Casio America has introduced its Exilim EX-FH20. The new point-and-shoot digital camera costs $599.99 and will be available in October. The Casio Exilim EX-FH20 can record high-speed videos and shoot up to 40 frames at a time in burst mode.The EX-FH20 features a 9.1 megapixel sensor and a 26mm-equivalent wide angle lens with 20x optical zoom. It also features anti-shake capabilities, a night scene setting and the ability to record movies at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second (AVI format). The EX-FH20 is the latest Casio Exilim model to feature a high-speed "burst" shooting mode. It can capture up to 40 frames per second at 7 megapixels, in a single burst. The camera can also record high-speed movie footage -- you can set the recording speed at 30 fps, 210fps, 420 fps or 1,000 fps, recording motion you can't actually see. The camera records still images in raw or JPEG format, and writes data to an SDHC memory card. It's also compatible with SD memory cards, MultiMediaCards and MultiMediaCardPlus. Casio's Web site had not been updated with information about the EX-FH20 as Macworld posted this article। Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/151181/casio_exilim.html?tk=rss_news
Casio America has introduced its Exilim EX-FH20. The new point-and-shoot digital camera costs $599.99 and will be available in October. The Casio Exilim EX-FH20 can record high-speed videos and shoot up to 40 frames at a time in burst mode.The EX-FH20 features a 9.1 megapixel sensor and a 26mm-equivalent wide angle lens with 20x optical zoom. It also features anti-shake capabilities, a night scene setting and the ability to record movies at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second (AVI format). The EX-FH20 is the latest Casio Exilim model to feature a high-speed "burst" shooting mode. It can capture up to 40 frames per second at 7 megapixels, in a single burst. The camera can also record high-speed movie footage -- you can set the recording speed at 30 fps, 210fps, 420 fps or 1,000 fps, recording motion you can't actually see. The camera records still images in raw or JPEG format, and writes data to an SDHC memory card. It's also compatible with SD memory cards, MultiMediaCards and MultiMediaCardPlus. Casio's Web site had not been updated with information about the EX-FH20 as Macworld posted this article। Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/151181/casio_exilim.html?tk=rss_news
Canon on Thursday announced four new models for its line of PowerShot point and shoot digital cameras. The new models include the G10, the SX10 IS, SD990 IS and SD880 IS. Prices range from $299.99 to $499.99, and they're all expected to go on sale in October. The PowerShot G10 is Canon's new flagship point and shoot digital camera.The G10 is Canon's new flagship model for the PowerShot line, and it replaces the G9. It features a 28mm wide-angle lens, 5x optical zoom, 14.7 megapixel sensor and 3.0-inch LCD display. Like all of the new PowerShot models introduced today, it features optical image stabilization. The G10 controller wheel has a dedicated Exposure Compensation dial, and the camera features a form of continuous focus tracking to help keep the camera in focus on moving subjects. It's coming for $499.99. The SX10 IS has a 28mm - 560mm (35mm format equivalent) wide-angle lens with 20x optical zoom, 10 megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch LCD display and "MovieSnap" mode for recording video while shooting still images. It will cost $399.99. The SD990 IS and SD880 IS round out Canon's new PowerShot offerings। The new Digital Elph models feature the same image processors and optical image stabilization as the other new PowerShot designs. The SD990 IS features 14.7 megapixel resolution, 3.7x optical zoom and "Quick Shot" mode for faster shutter speed. The SD880 IS has a 10 megapixel sensor and 4x wide-angle optical zoom. It comes in a two-toned black and silver body with a 3.0-inch LCD display on the back. The SD990 IS and SD880 IS will cost $399.99 and $299.99 respectively. Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/151173/.html?tk=rss_news
Canon has updated its three-year old EOS 5D digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera with a new model, the EOS 5D Mark II, that features the ability to record high-definition video।Until recently the high-def video function had never been available on a digital SLR camera but that changed in late August when Nikon debuted its D90 camera. The D90 can record 1,280 pixel by 720 pixel resolution video, which is the lower of the two high-def video modes, while Canon's new camera manages the higher resolution 1,920 pixels by 1,080 pixels resolution. The EOS 5D Mark II will hit stores in late November in Japan and the U.S., where it will cost $2,699. The camera packaged with a 24-105 millimeter lens will cost $3,499. European launch plans have not been announced. Canon has pegged monthly production at 40,000 units. Behind the lens sits a full-frame 21.1 megapixel sensor. A full-frame sensor is the same size as a 35mm film frame and is about double the size of the sensors used in most other digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Images from the sensor are processed using Canon's Digic 4 image processor, which can manage continuous shooting of 3.9 full-resolution pictures per second until the memory card is full or burst shooting of up to 310 shots, according to Canon's tests. The screen on the rear of the camera has been updated and at 3-inches and 920,000 pixels, is both larger and higher resolution. With the new camera Canon is launching a wireless file transmitter that can transfer images to a server via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The WFT-E4 will cost ¥100,000. The camera will compete with other recently launched digital SLRs including Nikon's D90 and Sony's Alpha 900। Reference : http://www.macworld.com/article/135585/2008/09/eos5d.html?lsrc=rss_main
