Posted by Steve on 18th July 2006
Megapixel.net have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix F30, an ultra compact camera with 6.3 megapixels resolution, high sensitivity for low light shooting, and some advanced exposure controls.
The Finepix F30 achieved 9.2 out of 10 points for its functionality and 8.8 out of 10 for its photographic qualities.
“Positives:
* Excellent image quality.
* Very little noise up to 400 ISO.
* Aperture and Shutter priority modes.
* Very responsive camera.
* High definition 2.5-inch LCD monitor.
Negatives:
* Sensitivity gain up to 800 ISO with auto mode and flash.
* Not enough compression choices.
* No fully manual mode that allows control over both aperture and shutter speed.
* 1600 to 3200 ISO useable, but noisy.”
All available reviews and more information on the Fujifilm FinePix F30.
Posted by Steve on 18th July 2006
A review of the Olympus SP-320 digital camera is available at CNet. The Olympus SP-320 offers 7 megapixel resolution, a 3 times optical zoom and a 2.5 inch screen. With a range of exposure modes, including fully automatic and fully manual, the SP-320 appeals to every experience level.
The Olympus SP-320 is a “good” camera, achieving 6.8 out of 10 points.
The review summary:
“The good: Lots of shooting features; smart online help; supports raw format; runs on AA-size batteries.
The bad: Artifacts in photos; significant shutter lag in dim conditions.
The bottom line: The Olympus SP-320 and the Olympus SP-310 are compact, feature-rich cameras that are nevertheless outclassed by competitors’ speed and photo quality.”
All available reviews and more information on the Olympus SP-320.
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
Camera Labs have published their test of the Sony Alpha A100, a 10.2 megapixel DSLR camera that is compatible with A-mount lenses. The Alpha A100 is equipped with optical image stabilization and Sony’s Anti Dust technology that shakes dust particles off the image sensor.
Camera Labs highly recommends the Sony Alpha A100:
“There’s no denying Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A100 is an impressive camera for the money. Simply having 10.2 Megapixel resolution and built-in anti-camera-shake is enough to elevate it beyond most budget digital SLRs. Throw in a high resolution 2.5in screen and some neat image processing options, along with a kit lens which zooms-in further than the competition, and it’s looking even stronger. […]
But it’s not all good news. Increasing resolutions on sensors with the same surface area always raises concerns over higher noise levels, and as our results show, the A100 is noticeably noisier than rivals like Canon’s EOS-350D / Rebel XT, particularly at 800 ISO and above. […] To be fair, most people will shoot below 400 ISO, where the A100 performs well […].
For now, even with our caveats, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 becomes the best value digital SLR on the market.”
All available reviews and more information on the Sony Alpha A100.
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
ThinkCamera have tested the Kodak EasyShare z612, a relatively compact 6.1 megapixel camera with a long 12x optical zoom. The EasyShare z612 features a 2.5 inch display and an electronic viewfinder. With its wide range of exposure controls from fully automatic to fully manual, the z612 can be handled by both inexperienced photographers as well as more demanding users.
The review conclusion:
“I really thought I was going to hate this camera. It is small and plasticky and a lot of the controls can be quite fiddly. I forgave it a lot of this when I saw the pictures. The camera delivers some really nice images and the zoom has a fantastic range. Image stabilisation is essential on a camera this small with a 420mm lens but I’m pleased to say that it works well and removes a lot of blur from pictures. The screen is very pleasant to use and the eyepiece is great. […]”
All available reviews and more information on the Kodak EasyShare z612.
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
A review of the Olympus FE-130 is available at Steve’s Digicams. The FE-130 is a compact and easy to use entry level camera, equipped with 5.1 megapixels resolution, a 3 times zoom lens and a 2 inch screen.
The review verdict:
“Olympus’ FE-130 may be appealing because of its under-$160 street price, but its image quality suffers even in comparison to the entry-level FE-115. If low price is a major consideration and you can tolerate slow shooting performance, I would even suggest the FE-115 as a better alternative.”
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the Olympus FE-140, a compact digital camera with 6 megapixels resolution and a 2.5 inch display. The FE-140 caters to point and shoot photographers.
The reviewer’s opinion:
“Olympus’ FE-140 may be appealing because of its under-$180 street price, but its image quality leaves a lot to be desired. If low price is a major consideration and you can tolerate slow shooting performance, I would even suggest the FE-115 as a better alternative.”
All available reviews and more information on the Olympus FE-140.
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
Digital Camera Review have posted a review of the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS, also known as the Ixus 800. The SD700 is an ultra compact digital camera with 6 megapixels resolution, a 4x optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch display, supported by optical image stabilization to reduce the risk of blurred photos.
They write:
“With several trade shows to attend each year, a couple of my colleagues ended up with the SD700 IS. They don’t like to carry large cameras, but were getting increasingly disappointed with the images from their older, slim cameras that didn’t do well in low light. With the SD700 IS, they get a camera that can take excellent shots of the latest and greatest electronics in the sometimes challenging light of trade show exhibits. All while still being small enough to easily pocket and not be too noticeable.
The above example is only one of many situations where the SD700 IS feature set will come in handy. It has excellent image quality, good battery life, and very fast operation. While it doesn’t have any true manual modes, the person that buys this camera typically isn’t looking for them. The included feature set, including the fun My Colors feature, is fun to use. While the camera is not cheap, it is worth it if it’s in your budget.”
All available reviews and more information on the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS.
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
A review of the FujiFilm FinePix Z2 digital camera is available at LetsGoDigital.
The review impression:
“The Fujifilm FinePix Z2 is an attractive, extremely digital compact camera. It performs excellently and is easy to operate. As said in the introduction, this Fuji Z2 camera is user friendly on all fronts. It’s well designed and will attract a lot of admiring glances. The compact format and light weight makes this an ideal camera to carry around with you. What is surprising is the speed with which the tiny Fujifilm Z2 acts. […] If we look at picture quality, the realistic colours and fantastic performance of the white balance stand out.”
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
Imaging resource have posted a review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5, a 12x ultra zoom camera that comes with optical image stabilization.
The review result:
“The Sony H5 provides more manual exposure control than many other long zoom digital cameras, yet is easy to use in full-auto mode, and its seven pre-programmed scene modes help with tricky subjects. […] The Sony DSC-H5 is fairly fast on the draw, with faster than average shutter response, a smooth and responsive zoom, and very good shot-to-shot cycle times. Optical quality is very good, but we were disappointed with the high chromatic aberration and softness in the corners at telephoto; that’s part of the tradeoff found in a very long zoom that we think most will find acceptable. That the Sony H5 does all its tricks with two AA batteries is impressive. Overall, given the low price and good performance, the Sony H5 is a bargain in a 7.2-megapixel 12X zoom, and a clear Dave’s Pick.”
All available reviews and more information on the Sony Cybershot DSC-H5.
Posted by Steve on 17th July 2006
Dpreview have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS, 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 large 2.5 inch LCD display. It is also Canon’s first digital ELPH camera to feature Canon’s optical image stabilizer.
Dpreview highly recommend the Powershot SD700:
“The SD 700 IS is, in essence, everything a pocket camera should be; fast, easy to use, well designed and - above all - reliable. When you’ve got little or no manual control the reliability and accuracy of the automatic focus, exposure and white balance systems is of paramount importance, and it is here where the SD 700 IS really shows its mettle; out of the 750+ shots we took for the gallery no more than a handful had any problems at all with exposure, focus or color. […]”
All available reviews and more information on the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS.