Superzoom
Latest
Samsung overhauls camcorder line, has something for everyone
Keeping up the torrent of digital imaging announcements, Samsung has now updated pretty much every cam in its range, and we've picked out the highlights for you: The C20, C24 and M20 are a trio of ultra-stylish handhelds, carrying on the C-series lineage, which regrettably means a scant 720 x 480 resolution to go with your Touch of Color. The less fashion-conscious M20 gets a CMOS sensor that stretches all the way up to 1920 x 1280/60p, while all three share Samsung's famed Active Angle Lens. The F40, F43 and F44 bring a super duper 52x optical zoom, but again record at a disappointing 720 x 480. Really Samsung? The H200, H203, H204, and H205 offer 1080/60i credentials and HDMI output, augmented by SSD choices (up to 32GB) on the higher models and 20x optical zoom. Optical image stabilization and a 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD make these appealing, particularly if you expand the internal storage with a few jumbo-sized SDHC cards. The S10, S15 and S16 collectively occupy Samsung's top tier, sporting a backside illuminated 10 megapixel CMOS sensor outputting 1080/60i video. Built-in SSD storage stretches up to 64GB, and there's also a 15x optical zoom, WiFi connectivity, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen running a 3D GUI. Most of these new shooters will be landing in February and March, with the S-series joining them later in the spring. Slide past the break for galleries of all the models and more info. %Gallery-81729%
Casio stuffs backlit CMOS sensors in Exilim EX-FC150 and EX-FH25 superzoom
Casio's usual Exilim fare might struggle to engender a second look from the weary-eyed camera cognoscenti, but a few of the company's models do feature an attention-grabbing 1,000fps shooting mode (albeit at a relatively useless 224 x 64 resolution). A pair of those speedy shooters, the EX-FC100 and EX-FH20, have today been ever so gently upgraded with a set of new name badges and mildly improved performance. The EX-FC150 ups the pixel count to ten million while adding a backlit CMOS sensor, but retains the 5x optical zoom, sensor-shift image stabilization, and general performance of the previous generation. The EX-FH25 20x superzoomer (pictured above) has a similar (if not identical) ten megapixel CMOS sensor, which upgrades the camera's 40fps burst mode from seven to nine megapixel stills, and retains the 720p video recording at 30fps, something the FC150 can also boast. Both are coming out on November 27, though prices have yet to be announced. Hit the read link for the full dish.
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]
Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS superzoom gets superreviewed
You might be forgiven for not spotting the SX20 IS in the maelstrom of announcements Canon hit us with last month, so here's a thorough breakdown of the cam for your delectation. Replacing the year-old SX10, the SX20 IS adds 720p video recording at 30 fps and takes the pixel count up to 12 million. Strangely, it was features from the older model that earned praise, with the reviewers liking the 2.5-inch vari-angle display and UltraSonic Motor, which provided a smooth and silent zooming action. Their major gripe was image noise at ISO 400 and above, though picture quality was considered above average and macro performance was singled out for commendation. Hit the read link for sample snaps and footage plus the enlightening conclusion.
Samsung WB5000: hands-on with a 24x zoom featherweight
When not concerned with the futility of existence we know what has your mind preoccupied: just how manly is Samsung's WB5000? With a 24x optical zoom, full manual control option, ISO 6400 sensitivity, and RAW format support it's just gotta be a heaving mass of elongating gadget hedonism, right? Well, no... at least not physically. Granted, our nerdceps are tuned to negate the shutter recoil of Nikon's beastly D300 DSLR. But the WB5000 feels surprisingly light, hollow even. Now the weight of a super-zoom camera, in general, has nothing to do with image quality. But the size to weight ratio was surprising nonetheless, and a stark reminder that the WB5000 is nothing more than a massive 26mm Schneider-KREUZNACH lens with compact-camera quality components inside its chunky posterior. We'll reserve judgment until we, or someone else, can grab a unit for a full review. 'Till then, you know where to find more pics.
Samsung's WB5000 24x camera shoots RAW, gets real
Hey, remember that squat WB5000 superzoomer that got spotted over the weekend? Samsung has seen fit to make it official, with specs that line up perfectly with the earlier report, including a 12.5 megapixel sensor, a 24x optical zoom lens (26mm - 624mm equivalent), and the ability to shoot 720p video recorded in H.264. It also includes a suite of intelligent modes for detecting faces, smiles, dimples, beards, and genetic abnormalities (just kidding about those last three) and can capture them all to JPEG or RAW files. Samsung hasn't officially announced availability details, but word on the street is this one will ship later this month (yes, it's September already) at a price of around $550.
