Showing posts with label Digital Camera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Digital Camera. Show all posts

HP Photosmart R937 Review: Big Touchscreen Camera

Posted by newbie Monday, November 12, 2007 0 comments
HP Photosmart R937
If you’re looking for a snapshot camera that stands out from the very large crowd of compact models currently on the market, check out the HP R937, What really sets this 8-megapixel camera apart is its unusual design: with a large, 3.6-inch touchscreen LCD covering the back, it hardly looks like a camera at all.

Almost all of the controls, other than power and shutter release, can be accessed on screen. I found the touch screen responsive, with well-organized buttons. In addition, the screen was visible in all but extreme light conditions, and it didn’t eat up too much battery life.

The R937 offers 11 automatic photo-capture modes, a video mode, and extensive help features. Beyond basic settings, there are just a few advanced tools for controlling exposure, including autobracketing and a spot meter. The HP Design Gallery allows you to make numerous in-camera edits, too, and to apply a wide variety of effect and borders. There are even tools for minimizing blemishes and a slimming effect.

The R937’s overall image quality is good but not outstanding. In the Labs, it resolved 1.725 lines on our resolution test, which is on low side for an 8MP camera. In both daylight and flash shots, however, images were generally well exposed and had realistic color. This camera does best with ample lighting and at low ISO settings. The R937 is a quick-enough shooter to handle candid shots and had very good boot-up and recycle speeds.

If you like big touch screens and value in-camera photo-editing and- sharing tools, put the R937 on your list.

Price range
HP Photosmart R937: $299.99

Check This Out:

BenQ X725: Slimest in 7MP Class

Spectra Vertec DV12: Multifuncion but Average Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S500: Full Automatic with Good Quality

BenQ X725: Slimest in 7MP Class

Posted by newbie Sunday, November 11, 2007 0 comments

BenQ which initially famous with its peripheral product now is starts seriously to enter digital camera world. One of its new products is BenQ X725 which is 7MP digital camera equiped with newest technology. This 120 gram Camera came with 4 kinds of color that is black, grey, silver and red.

Main feature of this camera is the super slim design. Covered with stainless steel with 1,2 cm thickness, makes the camera as slimmest one in 7MP class. Besides its 7MP maximum resolution at camera mode, this camera also can produce video with 160x128, 320x240 and 640x480 resolutions with 30fps speed. Also added Shake-Free mode or anti shocks for minimize blur print result as because hand movement.

Besides smc Pentac lens usage, X725 performance is supported by sensor which its ISO can reach 1600 and 2,5 inchs LCD. As storage media provided internal memory equal to 12MB and it’s also supported with 4GB capacities Secure Digital type memory card. And if you want to print your photo directly it’s also available Pictbridge connection.

Check This Out:

Spectra Vertec DV12: Multifuncion but Average Image Quality

Nikon Coolpix S500: Full Automatic with Good Quality

Casio Exilim EX-Z1200: 12 Megapixel from Casio

Spectra Vertec DV12: Multifuncion but Average Image Quality

Posted by newbie Tuesday, November 6, 2007 0 comments

Another new Spectra minicam model attends through this Vertex DV12 series which is continuation from DV2 and DV11 series. As minicam, Vertex DV12 merges a mixture of multimedia usefulness starts from camera, camcorder, storage media, card reader (SD/MMC), TV recorder, MP3 player, and voice recorder. But there is some difference of this product; it’s as game console like Game Boy or Nintendo DS. Noted there are 20 games which will make you amused in spare time.

To support usage of minicam as game console, Vertex DV12 design it’s LCD which can be positioning parallel to eyesight. Additional key pad button on the left and right likely purposely designed so the user can be played comfortly. This key pad also can be used to apply preview function like Play or delete file. What a pity, the left side keypad is too tight and undersize so can cause your finger painful when used to play game.

As a camera, Vertex DV12 is too simple because only offers a few phpto feature. Besides its simple light setting, the manual setting is also minimal. Even has 5 Megapixel (can be interpolate to 10MP) sensor, the photo quality is still ordinary and noise and blur trouble very easy to met because its patch up optic and processor usage. Nevertheless common user will remain to like with foto/video quality which still better if compared to camera phone result.

