We’re not done with Panasonic’s new additions to the Lumix lineup just yet; in addition to the four compact shooters we just saw, the company also unveiled a prosumer model called the DMC-FZ50, which packs a 10.3 megapixel CCD and 12x optical zoom into a DSLR-like body. Besides improving upon the resolution of its 8 megapixel predecessor, the FZ30, the FZ50 also throws down a new feature called Intelligent ISO Control, which adjusts the ISO setting (max. 1600) and shutter speed based on subject movement — promising to minimize image blur without forcing the user to adjust the manual controls. Further enhancing ease-of-use are a new Function button that delivers quick access to frequently-used settings and a longer-life battery that claims to deliver around 360 shots before recharging becomes an issue. Other differences between the FZ30 and FZ50 include the addition of SDHC card support, a TTL Flash hot-shoe, 16:9 shooting mode, and the so-called Venus Engine III image processor, but the elimination of TIFF file support and several thousand pixels from the 2.0-inch LCD. Luckily the higher resolution and new features don’t mean that you’ll pay too much more for this updated model than you did for the old one, as it’s expected to cost just $650 when it hits stores in September.
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Carnival of Digital Cameras & Photography #43
Carnival of Digital Cameras and Photography is a weekly round-up of all the latest news, trends, digital camera reviews, top blogs, photography tips and professional advice. This week, Chris Roberts…
Source: cameras.about.com
Hawking’s HNC290G wireless webcam sets itself up
Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless
Not that a top-5-percenter like yourself really needs your gear to set itself up, but it’s always a nicety to save yourself a few minutes doing the configuration dance when your device can do it for you. Hawking’s new HNC290G Net-Vision 802.11g wireless camera does that whole UPnP thing to throw up its live 30fps video stream automagically, making it ever easier for you to surveil your abode (or, if need be, surveil someone else’s). Expect to ring it up for $130 come August 4th.
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Panasonic unleashes slew of Lumix compacts
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Our friends at Panasonic are really coming out swinging today. Their new range of Lumix compacts has some considerable spec bumps, and even if the designs do seem a little “safe” after Samsung’s recent release, we’re sure most consumers could fine a decent fit among the new lineup. Headlining is the DMC-LX2 (pictured), a successor to their LX1 which introduced the first compact 16:9 widescreen sensor. The LX2 bumps the megapixels to 10.2, has a 2.8-inch widescreen LCD, ISO 3200 (though not at full resolution) and intelligent ISO control that can automatically adjust for the sudden movement of a subject. Despite the increase in resolution, Panasonic claims they’ve significantly reduced noise thanks to their Venus III engine. The LX2 also includes a 4x zoom, and optical image stabilisation. Next up we have the DMC-FX50 and FX07, dual successors to the FX01 shooter. Both of them share a 7.2 megapixel CCD, 3.6x zoom, optical image stabilisation, and that Venus III processor, ISO 3200 and intelligent ISO control featured in big brother LX2. The FX50 goes for a new 3-inch screen, while the FX07 sticks with 2.5-inches and manages a slightly more compact body. Finally, the DMC-FX3 takes some cues from its siblings, but cuts the megapixels to 6. The optical image stabilisation is always welcome, but the ISO 1600 and 3x zoom specs are a bit more standard. Some of the best news here is the prices for these four cameras, ranging from the $500 LX2 ($100 cheaper than the initial LX1 pricetag) to $280 for the FX3. All four should be out some time this September. Keep reading for pics of the rest of the lineup.
Read – DMC-LX2
Read – DMC-FX50 & DMC-FX07
Read – DMC-FX3
Lumix DMC-FX50
Lumix DMC-FX3
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Voigtlaender Virtus D8 digital camera
Filed under: Digital Cameras
If you’re wondering who the heck Voigtlaender is, rest assured you aren’t missing out on much. The German-based company’s Virtus D8 digicam is about as forgettable as they come, sporting no standout features and a long list of mediocre specs. The only thing mildy impressive about the 8.1 megapixel camera is its compact size — and of course its outlandish name. Essentially like every other average compact, you’ll get a 2.5-inch display screen, 3x optical zoom, meager ISO settings, a 640 x 480 video mode, and an SD slot that only accepts cards up to 1GB. More realistically, we presume this is just another digicam with too many megapixels for its own good, and priced at around $430, we don’t envision many enthusiasts rushing out to grab such an underwhelming offering.
