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Olympus SP-590UZ (and its 26x zoomer) gets reviewed
We're beginning to think there really is no number too high for the megazoom focal length. Back in the day, just boasting a 10x zoomer was enough to fall into said category; today, you best top 20x if you even want into the discussion. Olympus' 26x SP-590UZ is definitely amongst the craziest out there, sporting a 12 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD and a launch price of just under $450. Reviewers over at PhotographyBLOG were duly impressed across the board, with a certain critic noting that "the ability to go from capturing wide-angle landscapes to distant details in a four second zoom of the lens cannot be underestimated, especially as there's little distortion to worry about at either end and excellent sharpness across its entire range." Not surprisingly, the cam notched a "Highly Recommended" badge along with 4.5 out of 5 overall stars -- that said, are you really willing to buy in knowing a 58.983x successor is just around the bend?
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Samsung intros 12 megapixel duo: TL320 and HZ15W
What's this, Samsung? Announcing a few new cameras each week until PMA hits us when we least expect it? Just days after the firm expanded its less than enthralling SL lineup comes two new 12 megapixelers. The TL320 is the same one we spotted earlier at Amazon, though some of those specs were -- shall we say, preliminary. The official specs sheets lists a 12.2 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, 3-inch HVGA AMOLED display, 720p movie recording, HDMI output, dual image stabilization and twin analog gauges for checking out memory capacity and battery life. As for the ZH15W, that one checks in with a dozen megapixels even, a 10x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD monitor, 720p movie mode and most of the same features as the aforementioned cousin. Both shooters should be available this May for $379.99 and $329.99, respectively, and you can catch the full release after the break.%Gallery-45521%
Ask Engadget: Best rugged, waterproof point-and-shoot camera?
In the spirit of winter, we felt that Ben's recent question about a camera fit for the slopes was just perfect. And if you'd like to toss out a warm and fuzzy question of your own, just send one to ask at engadget dawt com and keep tuning in. "I'm going skiing over spring break, and I've been reading a lot on some of the newer waterproof, rugged cameras. There are just so many out there to choose from, I was wondering what you guys thought about some of the better ones." So, what camera should Mr. Ben procure in order to have worry-free shooting days at the slopes? He probably wouldn't mind one that withstands minor bumps and bangs either, 'cause we all know what inevitably happens the first time down a new double black.
Samsung expands SL camera lineup: SL820, SL620, SL202 and SL30
It was but merely a month ago that Samsung introduced two new ones in its blossoming SL series, and now the company's shooting out four more in the run-up to PMA. Kicking things off are the SL820 (pictured) and SL620, two 12.2 megapixel shooters which sport three-inch LCD monitors and a 5x optical zoom. With the former, users are presented with a 28mm wide angle lens, while the SL620 offers a standard 35mm lens. The pair also touts Optical and Digital Image Stabilization, while the SL820 steps it up with 720p video recording (compared to the SL620's VGA mode) and HDMI connectivity. Moving on, we've got the SL202 and SL30, which both arrive with 10 megapixel sensors and a 3x optical zoom. Beyond that, everything's about as plain as it gets, so we'll just skip right to the prices while hosting up the full release after the break. The May-bound SL820 will go for $279.99, while the March-bound SL620, SL202 and SL30 will sticker for $199.99, $149.99 and $99.99, respectively.%Gallery-44934%
Casio digicam gets overrun by Hello Kitty
Hopefully your retinas aren't burning, but we can definitely understand if you need to take a few minutes and resume reading later after viewing the image above. An almost unlawful amount of cuteness has mauled this otherwise average Casio EXILIM digital camera, which just so happens to boast a 9 megapixel sensor, 2.6-inch rear LCD monitor, 41.2MB of internal storage space, an SDHC card slot, 3x optical zoom lens, a video recording mode and a borderline sickening amount of crystals, pink and Hello Kitty. Those who don't mind blinding their guests each time they attempt to snap a shot can grab one now for ¥47,250 ($513), but you can probably guess what our recommendation would be.[Via Topix]
Olympus E-30 DSLR reviewed: distinctly different, but that's a good thing
Olympus' E-30 just recently began to hit store shelves after being announced last November, and the shutterbugs at DigitalCameraReview have taken the liberty of critiquing it for all prospective buyers to see. The cam maintained the quirkiness that tends make an Olympus, well, an Olympus, but when it came down to actual performance, the DSLR didn't disappoint... much, anyway. It should be noted that it couldn't hold a candle to the D90 at ISO 3,200, so low-light fiends may want to look elsewhere. That aside, critics were more than pleased with the copious amount of features, the top-shelf focusing speed and the remarkable build quality. If it were priced a few hundies lower, it'd almost be a no-brainer, but with an asking price of around $1,300 at present time, it'll be hard to sway the eyes of those already focusing on another shooter. Have a look at the read link for a few sample shot comparisons and the full writeup.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 WiFi camera reviewed: wait for generation two
WiFi cameras are far from new -- over the past couple of years, we've seen P&S after P&S arrive with minimal functionality that would allow it to sync pictures with one specific online photo portal (or similar). Sony has stepped up the game for cameras to come with the Cyber-shot DSC-G3, which is the first of its kind to include a web browser for logging into pay-hotspots and uploading to practically any photo sharing site on the web. Popular Science got to handle one for a few weeks, and in the end, they were in love with the idea but hesitant to praise the execution. The T700-turned-wireless took satisfactory pictures, but the browser experience was less than awesome. You can hit the read link for all the dirty details, but unless you're willing to deal with "agonizingly" slow load times, you're probably better off waiting for the next revision. Or for some other company to whip out a bona fide competitor.%Gallery-41112%
Samsung intros SL102 / SL420 point-and-shoots, no one notices
Samsung has already thrown most of its excitement out here at CES, and after looking at the SL102 and SL420, you might argue that "most" should actually be "all." Nah, there's nothing intrinsically awful about either of these 10.2 megapixel shooters, but they're certainly amongst the most ho hum delivered at the show. Both of the SL-Series devices also offer up Face Detection, rechargeable Li-ion batteries and Digital Image Stabilization technology. As for differences, the SL102 packs a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD, while the SL402 includes a 2.7-inch LCD monitor and a 5x optical zoom. Like we said, pretty boring, but we don't doubt their ability to get the job done if it really came down to it.
Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera hands-on
Polaroid's PoGo Instant Digital Camera isn't for the hardcore geeks -- it's stuck with a 5 megapixel sensor, no optical zoom whatsoever and an LCD monitor that was fanciful in 1998. What it can do, however, is churn out photo stickers in around 60 seconds after a photo is taken without the need for an external printer. Have a look at the March-bound unit below, and look, your kids will love it. Promise.%Gallery-41409%
Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera debuts at CES
We heard that Polaroid would be punching out a PoGo-infused camera in 2009, and it only took 'em eight days into the new year to do just that. Today at CES, the $199 PoGo Instant Digital Camera is making its grand entrance, utilizing the tried-and-true ZINK printing technology. Sadly (and we do mean sadly), there's not even a mention of how many megapixels this thing boasts, which is a pretty telling sign that you won't be getting SD850IS-type quality out of it. Nevertheless, it'll print out ink-free 2- x 3-inch images right from itself, so maybe the quality isn't that big of a deal after all. Or maybe we're just sympathetic.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 launches: world's first WiFi camera with web browser
No clue why Sony didn't unleash this pretty boy with its litany of items yesterday, but maybe it just saw fit to give it some special attention. Thanks to the all-admitting FCC, we already had a good idea that this was coming, but now that it's finally here, we're still pretty jazzed. Set to rival Panny's Lumix DMC-TZ50, the DLNA-certified Cyber-shot DSC-G3 is the planet's first WiFi camera with a built-in web browser, enabling users to upload images and video directly to popular sharing sites wherever a WiFi connection is available. Of note, the camera comes with complimentary access to Sony's Easy Upload Home Page via AT&T WiFi, which provides easy entrance into Shutterfly, Picasa, YouTube, Photobucket and Dailymotion. Other specs include a 10 megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom and Face Detection. It's yours to grab right now for around $500.%Gallery-41112%
Pentax's Optio P70 and E70 digicams won't break banks, hearts, or kneecaps
Pentax is kicking its CES festivities into medium gear with a pair of cheapo point-and-shoot digicams that we expect will be a tipping point to a great avalanche of affordable shooters. The $199.95 Optio P70 features a 12-megapixel sensor, can capture 720p video at 15 FPS, ISO from 64 to an astounding 6400 (though only at 5-megapixels), has a 4x zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD display, and comes in silver, white, or red. The E70, meanwhile, sports a 10-megapixel sensor, a 2.4-inch display, 3x zoom, but delivers the same staggering ISO range as the P70 for a slightly more affordable $129.95. Both models feature "Pixel Track Shake Reduction" and face-detection, will be available in February, and have put at least one editor to sleep.
Researchers tapping into nanotechnology for sharper images
A team of scientists at the University of Glasgow just came into all sorts of cash, and they'll be using it to advance imaging. If you're looking for specifics (and we're assuming you are), a £489,234 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council will be used to study a certain phenomenon called surface plasmon resonance, "which is an effect exhibited by certain metals when light waves fall onto their surfaces." In short, the gurus behind the research are hoping to discover a method of "creating patterns or small nanostructures in the metal film on the CMOS, which should increase the sensitivity of the sensor and result in higher quality images." The bad news? The project is expected to last until 2012, which is like, forever from now.[Image courtesy of Photo]
Ask Engadget: Best simple camera for my mother?
