CompactCameras
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Nikon cancels DL compacts amid 'extraordinary' losses
Nikon has cancelled the DL series premium compact cameras it was hoping to pit against Sony and Panasonic. The lineup was supposed to launch in June of 2016, but was delayed due to problems with the electronics. Since then, its rivals have released new models (the RX100 Mark V and Panasonic DMC-LX10) putting the company significantly behind. Because of all that (and a soft market) Nikon thought the DL compacts weren't likely to be profitable.
Panasonic gussies up Lumix DMC-XS1 with 10 different designs
It's that time of year again -- the gadgets of CES are finally starting to march into stores. Today's newest catalog item comes from Panasonic in the form of the 16.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-XS1 compact. Equipped with a 24mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens, this $200 point-and-shoot is aimed at people looking to move beyond the hazy world of cellphone photography. Unlike some high-end smartphone cameras the DMC-XS1's 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor is limited to 720p video capture at 30 fps. So, it likely won't win over the hardcore paparazzo, but this compact's 10 flashy design options may manage to score some points with fledging shutterbugs.
Pair of unannounced Leica cameras get leaked ahead of next week's Photokina
As you may or may not know, Photokina's taking place in Cologne, Germany in a few days, which has caused a plethora of cameras to make an appearance before they're even made official. The latest round of unannounced, leaked shooters brings us a couple of Leicas, including the high-end, LX7-esque compact pictured above and a superzoom that takes a design cue from its smaller sibling. Unfortunately, details like pricing and availability are still at large, but with Photokina right around the corner, it won't be long before we know more about this sleek pair. For now, head past the break to check out an extra pic, where you'll find the larger member of the two posing for the camera -- ironic, huh?
Olympus introduces Stylus SP-820UZ, SP-720UZ cameras and SZ-14 binocular bundle
Thought Olympus only made one camera named after a writing implement? Meet the Stylus SP-820UZ, announced alongside the less romantically titled SP-720UZ and the SZ-14 DX bundle. The Stylus (the only one we're expecting to see in the US) comes with a 14-megapixel CMOS tied to the same image engine you'll find inside the company's desirable PEN series. It's ideal for crazy cat people, since it comes with a Pet-face detection mode to ensure your hilarious cheezburger submissions are perfectly focused, and it's even got a series of magic filters to jazz 'em up further. The snapper uses AA batteries (a genius or insane move, depending on how cheaply you can pick 'em up at the store) and will arrive in September. Meanwhile, the SP-720UZ includes a 26x optical lens perched in front of a 14-megapixel sensor with HDR backlit correction and high-speed shooting. The company's also outing the "Big Telephoto Set," combining a SZ-14 compact camera with a pair of binoculars for those who want to drag along a spotter. Both sets will be available in August, though Olympus has only confirmed US availability for the 820UZ, which is expected to retail for $330 in silver and black.
Olympus hangs $57 million loss on austerity, strong yen and declining compact camera market
Olympus is reporting a $56.7 million loss for its first quarter of 2012. While its coveted medical imaging arm remains profitable, its life-science and industrial unit suffered thanks to corporate belt-tightening. Unsurprisingly, its low-end compact camera market is shrinking, but sales of its OM-D E-M5 ILC increased by 50 percent, offsetting some of the losses and reducing operating losses from $89 million last quarter to $19 million in this one. Like many of its Japanese rivals, it's also found a strong yen has stifled its return to productivity, a trend that isn't likely to change soon.
Pentax Optio VS20: hold it any way you want, as long as you love it
Standing on the Hoover Dam, you're trying to encapsulate the majesty of the engineering feat before you. Turning the camera on its side, you try and get a perfect portrait shot, but find the vagaries of evolution mean your fingers won't stretch to the buttons anymore. If you've ever experienced such horrors, Pentax has the solution with its new Optio VS20 digital compact camera. The 16-megapixel camera packs an accelerometer (like Samsung's QF20) which will flip your image to the correct orientation and a second shutter release and zoom lever on the topmost side of the body for easier snapping. The company also thoughtfully included a second tripod mount, so there's no futzing with your stand required. Less exceptional features include a 3-inch LCD, automatic picture modes including fish-eye that'll appeal to the young skaters and hipsters you see littering the streets. It'll capture 1280 x 720 movies with its independent video button (also recording in fish-eye) and variable aspect ratio. It's arriving next month for $250, so if you want to become a superstar of the board, you'd better get practicing your Ollies.
