Posted by Steve on 24th May 2006
The Fuji Finepix A500 has been reviewed at cameras.co.uk. The Fujifilm FinePix A500 is an inexpensive and easy to use entry level digital camera. The A500 is equipped with 5.1 megapixels optical resolution, a 1.8 inch LCD screen and a 3 times optical zoom.
The conclusion of the review:
“Points I like:
Ease of use
Viewfinder
Where it is not so hot:
Picture quality
Shutter lag
Very basic movie mode
Summary
A polite way of describing the Fuji Finepix A500 is cheap and cheerful. It is a very simple camera and very easy to use. The problem is its picture quality. This is well down even compared to other cameras in this price range. Long shutter lag times are also a big turn off.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Fuji Finepix A500.
Posted by Steve on 24th May 2006
A review of the Fujifilm FinePix F470 digital camera has been published at Steve’s Digicams. The ultra compact Fujifilm Finepix F470 camera offers 6 megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD display, in a stylish all metal body. Designed for ease of use, this point and shoot camera is suitable for the beginning photographer.
The results of the review:
“With a 6-megapixel imager, good image quality and uncomplicated automatic and scene modes, the Fuji F470 meets the photographic needs of the beginner in a stylish and lightweight package. While it has no optical viewfinder, its LCD is well implemented, especially in conditions of low ambient lighting. With a street price of less than $250, it’s a good value for those looking for a pocketable digicam that covers all the basics with style.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Fujifilm FinePix F470.
Posted by Steve on 23rd May 2006
A review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera is available at ephotozine. The Panasonic TZ1 is currently the smallest ultra zoom camera, equipped with a 10x optical zoom lens. The DMC-TZ1 also features 5 megapixels resolutions and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor, as well as optical image stabilization and high ISO sensitivity for good low light results and reduced blurred photos.
The review conclusion:
“The Lumix TZ1 does offer a lot of features. The 10x zoom, compact body and large clear LCD screen are the kind of features that will get you to part with your hard-earned cash when looking at the camera in a shop.
Unfortunately it also has its less obvious weak points. I was surprised by the levels of noise at all ISO sensitivities, and the image quality at the long end of the zoom is less than I expected from a ‘Leica’ lens. The drop in contrast and soft ethereal look the images have is less than satisfactory for me.
If however the compromises made are worth it for you, this is the only camera of its size with a 10x zoom, then nothing else will do.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1.
Posted by Steve on 23rd May 2006
A review of the Nikon Coolpix S6 has been posted at CNet. The Nikon Coolpix S6 is equipped 6 megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom and a very large 3 inch TFT display. The Coolpix S6 is an ultra compact camera with a high quality, all metal body.
With 7 out of 10 points the Coolpix S6 achieved a ‘very good’ review result.
The review conclusion:
“The good: Great click wheel; slim design; solid color reproduction.
The bad: Irritating top buttons; extremely limited Wi-Fi capabilities.
The bottom line: The Nikon Coolpix S6 is a stylish performer with a handy control wheel, but its Wi-Fi implementation feels almost like an afterthought.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix S6.
Posted by Steve on 23rd May 2006
A review of the Olympus Stylus 720 SW digital camera is available at Megapixel. The Olympus Stylus 720 SW, also known as the Mju 720 SW is an ultra compact all weather digital camera with 7.1 megapixels resolution, a 3x optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD display. It is also shock proof and offers useful features, such as image stabilization.
The reviewers rated the Olympus Stylus 720 SW 8.6 out of 10 for its functionality and 8.4 for its photographic qualities.
“Positives:
* Good image quality outdoors.
* Accurate white balance.
* No optical distortion.
* Simple to use.
* Excellent construction.
* Robust.
* Watertight.
Negatives:
* Monitor difficult to see under direct light.
* Sensitive to noise from 200 ISO up.
* Compression quite strong, even at the highest image quality.
* Slight chromatic aberration at the wide angle end.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Olympus Stylus 720 SW.
Posted by Steve on 23rd May 2006
A review of the Nikon Coolpix L2 is available at CNet. The Nikon Coolpix L2 is an easy to use, entry level digital camera with 6 megapixels resolution, a 3 times optical zoom and a 2 inch LCD display. The L2 is less than 1 inch thick and fits easily into any pocket, making it an ideal take everywhere camera, especially because it is powered by two standard AA type batteries, which are easy to replace while travelling.
With 6.4 out of 10 points, the Coolpix L2 achieved an overall ‘good’ rating.
