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Samsung intros slimline L77 compact camera
Samsung's gone into full bragging mode with its newly announced L77 digital camera, claiming the sure-to-be-shortly-held title of "world's thinnest" camera that has both a 7 megapixel sensor and a 7x optical zoom. It appears that a thickness of 0.8 inches was enough to snag that honor, with the camera's other dimensions equally pocketable, measuring 3.7 inches in length and 2.2 inches in height. Apart from its size, the camera appears to be decent but fairly unremarkable, with a 2.5-inch LCD, 30 fps VGA video recording, ISO settings up to 1600, and Samsung's trademark "Advanced Shake Reduction" system, along with the usual array of pre-set camera modes. While there doesn't appear to be any word on price just yet, the camera will apparently be available sometime this April.
DXG announces 5MP boringcam for the tweens
So, mommy and daddy are too cheap to spring for an AVCHD cam, what's an up-and-coming Spielberg to do? Snap up a DXG-506V, shoot those vids, and curse every minute of it. For $150 you can have your pick of a few different colored cameras, each with a 5.1 megapixel sensor and VGA 30 fps video recording. There's 32MB of built-in memory, along with an SD card slot to boost the minutes of crappy video or number of crappy pictures you can capture. The device also works as an MP3 player, voice recorder or webcam, and includes a 1.7-inch flip-out LCD screen, along with useless 4x digital zoom and 12 megapixel upsampling features. The 506V runs on three AAA batteries, and should be available now at major retailers.
Artimi's WUSB camera tech might be in your hands in 2008
Artimi, a fabless semiconductor company, has been working on wireless USB for cameras for the past while, and finally got to show off some of its prototypes at this year's CES. The deets were slim, however, and they've finally come clean with some more specs for our prying eyes. Of course, WUSB is no mystery. 480MB/s up to 10-feet, 110MB/s up to 30-ish-feet, along with the prestige of being the new "it" wireless standard for peripherals. Artimi is taking all that good bandwidth loving to the camera, and is teaming up with "several brand name camera vendors" to do it, the names of which it will announce in Q2. It'll cost manufacturers about $25 to add WUSB at the outset, but within 3 years that figure should be down to $10, and Artimi figures all but the cheapest cameras will have it by then. We might see a WUSB cam get launched in '07, but most likely we'll have to wait for '08 to roll around before this becomes a reality. Artimi also expects WUSB dongles to be fairly common by then, but the first-to-market products will most likely include a dongle just in case. As to battery life, these kids aren't too concerned, 'cause WUSB can toss 1GB of pics in about 30 seconds, so the chip doesn't need to be on for too long.
Kodak shoots out 8 and 10-megapixel EasyShare V803, V1003
The EasyShare lineup swells by two as Kodak tosses a couple more into the fray: on top of the entry-level C653 that slipped out a couple of days ago, the V803 (pictured above) and V1003 are rolling out in 8- and 10-megapixels, respectively. Both feature 3x optical zoom, 1600 ISO, 2.5-inch LCDs, 32MB memory on board, 30fps MPEG-4 video at VGA resolution, and a menu feature for storing your preferred flash, white balance, ISO and resolution settings between your Britney and Brangelina photoshoots. You've got a plethora of corporate "creative" colors to choose from across all three new models, from "silver essence" to "cosmic blue" and "golden dream," which, according to our crackshot palette translators, will bear a striking resemblance to "yellow." If you're a member of the female demographic pastel-conscious club, may we suggest "pink bliss"?
Pentax announces Optio E30 compact
Pentax has announced a new entry-level camera in its Optio line, following up the E20 (and E10 before it) with, you guessed it, the E30. As with those earlier models, this camera's aimed squarely at the point-and-shoot set, one-upping the E20's 6 megapixel sensor with a 7.1 megapixel one this time around, along with the same 3x optical zoom and 2.4-inch LCD. Otherwise you'll get the usual range of camera preset modes, a token 11MB of internal memory, and an SD slot for some all-but-required expansion (including support for SDHC cards). There's no word on price or availability just yet, although if the previous models are any indication, it should come in somewhere in the $200 range.
Samsung intros Digimax D103 camera for the UK
Samsung is certainly not hurting for point-and-shoot digital cameras but the company is beefing up its lineup anyway, slipping the Digimax D103 out the door without too much fanfare. This one's apparently exclusive to the U.K. for now, boasting an increasingly common 10 megapixels, along with a 3x optical zoom, and a 2.5-inch LCD on the camera's backside (check out a shot of it after the break). The D103 will also let you take full VGA MPEG-3 video at 30 fps, and will give you ISO settings all the way up to ISO 1000. No word on price, but it appears that it's available now.[Via Photography Blog]
Sigma SD14 DSLR delayed 'till March
Oh, Sigma. First you get us all excited with a tantalizingly over-the-top teaser site for your flagship SD14 digital SLR, then you officially announce the camera with the usual fanfare at Photokina, only to delay the launch date by a few weeks shortly thereafter. Now, you're throwing our digital camera-loving hearts for a loop once again, announcing that the camera's been pushed back all the way to March 2007, blaming the delay solely on an unspecified "issue" that can only be remedied with a hardware fix. We'll give you this one more chance to get it right, Sigma, but there's only so torment much we can take.
