PMA ‘10 Sneak Peek

February 20th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, News, PMA

A day before the PMA show officially opens here in Anaheim, the press gets a “sneak peek” at an eponymously named event. Today, at that event, I got to see a lot of the cameras that have been recently announced by Pentax, Nikon, Samsung and Olympus, and several new PMA announcements from the likes of HP and GE. This is also the venue where I get the time to check out gear like bags and innovative new ideas from smaller companies, such as PhotoFramed.com.

I got to get my hands on newly announced Pentax cameras, including the teeny tiny, adorably retro-looking Optio I-10; the brand new Samsung TL350, which was just announced this morning; and the Nikon COOLPIX S8000, with its ultra bright 3-inch LCD screen that’s similar to that of the pro level D3s D-SLR—which I also got to check out.

New from GE (General Imaging) is a line of super automatic point-and-shoot digicams—meaning they leave almost nothing to the photographer other than to press the shutter release. The memory is all built-in, as well as the battery, but General Imaging says that’s what consumers asked for. Point. And. Shoot. The most important feature of these cameras, for the fashionistas they’re geared toward, anyway, is that they were co-designed by Jason Wu, an exciting young New York fashion designer, and feature an assortment of color choices and leather finishes.

New from HP is a lineup of affordable point-and-shoots, including the 12.2MP PW550 with 5x optical zoom and the 12MP CW450 with a 2.7-inch touch LDC.

The just announced Lowepro SlingShot AW series was the most exciting bag selection I saw today. Lowepro’s SlingShots have been wildly popular with photographers since they first came out five years ago because of the way they allow for rapid access to cameras and gear. For this new generation, they’ve made a few upgrades based on consumer feedback from the field to further enhance that experience, including the ability to carry a smaller tripod on the outside, and interior space for personal items besides camera gear.

Check back for more in-depth, hands-on looks at new cameras and gear over the next couple of days, as we traverse the crowded landscape of the PMA show floor.

Samsung DualView TL225 Review

February 18th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Articles, Camera Reviews

Text and Photos by Allison Gibson

I’ve been known to cut my husband’s head off. In pictures, that is. He’s several inches taller than me, and when we travel we tend to forgo asking strangers to take our photo for us, opting instead to go for the stretched-out-arm-double-self-portrait. Inevitably, he only makes it into the shot from the neck down, or in other cases, our faces crowd the frame so much that the picture might as well have been taken in our front yard rather than in front of the Eiffel Tower. Sure, there’s the Quick Pod, Arm Extending Self Portrait Device, which would allow for further extension beyond my limited arm’s length, but then I still couldn’t see a preview of the shot to frame it. And, let’s face it; I probably wouldn’t go through the trouble of hooking it up. I’ve seen hacks online where people have glued small mirrors to the front of their cameras to resolve this issue, but it hasn’t been until recently that a camera has existed to remedy this problem professionally. It’s been a long time coming.

The Samsung DualView TL225 boasts two LCD screens—a 3.5-inch touch screen on the back and a 1.5-inch front LCD, which allows you to see a live view of what the lens sees, in order to get a perfect shot. Ingenious, really. Though I don’t know what took so long for this feature to make its way to consumers, I give major credit to Samsung for being the first.

Specs

The TL225 has a 12.2-megapixel CCD image sensor and 4.6x optical zoom. The 4.9-22.5mm (35mm film equivalent: 27-124.2mm) f/3.5-5.9 wide angle Schneider-KREUZNACH lens allows for shooting wide landscape vistas and large groups of people. There is an expanded list of flash modes, beyond what is often seen in pocket cams, including: Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off and Red eye fix. The TL225 records High Definition video (1280×720p at 30fps) in H.264 format, and has a mini HDMI connector.

Interface

If you’re a fan of the touch screen interface, you’ll be a fan of the TL225. The camera body is virtually void of any protruding buttons, save for a small power button, an almost flat shutter release, a zoom toggle and a slim and flat playback button—all on top. The wide 3.5-inch LCD screen fills up the entire back of the camera, and its touch menu is about as good as I’ve seen before for navigating the menu layers and scrolling through shots in playback. A simple tap of obviously marked tabs and symbols takes you where you need to be, and the circular shooting mode menu scrolls smoothly. The touch screen uses “haptic” technology, which causes a little buzz to occur when you tap so that you get the reassuring sensation of having pressed a button and made a selection. Also, the Gesture UI allows for the camera to respond to your hand gesture in order to access certain features.

Shooting Modes

Harbor shot in Auto Mode

Harbor shot in “Sunset” Scene Mode

There is an assortment of shooting modes in the TL225, including: Auto, Program, Smart Auto (which automatically recognizes the scene and adjusts settings), and thirteen dedicated Scene Modes (including: Beauty Shot, Frame Guide, Night, Portrait, Children, Dawn, Sunset, Text, Close up, Landscape, Backlight, Fireworks and Beach & Snow). There is also Dual Image Stabilization (IS) mode, which uses both Optical (OIS)—for combating hand-shake—and Digital (DIS)—as a backup—to help you capture sharp, blur-free shots. In Program Mode you can select from an ISO range of 80-3200, or ISO Auto. You can also choose to shoot in Auto Focus Mode, Macro (for a focusing distance closer than 80cm) or Super Macro (for less than 3-8cm) in order to control depth of field as specifically as the point-and-shoot will allow.

