Archive for June, 2006

Casio Exilim EX-Z850 review at Steve’s Digicams

Posted by Steve on 23rd June 2006

casio exilim ex z850 reviewSteve’s Digicams have reviewed the Casio Exilim EX-Z850 digital camera. The Casio Exilim EX Z850 is an ultra compact digital camera offering 8.1 megapixels resolution, a 2.5 inch LCD display and a 3x optical zoom. The Exilim EX-Z850 uses image stabilization and has a fast start up speed and almost non existent shutter lag.

The review result:
“Casio’s EXilim EX-Z850 will make a great choice for anyone who wants or needs an “ultra- compact” model with loads of useful scene modes, 8-megapixels of resolution, and robust performance, all for a reasonable price. With the 8m Fine images, you’ll have plenty of resolution to create poster size prints, or photo-lab quality 13×19-inch prints of a cropped image. With an MSRP of $399, it does offer a great value […].”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Casio Exilim EX-Z850.



Nikon Coolpix P3 review at dpreview

Posted by Steve on 23rd June 2006

nikon coolpix p3 reviewA review of the Nikon Coolpix P3 digital camera is available at dpreview. The Nikon Coolpix P3 is a compact digital camera with 8.1 megapixel resolution, a 3.5 times optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD display. The Coolpix P3 has some impressive features, with Wi-Fi capability and a vibration reduction being the two most outstanding ones.

The review impression:
“[…] There is no doubt that the P3 is a better designed and more capable camera than the model it replaces. Ultimately though, for the majority of the target market, the images aren’t punchy enough, the shutter lag is way too slow for a 2006 model and - most importantly - the number of excellent alternatives from Nikon’s competitors, means the P3 will be of fairly limited appeal. A good camera, but unfortunately not a great camera, and one that just misses out on a recommendation, not because the final picture quality is poor, but because it can be quite a challenge getting there.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix P3.



Samsung Digimax S800 review at CNet

Posted by Steve on 21st June 2006

samsung digimax s800 reviewA review of the Samsung Digimax S800 digital camera is available at CNet.

Giving the Samsung Digimax S800 an ‘average’ score of 5.4 out of 10, this is what the reviewer had to say:
The good: Manual exposure control; RGB intensity controls; relatively low price.

The bad: Confusing menus; no aperture- or shutter-priority mode; exposure adjustments in 1/2-stop instead of 1/3-stop increments reduce degree of control.

The bottom line: The Samsung Digimax S800 has tons of controls for its price range, but confusing menus and poor image quality outweigh these advantages.”



Samsung Digimax i6 review at LetsGoDigital

Posted by Steve on 21st June 2006

samsung digimax i6 reviewLetsGoDigital have reviewed the Samsung Digimax i6 digital camera.The Digimax i6 is an ultra compact digital camera offering 6 megapixel resolution and an integrated media player that supports video and audio.

The review impression:
“As well as being a user friendly digital compact camera, the Samsung i6 is also a video camera and can be used as a MP3 player. The camera’s design also contributes to the modern vibe it exudes from both without and within. The Samsung Digimax i6 has an all-round character thanks to its various possibilities and multi-functionality that will attract a varied group of users. In the area of photography, it will not please the demanding photographer, but trend followers and new generation of photographers may very well fall for this multimedia appliance.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Samsung Digimax i6.



Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 at PhotographyBlog

Posted by Steve on 21st June 2006

panasonic lumix dmc fz7 reviewA review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 digital camera has been posted at PhotographyBlog. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is 6 megapixel camera equipped with an impressive 12 times optical zoom lens and image stabilization, which allows you to use the long zoom without using a tripod. Offering a range of exposure modes, raning from fully automatic or fully manual, and a selection of scene modes the Panasonic DMC-FZ7 should be of interest to both photography novices and ambitioned photographers.

The reviewer gave the DMC-FZ7 4 out of 5 points and writes:
“Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is a stylish, easy to use, advanced camera with that 12x zoom lens as its main attraction. The noise issue is by no means a show-stopper, particularly if you live in a sunny climate or tend to shoot mostly outdoors, but it does stop me from recommending this camera more strongly. If you’re really interested in the massive focal range on offer, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 should definitely be on your shopping list..”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7.



Samsung Digimax GX-1S at DCRP

Posted by Steve on 21st June 2006

samsung gx 1s reviewThe Samsung Digimax GX-1S dSLR camera has been reviewed at DCRP. The Samsung GX-1S is a fairly compact and lightweight dSLR camera with 6.1 megapixels resolution and a large 2.5 inch LCD display. The GX-1S was developed jointly with Pentax and as a result the camera is compatible with Pentax lenses.