The Lumix DMC-G1 has interchangeable lenses, a feature usually only found on SLR cameras, but Panasonic has done away with the bulky mirror and prism used in SLR viewfinders, so light comes through the DMC-G1’s lens and straight to an image sensor. The result is a camera that is much smaller and lighter than an SLR while still retaining some—but not all—of the benefits those models have. Panasonic unveiled the camera on Friday in Tokyo and will show it at next week’s Photokina show in Germany. It will be available in Japan, Europe and North America in October and will cost around ¥80,000 (US$747), €800 (US$1,120) and $800, respectively. It’s aimed at casual users who want to take better pictures than is possible with a compact camera but don’t want a bulky SLR. Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G1 digital still camera (Photo by Martyn Williams, IDG News Service) Compact cameras have separate lenses for the viewfinder and image sensor, which means that what you see in the viewfinder is not necessarily what you capture. Single-lense reflex cameras, as their name suggests, use a single lens for the viewfinder and image sensor, with a retractable mirror behind the lens to reflect the light up towards a prism and into the viewfinder so the user can compose the shot. When the shutter button is pressed the mirror momentarily moves out of the way, allowing the light to hit the image sensor or film at the back of the camera, recording the image. This arrangement necessitates the use of the viewfinder and doesn’t allow users to frame their shots with the display on the back of the camera. That’s sometimes an inconvenience, especially for those used to compact cameras. In the last few years manufacturers have developed ways to get the so-called “live preview” on the LCD, for example by adding a second image sensor, but that hasn’t made the cameras any smaller. Panasonic has done away with this mirror arrangement altogether. Right behind the lens is a 12.1-megapixel image sensor that provides both a live preview and captures the image. Shots can be composed using the LCD on the rear or through a viewfinder that’s actually a small, high-resolution LCD panel. Because the LCD is showing a live view of what’s coming through the lens it’s possible to adjust various settings such as the shutter speed and see what effect they will have on the finished picture before taking a photo. But there are some disadvantages. In tests of sample cameras at the launch news conference the live preview was shut down for about four seconds after each photo was taken. Not only are digital SLR cameras much faster in handling images but because you’re looking directly through the lens you never lose sight of your subject. Thanks to this simpler design the DMC-G1 measures 124 millimeters by 84mm by 45mm, and weighs just 385 grams. That’s a little over double the weight of the compact 14-megapixel Lumix FX150 but lighter than digital SLRs such as Nikon’s recently announced D90, which weighs 620 grams. The camera is the first to use the new Micro Four Thirds System lens mount. It’s a smaller version of the Four Thirds System developed by Olympus and the new version was designed to allow just such compact cameras with interchangeable lenses. Panasonic announced standard and telephoto zoom lenses based on Micro Four Thirds। The standard lens is a 14-45mm model (35mm camera equivalent: 28-90mm) and the telephoto is 45-200mm (35mm equivalent: 90-400mm). Four Thirds System lenses can also be used with the new camera with an adapter. Reference : http://www.macworld.com/article/135520/2008/09/lumixdmcg1.html?lsrc=rss_main
The camera will challenge Nikon's recently launched D90, which goes on sale next week in Japan. The D90 is the first digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera with the ability to record high-definition video, but its auto-focus doesn't operate in video mode, only in still mode . Panasonic's G1 doesn't offer high-definition video, but with a future model Panasonic will attempt to top the D90 by delivering high-defintion video with auto-focus. A prototype of that future model was shown at a Tokyo news conference held to launch the G1. The prototype was displayed under glass so it's not clear if it was a working model. It looked identical to the G1 with the exception of a red "HD" inscription on the body to the left side of the lens. It also didn't display a model name. The only indication of a launch date was "spring 2009" for Japan। Reference : http://www.macworld.com/article/135512/2008/09/lumix.html?lsrc=rss_main
Two years after entering the digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera market, Sony has capped off its Alpha range of cameras with a high-end model that features a full-frame sensor and 24.6-megapixel resolution. Sony is aiming the camera at serious photographers and it carries a price to match: around US$3,000 for the body alone. Behind the lens of the Alpha 900 sits the full-frame image sensor that Sony first unveiled earlier this year. A full-frame sensor is the same size as a 35mm film frame and is about double the size of the sensors used in most other digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. The sensor was developed by Sony and is a proprietary unit that integrates 6,000 analog-to-digital convertors. Sony said the inclusion of the convertors in the sensor means analog signals are converted to digital at an earlier stage so noise is reduced. It's also faster than feeding the entire frame into a single convertor, the company said. The sensor works hand-in-hand with two of the company's Bionz image processing chips to capture and deliver images. The processing speed of the system means continuous shooting at full resolution is possible at up to 5 frames per second. To match the new sensor full-frame lenses are required for full resolution. Optics specifically designed for use with earlier Alpha digital cameras with the smaller sensors can be used on the Alpha 900 but the resolution of the images will be lower. Other features include an in-camera anti-shake system and the ability to evaluate different camera settings without taking multiple shots. By pressing the depth-of-field button the camera grabs a preview image. Using the 3-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) it's possible to try different white balance settings and adjust the dynamic range and exposure compensation before taking an actual shot. The camera has a built-in HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) connector so it can be connected to a TV for photo viewing and records to MemoryStick or Compact Flash cards. It measures 156 millimeters by 117mm by 82mm and weighs 850 grams. The Alpha 900 will be available later this year। In Europe it will launch in October and in the U.S. in November. Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/150884/.html?tk=rss_news