DualView

The nice thing about the 1.5-inch front LCD on the TL225 is that it turns off and basically disappears if it’s not in use, so that you don’t go around promoting your shots to the world if you use the rear LCD to frame. Also, it lies underneath the glossy, black semiopaque casing of the camera, so it’s much more scratch resistant than the rear screen.

There are additional uses for the front LCD beyond giving you a live view of what the lens sees for self portrait taking. In Child Mode, built-in animations, such as a winking clown, keep the attention of squirming toddlers and crying babies. The Samsung website offers additional Child Mode Animations for free download as well. The Countdown Timer animation is another option to be viewed through the front LCD, so that you know when to smile and when not to blink as you wait for the self timer to release the shutter.

Inconveniences

My biggest complaint about the TL225 would be the memory issue. Samsung insists on using a Micro SD/SDHC to keep the camera slim and compact, but it ends up being a hassle for most of us whose card readers and arsenal of memory cards are of the SD/SDHC variation. At most, however, this is no more than an inconvenience; not really a flaw. The camera does come with about 55MB of internal memory as well.

Conclusion

All said, I’m a fan. Yes, mostly because of the DualView aspect, but also because I found the overall design and functionality of what could be a “gimmicky” camera to be very good. The $349.99 (MSRP) price tag is a response to the Schneider-KREUZNACH optics, the near flawless UI and the dual LCDs—not the comparable specs and image quality of point-and-shoots that can be found for well under $300. So, those are your options to weigh. Some people assume that the DualView TL225 is marketed only to those interested in vanity, but I think it’s worth considering how often you take self portrait shots, especially if you travel a lot. This is an innovation that goes far beyond vanity or gimmick in my opinion.

Samsung DualView TL225

Sony Announces Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 and DSC-H55

February 17th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, News

Breaking: Sony has announced two new slim and compact point-and-shoot cameras, just days before the PMA show in Anaheim. The Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 is “the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof camera” (up to ten feet deep), and is “certified to be freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, shockproof up to about a 5 foot-drop and dust proof.” The TX5 is also Sony’s first digital still camera with an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor. The 10.2MP CMOS image sensor marks a shift from the more common use of  the CCD (charged-couple device) image sensor usually found in point-and-shoot cameras, compared to the larger CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor found in D-SLRs. The TX5 also offer 10fps continuous burst shooting. It will be available in silver, black, pink, green, and red this April for about $350.

The DSC-H55 offers a 10x optical zoom Sony G lens with 25mm wide-angle (equivalent) and has a 14.1MP CCD sensor. Like the TX5, it lets you take panoramic shots in one sweeping motion with Sweep Panorama mode and has HD movie recording (1280 x 720 at 30p). The H55 will be available in black and silver this April for about $250. Find the full press release for both cameras below.

From Sony:

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 17, 2010 – Leading the industry in innovation and design, Sony today unveiled two new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras (models DSC-TX5 and DSC-H55).
Slim enough to fit in your pocket or purse at less than an inch thin — about the size of a deck of cards — the TX5 is the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof (up to 10 feet deep) digital still camera with Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization and touch operation. Additionally, the 10.2 megapixel model is Sony’s first digital still camera with an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor that is also certified to be freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, shockproof up to about a 5 foot-drop and dust proof.
“Only Sony can deliver a technology-packed, ultra slim, fashionable T-series camera that is also durable. Until now, you couldn’t have it all in one camera” said Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “It is so versatile because it’s a great camera for both indoor and outdoor usage. You can easily take it from a day at the beach with the kids to a cocktail party with friends. This camera is also great for activities such as snorkeling, snowboarding or boating.”
Waterproof, Freeze Proof, Shockproof and Dust Proof
Waterproof in up to 10 feet of water for an hour, the TX5 lets you take high-quality photos, including panoramic pictures, and 720p high definition videos of your friends, family or pets underwater. From the tropics to the top of the mountain, the camera is also freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can take pictures of the kids sledding or snowboarding. Not only is it ready for cold weather, but the TX5 is durable enough to withstand an accidental drop from up to approximately 5 feet. Additionally, it is dust proof, so you can take it with you on a camping trip or a mountain bike ride.
The camera features an “Exmor R” sensor and offers 10fps continuous burst shooting for capturing action shots, so you can get great photos of the perfect moment such as when your kids are in mid air while jumping into the pool. Additionally, the sensor provides outstanding low-light performance so you can take high-quality photos even after the sun sets.
In one easy press-and-sweep motion, take panoramic photos of the underwater landscape or breathtaking views from the top of the mountain using the Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature. Another benefit of the “Exmor R” sensor, this innovative feature combines separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and intelligently adjusts the width while stitching the images together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.
The camera features a three-inch (measured diagonally) Clear Photo LCD Plus™ (230,400 pixel) wide touch screen display that functions—even underwater. You can focus on your subject, operate the menu and share photos and videos with a touch of the screen—wet or dry.  Additionally, you can decorate your photos using the paint feature or scroll through images by simply sweeping your finger across the screen.
Shadows and Details Made Easy
In addition to making it easy to capture entire landscapes or tall buildings, the TX5 camera also helps to manage difficult lighting situations. The “Exmor R” CMOS sensor lets you take high-quality photos in low light without a flash. Additionally, the TX5 has a solution for backlight situations.
With in-camera multi-shot Backlight Correction High Dynamic Range (HDR), the camera combines highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image—even without a tripod. HDR offers a solution for strong backlight situations which typically result in either dark shadows in the foreground or a washed out background. Sony’s “Exmor R” sensor and BIONZ® processor help to correct these issues.
Sony also is introducing the H55 model, which offers high zoom in a compact design. The H55 camera’s 10x optical zoom Sony G lens with 25mm wide-angle (equivalent) takes better shots from greater distances and of wider landscapes. With a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor, this camera lets you take panoramic shots in one sweeping motion with Sweep Panorama™ mode. You can also frame and view photos on its three-inch (measured diagonally) Clear Photo™ LCD screen (230,400 pixels).
Featuring 720p movie recording, the H55 model offers Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization to help reduce blur in photos without compromising image quality. It also adds Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode, which lets you shoot smoother movie clips even if you are walking while shooting. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode allows a moveable lens element inside the camera to shift with greater range of motion—10 times the range of the Optical SteadyShot feature at wide end in standard mode—to compensate for camera shake.
The TX5 and H55 cameras share intelligent features including HD movie recording (1280 x 720 at 30p). Additionally, these cameras have a Self portrait timer that automatically takes the shot two seconds after one or two faces are detected, making hand held self-portraits easy. They also offer Smile Shutter™ technology to automatically capture smiles and iAUTO and Easy modes, which make it easy to get the best shot in nearly any lighting situation.
To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the TX5 and H55 cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick® (PRO Duo™) and class-four and above SD/SDHC formats.
Pricing and Availability
The TX5 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, green, and red this April for about $350, and the H55 camera will be available in black and silver this April for about $250. Pre-sales begin in February.
The cameras and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj Review

