Point And Shoot -- Engadget

point-and-shoot posts

Samsung Pixon 12 phonecamera hybrid gets tested

by Ross Miller posted Oct 15th 2009 at 5:46PM

It's probably best to think of Samsung's Pixon 12 not as a phone with a killer camera, but more so as a good point-and-shoot with phone capabilities tacked on. Our friends at Engadget Chinese managed to get some hands-on with the device, and while they say the voice and SMS portion is nothing to write home about, the form factor and AMOLED screen seems quite nice and the sample pictures come out even nicer. Hit up the read link for some odd, machine-translated text and pretty photography.

Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing and impressions

by Darren Murph posted Oct 12th 2009 at 2:37PM

Canon held off about as long as it could, but it finally caved to the pressures of adding a pressure-sensitive screen to one of its Digital ELPHs. The SD980 IS goes down as the first-ever touchscreen PowerShot, offering a better-than-average set of specifications, a few color options, an attractive size and a 720p movie mode that helps to set it apart from some of its VGA-quality contemporaries. We took the cam for a quick spin just to see how Canon's adaptation of the touchscreen felt in real-world use, and we've posted up our impressions -- along with a few sample galleries and a raw 720p video clip -- just beyond the break.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing

Continue reading Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing and impressions

Pentax's waterproof Optio W80 reviewed: tough as nails, 'so-so' image quality

by Darren Murph posted Sep 21st 2009 at 10:12AM

We've always heard that life was full of compromises, and evidently Pentax made a few when it decided to build its toughest, most rugged point-and-shoot camera of all time. On paper, the Optio W80 looked mighty promising, but in practice, the all-important image quality was found to fall short. Over at PhotographyBLOG, critics found that the camera could withstand "virtually anything" within reason, and while the 5x optical zoom and HD movie mode were both appreciated, most everything else was at least somewhat disappointing. The anti-shake system was found to simply slow the camera down, and the image quality was hamstrung by excessive noise at all ISO levels -- even 100. Feel free to peek the full review down in the read link, but make sure to keep your expectations in check.

Nikon's Coolpix S1000pj now shipping from select locales

by Darren Murph posted Sep 21st 2009 at 6:51AM

Nikon assured us that its projector-packin' S1000pj would be out and about by September 17th, and while we've yet to confirm whether or not anyone was able to snag one last Thursday, we can say for certain that it's shipping now from a number of respectable e-tailers. Ritz Camera, Abe's of Maine and Beach Camera are all shipping units out within 48 hours, while Amazon appears to be backordered until September 23rd. The cam is sitting at $430 pretty much everywhere, so the only question left the answer is this: you in?

[Via PicoProjector-Info]

Read - Abe's of Maine
Read - Ritz Camera / Amazon / Beach Camera

Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots

by Darren Murph posted Sep 19th 2009 at 8:01AM

We'll admit -- compared to the ketchup-colored K-x, these two just seem lackluster. And, perhaps they are. But there's still some merit to Pentax introducing a new pair of point-and-shoots, with both the M85 and E85 sporting 12 megapixel CCD sensors and relatively slim bodies. The former can also shoot 720p video and features a 3-inch touchscreen, shake reduction and face detection, while the lower end E85 gets saddled with a 2.7-inch LCD, a VGA movie mode and an awkward feeling of incompetence. Both should be available in Euroland next month for €179 ($263) and €129 ($186), respectively.

[Via Engadget German]

Continue reading Pentax debuts 12 megapixel duo: Optio M85 and E85 point-and-shoots

Samsung's ultraslim ST45 digital camera is sadly devoid of clowns

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 4th 2009 at 10:24AM

We'll be honest -- we were hoping that from now on Samsung would be including creepy clown displays on the front of all their 12.2 megapixel shooters. If for some strange reason you're not into that idea, however, the ST45 should be right up your alley. A pretty noteworthy 16mm thin, this guy features an ISO sensitivity up to 3200, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and all the goodies you expect from Samsung: Smart Scene Recognition with 11 (count 'em!) picture settings (Portrait, Night portrait, Macro, etc.), Digital Image Stabilization, Self Portrait & Frame Guide (for all those double-chin masking MySpace one-handed self-pics), and the obligatory Face Detection. This bad boy will be available in the UK in red, black, blue, or grey, sometime late this month. PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's ultraslim ST45 digital camera is sadly devoid of clowns

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W1 slammed in early review, company responds point-by-point

by Ross Miller posted Aug 24th 2009 at 12:12AM

Akihabara News' early review of the Fujifilm W1 3D Camera pretty much laid everything out from the get-go with its headline, "The worst camera ever made: the review." It assuredly caused more than a few raised eyebrows, not the least of which from Fujifilm itself. In an interesting and welcoming move, the company invited the publication to a face-to-face meeting -- not for some physical redemption, mind you, but to address all the points of disappointment. There isn't a lot said to alleviate concerns, and the common thread among all replies is pretty much that this is a new field that currently caters to a very small niche, and there's gonna be speed bumps for time to come -- in other words, better luck next time. Still, it's somewhat refreshing to see a major company tackle the subject head-on and in public view -- now if only we could make this an industry-wide trend.

