We just came from a mountaineering activity last weekend and while we brought our bad boy heavy digital SLRs for amazing landscape shots we noticed that we used our digital compact camera more because it was easier to set-up.

The only problem is that unlike the delicate care we gave our SLRs, we just tossed the point and shoot camera here and there. The result of the weekend hike is sore muscles pluse a scratched Sony TX1 camera.

While we love good old Sony TX1 what we really needed was a rugged camera that is shockproof, scratchproof and waterproof.

Were doing the research and so if you want a rugged camera too read on…

Canon Powershot D10

Pricetag: £236.28

When we first saw the submarine looking Canon D10 it was love at first site. The quirky shape of this waterproof camera shows character. Although it is not the size of a pocket camera, it is small enough to fit in your rucksack.

This rugged camera also performs well with a 10m waterproof depth, shock proof of 1.2 m and freezeproof to -10 degrees centigrade. A good addition is that it’s also dustproof so perfect for weekend hikes.

It also works well with non-extreme activities with its 12 megapixel sensor and 3 times optical zoom. Like many Canon point and shoot cameras it has great image stabilization

The buttons in the D10 are bigger and raised which makes it perfect for underwater situations but can be akward to use out of water.

Overall the Canon D10 is a rugged camera that is a basic point and shoot and does outdoors well. It’s not fast but is quicker than most rugged cameras.

The Canon PowerShot D10 is probably the best option for a rugged point-and-shoot camera if you spend a lot of time snorkeling, skiing, or poolside.

Technical Details

*12.1 Megapixel camera, Waterproof (to 10m), freeze-proof (to -10oC) and dustproof

*3.0x optical zoom and optical Image Stabilizer and 2.5” high resolution PureColor LCD II

*Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology and DIGIC 4 for high image quality

*Combats blur with ISO Auto, Motion Detection Technology and optical IS

*Great people shots with Face Detection Technology, Face Self-Timer, Auto Red-Eye Correction and Blink Detection

Panasonic Lumix DMC  TS2

Price tag: £298.70

If these rugged cameras were highschool then the Panasoni Lumix TS2 is your jock who does extreme kite jumping on Saturdays. It looks rugged and it really is compact unlike the body of the Canon D10. It’s waterproof of up to 33 feet, schockproof and dustprrof.

When we first saw the submarine looking Canon D10 it was love at first site. The quirky shape of this waterproof camera shows character. Although it is not the size of a pocket camera, it is small enough to fit in your rucksack.

Technical Details

*14.1 MP Digital Camera for active people, 28mm Wide-angle Leica lens

*Waterproof 10m, Shockproof 2m, Freeze-proof -10℃, 4.6x Optical Zoom

*Intelligent Resolution Technology and 6x Intelligent Zoom

*HD Movie in AVCHD Lite and HDMI Compatibility Featuring VIERA Link

*iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode and POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)

The Verdict

Between the two cameras we still trust Canon even if the camera’s body is too bulky. The picture quality both in and out of the water is faster and it the processor is somewhat quicker.

But were still doing research so keep on checking out hot topics as we pit Canon D10 with Olympus Tough next.

For photography lessons turn to our digital photography tips .

Panasonic announced it will add a new member to the Micro Four camera system, welcome the Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camcorder.

How much damage for the M4/3 camcorder? A whopping, estimated US$6000 and will be available late this year.

The price is extremely steep and unless you’re the next George Lucas, do you think you would even buy one? Regardless of your answer, this Micro Four Third camcorder shows Panasonic’s commitment to develop the M4/3 market.

The Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camcorder records full 1080 HD video which can be rendered in several frame rates. A great feature of this Micro Four Thirds camcorder is that it is compatible with Panasonic’s Lumix G lenses, adapters and filters. The M4/3 camcorder records a variety of format you want to capture, just make sure it’s not bigger than 1080p at 30fps.

The Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camcorder uses a SDXC media card compatibility in addition to existing SDHC card support (SDXC is the newest SD memory card specification that supports memory capacities above 32GB up to 2TB). There are 2 memory card slots, the AF100 can record up to 12 hours on two 64GB SDXC cards in PH mode.

Videographers, filmographers, film production outfits are the target audience of Panasonic’s higher end camcorder.

“Designed in consultation with the filmmaking community, the AF100 eclipses the video performance of other cameras in this price range,” said Joe Facchini, Vice President of Sales & Product Management, Media & Production Services, Panasonic Solutions Company.  “Ideal for film schools and independent filmmakers, this affordable, digital cinematography camera employs an advanced professional AVC/ H.264 Hi Profile AVCHD codec compatible with a wide range of editing tools and affordable players.”