To make easy the usage of Vertex DV12 without holding it, Spectra figures in the remote control in its package. This wireless control will assist you when will take foto/video object from certain distance without holds it direcly. For you know, camera body is small enough for held with one hands.

The feature which offers from this multi purpose minicam is complete and pleasing enough, particularly with entertainment feaure as MP3 player and portable game console. Its function as game console instead makes us too joyful until forgetting with its main function as a camera. Photo of video quality which offers surely can’t be said great, but with its fascinating price, of course very attract to have.
Check This Out:

Fuji FinePix Z5fd: Ultracompact With Awesome Auto Controls

STE PMP33: For Gamer and Music lover

Sony PSP (model 2000): Slimmer, Faster Mobile Gaming

Nikon Coolpix S500: Full Automatic with Good Quality

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From all new camera of compact class presented by Nikon in 2007 first quartal, almost all has similar feature. But, Nikon still give difference at some models like P5000 which having high enough specification and complete manual mode in compact class. But before this P series there are the S500 series which can say superior in some cases.

Coolpix S500 basically is not different with the S200 series looks from its specification. But S500 is rather thicker and heavy (132 grams) but basically still implement the same feature like Coolpix other S series like 7,1 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and its photography technology. Difference also appears at selector button which besides can be push, now also can be turned around to choose menu or preview the picture.

However, S500 may be able to said superior in a few parts. Firstly, its internal memory reaching 26MB and ISO level is also upgraded reachs 2000 for night photograph with less light rate. Second, high speed of camera startup (only 0,8 seconds), same as the shutter time interval as long as you activates VR respone priority feature. This facility also would maximumlier if you using high-speed SD/MMC card.

Some great feature of Nikon still added at S500 like BSS (Best Shot Selector) system to choose best photo from routine shot process and repair of photo quality through D-Lighting function. This D-Lighting button also can be functioned as face-priority button which good for maximizing portrait photo with man face composition. Beside of this button it’s also put down the anti shocks (hand-shake) button to lessen blur effect because hands shake when makes a picture.
Photography system offers from Coolpix S500 of course so useful to people which always wishs to do easiest way but want to get best photo result. Support from 15 scenes program in camera also very assists even this means minimization of manual control which usualy selected by more considerate user. This camera of course addressed as compact camera with heavy feature, even we are not too sees more advantage from its high ISO feature.

Check This Out:

Nikon Coolpix P5000: Compact Camera with Control

Casio Exilim EX-Z1200: 12 Megapixel from Casio

Canon ixus 960IS: Now with Image Stabilizer

Casio Exilim EX-Z1200: 12 Megapixel from Casio

Posted by newbie Friday, November 2, 2007 0 comments

Slow but sure, Casio is start to joining with above 10 megapixel camera lines through Exilim Z1200 series. At this compact camera class planted with 2, 8 inch LCD screens which almost full filled the back panel display. Unhappily, this combination makes limited the control space. The buttons felt so small and full, a few complicating for you which having big thumb. The good thing of it, menu display at user-firendly screen is easy to be accessed.

Beside 12MP sensor, Exilim EX-Z1200 is also equiped with some advantage, for example it the picture stabilization system and face-detection mode. Besides, this silver and black camera also supports with some options for you which more experienced like aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposures. Although its not 100 % produce best picture, but very plenty in the capacities as user friendly camera.

For camera setting, enough steps into system menu by press the button menu. Available choices will give you pleasing feature. All of it added to give you pleasure in your photography activity.

As pocket camera, Exilim EX-Z1200 can present photo with good and clear picture at low ISO. Noise spot seen at ISO 400, but this are the classic problem often we meet in compact class. Face-detection mode will functions good if object facing the camera and not move. By press BS (best shot) button will come up 34 choices scheme according your requirement.

When applied for outdoor photograph in rain condition, main object looks sharp and detail. Photo quality seen well during enough light is received by lens. We also try to makes a face picture in portrait mode. At AP setting, face texture and coloration at model seen natural. While at BS setting, skin texture is seen softer with minimum detail. You must learn suitable the correct photo configuration to get the result as your desire.

With 12MP sensor as main feature, Exilim EX-Z1200 offers spectacular thing in pocket camera class. Good photo result and various setting choices including the manual, makes it as pleasing pocket camera. For daily user purpose, the weakness of pocket camera is not felt too significant.

