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Fujifilm's FinePix S6000fd reviewed
Fujifilm's S6000df might not boast the same awe-inspiring specs as the similarly priced Sony DSC-H5, Canon S3 IS, or Panasonic DMC-FZ50, but apparently the company's exclusive "face detection" feature is enough of a boon to keep it in the running for your oh-so-coveted $500. The folks over at ZDNET best described the megazoom offering as a lesson in compromise; it settles for a 6.3-megapixel sensor and only rocks a 10.7x zoom, and even omits "true image stabilization." However, the high ISO (up to 3200), one-of-a-kind face finding processor, and "incredibly comfortable grip" proved to be impressive attributes nonetheless. Image quality was said to be "good, with well-saturated, accurate colors and tons of fine detail," while noise was effectively suppressed "to around ISO 800." Overall, reviewers were quite pleased with its face detecting goodness and "warm, natural" results, but if you need a serious dose of OIS to make good use of a fully extended zoom, you should probably look elsewhere.
Ricoh unveils First Anniversary GR Digital camera
Following up on Canon's own celebratory diamond IXUS, Ricoh is tooting its own horn by releasing a vividly-colored GR Digital to commemorate 10 years of the GR series and the first anniversary of its digital flavor. Presumably sporting the same 8-megapixel sensor and peculiar fixed lens, this special edition boasts an unmistakable paint job featuring "a blue sky and clouds" with "angel figures on the front and top of the enclosure," care of renowned Japanese illustrator Katsuya Terada. In addition to the atypical artwork, the camera includes a wrist strap and angel-themed dust cloth, and unsurprisingly lacks an MSRP -- but considering these units are limited to 1,000 (and the ordinary version already demands $700), only the most serious Terada aficionados should probably apply.[Via PhotographyBlog]
Fujifilm FinePix F20 reviewed
After dropping a solid, low light-capable offering in the FinePix F30, the folks over at PhotographyBlog were anticipating another winner in the F20. While admitting that their expectations for the little brother were intentionally lowered, they were "pleasantly surprised" by its competency in everyday point-and-shoot environments, as well as low-lit situations. The overall image quality was "on par" with most other average alternatives, with hints of purple fringing and "chromatic aberrations in areas of high contrast" holding it back from superiority; however, it should be noted that this compact didn't suffer from the notorious red-eye introduction that has become all too common amongst pocket-friendly options. The ISO settings -- while not quite reaching the outlandish 3200 available on the F30 -- performed "quite well" up to ISO 800, while shooting at ISO 2000 (unsurprisingly) created images with a bit too much noise for large prints. Overall, Fujifilm certainly cut a few corners here, but if you're only looking for a reliable P&S tagalong that isn't afraid of the (occasional) dark, the FinePix F20 delivers a "beautiful marriage of price and performance."
Sony kicks out 007 Edition VAIO TX / DSC-T50B Cybershot
No double agent facade is complete with just an uber-stealthy Sony Ericsson cellphone, as everyone understands that no impossible improbable heist goes down without wiring a few mil to that heavily secured offshore account. Stepping up to the oh-so-dodgy challenge is Sony's own 007 Edition VAIO TX ultraportable, slimmed down to just 1-inch thick and weighing 2.8 pounds in order to fit comfortably in the matching Attaché briefcase. The 11.1-inch machine touts a carbon fiber enclosure, WXGA XBRITE display, 1.2GHz Intel U1400 Core Solo processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 80GB 4200RPM hard drive, Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics set, dual-layer DVD burner, and a snazzy "privacy screen" that blurs all on-screen content to curious enemies not looking head-on. The Casino Royale-approved device also touts audio in / out, Ethernet, 56k modem, a pair of USB 2.0 ports, 4-pin FireWire, MS / MSPro reader, PCMCIA, and the wireless tools (read: WiFi / Bluetooth) no undercover assassin could function without. For snapping up those incriminating reconnaissance photos, Sony bundles in a DSC-T50B (the "B" is for Bond, presumably) which rocks the same bevy of specs found on its less-secretive sibling, but sports a sleek, black finish and the obligatory 007 logo. While you may have got turned down when looking to become Pierce Brosnan's sure-to-be-legendary successor, you can live vicariously through Sony for just $4,299.99 -- but those desirable silhouettes are unfortunately not included.[Thanks, Will]