[Via ber gizmo]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Digital Camera and Tech Deals for 7/21/2006 – 7/25/2006
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Kodak Easyshare Z612 Digital Camera First Thoughts
Image stabilized (IS) mega-zoom digicams are currently one of the hottest products in the high tech marketplace. Kodak’s first foray in this highly competitive arena, the Kodak Easyshare Z612, was designed to compete directly with Canon’s S3 IS, Sony’s H5, and Panasonic’s FZ7.
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Pure Digital’s new disposable digicams unlocked
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Thanks to an active hacker community and a fortuitously wide open FTP server, Pure Digital’s “one time use” digital cameras aren’t so “one time use” anymore. The FTP server contained an app designed to configure security keys, and after a bit of hacking around the team has the 40-bit key finder up and running for those wishing to unlock the pics and video on their new Pure Digital cams — no soldering required. We have to hand it to Pure Digital, it took the hackers a bit longer than we expected to pull this off, but in the end we suppose it was inevitable that these disposables would eventually end up open to the whims of the consumer, however illegitimately. So if you’re feeling a bit like sticking it to the man this fine Monday morning, head on over to you local CVS and get one of these new found multi-use cams on the cheap.
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Three New Panasonic FX Digital Cameras: Lumix DMC-FX50, Lumix DMC-FX07, Lumix DMC-FX3
Today, Panasonic has announced three new cameras in their “sleek & slim” FX line. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07 shoot at 7.2 megapixels, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 is a 6 megapixel camera. All three cameras feature Panasonic’s Intelligent ISO Control (IIC) that can automatically adjust ISO based on the movement of the subject.
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Casio announces seven megapixel Exilim EX-Z700
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Casio just announced a new addition to its popular lineup of Exilim ultracompacts, the EX-Z700. This model is almost exactly the same as the six megapixel EX-Z600 — both devices feature a 3x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, and 112-gram weight — but as the model number indicates, it bumps the resolution up to seven megapixels. The only other real difference here lies in the preset scene modes: Casio added Auto Framing and Layout Shot (which creates a composite image from two or three separate photos) to its suite of Best Shot settings. Expect the Z700 to hit stores sometime next month, and although pricing has not yet been revealed, we’re thinking it’ll go for around $350.
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Tripod Shopping Tips
Tripods really are a necessity if you re serious about photography, and that s that. I know they re big, bulky and a pain to carry around, but if you want to get…
Source: cameras.about.com
Canon Powershot A530 Digital Camera Review
The Canon PowerShot A530 is a capable digital camera with a respectable zoom range. It is a good choice for a traveler both in size and power source as AA/LR6 batteries are readily available almost anywhere.
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Nikon D80 pics revealed
Filed under: Digital Cameras
No surprises here, Nikon has merely added a few curves and changed a few lines of their D70/D70s camera bodies, but images of a D80 camera have surfaced, and we thought it’d be nice to share. There are just 14 days left on Nikon’s little teaser countdown before we can know what else this 10.2 megapixel DSLR will have in store for us, but it’s looking fine from where we’re sitting. Keep reading to peep a few more angles.
[Thanks, Brando]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Pentax K100D DSLR reviewed
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Pentax certainly isn’t new to the budget-DSLR scene, and its K100D is another fairly affordable offering into the single-reflex lens world. When we first got wind of this camera a few months back, our biggest excitement stemmed from the more manageable naming system, but ePhotoZine actually found quite a bit more to love about the K100D than the refreshing model name. While this unit is an awful lot like the *ist DL 6.1, that’s actually not such a bad thing. The most substantial update to the 6.1 megapixel camera is the CCD-shift shake reduction system — a first in the Pentax DSLR lineup — that presumably helps reduce blur in moving and low-light situations (i.e. OIS). Reviewers found the system beneficial, but poorly implemented nonetheless; there’s no visual indication the system is actually working or how effective it is until you view the finished image, which isn’t exactly useful in the field. Also, the camera had a tough time digesting more than 3 RAW shots in succession, often forcing the operator to wait until the buffer was clear before shooting could resume. However, if those two relatively professional complaints won’t apply to you, the K100D produced excellent images and was said to “perform well for its price point.” While the 2.5-inch display, sturdy enclosure, 200 to 3200 ISO settings, and impressive 11-point AF system were viewed quite fondly, it should be noted that your CF cards aren’t welcome here, as only the SD format is accepted, and 4 AA batteries are used in favor of a proprietary cell. But if you’ve been chomping at the bit to grab a DSLR on the cheap, and you can live with the, um, unstable anti-shake system, you can snag the K100D now with a bundled 18-55mm lens for $699.99.