Hello Kitty's DC500 digicam
Let's face it: Hello Kitty has been losing a bit of gadget cred lately, what with that recent "spontaneous combustion" recall, along with a general move to the fluff. Well, Her Pinkness is back on track, feeding our specification lust while keeping to the pink and narrow. This new Hello Kitty DC500 digital camera sports a 5 megapixel CCD, 2-inch LCD, 32MB of built-in memory, an SD card slot and video support up to VGA resolutions. At 1-inch thick, it's not thinnest cam around, and only manages USB 1.1 transfers, but we'll take what we can get.[Via Image-Acquire]
Fujifilm's rugged BIGJOB HD-3W digicam
Fujifilm's got a new ruggedized camera for those whose photography takes 'em into less than ideal conditions -- or anyone that just tends to beat up their equipment, we suppose. Its BIGJOB HD-3W also doesn't seem to skimp too much on features to accommodate your abuse, packing in a reasonable six megapixels and a 3x optical zoom, along with ISO settings up to 1600, VGA video recording, 23MB of built-in memory, and an xD slot for expansion. Just don't plan on going too crazy with it -- Fujifilm apparently doesn't recommend drops of more than two feet, although the cam is water and dust resistant. Price and availability are as yet unknown quantities, as is so often the case.
Fujifilm's FinePix Z5: a slim 6.3 megapixel shooter with face finder
What is it about the combination of "z" and "5" that makes the likes of Casio, Samsung, Konica Minolta, etc choose it to lovingly adorn their products? Whatever it is, Fujifilm caught that, and the brown bug too with this, their take at the Z5. This latest in the FinePix Z-series of slim (19.4-mm) digicams arrives at the show with a 6.3 megapixel CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, likely worthless ISO 1600 sensitivity, 26MB of internal memory with xD expansion, and that FujiFilm face finder technology seen in their higher-end shooters. Oh, and it also ships with IrSimple for on-the-quick image transfers to like-equipped devices. Available in Japan starting early December for an undisclosed price.[Via Akihabara News]
Casio Exilim EX-S770 reviewed
If you like your cameras slim and small, you've no doubt given consideration to some of Casio's lightweight Exilim offerings, one of the latest being this here EX-S770, which the folks at Digital Camera Review recently took outside for its close up (and some testing). According to them, it looks to be a winner, with a stylish and sturdy design, good image quality, great battery life, and a bright, wide format LCD. About the only drawbacks they found were some slightly awkward zoom controls, and a lack of manual exposure modes or printed manual. (Huh? Printed manual? Two words we here at Engadget abhor.) At a $380 list price, it's also not the cheapest option for a compact 7 megapixel camera, though it looks like some retailers are happy to knock a few bills of that.
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.
Sony's 10 megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-N2 reviewed
The folks over at Imaging Resource got their hands on Sony's latest and greatest Cyber-shot, the DSC-N2, and seem to like what they see. The 10 megapixel camera is all about its prominent 3-inch touchscreen, and we suppose it's one of those love it or hate it affairs, but the IR folks sure seem to fall into the former category. One of the niftiest features afforded by the touchscreen, which can be operated with your finger or an included stylus, is a "Spot AF" mode that allows you to point exactly where you'd like to focus, perfect for zeroing in on an off-center subject. They also found most other controls quite intuitive, though they've got some minor quibbles with the playback mode. Otherwise, the camera seems like a great performer, with a relatively strong flash, good low-light shots, and responsive performance. That fancy ISO 1,600 might come in handy, but you'll want to stick at around ISO 200 or below to keep your images relatively noise-free. Other than a few other minor imaging qualms, the camera really looks like a great option for the consumer in search of many megapixels and some interesting functionality, and while the $450 pricetag doesn't make it exactly a steal, it's not too bad for what you're getting.[Via Digital Photography Blog]
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]
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]
Hands-on with Mattel's kiddie lineup
Mattel's booth had all sorts of goodies for the children and the childish, including their Kid-Tough FP3 Player, Hyper Scan console, Pixel Chix doodads, and Kid-Tough digital camera. The Hyper Scan console is an unabashed bid for the Pokemon set, mixing cheap 32-bit gaming CD-ROMs with RFID-based extortion collectable cards that extend the game functionality. The rest we've seen, but it all seemed to work as advertised. Peter was sort of digging on the FP3 player, but unfortunately Rhapsody sync is a no-go. Better luck next time, eh? To peep the rest of the pics, well, you know the drill: keep reading.
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]