Price range
Casio Exilim EX-Z1200: $287.68 - $455.29

Check This Out:

Canon ixus 960IS: Now with Image Stabilizer

Fuji FinePix Z5fd: Ultracompact With Awesome Auto Controls

Nikon Coolpix P5000: Compact Camera with Control

Canon ixus 960IS: Now with Image Stabilizer

Posted by newbie Sunday, October 28, 2007 0 comments

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) feature is becomes standard facility in supercompact camera, especially for camera which offering lengths enough optic zoom. Because the shake effect / hand wobble which causing picture looks blur easier to happen in this kind of cameras, especially when you operated it only with one hands.

Because of its, ISO feature which planted at Canon ixus 960IS becomes goods news. Moreover when compared to its previous product, ixus 900 Ti, ixus 960IS zoom ability is rather higher, that is 3,7x. There is not only the zoom ability which increase, but also the picture resolution. This supercompact camera which its body made from titanium now offers 12 megapixel resolutions.

Equipped with LCD Purecolor 2,5" in the backside plus the optical viewfinder, ixus 960IS has carried Canon Face Detection technology which can detect until four face which facing forwards so that the faces seen clearer. The face is automatically selected through algorithm with Intelligent Scene Analysis (iSAPS), technology from Canon, to get focus, get exposure and had optimal blitz. Meanwhile, red eye can be corrected via Red Eye Correction feature.

Processor support from DIGIC III is claimed by Canon causing the camera which able to receive SD/SDHC/MMC card is has quick response, not only when startup, but also is autofocus and shutter respond, plus saving more the battery power. ISO Auto Shift also has been planted, so you when press the button will cause camera automatically increases the ISO speed. Besides at 960IS, almost similar feature can find on ixus 860IS which has 8 megapixel resolutions.

Price range
Canon ixus 960IS: $499.40 - $758.00

Check This Out:

Fuji FinePix Z5fd: Ultracompact With Awesome Auto Controls

Nikon Coolpix P5000: Compact Camera with Control

Canon PowerShot SD750: Stylish Simplicity

Fuji FinePix Z5fd: Ultracompact With Awesome Auto Controls

Posted by newbie Friday, October 19, 2007 0 comments

A sturdy build, quick performance, and useful advanced automatic features give this Fuji 6.3-megapixel ultracompact a big competitive edge.

Stylish and available in four colors, the Z5fd has a sliding front cover that acts as the power switch and also protects the lens and built-in fl ash. Geared toward auto-shooting, the camera features 12 scene modes, as well as a mode that takes a quick pair of shots—one with fl ash and one without—and lets you save the one you prefer. Its 3X zoom lens has a focal length of 36mm to 108mm, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 on the wide end and f/4.2 when zoomed in. The Z5fd’s 2.5-inch LCD is flexible in that you can adjust its brightness and refresh rate.

In both daylight and flash shots, images were well exposed and exhibited realistic color. One serious problem, however, was the heavy processing that left visible noise in my images. At the camera’s maximum ISO setting (1600), this noise made images look more like pastel drawings than like photographs. But when it came to performance, the Z5fd excelled, with a boot-up time of 2.7 seconds, a 2.3-second recycle time, and a 1-second shutter lag.

Despite its image problems, the well-crafted Fuji Z5fd is a good buy with a set of features typically found in more expensive models.

Price
Fuji FinePix Z5fd: $199.99 list

Check This Out:

Nikon Coolpix P5000: Compact Camera with Control

Canon PowerShot SD750: Stylish Simplicity

Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ8: A Super-Versatile Superzoom

Nikon Coolpix P5000: Compact Camera with Control

Posted by newbie Monday, October 15, 2007 0 comments

With a wide range of exposure controls and a comfortable and efficient design, the 10-megapixel Coolpix P5000 is an ideal everyday companion for experienced photographers.

The P5000has a nice selection of modes, including High ISO and Anti Shake, either of which can be used to reduce blur in low-light or action shots. You get a lot of flexibility when shooting at the wide end of the camera's zoom range – 36mm – with ten aperture settings. This combined with the P5000’s effective lens-based optical image stabilization and its maximum ISO of 2000, make it a versatile low-light photographic tool. The camera includes a hot shoe and a variety of flash settings as well. Whatever the lighting situation you're dealing with, you’ll appreciate the P5000’s high-quality LCD- particularly its wide viewing angle.

