Digital Technology News, Camera, Camcorder and Cool Gadget Reviews

The 12-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 might just be the best Micro Four Thirds camera you can buy. This compact  interchangeable-lens camera has a body size that’s comparable to a small point-and-shoot, but its images and speed rival that of a D-SLR.

The GF2 also spices things up by offering a touchscreen and the ability to shoot real 3D photos via the optional Panasonic Lumix H-FTO12 12.5mm f/12.3D G Lens. Still, it’s tough to recommend the GF2 over our Editors’ Choice pick, the Sony NEX-3, which offers similiar size, a lower price and larger image sensor.

Like all Micro Four Thirds cameras, the GF2 offers D֊SLR-like speed and image quality, but in a compact body. This is achieved by using a larger image sensor. The Panasonic GF2 can power on and shoot in an impressive 1.27 seconds, and can continuously shoot at 3.2 frames per second. And there’s almost no shutter lag. Read the rest of this entry »

Sony’s H55 is one of the most recent additions to the mid-zoom compact genre. Its lens spans a focal range from a wideangle 25mm to an impressive 250mm at the long end, while a 14.1 MP CCD sensor and a 3-inch LCD screen also feature.

There is plenty of functionality tucked away in the menu options too, including Sweep Panorama, Smile Capture and a 720p HD movie recording mode.

The H55 bears more than a slight resemblance to Panasonic’s rival TZ range, but its grip is less defined and there are fewer direct controls. The small menu pad on the rear can be awkward to operate comfortably due to its size. Read the rest of this entry »

The CX4 is the latest advanced compact from Ricoh. It has an eye-catching specification.

The Ricoh CX4 features the 10 MP CMOS back-lit sensor that debuted in the CX3, which also offers HD video capture at 1280 X 720 pixel resolution and at a frame rate of 30fps. A 10.7X optical zoom, offering a focal range of 28-300mm in 35mm equivalent terms, is also present.

One area in which the CX4 has been improved over its predecessor is image stabilization.

A 3-inch, 920k-dot LCD screen remains as does the lack of Raw capture and full manual control. Rather than add Raw capture, Ricoh has added a new host of ‘Creative Shooting Modes’. These modes apply filters such as Cross Process and Soft Focus to images captured.

The CX4′s focusing system is both fast and accurate, and subject tracking also performs well. The design of the camera is such that shooting with it is a pleasure, while a reasonably well-designed menu system also helps.

Fujifilm again grabbed the top slot in the prosumer category with the S2500HD which was launched this year.

An upgrade of FinePix S2000HD, The Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD comes with a higher 12 MP lens and higher optical zoom. The automatic and manual modes and features like dual image stabilization, continuous mode and huge zoom ensure that the user has enough power in hand to capture amazing shots anytime, anywhere. A quiet addition is the Panorama mode which its predecessor lacked.

Specs: 12.1 MP camera; 18X optical zoom; 3-inch LCD; 6400 ISO; 4000X3000 image resolution; 720p video recording

BenQ resisted the LED and 3D temptations to launch this LCD.

This TV can show moving pictures loud and clear, loud because the SQ4321 sports 2 booming speakers that can wake the dead.

It also sports the Senseye technology which takes special care of the darker parts of the videos. When turned on, it automatically brightens up the dark pixels to present an evently lit-up image.

It supports Full HD resolution and it quite ecofriendly when it comes to power consumption.

Specs: 42-inch display; 5000:1 contrast ratio; 10W X 2 speakers; 1080p resolution; 178 degree viewing angle; 205W power consumption and weights 20 kg.

Sony takes the top honors in a segment that did not offer too many products this year. The XR550E is good for all-round use.

It supports Full HD movie recording and has a massive 240 GB built-in hard drive for storing the footage. The 3.5-inch touchscreen is bright and crisp.

The Sony machine also supports 5.1 channel audio recording and has a shoe to attach an external light source as well. Despite packing in so much, it is incredibly light.

Specs: 1080p resolution; MPEG 4 video recording; 10X optical zoom; 3.5 inch touchscreen LCD; 12 MP image capture; USB, mini HDMI port and weights 500 gm.

The Pentax x90 offers a 26X optical zoom (26-67mm equivalent) as well as HD movie recording and control over shutter speed and aperture.

Stabilization is handled with a mechanical, sensor-shift based approach rather than an optical lens-based or ISO system. The addition of a 720p HD movie mode is also a bonus, even if it does come in the less desirable Motion-JPEG format.

The design of the camera is extremely indicative of the intention, being that isn’t shaped to resemble a small DSLR. Annoyingly the grooved ring around the lens barrel doesn’t alter focus, nor can it be removed to attach any accessories. The viewfinder and LCD are disappointingly low res and make detail difficult to make out at times. Read the rest of this entry »

Nikon created much interest last year with the first projector-equipped digital camera, and the new Coolpix S1100PJ updates that model.

A jump from 10 to 14 lumen means projector brightness is boasted by 40% while the sensor has also been revised to now offer 14.1MP.

Similarly, the upgraded 3in, 460K-dot LCD now features touchscreen operation, though the lens retains its 5X optical zoom range from 28-140mm, and features Vibration Reduction.

There have also been some significant changes to the design for both cosmetic and practical reasons. The rear offers just three buttons; other operation takes place via the touchscreen, which largely involves small and unresponsive buttons. Read the rest of this entry »

The Fujifilm JV100 includes a 12.2 MP sensor and 3X optical zoom lens. The optic begins at 37mm and ends at 11mm, and so isn’t particularly suited for any photography which requires a wide angle of view.

There’s a sensitivity-based stabilization system available, which adjusts the ISO for a forced faster shutter speed when shooting in low light and HD quality movies can be captured at a maximum resolution of 720p. These are limited to 15 minutes in length, during which the optical zoom may be called upon. Fujifilm has also added Face Detection and a Smile and Shoot mode. Read the rest of this entry »

This HD Ready 3LCD home cinema projector has been designed for use in brightly lit environments, so you don’t need to dim the lights for a home cinema experience.

The BW7 incorporates BrightEra™ technology invented by Sony which minimises degradation of colours over time, achieves higher brightness and sharper images in even well-lit rooms – and delivers exceptional reliability and longevity.