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Trusted Reviews has a review of the Sigma SD14 Digital SLR and writes, "The Sigma SD14 is a unique camera with some unique capabilities. It is solidly made, well designed and handles considerably better than its forerunners. Performance is generally good, although the slow write times are a handicap. In terms of image quality, overall detail and sharpness are superior to any 10MP DSLR, but it is colour reproduction and dynamic range that are the camera’s real strengths, with an almost film-like quality. While it may not suit everyone, I suspect the SD14 will find its fans among professional photographers who are prepared to put in a bit of work to get the best out of it."
Read more about the Sigma SD14.
The Samsung NV20 is an 12 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom lens housed in a brushed black stainless steel body with a 2.5 inch touch screen LCD.
The Samsung NV20 shoots at an ISO setting of up to 3200, has 14 scene modes, VGA movies (up to 30 frames per second) and 20 megabytes of internal memeory and has face detection and shake reduction technology.
The NV20 will be available in the Fall (northern hemisphere) for a retail price of $399.
Get a price on the Samsung Digimax NV20
NV8, NV15 and NV20 Join Samsung's Prominent NV Series
Samsung Camera today introduced three new models to its revolutionary NV series of advanced point & shoot digital cameras - the eight mega pixel NV8, 10 mega pixel NV15 and 12 mega pixel NV20. All three new cameras feature the sleek, elegant design and innovative Smart Touch interface that have become the hallmarks of the NV Series, and set the camera family apart from competitive offerings in the market.
FNews Imageor outstanding image quality, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 feature premium Schneider optics with a 3x optical zoom. On the back of the cameras' brushed black, stainless steel bodies, lies Samsung's Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the cameras' comprehensive feature sets by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the cameras' 2.5" LCD screens.
The NV8, NV15 and NV20 represent the next generation of Samsung's award-winning NV series of digital cameras
"The NV8, NV15 and NV20 represent the next generation of Samsung's award-winning NV series of digital cameras," said Stewart Henderson, Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. "This is not your typical family of point-and-shoot digital cameras. At Samsung, we take great pride in the NV series because of the firsts that it brings to market, including our revolutionary Smart Touch interface, as well as the WOW factor that makes the cameras stand out from the crowd. Packed to the brim with advanced, innovative features, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 are targeted towards the experienced digital camera owner looking for a step up model that breaks free of the 'me-too' look and feel that many manufacturers often follow," concluded Mr. Henderson.
Tthe NV8, NV15 and NV20 can also shoot at ISO 3200, and boast an improved Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) feature as well as Samsung's new Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) and Image Noise Reduction modes. ACB automatically adjusts the brightness of subjects composed in harsh lighting, such as those that are back-lit, and the Image Noise Reduction helps limit the amount of noise in captured images, especially those shot at higher ISO settings. No matter what lighting environment shooters find themselves in, they can rest assured that the NV8, NV15 and NV20 will deliver uncompromising results.
All three new cameras feature Samsung's Face Detection technology, which makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap. Samsung's Face Detection feature detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Additionally, with 14 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food, and Self-Shot, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any setting. All images can be saved to each of the cameras' 20MB of internal memory or to an external SDHC/SD card with a guaranteed maximum of 8GB.
The NV8, NV15 and NV20 also include a high-resolution movie mode, with the ability to record at VGA resolution (640x480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of the cameras' movie stabilizers and 3x optical zooms while recording video and with Samsung's Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.
NV20: $399 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV15: $299 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV8: US availability and pricing TBD
Pocket Lint reviews the Samsung NV20 and were not overly impressed - giving it a rating of just 5 out of 10. They write - "Overall we weren't that impressed by the NV20, it might look good, but in use its awkward, gimmicky and worse of all the images aren't great. Like the NV10 before it's Nice looks don't cover up its failings, and it's a shame to see Samsung hasn't learnt from its mistakes first time around."
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Samsung NV20 and gives it a rating of three and a half stars out of five. They write - 'The Samsung NV20 is virtually indistinguisable from the older NV10 model that we reviewed a year ago, both in terms of appearance and features. A premium-level product that is both well made and well thought out, the notable changes are an increase in resolution to 12.1 megapixels, expansion of the ISO range to 80-3200, and the addition of a Face Detection system. None of these changes really improve the camera - indeed, the new sensor actually makes the image quality worse than before, and has seemingly been included just to look good on the specification sheet.'
Get a price on the Samsung Digimax NV20
The Samsung NV15 is an 10 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom lens housed in a brushed black stainless steel body with a 2.5 inch touch screen LCD.
The Samsung NV15 shoots at an ISO setting of up to 3200, has 14 scene modes, VGA movies (up to 30 frames per second) and 20 megabytes of internal memeory and has face detection and shake reduction technology.
The NV15's will hit stores in the Fall (northern hemisphere) and will have a retail price of $299.
Samsung NV15 News Release
Samsung Launches Next Generation of Award Winning NV Digital Cameras
NV8, NV15 and NV20 Join Samsung's Prominent NV Series
Samsung Camera today introduced three new models to its revolutionary NV series of advanced point & shoot digital cameras - the eight mega pixel NV8, 10 mega pixel NV15 and 12 mega pixel NV20. All three new cameras feature the sleek, elegant design and innovative Smart Touch interface that have become the hallmarks of the NV Series, and set the camera family apart from competitive offerings in the market.
FNews Imageor outstanding image quality, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 feature premium Schneider optics with a 3x optical zoom. On the back of the cameras' brushed black, stainless steel bodies, lies Samsung's Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the cameras' comprehensive feature sets by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the cameras' 2.5" LCD screens.
The NV8, NV15 and NV20 represent the next generation of Samsung's award-winning NV series of digital cameras
"The NV8, NV15 and NV20 represent the next generation of Samsung's award-winning NV series of digital cameras," said Stewart Henderson, Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. "This is not your typical family of point-and-shoot digital cameras. At Samsung, we take great pride in the NV series because of the firsts that it brings to market, including our revolutionary Smart Touch interface, as well as the WOW factor that makes the cameras stand out from the crowd. Packed to the brim with advanced, innovative features, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 are targeted towards the experienced digital camera owner looking for a step up model that breaks free of the 'me-too' look and feel that many manufacturers often follow," concluded Mr. Henderson.
Tthe NV8, NV15 and NV20 can also shoot at ISO 3200, and boast an improved Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) feature as well as Samsung's new Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) and Image Noise Reduction modes. ACB automatically adjusts the brightness of subjects composed in harsh lighting, such as those that are back-lit, and the Image Noise Reduction helps limit the amount of noise in captured images, especially those shot at higher ISO settings. No matter what lighting environment shooters find themselves in, they can rest assured that the NV8, NV15 and NV20 will deliver uncompromising results.
All three new cameras feature Samsung's Face Detection technology, which makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap. Samsung's Face Detection feature detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Additionally, with 14 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food, and Self-Shot, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any setting. All images can be saved to each of the cameras' 20MB of internal memory or to an external SDHC/SD card with a guaranteed maximum of 8GB.
The NV8, NV15 and NV20 also include a high-resolution movie mode, with the ability to record at VGA resolution (640x480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of the cameras' movie stabilizers and 3x optical zooms while recording video and with Samsung's Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.
NV20: $399 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV15: $299 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV8: US availability and pricing TBD
The Samsung NV8 is an 8 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom lens housed in a brushed black stainless steel body with a 2.5 inch touch screen LCD.
The Samsung NV8 shoots at an ISO setting of up to 3200, has 14 scene modes, VGA movies (up to 30 frames per second) and 20 megabytes of internal memeory and has face detection and shake reduction technology.
The NV8's release date and price are yet to be announced.
