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

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.

Get a Preview of the Canon G1 X

kars.cam — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:59:08 +0000

Canon has introduced a large sensor model to its PowerShot G-series of cameras. The G1 X is an addition to the Canon G series but it does not replace the G12.

Digital camera authority DP Review shows us a hands-on preview of the latest camera from Canon.

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We’ve spent a bit more time with the Canon PowerShot G1 X, and will be publishing a samples gallery from a pre-production camera in the near future. In the meantime, we’ve taken the chance to expand our preview based on our further experience and some real-world shooting with the camera. This includes observations about its behavior and a chart showing the camera’s maximum aperture at key focal lengths. If you have any burning questions about the camera’s behavior, write a comment and we’ll do our best to answer when we publish our samples gallery (but do please read the updated preview first, to see if the answer’s there).

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Click this link to read the review.

Via DP Review

Featured Review: Canon PowerShot S100

kars.cam — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 06:23:57 +0000

If you’re thinking about getting a new Canon point and shoot camera you should check out this camera review by DPReview.

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Our review of the Canon PowerShot S100. The S100 is the latest in Canon’s range of pocketable photographer’s compacts, building on the success of the popular S90 and S95. This most recent model offers a more ambitious 24-120mm equivalent, f2.0-5.9 zoom in front of a Canon-made 12MP 1/1.7″ type CMOS sensor, marking a much bigger advance than in the last update. Is it another step towards the perfect pocket shooter or has the camera giant over-reached itself? Find out in our review.

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For the complete review, you should click on this link.

Should You Get the Sony NEX-7 Camera?

kars.cam — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:46:48 +0000

Here are some reviews you can take a quick peek at if you’re thinking about whether or not to buy that Sony NEX-7 camera.

Via DPReview:

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When Sony first introduced its range of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras in May 2010, the company was very clear about who it thought would buy the NEX-5 and its near-identical-twin NEX-3. Small cameras with APS-C sensors, we were told, would appeal to compact camera users who wanted to upgrade but would be intimidated by the bulk and perceived complexity of an SLR. The cameras were a sales success (especially in Japan), and their influence on this sector of the market has become increasingly clear, with Olympus’s PEN E-PL3 paying extensive homage to their key design features, and Panasonic stripping-down its GF line from the enthusiast-friendly DMC-GF1 to the distinctly beginner-orientated DMC-GF3.

In practice, though, it wasn’t just beginners buying these cameras. Many enthusiast photographers have been equally attracted to the promise of excellent image quality in a small, highly portable camera, fuelled by the ability to adapt almost any lens to fit. To its credit Sony has taken note and steadily increased the NEXs’ appeal, with successive firmware updates to improve usability and add features.

Now, with the NEX-7, Sony is specifically targeting those advanced users with a camera whose key spec reads like it’s come straight off an enthusiast’s wishlist. First up is the 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, shared with the SLT-A77, that enables true 1080p60 video recording. Then there’s the EVF that’s been squeezed into the compact body (and also shared with the A77) – the 2.4M dot OLED unit is the highest resolution yet seen in a stills camera, and has an eye sensor for automatic switching with the rear LCD. Rounding off the additions are a built-in flash and Alpha-type hotshoe, all in a body that’s about the same size as the Olympus PEN E-P3.

The NEX-7 also expands on the existing user interface, adding two dials on the top plate that can be used to control a wide variety of functions, plus a conveniently-placed button beside the shutter that’s used to cycle through their functions. The rear dial and three ‘soft’ keys familiar from the backs of the existing NEX cameras are retained, as is the handy tilting rear LCD. The resulting ‘Triple-dial-control’ interface makes the NEX-7 the first interchangeable-lens digital camera that in normal use gets one dial dedicated to each of the main exposure parameters (for example shutter speed, aperture and ISO in Manual mode) – such an eminently sensible arrangement we’re amazed it hasn’t been done before.

The NEX-7 uses a new shutter arrangement, with an (optional) electronic first curtain. In other words, the camera no longer has to close the shutter then open it again to start the exposure, and according to Sony this decreases shutter lag from 100ms to just 20ms. This isn’t completely new technology – Canon’s live view capable DSLRs have been using it since the EOS 40D of 2007 – but it’s very welcome to see it implemented in this type of camera.

Further indication, if any were needed, of the NEX-7′s serious intentions is provided by the co-announced Carl Zeiss-branded E 24mm F1.8 lens (also known as the SEL24F18Z). This offers a field of view equivalent to a 35mm lens on full frame, and places the NEX-7 squarely up against the likes of the Fujifilm FinePix X100 (with its fixed 23mm F2 lens), as well as the E-P3. The NEX-7 also gets its own black version of the standard E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS kit zoom.

