Camera Reviews, Camera Accessories, DSLR Camera & More Information about your Camera » Digital Cameras

Ricoh Unveils The GXR Module with 16MP APS-C Sensor

kars.cam — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:40:21 +0000

For all those Ricoh camera fans, there’s a newly released 24-85mm equival ent F3.5-5.5 zoom module with a 16MP APS-C sensor for its GXR system. This Ricoh camera has a flexible focal lenfth and has a wider zoom that is part of the kit offered. In spite the extra feature, the Ricoh is still compact in size.

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Announced back in November, it is the first zoom module for the system to offer APS-C image quality. If our suspicions are correct and it uses the excellent Sony 16MP sensor, this promises a lot both in terms of image quality and focus speed (the faster readout of the sensor helps contrast-detection systems to more quickly ascertain correct focus).

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Via DPReview

Nikon Releases Coolpix L Series

kars.cam — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:28:30 +0000

Get the latest Nikon Coolpix L budget camera for $119.95.

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Nikon has updated several of its simpler compacts with the launches of the Coolpix L810, L26 and S30. The L810 is a mid level 26x superzoom with a 920k dot LCD and 23-585mm equiv zoom. A 16MP CCD helps keep the cost down to around $279.95 but also means the L810 can only capture 720p video. Meanwhile the S60 is a shock- and water-proof 10MP camera with 3x, 29-87mm equiv lens. Finally, the L26 is a pretty standard AA-powered entry-level camera with a 16MP CCD and 26-130mm equiv stabilized lens.

At around $119.95, the S30 is extremely inexpensive for a waterproof camera but its very small 1/3″ 10MP sensor gives us cause for concern. This, combined with a 230k dot screen and lens only going as wide as 29mm equivalent, suggests that its rounded edges aren’t the only corners to have been cut.

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Nikon Releases New Coolpix S Cameras

kars.cam — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:16:58 +0000

The Nikon Coolpix S series line of point and shoot cameras are budget cameras that do the job well. If you’re looking for affordable compact cameras that won’t break the back and have the latest CMOS technology, the Nikon Coolpix S series does the job.

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Nikon has refreshed its line of S series style compact cameras, which ranges from $140 6x zoom models through to bells-and-whistles-including 18x compact superzoom. The range is topped by the S9300 which offers that 18x, 25mm-450mm equiv. stabilized lens, 16MP back-lit CMOS sensor, 1080p30 with stereo sound recording and built-in GPS. The S6300 is a slim, 10x 25-250mm equiv camera built around the same sensor. The S4300 and S3300 are more modest, CCD-based affairs with 6x, 26-156mm equivalent zooms.

It’s the S6300 that looks interesting to us. The S8300 is a continuation of a likeable enough family of models but the S6300 is able to offer the same sensor with a still useful zoom range for a lot less money. The inexpensive compact superzoom has been something of a trend in the past few months, as camera makers try to offer capabilities that smartphones can’t match. At a list price of around $199.95 the S6300 loses the S8300′s high-res screen (making do with 230k dots rather than 920k) and stereo recording, as well as some zoom range. But it’s also a lot less expensive than the S8300, which will sell for around $349.95.

The S4300 and S3300 will sell for around $169.95 and $139.95 respectively, with the extra money buying you a 460k dot touch-sensitive screen. Their 16MP CCD chips limit them to 720p video.

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Nikon Releases Coolpix P510 and P310 Digicam

kars.cam — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:16:45 +0000

Point and shoot cameras may not have as much rabid fanboys as say DSLR cameras but that doesn’t mean that these digicams are not superstars in their own rights.

Nikon releases two new digicams in its Coolpix P series; the P510 and P310.

The Coolpix P510 retails for $429.95 and the P310 costs $329.95.

