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August 31, 2004

Digital Camera with 3 inch LCD Screen

Oregon Scientific in the UK offers a 3MP digital camera with a huge 3 inch LCD screen. Why Sony did not go for a bigger screen in the new Sony DSC-T3 is a bit strange.

The Oregon Scientific PV100 features 2x digital zoom and 16MB on board. It uses SD Memory Cards. It sells for 199 pounds in the UK. More details on Oregon Scientific Site.

Posted by i4u at 8:23 AM | TrackBack

New Sony DSC-L1

Sony releases the Sony DSC-L1 which features 4.1MP and 3X optical zoom in a very small package. The Cyber-shot DSC-L1 measures Measuring 95.25 x 44.45 x 25.4mm.

The DSC-L1 incorporates a 1.5 inch transflective LCD screen and a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 3X optical zoom lens.
With Memory Stick Pro Duo the L1 can record video with 640x480 pixel resolution at 30 frames per second.


The Cyber-shot DSC-L1 camera will come in four colors and finishes: brushed silver, dark blue matte, black and a striking dark red piano gloss. The silver DSC-L1 camera will be available in mid-October, and the blue, black and red models will follow in January, each for about $300. More details on Sony Press-Release.

So Sony and Casio made already their announcements for the Christmas season. Still more new cameras to come.

Posted by i4u at 12:43 AM | TrackBack

Sony DSC-T3 5MP Ultra-Slim Digital Camera

Sony releases the DSC-T3, the follow-up model to Sony DSC-T1 and DSC-T11.

Update 30/11/04:
New Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 Review

The Sony DSC-T3 is again the thinnest Sony 5MP digital Camera measuring in at less than three-quarters of an inch. The New DSC-T3 is faster. It shoots bursts of up to four full-resolution images at three frames per second.
The T3 camera incorporates a built-in, electrically operated lens cover that opens instantly when the camera is activated. With a single push of the power button, it springs to life in under a second.
The DSC-T3 features a 2.5" screen with a Transflective Clear Photo LCD for better image viewing with less reflection.
More details in Sony Press-Release.

The new Sony DSC-T3 camera will be available in October for about $500.


Sony DSC-T3 Specification:
Imaging Device: 1/2.4" 5.1 Megapixel Effective Super HAD™ CCD

Recording Media: Memory Stick Duo™ Media, Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media

Lens Construction: 11 Elements in 8 Groups (Including 3 Aspheric Elements,

1 Prism)

Zoom: 3X Optical, 2X Digital Zoom, 0 – 4X Smart Zoom™ Feature (depending on

resolution). Up to 12X Total Zoom (depending on resolution)

Filter Diameter: N/A

Focal Length: 6.7 – 20.1mm

35mm Equivalent: 38 – 114mm

Aperture: f3.5 – f5.6 (W), f4.4 – f10.0 (T)

Focus: 5 Area Multi-Point AF, 5 Step Manual Preset

Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7" (50cm)

Macro Focus Distance: Selectable 3.1" (8cm), Magnifying Glass Mode 0.4" (1cm)

Shutter Speed: Auto (1/8 – 1/1000 sec), Program Auto (1 – 1/1000 sec),

High Speed (1/250 – 1/1000 sec)

Aperture Range: f3.5 – f4.4

Exposure Compensation: ±2.0EV, 1/3EV steps

Color LCD: 2.5" 230K TFT Pixels Hybrid LCD Screen

Flash Modes: Auto/Forced On/Forced Off/Slow Synchro

Red-Eye Reduction: On/Off

Flash Effective Range: 3 7⁄8" – 5' 1⁄4" (0.1 – 1.7m)

White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash

Burst Mode: 9 Shot (5MP), 13 Shot (3MP), 30 Shot (1 MP) 100 (VGA) 1.1 FPS

Speed Burst Mode: 4 Shot (5MP JPEG Fine) 3 FPS

Picture Effects: Black & White, Sepia

ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400

Scene Modes: Beach, Candle, Fireworks, High Speed Shutter, Landscape,

Magnifying Glass Mode, Snow, Twilight, Twilight Portrait

Self-Timer: Yes, 10 Seconds

Audio/Video Output: Yes, by Supplied Cyber-shot® Station & Cable

Still Image Modes: JPEG (Fine/Standard), Burst, Auto Bracketing

MPEG Movie Mode: MPEG VX Fine (640 X 480, 30 fps) with Audio,

(MPEG VX Fine Requires Memory Stick PRO™ media)

MPEG VX Standard (640 X 480, 16.6 fps) with Audio,

Video Mail (160 x 112, 8.3fps) with Audio

Microphone/Speaker: Yes/Yes

USB Terminal: Yes, by Supplied Multi-connector Cable, Supports USB 2.0 Hi-speed

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Compatibility*: Tested to support up to

