Archive for March, 2006

Olympus SP-700 review at megapixel.net

Posted by Steve on 30th March 2006

A review of the Olympus SP-700 digital camera is available at megapixel.net.

The reviewers awarded the Olympus SP-700 8.4 out of 10 points for its functionality and 8.6 out of 10 points for its photographic qualities.

They liked:
” * Very good image quality.
* Good metering system.
* Excellent colour rendition.
* Large 3-inch high definition monitor.
* Compact and light to carry.”

They disliked:
” * Soft focus with wide angle images.
* Arrow Pad too small and lacking in precision.
* Flash a bit weak.”



Sony Cybershot DSC-W50 review at DCRP

Posted by Steve on 29th March 2006

sony cybershot dsc w50 reviewThe Sony Cybershot DSC-W50 digital camera has been reviewed at DCRP.

The results of the review:
“Overall, I’d recommend the Cyber-shot DSC-W50 to most everyone. Those of you who shoot under unusual lighting conditions, or who want to take long exposures (like I do in every review) should look for a camera with manual controls (the high-end DSC-W100 offers manual exposure control, but nothing for white balance).

What I liked:

* Very good photo quality in most situations (though see issues below)
* Low noise levels for its class through ISO 400
* Compact, stylish body comes in silver and black
* Snappy performance
* Large 2.5″ LCD display (though resolution could be better)
* AF-assist lamp, good but slow low light focusing
* Above average battery life
* Nice movie mode
* Optional conversion lenses, filters, and underwater case
* Support for USB 2.0 High Speed protocol

What I didn’t care for:

* Color saturation changes at ISO 800 and 1000; noise levels limit you to small, mediocre quality prints at those settings
* Redeye
* Focusing can be slow at telephoto end of lens or in low light
* Unimpressive continuous shooting mode
* No manual controls; custom white balance and shutter speed controls needed, as shown in the photo tests
* No Mac software included”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Sony Cybershot DSC-W50.



Casio Exilim EX-Z120 at DigiCamReview

Posted by Steve on 29th March 2006

casio exilim ex z120 reviewThe Casio Exilim EX-Z120 digital camera has been reviewed at DigiCamReview.

The review verdict:
“The Casio Exilim EX-Z120 is a compact, metal bodied digital camera that provides very good 7 megapixel images. The camera provides a good 2″ screen, excellent battery life, a good video mode, and an average macro mode. The camera provides a mode for every type of digital camera user, from the very beginner, to the advanced expert and the digital camera is very easy to use in all modes. The camera doesn’t appear to cut back on features, yet still manages to provide excellent value for money as one of the cheapest 7 megapixel, 3x optical zoom digital cameras available. The Casio Exilim EX-Z120 is definitely recommended!”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Casio Exilim EX-Z120.



Olympus Evolt E-330 review at Popular Photography

Posted by Steve on 29th March 2006

olympus evolt e 330 reviewA review of the Olympus Evolt E-330 digital camera is available at Popular Photography.

The results of the review:
“The bottom line on this Evolt? It’s a splendid improvement over the E-300 in terms of image quality and AF sensitivity. And for the few hundred dollars more than you’d spend on the older E-300 ($600, street) or the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT ($750, street), you get the only DSLR capable of a live color preview — and a big, swiveling LCD monitor to enjoy it on.

What’s Hot
First DSLR to offer live color preview LCD.
Ultrasonic dust removal system on sensor.
Big, swiveling 2.5-inch LCD monitor.

What’s Not
Wimpy burst mode (4 frames at 3 fps).
3-zone AF not the most advanced for $$.
Battery life takes a hit in live mode.”


Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Olympus Evolt E-330.



Panasonic DMC LX1 at cameras.co.uk

Posted by Steve on 29th March 2006

panasonic lumix dmc lx1 reviewCameras.co.uk has reviewed the Panasonic DMC LX1 digital camera.

The review results:
“The Panasonic DMC LX1 takes very good photos. It has a very strong set of features yet manages to retain a compact size and a fair amount of ease of use. With its wide angle lens I can see this camera being very popular indeed.

Points I like:
Indoor photos
Compact model consider features and controls
Easy to use
Optical image stabilizer

Where it is not so hot:
Small capacity memory card supplied”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic DMC LX1.



