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Leica X1 review digs deep, can't find value
The Leica X1 is a lovely little camera and, as we've seen, it can take some stunning shots. Now it's been given a full examination in a review big enough to match the thing's decidedly over-sized asking price of $2,000. Over 28 pages dpreview attempts to verify that this machine has the performance to match that MSRP, and the news is not particularly good. The Leica does well enough, particularly when it comes to delivering high-quality images even at high ISO settings -- a major stumbling block for most compacts -- but it didn't deliver performance that significantly trumps the Panasonic GF1, which costs less than half as much and has the added bonus of capturing HD video. Value proposition? Hardly, but a solid performer if your disposable income and aesthetic needs greatly outweigh your common sense.
Sony Snowflake DSC-TX1 comes with engraved holiday spirit
For a limited time only -- and you should be able to guess how long that is -- Japanese SonyStyle customers can order up the TX1 in the especially wintry attire you see above. Already available in a choice of five colors, the cam will also let you choose between black, silver and pink for the engraved models, and we also hear these snowflakes are part of a wider range of engraved designs. Options titled Safari, Race, and Heart are also available, and you can even add your own message to the front, or just tag it with your name if you're feeling narcissistic. Either way, you can see the other color options after the break, or try out all the different looks using the interactive skinning tool at the source link.
Nikon Coolpix S70 review: excellent spec, but mediocre image quality
We'll admit we save our Nikon excitement for the sort of gear that comes with "bad mother" stitched into its casing, but sometimes even our jaded souls can get intrigued by a compact. This particular slimline unit has an OLED touchscreen display, with the additional inclusion of multitouch and gesture support, which already gets it right up to speed on the latest trends. With a 5x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor, and 720p/30fps video, it's also no slouch on the spec sheet, but reviewers at Photography Blog found a few shortcomings. The Nikon S70 is said to be overly reliant on the 3.5-inch touch display for controls, and although the camera is both thin and ultrafast to start up, those benefits come at the greatest cost of all: image quality is only average, and noise handling is poor even at base ISO. We'll file this one in our "vivacious but vapid" archive while you busy yourself with reading the full review.
Ricoh GXR now official, generates sample images and early impressions
That Ricoh GXR camera system we saw yesterday has today become official, and dpreview have gotten on the case to provide an early preview and a set of sample images taken with the shooter. The novelty to this new setup is in the so-called lens units, which contain both a lens and an appropriately matched sensor inside a sealed casing. This precludes dust from getting in where it doesn't belong and provides a tailored pairing of optics and electronics. The body, in spite of not doing much -- zoom motors plus aperture and shutter mechanisms are all handled within the lens unit -- is built out of a magnesium alloy, and its major attraction will be a good control scheme allied to excellent ergonomics, according to dpreview. What you're getting then, is a competitor to Micro Four Thirds that's smaller in size, but larger in price. Sounds about right. Read - Press release Read - dpreview preview Read - Sample image galleries Read - Comparison shots vs. the Panasonic GF1
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 scores mixed reception
By now you should be thoroughly familiar with Sony's Party-shot-loving and almost unreasonably svelte TX1 compact shooter. Its headline features -- 720p movie mode and better low light performance courtesy of the Exmor R sensor -- have now been put to the test and we're here with the scorecard ready to spill the results. Reassuringly, all reviewers found image quality to be excellent for the camera's size class, and the TX1 even outperformed its peers by keeping noise comfortably in check all the way up to ISO 800. A 1cm (or 0.4-inches for you heretics) Macro mode was another highlight, though criticisms did rain down on issues of lens distortion, a fiddly touchscreen menu that was too prone to accidental activation, and an uncompetitive price point. Of course, your biggest draw here might still be the optional (and spendy) party dock, but the thorough reviews below at least give you the chance to pretend like you're buying this camera for the image quality alone. Read - Photography Blog review Read - Wired review Read - Imaging Resource review Read - Electric Pig review
Casio Exilim EX-H10 gets new blue and gold outfits
The Exilim EX-H10 superzoom looks just dandy in its minimalist black exterior, but Casio has decided to furnish its Japanese customers with a couple more options. To be fair, our far-Eastern brethren have had to choose between a less classy silver affair and a zany pink number, so they'll probably welcome the newfound diversity. The specs remain the same, of course, with a highly competent 12.1 megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom and 720p video recording being the highlights, so we wouldn't expect the as yet unannounced prices to differ either. The blue version above will be joined by a gold variant (picture after the break) when the two are released on October 9.[Via Akihabara News]
Casio finds one more compact camera to debut: the Exilim EX-Z33
Thought Casio was done when it rolled out three mostly similar Exilim compact cameras earlier this week? Think again, 'cause the company's now let slip its new Exilim EX-Z33 model, which offers just a little bit less all around compared to its slightly higher-end counterparts. That includes 10.1 megapixels as opposed to twelve, a 3x optical zoom instead of a 4x, and a 2.5-inch widescreen LCD instead of a 2.7- or 3.0-incher. You'll also get the usual face recognition and best shot modes, a built-in YouTube video mode to take some of the work out of uploading, and an all new Easy Mode that's supposedly even easier to use than before. No word on a price just yet, but we'd assume it'll be less than the $149 Casio is asking for its more capable EX-Z90.
