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Check out this unusual looking little beast from Sanyo.
Its called the Xacti DMX C-1 and it was released earlier this month in Japan. Its is a hybrid 3.2 megapixel still and video camera that stores its images and video onto SD cards. They claim its the smallest and lightest video camera going around and the first to be able to take 3.2 megapixel video and still images on the one camera (it can actually take video and pictures at the same time).
It can record half an hour of VHS quality video on a half gigabyte SD card and has a 5.8x optical zoom.
Photography Blog reviews the Sanyo Xacti C1 and writes - 'The Sanyo Xacti C1 is by far and away the most stylish and unique digital camera that I have reviewed. It has a futuristic, upright design that sets it apart from most other cameras available today, one which I think you will either instantly love or instantly hate. The C1 will definitely appeal to anyone who likes cutting edge gadgets. The nearest camera that I can think in terms of looks are the portrait format Fuji cameras which are a lot less curvy than the C1.....
The Sanyo Xacti C1 is certainly not a bad camera, offering a combination of good still image and video performance in a stylishly designed body that is both well-made and portable. If MPEG-4 quality video is a must-have for you, then the Sanyo Xacti C1 is definitely worth considering.'
Nikon just announced its newest ultra compact Coolpix 3700. Its got a 3 megapixel sensor and 3 times optical zoom. This is the first coolpix camera to move to SD cards for storage. Its a stylish, compact and innovative camera.
UK Readers Buy the Nikon Coolpix 3700 here
The feature that caught my attention is the 'sound release' system which is a like a self timer that is triggered by a sudden sound....like a clap. (I wonder how many shots people are going to take of themselves clapping or shouting at their camera!)
PC Mag reviewed the Coolpix 3700 and gave it a rating of 3 stars saying:
'Chunky for a subcompact, the Coolpix 3700 lacks advanced controls but does provide a few goodies, such as a best-shot selector, an interval timer, and sharpening. Postshooting image enhancements include halo, monochrome, and sepia effects....This is a wonderful camera for point-and-shooters who need guidance but can live with average image quality.
CNET reviews the Coolpix 3700 and gives it a rating of 7.2 out of 10.
For more info on the Nikon Coolpix 3700 check out their press release
Also check out reviews of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 at:
- Steve's DigiCams - Nikon Coolpix 3700
- Akamera
- Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix 3700
It seems that half the hits I've had on this site in the past week have been looking for Spencer Tunick photos. He must have just had another photoshoot somewhere and everyone is looking for the shots. Sorry, I don't have any photos - but the Spencer Tunick site is here.
Get the 'Naked States' DVD - Featuring Spencer Tunick's work Also available on Video.
Check out his book 'Re-Entering the America Zone' here
Check out this great article/interview about Photologging with Typepad.
Sigma have announced the release of their second SLR Digital Camera, the SD10. It is an updated version of the SD9. At a first glance the SD10 and SD9 don't look that different, but there are significant improvements inside and in the bundled software.
It uses the new Foveon X3 PRO 10M image sensor which has an effective resolution of 10.2 million pixels.
The improvements on the SD9 include an extended ISO range, longer exposure times, improved color, less noise, Wireless TTL flash compatibility, better AF system, only one battery (instead of 2), improved exposure compensation and a new contoured hand-grip.
CNET reviews the Sigma SD10 and writes - 'Sigma's SD10 is the follow-up to the company's flawed but interesting SD9 digital SLR, which made exceptionally sharp photos in good light. The SD10 incorporates an upgraded Foveon X3 sensor, a three-layered imager with 3.4 million pixels and 10.3 million photodetectors. The new sensor partially overcomes the SD9's biggest weakness, which was its lack of high ISO sensitivities for low-light photography. But Sigma failed to correct most of the SD9's design and performance flaws, and the SD10 remains substantially less versatile and well rounded than competing dSLRs.'
Fore more information and reviews on the Sigma SD10 check out:
- Digital Camera Resource Page - Sigma SD10 Review
- DP Review - Sigma SD10
Sony released the Cyber-shot DSC-U40 (pictured left). It has a 2 megapixel sensor, is as small as a candy bar and has a very fast start up time.
