Digital Camera Reviews, Ratings and Tips

Fujifilm FinePix F31fd Review at Digital Trends

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:43:22 +0000

Digital Trends has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd and writes, “The rear of the F31fd is dominated by a 2.5-inch screen rated a good 230K pixels. Along with the wide/tele toggle switch, four buttons surround the four-way controller with OK button. One is for playback, another adjusts the display, the third “F,” gives access to ISO (up to 3200), resolution and FinePix Color that lets you adjust color levels (standard, chrome or B&W). There’s a nice option for setting ISO. Although it does hit 3200, you can determine how high you want it to go in Auto–400, 800 or 1600. This is a well thought-out option since images shot at 3200 have tons of digital noise. The last button is Face Detection on/off.”

Tags: Digital Cameras Reviews, Digital Camera Tips

Nikon D40 Review at PhotographyPress

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:40:49 +0000

PhotographyPress has a review of the Nikon D40 and writes, “In the D40 Nikon has concentrated building a small camera that is responsive and easy to use. However, Nikon trimmed some spec’ from the list present on the D50 for example. For instance, a 3-zone AF set up replaces the D50’s 5-area system; you cannot alter the center-weighted metering area either, it’s fixed to a 8mm zone. There’s no exposure or white balance bracketing and the D40 has lost the top plate data LCD. “

Tags: Digital Camera Ratings, Digital Camera

Panasonic DMC-TZ3 Review at Megapixel

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:37:56 +0000

Megapixel has a review of the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 and writes, “The ergonomic design of the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 is excellent, and although the monitor takes up most of the space on the camera’s back, a sufficient amount of space is left over so that the controls are accessible. The grip area on the front of the body is matched by a thumb rest on the back, allowing for a comfortable and secure hold on the camera. Worth noting, however, the small buttons often require the use of both hands, sometimes increasing the time it takes to adjust settings.”

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 News Release
Panasonic Unveils Travel Friendly Compact 10x Optical Zoom Lumix Digital Camera

7.2 Megapixel DMC-TZ3 Features 28mm Wide Angle Lens and Intelligent Image Stabilization

Panasonic today announced the 10x Optical Zoom Lumix DMC-TZ3 digital camera, the compact zoom model for its 2007 digital camera line. The new 7.2 Megapixel entry to the popular TZ family packages a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, Intelligent Image Stabilization, with the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring, a 3.0-inch LCD, and a compact, stylish, Stainless Steel body.

The entire 2007 Lumix spring digital still camera line incorporates the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring with the introduction of Intelligent Image Stabilization. This system comprises two features — MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control. Together the features make it easy to capture beautiful photos every time users shoot by compensating for the effects of hand-shake and image movement, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos anytime, in any mode.

“The Lumix DMC-TZ3 is the successor to the extremely popular DMC-TZ1, and the perfect camera for anyone with an active lifestyle. It combines a host of must-have features into a compact, stylish body ideal for slipping into your coat pocket or travel bag,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Corporation of North America. “With 10x Optical Zoom, a powerful 28mm wide-angle LEICA lens and Intelligent Image Stabilization, the DMC-TZ3 is destined to be a leader and innovator in the compact zoom space.”

The camera is also able to shoot from 28mm at the wide end and 280mm in telephoto, making it is fully equipped for any photo shooting situation. The 10x Optical zoom lets users take close-up shots even when users cannot move closer to the subject, and the wide-angle lens is helpful in situations where users cannot step back or move away.

Conventional cameras generally use almost the entire CCD area when recording an image and the angle of view may be altered regardless of the photographer’s intention. The DMC-TZ3 CCD area is larger than those in conventional 7-megapixel class cameras, and can reproduce images shot with the lens set in any of three aspect ratios — 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 — so users can always capture dynamic, richly expressive shots with a wide perspective.