February 11th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Articles, Camera Reviews

Text and Photos by Allison Gibson

The Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj’s built-in projector seemed like a gimmick at first, but after using it, I found that the feature quickly moved beyond the realm of “party trick” into that of functionality. Boasting a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor, a 5x optical zoom 5-25mm f/1:3.9-5.8 Nikkor lens, and an ISO range from 80-6400, the COOLPIX S1000pj fares well against competitors in its category specs-wise. The compact Nikon camera feels sturdier in-hand than many other point-and-shoots, and looks more professional with its gunmetal black finish and bright 2.7-inch LCD.

Image Quality

The compact COOLPIX S1000pj is an impressive image taker for its class. This point-and-shoot camera doesn’t offer Manual shooting mode—or even Aperture or Shutter Priorities—but its Auto and Scene selections do tend to make the right setting choices for capturing crisp, vivid shots. The shooting modes offered are: Auto, Smart Portrait and Subject Tracking, as well as a solid lineup of Scene modes, including: Scene auto selector, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night portrait, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Night landscape, Close-up, Food, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Backlight and Panorama assist. It also shoots movies with sound (640 x 480 at 30fps). Capture is to 36MB internal memory or an SD/SDHC card.

Low-Light

The COOLPIX S1000pj also boasts a generous ISO range, though the numbers may impress more than the results. I was prepared for the worst when I set out to shoot at ISO 6400, but was actually impressed with the results once I did. Not surprisingly, there is a good amount of noise, but much less than I expected, and the images retained better detail than I expected as well. Still though, you probably don’t want to venture above ISO 800 to be safe. But being as this is a point-and-shoot camera, it is really meant to make taking pictures as simple as possible, and the Scene mode options listed above do the work for you quite well—even the modes meant for low-light shooting.

One seemingly insignificant feature of this camera that made me happy was the fact that whatever flash mode you set it to stays set even after you turn the camera off. Too often with point-and-shoot cameras, you turn the Auto flash mode off and then next time you go to take a shot, the flash is back on again by default, forcing you to take the step to turn it off again before each shot.

Projecting Your Pictures

The stand-out feature of the Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj—and most definitely the reason for the $430.00 price tag—is the built-in projector, which allows you to display your photos and videos directly from the camera (via internal memory or SD/SDHC card) onto a blank wall or projector screen. The camera comes bundled with two small, plastic projector stands, but I found them to be unnecessary, as setting the camera on any flat surface works. I even projected images stably onto a brick wall in downtown Los Angeles while holding the camera in my hand. There is a sliding focus adjustor on top of the camera to make sure the projections are sharp. You can set the camera to project a slideshow of all of your images, or just share one, and there is a remote control so that you can step away and control the projector from elsewhere.

The projector has up to 10 lumens of brightness, and its throw distance is 10-inches to 6-feet 6-inches. According to Nikon the battery endurance when running the projector is approximately one hour (on a fully charged battery).

Handling The Camera

The COOLPIX S1000pj is compact and thin enough to fit in a pocket, but it feels sturdy compared to the plasticky lightness—okay, cheapness—of many small point-and-shoot cameras. At 5.5 ounces, it is actually heavier than most others, and the brushed metal surface of the face-plate adds a stylish sophistication to the look of it. I supposed if you’re going to have Ashton Kutcher hold one in ads, it had better look good.

