxes compact buyers look for these days, including high resolution, image stabilisation and face detection to name but three.

The big question though is what impact the considerable jump from 6 Megapixels on the F30 / F31fd to 12 Megapixels on the F50fd has had on noise levels. Both sensors measure virtually the same size, so unless Fujifilm’s managed to create an extremely efficient system or change the laws of physics, there’s inevitably going to be some compromise.
In our full review of the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd we’ll answer that by testing it under real-life conditions against rival models across their entire sensitivity ranges – and crucially see how it also measures up against its legendary predecessor. To see the camera’s highlights, check out our FinePix F50fd video tour.

Testing notes
Following our convention of using default factory and best quality JPEG settings to test cameras unless otherwise stated, the F50fd was set to its best quality 12MF mode, Auto White Balance, Multi Metering and the Standard F-Mode colour mode. The anti-shake mode was enabled for all handheld shots, and disabled for tripod-based tests.

Canon PowerShot A570 IS Full Review,

2007-10-25T10:49:00.000+08:00

Over the years Canon's A series of budget priced compact cameras has grown to a considerable line-up of now nine models, developing along the way from simple 'point and shoot' entry-level models into fully featured enthusiast models for the photographer wanting a decent level of photographic control at an affordable price. Back in February Canon announced another addition to the range in the shape of the Powershot A560 and A570 IS - twin replacements for the A540 (and the latest in a succession of models going back to the A75). The cameras are almost identical, with the A570 IS sporting optical image stabilization as an extra (the A570 IS is actually the lowest priced A series camera with this feature). So let's find out if the A570 IS is capable of continuing the success of its predecessors, starting, as ever, with the headline features.

7.1 Megapixels

4x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (35-140mm equiv.)

Full photographic control with P, Av, Tv and M modes

DIGIC III, Face Detection, AiAF

Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom

2.5” LCD with wide viewing angle and real-image optical viewfinder

19 shooting modes

Sony announces 4 Gigabyte Cyber-shot T2 album camera

2007-10-25T10:47:00.000+08:00

Sony announces the Cyber-shot T2 featuring on-board 4 Gigabyte internal flash memory. This gives you enough space to store 1,250 quality images, at VGA resolution there's even capacity for over 40,000. Images can be viewed on the 2.7-inch touchscreen or the T2 can be connected through an optional HD connection cable to a HD Ready display for Slideshows with musical accompaniment. The Cyber-shot T2 will be available in five colour options, black, blue, green, pink, and white from the beginning of November...

PRESS SUMMARY

All your memories to go: Cyber-shot T2 stores super-size photo collections
Sony's eye-catching new Cyber-shot T2 makes it easy to keep a lifetime's worth of precious photo memories handy in a pocket or handbag.
Five colour options – black, blue, green, pink, white – plus cutting-edge styling makes the T2 stand out from the crowd. It also features exciting new ‘Sharemark' technology which is perfect for those who enjoy sharing their pictures online. The social networking phenomenon has swept through Europe and now with the T2 it couldn't be simpler to upload your favourite pictures directly to blogs and image-sharing web sites.
With its generous on-board memory and easy-to-use album functions, the T2 is the perfect choice for storing and enjoying your digital image collection at any time.
High quality shootingThe high-quality Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens, 8.1 effective megapixel resolution and high-speed BIONZ image processing engine ensures beautiful pictures. Sony Double Anti-Blur technology delivers crisper results in low light, while Face Detection means better-looking portraits of friends and family. Smile Shutter fires the shutter only when the subject is smiling for more pictures of ‘happy faces'.
Fantastic viewingImages can be viewed with crystal clarity on the large, clear 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD. And for an even bigger picture, it's easy to connect the T2 to any BRAVIA television or HD Ready display for breathtaking HD Slideshows with musical accompaniment. [NB: requires optional HD connection cable]. PhotoTV HD mode delivers breathtaking still images with the latest generation of Sony BRAVIA televisions.
An exciting new way to enjoy your images, Scrapbook creates an attractive montage of pictures on the touchscreen LCD, accompanied by a choice of themed backgrounds.
Huge on-board storageA generous 4GB of internal flash memory gives enough space to store around 1,250 top-quality images. At VGA resolution there's capacity for over 40,000 images – a lifetime of memories. Shots are automatically indexed and arranged in albums, making it quick and simple to track down the right picture in the largest digital photo collections.
Easy picture sharing and fuss-free image uploadsStored images can be tagged and automatically resized using new ‘Sharemark' technology while you're away from a PC. When you're online, images can be uploaded to photo blogs and image share sites like Flickr via the camera's pre-installed Picture Motion Browser Portable software.
The Cyber-shot T2 will be available throughout Europe from the beginning of November 2007.
Additional information: All about the new Sony Cyber-shot T2

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 (Black)

2007-10-07T13:25:00.000+08:00

The good: Has 10x optical zoom lens; small size; optical image stabilization; face detection.

The bad: Noisy images at higher ISOs; no place to put your thumb.

The bottom line: If you don't like electronic viewfinders, but want a superzoom, this Sony packs a 10x zoom lens and 8 megapixels into a tiny package, but image quality at higher ISOs is a bit lacking.

If you're reading this, then you probably already know that there are a lot of different kinds of cameras in the world. This year, we saw the birth of a new variation with the advent of superzooms that don't have electronic viewfinders, such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 I'll be writing about here. The upside is that the cameras can be smaller than their EVF-laden counterparts, and if you despise peering into a tiny hole at an LCD while framing your shots, then you'll welcome this evolution. However, if you've discovered as I have that an EVF can come in handy when shooting certain subjects (I like using one when shooting baseball batters), then you might want to check out one of Sony's other superzooms, such as the DSC-H7 or DSC-H9.

While the H3's small body design (for a superzoom) is definitely handy when trying to fit it in a bag or jacket pocket, it leaves few options for the button layout. Sony basically had to put the zoom rocker smack in the middle of where your thumb should naturally rest, which might seem good at first, but I ended up accidentally nudging it often when shooting, throwing off my zoom setting and messing up the framing of my shot. If Sony would've moved the shutter button a little to the left and the mode dial forward, the zoom rocker could've been moved farther right and given room for your thumb. However, as the body design goes, that's the biggest flaw. The grip, though small, is effective--curl your middle finger over the top of the grip, and the rest of your fingers fall nicely into place, though it does leave your pinky dangling, which always irks me. It seems as though camera makers have begun to despise the pinky finger. Most entry-level dSLRs and almost all superzooms have grips that can't fit a pinky.

Dominating the front of the camera is a Carl Zeiss-branded Vario-Tessar 10x optical 38-380mm equivalent f/3.5-4.4 zoom lens, which feeds light to an 8.1-megapixel CCD sensor. Around back you'll find a 2.5-inch, 115,000-pixel LCD. Caffeine addicts should be pleased to know that the H3 includes Sony's Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization to help compensate for hand shake. In case the built-in lens isn't wide or long enough for you, Sony offers both a 0.7x-wide angle converter (VCL-DH0758) and a 1.7x telephoto converter (VCL-DH1758). The necessary adapter ships with the camera and can also accept 58mm screw-on filters. The camera also comes with a lens hood that attaches to the front of the adapter. Unfortunately, it's so large that it obscures a large portion of the flash, which makes the use of fill flash almost useless if you use the hood. However, the adapter itself can likely provide enough shade from the sun when the lens is zoomed to its widest, which means that the hood is only really necessary when shooting telephoto shots, in which the camera's built-in flash probably won't be able to provide fill flash anyway.

As is the rage these days, Sony separates the H3's menu system into two sections. If you press the Menu button, it brings you to the shooting menu, which is home to settings you change often while shooting, such as image size, face detection, exposure and flash compensation, ISO, white balance, and more. If you press the Home button, you go to the setup menus, which let you control less-oft-changed settings, such as whether you have a lens adapter attached, or whether you want the AF assist light on or off. The menus use a new design that looks very similar to the menus on Sony's PlayStation Portable. They look nice and are pretty intuitive, though it's strange that there's an option for the shooting menu in the home menu, but if you select it, it tells you to press the Menu button instead of just porting you over to that menu.
Like a lot of superzooms, the H3 includes manual exposure controls, though there are only two apertures to choose from and these vary depending on the focal length you're using at any given time. You won't find aperture- or shutter-priority, but there are the usual array of scene modes, some of which are in the menu and some of which reside on the mode dial, as well as program and full auto shooting modes.

Sony says that the H3 can output images and video to an HDTV if you buy the optional VMC-HD1 component video cable for about $40. However, since it's not included with the camera and Sony didn't send us one with the review sample, I can't verify this, though I don't really doubt them. This is a nice option, but I'd rather have seen an HDMI output on the camera instead of being forced to buy Sony's cable. Either way, viewing images on HD has always been a better experience for me than using the regular standard-definition outputs found on most compact cameras.

Except for a slow flash recycle time, the DSC-H3 performed well in our lab tests. The camera took 1.8 seconds to start up and capture its first JPEG, no doubt slowed a bit by the fact that the lens has to extend before you can shoot. It took 1.3 seconds between JPEGs with the flash disabled, jumping to 2.6 seconds between shots with the flash turned on. Shutter lag measured an impressive 0.4 second in our high-contrast test and 1 second in our low-contrast test, which mimic bright and dim shooting conditions, respectively. In burst mode, we were able to get an average of two frames per second, regardless of image size.

