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| Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed |
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The typical Micro Four Thirds review seems to come down to a matter of tradeoffs -- size and convenience for a bit of a drop from the image quality and performance of a real DSLR. The GF1 doesn't break that trend, but it has some pretty nice things to offer for the inquisitive interchangeable lens shopper. The most notable feature when put up against its direct competition, the E-P1, is the GF1's built-in pop-up flash, and the primary drawback of both of these cams versus their regular Micro Four Thirds counterparts is the lack of an eye-level viewfinder, though the GF1 does offer a pricey hot-shoe mounted approximation. As for images PhotographyBLOG says the camera gets "almost everything right," and video doesn't look bad neither -- a couple samples are after the break. The camera is no ultra-compact, but it seems another good proof for the existence of Micro Four Thirds as a DSLR alternative.Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewedFiled under: Digital CamerasPanasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 10/12/2009 3:29 AM (152d 19h 40m ago) |
| Casio's Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs |
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The EX-Z450 above is Casio's new Exilim Zoom flagship model, but you'll be forgiven for confusing it for its predecessor the Z400. Their spec sheets are almost identical: both come with 4x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor, 720p / 24 fps video, and Exilim Engine 4.0 -- hell, even the max ISO setting is identical at 3200, and you can upgrade that 'for free' since nobody expects your highest settings to be usable anyway. What's new? An autofocus for the ages, apparently, as the sole difference is a new Intelligent AF feature that automatically adjusts focus and exposure for photographic subjects, human or otherwise. The Z90 shrinks those innards into a more portable package, but drops to 3x zoom in the process. The two cameras are expected in early October for $199 and $149, respectively. They'll be joined by the unpriced Z280 shooter that misses out on the auto-detect magic, but gains a wide-angle 26mm lens. Full frontal shots of each camera after the break. [Via Impress] Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z280 Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z90Continue reading Casio's Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more ZzzsFiled under: Digital CamerasCasio's Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/18/2009 6:17 PM (207d 4h 52m ago) |
| Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots |
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Not turned on by Pentax's recently released Optio W80? How's about a colorful variant for $50 less? This fine evening, the waterproof Optio WS80 is being unveiled alongside two other entirely less enchanting point-and-shoots. The $249.95 WS80 (shown above) looks about as natural as a waterproof camera can, arriving this September in "his-and-her designs" with a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a sub-1-inch thick body, 2.7-inch LCD and the ability to withstand depths of up to five feet (lackluster, we know). Still, the ability to snag underwater video at 720p is a real boon, and there's even face detection, shake reduction and sensitivity modes as high as ISO 6400. As for the other guys, the Optio P80 gets things going with a 12.1 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, 720p (30fps) movie mode, face detection, shake reduction, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 27.5 - 110mm focal length) and support for AA batteries. It's expected to ship this September for $199.95 in black, pearl and mint hues. Finally, the low-end E80 is pretty much the same as the P80 save for its 10 megapixel sensor, 15fps 720p movie mode and 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 32 - 96mm. It should also ship in September for $129.95. Check the full releases and specification sheets after the break... if you dare.Gallery: Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80Continue reading Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shootsFiled under: Digital CamerasPentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/05/2009 11:23 PM (219d 23h 45m ago) |
| Samsung PL70 and PL55 bring 12 megapixels to the unwashed masses |
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Promising to allow the differently rich consumer a chance to experience "the latest and most advanced digital imaging technology" (of 2008), Samsung has today announced two new entry-level cameras. While the headline features -- 12.2 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom -- are identical, the PL70 (SL720 here in the US) comes with a 3-inch LCD screen, 28mm wide-angle lens and an optical image stabilizer, whereas the PL55 (SL502 for us Yanks) makes do with 2.7-inches, 35mm and digital image stabilization. The senior model also records video at 720p ( 640 x 480 for the PL55) and boasts the nifty ability to search images by a person's face. The usual scene, face, smile and blink detection is available on both cameras, while pricing is set at $229.99 and $149.99, respectively, for the August-bound shooters.Gallery: Samsung PL70 and PL55 digital camerasFiled under: Digital CamerasSamsung PL70 and PL55 bring 12 megapixels to the unwashed masses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/14/2009 4:21 PM (242d 6h 48m ago) |
| Pentax goes deeper with Optio W80 |
| | (Credit: Pentax)
There's been an explosion of waterproof and rugged cameras and camcorders this year, and Wednesday Pentax added one more to the list (though it's been making them since 2003). The Optio W80 is a water/dust/shock/freezeproof 12-megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD selling for less than $300.
The W80 can apparently survive an impressive dunk: down to 16 feet for up to two hours. It'll also take a decent fall of up to 3.3 feet and keep working in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
On top of its "proofing," the W80 has fairly good camera specs, too. The internal lens has a zoom range of 5x and is wide angle, too, at 28mm. It records 720p, HD-quality video at 30fps. It also has the expected convenience features such as face, smile, and blink detection; auto scene recognition; and a bunch of other automatic shooting options.
