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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.
Imobile phoneV588 makes calls, could hold your foundation
Not that we haven't seen compact-themed cellphones before, but we'd argue that the Imobile phoneV588 is about as suggestive as it gets. This dual-band GSM "handset" looks more like the next big thing from Cover Girl than your next mobile, with a circular form factor, pop-up lid, a built-in mirror and a design that would've totally worked in Princess Diaries. If you're curious about hard specs, you'll find a 2.6-inch LCD, an integrated MP3 / MP4 player, speakers and USB connectivity. Oh, and your guess is as good as ours on the whole "dialing / texting" aspect. Freshen up your social life for just $119.99.[Via PMP Today]
Nikon S630 unboxing and hands-on: pretty in pink edition
What's that, another compact digital camera unboxing? Yes, dear readers, we've got a mega-megapixel story cooking for you, and another ingredient has arrived. This time it's Nikon's Coolpix S630, a 12 megapixel, 7x optical zoom compact that features optical stabilization and a particularly vibrant hue. So far we're impressed by the camera's shape, lightness, and build quality, but this one has plenty more testing ahead of it before we make any solid conclusions. Until then, enjoy a few shots of its unveiling.
Samsung HZ15W and hands-on, with friends
We're not exactly enthused at all the granularity makes up Samsung's wide assortment of digital compacts, but it's not like they're the only offenders in the industry. In the high end they've got the HZ15W and TL320 -- we've seen the TL320 and is marvelous analog dials in the wild before, but the HZ15W is a new one on us. Overall the camera is a bit bulky for this segment, and we'd have a hard time sticking it into a pants or jacket pocket without discomfort. That said, the camera is flush with functionality like HDMI out, 720p video recording and a wide view lens. The second look at the TL320 reminded us how completely in love we are its analog dials, though unfortunately the pre-production model we were looking at was having trouble with its OLED screen. The rest of the line, including the SL820, SL620 and SL202, was hanging out for the photo op, but there wasn't much that stood out.%Gallery-48951%
Casio's new EX-Z29 10.1 megapixel compact does WVGA video
It's not HD, but we'll still give Casio's new EX-Z29 props for trying. The primarily bland compact camera (Casio itself describes the shooter as "Sleek & Sturdy") offers up a 848 x 480 video record mode and direct-to-YouTube setting to go along with the 10.1 megapixel sensor, 3X zoom and 2.7-inch LCD. The "Sturdy" camera is 0.91-inches thick, offers Anti Shake DSP for mildly less blurry photos and hits retail this month for $150, available in black, pink, blue, silver or purple. There's another photo of the camera after the break, brace yourselves for all its splendor.
Minox DC-8011 packs 8 megapixels into a yawner compact
If anything, Minox does a decent job of aping its big name counterparts in looks and feature set -- if only it wasn't on average a couple years late to the party. The Minox DC-8011 seems to be a perfectly passable budget compact, with an 8 megapixel CCD, 2.7-inch LCD and electric image stabilization. It even measures in at under an inch thick and offers 4x optical zoom, but that's about as exciting as things get here -- which is to say, not very exciting. No word on price or availability, but we're not really sure that's much of a loss.