Image quality from the H3 can be quite nice if you stick with ISOs 100 and 200, though that niceness is marred a bit by the lens' noticeable distortion, as well as some purple fringing on high-contrast edges toward the edges of images. I saw more noise than I would've liked at ISO 400. While images are still very usable and much of the noise is minimized during printing, there is a noticeable falloff in shadow detail and fine detail at ISO 400. Stepping up to ISO 800, noise increases only slightly, but there's more of a falloff in shadow and fine detail. At ISO 1,600 noise becomes heavy and most shadow and fine detail is lost. The top sensitivity setting of ISO 3,200 yields extremely noisy images with completely blocked up shadows and fine details. For example, text which was crisp and clear at ISO 200 and below, becomes completely illegible at ISO 3,200. I suggest staying below ISO 1,600 when shooting with the H3 and sticking with ISO 100 or ISO 200 whenever possible.

If you want a long zoom lens in a camera that's smaller, if not lighter, than most superzooms, Sony's DSC-H3 is a decent choice. Since this is a new category, it's hard to draw comparisons, but when Canon's Powershot SX100 hits the market in October, we should be able to get a better idea of how this Sony compares with the competition.

Canon PowerShot SD950 IS

2007-10-07T13:14:00.000+08:00

the good: Sleek design with titanium casing; great image quality; optical image stabilization; face detection; optical viewfinder.

The bad: No manual exposure controls, slightly sluggish performance.
The

bottom line: Canon's SD950 IS looks great and can take very nice images, but the digital camera's whopping 12 megapixels will leave you waiting between shots.

Sometimes, when we find ourselves running full speed forward toward what we think is the pinnacle of achievement, we suddenly realize that we've flown closer to the sun than our wings can stand. In the current state of market-driven capitalism, we do this constantly, but luckily, our high-flying, boundary-pushing experiments don't often come with long-term catastrophic results--instead they push technology forward. Canon's PowerShot SD950 IS, with its limit-pushing 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor certainly does its part to advance technology in digital cameras, and along with its attractive titanium body and 3.7x optical-zoom lens should appeal to people who absolutely have to have more pixels than the neighbors. However, the SD950 IS's surfeit of pixels comes at the cost of performance speed.

As has become tradition in the Digital Elph line, the top model, SD950 IS included, sports a rugged titanium body. The right side has a slight inward curve to provide a comfortable grip. With your middle finger in that nook and your pointer finger on the shutter button, your thumb naturally rests on the left of the mode dial, which slopes downward to the left and positions so your thumb rests solidly between it and the raised edge surrounding the 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD screen. Below the mode dial, you'll find the rest of the camera's buttons, except for the on/off button located to the left of the shutter and its surrounding zoom ring. The play button is recessed a little more than I'd normally like, but that's probably to prevent accidental presses, which never occurred during my field tests, and I didn't have trouble pressing it when I wanted to.

While Canon's PowerShot SD750 and the PowerShot SD870 IS don't include one, I was very happy to see that the SD950 IS has an optical viewfinder for those moments when the LCD may be annoying to you or those around you. You shouldn't count on it for accurate framing, though, as the finder doesn't show the entire frame, as the LCD does. In our review sample, the finder cut off a significant portion of the bottom of the frame, though that may vary from one sample to the next. The finder does zoom, though, which is a step above the finders found in most film compacts of yesteryear.

Menus are split into the shooting menu, accessed by pressing the Func./Set button in the middle of the four-way rocker and the setup menu, which is activated by pressing the Menu button. I like this method, which keeps your thumb on the rocker while shooting and still lets you get to important shooting-related controls quickly when you need them. The rocker provides quick access to the most commonly changed settings, including ISO, flash, macro, and landscape modes, and timer or continuous shooting modes.

The 3.7x optical zoom lens covers a 35mm-equivalent range of 36-133mm with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.8. If you're looking for a wider field of view, the SD870 IS offers 28-105mm lens with the same maximum aperture range. Starbucks junkies should like the fact that the SD950 IS includes optical image stabilization to combat image blur from hand shake at slower shutter speeds. Face detection locates faces in the frame and sets exposure, focus, and flash based on those so the camera won't accidentally focus on something in the background instead of your friends or family. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 80 through ISO 1,600. Though Canon does include an ISO 3,200 scene preset, it lowers the resolution to 2 megapixels.
You won't find manual exposure controls in the SD950 IS, though I really think it'd behoove Canon to include them in at least one of their Digital Elph models. Canon does include numerous options, including exposure compensation, flash compensation, and choices for focus, metering, white balance, numerous scene modes, and a number of flash options.

In our lab tests, the PowerShot SD950 IS performed well for a 12-megapixel model, though that still makes it slower than some of the other SD models that have fewer megapixels. The camera took 1.3 seconds to start up and capture its first JPEG. After that, it took a slightly sluggish 2 seconds between shots with the flash turned off and 3.5 seconds between shots with the flash turned on. Shutter lag measured a pleasing 0.5 second in our high-contrast test and 1.2 seconds in our low-contrast test, which mimic bright and dim shooting conditions, respectively. In continuous shooting mode, the SD950 IS fell just short of its fancier cousin, the G9, clocking an average of 1.6 frames per second regardless of image size.

Image quality from the SD950 IS is very impressive and clean at lower ISOs. Colors are accurate and well saturated, and exposures tend to be accurate, even in some tough situations. For example, the camera did a good job of balancing the built-in flash with the ambient light from the lamp in our test scene, though it wasn't quite powerful enough to pull significant detail out of the dark fur of the plush ape in the scene. Canon does an excellent job of keeping ISO noise under control through ISO 200. At ISO 400, noise becomes noticeable on monitors, but shouldn't cause problems with prints and doesn't cause any noticeable loss of shadow or fine detail. At ISO 800, noise becomes much more noticeable and some, though not all, shadow detail is lost while most fine detail remains. That said, you should still be able to get decent prints, especially at smaller sizes. At ISO 1,600, noise becomes very heavy and most shadow and fine detail, such as text and the markings on the measuring tape in our scene, is lost. I suggest staying below ISO 1,600 when shooting with the SD950 IS and staying below ISO 800 whenever possible.

For a 12-megapixel compact camera, the PowerShot SD950 IS fares well. But, if you don't feel you need so many pixels, and unless you plan to print 11x17-inch images regularly, then you can probably get faster performance by choosing a camera with fewer megapixels, such as Canon's 8-megapixel PowerShot SD870 IS--but you will have to give up the optical viewfinder if you do.

Sigma releases SD14 firmware update version 1.05

2007-10-06T12:54:00.000+08:00

Sigma releases the next firmware update for the SD14 digital SLR camera.
Firmware update version 1.05 adds following improvements:
1) ISO 50 has been added into Extended Mode.

2) Improved stability of the camera's operation.

PRESS SUMMARY

Go to the Sigma SD14 firmware download page

In case you missed or did not apply the previous SD14 firmware updates, you will get these improvements too:

[ Version 1.04 ]

1.Corrects an intermittent camera freeze with Err message in the top of the LCD panel.
2.Corrects the problems related with video output display and functionality.
3.Corrects the display problem for the number of remaining shots on the CF card.
4.On a Mac OS 10.4.9 with Intel core processor, the SD14 was not recognized as a Removable Disk

[ Version 1.03 ]

1.Corrects the intermittent camera freeze while CF CARD BUSY LIGHT is on during continuous shooting.
2.Corrects the remaining battery power display on the top LCD panel

[ Version 1.02 ]

1.Corrects the phenomenon that did not save the AdobeRGB from sRGB when the camera body was turned off.
2.Improved the exposure of the built in flash.

[ Version 1.01 ]

1.Sensor cleaning can now be done by powering the camera from the battery. Originally, sensor cleaning was only available through the dedicated AC adapter. If the voltage level of the battery becomes lower than a certain level, the camera will emit a warning beep and will close the cleaning mode. We strongly recommend using a fully charged battery for the sensor cleaning.

2.If using the camera in 'A' mode with flash photography, the selected shutter speed would either be 1/60 or 1/180sec depending on the focal length. Now, the optimum shutter speed is selected from the range of 1/60 to 1/180sec.

3.A slow sync mode has now been added if using the camera in 'A' mode with flash photography. The optimum shutter speed is selected from a range of 30sec to 1/180sec.

4.Improved image quality when reviewing images on the rear LCD.

5.Corrects the overexposure issue when using flash with high ISO setting under certain conditions.

6.Corrects the incompatibility issue with some FAT16 formated large CF cards.

7.Corrects the phenomenon of the intermittent camera freeze under certain conditions.

8.Corrects the malfunction of wireless flash with built-in flash under certain conditions.

9.Corrects the phenomenon that did not save the AdobeRGB setting when changed from sRGB. This was the bug in the menu display.

10.Corrects the phenomenon that the LCD flickered under certain conditions.

11.Corrects terminology in the Korean menu.

Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd Review

2007-10-06T12:46:00.000+08:00

Introduction

The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd digital ultra-zoom camera joins the likes of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 and the Olympus SP-550 UZ by offering an 18x optical zoom lens. Fujfilm have wisely included a CCD-shift image stabilisation system, which should ensure that most of your shots remain sharp even when using the massive telephoto range on offer. Interestingly the 18x lens starts at 27mm wide, just beating the 28mm lenses of the Panasonic and Olympus models, and ends at 486mm, which should cover virtually every imaginable photographic situation. An 8 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD monitor with a refresh rate of 60 frames per second, electronic viewfinder, Face Detection system and battery life of up to 400 pictures on a single set of Ni-MH rechargeable batteries complete the headline specifications. So is the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd the ultimate swiss-army knife of the camera world, or a lot less than the sum of its parts? Mark Goldstein found out...