Sony on Tuesday introduced its first full-frame digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera. The DSLR-A900 is coming in November for US$3,000. The A900 is Sony's first full-frame DSLR, with a 24.6-megapixel sensor.The DSLR-A900 features a 246-megapixel, 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor. It uses a new processing engine and is the first Sony alpha model to sport body-integrated image stabilization. The viewfinder offers 100 percent field of view coverage and 0.74x magnification. The focusing screen is user-replaceable, so you can switch it with an L-type (grid pattern) and M-type (super spherical acute matte) if you prefer. The camera can shoot continuously at 24।6 megapixels at five frames per second. You can fine-tune white balance, adjust exposure compensation and check histogram data using a raw preview image that's discarded when the actual image is written to the camera's memory card. Other features include a dynamic range optimizer, EV bracketing with a +/-2EV range, thirteen "creative styles," a 3-inch LCD display, HDMI output and Photo TV HD mode. Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/150847/.html?tk=rss_news
Nikon on Tuesday announced that it is shipping the Coolpix S60, a point-and-shoot digital camera with 10 megapixel sensor. It costs US$349.95. The Coolpix S60 features a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD and optical image stabilization.The Coolpix S60 features a 3.5-inch touch screen LCD interface and 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens. The camera also features Optical VR Image Stabilization technology. It has a scene auto selector mode, portrait one-touch zoom function, customizable "Home" screen with three options, and allows you to scroll through your photos using your fingertip on the screen. Other features include auto image rotation depending on how the camera is oriented, a draw function and paint function (both work either with a fingertip or via the included stylus), HDMI connectivity, and various color options--red, black, white, burgundy, pink and bronze। Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/150846/.html?tk=rss_news
In the prior installment of the Macworld Video, Chris Breen offered up a number of suggestions on how to share your movies and photos with friends. Working backwards, as I often do, I thought I'd offer up some suggestions on how to get your images ready for sharing. But not just any images--underwater images in particular. That's right; this week's focus is on underwater images--a bit of a primer on how to get into underwater photography on the cheap (because that's the only way I can do it!). And finally I'll also demonstration some simple editing techniques in iPhoto to make those underwater pictures look their best. Download Macworld Video #66Format: MPEG-4/H.264 Resolution: 320 x 240 (iPhone & iPod compatible) Size: 19.8MB Length: 8 minutes To subscribe to the Macworld Video Podcast using iTunes 5 or later, click here. Or just point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader to: http://feeds.macworld.com/macworld/video/ You can also see a complete archive of all our videos on Macworld's YouTube channel. Subscribe to that channels and you will be notified whenever we post a new video. Show Notes In the course of the video, I discuss my underwater setup, which consists of a Canon PowerShot SD850 IS and a Canon WP-DC15 waterproof case. I bought the camera as a factory refurb on eBay, and I found the case for much less than Canon's suggested retail on Amazon. I also mention my Bonaire Underwater image gallery, which contains the nine images shown in this week's video। Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/150732/underwater_photography.html?tk=rss_news
Sanyo on Wednesday introduced its Xacti E2 digital camcorder. The camcorder records video onto a flash media card and can work underwater, as well. It costs $399.99. The Xacti E2 can record video for up to an hour, in five feet of water.The Xacti E2 features a "pistol grip" style design and records video in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format at 640 x 480 pixels. It can also take 8-megapixel still images. The device is waterproof and can operate underwater to a depth of five feet, according to Sanyo, for up to one hour at a time. Video and still images are recorded to SD or SDHC flash media cards -- a single 8GB SDHC card can store up to eight hours of full motion video or about 2000 images, according to the company. Video and still images can be uploaded and viewed on a Mac or PC using an included cable. The camera features 5x optical zoom, a flip-out 2.5-inch LCD display, 60 frame per second recording, anti-shake digital image stabilizer, sequential still image shooting at up to five frames per second, and a new underwater scene selection that adjusts colors. The Xacti E2 measures 2.8 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches and weighs 9.1 ounces with a battery installed. It comes in either blue or pearlescent white finishes. Sanyo's Web site had not been updated with information about the Xacti E2 as Macworld posted this article। Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/150603/.html?tk=rss_news