Samsung's upcoming WB5000 24x zoomer shoots RAW photos and HD video
Samsung has a new one in the works, the WB5000, presumably offering the price advantages of an 24x zoomin' all-in-one with some of the features and image quality of a DSLR -- that's the dream, anyway. The camera shoots 12.5 megapixel stills, with full manual controls, face detection and support for RAW formatted images, while also offering HD recording and a relatively compact form factor. True details are scarce, but it sounds promising on the surface. The WB5000 should be out in the fourth quarter, no word on price just yet. [Via Engadget Spanish]
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]
Canon PowerShot G11 leaks out, looks promising
Canon's PowerShot G10 has lived a long, fruitful life, but after being on the market for right around a year now, it's time for a proper successor to step in and take things over. The slick little bugger you see above purports to be that very device, with the predictably titled PowerShot G11 supposedly boasting a swiveling LCD, 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, SD / SDHC card slot and full manual controls with RAW support and a hotshoe. We're told that it'll be available this fall for an undisclosed sum, and we get the feeling this will all become a lot more official in a matter of days / hours / minutes.[Thanks, Reznov]
Kodak debuts EasyShare Z950, M381 and M341 digicams
Had enough Kodak this fine morning? No? Good. Just hours after showcasing its newest 1080p pocket camcorder, the aforesaid firm is hitting us up with a few more new pieces to digest. First up is the EasyShare Z950, a modest megazoom-in-a-P&S-body that packs a 10x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor and a $279.99 price tag. Next, we've got the totally ho hum EasyShare M381, which also offers a dozen megapixels alongside a 3-inch rear LCD, 5x zoomer, easy upload to Facebook / YouTube, face detection, a variety of lovely hues and an MSRP of $179.99. The last cam is the M341, which steps down to a 3x optical zoom and a smaller 2.7-inch LCD for $149. Closing things out is the EasyShare D830 (£119.99; $196) and D1030 (£169.99; $279) digital photo frames, which check in at 8- and 10-inches respectively (in terms of display size) and tout interchangeable face plates, 512MB of internal memory, a Quick Touch border, memory card reader and a USB port. Everything here should ship in the US and UK by September, though those hungry for additional details are welcome to tap that read link.[Via DigitalCameraInfo]
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 superzoom reviewed: crème de la crème
If you're in the market for a superzoom, and you've already decided that none of those Micro Four Thirds options will sway you, it looks as if you'll be hard pressed to find a superior alternative to Panasonic's minty fresh Lumix DMC-FZ35 (FZ38 in some regions). Both TrustedReviews and PhotographyBLOG managed to score a unit for review, and both outlets came away generally impressed. The former concluded that the outfit's newest 18x zoomer was only marginally changed from its predecessor, but those who skipped on over the FZ28 should certainly give this one a look. In fact, it straight up confessed that to "get anything better than this, you'll have to move up to a DSLR." You may notice that this bugger doesn't offer the greatest zoom nor the most megapixels in its class, but the stellar image quality and even more stirring video mode kept critics from suggesting any of those more marketable rivals. Don't believe us? Check the read links below for all the proof you can handle.[Thanks, TheLostSwede]Read - TrustedReviews' takeRead - PhotographyBLOG review
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.
Fuji F70 EXR compact superzoom spotted all over the 'net, S200FS mentioned
While we're not too fond of the megapixel war pushing consumer point-and-shoots to ridiculous resolutions, we certainly don't mind the recent trend of little cams getting big lenses, and Fuji could be next. Rumors and pictures of the F70 EXR have been spreading on all manners of forums and internets, promising a new half-inch, 10 megapixel sensor backing a 27 - 270mm lens, all packaged in a rather svelte looking exterior (another glimpse below). Mechanical image stabilization is said to be on offer, but rumored VGA video capture will be a disappointment if true. Also being discussed is the S200fs, a supposed follow-up to the "why won't this lens come off" not quite an SLR S100FS from last year. That's all we know about that one, and while both are said to be available in September, we'd wait for some official word from Fuji before making any pre-orders at neighborhood camera shops.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 superzoomer reviewed
Sure, it's got that funky flip-out display, in-camera panorama stitching, HD video recording and a host of other fancy features for its $500 pricepoint, but does Sony's new Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 give DSLRs a run for their money? Digital Photography Review doesn't seem to think so. The camera has a lot in common with Canon's similarly-positioned SX1 IS, and even bests it in some departments with that 10 fps continuos shooting mode, but the actual image quality just isn't in the same ballpark as a barely more expensive DSLR, and DP Review figures that if you don't need the 20x zoom or other more gimmicky features, most folks would probably be better served by saving their pennies for the real deal.