Here are some of the review results:
“Camera performance was good in most areas. The GX-1S starts up in under a second, there’s no noticeable shutter lag, and you can shoot as fast as you can compose. […]

Photo quality was very good, which is what you’d expect from a digital SLR. The GX-1S took well exposed photos with VERY saturated colors (changing the Image Tone option or shooting in RAW mode reduces this), low noise, and minimal purple fringing. […]

If you’re looking for your first digital SLR then the Samsung Digimax GX-1S is worth a look. It’s inexpensive, well built, and it performs well in most respects. It’s also a good choice if you have some Pentax lenses already, since they’ll most likely work just fine on the GX-1S. Naturally, if you’ve got a lot of Canon or Nikon lenses already then I can’t see jumping ship for the GX-1S, but if you’re new to D-SLRs, check this one out.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Samsung Digimax GX-1S.



Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 review at CNet Asia

Posted by Steve on 21st June 2006

casio exilim ex z1000 reviewA review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 digital camera is available at CNet Asia. The EX-Z1000 offers a very high 10.1 megapixels resolution, 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.

With 7.4 out of 10 points, the Casio EX-Z1000 scored a ‘very good’ review result.
The review summary:
The good: Sturdy body with an elegant design; simple and intuitive interface; continuous shooting with flash; negligible shutter lag.

The bad: Unusable pictures at high ISO settings; effective 2.5-inch screen estate; slow continuous shooting.

The bottom line: The trendy design and user-friendly features manage to steal some thunder from this high-resolution shooter. However, the Exilim EX-Z1000 is still a basic digicam targeted at users who want a high-resolution camera.”

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



Nikon Coolpix P4 review at dpinterface

Posted by Steve on 19th June 2006

nikon coolpix p4 reviewThe Nikon Coolpix P4 digital camera has been reviewed at dpinterface. The Nikon Coolpix P4 is a compact 8.1 megapixel camera with a 3.5x optical zoom lens and a large 2.5 inch display. The Coolpix P4 is also equipped with optical vibration reduction, which helps reduce the risk of blurred pictures or movies caused by camera shake.

The reviewer’s opinion:
“The camera has a good lens, 8 megapixels and produces very good photos too. With low noise (for 8 megapixels) and low levels of chromatic aberration, the P4 still has no high sensitivity option. Speaking of which, you may need extra batteries for extended shooting with the Coolpix P4 due to its below average battery life. And this is one camera not for low-light shooting - featuring a so-so flash, poor dark condition focusing and not even ISO 800. […]

The Nikon Coolpix P4 along with its WiFi-enabled sibling, the P3, are both for casual shooting and you’re at the camera’s mercy in action shots since both have slow performance. […]

I wouldn’t recommend the Nikon Coolpix P4 as there are other (better) cameras worth your time.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix P4.



Nikon Coolpix P3 review at dpinterface

Posted by Steve on 19th June 2006

nikon coolpix p3 reviewA review of the Nikon Coolpix P3 digital camera is available at dpinterface. The Nikon Coolpix P3 is a compact digital camera with 8.1 megapixel resolution, a 3.5 times optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD display. The Coolpix P3 has some impressive features, with Wi-Fi capability and a vibration reduction being the two most outstanding ones.

The results of the review:
“The Nikon Coolpix P3 has good build quality save for the two weak plastic spots. The P3 has good image quality as well - noise at ISO 400 was well controlled for an 8 megapixel camera which makes me wonder why Nikon didn’t include an ISO 800 option.

Sadly, the P3 also has the same weaknesses as the P4 - namely poor battery life, no high sensitivity options and slow performance. […]

The Nikon Coolpix P3 is a great value, selling for the same as the P4 and adding WiFi. The Coolpix P3 is a great value when compared to other cameras as well - currently, you’re paying a $20 premium for the WiFi. I’d recommend the Nikon Coolpix P3 though you might want to consider a bit since 1) if you don’t need a WiFi camera, then some other 8 megapixel cameras offer more controls and 2) this camera isn’t great for low-light or action shots.”

Click here for all available reviews and more information on the Nikon Coolpix P3.



HP Photosmart M425 review at PCMag

Posted by Steve on 17th June 2006

hp photosmart m425 reviewPCMag have reviewed the HP Photosmart M425 digital camera. The Photosmart M425 is a reasonable priced, no frills digital camera with 5 megapixels resolution, a 3x optical zoom and a 1.7 inch display. Designed with ease of use in mind this would be an ideal camera for the budget conscious beginning photographers.

The reviewer gave the HP Photosmart M425 3 out of 5 points, a ‘good’ overall result.
The review verdict:
Bottom Line: It may not be the most intelligent HP Photosmart camera, but for such a cheap camera, the HP Photosmart M425 isn’t half bad.

Pros: Easy-to-use features. Fun Design Gallery in menus. Decent image quality.

Cons: Slow bootup time.”