512MB media capacity; does not support Access Control security function

Battery Type/Capacity: InfoLithium® NP-FT1, 2.4W (680mAh)

Supplied Software: Picture Package™ for Sony v1.1 (Windows), Pixela™

ImageMixer VCD2 (Macintosh) ImageData Converter v1.5

(Macintosh), USB Driver, Cyber-shot Life tutorial (Windows)

OS Compatibility: Microsoft® Windows® 98, 98SE, 2000 Professional, Me, XP

Home and Professional

Macintosh® OS 8.5.1, 8.6/ 9.0 - 9.2/ X (10.0, 10.1)

Posted by i4u at 12:37 AM | TrackBack

August 28, 2004

Ultra Slim Digital Cameras Compared

Duncan Koza (dunkweb) sent us an excellent comparison sheet of ultra-slim digital cameras. Duncan only included what he calls good digital cameras. He left out the smaller low performance cameras (see I4U World's Smallest Digital Camera Guide.
The Kyocera Fincam SL400R is the thinnest with 15mm. Duncan still identifies the Sony DSC-T1 as his favorite. The comparison already includes the new Casio Cameras, which are not on the market yet. We added Compare Prices links to the cameras, which are the market. Best is to maximize the browser to view the comparison table.

Posted by i4u at 12:26 AM | TrackBack

August 26, 2004

Casio QV-R61 6MP Digital Camera

Casio announces the new Casio AV-R61 Digital Camera.

The Casio QV-R61 reprensents the new flagship for the Casio QV-R series. it a 2.0 inch TFT LCD screen and a 3x optical zoom lens in a compact aluminum body.
The QV-R61 has improved performance and features a 0.01 second shutter release lag time, and high speed continuous shooting of up to 3 photos in 1 second.
More details in Casio Press-Release.


Casio QV-R61 Specification:

Recording Element	1/1.8 inch square pixel primary colour CCD ( 6.37 million total pixels; 6 million effective pixels)
File Record Format	Still Images: JPEG (Exif. Ver. 2.2), DCF standard, DPOF compliant Movies: AVI (Motion JPEG), Audio: WAV (Monaural)
Recording Medium	Built-in flash memory (approx. 9. 7MB), SD / MMC compliant
Recorded File Sizes	Image size (pixels) Resolution / recording time File size Built-in memory (8.9 MB) SD Card 64MB * 1 Still Images 2816 x 2112 Fine 2.9MB 3 20 Normal 2.3MB 4 25 Economy 1.6MB 5 36 640 x 480 Fine 190KB 46 294 Normal 140KB 61 386 Economy 90KB 98 618 Movies 320x240   300KB/sec. (15fps) 30 secs 3 mins 25 sec *1 Matsushita products. Capacity differs according to manufacturer. All values are approximate
Lens	F2.8 (W) to 4.9 (T); f=8 (W) to 24 (T) mm (equivalent to approx. 39 to 117 mm in 35mm format)
Zoom	3x optical zoom; 4x digital zoom (12x total when optical and digital zooms are used in combination)
Focusing	Contrast type Auto Focus (selectable between spot and multi); macro mode; infinity mode; manual focus
Approximat Focus Range	Normal: 60cm to 8 ; Macro: 10 to 70cm
Exposure Control	Metering: Multi-pattern by imaging element , centre weighted, and spot Control: Program AE Exposure Compensation: -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Shutter	CCD electronic / mechanical shutter; 4 to 1/2000 shutter speed (including night mode)
Aperture	Auto; F2.8 / F4.8
White Balance	Auto; Fixed (6 modes); Manual
Sensitivity	Auto; ISO 64, ISO 125, ISO 250, ISO 500
Recording Functions	Still image; movies; BESTSHOT; auto macro; business shot; icon help; sharpness/colour saturation/contrast/flash intensity settings
Self-timer	10 seconds or 2 seconds; Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash	Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Red Eye Reduction Approximate Range: 0.6 to 2.6 metres (W); 0.6 to 2.1 metres (T)
Viewfinder	LCD screen, optical viewfinder
Monitor Screen	2. 0 ” digital interface TFT colour LCD, 84,960 pixels (354x240)
Playback	Zoom display (4x); 9 picture display; calendar; Slideshow function
Timekeeping	Date and time recorded with image data; auto calendar up to year 2049
World Time	162 cities (32 time zones); city names; date and time
Other features	10 language setting; trimming; resize; histogram; grid; album feature; favourites folder; copy; alarm with image; key customize
Input/Output Terminals	External power (DC3V); USB (Mini-B) terminals
Power Requirements	AA size Nickel metal hydride battery x 2; AA size lithium-ion battery x 2; AA size Alkaline battery x 2; AC adaptor
Battery life	Approx. 280 images (CIPA standard) Continuous recording: approx. 900 images (2 hrs 30 mins) * Continuous playback: approx 4 hrs 20 mins (still images) *recording wide / tele alternatively each 10 secs, LCD on, flash off (When using the bundled nickel metal hydride batteries)
Dimensions	88.3(W) x 60.4(H) x 33.4(D) mm (excl. projections)
Weight	Approx. 168g (excl. battery and accessories)
Bundled Accessories	Nickel metal hydride battery x 2; Battery charger; USB Cable; Strap; CD-ROM

Posted by i4u at 2:26 AM | TrackBack

Casio EX-Z55 and EX-Z50 5MP Digital Cameras

Casio announces the Exilim Z55 and Z50 5MP Digital Cameras.

