PowerShot E1 digital camera targets tweens

PowerShot E1 digital camera targets tweens

Canon Canada announced today that it is expanding its PowerShot digital camera line with the PowerShot E1 digital camera, targeted to the teen and tween markets.

Sporting a rounded and curvy form factor, the camera incorporates a 10-megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom-lens; with Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s Face Detection Technology.

The E1 includes 17 shooting modes including Easy Mode which limits the shooting and playback functions to the basics for easy operation, creating ease-of-use for even the most entry-level camera owner.

The PowerShot E1 digital camera will be available this September in three colours including white, blue and pink for $229.99.

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Olympus asserts its rule with camera flood

Olympus asserts its rule with camera flood

Olympus introduces quintet of new digital cameras. Image: Stylus 1050 SW/Olympus.


If you want to convincingly grab market attention, then product grasp really must be squarely aimed betwixt the legs of unsuspecting consumers, which is a tactic mercilessly executed by Olympus this week following the unveiling of a whole host of new and appealing digital cameras.

First up is the new Stylus 1050 SW, a rugged compact that offers itself up as shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof camera that’s even sensitive to touch via the innovation of Tap Control technology, which means common menu interactions can be delivered via finger taps against the top, back and sides of the camera’s body.

“For example, to turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, tap the camera’s side twice,” outlines Olympus. “In adverse climates, where the Stylus 1050 SW thrives, the new Tap Control ensures fast results – so you get the shot – even if you are adjusting settings while fighting frostbite with large gloves that would make traditional buttons nearly impossible to maneuver.”

Providing 10.1 mega pixels of performance, the Stylus 1050 SW comes in a choice of four “trendy” colours and has been designed to withstand the rigours of everyday life. According to Olympus, the 1050 SW will survive five-foot drops, operate in freezing conditions and even swim with the fishes.

Other features include Face Detection, Smile Shot, In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment Technology, Perfect Shot Preview, Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing, Red-Eye Fix, TruePic III Image Processing, Digital Image Stabilization, a HyperCrystal II LCD display, Master 2 software, an LED Illuminator, and support for microSD memory expansion.

Set for arrival in October, the Stylus 1050 SW will hit retail for around $300 USD.

Following close behind the new Stylus is its 1040 counterpart, which is described as a streamlined camera “perfect for style-conscious consumers.”

The Stylus 1040 comes equipped with 10 mega pixels of performance, a generous 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD display and Intelligent Auto Mode. As with the 1050 SW, other features include Face Detection and Smile Shot, In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment Technology, Perfect Shot Preview, Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing, TruePic III Image Processing, Digital Image Stabilization, Master 2 software, and support for microSD memory expansion.

Also available in October, the Stylus 1040 will come attached to a price point of around $200 USD.

Not finished polishing its consumer appeal, Olympus has also announced the FE-360 and FE-370 point-and-shoot digital cameras, which combine easy operation and smart performance to capture brilliant images at the push of a button. And. while small and compact, the two cameras offer “impressive imaging technologies” packed into colourful slimline metal casings for people on the move.

Both entrants come with 8.0 mega pixel performance, Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Perfect Shot Preview, In-Camera Help Guides, Master 2 software, a microSD adapter, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and an LCD backlight boost. Both are also available in choices of red, blue, pink, black and silver.

Individual attributes include a super-slim 0.7-inch metallic body, 20 custom shooting modes and a 3x Optical Zoom on the FE-360, while the FE-370 comes with Dual Image Stabilization, TruePic III Image Processing, Intelligent Auto Mode, a 5x Optical Zoom, 2.7-inch high-res LCD display, Smile Shot and Expression Edit.

Due to hit store shelves before the close of August, the FE-360 will cost around $150 USD, while the FE-370 comes in at approximately $200 USD.

Last, but certainly not least, is the SP-565 Ultra Zoom (UZ), which Olympus lauds as a smaller and lighter version of the SP-570 UZ, “the world’s most powerful ultra zoom digital camera.”

Balancing the amazing precision of its 20x wide-angle telephoto zoom lens along with point-and-shoot simplicity, the SP-565 UZ offers 10 mega pixel performance, Dual Image Stabilization, enhanced Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview.

Other features include, Manual Controls, High-Speed Sequential Shooting and Pre-Capture (up to 13.5 frames per second at 3.0 mega pixels), Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing, TruePic III Image Processing, Master 2 software, microSD memory support and 33 Shooting Modes.

Scheduled to land in October, the SP-565 UZ will sting prospective consumers for around $400 USD.

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Canon Preps For Xmas With New Powershots

Canon Preps For Xmas With New Powershots

Even though the big Canon news of the moment is the official announcement of the 50D (which you can expect in AU from October 1 for a price still to be determined, incidentally), they've actually flooded the market with new product releases, from scanners and printers to these new PowerShot models (My inbox literally has 7 emails from Canon in a row).

The new Powershot range, including the A1000, A2000, SX110 and E1 models, all take a much more streamlined approach to design, so much so in the case of the E1 that journalists were asking why they weren't branded IXUS instead.

Aside from the engaging design, each of the new Powershot models is powered by AA batteries, plus the E1 comes in a selection of colours (including pink - huzzah!). They're all packed with Megapixels and zoom, as well as some of the more useful features like face detect and optical image stabilisation.

Prices atart at $249 for the A1000, the A2000 costs $299 and the E1 will cost $229. The SX110 IS is yet to be priced, but my money's on it being a similar price to the others.

This Christmas looks like it's going to be very competitive in the digital compact market, with Fujifilm and Olympus also offering low-cost cameras that are packed with features.

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Canon launches PowerShot E-series cameras...you know, for kids

Canon launches PowerShot E-series cameras...you know, for kids

Canon's keeping it real with the new PowerShot E1 digital camera line targeted at the teen and tween markets. According to the press release, "whether taking photos with a 'BFF' at a slumber party, snapping shots while watching a hot band perform, or capturing cap-and-gown moments for a scrapbook or brag book, the PowerShot E1 digital camera offers just the right combination of intuition and style." (Oh jeez. You gotta love it when a major corporation tries to "get down" verbally with the youth.)

The E1 is a 10-megapixel compact with a 4x optical zoom and available in three colors (blue, pink, and white). Of course it comes packed with shooting modes (17 in all) including--and probably most importantly--face detection, and it has a 2.5-inch LCD.

You can also apparently take "customization and expression to the max" as the E1's shutter, start-up, and operation sounds can be customized as can the color of the menus and start-up screens. (Hmmm, where have I heard this before?)

The PowerShot E1 will hit stores mid-September for $199.99.

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Two new entry-level 8-megapixel cameras, the Olympus FE-370 and FE-360, have now been released in five different colors.

Two new entry-level 8-megapixel cameras, the Olympus FE-370 and FE-360, have now been released in five different colors.

Announced a while ago, Olympus now releases two new FE-series point-and-shoot digital cameras that combine easy operation with slim metal bodies; the Olympus FE-370 and Olympus FE-360. Check out a comparison of them here.

The Olympus FE-370 and FE-360 are available in red, blue, pink, black and silver. Both cameras can detect up to 16 faces, and takes advantage of smile detection and Perfect Shot Preview (lets users preview added effects live on the LCD screen before taking a shot).

The Olympus FE-360 comes in a super-slim (0.7 inch) metal body, and features 3x optical zoom (36-108mm equivalent) and 20 custom shooting modes. It's also got an 8-megapixel 1/2.35" CCD sensor and a 2.5-inch screen.

The Olympus FE-370 takes it all one step further, adding sensor-shift image stabilization, TruePic III image processor and a Intelligent Auto Mode. The latter selects the appropriate shooting mode automatically based on where the camera is aimed (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports).

Furthermore, the Olympus FE-370 offers 5x optical zoom (36-180mm equivalent) and a 2.7-inch screen. The camera sports an 8-megapixel 1/2.35" CCD sensor, and also offers a high ISO 3200 mode at 3 megapixels.

The Olympus FE-370 and Olympus FE-360 is available now for $200 and $150, respectively.

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Casio launches four new EXILIM digital cameras

Casio launches four new EXILIM digital cameras

Casio announced the release of four new, high-profile additions to its EXILIM family of digital cameras. The 10.1 effective megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z300 and the 9.1 effective megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z250 both deliver beautiful high resolution images and outstanding functionality made possible by a new Casio imaging engine for high speed image processing. The 9.1 effective megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z85 and EX-Z19 cameras feature a stylish design and are packed with the kind of innovative features users have come to expect from Casio.

EX-Z300 and EX-Z250 combine high resolution and high speed image processing to produce beautiful photos of people and night scenes:
Thanks to Casio’s new EXILIM Engine 3.0, these two cameras produce beautiful image quality with low noise and moiré. Both are high resolution models, and they boast excellent resolving power, offering precise, smooth rendering of images. The image processing speed and power of Casio’s new engine make possible entirely new functions that deliver fantastic photos of people’s faces, night scenes and other subjects that have challenged photographers for years. These cameras automatically detect and correct for difficult situations, such as night scene photography where camera shake could be a problem, or backlit subjects where faces often come out too dark. This all means that users get great, well-balanced photos of family and friends against any background with no more worry than it takes to press the shutter button. These cameras also feature a Makeup function that creates beautiful photographs of people’s faces: high end image processing can smooth skin and soften facial shadows caused by sunlight. The photographer gets to choose to apply such image processing at one of twelve levels, from weak through strong, and can shoot while checking the results of the effects in the LCD monitor. At last, a camera that brings out all the beauty of the human face, creating images worthy of keeping forever as special memories.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z85 and EX-Z19 — Two 9.1 effective megapixel cameras with stylish designs:
The EX-Z85 comes with a Face Recognition function that can detect the presence of up to 10 people’s faces and then give priority to the faces of pre-registered people for correct focus and exposure, and an Auto Shutter function, which automatically takes a photo the instant camera shake ceases, as well as a Movie button that lets users easily record widescreen movies. The design of the focus frame and the color of the menu screen can be customized in accordance with each user’s wishes, and the camera comes in eight colors — silver, black, vivid pink, pink, blue, green, brown and orange. The EX-Z19 features a BEST SHOT feature that allows the camera to be set up to optimally capture images according to user-selected scene types. In Easy Mode, the camera’s settings menu has been simplified to just three items — flash, self timer and image size — making it a snap for even total beginners to use. Both of these cameras deliver high performance with a compact, stylish look.

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Olympus FE-370

Olympus FE-370

A month before the Photokina 2008 show starts a new Olympus camera is introduced. Olympus introduces a sleek and stylish FE-Series point-and-shoot digital camera that combines easy operation and smart performance to capture brilliant images at the push of a button. While small in size, the new Olympus FE-370 is full of impressive imaging technologies packed into colorful slim metal body ideal for people on the move. Raising the bar for entry-level digital cameras, the camera features 8.0 megapixels of resolution; Image Stabilization for virtually blur-free images; Face Detection for crisp portraits and a Perfect Shot Preview to see various shot options before the shutter is pressed.

Olympus FE-370 Specs
Leading these impressive specs, Dual Image Stabilization virtually eliminates blur from shaking hands or moving subjects and joins with the TruePic III Image Processor to produce crystal clear images. A new Intelligent Auto Mode selects the appropriate shooting mode automatically based on where the camera is aimed, and optimizes the settings accordingly. Its powerful 5x Optical Zoom captures action at a distance that is displayed on a big and bright 2.7-inch high resolution LCD; and Smile Shot automatically triggers the shutter only when a subject smiles, and Expression Edit can even turn frowns upside down.

Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization adds mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization to Digital Image Stabilization to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images even if the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the CCD image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. By combining the two technologies, Olympus FE-370 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation.

Face detection
Tired of changing the settings on your camera every time you're shooting something different? Included in the Olympus FE-370, the Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you are shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts the camera's settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro. Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subject is moving, the camera continuously tracks your subject's face without having to press the shutter button. The Olympus FE-370 can detect up to 16 individual faces in one shot.

Olympus FE-370 included perfect shot preview
The new Olympus FE-370 camera offers Perfect Shot Preview mode, which enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring they are capturing the exact image desired. It is a great way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Olympus FE-370 offers pre-set shooting modes with Smile Shot
The Olympus FE-370 camera offers numerous pre-set shooting modes, such as Sports, Fireworks and Night Scene with Portrait. The camera also offers VGA & AVI-quality video and sound, which enable users to shoot and share movies on the big screen or on the Web. The Olympus FE-370 features Smile Shot, which tracks your subject's face to detect a smile and automatically fires off three consecutive shots so you never miss that perfect smile. This feature is great for parents hoping to capture hard-to-predict baby smiles. The FE-360 offers 18 shooting modes (including three for underwater shooting with the camera's optional housing).

Photo editing in Olympus FE-370 digital compact camera
The new Olympus FE-370 camera offers Red-Eye Fix, Exposure Fix and in-camera editing features such as resizing and cropping that enable photographers to edit images after the photo has been captured. Photographers sometimes struggle with making subjects say "cheese." Now they can really turn a frown upside down when their subjects refuse to smile for the birdie. This fun feature on the Olympus FE370 uses Face Detection technology to edit a subject's facial expression after the image is captured. Four different expressions can be previewed in a multi-frame window on the LCD, and users can select their favorite expression at the touch of a button.

Olympus Camera Help Guides
The new FE-Series camera features an enhanced In-Camera Help Guides that make digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and skill levels. The Olympus FE-370 offers Program Auto Mode. Located on the cameras' mode dial, this option enables consumers to easily adjust ISO and white balance. A tutorial "shooting guide" educates users on tips for achieving specific effects, such as "shooting into backlight," perfect for bright situations such as a day at the beach, and "adjusting image quality" for uploading images to auction sites. The shooting guide not only provides detailed descriptions for various situations and environments, but also sets the camera for optimum results with the touch of a button.

Olympus TruePic 3 Image Processor
The Olympus FE-370 features Olympus' exclusive TruePic III image processor, which was developed for the demanding performance of professional Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus' enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings, which are traditionally associated with increasing image noise or producing grainy photos.

Memory Solution for the Olympus FE370
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. The Olympus FE-370 will also come equipped with an adapter, which will enable microSD memory cards to be used when capturing images. The microSD cards are emerging in consumer electronic devices, including mobile phones and PDAs. Users can also easily display photos on their HDTVs.

Olympus Software
Olympus Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates.

Olympus FE-370 Price
The Olympus FE-370 will be available in August 2008. The Olympus FE-370 includes a new LI-60B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, USB Cable, Audio/Video Cable, Wrist Strap, Manual, CD-ROM with Olympus Master 2 Software, Warranty Card and microSD adapter. Furthermore the new FE-series digital camera features an user-friendly In-Camera Help Guides that make print manuals obsolete; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for convenience; and an LCD backlight boost for viewing in bright light. The new Olympus FE370 compact camera is available in red, blue, pink, black and silver and offers a unique set of features so consumers can choose the FE camera that best meets their needs. The Estimated Street Price for the Olympus FE-370 digital compact camera is $199.99 (U.S.).