Ricoh unveils CX5 with hybrid AF, continues tradition of subtle improvements
The folks at Ricoh have dependable predictability down pat, and the CX5's specs are, for the most part, nothing new. We've talked up the CX line of compact superzooms since the release of the CX1 almost two years ago, and we've watched the company fine-tune the already impressive camera with each new edition. Every incarnation of the CX series is just a tad better than the last: you might recall the CX4 didn't make any big changes, either. The CX5 offers few marked signs of improvement (at least on paper) over its predecessor, but it does sport a hybrid AF that combines a distance sensor with contrast detection to bring focus rates down to two-tenths of a second: twice as fast as the CX4. Other than that -- you guessed it -- the CX5 sports the same specs as its predecessor (unless you count the addition of a "continuous golf swing" mode). So, if you're looking for a big step up from your CX4, you might want to wait for the next generation. Then again, we can't guarantee Ricoh will break with tradition.
Samsung rolls out five new ST series point-and-shoot cameras
Samsung just introduced a slew of new cameras at CES earlier this month, but it's now already back with another batch, which consists of five low to mid-range point-and-shoots in its ST series. Those begin with the $100 ST30 model, and move on up to the ST65, ST90 and touchscreen-equipped ST95, before topping out with the $230 ST6500 (pictured above), which packs a 16 megapixel sensor, a 5x optical zoom, 720p video recording, and the same touchscreen interface as the ST95. As for the rest of the lot, you can expect to get between 10 and 16 megapixels, either a 3x or 5x optical zoom, and 720p video recording on all but the ST30. Head on past the break for the press releases with the complete specs, and look for all five cameras to be available in February or March. %Gallery-114702%
Sony DSC-TX100V and the rest of the Cyber-shot posse hands-on
Sony announced a heap of new Cyber-shot cameras earlier this week, and after spying the entire line posing Miss America-style at Sony's CES booth, we decided to go hands on. The DSC-TX100V's OLED screen, which is a Cyber-shot first, was definitely impressive in terms of clarity, brightness and color reproduction -- despite only viewing a fellow convention goer obstructing the booth. The DSC-TX10 is also one the classiest looking ruggedized camera we've ever seen and thankfully lacks accents such as excessive rubber detailing. Sony wasn't really down with us testinghow much grief it could actually take though. Similarly, we had hoped to check out the DSC-WX10's 1920 x 1080 60fps video capture mode -- since it's the only digital compact to support it -- but that idea got shut down the moment a few Sony VIPs arrived. Still, we did manage to take a few shots of each in the wilds of the convention center which you can check out in the gallery below. %Gallery-113428%
Sony reveals 3D capturing Cyber-shot cameras, includes world's first compact capable of 1080/60p video
Sony has announced the DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9 16.2-megapixel Cyber-shot cameras here in Las Vegas, which are the world's first compacts to include a 3D still capture feature using just one lens and imager. This is made possible via a special shooting mode that takes two consecutive shots in different focus positions that are then combined to produce a 3D effect. All also feature so-called Dual Rec technology borrowed from the Handycam line that enables users to capture three megapixel stills while recording video. Outside of what they have in common, several of the models have a few noteworthy details. The DSC-WX10 is the only digital compact to support full 1920 x 1080/60p video capture. Speaking of firsts, the DSC-TX100V is the first Cyber-shot to to feature a 3.5-inch OLED touch screen. Less revolutionary (but still drool-worthy) is the DSC-HX7V's ability to record the location and direction of a particular photos thanks to a built-in GPS and compass, while the DSC-TX10 is ruggedized to be waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof. All of these models will be available this March, and cost between $220 and $380. For more details be sure to check out the full PR after the jump. %Gallery-112852%
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.
Samsung AQ100 reviewed and found partially-worthy of Flipper glamour shots
PhotographyBlog has indulged us with a thorough review of Samsung's 12.2 megapixel WP10 waterproof compact -- known as the AQ100 stateside -- and their takeaways are mixed. One major concern is that the screen misleadingly makes photos appear overexposed. Its slow 5x zoom, run of the mill feature set and measly battery life good for approximately 150 shots per charge doesn't improve the situation; nor does the lack of separate charger for juicing dead spares while using the camera. That said, an included HDMI port, a clever SmartAuto shooting mode, and relatively quick two second start up time does help balance the equation. Throw in the fact that it's waterproof up to 3 meters, takes decent imagery, and has an MSRP of $199 with street prices dipping even lower and they concede it's not a terrible proposition as a laid-back compact. Whether it's a better deal than a slew of other Cousteau-worthy options released this year such as the Finepix XP10, Sony TX5, or Pentax Optio w90 is still something we'll leave you to mull over. Can you really quantify the value of your camera color matching the water you're shooting in though? For more details, read the full review at the source link below.
