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Aptina unveils 1-inch sensor with 1080p video at 120FPS, we suspect Nikon wants 1
Part suppliers sometimes telegraph their customers' plans months in advance: when you're the only provider for a key piece of technology, it's not hard for others to read the tea leaves. Aptina might have just given us one such peek into the future by unveiling its 1-inch AR1011HS camera sensor this week. As the Nikon 1 series is one of the few current, mainstream camera lines to use Aptina's 1-inch sensors, it's quite possible that we're looking at a template for one or more of Nikon's tiny interchangeable-lens shooters. The 10-megapixel CMOS sensor and low-light sensitivity aren't surprises. We're more interested in the wild levels of video capture support -- the AR1011HS can record 1080p footage at 120 frames per second, oversample movies at that resolution or scale up to quad HD. There's no guarantee any or all of the features will make the cut, especially given a dearth of 4K TVs, but it's not hard to imagine Nikon playing to the 1's high-speed strengths with an even quicker upgrade. Mass production starts in the first quarter of 2013, and while neither Aptina nor Nikon has confirmed any plans, Aptina's emphasis on top-tier companies in the "performance-oriented" mirrorless camera world leaves few other choices for a partnership.
Olympus XZ-1 reviewed: $499 for sweet simplicity
We had a feeling the Olympus XZ-1 would be a winner, and Digital Photography Review seems to think so, too -- it called the 10 megapixel, full-manual point and shoot "the best photographers' compact currently available" at the end of a thorough review. Most of the praise was heaped on that F1.8-2.5 Zuiko lens, providing an "unbeaten combination of range and brightness" whose potent, detailed low-light performance was practically enough to cancel out the publication's worries about the lack of a adjustable noise reduction setting. Though the publication admitted that the camera lacked the customization of certain Micro Four Thirds cousins, it didn't miss most of the advanced controls, preferring the streamlined menus and manual dials for easy access to common adjustments. (Battery charging over USB and a dedicated movie button were also deemed nice touches.) In fact, the only major ding DPReview had for Olympus was the complete omission of auto exposure and autofocus locks for focus-and-recompose shooting, but if you're willing to snap shots using Olympus's 11 AF points and aren't looking to tote a set of expensive interchangeable lenses around, this might be the one. Dive into our source link to find out for sure.
Canon SD4500 IS reviewed: gets recommended despite some glaring faults
Canon's latest midrange SD4500 point and shoot -- known as the IXUS 1000 HS in Europe -- has scored a "Recommended" review by the folks at Photography Blog thanks largely to its excellent image quality (particularly with night shots) and the presence of a big 10x zoom lens packed inside its Elph body. The testers were concerned, though, with the camera's poor 150-shot battery life, 36mm not-so-wide-angle setting and minimal physical controls -- which may drive experienced users loco from excessive button mashing. Its $299 price tag is also precariously close to the beloved Canon S95, which offers significantly better performance for only $70 more. Still, if your budget is rigid and size is key, the SD4500 should suit you and your pockets nicely. To read the full review by the folks at Photography Blog, thanks.
Canon PowerShot G12 scores predictably glowing review
If it's a pocketable PowerShot and its name begins with 'G' you can be pretty sure it'll be a good performer, and Canon's latest is no exception. The $499 G12 is the sequential successor to the G11 and, as is typical for the range, it isn't a revolutionary leap forward. The G12 makes use of its predecessor's 10 megapixel sensor situated behind the same 5x zoom lens and offering the same suite of full manual controls. New this year is a 720p24 video recording mode with stereo mics, finally bringing this camera into the HD age -- but sadly doing so without use of that zoom. Also new is an HDR mode, stitching together three photos to make those vampires hiding in the shadows really pop. According to Photography Blog those improvements plus a few other niceties make this a particularly solid compact, even if its chunky dimensions as ever push the definition of that term.
Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 reviewed, deemed a worthy W1 successor for slightly less early adopters
Early reviews of Fuji's FinePix Real 3D W1? Not so hot. However, a year later the $450 refreshed W3 seems to be doing better, scoring a "Recommended" review over at Photography Blog. The camera's dual 1/2.3-inch, 10 megapixel CCDs and 3X zoom lenses are carried over from before, but a new design and more user-friendly interface is said to make a huge improvement -- even if it's still too easy to stick a finger over either of the two light portals up front. Build quality is solid and the new 3.5-inch, glasses-free 3D LCD on the back is called "impressive," far brighter than last year's parallax barrier. The machine will capture 720p 3D movies and can save both 3D MPO images and 2D JPEGs simultaneously, meaning your holiday snaps are future-proofed even if you haven't jumped on the 3D bandwagon just yet.
Nikon Coolpix S80 and P7000 hands-on
Sharing the limelight with the Nikon D7000 today were these two Coolpix cameras: the OLED touchscreen-donning S80 (left) and the prosumer-oriented P7000 (right). Let's start off with the S80: this 14.1 megapixel compact turned out to be pretty sexy and solid, and we had no qualms with sliding its lens cover, either. That said, the 3.5-inch touchscreen was one helluva double-edged sword -- sure, it was responsive to our touch input (for tap-to-capture or tap-to-focus), but a lot of the times we found our naughty fingers slipping onto the screen, thus accidentally triggering the camera. And just as we speculated, the lack of physical buttons (zoom control and shutter, for instance) was pretty intimidating to begin with, but as with many smartphones these days, it probably just takes time to get used to this newfangled interface. If we were to improve the camera as it is right now, we'd probably throw in a sharper alternative for the OLED display -- despite its wide viewing angles and vibrant colors -- for the sake of focusing and playback. Do read on for our thoughts on the P7000 after the break.%Gallery-102327% %Gallery-102330%
Ricoh's 10 megapixel, 10x zoom CX4 compact hits Japan next month
Why, it seems like just yesterday we were talking about the CX3 and now here we are, but a few weeks away from the release of Ricoh's CX4. The camera is set to hit Japanese retailers on September 3, offering a 10 megapixel backside-illuminated sensor perched behind a 10.7x (28 - 300mm) zoom lens, with a three-inch LCD 'round the back. Ricoh is also talking up an advanced new image stabilization system, five fps burst shooting, 720p video recording, plus all the smile- and scene-detection modes you'd expect out of a modern shooter. MSRP for all this is set at 45,000 Yen in Japan, which equates to about 525 of your American dollars.
Nikon's P7000 to increase the model number but decrease resolution from the P6000?
Nikon's P6000 came out swinging at high-end compact competition a few years ago, aiming to take down Canon's G9 but getting soundly KO'd in the review ring. Nikon went back to training, pledging to take the G11 to the ropes, and now we have the first indications of what the new competition will look like. Called the P7000, the follow-up compact will naturally be quite similar to its predecessor (pictured above), but is said to move up to a physically larger 1/1.7-inch sensor with a lower, 10 megapixel resolution -- just like the G11. It's also said to offer a 28 - 200mm zoom lens with an f/2.8 - 5.6 range, rather more flexible than the G11's 28 - 140mm, f/2.8 - 4.5 glass. No confirmation from Nikon on these specs yet, but we reckon it won't be long before this fighter gets its trunks on.
Samsung's 'tank-like,' AMOLED-screened TL500 compact camera reviewed
Another player has entered the high-end compact camera fold, and this time it looks like Samsung is in it to win it. The TL500 (aka EX1) is a 10 megapixel shooter with a larger than usual 1/1.7-inch CCD backing up a 24 - 72mm 3x zoom lens that will take you all the way down to F1.8. In the Photography Blog review, that lens earned the camera one of its few criticisms, starting very wide but not offering enough magnification on the other end of the scale. A lack of 720p video recording is another bummer, but other than those two it's basically all positive, with the build quality and controls earning high marks, and the resulting images (helped by full manual exposure controls) looking as good as you'd expect. The camera isn't particularly reasonable at $449, but it does at least deliver on everything it promises.
Ricoh GXR P10 sensor and lens combo gets reviewed
We're still not sure that the world knows it needs a compact camera with both interchangeable lenses and sensors, but Ricoh's giving us all another reason to believe with the P10. This is a 10 megapixel, 1/2.3-inch sensor combined with a 10.7x, 28 - 300mm lens that, according to Photography Blog performs much better than its compact-sounding specs would lead you to believe -- as it should for a price of $299 on its own, or $499 with the GXR body. It'll do 720p video recording and capture RAW images at 5fps with full manual controls. These features earn it a solid recommendation and it's said to be the best expansion pack for the GXR yet. That's despite not offering any new factions, levels nor, indeed, a single new playable character.