Micro Four Thirds is really proving to be the most promising camera system of the future.

SPECS FROM PANASONIC

The AF100 incorporates a 4/3-inch, 16:9 MOS imager. The camcorder records 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) in AVCHD’s highest-quality PH mode (maximum 24Mbps). Ready for global production standards, the camcorder is 60Hz and 50Hz switchable.

The AF100 maximizes the potential of its high-resolution imager with built-in ND filtering and dramatically reduced video aliasing. Standard professional interfaces include HD-SDI out, HDMI, time code recording, built-in stereo microphone and USB 2.0. The AF100 features two XLR inputs with +48V Phantom Power capability, 48-kHz/16-bit two-channel digital audio recording and supports LPCM/Dolby-AC3.

Checkout other top cameras.

Here are the top 5 good buy digital cameras found in the shopping mecca of the internet universe, Amazon.com. We enumerated bargain cameras that made it to the top list and garnered good customer reviews. We did extra research to see how the point and shoot cameras rated for professionals in the digital imaging world.

Take note, the digital cameras listed are not the latest cameras to come out of the market in 2010, but these are the top rated.

Hopefully, in just a quick glance, this digital camera review could give you options as you decide your next bargain and digital camera purchase.

1. Canon PowerShot SX20IS

- The camera has 12.1 mega-pixels and a fantastic 20x wide angle optical zoom. It takes HD videos and uses .mov movie format which is easily unloadable to site like YouTube. The 20x zoom can be used for video taking which is great. The 2.5 LCD screen can be tilted enabling different angle shots. The digital SLR type body looks great while still offering point and shoot control.

Price: US$ 349.95, down from a US$601.03

Good: LCD that can be tilted. Excellent macro focus. Can zoom during movie capture. Uses SD cards.

Bad: Runs with AA batteries. A little slow in CCD sensor. A little bit blurry in low light.

Verdict: Not a standout but good value for money with the 20x megazoom

2. Nikon L20

- The Nikon L20 has 10 mega-pixel and a 3.6 optical zoom. A huge 3.0 LCD screen is convenient for taking pictures although it has no view finder for sunny days.

Price: US$ 89.00 down from release price of US279.95

Good: The price! 3.0 LCD is huge and fairly nice color display. The camera is so easy to use, it’s the kind of camera you give to grandma (if your grandmother was 70 years old and afraid of gadgets). Produce nice quality print.

Bad: Runs with AA batteries. Very slow processor. Basic camera with no fancy features. Slow (oh yeah, we mentioned that. Bulky

Verdict: For US89.00 it’s a reliable camera, basic, no fuss and a good buy. For techies and semi-techies stay away from this one.

3. Sony Cybershot DSC-W290

- The Sony W290 has a 12.1 mega-pixel sensor and an average 5x optical zoom. It takes high definition movie and has Sony stereo which is a nice touch. Sony colors are known to be brilliant. It has a 3.0 LCD and a smile capture feature.

Price: US$ 166.45 down from US$229.99

Good: Cool design, easy interface and practical controls. Has wide-angle and 5x zoom. 3.0 LCD

Bad: Video has no optical zoom. Expensive memory stick, no SD memory option.

Verdict: Excellent beginner’s camera with a nice price to feature ratio.

4. Canon Powershot SD1200

- We love to think Canon is one of the top (if not the top) manufacturers of point-and-shoot cameras. The SD1200 is one of the best out there. The design is terrific, not too slim but sturdy. The finish of the camera looks expensive. It has 10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and has a 2.5 PureColor LCD screen.

Price: US$ 149.00 down from US$179.00

Good: Classy camera finish and comes in fun colors (pink, orange, blue, gray, green. Fast CCD processor means less lag time when taking photos. Amazing picture quality and colors! Decent low light photos.

Bad: The picture in LCD looks better than when you upload to your computer. Only has 3x optical zoom.

Verdict: Excellent camera for those who want a small camera that does amazing pictures. Fast and worth the US149.00. We guarantee the Canon SD1200 to be excellent.

5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

- The Lumix ZS3 has 12 mega-pixels sensor and 12x optical zoom. Fast sensor and takes quality photos. Offers 720p HD movie with stero mode. Large 3.0 LCD screen.

Price: US$ 239.95 down from US$349.95

Good: Can take 720p movies and uses zoom during movie capture. Zoom and wide angle lens in small body is excellent!

