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Hands-on with Panasonic's SDR-S10 camcorder
Panasonic had a rather elaborate little stones-and-running-water display for their SDR-S10 at their PMA booth, but we have to say, we were a little bummed. By the camera, that is, not the display. Despite being the "world's smallest" SDHC camcorder, turns out it's actually far larger than we originally imagined; and we weren't won over by the fact that actually holding and using it is pretty awkward (there's a reason most SD-using camcorders are not horizontally oriented -- they don't need to be!), and the fact that it feels pretty cheap and plasticy, especially for typically very solid-feeling Panny products. Not unlike the Canon TX1, this is a new release that we were initially very interested in, but as it turns out we just wound up a bit disappointed once we got to manhandle the thing.%Gallery-2028%
More on Sigma's DP1, the "world's first full-spec compact"
Some additional details and stylings have emerged on Sigma's DP1. In addition to sporting a cleaner design than the early prototype peeped back in September, the DP1 also receives a a new hot-shoe up top for attaching a dedicated external flash and new external viewfinder. Otherwise, it still packs the same 14 megapixel FOVEON X3, APS-C sized image sensor good enough for their SD14 DSLR; a 2.5-inch, 230k pixel resolution LCD monitor; and CF slot making this , according the Sigma, the "world's first full-spec compact." We'll just have to wait and see how it performs (and costs) when released in Spring 2007. A few more pics after the break. [Via dpreview]
Hands-on with Nikon's S50, S50c, S200, S500, L10, L11 and L12
Rounding out the rest of Nikon's gear at PMA was their four new S-series entrants, and three new low end L-series. The S cameras were, as usual, sexyhot, definitely gear we approve of (outside the folded optics); the L cameras are, of course, for newbs and your klutzy butterfingers friends / family that can't keep his or her gear intact for longer than a few weeks, so don't expect the all the same sweet feature hookups. Check 'em all out.%Gallery-1997%
GE unveils 8 new digital cameras
The details have spilled on the GE cameras we caught in summary a few weeks ago. The four series of shooters amounts to no less than eight new digital cameras -- a bellysmack as opposed to a toe-dip entry into the chilly waters of the digital camera market. All the new cams feature face tracking technology, red-eye removal, electronic image stabilization, at least an ISO 1600 sensitivity, and the ability to stitch your panoramic shots together. The top end X "series" of cameras is limited to a single camera, the X1. It packs an 8 megapixel sensor, 12x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, and is the only camera of the lot to feature optical image stabilization. Likewise, the G series consists of the lonely G1 (pictured) offering a 7 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, and 2.5-inch LCD squeezed into a slimster package in a variety of colors. The mid-priced E series brings four-to-the-store: the 8 megapixel E850, the 10 megapixel E1030 and E1040, and 12 megapixel E1240. Most pack a 3-inch LCD and 3200 ISO sensitivity with a 5x optical zoom tucked away inside the E850. Bringing up the budget tail is the A series pair of cams: the A730 and A830 offering 7 and 8 megapixel sensors, respectively with a shared 3x zoom and 2.5-inch LCD. All the cams will hit North America in May priced in the range of $150 to $429 -- the G1 should demand about $189 while the uppity X1 will ask about $429.%Gallery-2008%[Via DigitalCameraInfo]
Hands-on with Sigma's SD14 DSLR
We have to admit, we were a bit surprised that Sigma, which has continually delayed the release of 14 megapixel SD14 DSLR, had a couple of them out for playing around with at PMA. The unit we played with didn't seem quite perfect, and was definitely a little heavy and clunky by comparison to many of the sexier, slicker high-end DSLRs it competes with. But you can't argue with a sturdy brick that fires at 14 megapixels -- oh, and the mirror-reflex had a very satisfying Sony Alpha-like clack to it, which we can definitely appreciate, silly as that may sound.%Gallery-2000%
Hands-on with Sony's DSC-W80, W90, W200, H7, H9, W35, W55, S650, and S700
And the rest of Sony's gear, including their mid-size compacts and hybrids, which while a little chubbier definitely get up in the megapixels. We've got here Sony's DSC-W80, W90, W200, W35, W55, S650, and S700, all of which felt fairly similar in the hand; you've also got the H7 and H9, the latest in their line of strange, modular looking H-series. Gallery, as always, below!%Gallery-1987%
Hands-on with Casio's EXILIM EX-Z1050, Z75, and V7