Ease of Use

To all intents and purposes, the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd looks just like a true digital SLR camera. the If you lined it up alongside cameras like the Nikon D40x, Canon Digital EOS 400D and Sony A100, you would be hard pushed to spot the odd camera out at a first glance. All is revealed only when you look at the back of the S8000fd when it is turned on, and see the LCD screen showing a live preview of the scene (something which some recent DSLR camera can now do), or if you hold the camera up to your eye and look through the electronic viewfinder. The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd has similar dimensions and weight to a DSLR, as well as a massive, chunky hand-grip on the right of the camera that makes it possible to hold with just one hand if you so desire. The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd is also as well built overall as most entry-level DSLRs. Its all-plastic body has a little bit of flex and creak, although it's certainly well above average for the ultra-zoom bracket of compact digital cameras. Fujifilm must be congratulated for almost matching the build quality of a DSLR whilst squeezing in all the other features into the budget.

The huge 18x zoom lens obviously makes this one of the most versatile compacts in terms of focal range. The 27-486mm focal length should handle most photographic possibilities, with the exception of ultra wide-angle shots. Thankfully Fujifilm have at last added image stabilisation to their ultra-zoom range, something which was sorely missed on older models like the S6500fd and S9600. Activated by a dedicated button on top of the camera, you can either turn the system on or off. The S8000fd's anti-shake system, called Dual IS Mode, uses a combination of mechanical CCD-shift image stabilisation and the use of high sensitivity settings of up to ISO 6400 to help keep shutter speeds high enough to avoid subject blur in low light conditions. In practice I found that it does make a noticeable difference, as shown in the examples on the Image Quality page. You don't notice that the camera is actually doing anything different when anti-shake is turned on, just that you can use slower shutter speeds than normal and still take sharp photos. Thankfully leaving the anti-shake system on didn't negatively affect the battery-life, with the camera managing over 350 shots using the supplied set of Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. Note that the camera will only automatically adjust the ISO speed when using the Auto or Picture Stabilisation shooting modes - in the more creative modes the ISO speed that you select will always be used, so only the mechanical CCD-shift part of the system is used.

On previous Fujifilm ultra-zooms that we've reviewed, like the S6500fd and S9600, the integrated, non-removable lens featured a mechanical zooming ring and a manual focusing ring on the lens barrel, making those cameras feel like a true DSLR. Unfortunately the S8000fd doesn't follow suit, which is a real shame as being able to use a "proper" zooming mechanism that works in the same way as on a 35mm SLR lens is a breath of fresh air, and would have been well-matched to the 18x zoom lens. Instead the S8000fd has a quite responsive zooming lever which surrounds the shutter release button, which is a good example of this type of system. There aren't too many external controls and buttons on the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd (13 in total), reflecting the fact that this is a camera in the mould of an entry-level DSLR. Most of them are thankfully clearly labeled and common to most cameras. There's a traditional dial on the top of the camera that lets you select the different exposure modes; Auto, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual. This dial is a typical feature of SLR cameras, and enables you to quickly change between the various modes. The various Scene, Picture Stabilisation, Natural Light and the Movie modes are also accessed via this dial.

As with most other Fujfilm digital cameras, the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd has a Menu button on the rear of the camera which, as you would expect, gives you access to the software menu system. The main menu system on the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd is straight-forward to use and is accessed by pressing the Menu/OK button in the middle of the navigation pad. There is a single Shooting menu with 10 options. A number of the camera's main settings, such as white balance, exposure mode and AF mode, are located in this menu. At the bottom is the Setup option - select this to access 4 more tabbed pages (18 options in total) which contain options that you will probably set once and then forget about. Due to the large LCD screen, the various options and icons are perfectly easy to read.
There is also a small silver button with an F on it, which opens what Fujifilm call the Photo Mode menu. This allows you to control the file quality setting, ISO speed and colour settings (B&W, Chrome or Standard). I'm not really sure why these 3 settings alone should fall under the heading of Photo Mode, and things like white balance and sharpening are just part of the standard menu. And I'm undecided about whether it is a good idea or not. The F button does give quick access to certain features, but you do have to memorise what another button does. If you have never used a digital camera before, or you're upgrading from a more basic model, reading the comprehensive and fairly easy-to-follow manual before you start is a good idea. Thankfully Fujifilm have bucked the recent trend of not providing hard-copy manuals by supplying it in printed format. The S8000fd features an xD/SD compatible memory card slot, allowing the use of either xD Picture Card, SD or SDHC cards. As SD cards are more popular and cheaper than xD, this is a good move by Fujifilm. There's also 58MB of internal memory, more generous than many competitors.

Fujifilm have added a dedicated Face Detection button to the top of the Finepix S8000fd. This system works in all of the shooting modes, making it accessible to beginners and more experienced photographers alike, and optimises focus, white balance and exposure for up to ten faces in a single frame. The S8000fd features Intelligent Face Detection, a new improved system that can now detect and fix red-eye before the image is recorded. Also movement tracking keeps the camera 'locked on' to its subjects until they move out of the picture. It's really best for posed group shots where your subject(s) is standing still at a moderate distance, as the system is fooled if the subject is too far away, is moving too quickly or has their head turned sideways. The manual amusingly says that it will also fail if the subject is standing on their head! Fujifilm's new innovation is hardware-based and therefore a lot faster than other face detection systems that I have used, although it shares similar limitations to its competitors.

Another greatly improved feature on the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd is the EVF display, which is now much higher resolution (230,000 pixels) than previous cameras, and also offers a refresh rate of 60 frames per second, ensuring that the screen in front of you appears smooth and natural in the viewfinder. As this camera has largely been designed to replicate a DSLR, it means that you will invariably compose your images by holding the camera up to your eye. I still found that the EVF doesn't quite keep up with the eye quite as quickly or precisely as an optical viewfinder, but it didn't give me eye-strain after extended periods of use and was generally much more pleasant to use. Also on the plus side, there is a lot more visual feedback via the EVF than on most optical viewfinders, it offers 97% scene coverage and dioptre adjustment, and you can also playback your images on it if you so wish! I still much prefer a traditional, good quality optical viewfinder though, and this would be one of the main reasons for opting for a true DSLR instead of the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd. The S8000fd's 2.5 inch LCD monitor offers the same specification of 230,000 pixels resolution 97% scene coverage and 60fps frame rate.

The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd offers a range of advanced exposure modes, including shutter-priority, aperture-priority and manual, perfect for the photographer who wants to take full control. The S8000fd also has a few interesting features up its sleeve that are designed to take better photos in low-light situations. The Picture Stabilisation mode forces the camera to select a fast shutter speed in order to freeze subject movement more effectively, whilst also setting a fast ISO speed and firing the flash (the Natural Light scene mode doesn't fire the flash). It's an effective automatic way of taking photos of children indoors, for example. Intelligent Flash is a little more exciting. This feature is actually a new scene mode called Natural Light and Flash (obviously the marketing department didn't talk to the engineers about the naming convention). When selected, the camera instantly takes 2 photos, one with flash, one without, giving you the option of which one to choose later (both are saved by the camera).

The start-up time from turning the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd on to being ready to take a photo is OK at around 2.5 seconds, whilst zooming from the widest focal length to the longest takes around 4 seconds, understandable given the huge focal length on offer. Focusing is very quick in good light and the camera achieves focus most of the time indoors or in low-light situations, helped by a powerful focus-assist lamp. The visibility, resolution and refresh rate of both the 2.7 inch LCD screen and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) are good. It takes about 2 seconds to store a JPEG image, allowing you to keep shooting as they are being recorded onto the memory card - there is no LCD blackout between each image. In the Top-3 continuous shooting mode the camera takes 1.3 frames per second at the highest image quality, limited to only 3 frames, which is below average for this class of camera. There is also a Long Period mode that allows you to take 0.5 frames per second for an unlimited number of images, plus a High speed mode (7fps at 4 megapixels) and Ultra High Speed (15fps at 2 megapixels). All in all the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd is about average in terms of operational speed.
Once you have captured a photo, the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd has a good range of options when it comes to playing, reviewing and managing your images. You can scroll through the images that you have taken, view thumbnails (up to 100 onscreen at the same time!), zoom in and out, sort images by date, view slideshows with lots of different settings, delete, protect, trim and rotate an image. You can also add a sound clip to an image and set the print order. The Display button toggles between various views, whilst holding down the Exposure Compensation button shows detailed settings information about each picture, such as the ISO rating and aperture/shutter speed, and a brightness-based histogram.

In summary the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd offers a DSLR-like design with all the advantages of a compact digicam. The new 18x zoom is at last accompanied by a mechanical image stabilisation system, and the electronic viewfinder is much improved.

Nikon Coolpix L11

2007-10-06T12:31:00.000+08:00

Author Cliff Smith

Published 5th October 2007

Manufacturer Nikon

Price £62.98 (Exc VAT)

as reviewed £74.00 (Inc VAT)

While I was testing today's camera, I kept getting a sense of déjà vu. It's happened before, but the last time it was because I was mistakenly testing a camera that I had already reviewed several months previously. In this case that is almost also true, but not quite. Back in March I reviewed the Nikon CoolPix L10 an ultra-low budget, ultra-simple 5-megapixel snapshot camera. Today, seven months later, I'm reviewing the Nikon Coolpix L11, an ultra-low budget, ultra-simple 6-megapixel snapshot camera. The two models are so similar that at first glance they look completely identical.