The DMC-TZ3 also features the Panasonic Venus Engine III, its most advanced image-processing engine. The engine helps to improve noise reduction and can record at a sensitivity setting as high as ISO 1250 with full resolution. With its multi-task image-processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time, shutter release time lag as short as 0.006 second, and shutter interval as short as 0.5 seconds*. This fast response makes it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment shots. Additionally in burst shooting mode, the DMC-TZ3 can fire off three shots per second at full resolution** and allows unlimited consecutive shooting until the SDHC/SD memory card is full***.

The effective pixels in the DMC-TZ3 have also been increased to 7.2 Megapixels to support enhanced zoom functions. For example, Panasonic’s Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification to 15x, when taking photos with 3-megapixel resolution by using the center part of the CCD. Using this feature in combination with the 4x digital zoom the camera provides a total zoom factor of up to 60-times.

Other features of the DMC-TZ3 that improve usability and convenience include:

* Clipboard Function: Holds and retrieves useful information on a trip –
perfect for quick and easy shots of a map or train schedule.

* Dual Image Playback: Displays two images at the same time, one above
the other, and offers photographers the chance to compare images.

* Added Modes: Pet and Sunset Modes have been added to make it easier to
take beautiful photos in a range of photographic situations.

* Direct Print Mode: Brings immediate printing to users with one turn of
the mode dial and quick USB cable and a Pictbridge-compatible printer
connection.

* Built in Lens Cap: Offers added lens protection and convenience.

* Large-Capacity SDHC memory card compatibility.

* Extended Battery Life and Memory: Results in around 270 shots on a
single battery charge and contains 12.7 MB of built-in memory.

* Slide Change Effect Feature: Offers photographers and easier way to
view your images, replacing the classic frame-by-frame advance.

* Power LCD Function: Boosts the LCD backlighting by 40 percent, making
shooting outdoors and viewing your photos in bright sunshine easy.

* High-Angle Mode: Accessed quickly and easily via a dedicated button,
makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held
high, such as to shoot over a crowd.

* Wide-Aspect VGA Motion Images: Records standard VGA (640 x 480) motion
images at 30 frames per second, and each camera records stunning
wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second.

* Travel Date and World Time Setting: Offers the option of setting a
trip’s the departure date and displaying images in chronological order,
as well as setting the camera’s time and date for up to 74 locations
around the world.

* Optional Underwater Case: Available as an add on to maximize Underwater
Shooting Mode

* The Lumix DMC-TZ3 will be available in March 2007 with an MSRP of
$349.95.

* Not including auto focusing time

** Max. seven images in standard mode / five images in fine mode.

*** The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image
size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the
memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression
mode.

Tags: Digital Cameras Reviews, Digital Camera Tips

Nikon Coolpix P5000 Review at Photoxels

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:34:46 +0000

Photoxels has a review of the Nikon Coolpix P5000 and writes, “The Nikon Coolpix P5000 offers total exposure flexibility in an attractive and durable body with a magnesium alloy front panel. It has a clean design with lots of controls that make the camera intuitive to use. The textured finish looks professional and the grip is comfortable.”

Tags: Digital Camera Tips, Digital Camera

Pentax Optio W30 Review

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:31:59 +0000

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Pentax Optio W30 and writes, “The W30 is an improved version of the Pentax Optio W20, with the primary changes being increased depth and duration limits (up to about 10 feet and 2 hours from about 5 feet and 30 minutes in the earlier camera) and an increased maximum ISO sensitivity of 3200 (up from 1600 that was only available in a couple of modes in the W20). The camera features an aluminum body with 2.5 inch LCD monitor, 7.1 mega pixel sensor, and a 3X Pentax optical zoom lens that provides a 35mm film equivalent focal length range of 38 to 114 mm. As one would expect from a camera designed for even limited underwater work, fit and finish appear to be first-rate.”