About the only thing missing is optical image stabilization; the W80 only has Pentax's digital Pixel Track SR, which though it's good, still degrades photo quality.
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| | 7/08/2009 11:04 PM (248d 5m ago) |
| Get 64GB CompactFlash--via 4 microSD cards |
| | (Credit: PhotoFast)
Admittedly, CompactFlash cards are no longer as popular as they were when digital photography first started. These days, most digicams use SD/SDHC media, while mobile phones mainly accept the physically smaller microSD format for storing data.
This is why I'm puzzled as to the reason PhotoFast ... |
| | 7/08/2009 11:04 PM (248d 5m ago) |
| Olympus' compact E-P1: A breath of fresh air |
| | The Olympus E-P1 with its small 17mm lens attached.(Credit: Olympus)
The Olympus E-P1 camera, a hybrid designed to combine advantages of both compact cameras and SLRs, is a welcome arrival in a digital camera market struggling to find new directions.
The small and light camera that debuted Tuesday features interchangeable lenses and relatively large sensor that endow SLRs with flexibility and higher image quality, but it's also got a small body of a compact camera. It has the potential to appeal to SLR owners who want something smaller and to compact camera owners who want something better, if Olympus can convince people to surmount a significant obstacle, price.
Like most hybrids--gaming laptops, for example, or bicycles with aspects of both road bikes and mountain bikes--the E-P1 sacrifices specialization for versatility. But the digital camera market is saturated, and the E-P1 is a promising member of a newer camera breed.
There are a handful of competitors with similar aspirations. Canon's G10, the newest in its G series of high-end compact cameras, is one example. Nikon's GPS-enabled P6000 is another, though, like the G10, it doesn't have an interchangeable lens. And Panasonic's G1 and GH1, which employ the same Micro Four Thirds lens and sensor standard as the E-P1, are probably closest.
The biggest knock against these cameras is price. Their relatively large sensors--especially those in the Micro Four Thirds cameras--cost a lot to manufacture, and fast electronics and high complexity just make things worse. Few people are willing to spend more than $300 on a camera, much less the hybrid cameras.
Brace yourself for some sticker shock. ... Originally posted at Underexposed |
| | 7/08/2009 11:04 PM (248d 5m ago) |
| Get a 4GB Eye-Fi wireless SD card for $59.99 |
| | Though still pricey, the 4GB Eye-Fi card is now a much better deal.(Credit: Eye-Fi)
I really dig Eye-Fi memory cards, which wirelessly beam photos from your digital camera to your PC (and/or an online sharing service). But I always thought they were overpriced.
They still are, but at ... Originally posted at The Cheapskate |
| | 6/22/2009 8:42 PM (264d 2h 27m ago) |
| Olympus E-P1 now available for pre-order |
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You might've noticed this already, but for those out there who share our lust for Olympus' E-P1 "digital Pen," but haven't done too much digging, consider this a public service announcement. The retro-chich micro four thirds camera is now available for pre-order from a handful of online retailers, with several different packages to choose from based with various body color (silver or white) and lens color (silver or black) combinations. Looks like it'll still cost you about $750 if you want body only, but really, at this point we don't know why you wouldn't pay an additional Ulysses S. Grant and grab a lens with it. Ready to smash that E-P1 piggy bank a bit early? You've got plenty of retailers willing to help you out there, but don't feel too pressured, there's still a little bit of time to decide before the July launch.Read - AdoramaRead - AmazonRead - B&HRead - J&RFiled under: Digital CamerasOlympus E-P1 now available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/22/2009 8:33 PM (264d 2h 35m ago) |
| Budget shopping tips: Point-and-shoot digital cameras |
| | Panasonic's FX150 is nearly a year old, but it's currently an amazing deal.
There are so many snapshot cameras available that it can actually be a fairly miserable experience shopping for one. Add in concerns about pricing and you're likely going to continue using your camera phone as your primary point-and-shoot for digital photos.
Finding the right camera at the right price is easier if you start by asking yourself two questions: how will I use the camera and how will I use the photos? These are important for determining what type of user you are and how little you can expect to spend without being disappointed with your choice.
Check out our full digital camera buying guide to help determine what specs will meet your needs. Then, use the tips below for finding the best deal on your new camera. Happy hunting.
Eliminate features
There are three key components most people look for when picking a camera: megapixels, LCD size, and zoom range. Current entry-level models start at 10 megapixels for the most part, which is plenty of resolution for snapshot prints of 8x10 or smaller. The common LCD size on these models is 2.5 inches, and they typically have a 3x or 4x zoom. Features on these cameras usually include basic face detection, a dozen scene modes, a low-resolution movie mode, a full automatic mode, and a program auto mode giving you controls for ISO, white balance, light metering, and focus. (Here are some good examples.)