The top plate as well is identical to the L10, with the on/off button, shutter button and speaker. It isn't until you look at the back of the camera that you might notice a difference. The L11 has a larger 2.4-inch monitor, although it is still only 115k pixels, so it's not actually any sharper. Apart from the screen size however, the back of the L10 is very similar to the L10, with the same arrangement of simple controls. However to make room for the screen the buttons and D-pad are slightly squashed up, and correspondingly slightly more fiddly to operate, although they are still larger than average so I doubt many people will have a problem.

Like the L10, and indeed like most of the other models in Nikon's L (for Life) series, the L11 is very, very simple. It has a very limited number of features and virtually no manual control at all. Even the ISO setting is fully automatic with no manual option. The automatic setting can go as high as ISO 800 though, which is two EV higher than the L10, giving correspondingly faster shutter speeds. The camera has three basic shooting modes; either program auto, video mode or scene mode, selected via a small slider switch on the rear. There are 15 scene modes, including a face detection portrait mode, panorama assist, back-light compensation and the usual array of landscape, sports, night portrait, fireworks etcetera. In program auto mode, the only menu options are picture size, white balance, continuous shooting, Best Shot Selector (an anti-blur warning system) and colour options, which are limited to just five choices. There are no metering options, autofocus options or picture adjustments.

Again in common with the L10, the L11's performance is impressive for such a low-cost camera, and embarrasses some models costing twice as much. It starts up in a little under two seconds, and in single-shot mode it has a shot-to-shot cycle time of approximately 2.3 seconds. In continuous mode is shoots at an impressive 0.7 seconds per shot, although this slows down noticeably with a slower memory card. The flash cycle time is a bit on the slow side though, taking approximately seven seconds to recharge after a typical flash shot. The larger sensor produces slight larger image files, and at full size and resolution a 1GB SD card provides enough storage space for 333 pictures, or just under 20 minutes of TV-quality video. As with any camera running on AA batteries, battery duration will depend on the type of cells used. I was running it on a pair of 2100mAh NiMH rechargeables and was able to take well over 100 shots without the charge level meter even appearing.

As with other L-series cameras, and indeed with most of Nikon's recent compact camera models, the autofocus system is something of a weak point. It performs well enough in good light, but slows down noticeably in lower light levels, and since the L11 has no AF assist lamp it won't focus at all in dark conditions.

I was surprised to find that despite the obvious similarities between the L10 and L11, the latter has significantly better image quality. Whether the 6MP sensor simply suits the lens better, or some slight changes have been made to the lens for this model I do not know, but the L11 suffers from slightly less wide-angle barrel distortion, and the image is noticeably sharper right across the frame, with no trace of the slight chromatic aberration that I noticed on the L10.

Even more surprisingly, colour rendition and dynamic range also appear to be slightly better, and the exposure is also more consistently accurate, resulting in better shadow and highlight detail. The overall level of detail is also better, thanks to the higher sensor resolution. There's a lot more difference between a 5MP and a 6MP sensor than there is between 7MP and 8MP. Because the ISO cannot be manually adjusted, my ISO tests were naturally a bit hit-or-miss, but the overall noise levels at the maximum of 800 ISO did not appear to be particularly bad, indeed not much worse than the L10 at its maximum of ISO 200.

VerdictIn light of its superior picture quality and higher resolution, and the fact that it is available for about the same price, the Nikon Coolpix L11 is significantly better value for money than the L10. In fact I have seldom seen such excellent value. If you're looking for a nice simple compact, maybe as a holiday camera or as a gift for a child, it is got to be at the top of your shortlist.

Pentax Optio V10

2007-10-02T12:09:00.000+08:00

PENTAX Optio V10 – A standard-class, compact digital camera equipped with a large 3.0 inch LCD monitor

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the PENTAX Optio V10, a standard-class compact digital camera that is equipped with a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor for enhanced usability and easy viewing. The Optio V10 is balanced with features such as 8.0 effective megapixels, 3X optical zoom and easy operations, all in a slim, lightweight body.

Main Features:

1.An ultra-slim body with a sophisticated texture

By using an exclusive slim battery and making the circuit board smaller, it is possible to realize an ultra-slim body of just 19mm even though featuring large LCD monitor. High quality aluminum alloy is also used for the outer cover, giving the camera a sophisticated texture.

2.Large, 3.0 inch easy viewable LCD monitor

The Optio V10 comes with a high resolution, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels that enables images and the text to be displayed largely and clearly. The LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees from all directions, making it easy to confirm images, even when looking at the screen diagonally.

3.Digital SR(Shake Reduction)

Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode automatically adjusts sensitivity, to as high as the ultrahigh sensitivity of ISO 3200 according to the brightness of the subjects, and effectively reduces camera shakes and subject blurring when photographing still images. With fast shutter speeds, photography with reduced blurring is available.

4.”Face Recognition AF&AE” function that is convenient when photographing portrait

The Face Recognition AF&AE*1 function automatically detects and focuses on faces, regardless of where the people appear in the photo frame. So, it allows you to take beautiful photograph of people easily by letting the camera determine the focus and exposure.*1:Available when the photography mode is “Portrait” and “Natural Skin Tone”, and the camera is directed at people from the front

5.Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best photography mode for shooting conditions

The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determines the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Normal modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This function eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

6.3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a maximum of 12X magnification

The Optio V10 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 36-108mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes, through memorial photographs, to portraits. Such zooming power can also be combined with 4X digital zoom to achieve a total of approximately 12X zoom capability.

7.High Resolution Images

The Optio V10’s 8.0 effective megapixels and high performance PENTAX lens, which precisely captures images down to the finest details, realizes to delivers high resolution photos that look sharp even at large magnifications.

8.Others

Mode palette provides quick access to 16 shooting modes and 13 playback modes

Record movies with Movie SR (Shake Reduction) function can deliver high quality image rivaling camcorders

Auto-Macro mode allows for close-up photography as near as 10cm while in the normal focusing mode

Auto-tracking AF continuously focusing on a moving subject

Date imprint function for easier image categorizing

Calendar Display function allows image retrieval based on the capture mode

Approximately 52.1MB of built in memory

FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for flash shots

Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that support Windows Vista™

Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

Pentax Optio A40

2007-10-02T11:48:00.000+08:00

PENTAX Optio A40 – A top class, compact digital camera with 12.0 effective megapixels

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the PENTAX Optio A40, the latest model in the “Optio A” series- PENTAX’s top class compact digital cameras that pursue high image quality and high performance. The Optio A40 has an increased 12.0 effective megapixels and high image quality rivaling that of SLR cameras.

Main Features:

1.12.0 effective megapixels for higher image quality and enhancedperformance

The Optio A40 is PENTAX’s first digital camera with 12.0 effective megapixels, which enables for ultra high-definition images. It is newly equipped with a large, 1/1.7-inch CCD that has a wide light receiving area that is superior in tone reproduction. Through the incorporation of a new image engine that has excellent color reproducibility and smc PENTAX lens, which has a reputation ashaving high resolving power, the Optio A40 pursues even higher image quality and further enhanced performance.

2.Three types of anti-shake functions to suit any photography situation

SR(Shake Reduction) mechanismThe SR mechanism is unique to PENTAX, and corrects camera shakes when photographing still images by shifting the image sensor (CCD) horizontally and vertically in relation to the amount of shaking that the high-accuracy gyro sensor detects. The shake reduction technology used in PENTAX’s digital SLR cameras is applied to the Optio A40 as well, and highly corrective effects that are equivalent to shutter speeds of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 steps can be achieved.

“Digital SR” (Shake Reduction) *1Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode automatically adjusts sensitivity, to as high as the ultrahigh sensitivity of ISO 3200 according to the brightness of the subject, and effectively reduces camera shakes and subject blurring when photographing still images. With fast shutter speeds, photography with reduced blurring is available.*1: Recording size is fixed at 5M(2592x1944 pixels) when “Digital SR” is selected

“Movie SR” (Shake Reduction) *2The Movie SR function electronically reduces camera shakes exclusively during the shooting of movies. This function uses software to effectively correct distortions in images caused by camera shakes during the capturing of movies.*2:When using “Movie SR”, the field of view is narrower than that during normal recording

3.“Face Recognition AF&AE” function that photographs portrait more beautifully with simple operation

The Optio A40 is equipped with a “Face Recognition AF&AE” function*3 that automatically detects and focuses on faces. In addition, the Optio A40 also comes with new functions that apply face recognition technology, such as “Natural Skin Tone” mode, which smoothly presents skin texture based on the detected information, and “Half-length Portrait” mode*4, which automatically takes a close-up photograph of the bust by trimming the people recognized in photo frame.*3: This Camera’s “Face Recognition AF&AE” function uses the Face Tracker face recognition technology from FotoNation.*4: Recording size is fixed at 3M (2048x1536 pixels) when “Half-length Portrait” is selected

4.New “Dynamic Range Adjustment” function to prevent white outs and black out

The Optio A40 is newly equipped with a “Dynamic Range Adjustment” to prevent white outs and black outs by correcting the tones for the highlighted areas or the shadowed areas of a subject with significant differences in contrast. When photographing people against the sun, it is possible to deposit subjects brightly while keeping the tones of the background

5.Bright and easy-to view

LCD monitorThis LCD monitor is a high intensity type equipped with an LCD booster that adjusts the brightness of screen, which users can easily check the screen even at the outdoors. With 2.5-inch and high resolution of approximately 232,000 pixels, it is easy to confirm picture compositions and the focus. Due to its wide viewing angle, the screen can also be easily viewed, since there is little change in brightness and colors even when looking at the monitor diagonally.