European Readers buy the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC U40
CNET has a good review of the Sony Cybershot DSC-U40 and rates it a 6.6 out of 10 (fair). They write - 'What you don't get in features, the Cyber Shot DSC-U40 makes up for in speed. There's very little shutter lag: about 0.5 seconds without the flash and 0.7 seconds with it. Start-up time is a fast 1.3 seconds, and shot-to-shot time comes in at less than 2 seconds.'
DigiCamReview reviews teh Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U40 and writes - 'The Sony Cybershot U40 is an ultra compact 2 megapixel digital camera with a small 1" colour screen. The camera generates good pictures, with good colour, although images are a bit soft. The camera can also record unlimited videos without sound. The camera has a quick switch on time, and a quick shot to shot time. For around £90/£99 (UK) this camera offers fairly good value for money, especially for such a small, "take anywhere" digital camera. If you want an easy to use, ultra compact digital camera that produces decent 2 megapixel images on a budget, then this is well worth considering. Bottom line: images aren't brilliant, and there is no optical zoom, but for a fun ultra compact digital camera that you can take anywhere, this fits the bill, recommended.'
The press release for the Sony Cybershot DSC-U40 is as follows
DSC-U40 - UPTOWN CHIC MEETS DOWNTOWN FUN IN SONY’S NEW CYBER-SHOT ‘U’
Ultra-Slim U40 Camera Captures Looks SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2003 — Lipstick: check. Car keys: check. Stylish camera to capture an evening with friends: check—if you have the latest Cyber-shot® U-series camera from Sony. Expected in January for about $200, the stylish U40 camera will come in four colors (silver, black, dark blue and red) that match your mood or your outfit. Slide the front cover sideways and the two-megapixel camera comes to life in under one second—giving enough time to capture candid shots. “Life happens in the blink of an eye, and the U40 camera is ready when you are,” said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronics’ Personal Mobile and Imaging Division. “It’s about the size of a candy bar, but full featured enough to ensure that the shots turn out great.” The new camera accepts both the ultra small Memory Stick PRO Duo™ and Memory Stick Duo™ flash memory cards. As with other Cyber-shot U-series cameras, the U40 model has a simple-to-use interface. But behind the scenes, advanced photographic features work invisibly to allow users to concentrate on capturing the moment without being distracted by camera settings. These include: Pre-Flash Metering: For capturing a subject with a scenic background under low-light conditions, the camera illuminates the subject and calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction insure great flash shots. MPEG Movie Mode (Video only): For those moments when a simple still picture doesn’t capture the entire mood, DSC-U40 camera captures up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution) that are perfect for emailing to family and friends. Bright LCD Monitor: For framing a picture accurately, the reflective LCD absorbs and reflects the ambient light through the LCD to improve brightness outdoors. Supplied Rechargeable NiMH Batteries: The unit comes supplied with Sony’s Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina batteries and an external charger. Print Directly to Printers: Via a USB connection, users can print their images directly with any PictBridge™ compatible printer.
This morning my Nana, Ethel Rowse, passed away. Thank you to all that have been praying for her and our family these past weeks. On Thursday after visiting the hospital Dad and I took a trip out of her little house to pick up some papers. While dad found them I took a walk through her garden, a place where I have so many memories of her. The garden is a little run down now as she's been in care for a while. Nana loved her garden, it brought a lot of joy to her and our family and so I'll post these pictures of it and the views from her house in loving memory of her. (click for enlarged views)
Our long weekend was amazing. We spent it with V's sister Michelle and her husband Simon.
Paris is right up there with my favorite city of the trip. It was amazing how much there was to see. It was just a matter of walking a block or two and you'd have something else to look at.
Having said that we did walk a lot that weekend!
In the last few days Minolta have announced the release of their latest addition to their digital camera stable - the Minolta DiMAGE G400 (also known as the Konica Revio KD-420Z).
The Minolta DiMage G400 is a 4 megapixel, 3x optical zoom camera that not only features SD / MMC card storage, but also the Sony Memory Stick. It also comes with a 1.5" display, hybrid AF system, and power from a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. Also sure to be popular is the 0.7 second startup time. It can be turned on, focused, take an image, and turned off in 1.5 sec.