In testing, I found that colors were realistic, and the automatic white balance didn't produce any color casts. Video quality was quite good for a compact camera, although audio quality was less than ideal.

This camera shares some of the shortcomings of its competitors, including noticeable image noise at higher ISO settings and less-than-optimal shooting speed. Its appeal lies in its combination of advanced features- including the external flash support - and its pocketable, comfortable design.

Price
Nikon Coolpix P5000: $399.95

Check This Out:

Canon PowerShot SD750: Stylish Simplicity

Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ8: A Super-Versatile Superzoom

HP PHOTOSMART R837: SHOOT WITH SUPPORT

Canon PowerShot SD750: Stylish Simplicity

Posted by newbie Saturday, October 13, 2007 0 comments

Like the PowerShot SD1000, our current Editors' Choice for compact cameras, the SD750 features 7-megapixel resolution and a 3X optical zoom, and it has a similar “box and circle” design. The differences between the two models are subtle: For example, the SD750 lacks the optical viewfinder found on the SD1000. In addition, the SD750 is a bit bigger and sports a more contoured, stylized design plus a larger, 3-inch LCD.

On my tests, color was excellent and vibrant, though not quite as sharp as on the SD1000, and there was just a small amount of fringing. Otherwise, the camera had very good dynamic range, with good contrast and a strong flash that didn't blowout highlights. When recording video, the SD750 showed pleasing color and good contrast too, picked up sound well, and adjusted quickly to different lighting situations. It also performed well, registering a very speedy 1.6- second boot-up time and virtually no shutter lag. In burst made, the came can shoot continuously to the capacity of the card. I also liked the included face-detection feature.

Canon PowerShots are definitely the compact cameras to beat. The SD750 is an excellent device, particularly if you're looking for a large display and a stylish design.

Canon PowerShot SD750: $250

Check This Out:

Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ8: A Super-Versatile Superzoom

HP PHOTOSMART R837: SHOOT WITH SUPPORT

CANON POWERSHOT A460: PRETTY PLEASING PICTURES

Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ8: A Super-Versatile Superzoom

Posted by newbie Monday, August 6, 2007 0 comments
With a 12X optical zoom, full manual controls, and a cool new Intelligent ISO mode, this superzoom has a lot to offer. But although the 7.2-megapixel Lumix DMC-FZ8 takes pretty good pictures and performs well, it lacks a feature we think important: wide-angle capability.

Because of its 36mm lens, the FZ8 doesn't unseat our current Editors' Choice, the Lumix DMC-TZ3. The TZ3 allows less zoom (1OX), but its 28mm lens can capture more of a particular scene, whether a sweeping landscape or a group shot, without your having to stitch the shots together afterward.

The TZ8 has full manual modes-something The TZ3 lacks. With manual modes, you can compose creative shots by playing around with aperture and shutter speed setting. For example, you can freeze action shots or blur background objects.

Like the TZ3, the FZ8 has an Intelligent ISO mode, which automatically increases the camera’s ISO Setting so as to decrease blur in action shots. When the ISO is raised, say from 100 to 400, the sensitivity of the camera sensor increases, allowing you to shoot with a faster shutter speed. I found Intelligent ISO to work much better in bright light, when it boosted the ISO to 1250 for moving objects and dropped it down to 400 for stationary ones, than in low-light situations. You can specify the maximum ISO yourself (400, 800, or 1250) to avoid excessive noise in the image.

In the lab, my test images had excellent color saturation, good color matching, and very little noise. My only complaint was that some pictures had a bit too much contrast, which caused a loss of detail in shadowy areas. On the plus side, I found that the camera's flash provided just the right amount of illumination. You can fiddle with the flash settings, too, adjusting illumination and exposure.

For video, the camera records motion JPEGs at 30 frames per second to the capacity of the card. The camera adjusted well to various light conditions, but the highlights in the video seemed blown out. Another feature I liked was that you could easily switch between 4:3 and 16:93 aspect ratios.

The FZ8 excelled in performance, improving on its predecessor, the Lumix DMC-FZ7, in all areas. Boot-up time was just over 3 seconds, and recycle time was 1.4 seconds. Shutter lag was negligible.

