« September 2007 | Main | November 2007 »
October 30, 2007
Canon Issues UK Recall of Eos-1D Mark III
Canon has sent a letter to dealers in the UK telling them to stop selling the Eos-1D Mark III and return units on the shelf for repair. Canon says a problem with the AF Sub Mirror adjustment has been discovered.Canon is offering to repair effected cameras already in the hands of end users, but is not offering refunds or upgrades to different models.
Canon says that steps to get problem cameras already in the hands of owners repaired will be on its website in late October or November.
Via Rob Galbraith
Posted by shane at 10:40 AM
Ricoh Announces GR DIGITAL II Camera
Ricoh announced a new digital camera today called the GR DIGITAL II. The camera uses the newly developed GR DIGITAL II image-processing engine, which improves color and tone characteristics and reduces noise.The aperture is f5.9mm and the camera is equipped with an electronic level and acceleration sensor. This lets users know when looking at the LCD is the image they are taking is level.
Also included is a 1:1 aspect ratio image size that allows exactly square images to be taken. RAW color mode is available and in camera photo editing is featured as well. The rear LCD is a 2.7-inch 230k pixel display and a 10MP sensor. Digital zoom is up to 4x with an ISO range from 80 to 1600.
Via DPReview
Posted by shane at 10:15 AM
October 29, 2007
Maplin HD Camcorder Announced
Geeks in the UK looking for a nice HD camcorder might want to check out Maplin’s new A47HP HD camcorder. The camcorder records in 720p resolution to SDHC cards and has a 4x digital zoom.The camcorder can also shoot 8MP still images, has a built-in flash and TV out for connecting to a big screen directly.
The LCD screen, which is used for the viewfinder as well, is a 2.4-inch TFT and the flash has red eye reduction as well. The camcorder carries a price of about £199, or $408 USD so it doesn’t seem like such a steal to me.
Posted by shane at 12:01 PM
October 26, 2007
Canon G9 Reviewed
The Canon G9 made a big splash as the first camera other than a DSLR that could shoot images in RAW mode. The G9 also features a 12MP sensor and a 6x optical zoom lens with image stabilization and SR coating.The G9 also has a hot show for external flash and a manual mode. The camera can also shoot movie clips. DPReview reviewed the G9 recently and said the pros included excellent resolution, Raw mode, ISO dial on body and excellent movie quality among other things.
Cons were missing some features of other G series cams like variable angle LCD, Raw mode required for best images, and shadow noise visible at ISO 80. In the end the G9 get the highly Recommended rating, but barely.
Via DPReview
Posted by shane at 12:10 PM
Canon PowerShot SD950 IS Reviewed
The $399 Canon PowerShot SD950 IS packs many features into a compact body. The camera has 12.1MP and three optical image stabilization modes. The LCD is a 2.5-inch 230,000 pixel display.Unlike many new small cameras, Canon provides an optical viewfinder in addition to the LCD for aligning shots. The3.7x optical zoom lens has f2.8-5.8 and works well with optical stabilization. According to PopPhoto the camera is good overall.
Pros include solid titanium body, optical image stabilization, face detection and optical viewfinder. Cons include no full manual control, noise problems over ISO 400 and expensive price.
Via PopPhoto
Posted by shane at 12:00 PM
October 25, 2007
Canon EOS 40D Reviewed
DPReview posted a review of the Canon EOS 40D DSLR camera. The camera uses a 10MP sensor, a DIGIC III image processor and high-speed vibration of filter for dust protection. The metering range is 0.0 to 20EV.ISO settings are from 400 to 800 and the viewfinder has a 0.95x magnification. The real LCD is a 3-inch TFT with 230,000 pixels. DPReview says that the pros for the camera are good resolution, high ISO speed, and just over six frames per second continuous shooting.
Cons for the camera are average auto white balance performance, flash must be up for AF assist light and no mass USB storage support. Overall, the EOS D40 received the DPReview highly recommended award.
Via DPReview
Posted by shane at 11:51 AM
October 24, 2007
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 Holds 40k Pictures
Sony recently announced the latest addition to its Cyber-shot line of digital cameras called the DSC-T2. The T2 comes in several colors and boasts 4GB of onboard memory. That is enough for 40,000 VGA resolution images or 1000 full resolution 8MP images.Organization software on the camera allows you to organize and store images right on the camera. You can browse by events like birthdays as well.
The 2.5-inch touchscreen LCD on the rear controls all settings and in picture mode, you can touch on the screen where you want to focus and in video mode, a touch zooms the camera in. Other features include face detection and up so IOS3200. The camera will be available in December for about $350.