Any additional features start to drive the price up--in other words, they are things used to upsell you to another model. So if you don't think you'll ever want to control shutter speed or aperture settings, don't need a 3.5-inch touch-screen display, you won't be using the movie mode for anything except YouTube clips, or a 10x zoom will get you way closer to your subject than you want to get, feel free to skip them.
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| | 6/11/2009 4:11 PM (275d 6h 58m ago) |
| Casio megazoom has extreme battery life* |
| | (Credit: Casio)
Casio joined the list of manufacturers with a pocketable megazoom Thursday with the announcement of the EX-H10. In retail around mid-July, the $299.99 12-megapixel camera is fronted by a wide-angle 24mm lens with a 10x zoom with CCD-shift image stabilization in a body that's 0.96-inch thick and weighs only 5.8 ounces. Even more impressive, though, is Casio's battery life claim of a 1,000 shots on a single charge.
That number comes courtesy of low energy requirements of the the multi-CPU Exilim Engine 4.0 circuitry and operational controls coupled with a high-capacity battery. Usage is based on CIPA standards calculated with the LCD monitor on; a full zoom back and forth every 30 seconds; the flash used every two shots; and the power cycled every 10 shots.
Underneath it all it's still a typical Casio camera, too, with a gazillion Best Shot scene modes (OK, just 38, but that's still a ridiculous amount), high-speed shutter continuous shooting, and 720p HD movie capture at 24fps.
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| | 6/11/2009 4:10 PM (275d 6h 58m ago) |
| Casio's EXILIM EX-H10 ultra-compact gets 12.1 megapixels 10x closer |
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Casio's just pushed another 10x zoom compact camera into the market with its EXILIM EX-H10. Here we've got a 24-mm wide-angle lens stabilized by a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD-shift sensor with up to ISO 3200 sensitivity, a 3-inch LCD, and the ability to grab Motion-JPEG video at 720/24p. EXILIM 4.0 image processing and a 10 frames per second burst mode for 1,280 x 960 pixel images too in a point-and-shoot measuring just 102.5 x 24.3 x 62-mm. Watch for it to hit Japanese retailers first starting next month for ¥40,000 (about $400). Pink rear-end after the break.Continue reading Casio's EXILIM EX-H10 ultra-compact gets 12.1 megapixels 10x closerFiled under: Digital CamerasCasio's EXILIM EX-H10 ultra-compact gets 12.1 megapixels 10x closer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/11/2009 3:52 PM (275d 7h 17m ago) |
| Jazz up your shower curtains with custom photos |
| | (Credit: Photo Shower Curtain)
Here's a new way to exhibit your photos, if not yourself in the buff. Photo Shower Curtain has a service that prints pictures onto shower curtains that you can hang in your bathroom. If you're wondering whether the ink will fade after a hot ... |
| | 6/03/2009 4:33 PM (283d 6h 36m ago) |
| Sony Cyber-shot W180 and W190 cameras feature awesome digital zooms |
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Sony just announced a pair of Cyber-shot cameras in Europe. Both offer Sony's smile shutter technology, 3x zoom stabilized with SteadyShot, 2.7-inch LCD, a claimed ISO 3200 sensitivity, and 7 automatic scene selection modes. The W180, though, has a 10.1 megapixel sensor to the 12.1 megapixels of the W190 (pictured). Oddly, Sony's pushing the 17x/18x digital zoom capabilities on these -- something we haven't seen hyped for a few years:Pristine picture quality is further enhanced by the high-quality 3x optical zoom lens. Smart zoom boosts maximum magnification to a frame-filling 18x for W190 and 17x for W180 for even more dramatic close-ups. In other words, these cams are targeting entry-level consumers prone to enjoying a Big Mac and tattle-rag while shopping instead of doing any real pre-purchase research. Available starting July in silver, black, and red for "an outstanding value." Backside front, after the break.Continue reading Sony Cyber-shot W180 and W190 cameras feature awesome digital zoomsFiled under: Digital CamerasSony Cyber-shot W180 and W190 cameras feature awesome digital zooms originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 03:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/28/2009 4:05 PM (289d 7h 4m ago) |
| Latest cameras that do HD video |
| | (Credit: Kodak)
I still remember a conversation I had a couple years ago with a digital camera product manager about movie recording in his company's cameras and why it was limited to clips only 30 seconds long. His response was "our research tells us consumers don't use the movie mode or don't even know it's on their camera so it's really not a concern for us." YouTube and other video-sharing sites weren't exactly a secret at that time so the answer--regardless of research--seemed pretty off to me.