This is a fine camera for those who like the flexibility that manual modes offer. If you enjoy taking panoramic images, though, and don't want to have to stitch your shots together after the fact, the TZ3 makes a better choice-and it also has a more compact, stylish design. But all things considered, the FZ8 is a capable camera offering lots of features at a good price.

Panasonic Lumic DMC-FZ8: $349.95

HP PHOTOSMART R837: SHOOT WITH SUPPORT

Posted by newbie Monday, July 30, 2007 0 comments
Robust menus are a hallmark of hp cameras, featuring plenty of advice to help consumers take a good picture, and this model is no exception. Even so, I was disappointed with the performance and video quality of this ultra compact.

The affordable Photosmart R837 has a 7.2- megapixel CCD sensor and features a typical 3X optical zoom lens. Nicely designed and relatively small, it still has room for a 3-inch LCD that’s both sharp and clear. Best of all, though, is the R837s easy-to-use interface and “Camera Help” menu section. There you’ll find tips and tutorials for learning the camera, its features and controls.

Video, though, is captured at 24 fps and not at the smoother 30 fps found in other cameras, so action shots tended to be choppy. Still-picture quality was better. I took pretty clean shots that featured vibrant, accurate color. Still, with the flash, I saw some noncolored noise and blown-out highlights. I noticed shutter lag, too, which can cause you to miss impromptu snaps. I love the Photosmart R837s built-in assistance and how simple it is to operate. But its performance and movie mode just don’t measure up, and leave me wanting more.

HP Photosmart R837: $299.99

CANON POWERSHOT A460: PRETTY PLEASING PICTURES

Posted by newbie Sunday, July 29, 2007 0 comments
Canons new budget powershot should please the average picture taker. More discerning shooters, however, will find the device lacking in few areas. The camera comes equipped with a 4X optical zoom lens with a 5.4mm to 21.6mm range. It has a 5-megapixel sensor and a 2-inch LCD for framing your shots. Nonetheless, a wider angle (like 28mm) at the end of the zoom range would have been nice.

I also wish the camera could capture VGA videos at 30 fps instead of a choppy 10 fps. But I was impressed by the burst mode, which, though not super fast, was very steady. The included glass eyepiece comes in handy under bright light conditions.

During testing, my simulated daylight test shot had a touch of noise, and flash shots exhibited even more noncolored noise throughout. Even so, color was very vibrant and accurate. The camera did very well on the resolution test, averaging 1,500 lineshigh for a 5MP camera. Sadly, I measured a 3.3-second boot-up time that’s acceptable but not super quick, and the cameras 7.2-second recycle time was incredibly slow. On a positive note, I found very little shutter lag.

Though video and nimble performance aren’t the PowerShot A460s strengths, on the whole it’s a very good buy.

CANON POWERSHOT A460: $ 149.95

Nikon Coolpix S50C: A Wireless Wonder

Posted by newbie Wednesday, July 4, 2007 0 comments
This new and advanced Coolpix is the perfect illustration of Nikon's innovation in wireless digital cameras. Boasting a wonderful iPod-like scroll wheel, which also activates a beautiful menu system, the compact, 7.2-megapixel S50c has a 3-inch LCD and a non-telescoping lens.

The "c" in the S50c's name stands for the Coolpix Connect service. The camera has a built-in 802.11b/g chip that can transfer picture in one of two ways: via e-mail (the Picture Mail feature) or to storage on a Nikon-run server (the Picture Bank feature). Picture Mail worked very well, but I ran into a few minor snags while setting up the Picture Bank service because each S50c must be registered first. That aside, the service provided a pretty clean interface and pleasant user experience.

Overall, image quality was decent, but performance was slow and shutter lag significant. The S50c scored 1,600 lines on our resolution test, average for a 7.2MP camera. I clocked a very slow 4.9-second boot-up time and a respectable but not extraordinary 3.7-second recycle time. Still-life images had excellent color, although they had just a bit of fringing. Daylight and flash shots, on the other hand, displayed excellent exposures.

The Coolpix S50c won't win any awards for swift performance or outstanding image quality, but it is currently the best wireless camera on the market.
Nikon Coolpix S50C: $349.95

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T100: Precious but Pricey

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Sony's point-and-shoot cameras generally have three things in common: exquisite product design, excellent picture quality, and a high price. This new 8.1-megapixel Cyber-Shot is no exception. With a 3-inch LCD and a 5X optical zoom lens, the gorgeously crafted Cyber-Shot DSC-T100 certainly stands out.