Samsung NV8 News Release
Samsung Launches Next Generation of Award Winning NV Digital Cameras
NV8, NV15 and NV20 Join Samsung's Prominent NV Series
Samsung Camera today introduced three new models to its revolutionary NV series of advanced point & shoot digital cameras - the eight mega pixel NV8, 10 mega pixel NV15 and 12 mega pixel NV20. All three new cameras feature the sleek, elegant design and innovative Smart Touch interface that have become the hallmarks of the NV Series, and set the camera family apart from competitive offerings in the market.
FNews Imageor outstanding image quality, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 feature premium Schneider optics with a 3x optical zoom. On the back of the cameras' brushed black, stainless steel bodies, lies Samsung's Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the cameras' comprehensive feature sets by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the cameras' 2.5" LCD screens.
The NV8, NV15 and NV20 represent the next generation of Samsung's award-winning NV series of digital cameras
"The NV8, NV15 and NV20 represent the next generation of Samsung's award-winning NV series of digital cameras," said Stewart Henderson, Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. "This is not your typical family of point-and-shoot digital cameras. At Samsung, we take great pride in the NV series because of the firsts that it brings to market, including our revolutionary Smart Touch interface, as well as the WOW factor that makes the cameras stand out from the crowd. Packed to the brim with advanced, innovative features, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 are targeted towards the experienced digital camera owner looking for a step up model that breaks free of the 'me-too' look and feel that many manufacturers often follow," concluded Mr. Henderson.
Tthe NV8, NV15 and NV20 can also shoot at ISO 3200, and boast an improved Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) feature as well as Samsung's new Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) and Image Noise Reduction modes. ACB automatically adjusts the brightness of subjects composed in harsh lighting, such as those that are back-lit, and the Image Noise Reduction helps limit the amount of noise in captured images, especially those shot at higher ISO settings. No matter what lighting environment shooters find themselves in, they can rest assured that the NV8, NV15 and NV20 will deliver uncompromising results.
All three new cameras feature Samsung's Face Detection technology, which makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap. Samsung's Face Detection feature detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Additionally, with 14 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food, and Self-Shot, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any setting. All images can be saved to each of the cameras' 20MB of internal memory or to an external SDHC/SD card with a guaranteed maximum of 8GB.
The NV8, NV15 and NV20 also include a high-resolution movie mode, with the ability to record at VGA resolution (640x480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of the cameras' movie stabilizers and 3x optical zooms while recording video and with Samsung's Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.
NV20: $399 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV15: $299 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV8: US availability and pricing TBD
The Samsung i85 is an 8 megapixel point and shoot digital camera with a 5x optical zoom (36 to 180mm), a 3.0 inch LCD screen and image stabilization.
The i85 has a shutter speed of up to 1/2000, ISO of up to 1600, 256MB of internal memory and it has a macro mode that focusses as close as 1cm. It has built in stereo speakers to play WAV, MP3 and movie files.
The i85 measures just 3.74x2.42x0.8 inches (credit card size) and is cased in a silver aluminum body.
The Samsung i85 will be available for a retail price of $349 USD.
Samsung i85 News Release
Samsung Takes the Multi-Purpose Digital Camera Concept to the Next Level with its New Thin Eight Mega Pixel i85
Ultra-Thin i85 Delivers a Feature-Packed Punch.
Samsung Camera today launched the eight mega pixel i85. Measuring 3.74"x2.42"x0.8", the i85 is roughly the size of a credit card and is sure to turn heads with a brushed silver aluminum body. An impressive, 3.0" high-resolution LCD screen dominates the back of the camera and enhances the imaging experience for end users, giving them a more detailed display to both compose their shots, review their images and enjoy video clips or movies.
SNews Imagehooters will also be amazed at the quality of the lens and optical zoom that the i85 puts at their fingertips. Going above and beyond what's expected of an ultra-thin DSC, the i85 manages to pack in a non-protruding 5x optical zoom (35mm film equivalent: 36~180mm) NV lens boasting a maximum shutter speed of 1/2,000 sec and a super macro focus of 1cm.
The i85 is the third model in Samsung's digital camera arsenal to feature PMP functionality, which enables users the ability to enjoy movies, music videos, television shows and even their favorite music while on-the-go. In addition to PMP, the i85 also features Samsung's innovative World Tour Guide function, which provides travel information covering 4,500 regions in 30 countries- helping users to plan trips and find their way while on the road.
"At Samsung, we take great pride in setting new standards when it comes to technology as well as our ability to give consumers new ways to integrate their lifestyles with their electronics," said Stewart Henderson, Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. "Essentially a lifestyle accessory for the tech savvy, the i85 gives users the ability to shed the various gadgets that they would typically take with them on a daily basis, such as their MP3 players or video cameras, and simply carry one device. And with the World Tour Guide function, which we first launched with the L74 Wide earlier this year, the i85 puts a host of valuable travel information and must-see sites right in the palm of the user's hand."
When setting the camera to PMP mode, i85 users can easily listen to their favorite MP3 files or watch their favorite video content on the camera's large, 3.0" high-resolution display. The bundled Digimax Converter software seamlessly converts the user's MPEG, AVI, MOV, WMV and ASF files for viewing on the i85. For music on-the-go, the software can also convert MP3 and WAV audio files in several simple steps. The innovative software also allows users to view subtitles, adjust the screen size and crop and stretch the image to fit the screen as desired. The i85 also doesn't hold back when it comes to sound either. To listen to videos or music, the i85 features a 2.5mm headphone port as well as stereo speakers boasting SRS 3D acoustic technology.
The ultra-thin i85 also features Samsung's i-movie mode, which offers users high-resolution SVGA (800x592) MPEG-4 video and advanced editing controls. By using the camera's Successive Recording mode, users can pause, and then resume filming of video clips without having to save the clips as individual files. Additionally, users can operate the camera's optical zoom while filming and can engage a movie stabilizer to compensate for unwanted camera movement and subject blur.
In low-light situations, shooters can rest assured that their images will come out sharp and clear as the i85 is equipped with Samsung's ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) image stabilization system and an ISO equivalent of 1600. When engaged, ASR helps to minimize the effects of hand shake and ensures that the best shots are captured even in dimly lit conditions.
Shooters can also take advantage of the camera's Face Detection mode, which makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap. Samsung's Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Additionally, the i85 also features Wise Shot, which automatically takes two consecutive pictures in rapid succession -- one with ASR image stabilization enabled, and one with the flash -- and prompts the user to review both and keep the preferred version of the picture.
With 14 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food, and Self-Shot, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any setting. Images can be saved to the camera's 256MB of internal memory or to an external SDHC/SD card with a guaranteed maximum of 4GB.
Enabling users to further express their creativity is the "Fun" feature. This unique feature allows shooters to create a composite photo by saving up to four individual images as one. Beyond being a fun and entertaining feature, composite shot comes in handy for a number of situations, especially for use with online auction sites that limit the amount of images that can accompany an item description. As shooters can capture multiple images in one file, they can provide interested parties with a more robust display of the item they're selling without having to pay additional fees to upload more images. Additionally, with the "Fun" feature, shooters highlight an image by sharpening the foreground and softening the focus of the background, as well as customize their saved images with photo frames, stickers of various shapes, and cartoon text bubbles.
i85: $349 MSRP - available Fall 2007
Steve's Digicams has a review of the Canon PowerShot S5 IS and writes, "The S5's image quality results were pleasing, both indoors and out. The majority of our outdoors sample images were sharp thanks to the accurate AF system and high-quality Canon lens, and exposure and color saturation are also very nice. You can also adjust the degree of sharpness, contrast, saturation, and color using the Custom My Colors function. Image noise is a very important factor when choosing a Prosumer model like this, where is it likely that you are going to be using higher sensitivity settings. I feel noise levels are very low at sensitivity settings of ISO 80 and 100, becoming more noticeable in shadow areas at ISO 200 - 400. At ISO 800, noise is apparent throughout the image, however it is still usable to produce typical size prints. ... With appealing features like 8-megapixels of resolution, 12x zoom lens with optical IS, 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD, excellent image quality, and blazing fast performance, the S5 IS will be a tuff model to beat in the super-zoom category. Especially with a very reasonable price tag of only US399 or less!"