Sony and Panasonic will both unveil new digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras next week, the companies said Wednesday. Sony's camera, a new member of its "alpha" family of cameras, will be shown at a company event that is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on Wednesday. Sony didn't offer any other information about the camera but it's likely to be the long-anticipated high-end camera in the alpha line-up. Earlier this year Sony said the camera will have a full-frame sensor -- an image sensor the same size as a 35mm film frame -- with a resolution of 24.6 megapixels and image stabilization to reduce the effects of camera shake. Two days later Panasonic will show the successor to the DMC-L10 at a Tokyo news conference. Panasonic said the new camera "offers unique features to set a new trend in digital SLR photography" but didn't reveal any information about the camera. The camera follows on from the DMC-L10 and will be presented at a Tokyo news conference on September 12. Panasonic said the new camera "offers unique features to set a new trend in digital SLR photography" but didn't reveal any information about the camera. The DMC-L10 was launched in September last year at the Photokina camera show in Germany and was the second digital SLR to be presented by Panasonic. The new camera will become the third Lumix digital SLR and is likely to be a main feature of Panasonic's Photokina line-up. Likewise, the new Sony Alpha will be a key item at its Photokina booth. Photokina begins in Cologne on September 23. The digital SLR is becoming increasingly competitive with long-time leaders Nikon and Canon facing stiff competition from newcomers including Panasonic, Sony, FujiFilm and Olympus। The most recent new digital SLR, Nikon's D90, was announced in August and brought a feature not present on other models: the ability to record high-definition video. Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/150592/.html?tk=rss_news
Nikon's latest digital SLR delivers a range of improvements over its predecessor, the D80, the most intriguing of which is video capture।Nikon has been busy this summer. First came the D700--a full-frame, professional/enthusiast digital single-lens reflex camera that neatly fills the gap between the company's D300 and D3 models. Now, with the D90, Nikon has unleashed another digital SLR refresh--this time, to its midrange SLR. The Nikon D90, which replaces Nikon's current D80, provides similar functionality to the D300 but at a lower price ($1000 for the body only, or $1300 with the 18-105mm Vibration Reduction kit lens, as compared with the D300's $1800 body-only price). The resolution is the same (12.3 megapixels); and so too are the sensor cleaning system, the picture control system, and the sensor size (DX format). What's new: Nikon has improved its Expeed Image Processor to provide better noise reduction on ISO levels of up to 6400. The scene recognition system adds face detection and an improved metering system. And Live View mode gets its own dedicated button and lets you focus on a specific point in the frame. The camera also offers HDMI output (unusual in an SLR): a continuous shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second, and an 11-point autofocus system that is better than the D80's. What makes me eager to take this model for a spin, though, is the D90's video recording capability--a huge boon, and a move that enables the last desirable point-and-shoot-only feature to migrate to the SLR realm. Nikon achieves its video capture, called D-Movie, by recording motion JPEG .AVI movies at 24 frames per second. The camera has three movie-mode resolutions--1280 by 720 (for 720p high-definition videos that have a 16:9 aspect ratio and can run for up to 5 minutes); 640 by 480; and 320 by 216 (the last two modes carry a 20-minute time limit). Another nifty feature is support for geo-tagging via an optional GP-1 GPS unit (due in November; pricing to be announced). The prospect of using a digital SLR to capture video clips is especially enticing in view ofthe range of lenses at your disposable। I'm already salivating at some of the creative possibilities that the D90 opens up, though I worry about the challenge of holding the camera steady for the duration of a video several minutes--or more--long. Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/150340/Nikon_D90.html?tk=rss_news
Canon on Tuesday unveiled four consumer cameras and a 15।1 megapixel digital SLR camera for advanced amateurs.The EOS 50D Digital SLR builds on the EOS 40D -- which will remain in Canon's product line. The 50D features Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Targeted to the advanced amateur, the 50D also adds a new Creative Auto Mode, which gives users the ability to make image setting adjustments. The EOS 50D provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings -- H1 and H2 -- of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. The Canon 50D digital SLR To assist with lightning conditions the new camera does peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field. This is a task that was normally done in applications like Photoshop after the images were uploaded to the computer. The EOS 50D also comes with a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen and an an HDMI output. The camera will be available in October as a body only configuration for $1,399 and with a lens for $1,599. In addition to the higher-end 50D, Canon also released new cameras for the teen and consumer markets. Targeted to teens, the PowerShot E1 comes in three new colors -- white, blue and pink. It comes with 10-megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom-lens with Optical Image Stabilization, and Canon’s Face Detection Technology. The E1 comes with 17 shooting modes, including an Easy Mode that limits options to the very basics. The E1 will be available in mid-September for $199.99. Canon's A-Series gets two new additions to its product line and one new camera has been added to the SX-series of ultra-zoom cameras. The PowerShot A1000 IS comes with 10-megapixel resolution, 4x Optical Zoom lens, DIGIC III Image Processor and comes in four two-toned colors. The PowerShot A2000 IS -- the second camera in the A-series -- also has a 10-megapixel resolution, DIGIC III Image Processor, is equipped with a 6x Optical Zoom lens, and a 3-inch LCD screen. The PowerShot SX110 IS features a 9-megapixel resolution, DIGIC III Image Pro= cessor, 3-inch LCD screen and 10x Optical Zoom lens. Like the E1, these three cameras come with Easy Mode to simplify the process of setting up the cameras to take pictures. Available in September, the PowerShot A1000 IS and the PowerShot A2000 IS digital cameras will cost $199।99 and $249.99, respectively. The PowerShot SX110 IS will be available at the end of August and will cost $299.99. Reference : http://www.macworld.com/article/135208/2008/08/canon.html?lsrc=rss_main