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Check out other review from DC Resource and Techradar.

ContourRoam, the Underwater Camera For US$200

kars.cam — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:50:21 +0000

If you’re looking for a “macho” underwater camera that looks nice, capable of capturing HD videos and a has a reasonable price tag, look no further than the ContourRoam.

The ContourRoam is created by Countour, especially for underwater explorers, it’s the first underwater camera from the company. The main selling point of the ContourRoam is its hands-free device boasts a super wide-angle, 170-degree rotating lens.

The underwater camera takes HD videos in three varying resolution, starting from 1080p, 960p, and 720p at 30fps. The kens can swivel up to 270 degrees and has a horizontal laser to help you align your shots under the sea! Cool feature!

The ContourRoam underwater camera even has an instant on-record option so as soon as you turn it on you’re already recording. The best part about this underwater camera is its US$200 price tag.

Here’s what the company said about their camera:

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ContourROAM is all about capturing action video easily while having versatility of use across all sports and environments. We created this new hands-free video camera to take the guesswork out of whether the camera is recording or not and to capture and share video with the greatest of ease,” said Marc Barros, CEO of Contour. “ContourROAM is so lightweight and compact you don’t even notice it’s there. It goes wherever the action is, from action sports to team sports to weekend adventures. Just slide the record switch forward and go big.”

Contour’s latest camera couples its signature hands-free design and technical features with increased simplicity to deliver a fun and easy way to capture action video. Its new Instant On-Record power and record switch enables people to know that the camera is on and recording with a single push of a switch. Being waterproof with a built-in battery allows explorers of all kinds to focus their attention on what’s most important: the adventure.

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Underwater camera features:

Easily Record On-the-Go: The Instant On-Record Switch powers the camera and starts recording with one touch, so there’s no question on whether it’s recording or not.
Withstand Any Environment: With a waterproof aluminum body, the camera records under up to one meter of water for 30 minutes and can sustain the most rugged conditions.
Capture it All in HD: The camera records crisp high-definition video with three resolutions (1080p, 960p, and 720p at 30fps each) and also has a 5-megapixel still photo mode. A wide-angle 170-degree lens captures the peripherals and backdrops to enhance the point of view experience.
Line up the Perfect Shot: The lens rotates up to 270 degrees and can project a horizontal Laser Line to make sure the shot is level, even when the camera is mounted on its side or upside down.
Capture Video Anywhere: Its compact, low-profile, hands-free design makes the 5.1 ounce camera easy to wear without getting in the way. ContourROAM features a new tripod screw mount and the Contour TRail™ mounting system, built-in to mount virtually anywhere.

Shipping today from Contour.com, ContourROAM is also available from the following retail partners: Amazon.com; Best Buy; B&H Photo; Video and Pro-Audio; CCS; Eastern Mountain Sports; Gear Co-Op; and Point of View Cameras.

Contour’s latest camera joins its line of award-winning action video cameras, including Contour+ and ContourGPS. The company creates a variety of solutions to fit every explorer’s needs, and makes capturing and sharing action video seamlessly with its comprehensive suite of mounts and accessories, free apps, software and online community.

More information on Contour is available at www.contour.com.

Digital Camera Review: Sony DSC-W570 Point and Shoot

kars.cam — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:40:51 +0000

Summer is here and it’s a perfect time do adventures outdoors, have a party, a barbeque, a blast!

When you’re out there enjoying the weather make sure you have a camera to capture that moment. But not just any point and shoot camera will do, it should be a slim point and shoot camera that can fit your tiny summer pouch.

Sony’s latest camera, the Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot digicam is the slim camera that can be great for the season and all year round, actually.

The Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot digicam has a 16.1 megapixel image sensor, a Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens and is capable of 720p high definition movie capture.
The price for the Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot digicam is a reasonable £135.99.

The Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot digicam is smooth and sleek and is smaller and thinner that a deck of cards. The camera is available in colours silver, violet, black, and pink.

The camera only has 2 protruding buttons and that’s a zoom rocker and the directional selector which a 4-way directional control.

The layout of the control of the Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot digicam is easy to get used to and it’s very intuitive so you don’t have to study the manual to figure out the layout.

Zooming

The Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot digicam zoom rocker is found near the thumb operation. The focal length is 25mm wide angle to 125mm telephoto (4:3 mode), giving the camera a nice wide field of view. The problem is that the zoom doesn’t always zoom with the framing. Also one small touch can make the zoom frame jump so precise framing and zooming can be a problem. Although these are just small issues and taking photos is not a problem.

LCD

The Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot has a a 2.7-inch LCD with a 230,000 dots and an adjustable backlight brightness. The display can be moved in 80° in all directions. You can adjust the brightness of the LCD.

Image Quality

Sony’s latest ultra-compact digicam takes nice-looking photos and movies. The colours are consistent at any ISO, ISO comes up to ISO 800. The colours are vivid, typical of Sony images.

Photos using ISO 80 and 100 are quite sharp but some details are lost at ISO 40. There’s a bit of softness in the lens at the edges. It doesn’t bother much users but if you’re very keen on that then this could be a problem.

Speed of Processing

The Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot can be slow at times when it comes reloading.

Intelligent Auto Scene

The Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot is easy to operate and the auto scene is one of the reasons. There are 12 scene-shooting options, including Beach, Snow, Twilight, Pet, and High Sensitivity for low-light shooting without a flash. There is even a underwater scene, you have to buy an underwater casing to use it.

One of our favorite Sony camera feature is the Sweep Panorama and this camera has that feature as well.

Conclusion:

When it comes to Sony point and shoot cameras we can always recommend it. The Sony DSC-W570 point-and-shoot has a reasonable price for its ultra compact size. The problem is that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570 is slower in performance and the lens is a bit soft which is what makes it a bit difficult to fully recommend the camera. Don’t get us wrong, the camera is still great and captures good images and for its price, it’s doing good. Try out other camera with the same price point before you buy this camera.

DSLR Camera Deals of the Week

kars.cam — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:22:22 +0000

Are you looking for a good DSLR camera deal? We checked out the internet for great DSLR camera deals and here’s what we found…

DSLR Camera Deal #1 Nikon D3100 18-55vr Kit

Price: £429.97

Original Price: £579.99, you save £150.02

A very exciting aspect of the Nikon D3100 DSLR camera is that it is light weight, the smallest amateur DSLR camera from Nikon yet. Aside from this the Nikon D3100 is competent. The two features- competent and lightweight is a great combination in the world of DSLR cameras.

The Nikon D3100 is also said to be a quiet Nikon DSLR. Read more of our digital camera review here.

DSLR Camera Deal # 2 Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera (18-55 mm VR Lens Kit)

Price: £617.47

Original Price: £779.99, you save £162.52

The Nikon D5100 is considered an upper-entry level DSLR which is a predecessor to the Nikon D3100.

The latest Nikon DSLR has 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor which is the same as the D7000. A feature which can be the buying point for the Nikon D5100 is the new special processing filters to stills and video technology. The camera comes with a 18-55mm kit lens.

The Nikon D5100 includes features designed to enhance the shooting experience, including an impressive new 3-inch, super sharp 921,000-dot Vari-angle LCD screen and full HD (1080p) movie recording with full-time autofocus. The 16.2-megapixel D5100 is also the first Nikon D-SLR to provide in-camera effects that can be applied to both photos and movies to deliver even more creative expression.

DSLR Camera Deal # 3 Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)

Price: £598.95

Original Price: £899.99, you save £301.04

The Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR produces great image quality. It has high build quality and it’s HD recording capabilities are superb. The monitor is brilliant and the ISO noise handling is superior. However, there can be erratic performance and its high dynamic range function is limited.

Underwater Digital Camera List

kars.cam — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:48:44 +0000

Are you looking for an underwater or rugged digital camera? A rugged camera is, for the benefit of first time buyers, a digital camera that’s waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. There are so many rugged and waterproof digital cameras to choose from. Here are some of them that we recommend…

Underwater Digital Camera # 1
Kodak EasyShare Sport C123

£50.10
If you’re on a budget but still prefer an underwater camera the Kodak EasyShare Sport C123 can fit the bill. It’s a basic camera that takes decent photos. Reviews of the camera show that there’s no image stabilization so some of the photos can a bit of a blur. The Kodak EasyShare Sport C123 has a 12 megapixel image sensor. This waterproof digital camera can go up to 10 feet.

Underwater Digital Camera # 2
Kodak PlaySport Zx5

£131.00
This next waterproof camera from Kodak is a much pricier camera due to its “rugged” features. Reviews show that it is an excenlent waterproof mini-camcorder which is great for people who like to go to the beach and snorkel a lot. The Kodak PlaySport Zx5 is waterproof (up to 3 meters), dustproof and shockproof (up to 1.5 meters). The Playsport Zx5 has 4x optical zoom and a 5 megapixels image sensor.

Underwater Digital Camera # 3
Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS

£265.00
Among the three waterproof camera featured here the Pentax Optio WG-1 has the most amped up specs among the three we’re listed here. The Pentax Optio WG-1 is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, coldproof, and crushproof. It can go up to 33 feet and withstand a 5 feet drop. It’s crush proof up to 220 pounds. The camera has a 14 mega pixel image sensor. The Pentax Optio WG-1 is the 12th generation of Pentax rugged camera.