Via I4U News
Posted by shane at 11:54 AM
October 23, 2007
Canon PowerShot A570IS Reviewed
DPReview has posted a review of the Canon PowerShot A570 IS. This camera retails for $200 and has a 7.1MP resolution. In addition to shooting still images, the camera can also shoot video clips at 640 x 480, 320 x 240 and 160 x 120.The lens of the camera features optical stabilization and shutter speeds are 15-1/2000 second with an aperture range of F2.6-5.5.
Storage is to SD or SDHC cards and the LCD on the rear of the camera is a 2.5-inch TFT with 115k pixels. Power comes from a pair of AA batteries and the camera ships with a 16MB SD card. The camera earned praise for its good resolution and clear images. Cons were highlight clipping and low-resolution screen. In the end, it ears the DPReview Highly Recommended award.
Via DPReview
Posted by shane at 11:06 AM
October 22, 2007
Samsung Launches NV20 Digital Camera
Samsung announced a new digital camera for its home market of Korea called the NV20. The camera has a 12.1MP 1/1.72-inch CCD image sensor.Other features include a 2.5-inch TFT LCD, 3x optical zoom and a 5x digital zoom. The camera measures in at 96.5 x 60 x 18.6mm and weighs 151.7g.
The camera will retail for about $396 USD here in the states and at this time, there is no word on availability of the camera.
Via DigiTimes
Posted by shane at 1:00 PM
October 18, 2007
CNET Reviews the Canon SX100 IS
CNET recently spent some time with the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS. The camera has an optically stabilized 1ox zoom lens with f/2.8-4.3 and an 8MP sensor. The sensor and the 2.5-inch LCD are directly from the S5 IS.CNET rates the camera a 7.3 out of 10 for a very good rating. The good points of the camera are first-rate photo quality, full manual exposure controls, image stabilization and automatic lens cover.
Bad points are easy to click scroll by mistake when navigating and no zoom in movie mode. In the end, CNET says the camera takes great photos, but some performance issues and operational annoyances mar its performance.
Via CNET
Posted by shane at 10:09 AM
October 17, 2007
Sony HDR-UX7 Camcorder Reviewed
CamCorderInfo has reviewed the Sony HDR-UX7 camcorder, which retails for about $1000. The camcorder records to DVDs at a 1920 x 1080i resolution.The camera lens has a focal length of 5.4-54mm that is equivalent to 40-400mm, 49-490mm, 40-400mm, and 37-370mm. The camera has an automatic lens shutter that covers the lens so no manual cap is needed.
In the end, the camera has the best controls of any Sony camcorder this year, but Sony used the AVCHD codec for the DVDs, which virtually ensures the DVDs won’t play in your DVD player. CamCorderInfo says this one is a no.
Via CamCorderInfo
Posted by shane at 12:00 PM
Olympus Announces New E-3 DSLR
Olympus announced a new top-of-the-line DSLR camera today called the E-3. This camera uses a 10.1MP sensor and Olympus claims it has the world’s fastest auto focus.The autofocus uses 11-point cross sensoring and always-on dust removal is built-in. Continuous shooting at 5 fps is possible and shutter speeds go up to 1/8000 second.
The sensor is a high-speed Live MOS unit using TruePic III image processing engine. The LCD on the rear offers live-view and angle adjustment vertically and horizontally. An optical viewfinder is included as well with a 1.15x magnification. The camera will go on sale in November at an unspecified price.
Via I4U News
Posted by shane at 11:43 AM
October 16, 2007
CNET Reviews Sony A700 DSLR
CNET has reviewed Sony’s latest DSLR camera, the Alpha A700. CNET says that the good points are exceptionally streamlined, comfortable shooting, functional feature set, image stabilizer and fast performance.Bad points are design quirks and a proprietary hot shoe. In the end, CNET says that the A700 is a top-of-the-line amateur DSLR camera and perfect for those who don’t have a collection of other lenses.
The camera scored an overall 8.3 out of 10, giving it an excellent rating. You can get the A700 in body only kit, a kit with a 16mm to 105mm lens, a kit with an 18mm to 70mm lens, and a kit with a 75mm to 300mm lens.
Via CNET
Posted by shane at 11:50 AM
Olympus Introduces Lime Green 790 SW
Olympus announced a new lime green version of the 790 SW, which is limited to only 5000 units available in Europe. The camera has a 7.1MP sensor and is shockproof, waterproof and freeze proof.The camera has a 3x optical zoom lens, face recognition and uses BrightCapture technology. The camera is rated to shoot pictures at up to 3 feet in depth.
The zoom lens is equivalent to 38-114mm and a number of automatic photo modes are featured, including four modes specifically for underwater photography. The rear LCD is 2.5-inches.
Via DPReview
Posted by shane at 11:24 AM
October 15, 2007
White Stripes custom Jack and Meg Cameras
If you are looking for a throwback to the old school photography days when we actually used film, but want something cool you can get custom White Stripes cameras from Lomography. The first camera is the “Jack” Holga camera, which comes in a flash camera started kit. The camera produces unique images the manufacturer says is dripping with color and contrast. The camera comes with read and clear flash gels and three custom filers along with a fish eye lens for $180.