Pentax Optio W30 News Release

PENTAX Optio W30
A compact digital camera with an enhanced waterproof function, making it possible to photograph underwater at depths of 3 meters continuously for 2 hours

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new PENTAX Optio W30, a compact digital camera designed to be dustproof/waterproof. The waterproof function has been further enhanced so that it is possible to photograph underwater at depths of 3 meters continuously for 2 hours.

Major Features

1. Enhanced waterproof function The waterproofing capabilities of the internal construction of the camera and of the front and back covers, made from the metal used for the exterior, were further improved to make the Optio W30 capable of being used to photograph underwater at depths of 3 meters continuously for 2 hours（in the conventional model, underwater photography was possible at depths of only 1.5 meters for a period of 30 minutes). The protective glass is treated with SP (Super Protect) coating, developed exclusively by PENTAX, and is superior in water-repellency, making it hard for water droplets to attach to the surface. In addition to high waterproofing capabilities that are compliant with the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, the Optio W30 is also equipped with dustproofing capabilities against sand and dust (JIS Class 5 dustproof standard), making it able for you to use the camera outdoors, such as for skiing, marine sports, and fishing, as well as for gardening and cooking, without having to worry about water and dirt.

2. New LCD monitor that is bright and easily viewable The Optio W30 is equipped with a high-intensity 2.5-inch LCD monitor with an LCD Bright Mode that can adjust the brightness of the screen as necessary, making it easy to view the screen even outdoors, where there is strong sunlight. AR (Anti-Reflection) coating, which controls and reduces reflections caused by light, is also used for the monitor, making the screen be even more visible outdoors.

3. Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode that reduces camera shakes and blurring of the subject when photographing still images. The sensitivity is adjusted automatically, to as high as the ultrahigh sensitivity of ISO 3200, to match the brightness of the subject. This enables for photography with fast shutter speeds, and images with less blurs can be obtained.

4. High-quality movies with Shake reduction function The Optio W30 captures smooth, high-quality movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixles, which is comparable to movies taken with a camcorder. It is also equipped with the “Movie SR (Shake Reduction)” function*1, which automatically corrects camera shakes, and the “Interval shooting” mode that records images recorded during each specified time interval as a movie, allowing for movies to be taken more easily and without hassles.
*1 Using the “Movie SR” function results in a narrower field of view than that during normal video recording.

5. “Face Recognition Priority AF & AE” function that is convenient when photographing people The Optio W30 is equipped with a “Face Recognition Priority AF & AE” function*2 that automatically detects and focuses on faces, regardless of where the people appear in the photo frame. In addition, optimal exposure settings are automatically conducted so that the areas with faces are not darkened even if there is backlighting.
*2 Available when the shooting mode is “Portrait” and the camera is directed at people from the front.

6. Macro photography as near as 1 cm The Optio W30 can be used as close as one centimeter away from a subject for stunning close-up photography. Macro photography provides many fun photo options because you can fill the photo frame with subjects like flowers, insects, or jewelry.

7. Auto Picture mode automatically determines the best settings for the shooting conditions The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determine the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Program modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject. This PENTAX original function makes photography a lot easier for users since it eliminates the necessity of making a number of individual settings.

8. 3X optical zoom lens and 7.1 effective megapixels deliver outstanding pictures The Optio W30 includes a 3X optical zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 6.3 to 18.9 mm (equivalent to 38 to 114 mm for 35mm film) and features a refraction lens system so the lens never protrudes from the camera while zooming. And by harnessing the full power of the 7.1 effective megapixels, the Optio W30 produces extremely high-quality prints with crisp detail even when the photo is greatly enlarged.