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Casio Exilim Z85

Casio Exilim Z85

Casio Exilim EX-Z85 digital camera : Casio announced the release of a new, high-profile addition to its Exilim family of digital cameras. The 9.1 effective megapixel Exilim Zoom EX-Z85 camera feature a stylish design and are packed with the kind of innovative features users have come to expect from Casio. The Casio Exilim Z85 comes with a Face Recognition function that can detect the presence of up to 10 people's faces and then give priority to the faces of pre-registered people for correct focus and exposure, and an Auto Shutter function, which automatically takes a photo the instant camera shake ceases, as well as a Movie button that lets users easily record widescreen movies. Casio will showcase the Casio Z85 at the Photokina 2008.
Casio Exilim Z85 body measurement
The design of the focus frame and the color of the menu screen can be customized in accordance with each user's wishes, and the camera comes in eight colors - silver, black, vivid pink, pink, blue, green, brown and orange. The Casio Exilim Z85 camera delivers high performance with a compact, stylish look. This high performing model with 9.1 million effective pixels takes high definition photographs. The Casio Z85 features a stylish design contained within a compact size. Body measurements for the EX-Z85 are 89.7mm wide by 51.7mm high by 19.0mm thick.
Casio EX-Z85 - LCD monitor and Body colors In addition to the standard body colors, this camera comes in a rich variety of expressive colors such as vivid pink (available in a total of eight colors: silver, black, vivid pink, pink, blue, green, brown and orange). In addition to the usual rectangular focus frame that is indicated on the LCD monitor, users can choose from frame designs featuring a heart shape or a butterfly, for example. When the scene is properly focused, a clear heart shape is displayed, and when the scene is out of focus the heart shape breaks up. This makes it easy to see when the picture is in focus, and users will enjoy it, too. Casio Z85 captures H264 video format
Users can choose their preferred option from six different colors (black, chocolate, cinnamon, rose, sky blue and olive) as the color for the menu screens. The Casio Z85 uses the H.264 video format, which records beautiful, high quality movies in highly compressed video files. When the Movie button is pressed, the camera records widescreen movies with an aspect ratio of 16:9. This camera comes with a highly visible 2.6 inch widescreen display. Information on camera settings is displayed in the "Control Panel" on the right hand edge of the screen, so settings can be changed quickly and easily. Casio Exilim EX-Z85 self-portrait photography Using blur detection technology, the Casio EX-Z85 can automatically take a photo the instant that hand shake or subject movement stops, even without the need to push the shutter button. This reduces photo blur caused by the movement involved in pressing the shutter. The camera will also automatically release the shutter at the moment of a smile or the moment subject blur ceases in a panning shot. A shot can also be taken the moment the user's face fills the frame when taking a self-portrait. Casio Exilim Z85 includes automatic face recognition The Face Recognition function allows users to detect the presence of up to 10 people's faces, and then, prior to shooting, the camera automatically recognizes the pre-registered face or faces that should be most clearly photographed, and gives those faces priority for correct focus and exposure. The settings menu in the easy mode has been pared down to just three items - flash, self timer and image size - making it easy for even beginners to understand and use.

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Zit zapper leads Casio digital camera trio

Zit zapper leads Casio digital camera trio

Casio UK today announced several cameras, including one that may be the ideal camera for self-conscious teenagers. The EX-Z300 is said to be the first compact digital camera to offer a Make-Up mode, which airbrushes photographs and removes even the smallest blemishes. The 10MP camera sports a 28-112mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom lens, YouTube compatible video capture, face recognition, and a 3-inch LCD monitor. Companion Casio cameras unveiled today include the EX-Z85, a 9.1MP camera with face recognition that gives focus and exposure priority to pre-registered faces, the Z250, a 9.1MP model that is said to have improved low light performance. U.S. availability and pricing to be announced.

For details, read the Casio UK press release:

CASIO Releases Three New EXILIM Digital Cameras

EX-Z300 and EX-Z250, with new imaging engine for superb photography of people and night scenes, and EX-Z85, a stylish new 9.1 megapixel camera

Norderstedt, August 20, 2008 - CASIO Europe GmbH and its parent company, CASIO Computer Co., Ltd., today announced the release of three new, high-profile additions to its EXILIM family of digital cameras. The 10.1 effective megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z300 and the 9.1 effective megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z250 both deliver beautiful high resolution images and outstanding functionality made possible by a new CASIO imaging engine for high speed image processing. The 9.1 effective megapixel EXILIM Zoom EX-Z85 camera feature a stylish design and are packed with the kind of innovative features users have come to expect from CASIO.

EX-Z300 and EX-Z250 combine high resolution and high speed image processing to produce beautiful photos of people and night scenes Thanks to CASIO's new EXILIM Engine 3.0*, these two cameras produce beautiful image quality with low noise and moir้. Both are high resolution models, and they boast excellent resolving power, offering precise, smooth rendering of images. The image processing speed and power of CASIO's new engine make possible entirely new functions that deliver fantastic photos of people's faces, night scenes and other subjects that have challenged photographers for years. These cameras automatically detect and correct for difficult situations, such as night scene photography where camera shake could be a problem, or backlit subjects where faces often come out too dark. This all means that users get great, well-balanced photos of family and friends against any background with no more worry than it takes to press the shutter button. These cameras also feature a Makeup function that creates beautiful photographs of people's faces: high end image processing can smooth skin and soften facial shadows caused by sunlight. The photographer gets to choose to apply such image processing at one of twelve levels, from weak through strong, and can shoot while checking the results of the effects in the LCD monitor. At last, a camera that brings out all the beauty of the human face, creating images worthy of keeping forever as special memories.

* EXILIM Engine 3.0: This is an image processing module that packages a new, dedicated high speed image processing CPU (central processing unit) with the high performance CPU used to date. Digital cameras are constantly developing and evolving new levels of "beautiful imagery" and "convenient shooting functions." This new module quickly processes complex images, making it possible for customers to shoot and view wonderful photos with simplicity and ease.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z85, 9.1 effective megapixel camera with stylish design

The EX-Z85 comes with a Face Recognition function that can detect the presence of up to 10 people's faces and then give priority to the faces of pre-registered people for correct focus and exposure, and an Auto Shutter function, which automatically takes a photo the instant camera shake ceases, as well as a Movie button that lets users easily record widescreen movies. The design of the focus frame and the color of the menu screen can be customized in accordance with each user's wishes, and the camera comes in eight colors - silver, black, vivid pink, pink, blue, green, brown and orange. This camera delivers high performance with a compact, stylish look.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z300 and EX-Z250 - Two high quality digital cameras with excellent functionality that allows users to take beautiful pictures of people's faces and night scenes

One model with 10.1 effective megapixels and the other with 9.1 effective megapixels

The two new cameras are the 10.1 effective megapixel EX-Z300 and the 9.1 effective megapixel EX-Z250. Thanks to CASIO's original image processing technologies, these cameras achieve an extremely precise, smooth rendering of high-resolution images, reducing a great deal of noise in pictures taken at high sensitivity levels. This is the result of CASIO's pursuit of the beautiful image quality that users expect from cameras with very high resolution.

28mm wide angle, 4X optical zoom lenses

These lenses zoom from 28mm to 112mm (35mm film camera equivalent). Users can enjoy a wide range of shooting options, from wide angle photography that is convenient when shooting large objects or many people in a small space, to telephoto shooting which brings distant subjects close.

New functions that take advantage of the high speed image processing of CASIO's newly developed EXILIM Engine 3.0:

Handheld night scene:

The cameras can automatically detect night situations where there would normally be camera shake if a tripod wasn't used. Users get clear, bright photographs of both people and night scenes as the camera compensates for camera shake.

Lighting function:

When blue skies are washed out, or when faces are dark because subjects have their backs to the light, these cameras are able to automatically detect such situations and select just the right balance between light and dark. Washed out and overly dark areas are controlled, allowing for a natural tonal range to be reproduced, so both people and backgrounds are evenly exposed.

Makeup function:

When users want to smooth facial skin, or reduce the depth of facial shadows in sunlight, etc., they can apply image processing from a relatively low level 1 right through to a high level 12, all the while checking the effect of the processing level chosen in the LCD monitor. The higher-end model EX-Z300 also has a "Makeup button" that allows effects to be applied with one touch.

Multi-motion:

Just as if multi-exposure had been used, the EX-Z300 (only) can take a series of shots of a moving subject and combine them in a single photo (image size must be set to 3 megapixels.)

CCD shift stabilization

Camera shake is compensated for by the mechanical movement of the imaging element in the camera. Of course, both cameras also incorporate Anti Shake DSP, which reduces photo blur due to moving subjects by raising the camera's sensitivity and allowing faster shutter speeds.

EX-Z300 comes with HD Movie function, which enables high definition (1280x720 pixel) movie recording

The EX-Z300 comes equipped with a high definition movie recording function, which allows beautiful movies with an image size of 1280 by 720 pixels to be recorded with just a push of the Movie button. They also feature the H.264 video standard, which records beautiful, high quality movies in highly compressed video files.