Since then, camera makers have been steadily rolling out improvements to movie recording. The main thing they've gone after--no surprise--is resolution. Slapping "HD" on a camera is the video equivalent of megapixels. Put "full HD" on a model and you'll really grab some attention. Squeeze an HDMI jack on the camera and you're in even better shape to sell some units to consumers interested in getting one product that takes good photos and videos and can play them back instantly on an HDTV.
One of the biggest missteps in this quest for the perfect movie mode, however, seems to be whether you get use of the optical zoom while recording. Kodak was one of the first, if not the first to add HD capabilities to its cameras. Its longest megazoom, the EasyShare Z980, is currently under review and like most of its other cameras features HD-quality movie capture with full use of its 24x zoom lens.
So, is a good movie mode crucial to a purchase decision these days or is it just one more thing manufacturers can slap on the box to up-sell you?
See the latest reviews of digital cameras in all types and sizes that capture HD video after the break.
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| | 5/22/2009 8:33 PM (295d 2h 36m ago) |
| Firmware updated on Fujifilm S5 Pro |
| | (Credit: CNET)
Fujifilm has released a firmware update to its 12MP FinePix S5 Pro DSLR camera. The update, version 1.12, corrects an issue where in some rare cases the camera may freeze up when PC controlling-software is used--this includes Fujifilm's own Hyper Utility HS-V3. Details can be found ... |
| | 12/12/2008 4:41 PM (456d 6h 28m ago) |
| Three more cameras from Fujifilm: the FinePix F60fd, FinePix J150w, and FinePix S2000HD |
| | FinePix F60fd(Credit: Fujifilm)
There's been a spate of new camera launches the past few weeks from Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm who announced the U.S. launch of the FinePix Z200fd on July 31 and is now confirming the U.S. launch of the FinePix F60fd, FinePix J150w, and ... |
| | 8/14/2008 4:52 AM (576d 18h 16m ago) |
| Fujifilm issues firmware updates for Z10fd and Z100fd |
| | Fujifilm has released firmware v.1.01 for its Z10fd and Z100fd digital compacts. The updates speed up the power on cycle of both cameras when using xD-Picture Cards, enables camera to computer transfer when using 4 GB media in the Z10fd and tweaks the underwater whitebalance of the Z100fd. Click through for the links. |
| | 3/10/2008 5:09 PM (733d 6h ago) |
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| | 3/10/2008 5:07 PM (733d 6h 2m ago) |
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| Sony's T900 is very good except when it's not |
| | (Credit: Sony)
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is one of those cameras that you pay more for because of its coolness. A camera so small you'll likely forget it's in your pocket, yet it has all the latest "auto" features Sony has in its point-and-shoot arsenal, a 12-megapixel resolution, ... |
| | 6/12/2009 3:34 PM (274d 7h 35m ago) |
| Ask Engadget: Best small camera (with good video) under $600? |
| | We know, you were hoping to just glance over today's hottest articles in the world of consumer electronics, and along comes this: something that actually asks a little of you. Trust us, it'll be alright, and hey -- after you've replied, you can send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com. "The family and I are headed to Walt Disney World in June for the first time. I have a Canon Digital Rebel and a Canon GL1, but really do not want to haul either or both of them to the Magic Kingdom with us. So, the question is: what is the best camera that does great stills and video and is super small? Under 600 bones preferably. Thanks!" No Rich, thank you for making us all envious. Be sure to take the advice that'll surely flow in comments below and send us picture postcards while waiting in line to ride the Tower of Terror for the fourty-third time. (Seriously, do not miss Tower of Terror.)Filed under: Ask Engadget, Digital CamerasAsk Engadget: Best small camera (with good video) under $600? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 00:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/08/2009 3:11 PM (309d 7h 58m ago) |
| Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD lacking in photo quality, not features |
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The Fujifilm FinePix S2000HD can be had for as low as $219.99 (from a reputable dealer, no less). That's really cheap inexpensive when you start adding up its feature list, which includes a 15x f3.5-5.4 27.6-414mm-equivalent lens, optical image stabilization, a 2.7-inch LCD, as ... |
| | 11/27/2008 7:25 PM (471d 3h 44m ago) |
| Review: Rob Galbraith Updates The CompactFlash & SD Card Performance Database |
| | The CF/SD Performance Database, our collection of memory card write speed results from Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras, is relaunching. We've updated the database with test data from the Canon EOS 40D, EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III plus the Nikon D300 and D3, introduced sortable results tables and more.Results from other models will be rolled out in the days ahead, including for the Canon EOS 30D, EOS 5D and EOS-1Ds Mark II, as well as the Nikon D80, D200 and D2Xs. You'll also find card-to-computer transfer results for the latest CompactFlash cards, with more CompactFlash and SD/SDHC results to be posted soon.Stop by and check it out. |
| | 4/17/2008 9:32 PM (695d 1h 37m ago) |
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