The Casio EX-Z55 features and impressive 2.5 inch screen, where as the EX-Z50 comes with a 2.0 inch viewing screen. The EX-Z50 and Z55 are the follow-on models the the Casio EX-Z40.
The EX-Z55 allows to take 400 pictures on a single battery charge, the EX-Z50 390 photos. Both cameras have 3X optical zoom. The EX-Z55 has the viewfinder in the screen.

The cameras will be available in October, MSRP $449.99 for the EX-Z55 and $399.99 for the EX-Z50. More details in Casio Press-Release.

EX-Z55/Z50 Specifications
Recording Element:		1/2.5-inch square pixel primary color CCD (5.25 million total pixels; 5 million effective pixels)
File Record Format:		Snapshots: JPEG (Exif. Ver. 2.2), DCF standard, DPOF compliant Movies: AVI (Motion JPEG), Audio: WAV (Monaural)
Recording Medium:		Built-in flash memory (9.3 MB image recordable area), SD memory card/Multi Media card compliant
Recorded Image Sizes:		Snapshots: 2560 X 1920 / 2560 X 1712 (3:2) / 2048 X 1536 / 1600 X 1200 / 1280 X 960 / 640 X 480 pixels Movies: 320 X 240 pixels
Recorded File Sizes:
		Snapshots Image size (pixels) Resolution / recording time File size Built-in memory (9.3MB) SD Memory Card 64MB *1 2560x1920 Fine/Normal/ Economy Approx 2.2MB/ 1.8MB/1.3MB Approx. 4/4/6 Approx. 26/32/44 640 x 480 Fine/Normal/ Economy Approx. 190KB/ 140KB/90KB Approx. 44/58/94 Approx. 294/386/618 Movies 320 x 240 Recording time: unlimited *2 Approx. 300KB/sec. (15 frames/sec.) Approx. 30 sec. Approx. 3 min. 20 sec. Audio - Recording time: unlimited*2 Approx. 4KB/sec. Approx. 39 min. Approx. 4 hr. 20 min.
		*1 when using a Panasonic 64MB card
		*2 limited only by the battery life and the available memory
Lens:		smc Pentax Lens (6 lenses in 5 groups, including aspherical lens) F2.6(W) to 4.8(T); f=5.8(W) to 17.4(T) mm (equivalent to approximately 35 to 105 mm when converted to 35mm film)
Zoom:		3X optical zoom; 4X digital zoom (12X total when optical and digital zooms are used in combination)
Focusing:		Contrast type AF (selectable between spot, multi); pan focus; macro mode; infinity mode; manual focus
Approximate Focus Range:		Normal: 15.75" to Infinity; Macro: 2.36" to 19.69"
Exposure Control:		Metering: Multi-pattern by imaging element Control: program AE Exposure Compensation: -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Shutter:		CCD electronic / mechanical shutter; 4 to 1/2000 shutter speed (including night mode)
Aperture:		Auto; F2.6 / F4.3 Automatic switching
White Balance:		Auto; Fixed (6 modes); Manual
Sensitivity:		Auto; ISO50 / ISO100 / ISO200 / ISO400
Recording Functions:		Snapshot; audio snapshot; movies with audio; Best Shot; Business Shot; Auto Macro; Flash Assist; voice recorder; Icon Help; sharpness/color saturation/contrast/flash intensity settings
Self-timer:		10 seconds or 2 seconds; Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash:		Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Red Eye Reduction Approximate Range: 1.31 to 8.53 feet (W); 1.31 to 6.56 feet (T)
Viewfinder:		LCD screen; optical viewfinder
Monitor Screen:		EX-Z55: 2.5-inch digital interface TFT color LCD, 115,200 pixels (480x240) EX-Z50: 2.0-inch digital interface TFT color LCD, 84,960 pixels (354x240)
Playback:		Zoom display (4X); 9 picture display; calendar; Photostand function
Timekeeping Functions:		Date and time recorded with image data; auto calendar up to 2049
World Time:		162 cities (32 time zones); city names; date and time; daylight saving time
Other features:		Histogram display; grid display; album function; favorites folder
Input/Output Terminals:		USB cradle terminal
Battery:		Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
Battery life:		EX-Z55: Approx. 400 snapshots (CIPA standard) Continuous recording: approx. 1070 snapshots (3 hr. 30 min.) * Continuous playback: approx. 6 hr. 50 min. (still photos) Continuous recording: approx. 6 hr. 20 min. (voice recording) EX-Z50: Approx. 390 snapshots (CIPA standard) Continuous recording: approx. 970 snapshots (3 hr. 10 min.) * Continuous playback: approx. 6 hr. 20 min. (still photos) Continuous recording: approx. 5 hr. 50 min. (voice recording) *recording wide / tele alternatively each 12 secs, LCD on, flash off
Dimensions:		EX-Z55: 3.43” (W) x 2.28” (H) x .89” (D) (excluding protrusions, thinnest point .78”) EX-Z50: 3.43” x 2.24” (H) x .88” (D) (excluding protrusions, thinnest point .78”)
Weight:		EX-Z55: Approximately 4.59 oz (excluding battery and accessories) EX-Z50: Approximately 4.27 oz (excluding battery and accessories)
Bundled Accessories:		Lithium Ion rechargeable battery; USB cradle; USB cable; AC adapter; Strap; CD-ROM

