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| SONY - Cyber-shot® Digital Camera | 12.1 Megapixel, 4x Carl Zeiss® Zoom | DSC-W230 - Silver |
| Cybershot - W |
| product code; part number; part no; model number; model no DSC-W230 |
Cybershot - W ▪ Sony ▪ DSC-W230 ▪ P/027242004409
1 year limited warranty
Updated 2/22/2009 3:18:30 PM UTC (272 days, 7 hours, 28 minutes ago) | |
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Enter the world of digital photography with this impressive all-around performer. The DSC-W230 Cyber-shot® digital camera combines point-and-shoot ease with a host of advanced features in a sophisticated, compact body. A 12.1 megapixel image sensor and a Carl Zeiss® 4x optical zoom lens offer ultra-crisp shots and quality close-ups. Not sure which mode is best for your shot? Intelligent Scene Recognition automatically detects the surroundings and adjust the settings for you. Face Detection capture faces with natural skin tones, while Smile Shutter" technology capture a smile the moment it happens. To minimize blurry photos, Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization is included for great-looking pictures. You can even hook your camera up to a compatible HDTV and show off your shots on the big screen in high definition.
12.1 Megapixel Super HAD™ CCD Image Sensor:
A powerful 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3” Super HAD™ CCD image sensor helps you capture gorgeous images with superb contrast and clarity down to the finest detail. With 12.1 megapixels, you can create stunning, photo-quality prints up to A3+ (13x9”) size, or crop your images and still come away with high resolution shots.
Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® Lens with 4x Optical Zoom:
The professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x optical zoom lens brings distant subjects closer for great outdoor, sports, and travel photos.
30mm wide angle lens:
A wide angle lens (30mm-120mm) shows more of the scene you're shooting, helping you capture more complete images when shooting indoor group portraits, expansive landscapes, or architectural scenes.
3.0" Clear Photo LCD™ display (230k pixels):
Generous 3.0” (230K pixels) Clear Photo LCD™ display features sharp, natural color that makes it easy to compose shots, read menus, and view photos, even in bright sunlight.
BIONZ™ image processor:
The BIONZ™ image processor delivers the high resolution and fast performance you expect from a Sony® digital camera.
Auto Mode:
Auto Mode automatically adjusts exposure and white balance settings for better pictures, and can be enhanced further with a simple change in the settings menu. When Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) and Face Detection are activated in Auto Mode, the camera goes a step further, automatically adjusting to scene conditions and capturing faces naturally. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, capturing playground action, or taking pictures at a birthday party or wedding shower, the intuitive Auto Mode will optimize your camera’s settings to help ensure you come away with a great shot.
Intelligent Scene Recognition:
Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode automatically detects five different types of scenes conditions (Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, and Twilight using a Tripod ) and within 1/30th of a second selects the appropriate camera settings:. iSCN has 2 modes: Auto and Advanced. In Auto Mode, the camera takes a single shot using the optimal settings. In Advance Mode, the camera takes a photo with the standard automatic settings and, in difficult lighting (low light or back light) immediately takes a second photo with optimized setting so you can chose which to keep.
Face Detection technology:
Face Detection technology detects up to eight individual faces and controls flash, focus, exposure, and white balance to deliver accurate, natural skin tones with reduced red-eye for beautiful images of family and friends. Face Detection technology can even distinguish between children and adults, so you can prioritize the camera’s focus on children in the scene for clear images of their memorable moments.
Smile Shutter™ technology:
The popular Smile Shutter™ technology automatically detects and captures a smiling face. Simply activate by pressing the Smile Shutter button and the camera will capture a smile the moment it happens. You can also select subject priority (Adult or Child Priority or touch subject on screen) and indicate the degree of Smile Detection Sensitivity to high (small smile), medium (laugh) or low (grin). Smile Shutter also makes a great substitute for the self timer. Just smile once everyone is ready, and the camera will automatically capture the shot.
Double Anti-blur Solution:
The combination of Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization and High ISO sensitivity helps compensate for shaky hands, minimizes blur, and allows flash-free shooting to preserve the mood.
Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization:
Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help prevent blur without sacrificing image quality.
High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200):
High ISO allows for faster shutter speed, so you can take photos indoors or in low light without the need for a flash. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can select up to eight ISO settings (Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions.
Convenient Photo Modes:
Choose from 14 convenient photo modes to quickly adjust for specific shooting conditions. Photo modes include Auto, Program Auto, Easy Shooting, and Scene Selection such as Smile Shutter, High Sensitivity, Landscape, Soft Snap, Twilight Portrait, Twilight, Beach, Snow, Fireworks, Underwater and Gourmet Mode. Gourmet Mode lets you capture mouth-watering culinary creations with all the color and clarity of images you see in gourmet magazines.
