Pocket-Lint review the Pentax Optio SVi, a 5 megapixel camera with a 5x optical zoom lens:
“If, like me, the first thing you do with any digital camera is to turn off the digital zoom, then, like me, you’ll be intrigued to hear that the SVi has a 5x optical zoom. This it an equivalent to 35mm range of 36-180mm – and 2x more than enough for your average snapper.”
DesignTechnica review the new 8 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 800 / Sylus 800 – it features a 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5″ screen, weatherproof body and high ISO settings:
“The camera has a 3x optical zoom lens with a built-in lens cover that protects it from the elements. Note: this camera is weather resistant—not waterproof—so it won’t take a dunk in the pool nor should you take it snorkeling. But it’s perfect for walking around and taking snaps in rainy weather. The lens translates to 38mm-114mm, the traditional point-and-shoot zoom ratio.”
Steves-Digicams have published their preview of the new Olympus SP-350:
“Olympus has announced a new SP-series of digital cameras, the 7.0-megapixel SP-310 and the 8.0-megapixel SP-350 introduce specialized features that enable photographers of all skill levels to express their creative vision. Both cameras feature a new 3x optical zoom lens designed specifically for digital cameras that provides the equivalent of 38 to 114mm focal length with a Super Macro Mode that captures details from as close as 2 cm. They also offer the option of either manual settings for creative control or 30 selectable shooting modes, along with optional add-on accessory lenses, an optional underwater housing, and a large, easy-to-view 2.5-inch premium size LCD. The SP-350 has a hot shoe for external flashes, providing additional versatility when difficult lighting is an issue.”
First we’ll start with a fact: Ricoh are going to announce a new camera on the 13th of September, the digital version of the GR1, there’s also a GR Blog here (in Japanese):
“On September 13 RICOH will announce the arrival of a new Super High Imaging Quality compact digital camera. This exceptional camera will be the digital version of the well-known GR analog camera series.”
Onto the Gold: The Nikon Coolpix 7900 in Gold, real gold, pictures here at PCOnline.
The rumour is regarding another new camera from Ricoh, the Caplio R3, with a wide angle 7x optical zoom lens (image stabilised!), 2.5″ screen, 1cm macro, available in Black or Silver. More info at Digital Photography Blog, and SeeSaa.
I’m often asked by people: What size memory card should I buy? The majority of the time, I advise them that memory cards are cheap, so they should buy the biggest they can afford, but when budget is tight or when you may not be taking very many photos it becomes a bit confusing as to what size to go for.
Here’s a rough guide to let you know how many photos you’ll fit on a memory card. This chart assumes you will be using the highest image size / quality setting on your camera. If you need help deciding what kind of memory card to buy, have a look at our guide to digital camera memory cards.
| Size of Card |
Image
Size (MP = Megapixels) |
|||
| 2-4mp (1mb) | 5-6mp (2mb) | 7-8mp (3mb) | 9mp+ (4mb) |
|
| 16mb | 15 | 7 | 3 | 3 |
| 32mb | 31 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| 64mb | 62 | 31 | 21 | 15 |
| 128mb | 125 | 62 | 42 | 31 |
| 256mb | 250 | 125 | 85 | 62 |
| 512mb | 512 | 250 | 170 | 125 |
| 1gb (1024mb) | 1024 | 512 | 341 | 250 |
| 2gb (2048mb) | 2048 | 1024 | 682 | 512 |
| 4gb (4096mb) | 4096 | 2048 | 1365 | 1024 |
| 8gb (8192mb) | 8192 | 4096 | 2730 | 2048 |
| 16gb | 16384 | 8192 | 5461 | 4096 |
Further information: Read our guide to memory cards for more information on all types of memory cards. For information on XD memory cards click here. You can get the best price memory cards at Amazon. Updated: June 2008
A word from friends: Memory cards are a critical part of the consumer electronics revolution. Find out more information about this nifty data storage tool and discount photographic electronics from a valuable home electronics resource.
Olympus have announced seven new digital cameras today, including an update to the UltraZoom range, in the form of the 10x optical zoom SP-500 (pictured), it features a 6 megapixel sensor, and a 2.5″ screen – unfortunately it doesn’t have image stabilisation, links and further information below, including the other cameras announced:
Creative Range:
Olympus SP-500, 6mp, 10x opt, 2.5″ screen, due Oct 05 (pictured, above)
Olympus SP-350, 8mp, 3x opt, 2.5″ screen, due Oct 05 (pictured, left)
Olympus SP-310, 7mp, 3x opt, 2.5″ screen, due Oct 05
Stylish Range:
Olympus Mju Digital 600, 6mp, 3x opt, 2.5″ screen, weatherproof, due Sept 05, (pictured) this camera fits inbetween the 8 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 800, and the Olympus Mju Digital 500 which I reviewed here.
Easy Range:
FE 120, 6mp, 3x opt, 1.8″ screen, due Sept 05 (pictured)
FE 110, 5mp, 2.8x opt, 1.5″ screen, due Sept
FE 100, 4mp, 2.8x opt, 1.5″ screen, due Sept
I’ve just completed my review of the 7 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-W7 – it features a 3x optical zoom lens, a large 2.5″ screen, takes AA batteries, and allows the use of lens adapters. Find out what I think of it in my full review here.
Megapixel.net review the new “budget” Digital SLR from Nikon, the D50:
“The Nikon D50 is designed as the company’s entry-level digital SLR, yet many of its features and specifications are comparable to some of Nikon’s very successful D70. The camera is sold body only, or with a variety of lenses. The D50 tested here was supplied with an AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED, an AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED, and with an SB-600 Speedlight.”
DCResource review the new ultra compact Sony Cybershot DSC-T5:
“The Cyber-shot DSC-T5 ($349) is the latest addition to Sony’s line of ultra thin cameras. The T5 takes styling cues from the original DSC-T1 (and the more recent DSC-T7 as well), with its unique slide-down lens cover. Other features on the T5 are typical of what you’ll find in this class: the 5 Megapixel CCD, 2.5″ LCD, point-and-shoot operation, and VGA movie mode.”
LetsGoDigital have published a preview of the new 9 megapixel Fujifilm FinePix S9500 – it features a 10.7x optical zoom lens and ISO upto 1600, which is very impressive for a consumer (non-SLR) camera:
“Fujifilm introduced the FinePix S9500 on the digital camera market at a time when no other manufacturer is able to introduce a comparable high resolution digital camera like the S9500. We can easily say that every manufacturer of 8 Megapixel cameras has encountered some trouble with high ISO recordings and noise. Almost every 400 ISO image, and sometimes a 200 ISO photo is effected with noise. Our first experiences with the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 are 800 ISO images that are pretty noise-free! Blowing up a 400 ISO photo to a large format print is absolutely no problem at all. Pretty amazing…”