Posted by i4u at 2:14 AM | TrackBack

Casio Exilim PRO EX-P700 7MP and 4x Zoom

Casio announces the Exilim Pro EX-P700 7MP Digital Camera.
The new Casio Pro features 4x Optical Zoom and 7.2MP CCD chip. The EX-P700 is the follow-up model to the Casio EX-P600. It features a 2 inch LCD screen. Casio enhanced the software ont eh new cameras they announced this week. One new feature is the Business shot. It provides automatic alignment correction for photos taken at an angle, altering shots as though they were taken from a straight-on front position.
Great for industry spionage, when photographing documents in a hurry.

No pricing information available yet. More details in Casio Press-Release.



Compare Prices for Casio Cameras.

Casio Exilim Pro EX-P700 Specifications:

Recording Element	1/1.8 inch square pixel primary colour CCD (7.41 million total pixels; 7.2 million effective pixels)
File Record Format	Still Images: JPEG (Exif. Ver. 2.2), DCF standard, DPOF compliant Movies: AVI (Motion JPEG), Audio: WAV (Monaural)
Recording Medium	Built-in flash memory (approx. 8.9 MB), SD / MMC compliant
Recorded Image Sizes	Still Images: 3072 x 2304 , 3072 x 2048 (3:2) , 2304 x 1728 , 1600 x 1200 , 1280 x 960 , 640 x 480 pixels Movies: 320 x 240 pixels
Recorded File Sizes	Image size (pixels) Resolution / recording time File size Built-in memory (8.9 MB) SD Card 64MB * 1 Still Images 3072 x 2304 Fine 4.4MB 2 13 Normal 2.2MB 3 26 Economy 1.1MB 7 51 TIFF 20.3MB 0 2 640 x 480 Fine 190KB 42 294 Normal 140KB 56 386 Economy 90KB 90 618 TIFF 900KB 8 55 Movies 320x240 Recording time: unlimited * 2 300KB/sec. (15fps) 29 secs 3 mins 20 sec Audio   Recording time: unlimited * 2 4KB/sec 38 mins 4 hrs 20 mins *1 when using a Panasonic 64MB card *2 limited only by the battery life and the available memory All values are approximate
Lens	Canon Lens (8 lenses in 7 groups, including aspherical lens) F2.8(W) to 4.0(T); f=7.1(W) to 28.4(T)mm (equivalent to approx. 33 to 132 mm in 35mm format); lens barrier included
Zoom	4x optical zoom; 4x digital zoom (16x total when optical and digital zooms are used in combination)
Focusing	Phase detect sensor AF/ Contrast type AF (selectable between spot, 7 point multi, free AF area switching, continuous AF); macro mode; infinity mode; manual focus
Approximate Focus Range	Normal: 40cm to 8 ; Macro: 10 to 50cm
Exposure Control	Metering: Multi-pattern by imaging element Control: program; aperture; shutter speed; manual exposure; AE lock Exposure Compensation: -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Shutter	CCD electronic / mechanical shutter; 60 to 1/2000 shutter speed (manual exposure); BULB

 