Nikon Coolpix S9 compact reviewed
The digicam-happy folks at Digital Camera Review recently got a chance to give Nikon's Coolpix S9 compact digital camera a thorough going over, finding it fairly well-suited to those looking for a simple, inexpensive camera, but obviously not intended for more demanding photogs. The camera itself packs a 6.1 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and 2.5-inch LCD into a compact 3.6 x 2.3 x 0.8-inch, all-metal package, though it lacks the WiFi connectivity of some of its Coolpix brethren. Performance-wise, the S9 came through with generally good image quality, though Digital Camera Review found the reds a little to orangey for their taste. They were also disappointed with the cam's lackluster battery life (enough for about 100 shots) and surprisingly noisy zoom motor, as well as lack of manual exposure controls. At least it won't put too much hurt on the old bank account, retailing for $250 with a number of retailers already offering it for closer to the $200 mark.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 reviewed
When Panasonic threw down the much-anticipated successor to the LX1, we couldn't wait to get our paws on one, and while glamour shots tell a portion of the story, we all know it's the performance that counts. The digicam gurus over at DPReview put the DMX-LX2 through a gauntlet of tests, and found that Panasonic (yet again) delivered a "unique, powerful, and innovative" camera that suffers from an all too common inability to shoot at even moderately high ISOs. While the crew was thoroughly impressed with the near-perfect 16:9 implementation, plethora of manual controls, and "effective image stabilization," they just couldn't get over the "excessive noise" seen at all ISO levels above 100. It was noted that image quality was "superb" when plenty of natural light was available, and even minute details like the "big, bright LCD monitor" and "high quality construction" were given adequate attention; however, the unnecessary increase in pixels and less-than-effective Venus III engine rendered disappointing low-light results. Nevertheless, reviewers did admit to being overly critical due to Panasonic's neglect in addressing the noisy shortcomings from the LX1, but eventually awarded the LX2 a shiny "Recommended" medal for those confident in their post-processing skills (and ability to conjure light).[Thanks, cycomachead]
Fujifilm S9600 wireless adapter shown at Photokina
Not to keep harping on Fujifilm's newly-unveiled, fixed-zoom S9600 camera, but the company has apparently busted out a less-than-glamorous wireless attachment for the highly-touted prosumer model. While we knew the 10.7x zoom, 9 megapixel sensor, and tiltable LCD were on the docket, wireless transfers is definitely a new addition. Spotting WiFi on cameras isn't too uncommon (heck, we're even giving one away), but we've yet to see a dedicated wireless adapter for a camera of this stature. Reportedly, the demo was set up to photograph onlookers, and then pass the snapshot along (sans wires, of course) to a WiFi-enabled printer sitting nearby. Unfortunately, details concerning model numbers, pricing, or if this add-on will ever surface outside of the Photokina confines remains to be seen -- but honestly, we hope the final design (should there be one at all) trims down a bit, as the current build sure looks to add a good deal of heft for just cutting the proverbial cord.[Via Daily Wireless]
Polaroid offers four pink digicams in support of breast cancer research
Just yesterday we hit you with Seagate's Pink Pocket hard drive, and now Polaroid is jumping on the (admittedly awesome) anti-breast cancer bandwagon and throwing down four new digicams in support of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. All four P&S models are available in pink, light pink, and magenta (similar to the trio of RAZR hues), house 16MB of internal memory, and support SD cards of all sizes. The a520M gets it started with a 5.1 megapixel sensor, 2-inch LCD, hardly useful 4x digital zoom, and an AVI movie mode, while the i533P steps it up by including a 2.5-inch display, much more worthwhile 3x optical zoom, AVI / MPEG-4 video capability, and video / audio outs. The i639M rocks 6 megapixels, a 2.4-inch screen, 3x optical zoom, video out, and an MPEG-4 movie (with voice recording) mode, while the top-end i733LP boasts 7.1 megapixels, a 2.5-inch TFT LCD, 3x optical zoom, movie mode with audio, and A / V outs. While pricing deets are currently MIA, these will only be available until next March, so you can pick up a delightfully colored digicam for that oh-so-special lady in your life (or one for yourself, ladies), and help out an excellent cause in the process.