As is almost always the case with point-and-shoots, the S1000pj lacks an optical viewfinder, but the 2.7-inch LCD with anti-reflection coating is bright and clear. The small selection of buttons to the right of the LCD are what you’d expect: the camera button for switching between shooting modes, playback, menu, delete and the four-way control for flash, exposure compensation, macro mode and self-timer. The projector button is conveniently located on top of the camera, right next to the focus slider, on/off button and shutter release. The digital menu is easily navigable and zooming in and out with the toggle on top of the camera is smooth.

It’s Really All About That Projector

Though the COOLPIX S1000pj does have many of the features one would want in a stylish and slightly more advanced point-and-shoot camera, the feature that really sets it apart is the built-in mini projector. This feature is admittedly impressive, and useful, and I imagine we will see it become more common in the near future (Sony is reported to be working on it, according to Photo Rumors). However, you would have to decide whether it’s worth the approximately $150.00 more you’ll likely be paying for it since cameras with similar specs and no projector can be found for well under $300.00, even by Nikon.

Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj

Canon Announces Four New PowerShot Cameras

February 8th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, News

Canon today added four new cameras to their PowerShot lineup, including the 14.1MP SX210 IS, which shoots HD video (720p), and which will be available in late March for $349.99. Also announced were the SD 3500 IS, the SD1400 IS and the SD1300 IS.

From Canon:

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the addition of four new PowerShot Digital cameras, the PowerShot SX210 IS, PowerShot SD3500 IS, PowerShot SD1400 IS and PowerShot SD1300 IS, offering today’s photographer a compelling blend of cutting-edge photo capture technology and superior styling. The new PowerShot cameras offer increased shooting flexibility in a number of settings through advancements to the Smart Auto mode while offering greater photo personalization and enhanced creativity with new Scene Modes and Image effects. The addition of Fish-eye and Miniature Effect modes help photographers add a creative element or lend a humorous look and feel when capturing images of their favorite household pet or landscape scene.

From untimely blinks and awkward smirks to hard to shoot back-lit situations, the compact PowerShot SX210 IS, PowerShot SD3500 IS and PowerShot SD1400 IS cameras offer a variety of technologies to secure the best pictures under the most challenging conditions. In addition to the Face Detection self-timer, the new Smart Shutter scene mode now has Smile and Wink self-timers where the camera looks for a wink or smile which will act as the trigger and release the camera’s shutter.

The advances to Canon’s Smart Auto mode increases the number of shooting scenarios where each PowerShot camera can automatically adjust to different lighting or movement levels to obtain the best image possible. In addition, Canon’s Smart FE (Flash Exposure) function improves image quality by automatically adding the optimum level of flash illumination, aperture, ISO and shutter speed while the Low Light Mode features a wide ISO range (up to 6400), allowing more light to be captured creating sharper more vivid images and further enhancing the overall quality.

“The new Canon PowerShot Digital cameras are designed for consumers seeking a blend of eye-catching style and advanced image capture technology in a compact, easy-to-use form,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Offering a unique blend of features and functionality including new Scene Modes, Smart FE and Smart Shutter, Canon once again brings image-taking and personal photography expression to new levels.”

For users interested in expanding beyond still images, three of the four new PowerShot cameras announced today have the ability to shoot 720p High Definition (HD) video offering extraordinary resolution and clarity when capturing moments such as a child’s dance recital or the latest trip to the local zoo. Also, the built-in HDMI mini-connector allows play-back of video and photos on an HDTV. With the camera tethered to a computer and the included software, movies can be uploaded directly to YouTube via the Camera Window. To further enhance a users ability to capture images and video, all of the new Canon PowerShot Digital cameras will support the high-spec SDXC memory cards with a maximum storage capacity of two terabytes (TB) in SDA standard.

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is designed for the photographer seeking HD video and brilliant image quality in a stylish, compact camera. Featuring a 28mm wide-angle lens with 14x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilization, the PowerShot SX210 IS allows users to capture dramatic close-ups or broad landscapes with ease, while the 14.1-Megapixel resolution ensures stunning image quality. Available in three bold color variations, black, purple and gold, additional features include a 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for improved visibility and glare reduction with enhanced Control Dial with Hints and Tips. For shooting video, the PowerShot SX210 IS has the ability to zoom optically, shoot in stereo sound and has Dynamic Mode Image Stabilization for improved image clarity. Users embracing the freedom of wireless data transfer can connect directly to PCs through Eye-Fi memory cards1. The PowerShot SX210 IS is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS Digital Camera:

The Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the ELPH series through the combination of superior image capture functionality and Canon’s touch screen technology. The camera’s large 3.5-inch wide LCD touch screen enables intuitive operation as users can customize their photo settings by simply dragging icons to their preferred on-screen location, then utilizing “tap” operations to switch between images during playback. A 24mm ultra-wide angle lens with 5x Optical Zoom gets more in your shot, like that family vacation at the Grand Canyon or the Empire State Building while Optical Image Stabilization ensure blur free images at full telephoto. The 14.1-Megapixel resolution delivers stunning images and the HD quality video further adds to the overall allure of this new PowerShot Digital camera. Available in three elegant color variations, black, silver and pink, the PowerShot SD3500 IS is also compatible with Eye-Fi memory cards for wireless transfer of video and photo files to PCs1. The PowerShot SD3500 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $329.99.

Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS Digital Camera:

The Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS is the ideal choice for the on-the-go, spontaneous photographer seeking outstanding performance in a super-slim camera. Measuring less than one inch in thickness, the sleek PowerShot SD1400 IS features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization and 14.1-Megapixel resolution for outstanding photo and HD video quality. Available in four vibrant color variations, pink, orange, silver and black, the PowerShot SD1400 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $249.99.

Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS Digital Camera:

The Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS delivers outstanding value for the consumer seeking a stylish, highly functional digital camera. The PowerShot SD1300 IS features a 28mm wide angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization, 12.1-Megapixel resolution, and enlarged 2.7 -inch PureColor System LCD screen offering superior visibility. Available in five color variations, silver, pink, green, blue and brown, the PowerShot SD1300 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $199.99.

Nikon Announces Seven New COOLPIX Cameras

February 3rd, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, News

Nikon has added seven new cameras to their COOLPIX lineup, including the 10.3MP CMOS sensor P100, which shoots full HD video (1080p) and has a 26x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED lens; the 14.2MP 26x optical zoom S8000; and the 12.1MP 15x optical zoom L110.

From Nikon:

At the forefront of product innovation and market firsts, Nikon Inc. today introduced seven new COOLPIX compact digital cameras, marrying performance and design for an enhanced user experience. Building on the success of the COOLPIX brand, Nikon continues to lead innovation in game-changing categories, including the introduction of a CMOS sensor and 26x optical zoom lens into the flagship Performance Series with the new COOLPIX P100. Because of the growing popularity of content-generation and High Definition (HD) video, Nikon has equipped five of its new COOLPIX cameras with HD movie capabilities, making creating and sharing memories fun and easy. A hallmark of the COOLPIX line, Nikon offers elegantly designed compact cameras in vibrant must-have colors to suit personal style, including the new COOLPIX S8000, COOLPIX S6000, COOLPIX S4000, COOLPIX S3000 and COOLPIX L22. Additionally, the new COOLPIX L110 offers 15x super zoom and HD video recording with stereo sound and easy shooting versatility.
“These latest Nikon COOLPIX cameras reflect the easy-to-use technology in compact and stylish cameras that consumers have come to expect from Nikon,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “With new features such as HD movie and long-zoom shooting capabilities, these COOLPIX cameras empower consumers with powerful, yet easy-to-use features that also serve as an expression of personal style.”
The Nikon COOLPIX cameras incorporate Nikon’s world-class NIKKOR lenses, delivering accurate detail and brilliant color, as well as Nikon’s EXPEED™ digital image processing concept, which helps to ensure high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness. A new enhancement in select camera models is Advanced Flash Control, which creates a more natural-looking appearance in low-light settings. Other COOLPIX features include Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization, which minimizes blur that may appear in pictures, even in low-light or unsteady conditions while shooting handheld; and Scene Auto Selector, which automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts camera settings accordingly.  Also, the new Night Landscape Mode found in the P100 combines a series of consecutive shots into a single, clearer image with low noise when photographing at night. Adding to the overall functionality, many of the new models sport an easily accessible video record button to make recording movies a one-step process. To make sharing images and HD video fun and easy, many of the new COOLPIX cameras also feature enhanced HDMI connectivity.
New COOLPIX P100 Digital Camera Features 26x Super Telephoto-Zoom Lens and CMOS Technology for Shooting Versatility
Nikon continues its commitment to high performance in the compact digital camera category, offering photo enthusiasts ultra long-zoom capabilities, high-speed action and shooting versatility in a compact body. New to the COOLPIX line, the P100 is the first Nikon COOLPIX camera to incorporate a 10.3-megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor, which enables high-speed shooting at 10 frames per second (fps) at full resolution and exceptional image quality even when shooting in low-light settings. Other functions benefitting from the lower noise and exceptional image quality of the new CMOS image sensor include an in-camera high dynamic range (HDR) function, which merges images of the same scene to achieve a single image with a broader range of tonal detail.
Additionally, a Night Landscape Mode combines a series of consecutive shots taken into a single image, with reduced noise. An expansive 26mm wide-angle to 678mm super-telephoto 26x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens brings users closer to the action, which can be utilized while capturing Full HD movies (1080p) with stereo sound recording. The P100 also features a high-speed Sport Continuous Mode for shooting up to 120 fps (1.1 MP) and a pre-shooting cache to help ensure users never miss a shot.
Additional COOLPIX P100 features include: 3.0-inch vari-angle 460,000-dot Clear Color Display LCD; Electronic Viewfinder; 5-way hybrid VR Image Stabilization System for crisp, blur-free photos; Mode Dial; Active D-Lighting; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System.
The P100 will be available in March 2010, and retails for $399.95 MSRP.