Aperture	10 stage aperture; F2.8 to F8.0
White Balance	Auto; Fixed (7 modes); Manual
Sensitivity	Auto; ISO 80 / ISO 160 / ISO 320 / ISO 640
Recording Functions	Still image; still image with audio (upto 30 secs);high speed continuous shooting (3 shots/sec, 5 shots max); auto bracketing (AE/WB/AF); multi bracketing (colour/portrait/ saturation/sharpness/contrast); movies with audio; BESTSHOT; macro; auto macro; business shot; voice recorder; flash assist; icon help
Self-timer	10 seconds or 2 seconds; triple self-timer; remote control; 2 second remote control self timer
Built-in Flash	Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Red Eye Reduction Approximate Range: 0.4 to 3.6 metres (W); 0.4 to 2.5 metres (T)
Viewfinder	Optical viewfinder and LCD screen
Monitor Screen	2.0” inch digital interface TFT colour LCD, 115,200 pixels (480x240)
Timekeeping	Date and time recorded with image data; auto calendar up to year 2049
World Time	162 cities (32 time zones); city names; date and time; daylight saving time
Other features	RGB histogram display; grid display; album function; favourites folder
Input/Output Terminals	External power (DC IN); USB/AV connection (NTSC/PAL compliant) ; External flash sync terminal
Power	Proprietary SUPER LIFE lithium-ion rechargeable battery / AC adaptor
Battery life	Approx. 200 images (CIPA standard) Continuous recording: approx. 440 images (approx 1 hrs 15 mins)* *recording wide / tele alternatively each 15 secs, LCD on, flash off Continuous playback: approx. 3 hrs 40 mins (still photos) Voice recording: approx. 3 hrs 30 mins (voice recording)
Dimensions	97.5(W) x 67.5(H) x 45.1(D) mm (excl. projections, thinnest point 26.1mm)
Weight	Approx. 225g (excl. battery and accessories)
Bundled Accessories	SUPER LIFE lithium-ion rechargeable battery; battery charger; card remote control; USB cable; AV cable; strap; CD-ROM
Optional Accessories	Wide /Tele conversion lens adaptor set; SUPER LIFE proprietary lithium- ion battery; battery charger, AC adaptor

Posted by i4u at 2:00 AM | TrackBack

Casio EX-S100 - Smallest Optical Zoom Camera

Casio puts its innovative ceramic lens to work right away in what Casio calls the World's smallest Optical Zoom Digital Camera called Casio EX-S100.

The EX-S100 features a 2.8x optical zoom and a 3.2MP in a volume of just 79 cc and measurements of 3.46x 2.24x.66 inch thick, and just .56 inch at the thinnest point. The EX-S100 features a stainless steel body. The card-size camera features a 2.0 inch LCD screen.

The Casio EX-S100 will be available in October, MSRP $399.99. More details in Casio Press-Release.

Upate:
Circuit City (search for casio ex-s100) sells the Casio Exilim EX-S100 for $399.99.




The EX-S100 is the follow-on model of the card-size EXILIM series Casio launched in 2002.



Casio EX-S100 Specification:

Recording Element:		1/3.2-inch square pixel primary color CCD (3.34 million total pixels; 3.2 million effective pixels)
File Record Format:		Snapshots: JPEG (Exif. Ver. 2.2), DCF standard, DPOF compliant Movies: AVI (Motion JPEG), Audio: WAV (Monaural)
Recording Medium:		Built-in flash memory (9.3 MB image recordable area), SD memory card/Multi Media card compliant
Recorded Image Sizes:		Snapshots: 2048 X 1536 / 2048 X 1360 (3:2) / 1600 X 1200 / 1280 X 960 / 640 X 480 pixels Movies: 320 X 240 pixels
Recorded File Sizes:
		Snapshots Image size (pixels) Resolution / recording time File size Built-in memory (9.3MB) SD Memory Card 64MB *1 2048x1536 Fine/Normal/ Economy Approx 1.6MB/ 1.2MB/630KB Approx. 5/6/13 Approx. 34/45/88 640 x 480 Fine/Normal/ Economy Approx. 190KB/ 140KB/90KB Approx. 44/58/94 Approx. 294/386/618 Movies 320 x 240 Recording time: unlimited *2 Approx. 300KB/sec. (15 frames/sec.) Approx. 30 sec. Approx. 3 min. 20 sec. Audio - Recording time: unlimited*2 Approx. 4KB/sec. Approx. 39 min. Approx. 4 hr. 20 min.
		*1 when using a Panasonic 64MB card
		*2 limited only by the battery life and the available memory
Lens:		6 lenses in 5 groups, including transparent ceramic lens; F4.0(W) to 6.6(T); f=4.8(W) to 13.5(T) mm (equivalent to approximately 36 to 102 mm when converted to 35mm film)
Zoom:		2.8X optical zoom; 4X digital zoom (11.2X total when optical and digital zooms are used in combination)
Focusing:		Contrast type AF (selectable between spot, multi); pan focus; macro mode; infinity mode; manual focus
Approximate Focus Range:		Normal: 15.75" to Infinity; Macro: 6.69" to 19.69"
Exposure Control:		Metering: Multi-pattern by imaging element Control: program AE Exposure Compensation: -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Shutter:		CCD electronic / mechanical shutter; 4 to 1/2000 shutter speed (including night mode)
Aperture:		Auto; F4.0 / F8.0* Automatic switching *brightness conversion F values
White Balance:		Auto; Fixed (6 modes); Manual
Sensitivity:		Auto; ISO 50 / ISO 100 / ISO 200 / ISO 400
Recording Functions:		Snapshot; audio snapshot; movies with audio; Best Shot; Auto Macro; Business Shot; voice recorder; Flash Assist; Icon Help; sharpness/color saturation/contrast/flash intensity settings
Self-timer:		10 seconds or 2 seconds; Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash:		Flash Modes: Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Red Eye Reduction Approximate Range: 0.4 to 2.5 meters (W); 0.4 to 1.5 meters (T)
Viewfinder:		LCD screen
Monitor Screen:		2.0-inch digital interface TFT color LCD, 84,960 pixels (354�240)
Playback:		Zoom display (4X); 9 picture display; calendar; Photostand function
Timekeeping Functions:		Date and time recorded with image data; auto calendar up to 2049
World Time:		162 cities (32 time zones); city names; date and time; daylight saving time
Other features:		RGB histogram display; grid display; album function; favorites folder
Input/Output Terminals:		USB cradle terminal
Battery:		Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
Battery life:		Approx. 180 snapshots (CIPA standard) Continuous recording: approx. 540 snapshots (approx 1 hr. 30 min.) *recording wide / tele alternatively each 10 secs, LCD on, flash off Continuous playback: approx 2 hr. 30 min. (still photos) Continuous recording: approx 2 hr. 30 min (voice recording)
Dimensions:		3.46” (W) x 2.24” (H) x .66” (D) (excluding protrusions, thinnest point .56”)
Weight:		Approximately 3.95 oz (excluding battery and accessories)
Bundled Accessories:		Lithium Ion rechargeable battery; USB cradle; USB cable; AC adapter; Strap; CD-ROM