Via DPReview

Nikon has updated its photographer-friendly P series with the Coolpix P510 and P310. The P510 gains GPS and an extended zoom, now reaching from 24-1000mm equivalent. This 42x range is likely to be quite a challenge for its VR image stabilization system, so we’ll be interested to see how it performs. the P310 is a more subtle upgrade of the P300. Like the P510 it gains a 920k dot LCD and moves to using a 16MP back-lit CMOS sensor, with all the high-speed, multi-shot image processing modes it enables. More than any of the technology changes, we’re most interested to see the addition of a ‘Fn’ button on the front – if this can be set to control useful functions, it may improve the handling of an already pleasant-to-use camera.

Both cameras offer 1080p30 with stereo sound recording. The fast sensor also allows them to offer a Night Landscape mode that combines multiple shots to average out noise, and an Advanced Night Portrait mode that does much the same thing, but includes a flash image of your subject to prevent the ‘my friends in a coalmine’ effect. There’s also an in-camera HDR option.

Sony Creates A WiFi Enabled Digicam With Inductive Charging

kars.cam — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:47:10 +0000

In Japan, the Sony Cybershot TX200V offers contactless charging and data transfer and WiFi. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX300V new technology is a TransferJet-compliant inductive charging and data transfer station. This Sony Cybershot camera allows for images and video downloading, as well as charging, just by placing the camera on the pad. It also features DNLA-compliant WiFi that allows direction connection to iOS and Android smartphones, for transferring 2MP images. No announcement of either model has yet been made for Europe.

Here’s the statement from the Japanese website:

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Sony is back-illuminated pixels of 18.2 million to about effective newly developed “Exmor R (Exmore ares)” image processing engine and advanced CMOS sensor “BIONZ” (Bionzu) and shooting capacity high by mounting in, Wi-wireless features such as Fi Equipped with a digital still camera work together to achieve a variety of equipment and “Cyber” “DSC-TX300V”, and improved capacity for high-sensitivity shooting “DSC-WX70″ will launch two models in total.
“DSC-TX300V” is, Wi-cooperation not only with other devices equipped with features such as smart Fi, “TransferJet”, and powered by built-in function / non-contact charging, wireless, and data transfer Charging can be done to feed.
Sony is under way to enjoy diverse and smart after taking the diffusion of SNS, in addition to strengthening ties between devices wirelessly, a unique solution “PlayMemories” By providing a fun will expand further after the shooting.

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Panasonic DMC-TS20 Is A Rugged Camera with 4x Zoom

kars.cam — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:34:30 +0000

Panasonic’s latest rugged camera replaces the earlier TS10 rugged digicam model. It has a more useful 25-100mm equivalent lens. It’s 16mp CCD sensor is able to shoot 720p video and comes with an easy to use MP4 digitl format. It’s waterproof to 5m (16′) and shockproof from a height of around 1.5m (5′), which should see it withstand all your adventure abuse.

The Panasonic DMC TS20 rugged camera sells for $179.99.

Here’s Panasonic’s press statement:

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Panasonic today announced the Panasonic LUMIX TS20 digital camera, which features a rugged design allowing for it to be waterproof*1 to approximately 16 feet (5 meters), shockproof*2 to approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters), dustproof*1 and freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14ºF. The LUMIX TS20 (16.1-megapixel) features a flat and slim profile with a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and a 4x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 25-100mm). Even more, the LUMIX TS20’s zoom extends to 8x equivalent with the Intelligent Zoom function, made possible by Panasonic’s Intelligent Resolution technology.

The LUMIX TS20 can shoot 720p High Definition video in the MP4 format and the 4x optical zoom is available during video recording – making this digital camera a highly-capable model for shooting video. Plus, with a dedicated video record button, switching between still photos and videos is quick and seamless. The new LUMIX TS20 records dynamic HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30p MP4 format, which makes it easy for editing or sharing the videos. The recorded videos can be also directly uploaded to YouTube when the included software is installed. The LUMIX TS20 also features a 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD with High Angle mode.

“The Panasonic LUMIX TS20 is an affordable rugged digital camera ideal for any user who is looking for a slim, durable digital camera that can take high quality photos and HD videos in a variety of situations, such as at a beach, hiking, snowboarding and more,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. “Thanks to its waterproof, shockproof and dustproof features, the TS20 is capable of capturing photos and videos that not many digital cameras can, and with iA, it’s also incredibly easy and intuitive to use.”