Despite what your significant other may tell you, there's really one woman that's even more important. Yup, we're talking about ma bear. And with the holidays just around the corner, Kevin's looking to make sure his mum gets exactly what she wants / needs. "I'm looking for a digital camera for my mom, who probably would appreciate simplicity over features, and use it a few times a week at most. Ideally, it would have fewer buttons, settings, and dials, since she could easily change a setting and have no idea what she did and how to set it back. Alkaline batteries are preferred, since she often forgets to charge her cellphone. I need something with at least decent image quality, and the price tag needs to at or under $150 if possible. Help!" Don't worry Kev, we won't let you ruin the holidays for your mother. Surely these readers will dish out a few helpful recommendations out of the kindness of their hearts. And if you're really in the giving mood, give us a question of your own to ponder at ask at engadget dawt com.
Pentax K-m (K2000) DSLR gets reviewed, deemed downright excellent
Pentax's K-m (or K2000, as it were) may be geared towards beginners, but that's not to say it's lacking in the performance department. The DSLR was recently apprehended and tested at PhotographyBLOG, and apparently they had a really tough time finding anything negative to say. In fact, it was deemed "another excellent addition to Pentax's DSLR range, seamlessly slotting in below the K200D." With the combination of ease-of-use, mid-range features and a low price, critics found themselves in awe of the value proposition. It was also noted that the small size was appealing to those appalled by bulky high-end cameras, and the image quality is about as good as one could expect for under seven bills (with a lens). Don't take our word for it, though -- tap the read link and check out the drool for yourself.
Ask Engadget: What's the best small camera for getting into venues?
Any avid concert goer will confess -- security can be a royal pain in the arse when trying to sneak your point-and-shoot in for a few Facebook-bound memories. 'Tis a shame a few morons who can't deactivate their flash has to ruin it for everyone else, but rather than ramble on, we'll let Latrell take it from here: "I'm tired of security confiscating my point-and-shoot at concerts. I'm just looking to snap a few good shots without the flash, but it seems they always find my camera on the way in. What's the slimmest, most discrete camera out there that can still muster decent images. I'm not looking to buy a new cellphone with a robust camera, either. Help a man a need, please." We can say from personal experience that we feel this guy's pain, and after you've done your part to make a viable suggestion, you can send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.
How would you change Nikon's D90?
We gave the full-frame consumers (read: the lucky ones) the ability to sound off on the D700 a few weeks back, so we only felt it fair to give the same opportunity to those who've snatched up Nikon's recently released D90. For those who've bit on the kit package, how has your photographic life been? Are you satisfied with the low-light performance? Still struggling to get your settings worked out? Digging the Live View LCD? Oh, and how's that 720p movie mode treating you? History would assert that the D90's successor is already in the works, so make sure you give Nikon some good stuff to work with. And... go!
Kodak reveals EasyShare Z1485 IS point-and-shoot
Kodak's hitting us up with one of the less momentous Photokina moments today by getting official with its EasyShare Z1485 IS. Traces of the cam were spotted a few weeks back, but the outfit chose today to formally introduce it to the world. The point-and-shoot boasts an absurd 14-megapixel sensor, face detection technology, 5x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, ISO up to 6,400 and a 720p movie mode at 30fps. Truthfully, the specs don't look so bad on paper, but are you seriously considering spending three bills on a camera that reeks of 2001 in the design department? Nah, we thought not.[Via LetsGoDigital]
Samsung shoves 10x optical zoom into HZ1 point-and-shoot
Had enough from Cologne? Nah, we didn't think so, so we'll happily pass along Samsung's latest compact from Photokina 2008. The pocket-friendly HZ1 doesn't look too outrageous at first glance, but closer inspection reveals that it's packing a mighty fine 10x optical zoom. You'll also find face detection technology and dual image stabilization, and word on the street also claims a 720p movie mode. Sadly, there aren't any details on price or availability, but we can definitely see this one moving quite briskly from store shelves whenever it lands.[Via PhotographyBLOG]
Leica's D-LUX 4, C-LUX 3 and M8.2 digicams get fully detailed
Don't even bother wading through the Polish translations -- Leica has finally got its act together and pushed out English releases to explain its latest trio of cameras to the world. First up is the C-LUX 3, a pocket-friendly shooter that packs a 10-megapixel sensor, 25 to 125-millimeter 5x optical zoom lens, all-metal chassis, optical image stabilization, face detection and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Movin' on up, we've got the 10.1-megapixel D-LUX 4, which adds in the ability to extend its zoom range of 24 to 60-millimeters via lens adapters, and a choice of either an additional flash or a 24-millimeter optical viewfinder. Last up is the highly anticipated €4,400 ($6,236) M8.2, which keeps the 10.3-megapixel sensor but adds in a metal blade focal plane shutter, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal coverglass for the LCD, a new "snapshot mode," redesigned bright frame lines in viewfinder and a Quick Override setting. Pricing for the earlier two is still undisclosed, though they should be available in shops this October / November, respectively.Read - C-LUX 3Read - D-LUX 4Read - M8.2