Easy Shooting Mode:
Easy Shooting Mode: With Easy Shooting Mode, even beginners can take great photos. In Easy Shooting Mode, easy-to-understand basic instructions are displayed on the LCD screen and the camera switches to all automatic settings so you can just take the photo without worrying about settings.
Dynamic Range Optimizer Standard and Plus:
Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) Standard and Plus uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine the best exposure and contrast settings for almost any shooting environment. The result is more natural images with clearer details that more closely match what your naked eye sees. DRO is particularly effective when shooting backlit portraits or any scene with a dramatic contrast between background and foreground lighting. DRO Plus allows for even greater optimization by analyzing each region of an image and performing additional image processing.
Function Guide:
This beginner-friendly optional function helps navigate through the various functions and settings displaying the description of chosen functions or settings on the LCD screen.
MPEG Movie VX Fine Mode:
Capture VX Fine (640x480) audio/video clips at a high frame rate (up to 30 frames per second). The maximum length of time you can shoot continuously is approximately 10 minutes.
16:9 High Resolution Mode:
Using the 16:9 High Resolution Mode, you can record high resolution images in the 16:9 aspect ratio favored by HDTVs. This setting is ideal if you plan to view your images on a compatible HDTV3and invite friends and family members over for a slideshow.
Memory Stick Duo™ Media Convenience:
The Cyber-shot® DSC-W220 camera accepts Memory Stick Duo™ media or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (both sold separately).
Stamina® Battery Power:
Provides extended battery life and shooting capacity when using a fully-charged lithium-ion battery. The included battery supports up to 370 shots.
In-Camera Retouching Tools:
Retouch and enhance your photos on the go with in-camera Trimming and Red-Eye Correction functions.
HDTV Compatibility:
View your photos in glorious high definition on a Sony® BRAVIA® or similar compatible HDTV using the included HD output adapter cable (VMC-MHC2, sold separately)
PhotoTV HD:
Bring your photos to life and enjoy highly detailed, Full HD 1920x1080 images with PhotoTV HD-capable Sony® BRAVIA® HDTVs (HDTV sold separately). PhotoTV HD fine tunes settings on your HDTV, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to display images that look more like actual printed photos.
PHOTOMUSIC feature:
PHOTOMUSIC combines images with music to produce fun and entertaining slide shows. The five standard visual effects (Simple, Basic, Nostalgic, Active, and Stylish) are supplemented with three face priority effects: Face1 (Basic), Face2 (Nostalgic), and Face3 (Stylish). Select from eight pre-loaded tracks on camera or transfer your own from your compatible PC (sold separately).
Wide Zoom display:
To use the entire image area of the compatible HDTV screen (sold separately), Wide Zoom display automatically expands standard 4:3 and 3:2 images to 16:9.
Multi-purpose Resize function:
The Multi-purpose Resize function lets you change the aspect ratio of an image right in the camera, so you can adjust images as necessary, whether you want to display them on a compatible HDTV3, e-mail them, or upload them to a blog (compatible PC with internet connection required).
Picture Motion Browser ver. 4.2.02:
Sony® PMB (Picture Motion Browser ) PC software provides a simple, easy-to-use way to transfer video and still images to your compatible PC, as well as sort, edit, and output to data disc and the Web. Finding your images with PMB is easy with Calendar view and Face Search. Face Search allows you to filter by faces (one or many) and also a specific person’s face. Share images and videos on popular sharing sites with Media Services function (internet connection required). |
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| News and Reviews |  |
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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 (40d 19h 17m 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 (95d 4h 29m 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 (107d 23h 22m 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 (130d 6h 25m 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.