The review results:
“The good: Easy to use; excellent image quality for an inexpensive camera; useful macro mode; effective D-Lighting feature; attractive design.
The bad: Extremely limited image options; average performance.
The bottom line: The no-frills Nikon Coolpix L2 is slow, but its pictures are quite good.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix L2.
Posted by Steve on 23rd May 2006
DCRP have reviewed the Sony Cybershot DSC-T30 an ultra compact digital camera with 7.2 megapixels resolution, a very large 3 inch LCD display and 3x optical zoom. The Cybershot T30 is also equipped with optical image stabilization and high ISO sensitivity. Both help to keep picture blur to a minimum when shooting in low light conditions or speed object, or simply when camera shake occurs.
The review summary:
“The LCD is big, high resolution, and easy to see indoors and outside. […] Like all of the T-series cameras, the DSC-T30 is a 100% point-and-shoot camera. […]
Camera performance is excellent in almost all areas. The T30 starts up in a little over a second, focuses very quickly, and shutter lag was not a problem. Battery life was superb for an ultra-compact camera, and the USB 2.0 High Speed support will quickly transfer those big photos and movies to your PC. The only disappointment in this area was the burst mode, which chugs along at just 1.1 frames/second.
Photo quality was very good in most situations. The T30 typically took well-exposed photos with accurate color and low noise levels. […]
If you want an ultra-compact camera that offers style, performance, image stabilization, and a huge LCD display then the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 is for you. It’s not for people who want manual controls or those who shoot under unusual lighting — but for everyone else, this little camera is well worth your time.”
Posted by Steve on 23rd May 2006
A review of the Kodak EasyShare V610 digital camera is available at DigitalCameraInfo. The Kodak Easyshare V610 is a compact digital camera that is equipped with 2 separate lenses which results in the world’s smallest 10x optical zoom. The Kodak V610 is also offers 6.1 megapixel resolution and a very large 2.8 inch LCD display. In addition to Kodak’s standard Easyshare technology, the V610 also features Bluetooth, so that photos can be transferred wirelessly.
The review conclusion:
“The V610 has some very enticing features: its 10x optical zoom, available in both still and video modes, provides a long focal length in a skinny 0.9-inch thick body, making the V610 the slimmest 10x camera on the market.
The camera’s biggest performance issues are substantial shutter lag, terribly slow processing time, and a very short battery life. Its other major downfall is the zoom control on the 10x lens system: when going from the wide lens to the telephoto lens, users have to jump from 114mm to 130mm. […]
The Kodak EasyShare V610 is a great concept with its 6 megapixels, 10x dual lens system, and Bluetooth compatibility, but it just doesn’t deliver.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Kodak EasyShare V610.
Posted by Steve on 23rd May 2006
The Sony Cybershot W70 digital camera has been reviewed at DPInterface. The Sony DSC-W70 is a 7.2 megapixel camera with a large 2.5 inch screen and a 3x optical zoom. As an ultra portable camera it is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and ideal to take anywhere. The Cybershot W70 features an ISO 1000 sensitivity mode which helps reduce camera blur in low light situation or for fast moving objects.
Here are some of the review results:
“The W70 has an above average battery life rating of 360 shots and 58 MB of built-in memory. The W70 is expandable with a wide range of accessories and what a better way to preview your new conversion lens or filter effects via the 2.5 inch LCD? The LCD is not very sharp and visible though.
Despite the good macro mode, image quality and movie mode, I’ve the usual quirks about the W70’s performance: Things are not as fast as some modern day competitors (Hint hint… Panasonic) and the movie mode is too simple. Like other compact cameras, the W70 doesn’t have any manual controls either.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Sony Cybershot DSC-W70.
Posted by Steve on 22nd May 2006
A review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 digital camera is available at DigiCamReview. As compact digital camera, the Panasonic Lumix LZ3 is equipped with a 5 megapixel sensor, a 6x optical zoom and a 2 inch LCD display.
They write:
“The LZ3 seems to have taken a step backwards in regards to image quality, with noticably high noise, and the occassional under exposed image. The camera has optical image stabilisation which helps in low light or when using the optical zoom. The camera is very easy to use (in auto mode), and would definitely suit a beginner. The camera offers good battery life, with good controls and good build quality. If you aren’t interested in sound on videos, then the LZ3 is definitely good value for money for a compact ultra zoom, however if image quality is a priority then it would be worth looking elsewhere.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic DMC LZ3.