European Readers buy the Minolta Dimage G400 here
PC Mag reviewed the Konica Minolta DiMage G400 and gave it a rating of 3 stars out of 5 saying - 'The Konica Minolta DiMage G400 is a well-built, neat-looking, fast-shooting camera with the ability to save to either Memory Stick or Secure Digital format, but it stops short of advanced features....The G400 is a good compromise between a simple point-and-shoot camera and one designed for advanced use—especially if you already own gadgets that use Sony Memory Sticks.'
Looks like a handy little package.
Fore reviews and specs of the Minolta DiMAGE G400:
DC Resource - Minolta DiMAGE G400
PRESS RELEASE from Konica Minolta
Easy to use 4.0 megapixel camera features fully automatic operation as well as creative capabilities for enhanced picture taking
Mahwah, NJ (October 14, 2003) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., announces today the new high-performance compact DiMAGE G400 4.0 megapixel digital camera. The ergonomically designed Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400 creates beautiful images at the touch of a button. Featuring a built-in 3x optical zoom lens, sleek metal exterior with an impressive 0.7-second startup time, autofocusing, autoexposure, auto white-balance, and other creative capabilities this new compact camera is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
“It’s appropriate that this fashionable and easy-to-use DiMAGE G400 digital camera is the first to be introduced by our newly formed company,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “The new fully-featured DiMAGE G400 is the perfect companion for any photo enthusiast.”
The DiMAGE G400 features a 4.2 megapixel CCD for sharp, clear pictures as well as a 3x GT Hexanon optical zoom lens incorporating seven elements in six groups to provide sharp, high-contrast images. The lens is designed to minimize flare and unwanted aberrations so that the tonal range and detail in the scene are apparent in the final image.
A newly designed signal-processing engine makes this compact camera twice as fast as the DiMAGE G500. In fact, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400’s rapid startup (0.7 seconds) and fully-automatic picture taking and shut down cycles in only 1.5 seconds. This allows users to take a properly exposed and in focus picture in the blink of an eye.
The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400 has the technology needed to capture any photographic moment. The camera can automatically focus and determine the exposure in approximately 0.2 seconds and the shutter-release time lag is approximately 0.03 seconds. Konica Minolta’s Hybrid Adaptive A*IPS (Image Processing Software) system optimizes autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white-balance processing for fast response. The DiMAGE G400 also employs Rapid Autofocus (AF) to ensure sharp images quickly. Rapid AF uses a passive AF sensor to instantly estimate the distance to the subject and the camera’s CCD to determine the precise focus point.
The DiMAGE G400 provides equally impressive performance during playback. Playback mode starts up in approximately 0.2 second. A still image can be seamlessly enlarged from 1x to 12x in 1.5 seconds. Following the tried and true design of traditional film cameras the new DiMAGE G400 is easily slipped into a pocket or bag and taken anywhere.
Despite its small size, the DiMAGE G400 is packed with features. The Super Continuous mode takes a series of three images at a rate of 2.5 frames per second. Six scene-select modes allow a user to quickly optimize camera operation for specific subjects. Auto bracketing makes a three-frame exposure or focus bracket of a scene to ensure the best results. Exposures can also be set manually if desired. The camera can store and recall two sets of frequently used camera settings.
Advanced amateur photographers will also appreciate the DiMAGE G400’s creative image-making features. Color, sharpness, and contrast can be controlled to create the desired image. And the camera’s color-balance function allows users to change the relative proportions of the red, green, and blue to shift the overall color of an image.
Dark noise, an ever-present problem in electronic systems, presents itself as a grainy or sandy appearance to digital images taken with long exposures. The new DiMAGE G400 combats this problem with a noise-reduction function, which automatically activates for exposures of 1/2 second or longer.
The camera’s built-in lens cover not only protects the optical zoom lens, but also turns the camera on and off in one smooth movement. Buttons and controls are ergonomically placed to facilitate operation. And the familiar click of a film-camera shutter sound confirms that an image has been captured.
The DiMAGE G400 can focus as close as 2 inches allowing close-up photographs to be taken of small objects. And, at its maximum magnification, an area of 3.1 x 2.4 inches is covered.
The DiMAGE G400 has a convenient dual card-slot system for flexible image storage. Both Memory Sticks and Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards can be used alone or in combination. When both memory card types are used with the camera at the same time, up 640MB of data can be saved depending on the capacity of the cards. This eliminates the worries of running out of memory during important photographic events.