Read more about the Canon PowerShot S5 IS.
Get a price on the Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS
PopPhoto has a review of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H9 and writes, "What's not to like? The H9 lacks both RAW capture and Adobe RGB color space. A more serious omission is a hot-shoe for an accessory flash. Its long zoom lens does show some purple fringing at the edge of pictures, confirmed as chromatic aberration by DxO Analyzer 2.0 tests. And as evolved as the H9's EVF and monitor are, we still prefer the direct optical viewing of an SLR. But just try to find an 8MP DSLR with an image-stabilized 31-465mm f/2.7-4.5 lens for less than $500. Which fits in a cargo pocket. Which shoots fast, with no vibration. Which weighs less than a pound."
Read more about the Sony Cybershot DSC-H9.
Get a Price on the Sony Cybershot DSC-H9
CrunchGear has a review of the Olympus Stylus 770SW and writes, "The Olympus 770SW is good looking and tough, just like me, but also like me it has a few issues. I don’t love the fact that it doesn’t revert to last settings used on start-up. Having to go though the menu to get to the appropriate mode is annoying. ... Having got these complaints off my chest, I have to say this is one rugged, good looking camera. It’s tough and versatile enough to be considered a great action camera that you can take anywhere. I’m willing to make allowances for the fact that you can’t be all things to all people and that the main thrust of the 770SW is it’s being rugged. The Olympus 770SW will take a licking and keep on shooting."
Read more about the Olympus Stylus 770SW.
DPReview has a review of the Canon PowerShot S5 IS and writes, "let's get one thing straight; the S5 IS is a great camera, one we really enjoyed using, and one that produces decent output shot after shot thanks to a responsive focus system, accurate exposure, vibrant (but natural) color and a decent image stabilization system. Although the results don't bear close 'pixel level' scrutiny, for the typical user wanting to produce prints at standard sizes (say up to 5x7 inches) there's very little to complain about, and the more you use it the more you learn how to tailor the settings to get the best output. It also offers class-leading movie quality, if that's important to you. ... To conclude, the PowerShot S5 IS is probably, just, the pick of the super zoom bunch at this moment in time, because it offers reliable output, responsive performance and an impressive feature set in an attractive, easy to use package that makes photography fun; not because it offers better IQ."
Read more about the Canon PowerShot S5 IS.
Get a price on the Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS
DigitalCameraReview has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "I really liked the the super compact and lightweight FZ8. This snappy little digicam provides an SLR-like level of photographic control and creative flexibility, but without the bulky bag of lenses that would be needed to cover the same (36mm – 432mm) focal length range with a dSLR. ... Some potential purchasers may be put off by the FZ8’s slightly above average noise levels and Panasonic’s failure to include a hot shoe. Image noise, blotching/smearing, and purple fringing are (to a lesser or greater degree) present in all digital images and serious outdoor shooters rarely use flash for anything more than fill lighting. Overall, I believe the FZ8 may be the best choice (at this point in time) for those looking to move up to a megazoom digicam."
Read more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8.
ePhotozine has a review of the Samsung DigiMax i7 and writes, "it's a sexy beast and no mistake, with the rotating, touch-enabled screen adding even more style. Build quality is high and it looks great. It's very easy to use with that large, touch-sensitive screen. Performance wise, it's pretty average and you don't have to go far before the frailties start to show. The ISO performance is poor and detail resolution for landscapes is indifferent at best. Where the camera does shine is in rendering portraits, and as it does have a very good burst mode feature, it means you can capture batches of shots of people at a time. Stick to people and macro shots and you'll be fine, try much else and it'll end in tears."
Read more about the Samsung i7.
DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 and writes, "The monstrous resolution is the headlining feature on the camera, but its features are otherwise quite tame. The Z1050 is still just another compact point-and-shoot that takes substandard pictures – it just takes them at an enormous size. Hooray, you can now print enormous posters of your blurry action shots and unnaturally lit portraits. The camera has a few highlights though, such as the vast amount of in-camera effects and the useful auto focus tracking mode, but that doesn’t make up for the cheap components, tiny buttons, slow burst mode, or sub-par movies. Not to mention the zillions of pictures taken and deleted because they looked blurry, discolored, fuzzy, and distorted. Simply put: $269 is way too much to pay for this camera even if it is the cheapest 10-megapixel camera on the market."
Read more about the Casio Exilim EX-Z1050.
Get a price on the "Casio Exilim EX-Z1050
The Fujifilm Finepixe F50fd is a camera that I'm sure will be very popular. Building on the successful F30 and F40 this 12 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom adds face detection, image stabilizationi and continues to offer features for those wanting to use it in low light situations.
The Fujifilm Finepixe F50fd has a 2.7 inch LCD and 25 megabytes of internal memory and features aperture priority mode (missing on the previous models) which will be music to many F series users.
The F50fd also has improved face detection technology (fd 2.0) which can detect up to 10 faces in a single scene from different angles. It is helpful for both focussing and exposing an image correctly.
The Fujifilm Finepixe F50fd has ISO range of up to 6400 and a shutter speed range of between 8 seconds and 1/2000 second.
The F50fd will have a retail price of $299.95 when it hits stores in September.
Get a Price on the Fujifilm Finepix F50fd at Amazon
FinePix F50fd Ups Ante With Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 Technology and ISO Levels Of Up To 6400
Digital photographers looking for a top-of-the line compact digital camera can now take advantage of the latest in Fujifilm’s F-Series digital cameras with the 12-Megapixel FinePix F50fd. Following a long line of award winning F-Series models, the FinePix F50fd, like the FinePix F31fd and F40fd before it, offers consumers a super-compact digital camera that takes beautiful shots with the most advanced features and technology available, so that missing great shots is not an option.
Combining a 12-MegaPixel, 7th Generation Super CCD with a 3.0x optical zoom and a 2.7” high-resolution 230,000 pixel wide angle view LCD, the FinePix F50fd is a compact powerhouse that incorporates all the features users have come to expect from Fujifilm’s more advanced digital cameras. With the addition of Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0 Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal function, and ISO settings of up to ISO 6400, the F50fd takes compact digital cameras to the next level, arming users with a host of new features and enabling them to take pictures never before possible.
Face Detection 2.0 – The Next Generation
Fujifilm’s proprietary Face Detection Technology also gets an upgrade in the F50fd with the arrival of Face Detection 2.0, featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal. As with the original version of Face Detection, it can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as 5/100’s of a second, correcting focus, exposure, and white balance automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. Face Detection 2.0 adds to this technology by being able to identify faces at much more extreme camera angles than before. No longer does the camera need a head-on shot to identify a face, because now even a profile will do – with up to 90° movement in either direction for profiles, and up to 135° for leaning or lying down in either direction, for a total range of 270°.
Additional improvements to Face Detection 2.0 include a new Automatic Red-Eye Removal feature that automatically corrects red-eye directly after the shot is taken and then saves both the original and the corrected image file.
Dual Image Stabilization
To ensure that users achieve even greater blur-free pictures, the FinePix F50fd adds to Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization mode to create the improved Dual Image Stabilization mode. This combines a mechanically stabilized CCD sensor with high ISO sensitivities for Total Anti-Blur protection. The combination of these two different approaches reduces the “blur” effect from the photographer’s hand-shake and subject movement even further to provide the highest quality digital pictures yet, with sharp, clean and clear results.
Not much light? Not a Problem!