New COOLPIX S8000 Digital Camera Boasts 10x Zoom, Ultra-High Resolution 3.0-Inch LCD Screen and Enhanced Creativity with Class-Leading* Slim Design
Built on the success of Nikon’s previous long-zoom compact cameras, the new 14.2-megapixel COOLPIX S8000 is the thinnest camera in its class*, featuring a powerful and versatile 10x (30mm to 300mm) telephoto Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens to capture incredibly sharp, crisp images. Additionally, the S8000 has the ability to record HD movies (720p) at 30 fps with built-in stereo sound recording, and also features a 3.0-inch ultra-high resolution 921,000-dot Clear Color Display LCD for composing and sharing images or movies.
Allowing the user to enjoy more creative freedom with convenient in-camera functions, the COOLPIX S8000 features the Creative Slider, a fun new way to apply effects when shooting in Auto Mode. Brightness, saturation and hue can be adjusted using the Rotary Multi Selector, all while watching a real-time preview on the camera’s LCD monitor. The COOLPIX S8000 also features new functions to enhance image quality in dark settings, including Advanced Flash Control to enable users to create more natural-looking flash shots by utilizing higher ISO settings and faster shutter speeds in low light.
Additional COOLPIX S8000 features include: High ISO up to 3200; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; ultra-fast start-up; Sport Continuous Mode up to approximately 3 fps for 45 frames (3 MP); Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and an ultra-stylish design.
The COOLPIX S8000 will be available in February 2010 for $299.95 MSRP in a choice of colors, including black, red, bronze and champagne silver.
The New COOLPIX S6000 Digital Camera Delivers Super Slim Design and Fast Response
The new COOLPIX S6000 blends style and performance into a compact, go-anywhere package. Measuring at only 25mm (approximately 1.0-inch) in depth, the COOLPIX S6000 is the thinnest in its class**. With a versatile 7x wide-angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, users can capture the action near and far. The COOLPIX S6000 includes a bright 2.7-inch 230,000-dot Clear Color Display LCD and the ability to record HD movies (720p) at 30 fps.
Additional COOLPIX S6000 features include: 14.2-megapixel resolution; ISO 3200; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Ultra-fast start-up (approx. 0.75 sec.); HDMI Connectivity; Sport Continuous Mode approximately 3 fps for 45 frames (3 MP); Advanced Flash Control; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and a sleek design.
The COOLPIX S6000 will be available in March 2010 for $249.95 MSRP in a choice of colors, including champagne silver, black, red and bronze.
The New COOLPIX S4000 Digital Camera Combines Stylish Design with Intuitive Touch Controls
Integrating sleek design and intuitive touch operation, the new COOLPIX S4000 digital camera is all about the user experience. Whether it’s recording HD movies or exploring creative possibilities, the COOLPIX S4000 places the camera’s controls at the touch of a finger. The COOLPIX S4000 incorporates a new 3.0-inch, high-resolution touch-panel 460,000-dot Clear Color Display LCD which makes it easy to compose, review and share pictures. Advanced touch features include Touch Shutter, allowing users to select their subject with a single touch on the screen to adjust focus and exposure, and to automatically release the shutter, as well as Subject Tracking to automatically follow and focus on a subject selected by touching the screen.
The COOLPIX S4000 features 12-megapixel resolution; a 4x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; ISO 3200; HD movie (720p); 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and a sleek design.
The COOLPIX S4000 will be available in March 2010 for $199.95 MSRP in a choice of vibrant colors, including plum, champagne silver, pink, red and black.
New COOLPIX S3000 Style Setter in Sleek Design, Vivid Colors
Sleek design, eye-catching colors and innovative technology make the COOLPIX S3000 the ideal tool to express one’s personal style. Measuring at just 19mm (approximately 0.8 inches) in depth, the COOLPIX S3000’s stylish looks and color options make it a great camera for capturing and sharing memories on the go.
The COOLPIX S3000 features 12-megapixel resolution; a 4x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR lens; ISO 3200; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and a colorful yet compact design.
The COOLPIX S3000 will be available in March 2010 for $149.95 MSRP and comes in a vivid array of colors, including orange, green, blue, plum, black and champagne silver.

New COOLPIX L110 Delivers Uncomplicated Awe-Inspiring Zoom
Optimized for action shots, high-powered zoom and simple operation, the COOLPIX L110 is equipped and ready to easily capture life’s precious moments up close or far away with stunning quality and clarity.  The ideal choice for consumers seeking a fully-featured long zoom camera at a great value, the COOLPIX L110 achieves its versatility through its 15x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens. Covering a focal length from a wide 28mm to 420mm super-telephoto, the lens’ broad focal range can readily handle the task of capturing all of life’s events, including action shots at the kid’s soccer game or stunning landscapes from the family vacation. The COOLPIX L110 also features Sport Continuous Mode, allowing users to capture the best highlights from the stands or the sidelines. The power-efficient L110 digital camera can shoot approximately 840 still images or record seven hours*** of HD video with a set of four AA Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries, which are included with the L110. Nikon EN-MH2 Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, which are available separately, can also be used for rechargeable convenience.

Additional COOLPIX L110 features include: 12.1-megapixel resolution; 3.0-inch high-resolution 460,000-dot Clear Color Display LCD; HD movie (720p) with Optical Zoom and Auto Focus while recording video and a built-in stereo microphone; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System; Smart Portrait System; Scene Auto Selector.
The COOLPIX L110 will be available February 2010 for $279.95 MSRP and will be offered in black or red.
New COOLPIX L22 Digital Camera is Compact and Easy To Use at an Affordable Price
The COOLPIX L22 is the ideal camera for consumers who are looking to easily capture all of life’s memories at an affordable price, but without compromising performance. The COOLPIX L22 features 12- megapixel resolution for stunning image detail, a 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR lens for creative compositional freedom, while a huge bright 3.0-inch 230,000-dot LCD screen makes sharing and composing photos enjoyable.
Additional COOLPIX L22 features include: 3-way VR Image Stabilization System; Smart Portrait System; Easy Auto Mode and can be powered by two AA-batteries or Nikon EN-MH2 Ni-MH rechargeable batteries which are available separately.
The COOLPIX L22 will be available in February 2010, for $129.95 MSRP and will be offered in various colors, including black, red, blue and champagne silver.