The DiMAGE G400 is not restricted to only taking still photographs. 320 x 240 XR (Extended Recording) movies with audio can also be made. The length of the movie clip is only limited by the storage capacity of the memory cards in use. Likewise, audio can be recorded by itself or attached to a recorded still image.
Still images can easily be shared electronically. Favorite images can be conveniently resized to 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 in the camera. Simply connect the camera to a computer with the supplied USB cable to transfer the data so that it can be attached to an e-mail or posted on the Web.
The DiMAGE G400 is supplied with a high-performance, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The DiMAGE G400 is Exif Print compatible. Menus can be displayed in seven languages: Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.
For more detailed information on the specifications of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400, please refer to the enclosed specification sheet.
About Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., headquartered in Mahwah, NJ, is the North American sales and marketing subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). On August 5, 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. was formed to enhance both the competitive business capabilities and earning capacities of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd.
Consumers around the world have come to know and trust the Konica and Minolta brands for all their imaging needs. Since the earliest days of the photo industry, Minolta and Konica have applied their talents and resources to create products and services that are essential to the world of imaging. Today, these efforts concentrate on the most important aspects of imaging: the quality of the images, the tools and methods for creating images, and the creation of environments for the application of images.
This focus on the essentials of imaging ties together the company’s key business and consumer product lines. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of 35mm and Advanced Photo System film, single-use cameras, digital and 35mm film cameras, accessory lenses, binoculars, photographic and color measurement meters. In addition the company offers color print photo papers, Inkjet photo paper, digital minilabs, digital film scanners, optical instruments, software and advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. also provides wholesale photofinishing services and Internet imaging services. It is a complete imaging company, from input through output.
For more information about Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., its products and services, visit www.konicaminolta.net.
Purrrrrr
UK Readers buy the Canon EOS 300D Digital SLR here
This is a camera I could get used to using - and one day even afford! 6.3-megapixel. SLR. Compatible with EOS lenses. Great stuff. I can't wait to have a play with this one.
PC Mag reviews the Digital Rebel and gives it a rating of 4 stars in the professional category and write - 'The Rebel is fast and easy to use (although somewhat noisy), and the bundled lens is surprisingly good considering its light weight and low cost. The included rechargeable battery lasts all day, even with prolonged use of the LCD.'
photo.net reviewed the EOS 300D writing - 'The Digital Rebel is an excellent camera at a remarkably low price given the cost of other DSLRs. No doubt prices will drop further and cameras will improve over the next few years, but right now the Digital Rebel sets a price/performance standard that's hard to beat. It's clearly better and more versatile than similarly priced non SLR digicams in the same price range, though it may be slightly larger and you do have to buy lenses for it. '
Lets Go Digital reviewed the Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D and writes 'The Nikon Coolpix 8700 is a true muscleman. The camera is the present top model and knows how to handle its position. The results simply can be called: excellent. Many automatic options take over from manual settings. When I look at the test images, and compare the images taken in automatic mode with the images taken when using my own preferred settings, the first lot has my preference. The optical range in such a compact camera is a joy to work with. It would be nice if the Nikon design department is able to develop a bright lens to give the telephoto range a good lift.'
Update - Canon Japan have just announced a black version of this camera.
Canon Digital Rebel Accessories
- Speedlite Flash (420EX)
- Canon EF 28-200 Lens
- Semi Hard Case (EH16L)
- Battery Grip (BG-E1)
- Canon Flash (550-EX)
Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D Reviews
- Digital Camera HQ - Canon Digital Rebel
- Imaging Resource - Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D
- DP Review - Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D
- Digital Camera Resource Page - Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D
- Steves Digicams - Digital Rebel EOS 300D
- Photo net - Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D
- Hardware Zoom - Canon Digital Rebel 300D
- ZDNet - Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D
- Digit Life - Canon Digital Rebel EOS 300D
- MacWorld - Canon Digital Rebel
- ZD Net - Canon Digital Rebel 300D
- Hardware Zone - Canon Digital Rebel
- Lets Go Digital - Canon Digital Rebel
- Lets Go Digital - Canon 300D
- Connected Home - Canon EOS Digital Rebel Review
Design has obviously been a big part of the development of this camera as it comes in four rather retro looking styles. However the quality of image taken is also reportedly pretty decent.