The LUMIX TS20 includes Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – a suite of technologies that are automatically engaged without the use of any extra settings to allow the camera to select the most appropriate settings to take high-quality photos. Panasonic’s iA features included in the LUMIX TS20 are MEGA O.I.S., AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.

In addition to being easy to use, The LUMIX TS20 also includes features that increase the photographic fun and creativity of the user. The Miniature Effect mode, in which the peripheries are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized, makes the photo look like a diorama. For videos recorded in this mode*3 3 playback is 10x fast forward, making it comical and amusing to watch. Panorama Shot makes it is possible to shoot a maximum 360-degree of horizontal / vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and overlaying the photos.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS20 will be available in late-February 2012 in orange, blue, black and red models for a suggested retail price of $179.99. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

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Panasonic Releases DMC TS4 Rugged Camera

kars.cam — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:19:50 +0000

If you’re into adventure, the Panasonic DMC TS4 can be the waterproof, freezeproof and crashproof digicam you are looking for!

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Panasonic has helped lead the market for ruggedized cameras, which have been a hit among adventurous photographers for years, and now the company has two new additions to add to its water/shock/freeze/dustproof cam line. Described as “the optical outdoor companion,” the Lumix DMC-TS4 is Panasonic’s new ruggedized flagship, replacing the TS3 and packing a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 1080/60i HD video capture, a 4.6x 28-128mm optical zoom lens and 2.7-inch LCD. Naturally, it can withstand just about everything you’ll throw its way, considering that it’s waterproof to depths of 40 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet and freezeproof to temps as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The TS4 also includes GPS, compass, altimeter and barometer functionality, logging all this data to supplement your photos with a full weather and location readout. Panasonic has also added full manual control, letting you adjust both aperture and shutter speed when shooting in manual mode.

The TS4 may offer a respectable spec list, but it doesn’t come cheap. The TS20 is an attractive alliterative, however, with a slim profile, 16.1 megapixel sensor, 720p HD shooting, a 4x 25-100mm optically stabilized zoom lens and a 2.7-inch LCD. It’s waterproof to 16 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive drops from up to five feet. There’s no manual option on this lower-end model, but it does include Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode for more accurate shooting. The TS20 will ship in late-February in orange, blue, black and red for $180, while the flagship TS4 will be available in orange, blue, black and silver for $400 when it ships in mid-March. You’ll find both press releases after the break.

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Via Engadget

Panasonic Releases Travel Zoom Cameras

kars.cam — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:10:12 +0000

If you’re looking for a super zoom digital camera, you might want to check out these new Panasonic cameras.

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Panasonic has updated its range of travel zoom cameras with the DMC-ZS20 and DMC-ZS15. The 14MP ZS20, sold as the DMC-TZ30 outside North America, is the slimmest 20x zoom camera on the market. Its lens covers a 24-480mm equivalent range and feature’s the company’s latest Power O.I.S stabilization. The 16x, 12MP ZS15 will appear as the TZ25. The high-speed MOS sensor allows the ZS20 to offer autofocus taking as little as 0.1 seconds, it can can shoot at up to 10 frames per second (5fps with AF-tracking). It also has GPS and an updated mapping function to show photos on a map with greater detail. The usefulness of this and other feature is increased by a touchscreen.

The ZS20′s newer 14MP sensor allows the ZS20 to shoot 1080p60 movies in AVCHD or, in an interesting step for one of the creators of the AVCHD format, it can also capture 1080p30 in MP4 format. The ZS15, meanwhile, captures 1080i60 from 30p sensor output or, again, 1080p30 in MP4. It maintains the fast focusing but misses out on the touchscreen, has only a mono mic, no GPS and no nano-coating on the lens.

A non-GPS version of the ZS30, called the ZS27/TZ19 will also exist, probably available only through a limited number of camera stores.

