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Samsung announces a batch of sharing-focused SMART cameras, including a dual-grip beast with 60x zoom
They don't run Android, and we're not sure if they even run Tizen OS, but a lineup of new smart cameras at CES represents Sammy's best efforts to elevate point-and-shoots to a higher state of technological being. (Hopefully before the entire genre of the "cheap camera" is wiped out by smartphones.) We're still lacking exact pricing and availability, alas, but the model numbers and specs hint at the essential hierarchy, starting with the huge WB2200F bridge camera with 60x zoom and going all the way down to the tiny WB35F with a 12x zoom. All the cameras come with WiFi and NFC for quick pairing to a smartphone or tablet; all deliver 16MP images as a bare minimum; and we'll take a moment to cover each one in a little more detail after the break.
Polaroid's new bridge cameras pack WiFi sharing, as much as 50x optical zoom
In addition to the quirkier parts of its CES camera lineup, Polaroid's trotting out a line of bridge shooters with a healthy helping of optical zoom capabilities. Each device in the fleet features a 3-inch display and image sharing over WiFi. At the top of the range sits a model with 50x zoom (iE5036W), 18 megapixels, 1080p video-capture chops and a $299 price tag, with a nearly identical 40x zoom variant (iE4038W) perched just behind it. Interestingly, the version toting just 35x optics (Ixx353W) scores an upgrade to a 20-megapixel sensor. A cam with a 30x lens (iE3035W) helps bring up the rear, along with a 15x zoom flavor that drops its video resolution to 720p and its price to $149. If you intend to recruit one of these gadgets for your photographic endeavors, look for them to arrive in stores sometime this spring.
Samsung unveils 20-megapixel WB110 bridge camera with 26x optical zoom
While its mostly been busy blurring the lines between smartphone and camera lately, Samsung's still churning out regular shooters as well. Case in point: it just launched the WB110, a 20-megapixel successor to last year's 16-megapixel model packing the same 26x optical zoom. That's far from superzooms like Nikon's 42x P520, but Samsung's model does go a touch wider with a 35mm equivalent range of 22.3mm to 580mm. Other highlights include 720p AVC/H.264 video, 3,200 max ISO, Smart Auto mode to aid in tricky still and movie exposures, a pop-up flash and a 3-inch HVGA (480 x 360) display. None of those specs will set the world on fire, so hopefully the price won't burn your wallet once Samsung gets around to announcing it. There's no date for availability either, but the rest of the story's in the PR after the break. %Gallery-193116%
Nikon Coolpix P510 arrives in London, we go hands-on (video)
You may have heard that Nikon's revealed a few -- well, a lot of -- new cameras this week. Fortunately it wasn't long until we were able to get to grips with some of the more interesting models. Unfortunately both the super-zooming Coolpix P510 (seen here) and the super-zooming P310 arrived sans battery, unwilling to be coaxed into working, but more than happy to show off how the finished unit would feel in the hand. We were able to get a hardware tour from Nikon's James Loader, who gave us a brief overview of the new Coolpix P series and talked up how that 42x zoom interacts with that 16.1-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor. You'll find that right after the gallery, alongside our own impressions on the hardware. We hope to grab a working sample ahead of the bridge camera's March 22nd launch, priced at £400 ($630) in the UK.Update: We've corrected the pricing. As previously reported, the camera will reach US shores at a more wallet-friendly $430.
Fujifilm's XS-1 bridge camera: 26x zoom, EXR sensor, £699 in the UK (video)
Fujifilm claims it's 'reinvented' the bridge camera with the latest in its X line of premium snappers. The XS-1 is affixed to a Fujinon lens that opens up to f/2.8 and stretches all the way from 24mm to 624mm (in 35mm parlance) in an effort "cater perfectly for every photographic need" and prevent you from ever longing for the flexibility of a DSLR. It even sports a Super Macro Mode for focusing down to a rather intimate single centimeter. Behind the lens sits the same 12-megapixel EXR CMOS found in the X10, which means you get an undersized 2/3-inch sensor instead of the superior APS-C format found in the X100 and many DSLRs. Read on for more specs in the press release plus a short promo clip, and expect to see this hit British shelves in February for £699 ($1090).
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 gets reviewed
Fujifilm's FineFix S1500 got a little lost among the company's slew of other cameras unveiled back at PMA and CeBIT, but the camera's now finally moving out on its own, and the folks at Photography Blog have seen fit to give a thorough review. In case you missed it, this one's a 10-megapixel bridge camera, and packs quite a few impressive features for its $200 street price, including a 12x optical zoom, image stabilization, a decent 2.7-inch LCD, and a full range of manual controls in addition to the usual point-and-shoot options. According to Photography Blog, however, while the S1500 "feels like a lot of camera for the money," it falls a bit short when it comes to image quality, and things seem to get particularly tricky if you're shooting in less than ideal conditions. That said, is is just $200, and should still be a nice upgrade for anyone looking to move up from a basic point-and-shoot.
Pentax X70 leaks out in full ahead of PMA
Well, it looks like those intrigued by that Pentax bridge camera that turned up yesterday didn't have to wait too long to get the full scoop on it, as the camera has now produced yet another leak ahead of the big PMA show, this time with complete specs and a name: the X70. Among the stand-out features here is a 24x optical zoom, along with a more than adequate 12 megapixels, a 2.7-inch LCD, and a number of reasonably high-end features, including "reliable shake-reduction," 720p video recording, settings from ISO 50 to ISO 6400, and a high-speed shooting mode that'll let you capture up to 11 images per second. What's more, while Pentax still isn't saying anything official about the camera, it has already turned up on B&H's website with a price of $399.95, though there's no indication of a release date just yet. Update: Pentax has pushed out the official presser, with an April release date.Read - PentaxForums.comRead - B&H
Pentax bridge digital camera image leaked ahead of PMA?
It appears the folks at Colorfoto.de have erred in our favor. In an article for the Olympus E-620, a seemingly random image has popped up of a currently unknown Pentax digital camera. What makes it especially interesting is the appearance of an EVF / LCD option -- which so far the company has not use for any of their models. It also bears a striking resemblance to a DSLR-esque "bridge" camera, which would make it Penny's first in that category. Looks like we've got another reason to anticipate next week's PMA.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Hasselblad discontinues the H2 product line
We don't foresee too many tears being shed over this news, but the Hasselblad faithful will probably want to know that the tried and true H2 product line has been nixed. Not surprisingly, the company reported that "demand simply no longer justified the dedicated manufacturing line required for its production," and that it would be shifting those resources to the H3DII. On a more positive note, the outfit is introducing the H2F, which is being billed as a "greatly simplified film-only version of the H2," so those (still) sticking with film can look here to get their fix. Lastly, the firm reassured H1 / H2 owners that it would continue to support those products "for a minimum of 10 years from the date of purchase." So long, H2, it's been a good run.[Via CNET]