Pentax Announces Three New Cameras

January 27th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog

Pentax’s new 12.1MP Optio I-10 seems to have taken its style cues from Leica, the way Sigma’s DP2 and Olympus’ E-P2 recently have—conjuring the classic film SLRs.  Also announced were the equally retro looking 12.1MP Optio H90 and the super affordable 10MP Optio E90.

From Pentax:

PENTAX Imaging Company announced three new digital cameras with designs so unique that not one can be labeled as “just another silver digital camera.”
Most unique is the slim and stylish PENTAX Optio I-10 with a design inspired by the classic look of film SLR cameras.  This head-turning first model in the new Optio I line features a flash unit and speaker in the upper mid-section of the SLR-shaped body while the camera’s front panel is embellished with high quality leatherette texture and the classic PENTAX logo placed front and center. The Optio I-10 features a wide angle, 5X optical zoom lens (28mm-140mm equivalent), a 12.1 megapixel  high resolution CCD sensor, a 2.7 inch widescreen LCD, and HD video capture at 720p and 30 FPS.  For optimal image capture, the camera features a mechanical sensor shift Shake Reduction system and improved Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology for blur-free images as well as Smile Capture, Blink Detection and improved Face Detection that spots up to 32 faces including dogs and cats.  The Optio I-10 is remote control compatible (sold separately) and will ship in February 2010 in a choice of Classic Black and Pearl White for $299.95 USD.

PENTAX also announced the Optio H90 digital camera with a clean, contemporary design that is as in style in a museum of modern art as at a concert or sporting event.  Developed with the concept of “functional beauty” in mind, the fashionable and affordable Optio H90 offers a full assortment of features to capture a variety of subjects and scenes.  This first model in the new Optio H line features a wide angle 5X optical zoom lens (28mm-140mm equivalent), a 12.1 megapixel high resolution CCD sensor,  and widescreen HD video capture at 720p and 30 FPS.  Improved Pixel Track Shake Reduction technology captures blur-free images and the Face Detection, Smile Capture, and Blink Detection functions help users create better portraits.  The Optio H90 will ship in February 2010 in a choice of Orange-Silver, Matte Black and Ceramic White for $179.95.
Both the PENTAX Optio I-10 and Optio H90 offer Eye-Fi connectivity capability for use with Eye-Fi wireless memory cards.

The latest model in the easy-to-operate, affordable Optio E series is the PENTAX Optio E90.  Priced at just $99.95 USD, the Optio E90 features a 10 megapixel CCD, a 3X wide angle zoom (32mm-96mm equivalent) and a large 2.7 inch LCD housed in a luxurious rubber coated body for a sure grip.

Olympus FE-5020 Review

January 13th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Articles, Camera Reviews

Text and Photos by Allison Gibson

A Super Wide-Angle Point-and-Shoot

When shopping for a compact point-and-shoot camera, there are a slew of features to consider, and they vary based on what is most important to you as a photographer. If you have kids who play sports, you probably want to look for a camera that has a fast shutter speed or maybe a scene mode meant for precisely that type of shooting. If you like to have a camera handy for parties, you want to make sure the image quality is good in low-light. Other things to look for are: zoom, flash, shooting modes, video, battery life, display and ergonomics. The slim, 12-megapixel CCD image sensor Olympus FE-5020 is a slick and stylish point-and-shoot that, for only $159.99 (MSRP), boasts high marks in many of the above categories.

Super Wide-Angle

The 4.3-21.5mm f/3.3-5.8 Olympus lens lives up to the hype of the FE-5020 being a “super wide-angle” camera, as it’s being billed by the manufacturer. To get closer to specific parts of the action, the FE-5020 offers 5x optical zoom, controlled by a quickly responsive thumb toggle to the right of the LCD. It is an unpleasant but not surprising detail to many photographers who prefer to compose shots with a viewfinder that this low-priced point-and-shoot lacks one. However, the large, bright 2.7-inch LCD offers expansive coverage of the wide shots.

Shooting Modes

The FE-5020 offers Intelligent Auto (iAuto) shooting mode, Program Auto mode and Digital Image Stabilization Plus mode, as well as a large assortment of specialty Scene Modes, including: Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Beach + Snow and Pet. Additionally, there are “Magic Filters,” which include: Pop Art, Pinhole and Fisheye—if you can get to them in the LCD menu, that is. You can only access the Magic Filters option from the Menu button if you are in the Program Auto shooting mode, and once you get to them in the digital menu, they are untitled and offer only a dark thumbnail shot of what the filter will look like when applied. But however difficult Olympus makes it to get to the Magic Filters, they do deliver good results once they are in use. The Fisheye filter offers a much truer rendition of the effect that a real Fisheye lens gives, as compared to the Fisheye Art Filter in the recently reviewed Pentax K-x D-SLR.

The FE-5020 also shoots video (640×480, 30/15fps)—though not High Definition—with sound, which does well to capture sharp footage if the available light is sufficient.