Ricoh GR Digital III hits the review bench, collects plaudits
The dudes and dudettes at Photography Blog are nothing if not thorough, and their latest review is no exception. The GR Digital III and its peculiar 28mm wide-angle fixed focal length lens (i.e. no optical zoom) have been subjected to an inspection and the verdict is an exuberant thumbs up. The aluminum alloy body impressed them right from the off, and the reviewers also liked the customizable menus, improved shutter speed, Dynamic Range double shot, and Adobe DNG RAW output. Those were all mere cherries, however, to the cake of "excellent" image quality and "stand-out" Macro performance. The sole blemishes found were the price (£529 / $699) and noise issues beyond ISO 800, but then the latter is a well known weakness of compact cameras. Check out the read link for sample images and the (very) full review.
Ricoh CX2 has 10.7x optical zoom, CX1 pedigree
Ah, the cruelty of rapid refresh cycles. It was only six months ago that the well reviewed CX1 hit the scene, but already Ricoh is trotting out its replacement in the form of the CX2. You needn't fret though, as the new shooter retains its predecessor's winning features while adding a few goodies of its own. The zoom has gone from 7.1x to 10.7x, taking it comfortably into the superzoom category, continuous shooting gets upgraded from 4 to 5 fps, and face detection and AF have been enhanced. The latter features should make the new cam easier to use for novices, but when you add up the whole package -- including the already competent 9 megapixel CMOS sensor and HDR imaging capabilities inherited from the CX1 -- you have to wonder if this camera isn't too good for the point and shoot moniker. Suggested UK price is £299.99 ($495), and it should be available in early September. [Via Akihabara News]
Casio's Exilim EX-Z450, EX-Z280 and EX-Z90 compacts invoke more Zzzs
The EX-Z450 above is Casio's new Exilim Zoom flagship model, but you'll be forgiven for confusing it for its predecessor the Z400. Their spec sheets are almost identical: both come with 4x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor, 720p / 24 fps video, and Exilim Engine 4.0 -- hell, even the max ISO setting is identical at 3200, and you can upgrade that 'for free' since nobody expects your highest settings to be usable anyway. What's new? An autofocus for the ages, apparently, as the sole difference is a new Intelligent AF feature that automatically adjusts focus and exposure for photographic subjects, human or otherwise. The Z90 shrinks those innards into a more portable package, but drops to 3x zoom in the process. The two cameras are expected in early October for $199 and $149, respectively. They'll be joined by the unpriced Z280 shooter that misses out on the auto-detect magic, but gains a wide-angle 26mm lens. Full frontal shots of each camera after the break. [Via Impress] Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z280 Read - Exilim Zoom EX-Z90
Sony Ericsson eyes fashionistas with Dolce&Gabbana Jalou clamshell
Remember that geometrically-inspired Bao handset we peeked back in July? Turns out Sony Ericsson has another name for it: Jalou. Announced today in both boring and limited edition Dolce&Gabbana versions, the compact-esque clamshell is definitely designed to put "style" first and substance last. Reportedly shorter than "your favorite lipstick," the cellie is actually marketed more as an accessory and less of a phone, boasting a diamond shape design, two-inch display, 3.2 megapixel geotagging camera, video recording, built-in mirror (seriously), an FM tuner, Bluetooth 2.0, multimedia player, step counter, antediluvian web browser and quad-band GSM / tri-band HSPA connectivity. The "normal" version is expected in Q4 in Deep Amethyst, Aquamarine Blue and Onyx Black, while the 24k gold-plated D&G edition will ship in Sparkling Rose along with a matching Bluetooth headset and fanciful packaging. No prices are mentioned for either, naturally.Read - Standard JalouRead - Dolce&Gabbana JalouRead - Hands-on with standard Jalou
AgfaPhoto intros beginner-friendly Optima 1, 100 and 102 cameras
AgfaPhoto might want you to believe that its Optima range of cams is "perfect for the ambitious photographer," but in truth they're entry-level shooters with a slant toward helping the less technically gifted. The new cameras come with 28 automated functions, such as a 'beauty mode' that masks skin imperfections, and a quirky 1920 x 1080 picture format for making widescreen photos that match your 1080p display. The Optima 1 and 102 (pictured) share a 12 megapixel sensor, but diverge on optical zoom (5x versus 3x) and LCD size (2.7 inches versus 3 inches), while the 100 is essentially a 102 scaled down to 10 megapixels. Shaping up as a decent proposition for the often overlooked untrained photographer, the trio will be available in Europe come September at prices between €129 and €179 ($186-$258) [Warning: PDF read link].[Via ZDNet]
Video: Nikon Coolpix S1000pj projector-cam gets hands on, ads galore
The just-announced Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digicam / pico projector has been blowin' up the Interwebs this morning, and we have the video to prove it. First of all, there is a hands-on provided by What Digital Camera over in the UK, and aside from the projector they've uncovered a pretty straight forward digital shooter: 12 megapixel, 5x optical zoom, pretty standard dimensions, and a 2.7-inch LCD. However, the projector itself seems to do the job quite admirably. Sure, it's not an extensive demo, but the image looks clear and crisp. The reviewer deems it "a very, very clever party trick." And if the straight ahead tech demo doesn't get you in the mood to snap pictures and project them onto something, advertisers have offered us two visions of the future: take your pick from a spirited get together choc full o' photogenic American actors, or a somewhat subdued, more elegant affair in the presence of photogenic French actors. All that fun (and more) is to be had after the break.
