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January 17, 2007

The New Panasonic DMC-LT

The Panasonic DMC-LT’s has rich features, but at more than rich price tag.  Panasonic has teamed up with Leica and Olympus to create the DMC-L1.  The 7.5 megapixel camera features SLR for live monitor view; a super fast f/2.8-3.5 Leica-branded lens.  It’s fitted with the Mega OIS, Panasonic’s proprietary optical image stabilization system.

Though the DMC-L1 was created to mimic the classic 35mm rangefinder camera, there are some obvious variances.  The camera body measures 145 x 86.9 x 80mm, and with the lens attached weighs a hefty 1080g.

Even though it’s designed to look like a rangefinder, the L1 neither light weight nor slim.  Beyond the retro-styled shutter speed dial, aperture ring, and the huge price tag of £1,349.99 (2,661.65 US)  it bears no relation to a rangefinder camera at all.  The good news is there’s a possibility that you can find online for around £1,150 (2,266.90 US).

Via Trusted Reviews

Posted by eric at 9:39 PM

Norcent's 7 Megapixel DCS-760

Norcent reveal its DCS-760 digital camera at the Consumer Electronics Show in Sin City.  The seven-megapixel DCS-760 arrives in an extremely slim design.  This device provides 15 modes for a perfect picture every time.

Other great features this digicam provides are 640x480 (VGA) soaring to an astounding 3072x2304; a hefty scratch-resistant, 2.50 LTPS TFT color LCD; a 3x optical and 4x digital zoom lens.  Additionally features include a five-mode built-in flash; multi-setting self-timer; up to 30-second voice memo capability for both still images and video clips; SD/MMC flash media card slot; and assorted photo special effects.

The Norcent DCS-760 digital camera retails for $219.99.  It will be available for purchase in the Spring of 2007.

Via Ecoustics

Posted by eric at 9:36 PM

January 15, 2007

Nikon's Coolpix S7c

Nikon's new 7.1 megapixel Coolpix S7c is a very nice looking camera. As part of the S (or Style) line, it gets the familiar "wave" design that has been used on previous S models.

The S7c is an ultra-slim camera with nice glossy gray finish and chrome accents. The 3 inch screen (230K pixels, 170 degree viewing angle), and a 3x optical zoom.

The Nikon Coolpix S7c digital camera also features built-in IEEE 802.11b/g LAN support. It supports wireless image transfer that sends pictures to a computer on command, wireless shooting and wireless printing.

Via Lets Go Digital

Posted by eric at 10:04 PM

January 13, 2007

Canon SD800 IS Digital ELPH Reviewed

dpreview has just published their review of the new Canon SD800 IS Digital ELPH (IXUS 850 IS).  

Quote: "The [SD800] has one very welcome new feature; a 28-105mm (equiv.) zoom lens, making it one of the few cameras in this sector of the market with true wideangle capabilities. Other changes include an ISO 1600 option, DIGIC III processor (complete with face detection focus mode) and a better screen. We liked the SD 700 IS a great deal, and on paper the SD 800 IS looks like another winner."

Read The Full Review

Posted by eric at 10:00 PM

January 12, 2007

Samsung's New NV100

Samsung's New NV10 is a somewhat compact 10.3 megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom. The camera is also equipped with ASR, Advanced Shake Reduction.

The NV10 features TV quality MPEG-4 VGA (640x480) 30fps video recording (zoom and pause). A virtual dial mode is also offered for added convenience in controlling the camera.

So if you are a photographer that finds himself needing clearer indoor or low light pictures, then the $248 price tag on it isn't looking that bad.

Via PC Mag

Posted by eric at 9:50 PM

January 10, 2007

Kodak Easyshare C653

Kodak quietly slipped in the Easyshare C653 into their C series line of digital cameras.  Its straightforward design blends in with many of the digital cameras on the market, and the features are as follows:

6.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.4 inch LCD, 20 pre-programmed scene modes, included with the automatic mode.  Feel free to explore the black and white, sepia, and normal color, and movie mode, which captures VGA resolution of 640 x480 at 10 frames per second.  This device also includes Kodak’s Perfect Touch technology for convenient lighting modification of images.

