UK Digital Cameras Blog

Canon has added to its Ixus series of mobile phones with a model that will be purchased for its good looks but will deliver on performance, it has been noted.

Digital Camera magazine noted that the Canon Ixus 850 IS, a 7.1-megapixel model, is a true “victory for substance over style” and would be great option for those looking for design combined with functionality.

It adds that initially the Canon Ixus 850 IS will attract buyers because “it looks fantastic” but for those who invest in one “great images” can also be expected.

“The wide-angle lens is great and although the higher ISOs are noisy, the excellent colour performance makes up for this in normal use,” the review concludes.

The Canon Ixus 850 IS has a shutter speed of 1/6000 sec and comes with a 16MB SD storage card supplied. The available exposure modes include Portrait, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks and Aquarium.

Canon’s Ixus 90 IS Silver is the 10-megapixel sibling of the 850 IS.

There are a number of things to consider and a range of models available to consumers looking to buy a digital camera, a new article advises.

In a piece for courant. com, it is noted that the current crop of digital cameras available have a host of features and yet it is still important to make sure the camera you buy is the right one for your needs.

Citing Consumer Reports, the article states that despite most cameras offering “megapixels galore” there are more practical issues to consider.

It states that Consumer Reports believe that for those looking for a small compact model the Sony CyberShot W200 and Sony CyberShot T70 could be a solid option.

Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-L10 is also praised and those looking for all-round performance could consider the Nikon D80, Olympus E-410 or Canon EOS 40D, which it concludes “has excellent image quality and dynamic range at an attractive price”.

The Sony CyberShot T70 is an 8.1-megapixel model available in pink, black and silver.

A new digital SLR model from Olympus is good enough to take on some of the best in its class, a new review suggests.

According to buy-n-shoot. com, the new Olympus E-3 has similar models from Nikon and Canon in its sights and has a list of features that could challenge their dominance of the digital SLR market.

The Olympus E-3 is equipped with a 270-degree 2.5-inch swivel HyperCrystal LCD screen and has an 11-point AF sensor, optional metering modes, exposure compensation, multiple focusing modes and noise reduction among other things.

The unit’s viewfinder and live view function is singled out for particular praise and the reviewer concludes that those serious about their shots may like to consider it.

“If you have had previous DSLR experience or you are enthusiastic and patient enough to take the time to learn, then the Olympus E-3 is a camera you should consider before making any final purchases,” it states.

The manufacturer has a number of other models available including the 10.1-megapixel
Olympus Mju 1030sw.

The difference between high-megapixel compact cameras and digital SLR (DSLR) models has been highlighted by one expert.

In news that may be of interest to those currently shopping for a new digital camera, theunion.com reports that very often the issue of megapixels can confuse people and very often it is better to look beyond this figure.

The website’s Mitch Bain states that professional consumers are more likely to be the buyers for the DSLR market and consumers looking for a more portable model should look towards the features on offer.

“If you are having trouble deciding which to buy, then you could start by looking at some of the extra features such as Image Stabilization or Vibration Reduction; but those goodies are fast becoming commonplace,” Mr Bain states.

He states that for regular-sized photographs anything above six-megapixels should suffice and recommends the eight-megapixel Canon SD1100.

Other eight-megapixel models in the manufacturer’s range include the Canon Powershot A580 and the Canon Powershot A590 IS.

Kodak has added to its range of compact digital cameras with a new model that builds on its existing technologies.

The manufacturer has announced the launch of the Kodak Easyshare M1033, which is a ten-megapixel model that adds to other compact digital cameras in the range including the Kodak Easyshare Z1275 and
Kodak Easyshare V1233.

It is reported that Kodak’s new model could be the ideal point-and-shoot model and the company’s marketing director Paul Johns believes that this down to the level of experience the firm has in the sector.

“For 120 years, Kodak has helped consumers capture life-long memories and now, in this digital age, it all comes to life in this camera that allows users to take quality pictures easily, affordably and without compromise,” he states.

The Kodak Easyshare M1033 is equipped with Smart Capture technology, Intelligent Scene Detection, Face Detection and Intelligent Image Processing, among other features.