... |
| | 7/08/2009 11:04 PM (135d 23h 42m 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 (135d 23h 42m 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 (135d 23h 42m 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 (152d 2h 4m 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 (152d 2h 13m 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 (163d 6h 35m 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 (163d 6h 36m 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 (163d 6h 54m 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 (171d 6h 13m 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 (177d 6h 41m 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 (183d 2h 13m ago) |
| Sony posts $1b loss, first in 14 years |
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Here's the good news: Sony's ¥98.9b ($1.03b) loss is slightly less than the $1.1b the company told us it would lose in January. Sadly, all of the other news is bad, starting with the fact that the company just lost a freaking billion dollars, its first loss in 14 years, and it's predicting a similar $1.1b loss next year. Electronics sales were down 17 percent, the Sony-Ericsson phone partnership is struggling, and game division sales dropped 18 percent primarily due to Sony's continued reliance on falling PS2 sales. As for the PS3, it's actually a dim bright spot: hardware cost reductions and increased game sales slightly stemmed the tide, but Sony's still expecting the division to lose money in the coming year. Sony also says it has "extensive measures" in store to try and turn things around after that, so we're hoping Sir Howard's plans to embrace open formats and listen to consumers are kicking into gear, but we'll see.Read - Sony financials [Warning: PDF]Read - Reuters reportRead - MarketWatchFiled under: Misc. GadgetsSony posts $1b loss, first in 14 years originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/14/2009 3:55 PM (191d 6h 51m ago) |
| Eye-Fi's 4GB WiFi Video cards now with more options for Internet regret |
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You know that video mode you haven't used since first bought your compact point and shoot? Right, the one that does 720p HD video if you've purchased a camera within the last 6 months? Well, Eye-Fi's back to remind you that it's now selling its $99 Eye-Fi Explore Video (with geotagging) and $79 Eye-Fi Share Video SDHC cards nationwide. They've also enabled video sharing with Picasa, Photobucket, and SmugMug in addition to Flickr and YouTube. The result is dead-simple, un-edited direct-to-internet video sharing without the need for a tethered computer. Of course, these cards work equally well for dumping your films and photos over WiFi to your Mac or PC at home -- but why live your life in a bubble?Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless, StorageEye-Fi's 4GB WiFi Video cards now with more options for Internet regret originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/05/2009 3:38 PM (200d 7h 8m ago) |
| Ritz Camera store liquidations start Saturday |
| | In case some of you missed this Thursday, Ritz Camera--and by association Wolf and Kits Camera among others--is shutting down more than 300 stores around the U.S. as part of a court-supervised bankruptcy reorganization. This of course means stock liquidation sales, which will begin Saturday, April 4.
As ... |
| | 4/20/2009 9:20 PM (215d 1h 26m ago) |
| Eye-Fi's 4GB WiFi SDHC cards start to ship out |
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Nah, Eye-Fi's latest Secure Digital cards still aren't nearly as capacious (nor as cheap) as other alternatives on the market, but good luck getting that free-after-rebate 8GB SDHC card from IAWANNA Corp. to upload images via a wireless hotspot. We pinged the company today to see if the company's 4GB Explore Video and Share Video SDHC models were shipping out, and we were informed that orders placed over the web were indeed leaving the docks. If you're not kosher with handing $99.99 or $79.99 (respectively) over through the intertubes, both devices will splash down in stores starting on April 19th.Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless, StorageEye-Fi's 4GB WiFi SDHC cards start to ship out originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 4/09/2009 4:47 PM (226d 5h 58m ago) |
| Ritz Camera store liquidations start Saturday |
| | In case some of you missed this Thursday, Ritz Camera--and by association Wolf and Kits Camera among others--is shutting down more than 300 stores around the U.S. as part of a court-supervised bankruptcy reorganization. This of course means stock liquidation sales, which will begin Saturday, April 4.
As ... |
| | 4/07/2009 5:00 PM (228d 5h 46m ago) |
| Electronics innovation on track, despite the recession? |
| | The Wall Street Journal is out this morning with an analysis showing that, as major U.S. companies are cutting jobs and wages, many (including many consumer electronics companies) are still spending on innovation. Big U.S. companies spent nearly as much on research and development in the dismal last quarter of 2008 as they did a year earlier, even as their revenue fell 7.7%, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis. (Registration and a subscription is required to read the Wall Street Journal article online.) The sampling looked at 28 of the largest U.S. R&D spenders, excluding deeply troubled auto makers and the drug industry, where R&D spending is dictated by government requirements. The takeaway: On the one hand, the study suggests the flow of innovative new electronics products may not diminished by the recession as much as feared back in January, when electronics editor Paul Reynolds posted that "it's hard to imagine that the many job cuts announced by electronics sector, and the rumors of more to come from the likes of Sony, won't in some way affect development of new products." The WSJ analysis, which begins on page one of today's paper and turns to a full inside page, points out that many companies have “learned from past downturns that they must invest through tough times if they hope to compete when the economy improves.” It includes a cautionary comparison from the last major recession, when Apple boosted R&D spending even as their sales dropped while Motorola cut theirs by 13 per cent. The result: Apple launched the first iPods in the midst of the recession, and later saw its sales soar, while Motorola lost ground in developing sequel products to its hit RAZR cellphone, eventually losing ground. However, the piece also cautions that "the robust R&D spending may be temporary," and may in part reflect how long it can take to cut corporate budgets, including those for innovation. Also, the WSJ notes that some R&D is being retooled to deliver safer, short-term... |
