Posted by Steve on 26th June 2006
Dcviews have posted a review of the Olympus Stylus 810 digital camera, also known as the µ [mju:] 810. The Olympus Stylus 810 is a compact digital camera in a protective body which doesn’t make the Stylus 810 an underwater camera, but protects it from rain and dust, making it an ideal outdoor camera. The Stylus 810 is equipped with 8 megapixels resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a 2.5 inch LCD display and optical image stabilization.
The review conclusion:
“Thanks to some clever automatic functions this Olympus Stylus 810 is a point-and-shoot model that can be used by any member of the family and deliver sharp and crisp results every time. Its compact size, durable construction and weatherproofing means it can be used under all circumstances and carried with you wherever you go.
Image quality of this 8-megapixel model is excellent and its versatility, coupled to its user-friendly controls and multiple exposure modes, make it an ideal companion for those who are looking for a quality compact that can be operated without having to worry about extensive or complicated camera settings. And if you were planning to buy a compact for the holidays anyway, we think this Olympus would not be a bad choice at all.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Olympus Stylus 810.
Posted by Steve on 26th June 2006
A review of the Kodak EasyShare One/6MP digital camera has been published at CNet. The EasyShare One/6MP is an update of Kodak’s EasyShare One camera. It features 6 megapixels resolution, but apart from that has basically the same specifications as the previous model, such as a rotatable 3 inch display, WiFi/wireless network capability and a 3 times optical zoom.
With 4.8 out of 10 points the review result is not flattering - only ‘medicore’.
The review summary:
“The good: Large twist-and-flip display; solid Wi-Fi implementation.
The bad: Difficult-to-use touch screen and interface design; overprocessed photos with serious purple fringing; inability to focus in very dim environments.
The bottom line: Run away–the Wi-Fi photo-sharing doesn’t compensate for the Kodak EasyShare One/6MP’s myriad usability and quality issues.”
Posted by Steve on 26th June 2006
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 ultra zoom camera has been reviewed at Steve’s Digicams. The Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 features 7.2 megapixels optical resolution and is equipped with a 12x optical zoom lens. Optical image stabilization ensures the usability of the long zoom, without worrying too much about blurred image results. With shooting modes suited to both advanced photographers and camera novices, this could be an ideal camera for the whole family.
Here are some of the review impressions:
“Like its predecessor the H1, Sony’s Cyber-shot H5 is a very capable entrant in the megazoom digicam market. Offering 7-megapixels of resolution, a high-quality image-stabilized 36-432mm zoom lens, very good image quality and fairly responsive shooting performance, the H5 offers a compelling combination of quality and versatility. It will please both the beginner and the advanced photographer with its consistently well-exposed and sharp results. […] If you have a need for megazoom focal lengths, the H5 also represents a terrific value; while dSLR image-stabilized long focal length lenses sell for thousands of dollars, the H5 can be had for under $450, image-stabilized zoom lens included.
If you’re looking for a light-weight, stylish, moderately-priced digicam that is versatile enough to handle most family events while getting you close to sports action or wildlife, the SONY Cyber-shot H5 should be high on your list.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5.
Posted by Steve on 26th June 2006
DPinterface have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A540 digital camera. The ultra compact Canon Powershot A540 offers 6 megapixels resolution, a 4x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch display. In addition to the display, the PowerShot A540 is also equipped with an optical viewfinder, something that most ultra compact camera miss these days. Equally ‘above class’ the fully manual exposure mode, which gives additional control to advanced photographers. An automatic mode is of course available for the point and shot photographers as well.
The results of the review:
“The PowerShot A540 also has good battery life though competition is getting better. The LCD is at its largest size as well (for an entry-level camera), being a good 2.5 inches with nice visibility. […]
Delivering fast performance in almost all aspects - except autofocus - the Canon A540 also offers unlimited continuous shooting and a VGA 30 FPS movie mode. […]
The A540’s photos are good as well, with fairly low noise till ISO 400. I’d definitely recommend the Canon PowerShot A540 to anyone who wants a versatile, compact and affordable camera (Who gives you that nowadays?).
In short, the A540 is a good all-rounder with no major problems - only a few quirks here and there.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Canon PowerShot A540.
Posted by Steve on 26th June 2006
A review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ5 digital camera is available at LetsGoDigital. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 offers 6 megapixels resolution and a 6x optical zoom. Panasonic’s proven optical image stabilizer is integrated into the DMC-LZ5 as well.
The review verdict:
“At the end of the tests, the Panasonic LZ5 leaves us with a pleasant and particularly positive feeling. For its price-tag, the camera offers the consumer a great deal of ease and functionality. The novice photographer will undoubtedly feel happy as a king with so much user convenience. It is impressive to see how Panasonic manage to integrate the MEGA O.I.S. into all their digital cameras. This feature is a truly valuable asset of the LUMIX digital camera. The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ5 is a superb digital camera for those who consider themselves novice digital photographers, but do desire that little bit extra from the zoom range. All in all, the Panasonic LZ5 forms an excellent first step to a future advanced camera - and who knows, perhaps even to a future (Panasonic) D-SLR camera?”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ5.
Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006
The Samsung Digimax S600 digital camera has been reviewed at CNet. The reasonably priced Digimax S600 offers 6 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom and a 2.4 inch display. Unlike many of its ultra compact competitors, the S600 offers some manual controls, such as a manual exposure mode.
Like its little brother, the Digimax S500, the Samsung Digimax S600 achieved only an ‘average’ review rating, with 5.2 out of 10 points.
The review conclusion:
“The good: Manual exposure control; RGB intensity controls; relatively low price.
The bad: Confusing menus; no aperture- or shutter-priority; exposure adjustments in 1/2-stop instead of 1/3-stop increments.
The bottom line: While inexpensive for a 6-megapixel camera with manual control, the Samsung Digimax S600’s poor image quality is sure to disappoint.”
Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006
A review of the Samsung Digimax S500 digital camera is available at CNet. The Digimax S500 is a pocket sized camera with 5.1 megapixels resolution, a 3x optical zoom and a 2.4 inch LCD. Competing against similar sized point and shoot cameras, the Digimax S500 distinguishes itself with extra controls, such as a manual exposure mode.
With 5.2 out of 10 points, the Samsung Digimax S500 achieved only an ‘average’ review result.
The review results:
“The good: Manual exposure control; RGB intensity controls; relatively low price.
The bad: Confusing menus; no aperture or shutter priority; exposure adjustments in 1/2-stop instead of 1/3-stop increments.
The bottom line: Manual control and 5 megapixels may seem enticing for this price, but the Samsung Digimax S500’s poor image quality will bring you back to reality.”
Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006
The Nikon Coolpix S5 ultra compact camera has been reviewed at imaging resource. The Nikon Coolpix S5 is a 6 megapixel camera that comes with a 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD, packaged in a high quality, stylish all metal body.
Here is an extract of the review:
“Though it might not lead the pack based on image quality alone, the Nikon Coolpix S5 has a lot going for it in a camera this small. For starters, the Nikon S5’s svelte metallic chassis is one of the thinnest I’ve used […]. The majority of the rear of the Nikon S5 is taken up by the camera’s nice 2.5-inch LCD which produces great playback and live preview thanks to the screen’s 230,000 pixels.
Other standout features on the Nikon S5 included the new creative Pictmotion slideshow which through various audio and visual settings allows you to manipulate playback to make it more personal. […]
What the Nikon S5 might give up in tricky lighting conditions, it makes up for in its dynamic feature set including Nikon’s In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, Face Priority AF, and D-Lighting. Combine that with other great features including a new One-Touch Portrait Button, Blur Warning and a redesigned Graphic User Interface and the Nikon S5 becomes very worthy of a Dave’s Pick.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix S5.
Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006
Digital Camera Info have posted a review of the Canon PowerShot S3 IS digital camera. The PowerShot S3 is a dSLR like camera equipped with a 12x optical zoom lens and 6 megapixels resolution. The long zoom is supported by optical image stabilization and a high ISO 800 mode. With the exposure modes ranging from fully automatic to fully manual, with a range of scene modes in between, the Canon PowerShot S3 should be suitable for all family members.
The review conclusion:
“The Canon PowerShot S3 IS comes to the ultra-zoom digital camera market with a unique set of features. It has the 12x optical zoom lens that qualifies it as part of the ultra-zoom market and couples it with an optical image stabilization system that works incredibly well. […] The S3 has lots of options in its movie mode that aren’t available on any other digital camera and includes dual recording buttons so users can snap full-resolution pictures in the middle of a video clip. […]
The Canon PowerShot S3 IS offers hybrid functionality for a retail price of $499. With its 6.1 megapixels, high-quality 12x optical zoom lens, and smooth image stabilization system, it takes great pictures and videos. Users just have to deal with a few physical idiosyncrasies – poor battery life, a constantly solarizing LCD screen, and poor viewfinder resolution – to get those great shots.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Canon PowerShot S3 IS.
Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006
The Panasonic DMC LZ5 digital camera has been reviewed at cameras.co.uk. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 is an interesting compact digital camera that is equipped with 6 megapixels resolution and an impressive 6 times optical zoom, as well as Panasonic’s optical image stabilization to reduce the risk of blurred photos due to camera shake or in situations where there is little light available.
The review verdict:
“Points I like:
Image stabilisation
Aspect ratios
Picture quality
Longer zoom
Ease of use
Where it is not so hot:
Shutter lag
Small internal memory
Summary
I enjoyed reviewing the Panasonic DMC LZ5. It seems to me to be a well thought out digital camera. It takes good pictures, is easy to use, offers extra zoom and also has image stabilisation. It is well priced and is worthy of close consideration.”
Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic DMC LZ5.