The Fuji Finepix F100Fd is great for shots where sun glare can be an issue, one reviewer has stated.

According to cameras.co.uk, the 12-megapixel digital camera offers a 5x optical zoom with a focal length that makes it ideal fro those taking landscape photographs.

And for those looking to reduce the level of glare in such shots, the Fuji Finepix F100Fd is praised as one of the best around.

“The Finepix F100FD does a better job of handling any glare from the sun than many cameras I have tested recently,” the site states.

It goes on to suggest that this can mean images retain more detail and keep colours at their optimum level, while the wide angle lens is noted as being able to pack “plenty of the scene into the picture”.

The camera is available in silver and black and has a 230,000 pixel wide angle view LCD screen.

Sony’s latest digital SLR model offers something the manufacturer has not had before, a truly “professional model”, according to a new review.

Computer Active reports the addition of the Sony A350 to the company’s range is welcome as it gives those looking to take their digital photography more seriously an extra option.

It is suggested that Sony has been slow to come to the digital SLR market with an impressive model and states that this 14-megapixel model addresses this concern.

With light sensitivity extending from ISO100 to ISO3200, a 2.5 fps continuous image capture and Super Steadyshot technology the review states that the Sony A350 comes “highly recommended”.

“In terms of the images produced, colours are warm without being unrealistic, white balance is more accurate than that from Olympus’s range and noise is well controlled up to and including the highest ISO setting,” the site concludes.

For those looking for a point-and-shoot model the manufacturer offers the 7.2-megapixel
Sony Cybershot W120 and Sony Cybershot 8.1-megapixel T70, among others.

Panasonic’s range of TZ models are one of the most popular ranges of digital cameras around and for good reason, a new review suggests.

According to Digital Camera Review, the manufacturer has offered a number of models in the series that have both impressed reviewers and been popular with buyers and adds the Panasonic Lumix TZ5 has cemented this reputation.

In an article considering the pros and cons of the Panasonic Lumix TZ250 the review states the range has helped to establish the firm as “king of the compact ultrazoom class”.

It also praises the TZ250, stating that one of its greatest attributes is its versatility and high level of performance.

“It’s hard to find fault with the TZ50 as a basic compact ultrazoom camera. The T50 offers all the performance and flexibility of the excellent TZ5, which is certainly why many consumers will find it so appealing,” the site concludes.

The Panasonic Lumix TZ5 is available in blue, black and silver and is a 9.1-megapixel model offering 10x optical zoom.

The Pentax K20D is a digital SLR that could make a “major impact” on its buyers, according to a recent review.

Steve’s Digicams put the 14.6-megapixel model to the test and praised it for its new CMOS sensor technology, which it states is among the best in its class.

The Pentax K20D is also equipped with a shake reduction system which is compatible with any lens the manufacturer has ever produced and has a 2.7-inch high resolution, wide-view LCD monitor.

“All these features are packed within a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body and are proof of Pentax’s commitment to the evolution of digital photography technology for the 21st Century,” the review notes.

In addition it is noted that the features are user-friendly and make operation fast and effortless across a range of conditions.

The Pentax K20D is also available with a number of kits, one of which includes a multi-purpose bag and 2GB Elite Pro Kingston SD card.

A colourful range of cameras with features for users of all abilities has been launched, according to TechGadgets.

Nikon’s new collection includes a ten-megapixel D60 Digital SLR and the compact Coolpix range. Among them is the Coolpix S210 which has a three-inch screen and nine megapixels of picture power.

The ten-megapixel Coolpix S600 also has a Zoom-Nikkor lens. It also has an Active Child Mode feature in addition to its 14 existing scene modes.

Both the Coolpix L16 and L18 models allow clearer pictures with extended light sensitivity and can capture fast-moving objects. The L18 is an eight-megapixel camera while the L16 model has 7.1.

The S-series models are S52, S520, S550, S600 and the other digital cameras are P60 and P80.

Hidehiko Tanaka, managing director of Nikon India, was quoted by TechGadgets as saying: ”In the present times consumer electronics are becoming fashion accessories so we are excited to offer the new Coolpix cameras in exciting sleek designs and vibrant colours.”