Large, high definition 230,400 pixel 3.0 inch LCD monitor

These cameras use a large, clear 3.0 inch LCD monitor. The high contrast screen produces sharp, bright images that can be viewed easily from any angle, and the monitor's high brightness means that it can be easily viewed even when the surrounding light is bright.

EXILIM Zoom EX-Z85, stylish 9.1 effective megapixel digital camera Compact 9.1 effective megapixel camera with 3X optical zoom

This high performing model with 9.1 million effective pixels takes high definition photographs. The camera features a stylish design contained within a compact size. Body measurements for the EX-Z85 are 89.7mm wide by 51.7mm high by 19.0mm thick.

Available in a rich lineup of colors In addition to the standard body colors, this camera comes in a rich variety of expressive colors such as vivid pink (available in a total of eight colors: silver, black, vivid pink, pink, blue, green, brown and orange).

Focus frames and menu screens that can be customized according to users' preferences Focus frames: In addition to the usual rectangular focus frame that is indicated on the LCD monitor, users can choose from frame designs featuring a heart shape or a butterfly, for example. When the scene is properly focused, a clear heart shape is displayed, and when the scene is out of focus the heart shape breaks up. This makes it easy to see when the picture is in focus, and users will enjoy it, too.

Menu screens:

Users can choose their preferred option from six different colors (black, chocolate, cinnamon, rose, sky blue and olive) as the color for the menu screens.

Auto Shutter function shoots automatically when the subject smiles or when there is no blur

Using blur detection technology, the EX-Z85 can automatically take a photo the instant that hand shake or subject movement stops, even without the need to push the shutter button. This reduces photo blur caused by the movement involved in pressing the shutter. The camera will also automatically release the shutter at the moment of a smile or the moment subject blur ceases in a panning shot. A shot can also be taken the moment the user's face fills the frame when taking a self-portrait.

High quality widescreen movies in H.264 video format

The EX-Z85 uses the H.264 video format, which records beautiful, high quality movies in highly compressed video files. When the Movie button is pressed, the camera records widescreen movies with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Automatic face recognition function

The Face Recognition function allows users to detect the presence of up to 10 people's faces, and then, prior to shooting, the camera automatically recognizes the pre-registered face or faces that should be most clearly photographed, and gives those faces priority for correct focus and exposure.

Easy Mode makes it simple for beginners to operate

The settings menu in the easy mode has been pared down to just three items - flash, self timer and image size - making it easy for even beginners to understand and use.

2.6 inch widescreen LCD

This camera comes with a highly visible 2.6 inch widescreen display. Information on camera settings is displayed in the "Control Panel" on the right hand edge of the screen, so settings can be changed quickly and easily.

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Olympus announces 2 new digital cameras

Olympus announces 2 new digital cameras

Olympus announced two new compact cameras late yesterday the Olympus FE-360, and Olympus FE-370. Both of the new digital cameras are pocket-sized and lightweight and are sporting an 8-megapixel resolution.

Here’s a rundown of the basic specs for each of the cameras:

Olympus FE-360

The Olympus FE-360 has a 3x zoom, and a 2.5-inch LCD. The camera is exceptionally thin, coming in at just .07-inches. The FE-360 comes programmed with 20 pre-set shooting modes for shooting in different lighting conditions and movie recording at 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 resolution stored in motion JPEG format. Without batteries the FE-360 weighs in at 3.5 oz. Look for the FE-360 later on this month for an MSRP of $149.99.

Olympus FE-370

The Olympus FE-370 is exceptionally similar to the FE-360. The FE-370 has a 2.7-inch LCD display rather than a 2.5-inch, and has a larger 5x zoom to the FE-360’s 2x. The FE-370 has 10 built-in preset modes for shooting in different lighting conditions and also has movie recording at 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 resolution stored in motion JPEG format. Without batteries the FE-370 weighs in at 4.5oz. Look for it later this month for $199.99.

Both cameras are expected to be available in a variety of different colors. Rumored color choices for the FE-360 and FE-370 include the traditional black and silver as well as red, blue, and pink.

There have been a lot of cameras announced so far this year in an array of colors. I’ve always been a fan of the traditional black camera, although I’m also pretty fond of my silver Canon Powershot.

How many of you would purchase a colored camera when a traditional colored camera was also available? What do think the motivation is for digital camera manufacturers to create so many different color options for their new cameras?

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Dufri unveils new products from Sony and Casio

Dufri unveils new products from Sony and Casio

NETHERLANDS. Dufri International has unveiled three new camera models: two T-Series Cyber-shot cameras from Sony, as well as the Exilim Zoom EX-Z150 from Casio.

Sony Cyber-shot T77: “World’s slimmest camera with 4X optical zoom”

The Cyber-shot T77 is 15mm thin (13.9mm at thinnest point) and comes in five colours: black, silver, pink, green and brown.

Its sleekness is complemented by the 3-inch touch screen LCD. All functions are controlled with a touch of the screen, cutting down on fiddly controls while giving users a widescreen view of their pictures.

The Cyber-shot T77 is equipped with smart Sony technology, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, and a 4x optical zoom range for detail-packed close-ups. Sony claims that the T77 is the thinnest Cyber-shot ever to feature a powerful 4x optical zoom range.

The model also comes with the Smile Shutter function. Just select Smile Shutter mode and aim the camera: the Cyber-shot T77 automatically fires the shutter when someone smiles. Face Detection has also been improved for better results, allowing users to prioritise children or adults for natural portraits with accurate skin tones, exposure and focus.

The new ‘Anti-blink’ technology aims to cut the risk of closed eyes spoiling portraits: The Portrait Mode shoots two images in quick succession, automatically throwing away pictures where the subject’s eyes are closed.

Intelligent Scene Recognition has been further refined. Now it will automatically adjust settings for great results over a wider range of common shooting situations such as portraits, landscapes and close-up macro pictures.



Cyber-shot T700: “the photo album in your pocket”

Just 16.4mm slim (15.2mm at thinnest point), the new Cyber-shot T700 can store up to 40,000 images in its 4GB internal memory.

Like the Cyber-shot T77, the T700 is available in five colour options: black, silver, gold, pink and red. The camera doesn’t come with any buttons – users navigate using just a touch screen 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD.

The T700 claims to be smarter than the average photo album. All pictures are stored in handy folders for easier management. Whether users are on holiday or taking a business trip, the camera will recognise when shots were taken, indexing them automatically for easy reference. Album mode organises pictures into folders containing babies, children or adults – or even smiling faces. Users can also select shots and upload them to their photo blogs or favourite image sharing website.

PC sync allows easy synchronising between the Cyber-shot and a PC. With a single click, Easy Exporter in Picture Motion Browser transfers full-sized images to the computer for storage and transfers smaller, resized copies of the images back to the Cyber-shot to allow mobile viewing of photos. The original full-sized data remains stored on the PC.

Like the T77, the Cyber-shot T700 features enhanced Smile Shutter, improved Face Detection, anti-blink technology and refined Intelligent Scene Recognition.

The Cyber-shot T77 and T700 will be available from September.

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New Kodak digital camera does it all

New Kodak digital camera does it all

George Eastman must have had a premonition when he coined the phrase “you press the button, we do the rest.”

Kodak has introduced an easy to use compact point-and-shoot that makes it much easier to take good pictures. The M1033 retails for $199.95, has a 3x zoom lens, sports a big 3-inch CCD display, uses SD memory cards and is available in red, pink, pewter, black, silver and dark grey.

Kodak’s digital history is an interesting one. After being one of the first to enter the digital market, Kodak faded away as fast as its film sales. And it missed the boat on being a leader in digital film card sales. Kodak has now been creeping back into the market with its Easy Share cameras which give anyone the ability to share their pictures with the world. This gives Kodak the potential element of surprise in the market.

Adding to this, Kodak has now figured out a way to make just about anyone able to take great pictures. Kodak’s new invention, Smart Capture, makes more than 50 calculations involving exposure, focus and image processing adjustments before it even writes a picture to disk.

Smart Capture figures out what type of scene you are shooting, automatically sets the appropriate exposure and even readjusts the exposure after the picture is taken.