Posted by i4u at 1:55 AM | TrackBack

Pentax Optio X Twister Camera

Pentax introduces a new innovative 5MP digital Camera. The Pentax Optio X features a twist design.

The Optio X body is only .7 inch (18mm) thick making it the thinnest model in the entire Pentax Optio series. The measurements of the new Pentax are 112x54x18mm.The new Pentax features a 2 inch LCD Screen and a 3X optical zoom. The lens retracts completly on power-off. The Optio X will start shipping in September. No pricing info available.
See also Pentax Press-Release and DPReview for Specifications.

Posted by i4u at 1:42 AM | TrackBack

August 23, 2004

New Canon Digital Cameras available for Pre-Order!

The new Canon Digital Cameras that have been announced last week are available for pre-order at Amazon.com. The new Canons ship on September 15th.
The new Canons include the 7.1MP Canon Powershot G6 and the Canon Powershot A400 (comes in different colors),

The new line of Canon Digital Camera also mean steep discounts on current Canons, like the 3.2MP Canon Powershot A300 that now sells for a low $99.88 on Amazon.com.

Compare Prices on Canon Cameras.

Posted by i4u at 11:40 PM | TrackBack

August 22, 2004

Canon EOS 1D Mark II SLR Camera Sale!

Amazon.com has the Canon EOS 1D Mark II 8.2MP Digital SRL Camera on sale for only $4,274.99. (33% off normal price of $6,400).

Canon just announced the Canon EOS 20D SRL Camera, that might have triggered the sale on the EOS 1D.
The Canon EOS 1D Mark II is for the professional photographer. It features a 8.2MP CMOS sensor with 3:2 aspect ratio the same as in 35mm cameras. Continuous shooting with 8.5 frames per second at full resolution. The display is a230,000-pixel, 2.0-inch color TFT LCD.

Compare Prices on Canon Cameras.

Posted by i4u at 3:32 AM | TrackBack

August 20, 2004

Pure Digital Disposable Digital Camera with LCD Screen

California startup Pure Digital anounced a new disposable digital camera with a built-in LCD Screen.
CVS drugstores will start selling it next monday in the USA for $19.99. Ritz Camera already offers the Pure Digital Camera under the name Dakota for $18.99 also in their Online store. The digital camera can take 25 photos and has a 2MP CCD and automatic flash.



USA Today has a nice article about Pure Digital.


Digital Single-Use Camera with LCD Picture View

Posted by i4u at 4:20 AM | TrackBack

Canon EOS 20D 8MP SLR Camera officially announced

First some photos appeared of the EOS 20D before the official announcement. Now Canon has a press-release online detailing the new Canon EOS 20D.
The new 8.2-Megapixel EOS 20D Digital SLR Features DIGIC II Image Processor, 9-Point Autofocus and Up to 23 Consecutive Frames at Five Frames Per Second.
The Canon designed and manufactured CMOS sensor has a maximum resolution of 3504 x 2336 pixels, which is sufficient for very large prints (up to 16 x 24 inches). The EOS 20D digital SLR is both smaller and lighter than the 10D model.

