Archive for June, 2006

Kodak EasyShare C663 review at imaging resource

Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006

kodak easyshare c663 reviewA review of the Kodak EasyShare C663 digital camera is available at imaging resource. The Easyshare C633 offers 6.1 megapixels resolution, a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.

Here are some of the review findings:
“Based on ease of use alone, Kodak’s EasyShare digital cameras are a beginning photographer’s dream. While that simplicity has long been Kodak’s hallmark, some of its latest models have been upping the ante with new features and functions not seen on entry-level models.

[…] The camera struggled with low-light shooting in general, with lots of noise and softness in images captured at the high ISO sensitivities. There was also an overall sluggishness to the camera, from its start-up time, to its shot-to-shot capabilities, to accessing the various features via the mode dial. […]
Having said all that though, the camera produced some excellent imaging results in daylight, capturing unusually good color and accurate skin tones.

Despite a few shortcomings, the Kodak C663 is a great camera for both a first-time user and for someone who wants a little more creative control of their pictures.”



Canon PowerShot SD700 IS / Ixus 800 review at DCRP

Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006

canon powershot sd700 reviewDCRP have posted a review of the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS digital camera, also known as the Ixus 800. The Canon PowerShot SD700 is an ultra compact digital camera with 6 megapixels resolution, a 4x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD. The PowerShot SD700 is also equipped with an optical anti shake feature that reduces picture blur.

Here is part of the review conclusion:
“The PowerShot SD700 is a compact and very stylish camera. […] Thankfully Canon didn’t dump the optical viewfinder on this camera — that feature seems to be going the way of the dinosaur in the ultra-compact class. […]

Camera performance is very good. The camera starts up in about a second, it focuses quickly, and shutter lag was not a problem. Shot-to-shot times were impressive, as was the SD700’s low light focusing abilities. The continuous shooting mode is superb. […]

The SD700 produced very good photos with just a few annoyances. Photos were well-exposed, with nice color, low noise through ISO 200 (and reasonable noise at ISO 400), and minimal purple fringing. […]

I always enjoyed using the PowerShot SD500 and SD550, and with the SD700 Canon has given me even more to love. It’s not quite perfect (but what camera is?), but the SD700 is an easy recommendation to anyone who wants great photos and performance from a compact and stylish camera.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Canon PowerShot SD700.



Canon PowerShot SD600 / Ixus 60 review at imaging resource

Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006

canon powershot sd600 reviewThe Canon PowerShot SD600 digital camera, also known as the Ixus 60, has been reviewed at imaging resource. The PowerShot SD600 is a compact digital camera with 6 megapixels resolution, a 3 times optical zoom, and a large 2.5 inch LCD. Like all current PowerShot models, the SD600 is also capable of recording high speed action with up to 60 frames per second in movie mode, albeit with a reduced resolution of 320×240 pixels.

The review summary:
“Along with providing solid image quality in regular lighting conditions with good color and accurate skin tones, the SD600 incorporates many of Canon’s technological advances for shooting with high ISOs. Boasting an ISO 800 setting is one thing — several rivals have also started offering these ISO levels and higher — but Canon backs up this ISO sensitivity rating with real, usable results. […] Canon’s DIGIC II processors continue to produce great results in a number of areas, particularly by nearly eliminating shutter lag when you pre-focus. As I’ve said before in this review, if you want a slightly snazzier looking Digital ELPH with a larger screen, spend the extra $50 and buy the SD630 which has a 3-inch screen compared to the SD600’s 2.5-inch display. These minor quibbles shouldn’t prevent you from considering the SD600 though, which is an excellent camera in its own right, and deserving of a Dave’s Pick.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Canon PowerShot SD600.



Panasonic DMC LZ3 review at cameras.co.uk

Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006

panasonic lumix dmc lz3 reviewA review of the Panasonic DMC LZ3 digital camera is available at cameras.co.uk. The compact Panasonic Lumix LZ3 is equipped with a 5 megapixel sensor, a 6x optical zoom and a 2 inch LCD display.

The results of the review:
Points I like:
Image stabilisation
Aspect ratios
Picture quality
Longer zoom
Ease of use

Where it is not so hot:
Red eye
Shutter lag
Small internal memory

Summary
I really like the Panasonic DMC LZ3. With its six times optical zoom lens it offers something different to so many digital cameras. Its simplicity is another factor that goes heavily in its favour. Picture quality is good and I think this camera represents a bit of a bargain.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic DMC LZ3.



Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 review at Digital Trends

Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006

sony alpha a100 reviewDigital Trends have published a review of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 dSLR camera. The Alpha a100 is a 10 megapixel dSLR camera packed with technology, such as inbuilt image stabilization which is independent from the lens, as well as an anti dust system.

Note: the review was based on a preproduction model.

The review impression so far:
“Sony has gone “all in” in the D-SLR poker game, quickly leaping into the ranks of the better Canon and Nikon models. Keep it in mind if you’re looking to spend $1,000 for a new camera. Remember this was a pre-production model and we’ll have a final report and DT rating as soon as can.

Pros:
* 10MP CCD
* Built-in image stabilization
* Fast response

Cons:
* Not a production model
* Final marks on hold”

All available reviews and more information on the Sony Alpha A100.



Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 review at PCMag

Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006

panasonic lumix dmc tz1 reviewA review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1, currently the world’s smallest ultra zoom camera, is available at PCMag. The 5 megapixel DMC-TZ1 is equipped with a 10x optical zoom lens, supported by optical image stabilization to reduce the effects of camera shake.

The Panasonic DMC-TZ1 achieved a ‘good’ review result, with 3.5 out of 5 points.

The review summary:
Bottom Line: This compact superzoom takes great shots, but a few underperforming features keep it from greatness.

Pros: Powerful image stabilization. Very good picture quality. Small for a superzoom.

Cons: Shutter lag. LCD solarizes.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1.



Samsung Digimax L60 review at CNet

Posted by Steve on 24th June 2006

samsung digimax l60 reviewCNet have reviewed the Samsung Digimax L60 digital camera, a pocket sized point and shoot camera with 6 megapixels resolution and a 2.4 inch display.

With a rating of 7 out of 10, the Samsung Digimax L60 is a ‘very good’ camera.
The review summary:
The good: Decent pictures; offers lots of ways to tweak images.

The bad: Heavy purple fringing in images; slow burst mode.

The bottom line: If you can get past the occasional purple halo in your photos and don’t need to shoot in bursts, the Samsung Digimax L60 is a solid point-and-shoot camera.”



Panasonic DMC LS2 review at cameras.co.uk

Posted by Steve on 23rd June 2006

panasonic lumix dmc ls2 reviewA review of the Panasonic DMC LS2 has been posted at cameras.co.uk. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 is a compact 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3 times optical zoom. The LS2 runs on normal AA batteries and features optical image stabilization.

The review summary:
“In terms of features the Panasonic DMC LS2 offers a lot for a low priced digital camera. In fact at the time of writing the review it is the cheapest digital camera by some way to offer image stabilisation. The high angle LCD screen function is also useful too. Picture quality is very good on the whole and the only real downside is shutter lag. The DMC LS2 is well worth considering.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic DMC LS2.



Canon PowerShot SD700 IS / Ixus 800 review at Megapixel.net

Posted by Steve on 23rd June 2006

canon powershot sd700 reviewA review of the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS, also known as the Ixus 800, is available at Megapixel.net. The Canon PowerShot SD700 is an ultra compact digital camera with 6 megapixels resolution, a 4x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD display. The PowerShot SD700 also features image stabilization.

The Canon SD700 scored 9.2 out of 10 for its functionality and 9.6 out of 10 for its photographic qualities.

The results of the review:
Positives:
* Excellent image quality.
* Optical stabilizer.
* High quality lens.
* Excellent metering.
* Excellent colour rendition.
* Capable of long exposures.
* High quality construction.

Negatives:
* Flash a bit weak.
* Noisy above 400 ISO.
* Mode Dial easily rotated out of position.
* No indication of precise ISO used in the EXIF data of images captured using Auto or High ISO.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS.



Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 review at Steve’s Digicams

Posted by Steve on 23rd June 2006

casio exilim ex z1000 reviewThe Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 digital camera has been reviewed at Steve’s Digicams.
The EX-Z1000 is a 10.1 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom and a very large 2.8 inch LCD screen. The Casio EX-Z1000 is also equipped with an anti shake feature to reduce picture blur and allows you to simultaneously preview a wideangle and telephoto shot in the display and take a photo of both compositions at the same time.

The review verdict:
“The EX-Z1000 is an awesome addition to Casio’s already popular Exilim Zoom line. With robust performance, great image quality, and loads of easy to use exposure modes, this model will make a great choice for anyone in the market for an “ultra-compact” consumer model. And with a street price of $399 or less, it offers an outstanding value for a 10-megapixel digicam.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Casio Exilim EX-Z1000.