UK Digital Cameras Blog

The Casio Exilim S880 has been applauded for its movie-recording ability, as it can optimise clips for YouTube, a recent review has claimed.

According to PCMag.com, the camera “does the job” if users are seeking a small camera for video recording.

However, the publication claimed that the camera’s still image features are not as high-quality as shots taken with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T70 and the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS.

Despite this, the camera’s “cool movie-recording features” and “credit-card size” make it a product to consider, as does its 2.8-inch widescreen LCD, which is integrated with the camera’s control functions, the review continued.

According to Casio, the Exilim S880 is available in black, silver and red and comes with a YouTube-enabled software application.

The 8.1-megapixel camera has a one-second start-up time and a high-speed image playback function which can scroll through up to 100 images within ten seconds.

It also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

The Panasonic Lumix FS20 is superior to its “sister model”, the Panasonic FS3, a recent review has claimed.

According to DigitalCameraReview.com, the camera is the most “feature-packed of the FS models” with a 4x optical zoom, a three-inch LCD screen and four basic shooting modes, including intelligent auto.

The review claims that while the camera resembles the “compact, sleek and precise look and feel of Panasonic’s FX models”, the model stands out with clean lines and straightforward appearance.

Equipped with a joystick which can be used for “making rapid-fire menu adjustments”, the Panasonic Lumix FS20 also features an icon-based Quick Menu with access to shooting modes, white balance selection and image stabilisation options.

Another recent review by Photography Blog awarded the camera an overall score of 4.5 out of five, with particular praise given to the Panasonic Lumix FS20’s features, ease-of-use and value for money.

The upcoming Sigma DP1 digital camera will be one of a handful of digital items that can write files in RAW mode, according to PhotographyBlog.

PopPhoto reported last month that the Sigma DP1 - described as the digital compact “brother” to the Sigma SD14 digital SLR camera - features all-new microlenses and a 14-megapixel sensor.

Describing the camera’s build quality as “luxe compact”, the online photography and imaging magazine claimed the camera features “good old-fashioned basic shooting modes”, as well as a “quite refreshing” lack of scene selection options.

Claiming that the Sigma DP1 is “a camera for serious photographers”, the reviewer applauded the camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen for its “very near 100 per cent coverage” and added that although some RAW-format images appear to be grainy onscreen, they become clearer when processed with Sigma’s PhotoPro software, which comes with the camera.

According to Sigma, the camera also features a manual built-in flash and a video function which can record up to 30 minutes of moving images onto a 1GB memory card.

The Pentax Optio Z10 has been hailed as a “pocketable snapper” for people seeking a travel-friendly digital camera.

According to PopPhoto.com, the camera is an ideal choice for amateur photographers on the go, as the eight-megapixel Pentax Optio Z10 - described by the manufacturer as “not much bigger than a pack of cards” weighs around five ounces when batteries and SD card are inserted.

In addition, the camera can take up to 180 photos before its lithium ion battery needs recharging and as it features a 2.5-inch display and a 7x optical zoom, it is “a good choice for casual shooters,” the review claimed.

Pentax claims the Optio Z10 has a number of features, including high-speed face recognition, with auto exposure and autofocus that can be used in both still and video capture modes.

Other features include a 52.1 MB built-in memory, as well as digital shake reduction technology which can also be applied in video and still capture modes.

The Pentax Optio V10 is a “lightweight” addition to the company’s digital compact range, it has been claimed.

According to the manufacturer, the eight-megapixel camera - which features face recognition and autofocus technology - has a new shake reduction mode and manages to maintain its light weight through an “exclusive new slim battery”.

The Pentax Optio V10 also features 3x optical zoom, as well as a three-inch LCD screen with a 170-degree wide viewing angle.

In addition, the camera comes complete with 13 playback modes and 16 shooting modes, as well as a macro mode which enables photographers to capture close-up images from a distance of 10 cm.

The camera has seven white balance modes, as well as the option to choose from 75 cities in 28 time zones. Pentax claim that up to 200 shots can be taken by the camera before its lithium ion battery requires recharging.

Available languages for the camera include Swedish, Spanish, French, German, English, Portuguese and Italian.

The Canon Ixus 860 IS is “an attractive eight-megapixel camera”, according to a review at cameras.co.uk.

The reviewer found the camera’s 3.8x wide-angle lens particularly praiseworthy, adding it could be ideal for taking architectural shots, landscape-style photos, shots with many people and interior photos.

Photos taken with the camera are “much sharper than standard”, it was claimed, with good brightness and colour quality on outdoor shots.

And although the reviewer claimed shutter lag could be quicker, the camera’s macro capabilities were found to be “above average”.

According to the manufacturer, the Canon Ixus 860 IS has a “compelling design” and features a choice of movie modes, including Long Play and Time Lapse Movie, which can be used to capture changing scenes that can be viewed in accelerated playback as a video clip.

In addition, the camera features image stabilisation technology, as well as a three-inch high-resolution LCD screen and face detection technology.

Panasonic’s 8.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FS3 is an “no-frills” addition to the brand’s FS range of cameras, it has emerged.

According to Cnet, the camera’s strongest features include a flash exposure flexibility feature and a rapid startup time, and is “ideal if you are looking for an inexpensive shooter for casual shots”.

The review states the camera’s brushed metal finish offers a “classy” look and that well-labelled buttons allow users to easily determine their functions. It also praised Panasonic’s removal of the traditional function dial on the new Lumix DMC-FS3 in favour of a switch which can alternate between shooting and playback modes.

In addition, the camera features face detection functionality, as well as optical image stabilisation, intelligent ISO control, an intelligent scene selector function and a quick autofocus, which operates without the need to press the shutter button halfway.

Meanwhile, Hardware Zone reported earlier this month that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 has a “slim, stylish profile”.

The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5 is set to be “just as popular” as previous models such as the Panasonic TZ3, a review this month has asserted.

Although Crave admitted the camera “isn’t the prettiest compact on the market”, it claimed it is available in a choice of silver, black and red “flavours” and features “one of the best image stabilisation systems around”.

The review claimed top selling points for the camera include dual noise reduction technology, as well as improved low-light capability and a rapid autofocus system, as well as face detection.

Meanwhile, current.com reports that the entire new range of Panasonic Lumix cameras contain a number of useful features, including intelligent scene selector, intelligent exposure - which managed both shutter speed and aperture to prevent hotos from being washed out - as well as digital red-eye correction and a mode which can activate a number of the camera’s automatic features simultaneously.

The new Panasonic Lumix FX35 has been singled out by a newspaper for its ability to record video in high definition.

The Seattle Times praised the camera for its ability to record motion video in 720p format and claimed the quality of the video may entice consumers to “abandon their camcorders” in favour of their digital camera.

Panasonic’s Lumix FX35 was recently displayed at the Photo Marketing Association’s annual trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, where its ability to take high definition 1920 x 1080-pixel photos - which can be displayed on a widescreen HD TV - was also demonstrated.

According to the manufacturer, the 10.1-megapixel camera has a range of features, including a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lends and 4x optical zoom.

In addition, the Panasonic Lumix FX35 has an intelligent scene selector function, a new face detection system and a newly added intelligent exposure function, which can help capture images in extreme lighting conditions.

The Nikon Coolpix S51 is “ultra slim” and is “capable of taking exceptionally sharp shots”, a review has asserted.

According to ukdigitalcamerareview.co.uk, the camera’s Expeed image processing engine and its optical image stabilisation technology create images with “maximum” quality.

With an 8.1-megapixel sensor, the camera features a 3x optical zoom Nikkor lens, as well as 4x digital zoom.

In addition, the Nikon Coolpix S51 features a three-inch LCD monitor which has a 160-degree viewing angle and an anti-reflective coating.

Nikon reports that the camera is available in a colour choice of dark silver or chocolate brown and comes complete with a number of features, including advanced face priority autofocus and a “stylish wave surface design”.

In addition, the Nikon Coolpix S51 comes complete with a built-in slideshow function, which can be customised with a number of soundtracks and styles.