Casio's new 1,000fps compact shooter, the EX-FH100, gets slow-mo review
When we took a look at last summer's hottest compact cameras, we had a lot of fun playing with the 1,000fps video capture mode on Casio's EX-FC100. That model is sadly no longer with us, but its successor is here to fill the void. While we dig the sophisticated new look for the EX-FH100, Photography Blog finds that the camera still needs work on the inside. On paper, a 10x zoom in front of a 10 megapixel, backside-illuminated sensor sounds like a great combination, but image quality was found to be poor and ISO settings anywhere above 200 resulted in considerable grain. Still, 40fps still shooting is nothing to scoff at, and a $50 price drop compared to last year's model is progress you can take to the bank.
Fuji F70 EXR compact superzoom spotted all over the 'net, S200FS mentioned
While we're not too fond of the megapixel war pushing consumer point-and-shoots to ridiculous resolutions, we certainly don't mind the recent trend of little cams getting big lenses, and Fuji could be next. Rumors and pictures of the F70 EXR have been spreading on all manners of forums and internets, promising a new half-inch, 10 megapixel sensor backing a 27 - 270mm lens, all packaged in a rather svelte looking exterior (another glimpse below). Mechanical image stabilization is said to be on offer, but rumored VGA video capture will be a disappointment if true. Also being discussed is the S200fs, a supposed follow-up to the "why won't this lens come off" not quite an SLR S100FS from last year. That's all we know about that one, and while both are said to be available in September, we'd wait for some official word from Fuji before making any pre-orders at neighborhood camera shops.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Sony Cyber-shot W180 and W190 cameras feature awesome digital zooms
Sony just announced a pair of Cyber-shot cameras in Europe. Both offer Sony's smile shutter technology, 3x zoom stabilized with SteadyShot, 2.7-inch LCD, a claimed ISO 3200 sensitivity, and 7 automatic scene selection modes. The W180, though, has a 10.1 megapixel sensor to the 12.1 megapixels of the W190 (pictured). Oddly, Sony's pushing the 17x/18x digital zoom capabilities on these -- something we haven't seen hyped for a few years:Pristine picture quality is further enhanced by the high-quality 3x optical zoom lens. Smart zoom boosts maximum magnification to a frame-filling 18x for W190 and 17x for W180 for even more dramatic close-ups. In other words, these cams are targeting entry-level consumers prone to enjoying a Big Mac and tattle-rag while shopping instead of doing any real pre-purchase research. Available starting July in silver, black, and red for "an outstanding value." Backside front, after the break.
Sharp Aquos Shot 933SH and Miruno 934SH handsets get handled
It's debatable whether anyone really needs a 10 megapixel cameraphone with a maximum ISO setting of 12800, but plenty of people (ourselves included) really want one, so we're coveting these new pics of Sharp's Aquos 933SH, which also sports a 3.3-inch VGA LCD, 16GB of internal storage, and a "cheese focus" setting that guarantees that your friends' smiles and not their fondues will be in focus at your next party. Also handled by Akihabara News is the Miruno 934SH, another high-end model with a more feminine marketing angle that somehow gets by with just eight megapixels on tap, but adds in all sorts of fun (and demeaning) applications like a palm reader and a kitchen timer, and is even waterproof so that bath time doesn't have to interrupt gab time. Unsurprisingly there's still no mention of an American release, so don't give up that bathroom speakerphone just yet.Read - Aquos Shot 933SH Hands-onRead - Miruno 934SH Hands-on
Panasonic's DMC-TZ7 reviewed, offers great quality stills and vids
This is a great time to be shopping for a high-end pocketable digital camera -- assuming you're the sort who doesn't get overwhelmed when faced with plenty of options. With recent offerings like Fuji's F200EXR, Ricoh's CX1, and Casio's EC-FX100, it's a busy market, and now the arrival of Panasonic's DMC-TZ7 makes it even more so. Reviewed by Photography Blog, the 10 megapixel cam was found to offer great image quality at both ends of its 12x, 25 - 300mm Leica lens, functional image stabilization, and minimal noise up to ISO 400 (though it does go all the way to 1600). Even the 720p video recording impressed, which you can see for yourself in the sample vid embedded below. At the end it nabs a perfect rating, which might make it perfect for your pocket -- if you don't mind that $400 MSRP.