Bad: Few manual control for a US$239 camera

Verdict: Great camera for those who use automatic features. Panasonic creates nice pictures and vibrant color. 12 zoom lens is great for small body.

Check more best digital cameras here.

Panasonic Lumix G2, the world’s first interchangeable lens camera system , also boast of 12.1 megapixel and newly developed Venus Engine HGII processor. The Lumix G2 can also shoot high definition video function at 30 frames per second on a 1,280 x 720 pixels setting.

Other features of the Panasonic Lumix G2 include an expanded sensitivity range which spans up to ISO 6400/39° and an interrupted Live View feed bust shooting.  The Micro Four thirds camera comes with a 14-42 mm kit zoom lens. Camera fanatics out there can avail of the Panasonic Lumix G2 this June 2010.

THE BACKSTORY

In 2008, Lumix introduced the first camera for the Micro Four Thirds standards dubbed as the Panasonic Lumix DMC G1. It was the first Micro Four Thirds camera, it resembles a typical digital SLRs but in a more compact size. The Panasonic Lumix G1 was not capable of recording video. Then enter G1’s successor, the Pansonic Lumix G2 (a sensible moniker), a Micro Four Thirds camera that is so much the same as the G1 but made more powerful with a video option and a touchscreen LCD which you can flip out and swivel.

TOUCH IT!

The Panasonic Lumix G2 has a menu LCD that shows crucial details  like aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and metering mode in one glance. A user can change the setting by tapping on the touch screen.

Another cool feature, according to Panasonic,  is that the Lumix G2 has a touch-to-shoot function which lets users tap on the subject. This allows the Lumix G2 to automatically focus the lens and trigger the shutter. When it comes to the video-recording mode, the user can refocus on other parts of the scene by tapping on the display as well.

Once you lock on the subject by touch, the camera tracks the subject even if it moves with the AF tracking function. Just one touch on the screen lets you select the part and size of the AF area with the 1-area AF. The 1-area AF in Face Detection even allows you to set finer focus on the persons eye while capturing a great portrait.. The Multi-area AF allows users to set a group of AF point according to the composition. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched, for example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and the a touch on the background or a scenery to the scenery mode while a touch on the subject close to the camera to the macro mode. In the manual focusing, you can enlarge the key part of the subject by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x zoom. The touch operation dramatically reduces the time of changing settings in the menu, too.

The Panasonic G2 is said to be a good camera for beginners who want to have an easier learning curve when it comes to interchangeable lens system cameras. The design which doesn’t  stray away from typical digital SLR designs makes newbies, who are probably used to the more mainstream digital SLRs, to not be overwhelmed when using this new Micro Four Thirds camera system.

Check more best digital cameras here.

Panasonic dubs the new DMC G10 camera as “The World’s Lightest Interchangeable Lens with a Viewfinder”

Panasonic announced the DMC G10 dubbed by the company as the ‘World’s Lightest Interchangeable Lens with a Viewfinder”.  Does the Panasonic DMC G10 camera live up to Panasonic’s bold title?

The Panasonic G10 touts 12.1megapixels, a Live MOS sensor, Venus Engine HG II technology, and a 3 inch LCD (that has no tilt, swivel or touch option). In addition, Panasonic G10 is able to record High Definition movies in Motion JPEG format. The G10 camera records images and videos on high-capacity SDXC format cards. When you buy the Panasonic G10 you get both the body and the 14-42 mm basic kit lens.

The features of the G10 pretty much define the new Panasonic camera as a stable camera, though not as magnificent as it sounds. However G10, a new Micro Four Thirds camera will still have to be reviewed.  Panasonic has yet to announce the exact release date and camera pricing.

When you buy the Panasonic G10 you get both the body and the 14-42 mm basic kit lens.

Panasonic’s G10 belongs to the company’s Lumix G Micro System which has been dubbed by the market as ‘The New Generation System Camera’.  Panasonic’s Micro System digital cameras are usually called Micro Four Thirds System, it’s similar to the mainstream digital SLR cameras however the ‘Four Thirds’ are smaller in size because of its mirror less structure.

The LumixG lenses, the LUMIX DMC-G10 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R. This gives the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.

With the LUMIX G Micro System and the growing assortment of lenses becoming available, the expressive possibilities are unlimited. The LUMIX DMC-G10 system camera is said to offer a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style. Some functions on the DMC-G10 are not available depending on the lens that is mounted.

Check more best digital cameras here.

Panasonic introduces the Lumix DMC-FP8, an ultra compact point-and-shoot camera that is said to have the fastest auto focus among its camera class. The Lumix DMC-FP8 starts up in less than a second and shoots nearly 2 frames per second. Panasonic designed the Lumix DMC-FP8 camera for users who complain about the lag time of point-and-shoot cameras.