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Via DPReview

Sony Releases New Cybershot Cameras: DSC-WX50, WX70 and TX200V

kars.cam — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:34:12 +0000

We like the idea of Sony Cybershot cameras that are GPS enabled. The Sony Cybershot TX200V is a GPS-equipped card-style touch-screen camera with Sony’s latest 18MP back-lit CMOS sensor.

Sony has announced three CMOS-based compact cameras – the Cyber-Shots DSC-TX200V, DSC-WX50 and DSC-WX70. The TX200V is a GPS-equipped card-style touch-screen camera with Sony’s latest 18MP back-lit CMOS sensor. It also includes the company’s fast AF system that aims to reduce focus times down as low as 0.1 sec and 0.2 sec in low light. It can also grab 13.5MP stills while shooting 1080p60 video. It also has an WVGA-equivalent OLED touch screen and glass front panel, spoiling the whole thing only slightly by using Micro SD cards. The WX50 meanwhile offers the older 16MP and 5x, 25-125mm zoom.

The WX70 is essentially a WX50 with a 3.0″ 920k dot touch-screen, rather than the WX50′s 2.7″ 230k dot unit. Both can record 1080i60 video and can capture 13MP stills while doing so. All three cameras feature Sony’s ‘Clear Zoom’ up-resing technology and the combined pixel-binning and up-resing low-light mode.

In its description of the TX200V’s fast AF, Sony suggests that the camera compares out-of-focus images to determine which direction to move the lens to achieve focus, avoiding the camera scanning for focus in the wrong direction. This sounds a lot like phase-detection to us but we’re still chasing for more information.

Via DPReview

The DSC-TX200V camera will be available in silver, red, and violet for approximately $500. Features include:
18.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor
26mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
“Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
Lightning-fast AF speed of approximately 0.13 second in daylight, 0.25 seconds in low-light (speeds may vary based on shooting conditions)
Beautiful, slim reinforced glass design with 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ Tru-Black OLED wide touch-screen
Waterproof (up to 5m,16 feet), dustproof and freeze-proof (up to 14^oF)
Captures 13 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
Photo Creativity interface and 9 “Picture Effect” options for creating unique, custom-styled photos and video
The DSC-WX70 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, violet and white for approximately $230. Features include:
16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD touch screen
25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
“Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
9 total “Picture Effects” options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs
The DSC-WX50 camera will be available in silver and black for approximately $200. Features include
16.2 MP “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen
25mm equivalent lens with 5x optical zoom, 10x virtual zoom via “Clear Image Zoom” technology
“Extra High Sensitivity” technology enhances low-light shooting capabilities
Captures 12 MP equivalent still images while shooting video via “Dual-Record”
Full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60i) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode
9 total “Picture Effects” options, allowing for creative, custom styled photographs

Engadget’s Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera review

kars.cam — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:14:42 +0000

So we’ll get to the point, though Micro Four Thirds cameras may not yet take over the DSLR camera market, the system gets better and better. It will slowly take replace DSLR cameras in the future. This is, in our opinion, especially applicable to photo hobbyists rather than professional photographers. That’s just how we analyze the trend we’ve been seeing for the past couple of years. What’s are your thoughts?

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It’s no surprise that the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera category is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. These compact, pro-featured ILCs undoubtedly have a strong future, with mass consumer appeal and a widening assortment of price points. We’re particularly taken with the technology’s compact footprint — we’re focusing our camera reviews on mirrorless models, and even outfitted our entire CES team with Sony’s NEX-C3. But long before the likes of Sony and Fujifilm launched their first cameras, Olympus and Panasonic dominated the then-infant mirrorless category, developing the Micro Four Thirds sensor standard, that, for better or worse, has failed to catch on among other manufacturers. Surprisingly, Panasonic’s pioneering days were far stronger than those of recent past, with the company’s GF1 melting the hearts of compact-seeking professionals. But following that successful first model, Panasonic opted to take the GF series in a different direction, launching a dumbed-down GF2 (and later GF3) in what was likely an attempt to appeal to the much larger amateur category. This left the GF1 faithful without a worthy successor — until now.

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Click the link to get the full review.