BenQ announces E1050 camera for drab and mysterious shooters
BenQ is enhancing its selection of pocketable shooters with another modestly-spec'ed offering, the E1050. It has your standard 3x optical zoom lens on the front and 3-inch LCD on the back, with a 10 megapixel CCD forming the meat in this 17.6mm thick sandwich (though BenQ points out that it is 16.8mm thin at its skinniest bit). Its stainless case is only available in a muted gray, surely to disappoint those who need color in their life. However, that nondescript hue plus the inclusion of shooting speeds all the way down to ISO 3200, twice that of the earlier (and thinner) T850, should make this a solid choice for spies and ninjas. Beyond potential espionage action there isn't much to get excited about here, especially at an undisclosed price and undisclosed availability -- but don't let that stop you from checking out a picture of its back-side after the break.
Canon's SX10 IS 20x wide-angle zoom and 14.7 megapixel G10
Canon's just getting started with the full-frame 5D mkII this morning. Demonstrating its chops downmarket with its PowerShot range, Canon just announced its 10 megapixel SX10 IS with 20x wide-angle zoom lens and 2.5-inch folding LCD along side a 14.7 megapixel G10 with 5x wide-angle zoom lens and 3-inch LCD. Both feature Canon's optical image stabilization and DIGIC 4 image processing with face and motion detection, face detection self-timer, servo AF, and intelligent contrast correction. The SX10 IS is powered by 4x AA batteries and should hit shelves in late October for $400 -- the G10 should pop for $500 at about the same time.%Gallery-32082%Read -- G10Read -- SX10 IS
Canon's A1000 IS, A2000 IS, SX110 IS and E1 break free
Here's three more from Canon, the same, entry-level trio we saw leaked yesterday now official (where's the E1?). The optical image stabilized set feature face detection and DIGIC 3 image processing. Let's highlight the differences: $300 SX110 IS: 9 megapixels, 10x zoom, 3-inch LCD $250 A2000 IS: 10 megapixels, 6x zoom, 3-inch LCD $200 A1000 IS: 10 megapixels, 4x zoom, 2.5-inch LCD All three break loose at the end of this month and ship with a pair of AAs and 32MB SD card.Update: Ah ha, we just found the missing Powershot E1 from yesterday's quartet. The cutesy, OIS cam targeting teens and tweens features the same DIGIC 3 processing with a 10 megapixel sensor, 4x zoom, and 2.5-inch LCD.%Gallery-30459%
FujiFilm's 10 megapixel S2000HD with 15x wide angle zoom quietly introduced
FujiFilm Canada seems to have jumped the gun and outed a whole suite of cameras this morning. Starting with the headliner, we've got this 10 megapixel FinePix S2000HD with 15x wide angle zoom and 2.7-inch LCD. Listing for a thrifty CA$300, the S2000HD features a 1/2.3-inch CCD capable of capturing 3 megapixel images at 13.5fps and up to 6400 ISO at 5 megapixels with the help of FujiFilm's dual image stabilization. And "HD" in the name can mean only one thing: this cam also shoots HD video (720p Motion JPEG) in a pinch. No delivery date but we expect that to get sorted just as soon as this becomes officially official.[Via 1001noisycameras and dpReview]
Kodak's EasyShare Z1015 IS shooter packs 15x zoom, 10 megapixel sensor
Kodak's got a new one for the semi-casual point-and-shoot crowd, the EasyShare Z1015 IS. The 10 megapixel Z-series camera manages a 15x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD, HD footage at 720p and 30 fps, and Kodak's Perfect Touch processing. Naturally the IS implies optical image stabilization, but the 6400 ISO should help out in the shaking department as well if grain is not an issue, and full manual controls should help out all the in-betweens. It'll go for $350 come September.%Gallery-27288%