Sony CyberShot DSC-HX1 with 20x zoom and 1080p video rumored
The rumor mill seems to be coalescing around a new CyberShot DSC-HX1 camera from Sony in the run-up to the big PMA camera show next week. In fact, on-line camera shops are already adding placeholders for Sony's new flagship, super-zoom with 1080p video and HQ sound. If true, we're just days away from seeing the official launch of a 9 megapixel (CMOS) camera with 20x zoom, 2.7-inch (possibly 3.0-inch like the DSC-H50) LCD, optical SteadyShot with anti-motion blur, and a 10fps burst rate at unspecified resolution. Rumor also has it priced at £400 which directly translates to $571 -- though it'll likely be priced between $400 and $500 (pre-tax) Stateside as these things generally go. [Thanks, Semi]Read -- BuyACamera DSC-HX1 cached entry Read -- DP Review rumor
Sony intros the Cyber-shot DSC-H50 "super zoom" camera
Sony is no stranger to digital cameras, as the company has professed in its press release detailing the Cyber-shot DSC-H50, a new 9.1-megapixel shooter that should have camera fans perking up their ears. The new model -- a successor to the DSC-H9 "super zoom" camera -- sports a Carl Zeiss 15x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch tilting LCD display, ISO to 3200, and a long-distance flash (capable of lighting subjects from 55 feet away). The DSC-H50 also has an "advanced sports" shooting mode which allows it to utilize ultra-high shutter speeds (like 1/4000 of a second). The camera is expected to go on sale in May, and will only slightly break the bank at $400.
Olympus' SP-560 UZ 18x superzoom
There's another super zoom shooter joining the game this AM with the intro of this, the SP-560 UZ from Olympus. Besides featuring the latest TruePic III image processor found in their other compacts, the 8 megapixel (1/2.35-inch CCD) SP-560 brings an 18x wide angle lens shored up with mechanical image stabilization and ISO 6400, 15fps bursting, 2.5-inch LCD, xD expansion, and face detection with that kinda freaky "Smile Shot" mode. All powered by 4x AA batteries which is a nice safety net in a holiday pinch. Available in October for $450.%Gallery-6279%
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-H3: an 8 megapixel, 10x zoomer
While everyone is pining over the new Canons (and rumored Nikons), Sony has quietly unveiled their Cybershot DSC-H3. Of course, it doesn't warrant the comparable fuss. This latest super-zoom to go point-and-shoot brings a 1/2.5-inch, 8 megapixel sensor; 10x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens; optical image stabilization; ISO 3200 sensitivity; and 1080p image out via a multi-use AV terminal which requires -- you guessed it -- a $40 proprietary component conversion cable from Sony. Thanks. Still, not bad for $300. Pre-orders for US-itizens start tomorrow. %Gallery-6223%[Via Akihabara News]
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 reviewed
While the DMC-FZ50 was never intended to be a complete overhaul of the well-regarded DMC-FZ30 it replaces, it seemed that Panasonic was trying to address the gripes on the prior model, as well as toss in a few unexpected niceties to boot. Apparently the upgrade was a success, as the folks at DPReview found a lot to love about the evolutionary camera, especially for the price. Sporting the obligatory 12x zoom, 10.1 megapixels (up from 8), a TTL flash hot shoe, SDHC support, 16:9 movie / still mode, Venus III Engine (upgraded from the Venus II), and an Intelligent ISO that adjusts up to 1600 on the fly, this hybrid megazoom packs an impressive spec list. Reviewers were quick to praise the high-end feature set, and felt that it outpaced the competition in terms of amenities, but did point out that image quality suffered due to the small sensor used to compensate for all those megapixels. The biggest digs came from the added noise and bleeding colors found at any ISO above 100 (like many Panasonics), but these qualms were quickly solved by downsizing the images for normal viewing / storage. Overall, DPReview slapped a "Highly Recommended" tag on the FZ50, and apparently weren't too dissatisfied with the image hiccups, as they pronounced it "the best equipped, best specified, and best handling bridge camera on the market today." With a claim like that backing it up, dropping $650 on this shooter doesn't seem all that painful.
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ7 reviewed
PC Magazine just laid-out a postivie review on Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ7 six megapixel superzoom shooter. The reviewer fawned over the “excellent image” produced by this “very inexpensive” cam's “outstanding” VARIO-ELMARIT 12x optical zoom lens steadied by Panny’s MEGA Optical image stabilizer. The ability to shoot 640 x 480, 30fps video in both bright and low light with "little noise" was found to be “above average” -- especially in this price range. Yeah, there was some noticeable shutter lag and the non-articulating 2.5-inch LCD solarised when viewed from a sharp angle. Still, that didn’t stop PC Mag from slapping an Editor’s Choice, 4/5 rating on this $400ish $300ish cam when all was said and done.