Despite the statements of a severely misinformed Casio representative, the V7, while an interesting camera, isn't new news -- but that didn't stop us from snapping its chunky 7x zooming self, as well as its freshly minted and introduced brethren, the Z1050, Z75. Seems to us only the Z75 should cary the EXILIM monicker since the Z7 and Z1050 are both pretty thick, but hey, thick is the new thin and megapixels are the new pocketability.%Gallery-1999%
Hands-on with Olympus's E-410 and E-510 DSLRs
No real surprise but Olympus was showing off those new DSLRs of theirs, the E-410 and E510. The live LCD thing is a trend we can certainly grow to love, but we'll be honest, the interface wasn't doing much for us, and since we're not talking about full frame DSLRs, it's often going to be more about the glass you slap on your DSLR than the DSLR itself -- especially in the budget consumer range like these two. But hey, inquiring minds, so check out the gallery.P.S. -We also got some shots of their unnamed high-end DSLR prototype (aka what we've been calling the P-1).%Gallery-1992%
Hands-on with Nikon's P5000
We were immediately struck by the Nikon P5000's size. For a 10 megapixel prosumer hybrid, it's definitely among the smallest we can think of -- almost too small to even accomodate that hot shoe. It's got a very sturdy feel to it -- light, but without feeling at all cheap. We're totally into it; more pics for your longing eyes in the gallery.%Gallery-1996%
Hands-on with Nikon's D40x
Hey, what a HUGE surprise, Nikon's D40x looks, feels, and shoots exactly like the D40. Still, we won't judge you for indulging yourself in a little more DSLR pr0n.%Gallery-1995%
Sony shows off Alpha DSLR "Flagship" and "High Amateurs" models
Though the models and exact specs aren't yet announced, Sony was showing two new prototype DSLRs in their Alpha line as "a sign of things to come." The two models being shown were the "Flagship" and "High Amatuers" Alphas, which are both stated to have the BIONZ image processor and image stabilization, just as the A100. We'll be keeping an eye out, Sony. Peep the gallery.%Gallery-1991%
Hands-on with Canon's SD750, SD1000, A560, and A570
Next up from Canon: the very sexy SD750, SD1000, and the chunkier, lower-end A560, and A570. You know what they do, but we'd highly recommend the 750 and 1000 on looks and body alone, these are easily some of Canon's nicest compacts to date. Check 'em out in the gallery.%Gallery-1984%
Hands-on with Sony's DSC-T20 and T100 compacts
Time for the Sony partycams! The DSC-T20 and T100 are a little more like what were used to from the camera maker that we'd love to love, 'cept for those Memory Sticks of theirs. You know the deal, check out the hotness in the gallery.%Gallery-1986%
Hands-on with Canon's TX1 hybrid still-camcorder
We got a chance to check out Canon's bizarre TX1 hybrid still camera / camcorder -- something we were both looking forward to and disappointed by. Why disappointed? Well, as excited as the steady-handed form factor and 10x optical zoom makes us, the 720p recording in Motion JPEG kind of kills our ideas for using this thing as a video workhorse. Still, definitely worth checking out the gallery.%Gallery-1982%
Hands-on with Sony's DSC-G1 WiFi featurecam
Sony's digital cameras are definitely known for their svelte exteriors and sleek, thin lines -- unfortunately the big-boned DSC-G1 smashes that aesthetic in favor of features packed to the gills. Besides having WiFi for shooting images to your computer-based library and other enabled cameras, there are few on the market that come with 2GB of internal memory and a such an insanely high resolution touchscreen (at over 921k pixels, this thing has higher than XGA resolution). Check out the gallery, you won't be sorry.%Gallery-1985%
Hands-on with Canon's EOS 1D Mark III DSLR
PMA just started but we've got an obvious winner -- a multi-thousand dollar DSLR behemoth is massive, heavy, and sure to inspire fear in all your photographic competition. Not built for the mere mortal, Canon's EOS 1D Mark III should ring in a hefty chunk of change, but for us it was the live LCD and 10fps shooting that brought it all home. Unfortunate that they were showing it under fairly poorly lit conditions, but we've got plenty of shots of it -- and its glass-encased internals -- in our hands-on gallery.Update: We couldn't resist, so we went back and shot some more of this beast -- those photos are in the gallery. Some kind Engadget reader wanna buy us one?%Gallery-1981%
We're at PMA, here come the cameras
We just wanted to give you advance warning (and a preemptive apology if you're sick of hearing about digital cameras) that we're at PMA in Las Vegas, and are here to shoot the hell out of some cameras. So don't be too surprised to see a load of hands-ons and photo galleries of the latest, hottest cameras, ok? Oh, and for those that ONLY want to check out our camera news, you can hone in on our PMA tag at engadget.com/tag/pma, or just watch our digital cameras category.