The body the Pansonic Lumix FP8 is a card style body design with folding optics. The ultra compact point-and-shoot-camera has a 12.1 mega pixel sensor, 4.6x optical zoom and has a 2.7 LCD.

Panasonic’s Intelligent ISO helps limit the sensitivity to a maximum of ISO 400, 800, or 1,600 for low-light conditions.  Tests for the Lumix FP8 at 1600 ISO is poor, so the best ISO to use is ISO Max 800 for low-light situations.

The Lumix DMC-FP8 uses a 28-128mm equivalent lens. It also employs Panasonic cameras’ Power OIS image stabilizer for decent photo results. As the normal feature in digital cameras today, it offers High Definition video recording.

The battery life of the Lumix FP8 is said to be exceptional.

There have been many point-and-shoot cameras released in the market this year and most of them have the same features more or less. The Lumix FP8 seemingly looks the same as the cameras in its class however it runs faster than most.

The ultra compact camera is truly small and easy to store in handbags or pockets. The folding optics eliminates accidental lens damages. The buttons are simple and easy to figure out.

The Panasonic Lumix FP8 is a true just point-and-shoot camera with no aperture or shutter speed control. However the Normal Picture mode offers automatic control over settings for focus, light metering, color effects, white balance, ISO, and exposure.

Available in red, silver and black for £ 132.401/ US$199.89, this camera is a good buy camera for its price range.

Panasonic’s new high definition camcorders have 35 mm wide-angle Leica lenses, 18x intelligent zoom and manual controls that result in professional-quality video shooting.

Panasonic will be releasing Panasonic HDC-HS700, HDC-TM700 and HDC-SD700 models which make up its 2010 line of camcorders. The three Full High Definition Panasonic camcorders use Leica lenses which are 35mm lenses and employ Panasonic’s 3MOS system that has 9 million megapixel count. The camcorders also use Panasonic’s innovative POWER OIS and face recognition system.

The full high definition cameras can take 14.2 megapixel and 13.3 megapixel images while a video is being recorded so video grabs converted as still pictures could be possible (and awesome!).

The HS700 is more of a hybrid-type that records through both the enormous 240GB HDD and an SDXC, SDHC, or SD memory card. The TM700 is a twin-memory camcorder that records in its 32GB built-in memory and a memory card. The SD700 model on the other hand, records only through its memory card.

WHO’S GONNA LOVE THIS?

Users who want high performing full HD camcorders but don’t want to spend too much will benefit from the Panasonic camcorders. Students, budding filmmakers and family videographers will love the HD capability of the camcorder as well as the extra wide angle and good zoom.

The camera is said to have a better stabilization system. The high-sensitivity 3MOS system delivers effective video image pixel  and splits the light received via lens into 3 primary colours such as green, red and blue and process each colour separately. With this 3MOS feature Panasonic camcorders boast of excellent color reproduction, rich gradation and high resolution.

All three models are available in colour black. Prices are yet to be revealed.

Check more best digital cameras here.

Panasonic announced that 4 new Lumix digital cameras will be released this March. We know you’re busy, so here are the 4 Lumix camera reviews you can read in a glance…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2

Lumix FT2 (known as Lumix DMC TS2 in the US)

Panasonic’s Lumix FT2 is the perfect point-and-shoot camera for the rugged… or the clumsy.  FT2 is dubbed as the best rugged camera of its class. LumixFT2 is the newest edition to the second generation Panasonic rugged camera range.

FT2 in a flash:

*14 mega pixel

*4.6x optical zoom

*waterproof (33 feet/10 meters, a 10x improvement compared to its predecessor)

*shockproof (survives 6.6 feet drop)

*freezeproof (14°F or -10°C)

*dustproof

* HD movie (1280×720 pixels at 30 frames per second)

*28 mm wide angle Leica lens

*2.7 LCD screen

* Happy mode feature – A new scene mode that optimizes colors

*Available in the UK this March at US$399.95

Panasonic Lumix ZS7

Lumix TZ10 (known as Lumix  DMC ZS7 in the US)

The Panasonic Lumix TZ10 is a compact zoom camera with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker. If you find yourself travelling a lot, then this camera will be an amazing companion. The Lumix ZS7 identifies over half a million location and ‘geo-tags’ them as you upload the photos. Plus it has 12 times optical zoom!