Ricoh CX4 gets reviewed: slight improvement over the CX3
Well, it looks like Ricoh is still sticking to the if-it's-not-broke-don't-fix-it model with its CX series of cameras. Just as it found in its review of the CX3, Photography Blog says that the new CX4 model delivers some modest improvements over its predecessor, but likely not enough to warrant an upgrade -- or stand out from the competition, for that matter. The improvements this time around include some improved image stabilization, as well as a handful of new features like a multi-shot night landscape mode and subject-tracking AF, which both apparently work reasonably well. One of the other new changes also proved to be one of the camera's biggest drawbacks, however, as the reduced handgrip makes the CX4 harder to hold comfortably than earlier models. Hit up the source link below for the full review.
Casio EX-S200 and EX-Z800 point-and-shoots spontaneously appear with 'super resolution' zoom
We're not quite sure when they'll arrive or for how much -- we haven't heard a peep out of Casio -- but Digital Photography Review is reporting a pair of new pocket shooters from the Japanese company. Both the Casio EX-S200 (pictured) and the EX-Z800 are your standard 14.1 megapixel compacts with 720p video recording and 4x optical zoom, as well as the Exilim Engine 5.0 processing the company introduced this year and the supposedly fire-and-forget Premium Auto mode. We doubt you'll find any surprises in the spec sheet or even figure out a good reason to choose between the two, but the S200 is slightly thinner, has an autofocus assist lamp and an instant-on Quick Mode. Meanwhile, the Z800 is slightly lighter and shorter in both directions. Oh, and in case you're curious, that "super resolution zoom" is just marketing speak for a 6x digital zoom plus algorithms that will hopefully reduce image degradation -- you're still blowing up those pixels. PR after the break.
Panasonic Lumix LX5 outed by tech support page, improvements are black and white
Panasonic may be pushing Micro Four Thirds tech these days, but that doesn't mean it's forgotten about the pocketable high-end -- in fact, full spec sheets and pictures have just leaked from the company's technical support website, detailing the unannounced latest in the Lumix LX lineup. The 10.1 megapixel DMC-LX5 doesn't have any revolutionary new features, sadly, but it certainly brings the 2008 LX3 predecessor up to spec in nearly every way, with a longer 3.8x optical zoom lens by Leica, 12,800 ISO mixed-pixel sensitivity and a familiar-sounding AVCHD Lite 720p video recording mode. Slightly heavier due to a larger 1250mAh battery, the camera supports SDXC memory cards this time round, has an anti-glare coating on the 3-inch LCD and thankfully replaces those bulky breakout component cables with a mini-HDMI out. There's also an optional electronic viewfinder and a jog dial on the back, but we don't want to ruin all your fun unearthing these gems; peruse the specs yourself at our source link.
Panasonic clamps down prices, release window for latest F-series line of compact cameras
Panasonic is nothing like shy about pushing out a plethora of compacts, but while it was talking up specs for the new Lumix F-series of compact cameras back at CES, we've just now got some prices and a release date to chew on. The FH1 (12 megapixel, 720p video) goes for $160, FH3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $180, and the FH20 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $200. In slim land, the FP1 (12 megapixel) hits at $150 and the FP3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $230. Finally, some killer value can be found in the bulkier F3, which does 12.1 megapixels and 720p video for a mere $130, and the barebones 10.1 megapixel F2. All of the cameras should be out in mid-February.
Samsung intros L720, L830 and L83T digital cameras
Samsung UK has just announced three new digital cameras which the company will be adding to its already crowded lineup, the L730 (pictured, £119), L830 (£149) and the L83T (£179). All three compact models appear to feature many, if not all of the same specs, save for slight variations in megapixel numbers (7, 8, and 8.2, respectively). The cameras sport a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3X optical zoom, ISO to 1600, movie capture mode in 320x240 to 800x592, 16 MB of internal memory (plus SD support to 4GB), and come bundled with the company's Digimax Master software. The L83T adds ASR image stabilization, but other than that, these cameras are practically identical. Samsung clearly felt that the market for small, silver digital cameras was lacking a certain blandness only it could provide.Read - Samsung L730Read - Samsung L830Read - Samsung L83T
Kodak's new EasyShare C613 and C763 keep it slim and cheap
Kodak's hitting all the budget-friendly sweet spots today. Alongside those "fancy" Z712 IS and Z885 shooters, these new C613 and C763 (pictured) EasyShare cameras are positively barebones, with $120 and $180 pricetags, respectively. Luckily, Kodak didn't do away with specs entirely: the C613 sports a 6.2 megapixel CCD and 3X zoom, while the C763 bumps it up to 7.1 megapixels. The screens are particularly impressive for the prices, at 2.4-inch and 2.5-inches. ISO, in about the 800 range, naturally isn't as notable as that of the Z series we saw earlier, and there's no optical image stabilization to keep your pics blur-free, but the combination of low price, small size and beefy megapixels should garner this pair a bit of success when they drop in April. Peep the C613 after the break.Read - C613Read - C763
