UK Digital Cameras Blog

A new digital camera offering from Fujifilm lends a film-quality look to images, according to consumer advice blog Computer Active.

The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is thought to be the largest of the digital camera models the company has launched this year.

Designed in the style of a digital SLR camera, the Fuji Finepix S100 FS includes a film simulation mode, which enables photographers to make their digital images look like they were shot on film.

Digicam Review states that the new offering from Fujifilm, which is expected in the first quarter of 2008, is an update to the company’s S9600 and S9100 models.

It boasts a 2.5-inch tilting display screen and a 14.3x optical zoom lens, as well as an 11-megapixel sensor and face detection technology, which has the capacity to recognise up to ten faces per frame.

According to reports, the camera is likely to ship in February and will be the flagship item of the company’s 2008 superzoom releases.

A new member of Canon’s digital camera family - the Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS - is a good choice for people who want their pixels in style, according to an Engadget review.

The technology blog stated that the camera - which comes with an 8.1-megapixel sensor and optical image stabilisation - is an improvement on its 7.2 megapixel predecessor, the Canon Digital IXUS 70.

In addition, the “fashioncam” is available in a number of colours, including Pink Melody, Bohemian Brown, Golden Tone and Rhythm and Blue.

The camera features enhanced face detection technology, as well as a 2.5-inch LCD screen and an optical image stabiliser.

With 3x zoom, it also features an automatic red-eye correction function which can be used while the camera is in shooting mode.

“It gives users access to the latest Canon technologies to assist them in tricky shooting situations, making even difficult set-ups simple point-and-shoot affairs,” said Mogens Jensen, head of Canon consumer imaging in Europe.

He added that the new colour options also allow consumers to “match their camera to their personal style”.

The newest digital SLR offering from Samsung is aimed at the “discerning” photography enthusiast, according to Amateur Photographer.

The Samsung GX-20 is the first in the company’s range of DSLR items to feature a CMOS imaging sensor manufactured by the firm.

It is thought the camera will be officially released in March and will include an 18-55mm lens.

According to the review, the Samsung GX-20 is thought to contain similar features to the latest release from Pentax - the K20D - which was announced this week.

The camera’s features include dual dust reduction, with 72 seals in place to protect it from moisture and dust, as well as an enhanced digital filter, which is thought to be able to enhance images after they have been taken.

It is expected to follow in the footsteps of the Samsung GX-10, which has an OPS shake-reduction system and a three-second recharging time, according to the manufacturer.

The Sony Cyber-shot W90 has been applauded for its speed and simplicity in a recent user review.

With a 8.1-megapixel sensor and HD output for displaying still photos on an HD TV, the “ultra-compact” digital camera offers an almost “instantaneous” shutter response time in daylight.

Writing on unbeatable.co.uk, the reviewer claims the camera may be an ideal choice for parents and grandparents who need cameras that “take a picture at the instant you press the button” in order to keep up with small children on the move.

The reviewer’s single gripe is that picture quality tends to be noisy at levels over 400 ISO, but is “excellent” below that point, with a “crisp” lens and saturated colours noted at all focal lengths.

The camera’s battery life is expected to last for up to 350 shots and is easily operated through an on-screen function guide that includes features such as red-eye correction.

According to the manufacturer, the Sony Cyber-shot W90 comes with a rechargeable battery and charger, as well as software, AV and USB cables and a wrist strap.

A digital camera developed by Fujifilm is “extremely” light and small, according to a reviewer.

Despite its slim size, the Fujifulm Finepix Z10fd boasts a 2.5-inch display that is “very clear”, computeractive.co.uk has claimed.

In particular, the reviewer complimented the camera’s face-detection feature, which it claimed “did an impressive job” controlling the zoom lens and identifying faces in a crowd.

As well, photographers who frequent online auction site eBay may be enthusiastic about the camera’s auction mode, which can compile multiple photos into one picture for use in a web ad.

Image quality is “generally good”, the reviewer claimed, adding that the Fujifilm Finepix Z10FD also displays bright colours clearly.

According to the manufacturer, the camera is available in a number of colours, including black, red, orange, moss green, “wasabi” green and blue.

It has a 7.2 megapixel sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens, as well as an intelligent red-eye removal function.