6.3X optical zoom and 6X digital zoom for a maximum of 17.9Xmagnification

The Optio A40 features a 3X optical zoom lens with a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37-111mm lens in 35mm format, which is ideal for a broad spectrum of subjects from landscapes, through memorial photographs, to portraits. Such zooming power can also be combined with 6X digital zoom to achieve a total of approximately 17.9X zoom capability.

7.Video recording function enabling high-quality recording for long periodof time

The Optio A40 smoothly captures movies at 30fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640x480 pixels with image quality rivaling camcorders. Since it employs the DivX® (MPEG-4) movie format*5, the Optio A40 can record long, high-quality movies.*5:The Optio A40 is DivX® certified. Movie playback is not supported on Macintosh operating system

8.Others

A.Users can freely choose “Shutter-Priority AE” mode and “Manual Exposure” mode, depending on the effect they are aiming to achieve

B.An “Intelligent zoom” function enables images to be magnified shooting, while maintaining the image quality of optical zoom

C.“Auto Picture” mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions

D.Mode palette provide quick access of 18 shooting modes and 15 playback modes

E.Approximately 21.0 MB of built-in-memory

F.Compatible with SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards

G.FotoNation’s red eye compensation function for flash shots

H.Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewer/image management software that support Windows Vista™

I.Support PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

Kodak boosts digital camera sensitivity

2007-10-02T09:36:00.000+08:00

Eastman Kodak has developed a relatively straightforward change to digital camera image sensors that could help with a major photography bugaboo: poor performance in dim conditions.

The new technology, to be unveiled Thursday and used in products in 2008, increases light sensitivity of existing image sensors by a factor of two to four, said Mike DeLuca, marketing manager for Eastman Kodak's image sensor solutions group.
Translated into photography terms, that means a camera's shutter speed could be cut in half or a quarter, helping cut camera shake or motion blur problems. Alternatively, it could let photographers shoot in low light with less image "noise"--the pesky multicolor speckles that degrade photographs.
"That's the real bane, when you think about it. There's just not enough light to collect," said IDC analyst Christopher Chute. Of Kodak's new method, he said, "It's pretty revolutionary."
Light sensitivity has become a serious problem in digital cameras, particularly as higher megapixel counts have increased noise levels in image sensors.

And unlike some efforts to improve digital cameras, the new Kodak technique can be applied to any existing image sensor, leading Kodak to hope it will be able to license the high-sensitivity technology far and wide.

"We absolutely feel there is a big opportunity for this...to become a new standard in the industry," DeLuca said. "We really want to propagate this out as far as the market feels it should be taken."
Kodak's new method better reflects how human eyes actually work, separately registering color and brightness information--and devoting more pixels to brightness, where the human eye is sensitive to detail.
The company's technology doesn't require any new fundamental changes to the heart of the image sensor, where a grid of electronic detectors converts incoming light first into electric signals and then digital information. Instead, the new technology adds some neutral "panchromatic" pixels to the usual array of red, green and blue pixels in the grid, then uses a different software algorithm to reconstruct the full-color images from the sensor output.

Pixel patterns

In nearly all of today's digital cameras, each sensor pixel detects either red, green or blue, with those particular colors placed in a quasi-checkerboard arrangement called a Bayer pattern, after the Kodak engineer, Bryce Bayer, who developed it. Every second pixel registers green light, while the remaining pixels capture either red or blue.
With a 12-megapixel Bayer-pattern sensor, 6 million pixels are green, 3 million are red and 3 million are blue. Software reconstructs the full-color image so each pixel has a red, green and blue component through a process called de-mosaicing.
In the high-sensitivity pattern--as yet lacking a formal name--half the pixels capture red, green or blue color information, while the other half are panchromatic pixels that capture only the brightness. So a 12-megapixel sensor would have 6 million panchromatic pixels, 3 million green pixels, 1.5 million red pixels and 1.5 million blue pixels.
Different software algorithms, which typically run in an image processing chip within the camera, must be used to reconstruct a full-color image, DeLuca said. Today that software is a little larger than the Bayer demosaicing software, but with optimization that Kodak now is working on, it should become "comparable."
As a way to deal with low-light shooting problems, Chute said, Kodak's technology is a compelling alternative to expensive image stabilization, which moves lens elements or the sensor to counteract camera shake, or post-processing, which uses software to try to reduce image noise.

From prototype to product

Kodak plans to release the technology in several ways. First, it will build it into its own cameras, DeLuca said. Second, it will offer it and the accompanying software with the image sensors it sells to other camera makers--both the CCD (charge-coupled device) sensors it builds itself and the CMOS (complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) sensors that IBM and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) build for it.And it could license the technology to other companies. "We will engage in conversations with other companies as appropriate," DeLuca said.
The first prototype sensors intended for production use are scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2008, he said. Typically, production-quality chips arrive three to six months after, he added.
Kodak's technology has the potential to spread widely, Chute said. "But first it needs to prove itself. It can't just be a lab rat." And another possible obstacle is intellectual property. Kodak hasn't been afraid to file patent infringement suits against camera makers Olympus and Sony.

It's good that it's relatively easily to add the technology to existing cameras, Chute added, but Kodak shouldn't expect its technology to spread like wildfire. "Camera manufacturers and the photo industry tends to be very conservative. They go with what they have and make it better."

Fujifilm Finepix S 5 Pro

2007-10-01T17:22:00.000+08:00

The Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro, the successor to the popular S3, combines the picture quality of Fujifilm’s updated Super CCD SR Pro sensor with a fully digital and durable professional metal alloy body. With professional styling and superb image quality, Fujifilm expects the FinePix S5 Pro to appeal to a broad range of professional photographers. Fujifilm’s goal has been to maximize image quality through constant research and development into its CCD technology. In fact, Fujifilm has been focusing on improving the image quality versus increasing the pixel density of its sensors.

In this vein, Fujifilm’s Super CCD SR II has been updated to the new Super CCD SR Pro. Using a unique layout of twelve million paired photodiodes (6.17 million larger ‘S’ photodiodes for main image information, combined with 6.17 million smaller ‘R’ photodiodes for bright area information), the S5 Pro delivers a reduction in noise, and improvements in dynamic range, color and tonality. Further improving the capability of the sensor, a new, improved low-pass filter will ensure that moiré and noise are kept to an absolute minimum.

This redesigned Super CCD SR Pro sensor is the main reason for the S5's improved performance. The CCD’s two stages of noise reduction deliver a remarkably clean image, and permit light sensitivity up to ISO 3200 with low-noise photos. The new dark noise reduction process using the RP Processor Pro subtracts the residual, ambient noise on the sensor from the actual exposure and helps the camera produce smooth, clean images when long shutter speeds are used.

The FinePix S5 Pro also includes another popular feature; the ability to record JPEG and RAW files simultaneously to the memory card. This will enable photographers to view and distribute smaller-sized JPEGs, yet retaining the ability to work on the larger RAW files later on a PC or Mac. This dual option is available in a variety of image sizes, giving the option to store either a small, email able file size, or a larger, more detailed JPEG.

The S3 achieved recognition for excellent ergonomics and the S5 Pro continues that evolution with it's 29.3 oz. magnesium alloy shell. With weatherproof seals, and first-rate Nikon-based design, the S5 Pro is a camera truly deserving of the term ‘workhorse’, equally at home in the studio as on a nature assignment in a humid environment. The camera’s shutter mechanism will be testament to its durability, as it has been tested to exceed 100,000 cycles.

The FinePix S5 Pro will also afford the photographer much greater control over the unique image parameters that its technology provides. Six stepped dynamic range settings between 100% (normal dynamic range) and 400% (dynamic range expanded by two stops) will enable the photographer to achieve exactly the tonal feel to their images that they want. In addition, three distinct settings for the ‘negative film’ preset option will further enhance the customizable nature of the camera, giving portrait photographers precisely the ‘look’ that they have in their mind’s eye.

FinePix S5 Pro Features:

1.Real Photo Technology Pro = Super CCD SR Pro and the RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro, 12.34 million effective pixels

2.Super CCD SR Pro features an optimized low-pass filter to reduce noise and moiré

3.RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction

4.Dynamic range presets (six in total) range between 100% and 400%

5.Film Simulation Modes (five modes in total)

6.Nikon F-mount compatibility with all Nikkor AF-D/G and the latest AF-S optics

7.RAW+ JPEG (4,256 x 2,848 pixels, 3,024 x 2,016 pixels, 2,304 x 1,536 pixels) dual-save mode

8.Mac and PC controlled shooting mode via USB 2.0 port and Hyper Utility software (optional)

9.Durable, lightweight magnesium-alloy body with moisture- and dust-proof seals

10.High-precision i-TTL flash control

11.11-point Auto Focus sensor

12.Shutter speed 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec, maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.

13.2.5 inch LCD with 235,000 pixels, gives 100% frame coverage

14.Li-ion rechargeable battery

15.Compact Flash (CF) Card (Type I/II), Microdrive compatible

In the box you'll find the rechargeable Li-ion battery NP-150, Battery charger BC-150, Shoulder strap, Camera body cap, Eyepiece cap, LCD cover, USB 2 cable (mini- B), Video cable, Accessory shoe cover, Synchronizing terminal cap, Remote release socket cap and software/driver CD-ROM.
Optional accessories include the Battery Charger BC- 150, AC Power Adapter AC-135VN, Hyper-Utility Software HS-V3, Hyper-Utility Software HS-V3UP.