All too often, digital photographers run into problems when taking pictures in low-light or dimly-lit situations and have to rely on the flash which can lead to over-exposed and washed-out shots. The FinePix F50fd builds on the great strides previous Fujifilm digicams have made with low light photography and allows users to effortlessly capture the moment as their eye sees it, with tremendous clarity and low noise, using Fujifilm’s Real Photo technology. Thanks to the 7th generation FinePix Super CCD-HR chip and the RP Processor II, the Finepix F50fd can utilize ISO settings of up to ISO1600 at full resolution and an amazing ISO 6400 at reduced resolution1, capturing stunning images even in low light while preserving the natural color and clarity of the shot.
In addition to these advancements, the FinePix F50fd possesses a number of other impressive features:
* Portrait Enhancer Mode: Mimicking a professional photo studio setting, by using Face Detection and preset camera settings, Portrait Enhancer minimizes fine lines and small skin blemishes for smooth, natural looking portraits.
* Dual Shot Mode: In this selectable mode, the FinePix F50fd quickly shoots two images in rapid succession -- one with the flash and one without – and saves both. This convenient function lets the user perform a comparison at their convenience and select the most pleasing image.
* i-Flash Intelligent Flash: i-Flash (Intelligent Flash) detects subtle lighting differences within a scene and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also leverages the high sensitivity of the FinePix F50fd to enable the camera to use less flash, resulting in an image that displays pleasing, natural tones without a “washed-out” effect. And with an automatic pop-up flash, it’s always ready when you need it.
* Full Manual Photographic Control: Gives the user total control with manual adjustment options for settings on the camera (resolution, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, etc), and is desirable by the photo enthusiasts/advanced photographers.
* GUI Micro Thumbnail: A new playback feature that allows for viewing an index print on the LCD. The F50fd will show up to 100 images in micro form, then the control buttons are used to move over specific images and select them. This makes it easy to quickly find a single image by being able to jump to particular segments of images in the time sequence. So rather than using the left/right arrows to move through one image at a time, you can move up/down/left/right and then select the image you want to view. The back button takes you back to the thumbnail view in one step. The micro view lets you get close to the image you want, and then scroll to find the specific picture. As memory cards become larger, and devices become as much about sharing images as capturing them, this is a handy feature to enable the user to find specific images quicker.
* IrSimpleTM: Infrared communication via IrSimpleTM technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to a compatible device.
* Special Scene and Blog Modes: The FinePix F50fd has 16 pre-programmed scenes, including a special underwater scene mode for use with a special underwater casing. In the Blog mode, the FinePix F50fd copies and automatically reduces the size of copied images for easy posting to a blog, Web page or as an attachment to email for easy sharing with friends and family while maintaining the original file.
* xD / SD / SD-HC Compatible slot: The FinePix F50fd features a “xD/SD Compatible slot” which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too.
* Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 230 shots).
“Fujifilm continues to push the technology envelope with the latest in a long line of award winning F-Series digital cameras,” said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “With the introduction of Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 2.0, Automatic Red-Eye Removal, and even higher ISO levels, the FinePix F50fd provides users with a powerful compact digital camera that makes it easier than ever for any level photographer to get professional looking photographs.”
The FinePix F50fd will debut in September 2007 at a retail price of $299.95.
1ISO levels of 6400 are available at 3MP, or lower, resolution; ISO levels of 3200 are attainable at 6MP, or lower; and ISO levels of 1600 are attainable at full resolution.
CNET reviews the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd and writes - 'As long as you don't mind the between-shot sluggishness or slight texture that the noise creates, even at lower ISOs when viewed on a monitor, then the Fujifilm F50fd would make a nice choice for advanced photographers looking for a pocket camera to supplement an SLR. I say this not only because of the merits mentioned above, but also because the camera's aperture- and shutter-priority modes give you up to 10 choices when choosing an aperture or shutter speed, while a lot of compact cameras with those shooting modes limit you to significantly fewer choices, sometimes as few as two. Of course, if those manual exposure controls don't matter to you, then you may also want to check out the Canon Powershot SD1000 or Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T20 mentioned earlier, since they'll provide cleaner images at lower ISOs and are faster between shots. Of course, the SD1000 doesn't include image stabilization and is 7.1MP, and though the T20 has optical image stabilization, it is an 8.1MP camera. Even if the megapixel count isn't important to you, and it shouldn't be, you should keep the Fujifilm F50fd on your short list.'
CameraLabs reviews the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd and writes - 'So if you were hoping the F50fd was the new high ISO performance leader, prepare for a disappointment. It may be no worse than rivals, but it’s certainly no better. Where the F50fd does score though is its no-nonsense approach to common activities like indoor flash photography. Like the F30 / F31fd before it, the new FinePix is a great indoor party camera, focusing and exposing faces perfectly and increasing the ISO (if you allow it) to record greater background detail. Outdoors it also performs well and offers manual control over the aperture and shutter for creative effects.'
PhotogrpahyBLOG reviews the Fujifilm Finepix F50fd and writes - 'The Fujifilm Finepix F50fd is a frustrating beast. On one hand it offers a number of significant improvements when compared with the older F31fd, but on the other it takes a serious backwards step in terms of image quality, which is ultimately what every camera should primarily be judged by. We whole-heartedly gave the F31fd a Highly Recommended award one year back at the start of 2007, commenting "this compact camera still has no rivals in terms of low-light performance". This time around, the F50fd is no longer the low-light leader that the F31fd was.'
DP Review has posted their review of the Fujifilm F50fd where they give it a rating of 'highly recommended' and write - 'And so to the rating. There was quite a lot of discussion here as to whether the F50fd should be marked down for being such a disappointing step backwards from the F31fd - no matter how unsurprising that was. The replacement of the F31fd means the end of the line for a sensor that over four generations of Fujifilm compact cameras has shown that there is an alternative to pointless megapixel increases and noisy results at anything over base ISO. Whilst the F50fd still has a lead over its conventional CCD competitors that advantage has been cut down to little more than a whisker, and this is a regrettable and slightly depressing indication of where the compact camera manufacturers' priorities lie.'
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The Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd is a 7.2 megapixel (CCD) digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens.
It's obviously attempting to appeal to a fashion conscious and younger crowd with it's bright array of colors (Wave Blue, Wasabi Green, Hot Pink, Sunset Orange, and Midnight Black).
The Z10fd features face recognition, infrared connectivity (for photo sharing and image management) and 54 megabytes of internal memory.
ISO ranges from 64 to 1600 and shutter speed from 3 seconds to 1/1000 second.
The Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd will have a retail price of $199.95 when it hits stores in September.
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Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd News Release
Fujifilm takes on generation
The New 7.2 MP FinePix Z10fd Style–Cam Features Cutting Edge Technology that Flirts with Today’s Youth
Responding to popular demand to be ‘hooked up’ at all times, FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today unveiled a brand new digital camera designed specifically for today’s fashion-conscious digital natives. Combining cutting edge technology with style and sophistication, the FinePix Z10fd provides tech-savvy Gen ‘Z’ users with an eye-catching digital camera that makes it easy to take great pictures and share them with the press of a button.
The 7.2 MegaPixel FinePix Z10fd features an ultra-portable design, making it easy to take this sexy micro-mini camera anywhere you go and it comes in five brilliant colors to match the latest styles of today’s fashionistas – Wave Blue, Wasabi Green, Hot Pink, Sunset Orange, and Midnight Black. It also sports a Fujinon 3x optical Zoom lens, 2.5" LCD screen and packs 54MB of internal memory to give you some extra room when your memory card has had its fill. With its stunning high-resolution LCD, the FinePix Z10fd also has a cool new slideshow mode from Fujifilm that let’s you view and share your photos spontaneously with friends with music provided to help set the mood.