Highs & Lows

With its sophisticated looks, compact size, super wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom, the Olympus FE-5020 is a well-priced point-and-shoot camera, however not without a few issues. The shutter release button has a wobbly, unstable feel to it, making it difficult to focus and take quick, precise shots instantly. The shot-to-shot lag time also leaves much to be desired. The built-in flash is much too bright, washing out shots with its overly harsh light in most ambient lighting situations.

The image quality is good, however, in low-light if you punch up the ISO. From ISO 64-400 it does great, and at 800 only a little noise starts to show up. At ISO 1600 you begin to see heavy noise.

The FE-5020’s AF (auto focus) Tracking, which Olympus bills as “automatically tracking moving subjects and continuously adjusting the focus and brightness to capture them sharply with ease,” didn’t always meet that standard for me in capturing a busy, low-lit Los Angeles outdoor night scene.

A great thing about this camera, though, is the outstanding battery life. It uses a Li-ion Rechargeable Battery (LI-42B), which lasts 150 shots according to the manufacturer, and seemed to last even longer than that for me—which was impressive considering that the LCD is always on due to the lack of a viewfinder.

The FE-5020 has 48MB of internal memory, and is xD-Picture Card and microSD (with optional adapter) compatible, which was admittedly inconvenient for me, as my card reader didn’t read the Olympus xD-Picture Card that I tested the camera with. A more accessible SD or SDHC would be a better choice for Olympus to go with. Of course, the camera comes bundled with a USB cable to retrieve images.

Overall, the thin and lightweight Olympus FE-5020—which comes in an assortment of jewel-toned finishes, including wine red, royal blue and dark gray—is a well-priced point-and-shoot with many of the features you may be looking for, plus more. It has a large, bright LCD, a large assortment of auto shooting modes and filters, advanced Face Detection (up to 16 faces), and the TruPic III Image Processor delivers sharp results that you can blow up to poster sized prints.

Olympus FE-5020

Panasonic Announces Lumix DMC-F3

January 8th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, CES, Cameras, News

At CES, Panasonic has announced the new Lumix DMC-F3 12.1MP “entry-level” compact camera, which boasts 4x optical zoom and HD video (1280 x 720p/30fps).

From Panasonic:

Panasonic today introduces a new entry-level digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-F3, which has been designed with simplicity in mind, without overlooking the importance of style and performance. The 12.1-Megapixel LUMIX DMC-F3 has an impressive 4x optical zoom, considering its small size, as well as Panasonic’s shooting-assistant, Auto Scene Mode. The LUMIX F3 also records dynamic High Definition video in 1280 x 720p, at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480).  The LUMIX F3 is equipped with a 28mm wide-angle lens, a high-sensitivity CCD, and an Extra Optical Zoom function which extends zoom power to 7.8x, plus a 2.7” 230,000-dot resolution LCD designed so the user can clearly see it while shooting still photos and videos.

“The Panasonic LUMIX F3 was designed for the casual and frequent user who wants a digital camera that is not only small and stylish in design, but that has sophisticated features to help enrich the photo-taking experience,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronic Company. “With extended zoom and Auto Scene Mode, the Panasonic LUMIX F3 can take high-quality photos and videos, while still being easy-to-use and small enough to fit in your pocket.”

Other features include, Auto Scene Mode, which when activated, includes the following three shooting-assist functions:

·   Intelligent ISO Control prevents the blurring of a moving subject by optimizing shutter speed and ISO settings to render sharp, clear images. On the LUMIX F3, unwanted red-eyes are digitally corrected and backlight compensation automatically activates.

·   Face Detection helps to clearly capture registered faces and focus on faces with the appropriate exposure.  This is helpful when trying to focus on one person within a group.

·   Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects one of six scene modes that best suits the shooting situation – Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery.

Additionally, the Panasonic LUMIX F3 also has a Digital Image Stabilizer which helps suppress hand-shake and prevent blurry photos.  The Panasonic LUMIX F3 has an auto power LCD function which detects light conditions and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by a maximum of 40% when shooting outdoors to secure clarity and visibility of the screen. In addition to supporting conventional SD/SDHC Memory Cards, the LUMIX F3 is compatible with SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic’s newly announced 48 GB* and 64 GB SDXC Memory Cards – to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds. The LUMIX F3 is compatible with Windows 7**.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F3 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.  The Panasonic LUMIX F3 will come in silver and black models.  For more information on these LUMIX models, please visit: www.panasonic.com/ces2010.

*GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes.  Usable capacity will be less.
** Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Check out the New Issue of DP!

December 2nd, 2009 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, News

The new issue of Digital Photographer features profiles on top photographers, including renowned night/low-light photographer, Jill Waterman, and fine art photographer, David Julian. The issue also features hands-on reviews of new D-SLRs, compact cameras and camcorders,  including: The Canon Rebel T1i, the Sony A330, the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000, the Sigma DP-2 and the Sony HDR-XR520V. Also, check out reviews of the latest optic swap system from Lensbaby and Nik’s Dfine 2.0 noise-reducing software. Brush up on your understanding of focal length with a Back to Basics article and learn about special effects in video production.

Of course, there are always the columns you love: Digital Insider, Exposure and Inside the Image, which features the work of a DP reader. Learn how your photograph could be featured in the next issue here. We look forward to your feedback on the new issue, and as always, you can catch us on Twitter for up to the minute photo world news and Facebook for photo community discussions.