Digital Cameras Under £100

kars.cam — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:29:41 +0000

Do you want a new camera but have some budget constraints? Don’t worry, we scouted the internet for great digital camera deals. Here’s a list of cameras that are under £100. They may be budget cameras but these gadget can capture your memories well.

Camera Under £100 #1
Olympus VG-130 Digital Camera

£73.49
The Olympus VG-130 is a budget camera released by the company last year. It has a 14 megapixel image sensor and 5x optical zoom. According to Olympus the camera has high-end optics even though it has a below the £100 price mark. The Olympus VG-130 has an instant Movie Rec button and movies can be viewed on its 3 inch LCD.

Camera Under £100 #2
Samsung ES71 Digital Camera

£72.71
The Samsung ES71 is your typical budget camera with extra feature. Aside from its 12 megapixel image sensor and 5x optical zoom it has a face detection and perfect portrait feature. The Samsung ES71 is slick in design and is said to be scratch resistant.

Camera Under £100 #3
Veho VCC-004-ATOM Muvi Atom Super Micro DV Camcorder – Black

£54.99
If you are looking for a cheap camcorder that’s really tiny then grab this Veho VCC-004-ATOM Muvi Atom Super Micro DV Camcorder. This budget cam corder is really small and if you are in need of some spy camera this one can be a proxy for it. The Veho VCC-004-ATOM Muvi Atom Super Micro DV Camcorder measures 4cm tall and is dubbed as the world’s smallest camcorder. It only has 2 Mega Pixel. The reason why you would by this super small camcorder is that you can mount it anywhere. You can clamp it on to your helmet while skateboarding or jumping out of a plane. It’s prefect gadget to capture your skiing or snowboarding adventures.

Camera Under £100 #4
Flip Mino High Definition Camcorder – 2nd Generation, 120 minutes recording – Brushed Metal

£69.99
Flip camcorders are no longer being produced as the company that owns it, Cisco, announced that it is killing the production line. This is an unfortunate news especially since Flip camcorders are actually really good mini camcorders, responsible for making popular the mini camcorder genre marketable.

Pentax Optio S1 Digital Camera Review

kars.cam — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:49:14 +0000

Are you looking for a stylish camera that you can take with you during social events? Well, the Pentax Optio S1 in mind so the latest camera from the company has a low-drag design, curved edges, bubble-like buttons, and glossy colors that is sleek. It can match your mood and you outfit so it’s fun to bring and brag.

The Pentax Optio S1 has a 14 megapixel image sensor and a 5x optical zoom. You can view your photos in the 2.7 inch LCD. It is capable of shooting HD videos.

If you have US $199.95 you can purchase the latest Pentax camera.

APPEARANCE

The Pentax Optio S1 is basically a stylish camera that’s really easy to use. The Pentax Optio S1 is smaller than smart phones and definitely has better camera.

You can choose colors ranging from black, green and chrome. The latest Pentax digital camera has bubble-like buttons which makes an impossible-to-snag. The buttons are translucent so it’s a pretty modern design. The buttons have a understandable layout.

The video capture button is next to the playback button. Having a dedicated button for HD video capture is important especially if you want to capture spontaneous moments.

To make the camera more vogue the Pentax Optio S1 has colored side panels of the optical lens

What’s great is that aside from the sleekness the preprogrammed exposure modes are also shown neatly and logically. There’s a short in-camera descriptions for each function.

FEATURES

Aside from the Auto Picture mode the camera intelligence also uses OODA (Observe, Orientate, Decide, Action). If you want to set your own exposure the Pentax Optio S1 allows you to set up some of the basic settings.

LCD

The Pentax Optio S1 has a 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 dots. There’s a time out option when using the camera to serve energy. So when you are not using the camera and you forget to turn it off the time out option puts it in sleep mode.

Zoom

The camera has an average 5x optical zoom with a 28mm wide angle coverage, and a 140mm telephoto (in 35mm equivalence). The problem with operating the rocker zoom button is that it is a bit difficult to do some precise framing. The design method forces the lensman to physically move closer to get the frame he or she needs.

Settings

This 14 megapixel camera takes average images. The best settings is the Auto Picture mode where the colors are saturated giving it that nice full color some people prefer. For more natural looking colors the program mode it a great setting to use.

Outdoor photos are surprisingly great and exposure is pretty correct. Images taken indoor is quite a struggle to be sharp. Although this is a problem encountered by ultra compact digicams.

Bottom Line:

For US$200 the Optio S1 is a great camera. The processor is kind of slow and the images are at most average but it’s a fun camera that is as easy to use as it is nice to look at.