Among the most impressive aspects of this 10-megapixel camera are its face-detection technology and its post-exposure processing.

The face-detection technology will wow you with its amazing ability to not only detect faces but to follow them in live action. If your subject bobs and weaves, the detector bobs and weaves right with them. This works really well with young children and fast-moving adults, too.

As far as the post-exposure processing goes, a magic act occurs after you push the shutter button. Details that were lost in a brilliant sky suddenly come back to life, snapping into detail.. The experience mimics having a well-trained lab team work up your picture.

Add to that an automatic macro function that detects when things are too close for normal focus and a 30-frame-per-second HD video capability and you’ve got one powerful little camera. The only thing that is hard to do with this camera is to use the zoom control. It is very low profile - maybe a little too low profile - which makes it especially hard to zoom while holding the camera one-handed.

For years, the Canon Elph has set the standard in the compact camera market. Kodak has just taken a leap over the leader with some amazing American innovations.

George Eastman would be proud.

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Sony fires two new Cyber-shots

Sony fires two new Cyber-shots

Sony gave it both barrels today with the introduction of two new still digital cameras to its Cyber-shot range. “The Cyber-shot T77 is the world’s slimmest camera to feature 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilisation,” a Sony suit told us. “Meanwhile, the Cyber-shot T700 boasts a 4GB hard drive for storage of a massive 40,000 photos.”
Sony said both cameras had been designed with the eye-catching style that people expect of Sony products, and both are bursting with amazing features to help you take great pictures.

Here’s the company’s official word on both models:

Cyber-shot T77 – little camera, big personality
“At just 15mm thin, the super-svelte Cyber-shot T77 will fit in the pocket of even the skinniest of jeans. It’s the slimmest camera ever to feature 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilisation, so whilst its diminutive size is impressive, it’s the pin sharp images you can capture at the touch of a button that will bowl you over.
The impressive zoom capability is complemented by 10.1-megapixels, 3-inch touchscreen LCD, Smile Shutter technology for automatic capture of smiling faces, and Face Detection and Anti-blink technology to make sure everyone looks perfect. All-in-all it’s the friendliest little camera you’ll come across.
The Cyber-shot T77 comes in five vibrant colours; midnight black, mauve, apple green, chocolate brown and silver.”

Cyber-shot T700 – your life in pictures
“The Cyber-shot T700 offers the best possible image quality and the latest technology to easily share images after shooting. The massive 4GB in-built memory provides enough space for 40,000 images, making the T700 a portable photo album. The 3.5-inch 921K dot LCD screen allows the user to view images in stunning high resolution, and the Sharemark technology makes uploading images to photo-sharing sites incredibly easy. The T700 is perfect for students wanting to document their gap year travels, families not wanting to miss a moment of children growing up, or that last-minute night out with friends.
This new camera also boasts 10.1-megapixels and a host of Sony favourite features, including Smile Shutter, Face Detection and Anti-blink technology. It will be available in a choice of colours - gunmetal grey, silver, candy pink, raspberry red and champagne colours.” Both models can be slotted inside a new marine housing that means users can capture the action above and below the water.

The Cyber-shot T77 and Cyber-shot T700 will be available from September 2008, with prices to be confirmed.

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Sony’s Slim, Colourful T700 Digicam has 4 GB Internal Memory

Sony’s Slim, Colourful T700 Digicam has 4 GB Internal Memory

Sony of Canada has introduced a pair of new T-Series Cyber-shot digital cameras, one of which it deems the “world’s slimmest camera with optical image stabilization”, and the other with an impressive 4 GB of internal memory for storing images right in the camera.

In addition to an attractive outer exterior, the 15 mm-thin T77 also boasts a 10 MP sensor, 3-inch, 16 x 9 touch-screen LCD, intelligent scene recognition technology that can automatically select from up to eight scene modes, and face detection. As fun but functional features, the camera also includes Smile Shutter, which waits to snap a photo once the subject is smiling; and anti-blink, which will take two shots (in portrait mode), and record only the images where the subject’s eyes are open.

The T77 will be available in late September for approx. $350. It will come in five vibrant finishes: dark gray, silver, gold, pink, and red.

Sony calls the T700 ($450) a “photo album in your pocket”, adding to the aforementioned features an ample 4 GB of internal memory for storing photos within the camera rather than on a memory card. Although the T700 doesn’t have a touch-screen interface like the T77, its LCD is a slightly larger 3.5”, and supplies high contrast coupled with a wide viewing angle. This model is just 16.4 mm thin, and comes in the same colour options.

Both models also integrate a newly-developed Carl Zeiss lens with 4x optical zoom, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. An internal, searchable database lets users search for images by event, date, smile or face, and display them in calendar mode, chronologically, in folders, or via slideshows and scrapbooks.

Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software, which comes with each camera, lets you automatically down-size images to VGA on your computer, then export them back to the camera’s internal memory. This way, you can save more photos to the camera itself, while saving the high-resolution versions on your PC. Additionally, the software can be used to upload images and video to popular social networking sites like YouTube.com.

Thank : http://marketnews.ca/news_detail.asp?nid=3974

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Sony's T700 camera says goodbye to memory cards

Sony's T700 camera says goodbye to memory cards

Words can not describe to you how much I love the new cameras released today by Sony (not good news for you or I, actually). But I'll try. I love love love them, for their colouring, their body, and yes, even their specs.

This is the T700 model, which comes in silver, as well as this rather lovely pink and grey. It's superslim (16.4mm thin), has a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen and packs in a mammoth 4GB internal memory, making memory cards not much more than a distant memory.

There's also the Smile Shutter function, anti-blink mode, face detection and intelligent scene recognition.

No price yet, but we can expect them in September this year.

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Sony DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 Digital Cameras Announced

Sony DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 Digital Cameras Announced

Sony is making the grade with the introduction of the stylish Cyber-shot® DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 digital cameras with "intelligent" shooting functions.

The 10-megapixel T77 camera is Sony’s thinnest model at less than 5/8 of an inch with a 3-inch, 16 x 9 touch panel LCD screen. It features updated intelligent scene recognition technology, Smile Shutter™ and face detection technologies with child and adult priority, as well as high sensitivity shooting (up to ISO 3200), eleven scene modes, and in-camera image management. The T700 model (above) earns extra points as a “photo album in your pocket.” It has all the features of the T77 unit plus 4GB of internal memory that can store nearly 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos; a 3.5-inch, wide touch panel Xtra Fine LCD™ screen for photo-like viewing (210 pixel-per-inch resolution) with high contrast and wide-angle viewing; and a thin profile (slightly more than 5/8 of an inch) so it can easily slip into a pocket or purse.

“Sony is taking the lead in developing “intelligent” cameras so that taking great pictures is an automatic function and not a complicated process,” said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. “This is part of our effort to enhance the camera experience for customers by offering new functionality.”

Substance and Style
While rich in technologies, style was a key factor in the development of both cameras, said Lubell. They feature a newly-developed Carl Zeiss® lens that integrates a 4x optical zoom and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, yet achieves a slim form factor. They will also be available in a wider selection of color options than previous T-series cameras.

Both cameras feature updated intelligent scene recognition technology that can now select up to eight different scene modes, including macro, portrait and landscape modes.

This technology also includes a new anti-blink function in portrait mode that will virtually make closed-eyed photos an “old school” memory. The cameras will automatically take two shots and then determine whether the subject(s) have closed eyes using their advanced face detection technology. They will only record images with open-eyed subjects. If both pictures have subject(s) with closed eyes, the cameras will record one and display a warning so you can try again.

Sony’s Smile Shutter technology has also been improved. It is easily accessible as a “smiley face” icon, which is now a permanent fixture on the camera’s LCD screen in record mode, and can be toggled off and on at the touch of a finger. And during smile capture, auto focus and zoom functions are available, as well as the ability to take a limitless number of shots.

Not One, But Two Photo Libraries in Your Pocket
The T700 camera (above) is ideal for anyone who wants to have what Lubell calls “bragging” photos of their kids, pets, vacation or sports highlights with them at all times.