[Via Photography Blog]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Sony unveils HD options with HDR-UX1 AVCHD cam alongside HDD unit
Filed under: Digital Cameras, HDTV
AVCHD, the new recording format from Sony and Panasonic for saving HD video to 8-centimeter mini DVDs, is making its first appearance in Sony’s new HDR-UX1 upper-class consumer cam. For the most part the camera mirrors its SD siblings, with a side mounted disc drive, sizable 3.5-inch fold-out LCD, 4 megapixel stills and 2.3 megapixel shots while recording video. The snazz here is that the new AVCHD cam uses dual-layer mini DVD-R discs, making room for a full hour of 1080i video. The HDR-SR1 mirrors the functions of its UX1 brother, but replaces the DVD drive for a 30GB HDD, but still manages long recording times with the AVCHD codec. Both cameras have a mic inputs and manual focus rings, making them more appealing to the discerning prosumer than most Sony cams of late. Of course, all this new format action and prosumer appeal comes at a price: the HDR-UX1 should drop in September for around $1,400, while the HDR-SR1 should appear in October for $1,500.
[Via Camcorder Info]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Pentax Optio S7 Digital Camera Announced
The Pentax Optio S7 is a new addition to the slim and stytlish S line of Pentax Optio cameras. A successor to the S6, the S7 features a 7 megapixel sensor, 2.5 inch LCD (with 232K pixels), 3x optical zoom, and some of Pentax’ newer technologies, like Face Recognition AF & AE. The S7 will be available on a limited basis in September for under $300.
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 Digital Camera Announced
Panasonic has announced the successor to their very popular FZ30 ultra-zoom camera. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 features a 10.1 megapixel sensor and Panasonic’s new Intelligent ISO Control system. This 12x zoom, MEGA OIS stabilized camera will be available in September for an MSRP of $649.
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Beach Pictures – A Tutorial in Beach Photography
Beach pictures could be the most common images captured by photographers. Beaches set the scene for family vacations, weddings and intimate getaways. There is a reason beaches are so photographed….
Source: cameras.about.com
Digital Camera News: Sandisk 4GB SDHC Card, New Fujifilm Logo, Waterproof Wrist Camera
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Kodak Easyshare Z612 Digital Camera Review
The Kodak EasyShare Z612 offers users a nice balance of prosumer flexibility, advanced features, and P&S (point and shoot) ease of use. How does the Z612 stack up against its competition? Overall, the Z612 has more warts than a bullfrog, but in the end it’s all about the pictures and when it counts and where it counts (except for macro) the Z612 delivers.
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Logitech’s “high definition” QuickCam Ultra Vision
Filed under: Digital Cameras, Peripherals
While the iSight built into your new Macbook (or any laptop-integrated webcam for that matter) might meet your day-to-day needs, Logitech is hoping that their new QuickCam Ultra Vision can significantly raise the production value on your next YouTube masterpiece. For $129, you get a mostly glass lens — there are still a few plastic elements in there, just less than usual — that’ll open all the way up to f/1.6, making acceptable results possible even in darkness that would turn normal cams into digital noise-filled nightmares. The press release also boasts “high definition” capability from its wide format, interpolation-free 1.3-megapixel sensor, but skimps on the hard resolution numbers, with the product page only making mention of its capability to do “live video up to 640 x 480″ at 30fps. (That doesn’t sound very HD to us.) Other amenities include a 4-megapixel (there’s the interpolation) still camera, USB 2.0 connectivity, RightSound microphone, a heap of cheesy effects and the RightLight 2 metering system, which promises “twice the image clarity of conventional webcams.” If you still feel your cinematic needs aren’t being met, you can check out the rest of the updated QuickCam line, including the Orbit MP, Fusion, Pro 5000 and the Communicate STX, all which received minor spec bumps. These all should be available by the end of August, so you still have a little time to clean your room before exposing it to the world — or at least your Skype contacts.