It also includes 32MB of internal memory and a slot for SD/MMC memory media… all for $129.95.

Via Digital Camera Review

Posted by eric at 9:41 PM

January 7, 2007

Samsung's New S1050 10-Megapixel

Here we go, one of our first cameras to be unveiled at CES, the Samsung S1050 10-megapixel digital camera. Coupled with a super-sharp 5x optical zoom lens, the S1050 combines the hardware that demanding photographers require of a camera with the intuitive ease-of-use that is Samsung's hallmark.

Samsung equipped the S1050 with several thoughtful features designed to allow users to capture the images they want without having to worry about tedious exposure adjustment or editing. Dedicated modes for common-yet-tricky shooting situations include Children, Backlight and Portrait.

The S1050 contains 45 megabytes of internal memory, and can accept Secure Digital (SD) flash memory cards up to 4 gigabytes. The Samsung S1050 will have an MSRP of $349.99 and will be available in the spring of 2007.

Via Camera Town

Posted by eric at 9:29 PM

January 5, 2007

The New Pentax Optio E30

Pentax will be flashing its newest Pentax Optio E30 at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which starts next week.  This camera features 7.1 megapixels; 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.4 inch LCD; 3-point AF system; built-in flash with auto, fill, disabled, and red-eye reduction modes.

Similar to existing Pentax cameras, the Optio E30 features a “Green Mode” for the easiest possible operation.   This device also uses AA batteries, which can get you up to 200 shots.

But, you might be better off with lithium batteries if you want 760.  NiMH rechargeable batteries for a better price can get you 550 shots.  Look for it in February for around $149.95.

Via Digital Camera Review

Posted by eric at 10:15 PM

Fuji's IS-1 Infared Camera

Fujimfilm puts the IS-1 digital camera in the lineup to help law enforcement solve crimes!  Actually, the IS-1 digital camera was created for use in the law enforcement, medical/dental and science fields.  The IS-1 can capture evidence not easily seen by the human eye.

Some of the features this device sports are a built-in 10.7 x 28-300mm optical zoom system; a continuous live preview feature; articulating LCD, which simplifies the processes of previewing capturing and reviewing of photos; nine mega pixels CCD sensor and ISO 80-1600 (in case of capturing a visible light image) capabilities; Fujifilm’s Real Photo Technology, which enables IS-1 users to capture images using visible and infrared light; and Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization technology.

The HS-V2 software also accompanies this digicam providing law enforcement investigators side-by-side image comparison.  Due to be released in February 2007 and priced at $899.

Via Business Wire

Posted by eric at 10:12 PM

January 3, 2007

Hoya and Pentax Merge Together

Hoya and Pentax will merge to become Pentax HD Corporation.  There will be no changes to the Pentax name, and the Pentax optical business will merge with Hoyo’s.  Pentax’s present imaging systems division will carry on.




Current Pentax President, Fumio Urano, will become Chairman of the Board. Hiroshi Sizuki, currently President and CEO of Hoya, will continue is title after the merge.  The merge is expected to be official by October 1, 2007.

Via dpreview

Posted by eric at 9:23 PM

January 1, 2007

3D Scanning Webcam

An interesting technique for scanning 3d objects has been created by [Jan].  The software is set with the preset background object and a laser line is run over it.  It seems that the software measures the form by the gaps in the lines as it passes over the form.  One measurements are taken the object is then created in the software.

[Jan] purports to have won the “work group for Patteron recognition” main prize in Berlin this year.  Better news worth telling is if it could work under anything besides Windows and .NET.

Via Hack A Day

Posted by eric at 6:09 PM

Canon Camera Problems, Again?

It was around a month ago that we mentioned the Sony Cybershot recall.  This time Canon’s A530 and A540’s have a bit of a problem.  These models are experiencing extremely hot case doors, along with a decrease in the cameras’ performance.  Canon has a reputation for quality cameras at competitive prices, so this bit of news comes as a slight surprise.  We’re beginning to wonder if we need quality control for quality control.

The good news is if you’re experiencing hot doors and slow performance with the A530 and A540 models, Canon will replace it at no charge.  Well, why wouldn’t they?

Via engadget

Posted by eric at 6:05 PM