Owing to the model’s internal database, thousands of photos can be searched in-camera by event, date, smile or face, including children and infants; displayed in calendar or chronological views; organized in folders; and shared as slide shows or fun scrapbooks.

Unlike previous models, this one allows you to store and manage images on both its 4GB internal memory and an optional Memory Stick® media card. You can maximize the number of pictures stored on the camera with the bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software application and its new PC Synch feature.

This new feature lets you downsize images from full-resolution to VGA and export them back to the camera’s internal photo album. The application operates intelligently with the camera so you can shoot more photos. It will only detect, downsize and export the new shots. This allows you to store literally thousands of your favorite photos in the camera

It is also possible to export photos shot by other cameras or archived on other media into the camera.

The PMB Portable software inside the camera lets you easily upload photos or videos to popular social networking sites like YouTube™ (a trademark of Google Inc.) using an internet connection with any compatible PC via the supplied USB cable. It even has pre-programmed sites in the camera.

The camera also has a scrapbook function that automatically creates simulated scrapbook pages. Now you can share, print or save your scrapbooks unlike previous models.

Pricing and Availability
The DSC-T77 camera replaces the former T70 model and will be available in brown, green, pink, black and silver in late September for about $300. The new DSC-T700 cameras ships at the same time in red, champagne gold, pink, dark gray and silver for about $400.

All cameras and a range of accessories can be purchased online at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges, and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 29 at www.sonystyle.com/.

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Sony Unveils Two 10MP Compacts

Sony Unveils Two 10MP Compacts

Today Sony announced two new 10.1-megapixel cameras, the DSC-T700 and DSC-T77. Both feature Carl Zeiss lenses and touch-screen LCDs. Sony has added improved “Smile Shutter” functionality and blink detection. The new blink detection implementation, shared by both cameras, will warn if your subject’s eyes were closed when you pressed the shutter and, in scene recognition mode, will automatically take a second photo immediately after the first to catch the blinker with open eyes. Both the DSC-T700 and the DSC-T77 are scheduled to ship in late September.

The DSC-T700, with a 4x optical zoom lens (35-140mm equivalent) is designed to serve as both camera and digital photo album. It boasts a 3.5-inch LCD screen with an unusually high 921,000-dot resolution (210ppi). With 4GB of internal memory, the T700 can store up to 40,000 photos on the camera. When coupled with Sony’s Picture Motion Browser synching application, photos are transferred from the camera to a Windows computer, which then sends a downsized version back to the camera for on-screen display. The photos can be sorted by date, event, folder, favorite or face type. Face recognition sorting allows filtering for children, infants or smiles to quickly find the exact picture you’re looking for. The T700 will come in five colors (black, silver, gold, pink and red) and sell for $400.

The DSC-T77 is Sony’s thinnest camera, less than 5/8” (15mm) thick, and will be available in five colors: black, silver, green, pink and brown. This new model has a 3-inch, 230,000 pixel 16:9 LCD screen and a 4x optical zoom 35-140mm (35mm eq.) lens. The updated “Smile Shutter” function employed here is activated with a single tap on the LCD. The camera will then automatically take photos when detected faces are smiling, and will continue to take them as long as the Smile Shutter mode is enabled. The slim T77 will sell for $300.

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Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera with Case - Pink

Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera with Case - Pink

Product Features

-Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera - Pink (New Version)
-1.3 interpolated Mega Pixels or 640 x 480 resolution for 4" x 6" prints
-Bonus PINK Camera Case

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 13 x 4.5 x 12 inches
Shipping Weight: 4 pounds

Product Description

This product is a re-stage of the Kid-Tough Digital Camera J8028. 1.6" color LCD preview screen (WAS 1.3") Dual-handle grips Two-eye view finder. Compatible with Mac - Comes with built-in auto flash, wrist strap, and Camera compatible with Windows 2000/ME/XP/VISTA and Macintosh 1.3 interpolated Mega Pixels or 640 x 480 resolution for 4" x 6" prints

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VistaQuest 3.0 Megapixel Digital Camera, Pink

VistaQuest 3.0 Megapixel Digital Camera, Pink

SPECIFICATIONS:
- Lens: F 2.8 Aperture
- Shutter: 1/15 ~ 1/1500 second (Electronic Shutter) Auto Control
- Viewfinder: Virtual type: optical, Magnification 0.32 or higher, Coverage: 80% or higher

- White Balance: Automatic
- Exposure: Automatic
- Frame Size - Still Camera Mode: 2304x1728, 2048x1536, 640x480
- Frame Size - Video Camera Mode: 320x240
- PC Camera Mode: 320x240
- Compression: JPEG (EXIF 2.1), MPEG
- Display: B/W Status LCD
- PC Interface: USB 1.1
- Image Sensor: 3 Megapixels CMOS Sensor
- Storage: 32MB Flash Memory
- Power: 1 AAA 1.5V Alkaline battery included
- Auto Power Saving: System auto power-off: 60 seconds.
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98SE / 2000 / ME / XP / Vista
- Software Included: ArcSoft Photo Impression and Video Impression
- Dimensions: 2.56” x 2.5” x 1.19”/ 63 x 65 x 30mm

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Samsung goes pink with NV4, i8 and L110 cameras for Valentine’s Day

Samsung goes pink with NV4, i8 and L110 cameras for Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day - when we used to show our love with a token of our affection - which Samsung hopes will be a digital camera this year, in particular the pink NV4, i8 and L110 cameras.

The 8 mega pixel NV4 has Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) system, Red-Eye Fix technology and Samsung's Smart Touch User Interface. It's priced at £149. The 8.1 mega pixel i8 packs in a media player with in-built 'World Tour Guide' function (travel information covering 2,600 regions in 30 countries), along with Intelligent Face Recognition Technology. It also sells for £149.

The 10.1 megapixel L110 features Digital Image Stabilisation and Intelligent Face Recognition Technology, 3x optical zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD display and a suite of advanced video and editing features. Yours for £129

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Fujifilm Z200fd: Skinny compact digital camera

Fujifilm Z200fd: Skinny compact digital camera

Fujifilm have announced a new, slim, feature packed camera, the Z200 in the US. The camera uses Couple and Group timer modes that will make use of Fujifilm’s face-detection technology.

These Couple and Group timer modes just show how advanced these cameras are becoming these days as both serve as primary functions for the camera. The Couple timer will take a picture when it detects two faces getting closer together and has three settings for the distance between faces, meanwhile the Group timer will delay taking a picture until it detects the correct number of faces in the frame, pretty cool if you ask me.

Customers who are intrigued by this camera will have to wait until September to get their hands on one, and it will price around $299.95. The good news is that you will be able to choose from a variety of colours: Black, Red, Pink and Silver.

Here is a summary of the Z200’s features:

- Ultra slim (19.8mm thick) styling with two-tone all metal body

- 5x optical zoom lens (33-165mm equivalent)

- Dual Image Stabilisation

- Face Detection Technology and automatic intelligent red-eye removal

- 52MB internal memory plus xD-Picture card, SD and SDHC compatibility

- ISO 100-1600 sensitivity at full resolution

- Wide view 2.7-inch high resolution screen

- Playback features including Face Zoom and Micro Thumbnail (100 shot) view

- IR Communication (IR simple™)

- Blog mode and Auction mode

- VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound

- New modes including Folder Select (categorise your photos using handy preset folders) and Illustration Mode.

- PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC

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Samsung NV4 multimedia camera

Samsung NV4 multimedia camera

ProductSamsung NV4 compact camera

VerdictIt looks good, but isn’t so great to handle. Plus, we’re not convinced that many people want a digital camera that’s also a multimedia player

Rating60%

Suggested Price£150

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Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd Camera Unveiled in US

Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd Camera Unveiled in US

After Samsung and Pentaxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentax , now it looks like its Fujifilmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujifilm ’s turn to unveil a new camera in the US. The stylish new FinePixhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujifilm%23FinePix Z200fd camera by Fujifilm delivers sharp images with its 10-megapixel sensor.

Besides, the camera features 5x optical zoom lens and dual image stabilization. The FinePix Z200fd also possesses some usual features like Face Detectionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_detection Technology and automatic intelligent red-eye removal. It also equips some unique features like Blog mode and Auction mode.

