UK Digital Cameras Blog

A new model in the Finepix range not only emulates its predecessor but adds a few extra tricks, it has been suggested.

Imaging-resource. com states that the Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd is set to replace the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and comes equipped with a range of improved specifications that build on the older model.

The camera is said to be around four grams lighter than the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd and has boosted the level of digital zoom strength from 5.1x to 5.7x.

“The Fujifilm FinePix Z200fd is a pretty straightforward update to the Z100, with the most notable difference being a change of imager,” the site states.

It adds the old eight-megapixel CCD sensor has been replaced by a ten-megapixel type.

However, the Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd does have a larger memory than the new model and the camera is also available in a number of colours that include black, pink, brown and silver.

A new camera from Panasonic has ten-megapixels and a three-inch touchscreen display, according to a review in the Washington Post.

The Panasonic Lumix FX500 comes with a brushed metallic appearance and a slim flash, offering 21 preset scene modes and playback options.

Users can just touch any area of the screen and zoom in or drag the selection around the screen using arrows. The touchscreen is not so sensitive that a slight brush leads to accidental selections, according to the review.

The camera also has a four-way toggle switch to change settings and fully charged it is good for 240 shots.

Using the stylus is another option to operate the camera and there is Intelligent Auto mode which lets the user leave all the settings to the camera.

Video can be shot in widescreen or traditional 4:3 ratio and it is possible to extract individual frames as photos. The Panasonic Lumix FX500 gives a recording time of up to 2GB of continuous video footage.

Canon believes its latest entry-level digital SLR model is capable of becoming the weapon of choice for those looking for more than a compact can offer.

The Canon EOS 1000D digital SLR is designed to be “affordable and feature-packed”, the manufacturer claims, with a 10.1-megapixel CMOS censor, DiG!C III image processor boasting 12-bit colour and a Live View mode.

In addition to this the new model can claim 3.0 fps allowing up to 514 shots to be taken in one continuous burst when in jpeg format and also includes Canon’s EOS integrated cleaning system.

Chris Macleod, product manager for digital SLR models at Canon Australia, said the new model offers a good level of performance coupled with all the fun and features of a digital SLR - but is easy to use.

“It includes essential functions for users looking to take their photography to the next level and is an easy step up for compact digital camera users looking to upgrade,” he added.

For those looking for a compact Canon that offers a similar specification the 12.1-megapixel Canon Ixus 960 may be of interest.

The Sony DSC W110 is a simple camera to use but is equipped with all the features required, according to a review for cameras. co. uk.

The site states that the camera is not only “straightforward” but is also “able to take a decent photo in most situations and is perfect for those looking to buy their first point and shoot model.

In a range of outdoor and indoor tests it was noted that the Sony DSC W110 scores well both with and without the zoom lens and the camera’s flash was also praised for its ability to spread evenly.

“As with other Sony digital cameras, the DSC W110 produces vivid colours in all areas of my tests,” the reviewer added.

Although the Sony DSC W110 has a seven-megapixel resolution the manufacturer does have a number of other models available, including the 7.2-megapixel Sony Cybershot W120 - which is available in a range of colours.

Samsung has been awarded the title of Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera at a recent event organised by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).

Infibeam reports that the manufacturer was praised for its high definition (HD) NV24HD premium digital camera - with one spokesman highlighting the unit’s 24mm ultra wide angle lens.

The spokesman suggested that Samsung had produced a lens with the specific intention of minimize the number of distorting effects as well as make the most of the wide angle effect.

“It also received high marks for being the world’s first digital camera to utilize a next generation AM OLED display,” he said.

Among Samsung’s other high performance compact cameras is the
Digimax L210, which offers a 10.2 million pixel resolution, has a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD display.

The camera supports SD, SDHC and MMC cards, and is available in red and black.

The multipurpose nature of the digital photo frame has been highlighted in the news this week.

In an article for the Vancouver Sun, it is reported that for many people a digital frame could be high on a gadget wish list and that panels offering Wi-Fi technology are often the best.

It states that items such as Apple’s iPhone are in a similar category and praises a new Wi-Fi frame which combines similar touchscreen scrolling technology.

“The touch-screen lets you navigate through photos and the frame’s menu so hopefully even the most technically-challenged can enjoy an endless digital photo album on the screen,” it notes.

Elsewhere, coolest-gadgets. com reported that as very often video footage can help when learning to perform complex tasks such as cooking, a new panel called the MiBook makes the most of this.

The article states that the works well for those who might need “more help than just a step-by-step instruction booklet” and advises that the gadget even comes with two instructional cooking videos.

A new digital camera from Olympus has been put to the test this week by Computer Active magazine.

According to a review for the publication, the Olympus E-420 digital camera follows the manufacturer’s E-410 model and offers a ten-megapixel digital SLR which is worth attention.

The article states that the Olympus E-420 does have some similarities to its predecessor but adds that a number of things make the model “a step forward”.

“A new processor … in the E-420 does allows a faster shooting speed of 3.5 frames per second and Shadow Adjustment Technology now automatically adjusts tricky exposures so that detail in both light and shade is maintained,” the review notes.

A 2.7-inch screen is also welcomed over the Olympus E-410’s 2.5-inch model, however, it is pointed out that the resolution here remains the same.

For those looking for a more compact model, the 10.1-megapixel Olympus Mju 1030sw may be of interest.

Two new digital photo frames from Kodak have been praised for taking the technology to the next level.

It is reported this week by electricpig. co. uk that digital photo frames were “the boom product of last year” and that manufacturers such as Kodak have allowed them to evolve.

It states that the eight-inch Kodak Easyshare M820 and ten-inch Kodak Easyshare M1020 are among the current models that offer extra features such as built in speakers and mp3 playback.

The review adds that the M820 and M1020 frames are not only “multimedia playback devices” but look the part in most surroundings.

“[The panels look] pretty swish in white, but you can choose from Cranberry Red and silver as well, or buy one of Kodak’s fancy Digital Frame Faceplates to clip on the front,” the article states.

IT Pro reported recently that Microsoft was adding to its new satellite navigation system by allowing it to act as a digital frame when in standby mode.

Casio have added to their Exilim range with a new compact 10.1-megapixel model, it has emerged.

Unbeatable reports that the Casio Exilim EX-Z200 digital camera is not only available “in a range of bright funky colours as well as sophisticated black”, but is also simple to use straight from the box.

It is reported that the “huge” 2.7-inch screen on the reverse of the unit is a welcome addition and in terms of performance, Casio have continued in the tradition of offering quality.

“Casio never cut things short and ensure that all the good bits from their range are included and more - and this is the story with the new EX-Z200,” the article states.

“The Casio Exilim EX-Z200 is a very compact and easy to use digital camera with great menu options and excellent features.”

For those looking for something with a higher resolution, the Casio Exilim Z1200 is available in black and is a 12.1-megapixel model that has a 3x optical zoom.

Advice has been offered this week for consumers looking to buy a new digital camera.

Citing PC World, Computer World reports that there have been a number of improvements in digital photography of late and adds that as resolutions and megapixel levels rise it can be hard to know where to look.

“Higher resolution, more sophisticated controls, and better technology all make taking great pictures easier than ever but buying a camera can still be a daunting experience,” it states.

However, the article adds that although megapixel count and resolution is an issue to bear in mind, size, weight, and design can be equally important.

It states that the more powerful the optical zoom lens the better and states that manual focus is something that can be useful.

Storage, power and an easy-to-use menu is key, the article said, and getting a model that has a range of modes and a decent-sized viewing screen is vital.

The Nikon Coolpix S51c has a three-inch LCD screen which has an anti-reflection coating.