In addition to the usual features we've come to expect from Canon, three new modes to PowerShots have been added to this model which I'd love to see on my A70.
1. Super Macro mode which allows auto-focusing on subjects as close as 1.2 inches from the lens (that is close!)
2. Quick Shot mode which reduces the time lag between pressing the shutter button and starting the exposure. This gets rid of that small but annoying delay that can kill spontaneity and be the difference between capturing a shot and missing it completely. (I'd kill for this on mine)
3. Clock Display mode shows year/month/day and hour/minute/second displays in Shooting Mode. Handy I guess, but its the first two that got my attention.
Digital Camera HQ gives the SD10 a rating of 4.41 stars.
The PC Mag review of the Canon Powershot SD10 gives the camera a rating of 3 stars and says 'the slim, elegant Canon PowerShot SD10 Digital Elph delivers good image quality and a fast burst mode. But it lacks an optical zoom lens and an optical viewfinder.'
Check out what a couple of others have said in their reviews of the SD10 at:
- DP Review - PowerShot SD10
- Creative Pro - Canon PowerShot SD10
- Megapixel - Canon PowerShot SD10
- Imaging Resource - Canon SD10
- DC Resource - Canon Powershot SD10 Review
Sorry for those who have tried to comment here - I had them closed in the default. All should be open again now. Thanks to Tony for the heads up.
"To photograph truthfully and effectively is to see beneath the surfaces and record the qualities of nature and humanity which live or are latent in all things."
Ansel Adams
If I'd known the release of the Canon Powershot A80 was so close when I bought my A70 I might have waited. I love what they seem to have done with the upgrade. The adjustable LCD screen would be incredibly handy (especially the way I shoot) and going up to 4.0 mega-pixels would be nice.
UK Readers buy the Canon PowerShot A80 here
Read our Reader Review of the Canon Powershot A80 where Simon writes - 'The Canon Powershot A80 excelled in many areas compared to others in its class. For optimum battery life, I'd suggest you purchase a set of 4 AA ”2100 NIMH“ (or above) batteries - I have been able to take several hundred shots before the battery warning light comes on. Quite remarkable considering I review each picture and delve into the menus often.' Rating: 8.5
Steve's Digicams reviews the A80 and writes - 'At a street price of under $400 at the time of this review (October, 2003), Canon's PowerShot A80 is an excellent value for those wanting an easy to use, fully featured yet compact four-megapixel camera. Beginners can just turn it on, frame the shot, press the button and capture the shot. When you feel the urge just turn the Mode Dial and take as much control of the image capturing process as you want. And if you ever outgrow its capabilities, Canon offers accessories ranging from an underwater housing to auxilliary wide angle, telephoto, and close-up lenses. If you're looking for an all-around family digicam capable of producing high-quality images that can be printed at 11x14 or larger, be sure to include the Canon PowerShot A80 on your short list.'
Digital Camera HQ gives the Canon Powershot A80 a rating of 4.64 stars.
CNET gives the A80 a rating of 'Very Good' - it scores 8.0 on their rating system.
Check out some of the reviews and specs of the Canon Powershot A80 at
- Canon Powershot A80
- DC Views - Canon Powershot A80
- Toms Hardware guide to the Canon Powershot A80
- DC Resource - Canon Powershot A80 Review
- DC Views - Canon Powershot A80 Review
What do people think about Spencer Tunick photos? When he was in Melbourne last he created quite a stir with some of his shots. I personally think they're pretty spectacular in form and pattern.
Get the 'Naked States' DVD - Featuring Spencer Tunick's work Also available on Video.
Check out his book 'Re-Entering the America Zone' here
We were lucky enough to be visiting the Notre Dame in Paris just as Mass was starting. It was a really lovely time - the choir singing, the color of the priests robes, the beauty of the stain glass windows and chandeliers and the smell of incense in the air all made it a wondrous morning in France.
As with most Gothic Cathedrals light was low and camera shake was an issue - but I kind of like the 'misty' feel of it.
I'm still pretty new to Lomography, but I'm fast falling in love with this newish photographic craze. Whilst I have been aware of it and reading up a bit on it for the last year or so I am no expert, but below is what I've found and what I like about it. (Basically if you want to know more then the lomography website has all the info you'll need - most of what I'm writing here has been gathered from this site.)