The “Meg” Diana multi-function all-plastic camera also sells for $180 and the manufacturer says it is famous for its dreamy lo-fi images and comes with red and white ring gels for the flash. These two custom film cameras are available today at the White Stripes website.
Via Harp Magazine
Posted by shane at 12:01 PM
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 Reviewed
DPReview has just posted a review of the new Sony DSC-W80 digital camera. The camera has a ½.5-inch CCD sensor with 7.2MP. The 3x zoom lens uses Carl Zeiss optical zoom. On the rear of the camera is a 2.5-inch LCD and with an optional dock or cable the camera can output images directly to a HDTV. ISO is 80-3200 and it can shoot at 2.8fps continuous.
Four color choices are available including black, white, silver, and pink. Pros were good resolution, nice design and lots of detail at lowest ISO setting along with good performance form face detection. Cons include slow focus in low light, no manual white balance, and weak flash with slow recycle time. In the end, the camera is not recommended if you plan to shoot lots of people indoors with low light.
Via DPReview
Posted by shane at 11:52 AM
October 10, 2007
Sony DSCT200 Camera with 16:9 LCD
Sony’s new DSC-T200 is the first Cyber-shot camera to use a 16:9 aspect ratio LCD on the back. The LCD has a 3.5-inch screen size as well and uses a touchscreen interface.The lens is a 5x optical zoom Vario-Tessar with Carl Zeiss optics. With the 5 x zoom and huge LCD screen, you might think the cam would be large, but it is only 22mm thick.
The cam also allows you to view your images in HD on a large HDTV. You can set your picture slide shows to music and the camera comes with four tunes stored in the memory.
Via Mobilewhack.
Posted by shane at 11:59 AM
October 9, 2007
Fujifilm finePix F50fd Camera Reviewed
CNET posted a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd digital camera today. The camera has a 12-megapixel super CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom and a 2,7-inch LCD.Sensitivity goes up to ISO1600 at full resolution and 3200 at 6MP and ISO 6400 at 3MP. The camera also includes interesting manual modes for a point-and-shoot including aperture priority mode and shutter priority mode. Face tracking and image stabilization are included as well.
Overall, CNET rated the camera a 7.5 on their scale and sad the bad parts were sluggish between shots, minor noise even at low ISO settings and no full manual control. Good parts were the aperture and shutter priority modes, sensor-shift image stabilization, slim design and face detection.
Via CNET
Posted by shane at 11:22 AM
Canon Powershot SD870 IS Reviewed
Digital Camera Review has a hands on review up of the Canon Powershot SD870 IS digital camera. The camera has a 3-inch LCD screen and several pre-set and auto modes for taking images. The camera also includes a useable macro zoom feature for taking really close-up shots.Power for the cam comes from a rechargeable battery and images are stored to SD cards. If you prefer looking through a viewfinder to align your shots, the SD870 lacks that feature. You must use the LCD for aligning shots.
Pros were the big LCD screen, battery life and ease of shooting. Cons included easy to press power button rather than the shutter button, and no optical viewfinder.
Posted by shane at 11:05 AM
October 8, 2007
Canon issues Service Notice on A650 IS
Last week I mentioned a recall was issued by Canon in Japan for its A650 IS digital camera. The variably angle LCD allows light inside the camera body in some instances causing image problems.Rather than issue a full blown recall in the U.S. and Puerto Rico Canon issued a service notice. This requires owners of affected cameras to send the camera in for repair.
The bad part about this is that you will need to wait for Canon to repair and return your camera, which will likely take a good six weeks or more. That could mean you won’t have your camera for the holidays.
Via DPReview
Posted by shane at 11:54 AM
October 5, 2007
TRENDnet Launches New Internet Cams
TRENDnet announced four new internet security cameras today. The TV-IP212 is a 2-way audio internet camera that allows you to speak to people on the other end. The TV-IP212W is a wireless 2-way audio camera, the TV-IP312W is a 2-eway audio day/night camera and the TV-IP312W is a wireless version of the same camera.All four cameras use a compact design and come with software that allows you to monitor the footage from any web connected computer. The two-way audio cams open up some interesting possibilities.
You could set one up and talk to your kids or pets from work. You could also use them to monitor your business and verbally abuse your employees or burglars if needed.
Via I4U
Posted by shane at 10:59 AM
JVC GZ-MG155 camcorder Review
CamCorderInfo reviewed the JVC GZ-MG155 camcorder recently. The camcorder records to a HDD with 30GB of storage space and shoots still images stored to SD and SDHC cards as well as the internal HDD.Optical zoom is 32x with an 800x digital zoom and the camcorder features image stabilization. Still pictures are shot at a resolution of 1632 x 1224 at its largest. The camcorder can shoot still images every 0.3 seconds.