Read - W1 3D camera review
Read - Fujifilm's response

Video: Samsung's TL220 and TL225 cameras add a LCD in front to help with your self-portraits

by Ross Miller posted Aug 13th 2009 at 10:00AM

Cameras with projectors? That's old tricks by now. Samsung wants you to know the new, hip differentiator in the point and shoot market is two LCDs -- one in the back like usual, and a 1.5-inch LCD in the front, right next to the lens, such as what you see with the new TL220 and TL225 (also known as ST500 / ST550, respectively). That should be good for making sure your self-portraits are just right, or alternatively, it can play "cute animations to capture kids' attention." We also think it might also be useful for capturing the exact moment of horror from a coulrophobist. Both 12.2 megapixel cameras sport a 4.6x optical zoom, image stabilization, 720p video capabilities in H.264 format, and a touchscreen rear LCD with haptic feedback. The TL220 has a 3-inch display in the back, while the TL225 (pictured) features a 3.5-inch display that's also much, much sharper. Price is $299.90 / $349.99 for TL220 and TL225, respectively, and both are due out in September. Full presser -- and video -- after the break.

Update: The video (after the break) is now live.

Gallery: Samsung's TL220 and TL225 cameras add a LCD in front to help with your self-portraits

Continue reading Video: Samsung's TL220 and TL225 cameras add a LCD in front to help with your self-portraits

Samsung crams WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.0 into well-specced CL65 point-and-shoot

by Darren Murph posted Aug 13th 2009 at 10:00AM

If you're anything like us (and let's face it, you're exactly like us), you've been counting down the nanoseconds until Samsung finally revealed what its 'Tap and Take' campaign was all about. This, folks, is it. As many of you sharp folks surmised, Samsung is delving deep into the intelligent camera arena, equipping its luscious CL65 (no, not that CL65) with a 12.2 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, 720p (30fps) movie mode, an HDMI output, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen that utilizes a Smart Gesture user interface. Furthermore, the camera can access certain features when simply tilted, and the built-in Bluetooth 2.0 module enables users to easily share images with other BT-equipped devices.

Considering that you're probably still not impressed, how's about a little more on the cutting-edge front? The point-and-shoot also includes WiFi (much like Sony's disappointing DSC-G3 and Panny's Lumix DMC-TZ50), giving users the ability to upload directly to Facebook, Picasa and YouTube. Unfortunately, all photos uploaded via WiFi will be reduced to a resolution of two megapixels, and while we understand the reasoning, we figure an option for full / reduced res would've been a much better compromise. At any rate, the device also includes DLNA support for streaming to HDTVs and the like, while the integrated GPS chip handles the geotagging. The cam, which is admittedly bursting at the seams with features, will land next month in the US for $399.99. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Samsung CL65 digital camera

Continue reading Samsung crams WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.0 into well-specced CL65 point-and-shoot

Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

by Darren Murph posted Aug 5th 2009 at 6:00PM

Not turned on by Pentax's recently released Optio W80? How's about a colorful variant for $50 less? This fine evening, the waterproof Optio WS80 is being unveiled alongside two other entirely less enchanting point-and-shoots. The $249.95 WS80 (shown above) looks about as natural as a waterproof camera can, arriving this September in "his-and-her designs" with a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, a sub-1-inch thick body, 2.7-inch LCD and the ability to withstand depths of up to five feet (lackluster, we know). Still, the ability to snag underwater video at 720p is a real boon, and there's even face detection, shake reduction and sensitivity modes as high as ISO 6400.

As for the other guys, the Optio P80 gets things going with a 12.1 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD, 720p (30fps) movie mode, face detection, shake reduction, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens (equivalent to 27.5 - 110mm focal length) and support for AA batteries. It's expected to ship this September for $199.95 in black, pearl and mint hues. Finally, the low-end E80 is pretty much the same as the P80 save for its 10 megapixel sensor, 15fps 720p movie mode and 3x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 32 - 96mm. It should also ship in September for $129.95. Check the full releases and specification sheets after the break... if you dare.