Face_it, Beam_it, Blog_it
With endless possibilities the FinePix Z10fd makes it easy and fun to stay connected with friends and family and share all life’s moments through technology
Face_it.
Capturing the ultimate party pictures will never be an issue with the FinePix Z10fd, as it features Fujifilm’s innovative Face Detection Technology. A one-touch selectable mode that identifies up to 10 human faces in a scene, Face Detection Technology sets the correct focus for a chosen primary face and exposure for all detected faces automatically, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. It can cope with back-lit scenes such as concerts and it also comes in handy for capturing the perfect self portrait. The Z10 also includes a new Automatic Red Eye Removal feature, that works in conjunction with Face Detection. Red eye is a common complaint given by 60% of digital camera users. Z10 instantly checks each detected face for red eye, and if it’s found, corrects it automatically, saving the time consuming process of fixing it in your PC after the image is downloaded.
Beam_it.
The FinePix Z10fd comes equipped with Fujifilm’s innovative IrSimpleTM technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to any IrSimpleTM equipped device. With the FinePix Z10fd you can capture the moment, point to a similar device and share the image instantly with friends – so instead of making an innocent bystander take the group photo with five different cameras, they’ll only have to take it once and IrSimpleTM handles the rest.
Blog_it.
Also making life easier for the bloggers of the world, the FinePix Z10fd comes equipped with Fujifilm’s handy Blog Mode that lets you post pictures to blogs, websites, auctions, or e-mail with ease by copying and automatically resizing any image you've captured to a properly sized 640x480 (VGA) (or 320 x 240) image size, right in the camera, saving time from downloading it and adjusting it on your PC.
In addition to these innovations, the FinePix Z10fd is hooked up with the following fantastic features:
* Picture Stabilization: Picture Stabilization utilizes higher sensitivities, up to ISO 1600 in the Z10fd, (with an incredibly high signal to noise ratio for clean images), and faster shutter and operational speeds to help reduce camera shake, freeze subject movement and improve low light background detail.
* i-Flash Intelligent Flash: i-Flash detects subtle lighting differences within a scene, and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also leverages the high sensitivity of the Z10fd to enable the camera to use less flash, preventing that “blasted with light” effect that so many digital camera flashes leave you with. The result is pleasing, natural tones with no flash “wash-out”.
* Dual Shot Mode: In this mode, the FinePix Z10fd quickly shoots two images in succession -- one with and one without the flash -- saving both. This convenient function lets the user perform an on-the-spot picture comparison and decide whether the FinePix Z10fd produced the most pleasing photo with flash, or without.
* Special Scene Modes: The FinePix Z10fd has 14 scene positions including Fireworks, Beach and Snow, offering a one-touch setting for almost any situation.
* xD / SD / SDHC Compatible slot: A new single media slot accepts both xD Picture Card and SD/SDHC media cards. One slot – two media options.
* Battery Life: Long-life rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 200 shots).
“Fujifilm recognized that today’s younger generation wants to be connected with their friends at all times and that there wasn’t a digital camera manufacturer that really addressed this.” said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “We decided to create a camera that would mesh our latest technological advancements with today’s popular trends and styles, and came up with the Z10fd.”
Win_it.
Further information on the FinePix Z10fd will be available at www.offZhook.com, the official website created especially to celebrate the ‘Z-Lifestyle,’ when it goes live on August 1st. Along with a myriad of fun downloads and interactive displays, aspiring photographers between the ages of 18 and 24 will have the chance to submit original photos in a competition that will award 4 lucky winners with a VIP trip to New York to attend the Z10fd launch party in October.
The FinePix Z10fd will debut in late September at a retail price of $199.95.
CNET reviews the Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd and writes - 'While the Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd is aggressively priced, there are other cameras out there that can deliver better image quality for about the same amount of money. Canon's Powershot SD1000, for example, has come down in price since it was introduced and now hovers around the same price as the Z10fd while delivering faster overall performance and better overall image quality. The same can be said for Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W55, or for a little more money its bigger brother, the DSC-W80. Of course, none of these sport the Z10fd's cute design or dazzling array of colors, but I'd rather be dazzled by images I shoot with my camera instead of images of my camera.'
Digital Camera Review has posted their review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z10fd and write - "From a use standpoint, the FinePix Z10fd exemplifies point-and-shoot simplicity. Build quality is far from great, but as a pocket camera for a casual user the Z10 may be worth considering. The single biggest issue with the Z10 is that its image quality fails in so many respects that photo enthusiasts looking for an ultra-compact will write this camera off without a second look. For snapshots intended to be shared with friends and family, the Z10 is probably strong enough, and compared to other high-style ultra-compacts the price alone may be appealing. For those wanting a camera with more flexibility, however, the Z10 simply isn't the best choice: with today's FinePix Z100fd announcement, users interested in a new high-end ultra-compact from Fuji would be wise to wait."
The Fujifilm Finepix F480 is an entry level digital camera with an 8 megapixel image sensor (CCD) and a 4x Optical Zoom lens (equivalent of 28 - 112mm).
The F480 features a large 2.7 inch LCD display (it doesn't have an actual view finder), 12 megabytes of internal memory, xD Picture card and a large array of scene modes (13).
The Fujifilm Finepix F480 comes in black and is powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
It will have a retail price of $179.95 US when it hits stores in September.
Fujifilm Finepix F480 News Release
Fujifilm Adds To Its F-Series Line With The Slim Finepix F480 Digital Camera
New F480 Model Combines 8-MP, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.7” LCD
FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today announced the launch of the eight-MegaPixel FinePix F480, the latest model in Fujifilm’s F-Series digital camera lineup and successor to the F470.
No bigger than a deck of playing cards, the F480 is aimed at entry level photographers looking for function and form. It carries an 8.2 MegaPixel CCD sensor along with a digital signal processor for noise reduction. This CCD and processor combination ensures that pictures taken with the FinePix F480 are colorful, clear and crisp. A 4.0x wide angle optical zoom lens from world-renowned lens manufacturer, Fujinon, captures large groups or distant subjects with ease thanks to a 28 mm-112mm equivalent on a 35 mm camera.
The FinePix F480 also features Picture Stabilization mode to reduce blurry images that can be caused by camera shake or subject movement. Automatically choosing the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed, the F480 produces the highest quality digital pictures without blur and the noise often associated with low light photographs.
Fujifilm’s new F480 model also offers the following attractive features:
* Large LCD: 2.7-inch LCD display.
* Mode Dial: The camera features a conveniently placed mode dial that provides easy access to the most commonly used shooting modes, including: Auto, Picture Stabilization, Baby and Movie mode, and allows one-touch access to the pre-programmed scene modes.
* Scene modes: A wide range of 13 pre-programmed scene modes provides top-quality photos in a range of shooting conditions.
* Movie Mode: Capture QVGA quality movie clips at 30 frames per second with sound. Great for when you’re out and you don’t have your video camera on-hand.
* Internal memory: When the xD-picture card (sold separately) is filled with images, users have extra internal storage space on each camera to capture additional pictures.
The stylish, all-black F480 also comes with a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
“We wanted to provide consumers with an easy to use, compact camera, that can be dropped into a pocket, making it easier to never miss a great photo opportunity,” said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc.
The FinePix F480 will debut in September 2007 with a retail price of $179.95.
The Fujifilm Finepix A920 is a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens and 2.7 inch LCD display.
It features SuperCCD HR sensor, 10 megabytes of internal memory, 15 pre programmed scene modes, movie shooting at 30fps, xD card slot (compatible with SD Cards) and 256 zone metering.
The FinePix Finepix A920 is powered by two AA batteries.
It will hit stores in September 2007 and will have a retail price of $199.95.
