Monster Pod Tripod Goes Anywhere
Monster-pod.com sell the Monster Pod camera tripod – it’s suitable for compact cameras (under 300grams) for short periods of time – and apparently will stick to anything, at any angle! Unfortunately it’s only available to US residents, so if you’re not in the US, then you may be better off with the Joby Gorillapod. (via Ken Rockwell)
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Panasonic Lumix FZ7 Review
Steves-Digicams have published their review of the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix FZ7, it features a Leica 12x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, a 2.5″ screen, and high ISO settings:
“Panasonic’s latest addition to its Lumix “super zoom” line is the six-megapixel DMC-FZ7. This compact and lightweight camera features a high-quality Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 430mm on a 35mm film camera) with Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer.”
Olympus EVOLT E-330 Review
CNET have published their review of the Olympus E-330, Olympus’ new 7.5 megapixel digital SLR with live preview screen:
“Olympus puts a second sensor to better use with its Evolt E-330: to provide its digital SLR with a live preview, just like those in standard snapshot cameras. Though the LCD certainly can’t replace the viewfinder for most shooting, it turns out to be quite useful to have around. Aside from that innovation, the 7.5-megapixel E-330 is a decent, feature-packed, solidly built model, albeit with a few flaws.”
Leica Camera Endorses Four Thirds System
A press release on the Olympus website details Leica’s support for the Four Thirds system:
“Olympus Imaging Corp. (President: Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce the participation of Leica Camera AG of Germany in the Four Thirds System standard for digital SLR cameras. Olympus has encouraged other manufacturers to participate in this open standard since it was first established, and will continue to promote its widespread acceptance in the future.”
Leica have also announced their continued working relationship with Matsushita / Panasonic.
Panasonic Lumix L1 Digital SLR
LetsGoDigital have details of the new Panasonic Lumix L1, Panasonic’s first Digital SLR, it’s based on the Olympus E-330 although it lacks the swivel screen of the E-330. It has an external shutter speed dial. The 7.5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix L1 digital SLR features a live view screen at the back, as well as the dust reduction system. What’s even more interesting is that it has a 28-100mm equivalent Leica lens with Panasonic’s Mega Optical Image Stabilisation, and manual aperture ring, this means that the lens should work with all Olympus E Series cameras.
Read the press release and more pictures
LUMIX DMC-L1 Breaks New Ground: Panasonic’s First Digital SLR Camera with Interchangeable Lens
Panasonic is pleased to announce the development of our first interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera, the LUMIX DMC-L1. State-of-the-art digital and optical technologies developed for our compact digital cameras have been crystallized to make LUMIX a top camera brand while helping establish a new photographic culture for the digital age. Panasonic is drawing on these leading technologies, and the emotional excitement of true-to-life photographic images, as we announced in our entry to the digital SLR market in 2005.
The DMC-L1 being introduced today is an entirely new kind of digital SLR camera. It is operated much like a traditional film camera but provides a variety of innovative features that increase the fun of shooting photos. While the DMC-L1 is digital, it has a classic design that will remind users of traditional analogue cameras. These characteristics, together with a shutter speed control dial on the camera body and an aperture ring on the LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens (also being introduced), distinguish the DMC-L1 from conventional digital SLRs in both design and operation.
Because it is digital, the DMC-L1 can offer features such as a full-time Live View function through the large 2.5” high-resolution LCD, which offers a shooting style different from conventional digital SLRs that have only an optical viewfinder. The full-time Live View is made possible by the new Live MOS sensor, developed using Panasonic’s original?Maicovicon™ technology. Used in the DMC-L1, the 4/3-type Live MOS sensor with 7.5 million pixels provides both the outstanding image quality of a CCD and the low energy consumption for which CMOS sensors are known. The DMC-L1 also incorporates the Venus Engine III image processing LSI, which teams up with the Live MOS sensor to achieve stunning picture quality and responsive performance, with features such as rapid consecutive shooting.
The DMC-L1 further incorporates a Supersonic Wave Filter that serves as a dust reduction system, so you don’t have to worry about dust entering the camera during lens changes.
The LUMIX DMC-L1 debuts as a state-of-the-art digital SLR camera that maintains the intuitive control and operability of familiar analogue cameras, unlike digital SLRs that simply offer extended functions and specifications. The DMC-L1 is a finely crafted, truly satisfying camera that makes it easy for people who have never even used a digital single lens reflex camera to take beautiful shots and gives professionals a powerful tool for creating photographic masterpieces that visually express the emotions of their subjects.