Gallery: Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80

Continue reading Pentax debuts waterproof Optio WS80 alongside P80 and E80 point-and-shoots

Kodak debuts EasyShare Z950, M381 and M341 digicams

by Darren Murph posted Jul 29th 2009 at 5:22AM

Had enough Kodak this fine morning? No? Good. Just hours after showcasing its newest 1080p pocket camcorder, the aforesaid firm is hitting us up with a few more new pieces to digest. First up is the EasyShare Z950, a modest megazoom-in-a-P&S-body that packs a 10x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor and a $279.99 price tag. Next, we've got the totally ho hum EasyShare M381, which also offers a dozen megapixels alongside a 3-inch rear LCD, 5x zoomer, easy upload to Facebook / YouTube, face detection, a variety of lovely hues and an MSRP of $179.99. The last cam is the M341, which steps down to a 3x optical zoom and a smaller 2.7-inch LCD for $149. Closing things out is the EasyShare D830 (£119.99; $196) and D1030 (£169.99; $279) digital photo frames, which check in at 8- and 10-inches respectively (in terms of display size) and tout interchangeable face plates, 512MB of internal memory, a Quick Touch border, memory card reader and a USB port. Everything here should ship in the US and UK by September, though those hungry for additional details are welcome to tap that read link.

[Via DigitalCameraInfo]

Ricoh GR Digital III continues 28mm-equivalent, high-priced lineage

by Vladislav Savov posted Jul 27th 2009 at 6:36AM

Having given its GR Digital II camera more than a year on the market, Ricoh has seen fit to now upgrade that model by latching on another digit and what it claims to be the "greatest ever GR image quality." It wouldn't be much of a step forward if that wasn't the case, but let's see what else the Japanese company hopes to tempt us with. The wide-angle 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens is all new, while the high-sensitivity 10-megapixel CCD and the GR Engine III image processor are likely evolutionary steps from the previous generation. Collectively, they promise improvements in all the areas you'd expect: faster focus, less noise and better low light images. There's also a 3-inch 920,000-dot VGA display, video recording at 640 x 480 / 30 fps, SDHC expandability and a complete lack of optical zoom. The veracity of Ricoh's claims can be tested from mid-August in the UK in exchange for £530 ($870), while the full press release and specs are already available at the read link below.

Continue reading Ricoh GR Digital III continues 28mm-equivalent, high-priced lineage

Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38

by Darren Murph posted Jul 22nd 2009 at 12:01AM

Fujifilm couldn't keep a lid on a few of its newest point-and-shoot models, but it's still delivering a couple of small surprises on this fine July eve. Starting things off is the altogether expected FinePix F70EXR (shown), a pocket-friendly shooter with a 10x wide angle optical zoom, a case that's just 22.7 millimeters thick, a 10 megapixel sensor and a respectable price tag of $279.95. Following that is the FinePix Z37, a fashion-forward cam with a 10 megapixel sensor, sleek enclosure, SD / SDHC card slot, a 2.7-inch rear LCD and a $149.95 MSRP. Moving right along, there's the 12 megapixel FinePix S200EXR, a "prosumer" camera with a 2.7-inch display, an extra longevous battery, a 14.3x optical zoom lens and a startling $599.95 sticker. The lower-end FinePix J38 boasts a 12.2 megapixel sensor, SDHC card slot, 3x optical zoom and a $129.95 price, while the entry-level A170 (10 megapixel) and A220 (12 megapixel) handle just the basics for $89.95 and $99.95, respectively. Head on past the break for a detailed look at each and every model.

Gallery: Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38

Continue reading Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F70EXR, Z37, S200EXR and J38

Samsung PL70 and PL55 bring 12 megapixels to the unwashed masses

by Vladislav Savov posted Jul 14th 2009 at 10:40AM

Promising to allow the differently rich consumer a chance to experience "the latest and most advanced digital imaging technology" (of 2008), Samsung has today announced two new entry-level cameras. While the headline features -- 12.2 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom -- are identical, the PL70 (SL720 here in the US) comes with a 3-inch LCD screen, 28mm wide-angle lens and an optical image stabilizer, whereas the PL55 (SL502 for us Yanks) makes do with 2.7-inches, 35mm and digital image stabilization. The senior model also records video at 720p ( 640 x 480 for the PL55) and boasts the nifty ability to search images by a person's face. The usual scene, face, smile and blink detection is available on both cameras, while pricing is set at $229.99 and $149.99, respectively, for the August-bound shooters.

Gallery: Samsung PL70 and PL55 digital cameras

Canon PowerShot D10 review

by Darren Murph posted Jun 25th 2009 at 1:00PM

For the longest while, your options were highly limited in the waterproof / rugged point-and-shoot arena. In fact, it was arguably better to just buy a standard P&S camera and a waterproof casing for said camera than to worry over any of the standalone waterproof alternatives. When Canon introduced its PowerShot D10 earlier this year, we immediately noticed that this waterproof shooter was quite unlike the models before it. Outside of a somewhat bulbous casing, it didn't look drastically different than some of the thicker, non-waterproof options out there. Not to mention the respectable 12.1 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom and ten meter waterproof rating. Needless to say, we couldn't resist the opportunity to grab this bugger and test it out for a week along the shores of Playa Tamarindo in Costa Rica and Lago Cocibolca in Nicaragua, so follow us past the break to find out if this cam is the perfect accessory for your upcoming beach holiday.