Buy the Fujifilm Finepix A920
Fujifilm Finepix A920 News Release
Fujifilm Continues To Offer Advanced Features On Entry-Level Digital Cameras With New A920
New A920 Model Wows with 9-MP, Super CCD, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.7” LCD
FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today announced the launch of the nine-MegaPixel FinePix A920. Designed specifically for the first-time digital camera buyer and consumers seeking an affordable, easy-to-operate upgrade to their current digital camera, Fujifilm’s FinePix A920 is loaded with features usually reserved for more advanced models. The camera incorporates Fujifilm’s signature Super CCD sensor technology, a 4.0x optical zoom lens and features a 2.7” LCD.
Following in the footsteps of Fujifilm’s more advanced digital cameras, the FinePix A920 features a 4.0x optical zoom lens that was developed specifically for the A-Series by Fujinon, a Fujifilm sister company and leading provider of broadcast-grade television lenses and other high quality optical products across many consumer and industrial applications.
To make it easy for consumers to achieve blur-free results, the FinePix A920 features a “Picture Stabilization” mode in the dial setting. This easy-to-identify setting automatically chooses the correct light sensitivity and best-matching shutter speed, producing the highest quality digital pictures without blur and the noise often associated with high sensitivity photographs. In addition, the FinePix A920 shoots with light sensitivities of up to ISO 800 at full resolution. These higher light sensitivities enable the user to shoot with faster shutter speeds, which lessen the likelihood of blurry pictures caused by a moving subject or the shake of an unsteady hand.
The FinePix A920 also features an intuitive icon-based Graphic User Interface (GUI). When users switch shooting modes, scene positions or control settings, a brief explanation of the setting is momentarily displayed on the LCD screen, taking much of the guess work out of digital camera operation. Additionally, the camera sports a conveniently placed mode dial that provides easy access to the most commonly used shooting modes, including Auto, Picture Stabilization and Movie mode and allows one-touch access to other pre-programmed scene modes.The FinePix A920 also utilizes an “xD / SD / SDHC Media Compatible slot”; a single media slot that accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards™, but also SecureDigital (SD) and SDHC media cards. In offering these media options, Fujifilm is providing greater choice and flexibility to consumers who purchase Fujifilm digital cameras.
Fujifilm’s new A920 model also offers the following attractive features:
* Large LCD: 2.7-inch LCD display with anti-glare properties.
* Scene Modes: A wide range of 15 pre-programmed scene modes provides top-quality photos in a range of shooting conditions.
* Movie Mode: Capture live action movies in QVGA quality 640x480 resolution at 30 frames per second with sound.
* Internal Memory: When the xD-picture card or SD memory card (sold separately) is filled with images, users have extra internal storage space on each camera to capture additional pictures.
* IrSimple™ Technology: Demonstrating Fujifilm’s commitment to innovation, ‘IrSimple™’ enables mobile devices – like the FinePix A920 – to instantly and wirelessly connect and transmit digital images to other IrSimple™ enabled devices such as other digital cameras, PDAs and photo kiosks. It provides a faster, more secure means to share pictures with family and friends.
The FinePix A920 will debut in September 2007 with a retail price of $199.95.
Buy the Fujifilm Finepix A920
The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd is an 8 megapixel digital camera with an 18x optical zoom lens.
This super zoom camera offers an equivalent focal range of 27 to 486mm with dual image stabilization (mechanical and ISO/shutter speed controlled stabilization).
The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd featues face detection technology (hence the 'fd' tag) and Fujifilm's intelligent 'iFlash'.
The S8000fd has a 2.5 inch CLD screen and is powered by four AA Batteries.
The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd will retail for a price of $399.95.
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Features Advanced SLR Functionality at a Consumer Price-tag
Fujifilm is bringing the wide-angle, long zoom technology to the consumer market with today’s introduction of the FinePix S8000fd. The 8-MegaPixel, SLR-styled camera features one of the largest optical zooms on a fixed-lens camera in the industry, and introduces Fujifilm’s latest ‘Dual Image Stabilization,’ plus ISO settings of up to ISO6400 (at 50% resolution) – all features you would expect in a high-end digital camera, but at a price point consumers can afford.
Flexibility & Control
The S8000fd comes equipped with Fujinon’s 18x Wide Angle Optical Zoom lens, offering unprecedented flexibility in a compact SLR body style camera. With a 27mm-486mm equivalent, it’s all the lens you need in one device. The fixed lens eliminates the need for additional zoom or wide angle lenses, and it’s a sealed system, which prevents dust contamination – the #1 D-SLR repair complaint.
The S8000fd also features a full-resolution ISO equivalency of ISO 1600, a rarity in consumer-level digicams. The S8000fd can achieve ISO 3200 and ISO 6400 at 50% resolution, settings that are rare at the consumer level. Such high light sensitivities allow for faster shutter speeds, which reduce blurring caused by both camera shake and subject movement.
Dual Image Stabilization
To offer the best of both worlds where image stabilization is concerned, the S8000fd uses ‘Dual Image Stabilization’; a brand new combination of mechanical sensor shift stabilization with Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization Technology which utilizes a combination of higher ISO levels and faster shutter speeds. This ‘Dual Image Stabilization’ steadies the photographer’s hand, and protects against camera shake and subject movement for total anti-blur protection. As a result, an increase in clarity and sharpness is achieved, even in low light conditions or when shooting moving subjects.
Face Detection Technology
The S8000fd features Fujifilm’s Face Detection technology, identifying up to 10 faces in a framed scene. Once faces are identified and prioritized, the S8000fd adjusts its focus and exposure accordingly to ensure the sharpness and clarity of human subjects in the picture, regardless of background. Face Detection technology on the S8000fd also includes a new Automatic Red Eye Removal feature. Red eye is a common complaint given by 60% of digital camera users. In this mode, the camera instantly checks each detected fact for red eye, and if it’s found, corrects it automatically, saving the time consuming process of fixing it in your PC after the image is downloaded.
Other helpful features found on the FinePix S8000fd for top-quality picture-taking include:
* i-Flash Intelligent Flash: i-Flash (Intelligent Flash) detects subtle lighting differences within a scene and then varies the flash intensity accordingly. It also leverages the high sensitivity of the FinePix S8000fd to enable the camera to use less flash, resulting in an image that displays pleasing, natural tones without a “washed-out” effect. And with an automatic pop-up flash, it’s always ready when you need it.
* Full Manual Photographic Control: Gives the user total control with manual adjustment options for settings on the camera (resolution, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, etc), and is desirable by the photo enthusiasts/advanced photographers.
* Movie Mode: Capture VGA quality action clips in 640x480 resolution at 30 fps with sound. Great for when you’re out and you don’t have your video camera on-hand.
* Scene modes: A wide range of more than a dozen pre-programmed scene modes provides top-quality photos in a range of shooting conditions.
* High-Speed Continuous Shooting Modes: Action comes at you fast. With four speed options, the S8000fd has the ability to capture up to 15 frames per second (at 2 MP resolution) and never misses the shot.
* High Resolution LCD: The 2.5” LCD display offers 230k pixels of resolution with an astonishing 60 fps refresh rate for smooth viewing.
* Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): Rather than framing your shots with the 2.5” high resolution LCD, the S8000fd offers an electronic viewfinder to eye up the best shot with an astonishing 60 fps refresh rate for smooth viewing.
* xD / SD / SD-HC Compatible slot: A new single media slot accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity (SD-HC) cards too.
* Operates on 4xAA Batteries: The ultimate in convenience and accessibility, using AA batteries means in a pinch, more batteries are just moments away.
“With the FinePix S8000fd, Fujifilm is bringing its heritage in photography and industry leading technology to its customers by offering them incredible optical zoom and ISO levels in a camera priced at a level they can afford,” said David Troy, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “By styling advanced DSLR features in a compact, easy to use digicam, we’re offering users the tools to capture photos you would swear were captured by a pro.”