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj projector-cam beams into reality along with friends
Man, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj has gone from crazy rumor to seemingly-real to whoa-here's-the-press-release in record time -- the compact cam with the integrated projector was just officially announced, along with the three other cams we saw leaked earlier today. Leaked specs for the S1000pj were dead-on: a 12.1 megapixel sensor with ISO 6400 sensitivity mounted behind a 5x wide-angle zoom lens with five-way VR stabilization, and that LED-powered projector that'll put up a 40-inch image for slideshows complete with music, effects and transitions. We're a little less excited about the $430 list price this thing will carry when it hits in September, but on the whole it's a pretty terrific idea and we're completely intrigued -- looks like we'll be saving our pennies this month. Pictures of everything in the gallery, deets on the other cams and a video of the S1000pj after the break.
Ricoh GR Digital III continues 28mm-equivalent, high-priced lineage
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.
Casio EX-H10 point-and-shoot (and its superzoom pedigree) get reviewed
We covered this cam's full spec last month, but to refresh your memory, the major attractions are its 720/24p video recording and 10x optical zoom. In fact, the Photography Blog crew, who have a review unit sprawled on their test bench, reckon the H10 is both the thinnest and lightest shooter to ever pack that kind of zooming prowess. They've compared it to the Panasonic DMC-TZ7, their reigning champ in the compact superzoom category, and -- well, you'll have to read the review to find out. The impressions we can share with you include excellent battery life and a useful Anti-Shake system on the upside, but also noise issues at relatively low ISO speeds and only average image quality on the downslope. Still, hit up the read link for a full rundown -- trust us, it's worth it for the cliffhanger ending.
Olympus Mju Tough-6010 seeks clumsy photographer to grow old with
The latest addition to the Olympus Mju (Stylus in the US) family of ruggedized cameras is the Tough-6010, which claims to be waterproof up to (or is it down to) 3 m (10 ft), freezeproof to -10°C (14°F), and capable of withstanding drops from 1.5 m (5 ft). It retains the TAP Control Mode from its elder sibling, which lets users access various functions by tapping the camera's top and sides. If you're going to be snorkeling on Greenland's north coast, there is perhaps no other camera for you -- but if you care about actual camera specs, this is a 12-megapixel shooter, equipped with 3.6x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, dual image stabilization, ISO sensitivity up to 1600, and storage handled by your choice of xd-Picture Card or MicroSD. Should you be leaving for Greenland soon, fret not, as the UK will be getting the 6010 this month for £299, with continental Europe and the US probably not too far behind.
Samsung PL70 and PL55 bring 12 megapixels to the unwashed masses
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.
Samsung HMX-U10 Full HD camcorder with 1-button YouTube uploads out-Ultras the Flip
Step aside Flip, Samsung's aiming its massive consumer-electronics guns directly at your point-shoot-n-upload to YouTube base. Samsung's new HMX-U10 fixed-focus, ultra-compact camcorder takes 10 megapixel stills or 1920 x 1080 Full HD H.264 video to SDHC cards courtesy of a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. There's also a 2-inch LCD so you can playback, edit, or upload your videos with help from Samsung's built-in Intelli-studio software and USB cable, naturally. Unfortunately, Samsung makes no mention of image stabilization typically missing from these pocket camcorders. We do know, however, that it'll ship in September for $200 with a footprint measuring 56 x 103 x 15.5-mm / 95g and that peculiarly angled lens first seen on Sammy's HMX-R10 and SMX-C10 camcorders. So for the same price you get a bigger sensor with higher resolution from a better-looking camera that's also smaller and lighter than the Flip UltraHD. Care to respond PureDigital Cisco? Backside pic after the break.[Via InfoSync]
Casio's EXILIM EX-H10 ultra-compact gets 12.1 megapixels 10x closer
Casio's just pushed another 10x zoom compact camera into the market with its EXILIM EX-H10. Here we've got a 24-mm wide-angle lens stabilized by a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD-shift sensor with up to ISO 3200 sensitivity, a 3-inch LCD, and the ability to grab Motion-JPEG video at 720/24p. EXILIM 4.0 image processing and a 10 frames per second burst mode for 1,280 x 960 pixel images too in a point-and-shoot measuring just 102.5 x 24.3 x 62-mm. Watch for it to hit Japanese retailers first starting next month for ¥40,000 (about $400). Pink rear-end after the break.