TZ10 in a flash:

*14.4 megapixels

*12x optical zoom

*HD movie (1280×720 pixels at 30 frames per second)

*Leica ultra wide lens

*Manual settings control

*GPS tracking software

*11 point focus (So at a group picture, everyone’s face is focused)

*Happy mode in Automatic settings

* 3.0 LCD screen

* Priced at US$399.95

Panasonic Lumix ZS5

Lumix TZ8 (known as Lumix DMC-ZS5)

If you want a compact camera with hardcore zoom then the Lumix TZ8 is the camera for you. The TZ8 shares the features of the Lumix TZ10 except that it has no GPS tracker and it has a 2.7 LCD screen instead of TZ10’s 3.0 LCD

TZ8 in a flash:

*14.4 megapixels

*12x optical zoom

*HD movie

*Leica ultra wide lens

*Manual settings control

*Happy mode in Automatic settings

* 2.7 LCD screen

* Priced at US$299.95

Panasonic Lumix ZR3

The ZR3 is an ultra slim point-and-shoot camera that takes HD movies and has an 8x optical zoom. This camera has the new Panasonic Intelligent

ZR3 in a flash:

*14.1 megapixel

*8x optical zoom

*Leica lens

*Face tracking 11 point system (reads up to 11 faces in a photo for focusing)

*Priced at US 299.95

If you’re looking for a decent point-and-shoot camera that is sleek, fashionable and boasts of a wide-angle lens option, high speed focused images and 25 preset scene selections for easy shooting then Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1A is the camera for you. This camera, which did fairly well in this camera review, is priced at US$150.

THE CAMERA DESIGN

Leading the way for ultra-compact digital camera is Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1.  If you’re a fan of trendy cameras that fit in your tiny handbag then you’ll like the Panasonic FP1A’s flat design made of high-quality aluminum. It has a slide lens cover that protects the lens from scratches.

MEGAPIXELS AND LENS

The camera boasts of a 12.1 effective megapixel resolution and a Lumix DC Vario branded 4x optical zoom lens. It also has a tight 35mm-equivalent wide angle option which is good for those mountain and beach photos.

In terms of aperture Panasonic DMC-FP1 has a two-step aperture which presents F3.5 and F5.6 at wide angle or F5.9 and F7.1 at telephoto. The focused distance with the camera is 30 centimeters ordinarily but lowers down to 10 centimeters when it is on wide angle mode or Macro mode.

ELIMINATES BLURRY PHOTO

The Panasonic DMC-FP1 isn’t lying when it says it has true optical image stabilization system which means it effectively fights blur caused by shaky hands.

NO VIEWFINDER

Unfortunately, Panasonic FP1 has no viewfinder so you see pictures using the 2.7 LCD display. If you do much shooting under the sun and hate the fact that you can’t see the image in the viewfinder because of the sun’s glare you might want to think twice before buying this camera.

CAMERA FOCUS

In the autofocus system area, the Panasonic DMC-FP1  has a 9-point multi-area autofocus system that includes a single-point ‘high-speed’ focusing mode. This allows you to take group pictures in a party with all of the faces sharply recorded.

Get moving subject photos with the FP1A technology

You can also shoot moving objects and the camera focuses on the subject in spite the motion.

The Sonic Speed AF system in the DMC-FP1 has a maximum speed of approx. 0.33 second for auto focusing. It includes numerous re-engineering enhancements, including a higher-speed actuator, optimized algorithms and parallel software processing. The result is fast and accurate AF performance. You can quickly get moving subjects in focus, such as when you’re shooting sports scenes.

SHOOTING AT NIGHT

For the night shots, this has a typical point-and-shoot camera ISO option of 80-1600 and extends to 6400 equivalent in High Sensitivity mode. It also has fast shutter speed and offers 6 white balance settings via Panasonic’s Intelligent Multiple metering mode.

CAMERA SHOOTING MODE

Although Panasonic FP1 has no aperture priority mode, no shutter-priority, nor any manual mode it has an Intelligent Scene Selection function that automatically subsets common scene modes. It also has a generous 25 scene mode that allows users to tailor the looks of their images.

MAKING MOVIES FROM YOUR CAMERA

The Panasonic DMC-FP1 ’s  high definition movie mode is 30 frames-per-second with monaural sound at resolutions of 1280 x 720 pixels.

EXTRA FEATURES

Panasonic DMC-FP1’s bonus features include a generous 40 MB internal memory. It can also use both SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. It has a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery which is rated good for 300 shots, a good number. It comes with a software bundle that has PHOTOfunSTUDIO v5.0, Quicktime, and Adobe Reader.