Olympus unveiled five new digital cameras Monday that will start rolling out this month until well into the fall. Highlighting the parade of changes to the camera maker’s consumer line is the introduction of the SP-565 Ultra Zoom. Olympus bills the 10-megapixel camera as a smaller and lighter version of its SP-570 advanced point-and-shoot camera. The SP-565 retains that model’s 20x wide-angle telephoto zoom lens. The camera’s f2.8-4.5 lens provides the equivalent of 26-520mm focal length with 100x total seamless zoom, Olympus says. Other features include Face Detection capable of tracking up to 16 faces within the frame to automatically focus and optimize exposure and the ability to capture images at 13.5 frames per second. The SP-565 also boasts dual-image stabilization, shadow adjustment, and a preview mode that lets users select various effects on a live, multi-window screen before taking a shot. Olympus says the SP-565 UZ will ship in October at an estimated street price of $400. Olympus also added two 8-megapixel point-and-shoot cameras to its FE Series. The $150 FE-360 features a 0.7-inch-thick body and a 3x optical zoom. The $200 FE-370 is slightly thicker at 0।9 inches, but it also offers a 5x optical zoom, dual-image stabilization, and an Intelligent Auto Mode that picks the appropriate shooting mode and optimal settings based on where the camera is aimed. Reference : http://www.macworld.com/article/135199/2008/08/olympuscameras.html?lsrc=rss_main
While your current digital camera may be OK for ordinary photos and videos, do you have an underwater camcorder to capture your kids swimming with dolphins or to take snapshots of those beautiful coral reefs that you're snorkeling through? Unlike normal camcorders that may offer higher-quality video or a top-of-the-line lens, underwater devices are specifically designed to give you a good picture (usually without all the extras) in an underwater environment. In fact, many of the devices are capable of plunging up to 200 feet into a pool, lake or ocean. To keep all of the precious components inside the device safe, an underwater camcorder features a rugged outer shell and is sealed tightly with a host of doors that cover the battery, memory card and transfer ports. To ensure everything is ready for submersion, some cameras, such as the Panasonic SDR-SW20, have switches on each door that will show red when open and black when closed. I tested three devices -- the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW, the Panasonic SDR-SW20 and the SeaLife DC800 -- to see how each handled still photos and videos while being immersed. Although the Panasonic is the only device that's specifically a video camera, the other two products are capable of capturing video as well, even though their main function is to take stills। How We Tested
To compare the three devices, each was submerged in about 3 feet of water in a private pool while I recorded multicolored falling rings as they sank to the bottom. To test how rugged each product was, the cameras were kept underwater for 30 minutes, and then taken out and placed back in the water for 15 minutes. After that, I left them in the pool at a depth of about 9 feet for another 30 minutes (except for the Panasonic, which is only rated for 5 feet) and then yanked them out to see how well they reacted to the pressure change. Also, since accidents are a lot more likely with cameras held by wet, slippery hands, I "accidentally" dropped the cameras from about 5 feet. Finally, to measure how well each took still photographs, a submerged shark was placed at the bottom of the pool along with the aforementioned rings। Olympus Stylus 1030 SWThin yet solid, attractive yet rugged, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is truly a design marvel. The beauty of the 1030 SW put the other two devices I tested to shame. Its chrome finish made it easy on the eyes and its beautiful 2.7-in. LCD display made viewing targets underwater both simple and convenient. Unlike the other cameras, which are specifically designed for underwater use, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW (according to the literature) can be submerged in 33 feet of water, dropped from 6 feet in the air onto a concrete surface, survive in 14-degree weather and withstand 220 pounds of pressure. In fact, while I was getting ready to submerge the Olympus, I accidentally dropped it on a concrete walkway from eye-level -- about 6 feet high -- and was surprised to see not one scratch or ding on the surface. Underwater, things also went well. Unlike the other devices, which feature buttons in awkward spots, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW puts all the main buttons -- power, zoom, capture -- in convenient locations on the top and back where they're easily accessible. Snapping stills is where the 1030 SW shines. After comparing shots, I was gratified by how much detail the 10.1-megapixel camera was able to capture. When I took pictures of the rings, the camera was able to show the grooves along the side and even captured the screw holes toward the bottom. And with its ability to accurately capture light and shadows without a hitch, I was quite happy with its performance in well-lit areas. That said, I wasn't too happy with how well it was able to recreate the detail of the shark lying at the bottom of the pool. Unlike the rings, which were submerged in a well-lit area, the shark was at the bottom of the deep end and not as much light was getting through. Without the help of the light, the camera started to lose its ability to capture a high-quality image and some of the detail was lost. Video capture