Leica announces C-LUX 2 compact camera
While companies like Canon and FujiFilm prefer to fly in the face of PMA and announce their cameras well ahead of the trade show, others, like Leica, have decided to hold their cards 'till the last minute and show off 'em at the show itself. Leica's latest offering, however, shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with the company, with the camera maker once again sharing the spotlight with Panasonic, unveiling its take on the Lumix DMC-FX30 in the form of the C-LUX 2. Apart from the spiffy new design, however, the two cameras are otherwise identical, with the same wide-angle lens with a 3.6x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixel CCD, 2.5-inch LCD, and 848x480, 30fps movie capturing capabilities. Leica has also seen fit to throw in an oh so generous 64MB SD card, as well as a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements. You'll also, of course, have to pay quite a premium for those Leica bragging rights, with the C-LUX 2 set to demand $499 when it rolls out in May, available in your choice of black or silver.[Via Crave]
HP's Photosmart R837 makes you and your pets pretty
Prepare for an onslaught of digital camera news today as the big PMA show officially swings its doors wide. Out bright and early comes HP's new Photosmart R837. It packs a 7.2 megapixel CCD, 3x zoom, anti-shake, and 3-inch LCD with SD expansion and the ability to shoot VGA quality video at 24fps -- nothing less than ordinary in today's marketplace. However, this cam is here to take your desolate insecurities to a new level by offering a full range of HP touch-up technologies such as blemish removal, slimming effects, and get this: a new "pet-eye fix." Does it work? Oddly, yes. According to Laptop Magazine's review, the pet-eye fix made they eyes of their cats appear "lifelike, without the eerie glow." They go on to call the R837 a "solid choice" for first time digital shooters... and readers of Cosmo who compulsively frame photos of their cats, naturally. For just $229, even your lonely Aunt Betty can find friends on MySpace after the R837's April launch.
Sony's DSC-H7 / DSC-H9 CyberShots get official, pack 15x optical zoom
If you're here for surprises, you're not apt to leave satisfied, but if you're interested in a few extra deets on Sony's latest duo of megazoom digicams, this is the spot. Set to replace the DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 just about one year after their respective releases, Sony once again did a horrendous job keeping the DSC-H7 and DSC-H9 on the low, but we're not complaining or anything. Anyways, future H7 / H9 owners can look forward to a Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens, 8.1-megapixel sensor, face detection technology, HDTV output, the ability to shoot up to 1/4000 of a second, Bionz processing engine (seen in the Alpha lineup), Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization, up to ISO 3200, and red-eye reduction. The H9 steps it up ever so slightly by adding a three-inch flip-up LCD (compared to the H7's 2.5-inch rendition) and Sony's own NightShot technology, which purportedly allows photographers to snap legible shots even in dark alleys. Notably, neither camera sports any kind of movie mode whatsoever, and those hoping to shoot in RAW will also be sorely disappointed, but if you're fine with those two oversights and the massive zoom tickles your stalking instincts, both cameras will be landing in April for $400 (DSC-H7) / $480 (DSC-H9). %Gallery-1827%