Available in September, the EOS 20D digital SLR will carry an estimated street price of $1,499* without a lens; $1,599* with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5 -5.6 zoom lens; and $1,999* with the new EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Wide Angle Zoom lens†. Canon says the new EOS 20D is ideal for journalists, wedding and portrait photographers.



Compare Prices on Canon Cameras.

Posted by i4u at 1:39 AM | TrackBack

Canon Powershot G6 Officially announced

We reported about the Canon Powershot G6 already when a french site offered a sneak peak.
Now Canon released a press-release about the newest Canon G. The G6 measures a compact 4.13 x 2.87 x 2.88 inches and weighs 13.4 ounces. The 7.1 Mega Pixel camera can capture photos up to 3072 x 2304 pixels.
Canon's 4x all-glass optical zoom lens provides photographers with a 35mm equivalent range of 35-140mm, a fast maximum aperture of f/2.0-3.0 and macro focusing down to 2 inches. The additional 4.1x digital zoom extends the camera's telephoto capabilities to provide photographers with 16x combined zoom functionality.

Buy the G6 now at Amazon.com.

Compare Prices on Canon Cameras.


Canon Powershot G6 Features:

-- High-resolution 7.1-megapixel CCD sensor for improved image quality;

-- 4x optical/4.1 digital/16x combined zoom

-- 9-point AiAF (new to the G-Series) for fast and precise focusing

-- Intelligent Orientation Sensor, which automatically rotates vertical shots during playback;

-- 12 EOS-based Shooting Modes plus Photo Effects, Custom Modes, enhanced Super Macro Mode, Wide-area FlexiZone AF/AE and Spot Metering for customizing the camera to each individual user's shooting style:

-- Advanced Movie Mode shoots VGA quality 640 x 480 movies. ID Photo Print and Movie Print options also available;

-- Accepts Compact Flash Type I and Type II media;

-- Flexible 270(degree) Swivel LCD, Vari-Angle monitor together with an ergonomic hand grip and an EOS-style control layout for easier handling;

-- Exclusive Canon DIGIC Image Processor with iSAPS Scene Recognition Technology for faster processing and excellent image quality; and

-- The latest versions of Canon's popular ZoomBrowser EX (Win) and ImageBrowser (Mac) software with powerful new features, plus ArcSoft PhotoStudio and VideoImpression.

The PowerShot G6 digital camera kit includes a USB cable, AVC-DC300 AV Cable, Battery Charger CG-580, rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack BP-511A, 32 MB Compact Flash card, a Wireless Controller WL-DC100 and Digital Camera Solution CD, ArcSoft Camera Suite CD, neckstrap and lens cap.
The Canon PowerShot G6 digital camera will be available in September for an estimated street price of $699.99.
See Canon Press-Release.

Posted by i4u at 1:25 AM | TrackBack

August 17, 2004

New Pentax Optio S50 5MP Digital Camera

Pentax announces the new Pentax Optio S50 digital camera.
The Optio S50 features 5.0 effective megapixel CCD, a 3X optical zoom lens and an 1.8 inch LCD monitor. Like the former Pentax Optio cameras the Optio S50 is compact with a size of Optio S50 of 89 (W) x 58.5 (H) x 26 (D) mm.
Amazon.com has the new Pentax listed for $329.95.
The Pentax Optio S50 will ship end of September.
The Pentax Optio S50 includes the latest version of ACDSee™ 5.1 software. More details in Pentax Press-Release.

Specifications:

• CCD resolution: 5.0 megapixels
• ISO equivalent: Auto, 100, 200, 400
• Maximum shutter speed: 4 seconds
• Minimum shutter speed: 1/2000 second
• Resolution modes: Still: 2560x1920, 2304x1728, 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1024x768, 640x480 pixels; Movie: 320x240 pixels
• Optical zoom: 3x
• Digital zoom: 2.6x
• Autofocus: Yes
• Focal length: 5.8 to 17.4 millimeters (35 to 105 millimeters, equivalent in 35mm format)
• Maximum aperture: F4.8
• Aperture modes: F2.6-4.8
• Memory: Approximately 11 MB built-in memory, SD card
• Maximum high-resolution images: Information unavailable
• Burst mode: No
• Continuous shooting speed: Information unavailable
• Delay between shots: Information unavailable
• Rapid-fire shots: Information unavailable
• Display size: 1.6 inches
• Viewfinder: Yes
• Flash type: Auto, fill, off, red eye reduction modes
• Red-eye reduction: Yes
• Tripod mount: Information unavailable
• Image types: JPEG, AVI (MJPEG) formats
• In-camera editing: Resize
• Manual features: White balance
• Special Features: AVI movie mode at 30 frames per second with sound
• Batteries: One CR-V3 Lithium battery or two AA batteries
• Size name: Digital point and shoot
• Length: 1 inches
• Height: 2.3 inches
• Width: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 6.2 ounces (loaded and ready)
• Mac system requirements: OS: Mac OS 9.0 or later (QuickTime 4.0 or later to view movies), CPU: Power PC 266MHz or higher, Memory: 8MB or more, Hard disk space: 6MB or more, Standard equipped USB port
• PC system requirements: OS: Windows 2000, Me, XP Home edition/Professional, CPU: Pentium or later recommended, Memory: 64MB or more, Hard disk space: 15MB or more, Standard equipped USB port
• What's in the box: Optio S50 Camera, Software (CD ROM), AA Batteries (2), Operating manual, AV Cable, Service network directory, USB Cable, Serial number card, Strap