on the shallow end of the pool was adequate, but not nearly as appealing as that produced by the Panasonic SDR-SW20. That said, as a device that's specifically designed with stills in mind, I didn't expect too much from the Olympus' video capabilities. I took two videos -- one from a longer range and one from a closer range. The camera was able to capture the sunlight breaking through the water relatively well. After dropping the rings into the pool, I recorded their descent. The 1030 SW responded well and was capable of reproducing the action without a hitch. But in terms of detail, the camera was woefully behind its competitors. Not only did it fail to capture some of the finer areas of the pool, but also the image looked slightly off-color and noticeably rough. The Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is a fine underwater camera that can do more than any other device in this review। If you're looking for something with superior video capture though, this probably isn't for you. But if you don't mind subpar video and would like to hand this to the kids without worry of damaging it, the $400 price is well worth it. Panasonic SDR-SW20The Panasonic SDR-SW20 may be one of the ugliest camcorders you'll ever see, but what it lacks in beauty, it makes up for in great video quality and the kind of ease that you typically won't find in other devices. With a red outer shell and black accents, the camcorder is much too big and bulky to be to be carried around in a pocket with any ease. Like the Olympus, the Panasonic is rugged and designed to withstand some punishment, although it can't hold out in all the environments the Olympus can. According to Panasonic, the SDR-SW20 can survive in 5 feet of water and withstand a drop of 4 feet. Its plastic outer shell doesn't seem rugged enough to withstand any major shock and the hearty CRACK! I heard after dropping it made me think twice about doing it again. However, after the drop, there were only a few scratches on the side and it worked fine. As far as the user interface is concerned, though, the Panasonic stands out. It can sometimes be difficult to get to all the buttons you're looking for and capture the right angle for the perfect shot while underwater. But with the help of a flip screen and just a few simple buttons underneath the flip screen, the SDR-SW20 makes it easier than any other device. In fact, when I was capturing video underwater, I only needed to slide the mode wheel to video, press the Underwater button and press Record on the back to start rolling. And with just the zoom buttons on top, it made for an easy experience that left me more time to watch the action and less time fiddling with buttons. Video quality was well above average. I was impressed with how well the SDR-SW20 was able to reproduce what was happening in front of the lens. The multicolored rings were shown accurately and the sides of the pool were displayed in detail. I was also pleased with the camcorder's ability to capture minute details of the submerged shark toy and even show the eyes and smallest scales, which the Olympus was incapable of displaying. And with the help of stereo sound, any major noise underwater was captured in surprisingly high fidelity. The Panasonic SDR-SW20 is also capable of taking still shots, but doesn't do it nearly as well as it captures video. In fact, I was displeased by how grainy the pictures looked and how little detail they featured. Keep in mind, however, that the SDR-SW20 is a camcorder first and foremost. Although it may be the ugliest device in the group and it doesn't offer the kind of ruggedness I liked from the Olympus 1030 SW, the Panasonic SDR-SW20 is a fine camcorder that does a great job of capturing video underwater। And with an ease of use that easily eclipses the others, it's certainly the kind of device your kids would understand when they're underwater. SeaLife DC800The SeaLife DC800 is different -- to say the least. When you first unpack the camera from its box, you'll find two products: a big, bulky shell and the 8-megapixel DC800 itself, complete with a 2.7-in. LCD display. To get it ready for underwater use, the DC800 needs to be placed inside the shell and tightly secured to ensure no water seeps in. It's an awkward setup, but once ready, it works extremely well. This camera is not going to win any beauty contests, but its flexibility easily makes up for its somewhat boring looks. If you plan on capturing images outside the water, you can leave the shell at home or in the camera bag and pop the DC800 into your pocket. If you want to head down to the water, the shell won't add too much more bulk to your towel bag. Unlike the Olympus and Panasonic cameras, which are designed for consumers, the DC800 is designed for the sea diver who wants to capture the beauty of the ocean at depths that can reach 200 feet. In other words, if you want to take the kids on a scuba diving adventure, you can bring this camera six times deeper than the Olympus and a whopping 33 times deeper than the Panasonic without worrying about damaging the camera. The SeaLife DC800 is a camera first, camcorder second. Because of that, I wasn't expecting too much out of the camcorder capabilities -- and unfortunately, I was right. When I videoed the rings, the camera was unable to capture the accurate color of the toys, and it didn't do that well with the movement either. In fact, as I moved the camera around to show the falling rings, the video showed signs of lag and looked grainy. The DC800 performed much better with still photos. It recreated the colors and detail underwater very nicely. Not only did it capture minute details on the pool floor, but it also captured details on the shark and did a fine job of recreating the look of the environment. It wasn't perfect. Pictures did look a bit washed out in high-intensity lighting, and I noticed that some of the finer details were lost in those shots. But in more moderate lighting or even dark environments, the DC800 did very well. All in all, the SeaLife DC800 is a fine camera that doesn't quite match up to the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW in terms of still image quality, nor the Panasonic SDR-SW20 in terms of video quality। But for those who are looking to dive deep and snap pictures dozens (or even hundreds) of feet below the water, nothing can beat the DC800. Just don't expect to be happy with its price tag: it's currently going for a whopping $549 direct. ConclusionThere are a slew of great devices that will certainly offer the best in image quality if you want to capture the world above water। But if you're looking to photograph a different environment, underwater devices are an ideal solution. Although each of the three devices reviewed offers something unique, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is the very best in overall quality and affordability and should sit atop your list when you head down to the store. Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/149711/2008/08/.html?tk=rss_news