[Via Tech Digest]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Nikon teases about upcoming 10.2 megapixel DSLR
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Oh Nikon! You kidder, you. The popular pro-cam manufacturer is prepping a new DSLR, and has upped a little teaser on their site referring to the “Next Nikon.” Beyond the usual marketing hyperbole of “More power,” “More control,” “More versatile and “More excitement,” Nikon lets slip the megapixel count: 10.2, and the release date: 20 days from now. Word on the street is that the mystery cam will be a replacement to the D70/D70s series, and the 10.2 megapixels will be one welcome improvement from the 6.1 megapixels of the D70.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Go Pro’s Digital Hero waterproof wrist camera
Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wearables
When given your choice of aquatic wrist-wear this summer, why opt for the nerdy-but-possibly-lifesaving SenTAG, when Go Pro’s Digital Hero shock-proof polycarbonate sport wrist camera is so much more interesting? Sure, it’s gigantic and unwieldy, but it weighs less than 3-ounces and is waterproof up to a depth of 30-feet. Plus, it goes around your wrist! What else could you want? Specs? Oh, right. With 32MB of internal memory, you can expect to get VGA photos and QVGA videos, with the latter giving a frame-rate less like Step Into Liquid and more like an old movie of Babe Ruth running the bases. We admit, it doesn’t quite live up to legitimate underwater cams like Pentax’s Optio WPi, but for $80, including the necessary AAA battery, what can you expect? Just think of the totally rad footage you’ll get when you combine it with your Tony Hawk helmet cam.
[Via Travelizmo]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
SanDisk’s Extreme IV CompactFlash cards
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Today’s speed record for fastest CompactFlash writes set by: SanDisk. Their new SanDisk Extreme IV CF cards come in sizes up to 8GB, and offer speeds of at least 40MBps, not to mention the extreme environmental conditions they can suffer through (-13 F to 185 F). The cards are surprisingly affordable, however, weighing in at $160 for the 2GB, $320 for the 4GB, and $640 for the 8GB. Perhaps it’s overkill for your puny mid-range DSLR, but from the looks of it you’d probably hang on to this memory card a lot longer than your average digital camera.
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Canon unveils dual HDV followups to prosumer GL2
Filed under: Digital Cameras
It sure took them long enough (four years, in fact) but Canon has finally released some successors to their famed GL2 cam: the XH G1 and XH A1. The two cameras offer a slew of new options to the prosumer, not least of which is the HD resolution offered by the HDV format. Both cams feature the same 16:9, 1/3-inch CCDs of Canon’s XL H1, along with 1080i recording at 60 and 24fps and Canon’s 24p-like 24f option. The XH cams nicely fill the GL2 gap, trading the XL’s interchangeable lenses for size and cost savings. Both models feature 2.8-inch LCDs, 20X zoom lenses and even XLR inputs, but the XH G1 has an extra “jack pack” and a $3000 premium. What’ll that three grand get you? Pro ports like HD/SD-SDI, Genlock and TC in/out that allow a serious shooter to output uncompressed HD footage for recording to another format with less compression than the consumer-ish HDV tapes. Smooth move on Canon’s part, and we’re sure more than a few pro video types will gladly fork over the extra cash for the privilege. The vanilla XH A1 version goes for $4000, and should be available in October, while the XH G1 will follow in November for $7000.
[Via Camcorderinfo, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 Digital Camera Announced
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 is all about wide. This successor to the LX1 sports a wide angle lens, a wide format CCD, and a wide LCD. All that and it looks good too. The LX2 is a 10.2 megapixel camera and it will be available in September at an MSRP of $499.
Source: www.digitalcamerareview.com
Pentax announces Optio S7
Filed under: Digital Cameras
It’s a Pentax, it’s an Optio, it’s got a 7 megapixel sensor, face recognition, DivX / MPEG-4 VGA video recording, optical image stabilization, a 2.5-inch display, 23MB memory, 3x optical zoom, SDHC support, and a name: the S7. Nothing we haven’t all seen before; another day, another model. This one will happen to run you $300 (or less) come September.
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
Sony’s new Handycam DCR-SR80, DCR-SR60 and DCR-SR40 hard drive camcorders
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Sony’s all out assault on the marketplace didn’t stop with those wonderful new HD camcorders of theirs, they’ve also got three new standard definition Handycam units to show off. The DCR-SR80 leads the pack with a 1 megapixel CCD, 60GB drive, 2.7-inch widescreen viewfinder, 12x optical zoom, a hot shoe, and $800 price tag; the DCR-SR60 is essentially the same unit as the SR80, but with a 30GB drive and $700 price; the DCR-SR40 features a 40GB drive, 20x optical, 2.5-inch 4:3 aspect ratio touchscreen viewfinder, and $600 price point. All are due September, during which time we’d roughly estimate they’d vanish from store shelves in short order.
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Source: digitalcameras.engadget.com