Canon PowerShot SD600 / Ixus 60 review at DPInterface

Posted by Steve on 29th March 2006

canon powershot sd600 reviewA review of the Canon PowerShot SD600 digital camera, also known as the Ixus 60, is available at DPInterface.

The review verdict:
“The Canon PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH is a great go-anywhere camera which took the SD450 and made everything better. The SD600 features 6 effective megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD. […]
The Canon SD600 also features a decent movie mode, recording VGA movies at 30 FPS. While this is very good, the low compression (using AVI) is not easy on space and the camera cannot focus or use optical zoom while recording. […]
As for image quality, the SD600 is one of the best ultra-compacts which produces sharp natural-looking photos with little noise. I’m glad Canon added a low noise ISO 800 option since more cameras are having this. Pair that with unlimited 2 FPS continuous shooting and we’re getting somewhere! […]

Overall, the Canon PowerShot SD600 Digital ELPH receives a thumbs up from me. It’s a good performer in practically everything except battery life and manual controls.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Canon Powershot SD600 / Ixus 60.



Nikon D200 review at Steve’s Digicams

Posted by Steve on 28th March 2006

nikon d200 reviewA review of the Nikon D200 has been posted at Steve’s Digicams.

They write:
“With the release of the D200, Nikon have climbed to the top of the enthusiast dSLR market. With a host of features typically reserved for professional cameras, 10.2-megapixels of resolution and excellent image quality, Nikon has not only surpassed Canon in the enthusiast market, they have blurred the distinction with their own professional D2X. […] High ISO image noise can be an issue, but it is most pronounced when images are under exposed; proper exposures complemented by Nikons in-camera High ISO NR feature or post-processing noise reduction result in quite useable images at the highest sensitivity settings.
[…] At an MSRP of $1700 it’s not inexpensive, but the D200’s features and image quality justify its price early in the product cycle.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon D200.



Nikon Coolpix S5 review at DPInterface

Posted by Steve on 28th March 2006

nikon coolpix s5 reviewDPInterace have posted a review of the Nikon Coolpix S5 digital camera.

The verdict:
“The Nikon Coolpix S5 is the greatly improved predecessor of the S3. It has 6 megapixels, a large and high-resolution 2.5 inch LCD plus some improved functions. […]
The Coolpix S5 can take significantly smoother VGA movies at 30 FPS with sound. Though I like the less choppy and better movie mode, quality is still below average. The enhanced playback features grabbed my attention too. With many attractive functions in playback plus an LCD with a wide viewing angle, this is one good camera to show off your photos. And speaking of photos, image quality here is fairly good for an ultra-thin camera, with the exception of corner softness and red-eye of course. […]

My opinion? If you take a lot of photos outdoors and group snaps, like to show you photos to family and friends and need to do all of this with a stylish little camera, go for it. If you like a lot of high ISO and low-light shooting, then you may want to reconsider.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix S5.



Nikon Coolpix S5

Posted by Steve on 28th March 2006

Overview

The Nikon Coolpix S5 features 6 megapixel resolution, a 3 times optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch TFT display. The S5 is ultra compact, easily fitting into a pocket and the design is stylish, with a high quality, all metal body. The LCD display features a large viewing angle and its brightness allows you to view photos in bright light conditions. The Coolpix S5 is equipped with Nikon’s PictMotion technology, allowing you to view your favourite photos in a customized slideshow with music. The S5 takes care of the slideshow’s playback speed and transitions, depending on the music.
nikon coolpix s5 review
Read the rest of this entry »



Kodak EasyShare V550 review at xyzcomputing

Posted by Steve on 28th March 2006

kodak easyshare v550 reviewA review of the Kodak EasyShare V550 digital camera is available at xyzcomputing.

The review results:
“The V550 does not offer anything ground-breaking, but it is an attractive product with the features most people are interested in. The camera is very easy to use, possibly leaning a bit too much towards the entry-level, but has a built quality and style that allows it to compete with some of the best cameras in the segment.

The V550 was clearly designed to compete with cameras like Canon’s PowerShot SD400. […]The Kodak lacks the distinction and tweaking with Canon has been able to work into it models- the V550’s image quality, battery life, and macro capilities are all a bit behind. The price of the Kodak gives its a considerable advantage over the Canon models, though it will still be a tough choice considering the brand name and refinement which Canon brings to the table.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Kodak EasyShare V550.