Sony on Thursday announced two new models added to its line of Cyber-Shot digital point-and-shoot cameras. The DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 are expected to be released in September for about US$400 and $300, respectively. The new Cyber-Shot DSC-T77 is Sony's thinnest digital camera, measuring less than 5/8th of an inch thick.The DSC-T77 is Sony's thinnest model. It measures less than 5/8th of an inch thick but features a 3-inch, 16 x 9 touch panel LCD display. The new camera sports intelligent scene recognition technology, "Smile Shutter" and face detection technologies with adult and child priority, and ISO support up to 3200. It also has eleven built-in scene modes and in-camera image management. The DSC-T700 has all the features of the T77 and adds 4GB of built-in memory, suitable for nearly 1,000 full-resolution photos; a 3.5-inch wide touch panel LCD display with 210 pixel-per-inch (PPI) resolution with high contrast and wide-angle viewing. It measures slightly more than 5/8th of an inch thick to accommodate the extra features. Both cameras tout 4x optical zooms and "Optical SteadyShot" image stabilization. They'll come in different color choices. Sony's Web site had not been updated with information about the new cameras as Macworld posted this article। Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/149546/2008/08/.html?tk=rss_news
Nikon on Thursday introduced six new models to its Coolpix digital camera line, including some with touch screens, GPS, built-in Wi-Fi and more. The new cameras will be available beginning in September, 2008. The stylish S60 comes in different colors and has a 3.0-inch LCD touch-screen interface.The S60 features a 3.5-inch LCD touch-screen interface that enables you to choose shooting and playback controls without needing to use a dial or button interface. You can also use the touchscreen to lock the camera's autofocus and exposure on a subject by touching the corresponding location on the screen. The S60 will retail for US$349.95 and comes in a variety of designer colors. The P6000 is a 13.5-megapixel camera with 4x wide-angle lens, Optical-VR image stabilization and other features. It sports support for NRW (digital raw) image format and can embed Global Positioning System (GPS) data into the photo's metadata for "geotagging." Look for it for $499.95. The S610C has a built-in Picture Mail button that sends images to Nikon's My Picturetown online service. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and Mikon is including a subscription to Wayport, a leading provider of Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide (Wayport powers McDonald's Wi-Fi connectivity, for example). The S610c will cost $329.95. The S610 is priced at $279.95. While it doesn't have Wi-Fi, the compact camera features a 10-megapixel sensor and 4x zoom lens. It also has "Active Child Mode," which will automatically track the movement of subjects like children and pets to help you get an in-focus picture of them. The S610 also has a 3.0-inch LCd display, in-camera red eye fix and new EN-El12 rechargeable Li-Ion battery. It will cost $279.95. The S560 is a 10-megapixel camera with 5x lens and image stabilization. It features a "Scene Auto Selector" mode that automatically selects the right scene mode for the image you're shooting. A 2.7-inch LCD monitor on the camera's back has an anti-reflective coating. Other features include in-camera red eye fix, D-Lighting, which compensates for excessive backlighting, and more. The S560 will cost $249.95 and comes in black, blue and "cherry blossom" finishes. The S710 is a compact camera with a 14।5-megapixel sensor and 3.6x optical zoom. It supports ISO up to 12800, and features new exposure modes and the new Scene Auto Selector Mode. It also has a 3.0-inch LCD display and is compatible with high-capacity SDHC cards. The S710 is priced at $379.95. Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/149543/2008/08/.html?tk=rss_news
It's old news that Apple is lagging when it comes to making the Mac platform friendly with tapeless camcorders. Currently, only a few tapeless camcorders out there are truly Mac-compatible, and Sony's high definition HDR-SR11 Handycam happens to be one of them. Easy to use, craftily designed, and packed with features, the HDR-SR11 is a strong contender in the tapeless HD camcorder market-especially because it currently doesn't have much competition. This camcorder shoots and stores high-definition video and still images on a 60GB hard drive or Memory Stick Duo or Pro Duo card. Most importantly, you can import your video seamlessly into iMovie '08 or Final Cut Pro. On top of that, the camcorder's video looks stunning, on par with that of Canon's Vixia HV30, our top product in the Mini DV camcorder category. There's still work to be done, but we can only hope more manufacturers work with Apple the way Sony did to get their camcorders working properly with the Mac. Though a little bulky, the HDR-SR11 rests comfortably in your palm. The weight of the camcorder tends to lean toward the left, so it's best to hold it with two hands (left hand under the LCD, right hand on the body) to ensure stability. The zoom tab is within easy reach of your index finger. A menu