Camera Test: Pentax K100D Super

2007-10-01T17:11:00.000+08:00

Here's the Pentax K100D Super ($520, street, body only; $600 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Pentax DA lens), which represents a major upgrade for the Pentax line.
Notice we didn't say it was a major upgrade to the previous camera, the 6.1MP K100D. The new model adds three things: a self-cleaning sensor (nice, but hardly earth-shattering), a slot for high-capacity SDHC cards (ditto), and the ability to exploit the new SDM lenses -- the real news. These lenses have built-in ultrasonic motors for faster and dramatically quieter autofocusing, plus manual focusing that can be touched up at any time. So Pentax finally joins other manufacturers (notably Nikon) in going to motorized lenses.

But first, the camera: The K100D Super is the latest in a slowly evolving line that goes back to the *ist DS of 2004, and as such feels like an old friend. The ergonomics are excellent, the body is pleasantly light but very solid-feeling, and the pentamirror viewfinder is bright, with both Excellent tested accuracy and Excellent (though just barely) tested magnification.

We ran the full battery of Pop Photo Lab tests on the camera, this time using RAW capture, and got results nearly the same as those of its predecessor. Resolution went up a notch, to 1590 average lines from 1520, maintaining an Extremely High rating. Color accuracy improved just enough to get an Excellent rating. And noise numbers were virtually unchanged -- and they were good numbers to start. At ISO 1600, for example, the camera produced Moderately Low noise, but still managed to maintain Extremely High resolution.

Back when all consumer DSLRs were 6MP, imaging performance like this would have garnered raves. But consumer DSLRs have gone beyond 6MP, even in this price range (consider the 8MP Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT). The K100D Super does have sensor-shift image stabilization, which will work with any lens that mounts on the camera. This gives it something of a price advantage over equivalent models from Canon (the Rebel XT) and Nikon (the D40), which use lens-based image stabilization. But 6.1MP is still pretty skimpy.

In tests using our DxO Analyzer 2.0 software, the Pentax Shake Reduction system produced an advantage of up to 2 stops, with the shakiest shooters gaining the most advantage. A good result, to be sure, but we have found that quite a few stabilized lenses can beat that.
The SR system also serves to self-clean the sensor: The camera's low-pass filter is coated with a fluorine compound that helps keep dust from sticking to its surface. When the camera is turned on, or on demand, the sensor vibrates at high speed to knock loose any dust, which is collected on an adhesive strip below.
The K100D Super's firmware allows the body to electronically signal focusing information to an SDM lens, which uses its own internal motor to focus rather than the camera's AF drive shaft. To its credit, Pentax also equipped SDM lenses with a drive-shaft coupling, so they can be used on any older Pentax AF body, albeit with the noisy, old-style AF. (The firmware on another recent Pentax model, the 10MP K10D, can be upgraded to use the SDM focusing.)
We had a chance to use this camera with the new 16-50mm f/2.8 SMPC-DA* ED AL IF SDM zoom ($900, street), and what a difference the built-in motor makes! We were particularly impressed with the manual focusing, which is nearly as well damped as on a classic manual lens. Pentax has also introduced a 50-135mm f/2.8 SMPC-DA* ED IF SDM zoom ($1,000, street). More are sure to follow.

While we've criticized the K100D in the past for relegating most controls to the menus, we've accepted that such cameras aren't meant for control freaks like us. With the K100D Super set to Program, it's a simple pleasure to use -- a point-and-shoot with great viewing. The basic controls are accessed easily enough using the function button, and the autofocus finds the subject readily, with little fuss.
Still, the economics here are questionable. The Canon Rebel XT is similarly priced, and 10MP DSLRs like the Sony Alpha 100 aren't that far up the price scale.
And if you have a bagful of Pentax lenses? Well, there's a sensational 10MP model that can use them all, and it's only a couple hundred dollars more than the K100D Super. It's called the Pentax K10D.

The Vivitar Vivicam 7500i Limited Edition

2007-10-01T17:01:00.000+08:00

Vivitar has released the Vivicam 7500i Limited Edition, a beautifully designed and engineered digital camera dressed in gold, featuring a 7 Megapixel CCD image sensor, a 3x optical zoom internal lens, a spacious 3.0 inch LCD monitor, face detection technology and SD card support. The new 7500i can also double as an MP3 Player and Personal Media Player. The Vivitar 7500i will also be available as a regular edition model in the colors silver and black. Prices and availability dates of the new models are not yet published...

SPECIFICATIONS

Image Sensor: 7.0 Megapixel CCD

LCD Monitor: 3.0” Color TFT-LCD

Zoom: 3x Optical, 5x Digital

Lens: Auto Focus, Aperture: F 3.5 ~ 4.5Focal Length: 6.3 mm to 18.9 mmFocus Range: 1 cm ~ 10 cm (Super Macro), 10 cm ~ 60 cm (Macro), 60 cm ~ Infi nity (Normal)

White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Sunset, Custom

Image Resolution: 3456 x 2592 (interpolated), 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960Video Quality: VGA 720 x 480, 640 x 480, 30 fps

Storage Memory: 32 MB Flash Memory, SD Memory Card (optional, up to 1 GB)

File Format: JPEG, EXIF 2.2, DCF 1.1, MPEG-4, AVI, MP3

Operating Environment: Windows ME/2000/XP, Mac OS 9.2 or laterSoftware: Photo Explorer

Connectors: USB 2.0 Port (USB & AV Out)

Power: Li-ion Battery (NP - 40) and Charger (included)Weight: Approx. 114 g (4.0 oz) without Battery and SD Memory CardDimensions: Approx. 97 x 61 x 18.5 mm (3.8 x 2 x 0.75 in)

http://www.dcviews.com/press/Vivitar-7500i.htm

Canon PowerShot A720 IS Review at CNET

2007-09-29T19:06:00.000+08:00

CNET reviews the Canon PowerShot A720 IS and writes - "Surprisingly broad depth-of-field and solid white balance contribute to the camera's excellent picture quality. Both small text and fine textures appear crisp and full of detail, even when stretching across multiple planes. Slight fringing appeared on off-white and yellow edges, though not to the point that the photos suffered. In general, if you stick to ISO 400 or lower, the A720 IS will produce great pictures."
Read more about the Canon PowerShot A720 IS
Buy it at Amazon at Canon PowerShot A720IS 8MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

Olympus Stylus 790 SW Review at CNET

2007-09-29T19:05:00.000+08:00

CNET reviews the Olympus Stylus 790 SW and writes - "Image quality isn't the 790 SW's strong point, but it isn't particularly bad either at lower ISOs. Colors aren't quite as saturated as they can be on some other cameras, but they do look fairly accurate. The images also aren't as sharp as I'd like to see, but not terribly so, and given that this is a waterproof camera, that's not totally unexpected. The 790 SW's automatic white balance leaves photos shot under incandescent lights slightly warm, but does a good job with fluorescent lighting and, of course, natural sunlight..... While the Stylus 790 SW is far from perfect, it's one of the few cameras on the market, especially in this price range, that can take a beating and actually operate under water or at the top of a ski resort without worry. If you need a camera that can face up to those challenges, then the 790 SW makes sense."
Read more about the Olympus Stylus 790 SW

Canon PowerShot S5 IS at TrustedReviews

2007-09-29T19:02:00.000+08:00

Trusted Reviews has reviewed the Canon PowerShot S5 IS and writes - 'The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is unquestionably the most versatile digital camera on the market, with a powerful high quality zoom lens, superb image stabilisation, class-leading performance and what may be the best AF system on the market. It has a huge range of features, including a video mode with full zoom lens and stereo audio. It is slightly let down by the small sensor and its inherent noise problems, but it is still an outstanding camera by any standard.'
Read more reviews of the Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Get a price on the Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS

Pentax Optio Z10 Review at TrustedReviews

2007-09-29T18:59:00.000+08:00

Trusted Reviews has posted a review of the Pentax Optio Z10 and writes - 'The Pentax Optio Z10 is a bit of a departure for a company that has specialised in 3x zoom compacts for several years. Build quality and design are good, and general performance is adequate, but image quality issues and the lack of any image stabilisation limit its usefulness, and it looks rather weak compared to several competing models.'

Canon launches Selphy ES2 and ES20

2007-09-28T11:26:00.001+08:00

Canon today launched two new additions to its Selphy range of dye-sublimation printers, offering up to 6x4" prints with the minimum of hassle. The Canon Selphy E2 replaces the previous ES1 and sports an articulated 3.0" LCD, wireless printing via IrDA (Bluetooth with an optional adaptor) and may be powered from an optional battery pack. The Selphy E20 meanwhile features a fixed 2.5" screen and does without wireless connectivity and battery power

Ricoh Caplio R7 firmware 1.20

2007-09-28T11:20:00.000+08:00

Ricoh has made available firmware version 1.20 for its recently-launched Caplio R7. The update improves AF accuracy and fixes a bug where 3:2 images are recorded incorrectly when the bracketing feature is used. The update is available now from Ricoh's support site.

Canon G9 Review at The Online Photographer

2007-09-27T21:47:00.001+08:00

The Online Photographer reviews the Canon G9 and writes - "I could probably write much more about the G9. It has many more features and highlights than I've noted. But I think you get the idea. It's an exceptional little camera whose specs and performance would have been hard to imagine just a few years ago, particularly for $500. If you're looking for a go-anywhere pocketable camera in this price range you owe it to yourself to look at Canon's G9. I believe that it truly represents today's gold standard for point & shoot camera performance and specifications."