The Blog mode resizes images thus making it easier to upload images on social networking sitesMost-Networked-Executives . While the Auction mode combines up to 4 images in one frame. This mode is useful for retailers selling their products at online shopping sites like eBay. In addition latest Folder Select mode allows users to categorize their photos with the help of handy preset folders. Illustration Mode another latest attribute added in the Z200fd.

Moreover the Fujifilm’s latest camera comes with 52MB of internal memory which can be expanded with xD-Picture card, SD and SDHChttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SDHC compatibility. The FinePix Z200fd sports a 2.7-inch high resolution display that allows users to view the captured images.

Apart from images, users can also capture their memories in video formathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_formats at 30 frames per second with sound.

At the launch of the camera David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, Fujifilm US said, “The FinePix Z200fd lets you focus on your style with the perfect digital camerahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_camera for consumers looking for a combination of cutting-edge technology and a chic, sophisticated design,”

“We believe consumers shouldn’t have to sacrifice performance for form or function,” added Troy.

The slim Z200fd camera is available in four trendy colors red, pink, silver and black.

The Fujifilm’s FinePix Z200fd is scheduled to be available in the US market from September 2008 at $299.95.

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Fujifilm’s FinePix Z200fd puts photographers in their photos

Fujifilm’s FinePix Z200fd puts photographers in their photos

Fujifilm announced the FinePix Z200fd today. The compact digital camera will have a 10 megapixel resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD screen. In addition to the traditional digital camera stats, the Finpix Z200fd also has added two features the “Couple Timer” and “Group Timer” modes that are designed with the intention of letting the photographer get in the shot.

The Couple Timer automatically shoots a picture when two faces get together. You can adjust the distance that’s required for the shot to be taken based on your relationship to the other subject, for instance you would probably be closer to your girlfriend than you would one of the other guys on the football team.

For shots of the whole football team the Finepix Z200fd has the Group Timer mode. Group Timer lets you specify the number of faces you plan on having in the shot, and won’t take the picture until everyone’s in.

Having been the photographer of many a group shot, I have to say that I’m a little hesitant to endorse the Finpix’s timer modes as something that’s going to be actually useful. While in theory the idea is a good one, just because someone’s face is in the shot doesn’t mean that they’re ready to take a picture. I can also picture a ton of situations where the camera doesn’t realize everyone’s there, or you’re not quite close enough to grandma to trigger the timer.

The FinePix Z200fd is expected to become available in September in silver, black, pink and red for $299.95. This is going to be a great one to check out once it’s released to the public just to see how the timer option works. The $300 price tag makes it a little more expensive than its competitor’s comparable digital cameras this season, it’ll be interesting to see if it’s worth it.

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Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd

Fujifilm FinePix Z20fd

As a colorful update to the Fujifilm FinePix F10fd digital camera, the FinePix Z20fd comes in one of five vibrant colors: red, pink, light green, blue, and black. The camera features a 10-megapixel sensor with a standard 3x optical zoom lens (covering a 35mm-equivalent range of 35-105mm).

Designed as a pocketable point-and-shoot, the Fujifilm Z20fd is extremely compact, and its rainbow of body colors will get you noticed in a crowd. In addition to the 3x optical zoom, there's another 5.6x of digital zoom (though remember that also means losses in resolution and overall quality).

Exposure control remains automatic, though a range of preset shooting modes aims to accommodate many commonly tricky situations, such as beach scenes and fast action. Additionally, there's Face Detection for better portraits, Picture Stabilization for reducing blur at higher sensitivity settings, and high-tech improvements such as IrSimple compatibility for wireless communication and even a Blog mode.

The FinePix Z20fd is suitable for a range of experience levels, from novices to more advanced users, and retails at an MSRP of about $200.

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Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd 'couple cam' debuts...again

Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd 'couple cam' debuts...again

We reported on the global announcement of the Z200fd back in May, but Thursday at 12:01 a.m. Fujifilm announced this slim, feature-packed camera for the U.S. You can read the full announcement and spec sheet on Fujifilm's press site.

It's actually--from a feature standpoint at least--an interesting read, giving you an idea of just what it takes to compete in this space. The hook for the Z200fd, for example, is its use of Couple and Group Timer modes that take advantage of Fujifilm's face-detection technology.

The Couple Timer takes the picture as the camera detects two faces getting closer together and has three settings for distance between faces. (Presumably allowing you to take pictures with people you love, like, and don't necessarily hate enough to not want to be in a picture with them.) The Group Timer sounds particularly nice, since it'll hold off on taking the shot until it detects the correct number of faces in the frame.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to capture your summer crush with the Z200fd; it won't be for sale until September at a price of $299.95. It'll be available in four colors: black, silver, red, and pink.

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Sanyo releases new and improved Xacti 720p camcorder (HD800)

Sanyo releases new and improved Xacti 720p camcorder (HD800)

Sanyo announced the successor model to its Xacti HD700 720p camcorder today, the HD800 [JP]. The new cam comes with an 8 megapixel 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor, and shoots 720p video (1280×720) at 30fps in MPEG4 format.

Features include SD/SDHC support, a “face chaser” function for up to 12 persons, 5x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. Sanyo also developed a “three-dimensional digital noise reduction” (3DDNR) filter to improve the video quality over the HD700.

The HD800 will be sold in Japan from August 22nd for $460 (in gold, pink and black). No word yet on availability and pricing outside this country.

Press release in English after the jump (original text).

SANYO’s Sleek, Slim HD*1 Xacti Digital Video Image Quality ImprovedOne unit takes both HD videos and high-resolution stills, and easy to use with the Internet!

Tokyo, July 30, 2008 – SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) announces the DMX-HD800, a new sleek, slim high definition dual camera Xacti that can take both stills and videos. The camera sports a compact and light-weight body, and easily saves data onto SD/SDHC memory cards for convenience. The DMX-HD800 will take stills and videos used on a personal computer or for the Web, houses a new three-dimensional digital noise reduction (3DDNR) filter, and adds the ‘Face Chaser’ for both stills and videos with an active scanner visible on the monitor.
On the new product launch, Hideki Toyoda, General Manager of SANYO’s Digital System Company, DI Company Products Planning Department, said, “The DMX-HD800 has not only has it been designed to be sleek and stylish, but it now offers our unique three-dimensional digital noise reduction (3DDNR) filter, which allows clear, beautiful images with simple operation of a dual camera offering high resolution stills and HD videos in a single unit.”

1. Compact, light-weight camera capable of high definition movies compatible with personal computers and/or upload video data to the Internet
- Easily drag and drop recorded files on to the hard drive or upload to the Internet
- Ideal for website-use/blog-use videos as well as standard video creation
- Take either high definition videos (1280 x 720, 720p) or 8.0-Megapixel stills with one unit
- Snap photos anytime, even during video filming, without changing modes or pausing the viedo
- Preview the frame for photos while still recording video with the one-push ‘Photo View’ button
- Uses AVC/H.264 codec format for longer, higher quality recording than traditional codecs

2. Built-in, newly developed ‘3-dimension Noise Reduction’ (3DDNR) filter allows for more vivid and clear videos
- Uses the same, low-power consuming engine as the Full HD DMX-HD1010
- Through new 3DDNR filter, it is possible to decrease significantly the random noise that vacillates over time
- New CMOS sensor adoption allows faster image processing, up to 1.7 x more than the previous equivalent model
- CMOS sensor allows sharper feeling images by increasing the diagonal high-frequency component (sharpness)
- Image compression codec algorithms have been updated
- Optimized signal processing functions such as compression codec algorithm, gamma characteristics and edge treatment as well as the enhancement of basic performance functions all contribute to the improvement of quality in resolution, coloration and recording in dark places

3. Create beautiful memories easily with newly developed high-precision ‘Face Chaser’ function for both videos and stills
- Able to detect up to 12 faces in both videos and stills
- Face recognition database has been increased 5 times over the previously used database for face recognition
- Function upgraded with new method for regulation for even diagonal movement, improving precision
- Upgrades allow for higher quality photographic subject recording in both videos and stills
- Functions for face detection in videos upgraded to adjust focus and follow subject in real-time during recording, prioritizing the subject (person) as the focus of the recording

4.Other Features
- ‘Digital Image Stabilizer’ senses camera revolution and photographic subject movement
- Original DVD authoring and editing on the computer made easy with bundled ‘Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0’
- Continuous shot function allows more photo opportunities (8.0- /2.0-Megapixels)
- ‘Simple Mode’ operability available for first time users and and ‘Manual Mode’ operability for more advanced users
- Long-lasting battery allows up to 250 stills or 90 minutes of continuous video filming
- ‘Photo view button’ for smooth transition of monitor between videos and stills
- In-camera video editing (cutting & pasting) function
- Allows recording and playback of videos up to 4GB continuously
- Record in low-light scenes with camera’s low-light mode compatible down to 3 lux
- Confirm that faces are being detected with new LCD monitor display showing which subject is main
- Optional AV-connection kit available for camera to be used with ‘Xacti Library’ which includes saving of files by dates taken

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Pentax announces the Optio M60

Pentax announces the Optio M60

Pentax has launched the new Optio M60 compact camera, the latest model in its Optio M series of lightweight digital cameras.

