Posted by Steve on 24th April 2006
Overview
The Olympus SP-310 is a compact 7.1 megapixel camera with a 3 times optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The SP-310 records high quality quicktime movies with at maximum resolution of 640×480 at 30 frames per second. The automatic shooting mode and the variety of preset scene modes will appeal to the beginning photographer. The SP-310’s fully manual exposure mode, the shutter priority and aperture priority modes will satisfy more advanced photographers that require more creative control. The SP-310 is also equipped with an impressive 2cm macro mode and advanced features, such as bulb mode for long exposure and a time lapse mode where the camera takes pictures at a set time interval.
Optional equipment is available to extent the SP-310’s functionality, such as conversion lenses and an underwater housing.
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Posted by Steve on 24th April 2006
The Olympus Stylus 720 SW digital camera, also known as the Mju 720 SW has been reviewed at DigitalCamerInfo.
The Olympus Stylus 720 SW is an ultra compact weatherproof digital camera. You can take the camera to do underwater photography up to a depth of 10 feet. Being waterproof the Stylus 720 SW also withstands dust and dirt and it’s rugged camera body design will protect the camera from falls up to heights of 5 feet. Its small size make the Stylus 720 SW an ideal take anywhere camera and features a 7.1 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD display.
The review verdict:
“On paper, the Olympus Stylus 720SW looks extremely attractive. In practice, however, many of its features fail to impress.
[…]This digital camera is a new release with a great durable body, but has the inner workings of far older models, with lengthy shutter lag, slow and inaccurate auto focusing, and an overly-convoluted menu structure. The camera also shoots choppy movie clips and lacks resolution for many of its scene modes. What’s the use of 7.1 megapixels that you can’t use in all of the shooting modes?
And what is the use of a shockproof, waterproof digital camera which often produces blurry pictures? The Olympus 720SW is fantastically rugged and can take a few beatings, but, in the end, doesn’t produce shots which merit its $399 retail price. We hope to see Olympus continue to develop this body design, with modifications made to improve imaging capabilities on future models.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Olympus Stylus 720 SW.
Posted by Steve on 24th April 2006
A review of the Sony Cybershot W100 digital camera is available at DPInterface.
The Sony Cybershot W100 is an ultra compact 8 megapixel digital camera with a 3 times optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD display. A high ISO 1250 sensitivity mode enables the W100 to shoot in low light conditions and helps reduce blurred image results. Automatic exposure control, scene modes, as well as full manual controls are available.
The results of the review:
“The W100 has above average battery life - that’s 360 shots. So there appears to be not much of a requirement to get an extra battery pack. […]
Reserved for the Sony W100 is a manual mode. Though it’s limited, it’s better than nothing and still quite meaningful. Its ISO sensitivity up to ISO 1250 means you don’t need to worry much about low-light shots or fast moving subjects. And even at ISO 1250, the photos are still useable. On whole, the W100 produces very good photos. […]
So I think the Sony Cyber-shot W100 is a great pocket camera with high resolution. Its “manual” mode, high ISO capabilities and good image quality emphasize on its “greatness”.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Sony Cybershot DSC-W100.
Posted by Steve on 24th April 2006
Photoxels have posted a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7 digital camera.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is 6 megapixel digital camera, that despite its 12 times optical zoom lens is still surprisingly small and light. The FZ7 is also equipped with Panasonic’s optical image stabilization, reducing the risk of blurred photos. The camera can be operated fully automatic or fully manual, and a selection of scene modes is available as well, making it an interesting camera for both photography novices and ambitioned photographers.
The review conclusion:
“Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 makes a great all-round family digital camera. Beginner amateur photographers (and the proverbial “soccer moms”) will find it easy-to-use, and more serious amateur photographers will appreciate all the useful and immensely practical features — all in a well-designed compact body. The Panasonic FZ7 produces great images, is fast and a pleasure to use — and is simply incredible value for money. If you are looking for a long zoom digital camera, don’t miss checking out the Panasonic FZ7, available in silver or all black body.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7.
Posted by Steve on 24th April 2006
The Casio Exilim EX-Z850 has been reviewed at dpreview.
The Casio Exilim EX-Z850 is an ultra compact digital camera that offers an impressive set of features enclosed in a high quality all metal camera body. The EX-Z850 offers 8.1 megapixel resolution, a 3 times optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch display. The Casio EX-Z850 is also capable of recording high quality MPEG 4 movies with a resolution of 640×480 and up to 30 frames per second. Despite its small size, the EX-Z850 supports both automatic and manual shooting modes, as well as a large number of preset scene modes.
The results of the review:
“[…] The EX-Z850 has more to recommend it than many sub-compact models - not least for the huge feature set (which will give you months of fun), and the comprehensive photographic control. It’s beautifully made, fast, has a stunning screen and is really enjoyable in use. It’s frustrating that Casio has come so near - and yet remained so far - from creating the perfect ’serious’ sub-compact in both this model and its predecessor, but the fact remains that - in experienced hands - it still comes closer than any of its competitors. We can’t give it a Highly Recommended for all the reasons mentioned above, but I have no qualms about recommending it to anyone wanting something that offers a lot more than just ‘point and shoot’ functionality in an attractive, and truly pocketable package.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Casio Exilim EX-Z850.