The FinePix S8000fd will debut in September 2007 at a retail price of $399.95.
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd where they write - 'You would have to purchase and carry at least a couple of lenses to cover the same distance with a DSLR camera. Thankfully Fujifilm have at last seen sense and included an image stabilization system, an essential feature given the massive zoom range on offer, and one that works very well in practice. This also means that Fujifilm can finally compete on a level playing field with their main super-zoom competitors, most notably the 18x models from Panasonic and Olympus. We haven't reviewed the Panasonic FZ18 yet, but we much preferred the S8000fd to the Olympus SP-550 UZ, which offers a less usable interface and much poorer image quality. The Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd is therefore both our current ultra-zoom camera of choice, and a viable alternative to a DSLR camera.'
CNET reviews the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd and writes, "Image quality could also have been better and ends up about on par with the Olympus. While colors look accurate and the camera's automatic white balance does a fine job of serving up neutral colors in all sorts of lighting conditions, images are not as sharp as we would have liked. We saw very little colored fringing and even then only under the most extreme circumstances. In some cases, the camera tended to underexpose a little when using the Average metering mode, which uses the entire scene to determine exposure."
DP Review has posted their review of the Fuji FinePix S8000fd where they write - 'If you understand your specific photographic needs, there are cameras out there that shoot faster, others that have better and more easily accessed manual controls, others that are smaller and more convenient, and those that have shorter but higher quality lenses. But if you want to just take pictures and don't spend too much time pixel-peering it's a lot of camera for the money, and offers very user friendly snap-shooting operation and bright and punchy output. As such it earns a cautious recommendation.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd and writes - "The Fujifilm S8000fd was a pleasure to shoot with. And that's not easy for an ultra long zoom to do. Unfortunately, the printed results from the Fujifilm S8000fd were disappointing above ISO 400, and really not that great at 400, so we can't give this digital camera the ringing endorsement we'd hoped. If you can remain content not shooting above ISO 800, and ignore the camera's ISO 1,600, 3,200, and 6,400 the Fujifilm S8000fd is a pretty good long zoom digital camera. But if high ISO is important to you, look at the cameras we've tested below that deliver better low light performance. So while we think the Fujifilm S8000fd is a pretty good camera for daylight shooting, with a great zoom and cool features, it just misses a Dave's Pick due to its high ISO performance."
Steves Digicams reviews the FujiFilm FinePix S8000fd and writes - 'FujiFilm's Finepix S8000fd is an appealing "Ultra-Zoom" digicam. This is a very capable consumer model, with some very nice features (8M, 18x Wide Zoom, Face Detection, etc.), good overall performance, and plenty of shooting modes for every member of your household. Image quality is up to par with it competitors (Canon S5 IS, Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Olympus SP-560 UZ) and with a street price of US $350 or less (US$399 MSRP), it offers a terrific value for a camera in this class. The only other issue I had with the camera that's not mentioned above, was the fact that the camera will allow you to snap a photo while you are waiting for the flash to recharge. In most cases, this just produces a blurry photo that is unusable. That said, I still feel the Finepix S8000fd will make a great choice for any consumer in the market for a camera with these specs, and it's sure to be a popular model this holiday season.'
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PhotographyPress has a review of the Casio Exilim EX Z1200 and writes, "This new Casio is certainly a plush model and a neat performer under the right conditions; it’s easy to use and a good price. And, as the new Casio Exilim flagship, thankfully it’s no Titanic, set to sink on its maiden voyage. Yes, while the noise issues and focus tracking are slight icebergs, they’re not ones to hole this vessel below the waterline particularly if you’re in the market for a high-res' easy to use but sophisticated ship… No, sorry, I mean snapper."
Read more about the Casio EXILIM Z1200.
PopPhoto has a review of the Olympus E-510 and writes, "Overall, the E-510 and E-410 are compact and well designed, with the best image quality of any Olympus DSLR we've tested. The E-510 will appeal to more advanced photographers who want the IS, larger grip, and additional control buttons. The smaller, lighter E-410 is for those who want a compact DSLR at a lower price, as well as underwater shooters looking for an affordable waterproof system."
Read more about the Olympus Evolt E-510.
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DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and writes, "As the follow-up camera to the TZ1, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 offers many improvements. Panasonic added an Intelligent ISO Control system, Clipboard function, wider focal length and higher ISO sensitivity. The Panasonic TZ3 fills a niche market of travelers who long for a high zoom that is still compact. This 10x zoom camera with optical image stabilization meets the need of advanced point-and-shooters who are looking for an upgrade to their first digital camera. With the option to purchase an underwater casing, the travel-friendly TZ3 is ideal for capturing photos in a variety of conditions. In terms of image quality, the TZ3 is far superior to its predecessor, displaying impressive color reproduction, wide dynamic range, and solid video performance. For consumers looking for a portable, automatic camera with a long, optically-stabilized lens, the TZ3 is one of the best values on the market."
Read more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3.
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Trusted Reviews has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix S5700 and writes, "Since it has no image stabilisation the S5700 relies on its high-ISO capability to provide a fast enough shutter speed to make the long zoom viable, and it certainly scores well in this area, although it’s not quite up to the levels of some other Fuji cameras. It uses a conventional 1/2.5-in CCD rather than Fuji’s own SuperCCD technology, and so it does suffer from some high-ISO noise, but pictures are still good up to 800 ISO, which is a pretty fair performance. ... overall image quality is excellent, with good exposure and colour rendition, and very good overall sharpness. The lens does produce quite bad barrel distortion at the wide-angle end, but makes up for it by providing tons of sharp detail right across the frame. The only bum note is that usual Fujifilm bugbear, massive purple fringes on all high-contrast edges. I really wish Fuji would solve this problem, because it is the only real fault with what is otherwise a superb camera."
Read more about the Fujifilm Finepix S5700.
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Trusted Reviews has a review of the Olympus E-510 and writes, "Despite the lousy weather the E-510 turned in some fantastic shots, thanks in no small part to the outstanding kit lens, which produced pin-sharp detail from corner to corner at all focal lengths. As usual the Olympus metering system was flawless, coping with every lighting condition I tried. Noise control was also superb, with virtually no difference between shots taken at 100, 200 or 400 ISO, and minimal noise at 800. There was some noise visible at 1600 ISO, but even at the default low noise filtering it wasn’t too bad, and did not affect colour balance at all. ... The E-510 is a superb photographer’s camera, offering superb handling, outstanding performance, a huge degree of control and first rate picture quality, in a compact and robust package and at a price which comfortably beats most of the competition. It is without question one of the best semi-pro DSLRs currently available, and a genuine pleasure to use."
Read more about the Olympus Evolt E-510.
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PhotographyBLOG has a review of the Olympus E-410 and writes, "most of the audience for this camera will likely be upgrading from a point and shoot compact and therefore in the main wanting to shoot portraits of family and friends with a bit more ‘pep'. It's in this area that the Olympus E-410 excels, delivering sharp, flattering portraits with vividly healthy skin tones. Distortion aside, the lens is capable of delivering commendably sharp images to boot."
Read more about the Olympus EVOLT E410.
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 3.6x optical zoom lens.
The FX33 features intelligent scene selector (which automatically chooses the scene mode for you), face detection technology (both focussing and exposure), image stabilization technologies (mechanical and ISO control) and continuous auto focusing.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 comes with a2.5 inch LCD screen, 27 megabytes of internal memory and comes in silver, black blue and brown. The DMC-FX33 is compatible with a marine case for underwater shooting
It will be available in shops in September at a recommended retail price of $299.95 USD.
Buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 News Release
PANASONIC INTRODUCES TWO NEW COMPACT LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERAS WITH BRAND-NEW INTELLIGENT AUTO MODES
Stylish DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 Boast User-Friendly Features, Such as Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector
SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 24, 2007) – Panasonic today introduced the newest additions to its FX-series of compact digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33. Like the entire 2007 LUMIX line, the two new models incorporate Panasonic’s revolutionary Intelligent Image Stabilization technologies, and are the first Panasonic cameras, along with the newly introduced DMC-FZ18, to offer Intelligent Auto Mode, a system which combines Mega Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) and Intelligent ISO Control with three new features: Face Detection System, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto Focus. Both models combine 8.1-megapixels with a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom.
The new Intelligent Auto Mode available on both the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33, include:
“With our Intelligent Auto Modes, the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 are the perfect combination of performance and style, giving consumers a user-friendly digital camera in a sleek and compact body that makes it easy to carry,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Also featuring a 28-mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens and MEGA OIS, these cameras allow the on-the-go consumer to capture high-quality images with incredible features and convenience.”
Intelligent Image Stabilization, a feature across the entire 2007 LUMIX digital camera line, comprises two features – MEGA O.I.S. which helps compensate for the effects of hand-shake; and Intelligent ISO Control, which takes into account the photo subject is moving and adjusts the ISO setting. Combining these two anti-blur features helps allow the DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 to photograph clear, crisp images.
In addition, the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 feature the Venus Engine III, which supports a new High Sensitivity mode that allows images to be shot at a setting of up to ISO 6400. This is sensitive enough to capture subjects in low-light conditions without the need for a flash. Also, the high-speed Burst Shooting mode enables up to seven shots to be taken per second.
Other advanced features include:
• The DMC-FX55 has a 3-inch LCD screen and the DMC-FX33 comes with a 2.5-inch LCD screen.
• 27 MB of built-in memory, perfect for backing up SDHC/SD Memory Card recording.*
• The new Title Edit function allows the inputting of text to provide additional context to images. Additional functions for adding information to photos include the Text Stamp function and the Travel Date function.
• Category Playback sorts images into categories, such as portraits, events, baby, etc. to allow for easy playback and creation of slideshows.
• Clipboard function allows the user to hold and retrieve certain images that may be useful on a trip, such as a photo of a map or train schedule.
• The DMC-FX33 is compatible with a marine case for underwater shooting.
• The DMC-FX55 will be available in silver, black and pink, while the DMC-FX33 will come in silver, black, blue and brown.
• Both cameras will be available in September 2007. The DMC-FX55 for an MSRP of $349.95 and the DMC-FX33 for an MSRP of $299.95.
1 MB = 1 million bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
Trusted Reviews has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33 and writes, "Image quality is fortunately one of the areas in which Panasonic's latest generation of cameras has made a lot of progress, but for some reason the company still insists on putting tiny 1/2.5-in sensors in all its cameras, including the FX33. Many other manufacturers are moving more towards larger sensors, because of the advantages in colour depth, dynamic range and noise control. As a result, all of these factors could be better in the results produced by the FX33, but to be fair none are a real problem. Colour rendition and exposure are generally accurate, and the overall level of detail is very good, certainly on a par with other high-quality 8MP cameras. The Venus Engine III provides a noticeable improvement in noise control over previous models, but even so there is some colour speckling visible at all but the lowest ISO settings. A lot of credit goes to the excellent lens, which produces superb edge-to-edge sharpness and relatively little wide-angle distortion."
Buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 3.6x optical zoom lens.
The FX55 features face detection technology, intelligent scene selector, image stabilization technologies (both mechanical and ISO control) and continuous auto focusing.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 comes with a large 3 inch LCD screen, 27 megabytes of internal memory and comes in silver, black and pink.
It will be available in shops in September at a recommended retail price of $349.95 USD.
Stylish DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 Boast User-Friendly Features, Such as Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector
Panasonic today introduced the newest additions to its FX-series of compact digital cameras, the LUMIX DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33. Like the entire 2007 LUMIX line, the two new models incorporate Panasonic’s revolutionary Intelligent Image Stabilization technologies, and are the first Panasonic cameras, along with the newly introduced DMC-FZ18, to offer Intelligent Auto Mode, a system which combines Mega Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S) and Intelligent ISO Control with three new features: Face Detection System, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto Focus. Both models combine 8.1-megapixels with a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom.
The new Intelligent Auto Mode available on both the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33, include:
“With our Intelligent Auto Modes, the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 are the perfect combination of performance and style, giving consumers a user-friendly digital camera in a sleek and compact body that makes it easy to carry,” said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Also featuring a 28-mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens and MEGA OIS, these cameras allow the on-the-go consumer to capture high-quality images with incredible features and convenience.”
Intelligent Image Stabilization, a feature across the entire 2007 LUMIX digital camera line, comprises two features – MEGA O.I.S. which helps compensate for the effects of hand-shake; and Intelligent ISO Control, which takes into account the photo subject is moving and adjusts the ISO setting. Combining these two anti-blur features helps allow the DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 to photograph clear, crisp images.
In addition, the DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 feature the Venus Engine III, which supports a new High Sensitivity mode that allows images to be shot at a setting of up to ISO 6400. This is sensitive enough to capture subjects in low-light conditions without the need for a flash. Also, the high-speed Burst Shooting mode enables up to seven shots to be taken per second.
Other advanced features include:
• The DMC-FX55 has a 3-inch LCD screen and the DMC-FX33 comes with a 2.5-inch LCD screen.
• 27 MB of built-in memory, perfect for backing up SDHC/SD Memory Card recording.*
• The new Title Edit function allows the inputting of text to provide additional context to images. Additional functions for adding information to photos include the Text Stamp function and the Travel Date function.
• Category Playback sorts images into categories, such as portraits, events, baby, etc. to allow for easy playback and creation of slideshows.
• Clipboard function allows the user to hold and retrieve certain images that may be useful on a trip, such as a photo of a map or train schedule.
• The DMC-FX33 is compatible with a marine case for underwater shooting.
• The DMC-FX55 will be available in silver, black and pink, while the DMC-FX33 will come in silver, black, blue and brown.
• Both cameras will be available in September 2007. The DMC-FX55 for an MSRP of $349.95 and the DMC-FX33 for an MSRP of $299.95.
1 MB = 1 million bytes. Usable capacity will be less.
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 and writes - 'The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 is a stylish ultra-compact camera that you can carry with you wherever you go. It's quite responsive with quick focusing, even in low-light conditions, and an adequate Continuous mode of 3fps. Panasonic have focused on making the DMC-FX55 the ultimate point and shoot camera, with a new Intellligent Auto mode that achieves great results in most situations with very little input required from the user. The large, high resolution 3 inch LCD screen is also very welcome, although I missed having a true optical viewfinder in very bright sunlight. The DMC-FX55 is also one of a handful of compact digital cameras to offer a 28mm wide-angle lens, which provides an entirely new angle of view when compared with conventional zoom lenses that typically start at around 35mm. A mere 7mm may not sound like much, but it actually makes a big difference to image composition.'
The Panasonic Lumix Lumix DMC-FZ18 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a whopping 18x Optical Zoom lens.
This SLR style camera (it's not actually a DSLR but looks a little like one) has a 1/2.5 inch CCD sensor with a lens that has an equivalent focal range of a massive 28 to 504mm. The DMC-FZ18 comes with image stabilization (mechanical and ISO controlled) and it has an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/4.5 and an ISO setting of up to 6400 in high sensitivity mode.
It's LCD is 2.5 inches with 207,000 pixels and it comes with face detection technology, 27 megabytes of internal memory and shoots in RAW.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 will be available in shops in September for a recommended retail price of $399.95 USD. It comes in silver and black.
Buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18K
PANASONIC UNVEILS VERSATILE LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 18X OPTICAL ZOO