Sony Cybershot W70 and W100 Announced
Sony have announced the new Sony Cybershot DSC-W70 and Sony Cybershot DSC-W100, they both feature a 2.5″ screen, a 3x optical zoom lens, ISO upto 1000, or 1250 (W100). The W100 is an 8.1 megapixel digital camera, whereas the W70 is a 7.1 megapixel camera. Both cameras will be available in April. The W70 features 58mb of built in memory and the W100 features 64mb.
Click here for the full press release and more pictures.
Feb. 25, 2006 — Sony rounds out its new W-series line of digital still cameras with two top-end models packed with powerful features — the Cyber-shot® DSC-W100 and DSC-W70.
“Our W-series feature intelligent functions that work behind the scenes, said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “Users can focus on those moments of inspiration that make great photographs without the hassle of worrying about camera settings.”
The DSC-W100 model packs in an eight-megapixel imaging sensor, and has a compact metal body with a stylized finish in black and silver. It features a manual exposure mode with extended control for up to 46 steps of adjustable shutter speeds (30 – 1/1000 sec.) and two steps of aperture control.
Both the DSC-W100 camera and the new seven-megapixel DSC-W70 model have an updated traditional camera style with their eye-level viewfinders and large 2.5-inch LCD screens.
They both incorporate precision Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lenses; MPEG1 movie recording; high-light sensitivity settings; and a mode dial to quickly switch among photo, video, and preview.
The cameras’ high light-sensitivity facilitates shooting at higher shutter speeds to capture fast-moving subjects with reduced blur. It also allows for shooting without a flash to capture more natural-looking images in low-light settings.
The DSC-W70 model has a maximum ISO setting of 1000, while the DSC-W100 model extends to IS0 1250 for even greater control. Sony’s Clear RAW ™ imaging technology helps increase the cameras’ ISO settings and, at the same time, reduces the chances of blurry or grainy pictures by keeping picture noise to a minimum.
These W-series models feature a new function guide and resolution guide. When menu icons are selected, such as a specific shooting function or scene mode, a simple text explanation is displayed on the LCD making it easier to maximize the camera’s performance. This function guide can be turned off as you become more familiar with the camera.
The resolution guide is helpful when deciding on the best resolution for prints. When you select the resolution, a pop-up screen informs you of the ideal print size for that particular setting.
The cameras also feature auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus functions. Sony’s multi-point auto-focus system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background by evaluating five separate focus areas of the frame.
According to Neal, “With this kind of intelligence working behind the scenes, pictures come out right the first time.”
Cameras That Can Match Your Stamina
Sony’s ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor™ circuit delivers quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life. Both cameras snap up to 360 shots on a single full charge.
If you leave home without your memory cards, the W100 model features 64MB of internal memory while the W70 has 58MB so that you can keep on shooting. When you are ready to expand their capacity, optional Memory Stick Duo™ media cards can hold up to four gigabytes of data.
These high-resolution cameras are ideal for making high-quality prints. When you connect them to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer, you can create prints, postcards, or even calendars using the printer’s supplied software.
With Sony’s ImageStation® online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts such as photo books and calendars with your own life as the creative inspiration.
The Cyber-shot DSC-W100 camera ships in April for about $350, and the DSC-W70 model will also be available in April for about $300. Both models are available in black and silver.
Optional accessories for the W70 include a lens adapter (VAD-WB) for about $30, a wide conversion lens (VCL-DH0730) for about $99, a tele-conversion lens (VCL-DH2630) for about $130, and a sports pack (SPK-WA) for about $100. Accessories for both the W100 and W70 include a travel charger (BC-TRG) for about $60 and a leather case (LCS-WE) for about $40.
Both models can be purchased direct at Sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at www.sony.com/w100 and www.sony.com/w70.
Intuitive Operation That Takes Out The Guesswork
Make The Most of High-Resolution Images Through Prints
Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 and H2 Announced
Sony have officially announced two new ultra zoom digital cameras to replace the Sony Cybershot DSC-H1, they both feature a 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation. The Sony Cybershot DSC-H2 features a 6 megapixel sensor and a 2″ screen, and is available in silver, whereas the Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 features a 7 megapixel sensor and a large 3″ screen and is available in black or silver. Both cameras feature ISO upto 1000. The H2 is expect in April, and the H5 is expected in June!
Click here for the full press release and more pictures.
“Feb. 25, 2006 — Sony is expanding its high-zoom digital still camera line with two new Cyber-shot® models that are sure to zero in on the subjects you most desire.
Clad in black, the new DSC-H5 model has a 7.2-megapixel CCD imager and extra-large, three-inch LCD screen. It also shimmers in silver along with the stage-worthy DSC-H2 model, which has a six-megapixel imager and two-inch LCD. Both cameras flaunt Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar 12x optical zoom lenses and focal length ranges of 36 to 432 millimeters (35 mm equivalence).”