In my lab tests, the T100 wasn't flawless, but it produced solid results. There was a little noise in the daylight shot, but much more in my flash shot. Overall, though, the image was very good. Color was vibrant, if just a tad warm. In many realworld test shots, the T100 produced very good exposures. It also has excellent flash for such a tiny device.

Resolution averaged 1,900 lines, superb for an 8.1MP camera, and boot up time was 2.3 seconds, also excellent. The 3.6-second recycle time was decent, but not exceptional. There was very little shutter lag. It's nice to see that Sony includes mechanical image stabilization in the T100, too. In both low light and bright light, Sony's Super SteadyShot IS worked reasonably well.

Sadly, at a steep $400, the Sony DSC-T100 costs $100 more than competing ultracompact cameras, including the excellent Canon PowerShot SD1000. The T100 gives you more optical zoom power, but most users will find the SD1000 a better buy.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T100: $399.99

Olympus Stylus 770SW: Submersible for Shutterbugs

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This specialty point-and-shoot is pricey for an ultra compact, but it'll let you take pictures in a place that few other cameras can go: underwater. The Olympus Stylus 770 SW is submersible to a depth of 33 feet and will withstand temperatures as low as 14"F. It's pretty rugged, too: It can be dropped from a height of 5 feet, which I confirmed in my testing, and is designed to shrug off 220 pounds of direct force.

A 7.1-megapixel point-and-shoot camera, the Stylus 770 SW comes equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD and 3X optical-zoom lens. Overall, I was impressed by its performance. My still-life test shots displayed good exposures, although they were just a tad overexposed and showed some colored noise.

When I tested the camera's performance in the lab, I found that it had 1,650 lines of resolution, a boot up time of 2.4 seconds, and a recycle time of 3.8 seconds. That's not bad but not outstanding, and I did notice some shutter lag. Unfortunately, burst mode was sluggish and images on land were just passable. Underwater photos were not bad overall but were a little dark because the lighting of my indoor pool wasn't as bright as daylight.

The Stylus 770SW is pretty steeply priced, but in its specialty niche it's got little competition.
Olympus Stylus 770SW: $375

Fuji Finepix F40FD: A Camera Not Shy of Faces

Posted by newbie 0 comments
Fuji's latest point-and-shoots sport a slimmed-down stylish body, support for SD cards, and some compelling features. The 8.3-megapixel FinePix F40fd produced decent images and performed well. Even so, there's still room for improvement.

One of the FinePix's features that I really like is relatively new to Fuji: face detection. With this function enabled, the camera will make people's faces the focus of each shot, rather than simply focusing on the center of the frame. I found this ability to be pretty accurate.

In the labs, there was a slight veil of grain throughout my test shots, although color saturation and accuracy were superb. Overall, however, images were well exposed and pretty sharp. Flash coverage was fairly decent and even. Video quality was quite good as well, with rich and vibrant colors and smooth playback.

The F40fd performed well on my lab tests, achieving an average resolution of 1,800 lines, which is on target for an 8MP camera. I was very happy to see that there was absolutely no shutter lag either.

Though the Finepix F40fd is a "fine" camera, and the company's adoption of the SD memory card formats adds to its appeal, there are better models available for the same price.
Fuji Finepix F40FD: $299

Kodak Easyshare V1003: Chic Look, but Weak Pictures

Posted by newbie Monday, July 2, 2007 0 comments
Pocket-size and available in a variety of colors, Kodak's new EasyShare is designed to appeal especially to women. Unfortunately, despite its slick styling and fashinable accessories, picture quality and performance will disappoint any woman for whom image is everything.

An attractive little camera, the V1003 is crafted in eight unconventional colors with evocative names like "Java Brown", "Golden Brown", and "Pink Bliss". The deviceis also sculpted with rounded edges and has an iPod-like texture that makes it pleasent to hold. Still, I found the tiny controls tricky to operate. A 10-Megapixel device with a 3X optical zoom lens, the V1003 also has the standard 2.5-inch LCD found in most digital cameras.