Canon Powershot S5 IS Review at Cameras.co.uk

2007-09-27T21:44:00.000+08:00

has more features than any similar, super zoom digital camera. It is also one of the more expensive models. On the whole picture quality is very good, but it is a concern that my full zoom test showed a noticeable fall off in sharpness away from the centre of the photo.....The Canon Powershot S5 IS is a feature rich super zoom digital camera. In terms of controls and settings it has the edge over all its rivals. Picture quality is very good overall and outstanding in places."

Avoiding Digital Camera Shakes

2007-09-27T21:41:00.001+08:00

If ever you have seen a picture that is blurred, it is most probably because the camera was shaken while the picture was taken. With traditional photographic film cameras, it was evident only after the negatives and positives were made. However, with digital camera, the captured image can be seen immediately on the LCD screen, and if the image has shaken, then it can be discarded for a new shot.
Digital camera shakes are common with new users. This is primarily because, new users have not fully understood that the shutter-release button must not be pressed twice, but pressed two steps down. The first step locks the focus and exposure while the second step takes the photo. This pressing of the button has to be smooth, otherwise the digital camera shakes and a blurred picture is the result.
The shutter speed also plays an important role in blurring the picture. The shutter speed is the amount of time the shutter remains open to allow light to reach the digital camera sensor. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second. An image is exposed by the combination of the lens aperture and the shutter speed. A slow shutter speed needs a small aperture (large F-stop number) to avoid over exposure. With a slow shutter speed below 1/60th of a second, over exposure is adequately controlled, but the digital camera is likely to vibrate more, giving a shaky picture.
A tripod is extremely useful to eliminate digital camera shakes. It is generally used by sports photographers who use long telephoto lens, as it helps in close-ups, landscape and panning shots, for timed exposures, for shooting at slow shutter speeds, and for taking photographs in low or dim light conditions. Shooting a fast moving subject, like athletes, or wildlife, tests the photographer`s skill and the equipment. In such cases, camera shakes are most likely to happen, and thus a monopod or a tripod is always used. Digital cameras mounted on tripods always tend to eliminate camera shakes and give sharp results.
A great feature in most high-end digital cameras available nowadays is image stabilization (IS). IS is an anti-shake and vibration reduction technology and is common in digital cameras with long telephoto zooms of 10X and 12X. With IS, sharp images can be obtained even if the camera shakes a little, a slow shutter speed is used, shooting is done in low light conditions, or a tripod is not used. IS was originally developed for video cameras. It is now available in interchangeable lens, consumer and professional digital cameras, which use optical image stabilization. Sports and wildlife photographers use a tripod and IS technology together to get the maximum sharpness of their photographs; however, many other photographers turn the IS feature off while using a tripod.
Digital camera shakes can be eliminated or minimized by the utilization of the above techniques. However, the fundamentals of taking a good shot prove to be most effective in avoiding camera shakes, in the absence of tripods, or IS technology.
The basics of good photography should be followed. You should hold the digital camera with both your hands. You should keep the legs apart with the knees slightly bent forward. Your elbows should be braced with your body and your body braced with some support, if possible. You should generally frame and compose the picture with the viewfinder and not the LCD screen. You should not jab but lightly press the shutter release button two steps down, and during that time, it would be beneficial to hold your breath to prevent any movement of the chest and hands. With this basic technique of good photography, you can be sure that your digital camera will not shake and no picture will be blurred.
This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/camera-digital.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br/

DCRP Review: Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS

2007-09-26T10:34:00.000+08:00

he Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS ($249) is a low-cost, but full-featured ultra zoom camera. It features a 7.1 effective Megapixel CCD, 12X optical zoom, optical image stabilization, full manual controls, a 2.5" LCD display, and the ease-of-use that Kodak cameras are known for.
After I received the Z712, Kodak announced a newer model, known as the Z812 IS ($299). It's quite similar, with the notable changes being a higher resolution (8.2MP) sensor and a 720p video mode.
The Z712 IS has some really tough competition, especially from the likes of Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. How does it perform? Find out now in our review!
What's in the Box?
The EasyShare Z712 has an average bundle. Inside the box you'll find:

The 7.1 effective Megapixel EasyShare Z712 IS camera

CR-V3 lithium battery (not rechargeable)

Insert for optional camera and printer docks

Lens cap w/retaining strap

Neck strap

USB cable

A/V cableCD-ROM featuring Kodak EasyShare software

27 page Getting Started Guide

As is the case with most cameras these days, the EasyShare Z712 has built-in memory in lieu of a bundled memory card. The Z712 has 32MB of built-in memory (of which only 28MB can be used for photo storage), which holds just ten photos at the highest quality setting. Therefore, you'll want to buy a memory card right away, and I'd recommend a 1GB card as a good place to start. The camera supports both SD and MMC memory cards, plus the newer, high capacity SDHC cards, though they don't actually tell you that anywhere. While it improves camera performance slightly, a high speed card isn't a necessary purchase.

The Z712 can use several types of battery. It comes with a lithium CR-V3 battery, which will soon find its way into your trash can. After that, you can use two AA batteries (NiMH, lithium, or alkaline), another lithium CR-V3, or Kodak's KLIC-8000 rechargeable battery ($20). Now, here's how the Z712 compares with ultra zooms in terms of battery life. I only have numbers for the KLIC-8000 battery, so I can't say how the camera performs with NiMH rechargeables.

As you can see, the Z712's battery life falls well below the average for the group. It's possible to get better numbers out of the camera by using NiMH rechargeables, but since Kodak doesn't publish them, I can't say that with 100% confidence. So, you'll probably want to get yourself a spare battery -- the KLIC-8000 rechargeable sells for about $20.
There's no battery charger included with the camera, and you have various options there too. If you're using the KLIC-8000, then you can use the Kodak K7500 (priced from $33) or K7600 ($35) chargers. The Kodak camera and printer docks can charge the battery while it's inside the camera, as well. If you decide to use NiMH rechargeables (which are certainly a better value than the KLIC-8000), then any fast charger will be fine.

Casio Exilim EX-V7

2007-09-26T10:28:00.000+08:00

A 7.2 megapixel resolution combined with a 7X fully internal optical zoom and anti-shake system are the most noticeable features of the Casio Exilim EX-V7. Very compact and completely metal-clad, the EX-V7 is turned on by sliding back the lens cover.

The front of the Exilim EX-V7 supports the flash, positioned directly above the lens, while below the lens lies the AF assistant lamp, which doubles as the Self-timer lamp, and to its left are the two openings for the stereo microphones.
The top of the camera has only one button, the 2-stage shutter release. Pressed halfway, the shutter release starts the auto focus and the auto exposure, and locks the settings when maintained at the halfway point.

All the other external controls of the Casio EX-V7 are arranged on the right side of the monitor. The monitor, which doubles as the camera's viewfinder, measures 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) diagonally and is composed of 230,400 pixels (960 x 240 pixels), which gives it a crisp and sharp image.
Closest to the edge of the monitor is the zoom control, a spring-loaded slider control that always returns to the centre position.The control moves the optical zoom from the wide angle to the telephoto end (7X) or vice versa in approximately 3 seconds, smoothly moving through 14 steps, but the transit speed is controllable by pushing the control more or less.

With the camera set to the Playback mode, the zoom control serves to zoom into an image under review or zoom out. Pressed towards the wide angle end , the zoom control can display captured images in an index view () presenting 9 thumbnails first, and when pressed again, a calendar view that shows a month and a tiny thumbnail of the first photo captured on the day it was captured.
And, when pressed to the telephoto end, the the control serves to zoom into an image () up to 8X.
The other control that dominates the upper right side of the EX-V7's back is the Mode Dial.
The Mode Dial has 8 positions, each corresponding to a capture mode:

Snapshot, is the equivalent of the Program mode on other cameras. The camera sets the aperture and selects the shutter speed, but most other controls can be adjusted at will by the user.
Best Shot modes includes a sample image and a short description of the mode's use and settings:

Portrait Scenery
Portrait with Scenery

Children

Sports

Candlelight

Portrait

Party

Pet

Flower

Natural Green

Autumn Leaves

Soft Flowing Water

Splashing Water

Sundown

Night Scene Night Scene Portrait
Fireworks

Food

Text

Collection

For eBay

Backlight

High Sensitivity

Monochrome
Retro (sepia)

Twilight Layout (1)

Layout (2)
Auto Framing

ID photo

Old Photo

Business Card and Docs

Canon PowerShot S5 IS Review at PhotographyBLOG

2007-09-26T10:26:00.001+08:00

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Canon PowerShot S5 IS and writes - 'In terms of features and handling the more you play with the Canon PowerShot S5 IS, the more you find to like about it, which means that it requires a period of familiarization. Although certain aspects of the control layout might appear slightly compromised or clunky at first you soon learn to live with its foibles. However, it can't be denied that inability to capture any stills file format other than JPEG will be a major turn off for a chunk of its potential ownership. Ultimately the Canon PowerShot S5 IS is something of a jack-of-all-trades – perhaps even a Swiss Army knife of a camera (though it doesn't play MP3s), and there's certainly more of a focus on shooting movies than many enthusiast cameras, with stereo sound (Wave format) offered, a long play option, and a nicely smooth and quiet zoom action thanks to that Ultrasonic Motor (USM). Despite the fact that 12x is looking a little weedy against the likes of the Olympus SP-560UZ or Panasonic FZ18, you do get a lot of zoom for your money compared to what it would cost to equip a DSLR with a similar rage, and yet its stills performance – although perfectly acceptable – is no star turn.'

Pentax K100D Super Digital SLR Review at Steves Digicams

2007-09-26T10:25:00.001+08:00

Steves Digicams reviews the Pentax K100D Super Digital SLR where they write - 'This lightweight, durable camera was fun to use. While the K100D Super's 6-megapixel resolution lags behind that of some entry-level models by competing manufacturers, the addition of Shake Reduction (SR) and Dust Removal to a set of mature and useful camera features makes for an attractive consumer dSLR. With the street price hovering around $599 (US) with a 18-55mm zoom lens, the K100D Super is a great value. With a price point that overlaps into consumer digicam territory, the K100D Super offers a compelling choice to point-n-shoot upgraders. Further more, users of Pentax film SLR's will be tempted to make the jump to digital, with their inventory of K-mount lenses being compatible with the K100D Super AND its integral Shake Reduction feature.'

Pentax Optio A30 Review at Digital Camera Info

2007-09-26T10:21:00.000+08:00

Digital Camera Info reviews the Pentax Optio A30 where they recommend - 'The Pentax Optio A30 is a moderately priced point-and-shoot, with an initial MSRP of $349.95. Its clean and concise design, aluminum alloy body, and wealth of features and manual controls make it a worthwhile consideration for a range of users. The Pentax Optio A30 has a 10-megapixel CCD with Sensor Shift Shake Reduction, and carries two additional digital stabilization shooting modes, one for still images and one for videos. The camera has a 2.5-inch LCD with 232,000-pixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens, and a face recognition system for both autofocus and auto exposure. A full host of manual controls allow for control over metering, exposure compensation, ISO, white balance, aperture, and shutter speed, although with mixed, and sometimes sluggish, results. The camera’s LCD tends to solarize and the substandard software program only allows users to make the most basic of edits. The A30's true shortcomings however, are in its performance. With inaccurate colors, high noise levels, limited dynamic range, and terrible video quality, this camera isn't worth the $350 price tag.'

New Photoshop Elements Packs Powerful Editing Punch

2007-09-26T10:20:00.000+08:00

No. 1 Selling Consumer Photo Software Offers Fun, Unique Ways to Capture Stories
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 24, 2007 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 software, a major upgrade to the No. 1 selling consumer photo-editing software*. Available for Windows®, Photoshop Elements combines power and simplicity for consumers to find, view and easily infuse creativity and personality into their photos. This landmark release helps consumers at all experience levels achieve outstanding results and provides interactive options for sharing unique creations via print and Web.
In addition, Adobe today announced Adobe Premiere® Elements 4 software, a complete home video-editing solution (see separate press release). Available separately or together in a single retail package, Photoshop Elements & Adobe Premiere Elements give photo and video enthusiasts more creative ways to organize, edit, create and share digital photos and home movies.
“Photoshop Elements is the one-stop-shop for consumers to go faster and farther with their photos,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. “We’re helping people flex their editing muscle, without breaking a sweat. We’ve redesigned the user experience to more prominently showcase photos, direct consumers to features that help turn photos from good to great in just seconds and inject a dynamic element into their creations.”
Make Photos Look Their BestPhotoshop Elements software helps enthusiasts achieve desired results quickly and easily. New Photomerge® technology helps address the challenge of capturing the perfect group photo by combining the best facial expressions and body language from a series of shots to create a single cohesive group shot. The new Quick Selection Tool reduces a once time-consuming select-and-adjust task to a single click. Photographers at all grades – beginner to expert – can choose from one of three edit modes, each geared toward a different experience level. A new Guided Edit mode helps walk users through the steps of improving a photo. Photoshop Elements 6 streamlines editing with clean, uncluttered screens that draw focus to where it belongs, with new tabs providing simple access to the many capabilities of the program. Tight integration with Adobe Premiere Elements and a shared Organizer, with a common database New Photoshop Elements Packs Powerful Editing Punchaccessible from either application, allow users to do more with their photos and videos with speedy performance and easy import, tagging and retrieval tasks. Additional enhancements include an improved conversion tool that dramatically converts color images into elegant, nuanced black-and-whites.
Share Photos In Fun, Unique WaysPhotoshop Elements 6 offers users more creative sharing possibilities, including online galleries based on Adobe Flash® which provide an interactive experience for friends and family to enjoy. With a variety of settings and themes, these galleries can be easily accessed via the Web and help bring moments and memories to life. Animated slideshows, e-mail and printed creations available in Photoshop Elements such as photo books, scrapbook pages, cards and CD/DVD labels deliver high-impact sharing options, and also require no previous experience.
Pricing and AvailabilityAdobe’s digital imaging and digital video products are available immediately at www.adobe.com and online retailers including, Amazon.com. The products will also be available at Best Buy, Staples, Costco, Fry’s, Circuit City, Office Max, Office Depot, Microcenter, J&R, Buy.com and NewEgg.com. Photoshop Elements 6 and Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows are available separately for an estimated street price of US$99.99 each. Photoshop Elements for the Macintosh platform is expected in early 2008. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 & Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows is available as a bundle at an estimated street price of US$149.99. Information about the other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade and support policies for other countries is available on www.adobe.com/go/pse6. For more information, customers can call 1-800-492-3623.*Source: The NPD Group (April 2002 to March 2007) based on units sold.
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Adobe Photoshop Elements 6

2007-09-26T10:18:00.000+08:00

Adobe has released version 6 of Photoshop Elements, improving ease of use and featuring new tools such as Photomerge to combine the best parts of several group shots. There is a new Quick Selection tool and three edit modes aimed at different skill levels. This latest release is available now for Windows - a Mac version will follow in early 2008 - for US$99.99 (upgrade $79.99) or $149.99 bundled with Adobe's Premiere Elements 4 video-editing software.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Hands-on Preview,

2007-09-26T10:15:00.000+08:00

It's been almost two years since Konica Minolta pulled out of the photo business and transferred its entire camera division to Sony, and well over a year since the first Sony DSLR (the DSLR-A100) was announced. Two years is a long time in the digital SLR market, but the three years Minolta (latterly Konica Minolta, now Sony) SLR users have been waiting for a high end model to replace the innovative Maxxum (Dynax) 7D must have felt like a lifetime. But, finally, it's here, and it looks very much like the mockup shown earlier in the year.
Like the A100, the new camera still wears its Konica Minolta heritage very much on its sleeve, and when you start to look a little more closely at the specification it's obvious that there's still an awful lot of Konica Minolta DNA in the A700. This is hardly surprising given that the circumstances behind its development.
And, just as the A100 was obviously based on - and designed to be a successor to - the KM 5D, the A700 follows on from the 7D, and - despite lots of Sony touches and an attractive new design - 7D users are likely to find using the new model reassuringly familiar.
But of course Sony doesn't only have existing system users in its cross hairs; the A700 is designed to go head to head with the latest 'prosumer' models from Nikon, Canon and Pentax. Whether the A700 offers enough to really put Sony on the DSLR map will be decided when we get to look properly at the image quality, but on specification, features and handling it certainly seems to have what it takes to play with the big boys.
Interestingly the one thing the A700 doesn't have is any form of live view; when we spoke to Sony about this the answer was simple; they believe that the compromises involved in current systems are unsatisfactory, and they won't implement live view until they can 'get it right'. Whether the lack of live view has any real relevance in a camera at this level remains to be seen; we doubt it.
The A700 shares many technologies with earlier Konica Minolta models (including, naturally, the lens mount), plus all those introduced in the A100 - though virtually all have been uprated or upgraded in one way or another (we've been told the A100 and A700 share virtually no components). From the sensor to the construction of the body to the GUI to the extensive feature set, this is a very different camera to the entry-level A100 (more of which later in this preview). We'll start by looking at what's specifically new to this model:

Nikon D3 Hands-on Preview

2007-09-26T10:10:00.000+08:00

The professional Nikon D 'single digit' series of digital SLR's started life back in June 1999 with the groundbreaking D1. Groundbreaking because it was the digital SLR which broke Kodak's stranglehold on the digital SLR market and fundamentally brought prices down to a level which most professionals could afford (around the US$5,500 mark). Since then we have seen a steady progression of this line of cameras, while the core values of a high quality full size body with integrated grip have remained the line split into two halves, one targeted at high resolution photography the other high speed sports type photography (lower resolution but faster continuous shooting); the X and H suffixes. It's been almost three years since Nikon introduced a completely new digital SLR with a new sensor (the D2X) and there has been much anticipation that Nikon's next move would be a full-frame chip.
This predictions have come true with the introduction of the 'FX format' (new moniker created by Nikon) D3 which features a 36 x 23.9 mm 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor as well as a vast array of new features which absolutely raise it another notch above previous single digit Nikon DSLRs. Important headline improvements include high sensitivity support by default, up to ISO 6400 with 25600 available as a boost option, 14-bit A/D conversion, a new standard image processor, a new shutter, new auto focus sensor, focus tracking by color, nine frames per second continuous, dual compact flash support, DX lens support (albeit at lower resolution) and a 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (which it has to be said is lovely).
Some will undoubtedly question Nikon for 'only' delivering twelve megapixels on their first full frame digital SLR, all we can presume by looking at past model line history is that this camera is designed for speed (both in sensitivity, auto-focus and continuous shooting).

Nikon D3 Key Features

First ever Nikon DSLR with a Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor (coined FX format)

12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to

ISO 25600)

Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)

5:4 ratio crop mode (10 megapixels, up to 9 fps, viewfinder masked) 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power) Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability New Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor) Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings) Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor) Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast Nine frames per second continuous with auto-focus trackingEleven frames per second continuous without auto-focus tracking Ten / eleven frames per second continuous in DX-crop mode (AF / no-AF)Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, copy) Compact Flash UDMA support3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display) HDMI HD video output'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darknessButtons sealed against moistureDual battery charger as standardAvailable November 2007