“High-zoom cameras are one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry,” said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “They are powerful enough to get those hard-to-see distant shots, and have the easy-to-use functionality of point-and-shoot cameras.
Even without the steadiest of hands (or subjects), the cameras’ anti-blur technologies ensure challenging shots can be executed with ease.
These new models incorporate Sony’s Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization to help reduce image blur caused by hand movement. Because these cameras feature high-light sensitivity settings up to IS0 1000, fast-moving cars and people along the boulevard can also be captured with considerably less blur and graininess. Sony’s Clear RAW™ noise reduction technology minimizes picture noise, making it easier to shoot at faster shutter speeds.
These anti-blur technologies are an advantage when shooting in low-light conditions, such as outdoor shots in the evening or inside dark museums. These shots can be taken without a flash, resulting in naturally-exposed images that truly capture the drama and atmosphere of the moment. And, you can get as close as you want with the cameras’ significant macro mode of three-quarters of an inch.
The new H-series cameras are substantial, without feeling bulky, and feature a comfortable grip with controls easily accessible by thumb.
You can count on detailed image previews using the H5 model’s three-inch, high-resolution LCD screen, with a pixel count of 230K and Sony’s Clear Photo LCD Plus™ technology. The LCD features high-quality color reproduction and displays pictures with vivid clarity.
Sony’s ultra-fast Real Imaging Processor™ circuitry increases both models’ battery efficiency for quicker start-up, faster shot-to-shot times, higher-quality movie capture, and longer battery life. The H5 camera delivers up to 340 shots on a single charge, while the H2 model offers 400 shots per charge.
The new cameras include auto-exposure and multi-point, auto-focus features along with pre-set scene modes customized for specific shooting conditions, all working silently in the background while you concentrate on the “center-stage” action. When greater creative control is needed, aperture/shutter priority and manual exposure modes are available options.
Both models have 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded with an optional Memory Stick Duo™ media card or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ card, now available in capacities up to four gigabytes.
Make the most of your close-ups by producing high-quality prints. Simply connect these models to a Sony DPP-FP50 digital photo printer and produce lab-quality photos at home. You can even create postcards for all of your budding fans with the printer’s supplied software.
With Sony’s ImageStation® online photo service, you can expand your options to print tens or even hundreds of pictures, create online photo and video albums, or make customized gifts such as photo books and calendars.
The Cyber-shot DSC-H5 camera will be available in May for about $500 and the DSC-H2 model ships in April for about $400.
Bundled accessories include rechargeable AA NiMH batteries, charger, lens hood with adaptor and lens cap with strap, and USB and AV output cables. Options include a wide conversion lens (VCL-DH0758) for about $150, a tele-end conversion lens (VCL-DH1758) for about $150, a close-up lens (VCL-M3358) for about $70, a jacket case (LCJ-HC) for about $50, and a soft carrying case (LCS-HA) for about $40.
Both models can be purchased direct at Sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin today at www.sony.com/h5 and www.sony.com/h2
Ready, Steady, Shoot
You Are Big! The Cameras Got Smaller – And Smarter
My Autograph, Please
Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Less than £400!
Amazon.co.uk have the excellent Konica Minolta Dynax / Maxxum 5D Digital SLR for only £390 including kit lens! The 6 megapixel digital camera is unique in that it’s the cheapest digital SLR with anti-shake technology built into the body, meaning that any lens used on the camera can benefit from the anti-shake technology. I would buy this while you can, as I suspect this offer won’t be around for long!
Buy now at Amazon.co.uk for only £390
Read our Konica Minolta Dynax Maxxum 5D Review
View Konica Minolta Dynax Maxxum 5D Sample Photos
Have we got your digital camera?
Some good samaritans have found a Sony digital camera in London, UK, and decided to setup a website appealing for the owners of the camera to claim the camera. The camera has over 300 photos on it. It makes me wonder whether there’s any way of entering your name and address into your digital camera for situations just like this. (via Gizmodo)
Update: – One solution you could try in order to make sure your camera is returned to you if you lost it is YellowTag – they offer rewards to people who return the item.
Price Watch: Fujifilm FinePix F10
The highly popular Fujifilm FinePix F10, is now only £168 at Amazon.co.uk including VAT and free postage – this makes the digital camera excellent value for money. The camera features a 6 megapixel sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.5″ screen, low noise, and high ISO settings upto 1600.
Buy now at Amazon.co.uk for £168.
Read our Fujifilm FinePix F10 Review.
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