Boasting 10 megapixels, a 5x optical zoom and a large LCD monitor, the M60 has built on the features of its predecessor, the M50, and also improved a number of others.

This includes the strengthening of the face recognition function to recognise 32 faces at once, and further advancement of the convenient “Auto Picture” function unique to Pentax, where the camera automatically detects the conditions of the subject and selects the optimal scene mode.

A total of eight scenes can be recognised with this function on the Optio M60, which is the most in this series. Modes include Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Standard, Flower, Sport and the new Candlelight.

The Optio M60 also comes with application functions such as Smile Capture, which automatically distinguishes smiles and takes photos, and Blinking Detection, which is a function where the camera warns the photographer if the subject blinked at the moment the shot was taken.

The Optio M60 will be available in three colors - silver, pink, and blue, and has been given a release date of August 22nd, at a price of around £90.

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Kodak Zi6 (pink)

Kodak Zi6 (pink)

Product Summary
The good: Solid 720p video; comparatively large LCD; memory-card expansion slot; AA rechargeable batteries included along with protective carrying case and video output cables.

The bad: Insufficient onboard memory and price doesn't include an optional memory card; can't recharge batteries via USB connector; included software isn't Mac compatible.

The bottom line: While bigger than most of its competitors and high priced for a mini camcorder, the Kodak Zi6's attractive design and decent video quality adequately compensate for some usability drawbacks.

Specs: Video input type: Camcorder; Effective sensor resolution: 1.6 megapixels; Optical zoom: 2x

Like many inexpensive competitors, the Kodak Zi6 is technically an HD camcorder the way a tomato is technically a fruit: it meets the definition, but doesn't deliver the experience. True, the Zi6 records video in 1,280x720-pixel resolution at both 30 frames per second and 60fps--720p resolution--which technically qualifies it as an HD camcorder, but a lot of factors go into creating an image, not just a CMOS sensor capable of capturing an image at a certain resolution and frame rate. Still, the 720p video it does capture is a step up from the 640x480-pixel VGA resolution video you typically find on competing sub-$200 direct-to-YouTube camcorders from Flip Video, RCA, and Creative.

That higher resolution comes at a price. To accommodate the larger 1/4.5-inch 1.6-megapixel sensor and generous 2.4-inch LCD, the Zi6 is bigger than most of its competitors, particularly the similarly priced Flip Video Mino. Weighing 5.6 ounces, it's not huge and it fits in most pockets, but if supercompact is what you're after, there are better alternatives.

Instead of a built-in or removable lithium ion rechargeable battery, Kodak opted to include a set of two rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride batteries and a charger. The upside is that in a pinch you can use readily available standard AA alkaline batteries to power the unit. The downside is you can't just charge the battery with the built-in USB connector like you can with some models, such as the Mino and Creative Vado. Also, a smaller lithium ion battery would probably have helped trim the size of Zi6 a bit.

Like other products in this category, the USB connector is of the flip-out variety. Cleverly, the button for the connector also serves as a tiny mirror for recording yourself. Another nice touch: a switch that toggles between standard and macro focus distance. We also appreciate that the Zi6 incorporates an expansion slot for SD cards. However, the onboard memory is a paltry 128MB--only 30MB of which is available for storage. That 30MB only lets you capture 36 seconds of video recorded at the highest quality (HD, 60fps). Extrapolating--since Kodak hasn't published any capacity information--that's about 50MB per minute, or 41 minutes of video on a typical 2GB card. The Zi6 will accept cards up to 32GB, but you must supply your own cards, whatever the capacity. Kodak includes an inexpensive neoprene carrying case, hand strap, video cables for output to a TV, and there's a threaded mount on the bottom of the unit in case you want to use a tripod.

As with all these mini camcorders, the Zi6 is meant to be easy to use--and for the most part, it is. Unfortunately, we have a few problems with the design. First, it takes some effort to get used to the controls. There's a joystick button flanked on either side by a video/playback button and stop/delete button. When the same button performs two functions it can be a little confusing for some people. and I found myself accidentally hitting the play button at times when I should have been clicking the joystick button. Second, the camcorder doesn't turn on when you plug the USB into your computer, the way the rest of the mini camcorders we've tested do. That's just a bit annoying. But the real kicker is there's no way to completely erase and format a memory card--or even delete more than one image/clip at a time--within the Zi6. Kodak expects you to do that when connected to the PC via its bundled software; that's a serious usability problem in general.

When in video recording mode, you can use the joystick to toggle down the setting to HD, VGA (640x480), and finally, still image capture. The lower VGA setting is useful if you're low on memory (files sizes are much smaller when you capture in lower resolution) or know you're going to be compressing your video for Web distribution or e-mail distribution. That said, it's always better to capture the best possible image and keep that as your "master" and work down from there.

We do appreciate the four speeds of fast-forwarding and rewinding, and you can advance or rewind your footage frame-by-frame if you want. The 2.4-inch LCD is pretty sharp and the sound played back loud enough through the Zi6's little speaker so long as I cranked up the volume (the mic seems sensitive enough). No complaints there.

What do you do after you've captured your video? Well, like most of these types of mini camcorders, Kodak loads software into its memory. Windows-only ArcSoft MediaImpression is included with the Zi6 and it automatically installs when you plug the Zi6's USB connector into your desktop or laptop PC. There's the usual shortcut upload to YouTube, as well as some editing features that allow you to trim your clips, adjust contrast, color, and brightness, and splice you clips into a cohesive movie, complete with customized background music and titles. If you own a Mac, you can copy your video and still images to your computer by dragging and dropping the files from the camcorder as you would with any USB storage device (and upload them to YouTube easily enough) and then edit your video using iMovie. So, all is not totally lost.

The Zi6's extra resolution helps when comparing its video with that of the Flip Mino and Ultra, but image noise and lack of sharpness keep it from overshadowing those models. Though the video looks softer overall, it looks that way at a larger size, which some people may find ample compensation. Typically, you only view these video files in a small window on your computer. However, with the Zi6's footage you can actually blow the video up full screen and it retains more detail. Video shot in the Zi6's VGA-resolution mode does look comparably sharp to that of its competitors. In low light, however, the Zi6's footage looks perceptibly noisier than that of the other camcorders. But it remains usable.

The Zi6 delivers reasonably accurate color and exposure, but performance feels a bit slow. While it adjusts properly moving from brightly lit environments to darker scenes and compensating for overly backlit subjects, it doesn't do so particularly quickly and its autofocus is relatively sluggish. When you pan and move the camera around, things tend to go in and out of focus. For rock-solid video, you really have to keep the camera still.

When you factor in that you have to buy an additional memory card, its price runs it up against a whole other class of products, such as the Aiptek Go-HD, which offer features like higher resolution stills and optical zoom rather than digital zoom. Despite its problems, I generally liked the Zi6. The video is pretty good and plays larger than Flip Video's current lineup offers; with its big screen, support for removable memory and the ability to use AA batteries it all adds up to an attractive package.

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