As far as I can gather, lomography is a movement which started back in 1982 with the development of the Lomo LC-A compact camera in Russia. It was developed as a cheap but reliable camera that all Russians could afford. Millions were sold throughout communist countries in the 80's but its popularity began to wane with the introduction of cheaper Asian produced cameras.
In 1991 a group of students from Vienna bought a couple of LC-A's while on holiday for fun and were surprised with the results of the little camera. A movement was born as the word spread about the camera and the unique pictures it produced. Over the 90's the Lomographic Society was born and Lomo Embassies began to spring up around the world.
Exhibitions, galleries and tours began to happen and a website was developed. In 1997 the first Lomographic World Conference took place in Madrid and in the late 90s the Actionsampler was released, a camera that shot four images on the one photograph - shortly after was the first action sampler world championship in NYC. Other cameras have been released since.
So what is lomography? I guess you'd get as many answers to that as there are lomographers. To me it seems to be about going back to basics photographically, shooting lots of pictures, forgetting all the traditional rules of composition and having alot of fun. I guess the 10 'RULES' of lomography try to sum it all up. In short they are...
1. take your camera everywhere you go
2. use it any time - day and night
3. lomography is not an interference to your life but a part of it
4. shoot from the hip
5. approach the objects of your lomographic desire as close as possible
6. don't think
7. be fast
8. you don't have to know before hand what you captured on film
9. afterwards either
10. don't worry about any rules
Lastly, the thing I most love about it all is the amazing photographs that I've seen come out of these little cameras. Vivid colors, amazing composition, surprising subject matter - all from the every day experience of those using lomos around the world.
I've been using the Canon Powershot A70 for a few months now and have been very satisfied with it. I've had a few emails from people wanting information on it so I thought I'd post a few reviews of the camera from the experts.
UK Readers buy the Canon Powershot A70 here
DCRP Reviews writes about the A70 saying - 'In case you didn't notice, I really liked the PowerShot A70. In fact, I've been interested in it since the time I was first told about it, a few weeks before its introduction. The A70 isn't just a low-cost camera, it's a full-featured camera too. It has full manual controls, including shutter speed and aperture, focus, and white balance. Performance and image quality are both very good, as are the playback and movie modes. It also supports add-on lenses and an underwater case. '
Steve's Digicams also rates the Canon Powershot A70 highly writing - 'Canon's PowerShot A70 is an excellent choice for those wanting an easy to use, fully featured yet compact three-megapixel camera. '
- Digital Photo Review
- Imaging Resource - Canon Powershot A70
- Lycos - Canon Powershot A70
- Photo Exels - Canon Powershot A70
- Megapixel - Powershot A70
I've personally found the Powershot A70 to be just what I wanted. The features are quite comprehensive, I've found 3.2 mega-pixels to be more than adequate.
My only criticism of the camera is that the setting dial on top is easily knocked which means numerous time when I've pulled it out of its cover to take a quick picture I've taken the picture only to find that the setting has changed and the picture is not quite as I'd intended it.
Its a pretty small price to pay for what is otherwise a great compact digital camera. I recommend the Powershot A70 to you.
Thanks Canon for providing me with a great little camera.
We met this man outside a cathedral in Lisbon. He had so much character in his face I couldn't help but take a quick shot. I think that the McDonalds cup that he was using to collect our loose change adds some sort of ironic statement to the picture.
Spices on sale in Marrakesh. They looked, smelled and tasted amazing.
The DX6440 is not the smallest camera in this segment of the market measuring in at 109 x 38 x 64.5mm and weighing 220g, but it does offer a good range of features that will provide all that a beginner will need.
UK Readers buy the Kodak EasyShare DX6440 here
Digital Camera HQ gives the Kodak Easyshare DX6440 a rating of 4.48 out of 5.
Steve's Digicams writes - 'The Kodak EasyShare DX6440 zoom digital camera provides stunning image quality thanks to a number of innovative features. It incorporates a professional quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 4X optical zoom lens, an exclusive high-speed, low-light precision auto-focus system, new Kodak Color Science image processing algorithms, and 4 megapixel (MP) resolution that results in sharp, striking prints up to 20 x 30 inches.'