The problem is, the pictures produced by this camera were just not good. My flash test shots were plagued by inaccurate color, and I had focus problems in all shooting conditions. Video was also grainy and washed out. And although the V1003's 2.6-second recycle time was decent, I found very noticeable shutter lag.

It's hard to deny the EasyShare V1003's compelling construction. Even so, style aside, I just can't forgive the camera's disappointing image quality and performance.
Kodak Easyshare V1003: $249.95

Olympus SP-550 UZ: Shoot Far and Wide

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This Excellent 7.1 Megapixel camera features the largest optical zoom found on a point-and shoot. Evevn so, because of a few shortcomings, this fantastic feat of engineering isn't enough for the device nab the top spot from our reigning superzoom, the Panasonic Lumic DMC-TZ3.

With an ultrapowerful 18X optical zoom lens that spans a 4.7mm to 84.2mm range, the SP-550 UZ is optically well equipped. The zoom lens ranges from ultra-wide-angle (letting you capture more in picture) to telephoto, which gets you closer to the action than most other compact cameras do. A helpful guide mode provides instruction on 15 common topics, including blurring backgrounds and shooting at night. The subdue camera shake, the device also features built-in image stabilization. That said, a real zoom ring for better lens control would have been nice.

Overall, I found the SP-550 UZ's images pleasing, with a very deep dynamic range and good contrast. The camera scored 1,650 lines on our resolution test, which is above average for a 7.1MP camera. It also boast full manual modes, icluding the ability to shoot RAW files, a format that produces higher-quality images than JPEGs. Boot up took 3.6 seconds, which is okay but far from swift, as was the camera's 3.6-second recyle time.

Sure. it's not perfect, but if you seek a smal camera with a sweet lens. the Olympus SP-550 UZ will satisfy.
Olympus SP-550 UZ: $499.99

Lumic DMC-TZ3: Superzoom Sees the Wide Angles

Posted by newbie Monday, June 25, 2007 0 comments

When shopping for a digital camera, consumers too often focus on big, powerful zooms even though there are very good reasons to look at the other end of the range-the wide angle. A wider angle helps you capture more of a particular scene, making it ideal for group portraits, landscapes, and interiors. The very compact Panasonic lumix DMC-TZ3 offers both externs: a true wide-angle view and a 10X optical zoom.

In addition to the wide-angle (28mm) lens, the 7.2-megapixel Lumix DMC-TZ3 has a large 3-inch LCD and a number of other compelling features. I really liked the TZ3's special Intelligent ISO mode, which detects moving subjects indoors and automatically increases the ISO to avoid blur. This mode worked best for me in bright light, boosting the ISO up to 1,250 for a moving subject and setting it down to 200 for stationary subjects.

Like all recent Lumix cameras, the TZ3 comes with a Mega O.I.S. vibration reduction system-a hardware-based solution that worked quite well on my test. The TZ3 also did a decent, if not stellar, job in burst mode.

Overall, the quality of the video on this camera was pretty good, although you're not allowed to zoom during recording. Sound quality was disappointing, but color and detail were very good. Another nice feature is that the videos can be set in 848-by-480 mode (which is a 16:9 aspect ratio) ideal for viewing on most HDTVs.

Shooting still pictures in the lab, is found that photos produced by the Lumix contained very little noise, and the color saturation and accuracy were excellent. The camera's outstanding dynamics range was evident, although some indoor shots were a tad too contrasts. Flash shots were pleasing, with strong, even illumination throughout the scene and no blown-out highlights. Moreover, the camera performed well, with fantastic resolution, a fast boot-up time, and very little shutter lag. Chances are, you'll nab the shot.

I couldn't be more pleased with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3. With its comfortably portable body and wide-angle zoom, it's an excellent choice for almost any shooting situation.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3: $349.95

EasyShare V802 & V1003

Posted by newbie Wednesday, June 20, 2007 0 comments

Virtually synonymous with cameras, Kodak has launched new models that will cement their photo-taking reputation even further. The EasyShare V802 (8MP) and its big brither the V1003 (10MP) are a breeze to use and come loaded with heavy duty features - Panaramic stitch, he-res video, Kodak Perfect Touch technology and more. Nice and slim, they won'n put a bulge in your pocket, and better yet, won't put a dent in your wallet either.

















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