wheel, which you control with your thumb, toggles between Memory Stick recording and HDD recording. I especially liked the design of the plastic doors all around the camcorder used to protect connection ports from dust: They easily snap open and are much sturdier than the removable rubber covers found on most camcorders. The HDR-SR11 features a very intuitive touch-screen control panel located on its LCD. Most camcorders we've tested use a joystick, which can be quick and snappy, but ever since the iPhone's release, touch-screen technology has been getting sexier and preferable. The HDR-SR11's touch screen buttons are easy to understand, so you shouldn't need to consult the user manual to figure out how to use this camcorder. When it's time to import your video and photos, the HDR-SR11 works exactly as it should: You simply connect the device to your Mac via USB, and iMovie '08 and Final Cut Pro will recognize the camcorder and allow you to choose the clips you wish to import. After that, all you have to do is wait for the files to transfer over and you can start editing. In our test footage, the HDR-SR11's video at both low-light and standard-light settings looked impressive. Colors looked pleasing and accurate (though a little heavy on the blues) compared to our control objects. Upon close inspection, some motion artifacts were slightly visible, but they were negligible; for the most part, motion looked smooth. Our panel of experts gave the HDR-SR11's video quality a Very Good rating. Still images were less impressive: Colors looked too dark, even when we used the flash. We photographed a line chart to test the HDR-SR11's resolution, and overall the image looked slightly fuzzy. Our jury gave the camcorder's still-image quality a Good rating. Sound quality was nothing spectacular, but built-in camcorder microphones have never been very good. Fortunately the HDR-SR11 features a microphone jack and accessory shoe so that you can add an external microphone. Macworld's buying advice Given the limited options Mac users currently have, the HDR-SR11 is an easy choice for those wishing to jump on the tapeless bandwagon. With this device, Sony has all the bases covered: the camcorder is Mac-friendly, sports impressive video quality, and is elegantly designed. [Brian Chen is a Macworld associate editor.] Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/148067/review_sony_hdrsr11_handycam.html
It's old news that Apple is lagging when it comes to making the Mac platform friendly with tapeless camcorders. Currently, only a few tapeless camcorders out there are truly Mac-compatible, and Sony's high definition HDR-SR11 Handycam happens to be one of them. Easy to use, craftily designed, and packed with features, the HDR-SR11 is a strong contender in the tapeless HD camcorder market-especially because it currently doesn't have much competition. This camcorder shoots and stores high-definition video and still images on a 60GB hard drive or Memory Stick Duo or Pro Duo card. Most importantly, you can import your video seamlessly into iMovie '08 or Final Cut Pro. On top of that, the camcorder's video looks stunning, on par with that of Canon's Vixia HV30, our top product in the Mini DV camcorder category. There's still work to be done, but we can only hope more manufacturers work with Apple the way Sony did to get their camcorders working properly with the Mac. Though a little bulky, the HDR-SR11 rests comfortably in your palm. The weight of the camcorder tends to lean toward the left, so it's best to hold it with two hands (left hand under the LCD, right hand on the body) to ensure stability. The zoom tab is within easy reach of your index finger. A menu wheel, which you control with your thumb, toggles between Memory Stick recording and HDD recording. I especially liked the design of the plastic doors all around the camcorder used to protect connection ports from dust: They easily snap open and are much sturdier than the removable rubber covers found on most camcorders. The HDR-SR11 features a very intuitive touch-screen control panel located on its LCD. Most camcorders we've tested use a joystick, which can be quick and snappy, but ever since the iPhone's release, touch-screen technology has been getting sexier and preferable. The HDR-SR11's touch screen buttons are easy to understand, so you shouldn't need to consult the user manual to figure out how to use this camcorder. When it's time to import your video and photos, the HDR-SR11 works exactly as it should: You simply connect the device to your Mac via USB, and iMovie '08 and Final Cut Pro will recognize the camcorder and allow you to choose the clips you wish to import. After that, all you have to do is wait for the files to transfer over and you can start editing. In our test footage, the HDR-SR11's video at both low-light and standard-light settings looked impressive. Colors looked pleasing and accurate (though a little heavy on the blues) compared to our control objects. Upon close inspection, some motion artifacts were slightly visible, but they were negligible; for the most part, motion looked smooth. Our panel of experts gave the HDR-SR11's video quality a Very Good rating. Still images were less impressive: Colors looked too dark, even when we used the flash. We photographed a line chart to test the HDR-SR11's resolution, and overall the image looked slightly fuzzy. Our jury gave the camcorder's still-image quality a Good rating. Sound quality was nothing spectacular, but built-in camcorder microphones have never been very good. Fortunately the HDR-SR11 features a microphone jack and accessory shoe so that you can add an external microphone. Macworld's buying advice Given the limited options Mac users currently have, the HDR-SR11 is an easy choice for those wishing to jump on the tapeless bandwagon. With this device, Sony has all the bases covered: the camcorder is Mac-friendly, sports impressive video quality, and is elegantly designed. [Brian Chen is a Macworld associate editor.] Reference : http://www.pcworld.com/article/148067/review_sony_hdrsr11_handycam.html
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