9. Other Features

* New auto-lock mechanism that automatically locks covers, such as the battery cover, after they are closed.
* Auto-tracking AF continuously focusing on a moving subject
* Compatible with new SDHC memory cards, in addition to conventional SD memory cards
* Mode Palette provides quick access to 25 shooting modes and 15 playback modes
* Image Recovery function lets you retrieve accidentally erased pictures
* Soft flash function avoids overexposure during close-up flash photography
* Digital zooming provides up to 4X magnification
* Digital Filter function that lets you enjoy editing photographed images
* FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for correcting red eye after shooting, which occurs easily when photographing with flash
* Approximately 21.9 MB of built-in memory
* Includes the ACDSee for PENTAX image viewer/image management software
* Supports PictBridge, DPOF functions, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching III

Tags: Digital Camera, Digital Cameras

Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS Review at DigitalCameraInfo

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 21:03:35 +0000

DigitalCameraInfo has a first impressions review of the Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS and writes, “In the increasingly crowded high-zoom, SLR-like digital camera market, consumers are faced with many options. These cameras offer the feel of an SLR in a smaller size with many automatic options. Some manufacturers are offering solid examples and are also constantly improving the category. While the Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS offers some new technologies, like Perfect Touch and their new Color Science Image Processing Chip, its major selling point is the price. If you want a high-zoom camera with a lightweight design at an affordable price, this camera will suffice. However, if you are drawn to this camera because of its “Easy” designation, don’t be fooled, most cameras in this category have a full auto mode and will function as a direct point and shoot. For those interested in the Z712 IS, it will likely serve your needs, it just may not provide as much control or the image quality of its competitors.”

Tags: Digital Camera Ratings, Digital Camera

Samsung NV3 Review at PCWorld

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:56:02 +0000

PCWorld has a review of the Samsung NV3 and writes, “Samsung’s inclusion of an MP3 player, a video player, and a text reader certainly makes it novel, though in the end these features seem tacked on. This is the first camera I’ve seen with built-in stereo speakers; as you might expect, they sound extremely tinny. The included earbuds, however, sound quite good, but because the NV3’s earphone jack is smaller than standard, you can’t use the headphones of your choice. Nor can you play music and take photos simultaneously: To play .MOV or .AVI files on it, you must first run them through a Windows-only conversion app on your computer. (The NV3 lacks Mac-compatible software of any kind.) The two videos I converted looked fine, but I’m not convinced the feature is worth investing in SD Cards so you can watch video on the device.”

Tags: Digital Cameras Reviews, Digital Cameras

Casio Exilim EX-Z75 Review at CrunchGear

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:49:51 +0000

CrunchGear has a review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z75 and writes, “As with most 5-megapixel or higher cameras, you really only need to shoot in 1,024×768 mode or maybe a little higher. Taking pictures on a pocket camera with resolutions above the 3,000 mark are just ridiculous. If you needed professional results and high-resolutions, you’d be buying a dSLR. This is a point-and-shoot camera. It’s made for fun, friends, vacations, and concerts. It’s versatile, don’t get me wrong, but it’s also not a professional camera in the slightest.”

Main Features

* Stylish, slim, compact model featuring 7.2 million effective pixels and 3x optical zoom.
* Generous new 2.6 inch wide LCD display (14:9 aspect ratio).
* Setting information displayed on right side of monitor to improve viewing and ease of use.
* Easy Mode for simple shooting with intuitive menus.
* Anti Shake DSP for reducing photo blur due to shaky hands or moving subjects.

Tags: Digital Cameras Reviews, Digital Camera Tips

Canon Powershot A460 Review

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:46:46 +0000

Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Canon Powershot A460 and writes, “The Canon Powershot A460 is an entry level digital camera. It has five megapixels and a four times zoom lens. The amount of zoom is slightly more than you find on most entry level models. The main attraction of the Powershot A460 likely to be the relatively low price that gives you a chance to buy a digital camera made by one of the leading brands.”

