Digital Technology News, Camera, Camcorder and Cool Gadget Reviews

The Casio Exilim EX-FH100 features high-speed 40fps still capture and high-speed movie capture. Add image stabilisation, a backlit 10.1MP sensor, Raw shooting (limited to ISO 100-200), full manual control, Best Shot and scene modes, and it looks a winner.

In use, the AF system, while successful, is irksomely noisy to the ears. The 40fps high-speed stills mode works a treat, yet the movie capture sacrifices quality and resolution for the sake of frame rate – the 1000fps option is a meagre 224×60 pixels. Still, the 30fps 720p HD movie capture and even the 120fps VGA (for super slow-mo) modes are decent (though you can’t zoom while recording). Read the rest of this entry »

The Easyshare M550 offers a resolution of 12.7MP and a 5x optical zoom lens, though this isn’t optically stabilized. It sports a reasonable LCD screen – its 2.7in size is equal to that of a lot of compact cameras on the market, though unfortunately the 230k resolution isn’t the best among its lower-end peers.

Exposure choices include Smart Capture, as well as a host of scene modes and a Program mode for those looking to adjust more of the camera’s settings.The design of the M550 is disappointing – it looks like an attempt to create a futuristic-looking camera but still manages to look dated. Button layout and design is also fairly disappointing, making operation rather cumbersome and time-consuming. Read the rest of this entry »

Panasonic’s latest release, the Lumix G2, looks to raise the bar yet further by building on the established Micro Four Thirds base, taking on the success of the very first release, the G1, and incorporating not only 720p HD Movie capture, but that technology-of-the-moment – a touchscreen LCD system.

FEATURES:

The G2 features the same 12.1MP Live MOS sensor as found in the previous generation Lumix G1. Read the rest of this entry »

Those carrying an already heavy backpack want to ensure that the best kit occupies their limited space. The 550D’s large 18MP sensor produces huge images that are not only ideal for landscapes but also, with an array of Canon lenses at your disposal, a huge array of other photography too.

SPEC: 18MP APS-C (1.6x crop) • 18-55mm VR kit lens (Nikon F-mount) • ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) • 3in 1,040k-dot 3:2 LCD • rechargeable li-ion battery • 128.8 x 97.3 x 62mm • 530g (body only) • 9-point AF system • 3.7fps continuous shooting • full HD movie (with external 3.5mm stereo microphone socket).

Sony has launched a completely new camera system to rival the Micro System Cameras from Samsung, Olympus and Panasonic. The NEX system starts out with two cameras, the NEX-3 and NEX-5, a choice of three lenses, an Alpha lens mountadaptor and a host of peripheral accessories. Like its rivals, the NEX models are based around the principle of fitting a DSLR sensor into a much smaller, body achieved by dispensing with the bulky mirror assembly found in DSLRs.

The cameras are targeted mainly at those upgrading from compacts, so external buttons are kept to a minimum, and a slick, novice-friendly interface includes the instruction manual, a pop-up Help Guide and a set of illustrated Shooting Tips. Both the NEX-5 and NEX-3 feature a 14.2MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and Bionz processor, and a new E-mount for a range of interchangeable lenses. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’ve kept an eye on the telly of late you’ll no doubt have seen the TZ10’s advert. 720p HD movie capture that allows zooming during capture, full manual modes and a wideangle 25mm lens with 12x optical zoom set this up as an ultimate travel compact.

SPEC: •  12.1MP •  25-300mm (12x optical zoom) •  ISO 80-1600 (6400 expandable) •  3in 460k-dot LCD •  rechargeable li-ion battery •  103.3 x 59.6 x 32.6 mm •  218g •  720p HD movie •  full manual modes

I’ve really enjoyed my time with the D60 since I purchased it a few years ago. I like the fact that it offers a wide array of features combined with a simple, user-friendly design.

Initially the D60 is a very exciting little SLR – it’s packed with features such as a 12.3MP sensor, 3in LCD screen, built-in Nikon i-TTL fl ash system and Vibration Reduction (VR). Despite all I’ve enjoyed about the D60, I haven’t found it completely without its own set of limitations.

There are a number of features that the D60 does not have, because of its age, including  bracketing or live view capabilities. Read the rest of this entry »

The Canon PowerShot G11 is the latest in the successful G-series, and offers a host of changes from its predecessor. First of all, the sensor was downgraded from the G10’s 14.7MP to a respectable 10MP, while the LCD screen was altered from a fi xed 3in to a vari-angle 2.8in LCD, as seen on earlier G-series models.

• 10MP, 1/1.7in CCD sensor
• 2.8in, 461k-dot vari-angle LCD
• Full manual control and Raw capture
• DIGIC IV processor, 28mm wideangle

Canon’s newest addition to the IXUS range looks set to challenge the new range of  high speed-shooting compacts by offering up to 8.4fps continuous shooting (at  2.5MP). The 300 HS also has the ability to take 240fps slow motion video and 720p HD movies at 30 fps.

As with the majority of IXUS models the 300HS has a stylish-looking stainless steel frame, as well as black, silver, white and red color choices.

The ‘Creative Shooting’ options offer Manual Priority, with Shutter Speed and Aperture available for override as well as a tilt-and-shift effect and fi sheye mode. With a 10MP sensor and 3.8x optical zoom from a 28mm wideangle lens, the basic specs of the IXUS 300 HS are further complemented by Image Stabilisation.

From February, Panasonic has been taking orders for the AG-3DA1, its integrated twin-lens “full-HD” 3D P2-based camcorder.

The AG-3DA1 features dual lenses, two 1920×1080 3-MOS imagers and integrated SDHC/SD memory card recording. Panasonic will also introduce more models in its line of small A/V mixers and additional P2 storage products. In other news, customers buying AVC-CAM camcorders will get free copies of Grass Valley EDIUS Neo 2 software until September. Read the rest of this entry »