Posted by i4u at 1:14 AM | TrackBack

August 16, 2004

Tiny Wireless Spy Camera

With a size of 22.5x26.5x18mm and a weight of 10g it beats all small digital cameras in the I4U World's Smallest Camera Guide. It is of course not your usual consumer digital camera. It is a little toy for spying or hacking a toy robot to transmit visuals.

This little bugger also has a built-in 2.4Ghz transmitter with a range of up to 100 metres/300ft for transitting images to a TV. The resolution of the small spy camera is 365K (PAL) and 250K (NTSC) pixels.
This little spy camera (stealth camera) is sold by UK's Gadget specialist IwantOneOfThose for a hefty $658.35.

SmartHome has a similar Spy Camera that is a bit bigger with 18x48x22.8mm but only costs $264.99.



SmartHome's Spy Camera

Story Tip from Vlad.

Posted by i4u at 10:00 PM | TrackBack

August 15, 2004

Mustek DV-5500 7-in-1 Camera on Sale!

Amazon.com has the latest Mustek multi-function video camera on sale with a shipping date of August 20th.

The 7 functions of the DV-5500 are Digital Camcorder, Digital Still Camera, Digital Voice Recorder, MP3 Player, Video Camera, SD/MMC Card Reader, PC Cam. The Featuring a 3.1 mega-pixel digital camera chip and a 2.5" Color TFT screen making this new Mustek Camera a rather cool gadget. The small pocket video camera features 4x digital zoom and a shutter speed of 1/10 sec. - 1/1000 sec.
The DV-5500 features a USB 2.0 interface and a TV-Out plug.
The Mustek DV-5500 measures 84x55x95mm and weighs 220g (without batteries). The Mustek DV-5500 sells for a low $199.95.


See also Mustek DV-5500 product page.

Specifications:

Function	Digital Camcorder, Digital Still Camera, Digital Voice Recorder, MP3 Player, Video Camera, SD/MMC Card Reader, PC Cam.
Resolution	2624 x 1968 (Hardware enhancement) 2048 x 1536 640 x 480
Video Clip	640 x 480 400 x 304 352 x 288
Image Sensor	3.1 Mega CCD
Lens Focal Length         Aperture Ratio	f = 6.7 mm F 3.5/8.0
Digital Zoom	4X
Digital Effects	Negative / Sepia / B&W / Solarize / Pastel / Sketch
Display	2.5" TFT LCD
Flash Mode	On / Auto / Red Eye / Off
Shutter Speed	1/10 sec. - 1/1000 sec.
Memory Card Slot	SD / MMC Slot
Interface	USB 2.0 / AV Out / Earphone
Batter Type	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Power Source	DC-in (Power Adapter (5V / 1A) or Docking Station)
Dimensions	84 x 55 x 95 mm (L x W x H); 220g (Without Battery)
File Format	JPEG / MP3 / WAV / ASF
Self Timer	10 Seconds delay
PC Cam	Yes
Video Capture Driver (PC Cam)	Win 98SE / Me / 2000 / XP
Mass storage Support	Win98SE / Me / 2000 / XP Mac OS 9.X and OS 10.1 or above

Posted by i4u at 11:57 PM | TrackBack

August 12, 2004

Lomography Colorsplash Camera

Austrian Lomography society presents their new Colorsplash camera.
The camera comes with 9 color filters to put over the flash. The colored flash then distorts the colors of the photos. Through long exposure with the flash very creative photos can be achieved.
The Colorsplash sells for $75 on the Lomography site.

Posted by i4u at 10:22 AM | TrackBack

August 9, 2004

Konica Minolta SLR Digital Camera

The recently merged Konica and Minolta Digital Camera Companies pre-announce their new SLR digital camera.
Konica Minolta has setup a site for he Dynax 7 Digital /Maxxum 7 Digital (might change) dubbed SLR Camera where the will every month reveal some more details of their new SLR camera. Currently they feature the Anti-Shake feature of the camera.
More details on Konica Minolta 7 Digital product page. See also a interview with a Konica Minolta Europe on the PhotographyBlog.


Check out the prices on the Konica Minolta Dimage Series.

Posted by i4u at 11:38 PM | TrackBack

August 5, 2004

Canon Powershot G6 Sneak Peak