Canon Powershot A460 News Release

Canon today updates its bestselling PowerShot range with three affordable new models - the PowerShot A450, PowerShot A460 and PowerShot A550. Replacing the PowerShot A420 and PowerShot A430 respectively, the entry-level PowerShot A450 and PowerShot A460 add improved specifications while retaining the point-and-shoot simplicity of their predecessors. The 7.1 Megapixel PowerShot A550 replaces the PowerShot A530 and incorporates several new design features for enhanced ease of use. Remarkably compact and lightweight, all three cameras offer the superb build quality found throughout the PowerShot range.
Availability

PowerShot A550 available February 2007
PowerShot A460 available February 2007
PowerShot A450 availability TBC (varies dependent on region)
Features at a glance:

PowerShot A460/PowerShot A450

* 5.0 Megapixels
* 4x optical zoom (3.2x PowerShot A450)
* DIGIC II, iSAPS and 5-point AiAF
* Wide range of shooting modes
* 2.0″ LCD

PowerShot A550

* 7.1 Megapixels
* 4x optical zoom
* DIGIC II, iSAPS and 9-point AiAF
* Redesigned Shooting Mode dial
* 30fps VGA movies with sound
* 2.0″ LCD with dedicated Playback button

With the appeal of digital expanding beyond the traditional age bracket, the three new PowerShot models are positioned to meet an increasing demand for no-fuss cameras that every member of the family can pick up and use - from kids to grandparents.

“For novice photographers and first time digital camera buyers, simplicity of use is a crucial factor,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “These new additions to the PowerShot range illustrate that affordable, snapshot photography need not mean a compromise on quality.”
Ease of Use

The three cameras have been designed with ease of use firmly in mind. Key controls and buttons are intuitively positioned for fast, fingertip access. A selectable Grid Line Display on the LCDs helps with shot composition, while the 2.0″ screen size makes it easy for family members to view photos together without connecting to a PC. Conveniently powered by AA batteries, the cameras offer impressive battery life with up to 11 hours playback on a single charge (with Canon NB-3AH batteries).

A wide range of shooting modes cover most family and social situations, allowing users to shoot without having to worry about camera settings. The PowerShot A550 simplifies shooting even further by bringing the most commonly used Special Scene modes - such as Night Snapshot and Kids & Pets - out of the menu system and onto the camera’s Shooting Mode dial. My Colors allows users to apply photo effects direct from the camera while shooting, with options including Sepia and Black & White.

All three cameras feature a Movie mode for VGA quality clips with audio of up to 60 minutes in length or 1GB file size (whichever is reached first)*. Movies and photos can be viewed on a TV via the AV out connection.
Direct printing

All cameras are PictBridge compliant for instant direct printing to compatible printers. Users can also print ID photos and still images from movies when connected to a SELPHY CP series printer. The handy Print/Share button on each camera allows one-touch printing and hassle-free uploads to Windows or Macintosh systems. The cameras’ menu systems now feature support for Ukrainian and Romanian, bringing the total number of supported languages to 25.

*Depending on memory card speed and capacity

Tags: Digital Camera Ratings, Digital Camera Tips

Sony DSC-N2 Review at Megapixel

admin — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 17:09:21 +0000

Megapixel has a review of the Sony DSC-N2 and writes, “The DSC-N2 retains the same external connection system that the DSC-N1 had: a single connection underneath the camera that is designed to fit the optional Cyber-shot Station, but which can also be used with the supplied cable. The cable is a Multi-use cable which has 5 connectors: a connection for the camera with on the same end a connection for an optional AC-DC adapter to power the DSC-N2 from household current (not shown in the photo at right); and at the other end an A/V connection for a television that consists of 2 RCA plugs, one for video and the other for sound, and a USB plug to connect to a computer or a PictBridge compatible printer.”

Positives

*Very good to excellent image quality.
*Low noise up to 400 ISO.
*3-inch touch screen LCD monitor.
*Effectively distortion-free lens.
*10-megapixel image size.
*Competitively priced.

Negatives

*Aside from resolution, no additional improvements over the previous model.
*Relatively power hungry.
*Flash limited to short distances unless Auto ISO is use.

Tags: Digital Camera Ratings, Digital Cameras