The price for the camera is $600. In the end CamcorderInfo says the camera is an entry model and if image quality is you main concern, go for a MiniDV camera.
Via CamcorderInfo
Posted by shane at 10:40 AM
October 4, 2007
Sony Announce scompact XDCAM EX Camcorder
Sony recently announced a new entry level professional HD Camcorder called the XDCAM EX PMW-EX1. The camcorder is tapeless and uses the SxS PRO memory card for video storage.Resolution is full 1080p but the camcorder can record in 1080i and 720p as well. Dual SxS PRO memory card slots are offered that allow users to record 100 minutes of 35Mbps HD footage, or 140 minutes of video at 25Mbps.
The cam also includes software to help manage the video and allows easy copying of clips to a computer for editing. The camera is expected to be available in November at an undisclosed price.
Via Hardwarezone
Posted by shane at 11:13 AM
GE Special Edition Pink Camera
GE is trying to do its part to raise awareness of breast cancer by putting out a pink version of their H855 digital camera to be sold in October via Home Shopping Network.The GE855 is a virtual twin to the GE850 camera and includes 8-megapixels, 5x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD screen.
The camera bundle will include a black carry case and a software package from ArcSoft with applications for making scrapbooks, greeting cards and more. The camera will be on sale on October 20 via broadcast and on the HSN website.
Posted by shane at 11:01 AM
October 3, 2007
CNET Reviews the Samsung SC-D372 Camcorder
CNET recently looked at the Samsung SC-D372 camcorder and gave it an average overall rating of 5.4. the good points about the camera were that it is easy to shoot with in auto mode.The bad parts about the camera were poor video quality and the lack of buttons for menu navigation. The best part about the camcorder that I can see is the price of under $200.
The camcorder records to miniDV tapes and weighs only 15 ounces. Optical zoom is 34x and CNET says skip this camera and go for the budget Canon ZR850 instead.
Via CNET
Posted by shane at 11:01 AM
Canon PowerShot A650 IS Recalled in China
Canon has issued an official recall of its PowerShot A650 IS digital camera in China. Recalls of the camera in the U.S. and other countries in which it is sold are expected to come soon.The recall stems from a problem with the angle adjustable LCD viewfinder on the read of the camera. When users shoot images in bright light defects in the camera body can allow light inside the camera.
If you own an IS650 and you just couldn’t seem to get a good picture when shooting in bright conditions, it wasn’t all your fault. Light leakage inside the camera through bogy gaps was the reason.
Via Product-Reviews
Posted by shane at 10:50 AM
October 2, 2007
Pentax Launches Optio A40 and Optio V10
Pentax announced a pair of new digital cameras today called the Optio A40 and the Optio V10. The V10 will sell for $249.95 when it is available in October and sport a large 3-inch LCD and a 3x optical zoom in a thin body with 8-megapixels.The Optio A40 has three different image stabilization modes for still shots, mechanical and video. The A40 also features face detection technology. The A40 is a 12-megapixel camera.
Another interesting feature of the A40 is the half height portrait mode that takes an image of a person from head and shoulders up. The A40 will also ship in October for $299.95
Via I4U
Posted by shane at 12:40 PM
October 1, 2007
BenQ Announces DC X725 Digital Camera
BenQ has announced another new digital camera called the DC X725. This camera has a 7-megapixel resolutions, high ISO sensitivity, and face tracking in a slim body.On the rear of the camera is a 2.5-inch LCD screen and the camera measures in at 14.7mm thick at its largest point. The camera has a 3x optical zoom lens, PictBridge capability, video output and ISO of up to 2000.
The camera can record VGA resolution video at 30 fps in traditional or widescreen formats. Onboard memory is 16MB and expanded storage is to SD cards. You can get the camera in black or red colors. Pricing is unknown at this time.
Via Digitaltrends
Posted by shane at 12:05 PM
VTech Kidizoom Camera
VTech makes all sorts of electronic learning toys for kids and recently they announced a new digital camera for kids called the Kidizoom Camera. The cam runs off four AA batteries and sells for a MSRP of $59.99.The sensor used is only 0.3-megapixels, and the camera uses a double viewer or a LCD screen on the back for lining up shots. The cam has 16MB of internal memory, which is enough to store up to 500 images at the meager resolution the cam is capable of.
If you little shutterbug runs out of space, the memory is expandable via a SD card as well. Cables to connect the camera to the TV or computer are included and photo editing capability is included as well. Three built-in games or preschool kids are included and the camera uses changeable faceplates. The LCD screen is a 1.8-inch color LCD.
Via VTech
Posted by shane at 7:51 AM