Sigma launches SD14 and DP1 14 megapixel cameras
In case you're still curious about those SD14 teaser shots, Sigma has officially announced the arrival of it's newest flagship DSLR, and has thrown down a beefed up P&S to boot. The SD14 replaces the aging SD10 model, and rocks a (probably unnecessary) 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, 2.5-inch monitor, dust protector, built-in flash, CF support, USB 2.0 connectivity, AF-assist, maximum ISO of 1600, and "improved auto focus / continuous shooting." The (admittedly odd) DP1 sports a P&S enclosure, but manages to house the same superfluous 14 megapixel sensor seen in the SD14, Sigma's "True" image processor, 2.5-inch LCD, CF slot, a fixed 16.6mm F4.0 lens, and even touts RAW capability. Sigma boasts that its specially-designed Foveon X3 sensor captures colors more accurately than typical CMOS sensors thanks to its three separate color sensitive layers (and judging by the promo site, results aren't too shabby). Both models should be available soon, and while we're left to ponder how much coin the DP1 (photos after the break) will demand, there's no questioning the £1099.99 ($2,093) required for the SD14. Read - Sigma SD14 Read - Sigma DP1
Kodak's EasyShare Z710: 7.1 megapixels and 10x zoom
They're coming fast and furious this morning and now Kodak joins the Photokina party with their newly announced EasyShare Z710. The new model boasts a long, Schneider Kreuznach Variogon 10x optical zoom lens, 7.1 megapixel sensor, and 2-inch LCD. And to keep things as easy as possible, the cam comes packed with Kodak's Color Science image processing chip and a wide range of features and presets allowing you to keep your eye on the action and not the controls. Thing is, without any image stabilization like that found on the P712, you'll find it a challenge to take advantage of the impressive zoom. Still, with a price of only $299, you can afford not to care... much. Watch for the Z710 to drop sometime this month or November 1st according to Amazon.[Via Photography Blog]
Sanyo's Xacti CG6: like the C6, only better
Heya Xacti fans, Sanyo just upped the specs on the C6 digital camera and MPEG-4 video recorder with the introduction of the DMX-CG6. While the CG6 maintains the same 6 megapixel CCD, bumps come by way of the higher capacity SDHC card support, optical image stabilization, improved low-light capabilities, bigger 2.5-inch LCD, AAC audio recording, and a reduction in size from a tall and slim 68 × 23 × 108mm to a short and fat 67.7 × 34.5 × 100.3mm including about 10-grams of added heft. All the additions should make the CG6 even more awesomer once the reviews start to roll in. But if you need that Xacti video fix at more than 640 x 480 and 30fps, well, you know where to go, right? Available for about ¥50,000 (roughly $429) when they drop late November in Japan. [Via Impress]
Fujifilm's FinePix S5 Pro DSLR and F31fd
Photokina is about to get started and with it, a couple of new shooters from Fujifilm. The FinePix S5 Pro DSLR pictured above is their followup to the S3 Pro and incorporates the same 12.3 megapixel Super CCD SR Pro sensor only now featuring Fujifilm's new RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro. So check it wedding photographers 'cause Fujifilm claims the new S5 provides an ever greater dynamic range with smoother tonality from highlight to shadow said to rival that of 35mm film. Improvements are also announced in the aufo-focus, i-TTL flash, metering, battery-life, DR control, and ISO 3200 sensitivity. We'll have to wait and see since the S5 Pro won't be out until February 2007. Also announced is the 6.3 megpaixel FinePix F31fd which is just the F30 with a bit of a cosmetic lift to pack-in their hardware-based face recognitation technology we've seen before. Look for the F31fd to drop (in the UK anyway) starting late November. Expect pricing on both closer to their respective launch dates. Pics of the F31fd after the break.Read -- FinePix S5 ProRead -- FinePix F31fd
Olympus' E-1 followup on display at Photokina
When Olympus unveiled the E-1 DSLR way, way back in 2003 it was the first DSLR designed from art-to-part specifically for digital photography. Now the lucky few attending Photokina will be the first to see the eagerly anticipated E-1 followup when the show kicks off tomorrow. Well, kinda. See, Olympus will be displaying a concept model when the doors swing wide so take these images as a taste of what's to come, 'cause that's all we've got for now. Oh, and be sure to go full screen, 'cause just like Paris, the new Engadget's a moveable feast.[Thanks, oly_man]
Polaroid's barebones a520 digital camera
While Polaroid may have had that snap 'n shake camera market locked down, it certainly isn't atop the list of quality digital cameras, but the a520 isn't parading around attempting to be anything more than a bottom-of-the-line, wallet-friendly offering anyway. While the company's 10-megapixel i1032 was relatively uninspiring, this compact shooter should certainly appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for a basic, simple way to take digital photos. The pocketable cam sports a modest five megapixel CMOS sensor, 2-inch LCD monitor, 16MB of built-in storage, SD support (limited to 1GB cards or smaller), and a VGA movie mode. Unfortunately -- albeit expectedly -- you'll find a (nearly worthless) 4x digital zoom in place of the more functional optical variety, and while it touts integrated "redeye reduction," we have our doubts concerning its effectiveness. Nevertheless, this diminutive P&S probably boasts enough capability for those wanting a (very) basic digital alternative to buying all those disposables, and can be found for the super-cheap price of about ¥10,000 ($85) when it drops in October.[Via Far East Gizmos]
Minox rolls out updated DCC Leica M3
Some things just never change, and Minox apparently sees no need to update the retro styling on its wee DCC Leica M3 that has been consistent for several years now. The latest edition of this Digital Camera Classic sees a good bit of internal refreshing, however, and packs a 3.2 megapixel CMOS sensor (that interpolates up to five megapixels), QVGA movie mode, 1.5-inch TFT display, SD support, 32MB of integrated storage, and a rechargeable LiOn cell into a miniscule 77 x 47 x 44-millimeter package. While there's no details concerning pricing nor availability, it's hard to deny the classic allure (and overwhelming amount of cuteness) this ultracompact delivers, and we're sure those "more developed" role models are mighty proud of this young buck.