Posted by Steve on 24th April 2006
A review of the Olympus SP-310 has been published at imaging resource.
The Olympus SP-310 is a compact digital camera, equipped with 7.1 megapixels resolution and a 3x optical zoom. In addition to the optical viewfinder, the SP-310 offers a 2.5 LCD display to compose and review your images. Featuring a fully automatic mode, a large amount of scene modes, as well as full manual controls, the Olympus SP-310 will appeal to both point and shoot photographers as well as the more experienced photographers demanding more control over the image taking process.
The summary of the review:
“The 7.1-megapixel, 3x-zoom Olympus SP-310 is an excellent performer where it counts: printed image quality. It has a wealth of features in a surprisingly compact body; and though it’s not the most attractive design (in our eyes, anyway) you’ll start to like it right away when you shoot with it. […] A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor provides accurate framing, and a great place to view pictures, with a real-image optical viewfinder available to save battery power, a feature disappearing from most digicams with a large LCD. […] Even at high ISO, its images were usable at larger print sizes than most competing models. For the traveler or hobbyist photographer looking for a small capable camera that has impressive output, the Olympus SP-310 is a clear Dave’s Pick.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Olympus SP-310.
Posted by Steve on 23rd April 2006
A review of the Fujifilm FinePix A500 digital camera is available at DPInterface.
The FinePix A500 is equipped with 5 megapixel resolution, a 3 times optical zoom an a 1.8 inch display. The A500 is compact, but not tiny, and is designed as a simply, no frills entry level camera with an affordable price tag.
The review conclusion:
“I’ve not much to say about the Fujifilm FinePix A500. It’s just your average entry-level camera with 5 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. The FinePix A500 has good battery life, is user friendly and good image quality. However, the FinePix A500 has a terrible LCD (With 3 bad points), no continuous shooting, slow performance and is certainly not for low-light shooting.
Sadly, I can’t recommend this camera to you - it’s certainly not worth the money. The only time you’d be shooting is outdoors and even then, you’d be using the viewfinder. Some good alternatives include the Canon A430, Panasonic LS2 and Sony’s S600.”
Posted by Steve on 23rd April 2006
DigitalCameraReview have posted a review of the Nikon Coolpix S5.
The Nikon Coolpix S5 is a stylish 6 megapixel, ultra compact digital camera that features a large 2.5 inch LCD display and a 3 times optical zoom. Using an internal optic system, the lens does not protrude from the camera body.
The results of the review:
“The super svelte little S5 consistently delivers outstanding picture quality, above average performance, and puts the fun back into taking pictures. It is stylish, very well designed, user friendly, surprisingly versatile, and capable of dependably excellent results.
Pros:
* 2.5″ LCD screen
* Rotary jog dial is neat
* Excellent image quality
Cons:
* LCD screen is almost useless in bright outdoor light
* Below average battery life
* The tiny zoom switch is hard to use”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix S5.
Posted by Steve on 22nd April 2006
A review of the Canon EOS 30D has been published at PCWorld.
The Canon EOS 30D is a midrange digital SLR camera with 8.2 megapixels resolution on a high quality CMOS sensor and a large 2.5 inch LCD display. The LCD display has a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees, allowing you to take over head or close to the ground shots, while still being able to preview the scene. One of the Canon EOS 30D’s most impressive features is the continuous shooting performance.
With a rating of 81 out of 100%, the EOS 30D achieved a ‘very good’ review result.
Here is an extract of the review:
“The EOS 30D ($1499 as of March 21, 2006) provides the same imaging circuitry as its predecessor, but it also includes some much-needed new features for only $100 more than the 20D. […]The most important change to the 30D is the addition of a spot meter. Previous models offered a partial metering mode that read the middle 9 percent of the viewfinder, but the spot meter capably reads the middle 3.5 percent.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Canon EOS 30D.
Posted by Steve on 22nd April 2006
PCWorld has reviewed the Olympus Evolt E-330.
The Olympus Evolt E-330 is the world’s first dSLR camera equipped with live LCD view, allowing you to monitor your motive on the LCD display. The Evolt E-330 also features Olympus’ dust removal system, that sits in front of the 7.94 megapixel sensor, and the anti shake system.
The Evolt E-330 scored 77 out of 100%, a ‘good’ result.
Some of the review results:
“The new EVolt’s image quality is good, with good detail and sharpness. […]
Other nice upgrades over the E-300 include a slightly faster burst rate of 3 frames per second, the ability to adjust ISO sensitivity in increments of one-third stop, support for both CompactFlash and XD-Picture Card storage, and an effective in-camera noise filter for shooting at high ISOs.
The camera’s interface is adequate, permitting relatively speedy access to essential controls. And the E-330 includes Olympus’s excellent automatic sensor-cleaning mechanism to keep dust from marring your images.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Olympus Evolt E-330.