| | 4/06/2009 4:03 PM (229d 6h 43m ago) |
| Panasonic DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds shooter with 1080p video landing April 24th |
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While we patiently wait for the Micro Four Thirds format DMC-GH1 with 1080p video to pop for purchase, we have to feed on whatever retail crumbs we can grub off Panasonic. As usual, our Japanese camera overlords will have first dibs on this ¥150,000 (less than $1,500 when it arrives Stateside) bundle that includes a 14-140mm lens starting April 24th. Think about it; we've gone from zero to four HD-capable video DSLRs in six months. Ok, ok, three-plus actually, since Micro Four Thirds cams are technically not DSLRs due to the lack of an internal mirror and prism -- just humor us with with GH1's interchangeable lens mount, DSLR-sized sensor, and bevy of manual controls ok? Geesh.[Via PC World],Filed under: Digital CamerasPanasonic DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds shooter with 1080p video landing April 24th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 06:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/27/2009 3:54 PM (239d 6h 51m ago) |
| PMA 2009's photo finish |
| | (Credit: Matthew Fitzgerald/CNET)
For what it's worth, the consensus about the 2009 Photo Marketing Association show seems to be that it wasn't as bad as everyone expected. The mood was low-key, many of the booths were half empty, and several manufacturers were notably absent--like Adobe and Epson--while others only had meeting rooms.
Nonetheless, several announcements managed to generate some buzz, and most of the manufacturers I spoke with agreed that their business-to-business business at the show was quite productive. Despite the economy, tons of new products debuted, partly because planning takes place 6 to 12 months out. So it's likely that the first real signs of contraction will appear with the fall product lines. And, in fact, at least one manufacturer has already changed its dSLR release plans in preparation for tough times.
A random walk through PMA
The biggest hits of the show seemed to be Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-HX1, a CMOS-based megazoom with a novel shooting mode that creates panoramas on the fly as you pan across the scene, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1, a video-capture enabled version of its interchangeable-lens G1. What has everyone excited about the camera is how much control you have over depth of field when... |
| | 3/10/2009 9:42 PM (256d 1h 4m ago) |
| Sony 2009 line show: Complete coverage |
| | Consider yourself invited: CNET pulls back the curtain to Sony's Vegas event.(Credit: Sony)
Most companies use the January Consumer Electronics Show to show the world their product lineup for the new year. But Sony deliberately holds back on its CES announcements; that's because the company waits about eight weeks before returning to Las Vegas to have its own Sony-centric launch event, where it touts its new products for dealers, retailers, and journalists.
Photos: Sony hauls cameras, electronics to Vegas
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| | 3/04/2009 5:39 PM (262d 5h 7m ago) |
| Eye-Fi releases two SD cards, iPhone app |
| | Eye-Fi, maker of memory cards that can automatically upload photos and video to the Web, announced Tuesday its two new video-uploading SD memory cards called Eye-Fi Share Video and Eye-Fi Explore Video.
(Credit: Eye-Fi)
These two 4GB cards are capable of uploading photos and video clips to more than 20 ... |
| | 3/04/2009 5:38 PM (262d 5h 8m ago) |
| Eye-Fi's Wi-Fi no longer video shy |
| | (Credit: Eye-Fi)
Eye-Fi's now ready to unleash its next generation of Wi-Fi SD cards on the point-and-shooting public. The Eye-Fi Share Video and Eye-Fi Explore Video cards, first announced at CES, extend the capabilities of their predecessors to support uploading video directly to YouTube and Flickr via Wi-Fi.
While ... |
| | 3/03/2009 5:07 PM (263d 5h 39m ago) |
| Sony's CyberShot DSC-HX1 camera gets official, coming March for $500 |
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Sony has finally shown its cards for PMA this year, and that Ten of Clubs up its sleeve looks to be the CyberShot DSC-HX1 we heard about last week. According to the presser, it's the company's first digital camera with sweep panorama technology for up to 224-degree horizontal and 154-degree vertical panorama shots with the push of a button. It's also sporting a 20x optical zoom, 1/2.4-inch Exmor CMOS sensor for 10 frames per second at 9.1 megapixel resolution, a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie recording. Look for it this March for around five Benjamins.
Filed under: Digital CamerasSony's CyberShot DSC-HX1 camera gets official, coming March for $500 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/03/2009 2:28 AM (263d 20h 18m ago) |
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| Imaging Resource - Sony User Forum |
| CNET: Sony Cybershot Reviews |
| 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 (162d 7h 12m 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 (197d 7h 35m ago) |
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