Olympus E-400 DSLR announced and previewed
Why helllooo there Olympus E-400. So, you're the world's smallest and lightest 10 megapixel Digital SLR camera huh? Announced today, this new digital shooter shares the looks of its film-based Olympus cousins and brings that fancy Supersonic Wave Filter to keep the CCD sensor dust free, Zuiko Digital lens, 2.5-inch LCD, 3fps continuous shooting, and dual-memory card slots for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash. Oh, and the E-400 will work any of those FourThirds-compliant lenses you might have lying around including the complete range of Olympus E-System accessories. Let'sGoDigital got their mits on a pre-production unit and came away with a "very good impression" of the "remarkably compact" E-400 which will certainly sway many first timers looking to move from compact formats to DSLR. Scheduled to drop in Europe come November and the US... wha, it's not coming to the US? Oh Olympus, why? A couple of more teaser shots after the break.[Via Digital Camera Review, Thanks Joshua]
Pentax's Optio E20 for simple folk
In the rampup to Photokina nought-six, Pentax brings us another new Optio shooter with their entry-level Optio E20. As followup to the E10, the E20 brings 6 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD, and a "simple" mode setting which relieves the user of all responsibility for doing anything other than pushing the shiny button up top. No, on TOP we said, that's the zoom button ferchrisake. The E20 runs off a couple of AA batteries 'cause Pentax doesn't trust noobs anywhere near a battery charger. Sorry, no pricing nor ship date, just these pretty pictures. Mmm, pre-tty cam-er-a.
Pentax Optio T20 is tiny, and tangibly sweet
Pentax is throwing down some lightweight love today, too, with its Optio T20 ultracompact joining the beefier K10D DSLR we just brought you. Sporting most of the niceties found on the Optio T10 -- including that ultrathin 0.77-inch enclosure and expansive 3-inch touchscreen LCD -- the Optio T20 also packs a 7 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, 640 x 480 movie mode at 30fps, and a nifty stylus used to decorate your images in-camera via the "Drawing Function." You'll also find a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, 12MB of internal storage, and an SD card slot here (sorry, no SDHC just yet) -- all for a reasonable $350. Sadly, though, you'll have to wait until next month to get your hands on one of these shiny little point-and-shoots -- but hey, that's the price you pay for demanding only the freshest gadget news.
Fujifilm rolls out affordable FinePix A700
In what appears to be a revamp that's more evolutionary than revolutionary, Fujifilm has announced the latest member of the affordable A-series. Aside from the ever-increasing amount of megapixels, there isn't much here to get enthused about; the FinePix A700 sports a 7.3 megapixel Super CCD sensor (up from 6 in the A600), 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD, automatic ISO adjustments (up to ISO 400), and "approximately" 12MB of internal storage, which may come in handy when needing "just one more shot" after that xD card taps out. As with most budget cameras, you should expect to lug around a copious supply of AA batteries, and while we can only get so excited about jamming more megapixels into a camera and slapping a new model number on it, you can snag the A700 for $199 when it hits shelves in early October should it suit your fancy.[Via Digital Photography Blog]
Sony's CyberShots: 10 megapixel DSC-N2 and 7.2 megapixel DSC-T50
If you've been craving that hot, 3-inches of touchtastic screen riding atop double-digit megapixels then check it pixel junkies, 'cause Sony's here to sate that need. The CyberShot DSC-N2 is just what we expected following those leaked images and specs: 10.1 megapixels from a tiny 1/1.7-inch CCD, 52MB of on-board memory, a massive 3-inch touch-screen LCD, and an all-too-familiar image-stabilized 3x optical zoom lens in a 6.6-ounce followup to the DSC-N1. The DSC-T30 also got a bump with the announcement of a new top-end T, the 7.2 megapixel DSC-T50 which ditches some of the mechanical buttons 'round back by introducing touch-sensitive control to the existing 3-inch LCD. This 4.6-ounce cam still maintains the same Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 3x optical lens with image stabilization but drops the built-in flash memory by 2MB to 56MB. Get your Sony Style, pre-oder on starting tomorrow or wait for these to go retail in October at $450 for the champagne gold DSC-N2 and $500 for the DSC-T50 in your choice of silver, red, or black. Peep the DSC-N2 after the break. [Via Digital Camera Review]