For more information, reviews, picture samples and specifications about the Kodak Easyshare DX6440 read:
- Steve's Digicams - Kodak Easyshare DX6440 Review
- DCRP - Kodak Easyshare DX6440 Review
- ZDNet - Kodak Easyshare DX6440 Review
- PC World - DX6440 Review
UK Readers buy the Kodak EasyShare CX6230 here
It is a solidly built camera which is relatively easy to navigate, however can be a little sluggish, taking up to 6 seconds to start up in shooting mode and having a bit of a shutter lag.
There are few options to manually change shooting settings on the CX6230 except for three basic shooting modes (night, macro and landscape) and a simple exposure compensation feature.
The dimensions of the camera are 140 x 42 x 67mm and it weighs 215g.
Whilst this camera will not rate highly in terms of features it is priced very competitively and will suit the casual photographer wanting good quality point and shoot features on their digital camera at a budget.
Related Sites - For more information, reviews, picture samples and specifications about the Kodak EasyShare CX6230 read:
- Digital Camera Online - Kodak EasyShare CX6230
UK Readers buy the Canon EOS 1DS here
It has an 11 megapixel sensor with a maximum resolution of 4,064 x 2704. It shoots at shutter speeds of between 1/8000 and 30 seconds at up to 3 frame per second (10 frame burst). The LCD is 2 inches and it is powered by a Ni-MH pack.
The quality of the Canon EOS 1Ds is unparalleled and it is incredibly easy to use. having said all this it is one of the most expensive cameras currently offered by any manufacturer of DSLRs.
Update: Canon have released a firmware update for this camera
Read in depth reviews on the Canon EOS 1Ds at:
- DP Review - Canon EOS 1Ds
- Luminous Landscape - EOS 1Ds Field Report
- DC Resource - Canon EOS 1Ds
- Fred Miranda - Canon EOS 1Ds
- Canon EOS 1D
Steve's Digicams writes - 'Overall the image quality is excellent and there are a number of recording options that you can apply when desired. The Photo Effects (Soft focus, Vivid color, Neutral, Sepia, B&W) give you the ability to massage the look of your images in-camera. If you like shooting night pictures then you'll appreciate the "slow shutter" option that gives you access to 1 to 15 second shutter speeds. To insure the best possible image, Noise Reduction is automatically applied when the shutter speed is between 1.3 and 15 seconds. The S300 did not allow the user change the ISO sensitivity, the S330 has settings for 50, 100, 200, 400 or Auto. In addition to the automatic white balance setting there are presets for sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent, fluorescent H (daylight temperature) and a custom setting for use with a white or grey card. Being a small camera it also has a small built in flash and its coverage is somewhat limited. In wide angle it's good to about ten feet but in telephoto that drops off to around six feet. The lens exhibits moderate barrel distortion in full wide angle and a little pincushioning at full telephoto but no more than most 3x zoom lenses and better than some. The optical viewfinder covers about 92% of the captured image and has no dioptric adjustment....
Silver and Orange Stuff writes 'I am not a photographer. I wanted an easy, simple, but good quality camera. The Canon PowerShot S330 fit the bill....The PowerShot S330 proved to be just what I was looking for, simple, affordable, and reliable. The photos are relatively good quality. While I seldom manage to get good photos using the flash (example photo, I suspect that is a limitation of the photographer, not the camera.'
For anyone that wants or needs a very portable and extremely durable camera it's very hard to beat one of Canon's Digital ELPHs!'
To get more information and reviews on the Canon Powershot S330 read:
- DP Review - Canon Powershot S330/IXUS 330
- Megapixel - Canon Powershot S330
- DC Resource - Canon Powershot S330
- ZNews - Canon Powershot S330
- DC Views - Canon Powershot S330/IXUS 330
Steve's Digicams writes - 'The bottom line is that this is an excellent camera for those that just want to take good pictures without fussing with any controls, or for those that want some creative control. Turn it on, point n' shoot -- you're done. And confident of a good image.'
Megapixel writes - 'Although at first blush the multiple buttons on the back of the camera make the A200 look a bit more complex than others, their functions are quite clearly marked and their use is easily understood. Moreover, by the availability of a Manual mode, the Canon A200 provides the novice with the possibility to experiment, and discover a bit more than the basics of digital photography.'