Panasonic’s Lumix LS80 digital camera is available in pink, which may make it a hit with budding photographers, according to one reviewer.

Technology blog Shiny Shiny claims that the 8.1 megapixel item is “a true beginner’s point-and-shoot compact camera”.

With a 2.5-inch LCD screen and a number of scene modes, the camera runs on two AA batteries and comes complete with a fuchsia case.

The screen’s bright live view setting can automatically boost the brightness of live images according to their surroundings, while an auto power LCD function increases the amount of backlight brightness in sunny conditions.

In addition, the Psnsasonic LS80’s automatic macro mode allows for “perfect close-ups”, according to Panasonic.

And although the 3x optical zoom lens has been called “slightly disappointing”, the Panasonic Lumix LS80 does boast a number of intelligent features which may help new photographers avoid motion blur and compensate for shaky hands, as well as a self-timer function.

Sony’s 8.1-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-H3 is easy to use and has a superzoom lens feature, according to a reviewer.

Measuring 106 mm x 68.5 mm x 47.5 mm, the camera is slightly larger than compact-size, but “certainly fine for carrying around in your coat pocket”, Register Hardware has claimed.

The camera “feels reassuringly solid in the hands” and has a number of different modes to select from, including scene settings, camera and manual control.

It also has a pop-up flash cover and a 115,000 pixel LCD screen measuring 2.5 inches, as well as features such as image stabilisation and face detection.

However, the camera’s standout feature is its 10x optical zoom lens, complete with a large lens hood, which the reviewer states is a “useful add-on”.

According to Cameras.co.uk, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 is perfect for people seeking a portable camera with a longer lens, particularly as it comes with an automatic mode for people who are less interested in its advanced features.

The iPhone-inspired Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T70 has been called “sleek and simple” by a reviewer.

The slim camera comes with a range of features, including image stabilisation and a “smile shutter”, which can detect the expression of a face in the photo and take a photo of the subject while they are smiling.

However, TrustedReviews. com gives this function a mixed review at best, as the camera only automatically took a photograph when it recognised a grimace “so extreme I dare not publish it for fear of being hunted down by Batman”.

The reviewer was more complimentary towards the camera’s face-detection functionality, which can track particular subjects and keep them in focus.

According to Cameras.co.uk, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T70′s red eye retouch function is also a helpful tool and image sharpness levels are “above average”.

With a touch-sensitive widescreen monitor measuring three inches across, the 8.1 megapixel camera can be connected to an HD TV through a video cable and docking cradle and offers “a lot of gadget for your money”.

A new digital camera from Panasonic - the Lumix LS80 - has been hailed as the company’s “most exciting camera yet” in a recent review.

According to Product-Reviews. net, the Panasonic LS80 - which features an 8.1 megapixel sensor - will compensate for shaky hands and provides “the clearest pictures you have ever taken”.

Its intelligent ISO control works to prevent motion blur on still shorts by automatically sensing the subject’s movement, while the automatic macro mode allows for perfect close-ups every time, Panasonic reports.

As well, the camera features a 230,000 LCD display, with intelligent functions including Bright Live View - where the brightness of live images is enhanced according to the level of darkness surrounding them.

The reviewer’s one gripe is the Panasonic LS80’s 3x optical zoom lens, which it claims could be higher, but with a 2.5-inch view screen and an auto power function which allows for more backlighting, the Lumix LS80 is a good camera for photographers who are just starting out.

A new digital camera offering from Samsung may be a good choice for travellers, a reviewer has claimed.

The Samsung i8, applauded for its functionality as both a camera and an mp3 player, has face detection technology, as well as an image stabilisation function to cancel out the effects of a shaky-handed photographer, according to ThinkCamera. com.

As well, the 8.1 megapixel camera offers a 2.7-inch touch screen control and is billed to be a skimmed-down version of Samsung’s more complicated 7.2-megapixel i7 model.

The camera builds upon the company’s i85 model, which has previously been presented with a CES Innovations Award.

“Samsung’s i-Series of ultra-compact digital cameras offers consumers features not found in any other digital camera on the market,” Stewart Henderson, vice-president of marketing for Samsung’s US opt-electronics division.

Backpackers may be particularly interested in the World Tour Guide function, which providers users with “instant access to travel information” on over 30 countries and 2,600 regions.

The Samsung i8 will be available in stores in February.